Osprey Observer Brandon/Winthrop February 2023

HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE

WELCOMES TWO NEW BRANDON CAMPUS DEANS Staf Report

The Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Brandon campus is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Simone B. Jenkins as dean of Associate in Science programs and Nestor Melendez as dean of student services.

Both deans assumed their new position at HCC on January 4.

“Dr. Jenkins cares deeply about providing a high-quality education to all students, building modern workforce programs and thinking creatively with an entrepreneurial spirit. Her focus and experience on workforce programming will help propel the Brandon campus forward,” said Dr. Deborah Kish Johansen, Brandon campus president.

“Dean Nestor is passionate about student success and brings a wealth of experience in student advocacy and support to HCC, the Brandon campus and the Greater Tampa community,” Dr. Johansen said. “We are excited for him to bring this passion to the Brandon campus.”

Dr. Jenkins started her career in education as a classroom teacher for the Hillsborough County School District in 2005. At HCC, she has served in a variety of roles, such as college and career counselor and academic advisor at the Ybor City campus, assistant dean of Associate in Science programs as well as interim dean

IRIS THURMAN OF ECHO WAS NAMED A LIGHTNING COMMUNITY HERO

By Jonathan Hurst

of Associate in Science programs at the Dale Mabry campus.

She is a graduate of the University of South Florida, where she received her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in career and workforce education, as well as her master’s and bachelor’s degrees.

Nestor Melendez, Ed.S. brings over two decades of experience in higher education to HCC. His extensive professional background includes a progression of leadership positions, such as assistant dean of student a f airs and enrollment management at Pasco-Hernando State College, director of student leadership and campus life at Guttman Community College and director of student leadership and engagement at Hofstra University.

Hillsborough Community College serves more than 42,000 students annually at its five campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. For more information, visit www.hccfl.edu.

HCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

For more information about Hillsborough Community College, please visit its website at www.hccfl.edu/about-us/college-accreditation.

One of the driving forces behind ECHO of Brandon was recently recognized for her hard work with the program, as Iris Thurman was named a Lightning Community Hero by the Lightning Foundation. As the 524th Lightning Community Hero, Thurman was presented with a $50,000 donation that will be directed to ECHO, which will be instrumental in helping ECHO continue its mission.

To say Thurman is deserving of this recognition is an understatement since she has developed ECHO’s advocacy department into having multiple fulltime staf as well as interns, and she has gone on to lead the department as well. In all avenues of life it seems, Thurman always rises to the top, as she was the first to graduate college in her family and raised four children as a single parent.

There are further plans to expand the advocacy department in the future as well, which will be greatly aided by the donation from the Lightning Foundation. This grant will directly contribute to allowing ECHO to employ a full-time homeless advocate and supply 20 shelter vouchers.

ECHO of Brandon exists to provide aid and assistance to residents of Hillsborough County who are experiencing food insecurity as well as general instability and crisis within their lives. ECHO provides this help through emergency food and clothing, along with ofering a variety of ‘Life Rebuilding’ programs, such as employment services and financial counseling. Throughout the year, it ofers workshops

for budgeting, sewing, couponing, starting a business, selling online and more. ECHO was founded in 1987 as a central place where those in need of help could go, and over the last 30 odd years it has provided countless individuals and families with the resources they needed. What started as a group of volunteers working out of a firehouse has become a permanent fixture within the Brandon community, consistently providing a ray of hope in dark times. With this donation and the leadership of Thurman and the others involved, ECHO will continue to serve the community for years to come. If you would like to volunteer, there are multiple areas available: food pantry, clothing room, ECHO Thrift Store, welcome center, truck driver, ECHO Handmade artisan, community garden, handyman, advocacy care, back-to-work job coach and workshop facilitator.

For more information about ECHO, its services, volunteer opportunities or to donate, please visit its website at www. echofl.org/brandon or call 813-685-0835. ECHO of Brandon is located at 507 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon.

IN THIS ISSUE:

HOPE FOR HER CLASSES PG 3

BUSCH GARDENS PG 5

WILD GAME PG 8

EYE ON BUSINESS PGS 25-26

SPORTING CLAY SHOOT PG 28

Rescue Garden is a 501(c)(3) nonproft founded in 2017 that delivers both veterinary care and a comfortable home for senior and hospice pets in Brandon. Primarily geared toward assisting dogs, the rescue works with local animal shelters such as the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay to provide companionship for animals deemed unadoptable. See

3.

Photos courtesy of ECHO Brandon. Iris Turman was recognized by Lightning Foundation for her hard work at ECHO of Brandon.

Dr. Simone B. Jenkins is the new dean of Associate in Science programs.

Nestor Melendez is the new dean of student services.

BRANDON AREA SENIOR AND HOSPICE PETS FIND CARE AT RESCUE GARDEN

From their furry tail wags to their afectionate, albeit slobbery, kisses, it may seem next to impossible that our faithful canine friends sometimes struggle to find a loving home. Unfortunately, this reality becomes even more likely for injured and elderly pets in shelters.

Seeking to change that, Rescue Garden is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2017 that delivers both veterinary care and a comfortable home for senior and hospice pets in Brandon. Primarily geared toward assisting dogs, the rescue works with local animal shelters such as the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay to provide companionship for animals deemed unadoptable.

“Rescue Garden is an important piece of the puzzle to help Brandon-area pets,” said Jona Bumstead, president and founder of Rescue Garden. “Our work benefits both the animal shelters and the pets in our community, as well as the people living here.”

Becoming a nonprofit in 2020, veterinary care provided to pets ranges from medication and supplements to surgeries. If the health of these pets improves, they can eventually be adopted.

These rescues spend most of their time in the care of Bumstead in her home, alongside occasional help from foster homes. Typically housing between three and seven pets at a given time, presently, Rescue Garden has four dogs in its care: Jameson, a 12-year-old chihuahua; Juliet (afectionately nicknamed JJ), a 12-year-old golden retriever; Timmy, a 12-year-old schnauzer mix; and Emi Rose, a

HOPE

By Madeline Gardner

13-year-old Yorkie terrier, who has just recently been adopted.

To keep supporting these pooches, Rescue Garden is hosting an upcoming quarter auction at 12 Noon on Sunday, March 5. There is no RSVP required, and those interested can purchase quarters on-site to participate. This event will be held at TAT Civic Association Inc., located at 3210 Darlington Rd. in Holiday. Rescue Garden also hosts various fundraisers throughout the year, including its annual Puppy Picasso event on social media, which viewers can watch as pets decorate items with colorful paw prints; last year, bookmarks were painted and then sold for donations. Usually hosted in October, the annual Pearls for Pups fundraiser pairs with Pearls for Pups Co. to sell handmade pearl earrings, the proceeds of which will go toward Rescue Garden.

The rescue is also currently finishing the construction of a cottage for the pets complete with air-conditioning, heat and electricity, a project Bumstead cites as the beginning of creating more spaces for the community to become involved.

“I envision building even more cottages in the future that our community can actively come and volunteer at and enjoy time with the dogs,” said Bumstead.

For more information, visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RescueGarden, its Instagram page @Rescue_Garden or its Stay Connected page at https://linktr.ee/ rescue_garden. For more details, email rescuegardeninc@gmail.com.

FOR HER OFFERS

FREE LIFE ENRICHMENT CLASSES TO THE COMMUNITY 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 started 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. Several people joined others for encouragement and insights.

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

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/.

Rescue Garden President and founder Jona Bumstead declared Juliet (JJ) a permanent resident after rescuing the golden retriever in 2017.

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 worldclass 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 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.

Pest Control

service@repcopest.com

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 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-O-Scream 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 30-31).

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.

W Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon 813.438.5252

A wine-centric bar located in the heart of Brandon, FL. Come enjoy a glass or bottle of wine with friends, neighbors and family. Beautiful boards of cheese + charcuterie, along with small plates will enhance your time at the bin +board.

Serving food all day. Menu-inspired. Crafted daily. 40 plus rotating craft brews on draft. Like us on Facebook for updated specials and draft beer offerings. Open 7 days a week @ 12pm

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.

IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE, NATIVITY CATHOLIC CAN LEND A HELPING HAND

IF

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, counseling or even help with homelessness, Nativity Catholic Church, located at 705 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, may be able to help.

Nativity Catholic Church, located at 705 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, ofers a variety of services that are not exclusive to its parishioners. The services are ofered as a part of its Pastoral Care. Services provided include counseling, food assistance, homeless assistance and support groups.

The church has been ofering services such as the food pantry for over 35 years. Others, like counseling, have been ofered for over 20 years.

When asked why the church ofers these services, Bonnie Ussery, director of Pastoral Care, said, “As Catholic Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. We do this by ministering to those in our community who are in need and are hurting. We help them by sharing the love of Christ with them, by encouraging and enhancing the spiritual, economic and personal development of the people in the Brandon community.”

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, Nativity Catholic Church may be able to help.

If you need food assistance, the food pan-

By Kathy L. Collins

try is open on Thursdays at 1 p.m. It serves individuals who live in the following zip codes: 33510, 33511, 33596 and 33594. It is a drive-through food pantry, so you must stay in your car. The pantry is offered on a first-come, firstserve basis. The line starts at 12 Noon.

If homeless assistance is needed, then, as Ussery explained, “Our homeless ministry provides homeless bags with food and toiletries and other necessities such as blankets and rain ponchos (when available). We also partner with Family Promise of Hillsborough County to assist homeless families in need to regain their independence and dignity. Our Peanut Butter and Jelly Ministry makes and distributes thousands of sandwiches every two weeks to locations across the Tampa Bay area to organizations that assist the homeless and also makes up and distributes ‘goodie bags’ for the homeless three times a year that include socks, snacks, toiletry items and more.”

The church ofers counseling as well. It has four licensed counselors who ofer individual, couples, marriage, youth and family counseling.

The church also helps moms in need of baby supplies as well as seniors who may need assistance for their daily needs.

Finally, the church ofers a six-week Group Bereavement session three times a year and a 12-week Surviving Divorce Group twice a year.

To get these services, simply call the church at 813-681-4608. You can also visit www.nativitycatholicchurch.org.

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

LIGHTNING OWNERS HAVE DONATED ALMOST $5 MILLION TO V FOUNDATION

The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top cancer research charity, is receiving a donation of over $1 million from Jef and Penny Vinik. Jef, owner of the NHL’s three-time Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning, and his wife, Penny, have now donated almost $5 million to the V Foundation, dedicated to the Dick Vitale Fund for Pediatric Cancer. This latest donation of over $1 million includes a $100,000 sponsorship of the 18th annual Dick Vitale Gala, benefiting the V Foundation, which takes place on Friday, May 5 at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota.

“Penny and I are committed to the worldclass research the V Foundation supports, and we continue to be inspired by our good friend Dick Vitale’s tireless dedication to changing, and saving, the lives of kids,” Jef said.

The V Foundation has awarded $66.7 million in research grants through the Dick Vitale Fund for Pediatric Cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children. The good news is research is helping to save lives. The five-year survival rate for children (0-14) has increased from 58 percent to 84.7 percent from the mid-1970s to 2017. For adolescents (15-19), it has increased from 68 percent to 85.8 percent during that same time period.

“I’m amazed at the continued support Jef and Penny Vinik are providing to help kids battling cancer and the great research

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.

the V Foundation is funding,” said Vitale. “We need new therapies and new treatments that are more precise and have fewer side efects because these kids deserve it. And thanks to generous donors like Jef and Penny, we will get there.”

“We are extremely thankful for Jef and Penny Vinik’s commitment to the V Foundation and our mission of accelerating Victory Over Cancer®,” said V Foundation CEO Shane Jacobson. “Minimal federal funding is dedicated to pediatric cancer research, meaning private funding is critical to saving lives.”

The honorees at this year’s Dick Vitale Gala are:

• Three-time World Series champion with the San Francisco Giants and V Foundation board member Buster Posey.

• NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson.

• ESPN tennis analysts John and Patrick McEnroe.

• NC State Athletic Hall of Fame basketball player and V Foundation board member Dereck Whittenburg, who will receive the John Saunders Courage Award.

• Tennessee men’s basketball head coach Rick Barnes, who will receive the Dick Vitale Spirit Award.

To learn more about the Dick Vitale Gala, visit www.v.org/event/dick-vitale-gala/. For more information about the V Foundation’s mission to accelerate Victory Over Cancer, visit www.v.org.

Photo courtesy of the V Foundation. Jef and Penny Vinik.

PNC BANK PLEDGES $500,000 FOR NEW EDUCATION CENTER AT THE TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART

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

ROTARY CLUB OF BRANDON TO HOLD 47TH WILD GAME NIGHT

By Libby Hopkins

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

Staf Report The Rotary Club of Brandon has been hosting its Wild Game Night for decades, the upcoming event marking 47 years, and it is truly a part of Brandon’s history. “This event has always been a fundraiser for local charities,” said Wild Game Night’s chair, Joe Campoamor. “Last year, we raised $90K for local charities.”

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.

The charities that benefit from Wild Game Night are High 5 Inc., Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center, ECHO, Hope for Her, Angel Foundation FL, Senior Care Group Foundation, Family Promise Brandon, Gulf Ridge Council Boy Scouts, Rotary’s Camp Florida and the Rotary Club of Brandon Charity Fund. “We really take our time to vet the local charities that we raise funds for from Wild Game Night,” Campoamor said. “We like to keep the money we raise local, so this is why all of these charities benefit from this event.”

Te Rotary Club of Brandon has been hosting its Wild Game Night for 47 years. Wild Game Night will be held on Friday, March 3 from 6-10 p.m. at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Valrico.

Each year, the guys-only fundraiser attracts outdoorsmen from throughout Hillsborough County eager to sample a variety of expertly prepared wild game fare, including the club’s famous venison chili, quail and wild boar dishes and swamp cabbage. The gentlemen indulge in an authentic Ybor City cigar rolled on-site and socialize with fellow hunting and fishing enthusiasts around an open bar stocked with top-shelf liquors and draft and craft beers. “Our female Rotarians and our wives volunteer at Wild Game Night,” Campoamor said. “This is an event that is geared more towards men, and a lot of women are OK with it being a guys’ event.”

Established in 1961, the Rotary Club of Brandon is a part of the foremost organization for businesspeople and professionals committed to community and international service. Rotary’s motto is “Service above self,” and this motto is why the club has been hosting its Wild Game Night for 47 years. “Last year, we had close to 600 attendees, and this we year we are hoping for more,” Campoamor said. “It really is a group efort, as all of our rotary members help with every aspect of Wild Game Night.”

Last year’s Wild Game Night also saw a new location for the event. For many years, Wild Game Night was held at Lupton’s Boggy Bottom Ranch, a wooded outdoor event venue located in Plant City.

“Lupton’s sold the property, so we are again hosting Wild Game Night at Hillsborough County Fair Grounds,” Campoamor said.

Wild Game Night will be held on Friday, March 3 from 6-10 p.m. at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Valrico. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased through the Rotary Club of Brandon’s, www.brandonrotary.org.

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

It is no secret this part of the country has become one of the most sought-after to live, and when residential growth explodes as it has in SE Hillsborough County, commercial growth is soon to follow. As seen by the logos, many of these are name-brand chain operations.

According to Mark Sneed, senior vice president at SRS Real Estate Partners, whose firm represents the new plaza located at the northwest corner of Symmes Road and U.S. Highway 301, the trend we are seeing toward more chain operations is not a corporate takeover. He clarified information about his tenants and updated leasing requirements for commercial properties that helped explain the influx of more namebrand stores around town.

With commercial development, there is a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work and negotiations that need to occur before the construction stage. Assisting tenants in securing a location along with as sisting developers in securing the financing necessary to fund the building of the struc tures are vital for the success of the project. Even though we are seeing restaurants and shops considered chain stores, Sneed reminded me, “Many of these are franchis es that are owned and operated by local residents. They are still ‘ma-and-pa oper ations’; however, they now opt to go the franchise route in order to quickly attract business and provide the property owner with a proven business plan.” The owners of both Knockouts Haircuts as well as Tropical Smoothie Cafe are local residents, with Smiles Dentistry providing the credit-worthy tenant necessary to secure financing for the build.

He told me demographics such as median age, household income and population within 5 miles, as well as changes in shopping trends, tightening of lending criteria and zoning restrictions, all play a role in the loca-

tion of new shops and restaurants.

For example, with his Symmes Road proj ect, Sneed had a much-requested tenant lined up for the parcel, but county zoning restrictions prohibited a drive-through at the location.

Changes in shopping trends include the Amazon efect, where online orders have significantly altered the need for physical locations in industries such as books, music and apparel. Developers have steered away from strip center and toward mixed-use projects, converting commercially available space into residential uses. Lenders want

Those are some of the reasons we are seeing more brand-name tenants in our area, yet many of these remain locally owned.

Starting north at State Road 60 working south and moving from west to east on a map, here is a partial list of new places you will be able to visit within the next several months. Keep in mind, these projects can take 24 months or more from rezoning to completion.

Brandon is poised to get a new Chick-Fil-A

By Brian Bokor

at South Hilltop Road and State Road 60, ee under construction on State Road 60 at North Knights Avenue. Further south, Causeway Boulevard is set to see three new restaurants, Qdoba Mexican Eats at Falkenburg Road along with a Panera Bread and Chipotle under construction further east at the old Cheddar’s location

Taco Bell has rights to a location at U.S. Highway 301 and Falkenburg Road, and Cheddar’s is working to bring a new location to Bloomingdale Avenue. Also coming to Bloomingdale Avenue will be a Duck Donuts and iSMASH amusement center in Bloomingdale Square as well as an Andy’s Frozen Custard near the Walmart Supercenter.

Gibsonton Drive gets a Fatburger and Bufalo’s Express at the Shoppes of Lithia near the I-75 interchange, with a new Starbucks planned for a location near Mathog Road across from Lowes.

The aforementioned plaza at Symmes Road and U.S. Highway 301 call for a Smiles Dentistry, Knockout Haircuts, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Starbucks’ second new location will be at Big Bend Road and Waterset Boulevard, and U.S. Highway 41 and Elsberry Road are slated for a new First Watch and Tijuana Flats along with Trulieve and AT&T.

A third Starbucks is ready to break ground of U.S. Highway 301 and Balm Road in Wimauma, with a Keke’s Breakfast Cafe opening in Sun City Center at South Bay Plaza.

Non-chain restaurants opening include a Canopy Road Café of FishHawk Boulevard in Lithia and a Banh Mi Factory of Big Bend Road. And finally, a new EggTown restaurant is coming in the FishHawk area, and, saving this until the end, a new Peach Cobbler Factory will be somewhere in Brandon. Stay tuned.

LET’S KICK OFF RELAY 2023 AT AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF GREATER BRANDON AREA

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Greater Brandon area invites the community to join the movement to honor and remember loved ones and fight back for lifesaving change on Saturday, April 1-2, from 3 p.m.-5 a.m. at Riverview High School Track & 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 Megan Pichette, event co-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 Greater Brandon Area’s theme is ‘Destination: Vacation, Next Stop — A Cure,’ and 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 a survivor shirt, survivors are asked to register for the event at www.relayforlife.org/gbafl.

The luminaria ceremony will be held at 9 p.m. Come out, join in the fun and help “Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back.” If

Staf Report

you are wanting to be a sponsor for the event, please contact 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 Michelle Battle, event co-lead.

There are many ways to get involved:

• Sign up to join an existing team or start a new team at www.relayforlife.org/ gbafl.

• If you can’t participate, 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/gbafl to donate.

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

CANDIDATES READY TO SUPPORT LOCAL CHARITIES IN RACE FOR HONORARY MAYOR

By Jonathan Hurst

For the first time in multiple years, a time-honored Riverview tradition has returned under new direction. The race for Honorary Mayor of Riverview is underway and is now being overseen by the Riverview Woman’s Club. Both candidates are ready to do all they can to raise funds for their charities of choice throughout the month of February and claim the title of Honorary Mayor of Riverview. The two candidates this year are Hunter Giambra, owner of Hunter’s Brunch Shack and Hurricane IT Solutions, and Brian Porter, owner of Florida Foam Factory. Each candidate has selected two charities to represent, with high expectations for their eforts through this race.

Giambra has elected to represent Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter and a local football program known as the Fishhawk Spartans. Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter has been operating since 2017 in Plant City with the mission of helping cats and dogs of the Greater Hillsborough County area find temporary or sometimes permanent housing as it works with municipal shelters to aid atrisk animals. Giambra feels an attachment to this organization since he has a deep love and appreciation for pets of all kinds, and he has even adopted three pets of his own from shelters. The Fishhawk Spartans program plays out of Lithia in the Pop Warner league and ofers both football and cheer teams for 6U through 14U.

“I’ve always thought of Riverview to be my home, so running for Mayor of Riverview would be such a great accomplishment,” said Giambra.

The two charities represented by Porter are My Warrior’s Place and Impact Program Inc. My Warrior’s Place is a retreat center located in Ruskin that provides an integral role in aiding active-duty military or retired veterans, law enforcement ofcers or firefighters heal after going through traumatic events in service of the public. This cause is

something that Porter holds close because, as a retired United States Air Force veteran himself, he is familiar with a lot of individuals who have been impacted by the events of service and deal with lasting efects. The Impact Program Inc. promotes healthy lifestyles and relationships through a variety of programs designed to help teens, parents and teachers or role models, which Porter believes in strongly.

“Together, many hands make light work. We can make this happen,” shared Porter. While both of these candidates hold deep love and respect for the area they hope to represent, they have come about it in diferent ways, as Giambra was born and raised in the Riverview area, whereas Porter relocated to the area from North Carolina about five years ago. Nonetheless, both of these men have made lasting impacts in their communities and hope to do so on an even larger scale through this event. Porter has made a concrete goal of 10,000 donations of $10 that he hopes to achieve through a variety of fundraising events, such as bowling, bingo and a comedy night, which all began on February 2. If you would like to participate and contribute to the causes, visit the ‘Brian Porter 4 Honorary Mayor’ Facebook page. Likewise, Giambra has a full schedule of events with a goal of simply trying to raise as much as possible. Giambra kicked of his race with a rafe and trivia night on February 2. For more information and to contribute to Giambra’s future fundraising events, visit the ‘Hunter Giambra For Riverview Mayor’ Facebook page.

For information on the Riverview Woman’s Club, visit www.riverviewwomansclub. org.

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. Gain this knowledge at our NEW hybrid support groups being held via Zoom and in person at Tessera of Brandon.

Hybrid Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Groups

Brian Porter Hunter Giambra

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY TO HOLD SHRED FEST 2023 ON MARCH 4

Get ready for drive-through spring cleaning to help prevent identity theft.

Hillsborough County Consumer and Veterans Services will host Shred Fest 2023 on Saturday, March 4 from 9 -11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 3602 U.S. Hwy. 301 N. in Tampa, where documents will be shredded and electronic devices will be collected for ‘e-shredding.’

This seventh annual event also ofers free education and professional services to kick of National Consumer Protection Week, which will be observed from Sunday through Saturday, March 5-11.

Documents that can be shredded at Shred Fest include:

• Tax records.

• Old bank documents.

• Unnecessary bills and receipts.

• Unnecessary medical records containing personal information.

• Expired home and car insurance policies.

• Junk mail such as credit card ofers with personal information (name/address).

• Old travel documents, including boarding passes.

• Notes containing passwords.

• CDs and DVDs are accepted (no threering binders).

On-site document shredding will be limited to three copy-paper-size boxes or kitchen-size trash bag containers per

BAMBINO BUDDY BALL GIVES ALL ATHLETES THE CHANCE TO PLAY BASEBALL

vehicle. White or clear bags are preferred over black trash bags. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ofers guidelines about how long to keep tax records.

With an eye on cybersecurity, Shred Fest includes free electronic e-shredding. Known as ITAD, the process of information technology asset disposition is the secure and environmentally sustainable disposal of unwanted devices containing data. Residents can drop of their old cellphones, personal computers, laptops, tablets and hard drives to be securely destroyed by an industry-approved and certified recycler.

Attendees to Shred Fest 2023 are encouraged to remain in their vehicles for convenient drive-through drop-ofs. Consumer protection experts will be available to answer questions. All services are free and first come, first served during this oneday event. No commercial shredding will be permitted.

The nonprofit Veterans Council of Hillsborough County will distribute small American flags during Shred Fest and invite new members to join the organization. The park and monuments will remain open during the event.

For more information about Hillsborough County Consumer and Veterans Services, call 813-635-8316 or visit www.hcflgov. net/consumer.

Bloomingdale Youth Sports Association’s Bambino Buddy Ball Division registration is open for the 2023 season, which will begin on Saturday, February 25.

The division is part of the Babe Ruth League and gives 5-to-20-year-old athletes who are physically and/or mentally challenged the opportunity to play baseball and softball. During games and practices, a volunteer ‘buddy’ will assist the athlete with swinging the bat, running the bases, fielding the ball and having fun playing baseball with their friends.

“Bloomingdale Buddy Ball provides individuals with a mental and/or physical disability the opportunity to play baseball, regardless of their abilities. Buddy Ball helps individuals learn teamwork, promote self-esteem and most important, have fun,” according to the registration flyer.

The season will begin in February and run through April with games on Saturdays. Athletes and their buddies will participate in the games and build a network of friends and teammates.

“Advancing the personal development of any child through team participation and kinship is an important step along the road to success and happiness,” according to the

By Lily Belcher

website.

Participation in the Bambino Buddy Ball Division encourages young athletes to become involved in physical fitness and improve social skills through a team sport. Volunteers have the opportunity to experience the same benefits while learning how to help others.

“As you can see, the Bambino Buddy Ball Division is an emotionally rewarding experience for everyone as it allows the ‘buddies’ to feel good about helping their challenged friends, while at the same time making it a fun and memorable time for all,” according to the website.

Registration is free and includes a jersey and hat for each participant, made possible, in part, by sponsorships from supportive companies. The Bloomingdale Youth Sports Association relies on sponsorships to cover the cost of uniforms, equipment, field maintenance, trophies and medals for its young athletes. There are various sponsorship levels for companies ranging from $3,000-$375.

To register online, visit www.bysafl.com and make an account to fill out the waivers and other parent information. For more information on Bambino Buddy Ball or how to sponsor the Bloomingdale Youth Sports Association, visit the website.

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE COMING TO FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BRANDON

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.

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

By Kelly Wise Valdes

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.”

The women’s conference at First Baptist Brandon will also include guest musical artist Amy Shreve. Gracia’s books will be available for purchase.

To purchase tickets in advance, please visit www.fbcbrandon.org or call 813-6891204. Tickets may be purchased at the door. First Baptist Brandon is located at 216 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon.

ALL HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY K-12 STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO ENTER WATER CONSERVATION POSTER CONTEST

Hillsborough County K-12 students are encouraged to channel their inner artist, blend it with a passion for water conservation and enter the 2023 Drop Savers Water Conservation Poster Contest, which is sponsored by Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa.

All Hillsborough County students from kindergarten through 12th grade can enter the contest by creating a poster depicting water conservation. Each student who enters a poster in the contest must create an original idea that portrays water conservation in a slogan and/or drawing form. Each poster will be judged on the message, creativity, originality and artistic ability. The poster must be drawn on 8.5 by 11-inch white paper and may be drawn vertically or horizontally. Students may use crayons, paint, colored pencils or markers. No highlighters, photos or computer graphics are permitted.

There are five divisions in the contest:

• Division one: Kindergarten and first grade students.

• Division two: Second and third grade students.

• Division three: Fourth and fifth grade students.

• Division four: All middle school grades.

• Division five: All high school grades. Each school will select one winner from each division for submission to the local level. A panel of water conservation specialists from Hillsborough County Water Resources and the City of Tampa Water Department will judge all school winning posters on the message, creativity, originality and artistic ability and choose a first, second and

third-place local winner for each division. The firstplace local winners will advance to the statewide level, judged by the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA).

The submission deadline for the local-level judging is Wednesday, March 1. Learn more about the Drop Savers Poster Contest rules on the Drop Savers Poster Contest webpage at http://www. hcflgov.net/.

The first-place local winners for each division will win:

• A bottle-filling station installation at their school (this is only available to public schools).

• Customized reusable water bottles imprinted with their artwork to share with their classmates.

• Posters of their artwork to take home and for display in their art classroom.

• A water conservation retrofit kit (low-flow aerators and showerhead, toilet leak detection dye tablets, hose nozzle and more).

• Inclusion of their artwork on water conservation awareness posters displayed above bottle-filling stations throughout Hillsborough County (Find locations at www. hcflgov.net/waterconservation).

• Inclusion of their artwork on promotional materials for future contests.

• Advancement to the statewide-level FSAWWA Drop Savers Poster Contest for additional prizes.

In addition, first, second and thirdplace local winners from each division will get their artwork displayed on www.hcflgov.net and www.tampa. gov. All participants will receive a certificate of appreciation.

Students who enter the statewide competition can win gifts cards, a plaque with poster, a water conservation kit and more.

For information about the 2023 Drop Savers Water Conservation Poster Contest, email waterconservation@hcflgov. net or call 813-612-7705.

Gracia Burnham is the 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.

2022 First Place Winner Division One was Ayaan Sangomola from Chiles Elementary School.

2022 First Place Winner Division Five was Miki Lin from Brandon High School.

UNITED WAY SUNCOAST’S VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM HELPS TAXPAYERS

United Way Suncoast is sponsoring the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to help community members with their tax returns for free.

Through the program, taxpayers in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties will be assisted by IRS-certified volunteers. VITA aims to help low and mid-income individuals get a return on their taxes without having to pay for a tax preparer.

“Our goal is to provide no-cost, accurate tax return preparation for households with an income less than $74,000 and ensure that they receive every credit they are entitled to,” said United Way Suncoast’s financial stability manager, Nichole Pena. “One in five taxpayers who is eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit does not claim it; that equates to $135 million in the Suncoast region alone in unclaimed credits each year.”

In the last two years, VITA has helped return over $20 million to the five-county area. VITA volunteers have also caught key mistakes on tax returns done by paid tax preparers to ensure a larger return to the individual. Over 400 individuals are trained to serve at over 40 locations across the area.

ELECTRICIAN

By Lily Belcher

All VITA sites are currently open and accepting appointments until Tax Day on Tuesday, April 18. However, after Tax Day, at least one site in each county will reopen in June to assist individuals with filing prior year returns or resolving a letter from the IRS.

“The VITA program was started in 1971 as a partnership between the IRS and trusted community organizations such as nonprofits, colleges and universities and municipalities to provide no-cost, accurate tax preparation services,” said Pena.

Prior to attending an appointment to receive help from the volunteers, taxpayers should bring their Social Security card, ID, federal income tax return from last year and other income information.

Pena advises taxpayers to make sure all tax returns are accurate and to be wary of fraudulent tax preparers. She said some can decrease or increase your return by manipulating the information on the return, making the taxpayer liable for tax fraud.

For more information on the VITA program or to book an appointment with the IRS-certified volunteers, visit www. uwsvita.org or call 1-833-UWS-VITA (897-8482).

COME WATCH THE OSCARS® ON A BIG SCREEN AT THE TAMPA THEATRE

Tampa Theatre will be presenting one of its most glamorous events, the 24th annual Hollywood Awards Night, presented by Amalie Oil Co., on Sunday, March 12. Tickets are on sale now.

Jill Witecki with Tampa Theatre said, “Tampa Bay-area film fans are invited to come toast the nominees and celebrate the winners together at Tampa Theatre’s 24th annual Hollywood Awards Night.”

Tampa’s historic movie palace, Tampa Teatre, will roll out the red carpet and provide guests with lots of choices of how to watch the 95th annual Academy Awards on Sunday, March 12.

The Hollywood Awards Night Red Carpet Reception begins at 6:30 p.m. on Franklin Street under the historic marquee. After a limo ride around the block, courtesy of longtime event sponsor Skyline Limousine, superstar guests will walk the red carpet past adoring fans and paparazzi, rub shoulders with costumed characters representing Hollywood’s biggest bigwigs and chat with ‘Roan Jivers’ about who or what they are wearing.

Inside the Tampa Theatre, there will be games, prizes, free popcorn and soda. The OSCAR® Red Carpet Live preshow will be on the big screen, along with a cash bar. ABC’s live coverage of the Academy Awards begins at 8 p.m.

Hollywood Awards Night 2023 ofers three levels of watch-party experiences. The Balcony Ticket is just $25. You get to enjoy all of the red-carpet reception

By Kathy L. Collins

activities on Franklin Street as well as watch the 95th Academy Awards® broadcast from the balcony, plus free popcorn, soda and water. A 20 percent discount is available for groups of eight or more.

For $55, you can get the Mezzanine Ticket, which gives you a reserved seat in the mezzanine, two complimentary drink tickets redeemable for beer or wine and a concierge drink service to your seat, plus free popcorn, soda and water.

The VIP Party Deck Ticket is $150. You can enjoy the festivities from a custom stage extension built out over the seats. You get all of the red-carpet reception activities on Franklin Street and admission to watch the 95th Academy Awards broadcast from the VIP Party Deck. It features a bufet dinner catered by SaltBlock Hospitality; open beer, wine and signature cocktails by Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey until 11 p.m.; free popcorn, soda and water; and casual lounge seating.

Guests who stay until the best picture is announced at the end of the telecast will also enjoy doughnuts and cofee in the lobby.

Get your tickets by visiting www.tampatheatre.org.

VITA is a free program sponsored by United Way Suncoast to help taxpayers complete their tax returns.

Scholarships, Lacrosse Club, Women’s Self Defense Seminar & More...

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Community Action Board Scholarship Applications Open Hillsborough County’s Community Action Board Scholarship program ofers scholarships worth up to $5,000 each to eligible students wishing to continue their post-secondary education. The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or four-year universities. The application form and eligibility criteria can be found by visiting www.hcflgov.net/education and clicking the “College Scholarship” link. The application deadline is Friday, March 24.

Historic Event Venue Available In Brandon

The historical GFWC Brandon Junior Woman’s Clubhouse is an event venue which can host up to 50 people, making it perfect for baby showers, birthday parties, meetings and more, and it is available now. The building is located at 129 N. Moon Ave. in Brandon. If you are interested in renting the building, visit the website www.gfwcbrandonjuniors.org and select venue rental for more information.

GFWC Brandon Junior Woman’s Club Yard Sale

The GFWC Brandon Junior Woman’s Club will be holding its semiannual yard sale on Saturday, March 4 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. There is always a wide variety of objects for sale, including household goods, books and home

furnishings, so stop by and find a bargain. The sale will take place at the clubhouse, located at 129 N. Moon Ave. in Brandon.

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.

Women’s Self-defense Seminar

Outcast Krav Maga, located at 3636 Erindale Dr., #103 in Valrico, is pleased to be ofering a two-hour self-defense seminar for women to learn basic techniques and build confidence in a relaxed atmosphere. The seminars are held on the second Friday of every month starting at 6 p.m. and costs $25. To sign up for the seminar, visit www. outcastkravmaga.com, which also lists its other krav maga classes for youths and adults.

Paint And Sip With Te GFWC Brandon Junior Woman’s Club

The GFWC Brandon Junior Woman’s Club is hosting a paint-and-sip fundraiser on Wednesday, March 22 at its historical building at 129 N. Moon Ave. in Brandon. Everyone likes a sunset. Doors open at 6:30 and painting begins at 7 p.m. Light snacks and beverages will be available, along with the opportunity to win baskets and a 50/50 rafe. Seating is limited, so reserve your canvas now. Adult tickets cost $20 and children (812) tickets are $10. Tickets are available at www.gfwcbrandonjuniors.org.

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 organizations 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.

GFWC BRANDON SERVICE LEAGUE SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR ITS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Greater Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) Brandon Service League (BSL) is seeking applications for their Annual Scholarships. BSL o f ers two scholarships for high school seniors who are attending college or university in the fall. Applications are due no later than Friday, April 21.

BSL started the scholarship program in 1996 with one scholarship. Judy Darsey, scholarship chairman, said, “While the program has changed over the years, we work hard to keep the program funded. We encourage students in the Greater Brandon area to check out the o f erings we have this year.”

Te members of the GFWC Brandon Service League invite high school seniors who are attending college or university in the fall and adult women who need to seek training or education to apply for one of its three $1,000 scholarships being ofered this year.

By Kathy L. Collins

must include, among other information, three letters of reference and a personal essay. The two scholarships for high school seniors are the Reynolds and Claire Bryan Scholarship and the GFWC BSL Education Scholarship. The first is named after a past president and her husband for their numerous contributions to the club. This has traditionally been geared toward a student who plans to pursue a degree in the arts. The second one is for seniors who want to pursue a degree in education.

High school seniors who attend a Brandon-area school may get additional information from their career guidance counselors. If you attend a charter, private or church school, email Darsey at jbdarsey@aol.com for information and an application.

Darsey said, “We know that education is expensive, and we want to help in a small way with your college fees.” Darsey added, “While our emphasis for the scholarship remains with a focus on students who want to pursue a degree in education and the arts, we are opening both scholarships for other majors.”

The $1,000 scholarships are intended as a contribution to tuition, fees or academic course materials. Your application

BSL also o f ers a scholarship geared toward the adult woman called the Renaissance Woman Scholarship. This is for the adult woman who, due to life or family changes, find themselves in need of further training or education. The woman must be attending a technical school, community college or other accredited institution of higher education.

Darsey said, “Since its inception, GFWC have been in the business of identifying the needs of the local community and then working to meet those needs through community service projects. We, the members of BSL, have upheld these goals. We feel there is a great need to help students through the scholarship program.”

For more information, please email Darsey at jbdarsey@aol.com.

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 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.

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

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.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

2023 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL THEME IS, 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,

SASSY CAT CLUB CAFE OPENING FOR ADOPTIONS IN BRANDON

By Libby Hopkins

so we 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.” The Florida Strawberry Festival runs from Thursday, March 2 through Sunday, March 12. For more information, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

Nikki Smith worked as a veterinary technician for 30 years, but once she experienced her first cat cafe, the dream of the Sassy Cat Club Cafe was born.

“I saw my first cat cafe about three years ago in Ft. Myers while my husband was working in the area,” Smith said, “He turned to me and said, ‘This is what you should do.’ The idea slowly grew on me, and when I decided to retire from working as a veterinary technician for 30 years, this idea became my new passion.”

Smith and the Sassy Cat Club Cafe will ofer a place where people can relax and experience animal therapy while helping to enrich the lives of the fosters in their care. The Sassy Cat Club Cafe hopes to adopt every cat in its care and find them a forever home. Smith will be partnering with A Kitten Place, a local Brandon cat charity, to find fosters and adoptable cats. In addition, Sassy Cat Club Cafe serves guests by providing a place for them to enjoy the company of cats in a relaxing and caring environment.

“A visit to a cat cafe helps you slow down and enjoy relaxing with the cats,” Smith said.

Cat cafes are essential parts of the community, as they are not only beneficial to kittens but to families as well. In order to help defray the costs of housing and caring for the adoptees, there is

By Meghan Reyes

a small fee to access the cat lounge to spend time with, interact with and provide enrichment for the wonderful felines. For one hour access to the cat lounge, there is a general admission fee of $15 per adult. Children under 2 years old are admitted free of charge.

The cafe will provide cofee, tea, hot chocolate, cupcakes and cookies from Moreno Bakery.

“Through a partnership with A Kitten Place rescue, we help save lives and provide an interactive experience for potential adopters and animal lovers alike,” Smith said. “This partnership benefits both the human and animal communities.”

The Sassy Cat Club Cafe is located in Oak Park Plaza at 735 W. Lumsden Ave. in Brandon and will is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Reservations can be made on its website, https://sassycatclubcafe. com/. In addition, walk-in reservations are welcome as space allows.

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.

Blue Compass RV

Kicks Of Nationwide

Rebrand Redesign

With Tampa Location

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 of with the 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.

Repco Pest Control Ofers Commercial And Home Services

Repco Lawn & Ornamental Pest Control has been providing residential and commercial pest control services for over 25 years.

It is dedicated to providing a great service that protects your property from roaches, ants, rodents, termites and more. Call Repco on 813-854-5412 or visit its website at www.

repcopest.com

for additional information.

McCullagh & Scott Completes Executive Park

McCullagh & Scott, a complete design/ build developer and general contractor with over 30 years of serving the state of Florida, recently completed the Bell Shoals Executive Park in Riverview. The executive ofces are home to many new businesses, including Advanced Gynecology of Tampa Bay, Kids’ Corner Pediatrics and Family Practice Center of Brandon. McCullagh & Scott provides its clients with many diferent construction services that are involved with a commercial project, and its high-quality team of professionals provide the support and assistance needed to bring the results its clients want. To find out more, visit its website at www.mccullaghandscott.com or call 813621-7777.

D-BAT South Shore Ofers Topnotch Sports Training

D-BAT South Shore in Ruskin was recently purchased by Cono and Cecelia Liguori and is the area’s premier indoor baseball, softball and all-sport

athletic training facility. It has multiple pitching machines, batting cages and pitching lanes for personal or team use. Its instructors ofer top-notch sport training with today’s professional-grade tech to individuals and groups. The pro shop is stocked with the newest baseball and softball gear and apparel. D-BAT South Shore also runs both skilled and fun camps, birthday and ofce parties. D-BAT South Shore is located at 351 30th St. NE in Ruskin, for more information visit its website at https://dbatsouthshore.com/ or call 813-645-3228.

La Septima Celebrating 28 Years Of Serving Delicious Food

Popular family-owned restaurant, La Septima first started in February 1995 and is now celebrating its 28-year anniversary. Owned by the Fernandez family, the unfussy restaurant has become a staple in the community for serving its delicious Cuban-fusion cuisine and recently for its amazing $39.95 family meals. La Septima is located at 702 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon in the La Viva Plaza. Visit its website at www.

COMING SOON MARCH 2-12

laseptimacafe.com or call 813685-0502 for additional details.

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 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.

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 reconstruc-

When heart problems like AFib, arrhythmia, or heart failure begin to afect your life, you need expert care from a trusted team. As one of Florida’s first designated HeartCARE Centers™ by the American College of Cardiology, we provide nationally recognized care for a range of cardiovascular conditions. So you can keep your heart beating with the pace of life.

BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED...............FROM PG 25

tion. She is afliated with both St. Joseph’s Hospital-South and Brandon Regional Hospital. Her ofce is located at 16301 FishHawk Blvd., Ste. 102. Please call 813-530-4181 for appointment information or visit www.womenscareobgyn.com.

Latitudes Tours Offers Small-group Bus Tours

Latitudes Tours is now ofering private small-group 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 of 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.

Olive And Grace Ofers Custom Permanent Jewelry

Olive and Grace ofers permanent, welded jewelry custom-sized to fit your wrist, neck or ankle. After selecting the chain, trained Olive and Grace staf perfect the fit and weld the metal to create your claspfree bracelet, necklace or anklet. Olive and Grace has appointments available at Karma Yoga and is also ofering private parties, girls night outs, bachelorette parties, birthdays and more. To book an appointment, visit its website at www.oliveandgracefl.com or call owner Ashly Thielke at 813-603-6865.

Blu Indigo Spa & Wellness Celebrates

New Owners With A Ribbon-cutting Blu Indigo Spa & Wellness hosted a ribbon-cutting with the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce to celebrate its new owners, Drs. Keith and Helen Tong, DNM. Located in the Sprouts plaza at 3339 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico, it ofers a wide variety of spa, massage and wellness services, including IV, fillers and

By Jenny Bennett

medical aesthetic services under the direction of Dr. Prudhvi Raja Karumanchi. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit https://bluindigospa. com/ or call 813-651-3258.

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 raffles 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 813-2649368. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

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 ofces in Polk County with additional locations in Dade City, Valrico and Plant City.

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY BECOMES

NEW HOME FOR BANDAR, A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SUMATRAN TIGER

Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay recently announced the arrival of a male, 9-year-old Sumatran tiger named Bandar who joined the park’s diverse collection of more than 200 animal species. Bandar was transferred from the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington and is the park’s first Sumatran tiger to join the existing streak of tigers. In his new habitat, he will join Rukayah and Zahra, a Malayan and Bengal tiger, respectively. Park guests are now able to get up close with Bandar, who resides in the Jungala realm of the park.

“Watching Bandar settle into his new home is exciting and inspiring,” said Jenny Mendoza, vice president - zoological for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “We are very thrilled to provide him with a home for him to thrive, share his story with our guests and have our zoological facilities serve as a building block for the prosperous future of all tigers.”

The Sumatran tiger is a critically endangered species on the brink of extinction. With less than 400 known Sumatran tigers in the wild, Bandar is part of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). The mission of the SSP is to cooperatively

manage specific species populations within AZA-accredited facilities, such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which has successfully managed tiger populations for more than five decades. Guests interested in experiencing a unique and up-close look at Bengal, Malayan and Sumatran tigers can purchase a Tiger Insider Tour to gain an insider’s perspective of the care of this endangered species and learn how our parks help to protect this powerful species in the wild. Through these engaging and educational opportunities, guests can learn how they can make a difference for their counterparts in the wild.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, ofering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA-accredited zoo with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age.

Guests can learn more about all the events, special deals and future announcements at Busch Gardens by visiting https://buschgardens.com/ and following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

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.

CUSTOM HAIR HELPS CUSTOMERS REGAIN CONFIDENCE AFTER HAIR LOSS

Things often get ‘hairy’ at Custom Hair Tampa Bay, but for this business that’s precisely the goal.

Owned by Dan and Lori Younkman, Custom Hair Tampa Bay ofers nonsurgical solutions for men and women with hair loss as a result of male and female-pattern baldness, chemotherapy, transplants and burn scars, alopecia, autoimmune diseases and other hair loss conditions.

Located at 117 N. Kings Ave. in Brandon, solutions that the Younkmans ofer include 100 percent Remy human hair wigs, toppers and custom hair solutions for men and women. Expert staf members are available to assist clients in choosing from its selection of wigs or one of its hair systems.

“We’re here to advise you every step of the way and walk you through the entire process,” said Lori, who is not just the owner but also a customer.

She understands exactly how a thick head of hair can restore confidence.

Customers meet with technicians in private consultation rooms where their heads are measured, hair color and texture are matched and hair systems are created to make each person look their best.

Hair replacement systems are lightweight, breathable and secure thanks to the surgical-grade adhesive that holds the

By Michelle Caceres

hair in place for four to six weeks.

“Wake up every morning with hair,” said Lori. “Wash it, swim with it and just live your life.”

Her favorite part of the process is when the hair system comes in and customers see the total transformation.

For Apollo Beach resident Jim Klein, his new hair has given him increased self-confidence. “I have the hair I used to have and look so much younger,” he said.

Brandon resident and longtime customer Susan Saylors, whose hair started thinning as a result of lupus, echoed Klien about the increased self-confidence from her hair replacement system.

“Stylists at Custom Hair have given me long hair, shorter hair, have changed the color,” said Saylors. “What’s great is it’s such a high quality that nobody knows it’s not my own hair unless I tell them.”

Custom Hair Tampa Bay has been helping customers enjoy long, thick and healthy hair worthy of a Pantene commercial for more than 50 years.

Custom Hair Tampa Bay is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, visit www.customhairtampabay.com or call 813-6519484.

GFWC BRANDON SERVICE LEAGUE WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL DINNER AND SPORTING CLAY SHOOT

The GFWC Brandon Service League is once again hosting its Spring Dinner and Sporting Clay Shoot. The festive event will be held on Saturday, March 18 at FishHawk Sporting Clays in Lithia. Registration begins at 1 p.m. The shoot begins at 2 p.m. Dinner and entertainment will be at 4 p.m., with awards to be announced at 5 p.m.

The cost to participate is $400 for a team of four, and individual shooters can get a ticket for $125. The fees include sporting clays, ammunition, drinks and dinner. You can bring your own 12 or 20-gauge shotgun or rent one for $25. Team golf carts can be rented for $25. Eye and ear protection are required and are available for rent or purchased onsite. You can also purchase a ticket to attend dinner only for $30 per person.

The awards or trophies will be given for best team, best individual score overall, most improved shooter (over the course of the shoot) and a last place trophy entitled “At Least You Looked Good Tryin’.”

The GFWC Brandon Service League will also have its much-loved opportunity baskets, a DJ and a 50/50. There will

By Kathy L. Collins

also be a gun ra f e. You do not have to be present to win.

Proceeds from the annual Spring Dinner and Sporting Clay Shoot benefit several area nonprofits, including Hope for Her, Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center, Winthrop Arts and New Horizons Group Home. In addition, the high school art departments from multiple Brandon-area high schools will also benefit.

Bradley Swanson, co-president of the GFWC Brandon Service League, said, “This is the largest fundraiser of the year for GFWC Brandon Service League. All money raised here goes back into our community in the form of donations. Last year, we were able to donate to five area nonprofits and six high school art departments.”

Swanson added, “GFWC Brandon Service League has served the community for 62 years. We are currently accepting new members and love to have visitors. You can reach out to any member for information on how to join us.”

For more information and to get tickets, please visit www.gfwcbrandonserviceleague.org. Gun-ra f e tickets may be purchased from club members only.

Join the GFWC Brandon Service League’s Co-President, Jeri Robinson (second from right) along with Ben Robinson, Laurie Gagliano and Dennis Robinson for their Annual Spring Dinner and Sporting Clay Shoot on Saturday, March 18 at FishHawk Sporting Clays located at 13505 Hobson Simmons Rd. in Lithia.

Owned by Dan and Lori Younkman, Custom Hair Tampa Bay ofers nonsurgical solutions for men and women with hair loss.

VETERAN-OWNED HOME SECURITY COMPANY OFFERS FREE CONSULTATIONS

Martin Security is a home security company dedicated to meeting their customers’ needs and budget. It was started in September of 2020 and is owned by military veteran Richard Martin and his wife, Vanessa Martin.

Richard served in the military for 24 years in the army before retiring in 2012. He started his career as a radar repairman before being deployed to Saudi Arabia and Iraq until 1991. Richard transitioned to 97B Counterintelligence and was deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Qatar.

During his service time, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Award, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal. Richard also earned campaign medals for Desert Shield/Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

After retiring from the military, he began working as a contractor in CENTCOM at MacDill Air Force Base but was traveling to Qatar throughout the year. When COVID-19 canceled his overseas travel, he realized all the traveling he was doing for work was taking a toll on him.

“He loves what he does and wanted to learn the residential side of the alarm systems, so he went to work for a large com-

By Lily Belcher

pany. After working for them and learning the job, he decided we could do a better job taking care of the customers with more options and saving them money,” explained Vanessa.

Martin Security is owned and operated solely by Richard and Vanessa, but they were able to serve over 100 customers in 2022.

Through Martin Security, Richard and Vanessa are able to listen to the individual needs of their customers. They also ofer a 10 percent discount for military and first responders as well as a recycling program for any equipment they cannot use.

“Making sure our clients are happy with their install and knowing we are helping them protect what matters most to them [is the most rewarding part],” said Vanessa. “We like to educate people and make sure they have a number of options available to them.”

In addition to their camera installation service, customers can choose a monthly monitoring system that includes a burglar alarm and video.

To get an estimate or free consultation, visit Martin Security’s website at martinsecurityservices.com or call 813-3526398.

BECKINGER SURVIVES CANCER, FIGHTS FOR OTHERS TO HAVE HOPE AS VISIONARY CANDIDATE

As the sixth member in his immediate family to battle cancer, Craig Beckinger is going to bat for those in a similar fight for their lives as he campaigns for Visionary of the Year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for the north Florida region.

The candidate who raises the most money for LLS from Thursday, February 23 through Friday, May 5 earns the title.

“My mom and maternal grandmother survived cancer and my maternal grandfather and paternal grandparents died from cancer, so dealing with cancer was nothing new for me,” Beckinger said. “But when I got diagnosed with cancer, I couldn’t say a word. I was just so scared.”

Diagnosed in August 2017 with highgrade B-cell lymphoma, Beckinger in December celebrated Christmas with his mother and her mother, who at age 104 stands as a warrior who battled two cancers.

“Too often after diagnosis people fear the worst,” Beckinger said. “I was there, and I can tell you, without the right mindset, the odds are against you. I chose hope and faith, and to focus on living my life regardless of the challenges faced in my cancer battle. I learned from others, and I hope to be an in-

By Linda Chion

spiration to others in return.”

Beckinger faced life-altering news as well in 2010, when his partner of 14 years, Kimberly John Schave, died from complications from diabetes. Beckinger four years later quit his job at Darden Restaurants to launch his own business, ABC Event Planning. “I realized with Kim’s passing that life is short, it’s time to do what I love doing,” Beckinger said. “Kim was very involved helping others and supporting causes. He would be extremely happy that I’m stepping up for LLS.”

According to LLS, more than 1.2 million people are living with or in remission from lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, myeloma and leukemia, which is the number one most diagnosed form of childhood cancer.

For more on Craig’s Champions for a Cure Team, call Beckinger at 561-876-6845. Fundraising events include drag queen bingo at The Regent in Riverview on Thursday, April 20 and a fashion show at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood Restaurant in Tampa on Saturday, April 22.

Richard and Vanessa Martin own Martin Security and served over 100 customers last year.

Photos courtesy of Craig Beckinger. Craig Beckinger, left, with family members celebrating Christmas in December 2022.

Cancer survivor Craig Beckinger.

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

R PROCESSOR OFFERS AFFORDABLE MERCHANT PROCESSING SERVICES

By Makenzie Atkins

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/.

When starting a new business, there are many puzzle pieces that need to be put together in order to create something successful. While some decisions might be difcult, choosing the right system for your merchant processing is now easier than ever.

Using Rich Rohde’s merchant processing service, R Processor Inc., gives you access to many diferent opportunities. Rohde ofers point of sales, mobile payments, electronic gift cards and EMV terminals. When you use R Processor, the company will also handle the purchase adjustments and chargebacks, interact with a fulfillment company, and give you real-time reporting of your credit card sales.

relationship with its clients and strives to give clients the best.

Rohde’s merchant processing services can ofer competitive benefits to choosing its service over others. While many companies may be able to ofer similar services, R Processor takes it one step further. Not only do you gain an easyto-use system when choosing to go with R Processors’ services, but you are also gaining a friend who is ready to help you succeed.

R Processor works hard to continue to connect with its customers in a way other companies do not. Rohde, as the owner of R Processor, takes pride in building a

relationship with people like himself, businessmen and women.

Rohde has been in the industry for over 34 years and has seen what systems are needed to smoothly run a business. This is just one reason why R Processor is an easy choice when looking for merchant processing systems.

“We are a veteran-owned Florida corporation providing handson personal care,” said Rohde.

“Because the business is individually owned, we can eliminate any long-term contracts and guarantee rates for lengthy periods.”

Rhode’s merchant processing currently services many businesses in the community, including Idlewild Baptist Church and The Green Boutique.

Merchant processing is the system in which payment is received by a company from its customers. It is important to have a system which you can rely on to get the job done and keep customer information safe. Rohde wants to help business owners to aford a system that can be trusted, and he is passionate about helping entrepreneurs like him.

For more information, contact Rohde at 813-405-5210, email rich@richrohde. com or visit https://richrohde.com/.

Rich Rohde’s merchant processing service, R Processor Inc., is passionate about maintaining a

The Village Players will present The Not So True Story of Cinderella! over three weekends in February and March. The February dates and times are Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25 at 8 p.m. There will be a matinee on Sunday, February 26 at 3 p.m. The March dates and times are Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4 at 8 p.m.

All shows will be held at the historic James McCabe Theater, located at 506 N. 5th St. in Valrico. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box ofce at 813-480-3147 or by visiting www.thevillageplayersvalrico. com.

The Not So True Story of Cinderella! was written by and directed by Domin Pazo. Gail Pierce, a producer with the Village Players, said, “Pazo, the artistic director of the Village Players, is quite a playwright. This is his second play in two years.” Pierce added, “His style is lighthearted but with an underlying message.”

The plot of The Not So True Story of Cinderella! is a retelling of the famous fairy tale,

By Kathy L. Collins

Cinderella, but with some adult themes, new characters and some crazy side stories. The Not So True Story of Cinderella!makes you see this classic in a diferent light.

Pazo said of The Not So True Story of Cinderella!, “Years ago, I was at the Magic Kingdom Park. During the parade, these two guys were dressed up as the stepsisters and were so funny. They were the inspiration for writing this play.”

Pazo added, “I am so lucky to have this great bunch of actors and crew that do the most stupid things I can ask for. If you just need to laugh and get away from life, come see this show.”

Pierce said, “The Not So True Story of Cinderella! takes a closer look at life’s messages, such as things are not always what they seem and life is not always as planned. These are just to name a few which were weaved into Pazo’s usual style of humor.”

For more information of this play and about the Village Players, please visit www. thevillageplayersvalrico.com.

Kennedie Clinton was crowned queen of the 88th Florida Strawberry Festival at the annual pageant on January 21.

Clinton was selected from a field of 24 contestants. Jaida Davis was chosen first maid along with court members Addison Raburn, Fe Ramirez and Kaleigh Salmon.

“I’m so excited. This is such an amazing opportunity to represent my community,” said Clinton. “I’m so honored. I’m so blessed. Words can’t describe how I’m feeling right now. I’m on cloud nine.”

Clinton is the daughter of Michael and Michelle Engle. She is currently a junior at Durant High School. Clinton serves as a member of National Honor Society, National Arts Honor Society, National English Honor Society and the Durant Theatre Company. She plans to pursue a career in law or physics to become either a criminal defense attorney or astrophysicist.

The Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Competition is organized by the Plant City Lions Club and is composed of five facets of competition: a personal interview, on-stage speaking, casual wear, evening wear and an impromptu question.

“Tonight was a very exciting night,” said Florida Strawberry Festival President Elect Kyle Robinson. “The judges did an outstanding job of selecting a group of sweet, intelligent and well-spoken young ladies. The previous queen and court held a high standard, but I’m confident this court will be up to the challenge and make us proud.”

Throughout the year, the queen and court make over 80 appearances as they represent the Florida Strawberry Festival and the Plant City community. They can be seen at festival events throughout the grounds and at community events throughout the year.

The Florida Strawberry Festival also crowned the winners of its annual Junior Royalty pageant earlier this month at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center on the festival grounds.

One hundred and twenty registered contestants from 5-15 years old competed in four categories according to their ages: baroness, duchess, princess and queen, respectively. From the top five finalists in each category, a first maid and a winner were chosen.

Madelynn Marie Hardwick was selected as Junior Royalty Queen, Giselle Elena McDowell was chosen as Junior Royalty Princess, Olivia Pilar McDowell was chosen as Junior Royalty Duchess and Aubrey Sweeney was chosen as Junior Royalty Baroness.

“Once again, we have an outstanding group of girls to represent our festival,” said Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis.

“We couldn’t be more proud of our girls, our families and this community. We are truly blessed.”

The Junior Royalty winners will represent the Florida Strawberry Festival throughout the year, making appearances at events and in the annual Plant City Christmas Parade and Grand Parade during the festival.

Te Village Players will present the original play Te Not So True Story of Cinderella!, written and directed by Domin Pazo, the Village Players’ artistic director.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival.

2023 Strawberry Festival Queen and Court, from left to right: Court

Member Fe Ramirez, First Maid Jaida Davis, Queen Kennedie Clinton, Court Member Addison Raburn and Court Member Kaleigh Salmon.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival.

2023 Junior Royalty, from left to right: Baroness Aubrey Sweeney, Queen Madelynn Marie Hardwick, Princess Giselle Elena McDowell and Duchess Olivia Pilar McDowell.

VINE VEGAN OFFERS FOOD RICH WITH CULTURE AND FAMILY VALUES

Three years ago, Danielle Stevens and her family decided to go vegan. A family decision to eat healthily and work to save animals quickly turned into a passion, prompting Stevens to start a vegan restaurant in Brandon.

Vine Vegan opened on December 1, 2022.

Stevens’ menu combines her passion for healthy, plant-based eating; bringing the community together; and creating dishes with a rich background of culture.

“I’m really excited to have a place where people can make memories with their families. … They get to do that in the comfort of a beautiful restaurant,” said Stevens.

Stevens was born and raised in America, but her mother is from England and her father was from South America. The Vine Vegan owner grew up in the kitchen creating flavorful dishes that honored all aspects of her heritage on the same menu.

“I kind of took things from all the different avenues of my life to come up with an eclectic menu that could satisfy anybody’s taste buds,” said Stevens.

The diverse menu of Vine Vegan includes comfort foods, superfood bowls, specialty lattes and other dishes for all customers. Stevens said around 65 percent of her customers are not vegan but come to enjoy the flavorful, healthy foods

By Lily Belcher

ofered in her store.

Vine Vegan was originally scheduled to open on Veteran’s Day in 2022 to honor Stevens’ father, who served as a colonel in the army. However, an issue with the hood system two days before its grand opening delayed the opening three weeks.

In October of 2019, Stevens’ father died of heart disease despite a healthy and active lifestyle.

Stevens saw a documentary called The Game Changers and saw the benefits of plant-based eating. With her family, they decided to start eating vegan to reduce their own chances of getting heart disease and increase their life span.

Now, Stevens and her 17 employees serve the Brandon community every day by providing a comfortable, homely atmosphere and good food for all guests.

Vine Vegan is located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon of Brandon Parkway. To view the menu or sign up for the newsletter, visit https://vinevegan.com/. For more information, call 813-939-8463 or email eat@vinevegan.com.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY’S SUNSHINE LINE IS A BEACON OF HOPE FOR THOSE WHO LACK ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION

Hillsborough County’s Sunshine Line provides reliable transportation solutions so that the county’s most vulnerable residents get to where they need so they can lead active, self-reliant and independent lives. This includes transportation to doctor’s appointments, banks, grocery stores and more.

Sunshine Line is a county department that provides transportation service for residents with disabilities or those who meet certain eligibility criteria. The three criteria are that you must be 60 years old or older, meet the income eligibility of 150 percent of poverty level for any age or have a disability (also any age). In order to be served, there must be no access to a vehicle in the family.

If you have questions or want to receive services, you can call the call center at 813-272-7272 Monday to Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. It takes approximately one to two business days for eligibility to be verified and then you can start booking trips.

The Hillsborough County Sunshine Line is a shared-ride service. Trips must be prescheduled. Passengers are dropped of/ picked up based on the route the bus is taking. No trip is longer than 90 minutes.

Riders must reside more than three quarters of a mile from a bus route. HartPlus ofers a similar service for residents who live within three quarters of a mile of a bus stop.

Jerry Stickney, Sunshine Line opera-

By Kathy L. Collins

tions manager, said, “If you know of someone who would benefit from the service, have them contact us. Our focus is on finding transportation solutions for those in need. If we

cannot help, we will help point you to someone who can.”

The Sunshine Line concept was started over 30 years ago. It was originally known as Share a Van, in which county staf used their own personal vehicles to drive clients to appointments. Now, more than 30 years later, the Sunshine Line is a robust and sophisticated agency with 69 vehicles and 65 drivers. The Sunshine Line covers all 1,050 square miles of Hillsborough County.

Stickney said, “Sunshine Line drivers often have the same route and forge a bond with their clients. For the clients, the Sunshine Line drivers are a friendly face that they look forward to seeing.”

To get started, call 813-272-7272.

Danielle Stevens opened Vine Vegan in December 2022.

Te Hillsborough County Sunshine Line transports residents who meet certain eligibility re-quirements and who lack access to transportation so that they can live full and engaging lives.

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 communities. 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 round-the-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 allbreed 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.

Theresa Turner owns Tax Happens in Riverview, a “unique boutique-style CPA firm” ofering personalized tax and accounting services to small businesses and individuals, with an emphasis on ‘honesty’ and ‘integrity.’

“Calm and tranquil office, that’s what we’re going for,” said Turner, a certified public accountant (CPA), in describing the boutique descriptor. “Dim lighting and spa music playing, I feel like I should be coming in for a massage; it’s so relaxing.”

Yet for many people, taxes are anything but relaxing. Rather, a stressful event, and especially so when deadlines pass and uncertainties are abound.

“Some people are absolutely terrified and put of their taxes for years,” Turner said. “Something has scared them, usually a life event. Once they meet with us, they get the idea that we know what we’re doing and we’re looking out for their best interests.”

Not an option is bending or breaking the rules, Turner said.

“When I worked in the public accounting realm, I found there were a lot of unethical people,” Turner said. “If you do a tax return wrong, odds are no one will know because the chances of audits are so slim, statistically speaking. But just because you can do something wrong and get away with it doesn’t mean you should do it.”

Expect “complete, accurate returns” at Tax

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By Linda Chion

Happens, Turner said. “We’re not pushing an agenda. We’re not trying to get away with anything. Doing what’s legal, I can defend

which leads to further questions, and possibly overlooked deductions and taxable events. Supporting your grandmother? She counts as a dependent. Sending your son, under age 13, to summer camp while you go to work? That counts as a child-care credit. Selling items on eBay? Taxable. “And the stock plan at work you didn’t realize you had to report, even though you didn’t take it out?” Turner added. “They didn’t know it was a taxable event until years later when an audit comes.”

Turner’s first tax season out of college was during 9/11 as an employee sitting at a desk. “I was in New York, three days away from deadline,” Turner said. Fast forward to 2021 and the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and Turner gives further insight into her work ethic.

“I had more work to do but less people who could pay their fees,” Turner said. “But I had clients for years and I wasn’t going to let them down because they didn’t have money during COVID. It was a very emotional time.”

Tax

www.taxhappens.com.

GIRLS OF THE WORLD TO HOLD TEA PARTY TO CELEBRATE STRIDES IN WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

Apollo Beach resident Lea Manningham has announced the second annual Tea Party to benefit Girls of the World Inc., a local nonprofit organization she founded with the mission of serving girls from elementary to college to inspire and empower them to become their best selves.

The Tea Party is being hosted in honor of International Women’s Day and “to celebrate the strides made to achieve gender equality and empower women. This day will be filled with smiles, laughs and fun as we make cherishable memories,” states Girls of the World’s website.

It will be held on Saturday, March 4 from 1-4 p.m. The 2022 event was sold out, and 2023 tickets are available now, so be sure to get yours soon to make sure you aren’t left out. Tickets to the Tea Party cost $25 per person.

“This is also an occasion to celebrate Women’s History Month 2023. This fundraising event helps to keep Girls of the World in the black. Girls, grandmothers, mothers, aunts and interested women are invited to join us … at a local venue,” said Manningham.

Last year, this organization had 20 corporate supporters. So, the nonprofit

SEFFNER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY HIRES JIM DELANEY AS HEAD SOFTBALL COACH

By Taylor Wells

asks that you please help keep this successful winning streak alive. You won’t want to miss out on the tea, light refreshments, 50/50 raffle, silent auction and great music.

To add more spice, K. Michele, a noted public speaker, author, entrepreneur and wealth consultant, will be the keynote speaker of the event. Join Girls of the World for a fun and empowering day.

In addition, sponsorship and vendor spots are available. There are three sponsor levels, which are $300 for a VIP table, $1,000 for food sponsors and $1,500 for presenting sponsors. Vendor spots are $150 each and will allow the vendors to promote themselves and receive a meal. The last day to sign up as a sponsor or vendor is two weeks before the event.

The Tea Party will be held on Saturday, March 4 from 1-4 p.m. in Southshore Falls at 5831 Cascade Falls Ln. in Apollo Beach. Girls of the World is located at 300 Frandorson Cir., Ste. 101 in Apollo Beach. To contact Girls of the World, call 813-810-1396. For more information, to purchase tickets or to register as a sponsor or vendor, visit www.girlsoftheworldinc.com.

BIGGEST BIGGEST SALE OF SALE OF THE THE YEAR! YEAR!

Durant High School employee Jim Delaney has always wanted to be a head coach, and now he has a chance to fulfill his dreams after being hired as the Se fner Christian softball coach in August last year. Former Crusaders coach Mike Cates stepped down and helped bring Delaney in to replace him. He has coached various sports for 13 years and was most recently an assistant baseball coach at Durant, where he said he watched and learned how a stellar high school program is run under coach Butch Valdes. He started the GameTime Softball travel organization in the summer of 2020 for local high school players to participate in summer and fall tournaments.

“When I found out, I was super excited. There’s really no words to describe it,” Delaney said about being o f ered the job. “It’s a great opportunity, and I’m ready.”

Delaney had to talk things over with his daughter, Paige Delaney, who is a senior softball player at Durant, to make sure she was okay with him coaching at another school. It’ll be the first season that he hasn’t coached her.

“I have played for my dad my entire softball career, but I would have to say what I enjoyed the most was always feeling comfortable and confident on the field knowing I had one of my biggest supporters always right there with me,” she said.

The Crusaders head man looks to continue the recent success of the program the last few seasons. The team was o f to a record start in 2020 before the season was canceled, went to the regional finals and won districts in 2021, and last season made it to regionals again. Delaney has established his own culture and built a rapport with his players during the o fseason. He added a great coaching sta f , which includes two 2014 softball state champions in former Bloomingdale Lady Bulls Darby (Bernaldo) Moore and Jenna Beswick.

By Nick Nahas

“I wanted to help coach Delaney because I align with his vision to continue to grow Se f ner Christian softball,” said Moore. “He brings a new mentality to the program that continues to build o f the previous coaching sta f . Coach Delaney is focused, knowledgeable and goal-oriented. This will only continue to better Se f ner Christian softball and all the girls that come through this program.”

Delaney is hopeful for a great season. His team lost about eight seniors but returns with three of its top pitchers. He and his coaching sta f want to instill growth, development, accountability and culture in the players. He will also hold himself and his coaching sta f to those exact standards.

“We want everybody to understand what we’re doing, why we’re doing it and make sure that everybody on our roster on varsity and JV get better and they have fun competing,” said Delaney. “Our motto is ‘Have fun competing.’” His new players are excited to play and learn from him every day.

“The most important thing that he has taught me is that it’s OK to make mistakes, it’s what you do after; that is how you get better,” said senior outfielder and pitcher Carlee Medlin. “I’m looking forward to becoming the best player that I can be and making great memories.”

Former Se f ner Christian softball player and current Crusaders head junior varsity coach Addison Brady thinks that Delaney is a great fit for the program moving forward.

“Coach Delaney truly cares for the team and gives each player his full effort to help them become the best people they can be,” she said. “His ability to promote fun and learning while leading the girls will benefit the team. Growing the program will come with obstacles, but he has the motivation, expertise and optimism to cultivate a successful season for SCA softball.”

A group of girls and women at Girls of the World’s frst annual Tea Party last year.

Photo courtesy by Darby Moore.

Jim Delaney was hired as the Sefner Christian softball coach in August last year.

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.

LOCALLY OWNED ACTION KARATE WORKS TO DEVELOP STUDENTS IN BOTH KARATE AND LIFE

Paul and Gina Kuzemka, local owners of Action Karate in River Hills Plaza, started their business in their garage with the goal of teaching life lessons through martial arts with experienced instructors.

Paul trained in the art of karate as a child, and after experiencing job loss in 2020, Paul knew he needed a fresh start and fresh approach to his career — and life. With over 30 years of corporate experience in retail operations, the Kuzemkas also knew they wanted to own a business that would positively impact the community and create a safe space for its members. Action Karate, with a philosophy to not just teach karate but also to build confidence for all ages and abilities, checked all of those boxes.

“We teach life lessons at Action Karate — hard work, leadership, discipline, confidence, character development, independence and perseverance,” Paul said.

The Kuzemkas started in their garage with their first student, who enrolled in October 2021. As enrollment grew and they became known in and beyond their neighborhood, they knew it was time for growth into a larger space. They found space to get started in July 2022 and expanded into their current space in October 2022. As they grow their studio, the Kuzemkas also stressed the importance of giving back to the community. Partnering with local food bank Seeds of

FIVE CULTURES IN ONE FESTIVAL AT SOUTHSHORE’S BEST FEST

By Makenzie Atkins

By Ariana Pedraza

Hope fosters that mentality within the dojo, as Seeds of Hope relies on student volunteers.

“We are a drop-of spot, volunteer and encourage volunteers, and we also partnered with them for their annual Turkey Trot,” explained Paul.

In their free time, Gina enjoys cooking and Paul loves to golf.

With extended family in the area, the Kuzemkas know they will always be connected to their community, and as they continue to grow, their community involvement strengthens as well.

As a locally owned dojo teaching American-based Kempo-style karate, Action Karate stands out with its emphasis on providing comfortable, energetic and educational lessons in order to help students not only learn karate but build life skills, confidence and friendships too.

“We change lives for a living,” said Paul.

Action Karate is located in River Hills Plaza at 4365 Lynx Paw Trl. in Valrico. Classes are ofered for all children ages 3 and up, and for adults as well. Classes can be in a group or private setting and include consideration and adaptability for special-needs students. Every instructor has undergone a background check and is CPR certified. Action Karate also hosts birthday parties and other events and celebrations. Call 813-6092376 or email actionkaratefl@gmail.com.

Where can you spend two days celebrating five cultures, listening to great music and eating good food?

In Wimauma at SouthShore’s BEST Fest, hosted by the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce.

Inspired by theme parks where guests spend the day traveling through diferent cultures, the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce wanted to create an event for the community to do the same. From this, SouthShore’s BEST Fest was born, and the chamber began planning. Five popular festivals that celebrate diferent cultures were chosen and committees for each were created. The five festivals being celebrated at SouthShore’s BEST Fest include Paddy’s Celebration, Oktoberfest, Soul Fest, Dia de los Muertos and Mardi Gras.

SouthShore’s BEST Fest will take place at the Masonic Park in Wimauma on Saturday, March 4 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, March 5 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tickets start at $5 for kids, $10 for ages 11 and up and $8 for those with a military ID. SouthShore’s BEST Fest will also have the Hula Hideaway VIP Tent for $75. The Hula Hideaway VIP includes exclusive entrance, food, drinks, treats and VIP parking.

On top of each tent having its own themed activities and entertainment, there will also be a food truck rally with local food

trucks to match the cultures being celebrated. The food trucks participating are Salty Shamrock’s food truck, Karla’s Cajun Cookin’, Jordan Soul Food Kitchen, Mr. G’s Taqueria, SweeTee Nyammings Caribbean, Currywurst German and more.

“We are thrilled to be able to host this event for our community and our visitors,” said Melanie Davis, executive director at the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce. “People love getting out with their families and friends, and an event like this is ideal for everyone, not to mention it’s right here in our area.”

The SouthShore’s BEST Fest will also provide an amazing lineup of bands on March 4 and 5 all day long, including a variety of music styles. While enjoying the festivities, grab a cold beer, glass of wine or seltzer at the Pirate Barrrrr while checking out the float from the Krewe of the South Shore Marauders.

Presenting sponsors include Christopher Ligori & Associates and Gabro Events, and with over 45 more sponsors and 35 committee members, SouthShore’s BEST Fest is excited to bring you an amazing event.

To learn more or inquire about Hula Hideaway VIP, please contact Davis at melanie@ southshorechamberofcommerce.org or visit www.southshorechamberofcommerce.org/.

Te SouthShore Chamber of Commerce is excited to host the two-day cultural event to bring the community together to learn.

Gina & Paul Kuzemka own Action Karate in the River Hills Plaza and are also a drop of for Seeds of Hope donations.

BLOOMINGDALE HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT PERFORMS IN LONDON NEW YEAR’S PARADE

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

BACK THE LINE GOLF TOURNAMENT SUPPORTS LOCAL FIRST RESPONDER FAMILIES

By Makenzie Atkins

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.

In what has become a yearly event, the Back the Line Charity Golf Tournament will once again provide a way for the local community to support a first-responder family in a time of need.

The third annual Back the Line Charity Golf Tournament is going to take place at Summerfield Crossings Golf Course in Riverview on Saturday, April 22 and begins with a 1 p.m. shotgun start.

Tis year’s event is to support the Guggino family of frst responders with funding to pay for medical expenses for their 6-yearold son, Luca Guggino.

According to tournament organizer Heather Cropper, all funds generated by this year’s event will help pay for medical expenses for 6-year-old Luca Guggino, the son of Tampa Fire Rescue first responders Laura and Andrew Guggino. Laura is a firefighter and Andrew is a driver engineer.

Cropper shared a comment from the Guggino family about the positive response from the local community: “We just want to say how grateful we are as a family for the love and support we’ve received. It has touched our hearts more than you all can know.”

The Back the Line organization has connections to the first-responder community and organizers say demonstrating support for those who serve and protect is important.

“It’s time for our community to come together and thank them for what they do

By Brad Stager

and give back when it’s needed most,” said Cropper, whose father is a retired firefighter/ driver engineer and husband is an active firefighter.

Besides the golf tournament, there will be other opportunities to support the cause.

“We will have a lot of awesome rafe items and silent-auction items,” said Cropper. She added that rafe and silent-auction donation opportunities are still available, with Saturday, April 1 as the registration deadline for golfers and sponsors.

According to the event flyer, four-player teams can register for $500 with the tournament dinner included in the cost. Sponsorships range from $150$2,000.

Donations of auction and rafe items marked “Attention: Back the Line Charity Events” can be delivered to the Tampa Fire Museum, 720 E. Zack St., Tampa, FL 33602, between 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Summerfield Crossings Golf Course is located at 13050 Summerfield Blvd. According to the tournament’s Event Caddy page, golfers can check in at 11:30 a.m. on April 22, with a shotgun start of 1 p.m. More information can be found at the Back the Line Charity Events Facebook page or by contacting backthelinecharity@gmail. com.

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