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/.

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