EYE ON BUSINESS...................PGS

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 of 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 of Pine Key Tampa Bay, also known as Beer Can Island, to cool of 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 of the water. While they could see lightning strikes far of 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 of 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 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, sherif’s ofcers 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.

River Hills resident and lightning strike victim Levi Stock is recovering at home with his family.

SESAME STREET LIVE! MAKE YOUR MAGIC IS COMING TO THE RP FUNDING CENTER

Staf Report

Sesame Street Live! 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 while Rosita orchestrates 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 Ofce at 863-834-8111 or visit the RP Funding Center’s website at www.rpfundingcenter.com.

AFTER SERVING RIVERVIEW FOR ALMOST 50 YEARS, GEORGE’S MOWER SERVICE HEADS FOR RETIREMENT

By Sara Battaglia

George’s Mower Service has been a staple in the Riverview community for 48 years. Bob Rodriguez has been the owner of George’s Mower Service for 95 percent of that time, having taking ownership in 1982 after his father-in-law passed. However, its long history has unfortunately come to an end.

At age 79, Rodriguez decided to retire, but he was not able to secure a buyer of his business. He is very excited to be able to travel with his wife, thanks to not having to operate the business anymore, and clearly has a love for his family and the community.

Rodriguez said, “I owe the success of George’s Mower Service to the community.”

He is very grateful for the support that the community has given him over his business’ 48 years and has a great respect for his customers. He said he always aimed to give his customers the best personal service and respect they deserve.

As it’s described on it’s Facebook page,

“Started in 1974 by the “real” George with two tin sheds and $700, three generations later we are still going strong. With almost 50 Te building of George’s Mower Service, which closed on July 9. years in the business we are still family owned and operated. We pride ourselves on impeccable customer service and knowledgeable employees who are here to help you with all your power equipment needs.” Before closing, George Rodriguez and his daughter, Melissa Luna. the store ofered mower services and sales and prided itself on having quick turnaround times, a large inventory, quality brands and personal customer service. George’s Mower Service has had five locations, all along U.S. Highway 301. The store closed permanently on July 9 following an auction of the items in his store, and the community will greatly miss this business and the services it has provided its residents. We at the Osprey Observer wish you all the best in your retirement! Geroge’s final location was at 6613 US301, Riverview, FL 33578.