Riverview/Apollo Beach
Chalklines 7
Educational Feature
August 2022
Volume 20, Issue 8
See Page 44
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CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
COMMUNITY HELPS BRING LOCAL TEEN BACK FROM MEXICO AFTER HORRIFIC CRASH By Sharon Still
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
By Ella Martin B3 was asked to join the Bandolero Team for Curt Britt Motorsports and participated in numerous races with them. He has raced at several professional speedways, such as the Citrus County Speedway in Inverness, where he has a six-time winning streak; Crispy Motorsports in Georgia, with two first-place
Billy Lee III, also known as B3, holding a first-place trophy he won at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
This upcoming fall, Billy Lee III will be heading into the fourth grade at LLT Academy South Bay, except his life has an exciting twist. Lee, whose racing name is B3, is an 8-year-old racecar driver. B3 comes from a third-generation racing family, which is why his love for racing was sparked at Billy Lee III, also known as B3, racing in the Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Thursday Thunder event. such a young age. His father, Bill Lee Jr., is a drag racer, as was his grandfa- wins; and the Atlanta Motor Speedway. B3 ther. His mother, Amy Lee, grew up near an races with the rookie class and is the youngoval track, so she spent lots of times around est participant in this category, as most racers are 10 and over and can even include racers and cars. For B3’s first birthday, his parents gifted adults. Over B3’s years of racing, he has received him a shiny, blue Power Wheels Corvette. Around the age of 2, B3 began participating lots of publicity and sponsorships for his in a local Power Wheels racing leagues. His amazing accomplishments. During NASCAR mother explained that the purpose of this weekend in March 2022, Jaime Little from league is to “inspire young and old racers.” Fox Sports 1 interviewed B3 and featured When B3 was about 3-and-a-half years old, his story on a national news segment, hophe upgraded to a Power Wheels firetruck, ing it would inspire and motivate other kids which his father modified to mimic a jet to chase their dreams. B3 is currently sponsored by many busitruck. At age 4, B3 was asked to be the opening act at the Night of Fire Jet Truck nesses, including NAPA Auto Parts, Bill Lee’s Professional Automotive, Jack’s Apparel and Show. This was a turning point for his young ca- Forward Bite. B3 is also seeking additional reer, as he was able to partner with Larsen marketing sponsorship and can be contactMotor Sports, even getting to sign auto- ed through Amy at 941-933-2135. graphs after the show. However, in early 2020, COVID-19 hit and put a pause on most racing events, but this did not stop B3 APOLLO BEACH CONNECTOR...........PG 3 from wanting to pursue his dream of professional racing. Amy said that “All B3 wanted FISHING WINNER ......................... .......PG 4 to do was race,” which led to him redirecting EYE ON BUSINESS ...................PGS 25-26 his focus, and he went on to win three cham- LADIES TEA........................................... PG 31 pionships as a go-kart racer.
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When tragedy struck and her aunt in Leon, a local Wimauma famiMexico and returned ly, community members them to Tampa. Jasmin quickly banded together was then transported offering emotional and fito Johns Hopkins All nancial support. Children’s Hospital in A family friend reached St. Petersburg, for furout to the South Shore ther care. Chamber of Commerce “Although we helped with the heartbreaking get the final $7,500 story of 12-year-old Jasthey needed, there are min Cervantes-Garcia, a still going to be so many student in Academy 2027, expenses once they get a first-of -its-kind middle her home, so feel free school program at Sumner to continue sharing her High School in Riverview, GoFundMe page,” Davis who ended up the sole Jasmin Cervantes-Garcia of Wimauma posted. survivor of a car crash remains in critical condition at Johns Garcia reported that killed her parents, Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Pe- that Jasmin suffered Maria and Cruz, and tersburg after surviving a crash in Mexico a brain injury and grandparents, Enrique that killed her parents and grandparents. that she is aware but and Alicia, in late unable to speak, June while they communicatwere vacationing ing through eye in Mexico. The blinks and hand crash left the squeezes. She young girl fighting for her life in a hos- added that Jasmin is unaware of what pital in Mexico while the deceased fam- happened. ily members’ bodies were sent back to In addition to the funds raised by the Ruskin/Wimauma for funeral services. South Shore Chamber of Commerce, area Jasmin’s aunt, Cindy Garcia, a nurse churches and Helping Hands of Southherself, quickly realized that the medical Shore also made contributions. As of system in Mexico is much different than press time, a little more than $48,000 of in the United States; Jasmin’s care was the $55,000 goal had been raised. at a stand-still, and she knew she had to “This is not even the beginning,” said bring her back home. That was when a Garcia. She stated that some of the monfamily friend turned to the South Shore ey has already been spent and there is a Chamber of Commerce and its executive long road ahead. “This is nothing we have director, Melanie Davis. experienced before,” Garcia added. Davis took the story to Facebook, urg“We will continue to help the family by ing members for donations to help bring being a resource to them,” commented Jasmin back and assist with the medical Davis, noting that she talks daily with bills. After her Friday post, Davis report- Garcia. ed on Monday morning that the money Those interested in helping Jasmin set out to raise to help get Jasmin home and her family can do so through Zelle had been raised. at 941-345-7423, Cash App via $cindyOn July 10, JET ICU, a Tampa-based air garcia9 or through the GoFundMe page ambulance company, picked up Jasmin; at www.gofundme.com/f/bring-jasher older brother, Cruz Cervantes-Garcia; min-home-and-medical-expenses.
LOCAL 8-YEAR-OLD BILLY LEE III, KNOWN AS B3, SHAKES UP THE RULES OF RACECAR DRIVING
Recruitment is underway for veterans, military spouses and former law enforcement officers to ‘Continue the Mission’ through career and mentorship opportunities aimed toward protecting children. The program launched s in Pensacola in June, with First Lady Casey DeSantis at the podium to praise the statewide effort. See the full article on page 34.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 8
August 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 3
APOLLO BEACH FLYOVER CONNECTING U.S. MEMBERS OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUB BECOME HWY. 301 AND U.S. HWY. 41 NOW OPEN EDUCATED ON THE FBI By Sharon Still ble by U.S. Highway 301 south of Big Bend Road at Balm Road. “It cuts my travel time to my daughter’s house in half,” said Gwen Sinclair of Apollo Beach, whose daughter lives in the Belmont subdivision located off U.S Highway 301 South in Riverview. County officials celebrated the opening of the Apollo Beach Flyover Construction of with a ribbon-cutting celebration. Bicyclists lined up with county officials to cut the ribbon, signifying the opening of the Apollo Flyover, a the extension took 18 much-needed road to help ease traffic congestion in southern Hillsbor- months, funded with ough County. $27 million provided by the county and the Drivers in southern Hillsborough County have an easier commute now that the remaining, from private developers. “This new Apollo Beach Flyover overpass, con- would not have been made possible withnecting U.S. Highway 41 in Apollo Beach out the financial contribution of private deto U.S. Highway 301 in Riverview is open. velopers,” Smith said. She explained that the project enhances County leaders, including County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Hillsborough Coun- Vision Zero principles with clearly marked ty Commissioner Mariela Smith (District 5 bicycle lanes, 8 ft. sidewalks and accessibil- countywide) gathered recently for a rib- ity in accordance with the American Disabilities Act. bon-cutting celebration. The Apollo Beach Flyover is the first “This is a real game changer,” said Smith. “It is just part of a larger network geared of many needed improvements in the Big toward improving the quality of life in the Bend Road and I-75 area. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is curarea.” The new Apollo Beach Flyover at Paseo rently working on an $81.7 million project, al Mar Boulevard is an east-west alterna- including adding new entrance and exit tive to drivers in southern Hillsborough ramps to Big Bend Road, increasing the County. It is a four-lane divided road over number of turn lanes in multiple spots and I-75 that is friendly to cars, pedestrians rebuilding the Old Big Bend Road and Big and bicyclists. The flyover will provide con- Bend Road bridges. Residents interested in receiving congestion relief for the Big Bend Road corristruction updates, including nightly lane dor to the north. On the west side, Paseo al Mar Boule- closures, can sign up on the FDOT website vard starts at U.S. Highway 41 and Apollo at www.fdottampabay.com; reference projBeach Boulevard. The east side is accessi- ect 424513-3-52-01.
By Ella Martin
On July 7, the local FBI live in the local community. and SWAT team made visits She explained to the stuto the middle school memdents what duties the FBI bers of the Boys & Girls Club possess and acknowledge of Tampa Bay at Marshall that these agents play a Middle School in Plant City more local role than many and Shields Middle School think. After Moriarty’s prein Ruskin. The event was orsentation, the children were ganized by the Boys & Girls able to ask any additional Club of Tampa Bay commuquestions they had. nity liaison, Ricky Gallon, At the end of the visit, the along with the local FBI. student members were givThe Boys & Girls Club was en the opportunity to try on founded 160 years ago, and FBI gear, which included a its goal is to provide a safe helmet and bulletproof vest. and encouraging environ- A student member of the Boys Gallon said that the & Girls Club of Tampa Bay ment for children of all ages. FBI decided to do an onThe Boys & Girls Club of Tam- trying on an FBI bulletproof site event at Marshall and vest. pa Bay has around Shields Middle 22,000 members School because “the and 22 clubs across summer programHillsborough and ming at Marshall Pasco counties. At and Shields Middle the event, middle School focuses on schoolers got the educational and caamazing opportureer aspirations.” nity to interactively This event was learn about what originally scheduled role the FBI plays in to be a field trip, but FBI agents talking to student members of the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay. society. due to the number of Elizabeth Morimembers who had arty, community outreach speinterest in learning about the cialist with the FBI’s Tampa DiFBI, they accommodated and vision, explained that the main decided to make it an on-site purpose of the event was “to event. introduce youth to the FBI and Gallon added, “The youth and explain that we work and live in myself alike had a great time the communities that we serve.” and learned a lot. I got a kick out of watchThe event at Plant City had around 95 ing the youth trying on the vests.” members and in Ruskin it had around 65 Overall, this event was very successful members in attendance. Moriarty attended and allowed all members of the Boys & Girls both events and spoke to middle school stu- Club to expand their knowledge about the dents about the FBI as well as agents that FBI while having fun.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
RCMA STUDENTS AMONG FIRST BERKELEY ACADEMY PROGRAM GRADUATES
Staff Report
Eight area RCMA mer before a student’s students were reseventh grade year cently among the first and ends upon comBerkeley Academy pletion of high school. graduating class. Two Selected students are of the students were mentored and guided awarded full scholarover the course of six ships. years on weekends These students and during summer attended Wimauma breaks so that the Community Acadelearning cycle never Edgar Murillo (left) and Neftali Gomez my, RCMA’s local K-8 ends. (right) with their moms, Felicitas Guerra school for low-income, RCMA partnered primarily migrant and Raquel Gomez, at the Berkeley Academy with Berkeley Acadeshowcase and celebration. families, and were my at the inception of part of Berkeley Acadthis program, identifyemy since its inception. ing students at its WimauIvan Edgar Murillo ma Community Academy applied early decision who had the desire and to Tufts University academic standing to purand received a full scholarship; he will study sue college. RCMA provides transportation to computer science. Edgar came to the United Berkeley Academy, has staff and board memStates when he was 11 and did not speak En- bers who attend Berkeley Academy activities glish. He attended RCMA’s Wimauma Com- to motivate the students and has a graduate munity Academy for grades 6-8, where he support coordinator who works with RCMA broke several academic records. alumni while in high school to encourage Neftali Gomez received a full scholarship post-secondary education and careers. to Middlebury College. He plans to become a “They were the same kind of people I am, cardiologist. low-income immigration. Being in a commuJonathan Mosso also graduated the pro- nity where I felt comfortable was a big help. gram as a true success story. As of a few They made me feel important. It’s something weeks ago, it was unsure he would graduate kids from our community need so they feel high school. Berkeley Academy staff moti- empowered,” Murillo said about how RCMA vated him to work hard and complete the helped him when he started at Wimauma requirements. Community Academy. The Berkeley Academy is a free, signature The following students also completed the service program offered by Berkeley Prepara- program and plan to attend Hillsborough tory School aimed at helping highly motivated Community College: Diana Conteraz Vasquez, students from low-income households in the Jessica Gamez-Novoa, Melissa Moran, Brian Tampa Bay community reach their unique Perez-Acevedo and Destiny Rodriguez. potential and achieve their dream of going to If you would like to learn more about college. The six-year program starts the sum- RCMA, visit www.rcma.org.
Volume 20, Issue 8
TWO LOCAL FISHING GUIDES WIN FISHINGBOOKER AWARDS
Staff Report
Every year, FishingBooker, the largest online platform for finding and booking fishing trips in the U.S., awards its best captains with the Angler’s Choice Award. Two Captain Dan Currey of Reel Edge Charters. of the winners operate locally out of Ruskin: Blue Collar Fishing Charters with captain Donald Harris and Reel Edge Charters with captain Dan Currey. Harris is an army veteran as well as a veteran of the Tampa Bay waters. He fell in love with these waters when he started fishing in the area during the ’70s prior to his service. After 24 years of service, he retired and got back to fishing. He loves being a captain, especially making fishing possible for hard-working families and other veterans. Harris is licensed for state waters and has been with FishingBooker since 2018. He offers inshore trips ranging from four to eight hours as well as night trips. Growing up in a small East Texas town, Currey developed his love of the outdoors and fishing. Along with his wife and two kids, he moved to Florida in 2003 and has been fishing and exploring the Tampa Bay waters for more than 18 years. The captain loves sharing his love, respect and knowledge of Florida’s great fishery and beautiful habitat with his guests. Currey is licensed for state waters and has been with FishingBooker since 2021. He offers inshore and off-
shore fishing trips ranging anywhere from two to eight hours. With 7,800 charter operators on the platform and only 15 perCaptain Donald Harris cent of capof Blue Collar Fishing Charters. tains receiving the distinction, Angler’s Choice Award captains are acknowledged for their incredible customer service, reliability and high-quality fishing trips. To be eligible for the award, the charter operators had to meet the following criteria: above 4.5 out of a possible fivestar review rating from at least seven verified reviews, a low cancellation rate of below 30 percent and above 90 percent responsiveness to booking requests. Vukan Simic, CEO of FishingBooker, said, “We’ve been awarding the Angler’s Choice Award since 2015. Over time, we made some improvements to the criteria, as we started partnering with more and more guides and the quality of service and customer experience went up. The award is a badge of honor for our most committed captains, and a surefire way for anglers to recognize a top guide on our platform.” FishingBooker is the world’s largest platform for connecting anglers and fishing guides with over 34,000 fishing trips available in more than 1,900 destinations worldwide. Visit https://fishingbooker.com/.
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As summer turns to didn’t specify certain fall, flocks of recent high types of assets and school graduates leave the institution, usually the nest and head off a bank, refused to acto college or university cept the document befor the first time, leavcause it wasn’t specific ing parents with a wide enough. range of emotions as His current power they watch their children of attorney covers 16 prepare to spread their pages. wings as independent “We’ve become Getting legal documents in place is an young adults. a more complicated important step to complete before your With the flurry of world, so consequentcollege students leaves the nest. last-minute preparaly we write it as pertions, such as purchasing textbooks and vasively as possible to prevent a situation school supplies, making sure vaccinations where someone attempts to use it and runs are up to date and getting copies of pre- into a roadblock,” he said. scriptions so they can fill them on-campus, The second legal document, a medical there is one more task to add to the to-do directive, gives a parent access to medical list: legal documents. information. Recently, a mother had to rush When a person turns 18, they become a her 28-year-old son to the emergency room. legal adult, which means parents — even if When she was in the waiting room while he they’re still financially supporting their adult was being treated, she was denied informachildren — no longer have the legal right to tion on his status because he was an adult inquire or direct decisions related to medical, and hadn’t given her authorization. It wasn’t financial or educational records. It’s a good until she was brought to his treatment room idea for anyone 18 and older to have in place that she got information about his care. a durable power of attorney and a medical “If your adult child has to be hospitalized, directive, also referred to as a health care then the hospital will be within their rights surrogate designation or medical power of to refuse to give parents any information attorney. about their child or make critical care deciThe durable power of attorney is a legal sions related to their medical care,” he said. document that gives a designated person “Whether two hours away or across the (called an agent) the authority, if needed, country, you’re not going to get that inforto handle legal, tax and financial matters on mation unless the child has signed that aubehalf of their child. This can be especially thorization.” valuable if their child’s school is far away or Parents wanting to strike a balance beif they’re studying abroad. tween respecting a child’s right to privacy Attorney Tom Gallo of Tom Gallo Law said and independence and being there to assist that when he first started practicing law, and protect them in times of need might more than 40 years ago, a power of attor- have a conversation with their student to ney was just a couple pages long, but they educate them on the importance of executhave become longer and more detailed. He ing these legal documents. described situations where older documents To learn more, call Gallo at 813-815-4529.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 8
7TH ANNUAL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC IN SEPTEMBER
Staff Report
A group shot taken from one of the Knights of Columbus’ previous Charity Golf Classics. This year’s event will take place on Friday, September 23 at the Bloomingdale Golfers Club.
The Knights of Columbus’ $400 for a foursome. Hole sponsorCharity Golf Classic, sponsored ship is available for $100. There will by Mother Seton Council 6724, is be prizes for first, second and thirdpreparing for its seventh annual place finishers, men’s and women’s round of golf. This is its first fundlongest drive and closest to the pin. raising event since the COVID-19 This year, there will be four The Knights of shutdown in 2020 and will take hole-in-one contests. One hole place on Friday, September 23 at Columbus website has a 2022 GMC Canyon truck QR Code the Bloomingdale Golfers Club, (provided by Rivard GMC) as the located at 4113 Great Golfers Pl. in Valrico. prize, and there are three other $1,000 hole “The proceeds will be used for charitable opportunities. events throughout the year,” explained Neil There will be additional fundraising opWaid, council community director. “We sup- portunities with a live auction, 50/50 conport organizations such as Special Olympics, test and raffle baskets. Lopez Exceptional Center and the James A. “The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal Haley Veterans’ Hospital, along with various organization,” Waid stated. This selfless orother local organizations that are on the ganization believes in and supports the true club’s list of recipients.” meanings of charity, unity, fraternity and pa“Donations are also made to support the triotism. Homeless Veterans Outreach, Nativity OutFor individual and foursome registration reach Food Bank and veteran families in forms as well as sponsorship opportunities, need each year,” said Waid. visit kofcbrandon.org. You may register and Registration will be September 23 from pay by check with registration forms to: 10:30-11:45 a.m. The fee includes golf cart, Mother Seton Council #6724, P.O. Box 1327, range balls, a gift bag, beverages, a grab- Brandon, Florida 33511. Make checks payand-go bag and a dinner buffet. Tee off time able to: Mother Seton 6724. will be promptly at 12 Noon with a four-perFor more information on sponsorship son scramble to add to the excitement of the opportunities, golfer registration or volunday. teering, please email Chuck Lamarche at Registration fees are $100 per golfer, clamarche2@aol.com.
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August 2022
Page 7
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY AND PUBLIX PARTNER TO PROMOTE HCFL ALERT SYSTEM
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Staff Report Hillsborough County Residents will not reand Publix are teamceive information from ing up to promote the the categories that they county’s official emerdo not select. gency mass notificaResidents signing up tion system, known as for HCFL Alert can also HCFL Alert. HCFL Alert find additional informais designed to keep you tion on how to prepare, informed about local respond and recover emergencies, everyday from natural or manevents and county news made disasters in Hillsthat are important to borough County on the you. county’s Stay Safe webPublix is currently page: www.hcflgov.net/ displaying HCFL Alert staysafe. From evacuaposters at its more than tion and flood zone maps An HCFL Alert poster at a local area 50 stores in Hillsborough to shelter registration Publix. County to remind resifor residents with spedents to sign up for the cial needs, seniors and notification system as we enter those without transportation, the height of hurricane season. the Stay Safe webpage has evHCFL Alert helps residents erything residents need to fully remain informed and receive timely emer- prepare for whatever a disaster brings. gency notifications through voice calls, text Residents can also download the 2022 messages or emails. Hillsborough County Disaster Preparedness HCFL Alert is the easiest way for Hills- Guide in English and Spanish at www.hcflborough County residents to stay connected gov.net/disasterguide, which focuses on the and alert by receiving the latest emergency four steps to disaster preparedness, includnotification updates on hurricanes, severe ing how to make plans for you, your family, weather, evacuation notices, public health your pet and your business. Residents are and safety warnings, major road closures also encouraged to follow the county’s social and major service interruptions, such as boil media channels on Facebook, Twitter and water notices. Nextdoor @HillsboroughFL for additional In addition to emergency notifications, county information during a storm. HCFL Alert provides information on county Sign up today by visiting www.hcflgov. news, events, classes, programs and learning net/hcflalert and receive vital emergency and grant opportunities. information during this hurricane season, When you sign up, you can choose which which continues through Wednesday, Noupdates you would like to receive and how vember 30. you would like to receive them. Whether For assistance with registering for HCFL through voice calls, text or email, the alerts Alert, call 813-272-6602. will reach residents in real-time.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
HILLSBOROUGH LIBRARIES REACH ONE MILLION E-BOOK CHECKOUTS By Deven King L i b ra r i e s turn day, but allow the it is the same c o m m u n i ty 21 days as to check out the regular books, magbooks and azines, and can be remore without newed. any costs, The combut trying to munity can remember to b o r r o w The statistics of e-book and audiobook checkouts throughout return books books from four years. on time has the Hillsboralways been a probough County Public lem for both the liLibrary Cooperative’s brary and community. apps, such as hoopla, Over the years howevLibby, myON, Tumbleer, digital books have BookLibrary and Axis become hugely popu360. To checkout an lar when it comes to Hillsborough County libraries reached over e-book from these reading. In response one million digital checkouts so far this year. sites, only an active lito this, local libraries brary account is needhave set up electronic ed. The number of checkbooks that people can outs allowed differs with borrow from them. each library site, ranging Hillsborough County from 10-30 books. libraries started allowing the community The top five most downloaded e-books of to check out e-books and audiobooks. With 2022 include The Last Thing He Told Me by e-books, libraries do not have to worry about Laura Dave, Apples Never Fall by Liane Morilate, damaged or lost books. Since 2019, dig- arty, People We Meet on Vacation by Emily ital book checkouts have steadily risen, and Henry and The Dark Hours by Michael Concheckouts have now reached an all-time nelly, all No. 1 New York Times Best Sellers. high. From 2020 to now, there has been an Over 1,053,805 e-books, e-audiobooks 8 percent increase in checkouts. Each week, and digital magazines have been checked there are approximately 44,200 e-books out in 2022. The library had a goal of a miland audiobooks borrowed from libraries. lion e-book checkouts, which the community Checking out audiobooks and e-books is has already completed, but the libraries ena simple process that only requires a library courage everyone to try and reach two milcard. With these digital books, they are au- lion checkouts by the end of the year. tomatically returned, so people don’t have For more information on e-books or to to remember to return their books on time. make a library account, visit https://hcplc. The e-books and audiobooks do have a re- org/ or call 813-273-3652.
Saint Church Saint Anne Anne Catholic Catholic Church ~Masses~ ~Masses~ Vigil ~Mass Schedule~ Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m., 10 a.m., & 5 p.m. (12:30 p.m. Spanish) Saturday...........................................................Vigil............4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday 8 a.m. Sunday........................ 8 a.m., 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. (12 p.m. Spanish) Wednesday & Jueves 7 p.m. Monday - Friday......................................................................8 a.m. Wednesday & Jueves...........................................................7 p.m.
Recorded Masses can be viewed on the St. Anne website Recorded Masses can be viewed on St. Anne website (SaintAnneRuskin.org) andFacebook Facebook (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and page.page. Reconciliation at 6Thurs. p.m., Sat. at 3:15 p.m. Reconciliation Tue. at Thurs. 8:30am, at 6pm, Sat. at 3:15pm For more information, please check the St. Anne website. and By Appointment.
NowAve Open U.S.Registration Hwy. 41 • 106 11th NE •For Ruskin
For more information, please check the St. Anne website. Registration is now open for the 2021-2022 Faith Formation year.
Please call the 2022 office for more-information. Formation 2023 Year
U.S. Hwy. 41 • 106 11th Ave NE • Ruskin SaintAnneRuskin.org • 813-645-1714
Volume 20, Issue 8
FINANCIAL FOCUS
529 PLANS: UNDERUSED BUT VALUABLE In just a few weeks, students will be heading off to college – and parents will be getting out their checkbooks. Without a college-bound student in your home right now, you might not be thinking much about tuition and other higher education expenses, but if you have young children, these costs may eventually be of concern – so how should you prepare for them? It’s never too soon to start saving and investing. Unfortunately, many people think that they have a lot of “catching up” to do. In fact, nearly half of Americans say they don’t feel like they’re saving enough to cover future education expenses, according to a 2022 survey conducted by financial services firm Edward Jones with Morning Consult, a global research company. Of course, it’s not always easy to set aside money for college when you’re already dealing with the high cost of living, and, at the same time, trying to save and invest for retirement. Still, even if you can only devote relatively modest amounts for your children’s education, these contributions can add up over time. But where should you put your money? Personal savings accounts are the top vehicle Americans are using for their education funding strategies, according to the Edward Jones/Morning Consult survey. But there are other options, one of which is a 529 plan, which may offer more attractive features, including the following: • Possible tax benefits – If you invest in a 529 education savings plan, your earnings can grow federally income tax-free, provided the money is used for qualified education expenses. (Withdrawals not used for these expenses will generally incur taxes and penalties on investment earnings.) If you invest in
your own state’s 529 plan, you may receive state tax benefits, too, depending on the state. • Flexibility in naming the beneficiary – As the owner of the 529 plan, you can name anyone you want as the beneficiary. You can also change the beneficiary. If your eldest child foregoes college, you can name a younger sibling or another eligible relative. • Support for non-college programs – Even if your children don’t want to go to college, it doesn’t mean they’re uninterested in any type of postsecondary education or training. And a 529 plan can pay for qualified expenses at trade or vocational schools, including apprenticeship programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. • Payment of student loans – A 529 plan can help pay off federal or private student loans, within limits. Keep in mind that state-by-state tax treatment varies for different uses of 529 plans, so you’ll want to consult with your tax professional before putting a plan in place. Despite these and other benefits, 529 plans are greatly under-utilized. Only about 40% of Americans even recognize the 529 plan as an education savings tool, and only 13% are actually using it, again according to the Edward Jones/Morning Consult study. But as the cost of college and other postsecondary programs continues to rise, it will become even more important for parents to find effective ways to save for their children’s future education expenses. So, consider how a 529 plan can help you and your family. And the sooner you get started, the better.
edwardjones.com/adam-benabram
August 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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SLEEPING MATS FOR THE HOMELESS MIRABAY FAMILIES HELP HOUSE UKRAINIAN DRAGON BOAT FASHIONED OUT OF PLASTIC BAGS By Madeline Gardner On July 22, sleepter and noticed a need for ing mats created sleeping mats. Joining the out of recycled South Shore Chamber of plastic bags and pilCommerce, she was able lows were distribto execute this mission at uted at Bell Shoals homeless outreach events. Church in Apollo Each mat requires beBeach for the South tween 300-350 plastic County At-risk and bags that must first underHomeless Outreach go the cleaning and prepaEvent. Following a ration process. The bags request for plastic must be examined for tracshopping bags from es of food or holes before the community in they are either discarded May, the South After creating over 30 mats during quar- or flattened and trimmed antine in Delaware, Shawna Wainright Shore Chamber of to assume a rectangular Commerce made resumed this project when she relocated to shape, which are then foldSun City Center and recognized a need for use of Sun City ed again into groups of them in the area. Center resident three and fashioned into Shawna Wainright’s idea to fashion close strips. These strips are next fastened toto 2,000 plastic bags into six 4 ft. x 5 ft. gether and rolled into balls of plastic yarn, sleeping mats for homeless citizens in the totaling 700 balls used to develop the six community. sleeping mats. Wainright first developed this idea workColorful and striped, these mats are deing at a retail boutique in Delaware where signed to withstand the weather of each the sales staff was responsible for unpack- season with water resistance and insulation ing the merchandise and then disposing of qualities. Portable and lightweight, each large amounts of clear plastic bags. mat is paired with a heart-shaped pillow as “I thought that there must be a way to re- well. use and recycle the clear bags as well as the “I am blessed to have a cozy bed to sleep used colorful plastic shopping bags accumu- in each evening and I want others to feel lating under my sink,” said Wainright. “So, I comfortable at night too, and I want them Googled ‘uses for plastic bags’ and was ex- to know that they are loved. I have empacited to discover that the bags could be cro- thy and care about others,” said Wainright. cheted into plastic mats for the homeless.” “I have learned that when a caring person During the pandemic, Wainright created gives from their heart, they are giving othmore than 30 mats and delivered them to ers a brand-new start.” a nonprofit organization in her home state For more information on this event and of Delaware to distribute to the homeless others by the South Shore Chamber of Comfrom there. She resumed this project once merce, please call 645-1366 or email melmore after she relocated to Sun City Cen- anie@southshorechamberofcommerce.org.
RACERS FOR CHAMPIONSHIP
By Lily Belcher
The group of one steersperson, one drummer and 12 paddlers arrived in MiraBay on the weekend of July 15 and stayed for almost two weeks. They had access to the MiraBay Dragon Boat Club’s boats prior to the MiraBay families hosted 14 Ukrainian athletes as they participate in the championship to 13th International Dragon Boat Federation Championship train and prepare. Four families in MiraBay hosted The championship teams were divided Ukrainian paddlers during the 13th International Dragon Boat Federation Club by age and gender, and each participatCrew World Championships. The team ed in two days of 2000 meter races, two of 14 dragon boat racers from Kovel in days of 200-meter races and two days Ukraine is named Zahkidnyl Viter, which of 500-meter races. The competition consisted of 61 different clubs representtranslates to ‘Western Wind.’ The MiraBay Dragon Boat Club offered ing 10 countries, including the Ukrainian to host the families following an April team. Due to the current conflict in Ukraine, Skype conference with other dragon boat clubs around the world. Each family the team’s travel plans were delayed and hosted two to six athletes, depending on their original housing plans fell through, the number of additional beds they had allowing the MiraBay families to step up available in their house. A family of three to fulfill this need. They also chose to host from the Ukrainian team were able to be the dragon boat racers to provide some housed together thanks to the generosity rest in the midst of the political turmoil they face in their home country. of one MiraBay family. “We’re hosting the paddlers for a num“During the call, the president of the Ukrainian Dragon Boat Federation men- ber of reasons, including to reduce the tioned that they hoped to be able to send barriers to their being able to compete in a team or two to the Club Crew World a championship they’ve been working for Championship in Sarasota,” explained months or years to earn a spot in,” said MiraBay Club President Banks Edwards. Edwards. For more information on the MiraBay “When asked how we could help, he mentioned help with the travel from Europe to Dragon Boat Club, visit their Facebook the US and assistance with accommoda- page at www.facebook.com/MiraBayDragonBoatClub. tions.”
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL-SOUTH NAMED AMONG NATION’S 100 TOP HOSPITALS
Staff Report
St. Joseph’s Hospital-South at night.
St. Joseph’s Hospital-South is included among the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by FORTUNE/Merative™ (formerly FORTUNE/IBM Watson Health). The Riverview hospital made the list as part of the group of five St. Joseph’s Hospitals. This is the fifth consecutive year that St. Joseph’s Hospital-South has earned the honor and the sixth time overall. The four other hospitals included in the recognition with St. Joseph’s Hospital-South are St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital — all in Tampa — and St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz. Merative identifies the top hospitals from a rigorous evaluation of 2,650 short-term, acute care, nonfederal hospitals in the U.S. The annual list recognizes excellence in clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, patient experience and financial health. Merative established the list to help identify best practices that may help other health care organizations achieve consistent, balanced and sustainable high performance. “This is a significant accomplishment when considering all the challenges health care facilities have faced in the last several years with the COVID pandemic,” said Phil Minden, president of St. Joseph’s Hospital-South. “I feel our team has responded
swiftly and effectively to meet the everyday health care needs of residents in southern Hillsborough and northern Manatee counties while simultaneously treating and caring for COVID patients.” “Our clinical, medical and support teams have provided effective, quality and safe health care services since we opened in 2015, and our strong record of consecutive years on this prestigious list is representative of this,” Minden said. The hospitals included in the FORTUNE/Merative 100 Top Hospitals had better results on key clinical and operational performance indicators compared to similar hospitals, according to Merative. These include survival rates, patient complications, health care associated infections, 30-day mortality and 30-day hospitalwide readmission rates, length of stay, emergency department analysis, inpatient expenses and patient ratings. This year’s ranking of top hospitals again included a hospital’s measure of community health contributions developed by a team of experts at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity and the Bloomberg American Health Initiative at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In addition, Fortune/Merative listed BayCare, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South’s parent, among the top 20 percent of large health systems in the country. This is the fourth year in a row BayCare has been recognized with this honor. For more information on the FORTUNE/ Merative 100 Top Hospitals, visit www.100tophospitals.com.
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Volume 20, Issue 8
August 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
THE HIVE INCLUSIVE CREATES NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED COMMUNITY By Ella Martin
Inclusion of all day nights there are people in a comsocial events. The munity is importclasses are targetant. For that goal, ed towards the disa new group called abled members of The Hive Inclusive, The Hive Inclusive. created by Tonya During classes, the Whitlock, makes members learn and it a priority to give work on many skills. the disabled comLocal people come munity more opin and teach classportunities to ines based on their teract with others. profession. Some Whitlock came classes include a Two members of The Hive Inclusive Community up with the idea local chef teaching participating in a cooking class. for The Hive Incluhow to make mac sive due to her son, Trace, who is 28 years and cheese, a local artist teaching how to old and has cerebral palsy. Whitlock said make abstract paintings and a local writher son “watched his other siblings move er teaching members how to tell a story. out and live their own lives” and that “he Later at night, there is then a social wished to have the opportunity to do the event where all members, disabled or not, same.” This sparked an idea to create a are encouraged to come. At the event, group where disabled people could inter- there are food, drinks and activities, such act with everyone in the community. as karaoke, with the main goal of having Currently, the local area has no inclu- fun as an inclusive community. sive living and a lack of social activities The Hive Inclusive collaborates with for the disabled, leading to most disabled Hope4Life, which is a caregiving agency, people being part of ‘the cliff,’ meaning and CUP (Coffee Uniting People). It also they are segregated from the local com- partners with local sponsors and people munity. The Hive Inclusive was in the in order to gain money for future activmaking back in January 2020 to resolve ities and programming. Currently, the this. However, in March 2020, COVID-19 group is working on creating housing in put the project on hold. the Tampa metro area that is affordable, It started back up again in October multigenerational and inclusive. 2021, where a team of four people would If you or someone you know is intermeet weekly to work on creating The ested in joining The Hive Inclusive, you Hive Inclusive. In June 2022 the team can buy a membership online at https:// began planning to create their own build- theinclusivehive.org/ for $10 a month ing to run The Hive Inclusive in. or $90 a year. For more information, Right now, the group operates out visit Facebook @theinclusivehive, Insof Bayshore Baptist Church and meets tagram @inclusivehive and LinkedIn at weekly. On Saturday mornings, there www.linkedin.com/company/hive-incluare instructor-led classes, and on Satur- sive-community/.
11692 Balm Riverview Road Riverview
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TAMPA SOLID WASTE WORKERS RESTORE DISCARDED BIKES Staff Report City of Tamcannot be recovpa Solid Waste ered, so it was workers are requick thinking storing bicycles and action that for a local nonallowed these profit organizaworkers to retion dedicated cover the bikes. to mentoring The proacTampa teens. tive actions of Recently, McKay the workers Bay Scalehouse kept the bikes and Transfer out of landfills McKay Bay Scalehouse and Transfer Station workers Station workers and now the 10 restoring one of the recovered bikes. noticed a haulbikes are finder with close to ing a new home. 30 bikes with Teens mentored plans to dispose by the nonprofit of them at the Take The Time facility, and the mentoring group workers recov(TTT) recently ered the bikes visited McKay before they Bay to receive were dumped the bicycles. and discarded. TTT mentors Out of the apTampa teens on proximately 30 bikes, 10 of them were etiquette and exposes them to commurecovered and restored to tip-top, use- nity service projects across the city. able shape. Solid waste interim supervisor FredAccording to the city’s website, www. rick Sanders, the nonprofit’s founder, tampa.gov, the transfer station is a site invited the teens and their families to for the “temporary deposition, consoli- receive the bicycles on July 22. dation and aggregation of waste. From “This is a great way to give back to here, waste can be divided, sorted and teens in need while educating them taken to the correct disposal location, on what it means to reduce and reuse whether it is our Waste-to-Energy Fa- items. These bikes would have made it cility or off-site recycling service to re- into a landfill, but now they have found cover materials such as metals.” Every a new home,” said McKay Bay Transfer day, tons of debris are disposed of at the Station supervisor Nathan McGriff. McKay Bay Transfer Station. Workers McKay Bay Scalehouse and Transfer notice many items that can be reused or Station is located at 114 S. 34th St. donated that end up in the waste stream. in Tampa. For more information, visit Once items hit the tipping floor, they www.tampa.gov/solid-waste.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 8
SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR TASTE OF SUPERIOR RESIDENCES OF GRCC FROM GREATER RIVERVIEW BRANDON OFFERS QUALITY CARE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO LOCAL PATIENTS
By Lily Belcher
Staff Report
Greater Riverview center manager of SunChamber of Commerce coast Credit Union’s Riv(GRCC) recently conerview Service Center. cluded its annual Taste The Greater Riverof GRCC campaign with view Chamber of Comoutstanding success. merce designed the With over 70 participatTaste of GRCC event ACROPOLIS to engage the entire ing local food and beverage establishments, the community through a popular Taste of GRCC virtual event via FaceFacebook Group grew to book, thereby increas1.7K members, all looking exposure and social ing for an opportunity media marketing for the to try new places, win participating food and prizes and have fun. beverage members. This Sponsored by SunBIN + BOARD year, there were 1,288 coast Credit Union, the posts during the Taste purpose of the event is of GRCC, and 43,510 for the community to views, an increase of check in at a participatover 20 percent from ing establishment, post last year’s event. a photo of their delicious The event chair, Elemeals or purchases and na Westrop of Charity then share the photo Clothing Pickup, said, TOP GOLF “Thank you to our event with the Taste of GRCC Facebook group. The sponsor, Suncoast participants are then automatically entered Credit Union, our community, our food and into the prize drawings with an entry for ev- beverage members and our Greater Riverery post. Thanks to the generous donations view Chamber of Commerce members for from the many GRCC food and beverage in- making this year’s Taste of GRCC such a vestors, the chamber was able to give away success.” over $5,000 in prizes, including a grand The Taste of GRCC has become an excitprize package from Topgolf in Tampa ($800 ing annual event in the Riverview communivalue). ty and will be returning to support its food “We are so excited to be a presenting and beverage establishments in 2023. If you sponsor of the Taste of GRCC for a third year have a food and beverage establishment in in a row. This is one of our favorite events the area, consider joining the Greater Rivof the year because we get to share the de- erview Chamber of Commerce to become a licious flavors and hospitality of Riverview participant. not just locally but with the entire Tampa Contact the chamber at 813-234-5944 or Bay region,” shared Kendra Wilson, service visit www.riverviewchamber.com.
Superior Residences, located off Providence Road in Brandon, offers a safe and engaging assisted living, memory care home for diagnosed Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Superior Residences currently has 48 patients and staff of certified nursing assistants that provide complete care to those living at the Brandon location. Superior Residences focuses on providing quality care through engaging activities to improve the quality of life for their patients. Each week begins with worship music and Bible study time on Sunday. Throughout the week, patients can participate in bingo, trivia games and crafts to fill each day with activities that are physically and mentally stimulating. Visitors are allowed to see their loved ones in the common area, but coronavirus restrictions prevent them from visiting the 46 rooms, which are divided into two wings: Crystal and Blossom. Each community has four staff per shift, including a medical technician and three certified nursing assistants. “We help them with all their activities. We try to keep them engaged physically and mentally as long as possible to ensure they have a better quality of life,” said
sales director Troy Knight. Their care involves assistance with basic functions, like eating and bathing, if necessary. All services are also done in-house, including dental, vision, derSuperior Residences offers a m a t o l o g i c a l , fun and engaging envietc., as the phyronment for memory care sicians come in patients. to see the patients. Nurses have also taken part in special trainings to improve their resume and credentials in order to increase the quality of care and love for patients. They are also encouraged to engage in patient activities to increase the sense of community at Superior Residences. “Our biggest accomplishment is all the new management staff here in the facility are all working together, collectively as a team, to increase the level of care and bring the facility back to its previous luster,” Knight said about the change in management when Healthcare Management Partners took over the 22-year-old facility in October. Superior Residences is located at 1819 Providence Ridge Blvd. in Brandon. For more information, visit superiorbrandon. com or call 813-657-8587. To schedule a tour or inquire about employment opportunities, email Superior Residences through the form on the website.
August 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 8
August 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
RIVERVIEW RESIDENT MAKES HEALTHY HOMEMADE DOG TREATS By Sharon Still While the pandemic selectively sourced brought on layoffs and ingredients have been struggles for many; reported to fight cansome people like Chef cers, arthritis, allerScot Hill used their gies and more. talents to pursue othHe added that the er dreams. In 2020, essential nutrient Hill and his wife, Lisa, powder meal toppers had to close their neware the most popular ly opened restaurant for real prevention and in downtown Tampa. remedy. “They often Craving to share his replace synthetic (and culinary creativity, Hill expensive) medicines turned to his recentand prescription dog ly adopted pooch, Lily foods,” he explained. Chef Scot Hill and his pups Lily Lou and Lou, for help in creat- Layla Mae created Woof Creek Nutritious Future plans include ing tasty and nutritious adding more nutritionNature. Hill could not have created his treats for dogs. al toppers, such as one delicious dog treats and meal toppers Hill thought all dogs to help dogs with gut without the help of Lily Lou and Layla Mae. deserve the boost in issues. Hill will continvitality, energy, health ue to research issues and fabulous flavor that his Lily Lou was that clean, whole-food ingredients can addevouring and thus Woof Creek Nutritious dress and solve, in keeping with his mission Nature kicked off, featuring all-natural, ho- “to nourish the mind, body and spirit of Lily listically focused treats and meal toppers Lou and her fellow puppy peers.” for dogs, all created by Hill and taste-tested “My deep dive into canine nutrition and by Lily Lou, affectionately known as Chef’s this venture has me fully committed, all in,” Muse. said Hill, “And I love it.” Products available include meal toppers Woof Creek Nutritious Nature can be for joint care to lessen stress and boost im- found at open-air farmers markets, like munity, dog treats made with antioxidants Hyde Park on the first Sunday of the like blueberries and balms for dogs’ paws month, Armature Works on the second and noses. Sunday and second Wednesday nights of “We aim to add more healthy, tail-wag- the month and Lakeland Downtown Farmging years with irresistible, holistic, natural, ers Curb Market every Saturday. whole-food, preventative nutrients,” exThe company’s website (www.woofcreek. plained Hill. com) and blog offers a plethora of informaHill, a certified advanced canine nutri- tion about dog nutrition and the benefits tion specialist, sources exotic and essential of ingredients such as flaxseed and apples, ingredients that are both pivotal for dogs’ plus recipes to try at home. ailments and their whole health, as well as Check out its social media pages and extremely enticing. According to Hill, such contact via email at bark@woofcreek.com.
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FLORIDA DIABETES RELIEF GIVES GREAT RESULTS AFTER JUST A FEW TREATMENTS
By Marie Gilmore
Retired LPN (PIR), where insulin MaryAnne Coleis administered as man called a new a hormone rather Apollo Beach clinthan a drug, “which ic, seeking relief allows us to address from her diabetes the primary cause of symptoms after diabetes and metabattling the disease bolic failure at the for more than 20 cellular level,” said years. She found Dr. Eric Edgerton, a new business, D.C., owner of FlorFlorida Diabetes ida Diabetes Relief Relief Centers, ofCenters. fering an insulin IV Coleman has entherapy that treatjoyed her treatment customized ments and apprefor every patient ciates the group that has the goal setting. “First of all, of reducing insulin it’s a very well-run dependence and re- MaryAnne Coleman has seen great results after center,” she said. “I just a few weeks of treatment at Florida Diabeversing side effects think that the idea tes Clinic with Rhoderick Manhattan, PA-C. from long-term dito get people into abetes. a group setting to talk to other patients “I read an article online about the clinic is very therapeutic. This allows us to netand I saw that it was in Apollo Beach,” work and discuss our issues and see if we said Coleman. “I was having a real issue have things in common.” with neuropathy and I was trying to get To start treatment, patients make a relief from it.” consultation appointment and go over Coleman didn’t want to rely on medica- treatment and insurance coverage option for pain or relief and was looking for tions. A patient then goes into an ina more holistic method of relieving her duction phase, which can be one to two symptoms. times weekly, and then finally a mainte“My results have been amazing,” said nance phase. Coleman who has been a patient for three “The idea behind the treatment is to months. “I think it was just after a couple reverse the cellular damage caused by weeks when the neuropathy was almost diabetes,” Dr. Edgerton. fully gone, along with the pain, and I have The new Florida Diabetes Relieve Cenfound that I don’t need as much insulin.” ters is located at 417 Apollo Beach Blvd. Florida Diabetes Relief Centers pro- in Apollo Beach. For more information, vides a groundbreaking patented therapy call 813-322-6090 or visit www.floridacalled physiologic insulin resensitization diabetesreliefcenters.com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 8
SUPERHERO THEME COMES TO THE H2O TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL AND TOWER RADIOLOGY CREATE TGH HEROES WATER FILTER WAREHOUSE By Arianna Hooker IMAGING POWERED BY TOWER
The H2O Heroes at Water Filter Warehouse, a local water filtration company, has rebranded to a superhero theme for its business. While water filtration is not something that is associated with being fun The H2O Heroes’ mobile and exciting, with showroom providing Dan the Water information about its Man, it can be. services. Dan Kelleher, owner of The H2O Heroes at Water Filter Warehouse, said, “We decided to brand ourselves The H2O Heroes because it’s fun and memorable. We have also trademarked ‘The H2O Heroes’ because we plan to get nationwide with our brand.” The H2O Heroes at Water Filter Warehouse was founded in 2017 and has since made an enormous impact on the community. Over the years, The H2O Heroes has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in products to various charities; Flint, Michigan residents; Hurricane Maria victims in Puerto Rico; and Hurricane Dorian victims in the Bahamas. “The H2O Heroes provide a bright light in a really dark, dishonest industry by providing quality products, fair pricing, transparency in all we do and outstanding customer service,” said Kelleher. The H2O Heroes at Water Filter Warehouse strives to be the best in the industry by setting itself apart with its core values, excellence, integrity, innovation, community and passion, which are at the heart of the company.
Finding the right people in the water filtration industry can be challenging. However, The H2O Heroes at Water Filter Warehouse is dedicated to providing the best of service while keeping in accordance with its beliefs of truth and transparency while conducting itself in the highest ethical manner. The H2O Heroes at Water Filter Warehouse provides many different services, including whole house filtration systems, water system repairs and more. Their services are available for residential and commercial properties in Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties. The community has responded positively to this superhero rebranding. The H2O Heroes has also wrapped their trucks in the superhero theme found all over the community. The H2O Heroes at Water Filter Warehouse also has a mobile showroom that it can set up in the neighborhood to provide free water testing and product information. The H2O Heroes at Water Filter Warehouse can be found at 3110 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico between the Walmart and Subway. For more information on The H2O Heroes and its product details, services, etc., visit www.theh2oheroes.com.
Staff Report Tampa General Hoscare to Tampa Bay,” stated pital (TGH) and Tower Lewman. “The endeavor Radiology have taken the will allow TGH to streamnext step in expanding line care between the intheir footprint by renampatient and outpatient seting Tower Radiology to tings, ensuring our patients TGH Imaging powered receive a seamless and by Tower. In January of high-quality experience this year, Tampa General across the system of care. announced it had fully Additionally, increasing our purchased Tower Radiolfootprint by 21 locations ogy, expanding its statemeans that Tampa General Photo Courtesy of TGH Imaging patients can get the care wide outpatient sites powered by Tower. and diagnostics they need to 83 with the addition Sherri Lewman, senior vice of Tower’s 21 imaging closer to home.” centers throughout Hill- president of enterprise imaging at Named to the enterprise TGH Imaging powered by Tower. sborough, Pasco, Pinellas imaging position in Januand Palm Beach counties. ary of this year, Lewman Tampa General was previbrings more than two deously a 50 percent partner cades of experience to her in Tower before this recent purchase of the role. She is a certified nuclear medicine remaining 50 percent ownership interest. technologist (CNMT) and holds a master’s After decades of working closely, it was degree in health administration from Flora natural fit for Tower and Tampa General ida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. to come together to combine Tower’s 25 TGH Imaging powered by Tower is acyears of industry expertise and Tampa credited in nine radiology modalities by General’s drive to deliver world-class pa- the American College of Radiology, has tient care through innovation to enhance been awarded a Breast Imaging Center of the quality and coordination of outpatient Excellence and designated as a Lung Cancare and achieve the optimal patient expe- cer Screening Center. It offers specialized rience and outcomes. services such as 3D mammography, high Under the leadership of Sherri Lewman, field wide-bore MRI, weight-bearing open senior vice president of enterprise imag- MRI, extremity open MRI, cardiac MRI, ing, TGH Imaging powered by Tower will CT low-dose lung screening and PET/CT. bring together essential assets that will Tower’s 65-plus board-certified radiolosignificantly increase access, maximize gists hold certifications in all 11 radiology efficiency and enhance quality to benefit subspecialties and participate in the acapatients and physicians in the area. demic missions of research and teaching “This purchase builds on the long history through serving as faculty for USF College of success and partnership between Tow- of Medicine, Department of Radiology. Go er Radiology and TGH to bring world-class to www.tghimaging.com.
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
August 2022
NEW OFFER FROM TAMPA BAY THRIVES INCLUDES MORE IMMEDIATE MENTAL HEALTH CARE Staff Report Through a the path to partnership feeling better. with AdvenAll of these tHealth, Bayoptions are Care, Tampa available General Hosby calling pital, Crisis Let’s Talk at Center of Tam8 4 4 -YO U Shown are all the organizations and programs striving pa Bay and OKAY (844together to help individuals figure out what support they might need for their mental health. USF Health, 968-6529). It and support is a free, confifrom the Hillsborough County Commission, dential support line for mental health that is Community Foundation of Tampa Bay and available 24/7. Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation, Tampa “The process of finding help and waiting Bay Thrives recently announced new access for your first appointment can be an overpoints for individuals seeking short-term ap- whelming process,” said Carrie Zeisse, prespointments for their mental health. ident and CEO of Tampa Bay Thrives. “We The Let’s Talk line, which launched last are grateful for the vision and commitment year, provides the first step in helping callers of our community leaders who have come figure out what support they might need for together to add additional access points for their mental health. This new extension to mental health support.” service now has several additional options Colony Reeves, star of Netflix’s Selling to connect directly to help, including: Tampa, was announced as an ambassador • Short-term telehealth bridge counseling of Tampa Bay Thrives and shared that she for individuals facing long wait times to get has sought help for depression and still sees into their first appointment. This service is a therapist. provided by the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay “What you see is a mask,” said Reeves. and University of South Florida’s Depart- “Many people have masks on to hide what ment of Psychiatry. they’re going through or what they have • An appointment at one of 10 local Ad- been through. And more people have masks ventHealth Express Care at Walgreens lo- on than we know. cations where a staff member will assess According to Mental Health America, needs and provide referral to a telehealth Florida ranks 49th in the country in terms counselor for additional support. of access to mental health services. Also, • A referral to a licensed counselor at roughly 64 percent of Floridian adults with Tampa General’s Urgent Care powered by mental illness, over 1.8 million people in toFast Track on Water Street in Tampa to help tal, are going untreated, an estimated 54 navigate next steps. percent of whom are covered by insurance. • A connection to a licensed clinical social For more information, visit https://tampaworker at Northside Behavioral Health Cen- baythrives.org/ or https://letstalktampabay. ter who will provide in-person help to pave org/.
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FINANCIAL FOCUS WHEN CAN YOU CHOOSE RETIREMENT?
If you’re like most people, your work has been a central part of your life. So, wouldn’t it be nice to have the flexibility to decide when you no longer want to work? Many people of retirement age have achieved this type of control. In fact, two-thirds of workers ages 65 and older say they work primarily because they want to, not because they have to, according to a 2021 study by Edward Jones and Age Wave. But that means that one-third of workers in this age group feel financially compelled to work. This doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike the work they do — but it’s probably fair to say they would have liked the option of not working. How can you give yourself this choice? You can start by asking yourself these questions: • When do I want to retire? You’ll want to identify the age at which you wish to retire. You may change your mind later and move this date up or back, but it’s a good idea to have a target in mind. • What sort of retirement lifestyle do I want? When you retire, do you anticipate staying close to home and pursuing your hobbies, or do you hope to travel the world? Would you like to spend your time volunteering? Open your own business or do some consulting? Clearly, some of these choices will require more resources than others, so you’ll want to follow a financial strategy that aligns with the retirement lifestyle you intend to pursue.
• Am I saving and investing enough? As you chart your course toward your retirement journey, you’ll want to assess the sources of income you’ll have available. If you think you may be falling short of achieving your retirement goals, you may need to consider saving more. • When should I start taking Social Security? You can begin collecting Social Security benefits as early as 62, but your monthly payments will be much bigger if you wait until your “full” retirement age, which will likely be between 66 and 67. Your decision about when to take Social Security will depend on several factors, including your other sources of income and your family history of longevity. Of course, as you’re probably aware, the Social Security system is facing significant financial stress, so it’s possible that we may see changes to Social Security, based on actions Congress could take. In any case, you might want to be fairly conservative in estimating how much Social Security can contribute to your retirement income. By addressing the above questions, you can get a clearer sense of when you might reach the point at which work is optional. But you’ll also need to consider other factors, too, such as how much you enjoy working or when your spouse or partner is planning to retire. In any case, the sooner you start planning for this next phase of your life, the better position you’ll be in when it’s time to make the transition. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Gabriel N. Mbulo, AAMS® Financial Advisor, Edward Jones 10657 Big Bend Road Riverview, FL 33578 (727) 455-3513 cell (813) 319-3983 office
gabriel.mbulo@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com/gabriel-mbulo
Page 18
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 8
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 8
TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART PRESENTS 40 YEARS OF GROUNDBREAKING PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWOUD BEY AND CARRIE MAE WEEMS
Staff Report
by Bey at the Studio Museum in Harlem in 1976, they have been intellectual colleagues and close friends, each exploring similar themes of race, class, representation and systems of power throughout their careers. “Carrie Mae Weems and I have been carrying on a personal conversaDawoud Bey & Carrie Mae Weems: In Dialogue is on view at tion for more than 40 the Tampa Museum of Art, bringing together 40 years of work by years,” said Bey. “We both Dawoud Bey and Carrie Mae Weems. see ourselves in converA 40-year retrospective by two of tosation with history, both day’s most influential photo-based artists, broadly and within the sphere of African Dawoud Bey and Carrie Mae Weems, is on American culture. We’ve nurtured each othview at the Tampa Museum of Art (TMA) er’s burning desire to contribute meaningfuluntil Sunday, October 23 for the first stop in ly to the long history of Black expressive exa nationwide tour. Organized by the Grand cellence. Hopefully, this exhibition [curated Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) and sponsored by] the Grand Rapids Art Museum reveals by Bank of America, Dawoud Bey & Carrie that the conversation that Carrie and I have Mae Weems: In Dialogue is the first exhibi- had has both buoyed each other’s work and tion to bring their work together exclusively. produced something of lasting meaning and “We’re thrilled to partner with GRAM to value.” bring such a historically significant exhibiIn Dialogue pairs the artists’ work in five tion to Florida,” said Michael Tomor, Penny sections that emphasize both their distinct and Jeff Vinik executive director at TMA. artistic approaches and their shared interChief curator of GRAM Ron Platt said, ests and concerns: Early Work, Broadening “Dawoud Bey and Carrie Mae Weems have the Scope, Resurrecting Black Histories, Mealways sought to create works of art that morial and Requiem as well as Revelations in expand the way we think about the world. the Landscape. Also featured are videos by Both artists have been united in their com- Bey and Weems showing their approaches mitment to amplifying authentic Black ex- to the moving photographic image as an experiences and images, recognizing those tension of their still photographic series. important perspectives and insights were For tickets and information, visit tamoverlooked and sorely lacking within the pamuseum.org or call 813-274-8130. Lofield of photography.” cated at 120 W. Gasparilla Plz. in Tampa, Both born in 1953, Bey and Weems found the Tampa Museum of Art is open Monday motivation for their art in the changing through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with ThursAmerican social landscape of their youth. days being from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Since meeting in a photography class taught
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Page 21
LOVE FIRST CHRISTIAN CENTER PROVIDES GENDER-INCLUSIVE FLIP FLOPS & FITNESS GYM IN APOLLO BEACH LIFE UNIVERSITY FALL CLASSES Staff Report TEACHES GYMNASTICS AND TUMBLING By Sydney Burken Is your daughter or years. He also coached son interested in taking the 1669 NJCAA Nagymnastics or tumbling tional Championships, classes? Flip Flops & Fitwinning five consecutive ness is the go-to gym to NAIGC Men’s Champitake classes. Bruce Daonships, as well as his vis, director of Flip Flops age group kids from his & Fitness, purchased the private gym. Before this, building in November he directed Gymiami Inc. of 1999 and opened its from 1969-85, traindoors January of 2000, ing gymnasts like world located in Apollo Beach, champion Kurt Thomas Florida in hopes of creand Cathy Shotwell, naating a safe, welcoming tional team member. learning environment for Bruce Davis, director of Flip Flops Davis set up his gym & Fitness. boys and girls to take in a way that allows evgymnastics or tumbling eryone an equal opporclasses. tunity to learn the skills Davis is originally from needed for gymnastics or Speedway, Indiana and cheerleading tumbling. started taking gymnasHis classes have a fee of tics, tumbling, ballet and $10 to be paid at the betap classes at the age ginning of the month. His of 7 or 8 alongside his gym also does not have sister, Muriel Grossfeld, at the age of 11 any competitive teams, given he believes or 12. His sister went on to have 18 AAU in taking the time to teach all the needed titles, with six of those in floor exercis- skills before going to any competitions. es, leading her to join the United States Davis said he set up him gym in this Olympic team at age 15. For college, Da- way so his students to learn to confidentvis attended North American Gymnastics ly stand on their own two feet because Union under the Turners movement for when they’re on the floor performing, one semester, then transferred to Uni- they are doing so individually. It also gives versity of Illinois for Physical education. children of all genders around the Apollo He received his undergraduate degree at Beach area a place to learn and become Southern Connecticut State University confident in these sports. while competing for three years. Davis For more information on Flip Flops & then went on to earn his master’s degree Fitness or Davis and his Olympic expeat Ohio State University. rience, visit https://letstalkgymnastics. After graduating, Davis taught and com/flip-flops-and-fitness.html or call coached at Miami Dade College for 33 813-641-8888.
Love First Christian Center in Riverview has released the new schedule of Life University fall classes. GriefShare, a 13-week program, offered both in person and virtually will take place from Tuesday, September 6 through Tuesday, November 29. GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. It may be hard to feel optimistic about the future right now. Whether it is loss of a spouse, child, family member or friend, it may be hard to find many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. A recent attendee said, “Going to GriefShare feels like having warm arms wrapped around you when you’re shivering.” The Art of Parenting is an eight-week virtual course, from Monday, September 12 through Monday, October 31. Art of Parenting is a Small-Group Series that will guide parents on their journey to make their faith a core aspect to their parenting. You will learn intentional, biblical instruction and Christ-centered plans that “aim children’s hearts toward God.” Parents will gain fresh insights on parenting children of different ages and plan unique ways to enhance each
child’s personality and gifting. Also virtual is the 13-week Single & Parenting class from Tuesday, September 13 through Tuesday, December 6. Other people don’t truly understand how tough it is to be a single parent day after day. Sometimes you want to give up, and that’s a normal reaction since you’re doing the job of two people. You should be tired. This group addresses how to deal with your deep-down worries and your day-to-day struggles. How to Understand God’s Word is a 10week virtual class offered from Thursday, September 8 through Thursday, November 10. There are certain teachings of the Bible that every Christian must know. Knowing the basic teachings of the Bible is important because what we believe affects how we live. Whether you’re a relatively new believer in Jesus or a mature Christian looking for a better understanding of the basics of the faith, Christian Beliefs is for you. You will learn about the Bible, the characteristics of God, what it means that we are created in the image of God, what God has done for us in Christ, the purpose of the church and much more. To register for any of these classes, visit http://lfcc.tv/register. Service information and other events can also be found on the website at https://lfcc.tv/.
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Page 22
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
“CHILL IN RIVERVIEW” WITH MURAL ON THE SIDE OF 7-ELEVEN AT U.S. HWY. 301 AND BIG BEND RD.
By Sofia Celis Avellaneda new people. “Strangers come up to us and talk because they either appreciate what we are doing or they themselves love art. It makes for great conversation,” said Juan. With the tough parts of painting comes beautiful works of art.
The “Chill in Riverview” mural on the wall of the 7-Eleven on the corner of U.S. Highway 301 and Big Bend Road.
Do you live by the area of U.S. Highway 301 in Riverview? If so, drive by the local 7-Eleven on the corner of U.S. Highway 301 and Big Bend Road to see a beautiful mural. This mural was made by Vanessa Parra and Juan Pablo Parra, co-principal artists and co-owners of CAP- One of Juan Pablo Parra’s favorite projects was done for Vigo Importing Company. co LLC, and their crew. The mural is of two Slurpees and hearts with the quote Juan has been drawing since he was “Chill in Riverview” across the side of it. young, but Vanessa had discovered this The painting itself is all along the side talent later during college. The marof the 7-Eleven. The process of painting ried couple started this mural company and designing a wall mural for everyone in 2006, and 16 years later, they have to see is not so easy. 100-plus murals all around Florida and Juan said, “The toughest part of that in other states. mural was dealing with the type of texJuan stated, “As far as a favorite, … ture on that wall. The rougher the texthe one that stands out to us is the one ture, the more difficult painting can be we painted for the Vigo food company in at time.” Tampa, which was done in 2020.” The mural itself took about five days For more information, take a look at to create, which was completed by a the mural company’s website at https:// crew of up to seven assistants. Along capcoart.com/. To contact CAPco, email with the tough parts of a mural, there jpparra79@yahoo.com or call 813-777are, of course, good things. Something that is a favorite is meeting interesting 5361.
Volume 20, Issue 8
TAMPA BAY ESTUARY PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING 2022 BAY MINI-GRANT PROJECT PROPOSALS Staff Report Are you involved in a community organization and have an idea for a restoration or education project in Tampa Bay? If you are, then you may be interested to know that the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) is now accepting Bay Mini-Grant project proposals. The TBEP Bay MiniGrants are competitive cash awards of up to $5,000 provided to community organizations for projects that address restoration and education priorities in Tampa Bay, empowering participatory science, promoting environmental ethics and stimulating community stewardship. Projects must address one or more of TBEP’s Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) priorities: clean waters and sediments, thriving habitats and abundant wildlife as well as an informed, engaged and responsible community. Each year, TBEP highlights a specific CCMP action to prioritize for Bay MiniGrant funding. This year, projects supporting the prevention, eradication and/or management of invasive species in Tampa and its watershed will be prioritized for funding. Past Bay Mini-Grant projects have included Florida native plantings at local parks, marine educational workshops for Tampa Bay teachers, bird nesting documentaries and citizen science projects researching en-
docrine disruptors in seagrass meadows. The application deadline for Bay Mini-Grants is 5 p.m. on Friday, September 16. Schools, neighborhoods and other nonprofit and for-profit organizations from Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas counties may apply. On average, 20 projects are funded each year with about $90,000 in grants. A ‘Golden Mangrove Award’ is given every year to the outstanding Bay Mini-Grant project as determined by the TBEP Community Advisory Committee. All Bay Mini-Grants awarded to community organizations for education and restoration projects are funded by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program Specialty License Plate, or the ‘Tarpon Tag.’ The Tarpon Tag is one of the least expensive specialty plates at just $15 per year, and all of the revenue goes directly towards protecting and restoring Tampa Bay. To obtain a Tarpon Tag and directly support this grant program for years to come, simply visit your local DMV. Additional Bay Mini-Grant information, including grant eligibility, application review criteria and grant priorities can be found at https://tbep.org/our-work/restoration-research/bay-mini-grants/. For questions or assistance with transforming an idea into a competitive proposal, contact Sheila Scolaro, TBEP community programs scientist, at sscolaro@tbep.org.
August 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 23
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 8
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YOUTH RECOVERING AFTER RIVERVIEW LIGHTNING STRIKE
By Michelle Caceres
A River Hills resident struck by lightning on June 30 near Riverview’s Williams Park is making progress on the road to recovery. While Levi Stock, 11, doesn’t remember much of what happened that day, it’s a day his family will never forget. He and his parents, along with his 9-year-old sister, Ivy, were on the family’s Ranger fishing boat when the strike occurred. His father, Derek, had taken a halfday off work to spend time with his two youngest children while his older children (Maya, 15, and Toby, 12) were at a church camp. The family put the boat in the water at Williams Park and then spent some time fishing. As the afternoon got warmer, the family decided to anchor off Pine Key Tampa Bay, also known as Beer Can Island, to cool off by swimming in the bay. Derek noticed dark clouds rolling in from the west, so they decided to head back to Williams Park. “We thought we were being proactive because we were one of the first boats to leave the island,” he said. They approached the boat ramp, feeling relief that they would soon be off the water. While they could see lightning strikes far off in the distance, the sun was shining and it hadn’t started raining yet. Levi was at the front of the bow, getting ready to jump off with a rope to dock the boat when a bolt of lightning struck him, entering through his tailbone and exiting out his left foot. The force stopped his heart and knocked him into the water. His dad quickly jumped into the water after him and the pair were pulled out
River Hills resident and lightning strike victim Levi Stock is recovering at home with his family.
of the water by good Samaritans, who hauled them onto their boat. Levi was unresponsive, so his dad immediately began performing CPR while his mom called 911 from their own boat. A few frantic minutes later, sheriff’s officers arrived and attached Levi to an automated external defibrillator. An ambulance arrived soon after and rushed the boy to Tampa General Hospital. When his family, who had driven separately, arrived at the hospital, he was incoherent. “They didn’t find any internal burning or brain swelling, but the doctors told us it takes time for the brain to reboot,” he said.
Levi was discharged from Tampa General Hospital on July 4 and continues to recover at home. He was prescribed burn ointment and painkillers, and he has bruising on his body where the lightning travelled through his body. “Every day he’s getting better, and the doctors expect him to make a full recovery,” said Derek. Levi said he feels pretty good, but sometimes he feels pain in the lower half of his body. Doctors have told him to lay low and take it easy — not easy for an active 11-year-old boy. He looks forward to being able to play outside and go swimming
again. While this wasn’t how he planned to spend his summer vacation, he is thankful for everyone who has helped him get better. He’s also thankful for his congregation at FishHawk Fellowship Church, who sent him get-well cards and letters. “It feels pretty good to know that people have been praying for me,” he said. One exciting development is the family will soon be getting another family member. “When he was in the hospital, I told him that if he got better, we’d buy him a bearded dragon as a pet, something he’s always wanted,” said Derek, who plans to make good on his promise. Levi has already picked out a name for his new pet: Franky. Derek said he has learned a few things from this experience: His son is a trooper and a tough kid, he is grateful for everyone that has helped his family during this challenging time and being CPR certified can save a life. The family looks forward to getting back on the water, but their boat, which Derek spent two years refurbishing, was irreparably damaged by the lightning strike. “All the electronics are fried and smoke was coming out of the engine,” he said. Derek hopes to get another boat one day to help his family get back on the water. “The sooner I get another boat, the sooner we can get back on the water and remove any fear they have,” he said.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 8
AFTER SERVING RIVERVIEW FOR IS COMING TO THE RP FUNDING CENTER ALMOST 50 YEARS, GEORGE’S MOWER Staff Report SERVICE HEADS FOR RETIREMENT Sesame Street Live! while Rosita orchesSESAME STREET LIVE! MAKE YOUR MAGIC
Make Your Magic visits Lakeland on Saturday, September 17 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland and everyone’s invited on this amazing journey with Elmo to discover the “power of yet” in Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic. In partnership with the nonprofit educational organization Sesame Workshop, this Feld Entertainment® production features favorite Sesame Street pals Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and more in a magical adventure live onstage. In this latest Sesame Street Live! adventure, Elmo is inspired to learn a magic trick when he meets magician extraordinaire Justin, who has come to Sesame Street to perform a magic show. But there’s one problem: Elmo doesn’t know how to do magic! Through Justin’s encouragement to practice, work hard and never give up, Elmo embarks on an extraordinary journey. He learns that it’s OK to make mistakes and that magic can be found anywhere when you believe in yourself and the power of what’s yet to be. Cookie Monster and Gonger uncover the science and fun of baking while Abby Cadabby experiences the transformative abilities of caterpillars. Big Bird learns about the magnifying magic of shadow puppetry
trates a rhythmic beat using everyday objects around her. And artist Grover mixes up the pigment power of the three primary colors. With high-energy dance numbers and a soundtrack that’s sure to get everyone out of their seats, Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic is an inspirational introduction to live theater and the art of illusion that the entire family will enjoy. Feld Entertainment® is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. For more information about Sesame Street Live!, follow its social media channels at Facebook @sesamestreetlive, Twitter @SesameStLive and Instagram @sesamestreetlive and subscribe to its YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/ SesameStreetLive. For ticket prices and to purchase tickets, visit www.sesamestreetlive.com (ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand). For ticket information, you can also call the RP Funding Center Box Office at 863-834-8111 or visit the RP Funding Center’s website at www.rpfundingcenter.com.
By Sara Battaglia
George’s “Started in Mower Ser1974 by the vice has been “real” George a staple in with two tin the Riverview sheds and community for $700, three 48 years. Bob generations Rodriguez has later we are been the ownstill going er of George’s strong. With Mower Service almost 50 for 95 percent The building of George’s Mower Service, which closed on July 9. years in the of that time, business having taking ownerwe are still family ship in 1982 after his owned and operatfather-in-law passed. ed. We pride ourHowever, its long hisselves on impeccatory has unfortunately ble customer service come to an end. and knowledgeable At age 79, Rodriguez employees who are decided to retire, but he here to help you was not able to secure with all your power a buyer of his business. equipment needs.” He is very excited to Before closing, be able to travel with the store offered George Rodriguez and his daughter, his wife, thanks to not mower services and Melissa Luna. having to operate the sales and prided itbusiness anymore, and clearly has a love self on having quick turnaround times, a for his family and the community. large inventory, quality brands and perRodriguez said, “I owe the success of sonal customer service. George’s Mower George’s Mower Service to the commu- Service has had five locations, all along nity.” U.S. Highway 301. The store closed perHe is very grateful for the support manently on July 9 following an auction that the community has given him over of the items in his store, and the commuhis business’ 48 years and has a great nity will greatly miss this business and respect for his customers. He said he the services it has provided its residents. always aimed to give his customers the We at the Osprey Observer wish you all best personal service and respect they the best in your retirement! deserve. Geroge’s final location was at 6613 USAs it’s described on it’s Facebook page, 301, Riverview, FL 33578.
August 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 27
CROSSING CHURCH PARTNERS WITH GECKO FLOOR CARE HANDLES FLOOR SHERIFF’S OFFICE FOR FUN EVENT CLEANING NEEDS PROFESSIONALLY Staff Report
On July 12, The Crossing Church, led by Pastor Greg Dumas, partnered with Hillsborough County to honor various departments of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HSCO). The event brought together some 400 people from surrounding SouthShore communities for a great time of family fun. Thanks in large part to Deputy Efrain Taveras, dozens of members from the HCSO were on hand to answer questions about the different equipment and processes they use in the line of duty. The SWAT team, K-9 unit, mounted unit, motor vehicle patrols, bomb squad, dive team, code enforcement and fire and rescue teams were among some the first responders who provided an amazing interactive experience with all who attended. Attendees were able to try out the SWAT riot gear, get explanations on how the bomb squad utilizes robotics to handle potential threats and see live demonstrations of how code enforcement captures loose animals — stuffed animals of course! Families were able to pet horses from the mounted unit and hear aquatic tales from the dive team. Deputies were also available to answer questions regarding career paths from inquiring students. In addition to HCSO stations, bounce
houses and games were also available to enjoy. BBQ Time provided a savory menu alongside concessions for snow cones, popcorn and cotton candy. A pastor from the Crossing Church commented on the event, saying, “One of the pillars of our vision as a church is loving people. We do our best to engage our neighboring communities with the same type of transformative love we find in the gospel. Sometimes that looks like handing a snow cone to a little boy or girl on a hot summer day. We were honored for the opportunity to join with the HCSO on this event and are hopeful that we can make this an ongoing annual celebration for our community.” The Crossing Church typically does about 12 community events per year along with several smaller events. It recently capped off its nine-week students summer events programs that included visits to the Tampa zoo and aquarium, laser tag battles, water wars, a back-to-school makeover night, food, raffles and so much more. It currently holds services at three campuses in Tampa, SouthShore and Plant City. To find out more about The Crossing Church and upcoming events, you can visit its website at https:// wearecrossing.com/ or find it on Instagram and Facebook @wearecrossing.
By Taylor Wells When it comes to businesses’ operating cleaning your floor, hours. Its services innot only is there much clude cleaning carpets; work to do but also area rugs; tiles and there’s quite a bit of grout; wood, concrete know-how needed, and luxury vinyl floors; such as the proper and upholstery, and cleaning solutions, it also does pet stain methods and equipremoval and pressure ment. If you have Dennis Napoli, between his sons Eric (left) washing. flooring that must be and Kevin Napoli (right), holding the Best At Gecko Floor Care, cleaned, getting pro- of the Best People’s Choice Award for Best its cleaners are expeCarpet Cleaning that Gecko Floor Care fessionals like Gecko rienced, trained prowon in 2019. Floor Care is best. fessionals, as they did Gecko Floor Care is training through the a family-owned and Carpet and Rug Instioperated business that tute and IICRC. What’s has been around for more, the business was seven years now. It bepresented with the gan with founder and Best of the Best Peoowner Dennis Napoli ple’s Choice Award for wanting to operate a Best Carpet Cleaning in business with his whole 2019 and 2020 by the family, including his Tampa Bay Times. wife, Lori Napoli, and “These are truly the their two sons, Kevin and Eric. The family best floor cleaners out there! I’m beyond came from Cleveland to live in Florida in happy to find out that it’s a father and son 2015 and started the company soon after. team as well,” said customer Jessie D. “We moved down here and started from Ronnie N., another customer, said, “Just scratch. I had had some experience with had our tile, grout and an area rug cleaned steam cleaning in the past, but I decided and couldn’t be happier. We’ve used Gecko to go into Gecko Floor with my sons,” said Floor Care a couple of times now and always Dennis. happy with the results.” “I wanted a business that they could So, no matter the spill, stain or filth, you grow, and basically I always wanted to have can be assured that Gecko Floor Care will a family business with them,” he added. make your floors good as new. Plus, everyGecko Floor Care provides services for thing it uses is kid and pet-friendly. both residential and commercial properties, For information, visit www.geckofloortypically doing residential cleaning between care.com or check out its Facebook page 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and saving commercial @geckofloorcare. To book an appointment, cleanings for later in the day to not interrupt call 813-924-7344.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PARKS & REC RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR ITS ADAPTIVE WHEELCHAIR FOOTBALL TEAM By Nick Nahas Nearly a year ago, Parks & Recrethe Hillsborough ation held tryouts County Parks & Reclast summer to reation Department, create a team that through its signature would participate Hillsborough Counin the USAWFL. ty Adaptive Sports There are nine total program, introduced teams in the league, a new sport: wheelmost of which are chair football. The located in NFL citHillsborough County ies. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers WheelBuccaneers prochair Football Team vided team shorts, was selected as an Photo courtesy of the Hillsborough County T-shirts and Buccaexpansion to the Parks & Recreation Department neers helmet decals. USA Wheelchair Nearly a year ago, the Hillsborough County Former Bucs Super Parks & Recreation Department, through Football League (USBowl XXXVII MVP its signature Hillsborough County Adaptive Dexter AWFL). Jackson Sports program, introduced a new sport: In mid-June, the gave a pep talk to wheelchair football. department received the athletes shortly the national Innovation in Social Equi- before they traveled to their first national ty Award from the National Recreation tournament, in which they finished second and Park Association for its Hillsborough overall. County Buccaneers Wheelchair Football The seven-on-seven, one-hand touch Team. The award recognizes an inventive sport is very physical with a lot of conproject or program that creates more eq- tact. It’s played on a hard-surface court uitable communities by improving access that is 60 yards long and 22 yards wide. to local parks and recreation experiences The team consists of 14 total players. They for all residents. practice two to three days a week at Les“It shows the dedication to the depart- ley “Les” Miller Jr. All People’s Communiment and the program itself to making ty Park and Life Center on Sligh Avenue sports available to people that have nev- in Tampa. Most of the players compete er played these sports before,” said head in other adaptive sports as well, such as coach Wayne Bozeman. “It’s the effort wheelchair basketball and archery. of everybody involved to make sure that This season’s schedule includes a nationthese athletes have a chance to be produc- al tournament in Tampa in August. Per tive in their athletic careers.” the county’s website, Hillsborough County The Hillsborough County Parks & Recre- Adaptive Sports is a signature program of ation Department offers several adaptive Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation sports for people with disabilities, such as with a mission to promote health, indewheelchair basketball, track and field and pendence and personal growth through archery. sports for people with physical disabilities.
Now through August 31, 2022, we are waiving the community fee of $2000.* We are also including medication management at no additional charge through December 31, 2022. *Offer valid on new reservations and move-ins to assisted living only that are not through a paid referral source.
Volume 20, Issue 8
SUMMERFIELD CROSSING GOLF TOURNAMENT PARTICIPANTS CAN WIN $10,000
By Sydney Burken
Kerin Clarkin, also munity. known as Mr. Riverview, Not only has he partis doing it once again. nered up with SummerThat is, he has partnered field Crossing Golf Club, with Summerfield Crossbut he has also done so ings Golf Club to throw a with the YMCA for an hole-in-one golf contest extreme Easter egg hunt on Friday, September 16 in the past and is currentfrom 5:30-10 p.m. where ly teaming up with ‘On participants will have the Bikes,’ a charity in Tampa chance to win a huge cash that builds bikes for chilprize. dren in need. Clarkin’s goal behind He also runs a Food Kerin Clakin is the owner of The the hole-in-one contest and Fun Blog called Fun Kerin Group and your point of is to bring continuous contact for any hole-in-one contest Tampa that covers all fun to the communikinds of food, drinks questions or other event needs. ty at no cost. The first and activities available 100 people to sign up get in Riverview, Tampa, Cleara chance to go for a holewater and other areas. The in-one, and the winner will purpose behind his blog earn a huge cash prize. If is to help more people be no player is able to make aware of the functions and a hole-in-one, everyone, great food being offered player or not, will be able around and outside the Rivto play closest-to-the-pin, erview community. and the winner will receive “There are two goals to a special surprise. During doing these kinds of events this event, there will be — one is to continuously food and drinks available for purchase in get our community together and to have the clubhouse. fun. I am just trying to provide as much The Summerfield Crossing hole-in-one fun and excitement to our community as I tournament is not the first event Clarkin can,” said Clarkin. has thrown with Summerfield Crossings Summerfield Crossing Golf Club is loGolf Club. His main goal behind each event cated at 13050 Summerfield Blvd. in Rivthrown is to bring fun and free activities erview. For more information on how to for families to take part in and children sign up for the hole-in-one tournament to enjoy. In previous years, Clarkin has or other events and projects Clarkin is a done Christmas toy giveaways, food truck part of, please visit https://thekerin.com/, events and Connect Four events in the check out his Facebook page at ‘The Kerin hopes of bringing enjoyable entertain- Group,’ email kerin@kw.com or call 813ment and functions to the Riverview com- 699-1800.
August 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT COMES TO VILLAGE PLAYERS IN VALRICO By Kathy L. Collins The Village coming out from Players will presCOVID, I think ent Monty Pypeople need to thon’s Spamalot, laugh a lot. I am a musical comexcited because edy, in August. I know a lot of Spamalot will be our patrons have held at the Vilnever seen it. Not lage Players’ theeveryone can afater, the James ford to go to New Directed by Domin Pazo McCabe Theatre, York or even to located at 206 N. the Straz Center. Evenings 5th St. in Valrico. I like to think we August 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 (Curtain 8pm) Spamalot will can bring a little Matinees • August 14, 21 (Curtain 3pm) be presented on bit of Broadway Friday, August to them.” 12, 19 and 26 and Spamalot has Saturday, August a lot of fun stuff 13, 20 and 27 at happening. It is 8 p.m. There will tough to take be two matinees it all in at once on Sunday, Aubecause it’s abFans of musical comedy do not have to travel to gust 14 and 21 at Broadway to see a great show. The Village Players surdly funny. You will present Monty Python’s Spamalot this August 3 p.m. can bring anyone at its historic theater, the James McCabe Theatre in to the show, even Tickets are $18 Valrico. for general adthose who do not mission and $15 for seniors, military and know anything about Monty Python. students. You can purchase the tickets by Pazo added, “With all the politics and calling the box office at 813-480-3147 or news that can just make you depressed, visiting thevillageplayersvalrico.com. this show, because it is Monty Python, is Veteran actor and director Domin Pazo so funny and silly, I can not imagine anyis directing Spamalot. This musical com- one coming and not leaving feeling they edy is based on the 1975 low-budget film had a great night out.” Monty Python and The Holy Grail. King Pazo is very complimentary of his cast Arthur and his Knights of the Round and crew. “I am very proud of them. Table embark on a surreal, low-budget There are so many songs and lines, and it search for the Holy Grail in which they is just nonstop. My cast and crew never encounter many very silly obstacles. In miss a beat. They work hard and it will 2004, Monty Python and The Holy Grail pay off.” was named as the best British picture by For more information and to get tickfilm fans. ets, please visit thevillageplayersvalrico. Pazo said, “I picked this show because, com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
PAWS FOR LITERACY HELPS LOCAL CHILDREN IMPROVE READING SKILLS
By Sara Battaglia
What better way to have the option to read motivate children to to adoptable dogs, cats read than pairing them or rabbits, or all three. up with a furry friend Education managto read to? The Humane er Jessica Tiso said, Society of Tampa Bay “It helps children with (HSTB) offers a free reading comprehension, program called Paws phonics, literacy skills for Literacy that proand helps the animals vides children who love with socialization.” animals a time to interAccording to Tiso, the act with them while at number of participants the same time improving their own reading Isla Gershkoff reading to skills. Children ages 5 animals at the Humane Society. and up can read to animals in need of homes who also benefit from the companionship and interaction. varies, but in the busier Members of the Colesummer months they man family recently have an average of 45 volunteered with the kids a week. program. Danielle, the The program meets mom, said, “It brought year-round every Tuesthe animals joy, made day and Thursday from my kids glad to read in 2:45-4 p.m. The staff the summertime and at HSTB does ask that gave them something children preregister on Jaydan and Micah Coleman recently helpful to do with their the website at https:// had fun reading to the animals. time.” Jayden, age 10, humanesocietytampa. said, “My favorite part about reading to org/service/paws-for-literacy/. the animals was that they seemed happiThe Humane Society of Tampa Bay, a er to have someone spending time with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, prothem.” And Micah, a rising second grader, vides shelter for homeless and at-risk said, “My favorite part was spending time animals, adoptions, hospital services and with them and making them happy.” TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate and reHSTB will provide stools to sit on, turn) services for the general public. The books to read and treats for the animals. community can help the Humane Society Books include animal tales, stories of the through donating, volunteering, fostering, animal-human bond, and ones that teach adopting or participating in programs like empathy to readers. Children are also Paws for Literacy. For more information, welcome to bring their own books. They visit https://humanesocietytampa.org/.
Results are typical and do vary.
Volume 20, Issue 8
NEW CAUSEWAY & FALKENBURG PLAZA BRINGS SIX NEW RESTAURANTS
By Lily Belcher
soups and shakes perfect for a quick lunch or dinner out. “We have a lot of really cool specialty sandwiches,” said Asmar. “We’re the only national sandwich shop that sells shakes, and our shakes are really popular.” Next door is Poke Poke-Sushi Unrolled, which hosted its grand opening on July 7. Customers can order custom poke bowls Falkenburg Commons offers six new dining options for customers.
The northeast corner of Falkenburg Road and Causeway Boulevard has brought six new restaurant options to Brandon residents. In the new Falkenburg Commons, there are three freestanding restaurants and a strip of restaurant chains. Culver’s was the first of the stand-alone buildings to open in 2018. On the opposite end of the plaza, Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33 operate out of their own buildings. Between the buildings is a strip of counter-service dining options: Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Poke Poke - Sushi Unrolled and Five Guys. “Especially on this side of the Gulf Coast of Florida, there are a lot of Midwest transplants, specifically from the I-75 area,” said Potbelly manager Ronnie Asmar. “There are a lot of people that came in here super excited that moved to Florida who haven’t had Potbelly in years. So, I’m really excited to be here for those people who haven’t had it.” Potbelly is new to Brandon residents and features both sit-down and drive-through options for diners. The restaurant celebrated the grand opening of its second Tampa location (the other is located off Dale Mabry) on June 14. With 23 employees, the fast-casual sandwich shop offers toasted subs, salads,
Potbelly and Poke Poke - Sushi Unrolled are two restaurant chains with new locations in Brandon.
with meat, vegetables, sides and sauces. Poke Poke emphasizes serving fresh and nutritious foods that are filled with flavor for Brandon residents. “What’s really cool about it is that these locations in Florida actually have a boba bar inside of them,” Asmar explained about the neighboring restaurant. “So, they have a full boba drink menu as well as cereal infused ice cream.” Five Guys, located at the opposite end of the strip, will be opening soon as well. The additional two spaces will not be restaurants, but new service-oriented buildings are expected.
August 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
ALL LADIES INVITED TO ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
ANNUAL LADIES TEA IN SEPTEMBER
Staff Report
wiches, juice and desserts. They are also invited to decorate flowered headbands and model their creations in a parade. Entertainment will be provided by St. Stephen Catholic School Music Group. Several beautiful tea tables can be found at the St. Vincent de Paul Annual There will be Ladies Tea. a raffle as well All ladies and little ladies are cordially with prizes, ininvited to join us for the St. Vincent de Paul cluding a 58” Samsung Smart TV, gift cerAnnual Ladies Tea, which benefits the food tificates and gift baskets. pantry and financial assistance program. All money from ticket sales and donaDenise Essex, St. Stephen Conference tions go to the Society of St. Vincent de president, said, “Last year, we helped Paul (SVDP) to assist those in need. Ad2,000 families, which included over 8,000 ditional monetary donations beyond the people; distributed 86,000 lbs. of food; $25 cost per person to attend would be and paid out $96,000 in financial aid for gratefully accepted. Also, it requests that rent and utilities with over 6,000 volun- laundry soap be donated to help those teer hours to make this possible. The ma- who come to the pantry in need of this exjority of our funds are given to us by our pensive product. generous parishioners. This tea is our only Please make checks payable to SVDP. fundraiser, and we are greatly indebted For more information or reservations, to the ladies and gentlemen who dedicate please contact Marty Diebold at 813-695themselves to supporting our ministry.” 2145 or mdfl3303@yahoo.com. The deadYou may be a hostess for a table and line for reservation is Wednesday, Septemset it with your own dishes or paper prod- ber 7. ucts. Choose a theme for your table if you The event will be held on Saturday, Sepwish and invite all your friends to join you tember 17 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Family or come and join someone else’s table and Life Center of St. Stephen Church Catholic meet new ladies. The menu includes de- Church, located at 10118 St. Stephen Cir. licious tea, traditional scones, tea sand- in Riverview. Can’t make it? Then you can wiches and desserts served as a buffet make an online donation of the price of a with each person selecting their items that ticket at https://svdpriverviewfl.org/ by will be served to them. Younger ladies may September 7 and be eligible for the raffle choose an optional menu of PB&J sand- prizes.
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KELLER WILLIAMS TONY BARONI TEAM OFFERS ‘BUY WITH CASH’ PROGRAM TO HELP CLIENTS By Lily Belcher The Keller Wilthe Dolphins. The liams Tony Baroni team of 18 real Team brings a creestate agents will ative marketing give away $2-$5 approach to the for each particcurrent real esipant who calls tate market with in or fills out the a new way for clionline form during ents to make cash the Call In To Win offers through the giveaway. The new ‘Buy With money raised will Cash’ program. go to Operation Cash offers are Lotus to help the almost 40 perBaker family who cent more likely The Tony Baroni Team promises the best real estate lost their home in experience to their clients. to beat financial a fire in the beginbids when ning of July. competing for Two agents on a piece of real Baroni’s team estate. This have helped sois especially lidify the buytrue for Tamthen-sell model pa’s real estate market, which sees 40 the team is hoping to show clients. Lead percent of customers using cash to make buyer specialist Kate Conroy and lead lista bid on a home. The program allows their ing agent Craig Kellner have built successclients to get approved for a cash loan ful mini teams that allowed them to sell through their partnership with Home- 161 listings combined while affirming the ward, a real estate agency that works importance of this model. Their work has to give clients more leverage to buy the also helped the Tony Baroni Team grow homes they want. and reach more real estate customers. “Really, you can just go buy a house “Our mission is to deliver the promise to first, not have to move twice … and put our clients. The way we do that is, right your house on the market after,” ex- up front, we tell our clients we’re going to plained Toni Baroni about the benefit give them the best real estate experience of being able to buy and then sell when they’ve ever received,” said Baroni. looking for a new home through the Buy After the Tony Baroni Team delivers on With Cash program. “It’s a new-age way that promise, they hope their customers to make things way more convenient and will leave them a five-star review and easy.” refer their friends and neighbors to the The Tony Baroni Team is also hosting an- team. other Call In To Win on Friday, August 12 For more information on the Tony Barand are planning to give away four tickets oni Team, please visit www.tonybaroni. to a Buccaneers preseason game against com or call 866-754-1278.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
LOCAL BUSINESSES TEAM UP FOR ONE-STOP DESIGNER SERVICES By Sharon Still Two eyes are alThis full-service ways better than experience gives one. That is just one clients the full atof the reasons that tention of two deinterior designer sign professionals Melissa Moore-Adair throughout the projof Southern ect. It all starts with Sass Interia meeting to uncovors & More er each client’s vision and LOVE Deand then working to cor property Melissa Moore-Adair and Mechelle turn it into reality. stylist and Prior to starting Thursby have pooled their design talents and resources to create home staga project, the client beautiful areas like this kitchen. is presented with a er Mechelle Thursby recently decided to virtual 3D design of designatcollaborate their businesses ed spaces and mood boards in order to deliver full-service of decor and furnishings. “I design projects from start to am one of the few designers finish. that utilizes a 3D design softThursby and Moore-Adair ware when creating interior met through networking spaces,” explained Mooregroups and quickly became friends. Soon Adair. “This allows my clients to view their after, the pair decided that joining forces on proposed spaces prior to any demolition certain projects would be beneficial for both taking place or finalizing selections.” of their businesses as well as the clients they Both Moore-Adair and Thursby have exserve. tensive training and hone their skills through Southern Sass Interiors & More is a certifications and continuing education, residential and commercial design studio. keeping up to date on techniques and trends. Moore-Adair said her passion resides in They are ready to tackle any project, from kitchens, baths, whole-home renovations a one-room makeover to a complete home and new builds specifically, while Thursby renovation. focuses on decor and furnishings. The comMoore-Adair announced that later in the bination of the two gives them the ability to year, the duo will have some big collaboraprovide the complete package. tions with a few well-known local business“My specialty is occupied home staging es. and decorating, so my choice is to transform “Be on the lookout for a future ribbon-cutyour home using what you already own ting ceremony as well,” she added. before considering purchasing something For information about LOVE Decor, visit new,” commented Thursby. “It just made www.love-decor.com or call 954-805-6546. sense to collaborate and deliver clients a Visit www.southernsassinteriors.com or call well-thought-out project from start to fin- 813-344-4922 for details about Southern ish.” Sass Interiors & More.
Care partners of those with any type of memory loss, whether family, friends or professionals, need to be equipped with the knowledge to best support their loved one. Gain this knowledge at our NEW hybrid support groups being held via Zoom and in person at Tessera of Brandon.
Hybrid Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Groups Fourth Tuesday of Every Month at 6:30 pm Meeting in person and via Zoom!!! Zoom Meeting Number 897 6781 0479 Password: evening
Assisted Living Facility #AL 13150
Fourth Wednesday of Every Month at 2:00 pm Meeting in person and via Zoom!!! ZOOM Meeting Number 869 4044 7508 Password: support
Come a little early for refreshments! 1320 Oakfield Dr. Brandon, FL 33511 | 813-607-6880
Volume 20, Issue 8
THE GREATEST COACH OF ALL TIME MOVIE ALIGNS WITH THE SUPREME COURT PRAYER ON FIELD RULING
Staff Report
The timthe greatest ing could not coach of all be better for time.” the upcomTaylor, who ing release of had success faith-based as a singer/ feature-length songwriter in film The GreatNashville beest Coach of fore relocating All Time. The to Florida, was movie co-stars featured on Darren Taynational telelor along with vision with his award-winning blended famactor Dean ily of six kids Cain of Lois & and is a popuClark: The New lar songwriter Adventures of with several Superman fame of his songs along with his featured in the lead role in the movie, includmovie God’s ing the movie Not Dead. Oththeme song er stars include The Greatest Coach of All Time is a new movie that was a p p ro p r i a t e R.V. Brown, Ron scheduled for a red-carpet premiere at Tampa Theatre in ly titled “The Ellis and Super Greatest Coach July. Bowl champiof All Time.” ons Michael Clayton and Dexter Jackson. Taylor said, “We shot the movie over The message of the movie aligns with the three years all around Tampa Bay, St Supreme Court ruling for former high Pete, Northside Christian School, Lutz, school football coach Joseph Kennedy, Weeki Wachee, and Land O’ Lakes, where who claimed that Bremerton School Dis- the football scenes were filmed at Suntrict violated his religious freedom by tell- lake High School. ing him he couldn’t pray so publicly after The movie is scheduled for its red-carthe games. The coach received a ruling in pet world premiere on Thursday, July 28 his favor that the district violated his reli- at Tampa Theatre. An official release date gious freedom. will be announced soon. Taylor said, “The message of the movie For tickets, go to www.gcoatmovie. is clear.” com. He added, “It’s never too late for your You can also find out more about Taylor comeback when you’re being coached by at www.darrentaylormusic.com.
August 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
5TH GEAR FITNESS TRAINER ACHIEVES GOAL WITH MEDALS AT THE BODYBUILDING COMPETITION By Deven King Bodybuilding is a Throughout her fitsport that requires exness journey, Frazier tensive training and said that her family is discipline. her motivation to keep On April 23, local resgoing. ident Tabitha Frazier Frazier said, “I’m mocompeted in her first tivated by my family. I bodybuilding compewant to be there; I want tition. She competed to be around for a long in Ultimate Fitness time, so being around Event’s competition my family makes me and placed in the top think about what’s imthree in six out of sevportant in the terms of en categories. She staying healthy.” also achieved the elite She now trains othbodybuilding status. ers at 5th Gear Fitness Tabitha Frazier placing in the top Having always had in Valrico, helping peothree. a goal to be healthy ple achieve their goals. and fit, Frazier startAs she trains, Frazier’s ed her fitness journey in main goal for her trainDecember 2020 when ees is for them to gain she wanted to lose confidence in their physweight. By the summer ical appearance and that of 2021, Frazier had lost they can do whatever 36 pounds; her personal they set their minds too. journey inspired herself Frazier stated, “I just to change her career to a try and instill self-confipersonal fitness trainer. dence. I try to help peoA week after her first ple understand that we bodybuilding competican do whatever they tion, Frazier went on to set their mind to. They compete in her first 10K, just have to keep going, half paddleboarding and and they have to know half foot race. Frazier for themselves that they started training for the Tabitha Frazier competing in the can do it.” Ultimate Fitness Event. 10K at the beginning of In the future, Frazier the year, which is considplans to compete again ered a late start for these types of com- at Ultimate Fitness Event bodybuilding petitions, but because of her discipline competitions and in more races. and determination she placed sixth in her For more information, please call 931age division. 217-3473.
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NINTH ANNUAL MANDY VAN BRUNT SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE WILL DONATE NEEDED SUPPLIES
By Lily Belcher
As summer comes to an end and the school year looms at the start of fall, families participate in the annual rush of school supply shopping. This is an exciting push for many families, but for others, it represents a stressful financial burden that could break the budget of underprivileged families. During August, the Mandy Van Brunt School Supply Drive works to relieve this burden by collecting school supplies and financial donations and giving them to local Title I schools. They are looking for community donations of basic school supplies, which can be found on the supply drive’s Amazon Wish List. The late Mandy Van Brunt, a former teacher at Frost Elementary School, had a passion for helping these underprivileged families and students. This passion and dedication to helping her students was evident in the care she gave to the young individuals over her 15-year career before her death in 2014. “Mandy was a wonderful teacher who dedicated her career to helping under privileged students and would donate her own money to buy supplies for kids in need,” said
Operation Lotus founder Melanie Brockmeier-Jordy. After she passed, Brockmeier-Jordy started an annual school supply drive through Operation Lotus in Van Brunt’s name to honor her dedication to the underprivileged families of Hillsborough County. “Every year we give to Frost Elementary, as that is where [Van Brunt] last taught before she died,” said Brockmeier-Jordy. “Then, depending on how many supplies we receive, Mandy’s family and late husband choose other local Title I schools who are in need.” Brockmeier-Jordy founded Operation Lotus, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, following the tragic death of her husband in 2012. With her team of nine board members, Brockmeier-Jordy works to restore hope in the lives of families facing tragedy through the positive impact Operation Lotus has on the community. Supplies can be donated to drop-off sites at FishHawk Fellowship Church, Bell Creek Academy, Ashley Furniture, and Motion ChiroTherapy. Monetary donations can be sent via check, cash, Venmo, PayPal or Cash App to Operation Lotus with ‘school supply drive’ in the memo line. For more information on Operation Lotus, visit www.operationlotus.org or go to the Facebook page @operationlotus.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
‘CONTINUE THE MISSION’ OFFERS NEW PURPOSE FOR VETERANS, MILITARY SPOUSES AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
By Linda Chion
Recruitment is underLady Casey DeSantis way for veterans, milheaped praise on the itary spouses and forinitiative, led by the mer law enforcement FDCF in collaboration officers to ‘Continue the with the Florida DeMission’ through career partment of Veterans and mentorship opporAffairs. tunities aimed toward “We are not only protecting children. helping children State agencies, across the state but working with local also helping veterans veteran organizations and retired law enand community groups, forcement with their among others, are set mental and emotional ‘Continue the Mission’ launches in to fill flexible career Pensacola on June 22, with First Lady well-being, who may openings and mentor- Casey DeSantis at the podium to praise feel as though they’ve the statewide effort. ship opportunities in lost their purpose once the child and family they’ve left active duty or well-being system. have retired,” DeSantis Joe Eletto, a vetsaid. eran and chair of the Eletto issued a similar Military Affairs Comsentiment, seeing in Conmittee at the Greater tinue the Mission a greatRiverview Chamber of er purpose for addressing Commerce, is a fan of the initiative. the mental health of veterans, “because “I believe a lot of veterans would be when you start helping others, you help inclined to get involved,” Eletto said. “It yourself.” gives the veterans some self-confidence Given the young age of many retiring in their purpose, and it addresses a great veterans, Eletto said, the initiative is spotneed in the community: helping children. on in its efforts to provide civilian job opIt’s a double benefit.” portunities for veterans, along with miliWith recruitment events set to spread tary spouses and retired law enforcement from Tallahassee through central Flori- officers. da and beyond, the Continue the Mission “If you do 20 years in the service and initiative aims to fill positions for child you retire at age 38, you’re going to want protective investigators and mentors for to work,” Eletto said. “A lot of these veterchildren in need, as well as for mentors to ans want to contribute to the community work with new case managers and inves- they live, and especially so when you’re tigators with the Florida Department of dealing with children and their future.” Children and Families (FDCF). For more, visit www.myflfamilies.com/ Launched as of June 22, Florida First continuethemission.
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Volume 20, Issue 8
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT-ELECT
Staff Report
The Florida StrawSpecial Investigations berry Festival anDivision, Department nounced today that Kyle of Patrol Services and Robinson has become Professional Standards its new president-elect, Section. effective immediately. “The festival has been He has replaced Paul a large part of my life; Davis, who is retiring in some of my fondest April of 2023. memories were made As president-elect, here. It’s an incredible Robinson will work opportunity to serve the alongside Davis for the festival and this great 2023 Festival season community,” said Floriand directly oversee all da Strawberry Festival of the festival’s day-toPresident-Elect Kyle day operations, bud- Kyle Robinson, the Florida Strawberry Robinson. “I am confiFestival’s new president-elect. gets, marketing and dent moving into this staffing. new position because Davis will continue the festival has an enhis role as president of gaged, experienced and the festival while workknowledgeable board of ing with the board of directors and associate directors and associate directors to rely upon directors and providing for guidance. The insight the full benefit of his exI’ve gained from my pertise, leadership and guidance to ensure experience in working the festival with the a smooth and successful transition through Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has prethe end of his term. pared me to offer festival guests with qual“Kyle will be the 12th president/general ity customer service interactions. Not too manager in the festival’s 92nd-year history,” many people can say they have worked two said Davis. “The board of directors and I are dream jobs in their lifetime. I am blessed.” confident that Kyle is the right person for “I love the festival and feel that Kyle will the job. He has worked security at our Fes- bring a great ‘teamwork’ perspective and tival for 25 years now and knows our event lead this great organization well in the fuso well. I have worked with Kyle and know ture,” continued Davis. “Kyle has a genuine firsthand his work ethic and his compassion love for people, is a good family man and will for those under his command.” be a great fit for our team. We are honored Robinson, a lifelong Plant City resident, to have him.” served as a colonel within the Hillsborough The 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival County Sheriff’s Office before retiring. takes place from March 2-12. For more inThroughout his 27-year career, he has had formation, visit www.flstrawberryfestival. an outstanding record of service, work- com or its Facebook, Instagram and Twitter ing in the Criminal Investigations Division, pages (#BerryFest23).
August 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
TRACER INSPECTIONS IN LITHIA SERVES AND EDUCATES PROPERTY CLIENTS
By Brad Stager
A home or commercial isting homes can reflect building inspection is an not only an owner’s arexamination of essential chitectural taste but also systems, from the fountheir level of skill in home dation to the roof, with repair and maintenance. the findings documented “My concern for DIYto inform interested partype repairs is the lack ties, such as owners, buyof knowledge for what ers and sellers, as to the Drones can safely evaluate a roof’s has been done. If a buyer structure’s condition. skips a home inspection or condition as well as changes in In an active real estate the terrain around a home, such gets the wrong inspection as erosion. market like the one that firm, things can be missed, the Tampa Bay area is exand the homeowner/buyer periencing, the competition ends up with costly repairs, can get intense enough or worse, risk to life and that important building limb.” construction or system deTracer Inspections protails might be overlooked motes itself as providing in the pursuit of closing a personalized service to sale. That’s where profesclients, using technology sional inspectors like Tyson such as drones which can Martin, owner of Tracer be used to inspect roofs, Inspections in Lithia, play minimizing the need to an essential role in ensur- Self-repairs need to be carefully walk on shingles that can ing a building meets legal evaluated for effectiveness and break as well as the risk standards for a sale and safety during a home inspection, of injury from a fall. Maraccording to Tyson Martin of that existing problems are tin, who is certified by the Tracer Inspections. brought to light so they can International Association be addressed. of Certified Home InMartin said he started spectors (InterNACHI®), Tracer Inspections two emphasizes the value of years ago after working knowing the condition of in the inspection industry for a company a property and being able to properly evalwhere he acquired the kind of profession- uate remedial options if needed. al experience and expertise that he could “My guiding principle is to educate the draw upon to match his Bachelor of Sci- client on their property and offer solutions ence degree in geology. to issues that are appropriate, cost-effec“What that brings to the table is knowl- tive and mitigate risk.” edge of erosion, water flow patterns, poTo learn more about how Tracer Inspecrosity, permeability of the earth around tions can assist “When you need accurate dwellings as well as knowledge and under- insight into your investment,” as its website standing of local radon concentrations,” he states, visit www.tracerinspections.com or wrote in an email. Martin added that ex- call 813-842-0740.
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By Nitish S. Rele
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 8
nitishrele@gmail.com
REDESIGN MAKES 2022 OUTLANDER AN IRRESISTIBLE RIDE! That OutlandT-shaped tailer you may have gate. The cabdriven or heard in is now even about in the roomier with past, toss it all plentiful head out. The all-new, and leg room fourth-generafor second-row tion Mitsubishi seat passengers. compact SUV Space in the has been reborn third row, found OUTLANDER SEL with a fresh power only in another small Tires: 255/45R20 train, extended fasSUV, the VW Tiguan, Wheelbase: 106.5 inches cia and an almost is miniscule. The Length: 185 inches luxury-like cabin. analog instrument Width: 74.7 inches Essentially, it is now cluster of speedomHeight: 68.8 inches taller, longer and eter and tachometer Weight: 3,803 pounds wider, opening up with silver accents Fuel capacity: 14.5 gallons more legroom space hosts digital fuel and City: 24 mpg for rear-seat passentemperature gauges. Highway: 30 mpg gers. And make that Several comforts are Base price: $33,745 a seven-seater with offered, such as triPrice as tested: $38,590 a third row. zone auto AC, thickWebsite: www.mitsubishicars.com Sharing a chasrimmed leather tilt/ sis and power train telescopic steering with its corporate cousin Nissan Rogue, wheel, eight-way driver and four-way the 2022 Outlander is equipped with a power and heated front-passenger seats, 2.5-liter, inline four-cylinder engine that 9-inch infotainment touchscreen display, puts out 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, 12.3and 181 pounds-feet of torque at 3,600 inch digital display and power windows. rpm. However, the slightly noisy continuSafety features at no extra cost include ously variable transmission continues as dual front, side and airbags, side curtain is, to our detriment. Our test vehicle had airbag, rearview camera, active stability the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) so and traction control, blind spot and lane it would be more than a relief if it were departure warnings, lane change assist, taken off the beaten path, such as gravel, rear-cross traffic and hill start assists, mud and even snow if you drive up north four-wheel antilock brakes, anti-theft this winter. A MacPherson strut front and alarm, electronic parking brake, daytime multilink rear suspension handles uneven running lights and tire pressure monitoring bumps on the road with confidence. The system. electric power steering conveys an immeThough deficient in power, the four-cyldiate and communicative feel. inder and brand-new Outlander is a temptNo doubt, the Outlander sports a fresh ing proposition. After all, it makes up for look with horizontal LED headlights and the deficit with considerable cargo and fog lamps, flanking what the Japanese passenger space, decent fuel mileage (our carmaker terms a “dynamic shield” grille mixed driving average was around 26.8 with the familiar Mitsubishi emblem. The mpg) and a price that isn’t astronomical, rear too shows off a horizontal-themed, so to speak.
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August 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 37
FINDING BROWN BATS IN THE ATTIC? CALL A PROFESSIONAL
By Madeline Gardner
As summer and all its sealed all around your fun kicks into high gear, home,” said Jules Casbat infestations should tellanos-Ford, owner of be the least of the wora rental in the FishHawk ries for the season. HowGarden District. ever, while such an issue Castellanos-Ford had may not be at the top of experienced an infestathe agenda, wildlife extion in 2017 and believed perts and homeowners the issue to have been Brown Bats only need a dime-sized with experience in this solved until her tenants department warn that opening in the soffits of homes or busi- reported the news of a renesses to enter and begin roosting. it is better to be aware turned bat presence this and take preventative past June, a result of the measures now. With home not being entirely continued land developsealed off. As they are ment, there is a higher protected during their chance of brown bats mating season until Aufinding their way into gust 15, Castellanos-Ford homes and businesses as had to acquire a permit opposed to their natural from the Florida Wildlife habitats. Commission first before “As human developshe could call Salveson. ment progresses, they The removal process Warning signs of a bat presence have less and less natusually takes between or infestation include the smell of ural habitat. In Florida, ammonia, presence of guano and bat five and seven days foltheir natural habitat is lowing an inspection. Afsightings around the home at either sunset or early in the morning. large, old-growth trees. ter sealing all around the They’ll get into cavities in trees, underneath building, a one-way door system is installed the bark,” said Marc Salveson, owner of Got- to allow bats an exit before the final entry cha Wildlife Removal LLC. “When they have point is sealed off. However, just scheduling less of that available, they’ll start looking a general inspection is also recommended to elsewhere.” lower the chances of having to deal with this Signs of an infestation range from actual procedure. sightings of bats around homes or businessWhile they can be pests, Salveson stresses to the smell of ammonia or presence of es the importance of still protecting bats. guano. The species is drawn to smaller open“They are our number one natural deings around roofs, usually using unsealed fense. We definitely want to save the bats. soffits as entry points in attics and other Choose a company that loves them as much open spaces. as we do and take a humane approach,” said “Bats only need a dime-sized space to Salveson who adds that communities and get into something. The soffits need to be parks can add bat boxes to deter attic living. sealed. And not just specific entry points For information, visit www.gotchawildliferewhere they could get in, they need to be moval.com or call 813-205-5877.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
UNITED WAY PARTNERS WITH BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS TO REDUCE SUMMER SLIDE By Sydney Burken The summer slide is provided for students not a fun slide. Many that need a tutor in any students struggle when subject. summer comes to an end The United Way Sunand school starts back coast Summer Care proup. To help prevent this, gram’s goal is to offer reUnited Way Suncoast sources and tutoring for teamed up with the Carstudents that tend to get ey Family Brandon Boys down in the dumps when & Girls Club to keep stuschool is out of session. dents connected with Last year, it was recordthe core subjects during ed that 78 percent of the their summer break. Curstudents in Summer Care rently in its 12th year, United Way Suncoast A female student is shown completing initiated its Summer the math portion of the booklet providCare program to add ed to all students. an educational component to summer camps in Hillsborough, Pinellas and maintained or improved Manatee counties to stop their reading level. the summer slide. “Having this fun, The United Way Sunlow-pressure time and coast Summer Care setting to provide stuprogram was created dents with literacy supto negate the learning port allows them to regression that can ocenhance their reading cur when students are skills. We have had many out of school on breaks. children over the years It has provided nearly who started summer $500,000 in scholarships below level and through for students to attend A male student is shown completing the summer reading gains summer camps at one Language Arts and Grammar/Phonics returned to school in of 10 partner sites in the section of the workbook provided to all the fall a stronger, more students. three counties previousconfident reader on ly mentioned. These scholarships include level with their peers,” said Nicole Brown, programs at six different Boys & Girls Clubs director of early learning and community of Tampa Bay sites in Hillsborough, includ- partnerships for United Way Suncoast. ing Brandon, Riverview and Wimauma. The For more information on the United Way scholarships being offered cover not only Suncoast Summer Care program and what the costs of Bridge Books at levels pre-K is offered, please visit www.bgctampa.org, through eighth grade but also the costs of email info@bgctampa.org or call 813-875any T-shirts and field trips. Funding is also 5771.
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Volume 20, Issue 8
CHICK-FIL-A RIVERVIEW MAKES IMPACT IN COMMUNITY
By Michelle Caceres
At Chick-fil-A Riverview, breakfast, an annual event its team prides itself on being hosted by the Riverview more than a fast-food restauChamber of Commerce rant. In addition to giving to welcome area teachguests an exceptional restauers and recognize local rant experience with its driveeducators who have been through, curbside and dine-in named teacher of the year. options, the team is committed The restaurant also to giving back to the commupartners with the Spurlinity that supports it. Spreadno Family YMCA and Hilling kindness is one of the the sborough County Sheriff’s restaurants core principles. Office. “From every interaction we Chick-fil-A Riverview, Chick-fil-A Riverview gives have with our guests to doing which opened its doors in our part by being good stew- back to the community that October 2020, treasures supports them. ards with what we’ve been enevery opportunity to serve trusted with, we want to serve our commu- its community, staff and guests. It recogniznity to the best of our ability,” said marketing es that customers value the speed, quality, and community director Kelsi Spradlin. accuracy and friendly service they’ve come One of the ways local franchise operator to expect at Chick-fil-A restaurants. Gabe Porrata and his team are good stewOne way it provides that service is by ofards is by participating in Shared Table, a fering guests the opportunity order and pay Chick-fil-A program to help operators fight ahead through the Chick-fil-A app. hunger in their local communities. In the Not a Chick-fil-A One member? It’s worth program, team members package surplus it. Members can receive points for qualifyfood, THORN Ministries volunteers pick up ing purchases at participating Chick-fil-A food from the restaurant three times a week restaurants by placing a mobile order, scanand then that organization incorporates the ning their Chick-fil-A One QR code or by food into the meals they feed to those in placing a personal web or catering order need. online. Also, points can be redeemed for free “They’re unbelievably generous and it’s food. been such a blessing,” said THORN Minis“Our app puts our guests in charge of tries founder Kristin Taylor. their order and creates a contactless, faster The pounds of chicken donated is put to service experience,” said Spradlin. good use. Taylor and her team of volunteers Located at 12810 Summerfield Crossing incorporate the chicken into dishes such as Blvd., Chick-fil-A Riverview is open for dining chicken tacos or chicken parmesan, which in from Monday to Saturday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m., they use to feed approximately 400 home- and its drive-through is open from Monday less people on Sundays throughout the Tam- to Friday, 6 a.m.-10 p.m. The restaurant is pa area. closed on Sundays. Supporting educators is also a focus of For more information about Chick-fil-A its philanthropic activities. The restaurant Riverview, visit www.cfariverview.com or recently sponsored Teaching to Excellence call 813-499-9933.
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
August 2022
BY MICHAEL MURPHY
Page 39
‘EMPTY CLOSET’ BOUTIQUE HELPS FILL THE NEED FOR FOSTER CARE SUPPORT By Linda Chion
August can typically sitional redfish that be the hottest month move back and forth of the year. With that between the flats and mind, focus your fishing the back country as the tactics to deeper watides move in and out. Specifically, look at the ter drop-offs. Greenies deeper passes. Chum will still be prevalent heavy with greenies or on the flats, but they cut threads in the areas may have difficulty and wait about 15 minsurviving in the live Cathie Jo Cornett and Samantha Faircloth with 2 redfish well for any length of utes for any blowups on time. If you’re fishing the baits, and if nothing in the shallow back washows, find another location. Pinfish work ters, you may want to well under the manwork with pinfish. They can tolerate anoxic or groves in higher tides. low-oxygen areas. As Trim the tail and dorsal the water get into the fin with a pair of scis90s, limited oxygen sors and use a 1/0 hook will be your biggest on a 25# test leader. obstacle. Fish for trout In the hotter water, in the deeper drops on it becomes a cost vs. the grass flats with reward situation for Sally and George Bodmer with snook and jigs, pinfish or greenies. these fish. How much redfish Snook and reds will be energy will they conon the deeper channels between mangrove sume trying to chase a greenback, or should islands and deep areas on the flats. they just eat the big chunk of protein flowCaptain Branden McCorkle is a guide in ing in front? the Apollo Beach area and is superb at loMcCorkle has been fishing these areas all cating redfish. These are some of his fishing his life and was the youngest guide in the points for catching great redfish. The red- area when he started. He really has shown fish will start to gather back up in schools his prowess at locating these redfish and in preparation for their fall runs. To begin catching them consistently. The name of with, he pays attention to the water around his charter is True Lies Fishing Charter, and the flats. Look for birds working bait, mullet you can contact him on Facebook under the schools migrating through the skinny water same name or call 813-480-5111. You will flats or large balls of baitfish for the tran- not be disappointed.
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The Empty Closalong with ice et on the grounds cream cones. of Riverview United The boutique Methodist Church featured new and (RUMC) has been a very gently used fantastic outreach clothes; shoes and for families of chilsocks; diapers, dren in foster care baby food and throughout Hillsborother nursery esough County and sentials; hygiene beyond. From left, Janet Rinaldi, director of family advocacy materials; and all As the latest of for West Florida Foster Care Services, with Riverview types of gear, inthree clothes and United Methodist Church volunteers Connie Mosley, cluding car seats supplies contests Elaine Simon, Gayle Gordon and Karen Moore, at a & more. back-to-school bash near Empty Closet boutique. opened under the Also on the auspices of West Florida Foster Care Ser- premises are two Empty Closet bins for dovices, the Empty Closet at RUMC is a bou- nation drop-offs throughout the day. tique built with love, stocked with donations “New clothes, new socks and underwear, and managed by church and agency volun- new shoes, those are the top needs,” Rinaldi teers. said. “Obviously, formula is a need, because “Since we opened April, we’re seeing 400 supplies with the ongoing shortage are not families a month and it’s been incredible,” yet back to normal, so we do rely heavily on said Janet Rinaldi, director of family advo- donors for that as well.” cacy for the West Florida organization, one Toward that end, financial donations are of three licensing agencies for foster parents “desperately needed,” Rinaldi said, which in Hillsborough County. “Our area has one of allows Empty Closet volunteers to purchase the highest demographics of foster families supplies that are running low at any point in in the state, so an Empty Closet in south Hill- time, and especially so in these inflationary sborough County was very much needed.” times, where budgets are tight and foster Gary Floyd, as chairman of Riverview parents need even greater support. United’s board of trustees, said it was a “Statistics show us that 50 percent of no-brainer to turn an empty church build- licensed foster homes close after their first ing into an Empty Closet, given the church’s year because they burn out, and especially commitment to community service. so when there’s an incredible lack of sup“That’s what churches are supposed to port,” Rinaldi said. “We decided, rather than do,” Floyd said at the Empty Closet’s grand recruit, train, license and then they leave, opening on April 9. “Our mission is to in life let’s add support services, and Empty Closis to help those less fortunate than we are.” est is one piece of that.” A back-to-school celebration, held on the The Empty Closet at Riverview United church grounds on July 30, brought an even Methodist Church is located at 8002 U.S. greater awareness to the Empty Closet in Hwy. 301 S. For Empty Closet hours, donaRiverview, with school supplies, uniforms, tion needs and more, visit West Florida Fosand backpacks having been distributed, ter Care Services at www.wcffs.org.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 8
Riverview/Apollo Beach
Latitudes Tours Recognized As A Traveler’s Choice Award Winner Latitudes Tours of Ruskin has been recognized by Tripadvisor as a 2022 Traveler’s Choice award winner in the tours and outdoor activities category. The award celebrates businesses that have received great reviews from travelers on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the last year was, Latitudes Tours stood out by consistently delivering positive experiences. Captain Dave, owner of the business, said, “Every tour is unique, from the music selection to the narration. We always put the customer first and tailor each tour experience to the people we have on board.” For a limited time, Latitudes Tours has a summer special in which kids under 12 cruise free (10 a.m. tour only) with a paying adult. Call 813-641-1311 to reserve your spot. Latitudes Tours is located at 580 Bahia Beach Blvd. in Ruskin. For more information on tours, visit its website at www. latitudestours.com.
August 2022, Vol. 20, Iss. 8
Iron Rock Insurance Is Expanding And Relocating Its tion and am eager Business to continue to partOn Monday, August 15, Iron ner with clients and Rock Insurance will be relocattheir families in the ing to 400 Frandorson Cir., Ste. Joanna Springstead new space and to 103 in Apollo Beach and doubling help keep them on track toward their indiits office space. In addition to the move, its vidual long-term goals.” She will be hosting staff has grown from a two-man shop to an open house in September where guests an agency with five agents and three cuswill have an opportunity to tour the new oftomer services representatives. Iron Rock fice. For additional information on services Insurance remains committed to excelprovided by Edward Jones, visit its website lence and offers a wide variety of personal at www.edwardjones.com or call the office line insurance, including homeowners inat 813-657-2078. surance, auto insurance, pet insurance and more. Call Iron Rock Insurance at Tax Happens 813-213-9600 or visit its website Named Gold at www.ironrockins.com for more Winner In Best information. Of The Best Awards Joanna Springstead With Tax Happens Edward Jones Opens New in Riverview was FishHawk Office recently named Joanna Springstead, CFP® a gold winner in of the financial services firm the 2022 Best of Edward Jones has moved to the Best People’s a new location at 13459 FishChoice Awards. hawk Blvd. in Lithia. SpringAs a unique stead, who joined Edward b o u t i q u e - s ty l e Jones in 2018, said, “I am firm, Tax Hapthrilled about our new loca-
pens provides small businesses and individuals with personalized, hands-on tax and accounting services to meet each client’s needs. Flexible meeting options are offered, including virtual, so all work can be completed virtually using Tax Happen’s secure portal. Tax Happens is located at 10018 Park Place Ave. in Riverview. For more information, call 813-603-2073 or visit https://taxhappens.com/. Rae’s Accounting Going Virtual Robin Huntley has closed her Apollo Beach office and taken her business in the virtual direction. The new app and secure portal are now available and allows messaging, document uploading, tasks and more. Huntley will also offer virtual meetings with her clients. Contact Robin at robin@raesaccounting.com or call 813-5401040. For more information, visit www. raesaccounting.com. Image360 Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary And Opens New Location Image360 celebrated its five-year anniversary by opening a new location. Image360 Tampa Ybor City is a full signage and graphics provider whose comprehensive consultation process and dedicated team of graphic designers ensure you will get the results you want with a unified design language that only a comprehensive
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Volume 20, Issue 8
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
GAINING MOMENTUM FOR THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR
Volume 20, Issue 8
PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR SCHOOLS ON AUGUST BALLOT By Brad Stager
By Superintendent Addison Davis We enter a new academic year full of confidence and excitement as Hillsborough County Public Schools is ranked 19th in the state, its highest ranking in history. The incredible achievement was realized through the hard work and dedication of teachers, support staff, leaders, students and families. This celebration is only the beginning of what we will achieve together. Hillsborough County Public Schools is unveiling fresh initiatives and a new school in 2022-23. We are thrilled to add the Dorothy C. York Innovation Academy under the leadership of Principal Missy Lennard to the tradition of excellence in south county. This pre-K-8 school offers another educational option to meet the needs of our growing student population in this area. Our district is also expanding accelerated learning to 13 more high schools and one middle school by adding the Cambridge AICE Program. Under this rigorous pathway, students can earn 100 percent Bright Futures Scholarships without an SAT score requirement, opening new opportunities for secondary education while decreasing economic barriers. Cambridge AICE was piloted at Sumner High School and will be expanded to Shields Middle School and East Bay and Riverview high schools.
South county will also benefit from a new Bridge to Biliteracy program at Summerfield Crossings and Dawson elementary schools. It is designed to develop Spanish proficiency for students by providing a full Spanish immersion experience for 50 percent of the day, learning academics in two languages on an alternating basis. Funded by the Department of Defense, the initiative is slated to expand from two to seven schools within four years. Finally, our district is embarking on a new federal reimbursement program that will offer meals at no cost to more than 80 percent of our student body. The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) allows schools where 40 percent or more of students are categorically eligible for free school meals to provide free meals to all students on that campus. More than 170 schools will benefit from this program, which decreases paperwork for parents, schools and nutrition staff. While student performance will remain top of mind, so will mental wellness. Our district has received additional funding from the state to bolster counseling services, including our Mobile Response Unit for students in crisis. We stand ready to remedy the effects of the pandemic while looking forward with optimism as we embark on our quest to become a top-10 school district. Residential • Commercial Exterior Repaint Specialists
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Hillsborough school district in County voters will the United States have a chance in with 220,000 the Tuesday, Austudents who are gust 23 primary taught by 14,181 election to decide if teachers. The disthey want to pay a trict has a total of millage tax to fund 23,815 employees. public schools. District offiHillsborough County Public School District is The question votcials said the tax asking voters to approve a property tax increase to ers face is whether fund salaries and educational programs. Shown is would allow them to pay a $1 million to provide instrucAlafia Elementary School in Valrico. tax or $1 for every tional employees, $1,000 of taxable such as teachers property value. and counselors, The next queswith an average tion for many $4,000 annual property owners pay increase and is what that means in give about $2,000 more terms of actual cost and per year to support impact to their budgets. staff, like bus drivers According to the school and cafeteria workers. district’s web page exSome of the new plaining the tax, “a proprevenue will be used to erty valued at $246,808 increase art, music and (median market value in workforce education Hillsborough) with a homestead exemption opportunities for students. The district said applied, an owner would pay about $18.48/ it will hire 45 art teachers, 67 music teachmonth or $222/year.” ers and 37 physical education teachers for An estimated $146 million is expected to elementary schools. be raised annually for the four-year term Hillsborough County Schools Superinof the tax, which will begin on July 1, 2023 tendent Addison Davis said the district has and end on June 30, 2027 unless renewed worked hard to align its budget between by voters. needs and funding during a challenging School district officials cited a staffing time. shortage they want to address with higher “We’ve had to make some very difficult, pay as a major reason for needing the tax, hard choices over the last two years,” he especially with the high rate of economic said in a video about addressing finances, inflation in the Tampa Bay area. They said which is available on the district’s website. the district needs to hire about 400 teachEarly voting in the election begins on ers and other instructional employees and Monday, August 8 and runs through Sunalmost 600 support personnel to have the day, August 21, with Election Day and the district fully staffed. The Hillsborough Coun- end of the primary election voting cycle octy School District is the seventh-largest curring on Tuesday, August 23.
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August 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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PARENTS GET ANSWERS TO TAX INCREASE REQUEST AND RFID ID CARDS AT TOWN HALL MEETING HELD AT NEWSOME By Michelle Caceres It’s no surprise HillsThe Leon, Marion, Marborough County Public tin, Orange, Osceola, PasSchools leaders have their co, Sumner and St. Lucie hands full with a slew school districts use the app, of challenges, including as district leaders deal with school security issues, an delays in routes and bus increasing student popudriver shortages that have lation, overworked school frustrated parents. counselors dealing with “Some parents had coneverything from academic cerns about the RFID chips achievement and career and data privacy and didn’t development to mental have all their questions anhealth needs, financial swered,” she said. woes and employee acquiHillsborough parent Josition and retention. sephine Amato said the A town hall meeting was held at Newsome High School to discuss issues affecting Hillsborough County Public Schools. A town hall meeting at district didn’t satisfactorily Newsome High School, address the concerns she drivers) has been a chalNot everyone agreed. hosted by Superintendent Addison Davis lenge. Over the past year, has over the new app. Vice President of Council and school board members, attempted the county has raised its “Parents have valid questions regarding Operations for Hillsborough to address these issues and other parent hourly wage for drivers data collection and safety of the data, and County PTA Kimberly Mcconcerns. Several dozen parents attended to approximately $16. I feel like district officials are being dismisDonough, also PTA president the event, where they were able to submit According to Davis, prosive,” she said. of Mulrennan Middle School, questions to the panel, many of which were ceeds from the tax would go toward higher said some parents had concerns about ‘Here According to district officials, while each answered during a 45-minute Q&A session salaries and allow the district to improve Comes the Bus,’ a Synovia Cal/Amp tech- bus rider will be entered into the system after the initial presentation. student programs. nology Hillsborough County Public Schools manually for the child’s safety, a child is not Prior to the Q&A, Davis and other school “It’s difficult to compete with other em- will use this fall to allow parents to know required to wear the student ridership card. officials delved into the reasons behind the ployers with relation to pay,” said Davis. At the end of the meeting, Davis shared when their child’s bus will arrive at the bus need for the property tax referendum bethat recently released assessment scores Several job fairs have been held to assist stop, if their child is on the right bus and got ing placed on the August primary election with staffing issues. Interested applicants off at the right stop in the afternoon and indicated — despite pandemic-related ballot. If approved by voters, property own- can also apply online at www.hcpsjobs.com. alert parents that the bus will be late due to stressors such as student absences and ers would pay an additional $1 for every One FishHawk resident and meeting at- heavy traffic. Students scan their student teacher vacancies — district students out$1,000 of assessed value, which is estimat- tendee, who is a member of the military ridership ID card, which uses passive RFID performed the state average in key areas, ed to bring in about $146 million a year. and has two children enrolled in Hillsbor- technology, as they enter or exit the bus, including algebra, geometry, biology, civics For the upcoming school year, first-year ough County Public Schools, took a lot of and this information is sent over-the-air to and U.S. history. teachers will earn an annual salary, based notes during the meeting. Of particular the cloud via encrypted data. The only in“We have seen gains in student learning,” on a 10-month schedule, of $47,501, based concern was buses being prompt in picking formation stored on the ridership ID card is he said. “Imagine what these gains would on an eight-hour workday and 198 days per up students. His daughter has sometimes a 56-bit card number (no identifiable infor- be if these complications weren’t in our school year, the same as a teacher with spent up to an hour waiting for the bus to mation like student number, name, address way.” seven years of experience. In addition to show up to take her to school. For more information about Hillsborough or social security number). a teacher shortage, finding support staff County Public Schools, visit www.hillsbor“Overall, I believe attending the meeting Hillsborough County wouldn’t be the first (custodians, nutrition assistants and bus was time well spent,” he said. oughschools.org. school district in Florida to utilize the app.
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HEF PROVIDES FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO TEACHERS AT HIGHEST-NEEDS SCHOOLS Staff Report August 10 — that’s an anis the first day nual savings of for Hillsbornearly $1,700. ough County All too ofPublic Schools ten, dedicat(HCPS). While ed teachers some kids are will purchase focused on supplies out what they’ll of their own wear or the pockets beexcitement fore letting of seeing their students Photo courtesy of Hillsborough Education Foundation. go without. A friends, others are wor- Teachers shopping at Hillsborough Education Foundation’s 2022 Kids in Teaching Tools Resource Center. rying whether Need survey they’ll have a pencil or paper to help them found one out of three teachers spent more succeed in school. In HCPS, three out of than $500 of their personal funds on mafive students are from economically disad- terials for students in the 2021-22 school vantaged families, and many can’t afford year. the basic supplies their children need as The community can support students and they head back to their classrooms. teachers and help stock the store’s shelves Hillsborough Education Foundation by hosting a supply drive at their business (HEF) believes a lack of resources should or organization, shopping from HEF’s Amnot be a barrier for students to learn. That’s azon Wish List at www.amazon.com/gp/ why in the last school year, HEF provided registry/wishlist/30C9IAR0FOBXO or more than $4.1 million in free supplies to making a donation so HEF can purchase the students and teachers at the highest needs most-needed supplies. Learn more about schools through the Teaching Tools Re- the ways to get involved at https://ducasource Center. It was a record-setting year tionfoundation.com/donateschoolsupplies. for supply distribution, which shows that Hillsborough Education Foundation was the need to support the most vulnerable established in 1987 as a nonprofit focused students is greater than ever, given recent on strengthening public education by supfinancial hardships for many families. porting teachers and empowering students The Teaching Tools Resource Center, lo- to achieve academic and personal success. cated at HEF at 2306 N. Howard Ave. in Together with community partners, HEF Tampa, reopened on July 25 for the 2022- strategically invests in initiatives that im23 school year. Teachers in HCPS Title I pact teaching quality, increase graduation schools can shop for core school supplies rates and build equity in education, bolsterand other resources needed for their class- ing a thriving workforce of tomorrow and rooms twice per semester at no cost to the sustainable prosperity of Tampa Bay. them. Last school year, one shopping trip Learn more at https://educationfoundawas worth an average of $418 in supplies tion.com/.
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Volume 20, Issue 8
BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP HOPEFULS NOW HAVE THE OPTION TO INCLUDE PAID WORK HOURS
By Linda Chion
There are new rules for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship program which concern an expanded eligibility requirement that allows for paid work to substitute for volunteer hours. In giving his seal of approval to House Bill 461, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 27 touted the merits for allowing 100 hours of paid work experience to serve as a substitute for the 100 hours of community service required for the Florida Academic Scholars award, the 75 hours required for the Florida Merit Scholars award and the 30 hours required for both the Gold Seal Vocational Scholars and Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship awards. “Florida students should not lose the opportunity to receive a Bright Futures Scholarship because they have to work to help their families make ends meets,” DeSantis said. “After-school jobs teach our students valuable life lessons, much like community service hours do.” According to the legislation, volunteer or paid work can include, but is not limited to, a business or governmental internship, work for a nonprofit community service organization or activities on behalf of a candidate for public office. As students, parents, guardians, businesses, counselors and nonprofits weigh the changes, guidance counselors are gearing up to discuss the new measures,
which take effect with the 2022-23 school year. Introduced by Senator Travis Hutson (R7), House Bill 461 authorizes, but does not require, a student to “identify a social or civic issue or a professional area that interests him or her and develop a plan for his or her personal involvement in addressing the issues or learning about the area.” As originally proposed, the bill would have required a student to do so. The bill does require a student, “through papers or other presentations,” to evaluate and reflect upon his or her volunteer service or paid work experience. Hours either way must be documented in writing and signed by the student, his or her parent or legal guardian and a representative of the organization through which the student earned his or her hours. Funded by the Florida Lottery, the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program was established in 1997. For more on program eligibility and requirements, visit the Florida Department of Education at www.fldoe.org. Read the text of House Bill 461 at www.myfloridahouse. gov. For the Bright Futures Student Handbook, visit https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/SAPBFMAIN/ SAPBFMAIN. For information on student financial assistance, visit https:// www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/ SAPHome/SAPHome.
August 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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New Friends. New Beginnings.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR TRAVIS MANION FOUNDATION 9/11 HEROES RUN
By Madeline Gardner
On Saturday, Septemnects members of the ber 10, the Travis Manion community on a local level Foundation will host its to remember the tragedy 9/11 Heroes Run in Lithia of 9/11 by encouraging at FishHawk Ranch at 8 citizens of any age to para.m. While this national ticipate either by running, service organization for walking, rucking or volunveterans started this event teering. Amici’s Pizza & in 2008, this will be the Pasta, located in the Park seventh year that FishSquare Plaza, where the Hawk has hosted it on a run will be held, hands out local level in remembrance pizza to the participants for all the heroes of 9/11, as one of the businesses including the hundreds of The 9/11 Heroes Run encourages involved in this event anparticipation by local residents first responders who lost nually. Owner John Santiand businesses in the community, vasci, who was working in their lives serving that day. While the event is held such as John Santivasci, owner of New York during the SepAmici’s Pizza & Pasta. in 90 different locations tember 11 attacks, believes around the world that the 9/11 Heannually and reroes Run is a great corded 60,000 way to highlight participants for the strength of the this event last town and the comyear alone, the run mitted effort to initially began as being grateful for grassroots effort those who did and to honor Marine still do serve. First Lieutenant The proceeds Travis Manion by of the event suphis family. Before port the Travis he was deployed Manion Founto Iraq in 2007 dation, which where he was strives to unite killed in action, and strengthen he visited New York City and Rescue One, communities by training, developing and which had lost almost all its men on the day highlighting the role models that lead them. of the September 11 attacks. Touched by Organized locally by Col. Beau Higgins, wife such acts of bravery, the Heroes Run subse- Elizabeth and his team of volunteers handle quently serves to express gratitude for and registrations and questions and were instrucontinue the legacies of Manion, veterans mental in bringing this event to the Fishand first responders who served in or have Hawk community after Higgins served with served since 9/11. Manion on a prior tour. While the run serves to benefit this naFor more information and to register, visit tional organization and cause, it also con- www.911heroesrun.org.
Volume 20, Issue 8
AUTHOR CHRONICLES HURRICANE ANDREW SURVIVAL IN NEW BOOK By Kathy L. Collins Lithia resident teenagers. With retireand writer Bronwyn ment, I turned back Best Jardin pubto my writing and the lished Light Through memoir began to take Broken Piecesshape.” Memoir of a Storm Jardin has been a Survivor in October poetry lover since child2021. The book is hood. Her first pubavailable at Amazon lished piece was called Books in paperback Surviving Andrew. and Kindle. An auThis landed in the top diobook is in the 100 poems list of Writworks. er’s Digest. Her poems Jardin has lived also appeared in the in Lithia since 2018. National Library of PoShe and her husband etry, American Poetry returned to Florida Annual and Musings. 2014 after 22 years She has written poems Bronwyn Best Jardin, a resident of Lithia, of Air Force life and and articles for other described herself as a child of storms and 16 years in Georgia. thought she had mastered the skills for riding publications as well. Light Through out rough weather. This was until she lived In 2018 Jardin’s first Broken Pieces is through Hurricane Andrew. Her new memoir, book, Soft Trades, Hard about Jardin’s ex- Light Through Broken Pieces, is now available Blows, A Poetry Collecon Amazon Books. perience of living tion debuted on Amathrough Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Jardin zon Books. and her family lost everything. She was a In Light Through Broken Pieces, you get eyewitness to the destruction of Homestead Jardin’s mingle of comedy and tragedy as Air Force Base. According to Jardin’s de- she takes you through her life-long journey scription of the book, “There, a life-changing of longing for love and unlocking faith that encounter compelled her to confront the conquers fear. In the book, Light Through tempests she had survived for years, includ- Broken Pieces, Jardin reveals the pathway ing those inside the walls of her home.” found out of the wreckage of storms, to find According to Jardin, “Writing this book indestructible treasure. was a long process. At first, shellshocked, I Jardin added, “The book includes a few scribbled journal notes. I mostly wrote for hurricane preparation tips some readers therapy to process grief. My family’s experi- may have never encountered, such as how ences of preparing, sheltering and salvaging to ready your home should you have to evacafter Andrew became short stories. Through uate. My hope is that readers realize we are fellowship at George Mason University’s all surviving something in life.” Northern Virginia Writing Project in 1994, I You can follow Jardin on both Instagram workshopped the foundational chapters for @bronwynjardin and Facebook (Bronwyn a longer story but put the personal writing Best Jardin) or visit www.bronwynbestjaraside while teaching full time and raising din.com
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August 2022
Texas Hold ‘Em, ECHO, Bobby van Deusen & More... Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com
Charity Dinner And Texas Hold ’Em Poker Tournament The FisHhawk Poker Group is hosting a dinner and charity Texas hold ’em poker event to raise money for the BH3 Foundation. The event will take place on Saturday, August 20 at Summerfield Crossing Golf Club in Riverview. Dinner will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. and the poker play will begin at 7 p.m. You can attend the dinner for only $20, or for $80 you will enjoy dinner and the poker play (please see the registration for tournament details), including the chance to win a $500 Visa gift card. Raffles and silent auctions will also take place during the event. To register, please visit https://form. jotform.com/200496151363047. St. Stephen Catholic Church Announces XLT Praise And Workshop Events XLT stands for ‘Exalt’ and is designed for participants to spend time in the presence of the Lord. The Blessed Sacrament, which Catholics know is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Lord, is placed in a monstrance for adoration. There is time for self-reflection, community prayer, and contemporary Christian music. With the Blessed Sacrament exposed, XLT Praise and Worship is one of the most powerful forms of prayer outside of the Holy Mass. XLT Praise and Worship will take place on the second Friday of every month from 7-8 p.m. at the St. Stephen Chapel, located at 10118 St. Stephen Cir. in Riverview. For more information, visit its website at www. ststephencatholic.org.
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition New Family And Youth Resources & Education Foundation Nonprofit Organization In Riverview The Family and Youth Resources & Education Foundation (FYRE) is a new local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Riverview. FYRE provides a blend of programs, training and opportunities to strengthen individuals and Bobby van Deusen will perform at the SCCUMC. families, preparing people to at www.sccumc.com. meet life’s challenges head on and be successful in meeting their goals. It helps in Hope For Her Health a crisis and sees you through to the other Habits Classes side. Additional information can be found Hope for Her is a safe place on its website at www.fyrefoundation.org. where women experiencing Caregivers Support Group In Sun City Center As a caregiver, you may feel alone, tired and frustrated yet continue to care for your loved one. Caregivers Support Group at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center (SCCUMC) is here to share, give each other support and you will find that there is no judgement. This is a Christian-based group, but you do not have to be a member of SCCUMC, all are welcome. Meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month at SCCUMC, located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center. To learn more, visit its website at www.sccumc.com. Old-Time Piano Player Returns To Sun City Center Bobby van Deusen, a pianist from the Pensacola area, won the 2019 senior division championship of the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest. He is classically trained and has been playing professionally for over 46 years. On Friday, August 19, he will be playing at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center (SCCUMC), located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center. The concert starts at 7
p.m. and a $10 donation will be requested at the door. To learn more, visit its website
crisis and trauma find the strength, skills and support they need to rebuild their best lives. Its Health Habits classes start again on Monday, August 15 and will be held every Monday from 6:157:30 p.m. at Hope For Her, located at 140 Yarbrough Rd. in Brandon. Topics covered will include introduction to classes (August 15), emotional health (August 22) and spiritual health (August 29). Call 813-309-3357 for more information. Cruise Planners Presents Holistically Harmonized Event Cruise Planners of Valrico is presenting a women-only event, Holistically Harmonized Retreat. The event will take place from Friday to Sunday, October 7-9 at a central Florida mansion. It is meant to help attendees replenish their spirits, rejuvenate their minds and bring balance to their bodies. It will also help teach the different methods of self-care. Services included in the weekend are facials, massages, yoga classes, cooking classes and self-care classes. All food and drinks, plus a swag bag, are also included. For more information, visit its website at https://cpofvalrico.square.site/holistically-harmonized. ECHO Thrift Named One Of The Best Of The Best In Tampa Bay The ECHO Thrift store, located at 424 W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, has been presented with a silver award in the
Page 49 Best of the Best People’s Choice Awards presented by the Tampa Bay Times. Last year, it received a bronze recognition, and it couldn’t be prouder of its amazing staff and volunteers who bumped them to receiving the silver award. Every dollar earned from sales at the thrift store goes right back into its mission of providing immediate and long-term solutions for our neighbors in need. Additional information can be found on its website at www.echofl.org. HCA Florida Brandon Hospital Receives Distinguished Rating The Society of Thoracic Surgeons awarded HCA Florida Brandon Hospital a three-
star rating for its patient care and outcomes in isolated coronary bypass crafting procedures. The three-star rating, which denotes the highest category of quality, places HCA Florida Brandon Hospital among the elite for bypass surgery in the United States. “At Brandon Hospital, providing safe, high-quality cardiac surgery is the top priority of our cardiac surgery team,” said Bradley Bufkin, M.D., cardiothoracic surgery specialist at Brandon Hospital. For more information, visit www.hcafloridabrandonhospital.com. RP Funding Center Concession Stand Goes Cashless The RP Funding Center in Lakeland has gone cashless at its concession stands. All payments at the concession stands will be by credit card, debit card and mobile payment only, including Apple Pay. By going cashless, the venue will help prevent loss from human error or theft, promote safety and enhance the visitor experience, as cashless transactions reduce wait times. Cash payments will still be accepted at the RP Funding box office for all other transactions.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 8
August 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
SATIN & LACE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE OWNERS CELEBRATE 35 YEARS OF MARRIAGE By Sharon Still Buying a wedding bridal walk experience dress is at the top of to music of her choice. the list of important “We celebrate that days in a woman’s ‘She said yes’ moment life. At Satin & Lace with a toast to comBridal Boutique, plete the experience,” guests are treated said Peter. like royalty with priWhile the spotlight vate appointments, is on the bride, Satin a dedicated bridal & Lace Bridal Bouconsultant and a tique recently teamed champagne toast up with Jim’s Formal when the bride says Wear, the largest proyes to the perfect vider of men’s formal dress. wear in the country, to Satin & Lace Bridoffer its suits, tuxedos al Boutique owners and accessories for Alison and Peter rental or purchase. New brides will be inspired by Satin & Farnan are a true “There are so many Lace Bridal Boutique owners Peter and testament to the exciting developments Alison Farnan as the couple celebrates 35 institution of marhappening at our bouyears of marriage. riage, as the couple tique, but the most exis celebrating 35 years of marriage and citing experience for us is always hearing looking to help other couples plan their a bride say yes to her perfect dress,” comimportant day. mented Peter. “Our mission from the start is to create When asked about making a marriage an exceptional experience for brides as last, after 35 years together, Peter and they look for that perfect dress for their Alison agreed that honesty and commuwedding day,” said Peter, noting the com- nication are necessities. “Be prepared to pany tag line: ‘The Experience Brides & compromise and support each other to Grooms Deserve.’ achieve not only your joint ambitions but Selections are available from main- also your individual dreams,” advised Pestream designers like Justin Alexander, ter. as well as its own label, The London Satin & Lace Bridal Boutique is locatCollection. The Amelia Page Collection, ed in Winthrop Town Centre at 11286 named after the Farnans’ first grandchild, Sullivan St. in Riverview. Appointments is due in August. Dresses range in price are required. It is open on Monday and from $1,200-$2,500. Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m.“We are appointment only and that 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. is so that each bride and her party can and Sunday from 12 Noon-5 p.m. The shop have a private appointment,” said Alison. is closed on Tuesday. Call 813-381-4110 She added that there are two large brid- or visit www.satinandlaceboutique.com al suites, and that the bride is offered a to set an appointment or find out more.
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LOCAL SPECIALLY FIT ATHLETES EARN MEDALS IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES
By Nick Nahas
In early June, worked extremely over 4,000 athhard for this moletes competed in ment.” the Special OlymThe USA Games pics USA Games in had a packed stadiOrlando. The state um with thousands of Florida was repof people in attenresented by 600 dance cheering on athletes, including the athletes. Wilson, Specially Fit Founwho was the youngdation locals Omest on his team, was Photos courtesy of the Specially Fit aries Rivera-Perez Foundation. voted team captain and Kyle Wilson. by his coaches for his Omaries Rivera-Perez received second The pair of Rivsportsmanship and place in the 400-meter run and ran her erview residents personal best the day of the competition. character. He is also qualified for the track getting ready to enter and field competition. high school and will Rivera-Perez comtry out for the track peted in the 400-meteam. The Specially Fit ter run, 4 x 100-meathletes train at the ter relay and shot put. BayCare HealthHub on She received second Bloomingdale Avenue, place in the 400-meworking with trainers ter run and ran her to hone their skills. personal best the day “The feeling of comof the competition. peting in front of that Wilson participated many people was in the 100-meter run, amazing, and I loved 200-meter run and every second of it,” 4 x 400-meter relay said Rivera-Perez. and finished in second According to Oliver, place in his 100-meter Omaries Rivera-Perez competed in the Specially Fit Founthe 400-meter run, 4 x 100-meter relay preliminary races as dation provides group and shot put. well. workouts, Special “This competition occurs every four Olympic training, socialization opportuyears, and for both athletes to come nities, animal therapy, group homes and from the same team is an incredible teaches daily life skills to individuals accomplishment,” said Specially Fit with developmental disabilities, all free Foundation owner and head coach Mark of cost. For more information, visit the Oliver. “These are not just amazing ath- website at www.speciallyfitfoundation. letes but also amazing individuals who com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 8
Hillsborough Schools Millage Referendum August 23rd Primary Election Help Strengthen Public Education for students, teachers and the future of our community
This primary election, voters are asked to approve the Hillsborough Schools millage referendum that would increase funding for the district around $146 million annually for four years. Funding is needed to combat the effects of a national teacher shortage and competitive job market to retain and recruit teachers and staff and enhance programs for students. What Your Tax Dollars Will Support
Increase salaries to retain & recruit teachers & staff
75%
Your Investment in Education 1 mil = $1/$1,000 assessed home value
At least 75 percent of the funding would be used to increase compensation for teachers & staff
Example of the increase for a $250,000 home
Referendum endorsed by Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association Hillsborough School Employee Federation Hillsborough Association of School Administrators League of Women Voters South Tampa & Tampa Bay Chambers Tampa Bay Partnership SPONSORED BY
Prepare students through Workforce Education
Protect & expand Art, Music & Physical Education
Inadequate state funding, combined with the effects of a critical national teacher shortage and competitive job market, are impacting our district. Every dollar of this referendum would remain in our community and public schools to ensure all students have a qualified teacher—giving kids the best education possible. -Kim Jowell Hillsborough Education Foundation CEO Learn more about the district’s needs and plans
August 8-21 | Early Voting August 23 | Election Day Absentee ballots are out - make your voice heard
