Osprey Observer Brandon/Winthrop June 2023

June 2023 Volume 18, Issue 6 Ph: 813-657-2418

HIGH

5 INC.

DEDICATES NEW MEMORIAL GARDEN TO SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM DIRECTOR

High 5 Inc. recently dedicated the new TRIDENT Memorial Garden during the nonprofit organization’s 60th anniversary celebration.

The garden was dedicated to Candy Corsi, former Training and Recreation for the Intellectually Disabled Enabling their Natural Talents (TRIDENT) director, on May 20. Corsi became the director in 2011 and built the special needs education program into what it is today.

Her two sons are still active members of the TRIDENT program, but, after her death in 2021, the organization wanted a way to remember her legacy.

“[The garden was built] to honor and remember an amazing woman with a huge heart that touched the lives of everyone she met,” said High 5 Inc. CEO Chuck Burgess.

The memorial garden is located in High 5 Inc.’s back fields by its 25-meter pool. The garden is filled with flowers, water features, gazebos and picnic tables. Burgess and current TRIDENT director Joe Somers came up with the idea for the memorial garden to involve their special needs members.

“This project began back in January with the planning phase and will be a living, on-

FRIENDS OF TAMPA RIVERWALK’S HOSTS BOAT PARADE, POKER RUN AND BLESSING OF THE FLEET FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

By Lily Belcher

going garden that will be continuously improved by the TRIDENT Team,” said Burgess.

The TRIDENT Team, Brandon Leadership Class of 2023 and other members of the High 5 team worked to create the memorial garden. Community donations from Rivard Buick GMC, Home Depot, Kerby’s Nursery and Rotary Club of Brandon supported the team during the five months of construction.

The TRIDENT Team is a daily program for adults with special abilities. The program acknowledges that some students may not be able to live independently, but High 5 and TRIDENT can help them maximize their strengths. Through the program, special needs kids and adults have the opportunity to participate in social, educational and recreational activities, like building High 5’s first memorial garden.

High 5 Inc. is a nonprofit organization that serves local adults and kids by positively impacting their mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing at their location of Highway 60 in Brandon. For more information on High 5 or its TRIDENT program, contact memberservices@high5inc.org or call 813-689-0908.

Celebrate Independence Day at the Tampa Riverwalk with a spectacular day of fun and family-friendly activities. This year’s line-up of events, hosted by Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk, includes the third annual July 4th Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet, plus a digital boat poker run and a water ski show by the Tampa Bay Water Ski Team. All the events are being held in conjunction with the Star-Spangled Sparkman festivities hosted at Sparkman Wharf, which will conclude with a spectacular nighttime fireworks display.

The July 4th Boat Parade will feature patriotically decorated vessels that will sail approximately 7.5 miles on the Hillsborough River. The grand marshals for this year’s parade riding in the lead boat, Latitude Lindsey II, will be Tampa Fire Chief Barbara Tripp and 13th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

The course for both large and small vessels will end at Sparkman Wharf, where guest judges from the Boys & Girls Club will evaluate each vessel and select one to receive a trophy and gift basket full of local prizes for the Most Patriotic Boat.

During the July 4th Boat Parade, boaters will participate in Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk’s digital boat poker run. Boaters will check in at various GPS hot spots along the Hillsborough River parade route. Participants who successfully check into each location will be entered into a random drawing for an assortment of local prizes.

There are public viewing areas all along the route where residents and visitors can cheer on the boaters and enjoy the festivities.

At 6 p.m., members of the Tampa Bay

Water Ski Team will thrill the audience near Sparkman Wharf with aerial tricks during a 45-minute water show. Also, at Sparkman Wharf, boats in the parade will be able to take part in the Blessing of the Fleet. This centuries-old tradition draws its heritage from Mediterranean fishing communities and is celebrated around the globe. Local clergy will bless the vessels to help ensure a safe and bountiful season.

Registration to participate in this year’s July 4th Boat Parade began on June 1. The registration fee is $50 per boat. Captains who are interested must register their vessel online at https://thetampariverwalk.com/. Registration fees help cover the cost of the parade.

For public viewing of the boat parade, visit these locations at the (approximate) designated times: 6:15 p.m. at Tampa Convention Center, 6:30 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 6:45 p.m. at Armature Works, 7:15 p.m. at Davis Islands and Channel Drive and 7:30 p.m. at Sparkman Wharf.

Public viewing is also available at Water Works Park and Harbour Island. To view the entire route, visit https://thetampariverwalk.com/. Following the boat parade and water ski show, spectators can stay to enjoy an exciting free fireworks display beginning at 9 p.m. at Sparkman Wharf.

IN THIS ISSUE:

CHICK-FIL-A 25 YEARS PG 3

LIVINGSTONE TRIP PG 5

2023 VALEDICTORIANS PG 12

EYE ON BUSINESS PG 25

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PG 31

Te Latitude Lindsey II will be leading the boat parade again this year.

Candy Corsi’s sons unveil the new Trident Memorial Garden located on High 5 Inc. as a legacy to her service to the program.

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LAKE BRANDON CHICK-FIL-A CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

As the Lake Brandon Village Chick-fil-A celebrates 25 years of serving the community, it also thanks its customers for being loyal for so many years!

When owners Paul and Tammy opened the location on June 18, 1998, it was the first free-standing Chickfil-A in Brandon and only the second free-standing Chick-fil-A in the Greater Tampa Bay Area. During construction, staf was hired out of a trailer onsite. The Brandon mall was just about to open, the Lowe’s Home Improvement Center hadn’t broken ground yet and there were fields for miles around!

“We didn’t know a soul,” Tammy said. “We opened a little Chick-fil-A and we didn’t know if it would be successful or not because it was on Lumsden and there were still cows grazing next door, when we opened.”

Fast forward 25 years and there isn’t an empty space for miles and the Lake Brandon Village Chick-fil-A now has more than 80 employees. Throughout the years, the store has been renovated twice, most recently to add the double drive-thru lanes and the covered drive-thru area with podium ordering. In 2017, Paul and Tammy also opened the Bloomingdale Chick-fil-A store near Bloomingdale High School and instant-

KEEP TAMPA BAY BEAUTIFUL TO HOST AFTER THE 4TH CLEANUP

By Taylor Wells

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

ly found success with both locations.

“Both Paul and I are proud of what we have accomplished over the last 25-year journey in the Brandon community,” said Tammy, “and have seen many great changes in the area.”

Paul has now been a veteran franchise owner and operator for over 31 years with Chick-fil-A and moved to the Brandon area from Racine, Wisconsin with his wife and four school-aged children to open the Brandon location. When they moved to the community, the family immediately became involved in local schools, local sports and local community events.

Longtime customer Leslie Haxton loves the two locations and says, “Chick-fil-A is like Cheers, where everyone knows your name.” She orders a large coke every day, “because Chickfil-A has the best ice, cups and syrup mixture,” and she pairs it with the famous Chicken Minis.

Chick-fil-A Lake Brandon Village is located 11325 Causeway Blvd. in Brandon and Chick-fil-A Brandon South is located at 2010 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico.

Visit www.chickfilabrandon.com, stop by the restaurant or visit www. facebook.com/chickfilabrandon.

The Fourth of July is one of the biggest holidays of the year for the U.S., a celebration of our nation, but people can get carried away with their explosively colorful festivities, leaving behind lots of leftovers from fireworks and other litter.

That’s why, to go along with the holiday, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful (KTBB) hosts a cleanup with volunteers each year to collect all the land debris. This year, in partnership with Freedom Boat Club, KTBB will host its After the 4th Cleanup on Wednesday, July 5. It will be held from 8-11 a.m. at Davis Islands Boat Ramp, located at 801-1399 Severn Ave. in Tampa.

KTBB will provide all the cleaning supplies, with Freedom Boat Club being on-site to hand them out and sign-in volunteers. Closed-toe shoes will be required, and it’s recommended to bring sunscreen, a reusable water bottle and a hat or sunglasses. Promotional giveaways are available as well while supplies last.

“Eighty percent of the trash on land actually ends up in the water, and that’s why we try to get to it quick … because it will just blow right of of the trails and into the water, and then it harms the wildlife, it harms the ecosystem and it’s just a downward slope from there,” said Kira Baker, environmental projects manager with KTBB.

Last year, this cleanup had 109 volunteers, who removed 3,300 lbs. of trash; in 2021, 60 volunteers removed 2,125 lbs.; and in 2020, 167 volunteers removed 4,375 lbs. Each volunteer helps significantly in reducing the litter that clutters the area and stopping it from getting into our waterways.

“The Volunteers, I mean, they’re so amazing. They’re there because they want to be there, and they look forward to these events,” said Debbie Evenson, executive director of KTBB. “They’re disgusted when they pick up this stuf because we shouldn’t have to, but we do. We do it because we care. We do it because it’s the right thing to do.”

With the mission of promoting a culture of environmental stewardship through volunteer and educational opportunities, KTBB also hosts numerous other events, such as its upcoming 32nd annual Tropical Nights gala, Ragan Park Tree Planting and Cleanup, Hillsborough River & Coastal Cleanup and more.

For more information about the After the 4th Cleanup or to register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/keep-tampa-baybeautifuls-after-the-4th-cleanup-tickets-648184686847. To learn more about KTBB, its events, or how to help, visit www. keeptampabaybeautiful.org.

Volunteers at the sign-up tent of last year’s After the 4th Cleanup, which is also where they can get supplies on the morning of this year’s cleanup.

Paul and Tammy Holmberg (far left), owners of two Chick-fl-A locations in the area.

A volunteer with left-behind freworks collected during a previous After the 4th Cleanup.

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LIVINGSTONE ACADEMY TAKES STUDENTS TO CAPITOL FOR SENIOR CIVICS TRIP

A group of seniors from Livingstone Academy visited the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee on March 23 during the midst of legislative session for an up-close look at the inner workings of state government. “Our students learned a lot about civics during the school year and our seniors were very interested in visiting the capitol,” said Bernadette Pello, CEO and co-founder of Livingstone Academy.

The group of nine seniors had an early start, leaving campus at 4 a.m. to make the trip to the capitol. “For the first event of the day, the students had a private tour of the House of Representatives chamber,” Pello said. “They learned about the history of the capitol and the murals that adorn the chamber, which showcase Florida through the ages, including the arrival of the conquistadors to the launching of the space shuttle.”

While in the chamber, Representative Susan Valdes from Tampa met with the students. She congratulated them on their upcoming graduation and took photos with the group.

On the way into the senate o f ce building, the students were joined by Hillsborough County Commissioners Michael Owen and Joshua Wostal. “The commissioners, along with Gasparilla pirates, Busch Gardens and many other iconic Tampa Bay businesses, were at the capitol for Hillsborough County Day,” Pello said. “The students also met with Representative Danny Alvarez from Brandon and took photos with him in front of the chamber entrances.”

The students then headed across the

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capitol courtyard for a tour of the Historic Capitol. There they learned about the history of Florida and how the state government first convened, including why Tallahassee was selected as the capital and the transition into the new capitol building in the 1970s. Next, the students joined the Hillsborough County Day at the capitol festivities in the courtyard, where the Gasparilla pirates were handing out beads and Cuban sandwiches from a large pirate ship.

In the afternoon, the student group visited the senate chamber gallery, where senators were gathered in session. They saw the legislative process up close as senators debated bills, and, to the students’ surprise, they were recognized by Senator Danny Burgess on the Senate floor, who made an announcement to the entire chamber that they were in the gallery. “Our students were amazing throughout their visit,” Pello said, “They asked questions, and the information they knew from their civic class was amazing.”

At Livingstone Academy’s recent graduation ceremony, the class valedictorian and class president spoke about the trip to Tallahassee. “The valedictorian said the trip to Tallahassee changed their life,” Pello said. “It was awesome, and the parents’ feedback we got was fantastic as well. We will be fundraising to take our 2024 senior class to the state capital because of the amazing time our seniors had this year.”

For more information, visit www.livingstoneschools.org.

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A group of seniors from Livingstone Academy visited the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY’S FIVE SIMPLE STEPS FOR USING YOUR CURBSIDE ROLL CARTS

Hillsborough County weekly residential curbside collection service includes two trash pickups, one recycling collection, and one yard waste collection.

For trash and recycling:

1. Fill the GRAY cart with trash and the BLUE cart with recyclables.

2. Everything must fit inside the carts in order to be collected.

3. Tilt the carts and roll them to the curb by 6 a.m. on collection days.

4. Follow the 3-foot rule: Keep the carts at least 3 feet away from other carts, mailboxes, cars, trees, shrubs, fire hydrants and utility poles.

5. Look for the arrows on each cart lid. Place carts curbside with the arrows pointing toward the street.

Trash: This includes household garbage, food waste, soiled paper, diapers and nonrecyclable packaging. Bag all trash before placing it in the GRAY cart.

Recycling: This includes clean, dry and empty accepted program items, such as plastic food and beverage containers, aluminum beverage cans, metal food containers, food and beverage cartons, ofce paper, magazines, newspapers and flattened cardboard. All recyclables should be placed in the BLUE cart loosely — not bagged.

Find collection days by using the Solid Waste Information Viewer. Contact Hillsborough County Solid Waste to report

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS OFFERS SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM AGAIN FOR 2023

Staf Report

missed collections, arrange for a bulk pickup, report damaged or missing carts and arrange for any other collection service needs.

For yard waste:

Yard waste is collected manually at curbside. Follow these guidelines:

• Use your own cans, boxes, bags, or other containers for grass clippings, leaves, shrubbery trimmings and other yard waste. Help keep the county’s mulch product clean by not using plastic bags for tree limbs.

• Tree limbs and other large trimmings can also be bundled and stacked.

• Individual pieces must not be more than 4 feet in length or 6 inches in diameter.

• Each container, bundle, bag or individual item must not exceed 50 pounds.

• You may set out up to 12 30-gallon containers of yard waste or 2 cubic yards of stacked materials each week.

For bulky trash:

Furniture, appliances, mattresses, air conditioners, water heaters and other large items cannot be picked up by automated trucks. Take these items to a Community Collection Center for disposal at no charge (subject to annual volume limits). Or, contact Hillsborough County Solid Waste to arrange a bulk pickup for a fee.

Visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/ residents/property-owners-and-renters/ trash-and-recycling for more information.

Hillsborough County Public Schools understands the importance of ensuring our students have access to nutritious meals while on summer break. Starting at the end of May and continuing through Thursday, July 27, students will have several opportunities to receive free meals as Hillsborough County Public Schools hosts its annual ‘Summer Food Service Program for Children.’ The program o f ers students breakfast and lunch for free at schools that provide summer school programs. All children, 18 years and younger, can arrive at an open school Monday through Thursday — the breakfast and lunch mealtimes will be posted on the front o f ce window. The child does not have to be enrolled in summer school to take advantage of the free meals.

Students will have opportunities to receive free meals as Hillsborough County Public Schools hosts its annual ‘Summer Food Service Program for Children.’

ing refrigerated trucks to deliver box meals to community sites with summer programs. This includes YMCA programs and county parks and recreation sites.

“We know that many of our students rely on their schools for access to nutritious breakfast and lunch during the school year, and that need does not go away during the summer months,” said Superintendent Addison Davis. “I want to thank our dedicated Student Nutrition Services team who will feed thousands of children over the next few months. It is our hope that these well-balanced meals will nourish young learners during their summer vacation and give families peace of mind.”

Shani Hall, general manager of student nutrition services, explained, “A lot of times, it’s about helping parents make ends meet. And especially now, now that the economy is harder on everybody.”

In addition, the district is also us-

A few of the area schools and participating YMCAs are: Burns Middle School, Mann Middle School, Schmidt Elementary School, Bloomingdale Senior High School and Brandon Senior High School.

To find the complete list of locations near you, visit www.summerbreakspot. org and search by zip code, or text ‘Food’ or ‘Comida’ to 304-304.

CREATING THE BEST EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDENTS

Your taxpayer dollars are hard at work creating the best learning environment for students. It is all possible because the community recognized the need and stood behind Hillsborough County Public Schools back in 2018 when it overwhelmingly passed the Education Referendum.

It is important for our community to know exactly how each penny is spent as we continually act as responsible financial stewards. I am proud to announce that to date, the school district has invested more than a half a billion referendum dollars into schoolbased improvement projects. We have completed 600 projects so far, thanks to the half-penny sales tax. Hillsborough County Public Schools has received more than $631 million dollars from the referendum and invested more than $558 million to date. We’re also happy to highlight that more than 46 percent of the funds have been invested in minority, women-owned or small business enterprises.

Through the guidance of our Citizen Oversight Committee, our leaders are prioritizing projects. One of the many schools reaping the benefits of these projects is Frost Elementary School. We’ve spent nearly $1.5 million to update the air conditioning and heating systems and replace ceilings, fire alarm systems, floors, paint and clocks at the school.

By Superintendent Addison Davis

At this time, architects are in the design phase for schools receiving HVAC overhauls, including Brandon High, Burns Middle, East Bay High, FishHawk Creek Elementary, Nelson Elementary, Sessums Elementary and Shields Middle.

The 2023 summer projects total approximately $47.5 million in repairs, renovations and other improvements funded by the half-penny sales tax. Coming into Hillsborough County as your superintendent three years ago, one of the things I had the luxury of inheriting was a community that truly cared about education and understood the billions of dollars of deferred maintenance that had to be addressed within our facilities.

The community stepped up for our children to approve this referendum in 2018, and we are proud the community realizes the importance of these crucial projects and places their trust in our district as we continue to invest these funds in our schools.

As we continue to accelerate Hillsborough County academically, we will continue to create a welcoming environment for our children to thrive every single day.

For more information about the Hillsborough Counnty Public School Education Referendum and half-penny tax, visit https:// www.hillsboroughschools.org/Page/6652.

FINANCIAL FOCUS

BIGGEST THREATS TO A COMFORTABLE RETIREMENT?

If you save and invest for decades, you’d like to know you can retire without fnancial worries. Nonetheless, you still have to be aware of some threats to a comfortable retirement — and how to respond to them. These threats include:

• Infation – Infation has been high recently, but even a mild infation rate can seriously erode your purchasing power. In fact, with just a 3% infation rate, your expenses could double in about 25 years — and your retirement could easily last that long. So, if you’re going to rely on your investment portfolio for a sizable part of your retirement income, you will need to own a reasonable number of growth-oriented investments, such as stocks or stock-based funds, whose potential returns can equal or exceed the infation rate.

• Excessive withdrawals – Once you retire, you should establish a withdrawal rate for your portfolio — an amount you can take out each year and still feel secure that you won’t run out of money. Some people make the mistake of withdrawing too much, too soon, once they’re retired. Your withdrawal rate should be based on several factors, including your age at retirement, the size of your portfolio and the amount of income you receive from other sources, such as Social Security. A fnancial professional can help you determine a withdrawal rate that’s appropriate for your needs.

• Market volatility – The fnancial markets will always fuctuate. When you’re still working, this volatility may not be such a problem, as you have years or decades to recover from short-term downturns. But when you retire, you don’t want to have to sell investments when their price is down. To help prevent this, you can tap into the cash in your portfolio, assuming you have enough to cover several months’ worth of

living expenses. You could also draw on a CD “ladder” — a group of CDs that mature at diferent times — to provide you with resources for the next few years and allow your equity investments time to recover their value.

• Unexpected costs – You had them when you were working, and you’ll probably have them when you’re retired: the furnace that breaks down, the car that needs a major repair, and so on. But if you’ve established an emergency fund containing a year’s worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid account, you may be able to “ride out” these costs without jeopardizing your investment portfolio. Be sure to keep these reserves separate from your typical dayto-day accounts to avoid the temptation of spending your emergency money.

• Health – Retirees may face more health concerns than younger people, and those concerns often come with larger medical bills. That’s why it’s important to maximize the benefts from Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan. Also, if you contributed to a Health Savings Account (HSA) while you were working, and you haven’t depleted it, you can use the money in retirement. As long as the HSA funds are used for qualifed medical expenses, withdrawals are tax- and penalty-free, and won’t be included in your income. This could help keep your income below certain levels, lower your Medicare premiums or avoid the 3.8% surtax on net investment income that can be assessed on high-net-worth taxpayers.

Retirement can be a pleasant time in your life — and you’ll enjoy it more if you’re prepared for the challenges that face all retirees.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

edwardjones.com/adam-benabram

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR NEW GOVERNOR APPROVED HYDROGEN PLANT IN MULBERRY

LowCarbon, a global eco-friendly company specializing in clean energy solutions, in partnership with Ocean Green Hydrogen, a Tampa-based company, recently celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for its new clean hydrogen plant in Mulberry. This event marked a significant milestone, as it is the first plant of its kind in the region, bringing cutting-edge clean hydrogen technology to the state. The plant will be located on 10 acres at 5000 Old State U.S. Hwy. 37 in Mulberry.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by esteemed guests, state and local government ofcials, industry leaders and representatives from LowCarbon and Ocean Green Hydrogen.

“I am thrilled to witness the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mulberry Clean Hydrogen plant in our own backyard,” said Commissioner Ken Hagan. “This project not only contributes to our environmental well-being but will also generate economic opportunities for our region. I commend LowCarbon and its partners for their dedication to innovation and sustainability, and I look forward to the positive impact this plant will have for our region and the state of Florida.”

On April 26, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Seoul, South Korea. The MOU highlights the joint eforts to construct the Florida clean hydrogen hub, a project val-

GFWC BRANDON SERVICE LEAGUE PRESENTS 2023 HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS

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ued at over $1 billion.

The project aims to produce economical, clean hydrogen and serve as a strategic area in Central Florida for clean energy advancements.

DeSantis expressed great enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “LowCarbon’s carbon capture technology is really positive, and we will work together to build a clean hydrogen hub in a strategic area in Central Florida.”

LowCarbon is committed to utilizing advanced technologies and sustainable practices to reduce carbon emissions and foster environmental well-being. Through the collaboration with Ocean Green Hydrogen and Space Florida, the aerospace economic development agency of the state, the clean hydrogen plant in Mulberry will serve as a crucial step in achieving these goals.

The company is expected to invest more than $100 million to develop the facility and provide 150 jobs on-site with an average annual salary of over $60,000.

“We are excited to break ground on this landmark clean hydrogen plant in Mulberry,” said Henry Jeong, president of LowCarbon America. “This project represents a significant investment into sustainability and energy independence in the state of Florida.”

The plant will pave the way to further advancements in Florida’s clean energy technologies, contributing to the state’s commitment to a greener future.

The GFWC Brandon Service League presented its annual high school scholarships at a luncheon on June 3. This is an exciting time for league members as they celebrate a successful year and distribute some of the funds they worked hard to raise during the year.

The GFWC Brandon Service League gave two scholarships this year to two deserving seniors from Riverview High School. The $1,000 scholarships are used to help ofset the cost of attending college.

The first, the Reynolds and Claire Bryan Scholarship, was given to Annmarie Arevalo, who has a grade point average of 3.8 and a weighted score of 6.28. Arevalo has been accepted into Florida State University. She plans to pursue a nursing degree and specialize in pediatric nursing.

Arevalo took honors and AP classes. She graduated with an AP Capstone Diploma. Several of Arevalo’s teachers spoke highly of her and her work ethic. Dawn Rohm, AP Capstone Seminar and Research and AP World History teacher and the National Honor Society and College Club advisor, said, “As a member of the National Honor Society, she has given time to Feeding Tampa Bay, Metropolitan Ministries and the American Cancer Society.”

The second scholarship, the GFWC Brandon Scholarship, was awarded to Sarah Newcomb, who has a grade point average of 4.0 with a weighted score of 7.72. Newcomb has been accepted into the University of Florida Freshman Honors Program and has been selected to participate in the UF University Research Scholars Program. She plans to pursue work in the medical field.

Andrea Hendrickson, head of the English department at Riverview High School, said, “Newcomb challenged herself with a fully academic rigorous course load, including multiple AP classes, multiple honors classes and dual enrollment. She participated in varsity swim, Science Honor Society, secretary of the Environmental Club and a member of both the National Honor Society and Tri-M Honor Society.”

The GFWC Brandon Service League was established in May 1960. Its mission is to enhance the lives of others in the Greater Brandon area. Its members meet on the second Thursday of the month (September to May) at the New Hope United Methodist Church Social Hall, located at 120 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon. For more information, please visit http://gfwcbrandonserviceleague.org.

Te GFWC Brandon Service League presented two scholarships to two Riverview High School graduates: Annmarie Arevalo, who will attend Florida State University, and Sarah Newcomb, who will attend the University of Florida.

State and local ofcials, along with representatives from LowCarbon and Ocean Green Hydrogen, were present for the ofcial groundbreaking of the clean hydrogen plant.

HUGE TURNOUT FOR LITHIA PINECREST WIDENING PROJECT PLAN

By Brian Bokor

On May 23, Hillsborough County held a public information meeting at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library for the Lithia Pinecrest Road Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study, Capital Improvement Program Project 69649000.

The turnout was tremendous with nearly 150 concerned residents showing up to participate with support from local leaders, including Florida House Representative of District 69 Danny Alvarez, Hillsborough County Commissioner of District 4 Michael Owen and Assistant County Administrator of Public Works Kim Byer in attendance.

A PD&E Study is an environmental and engineering process that was developed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in response to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The PD&E study process ensures that transportation projects are developed with consideration of current engineering standards, project costs and minimization of social and environmental impacts, while involving the public throughout the entire study process.

Upon entering the room, several large posters lined the walls, each depicting one geographical section of the study area. This area includes Lithia Pinecrest Road from Fishhawk Boulevard 6.2 miles to Lumsden Road, and Bloomingdale Avenue

1.3 miles from Culbreath Road to Pearson Road. The total project length is 7.5 miles.

Participants were asked to visually represent where they lived, worked, shopped, played, worshiped, and, if applicable, where kids went to school by placing color-coordinated dots on the maps where these activities occurred. Other displays included one asking if locals would con-

sider utilizing walking or bike paths if the paths were improved and better connected and another that showed turning movement volumes at intersections along the corridor.

Teams of county planners and Public Works representatives were readily available throughout the room, answering any questions from the large audience and explaining the maps and charts displayed.

Safe mobility for all roadway users, regardless of mode of travel, will be considered and incorporated into the study and the alternatives evaluated. Alternatives will be generated based on the result of a trafc analysis and feedback provided by the community.

These alternatives may include:

• Widening for additional through-lane capacity.

• Access management improvements to incorporate turn lanes onto side streets.

• Intersection analysis to evaluate roundabout alternatives and other intersection configurations.

• Improved pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, including shared-use paths, a connected sidewalk system, bufered bike lanes and mid-block crossings.

• Moderating travel speeds to improve safety through reduced lane widths, lane deflections, landscaping and contact-based roadway treatments.

Members of the engineering team told

the group 18 intersections were under evaluation for roundabouts versus traffic lights. The purpose of utilizing roundabouts is twofold in reducing speed as well as making corridors more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly.

Once all necessary data is collected, plans will be designed and shared with the community through public meetings. Based on feedback from these meetings, alternative plans may be developed and evaluated.

The study is expected to be completed by fall 2024 with design, right-of-way (land) acquisition and construction as the next steps in the process. Construction is expected to take two to three years after land acquisition is complete.

The PD&E is funded at a cost of $4M with design ($10M), right-of-way ($40M) and construction ($146M) not yet funded. Please send questions to pwcustomerresolution@hcflgov.net or call 813-6355400.

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Summer Camp Includes:

Pools, Laser Tag, Diving boards, Customized weekly themes, Ofsite fieldtrips, Video game rooms, Onsite fieldtrips, Playgrounds, Arts & Crafts, Indoor sports, Outdoors sports, S.T.E.M activities & so much more!

Ofering at 3 loctions: High 5, Inc. Main Campus, Symmes Elementary, and Fishhawk Creek Elementary

(813) 689-0908

405 Beverly Blvd Brandon, FL 33511-5507

FIRST BEALLS FLORIDA STORE CONCEPT OPENS IN BLOOMINGDALE SQUARE

The Bealls at Bloomingdale Square celebrated its grand reopening as the flagship Bealls Florida store at 925 E. Bloomingdale Ave. with a weekend celebration. Company

President and Tampa

native Tianne Doyle and company CEO and fourth-genera-

tion namesake Matt Beall joined the local store team to ring bells and cut the ribbon just before the doors opened to more than 250 shoppers. The first 100 shoppers each morning of the grand opening weekend received free gift cards to the store.

Bealls Inc. announced in March that it was rebranding its 68 Bealls stores to Bealls Florida to align with the chain’s unique Florida “Live Life Local” motto. The company’s 570 Burkes Outlet and Bealls Outlet stores in 23 states are being renamed bealls (stylized with a lowercase b). In total, 250 Florida stores will be rebranded before the end of 2023.

Store manager Shayla Gainer, who is excited to be opening the new concept to the community, said, “The store is so customer-friendly and efcient because everything is at the customer lever and better for our guests. The store is bright and seems so much bigger with the new renovations.”

Customers will recognize longtime team member and key holder Rosalina Coughlin, who can be found throughout the store and has worked for the company for 24 years.

“The customers are loving the luxury of the new store,” she said.

By Marie Gilmore

Beall was on hand for the ribbon cutting and said, “This is an incredible community and has supported our business for 37 years, and this store is our biggest real estate transformation in the company,” said Beall.

The reinvented Brandon Bealls Florida store features expanded home and beauty assortments, enhanced apparel oferings for the whole family, a completely new store design and self-check-out. The Brandon location opened in 1986.

“We have incredibly loyal customers here in Brandon who will be blown away when they see the new look and our expanded offerings,” said group manager Amanda Sharrer. “We wanted to continue delivering the best year-round life-in-the-sun assortment while adding a bit more of a mass-merchant feel where our guests can also get great beauty products, kitchen gadgets, bedding, bath and home decor and updated looks for young moms and kids.”

Sharrer added that the shopping environment is brighter and easier to navigate with curated collections.

Bealls Inc. is now represented in 23 states with bealls, Bealls Florida, Home Centric and Rugged Earth Outfitters stores. Headquartered in Bradenton since 1915, Bealls Inc. is a privately held company that has been owned and operated by the founding family for over 100 years. To learn more about Bealls Inc, please visit www.beallsinc.com.

This year Florida saw some tremendous devastation in the form of hurricanes Ian, Nicole and Fiona. Families around the state were hurting and needed help and we are proud to say we ofered as much assistance as we could - coast to coast. We spent sleepless weeks consulting and repairing roofs all over the state. As always - we are in this together and we want to thank you for your continued trust and business.

Te newly renovated and rebranded Bealls Florida store is now open in Bloomingdale Square.

HILLSBOROUGH NAMED A NATIONAL FINALIST FOR EXCELLENCE IN PARK AND RECREATION MANAGEMENT

For the second year in a row, Hillsborough County has been honored as one of the top parks and rec programs in the country.

Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation is one of four national finalists in the Class 1 category for the 2023 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration announced. Class 1 includes the nation’s largest parks and recreation departments, serving populations of more than 400,000.

Only one department will receive the highest award, the Grand Plaque, in September. Each finalist sends the judges a short video highlighting their department.

Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation manages 167 parks, 223 sports fields, 118 playgrounds, 54 recreation centers, 47 athletic complexes, 10 dog parks, six cemeteries and five splash pads. These parks provide an economic impact of nearly $50 million in increased property values.

To provide equitable access to all parks, Parks & Recreation established a $9 million Athletic Turf Initiative to ensure high-quality playing conditions for 40,000 youth athletes and a $3.5 million Americans with Disabilities Transition Plan that assists in removing physical barriers.

Parks & Recreation is always searching for creative ways to increase park capacity in an ever-growing urban environment. As a result, Lucy Dell Community Pond, once an overgrown, littered water basin dividing two neighborhoods, was transformed by install-

ing a boardwalk, fitness station and walking trail, creating an urban oasis. Similarly, when a wastewater treatment plant was decommissioned, the department invested $10 million to create the county’s first destination park at the site, which has 603,000 visits annually.

In 2021, a former landfill site was converted into the county’s first drone racing park. Winner of the 2022 Planning Commission’s Planning & Design Award for Excellence in Entertainment & Environment, the course features metal obstacles, start and finish gates, shaded seating and restrooms.

The Wellness Access Pass was created to promote healthy lifestyles. For $10.75 per month, participants receive access to county-owned fitness centers and open gyms. The county’s Move Hillsborough initiative encourages residents to get active through a variety of programs. As part of the initiative, the county invested more than $1 million in building 10 state-of-the-art outdoor fitness zones throughout Hillsborough.

The Hillsborough County Hiking Spree is an annual event that encourages residents to “Take a hike!” and highlights 22 trails..

To help serve a population of nearly 1.5 million, the department has engaged 182 partners who provide programming, with 376,927 participants annually. Partners include 49 Youth Sports Partner Organizations, the Hillsborough County Sherif ’s Office and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/recreation-and-culture/parks

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2023 KIDS TAG ART PROGRAM

Nancy C. Millan, Hillsborough County tax collector, is proud to announce the winners of the Kids Tag Art Program for the 202223 school year.

This year’s top honorees are Aaliyah Greene-Walker from Dunbar Elementary School, who received the Sponsor’s Choice Award, and Kaitlyn Pace from McDonald Elementary School, who received the Tax Collector’s Choice Award. Both Greene-Walker and Pace were recognized for their exceptional creativity and artistic skill.

Te presentation to the Hillsborough County School Board of total funds raised to date for this school year’s Kids Tag Art Program.

The Kids Art Program is a creative fundraiser that allows students to showcase their artistic abilities by designing front license vanity plates in art class. The plate designs are then printed on metal plates and sold to family, friends and the public. Proceeds from the plate sales and sponsorships go back to the participating schools to help support their arts program.

This year’s Kids Tag Art Program raised, to date, over $37,800, and a total of 43 Hillsborough County schools participated in the program with over 1,000 plate design entries. In total, the Kids Tag Art Program across the state of Florida have raised over $2 million dollars to date since its inception in Polk County over 16 years ago.

“I am very proud of our Kids Tag Art Program and the support we are able to provide to school art programs,” said Millan. “Their artwork not only showcases

their impressive talent but also promotes the importance of arts education in our schools.”

Suncoast Credit Union was the presenting sponsor for this year’s event.

“We are proud to support the Kids Tag Art Program again this year and its mission to promote arts education in our schools,” said Kourtney Berry, executive director of foundation and youth outreach for Suncoast Credit Union.

Other sponsors for this year’s event included: Derrick Brooks Charities, PDQ, Florida West Coast Credit Union, Wild Architecture and Ms. Peggy Land.

The judges for this year’s contest were Berry, Mayor Jane Castor, Hillsborough County School Board Chair Nadia Combs and Division Director of the Hillsborough County Arts Council Martine Collier.

Local area winners for this year’s Kids Tag Art Program were: Layla Kazbour, Bevis; Emily Sanchez, FishHawk Creek; Jacob Nieto, Gibsonton; Madison Odell, Kingswood; Harper Jacquin, Lithia Springs; Mia Diaz Ramierez, Lopez; Kaitlyn Pace, McDonald; Loreen Tumen, Nelson; Hazel Michelend, Ruskin; Diego Limon-Salazar, Sefner; James Bulmer, Thompson; Jazlyn Heredia; Wimauma; and Arianna Mina, Yates.

For information about the Kids Tag Art Program and other initiatives by the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Ofce, visit the website at www.hillstax.org.

Te Apollo Beach Park & Recreation Center includes a dog park, basketball courts, a playground and a splash pad.

CONGRATULATIONS TO AREA HIGH SCHOOL VALEDICTORIANS & SALUTATORIANS

Plans

Plans

Valedictorian

Plans

Plans

CAMPO FAMILY YMCA OFFERS SWIM LESSONS TO STUDENTS FROM THE HEAD START PROGRAM

The Campo Family YMCA has partnered with 15 students from Pinecrest Elementary School’s Head Start program to ofer two weeks of swim lessons to the preschool-aged swimmers.

Through funding by Hillsborough County, Pinecrest Elementary was able to transport the students to the Campo Y each morning from Monday through Thursday at the beginning of May.

“They might not be able to come to swim lessons another way. So, I want to make the most of it because it’s not just that [the lessons] are free, but it’s that the school district is getting them here because transportation is a big barrier,” said swim instructor Paige Sahab. “The fact that the district gets them here is a big benefit of the program.”

The students were broken into three groups of five students based on their swimming experience and skill level. Sahab took each group into the pool for a half hour to work with the students individually.

“We talk about water safety: always asking permission before you go in the water, never swimming without a grown-up, and things like that,” explained Sahab.

The younger kids work on basics, like floating and kicking in the water, and older, more experienced kids are working on

swimming short dis tances.

“I just feel like every kid that we can get swimming is another potential tragedy avoided. So, I see it as we’re sav ing lives here,” said Sahab.

This is Sahab’s first year working as an instructor at the Y, but she has been working with local recreation cen ters and pools for 15 years.

doing this with the Head Start kids,” said Sahab. “I think that it’s wonderful, and I just felt like people needed to know that we are doing this.”

The funding from Hillsborough County allowed 10 Tampa YMCAs to host lessons across the spring and fall semesters. In the fall, the Campo Y hopes to host three or four more Head Start programs from local schools.

The Head Start program is a free public-school program that ofers specialized education to kids from ages 3 to 5 years old in low-income families. Teachers work with a small number of kids to maximize their development before beginning grade school. For more information on the Y and its swimming and summer programs, visit tampaymca.org.

Now Open in Riverview

Swim instructor Paige Sahab works with each swimmer on diferent skills to help them learn to swim.

Swim instructor Paige Sahab ofered two weeks of free swim lessons to 15 Pinecrest Elementary students.

UPTOWN CHEAPSKATE: NOT YOUR MOTHER’S CONSIGNMENT STORE

By Avery Ranieri

BRANDON CHAMBER AWARDS RECOGNIZES COMMUNITY LEADERS AND KEY CITIZENS

By Linda Chion

Uptown Cheapskate, a local clothing store, is the latest in upscale resale to join the consignment community in Brandon and the surrounding

Southeastern Hillsborough County area. Located at 11229 Causeway Blvd., neighboring JOANN and Nordstrom Rack, this exciting new store is stocked with trendy clothing and accessories for men, women and teens. The grand opening on June 15 gave customers in attendance first dibs on bringing home items with familiar high-end brand names, such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Coach and Kate Spade. Not only was the guarantee of obtaining these products at thrift store prices extremely high, and well received, but one of the first 40 customers in line was lucky enough to win a $25 gift card to Crumbl Cookies. This afordable ‘treasure-hunting’-style of shopping is fun and endless. Because locals are able to swap clothes for cash on the spot, the store is restocked each week.

Uptown Cheapskate’s minimalistic design generates a sense of welcomeness for customers or passersby. Upon entry, it is hard to ignore the eye-catching storefront and pops of color. The interior is modish and organized and is a value location for trendsetters and those looking to shop

their favorite brands.

Owner Amber Watt oversees this ‘dawn of a new era’ in consignment, in which her employees, mostly local students, are hard at work.

“This job is just plain fun,” said Watt. She wholeheartedly believes in bringing good fashion resale options to the area. The amiable and dedicated team of staf works to upcycle clothing items for the greater good of the community.

Uptown Cheapskate’s general manager, Kylie Duncan, explained, “We’re excited to bring sustainability to Brandon.” Upcycling clothing introduces ‘zero-waste lifestyles.’ In today’s society, fast fashion has a negative impact on the environment, and consignment’s positive efects and healthy cash flow are needed more than ever.

Alongside Uptown Cheapskate, the Brandon area is also home to multiple other consignment stores with inexpensive prices and good deals. After visiting Uptown Cheapskate, make sure to stop by Plato’s Closet, Style Encore, Julie’s WalkIn Closet or Agape Chic, all vital members of the local consignment retail ring. For more information on Uptown Cheapskate, visit www.uptowncheapskate.com/location/brandon/.

Five awards in a field of 13 finalists highlighted the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony, held on June 8 at the Brandon campus of Hillsborough Community College.

Compelling were the video shorts of winners and finalists, which collectively allowed for a deeper understanding of the missions, programs, oferings and wins advanced and realized by award nominees.

Dr. Stephen Parks, for example, talked about the “thousands of patients” and “thousands of hours of free medical care” given to people who don’t have medical insurance at the Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center, which relies both on donations and on pro bono work from doctors.

Brad Gregory, at the helm of A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay, a shelter for abused, abandoned and neglected children, said it’s important to keep brothers and sisters together in traumatic situations.

“It’s a win,” he added, “that of the 2,000 children we have served, almost 1,500 of them are part of sibling groups.”

The videos preceded business awards given to Carole Gill Consulting, in the small business category; Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center, in the small nonprofit category; Cherry Blow Dry Bar, in the medium business category; Florida Trade Academy, in the emerging business category; and High 5 Inc., in the large nonprofit category.

When asked why she chose to open her business in the Greater Brandon area, Cherry Blow owner Amanda Holden said, “I think Brandon chose me.”

Holden said friends told her, “‘Oh, Brandon, it’s not really built up, it’s not somewhere you want to go.’ I knew right away they were wrong. I had so much success here, I found so many connections, I’ve been welcomed in a way that I was never welcomed before.”

The award finalists were ABC Events and Reliable Livescan, in the small business category; Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Asso-

ciation and the Hillsborough County Fair Association, in the small nonprofit category; 100% Chiropractic, in the medium-sized business category; A Kid’s Place, in the large nonprofit category; and 2nd Amendment Armory and Veteran Approved Network (VAN), in the emerging business category.

The Brandon Chamber recognized also 2023 community award recipients, including for the Key Citizen Award, selected by past recipients of that distinct honor.

Former Hillsborough County school board member Melissa Snively, past chamber chair and past recipient of the Greater Brandon Community Leadership Award, follows in the footsteps of veteran Walt Raysick, the 2022 Key Citizen recipient.

Liz Brewer, executive director of the Angel Foundation FL, which won the 2022 business award for nonprofit government, received the 2023 Greater Brandon Community Leadership Award. That award in 2022 was won by Bernadette Pello, past chamber chair, who with her husband, Chris, and their partners, Jef Stone and Chuck Burgess, recently launched Florida Trade Academy. The academy won the 2023 business award for emerging businesses. The Pellos in 2022, for Livingstone Academy, won the award for businesses with more than 21 employees.

Livingstone has locations in Sefner, Riverview, Valrico and Brandon, where it operates out of High 5 Inc. on Beverly Boulevard, at which Burgess, past chamber chair, serves as CEO.

Tina Blount, who won the 2022 Leadership Brandon Impact Award, presented the 2023 award to Leadership Brandon Class of 2020 alumnus Steve Manning. His business, Master Garage Door Co., won the 2022 business award for companies with one to five employees. Manning co-chaired and chaired the Leadership Brandon 2021 & 2022

Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce award fnalists.

All-inclusive display of fashionable clothing for sale at Uptown Cheapskate.

MISSY’S INK ADDS LASER HAIR REMOVAL AND ELECTROLYSIS TO TOP TIER SERVICE OFFERINGS

Missy’s Ink is now ‘Missy’s Ink & Laser’ after adding laser hair removal and electrolysis to its lineup of services for women in the Valrico area, allowing customers to add hair where they want and remove hair where they do not.

“I am thrilled to be able to ofer laser hair removal and electrolysis to my clients,” said owner Missy Duncan. “These services are in high demand, and I am excited to be able to provide them in a safe and comfortable environment.”

Duncan completed her International Board of Electrologist Certification

Exam on April 12. In addition to her new certifications, Duncan purchased a Soprano ICE laser hair removal machine. The machine provides virtually painless hair removal because the tip of the laser is -3 degrees Celsius.

Missy’s Ink & Laser is also one of few studios in the area to ofer electrolysis, a hair removal service for women with lighter-colored hair.

“I’ll be one of the few people in this area who do electrolysis. It’s kind of a dying field but it is still needed,” explained Duncan.

Duncan’s certification was a huge accomplishment for her at 50 years old. Af-

By Lily Belcher

ter an over 30-hour laser and light-based hair removal course by the Florida Electrolysis Council, Duncan had to go to Orlando to take the exam.

“I’ve always not been a good test taker, so I was scared to death,” admitted Duncan. “But I had something to prove to myself pretty much.

… It’s a huge accomplishment for sure.”

Duncan started Missy’s Ink in 2017 after being a photographer for 20 years. Looking for a change, a door opened for her to start her career in permanent makeup.

“God just lays it all out for you. When one door opens and another one closes, you kind of just run through it,” said Duncan.

Missy’s Ink ofers permanent makeup, including areola pigmentation for breast cancer patients, in addition to hair removal services.

“I always try to treat my clients the way I would like to be treated as a client,” said Duncan. “And making women feel comfortable.”

For more information on Missy’s Ink, visit Duncan’s website at missysink.com or call 813-659-0648. Missy’s Ink is located in Crest Pointe Towne Center at 3117 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.

Be Yourself Again with a

Customized Weight Loss Program

Missy Duncan is now the owner of Missy’s Ink & Laser and is certifed in electrolysis.

FUN ONLINE SUMMER READING PROGRAMS

One of the best and simplest ways to prevent your child’s reading proficiency levels from declining this summer is to establish a daily reading habit. And with the relaxed pace of summer, your child might be happy to hear that he or she is free to choose whatever books sound the most interesting — a welcome change from the school year, which is undoubtedly busy with required school reading.

Want to give your child a nudge in the right direction? Why not enroll him or her in a summer reading program? Summer reading programs ofer a fun way for children to keep track of their reading and rewards for completing reading milestones. While your local library or bookstore may have a reading program, there are also a number of excellent online options as well — and even better, all are free.

Here are just a few online summer reading programs for you to explore:

Scholastic’s Summer Reading Home Base

From now through Thursday, September 7, kids can visit the summer zone in Scholastic Home Base, a completely free digital destination which ofers stories, characters, games and a community of readers. Home Base is moderated for safety 24/7.

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading

Barnes & Noble provides a reading journal in which your child records the books he or she reads and a little about the book. After finishing eight books, a child can bring the printable reading journal into a Barnes &

By Dr. Raymond J. Huntington

Noble and redeem it for a free book between Saturday, July 1 and Thursday, August 31. Visit www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading and look for the 100 Books of summer for Kids section.

Camp BOOK IT!

The Camp BOOK IT! program is open to all families with PreK-6th grade students (ages 4-12). Parents set goals, track reading and reward their students, all in a digital dashboard. The program dates are June through August. Visit www.bookitprogram. com/programs/camp-book-it.

Half Price Summer Reading Camp

Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp, where online campers, and their trusty guardians, can get their fill of fun reads and activities to keep busy during lazy days of summer, including reading lists by age. The camp runs from now through July 31. Visit https://b.halfpricebooks. com/summer-reading/.

A summer reading program is a great way to incentivize your child to stick with reading all summer long. These programs all strive to make reading enjoyable, reward progress and encourage children to commit to reading as a hobby of choice. The summer is upon us — get started now, and help your child start of on the right foot for a fun-filled summer of learning and exploration.

Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certifed tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, algebra through calculus, chemistry and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confdence and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of the Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at https://huntingtonhelps.com/. For franchise opportunities, please visit https://huntingtonfranchise.com/.

There is no better place to be this summer than Busch Gardens parks, voted one of the best theme parks in the U.S. in USA Today’s 10Best 2023 Readers’ Choice awards. Returning this summer is fan-favorite Summer Nights, featuring all-new entertainment, fireworks and more.

“Summer is always an exciting time at Busch Gardens and there are more reasons than ever to celebrate it at one of the best theme parks in the country,” said Marc Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Guests can enjoy great experiences both new and returning this summer.

The all-new Serengeti Flyer is the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind. With each swing of Serengeti Flyer, riders soar higher and higher above Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain while experiencing multiple negative-G moments before plunging back toward the Earth. Guests can also experience a host of other amazing thrills, including Iron Gwazi. New this Summer is Icons, where guests can step into the world of musical icons with a new review show at Dragon Fire Grill. Featuring live performances of fan-favorite hits inspired by musical legends, this show will have guests singing and dancing in their seats. Other fan-favorite entertainment includes Turn It Up! Remix, an award-winning year-round ice-skating show at the Moroccan Palace Theater.

As the sun goes down, the park lights

up on 27 select nights with a dazzling display of colors and sound. From jaw-dropping colors to intricate patterns, the Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular, sponsored by Bad Boy Mowers, will leave guests in awe. Also new this summer is the Summer Nights Elite VIP Tour, where an experienced Busch Gardens guide will map out a personalized and unforgettable day. In this private, guided tour, guests will be provided the VIP treatment. From front-of-the-line access on Florida’s favorite thrill rides to up-close animal encounters and feeding opportunities, and lunch at fan-favorite restaurants, this tour will provide the elite experience. Other not-to-miss favorites include the Animal Care Center, where guests can see and learn all about animal care at the stateof-the-art care facility. The award-winning Serengeti Safari ofers guests a unique and up-close look at African wildlife with a 30-minute of-road expedition led by an expert guide, providing the opportunity to hand-feed girafes and explore the habitats of the Serengeti Plain.

An annual pass is the best way to enjoy an entire year of family fun, thrilling attractions and exciting seasonal events. Categorized in easy-to-use tiers, options provide guests with unlimited year-round admission and unbeatable benefits, including free parking, in-park discounts and monthly rewards. For more information, visit https:// buschgardenstampa.com/.

FREE COURSE OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

In response to the global demand for guidance on how employers can address mental health, USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences has partnered with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to ofer a free online course designed to help managers and employees become more well-versed in addressing mental health and its impact on their organizations.

The program is called Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace. It is a seven-session course that covers symptoms of some of the most common mental and behavioral disorders. It will also show how to identify behaviors that may suggest an impairment and how to approach the employee. It will also include information on available resources to help businesses attract and retain top talent.

A new two-hour session will be released each week, with all sessions becoming available at the end of July. The course features 40 speakers from organizations and corporations across the country, such as Tampa Electric, Bealls and USAA. The group of professionals includes executive coaches, intervention specialists and several USF faculty and staf members who have an expertise in mental health and human resources.

“Every year, businesses lose billions of dollars due to mental and behavioral

By Kathy L. Collins

health issues experienced by members of their workforce or their family members. These financial losses can be attributed to absenteeism, a decrease in productivity and medical claims.

In addition, there are considerable reputational repercussions due to high employee turnover, job dissatisfaction and poor morale. Identifying workers at all levels of an organization with mental or behavioral health issues and securing assistance for them is essential,” said Julie Serovich, dean of the USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences.

“There is no question that the past several years had an incredible impact on the mental health and well-being of the more than 160 million people in the U.S. workforce,” said Clara Reynolds, president and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

“Major events including the pandemic, social unrest and now financial uncertainty have taken their toll on our communities. Now, more than ever before, it is critical that we build healthy organizational cultures to protect workforce well-being, while at the same time acknowledging the economic impact mental and behavioral health issues can have on a business,” added Reynolds.

While the course is free and open to the public, registration is required. Please visit www.usf.edu/mhww.

USF and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay are partnering to ofer a free course to the public that addresses mental health in the workplace.

Bolts Brew Fest, Summer Camps & More...

Bolts To Hold Brew Fest At AMALIE Arena

The Tampa Bay Lightning will be hosting the sixth annual Bolts Brew Fest at AMALIE Arena on Friday, August 11 beginning at 8 p.m. The event will ofer craft beers from a variety of diferent local craft breweries, oversized games, ThunderBug and more.

General admission tickets include entry at 8 p.m., ‘general admission plus’ tickets provide entry at 7 p.m., and VIP admission is at 6 p.m. Fans are encouraged to get their tickets early. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit https://boltsbrewfest.com/.

Free Beer Returns To Busch Gardens For Limited Time

Busch Gardens is giving another reason to celebrate summer with free beer. It’s Busch Gardens’ way of saying thank you and helping guests cool down and beat the heat while enjoying new thrills, new

shows, special events and fan-favorite animal experiences all summer long. From now until Thursday, July 20, guests 21 and older can enjoy a free pour at Twisted Tails Pretzels, located in the Pantopia area of the park from 10:30 a.m. to one hour before park closure. For more information, visit its website at www.buschgardenstampa.com.

Summer Dance Camps

Dance Quest International is hosting a series of summer dance camps perfect for tiny dancers of all ages.

Join in the SS DanceQuest as it is making its way to Tampa Bay in the Pirates & Fairies Dance Camp. Climb aboard and decide be ye pirate or fairy?

Will you spread your wings and sprinkle a little pixie dust or is it the plank for ye?

Join in as it adventures past the second star to the right on a journey through music, movement and fun crafts.

For ages 3-9, this camp runs from Monday to Thursday, June 26-29, with the times being 9 a.m.-12 Noon, 1-4 p.m. or 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more information about the dance camps or to register for the camps, visit www.dancequestintl.com.

Summer Camps For Children And Young Adults With Special Needs

Johnson’s All Care, located at 1005 W. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon, will be hosting a summer camp for

children ages 5-13 years with special needs. Camp will run from Monday, June 5 through Tuesday, August 4 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be indoor and outdoor activities, including bowling, movies, music and crafts. The cost is $350 per week and includes outings and lunch.

For additional information, contact Freda Johnson at jacchildcarecenter@gmail.com or call 813-360-6340.

Teens and young adults ages 16-22 years of age with special needs can attend summer camp at K2 Escape Academy, located 516 Corner Dr. in Brandon.

Camp will run from June 5 through August 4 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; extended hours can be discussed. Activities will include themed celebrations, team sports, bowling and movies. For more information, contact Jasmine White at jwhite.k2escapeinc@gmail.com or register online at www.k2escape.org.

Sassy Cat Club Cafe Summer Events

The Sassy Cat Club Cafe will be hosting a variety of events this summer at its Brandon location at 735 W. Lumsden Rd. There will be reading hour with Molly, family movie nights, yoga with cats and a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Information about it and all of the events can be found on its website at https://sassycatclubcafe.com/ or by call-

Service Areas: Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk

ing 813-409-3670. Reservations are required as spaces are limited.

Te 1975 Coming To AMALIE Arena

The 1975 ‘Still … at their very best’ tour will be visiting AMALIE Arena on Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m. Over the last decade, The 1975 have firmly established themselves as the defining band of their generation with their distinctive aesthetic, passionate fanbase and unique sonic approach. Tickets for the event are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.amaliearena.com or call 813301-2500 for more information.

Brandon Senior Softball Association Celebrates 20 Years

The Brandon Senior Softball Association is celebrating 20 years of providing the beloved game of softball for senior players (men ages 60-plus and women ages 55-plus).

The 20th anniversary party will be held on Tuesday and Thursday, October 24 and 26 at William Owen Pass Sports Complex, located at 1300 Sydney Dover Rd. in Dover. Current and former members, as well as guests, will be honoring the league founders and renewing friendships with lunch and reminiscing after a week of softball skills, home-run derby and all-star games. Current and past league members will also get special shirts. For more information or to learn how to join the league, visit www. brandonseniorsoftball.com.

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

PELVIC FLOOR EXPERTISE SO YOU CAN LIVE LIFE CONFIDENTLY

der, stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, which can cause symptoms such as urinary urgency, urinary leakage and vaginal bulge.

Help where you need it, when you need it.

AdventHealth Medical Group Urogynecology in Tampa Bay provides treatment options for women with pelvic floor disorders. The types of pelvic floor disorders can vary, but overall, they are very common. In fact, one in three women will have a pelvic floor disorder in her lifetime.

What is a pelvic foor disorder?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that act like a hammock to support organs such as the bladder, uterus and rectum. Women sometimes develop pelvic floor disorders as they age, or because of various other reasons, like childbearing, hormonal changes and other illnesses. Some examples of pelvic floor disorders include overactive blad -

AdventHealth’s skilled urogynecologists are pelvic floor experts who are ready to help women live their best lives with confidence. The first step is getting an accurate diagnosis. With several bladder and bowel testing procedures, including cystoscopy, urodynamic testing and more, they’ll pinpoint the cause of bothersome or painful symptoms — and work together to provide treatment options that meet each patient’s unique needs.

Once diagnosed, a patient’s treatment plan may involve physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical repair. If surgery is needed, surgical procedures can range from inserting a mid-urethral sling to having a minimally invasive hysterectomy, or many other types of minimally invasive pelvic floor procedures. While talking about pelvic concerns can feel personal or sensitive, it’s important to advocate for patients to advocate for their own health. Because, left untreated, these disorders can disrupt the activities of daily life and keep women from feeling whole.

To learn more, visit www.tampapelvicfloor.com, or contact 813-467-4265 to schedule an appointment.

LOCAL RESTAURANTS OFFER ALLERGY-FRIENDLY MENUS IN THE AREA

Imagine going to a restaurant with a dairy allergy and ordering a burger. When the burger is delivered, it has no bun, no condiments, only lettuce and a patty. What happened? The restaurant wasn’t trained in food allergies or sensitivities, so to be safe it took most of the food away. Anyone who struggles with food allergies and sensitivities understands this scenario all too well.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that in America, as of 2021, 16 million adults and 4 million children have food allergies. When so many Americans deal with food allergies/sensitivities, it can be di f cult for families to know how to navigate restaurants safely.

Thankfully, many large chain restaurants provide allergy menus when requested and bring out a manager to discuss safe options. But not all restaurants are created equal in dealing with food allergies. It’s important to find a restaurant that trains its sta f , waiters/waitresses and cooks in properly dealing with food and teaching knowledge of whether something would be cross-contaminated or not.

In the Brandon/Valrico/Riverview area, there are a few tasty options to eat at that are fairly allergy-conscious, such as:

Vine Vegan, Mellow Mushroom and Cali.

Danielle Stevens opened Vine Vegan five months ago as a labor of love. That is, the love of sharing vegan, plant-based fare. For those who su f er from gluten, dairy or egg sensitivity/allergy, there are many options to choose from on the menu. Vine Vegan has a 3,000-squarefoot location and is a fast-casual setting

with dinein and carry-out options, all within a family-friendly environment.

Justine Grossberg, Vine Vegan’s restaurant manager, stated that “the restaurant tries to take every precaution to avoid potential allergens when a customer informs of an allergy.” Employees clean the cooking surface, change gloves and write the allergen on the ticket. Then a binder of every ingredient is reviewed with the customer and a manager comes out to discuss food options.

Vine Vegan is located in the Brandon Crossroads Plaza at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. It is open Sunday to Monday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday to Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Friday to Saturday, 8

a.m.-9 p.m. For Vine Vegan’s menu, visit www.vinevegan. com.

Another allergy-conscious restaurant is Mellow Mushroom. Mellow Mushroom is a sit-down chain restaurant that has been around for the last 40 years. It primarily serves stone-baked pizza, but also sandwiches, calzones and even vegan/vegetarian food. The franchise focuses on nutrition and makes sure to source healthy ingredients into the food it serves. Mellow Mushroom’s menu indicates what is gluten-free or dairy-free for those with gluten or dairy allergies, making it fairly easy to determine what is safe to eat. There is also a whole section of the menu dedicated to gluten-free options. If there are other allergies/sensitivities to food, there is a feature on

By Ashley Abene

Mellow Mushroom’s website with which customers can select an allergen and then see their food options.

Mellow Mushroom is located at 10959 Causeway Blvd. in Brandon in the Causeway Shoppes plaza. Its hours are Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Friday to Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. To see Mellow Mushroom’s menu, visit www.mellowmushroom.com.

Cali is also an allergy-friendly option to choose from in the area. In 2005, the first Ciccio-Cali restaurant chain opened in Florida. Cali is a family-owned-and-operated chain with four locations in the Tampa Bay area: Tampa Palms, St. Petersburg, South Tampa and Brandon. The Cali restaurants aim to provide ingredients that are antibiotic-free and hormone-free. Its menu ranges from rice bowls to wraps and pizza. Cali has a fast-casual setting with dine-in and carry-out options. Finding allergy-friendly foods is easy with this menu. Gluten-free or dairy-free options are indicated on the main menu. But if a customer has a soy, peanut, tree nut or egg allergy, the sta f are often able to suggest options to eat.

Cali is located at 11230 Sullivan St. in Riverview, near Winthrop Village. Its hours are Monday to Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; and Saturday to Sunday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. To see Cali’s menu, visit https://www.eatatcali. com/.

Although these three restaurants are allergy-friendly, each place has indicated that cross-contamination of allergens can occur while cooking, so customers to be aware of that when ordering food.

Florida Trade Academy

Hires Chief Academic Officer

Florida Trade Academy (FTA), a groundbreaking program o f ering trade education programs for career seekers and job changers, has named longtime higher education leader Lynette Barcewicz as its first chief academic advisor. In this newly created role, Barcewicz is helping advance FTA’s mission to close the skill gap that has become increasing prevalent in the U.S. and to become a reliable resource for talent at a time when millions of jobs remain unfilled. For more information, visit its website at www. floridatradeacademy.org.

Teachers Wanted

Southshore Charter Academy, a tuition-free K-8 public charter school, located at 11667 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview, is hiring for open positions for the 2023-24 school year. For more information, to find a link to career opportunities or if you are interested in helping it to support students in striving for scholarship and success, visit its website at www.south -

Canine Cabana celebrated 15 years of serving dogs and their families with a multichamber ribbon-cutting. Located at 9708 Carr Rd. in Riverview, it offers dog day care, lodging, training and grooming services. Visit https://caninecabana.biz/ or call 813-672-WOOF (9663) for more information.

shorecharter.org.

Hiring Event For Sprouts Farmers Market

Sprouts Farmers Market is hosting an in-person team member hiring event on Wednesday, June 28 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park, located at 950 Carillon Dr. St. Petersburg. Candidates may apply online in advance at www.about.sprouts.com/ careers/. Walk-in applicants are also welcome to attend the event.

Dream That Big Publishing Celebrates Relaunch

Owned by Octoryia Robinson, Dream That Big Publishing is a Tampa Bay-based, royalty-free, collaborative self-publishing company that provides mentorship,

workshopping, writing and publishing services along with resources to authors and aspiring authors. The team at Dream That Big Publishing are dedicated and talented professionals who have the skills and tools to awaken and inspire nonfiction writers. Its o f ce is located at 100 S. Ashley Dr., Ste. 600 in Tampa and is open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Additional information can be found on its website at www.dreamthatbigpublishing.com, by following on Facebook at Dream That Big Publishing or by calling 813-708-7167.

Home Care For The 21st Century Now Available Home Care for the 21st Century is a woman-owned business located locally in Hillsborough County. It aims to keep

our seniors safer and at home longer by o f ering a wide range of services that match clients’ needs, including companion care, skilled nursing care, transportation, medical equipment, telehealth monitoring, dementia care and more. Families will enjoy peace of mind knowing that loved ones are safe and can maintain their independence in the comfort of their own home, and costs are significantly reduced compared with alternatives. At Home Care for the 21st Century, you are not just a number, you are part of the family. Visit its website at www. homecareforthe21stcentury.com or call 833-786-2121 for additional information.

Vogt Insurance Advisory

Kevin Vogt, owner of Vogt Insurance Advisory, provides his clients with an educational experience that leaves them more informed about health insurance. This leads to the discovery of the coverage options that best fit their needs, budget and lifestyle. Additional information about Vogt Insurance Advisory can be found on its website at www.vogtinsuranceadvising.us, on Facebook at Vogt Insurance Advisory and by calling 813708-8070.

When unexpected moments happen, you can trust the ER experts at AdventHealth. Conveniently located in Brandon, we’re ready to care for you 24/7. And, we’ve made it easy to schedule an emergency room visit online so you can wait in the comfort of home and arrive at a time convenient for you.

In case of a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911.

Lynette Barcewicz, the newly appointed chief academic advisor at Florida Trade Academy.

Vogt Insurance Advisory educates clients about health insurance.

Dream Tat Big Publishing celebrates relaunch with a ribbon-cutting.

THE TONY BARONI TEAM CELEBRATES AN AWARD WINNING YEAR

The Tony Baroni Team with Keller Williams was named Real Estate Team of the Year by Tampa Bay Real Producers at the Agents Choice Awards in March. The Tony Baroni Team was also named one of Real Trends’ top five teams in the state after serving 300 families in the last year.

The Tony Baroni Team helped hundreds of clients buy and sell their homes while facing the challenging increase in interest rates. His team focused on the basics of real estate to continue to close on sales across Florida.

The team also started a new Homeward program, called ‘Sell Before You List,’ for their clients.

“We’re a preferred partner with Homeward, so, essentially, we’re always brainstorming what we can do to help with new, innovative products that aren’t out there. So, we’ve been in that process. We helped develop it,” explained Tony Baroni.

The program allows homeowners to get 88 percent of their value for their homes before they put it on the market and allows them to reap any additional monetary benefits made when they close.

“We’re one of only two teams in the country right now who have this, and

NAVIGATOR LEADERSHIP ACADEMY HOSTED UNDER THE SEA ART SHOW

By Jane Owen

By Lily Belcher

we just rolled that out [on May 10]. We’re really excited about that,” said Baroni.

Lead buyer specialist Kate Conroy served 120 of these families by helping them find a house that suited their needs, and lead listing agent Craig Kellner helped 90 families sell their homes. The Tony Baroni Team only has seven agents but around a dozen people that support those agents.

“We have a pretty small team from a sales perspective. We really want to create mega agents within our team. We want them to do extremely well and make good money,” said Baroni. While his agents help families buy and sell their homes, Baroni and his team have continued to host the Call In To Win program.

The team recently gave away a Don Cesar spa day for Mother’s Day and donated $2 per caller to A Kid’s Place to give back to the community.

The Tony Baroni Team has given over $100,000 to a nonprofit called KW Cares since 2007. They have raised over $20,000 to local charities through their Call In To Win program and other contests.

For more information on the Tony Baroni Team, please visit their website at www.tonybaroni.com.

On April 27, students and families from Navigator Academy of Leadership stepped out of the doldrums of life and into an Under the Sea Art Show experience.

The Under the Sea Art Show, spearheaded by Navigator’s elementary art teacher, Heather Adkins, featured artwork from every grade level (K-8), art-based activities in the cafeteria, local student-focused vendors and food trucks. The main feature of the night was the Glow Room that took over two months to create.

The Glow Room highlighted the unique animals in the oceans. Neon mediums — paint, crayons, oil pastels and markers — made the room come to life. Grade levels learned about various sea animals, such as sea turtles, jellyfish, puferfish and stingrays. Mixed-media art, made of everyday materials found at home and recycled materials, such as CDs, paper towel rolls and plastic bottles, were used to create the display.

Principal Rebecca Valdes said the art show provided a way to showcase the students’ art and allow them to be proud of their work.

“The art show is always a success

and could not be possible without our teacher leaders guiding the way. This year, the showcase [of] the show was the Glow Room. It was an amazing room where all K-8 students joined together to create one work of art.” Valdes said.

According to Adkins, the inspiration of the art show was multifaceted. She teaches a love of art and how science and math can be part of it.

“Art is everywhere. My goal every day is to make art fun and engaging for my students as well as to see them see art in even the smallest things,” Adkins said. “My background is in math and science, so if there is any way to incorporate it, I do.”

Part of the mission of the Navigator Academy of Leadership is a cross-curricular integration of science, math, art, reading and technology. For the Under the Sea Art Show, students spent weeks reading and learning about maritime science and math elements like shapes, lines and symmetry.

The Navigator Academy of Leadership is located at 1101 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. For more information, visit https://navigatoracademyvalrico.com/.

Michael Francis, Music Director

Stella Chen, Violin

Jubilant Sykes, Baritone

From left to right: Principal Dr. Rebecca Valdes, elementary art teacher Heather Adkins, middle school art teacher Samantha Patterson and vice principal Danielle Blaxton.

Te Tony Baroni Team was named Real Estate Team of the Year by Tampa Bay Real Producers in March.

MONSTER JAM ROARS BACK INTO TAMPA THIS SUMMER

This. Is. Monster Jam™! The most unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable motorsports experience for families and fans in the world today returns to Tampa this summer for two adrenaline-charged events at AMALIE Arena on Saturday, August 19 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., unleashing the all-new 2023-debut truck ThunderROARus™, which is appearing for the first time in Tampa! At Monster Jam®, world champion athletes and their monster trucks tear up the dirt in wide-open competitions of speed and skill.

Monster Jam drivers are trained, worldclass male and female athletes who have mastered not only the physical strength and mental stamina needed to compete, but also the vital dexterity to control 12,000-pound machines capable of doing backflips, vertical two-wheel skills and racing at speeds up to 70 miles-per-hour to produce jaw-dropping, live motorsports action seen around the world. Monster Jam. As Big As It Gets!™

The excitement begins at the Monster Jam Pit Party fan experience on August 19. Fans can see the massive trucks up close, meet their favorite drivers and crews, get autographs, take pictures and enjoy other family-friendly activities. New-for-2023 activities include the Sand Box play area, UNOH tire demonstration, coloring and temporary tattoo station and the chance to take a photo with the series trophy. This fun-filled experience is the only place that allows people to get up-close access to the Monster

Jam teams and get an insider’s look at how these trucks are built to stand up to the competition. Pit Passes are available for purchase for $20 each.

Florida motorsports fans will be on the edge of their seats as world-class drivers show of crazy skills and all-out racing in fierce head-tohead battles for the event championship. Engineered to perfection, the 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks push all limits in freestyle, skills and racing competitions. The Tampa events feature eight skilled athletes battling for the event championship and tearing up the dirt in intense competitions of speed and skill while putting on a spectacle, constantly innovating and always entertaining.

TRUCK LINEUP: Grave Digger®, driven by Weston Anderson; Monster Mutt® Dalmatian, driven by Jamie Sullivan; El Toro Loco®, driven by Elvis Lainez; ThunderROARus, driven by Tony Ochs; Megalodon®, driven by Mikayla Tulachka; Just Ger R Done, driven by Brandon Tulachka; Wildside, driven by Zack Garner; and Over Bored, driven by Jamey Garner.

For specific Tampa local event info, visit www.monsterjam.com/en-US/events/tampa-fl/aug-19-2023-aug-19-2023.

Follow Monster Jam on its Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok pages @ monsterjam.

Subscribe to the Monster Jam YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/monsterjam.

until June 30th

Te ever-popular Grave Digger, driven by Weston Anderson, is back for Monster Jam at AMALIE Arena on Saturday, August 19.

BLOOMINGDALE’S TRACK TEAM BREAKS A DOZEN SCHOOL RECORDS

Bloomingdale High School’s track and field team broke 12 school records this season. Eleven of the new record holders will advance to the states meet after their exceptional performance at the district and regional meets.

Senior Thomas Schilling broke the 25-year-old school record for the fastest 3,200-meter, running the race in nine minutes and 44 seconds.

Simon Castillo set the record for the 400-meter hurdles, completing the hurdles in a minute.

“He’s an all-around athlete,” said coach Dale Batemen. “He’s our hurdler specialist.”

Mia Courtney set the record for the women’s 400-meter hurdles as well with a time of one minute and 17 seconds.

Makenna Mach broke a 12-year record after her 800-meter run with a time of two minutes and 16 seconds. She also set the record for the 400-meter dash.

“She’s got a great stride. … She just has had the work ethic since [she was a] freshman and is coachable, takes in what you’re saying and goes with it,” said coach Nikki Porter.

Senior Zekira Snow beat a 12-year long record in the 100-meter dash with a time

By Lily Belcher

of 12.05 seconds. Snow also set the school’s 200-meter and long jump records.

“Zekira is just a hardworking athlete, just a great kid. She’s out on the track every day.

… Just over the past four years, I’ve seen her grow and blossom into the athlete she is on the track,” said Porter.

Charles Coney set another record in field events this year with the school’s longest javelin throw of 144.5 feet.

Bloomingdale’s 4 x 100 relay team of seniors Mekhi Thomas, Michael McGee, Christian Bodnar and Derek Owens set a record with a time of 42.18 seconds.

The men’s 4 x 400 team set a record as well, with Wisny Cherident on the first leg and McGee, Bodnar and Owens following.

The women’s 4 x 400 team set a record time of four minutes and six seconds, with Sabrina Flowers, Mach, Kimmari Glenn and Snow racing together.

“They have to trust each other to know when to take of,” explained Bateman about his relay teams.

Fourteen track and field athletes advanced to the states meet for Bloomingdale. For more information on Bloomingdale’s track team, visit their Instagram @ bdalexctf.

Bloomingdale High School’s Tomas Schilling, Makenna Mach, Zekira Snow, Simon Castillo, Michael McGee, Mekhi Tomas, Derek Owens and Christian Bodnar broke 12 school records. (Not pictured: Bodnar.)

LEHEAL BIOGENIX OFFERS PERSONALIZED TREATMENT PLANS FOR ALL PATIENTS

LeHeal Biogenix

o f ers a nonsurgical way for patients to treat their pain by supporting and enhancing the body’s natural healing process. Through peptide, laser and new stem cell therapies, LeHeal Biogenix has helped their patients find pain relief since opening in September of 2022.

“The most rewarding part of our practice is the ability to help everyone. Our patients range in across the board in age, professions, activity level,” said co-founder and COO Stacey Heald. “Our patients are able to get back to what they love. This is di f erent for everyone.”

LeHeal Biogenix o f ers personalized treatment plans for each patient. Through this unique approach, treatment plans can be adjusted to fit most budgets while still providing pain relief. Professional athletes and groups in the Tampa Bay area, such as former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Jason Pierre Paul, have experienced pain relief and injury prevention with the help of LeHeal Biogenix as well.

“We have established relationships with a number of professional athletic groups in the Tampa Bay area, providing their members fast and e f ective solutions for muscle recovery, injury prevention and healing and to optimize their

By Lily Belcher

performance,” said Heald.

LeHeal Biogenix’s stem cell therapies enhance the cells’ natural ability to respond to damage and injuries. Peptide therapies allow providers to naturally regulate hormone levels to replenish the peptides and amino acids needed to heal the body. Its class IV laser therapies are another way LeHeal Biogenix naturally prompts the healing process, directing a beam of light into the skin to stimulate cells.

“There is a great deal of education involved in what we do. We love this part of the job. Some have heard of the treatments but don’t fully understand them. We have the opportunity to educate on the services and the overall human body and its incredible healing powers,” explained Heald.

In addition to o f ering several treatment options, LeHeal Biogenix has four locations, including one in Brandon and another in Tampa. In June, it is opening o f ces in Lakeland and Lakewood Ranch. The o f ce collaborates with a network of chiropractic and physical therapy groups to support the patients during their recovery.

For more information on LeHeal Biogenix, visit their website https://leheal. com/ or contact 813-999-2192.

Having relationships with Tampa Bay professional sports teams allows LeHeal Biogenix to treat athletes like Jason Pierre Paul.

TAMPA COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVES SUBSTANTIAL FUNDING FOR TAMPA THEATRE

Tampa’s historic movie palace, Tampa Theatre, is owned by the City of Tampa and managed by the nonprofit Tampa Theatre Foundation. Recently, the Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) voted to approve Tampa Theatre’s funding request for $14 million for restoration of the iconic city landmark.

Phase one, which consisted of restoration of the lobby, paint, plaster, seats and drapes, was completed in 2017 and 2018.

Phase two is already underway. “Our goal is to present a fully restored Tampa Theatre to the community in time for the Theatre’s 100th anniversary in October of 2026,” explained John Bell, president and CEO of Tampa Theatre.

The plan for phase two is a two-part component. One part is to make substantial capital improvements. The second part is for programming and to establish an endowment to preserve the theater for the next century.

Phase two has lots of exciting projects that will make going to Tampa Theatre an even greater experience for residents of and visitors to the Tampa Bay area. One project is the construction of a 42-seat micro cinema. It will be located in a floral shop that is located to the left of the existing box ofce.

According to Jill Witecki, vice president and director of marketing, “Despite the

small size, this micro cinema will dramatically increase our programming. If we have a concert or special program one night, we are not able to ofer a film a clean run. If we can use the smaller venue for one night of a film run, we will be able to guarantee a clean film run. As our CEO says, ‘We will be able to say yes to everything.’”

Another project is to restore an unused third floor (which is located on the Florida Avenue side). According to Witecki, “We have a need for space. This area has not been touched since the 50s. We need to install an elevator, put in electricity and more. It will become classroom and meeting space.”

Other projects are less noticeable but much needed, such as updating HVAC and plumbing and modernizing the production system.

Tampa Theatre is a strong economic driver. An average of 160,000 visitors come each year, generating millions in state and local taxes.

“The CRA support will ensure that the Tampa Theatre continues to be a landmark in downtown Tampa,” said CRA Chairwoman Lynn Hurtak.

For more information, please visit www. Tampatheatre.org.

POPULAR SUMMER CLASSICS MOVIE SERIES RETURNS TO TAMPA THEATRE’S BIG SCREEN THIS SUMMER

Tampa Theatre is proud to present its popular Summer Classics Movie Series this summer. This is the 32nd year that Tampa Theatre has ofered this series.

Tampa Teatre is Tampa’s nonproft movie palace and is this summer’s coolest place to be with a lineup of favorite flms from the past 100 years.

According to Jill Witecki with Tampa Theatre, “This year, the series celebrates a century of extraordinary filmmaking. The oldest ofering, a collection of silent comedy shorts from 1919-1927, takes Tampa Theatre back to its roots of presenting silent films with live musical accompaniment on its original Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ.”

All of the shows are held on Sundays and are presented at 3 p.m.

The lineup starts with Mrs. Doubtfire on June 4. Next, you can see the thriller Veritgo on June 11.

Then, on June 18, come see the silent film The Flying Ace from 1926. This will be a free screening in celebration of Juneteenth. The film features an all-black cast and tells the story of the dastardly pilot Finley Tucker and the object of his affection, Ruth Sawtelle, who is said to be loosely based on aviator Bessie Coleman. At the time of its release, The Flying Ace was advertised as “the greatest airplane thriller ever filmed.” In 2021, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of

Congress as being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.”

Tampa Theatre will show Fantasia on June 25. Witecki said, “For the first time in Tampa Theatre history, the ‘Disney Vault’ has been opened to us, allowing us to screen a film that has been on our cinematic bucket list for a long time.”

Then, on July 2, come see Enter the Dragon. Next, you can see the musical Mamma Mia! on July 9. Witecki explained, “Mamma Mia! is a special selection by Tampa Theatre donor Jim Porter, who bid on and won the opportunity to ‘Pick A Classic’ during our WineFest fundraiser auction in March.”

The Breakfast Club will be shown on July 16. Then, you can experience 2001: A Space Odyssey on July 23. On July 30, go see The Lion King. Planet of the Apes will be shown on August 6. The drama Titantic will take the big screen on August 13, followed by Casablanca on August 20. The series will end with a showing of the silent film The Silent Clowns on August 27. Both silent films will be accompanied by Steven Ball on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ.

Tickets for The Silent Clowns are $14.50, or $11.50 for members. The other tickets are $10, or $7 for members. Please visit www.tampatheatre.org.

Te Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency’s continued support of the arts is demonstrated by the approval of a $14 million funding request.