Osprey Observer Bloomingdale/FishHawk February 2023

NEWSOME HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR RECEIVES $10,000 AWARD AND MEETS BARRY MANILOW

Newsome High School Orchestra director Christopher Allen received the Manilow Music Teacher Award last month at the concert at Amalie Arena. He was invited to see Barry Manilow perform as well as to speak with him backstage where the award was presented. He was given 10 tickets and took some of his family and his Orchestra Boosters.

“I am honored and humbled, of course, but also uncomfortable; it’s been a little uncomfortable in the most positive way possible,” said Allen. “I am not used to the attention.”

During the voting process, Allen would encourage his students to vote at the beginning of class by playing “Copacabana” at the beginning of every class.

“Before this competition, I honestly had not heard much from Barry Manilow, but now when I hear that song, I’ll remember the time in orchestra where we were voting,” said Allen.

Allen was given a shoutout during the concert performance and a spotlight was

By Ariana Pedraza

shone on him as Manilow expressed the importance of music directors and how he would not have gotten to where he is without people like Allen. After the concert, many people walked up to Allen and his large check to congratulate him, which Allen described as his “15 minutes of fame.”

“The biggest positive is exposure for my program to the general public. That is the biggest one. Everybody’s talking about Newsome High School Orchestra in general and music in general; it gets conversations going about music education. I am very grateful,” said Allen.

Allen explained that meeting musical icon Manilow was very exciting, and while he does not often listen to Manilow’s genre, he highly enjoyed the performance. The award means so much to him and to the program, and the $10,000 that went toward the program will be used for instruments and other equipment.

Allen and the Newsome High School Orchestra want to extend their thanks to everyone who voted and made this possible.

PALMER

HOUSE

TRANSFORMS INTO STUNNING LITHIA ACRES EVENT VENUE

Julie and Eros

Dahl have been business owners for quite a while, but when their event venue space lease, on Boyette Road in Lithia, was not going to be renewed, the couple started to consider their options. “I had seen the Palmer House was available the year before we purchased it; my thought was, ‘No way, we aren’t doing that,’” Julie said. “A year later, Eros saw it online and he was like, ‘Why don’t we do this?’ So we did.”

What the couple did was purchase the former Palmer House and turn it into Lithia Acres, a beautiful event venue space in Lithia. “We fell in love with it when we came out here to look at the property,” Julie said. “It gave us a sense of peace, and then we met Gail and Bob (Palmer), the former owners. We both felt as if God had his hand in all of this.”

“We started Palmer House in 2002,” Gail said. “Our charming Victorian farmhouse is nested on 8 acres, and we catered to local and out-of-state guests. We were open year-round for visiting relatives; romantic weekends; corporate events; uplifting couples’ retreats; small, elegant weddings; and so much more.” The Palmers retired in 2021.

The Dahls have kept that peaceful feeling the Palmer House was known for, but they have added a few of their own touches. They built a barn that will be used as an event venue and a plumeria nursery as part of their agricultural business.

The brand-new Lithia Acres hosted its ribbon-cutting on January 19 and its grand

By Libby Hopkins

opening on January 21. “We have a great team here at Lithia Acres, so that helps to run everything so smoothly,” Julie said. “Marianne (Hamilton) is our event manager, and she makes sure we know what is going on at all times and has the property ready. We actually get to enjoy attending some of our events because of our team.”

Even though Lithia Acres has only been open a short time, it has already hosted a wedding and a few other events. “We are hoping in the spring to have the community come out and work in the plumeria nursery with us,” Julie said. “We are also hoping to do some pop-up vendors events as well because our vendors are amazing and great partners.”

The feedback the Dahls have gotten has been great. “Everyone has said that they feel at peace when they come to Lithia Acres, and we love that because that’s how we feel being at Lithia Acres.”

To learn more about Lithia Acres, visit its website at www.lithiaacres.com or call 813638-0027. Lithia Acres is located at 2221 Hinton Ranch Rd. in Lithia.

IN THIS ISSUE:

TASTE OF SCOUTING PG 3

MOTORING TAMPA BAY PG 5

HELEN MULRENNEN PG 8

EYE ON BUSINESS PGS 25-26

FLORIDA WILDLIFE PG 29

Te Florida State Fair is right around the corner. Come enjoy a the day flled with entertainment, exhibits and delicious food. Tis year’s fair food fnds are both new and tasty. Try the pork belly pineapple bowl, Mexican street corn, sweet potato apple pie, fried key lime pie, Tampa Cuban funnel cake sandwich and many more new tasty treats.

Fair opens

Newsome High School Orchestra director Christopher Allen (right) receiving a giant check for $10,000 from musical icon Barry Manilow as part of his Manilow Music Teacher Award last month.

Julie and Eros Dahl are the new owners of Lithia Acres, formerly the Palmer House. Te couple hosted Lithia Acres’ ribbon-cutting on January 19 and its grand opening on January 21.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Wainman Newsome High School at its All County 9th & 10th grade Honors String Orchestra Concert. It is an opportunity for the top musicians from throughout the county to experience music making in a large ensemble setting with students from throughout the county.

BLOOMINGDALE HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT PERFORMS IN

LONDON NEW YEAR’S PARADE

By Makenzie Atkins

TROOP 61 HOSTS ANNUAL TASTE OF SCOUTING BBQ FUNDRAISER Staf Report

In December of 2022, more than 200 students, staf and chaperones representing Bloomingdale High School’s chorus, orchestra and marching band traveled to London for a weeklong trip.

Along with some sightseeing, Bloomingdale’s chorus and orchestra spent time around London performing in cathedrals, while the marching band was given the opportunity to perform in London’s annual New Year’s Day Parade.

“I enjoyed being able to march past historic landmarks such as Big Ben and parliament,” said Thomas Owen. “The experience was like no other.”

The school’s music department spent many strenuous days practicing, perfecting and performing in order to feel prepared for the trip to London. Bloomingdale’s music department was determined to make the community and state of Florida proud of its accomplishments.

Bloomingdale High’s music department head and band director, Jon Sever, has been taking the music students abroad since 2011 and was excited to return to the school’s original international trip to London.

“The trip was a huge success, and

the band was well-received by the people of London,” said Sever.

“They were able to experience the history and culture for a week that offered a lifetime of memories.”

During the weeklong trip, students, staf and chaperones were able to spend time learning about the culture and history of London.

“My favorite part of the trip was getting to experience the culture of London with my friends,” said Elsie Owen, a freshman band student at Bloomingdale High School.

London’s New Year’s Parade has taken place every year since the late 1980s with over 10,000 people contributing to make it a success.

Each year, the London New Year’s Parade invites bands and cheerleaders from all over the world to take part in wishing the world a happy new year. As part of the weeklong trip, London invites groups from the USA to perform concerts all week at some of the most iconic venues. For additional information, please contact Susan Maley at 813-508-0248.

If you like barbecue and helping the community, mark your calendars for Saturday, February 4. Boy Scout Troop 61 will host the fifth annual ‘Taste of Scouting’ barbecue event from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale, located at 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon.

This community-wide event will include barbecue meals prepared by Scouts for customers to pick up and enjoy. The Scouts will also be explaining and demonstrating various skills, such as knot tying, camping demonstration, pioneering and more.

“The event was first held in February 2019, and we have been holding it every year since,” said troop committee member and grillmaster John Zelatis.

This year, the meal will include a choice of low and slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork and turkey with potato salad, baked beans, a roll and drink. The meals are $18 if you preorder online, or $20 at the door.

“The funds raised will be utilized to help lower Scout dues and registration fees, purchase new or upgrade existing camping equipment, repair our flotilla of canoes, o f set the cost of summer camp

and provide Scout families assistance through scholarships in case of financial hardships,” said Zelatis. “We want every young person to experience Scouting. Also, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale to help pay for building and grounds maintenance and incidentals.”

Scouts are involved in every aspect of the event, from preparing the meats to serving the guests.

“The night before, the Scouts will first make the rubs and sauces,” said Zelatis, “then they will trim and prepare the meats for smoking. Being that this is an overnight cook, the adult leaders will man the smokers while the Scouts camp out and sleep in preparation of the next day’s activities. On the day of the event, they will be serving food and setting up activities such as knot tying, orienteering, fire building, camping, backpacking, first aid and more so all our guests can see what Scouting is all about.”

To preorder a meal, visit www. bstroop61.com and click on ‘Taste of Scouting.’

Students and staf enjoyed some time sightseeing while in London.

Bloomingdale High’s orchestra and chorus had the opportunity to perform in cathedral concerts.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 61 are getting ready for their annual Taste of Scouting BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, February 4 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

nitishrele@gmail.com

SPORTY AND BOLD NISSAN ALTIMA A FUN DAILY DRIVE!

It comes in at least five trims, so if you want to experience a little vim and vigor in a daily ride, opt for the sporty Nissan Altima SR VC-Turbo. As in, a variable compression engine that literally changes shape while adjusting compression ratio to maximum output and fuel economy. It essentially gives a V6 performance.

ALTIMA 2.0 (SR)

Tires: 235/40R19

Wheelbase: 111.2 inches

Length: 192.9 inches

Height: 56.8 inches

Width: 62.8 inches

Weight: 3,460 pounds

For 2023, the midsize sedan receives a new front end styling and a bigger infotainment touchscreen apart from minor changes. Under the hood of this sixth-generation car sits a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine (and a variable intake) that makes 236 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 267 pounds-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. The standard continuously variable transmission contributes to better gas mileage. An independent strut front and multilink rear suspension make for more fun handling and balance. Conveying a solid on-center feel is the electric power rack-and-pinion steering, eager to change directions when hustled along on the road. Noticeably lowered are noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.

Fuel capacity: 16.2 gallons

City: 25 mpg

Highway: 33 mpg

Base price: $34,990.

Price as tested: $37,060

Website: www.nissan.com

leather seats, power moon roof, push-button start and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist, located between tachometer and speedometer, displays text, navigation and audio information in the driver’s view. Boosting the confidence of the driver is a robust, flat-bottomed, leather steering wheel. Ingress and egress are efortless with the 60/40-split rear seat. Trunk space is laudable at 15.4 cubic feet (in comparison, rival Camry has 15.1 cubic feet).

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, side and knee airbags, a side curtain airbag for both rows, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, vehicle dynamic and traction controls, an antiskid system, front/rear crumple zones, front-seat active head restraints, blind-spot and lane-departure warning, rear-cross trafc alert and tire-pressure monitoring system. Looking into the future of autonomous transport, the ProPilot Assist helps drivers to maintain their lane and set vehicle speed and distance to a car ahead.

Sitting on the unibody-type Altima is a black-chrome V-motion grille with the prominent red SR logo, surrounded by swept-back LED headlights and daytime running lights, tapered roofline and body-colored door handles. Ofered at no extra cost are dual auto AC, 12.3-inch touchscreen, eight-way power driver and four-way front passenger

Undoubtedly, the agile and lively Altima has proved to be a huge success story for the Japanese carmaker, which refuses to sit on its laurels. Hence, the revamp for 2023. An afordable price, bold styling and superb performance make this stylish sedan a great everyday ride. And the SR trim ups the ante.

DISTRICT ADDS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS FOR SOUTH COUNTY SCHOOLS

Hillsborough County has experienced explosive growth in the past decade, while local planning ofcials are anticipating the south county area to gain an additional 150,000 residents between 2010 and 2040. Our Growth Management team continues to work diligently to plan for new families while creating the proper infrastructure needed to accommodate our growing population.

Our families in south county will notice several exciting infrastructure projects aimed at better accommodating the number of students attending our schools. First and foremost, Hillsborough County Public Schools is building a new high school currently titled ‘UUU’ that is set to open in 2025 in Wimauma. This building is slated to add 3,400 student stations, helping to alleviate overcrowding at Sumner High School as the area continues to swell.

Another project that will help to add much needed space for students and staf is a new auditorium at Newsome High School with a 900-seat capacity. This addition will come with state-ofthe-art technology and lighting systems

By Superintendent Addison Davis

along with a dedicated shop space and costume storage for student-led productions.

The existing auditorium will be repurposed to become a dedicated classroom space for chorus, orchestra and band programs. Student-athletes at Newsome will also enjoy a new weight room sized to accommodate larger teams along with a new athletic training room and dedicated girls’ varsity locker room.

Durant High School will also benefit from beautification projects in the near future, including a brand-new turf field that will enhance the athletic experience for so many of our talented athletes. Both Durant and Newsome will also receive new rubber tracks to increase safety for our athletes and provide enjoyment for years to come.

We are working proactively to address the astronomical growth we are experiencing in our south county schools. I want all parents to know the district has both short and long-range plans to continue to meet the needs of our learners in innovative ways. We want to make Tampa Bay one of the best places to raise a family and one of the preeminent school districts in the country.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS OUTPERFORMS STATE GRADUATION RATE FOR FIRST TIME IN FIVE YEARS

and a 3-point increase from prepandemic.

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is celebrating a graduation rate of 87.9 percent for the 2021-22 academic year, a nearly 2-point increase from prepandemic levels. This marks the first time since 2017 that HCPS students have outperformed the state graduation rate.

While graduation rates have declined across the state from last year, this was expected due to state ofcials waiving graduation requirements during the pandemic due to continued learning disruptions. Our students have excelled in key areas, showing tremendous growth in a five-year period:

• African American students had a 1.6-point increase in graduation rates over the last five years.

• Hispanic learners achieved a 2.4-point graduation rate increase over the last five years.

• Students with disabilities achieved a 4.9-point increase over the last five years,

“This accomplishment is about more than a number. Our students, families and staf have contended with a worldwide pandemic that created struggles that extended far outside the classroom. This is an impressive feat that is directly related to the tireless eforts of dedicated teachers, school-based leaders, school counselors, support professionals, parents and community partners,” said Superintendent Addison Davis.

The majority of our high schools demonstrated positive trajectories in graduation rates over a five-year period. Highlights include:

• Riverview High School achieved the highest graduation rate increase year over year, reaching 96.6 percent, a 2.4-point jump since 2021.

• Armwood High School experienced a 2-point increase from last year’s graduation rate, and a 4.9-point jump over a fiveyear period.

• Newsome High School once again has the distinction of the highest graduation rate in our district at 98.9 percent.

HOPE FOR HER OFFERS FREE LIFE ENRICHMENT CLASSES THIS SPRING

Hope for Her is starting its spring semester of Healthy Habits classes. Each class is held on a Monday night from 6:15-7:30 p.m. at Hope for Her, located at 140 Yarbrough Rd. in Brandon.

“Our Healthy Habits classes are based on our whole-person approach. The class topics are in the areas of spiritual health, emotional health, financial health and physical health, and our teachers are knowledgeable women who have the heart to share their experiences with others,” explained Cheryl Hickman, executive director of Hope for Her.

Classes start on February 13 with ‘Parenting Our Adult Children’ with Ilene Stubbs, a counselor at Bay Life Church Counseling Center. As children become adults, parental relationships evolve with respect and healthy boundaries. This isn’t always easy. Come join others for encouragement and insights.

February 20 is ‘How To Cook Amazing Meals With Your Air Fryer.’ Johnna Gelfenstein will share ways to cook delicious and versatile meals with that air

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

By Garrett Snider, Vegetation Management Manager

Staf Report

fryer you got for Christmas. There are so many options to make fun food for your family.

On February 27, Jean Ligon encourages spiritual health with ‘When We Decrease.’ Society sends the message that as women we have to ‘do more and work harder,’ but when we decrease and stop trying to control everything, God shows up in a mighty way.

March 6 is ‘Functional Fitness’ with Amanda Wolverton. Wolverton is a certified yoga instructor with extensive knowledge of health and wellness. Dress comfortably as she shares tips and techniques to stay healthy and keep your body moving.

And finally, March 13 is ‘Food and Love.’ Stubbs will share about how what we eat afects every aspect of our lives, from our physical health to our emotions to our ability to love. This is based on Dr. Gary Smalley’s book of the same name. All classes are free. RSVPing is helpful but not required. Call 813-309-3357 for more information or go to the ‘Events’ page at http://hopeforherfl.org/.

Q: What is vegetation management?

A: Vegetation management is the targeted control of nuisance and invasive exotic vegetation. These operations are conducted on both district-owned lands and on district-managed public waterbodies. This includes the control of both aquatic vegetation, growing in or near water, and terrestrial vegetation, growing on land.

Q: Why is vegetation management important?

A: Invasive plants were introduced by humans to Florida without the natural enemies that would help control their growth in their countries of origin. These plants grow quickly and often propagate easily, outcompeting native vegetation. Invasive terrestrial vegetation can displace native plant communities, disrupt normal ecosystem processes such as fire ecology and destroy wildlife habitat. Invasive aquatic vegetation can hinder navigation, which negatively impacts recreation like boating, swimming and fishing. Invasive aquatic vegetation can also negatively impact water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and limit the natural movement of water during flood events by forming jams on bridges and other structures.

Q: How does the district control invasive vegetation throughout the region?

harvesters (mechanical) and triploid grass carp (biological), a weed-eating fish. The methods used depend on the plant species being targeted, the level of infestation, the size of the water body and its primary use, among other factors. No single method is e f ective for all situations. Additionally, the district engages in cultural control methods by educating the public about invasive vegetation through information and public engagement.

Q: What can happen when invasive vegetation is not controlled?

A: Invasive aquatic plants can impede water flow through rivers, ditches, district water control structures and other conveyances. Rampant aquatic vegetation can make it di f cult for the members of the public to use boats or kayaks in district waterbodies, disrupt fish and wildlife habitat and impact water quality. Invasive terrestrial vegetation can disrupt wildlife habitat, damage native plant communities and alter fire behavior.

Q: How can the public help?

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A: The Southwest Florida Water Management District utilizes a comprehensive approach to managing invasive vegetation on both district lands and public waterbodies. Integrated pest management is a method of managing invasive vegetation that combines cultural, biological, mechanical and chemical controls while considering the impact of these control methods on the environment. On public waterbodies, the district works with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems through FWC’s aquatic plant management program. Aquatic plant management operations are conducted using aquatic herbicides (chemical),

A: Keeping invasive plants under control is a challenging job. Aside from the district’s e f orts in managing thousands of acres of conservation lands and public waters, you can do your part in helping to stop the spread of invasive plants by learning what plants you should and should not plant and by ensuring that all aquatic plant material is removed from your boat and trailer before and after launching your boat. For more information about the district’s aquatic plant management program, please visit watermatters.org/aquaticplants.

Garrett Snider is the vegetation management manager for the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Snider is a licensed Florida pesticide applicator and has more than 20 years of vegetation management experience. He is a member of the Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society and holds a bachelor’s degree in sustainability management from St. Petersburg College along with a project management certifcation.

HELEN MULRENNAN YOUNG REFLECTS ON 100 YEARS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT

Known for her “gracious heart and positive spirit,” Helen Mulrennan Young is set to celebrate her 100th birthday on Monday, February 27.

Young is the youngest and last surviving sibling of a family whose pioneering heritage in Eastern Hillsborough County is duly noted with the naming of Mulrennan Middle School in Valrico, which opened in 2003 at 4215 Durant Rd.

The school sits on land that was once the homestead of Joseph and May Mulrennan and their children, Annie Mae, John, Joe, Margaret, Bud, Frank, Tim and Helen.

Young, in 2006, became the last surviving sibling with the passing of Martin ‘Bud’ Mulrennan at age 93, a farming pioneer with a citrus grower’s hat who managed the family’s 160-acre Mulrennan Groves, now home to houses and the school. Her brother Joseph ‘Jody’ Mulrennan served as president of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, which he helped to establish in 1959.

Also active in community life, Young is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon, which her brother Bud joined as a charter member in 1960. She is a long-standing Cornerstone Baptist Church congregant, where she is known for her crochet ministry.

For more than 23 years, Young has crocheted blankets and hats for newborn babies and afghan blankets for newly married couples. She also crochets for many others, including cancer warriors, Tampa General Hospital patients and the Lioness Project, whose mission is to help women and children homeless because of domestic violence.

“My crochet ministry means everything to

By Linda Chion

me because when I crochet, I concentrate on what I’m doing and not on the things that I can’t do,” Young said, who sufers from advancing arthritis. “I get satisfaction knowing that what I’m making is going to bring joy into someone else’s life.”

For her wisdom and largesse, Young in 2022 received the Spirit of Kiwanis Award from District Governor Karla Nielsen during an Apollo Beach visit. Young, reads the plaque, “with her gracious heart and positive spirit inspires us all to become better servant leaders and to live our highest and best lives.”

By rights, Young never should have made it past her early years. “When I was 9, my appendix ruptured, and back in those days that was like getting a death warrant,” Young said. “In fact, the doctor told my parents to start planning my funeral.”

What has kept her alive, Young said, is her enduring faith. Also, that she eats a lot of vegetables, keeps medications at a minimum, has a holistic doctor, stays fit and active and keeps her mind engaged.

Her faith has gotten her through her darkest days, Young said, most notably after her cancer diagnosis while taking care of a blind husband battling Parkinson’s disease.

“There are a lot of struggles and joys in life,” Young said. “It takes those struggles to appreciate the good times that you have because if you had it good every day and you didn’t have to be concerned about anything, you would just go along in life and take it all for granted.”

FINANCIAL FOCUS DON’T LET FEAR DRIVE INVESTMENT DECISIONS

In the past year, we’ve seen some big swings in the fnancial markets. This volatility may make you feel as if you have little control over your investment success. But the truth is, you do have more control than you might think — as long as you don’t let fear guide your decisions.

Investment-related fear can manifest itself in a few diferent ways:

• Fear of loss – Some investors may emphasize avoiding losses more than achieving gains. Consequently, they might build portfolios they consider very low in risk, possibly containing a high percentage of certifcates of deposit (CDs) and U.S. Treasury securities. Yet, a highly conservative approach carries its own risk — the risk of not achieving enough growth to stay ahead of infation, much less meet long-term goals such as a comfortable retirement. To reach these goals, you’ll want to construct a diversifed portfolio containing diferent types of assets and investments — each of which may perform diferently at diferent times. Your objective shouldn’t be to avoid all risk — which is impossible — but to create an investment strategy that accommodates your personal risk tolerance and time horizon.

• Fear of missing out – You’re probably familiar with the term “herd mentality” — the idea that people will follow the lead of others for fear of missing out on something. This behavior is responsible for fads or the sudden emergence of “hot” products, and it’s also relevant to investing. In fact, herd mentality may contribute to sharp jumps in the fnancial markets as investors drive up prices by buying stocks to avoid being left behind. And the same may be true in reverse — when the market starts dropping, skittish investors

IN CELEBRATION OF FEBRUARY HEART MONTH, BRUTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY PRESENTS HEART SMART

Bruton Memorial Library, located in historic Plant City, will hold a special event called Heart Smart on Tuesday, February 7 at 11 a.m. The program is free and open to the public. This program would be beneficial to those of all ages and walks of life as it will provide vital preventative health information.

The program leader for Heart Smart is Kim Bragg-Armatrout, NDTR, family and consumer services agent with UF/ IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. This program is part of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Life initiative. It is sponsored by City Furniture which is new to the Plant City area. City Furniture is invested in community outreach, and this program is a great example of this intent.

Bragg-Armatrout will give a presentation on healthy living based on the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Life initiative. She will discuss MyPlate, the five food groups and provide tips on habits that attendees can start to follow. In addition, Bragg-Armatrout will also take the biometrics (blood-pressure check, temperature and weight check) of the attendees. According to Bragg-Armatrout, “The biometrics will give attendees a baseline from which to work using the tips and tools I give them to work

By Kathy L. Collins

on to achieve living healthy.”

There will also be a cooking demonstration at the Heart Smart program.

Bragg-Armatrout added, “February is Heart Month. The goal of the Heart Smart program is for attendees to take away the concept of healthy eating for the heart.”

Each month, Bruton Memorial Library holds sessions designed for healthy living on Wellness Wednesdays. The sessions are normally held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. In addition, most are in a hybrid format (part live, part via Zoom). Heart Smart is special, as it is live and, while part of the Wellness Wednesday series, is instead held on February’s first Tuesday.

Lynn Lopez, outreach associate for Bruton Memorial Library, said, “We o f er many programs that focus on your mental and physical well-being.”

The next few Wellness Wednesdays will feature Facts on Fat on February 22. On March 22, the library will present Healthy Substitutes (food). April 26’s program will be Save It Now, Eat It Later. All of the Wellness Wednesdays are free and open to the public.

Bruton Memorial Library is located at 302 McLendon St. in Plant City. For more information, please call 813-757-9215.

may accelerate the decline by selling stocks so they, too, can get out before it’s too late. Buying or selling investments should be considered as needed to help advance your long-term fnancial strategy — not in response to what others are doing.

• Fear of the unknown – Some investors fall victim to “familiarity bias” — the tendency to invest only in what they know, such as local or domestic companies. But this behavior can lead to under-diversifed portfolios. If your portfolio is dominated by just a few investments, and these investments are fairly similar to each other, you could experience some losses when the inevitable market downturn occurs. To help reduce the impact of market volatility, it’s a good idea to spread your investment dollars across large and small companies in a range of industries and geographical regions. And that’s just on the equities side — it’s also wise to consider further diversifying your portfolio by owning bonds and government securities. (Keep in mind, though, that diversifcation can’t guarantee profts or protect against all losses.)

• Fear of admitting failure – Some individuals don’t like to admit when they’ve been wrong about something, and they may continue the same failed activities, hoping for eventual success. This behavior can be costly in the investment arena. Sometimes, a particular investment, or even an investment strategy, just doesn’t work out, but an investor is determined to stick with it — even if it ultimately means considerable fnancial loss. Don’t let his happen to you — if it becomes apparent you need to change your investment approach, move on to something better.

Fear can hold us back in many walks of life — but don’t let it keep you from making appropriate investment moves.

Helen Mulrennan Young in 2022 receiving the Spirit of Kiwanis Award at Beef ’O’ Brady’s in Apollo Beach.

Bruton Memorial Library in Plant City will present a special Wellness Wednesday on February 7, a Tuesday, at 11 a.m.

BLOOMINGDALE SQUARE RESTORES FACADES AND WELCOMES NEW TENANTS

The past 24 months have been busy for Bloomingdale Square. Along with completion of the reconfiguration and repaving of the parking lot as well as repair and restoration of building facades, several new storefronts opened in the mall, with two highly anticipated additions set to come to the plaza soon.

LA Fitness recently opened its doors for business, featuring a large variety of weights, machines, classes and even a lap pool. The two newest additions to the plaza, iSMASH (801) and Duck Donuts (1013), are set to open within the next few weeks.

Several self-care boutique businesses leased spots within the past 24 months, including Cherry Blow Dry Bar, Pampered Peach Wax Bar, Amazing Lash Studio and Caribbean Mystique Spa. The addition of both a 100% Chiropractor and VIP Care Center give local residents new medical options, with The Flip-Flop Shop ofering visitors a variety of unique footwear.

Two of the newer additions came as established businesses from other locations. The UPS Store moved from its spot west on Bloomingdale Avenue with The Paint Store relocating from Lithia Pinecrest Road.

Frank Schiele, owner of The Paint Store, said the move was made “for a better location for visibility and trafc” and welcomes neighbors in need of Benjamin Moore and PPG paint products and supplies.

Bobby Knapp and Dave Segui, co-owners of iSMASH, “the first rage-room, splatter-paint and axe-throwing concept in the US,” cannot wait for their space to be ready. “Dave and I couldn’t be happier with the area and the management, … we can’t

wait to share our experiences with our neighbors for years to come,” said Knapp. iSMASH will be the perfect venue for birthdays, company outings, holiday parties, team-building/morale-boosting events and even gender-reveal parties.

By Brian Bokor

Duck Donuts will specialize in made-toorder doughnuts as well as traditional favorites. Its menu will include a variety of combinations such as cinnamon apple pie, maple bacon and ‘midnight madness’ — a chocolate cake doughnut covered with chocolate icing and chocolate sprinkles.

Customers can build their own, starting with Duck’s signature vanilla cake doughnut, then selecting coatings, including chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, maple, lemon, blueberry and peanut butter, among others. Choose toppings such as chopped peanuts, graham crackers or Oreos, chocolate sprinkles, shredded coconut and bacon. Finish it of with a drizzle of hot fudge, salted caramel, marshmallows or raspberries. The menu also ofers cofee, sandwiches and sundaes.

From the Patel family, owners of Duck Donuts, “We have been part of this community for 30 years and have seen this area grow exponentially. Regency Center has done an amazing job of revamping this plaza up to be more modern and appealing. We thought this community would love the addition of Duck Donuts and putting it in a central location like this plaza would be convenient for many people. We are projecting to open sometime in January.”

Contact Alyson Gannon at Regency Centers for leasing information at 813-6644861.

TASTERS WANTED FOR 15TH ANNUAL FISHHAWK RANCH CHILI COOK-OFF

Attention all chefs, home cooks and chili lovers! The annual FishHawk Ranch Chili Cook-O f is back, and everyone is invited. For 15 years, residents and nonresidents alike have come to enjoy this annual event.

“This is our 15th annual cook-o f ,” Susan Parvin, event organizer, stated. “It started as a way to bring our community together.”

The FishHawk Ranch Chili Cook-O f will offer a plethora of activities for everyone to enjoy.

From games to music to, well, chili, there’s something for everyone.

“We usually have around 18 teams competing in the cook-o f ,” Parvin said.

The FishHawk Ranch Chili Cook-O f invites everyone to participate as the cook-o f is open to residents and nonresidents alike. With no entrance fee, everyone is encouraged to participate so long as the head chef is 18 years of age or older.

Teams work together and attempt to showcase their best chili-cooking skills at the cook-o f . A team can be made up of families, friends or even co-workers

By Meghan Reyes

— you decide who is the best secret weapon to complete your team. Small businesses are also invited and encouraged to participate.

The FishHawk Ranch Chili Cook-O f winners will receive cash prizes in one of two categories: People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice. There will be prizes awarded for first, second and third place in both categories. Guests can taste each team’s chili for only $5. They will receive a spoon, a tasting cup and a vote to help choose the People’s Choice winner. As for the Judge’s Choice winner, a panel of anonymous judges will be selected to score the chilis and determine a winner.

If tasting chili isn’t enough for you, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice and Amici’s Pizza & Pasta will be on-site selling Italian ice, soda, beer and other refreshments throughout the event.

The event will take place on Saturday, February 11 from 12 Noon-2 p.m. at Park Square, located at 16144 Churchview Dr. in Lithia. For more information on event details, call 813-957-1841 or email sparvin@fishhawkranchcdd.org.

WORLD-FAMOUS PERFORMERS HEADLINING THE 2023 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

This spring marks the 88th annual Florida Strawberry Festival, which takes place for 11 days beginning from Thursday, March 2 through Sunday, March 12. This anticipated annual event has become one of the best festivals in the nation, ranks among the Top 40 Fairs in North America and is visited by more than 500,000 guests each year. It’s not only known for its strawberry shortcakes, carnival games, livestock shows, food vendors and thrilling midway rides, but it has also become recognized for hosting world-famous headline entertainment.

According to Lee Bakst, assistant general manager of the Florida Strawberry Festival, there are more than 24 artists performing on the Strawberry Festival stage this year. “We have a variety of acts and feel like we have touched all music genres,” said Bakst. According to past numbers, Bakst expects approximately 100,000 concertgoers in attendance over the course of the 11-day festival.

As in years past, The Oak Ridge Boys kick-of the festival with their afternoon performance from their Front Porch Singin’ Tour. In 2018, The Oak Ridge Boys were the first performers to christen the Strawberry Festival’s new $5.5 million amphitheater.

Some of the most anticipated shows include award-winning, Grammy-nominated

By Kelly Wise Valdes

country star Walker Hayes on March 2; country legend Willie Nelson and Family as well as the band Halestorm on Friday, March 3; award-winning country singer Sara Evans and the multitalented Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges on Saturday, March 4; and The Gatlin Brothers and Chris Young on Sunday, March 5.

Monday, March 6 includes two performers: Neal McCoy and Josh Turner. Country idol Tanya Tucker is performing on stage on Wednesday, March 8; also performing on March 8 are The Jacksons, the legendary brothers of popstar Michael Jackson — Jackie, Tito, Jermain and Marlon. Rounding out the rest of the week is Las Vegas icon Wayne Newton, Train, Sawyer Brown, and the Isley Brothers. The festival ends with the Southern rock iconic band and native Floridians Lynyrd Skynyrd with lead singer Johnny Van Zant.

In addition, two major Christian artists will be performing at this year’s festival: For King & Country and CeCe Winans. For King & Country will be performing on Thursday, March 9. CeCe Winans is scheduled to perform on Tuesday, March 7.

For concert dates, times to purchase tickets and a full list of entertainers, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Amscot Main Ticket Ofce, located at 2209 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City, or by calling 813-754-1996.

More than 24 world-famous singers will perform at the 2023 Strawberry Festival.

LOCAL ANIMAL RESCUES NEED VOLUNTEERS, SUPPLIES & SUPPORT

In December 2022, over 700 cats and dogs found their way to the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center. We are very lucky to live in an area with many animal rescues that try their best to reduce these numbers and help those in the community who find an animal that needs a home. Please remember that most, if not all, animal rescues are run by volunteers who have jobs, families and other commitments, meaning they are often unable to respond to you right away.

When contacting a rescue group, try to include as much detail about the situation as you can; this will enable them to be more detailed in their responses. All rescue organizations want to help you, but they are unfortunately limited in their abilities by many factors, the biggest ones often being finances and not having a place for the animal to go (a foster home).

Once an animal is taken in by a rescue group, it is then financially responsible for the care that the animal needs. Some require the basic monthly preventatives, spaying/neutering and food, which still adds up, and others have complex medical needs which animal rescues might not be aware of at the time of intake or are aware of but do not yet know the cost of treatment.

Fostering an animal is hugely rewarding, and fosters are often in great demand. Many rescues do not require you to have any special skills, and the rescue organization will supply you with ev -

erything that the animal needs. It is a great way to experience pet ownership without the costs associated or yearslong commitment. I can also add from my own experience that its great fun.

Another way to support a rescue is financially, either by making a cash donation or buying something from a request list on Amazon or Chewy; you’d be surprised by how much cat litter and dog food rescues go through. Below is a list of some of our great local pet rescue organizations and how to contact them.

St. Francis Society Animal Rescue

Established in 1997, St. Francis Society Animal Rescue helps find homes for over 2,000 animals each year. Nearly half of those are saved from euthanasia at local animal shelters, and the others are rescued from the community. It does not euthanize unless terminal illness necessitates such a decision. Additionally, it traps, neuters, vaccinates and returns hundreds of feral cats in the Tampa community.

Contact it via its website at https:// stfrancisrescue.org/, where you can also see adoptable cats and ways to donate.

A Kitten Place

A Kitten Place was formed for the purpose of rescuing orphaned kittens and homeless cats in its nearby com -

munities. It focuses its efforts on rescuing the most vulnerable group, the neonatal kittens, which are often euthanized simply due to the lack of resources to provide the roundthe-clock care they require. Mother cats who have recently given birth are also rescued along with their kittens and other critical-needs younger cats, no matter the time or cost required to bring them to good health and find them loving homes.

Visit its website at https://akittenplace.org/ to find out how to help, view adoptable animals, make a donation and view its Amazon and Chewy wish lists.

Heidi’s Legacy Dog Rescue

Heidi’s Legacy Dog Rescue was established in 2002 and is an all-breed rescue. It is dedicated to the rescue and placement of unwanted companion dogs. It has helped thousands of companion dogs find loving forever homes; these are wonderful loving animals that often only need love, compassion and training to make them incredibly awesome family members. Contact it at info@heidislegacydogrescue.com.

FishHawk TNR Inc.

FishHawk TNR Inc. is based in Hillsborough County, primarily serving the FishHawk, Lithia, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Bloomingdale and Valrico areas, and it is celebrating its 10th year in the

By Jenny Bennett

community. Its mission is to save lives; it rescues, vaccinates, spays/neuters, microchips and finds forever homes for stray and neglected animals. It also traps, neuters, vaccinates and returns community cats in order to reduce euthanasia rates in our shelters and believes in educating the community on all animal issues.

Visit www. fishhawktnr. petfinder.com for information and to contact it. For anyone wanting to help, it has wish lists on Amazon and Chewy. Kittie Corral

Kittie Corral is dedicated to rescuing and saving the lives of sick, injured or stray cats that have been abused, left homeless or neglected. It spays/neuters, vaccinates and provides necessary medical treatment and finds loving homes for the cats. It does not euthanize unless a terminal illness necessitates the decision. It assists cats who, through extenuating services, are unable to remain in their homes with their owners to prevent a higher number of shelter intakes.

NEW CAMPO FAMILY YMCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BRINGS VAST EXPERIENCE

Mario Gallegos became the new executive director of the Campo Family YMCA this past November. With his new position, he brings a strong YMCA background. “I moved here from San Antonio, Texas early November and began my role on November 7,”

Gallegos said. “My work for the Y is not new, as I was a part of the Greater San Antonio YMCA for six years. Prior to the Y, I have been an educator, coach, pastor and former branch director for the Schertz Family YMCA. My wife and I relocated to Bloomingdale the week of Christmas.”

Gallegos and his team have many plans for 2023 at the Campo Y. “Our first exciting plan is the renovation of our outdoor pool,” Gallegos said. “This project will enhance our guest and member experiences for swim lessons, lap swimming, water exercise, swim team and recreation swim. Currently, we are painting the interior of the facility, our wellness floor has been completed and we have had many compliments of the updated look. Our Youth Zone received a grant from GTE Financial to completely renovate that space. This has enabled us to provide a safe, fun, interactive place for 8 to 12-year-olds.”

By Libby Hopkins

Another project Gallegos and his team worked on in the New Year was free memberships. “Our open house expo on January 14 was our chance to showcase the many programs the Y has to ofer,” Gallegos said. “Y swag was given away at our program tables, as well as information regarding the many programs we ofer.”

Gallegos has high hopes for the Campo Y in 2023. “I hope we will continue to strengthen the foundation of our communities through programs that promote healthy living, social responsibility and youth development,” Gallegos said. “The Campo Y has a long history in the Brandon area, and we are now impacting multiple generations and hope to keep making a diference in the lives of those who participate in our programs. I’m also hopeful that more people learn of our cause and will partner with us so that no one is ever turned away.”

If you’d like to learn more about the programs ofered at the Campo Y, you can visit its website at www.tampaymca.org/ locations/campo-family-ymca. The Campo Y is located at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico.

RELAY FOR LIFE OF FISHHAWK

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of FishHawk invites the community to join the movement to honor and remember loved ones and fight back for lifesaving change on Saturday, March 25 at Newsome High School’s track and field. Relay For Life is a community of survivors, caregivers, local citizens, volunteers and participants and is the largest, most inspiring and most supportive cancer fundraising event on the planet.

“We share a passion to end cancer as we know it, for everyone,” said Kelly Lowry, event lead. “In 2023, over 1.9 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. Thanks to that shared passion, the lifesaving mission of the American Cancer Society can’t be stopped, ensuring we are here for everyone who needs us.”

Relay For Life of FishHawk’s theme is ‘Party for a Cure,’ and it begins with opening ceremonies at 3 p.m. and the survivors and caregivers taking the first lap, followed by a survivors’ reception. To help plan for the reception and order the survivor shirt, survivors are asked to register for the event at www.relayforlife.org/fishhawkfl.

The luminaria ceremony will be held at 9 p.m. Come out to join the fun and help “Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back.” If you wish to sponsor the event, please contact Lowry at kellylowry5@gmail.com and/

or Tammy Schoonover at tammy. schoonover@cancer.org.

For more than 35 years, Relay For Life has brought together passionate supporters who embody the American Cancer Society’s mission. This volunteer-led experience unites communities to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and raise funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research and patient support to ensure everyone has an opportunity to protect from, detect, treat and survive cancer.

“It’s never been easier to raise money for Relay For Life and help fund the future. Every dollar raised fuels the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission. The fight against cancer needs you now more than ever,” said Lowry.

There are many ways to get involved:

• Join the Relay For Life of FishHawk. Sign up to join an existing team or start a new team at www.relayforlife.org/fishhawkfl.

• Donate. If you can’t participate in this year’s event, you can still help save lives by making a donation. Every dollar fuels the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. Visit www.relayforlife.org/fishhawkfl to donate.

To learn more about Relay For Life, visit www.relayforlife.org.

Mario Gallegos became the new executive director of the Campo Family YMCA this past November. With his new position, he brings a strong YMCA background and many new plans for the Campo Family YMCA.

CALL FOR ARTISTS FOR ANNUAL FLORIDA

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL FINE ART SHOW

A call to artists has been issued by the East Hillsborough Art Guild (EHAG) for the 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival Fine Art Show, which runs from Thursday, March 2 through Sunday, March 12 at the festival grounds in Plant City.

Adults are divided into professional groups (entry fee is $15) and amateur groups (entry fee is $12). Adults can enter oils, acrylics, watercolors and graphic/mixed media. The entry fee for miniature art (2D media) and sculpture (3D media) is $12.

The youth divisions are by ages between the age of six and 17. Youth can enter oils, acrylics, watercolors, graphic/mixed media and sculpture. The entry fee is $5.

Adults can enter up to four entries, but no more than two in the same division. Youth can enter up to two entries.

Entries are eligible for substantial monetary awards. This includes $300 for best of show. Entries can also win $100 for the Strawberry Theme Award (entries must include strawberries or reflect the current festival theme of ‘We Have a Winner’).

There are prizes for first ($150) and second ($100) place in all adult professional divisions. Adult amateurs, miniature and sculpture receive $100 for first place and $75 for second. Adults who receive third and fourth place receive rosette ribbons.

For youth, first place receives $25 and

By Kathy L. Collins

second place receives $15. Entries that win third and fourth receive a rosette ribbon. All youth participants receive participation ribbons. Youth prizes are sponsored exclusively by Jarrett Scott Ford.

Artists who do not win one of the above prizes are eligible for a Business Leaders Choice Award. Area residents can also become a sponsor for the In Honor Award and select a winning artist who will receive a ribbon and $50.

Space is limited and entries are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Early entries are accepted until Saturday, February 11. Artists can mail their entry form and fee to East Hillsborough Art Guild, P.O. Box 3055, Plant City, FL 33564. Artworks must be brought to the festival grounds on Saturday, February 18 from 1-6 p.m.

Tom Harrah of Brandon is a sculptor who entered the show last year. Harrah’s piece received first place. Harrah said, “It was a great pleasure entering the show. We love visiting the Strawberry Festival and especially seeing all the wonderful art.”

Entry forms and rules can be found at www.flstrawberryfestival.com. If you have questions, please email Karen Crumley at kscrumley@yahoo.com or call 813924-3829.

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT THE TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER

The Tampa Bay History Center will celebrate Black History Month this February with a number of special events. The monthlong celebration will culminate with a Black History Month Reception.

First up is Sangria and Stories: Tampa’s NFL History on Thursday, February 2 from 6-7:15 p.m. Fred Hearns, curator of black history, will lead the presentation. Tickets are $20.

On Wednesday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m., you can join Lisa Armstrong, Ph.D. as she shares stories and research from her quest to uncover the history of Carver City-Lincoln Gardens. This is a free event.

Te Tampa History Center will hold its annual Black History Reception on Friday, February 24. Te keynote speaker is NFL Hall of Fame player Derrick Brooks. Tis year’s event caps of a month of special events celebrating Black History Month

On Saturday, February 25 from 12 Noon-3 p.m., hear about the historic Rogers Park Golf Course and its service to the black community as told by Lionel Ballard, West Tampa native and outreach coordinator for First Tee of Tampa Bay. Gallery admission is included.

After a month of special events and previewing a new exhibit about local black history opening this summer, come on Friday, February 24 to the Tampa Bay History Center for the Black History Month Reception. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Tampa Bay History Center’s TECO Hall. Tickets are $75. Advance tickets are required.

By Kathy L. Collins

Space is limited.

Derrick Brooks is the keynote speaker. On Thursday, January 26, Tampa celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Bucs’ first Super Bowl win with Brooks as their co-captain. This began his 14-year hall-of-fame career.

The reception will also honor Reverend Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr., a native of Tampa. He co-founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in 1960 and has spent decades as a Civil Rights Movement activist, minister, educator and lecturer on strategy and nonviolent social change. The reception will include the presentation of an award named for Dr. LaFayette for preserving and honoring black history. He is the author of In Peace and Freedom: My Journey in Selma.

In addition, funds will be presented to an outstanding Thurgood Marshall History Club at a Hillsborough County middle school. Local chapters allow students to learn, discuss and participate in activities related to black history.

For more information on events and the Tampa Bay History Center, which is located at 801 Water St. in downtown Tampa, please visit www.tampabayhistorycenter. org.

Artists are invited to enter the 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival Fine Art Show. Your artwork could win a ribbon and cash prize just like Tom Harrah did last year with his delightful mushroom house.

BRANDON FIRE STATION CELEBRATES

GRAND OPENING & HIGH-TECH FEATURES

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Station

45, located at 1209 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon, was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting in January.

“With the density of Brandon, the need for the station was overwhelming,” said Rob Herrin, spokesperson for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR), who for many of his 17 years as a first responder worked at Station 11 in Brandon.

Te

So great was the need, Herrin said, Station 45 first responders and equipment were housed in temporary shelter during construction and the station’s engine today ranks among the top five in call volume countywide. According to Herrin, HCFR eclipsed 139,000 calls last year, a 23.1 percent increase over the previous five years.

Herrin said HCFR Fire Chief Dennis Jones for years has pushed to increase the station count in Hillsborough to keep up with its growth. According to U.S. census data for 2010 to 2020, Hillsborough, behind Orange, is the second fastest-growing county in the state and ranks 14th among counties nationwide. Hillsborough’s 230,536 resident increase brought its population to 1.46 million people.

Ribbon-cuttings on January 3 and

By Linda Chion

4, respectively, were held in Brandon and for HCFR Station 29 in Apollo Beach, located at 6720 N. U.S. Hwy. 41, which is a replacement station and outfitted to respond to emergencies by land and sea. Both stations sport state-of-theart safety features, including isolated sleeping quarters, individualized alarms and a firefighter decontamination area for first responders.

“After a structure fire, byproducts of combustion that are carcinogenic get on their clothes and skin,” Herrin said. “It’s a pretty big health initiative, putting a private shower in the bay before entering the living quarters.” Separate alarms for responders assigned to engines and ambulances lessen the incidence of sleep deprivation, which is another health benefit,” Herrin said.

Brandon’s station is the first new station completed since the most recent update of HCFR’s capital facilities master plan, approved in 2019. Updated regularly to address the changing needs of growing communities, the plan calls for 24 additional fire stations.

The Brandon station houses an advanced life support fire engine and rescue ambulance. Six firefighters per shift are set to operate from the station 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

NEW DESIGN CONCEPT RELEASED FOR ‘AMAZING’ BRANDON LIBRARY REPLACEMENT SET FOR LUMSDEN ROAD

A red-brick facade with an ivory trim is one of the many design details for the “amazing replacement library that is very, very needed” in Brandon, according to Andrew Breidenbaugh, director of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Library System.

Hillsborough County commissioners at their November 16, 2022, meeting reviewed initial design concepts for the $12.5 million, single-story, 25,000-square-foot library set to stand roughly 3,000 feet from the original library at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon. That library opened on March 10, 1991.

The new library is set for construction on the northwest quadrant of the intersection of Lumsden Road and Parsons Avenue.

“Procurement for the design phase is underway and expected to be made in mid-2023,” Breidenbaugh said, “and as most of our libraries take about a year of design and a year of construction, we expect completion sometime in late 2025.”

The neoclassical design “is very reminiscent of the Carnegie era of library construction,” Breidenbaugh said. “The design incorporates red-brick facade

By Linda Chion

with ivory trim, entry porticos with Ionic columns, a standing seam roof that will be topped by a raised cupola that perhaps will include a clock or clock tower in its design, and public art potential for the driveway.”

At his last meeting as a two-term Hillsborough County commissioner, Stacy White said he appreciated the staff’s efforts to present the library mock-up designs in time for him to review before giving up his seat to Michael Owen, the newly elected commissioner for the District 4 seat.

“I have been working with staff on this library rebuild for a long time,” White said before making a motion to receive the report and to direct staff to ensure “that the selected design and/ or architectural professionals for this library rebuild design the building substantially as depicted in the images.”

The motion carried 6-0.

“I am thrilled to see this happen,” Commissioner Kimberly Overman said. “This is a good example of what our ad valorem and other fees go towards, bringing a beautiful resource like this into a community that certainly needs this type of enhancement.”

Photos courtesy of HCFR.

ribbon-cutting held on January 4 at Brandon Fire Station 45 celebrates one of the busiest stations in Hillsborough County. From left to right: Bob Bivins, chair of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers; Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise; Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Chief Dennis Jones; Hillsborough County Commissioner Michael Owen; and Hillsborough County Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda.

Brandon Fire Station 45 at 1209 Oakfeld Dr. in Brandon.

An aerial view of the design concept for the new Brandon library, showing the entry plaza set for potential public art and parking.

HONORARY MAYOR’S RACE RETURNS TO COMMUNITY FOR 2023 AS A WOMAN’S CLUB EVENT

Candidates for the annual race for honorary mayor of Riverview will be under the auspices of the Riverview Woman’s Club, whose members have agreed to organize the event after the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce stepped aside.

Fundraising for the honarary mayor race starts

Wednesday, February 1. The race concludes at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 1. Results will be announced on Thursday, March 2. As is the tradition, the race is won by the candidate who raises the most money for charity through fundraising events that promote community spirit and nonprofit mission awareness.

“We’re really excited about keeping that tradition going and to benefit local charities,” said Jill Jofko, president of the Riverview Woman’s Club, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and now accepts men into the club as well.

Club co-founder Donna Fore said that to avoid any perceived conflicts of interest, no one in the woman’s club is going to be running for honorary mayor and the club itself will not be a benefiting charity. A small percentage of proceeds will help ofset admin-

PNC BANK PLEDGES

By Linda Chion

istrative expenses, Jofko said.

Wanting to get more involved in community life, Jofko said she joined the club in 2018. “I wanted to get involved in club leadership because I wanted to see the club grow,” Jofko said, noting an uptick in membership as the pandemic eases.

To be eligible to run for the honorary mayor’s race, a candidate must live, work or volunteer in the Greater Riverview area and be at least 21 years of age. Designated charities must be federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits and have one of three designated ties to Riverview: They must have an ofce in Riverview, documented service to the Riverview community or membership drawn primarily from Riverview residents. Each candidate can designate no more than three benefiting charities.

For more on the club and its high school senior scholarship program and mayor’s race, visit www.riverviewwomansclub. org. The club meets on the third Wednesday of the month and was set to convene at the Riverview Tap House at 10656 New East Bay Rd. in Gibsonton.

Performance Care to Maximize Your Athlete’s Abilities

Sufering 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.

What causes sciatica symptoms?

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

It is important to understand that sciatica is not a diagnosis, but rather a symptom. Common causes of sciatica are arthritis, pregnancy, childbirth, herniated or bulging disc, piriformis syndrome, degenerative disc disease, stenosis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, trigger points or a tumor.

It is important that you do not ignore sciatica symptoms. Prolonged compression on a nerve can cause permanent nerve damage that may not be restored.

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

How can my sciatic be treated?

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

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

It is important that you receive a proper examination and an accurate diagnosis from an experienced spine expert for sciatica recovery and discovery of any serious underlying conditions. The good news is that with a proper diagnosis and treatment, most of the sciatica patients at Motion ChiroTherapy get better quickly, within a few weeks or for severe case, within a few months, with conservative care, avoiding drugs, injections or surgery.

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

Dr. Lutz utilizes a patient-centered approach which incorporates his extensive training in chiropractic, rehabilitation and sports performance to quickly decrease pain associated with sciatica, without the use of drugs or surgery.

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

NEW EDUCATION

$500,000 FOR

CENTER AT THE TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART Staf Report

The Tampa Museum of Art today announced a major contribution from PNC Bank consisting of $500,000 toward the Museum’s Centennial Campaign. This award will help to grow education and exhibition programming at the new PNC Family Classroom and Gallery, a new 1,680 sq. ft. space located in the museum’s renovated and expanded Vinik Family Education Center.

“We’re proud to be longtime sponsors of this gem in the community,” said Chad Loar, PNC regional president for West and Central Florida. “With the PNC Family Classroom and Gallery, thousands of students and families will have the opportunity to learn about the vast world of art and culture through the many programs and exhibits that the Tampa Museum of Art ofers.”

The museum currently serves approximately 14,000 children, adults and teens through on and of-site education programs across Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay region. As a result of the completed renovations, including the Education Center and expanded gallery spaces, the number of students the museum serves each year will more than quadruple.

“PNC Bank has long been generously

invested in the success of the Tampa Museum of Art,” said Michael Tomor, Ph.D., Penny and Jef Vinik executive director of the Tampa Museum of Art. “We are excited to unveil the new PNC Family Classroom and Gallery as a place where museum visitors and their families can enjoy art-making activities on designated family days, as well as a flexible space for regional and student art exhibitions.”

PNC Bank is also a sponsor of Museums for All at the Tampa Museum of Art. Museums for All is a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Association of Children’s Museums. The program encourages people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits by providing free admission to individuals and families receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits. Museums for All is part of the Tampa Museum of Art’s broad commitment to seek, include and welcome all audiences.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://tampamuseum.org/ or call 813-274-8130. Located at 120 W. Gasparilla Plz. in Tampa, the Tampa Museum of Art is open Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Linda Chion. Riverview Woman’s Club President Jill Jofko (left) with Donna Fore, who co-founded the club in 2012 with Jeanne Burkeson.

Dr. Robert Lutz

Te PNC Family Classroom and Gallery, located in the Tampa Museum of Art’s renovated and expanded Vinik Family Education Center.

Golf Tournament, Alzheimer’s Association, Flower Arranging, & More...

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Charlotte De Berry Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament

Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte de Berry is an all-female krewe based in the SouthShore area. Krewe life focuses on building community involvement by participating in parades and dedicating time, talent and fundraisers to benefit local charities. All proceeds from the golf tournament will benefit local high school female students who plan to enter career and technical fields through community college or programs. The golf tournament will take place on Saturday, February 18 from 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club. Contests include closest to the pin, longest drive, putting and target hole. For registration and information, email lisabusenbark0@gmail.com.

Health Ministry Event Featuring Alzheimer’s Association Speaker

The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center is hosting a Health Ministry event at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center on Thursday, February 16 at 11 a.m. The guest speaker will be Lisa Walts, MSW, CDP, an Alzheimer’s Association community educator. Attend the meeting to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement. Tips to help incorporate these into your health plan will be shared with you. Call the church ofce to reserve

your seat on 813-634-2539.

How Much Do You Love Your Pet?

Kittie Corral, a local animal charity is taking Valentine pet photos at Pet Supermarket, located at 3848 Sun City Center Blvd. in Sun City Center, on Sunday, February 5 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. You can choose to be in the picture with your pet or not, bring costumes and props or use the ones available from Kittie Corral. Each participant will receive two complimentary professional photos by Allie Serrano Portraits for a donation of between $20-$50 and be automatically entered into the contest to win an 11” x 14” enlargement. For more details on this exciting event, call Kittie Corral at 813731-6303.

Busch Gardens Opens Springs Taproom

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay recently opened Springs Taproom, a new casual and laid-back lounge that serves guests a variety of classic cocktails, frozen beverages, small bites and more. The new venue, located in the Bird Gardens area of the park, features a calm pond and exuberant landscaping which provide a relaxing setting for guests to sit, sip and relax. The Springs Taproom replaces Garden Gate Cafe, an evolution of what was the iconic Hospitality House. The new venue has a mix of modern decoration and classic photos, taking guests on a journey down memory lane.

Classes Ofered At Tops Vacuum And Sewing

Tops Vacuum and Sewing, a specialty sewing, quilting and embroidery shop in Brandon, ofers a wide range of in-person and online classes for all levels of experience. Some classes are designed to complete a project, and others are more casual social gatherings where ideas are shared, guidance is ofered and projects are completed. Sandy Feldman is the class instructor and has a wealth of knowledge which she is more than happy to share with you. To see the classes

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS

Foundation Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

ofered, a description and to register, visit www.topsvacuumandsewing.com. You are welcome to use any of the floor models machines; contact Feldman on 813-689-5257 to reserve a machine.

Spring Veggie Gardening Seminar

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — no, not Christmas, it’s veggie season. It’s time to plant tomatoes, peppers, collards and more. Come to the seminar in the greenhouse, at Kerby’s Nursery on Saturday, February 18 at 10 a.m. to learn about planting, watering, pest control and harvesting the veggies that can grow in our zone. Be inspired to plant a garden that can provide a great backyard harvest. Kerby’s Nursery is located at 2311 S. Parsons Ave. in Sefner. Additional information can be found on its website at www.kerbysnursery.com.

East Hillsborough Democratic Club Meeting

The East Hillsborough Democratic Club will meet on Tuesday, February 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Brandon Crossroads Bowl, located at 609 Crater Ln. in Tampa. You can also join via Zoom. Please go the club calendar to register on Mobilize and check for updates. Additional information can be found on its website at www. easthillsboroughdems.org or by calling 813-677-8300.

Valentine’s Day Flower Arrangement Workshop

Create and take home a beautiful Valentine’s Daythemed bouquet at the Valentine Flower Arrangement Workshop. Local flower expert Jo will show you how to create a stunning floral arrangement, and you don’t need to bring a thing, as all flowers, greenery,

containers and tools will be provided. The workshop will be held by Kerby’s Nursery, located at 2311 S. Parsons Ave. in Sefner, on Saturday, February 11 at 10 a.m. To register for the class, search for ‘Valentine Flower Arrangement Workshop’ at www.eventbrite. com.

Blessing Of Te Animals

The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center, invites the community to bring their pets to its campus for a special blessing for health and happiness in 2023. The event will take place in the fenced area behind the main sanctuary building on Saturday, February 11 from 10 a.m.-12 Noon. All pets are welcome, and safety measures will be in place. Also, a light complimentary lunch will be provided, each pet will receive a goody bag and their owners will receive a complimentary commemorative photo. For more information about this and other events at the church, visit www.sccumc.com.

Tampa’s First Lacrosse Club Team Looking For Players

Registration is now open for Tampa’s first-ever lacrosse club team that will run during the regular FHSAA high school season. It is open to all boys in grades nine through 12 who want to try or play lacrosse but don’t have a team at school. No experience is necessary; expert coaches and veteran players will show you how to play. The team is organized through a 501(c)(3) club that believes everyone should have a chance to play regardless of their school choice. For more information, https://project813lax.com or email project813lax@gmail.com.

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

(never known to fail)

O Most beautiful fowers of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succeed me in my necessity (make request). Tere are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times). Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (three times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you. T.O.C.M.B.

FLORIDA HAS BEEN BITTEN BY THE COOKIE CRAZE

shop for cookies. At Crumbl, the cookie flavors rotate each week. While it always has sugar and chocolate chip cookies, the other four flavors are constantly chang ing, meaning you will have a new experi ence each time you visit. Crumbl has two local locations in Riverview and Brandon,

butter beer; and oat cookie butter. Twisted Sugar is open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; and closed on Sunday.

With the cookie craze in full force, each new cookie fad has become readily available.

Whatever style of cookie you love, and even some you never knew existed, you will find at one of these amazing bakeries — with more to come, no doubt.

Care partners of those with any type of memory loss, whether family, friends or professionals, need to be equipped with the knowledge to best support their loved one.

HITECH

AUTOMOTIVE

BECOMES TESLA CERTIFIED TO ADD TO ITS FULL-SERVICE SHOP

HiTech Automotive is a veteran-owned auto repair service that has served the Brandon area since 2004 by ofering their best services available at afordable prices. Now, in addition to a range of services, HiTech Automotive is certified to work on most Tesla models after taking part in an EV Training.

With the new certification, the locally owned business is now able to diagnose, service and repair Tesla models at a reasonable rate to provide better customer service.

“This gives the community another option to have a local and family-owned shop provide the services that are needed without the headache of the dealership and their hefty cost for servicing with these types of vehicles,” explained Denise Olson.

Retired Chief Petty Ofcer of the U.S. Navy Tom Gauvreau and U.S. Navy veteran Gary Olson own the Brandon company. Gauvreau served as an electronics technician for 20 years and served in a management position for 15 of those. Gary served for six years and worked as a structural and hydraulic aircraft mechanic, adding to his experience and knowledge working with automotives.

“We have ‘A Dedication to Excellence.’

By Lily Belcher

The philosophy of HiTech Automotive is to treat every customer like family. HiTech Automotive provides the highest-quality vehicle repair services in our community, through quality workmanship, exceptional customer service and keeping our prices afordable,” said Denise about the mission of the company to best serve its customers.

HiTech Automotive’s 13 employees provide brake, electrical, electronic, undercar, alignment, tire and engine services. They also ofer domestic and import/foreign repair services.

“We love being a part of such a wonderful community and being here year after year to service them. We truly value the support of our customers and fellow local business owners,” said Denise. “Being able to support many local schools and charities is the icing on the cake for us.”

HiTech Automotive is located at 119 S. Montclair Ave. in Brandon between U.S. Highway 60 and Lithia Pinecrest Road. For more information on HiTech Automotive or to make an appointment, visit www.hitechautomotiveofbrandon.com or contact the auto repair service through Facebook Messenger or call 813-684-1556.

Mark your calendars because it is time once again for the Florida State Fair. Held at the Florida State Fairgrounds from Thursday, February 9 to Monday, February 20, the fair ofers food, fun, entertainment and even education for the whole family.

The Florida State Fair, first held in Tampa in 1904, has become one of the largest events in the state, attracting more than 500,000 people during its annual run.

The fair boasts the largest midway in the USA, a robust agricultural program, interactive animal exhibits and new attractions each year.

As the first state fair of the year, the Florida State Fair is the first to debut fun, new foods along with all of the returning fair-food favorites visitors have come to know and love.

According to the fair’s website, a few of this year’s new and unique food items include apple fries, which are Granny Smith apples battered and deep-fried, coated in cinnamon sugar and light, crispy and delicious; the mangonada, a trendy treat with real mango blended into a slushy topped with chamoy (a sweet, tangy syrup), tajin (lime-tangy salt) and a tamarind stick (sweet, chewy, spicy candy); the fried key lime pie, consisting of bite-size pieces of

mini doughnuts coated in buttercream frosting, layered with key lime pie filling and fresh whip cream, topped with white chocolate, graham cracker crumble and a fresh lime slice. And with a nod to Tampa and its ties to the roots of the Cuban sandwich, the Tampa Cuban funnel cake sandwich will be a sure-fire hit with Spanish pork, smoked ham, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, dill pickles and mustard nestled between two traditional 4-inch funnel cakes then heat-pressed and topped with a doughnut glaze.

With the largest midway in the USA, there are rides for all ages of fun-seekers, from thrill rides to kiddie rides and everything in between. Along with the rides, there are can’t-miss shows, live music, agriculture programs and more to provide endless entertainment, all included with admission.

It’s afordable family fun at its best. Armbands for unlimited rides and other advance ticket deals are available online. For more information about the Florida State Fair, please visit www.floridastatefair.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram.

The Florida State Fairgrounds are located at 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Tampa.

HiTech Automotive recently became certifed to work on most Tesla models.

Come try the new wafe Cuban sandwhich. Te Florida State Fair opens on Tursday, February 9.

Among my new listings for 2023 is this lovely townhome in Riverview s Avelar Creek! Enjoy low-maintenance living & gated security in a quality community featuring clubhouse, playground, & 2 neighborhood pools close to countless conveniences. This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2-story home includes a 1-car garage in addition to more than a dozen guest parking spots directly across the street or just around the corner. A screened back lanai helps the home live larger than 1,700 SF, while attractive amenities range from stone facades & other exterior accents to interior upgrades such as tile, wood, granite and stainless-steel. All bedrooms & both full baths are up- stairs. Offered for sale at $310,000.

In Riverview’s Villa Serena community, here s another way to get that valuable low-maintenance lifestyle! It’s actually a 1st-floor condominium with 2 bedrooms plus an office, 2 full bathrooms, a 1-car garage & a private back yard. It’s also an end unit for additional privacy, & of course there s gated security. Inside more than 1,530 SF you ll find updates to the kitchen & baths. All roofs in this neighborhood are being replaced next month for peace of mind. Perhaps best of all, it’s hard to beat the convenience of this location so close to shopping, restaurants, schools, recreation options & easy routes to Tampa, Orlando, Gulf beaches, etc. Like the townhome at left, it s offered for sale at $310,000.

Over $20 million in sales in 2022

RE/MAX

Hall of Fame, Top 1% among all agents across Tampa Bay

Certified Luxury Home Specialist Newsome High, Riverview High parent

“I live here. I love it here. And I sell here like no one else!”

tenants with allergies. Rent is $2,295 a month with washer, dryer & lawn care included!

A 3-car garage, more than 3,000 SF & nearly 1/3 acre with yard care provided are the keys to this beautiful rental in Belmont! The master suite is upstairs with 3 other bedrooms & 2nd twin-sink bath, while the 5th bedroom & 3rd full bath are downstairs for flexible use. Ready this month at $2,995.

In FishHawk West, this fully furnished former model can be rented for a shorter term than most! It s like your own vacation villa in a gated enclave, from its crown molding & customized finishes to its decorator furniture & all appliances. Available in March. Please contact me for pricing & terms.

Dr. Darcy Bryan Joins Women’s Care In Lithia

Dr. Darcy Bryan, MD, PPA is a physician at Women’s Care in Lithia and a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Bryan completed an OB-GYN residency at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California and a medical doctorate from the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. As part of a Galloway Fellowship, Dr. Bryan completed a gynecologic oncology rotation at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and holds certifications in total laparoscopic hysterectomy and pelvic floor prolapse reconstruction. She is a f liated with both St. Joseph’s Hospital-South and Brandon Regional Hospital. Her o f ce is located at 16301 FishHawk Blvd., Ste. 102. Please call 813530-4181 for appointment information or visit www.womenscareobgyn.com.

Local Couple Opens

Code Wiz Learning Center In FishHawk

Coding for kids has gained popularity rapidly in recent years as technology becomes increasingly part of everyday life. Children who learn to code when they’re young can set themselves up for a lifetime of success. Local

residents Reggie and April Moore’s son has a great passion for gaming and designing on computers. His parents saw the opportunity to leverage that interest into learning the valuable skill of coding. Unable to identify any local resources, the two decided to research new businesses that would enable them to bring coding classes to their community.

The Moores later came across Code Wiz, and with April’s background in education and Reggie’s technology expertise, the two found the ideal opportunity. Unlike other coding programs, Code Wiz utilizes a Montessori-style approach and classes are project-based, allowing students to explore at their own pace while building confidence and interest.

Code Wiz FishHawk is located at 16132 Churchview Dr., Ste. 105 in Lithia. For more information, visit its website at https://thecodewiz.com/fishhawk-fl.

Traditional Chinese Martial Art Training In Sefner

The Moy Yat Tsun Kung Fu Institute in Seffner, owned by Sifu Ariel Lugo, o f ers training in the traditional Chinese martial art of Ving Tsun, or ‘Wing Chun,’ as it is more commonly known. This martial-art system was developed over a thousand years in the Shaolin temples of southern China and was streamlined 400 years ago so that only the most e f cient and e f ective techniques are considered. “We work on various forms and exercises that help you develop your speed, timing, balance and mental focus,” said Lugo. More information about the classes o f ered can be found on its website at

www.mykungfutampa.com or by calling 813-603-7486.

Florida NP Healthcare Clinic

Florida NP Healthcare Clinic is owned by Alicia Grigsby and o f ers a wide range of services including school physicals, B12 injections, annual wellness visits, sick visits, well-woman exams, sports and camp physicals, etc. The o f ce is located at 11317 Elk Mountain Dr. in Riverview.

COMING SOON MARCH 2-12

Please call 813-8980226 or visit its website at http://provider.kareo. com/alicia-grigsby to make an appointment.

Latitudes Tours Ofers

Small-group Bus Tours

Latitudes Tours is now o f ering private smallgroup bus tours. Don’t wait for public transportation, a hired car and forget carpooling. Take a small-group bus tour on Latitudes Tours’ air-conditioned bus to whatever destination you choose. Fifteen passengers can sit comfortably in the round so that they can enjoy each other’s company, and there is ample storage for bags, beach gear, shopping and more. Need an airport shuttle? It can pick up or drop o f 15 people with luggage to Tampa International, Sarasota Bradenton International and St. Pete-Clearwater International airports. For more information and pricing, visit its website at https://latitudestours.com/, email info@ latitudestours.com or call 813-641-1311.

Bryan Hindman Electric Celebrates

Nine Years Serving Te Community Bryan Hindman Electric is celebrating nine years serving the community. “I can’t believe we started out of our living room, boy have we grown,” said owner Bryan Hindman. The business provides exceptional work by licensed, experienced and

Dr. Darcy Bryan, MD, PPA is a physician at Women’s Care in Lithia and a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Alicia Grigsby, owner of Florida NP Healthcare Clinic, practices Family Medicine.

devoted electricians in the Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Riverview, Brandon, FishHawk and wider Tampa Bay areas. Whether it’s replacing a panel for insurance purposes or adding recessed lights, it can service your every need.

Contact Bryan Hindman Electric by calling 813-672-4084 or visiting its website at www.bryanhindmanelectric.com.

PetSuites Now

Open In Valrico

PetSuites is a premiere boarding, day care, grooming and training facility that recently opened at 2120 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, behind the Chick-fil-A.

Owned by National Veterinary Associates, it is committed to providing personalized services for you and your furry family member. Stop in and tour the facility, it would love to meet you. PetSuites is open from 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information, visit https://bloomingdale.petsuitesofamerica.com/ or call 813-822-0627.

Blue Compass RV Kicks Of Nationwide Rebrand

Redesign With Blue Compass

RV Tampa

Blue Compass RV, one of the nation’s largest providers of sales, service and protection products to the recreational vehicle market, celebrated its recent rebrand with a ribbon-cutting and beginning a series of store transitions throughout 2023, kicking o f with rebrand of Blue Compass RV Tampa (previously RV One Superstores Tampa). Each store will receive both an interior and exterior upgrade to boast the new name and logo of Blue Compass RV. Customers will be treated to an elevated store experience that directly reflects the Blue Compass RV brand. To learn more about Blue Compass RV, please visit www.bluecompassrv.com.

Fields Insurance Is

Here To Protect You

Michael Fields is the owner of Fields Insurance, a full-service independent insurance agency specializing in auto, property, business, farm and life

By Jenny Bennett

insurance. Fields Insurance seeks to provide simple, a f ordable and comprehensive insurance coverage to those who seek its insurance products. It is located at 108 Central Dr. in Brandon and can be contacted by calling 813-651-0094. For more information, visit its website at www.fieldsinsuranceagency.com.

Citizens Bank & Trust Recognized As Fastest-growing Community Bank In Tampa Bay

Citizens Bank & Trust was recognized in a recent Tampa Bay Business Journal article as the fastest-growing community bank in Tampa Bay for 2022. According to the article, Citizens Bank & Trust is the region’s fourth-largest community bank and has more than tripled in size over the last decade. “We are extremely honored for our growth to be recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal,” said Greg Littleton, president and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust. “As a community bank starting our 103rd year, we are thankful to our board of directors and team members who provide local decision making and outstanding customer service, and who have also played a pivotal role in the overall growth of the bank.” Citizens Bank & Trust currently operates 13 o f ces in Polk County with additional locations in Dade City, Valrico and Plant City.

Impact Galentine’s Tea And Fashion Show

Impact will be hosting a Galentine’s Tea on Saturday, February 25 from 10 a.m.12 Noon at New Hope United Methodist Church, located at 213 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon. A fashion show by Lena Maxey Marketplace will be included, and there will be a variety of ra f es and silent-auction items to win. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on Impact’s website at www.whatisimpact.com/events. For more information, email Angie Kagey at akagey@ whatisimpact. com or call 813-264-9368. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

CLEARWATER MARINE

AQUARIUM

CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH TWO WEEK LONG JUBILEE

\ Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is no stranger to changing tides in the Tampa Bay community and beyond. From inspiring the number one box-ofce hit Dolphin Tale starring Winter, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin rescue and later CMA resident, to achieving feats such as releasing over 850 animals since 2010, CMA remains committed to making a diference in the lives of both its rescues and aquarium visitors.

“That’s part of our mission: inspiring the human spirit,” said Kelsy Long, CMA’s director of media relations. “When people walk through the door, we want them to feel inspired by our animal stories and everything that they’ve been through, and the challenges that they’ve faced.”

From December 26, 2022, to January 7, CMA celebrated its 50th anniversary by extending regular hours to encompass a range of jubilee-themed events. Between 3-7 p.m. daily, visitors were invited to take part in activities such as the Spheres Bubble Show with Blaise Ryndes, who was featured on America’s Got Talent, as well as a Jubilee Boat Ride. Honoring CMA’s influence abroad, presented cuisine took on a Caribbean theme with menu items including dishes from places like Cuba and Belize.

Pairing rescue and rehabilitation programs with eforts to expand research and conservation methods, CMA’s mission to protect the future of marine life began in 1972 with the name Clearwater Marine Science Center

By Madeline Gardner

(CMSC). In 1978, the CMSC moved its operations to a formerly abandoned water treatment facility on Island Estates donated to it by the city of Clearwater, and by 1981 the aquarium’s initial renovations had been completed and the first exhibit was presented to the public. However, it wasn’t until 1995 that the CMSC’s name was changed to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

CMA currently ofers a host of experiences to visitors, including opportunities to build a salad for sea turtles, feed stingrays and secure photo opportunities with animals. Exhibits feature North American River Otters, a nurse shark and Great White Pelicans among others, as well as moments to learn more about aquaponics and CMA’s surgical suite.

Looking further ahead into 2023, CMA will continue to plan new events and exhibits to engage the community such as “Dino Rescue”, which features life-size animatronic dinosaurs throughout the aquarium. Remaining open until April 15, this storyline features dinosaurs who are recovering from perils similar to those CMA marine animal rescues had faced before their own treatment at the facility.

For more information on the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, its mission, and admission, please visit https://www.cmaquarium.org/ or call 727-441-1790.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and is located at 249 Windward Psge. in Clearwater.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium ofers guests an opportunity to tour numerous exhibits and book VIP animal experiences.

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR FLORIDA STRAWBERRIES

By Kathy L. Collins

cakes and milkshakes. You can get a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year.

Goodson Farms is located at 12405 County Rd. 672 in Wimauma. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Strawberries are grown and harvested on-site. It, too, offers a variety of treats such as strawberry shortcakes only during strawberry season.

Eastern Hillsborough County is the epicenter of Strawberry Season. Now through the middle to end of March is the time to get and enjoy the ripest and sweetest strawberries grown right here in our own backyard.

Several local producers and farmers offer roadside stands that are the perfect spots to pick up some of those delicious berries. Strawberry season runs from late December to mid-March and culminates with the annual Strawberry Festival in Plant City.

Now is the time to get fresh, ripe, delicious and locally grown strawberries. Te farms are abundant in the area as are the produce markets where you can get the strawberries now through mid-March.

Crossroads Produce is located at 10463 County Rd. 39 in Lithia. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Crossroads Produce is open yearround and offers fruits, vegetables, pickled items and boiled peanuts along with flowers and plants.

The Berry Barn , located at 3931 SR 60 in Dover, is an operating strawberry farm and the place to get fresh strawberries along with other fruits, vegetables and raw honey. The Berry Barn has a kitchen that offers up strawberry milkshakes, strawberry shortcakes and more. It is open daily from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and only accepts cash. The Berry Barn is open from January through March.

Parkesdale Market is located at 3702 W. Baker St. in Plant City. It is open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. during strawberry season. Strawberries are grown on its farm. In addition, it offers its world-famous strawberry short -

The Market at St. Martin’s Farm is located at 4802 James Redman Blvd. in Plant City. The strawberries are grown on its fields. It is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. The Market at St. Martin’s Farm is open throughout the year and offers a delightful assortment of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Lott’s First Choice Family Farms is located at 804 SR 60 W. in Plant City. It was established in 1949 and are open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Wolfe’s Produce Market is located at 6005 U.S. Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview. It is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. Wolfe’s is open year-round and offers a delightful selection of fruits and vegetables in addition to the seasonal strawberries.

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck. In this case, we are talking about the hooded merganser, a water duck that is part of the scientific family Anatidae, which are closely related to geese and swans. Uniquely characterized by their eye-catching features, it is almost impossible to miss this small, migratory bird swimming in our ponds a couple of times a year.

The male hooded merganser is striking with his jet-black face and piercing, golden eyes topped of with his glorious white crest, or hood, sitting proudly atop his head. Females also share this distinct hood-like crest, though they lack the vibrant coloring of the males in favor of a more muted rusty/cinnamon coloring.

These ducks are the second smallest of the merganser family and are migratory visitors to the state of Florida. In fact, the hooded mergansers rarely, if ever, breed within state lines. Hooded mergansers arrive in Florida in the fall, usually around late September, where they strategically spend their winters inhabiting our lakes and ponds until they leave again at the end of spring. Most of their time here is spent in small groups often observed gliding across the much warmer Florida fresh waters. Around April, they fly back to their native states, which span across North America and beyond, as they are highly adaptable and successfully distrib-

uted birds. Hooded Mergansers have a simple diet that consists primarily of freshwater fish. They also eat crayfish and insects. The hooded mergansers hunt by diving under the surface of the water to catch their meals, relying mostly on their keen eyesight. Interestingly, these ducks have an added advantage that aids in this endeavor called a nictitating membrane (or transparent eyelid), which acts as a shield for their eyes underwater, similar to goggles. It is also helpful that they are fitted with thin but sharp, serrated bills which help them hold onto their prey.

The word ‘merganser’ is Greek-derived and literally translates to ‘diving goose,’ though they are actually ducks. Hooded mergansers are cavity-dwelling ducks and often make nests in empty trees or logs. When they are not found swimming, they are often resting in their cavity dwellings.

These interesting freshwater ducks are a sight to behold. Be sure to look for them during our winter months and see why they are one of my favorite species to spot in our ever-wild Florida.

LITTLE GEMS OF RIVERVIEW: ALAFIA SCRUB PRESERVE PARK

During my time, as Miss Riverview USA, I’d like to feature the things I love most about my community.

Riverview and its surrounding areas are constantly growing, and we often forget about the small businesses, nonprofits and little hidden treasures.

One of my favorite places to take my energetic pups is the Alafia Scrub Preserve Park. Located at 10243 Elbow Bend Rd. in Riverview, it is quiet, a flat trail and the perfect place to get out, enjoy nature and take the dogs. The preserve is 80 acres and includes walking trails, a scenic overlook of the Alafia River and so much wildlife to see. There is also a 0.8-mile loop and a 1.3mile loop. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed on leash and there is a table for enjoying a picnic if you’d like. Make sure to bring water, wear sunscreen, wear closed-toed shoes and stay on marked trails. Maps can also be printed or viewed online to follow along the trail. Because the trail is flat, it makes for an easier hike and good for all ages.

According to the county website, Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve was purchased by Hillsborough County through the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program

Is Your Child Speaking Clearly?

By Sara Battaglia

(ELAPP) in 1998.

ELAPP is a voluntary program established for the purpose of providing the process and funding for identifying, acquiring, preserving and protecting endangered, environmentally sensitive and significant lands in Hillsborough County. It is a citizen-based program with volunteer committees involved in every key aspect of the program. In addition to Alafia Scrub Preserve Park, Hillsborough County has many scrub and nature preserves, a total of 63,000 acres, through the ELAPP program. These preserves improve air quality, provide flood protection and naturally filter water. They also provide hiking trails, horseback and biking trails, canoeing/kayaking, bird watching, fishing, playgrounds and more.

Most of the parks have a $2 parking fee. Trails vary in size and difficulty. A full map of the 28 preserves can be found at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/ en/residents/recreation-and-culture/ parks. With the weather cooling down, now is a great time to get outside and enjoy nature. For more information on the Alafia Scrub Preserve Park or a preserve map, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locations/alafia-scrub-nature-preserve.

What cold few days in January to start the new year of. These cold fronts have really chilled the water down in the Tampa Bay, and the target fish showed how cold it was by shutting down, being very difcult to catch. A good thing about the water temperature drop is that the sheepshead are filling the coolers this year.

Sheepshead are found almost everywhere in the bay and residential canals right now. Shrimp and crabs give you a great bite for the convict fish. A 1/0 or #1 circle hook with just enough weight to keep the bait on the bottom is the favored approach.

Captain Gavin O’Neil has really been putting the smackdown on some good numbers of quality sheepshead this January for his clients. O’Neil is a local guide with many years of experience, as he has grown up in this area. He runs a great charter for his clients and really shows them an amazing time. He has been locating many of his fish around dock pilings and rocky drop-ofs in the shipping channels, fishing with shrimp and #1 hooks.

BY MICHAEL MURPHY

GET THE DIRT: BUY WHAT SURVIVED … AND OTHER ALTERNATIVES

BY LYNN BARBER, FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING™ AGENT

Check out O’Neil and book a trip for Apollo Beach Fishing Charters. Call 813-4180225 or email at gavinoneil@gmail.com.

Trout bite has been a little hit and miss, but key in on any remaining grass beds and drop-ofs in residential canals. Shrimp will be the go-to bait in the winter times. Medium to large shrimp rigged with either a bobber or freelined in these areas may reward you with some tasty trout for dinner.

Many anglers are finding hogfish in nearshore ledges out of Egmont. Small weights to get down and small to medium shrimp are the best approaches to getting the bite. Some of these fish are getting quite large, so be prepared for a wonderful fight followed by an excellent dinner. Hogfish are quite the delicacy and, once located, are a great target in nearshore ledges in 40 to 60 feet of water this time of year.

Gag grouper are closed at this time, but the red grouper is open and located in very similar locations as the hogfish. Hand-sized pinfish are the best choice for grouper and a little stouter fishing pole.

How many of your favorite plants were damaged by frost or freeze this winter?

What were those plants? Were they tropical plants established in the ground and not suited for our zone, which is 9b? They could have been plants suited for our zone but were not the right plant in the right place.

Microclimates exist in our landscapes, so one plant may survive in a certain place and in another location the same type of plant may not.

I’ve witnessed and been told about the demise of several tropical plants in Hillsborough County that are suited for more temperate zones than ours. Some include Poinciana, Mussaenda, Christmas palm and Jacaranda. My firebushes look horrible, but once pruned after the last chance of frost/freeze, they will come back quickly.

What can you do to increase the number of surviving plants? Here are a few tips:

1. Buy and plant what survived. In my landscape and ours at the Extension office, some survivors include Bulbine, Liriope, ground orchid, coontie and St. Bernard’s lily. This, however, depends on the location.

2. Repeat your successes.

3. Do not repeat your failures … unless you have a lot of time and money and little to do with either.

4. If you must have tropicals suited for warmer zones, plant them in a pot placed on a plant coaster with wheels so you

can move them inside easily. You can also grow tropicals on your lanai or front porch in pots and move them closer to the house in colder weather. Planting tropicals under mature trees can protect them from frost damage.

5. Can’t live without orchids? Buy a hanging clothes rack or garden cart with wheels. Load the plants on the rack or into the cart, then wheel them inside your garage, which can easily be 10-15 degrees warmer than the outside temperature.

6. Divide and share surviving plants with your friends and ask them to share theirs with you.

7. Order your own personal and free copy of The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design from the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s website. This is a great resource you will use time and time again to select appropriate plants for our zone. In this guide, we are in the central region of the state.

We hope you will stop by our teaching/ demonstration gardens at the Extension ofce to view our plant selections. You may want to wait another month or so first. Check out our calendar of events at http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar. shtml.

For horticultural assistance, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519 or visit us at 5339 County Rd. 579 in Sefner. Contact Lynn Barber at labarber@ufl.edu.

Captain Gavin O’Neil and his clients with sheepshead.

HEWETT EARNS EAGLE SCOUT RANK WITH PICNIC TABLE PROJECT

Hannah Hewett, a 15-year-old student at Riverview High School, has participated in Boy Scout troops led by her parents from the time she was in first grade. She was actively involved in Scouts with her brothers but was not ofcially awarded any rank because Boy Scouts of America was closed to girls at that time.

On February 1, 2019, the Boy Scouts of America, now known as Scouts BSA, opened its Scouting program to girls of all ages and Hannah was one of the first girls across the nation to ofcially join Cub Scouts. Hannah achieved the rank of Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts and crossed over to the first all-girl Troop 483. Three years later, Hannah achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and celebrated this honor on January 7 at her Eagle Scout Court of Honor held at Redeemer Church.

Hannah is the second girl in her troop to become an Eagle Scout, the highest achievement attainable in the Scouts BSA program. She is preceded by her older sister, Alexis Hewett. Only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank since the program’s inception in 1911.

Hannah’s project was to acquire materials for a dozen picnic tables and lead two teams to build the tables for her church for outdoor events and meetings the Redeemer Church holds on campus. “Hannah’s Eagle project was a request from her church. The church is so appreciative of the picnic tables that were built on their campus for special

Staf Report

events and recognize the hard work, leadership and project management skills that go into Eagle projects like Hannah’s for their benefit and enjoyment,” said her mother, Julie Hewett.

The troop’s local 501(c)(3) charter organization, the Family and Youth Research and Education (FYRE) Foundation, fortifies families by providing training, resources and education through programs like Scouts BSA. More information can be found at www.fyrefoundation.org.

In addition to her culminating project, Hannah has completed numerous campouts, hikes and skills and leadership training, including completing her basic scuba certification. She graduated from the National Youth Leadership Training course, a demanding and exciting program designed to provide youth members with experience and leadership skills.

Besides Scouting, Hannah’s ambition is reflected at her school and in her community as well. She is an A/B honor roll student; a member of the Riverview High School choir, including the Victorian Christmas Choir and Sugar and Spice female barbershop quartet; and an active leader in her church youth group and member of her church choir. Hannah is also certified in American Red Cross CPR, first aid and AED. Plus, Hannah loves singing, musical theater and mathematics. Hannah desires to attend college at Texas A&M University and plans to study mathematics and continue singing.

THE U.S. ARMY FIELD BAND’S CONCERT BAND AND SOLDIERS’ CHORUS RETURN TO RP FUNDING CENTER

The U.S. Army Field Band, also known as “The Musical Ambassadors of the Army,” is returning to the RP Funding Center on Monday, March 6 at 7 p.m. for a free concert celebrating heroes who have served our nation.

The Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus are the oldest and largest of The U.S. Army Field Band’s performing components. Founded in 1946 and 1957 respectively, these two ensembles combine to present joint concerts on their national tours. They have performed in all 50 states and 30 foreign countries for audiences totaling hundreds of millions.

The 60-member Concert Band and 29-member Soldiers’ Chorus perform regularly in some of the most famous concert halls in the world, and just as often in the humblest auditoriums in the smallest of communities. The joining of these two ensembles allows them to ofer unparalleled versatility of programming, ranging from orchestral masterworks and operatic arias to Sousa marches, jazz classics and Broadway musicals. The band and chorus also perform independently and have recently

shared the stage with such ensembles as the Boston Pops, the Cincinnati Pops, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets for this event are free. To get your tickets, please visit www.rpfundingcenter. com, click on the event and download the flyer. Fill out the flyer, choose your number of tickets (limit four per person) and mail with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: RP Funding Center Box Ofce, ATTN: United States Army Field Band, 701 West Lime Street, Lakeland, FL 33815. Orders will be processed by first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. Envelope must be postmarked by Friday, February 3. The remainder of the tickets will be given away at the Box Ofce on Monday, February 13.

The RP Funding Center is conveniently located minutes between Orlando and Tampa in Lakeland of Interstate 4 on Lime Street; the RP Funding Center is a short drive from anywhere in Central Florida. Regular box ofce hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For ticket information, call the Box Ofce at 863-834-8111 or visit its website at www.rpfundingcenter.com.

Hannah Hewett giving a brief rundown to the crew helping her with her Eagle Scout project.

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA BRINGS SOUNDWAVES CHAMBER CONCERTS TO CLEARWATER CHURCH

The Florida Orchestra (TFO) is expanding it Soundwaves chamber series to the Church of the Ascension in Clearwater starting this month. The series is a unique opportunity to experience TFO’s world-class musicians playing chamber music in an intimate setting.

TFO will perform three chamber concerts at the Church of the Ascension, located in downtown Clearwater at 701 Orange Ave. in the historic Harbor Oaks neighborhood. Built in 1925, the church is a grand historic landmark, with distinctive architecture and stained-glass windows that ofer a stunning setting for chamber music. In addition, three previously announced performances are scheduled at the charming Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg. The series is made possible by generous donors who prefer to remain anonymous.

Tickets are $25, all fees included, with general admission seating. They are available now at https://floridaorchestra.org/ or by phone at 727-892-3337.

The chamber series concert schedule is: Pictures at an Exhibition Revisited

Chelsea Gallo, conductor

Listen to a beloved classic in a whole new way with this colorful version of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, arranged for chamber orchestra by Australian-Chinese composer Julian Yu. Beethoven’s lighthearted septet for Winds and Strings in E-flat major was his most popular work during his lifetime.

LOCAL PASTOR AND SON WRITE ABOUT ‘WHAT IF’

Staf Report A local pastor and speaker has written another book, this time alongside his oldest son, to teach about living to your potential.

It will be on Friday, February 10, 8 p.m., at the Church of the Ascension and Saturday, February 11, 8 p.m., at the Palladium Theater.

Te Sorcerer’s Apprentice & More

Chelsea Gallo, conductor

Program includes Dukas’ magical The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Saint Saëns’ Danse Macabre, Stravinsky’s Dumbarton Oaks and more. Note: This program is presented without intermission.

It will be on Thursday, March 9, 8 p.m. at the Church of the Ascension and Sunday, March 12, 2 p.m., at the Palladium Theater — a matinee.

Michael Francis conducts Bruckner’s Seventh Fall in love with Anton Bruckner in this intimate chamber version, conducted by music director Michael Francis. Influences of Beethoven and Wagner shine through his most popular symphony.

It will be on Friday, April 21, 8 p.m., at the Church of the Ascension and Saturday, April 22, 8 p.m., at the Palladium Theater.

TFO will perform more than 100 concerts this season in venues throughout Tampa Bay, including a wide range of classical, popular, film, rock and family-friendly music. The orchestra’s 55th Celebration concert featuring legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman will be Saturday, March 11 at the Mahafey Theater. Tickets for all concerts are on sale now at https://floridaorchestra.org/.

Dr. J. Shannon Eads and his son, Tyler Eads, urge readers to consider the ‘what if’ in seven diferent ways throughout their new book, The Breakthrough Power of What If: Choose to Live Your Potential. The book is available now and can be purchased on Amazon.

The Breakthrough Power of What If is about understanding that God has uniquely placed opportunities in your life for you to walk through. Tyler said that as a believer, it is your responsibility to acknowledge the opportunities presented to you and be faithful in serving them.

After Tyler talked with his dad, they agreed that many people they have met are living with regrets. This inspired them to help people learn how to keep from passing up on their ‘what if’ moments. The fatherand-son duo want to ensure that readers are maximizing on these moments.

“To be able to write this book with my dad is an incredible blessing because it shows diferent perspectives on life,” said Tyler,

By Makenzie Atkins

author and speaker.

“These diferent perspectives can be both similar and diferent, but they are both valid in the way that they view all events of life.”

Tyler is a graduate from Durant High School and now attends Florida State University, where he majors in sports management. Tyler has always strived to make a diference in others’ lives and is excited to be able to reach people in a new way.

“I wanted to write, because I want to inspire people of all ages to never view the youth as unable to make a difference for God,” said Tyler.

Dr. Shannon has been a pillar in the community for many years, serving as the lead pastor at Browning Road Baptist Church for over six years. Two years ago, after being unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Shannon asked God to help him find what was next for him. After praying more, he knew God wanted him to write, not only for a larger audience, but for his family as well. The Breakthrough Power of What If: Choose to Live Your Potential will be his second book available on Amazon.

For more information, visit https://www. ministryformen.com/.

Dr. J. Shannon Eads and his son, Tyler Eads, have teamed up to help people maximize the ‘what if’ opportunities that come their way.

THE 2023 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: WE HAVE A WINNER

The Florida Strawberry Festival represents a piece of Americana, a time in American history when fairs and festivals brought communities together through celebrations of their harvests. It has continued to grow in popularity year after year through the preservation of this heritage.

Central to its focus, the festival continues to preserve and enhance the agricultural and historical legacy of the Florida strawberries. “Both Kyle and I have grown up in Plant City and we both have a rich love for the festival, this community and the people who attend the festival,” said current Strawberry Festival director Paul Davis. He will be retiring at the end of the upcoming festival season, and Kyle Robinson will be taking his place.

This year’s theme is ‘We Have a Winner.’ “We always try and make our themes short and sweet,” Davis said. “We got all of our staf together and this is the theme we came up with because we are the number one fair in the state of Florida. Another reason for this theme is that we won the state competition for the state dessert. It was between key lime pie and strawberry shortcake. How many key limes are grown in Florida? None, so we

TAKE PART IN THE LARGEST NETWORKING EVENT IN TAMPA BAY AT ARMATURE WORKS

By Libby Hopkins

won.”

As the Florida Strawberry Festival continues to grow each year, it also wants to be accessible for all families. This year, it is debuting a new program called Special Smiles Day, which will be held on Friday, March 3 from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. “The Special Smiles Day has been generously sponsored by the Rotary Club of Plant City,” said Kyle Robinson. “This unique event is reserved for celebrating and serving our most treasured guests in a safe, fun and sensory considerate environment. All Special Smiles attendees and one companion will be admitted for free, and entry is at gate five. We want to keep this going forever!”

Both Robinson and Davis hope that this year’s festival will be wonderful for all who attend. “We pray before every meeting at the festival, and we pray for safety,” Davis said. “We pray for good weather, and we pray that everyone who comes to the festival has the best experience ever and they will join us year after year.”

If you would like to learn more about the 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival, visit its website at www.flstrawberryfestival.com. The Florida Strawberry Festival runs from Thursday, March 2 through Sunday, March 12.

The Tampa Bay business community is gearing up for the largest networking event of the year on Friday, February 17 at Armature Works, located at 1910 N. Ola Ave. in Tampa. The agenda will start at 9:15 a.m. with informal networking, followed by facilitated networking with breakout tables, a keynote speaker sharing how to achieve 30 times the levels of growth this year, and will end at 1 p.m. after a networking lunch.

The event, which is open to professionals from all industries, will feature networking opportunities with some of the area’s top business leaders and entrepreneurs. Attendees will have the chance to make valuable connections, exchange ideas and learn from an international business.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting this networking event at the Armature Works, one of Tampa’s most iconic venues,” said Juliet Kyes, managing partner of ActionCOACH Tampa Bay. “It’s the perfect setting for professionals to come together, connect and grow their networks.”

The event will feature keynote speaker Brad Sugars, a networking breakout session to generate referrals and a networking lunch. Attendees will be matched with each other based on common ground so they are able to create more connections

in three hours then they would in three months.

“Networking is one of the most important things you can do to grow your business or advance your career,” said Scott Bedell, partner coach at ActionCOACH Tampa Bay, “and this event is the perfect opportunity to make those valuable connections.”

The event is expected to attract hundreds of professionals and business leaders from across the Tampa Bay area, and tickets are selling fast. The event value is well worth its regular ticket price of $547; however, thanks to the many sponsors supporting this event, you can still get a ticket for $47 while they last.

To purchase tickets and learn more about the event, visit www.actioncoachtampabay.com/networking.

If you’ve seen Brad Sugars in person before, then you know this is a rare opportunity to see him for a low investment in our backyard. He charges thousands per hour for coaching because his insights and ability to get your thinking bigger is extremely valuable. He will be holding a Brad Unplugged session from 1-4 p.m. at Armature Works for a small group of 2530 people. If you’d like more information and to secure one of the few seats available, go to https://actioncoachtampabay. com/event/brad-sugars-unplugged/.

Te Florida Strawberry Festival represents a piece of Americana, a time in American history when fairs and festivals brought communities together through celebrations of their harvests.

Tampa’s largest networking event of the year is coming this month at Armature Works and will feature keynote speaker Brad Sugars, founder and CEO of ActionCOACH and a world-renowned speaker, author and entrepreneur.

FISHHAWK PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT TO HONOR LOCAL GIRL FIGHTING LEUKEMIA

On Saturday, February 11, FishHawk will host its first pickleball tournament at the Hawk Park Clubhouse. Ceci’s Pickleball Tournament will support 7-year-old Ceci, who is fighting leukemia. All proceeds from the tournament will go toward Ceci’s college fund, to support the bright future of this wonderful girl once she’s beaten this horrific illness.

This will be a doubles competition and will be split into two segments, a group for those 18 years old and under and a group for adults. In addition to the tournament, there will also be an auction beginning on Saturday, February 4, with the winners to be announced on February 11. To learn more, please follow ‘Ceci’s Pickleball Tournament’ on Facebook and Instagram.

The event is being hosted by Newsome High School’s Pickleball Club and Operation Lotus. Even in the very earliest stages of this event, it has been astounding to watch the community come together in support of Ceci.

DAVE DIETZ WINS BOTH VFW POST 6287 AND VFW DISTRICT 12 JROTC INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR

By Dave Marshall

Sponsorships are available as well, which include:

• Your name on a banner for $50.

• A logo on a shirt and recognition on social media for $100.

• A logo on a shirt and recognition on a banner as well as social media for $200.

Ceci loves animals and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. Please show your support for this wonderful young lady and her fight against leukemia, whether it is through participating in the tournament, donating or sponsoring — whatever it is you can do to show Ceci your support.

The Hawk Park Clubhouse is located at 5702 Hawkpark Blvd. in Lithia. Ceci’s Pickleball Tournament starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until 2 p.m.

To register and purchase tickets, donate or sponsor, please visit the tournament’s Eventbrite page by scanning the QR code placed here or by going to its webpage at www.eventbrite.com/e/cecis-pickleball-tournament-tickets-499117081627.

Local FishHawk resident and senior Army instructor at Lennard High School, LTC (R) Dave Dietz was recently celebrated on January 7 after receiving the awards for both VFW Post 6287 (Ruskin) JROTC Instructor of the Year and VFW District 12 (Hillsborough County) JROTC Instructor of the Year. Held at 12 Noon at the VFW Post 6287, LTC (R) Dietz expressed his honor at being able to accept such awards with both his daughter, Kaedynce, and son, Kameron, by his side.

“Outside being humbled for these awards, it’s also just as special to represent Lennard High School along with having my son and daughter share that moment with me,” said LTC (R) Dietz.

LTC (R) Dietz’s story begins with his 27-year-long service in the military where he began as a combat engineer. Transferring over to the intelligence community, he was then stationed at MacDill Air Force Base for six years before retiring from the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) on the counter-terrorism team in November 2020. Closely following his retirement, he began his instruction as a senior Army instructor at Sumner High School before transferring to Lennard High School, where he has been teaching for the past four months.

Among his numerous daily duties, running the Raiders Program for Junior Reserve Ofcers’ Training Corps (JROTC) students remains one of his chief commitments.

By Madeline Gardner

Meeting every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday before school starts, students involved complete physical tasks such as running 3 miles, cross-fit training and practicing basic Army fitness training. This is done in preparation for a Raider Competition, or ‘Raider,’ which is an athletic event held across Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties where LTC (R) Dietz’s cadets can compete against members from other schools.

“My Raiders get taught a lot of stuf about physical fitness, how to take care of your body and then how to compete at the next level,” said LTC (R) Dietz.

And while he has been involved with JROTC operations for only two years now, LTC (R) Dietz strives to leave a lasting impact on the kids involved in this program. JROTC is an organization entirely based around motivating young people to pursue pathways to becoming better citizens while remaining on track to graduate, granting them access to help and resources pertaining to higher education, as well as entry into the military. Citing it as one of the largest character development and citizenship programs in the world, LTC (R) Dietz makes it his mission to guide his 150 cadets on the right path.

“Once out of high school, life’s upon them, so we love to prepare them before they get out the door. That’s probably one of the bigger rewards,” said LTC (R) Dietz.

Pictured left to right are VFW Post 6287 commander Pat Bar; Kaedynce and Kameron, LTC (R) Dave Dietz’s daughter and son; LTC (R) Dave Dietz; and VFW District 12 commander Heather Frank.

THE CHILDREN’S BOARD OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY OFFERS SUMMER PASSPORT PROGRAM

The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County is once again funding an opportunity for county residents to participate in its Summer Passport Program. This program is designed for children ages 6-14. The program allows children to apply for one week of camp at no cost to the families. Eligible children must be members of the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers.

Tis year, children who are members of the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers can apply to attend summer camp at one of seven locations in Tampa, including the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Straz Center for Performing Arts.

Registration will be held on Saturday, March 4 and Monday, March 6 from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Parents can register by calling 813-829-2730. Please note that registration does not guarantee a spot in the camp; space is limited, and availability is dependent upon the camp location.

This year, children can select to attend camp at Tampa Theatre, the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, the Glazer Children’s Museum, the Tampa Museum of Art, the Tampa Bay Lightning, ZooTampa at Lowry Park and MOSI.

Transportation is not provided.

“The Children’s Board Family Resources Centers’ Summer Passport Program provides members with wonderful opportunities to prevent our children from regressing while out of school for the summer,” said Kelley Parris, executive director of the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. “The resource centers are

ForaLimitedTimeOnly, GiftCardsareAvailable!

By Kathy L. Collins

also a place to reinforce those informal supports that provide a connection to ‘community’ for children and families,” added Parris.

“The Summer Passport Programs are successful in providing high-quality summer opportunities for youth and their families in Hillsborough County. They make a significant impact in youths gaining knowledge and provides invaluable experiences that re sult in a fun and safe summer,” said Par ris.

The mission of the Children’s Board is to invest in quality programs and services to support the success of all children and families in Hillsborough County.

The Children’s Board invests in pro grams and resources to ensure children are healthy and safe, developmentally on track, have family support and are ready to learn prior to going to kindergarten.

There are seven Children’s Board Fam ily Resource Centers located throughout Hillsborough County.

They ofer programs and services emphasizing child development, self-sufciency and health and safety. The programs and services are at no cost to participants.

To learn more about the Summer Passport Program and the services ofered by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, visit www.childrensboard.org.

MR. HANDYMAN CAN HELP WITH ANY TASK, BIG OR SMALL

Looking for someone to install a door, fix your dry wall or even totally remodel your kitchen? A new local business is ready to help.

Mr. Handyman, a new business located at 4329 Lynx Paw Trl. in the River Hills Plaza in Valrico, is excited to help in the community with any project — no matter the size

Not only can Mr. Handyman help with small projects like furniture assembly or ceiling fan installation, but because the company also has licensed general contractors, it can assist with full remodels as well. Mr. Handyman does not stop with personal projects around the house, as it is also available to help in commercial spaces too, from strip malls to ofce spaces to hotels.

The owners of the local Mr. Handyman are a husband-and-wife duo who love to support the community. Al and Marisa Lembo opened Mr. Handyman in August of 2022, ready to service anywhere from Brandon, Valrico and Plant City to as far

By Makenzie Atkins

south as Northern Bradenton. Marisa and Al opened Mr. Handyman because they noticed that the community was in need of a reliable company to help get work done.

The Lembos wanted to provide the community with a licensed, bonded and insured company that cares about the people and the homes they work in.

“We love to see our customers’ faces when they look at our work and realize that the problem that they’ve been nagging them is now corrected and they are happier than ever with their home,” said Marisa. “We truly love serving this community and bringing joy to our customers.”

With a background in construction and handyman services, Al has put together an experienced team to help you complete any project on your to-do list. Not only is the team experienced, but they are also excited to get out and serve the community.

To learn more or request service, visit www.mrhandyman.com/brandon-valrico-plant-city to submit a service request form.

NEW GIFT CARD INCENTIVE AIMS TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO QUIT SMOKING

A new campaign by Tobacco Free Florida is o f ering a gift card incentive for eligible participants to encourage people to quit smoking.

From now through Friday, March 31, new participants in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties can receive a gift card for joining one of two programs through Tobacco Free Florida while supplies last. At the end of the quarter, participants in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties will be offered the same incentive from Saturday, April 1 until Friday, June 30 while supplies last.

“The incentive program is just a way to bring attention and a resource to people who are struggling to quit tobacco. It is our hopes that by providing this incentive that they will take the opportunity to use the resource of the incentive to help them in their quit journey,” said LaToya Livingston, tobacco program director.

Smoking adults can join Tobacco Free Florida’s in-person and virtual Group Quit sessions. Those looking to quit can participate in a two-hour single session

By Lily Belcher

and receive a $50 gift card or attend a fourweek program that meets for an hour once a week and receive up to $125 in gift cards. For the four-week program, participants will receive a $50 gift card for the first session and a $25 gift card for each of the next three sessions they attend.

The nine-county gift-card incentive was made possible with a $2.7 million grant from the Florida Department of Health.

The Area Health Education Center in the USF College of Medicine received the grant to support the incentive program. Livingston and her team hope to see a 35 percent increase in the number of participants in their programs following the gift card incentive.

Tobacco Free Florida o f ers free programs to support those on their journey to quitting tobacco. While the incentive program is only available for a limited time and while supplies last, people can seek free resources and support groups through the organization.

For more information on Tobacco Free Florida or on how to quit smoking, visit https://tobaccofreeflorida.com/.

Al and Marisa Lembo have worked hard to create a team that can service any project from installations to full remodels.

SWEERS POOL SERVICE KEEPS POOLS CLEAN AND SAFE

If you are anything like the rest of Florida, you probably have a pool in your backyard. If you are looking for someone to help take care of your pool, one Valrico local is ready to start cleaning.

Sweers Pool Service cares about keeping pools safe for the community and helping pool owners figure out the correct way to care for their pool. Because every pool is diferent, each pool is cared for individually based on its needs. Pool care is dependent on things like screens, location, size and landscaping. Sweers Pool Service strives to work with the pool owner and the details of the pool to create the perfect care plan.

Not only does Sweers Pool Service curate each pool’s cleaning plan to work on its individual needs, but it also keeps in contact with pool owners by emailing photos and details of each visit as well as sending alerts when needed to keep them informed.

Alan Sweers, owner of Sweers Pool Service, grew up in Valrico and has been cleaning pools since his early 20s. Pool service was his first job, and he worked

By Makenzie Atkins

in the industry for five years. Sweers then went on to work as a bartender and server up until the temporary closures in 2020. When looking for his next adventure, Sweers decided he wanted to start his own business.

After giving it some thought, he knew he wanted to help community members keep their pools safe and clean for their families. Sweers went to ‘pool school’ to earn his certification as a certified pool operator and began cleaning pools under his own business locally in 2021. Sweers Pool Service now operates in the Valrico, Bloomingdale and FishHawk areas.

“I love the interaction with the customers because we learn from each other,” said Sweers. “I strive to find the right balance for each customer based on their pool needs and provide for them a safe, worry-free pool for recreation and relaxation.”

To make an appointment for a free consultation, please call Sweers at 813-2936236 or email sweerspoolservice@gmail. com.

VETERAN TODD KANE OWNS RIVERHILLS SHELL STATION ON LITHIA PINECREST ROAD

Local Marine Corps veteran Todd Kane is nearing his five-year anniversary of owning the Riverhills Shell station located of Lithia Pinecrest Road. The Riverhills station is the only independently veteran-owned store in the area.

Kane served in the Marine Corps from 1993 to 2000 as a logistics clerk in the S4 ofce. During his seven years of service, he was responsible for helping organize deployments and loading aircrafts.

The veteran said the biggest challenge of owning his own convenience store is the constant demands of the job. He is responsible for monitoring and working at the store 19 hours a day and seven days a week, and he said that, even when he is of the clock, he continues to work to ensure the success of the Riverhills Shell station.

“If anything happens, I have to get up and go to the store. It’s just one of those things that it never turns of, even with the outstanding employees that I have,” said Kane.

Despite the demands of his job, Kane expressed gratitude for the dedication and hard work of his employees that help him manage the station.

By Lily Belcher

“I have phenomenal employees. I have employees that I can trust. I have employees that I give the ability to manage the store as they see fit during their time of work and, to me, it has given them the opportunity to see they can do it, and it has given me the ability to not to be at the store 24/7,” said Kane.

The convenience store is operated by Kane and his three employees, ofering sodas, snacks, alcohol, tobacco and more in addition to Shell fuel.

Kane urged members of the community to support locally owned and operated stores like his over the larger franchises.

“If you know that you have somebody in your area that you know is independently owned and operated or locally owned and operated, try to support them as much as possible,” said Kane.

The Riverhills Shell station is located at 4330 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. For more information on Kane’s store, visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/riverhillsshell or call 813-643-7809.

Sweers Pool Service, owned by Valrico resident Alan Sweers, curates a cleaning plan based on each pool’s individual needs.

Riverhills Shell donated $3,100 to Seeds of Hope food bank right before the holiday rush as part of its Drive & Buy campaign.

TAMPA BAY STRIKERS AND HEAD COACH GRAMATICA GEAR UP FOR INAUGURAL SEASON

The Tampa Bay Strikers of the National Indoor Soccer League (NISL) kicked of their inaugural 16-game season in January. The team named former Buccaneers kicker and 2002 Super Bowl champion Martin Gramatica, head coach of both the men’s and women’s teams last July.

The team was one of two expansion teams added to the former three-team league after its first season in 2022. The Central Florida Crusaders in Orlando were the other team. Home games will be played at the Yuengling Center on the USF campus, and both teams are made up of roughly 20-25 athletes from the Tampa Bay area.

“When we started the search for our head coach, there were several qualities we were looking for in our candidates in addition to soccer experience: passion, leadership and a proven winning track record, plus someone committed to the Tampa Bay community,” Strikers co-owner Andrew Haines said in the introductory press conference in July 2022. “We feel Martin Gramatica has all of those characteristics and more.”

The 1997 Lou Groza Award winner jumped at the opportunity to coach the Strikers and is thrilled that the team will showcase local talent.

“Soccer is my passion,” said Gramatica.

“I’ve been around and involved with soccer

my whole life, so I was very excited for the opportunity, especially coaching for my hometown. To be able to give our local kids a chance to play at a high level is exciting.”

The former kicker and soccer player is impressed with his players’ work ethic, competitiveness and technical skills but knows that it takes more than that to be successful.

“At the end of the day, I always tell the players that the X’s and O’s and technicality don’t matter if you don’t have heart and passion for the game,” he said. “I believe we have the right group for that.”

The Super Bowl champion’s goal is for both teams to win a championship.

“I’ve said this from day one for both

teams,

there’s no excuses,” he said. “That’s one of the rules we had with coach Dungy: no excuses, no explanation. I don’t care if we’re an expansion team, I don’t care if we don’t have an indoor facility to practice in. We’re going to go compete and we’re going to go win. That’s the bottom line, you play sports to win, you don’t go to participate. We’re not giving out participation medals. We’re going to do whatever it takes to try to win the championship.”

The team’s full home schedule can be found on their website, www.tbstrikers. com.

Te team named former Buccaneers kicker and 2002 Super Bowl Champion Martin Gramatica head coach of both the men’s and women’s teams last July.

Martin Gramatica with his family at his introductory press conference. Te 1997 Lou Groza award winner jumped at the opportunity to coach the Strikers, and is thrilled that the team will showcase local talent.

AMERICAN WATER & WINDOWS CELEBRATES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY

American Water & Windows is the oldest water-conditioning and softener company in the Greater Riverview, Brandon and SouthShore community. Owner and President Gary Bancroft has been providing excellent customer service and competitive pricing on water purification systems and energy-efficient windows locally for 30 years.

“The business started April 1992,” said Bancroft, or ‘The Water Wizard,’ as he is known by many in the community. “The Water Wizard name came from a customer after I fixed his water system in 10 minutes.”

Bancroft grew up in New York City and graduated from St. John’s University. He also had a water-conditioning business in Denver that he started in 1982. He ultimately ended up in SE Hillsborough County, where he started his current business, American Water & Windows.

Bancroft is a past honorary deputy mayor of Riverview (2017) and continues to be invested in the community he is proud to serve. “I am a member of the Greater Riverview, South Hillsborough (Sun City) and Valrico/FishHawk Chambers of Commerce,” Bancroft said. “I love being a part of all the chambers and be-

COUNTY GRANT FUNDS HIGH 5 INC. POOL RENOVATIONS JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS

By Lily Belcher

By Libby Hopkins

ing a part of my community.”

There are many benefits to having a water-softener system in your home. An American Water system will help to prevent buildup of minerals (scale) on the inside of pipes, fixtures and hot-water heaters and can lengthen the life of some appliances.

It can reduce or prevent mineral spots on glassware and prevent or reduce soap films and detergent curds in sinks, bathtubs and washing machines. Bancroft is proud to ofer a purifier that is virtually maintenance-free. “Our new water system, a water-softener alternative, is called the Whole House Purifier Anti-scale Water System,” Bancroft said. “It doesn’t use any salt or electricity, and you only have to change one filter about every two years.”

American Water & Windows also specializes in the installation of new and replacement windows, so if you are looking to upgrade your home with custom, high-efciency windows, Bancroft can help with that as well.

If you would like to learn more about American Water & Window, visit www. americanwaterusa.com or call Bancroft at 813-684-PURE (7873).

High 5 Inc. was awarded a grant to fund the resurfacing of its three pools, which are expected to be completed at the end of April.

The $550,000 grant was given to High 5 by Hillsborough County at the beginning of the 2023 annual budget cycle.

“It helps us to be able to teach children under the age of 3 to swim, increases the opportunity to run competitions, which would have a nice economic impact to our area and create a much better experience for all community members that use these areas,” said High 5 CEO Chuck Burgess.

At High 5’s location of U.S. Highway 60 at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon, all three pools will undergo the resurfacing financed by the county’s grant. High 5 owns an Olympic-sized lap pool with five diving boards and a diving well. Its 10lane, 25-yard pool and teaching pool are also being renovated.

The pool resurfacing project is part of a three-phase improvement project to update High 5’s facilities. This phase will allow the recreation center to add aquatic facilities to expand opportunities for swim lessons, school practices and other events. Additionally, these improvements will make space for senior programming,

General Admission Tickets at

giving large groups or church organizations the appropriate space for their meetings.

“The grant is more than just a resurfacing,” explained Burgess. “It has been part of a three-phase overall project to update and add significant aquatic facilities for learning to swim for all ages.”

BCI Pools is in charge of the renovation project. The Fort Myers-based swimming pool contractor has 40 years of experience building pools for the community.

High 5 is a community recreation center that supports education, athletics and community through its programs. High 5’s value-added membership opportunities give members special prices, early registration and exclusive invitations to events, among other perks. Juniors can receive a membership for $40 per month, individual memberships cost $55 per month and family memberships cost $75 per month. One-day guest passes are also available for $10 per person.

For more information on how to join High 5 and to learn about its mission to serve the community, visit www.high5inc. org. To contact the organization, call 813689-0908 or email memberservices@ high5inc.org.

Resurfacing the pools will allow High 5 Inc. to better support its community and members.

QUEENA CHARITY HOSTS THIRD ANNUAL HOPE CLASSIC AT TOP GOLF

Local nonprofit Hope Heals the Brain was created to raise funds for the Bloomingdale Library Survivor, known to the community as Queena, to regain the life she once knew. As the foundation grows, the possibilities of helping other local survivors is now possible.

Queena’s sister, Anna, started the nonprofit in hopes to continue raising funds and awareness for families and individuals affected by traumatic brain injury in the Central Florida region.

Local nonproft Hope Heals the Brain was created to raise funds for the Bloomingdale Library Survivor, known to the community as Queena, to regain the life she once knew.

Area golfers are coming together for a fun-filled night at Topgolf in Brandon for Hope Heals the Brain’s Hope Classic. “This is our third event at Topgolf,” said Queena’s mother, Vanna Nguyen. “The last two were so successful we thought it would be a great idea to bring it back and try to reengage the community again. The COVID pandemic was so tough for us and many nonprofits. We were not able to hold fundraisers like we used to and the turnout dropped.”

The Hope Classic will be held on Sunday, February 19 from 4:30-8 p.m. Participants will enjoy an all-American bufet, private cash bar, 50/50 rafe, silent auction as well as a top-notch Topgolf experience. Early registration is encouraged, but day-of signups will be accepted. To register online and pay by credit card, please visit https://hopeclassic.eventbrite.com. All registration fees and tournament sponsorships are tax-deductible donations; a sixsome costs $400, individuals are $75 and spectator/dinner registration is only $30. “We’re really looking forward to bringing everyone back together again for

By Libby Hopkins

Queena, and for the Jasmin and Churchill,” Nguyen said. Jasmin and Churchill are other local residents who have brain injuries.

Churchill is a 40-yearold woman who was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery in 2021. The surgery was only able to remove part of the tumor, and she was left in a coma for several months as a result. The surgery and remaining tumor have left her unable to walk, stand, move or shower on her own. Churchill has limited resources and would benefit from a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to see her three young children and attend appointments and therapies. Securing permanent transportation options will allow Churchill to continue with her recovery journey.

Jasmin is a 13-year-old girl who was on vacation with her family in Mexico and was involved in a tragic accident that claimed the lives of her parents and grandparents, which has left her in critical condition. Her family was able to raise funds to have her airlifted back to the U.S. She is currently in ICU at a local Tampa hospital. “We hope to raise enough money to help cover a few sessions of Queena’s therapy this year,” Nguyen said. “Jasmin will also be coming home from rehab soon and will need some renovations in her home to make it wheelchair accessible. Churchill’s family really needs a new vehicle that can fit a wheelchair. They have no other mode of transportation right now to get her to doctor’s appointments.”

For more information or to get involved, visit www.JoinQueena.com.

EXPERIENCE A SPARK OF HISTORY THROUGH THE EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES

If you are looking to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather and learn something along the way, look no further than then the uber-charming Edison and Ford Winter Estates in downtown Fort Myers on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s a perfect recipe of U.S. and Florida history with a dash of architecture, botany, engineering and innovation mixed in.

Prolific inventor Thomas Edison and automobile pioneer Henry Ford, personal friends and business collaborators, purchased adjacent winter estates near the Fort Myers waterfront to escape the brutal northern winters. The Edison estate boasts a main house, adjoining guest house, Edison’s study, caretaker’s home and swimming pool complex. The Ford estate sits steps away next door.

Just an hour-and-a-half drive south on I-75 from the Tampa Bay area, these homes take visitors on a journey back to the turn of the 20th century to discover how these two great men lived, worked and played in the Florida sunshine. Today, the complex (and your admission ticket) includes an expansive museum, botanical gardens, historic and beautifully maintained homes, garages

By Jef Hoening

of classic Ford automobiles, Edison’s study and his Florida laboratory.

Visitors could spend hours perusing the myriad of Edison inventions, such as the incandescent light bulb, the phonograph, even the movie camera. Edison filed and held an astounding 1,093 patents, 389 for light and power alone, and his contribution to sound and picture recording is monumental.

Check out the beautifully maintained 1916 Ford Model-T given to Edison by Ford.

Ford once said of the famous Model-T, “The consumer can choose any color he wants as long as it’s black.” So why was it called the Model T? Simple! The first design of the ‘horseless carriage’ was called the ‘Model A,’ and subsequent designs moved down the alphabet.

Have fun with the scavenger hunt with your littles or enjoy the self-guiding tour with the easy-to-download app. And be sure to look for the photo of Edison napping on the lawn with the President of the United States reading the newspaper in the background. For more information, visit www. edisonfordwinterestates.org.

Te 1914 Ford Model T opened up travel opportunities for middle class Americans due to the assembly line making them more afordable.

“

Te more your money works for you, the less you have to work for money.”- Idowu Koyenikan

11TH ANNUAL LOVE ON PURPOSE MARRIAGE CONFERENCE FEATURES DRS. JOMO AND CHARMAINE COUSINS

The 11th annual Love on Purpose (LOP) Marriage Conference is coming back to Tampa on Friday and Saturday, February 17-18 at the Tampa Convention Center. This year’s conference will focus on Seedtime and Harvest utilizing relatable principles that can be applied to marriage.

Speakers Drs. Jomo and Charmaine Cousins as well as J.J. and Trina Hairston are ready to deliver an exciting two-day event packed with a dynamic word, fun activities, relationship games and more.

Prepare for an immersive experience where you’ll learn how to properly maneuver marriage and the typical and not-so-typical challenges couples often face at various stages of their journey. It will focus on pruning negativity and planting seeds of encouragement to ultimately cultivate a stronger foundation for your marriage. You’ll learn the diferences between sowing and reaping in your marriage and just how impactful your roles are individually and as a couple. Couples and spouses will learn how to practice positive communication, tend to each other’s needs and ultimately grow in love for one another.

The LOP Marriage Conference will feature six dynamic and educational sessions to nurture, strengthen, encourage and restore your marriage to reap God’s abundant harvest. Dance the night away at an exclusive all-white-attire performance, featuring J.J. on Friday evening. This electrifying concert will allow you and your partner to fellowship

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE COMING

TO

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BRANDON

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Staf Report

together and celebrate in love.

Dr. Jomo and Dr. Charmaine are senior pastors at Love First Christian Center in Riverview. They have been married for 24 years and have three children. Their goal is to create a community of people who aspire to enjoy life together as a couple. With a strong foundation in Christ, they hope to inspire and motivate those who may need a little guidance on their journey.

“At the core of what we live and teach is ‘Love, Laugh & Learn.’ These three pillars are integral to our relationship and something we try to encourage others to embrace in their relationships,” they explained.

Pastors J.J. and Trina are the bold, nurturing and charismatic leaders of All Nations Washington DC. With Pastor J.J. and his background in music and entertainment and Pastor Trina with her background in religious beliefs, together they’ve built a culture of counseling, healing and bringing people together.

J.J. and Trina ofer a rare peek inside the mirage of Christian marriage perfectionism, bravely showing their scars in an efort to heal others in their book, A Miracle Marriage

Get ready to learn and grow together at the Love on Purpose Marriage Conference. For more information, visit: https://brushfire.com/lfcc/lopconference/543565. For more information on Love First Christian Center visit https://lfcc.tv/.

First Baptist Church of Brandon is hosting its annual Women’s Conference on Friday, March 3 from 7-9 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and food trucks will be on-site from 5-7 p.m.

According to Anna Montes, communications director at the church, the church is expecting a full house for this event. Past events have drawn big names such as Kirk Cameron, performer Charles Billingsley as well as Jen Crider, the daughter of Christian award-winning artist Sandy Patti.

This year’s special guest speaker is Gracia Burnham, a missionary, public speaker and author of several books who made national headlines surrounding her kidnapping. For 17 years, Gracia, along with her husband, Martin Burnham, served as missionaries in the Philippines, where Martin was a jungle pilot delivering mail, supplies to other missionaries and transporting sick and injured patients to medical facilities. Gracia served in the aviation program and also homeschooled their children — all of whom were born in the Philippines. In May 2001, the Burnhams were taken captive by a Muslim militant group. In addition to the Burnhams, the group seized several more hostages. In the following months, some of the hostages were killed, but most were set free. By November 2001, only the Burnhams and one other hostage remained in captivity.

Gracia Burnham is author of In the Presence of My Enemies and will be the guest speaker at the Women’s Conference at First Baptist Church of Brandon. Burnham captured the national spotlight as she was kidnapped in the Philippines in 2001.

atrocities.

Soon after the events of September 11, the news media took a greater interest in Gracia and Martin’s plight and kept their story in the national headlines. On the afternoon of June 7, 2002, over a year since their abduction, the Philippine military attempted another rescue. Tragically, Martin was killed during the gunfight. Wounded but alive, Gracia was rescued and returned home under a national spotlight. Her unique story and the captivating way she tells it makes Gracia a popular speaker for churches, conferences and schools. Gracia travels throughout the country revealing the spiritual lessons she learned during her captivity and how God has blessed her and her family since Martin’s death. She is also the founder and director of The Martin & Gracia Burnham Foundation.

“I’ve had the honor of being Gracia Burnham’s pastor for about eight years now,” said Dr. Mark Penick, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Brandon. “When Gracia is not traveling the world telling her remarkable story, she’s rocking babies in the church nursery or singing in the choir.”

For more than a year, and under the total control of their captors, they were living in primitive conditions in the jungle, enduring gun battles and witnessing unspeakable

The women’s conference at First Baptist Brandon will also include guest musical artist Amy Shreve. Gracia’s books, General seating tickets are $12 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Visit www.fbcbrandon.org or call 813-689-1204. First Baptist Brandon is located at 216 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon.

https://www.anytimefitness.com/schedule-an-appointment-online/?club=4090

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION

Hillsborough County is accepting nominations for Hillsborough County’s Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award. The honor is given annually to an individual or group who exemplifies dedication to preserving the county’s natural resources. The award is named after Theodore Roosevelt Jr., the 26th president of the United States and a noted conservationist who placed more than 200 million acres under public protection.

Residents are asked to nominate an individual or group who lives or works in Hillsborough County, shows persistence and dedication to long-term conservation of the county’s natural resources, demonstrates integrity in performance toward conservation goals and displays attributes of true conservation stewardship.

Nominations are due by Tuesday, February 28. You can get the nomination form by visiting www.hillsboroughcounty.org/ en/government/board-of-county-commissioners/t-roosevelt-hillsborough-conservation-award.

According to Ross Dickerson, MS, division manager with the Environmental Lands Management of Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department, the award was established in 2017 by August ‘Gus’ Muench, a commercial crab trapper in Ruskin. He

By Kathy L. Collins

was instrumental in getting Hillsborough County to purchase sensitive environmental lands. He donated funds to start the award. The winner receives $2,000 to work with the staf of the Environment Lands Management to do an environment project.

The 2022 winner was Michael Perry, who was with the Florida Forest Service and served as a towerman. He was a pioneer of prescribed fires in Hillsborough County, which help habitats as well as homeowners. According to Dickerson, Perry conducted prescribed fire outreach programs at events.

Dickerson said, “We get a lot of nominations for individuals, but anyone trying to make a diference in Hillsborough County can win. This includes organization such as Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.” Dickerson added, “A lot of civic groups are doing great stuf, and they deserve to be recognized.”

Nominations will go through the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program General Committee, which will send a recommendation to the board of county commissioners for approval. The board will hold an award ceremony in the spring to coincide with National Arbor Day.

For more information and to submit nominations, please visit its website at www.hillsboroughcounty.org.

FINANCIAL FOCUS: Open the (Back) Door to a Roth IRA

Tere aren’t many drawbacks to having a high income — but being unable to invest in a Roth IRA might be one of them. Are there strategies that allow high-income earners to contribute to this valuable retirement account?

Before we delve into that question, let’s consider the rules. In 2023, you can contribute the full amount to a Roth IRA — $6,500, or $7,500 if you’re 50 or older — if your modifed adjusted gross income is less than $138,000 (if you’re single) or $218,000 (if you’re married and fling jointly). If you earn more than these amounts, the amount you can contribute decreases until it’s phased out completely if your income exceeds $153,000 (single) or $228,000 (married, fling jointly).

A Roth IRA is attractive because its earnings and withdrawals are tax free, provided you’ve had the account at least fve years and you don’t start taking money out until you’re 59½. Furthermore, when you own a Roth IRA, you’re not required to take withdrawals from it when you turn 72, as you would with a traditional IRA, so you’ll have more fexibility in your retirement income planning and your money will have the chance to potentially keep growing. But given your income, how can you contribute to a Roth?

You may want to consider what’s known as a “backdoor Roth” strategy. Essentially, this involves contributing money to a new traditional IRA, or taking money from an existing one, and then

Financial Advisor

converting the funds to a Roth IRA. But while this backdoor strategy sounds simple, it involves some serious considerations.

Specifcally, you need to evaluate how much of your traditional IRA is in pretax or afer-tax dollars. When you contribute pretax dollars to a traditional IRA, your contributions lower your annual taxable income. However, if your income is high enough to disqualify you from contributing directly to a Roth IRA, you may also earn too much to make deductible (pretax) contributions to a traditional IRA. Consequently, you might have contributed afer-tax dollars to your traditional IRA, on top of the pretax ones you may have put in when your income was lower. (Earnings on afer-tax contributions will be treated as pretax amounts.)

In any case, if you convert pretax assets from your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, the amount converted will be fully taxable in the year of the conversion. So, if you were to convert a large amount of these assets, you could face a hefy tax bill. And since you probably don’t want to take funds from the converted IRA itself to pay for the taxes, you’d need another source of funding, possibly from your savings and other investments.

Ultimately, then, a backdoor Roth IRA strategy may make the most sense if you have few or no pretax assets in any traditional IRA, including a SEP-IRA and a SIMPLE IRA. If you do have a sizable amount of pretax dollars in your IRA, and

you’d still like to convert it to a Roth IRA, you could consider spreading the conversion over a period of years, potentially diluting your tax burden.

Consult with your tax advisor when considering a backdoor Roth strategy. But if it’s appropriate for your situation, it could play a role in your fnancial strategy, so give it some thought.

Tis article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Nominations are being accepted for Hillsborough County’s Teodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award.

TAKE

A

CLASS

THIS

SPRING WITH THE CENTER 4LIFE LEARNING IN SUN CITY CENTER

The Center 4Life Learning located at United Methodist Church of Sun City Center offers a variety of non-credited courses that will enhance your life. The 2023 Spring Semester begins on Monday, February 13 and runs through Monday, March 27. View courses and register at www.sccumc.com/4lifelearning.

The Center 4Life Learning operates as an adult education outreach program which serves the entire community and surrounding areas. The courses ofer students the opportunity to benefit from the stimulus of lectures and discussions in an informal and relaxed environment.

Regular courses are $35 for six 90-minute classes. Some courses allow for walk ins, and the cost for this is $10. Classes run for one week and up to six. All classes are in person.

There are a variety of courses ofered. The Spring semester features 26 courses ofered on various days Monday through Friday. Courses that are ofered include Living with ADHD, Music Medicine, U.S. History, Wellness Topics, Managing Life Transitions, Estate Planning, Drawing II and World Religions and more.

Classes are available for registration and purchase online, by mail or in person. Classes fill up quickly.

By Kathy L. Collins

Sue Holter with Center 4Life Learning said, “All courses are led in person by qualified instructors in an informal and relaxed environment on the campus of United Method -

ist Church of Sun City Center. Many of our classes involve hands-on instruction and many encourage class participation. We ofer two six-week semesters in the Spring and Fall.”

Holter added, “Many of our instructors have been presenting for us for several years. Some have approached with new interesting topics. Some we have recruited from the local community. Some are members of the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center. Others are current and retired professors from Hillsboro Community College and from FSU. At the end of each semester, we ask our students to suggest new topics. Based on their suggestions, we are currently looking for instructors in French, Italian, bridge, and creative arts.”

The college was established in 1976 as the Community Church College by the United Community Church. In 2019, it was moved to United Methodist Church of Sun City Center and the name was changed to Center 4Life Learning and is located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center.

For more information, please call 813634-2539.

THE FIFTH ANNUAL CONCERT FOR THE KIDS TO BE HELD AT RP FUNDING CENTER

WPCV 97.5 and Window World of Central Florida’s fifth annual Concert for the Kids to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital will be held at the RP Funding Center on Tuesday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m.

The concert, presented by WPCV 97.5 and Window World of Central Florida, features country artists Brothers Osborne, Joe Nichols, Easton Corbin and Hailey Whitters. This special ‘power acoustic’ concert will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the fight against childhood cancer. “97 Country WPCV has long been a part of a program called ‘Country Cares for St. Jude,’” said Jessica Brown of WPCV 97.5. “Radio stations all around the country hold radiothons to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Several stations also hold benefit concerts that are successful. We have a lot of success with our listener-appreciation shows, so we thought we’d give it a try.”

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a pediatric treatment and research facility focused on children’s catastrophic diseases, particularly leukemia and other cancers. The hospital takes on the finan-

By Libby Hopkins

cial burden, and there is no cost to the patient to be treated.

“It’s always such a special night,” Brown said. “We obviously want to raise as much as possible, but ultimately we want to share the awareness of St. Jude and how our listeners can continue to support. This year, we have incredible artists, and I just think it will be a phenomenal show.”

Tickets went on sale on December 9, 2022. Ticket prices are $31 for advance, $42 for day of event and a limited number of VIP tickets will be available for $262, which includes a dinner, meet and greet and front-row seating (other fees may apply), and are available by visiting the RP Funding Center Box Ofce and online at www.rpfundingcenter.com. All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. “This will be our first show since February 2020,” Brown said. “COVID and the ramifications it had on the music industry prevented us from having shows in 2021 or 2022. The previous shows raised between $25,000 and $35,000 each. We hope to raise more with this year’s show.”

Come learn, be inspired and make friends while attending interesting and varied courses ofered by the Center 4Life Learning at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center Te Spring semester begins on Monday, February 13.

WPCV 97.5 and Window World of Central Florida’s ffth annual Concert for the Kids to beneft St. Jude Children’s Hospital returns to the RP Funding Center on Tuesday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m.

YOUR PIE OF BRANDON HELPS A LOCAL LITTLE GIRL CELEBRATE A MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT

Selah Feely of Riverview is like most kids because she loves pizza. She especially loves Your Pie of Brandon’s pizza, and why wouldn’t she love it? Your Pie has won the Brandon Community award and the franchise’s Customer Relationship award.

It’s the customer service, relationship building and of course the pizza that brought the Feely family to Your Pie.

Selah celebrated her bell ringing after party at Your Pie this past November. Selah has been battling a bilateral Wilms tumor since she was 4 years old. “My family — Selah; Asher; her brother, John; her dad; and myself — live in Riverview, about 15 minutes from Your Pie,” said Selah’s mom, Christina. “We live on a little farm with a horse, a donkey, a pig and chickens. Selah’s cancer journey started in 2019. At 4 years old, she was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms tumor, a pediatric kidney cancer. She had several tumors taking over both her kidneys and a small lesion on her lung. We immediately began chemotherapy treatment here in Florida at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. After 12 weeks of chemo, we traveled to St. Jude in Memphis, Tennessee for surgery to remove the tumors. The surgery was a success, sparing 75 percent of her right kidney and 85 percent of her left kidney.”

The family returned home, and Selah completed 12 more weeks of chemothera-

By Libby Hopkins

py. “She rang the bell in April of 2020. Almost two years later, March 2022, during one of her routine scans, it was discovered that a new tumor was growing in her left kidney,” Christina said. “We were devastated. We traveled to St. Jude again, where it was confirmed with another CT scan that the cancer had in fact returned. She had immediate surgery to remove the new tumor and then traveled back home to begin chemotherapy treatment again. After 28 weeks of treatment, Selah rang the bell again on November 17, just in time for Thanksgiving — so much to be grateful for.”

Since Your Pie is Selah’s favorite place to eat, she wanted to have her bell-ringing after-party at the restaurant. “We were so delighted to host a very special party for a very special little girl, Selah, who has beaten cancer twice,” said Your Pie co-owner Theresa Smith.

The Feely family loves Your Pie for a number of reasons. “The food is delicious,” Christina said. “The people that work there are so kind and fun to be around, and the kids love the dough that they get to play with when they make their pizza. It’s the little things. Being able to have her bell-ringing after-party at Your Pie was great. It’s such a great space to accommodate large groups, and the space is so kid friendly.”

Visit her Facebook page at www.facebook. com/profile.php?id=100063151933119.

SOUTHSHORE CHARTER ACADEMY HAS HIGH HOPES FOR ENROLLMENT IN THE NEW YEAR

Southshore Charter Academy is a tuition-free charter school that appreciates and celebrates each student’s potential and individuality.

“We strive to create a nurturing and positive school environment to empower a student’s growth academically and socially,” said Principal Amy Sams. “Using data-driven, individualized instruction and 1:1 technology devices, students are supported to reach their potential. We create a powerful foundation that enables our students to succeed in school, family, extracurricular and beyond.”

The academy’s Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum is aligned to specific Florida Standards and is the framework of what is taught at each grade level. This ensures high expectations with a focus on college and career readiness from primary grades through high school. “Enrollment is important because it gives us the ability to plan more precisely for the next school year,” Sams said. “Because we are a charter school, we are chosen by parents and not assigned. Enrollment is the time for them to choose us.”

Southshore Charter Academy is a tuition-free charter school that appreciates and celebrates each student’s potential and individuality. Te academy’s principal, Amy Sams, hopes that parents from the Riverview community and beyond will consider Southshore Charter Academy as an option for their children’s education and enroll them at the academy.

By Libby Hopkins

is an international studies program that builds skills, knowledge and understanding by integrating English, mathematics and science. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the most advanced learners with an emphasis on creativity, innovation and discourse. Sams and her staf hope parents from the Riverview community and beyond will consider Southshore Charter Academy as an option for their children’s education and enroll them at the academy.

“Our focus each year is to continue to recruit new families, especially for kindergarten, who want to embed their student in a school like ours where they can be in one place for all grades K-8,” Sams said. “This is what contributes to our family atmosphere — by having multiple siblings of various grades and families being with us for several years in a row.”

The academy’s Middle School Cambridge

If you would like to learn more about Southshore Charter Academy and the different programs it ofers, you can visit its website at www.southshorecharter.org or contact Sams at 813-769-1209. The academy is located at 11667 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview.

Selah Feely (center) celebrated her bell-ringing after-party at Your Pie of Brandon this past November. Selah has been battling pediatric kidney cancer since she was 4 years old.

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY ANNOUNCES VIBRANT EVENT LINEUP FOR 2023

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay just announced its exciting lineup of events for 2023, ofering guests never-ending fun and entertainment options like one-of-a-kind seasonal festivities, a world-class lineup of concerts and events included with park admission and thrilling attractions such as the award-winning Iron Gwazi and the new Serengeti Flyer opening this spring.

Inspired by the vibrant colors and delectable flavors of New Orleans’ biggest celebration, Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Now through Sunday, March 5, select dates) will transport guests to a festive realm of bayou-inspired fanfare featuring Cajun-inspired culinary delights, a lively parade with new festive characters, multicolored beads, an authentic brass band playing live and spirited entertainment oferings for the entire family.

The Real Music Series, Busch Gardens’ longest-running concert series, has returned with all-new acts. Tuesdays through Sundays now through Sunday, February 26, the Stanleyville Theater will host fantastic live performances including artistic renditions of some of the best-known classic rock, rhythm and blues and pop bands.

Sesame Street® Kids’ Weekends at Busch Gardens is the place for kids and parents to join in on the fun. From now through Sunday, February 12 and Friday, April 28 through Sunday, May 21 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, families have an additional option to meet and greet their favorite furry friends at the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area for story time, interactive dance parties, arts and crafts and much more.

Each weekend from Friday, March 10 through May 21, the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival ofers delectable dishes to pair with wines, craft brews and cocktails. While indulging in the event’s vibrant culinary delights, guests will also enjoy some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. The lineup for 2023 includes Kansas, Maddie & Tae, SWV, Dustin Lynch, Rodney Atkins, Flo Rida, MacKenzie Porter, +LIVE+, The Fab Four (Beatles tribute band), 38 Special and Hoobastank.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay hosts a celebration of Hispanic music, food and culture from Friday, May 5 through 21 at Viva la Música. Every Saturday and Sunday, guests can dance to live musical performances from award-winning Latin artists, authentic cuisine and more. At Cinco de Mayo from May 5 through Sunday, May 7, guests can also enjoy tasty Mexican cuisine and festive

Staf report

entertainment while celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Busch Gardens.

At Summer Nights from Friday, May 26 through Sunday, August 6, the thrills continue after dark as summery fun mixes with Florida’s top thrilling attractions and a festive ambiance. The vibrancy of Summer Nights is powered by electrifying entertainment, including new shows, an updated ice-skating show and more, available throughout the park from opening and extended way past sunset. Fireworks will be available on select nights.

Celebrate the Independence of the United States at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay from Friday, June 30 through Tuesday, July 4. The event features a synchronized fireworks spectacular set to an emotive soundtrack, entertainment and more.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Friday, July 28 through Monday, September 4, Bier Fest ofers a ultimate jaw-dropping combo: the delectable blend of food and favorite craft beers from around the world as well as local favorites.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is transformed into a nightmare of inescapable fear for Howl-O-Scream 2023. Spine-chilling scares and haunted houses, devious creatures lurking in every dark corner and pulse-pounding rides in the absence of daylight return on select nights from Friday, September 8 through Tuesday, October 31. Howl-OScream is a separately ticketed event.

At Busch Gardens Spooktacular, guests will step into a whimsical world of enchantment full of not-so-spooky Halloween fun. This family-friendly event features a costume parade, story time and trick-or-treating from September 8 through October 31 (Fridays through Sundays, plus October 3031).

Christmas Town is back, beginning Monday, November 13 and continuing daily through January 7, 2024.

A celebration of Yuletide traditions, Christmas Town is the holiday winter wonderland for guests to enjoy millions of lights, heartwarming treats, festive entertainment and the perfect set for a family photo.

For a limited time, for the price of a single-day-admission ticket to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, guests can secure their 2023 Fun Card, guaranteeing year-round access to all the fun.

For more information about events, special deals and announcements, visit https:// buschgardenstampa.com and following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

Rosati’s Pizza in Valrico is under new ownership, now with a fourth-generation member of the founding Rosati family at the helm. Jake Bensfield, alongside his wife, Sylvie, took the reins of this location in May 2022 and is using his years of experience with the family restaurant, his fine-dining background and the tutelage of his uncle and godfather, the late Rosati’s Pizza CEO Rick Rosati.

Bensfield grew up working at Rosati’s Pizza until he decided to attend culinary school, later becoming trained as a chef at fine-dining establishments, including the Michelen-starred Spiaggia and Next restaurants in Chicago. However, he decided to return to his roots and learn the business side of the industry under his uncle’s guidance.

“It’s very meaningful for me to continue my family’s legacy,” Bensfield said. “People build memories around pizza. Whether we’re talking about a family’s Friday night dinner, a couple’s date night or just a really good meal with your buddies, what people most look forward to in their week is pizza night. I find it incredibly rewarding to be there for people’s traditions, for their celebrations and milestones.”

Rosati’s Pizza was established in Chicago in 1964 and has since then grown a

By Taylor Wells

rich history of Italian flavor. It is nationally acclaimed for four styles of pizza: traditional thin crust, unique double dough, world-famous Chicago deep dish and authentic stufed.

“What’s special about Rosati’s Pizza is that we source only the best ingredients,” Bensfield said.

“Everything is made fresh, from scratch daily; nothing is ever frozen. I am proud to bring a piece of my family’s history to the vibrant Valrico community. My godfather used to spend his days covered in flour. His father was covered in flour, and now I’m covered in flour.”

While following the original Rosati recipes, Bensfield also seeks help Rosati’s make improvements, keep expanding the business and add his own flavor into the mix, such as occasionally ofering new specials for customers to enjoy.

Rosati’s Pizza in Valrico, located at 3437 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, is open for carryout, delivery and catering. Its hours are Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Stop by daily between 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for Rosati’s ‘Jumbo Slice and a Soda’ $6.50 special. For more information, visit www. rosatispizza.com/location/valrico-fl/ or call 813-643-1003.

Jake Bensfeld, the new owner of Rosati’s Pizza in Valrico, with his wife, Sylvie.

RESURRECTION CATHOLIC HOSTS FIRST VETS FOR VETS OUTREACH FAIR

By Lily Belcher

By having active representative from the organizations at the event, Resurrection Catholic Church also wants to make it easier for the veterans to get information, compared to trying to learn about the services online or over the phone.

Resurrection Catholic Church is hosting its inaugural Vets for Vets Outreach Fair on Friday, February 17 to provide local veterans with information on benefits, community activities, medical care and other support made available to them.

The Outreach Fair will take place at the church, located at 6819 Krycul Ave. o f U.S. Highway 301 in Riverview, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The fair will be supported by representatives from James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and SOHI Clinic, MacDill Airforce Base, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

“The idea is to get the information from the Veterans Administration into the hands of our local veterans, especially veterans who have fallen through the cracks in that area,” said Pastor Daniel Kayajan.

Pastor Kayajan hopes that the men and women who have given up on trying to receive help from the Veterans Administration are provided with the necessary information to get help.

“There are a lot of veterans in my parish, so I asked a few of them to get together, we chatted and o f we went,” said Pastor Kayajan.

The Vets for Vets Outreach Fair will be supported by a handful of employees and volunteers at Resurrection Catholic Church, as it hopes to host 50-100 people. Co f ee, doughnuts and other snacks will be provided at the event as well.

“I would like to see it happen on a regular basis. We will have to see what the VA tells us at the end of the fair,” said Pastor Kayajan.

Following its first annual Outreach Fair, Resurrection Church will speak to the representatives and veterans that attended to collect feedback on how it can improve next year. Its goal is to spread the word about the event to help make information about veteran services and benefits available to all who have served.

For more information on the Vets for Vets Outreach Fair, call the church at 813-677-2175.

Resurrection Catholic Church will host the fair at its parish in Riverview.