Riverview/Apollo Beach
7
June 2022
Volume 20, Issue 6
Congrats 2022 Grads! See Page 10
Ph: 813-657-2418
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS ENCOURAGES
RESIDENTS TO REGISTER TO VOTE By Kathy L. Collins
Craig Latimer, the supervisor of elections for Hillsborough County, conducted a student-designed “I Voted” sticker competition. Iliana Otero, a senior at Sumner High School, was this year’s winner. Her sticker will be handed out during early voting.
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
By Sharon Still
Like many events that took a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ruskin Tomato and Heritage Festival is back. Dubbed as the major social event of the year up until the early 1950s, mark your calendars for Friday, June 17 for the Ruskin Tomato Queen Pageant and Saturday, June 18 for the daylong festival. Put on by the Ruskin Community Development Foundation (RCDF),
The Ruskin Tomato Festival Queens from 2019, left to right in the front: Anna Bello, Anniylah Murrell and Savana Bunting. And in the back: Nicole Liles, 2018 Ruskin Tomato Festival Queen.
the Ruskin Tomato and Heritage Festival, in existence since 1934, promises something for everyone. According to the History of Ruskin, the annual springtime Ruskin Tomato Festival was put on in hopes of attracting visitors to Ruskin and to celebrate the area’s agricultural richness. Tomato sandwiches and other delectable tomato dishes will be featured, along with other food from vendors and food trucks plus arts and crafts, dance team performances, cook-off contests, bounce houses and other activities for children. Additionally, musical guests will showcase some of SouthShore’s greatest country, rock, pop and Latin entertainers. This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, said organizer Joe Zuniga, noting that the new location in downtown Ruskin will likely attract more people. Families can spend the day
sampling famous Ruskin tomatoes and grabbing a burger or lunch while shopping for local crafts and honey and enjoying entertainment. Zuniga, Ruskin’s honorary mayor, also will emcee the Tomato Queen Pageant, which will take place on June 17 at Southshore Falls starting at 7 p.m. Admission is $5, and Tomato Queens will be crowned by age group, starting from 0-5 years up to 41 years and older. Those who earn the title will represent Ruskin at different events throughout the year, including the Veterans Day Parade, and hold the honor of crowning next year’s queen in their age group. The Ruskin Tomato and Heritage Festival is be held from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on June 18 at 633 1st St. NW. Proceeds from the event will be put toward the growth and development of the SouthShore community. For further details, visit the event’s Facebook page or email info@zunigamarketing.com.
IN THIS ISSUE: STAMP OUT HUNGER...........................PG 3 NEW ER ..................................................... PG 4 EYE ON BUSINESS ...................PGS 25-26 SPORTS CONNECTION......................PG 36
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This summer, there will be important elections held in Hillsborough County. If you want to exercise your right to vote in the primary election, which is set for Tuesday, August 23 (early voting will be held Monday, August 8 through Sunday, August 21), you must be registered to vote by Monday, July 25. This is also the deadline to change your address or change your party affiliation. Florida is a closed primary state, which means that you must be registered with a political party to vote in that party’s primary races. However, everyone can vote in this election, regardless of their affiliation, because there will be nonpartisan races for school board and judges and nonpartisan issues on the primary ballot. A primary election is used to nominate a candidate to move on to the general election. The primary also narrows down the number of candidates in nonpartisan races and may include amendments or referenda. There has been a lot of reporting about
election law changes made. Readers should know that the rules around registering to vote have not changed. Voters can visit votehillsborough.gov or registertovoteflorida.gov to register online, or they can visit any supervisor of election office to fill out an application. Voter registration applications can also be found at public libraries. The voter registration application is also used by registered voters who need to update their name, address or signature. One change that is applicable relates to requesting a Vote By Mail ballot. Voters now need to provide their driver license number or the last four digits of their social security number, whichever can be verified in their voter record. The easiest way to make the request is online at votehillsborough.gov/votebymail or by calling 612-4180. All Vote By Mail requests will expire after the 2022 general election and need to be resubmitted after each general election. In 2020, a U.S. census was conducted (one is conducted every 10 years). the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, the Hillsborough County School Board and the Florida Legislature redraw district boundaries to reflect changes in population. After maps are approved, precinct boundaries are adjusted. The voter registration database is updated as well. Even though only some voters will have a change in their districts or precinct, every voter will receive a new voter information card. Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer said, “If you are not registered to vote, do not put that off. Get registered today so that you are ready. To make sure your voter information is current, look it up at votehillsborough.gov/ voterlookup.” Latimer added, “Unfortunately, we are seeing a lot of misinformation about elections. If you have questions, get your information from a trusted source—your elections office.”
UPCOMING RUSKIN TOMATO FESTIVAL CELEBRATES TOWN’S HERITAGE
Southshore Bay, a fast-growing community by Metro Places, has officially opened its lagoon, the first in Hillsborough County. The lagoon features crystal-blue waters, beaches and a wide range of activities, allowing residents to live a coastal lifestyle in the suburbs. Metro Places and Metro Lagoons have two more lagoons under construction at Mirada in Pasco County and at Brightwater in Lee County. Both are slated to open at the end of 2022. Read full article and future locations on page 12.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 6
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
June 2022
ECHO STAFF THANKFUL FOR STAMP OUT HUNGER® FOOD DRIVE
By Sharon Still
As donations poured in during the Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, ECHO volunteers sorted and stocked the shelves.
This year marks 30 years of the National Letter Association Carriers’ (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, which was held recently. The event is the nation’s largest single-day food drive, providing residents with an easy way to donate food to those in need in the community. Seven area post offices in Valrico, Seffner, Brandon, Riverview, Gibsonton, Sun City Center and Apollo Beach collected more than 22,000 pounds of food to help stock the empty shelves at its partner nonprofit, the Emergency Care Health Organization (ECHO) in Brandon. “Neighbors helping neighbors, coming together with the community,” said ECHO director Savanna Thompson. “We cannot thank you enough.” She added that along with the participation of the seven post offices, community members and volunteers contributed to the successful day.
The food donated will go to provide more than 18,000 meals to our community, reported Thompson. “It was beautiful to see volunteers of all ages, race and religions come together for their community,” she commented, “This is what makes our community strong.” Inflation has greatly impacted ECHO, as the rising cost of everything causes an increase in the number of people needing food assistance. Thompson declared, “But the biggest problem facing our community right now is the rising cost of rent.” She explained that each week, more people who are on the verge of losing their homes or have recently become homeless for the first time in their lives because of rising monthly rent are turning to ECHO for assistance. “ECHO has at least 10 families each week who are coming to us as a last resort,” she said. In 2019, ECHO also partnered with post offices for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, bringing in close to 80,000 pounds of food for ECHO. Thompson said that ECHO has seen a slight decline in donations due to rising food costs and attributes that to the much lower collections in this year’s food drive. Residents wishing to donate to ECHO in this critical time of need can do so by dropping food, clothing and money at ECHO Thrift, located at 424 W. Brandon Blvd., from Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. ECHO of Brandon at 507 N. Parsons Ave. and ECHO of Riverview at 7809 Capitano St. accept food donations from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit echofl.org to find out more information about donating food or to contribute financially.
Page 3
APOLLO BEACH WOMAN’S CLUB AWARDED COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Staff Report
The Apollo Beach The winners were Woman’s Club (ABWC) Samantha Prete (Lenhas been serving the nard HS, University of community since 1959. Central Florida, busiThe club’s primary obness/fine arts), Hope jectives are to promote Tepfer (Lennard HS, sociability among its Florida State Univermembers, work tosity, marketing/entreward the advancement preneurship), Lauren of womankind and proMercer (East Bay HS, vide scholarships for University of Central education and training Florida, physical therof students who live in apy), Tatyannah SanApollo Beach and the Apollo Beach Woman’s Club (ABWC) May tos-Lopez (East Bay surrounding areas with 11 luncheon at the Moose Lodge in Ruskin. HS, University of CenTop photo: 2022 college scholarship recipa demonstrated financial tral Florida, legal studients. Bottom photo: 2022 Woman’s Adneed. vancement college scholarship recipients. ies/prelaw), Matthew This year, the ABWC Hummel (East Bay HS, was able to award $12,000 in college schol- Florida A & M University, computer science), arships to eight students from East Bay Nathan Kimmel (East Bay HS, University of and Lennard high schools. The scholarships Central Florida, electrical engineering), Anwere funded due to the generous donations thony Durden (Lennard HS, Florida A&M of club members and donations from the University, business) and Kailyn Batista Estate of Betty Fay, Marion LoVerde, Eileen (Lennard HS, University of Central Florida, Sengstock, family of Sonja Davidson and finance). Nancy Vance. For the first time this year, scholarships All recipients are attending a four-year were also awarded during the May lunFlorida university, and received $1,500 to cheon to two local women, Martha Alfaro be used for tuition, books and lab fees. The and Rachel Martinez, who have returned to recipients and a parent were honored at college to continue their education. Rachel the May 11 luncheon at the Moose Lodge in is pursuing an online degree in counseling at Ruskin along with their guidance counselors. Colorado Christian University and Martha is To be eligible, the scholarship applicant must finishing a nursing degree at Hillsborough be assigned to attend either East Bay or Len- Community College. The money for these nard High Schools, plan to attend a Florida scholarships was raised through the ABWC college or university and submit a complet- Woman’s Advancement Committee. ed application by the deadline. All applicants If you wish to get acquainted with the must meet the club’s stated scholarship ABWC, attend any events (resuming Sepcriteria: show financial need, outstanding tember 2022) or join the club, visit www. scholastic accomplishments, extracurricular apollobeachwomansclub.com or contact Liz activities, leadership roles, two recommen- Pedersen, ABWC second vice president of dations, a 500-word student essay and the membership, at 813-777-8215 or kenlizpedrequired community service hours. ersen@msn.com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
MANATEE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL OPENS A NEW FREESTANDING EMERGENCY ROOM Staff Report all ages, is always staffed by a physician and has six exam rooms and three rapid medical exam spaces, a total of nine treatment areas. The total square feet of the building is 10,884. It also houses a full-service laboratory along with X-ray, CT and ultrasound services. The recent ribbon-cutting ceremony provided attendees and media the Left to right: Tammy Sloas, Jim opportunity to Boyd, Gerri DeStefano, Hug Miller, Tom McDougal, Cathy hear from ManCooper, Joe Hwang and Gary atee Memorial Whittington. Hospital’s leadA new option for emerership, includgency care is now open ing McDougal; in Southern Hillsborough Lynne Conlan, County. On May 11, Manatee executive diOn May 11, Manatee Memorial Hospital Memorial Hospital opened opened a new freestanding emergency rector of the a new freestanding emerroom, the ER at Sun City Center. South Hillsborgency room, the ER at Sun ough Chamber City Center. The new emerof Commerce; gency room expands access and Hugh Miller, to emergency care 24 hours chairman of the a day, seven days a week in board of goverHillsborough County and is nors. located at 16504 S. U.S. 301 Manatee Mein Wimauma, adjacent to morial Hospital, Walmart. a member of the “We are honored to be expanding in Hills- Manatee Healthcare System, has served the borough County with the first freestanding residents of Manatee, Hillsborough and suremergency room for Manatee Memorial rounding counties for over 68 years. Hospital. By expanding our emergency serPhysicians are on the medical staff of vices, we can better meet the needs of our Manatee Memorial Hospital but, with limitgrowing communities and provide access to ed exceptions, are independent practitioners emergency care where it is needed. No mat- who are not employees or agents of Manater what the emergency, the new ER at Sun tee Memorial Hospital. The hospital shall not City Center is equipped to handle everything be liable for actions or treatments provided from minor conditions to stabilizing treat- by physicians. For language assistance, disment for major conditions, such as heart ability accommodations and the nondiscrimattack and stroke,” stated Tom McDougal, ination notice, visit its website. CEO of Manatee Memorial Hospital. For more information, visit manateemeThe ER at Sun City Center offers care for morial.com.
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Volume 20, Issue 6
SOUTHSHORE CHAMBER HOSTS THE 16TH ANNUAL MIGRANT STUDENT SENIOR BANQUET By Libby Hopkins The Southto make sure this Shore Chamber event happens of Commerce every year. The has been a chamber takes proud host of donations for the the migrant event itself to graduation cover all of the ceremony for specifics. “Once 16 years. “The we are done chamber has with that part, hosted and we put the rest sponsored this of the money in event since it’s to a scholarship started,” said and present it Melanie Davis, to a student at executive directhe event,” Davis The SouthShore Chamber of Commerce has been a tor of the chamsaid. “This year, ber. “It included proud host of the migrant graduation ceremony for 16 we were able to migrant gradu- years. This year included migrant students from Lennard provide a wonHigh School, East Bay High School, South County Career ates from Len- Center and Sumner High School. A total of 24 students derful dinner, nard, East Bay, beautiful flowers received their diplomas. South County and framed gradCareer, and this year, Sumner High School uation photos, gift baskets for each student, was included. This year, it was a total of 24 serape graduation-style sashes, medals, students.” school supplies for college and one larger The event took place on May 10 of this surprise, brand-new laptops. All of these year at Wellspring Church in Ruskin. “This items are possible through the donations of event always serves as a nice celebration chamber members and a few individual resof the students’ dedication and success idents in the SouthShore community.” and it applauds the efforts of their parents This year, $3,000 was given in scholarfor making education an important part of ships and even after the event, the chamber their child’s lives,” Davis said. “These stu- was able to secure one more scholarship dents switch schools and states numerous for one of the migrant graduates. “It’s an times every single year, which makes it dif- event that our chamber loves taking on and ficult to keep up with schoolwork, but they is definitely committed to,” Davis said. “We don’t miss a beat and now it pays off, as applaud the efforts of each student and they received their diplomas.” their families for making education a prioriAs always with this event, the chamber’s ty in their lives. When they are called to the goal is to raise enough money to cover any stage to receive their medals, a brief story and all expenses for the banquet. “The ban- or bio written by the students is read out quet typically costs about $1,500,” Davis loud. The stories they have are unbelievable. said. The vast majority of these students will be The business community comes together attending college in the fall.”
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
June 2022
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
WATER BILLING SYSTEM UPGRADE AIMS TO ENHANCE DATA SECURITY, IMPROVE SERVICE
HILLSBOROUGH SCHOOLS FOCUSES ON SUMMER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
By Superintendent Addison Davis
By Linda Chion Starting this simple ones, or use month, water, the same password wastewater and at many different reclaimed water sites.” customers of HillTo hammer home sborough County the need for onWater Resourcline security, World es are required Password Day was to reregister to on May 5 and Napay their bills eitional Computer ther online or via Security Day is on phone. Wednesday, NovemAt issue is the ber 30. Both days utility bill system drive home the mesupgrade for online sage that cyberseand phone pay- Hillsborough County Water Resources provides curity and identity ments that went drinking water and wastewater treatment ser- theft affects everyinto effect April vices to customers in unincorporated Hillsbor- thing from where ough County. 28. Customers we bank to how we using their old logins and passwords will spend our money to how we pay our bills. find they no longer work under the new It’s becoming standard now for finansystem, which is designed to enhance cial institutions, applications and social data security and improve service. media, shopping and billing sites to reThe change requires all customers quire multifactor verification, which typto reregister their accounts, which al- ically involves something known (such as lows for “multifactor authentication,” a password or PIN number), something in also known as “two-factor notification,” one’s possession (such as a smartphone, which is among the top must-do’s for to which an authentication code is sent) data security, according to cybersecuri- and something unique to the individual ty officials engaged in the fight against (such as a fingerprint or facial recogniidentity theft. tion). Traditionally, a username and passTo alert customers of the changes to word are used to authenticate a login, its billing system, Hillsborough County which tells a service provider that a per- Water Resources sent postcards to cusson is indeed the person they claim to be. tomers in April and noted the upgrade as “Unfortunately, that’s not a very good well on monthly bill statements. The utiliway to do it,” according to a Microsoft ty provides drinking water and wastewareport, which notes usernames are of- ter treatment services to unincorporated ten too easy to determine, especially as Hillsborough County. “sometimes they’re just your email adFor more information, visit www.hcfldress.” Moreover, “since passwords can gov.net/water. For technical assistance, be hard to remember, people tend to pick call 813-276-2700.
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Volume 20, Issue 6
The pandemic has undoubtedly created interruptions in learning unlike anything ever seen in our educational system. While Hillsborough County Public Schools has focused on accelerated learning this academic year to bring students up to speed, we must continue our quest to bridge the achievement gap by providing a multitude of Summer Learning Program options throughout our district. Studies show students can lose up to 30 percent of learning gains while taking a break over the summer month, which is widely known as the ‘summer slide.’ This occurrence can be especially damaging for students who have not met benchmarks for promotion as well as the more vulnerable student populations that need increased support. Hillsborough County Public Schools will offer dozens of Summer Learning Programs for all grade bands. We will follow a two-pronged approach by providing opportunities for students struggling to grasp grade-level content as well as high-achieving learners looking for enrichment programs based on their interests. Students who need Summer Learning for grade promotion or credit recovery will be asked to confirm participation through an online registration link. These comprehensive courses will include individualized interventions with a focus on small-group instruction to allow students
to better grasp content. This will include a Migrant School Readiness program for English language learners to strengthen understanding of core concepts. Our district is also thrilled to offer innovative summer camps for enrichment, such as a STEM Rocket Camp, Dual Language Success Camp, Nature’s Classroom Water Adventure Camp, Cyber Patriot Camp as well as an Elementary Summer Scholars Program. Each initiative offers unique hands-on learning opportunities to excite learners while sparking their curiosity and love for learning. Students who participate in a Summer Learning Program with Hillsborough County Public Schools will be better prepared for the upcoming academic year. The goal is to strengthen understanding, build capacity and minimize pandemic-related interruptions in learning that we have seen not only in our district but across the nation. Our communities will contend with what is called ‘unfinished learning’ due to the pandemic for some time. Our learners lost weeks to months of valuable instruction time in front of high-quality instructors as our nation dealt with a world health emergency. By providing authentic learning experiences over the summer months to promote achievement and understanding, we will continue our pursuit of closing the achievement gap.
June 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY IS DISTRIBUTING
MOSQUITO-EATING FISH
By Brad Stager troughs. No chemicals or care of the fish is required, beyond protecting them from chemical contamination that can occur from property maintenance. The dates for upcoming mosquitofish distribution events are as follows: Hillsborough County Mosquito Management • June 4 - FishHawk Services will host mosquito-eating fish giveaways featuring the Mosquito Ninja and Gambuzi-San Public Educa- Sports Complex at 16000 tion Trailer at various locations throughout the summer. Fishhawk Blvd. in Lithia • July 9 - Providence Skate As spring eases into summer with lonPark at 5720 Providence Rd. in Riverview ger and hotter days, mosquitoes, a no• August 6 Mike E. Sansone Commutable element of Florida’s warm season, nity Park at 1702 N. Park Rd. in Plant City reappear in abundance. According to the Hillsborough County Dealing with mosquitoes, sometimes large swarms of them, is a part of daily website, more than 40 species of mosliving during the summer, and Hillsbor- quitoes inhabit the local community. ough County is providing residents with Ron Montgomery oversees Hillsborough an effective way to do so by distributing County’s mosquito control efforts, and he fish that feed on the pestilential insects. said spraying insecticide has limited, speThe fish are being handed out at events cific uses and that dealing with a growing throughout the county, with some hap- mosquito population by denying them a pening in the Osprey Observer readership safe habitat of standing water—whetharea from 8 a.m.-12 Noon on three Satur- er intentional or from neglect, such as having containers and tires that collect days during the summer. The fish, natural predators to mosqui- water on a property—is the first line of toes, are free, but photographic identifi- defense. “Unfortunately, the public today thinks cation that shows Hillsborough County that the way to rid yourself of a mosquiresidency is required. The fish will be disto, or a mosquito problem, or a mosquito tributed while supplies last. issue or a mosquito threat, is to spray,” Mosquito larvae are the favorite food of Montgomery commented while adthe fish, according to Hillsborough Coundressing local code enforcement officers ty, and the idea is to eliminate the insects during a training session that was recordbefore they mature and target people and ed and posted to the Hillsborough County animals for their own sustenance. YouTube channel. The idea is to place the fish where For more information, you can contact water is intentionally collected or is left Hillsborough County Mosquito Control at standing, such as rain collection barrels, 813-635-5400. retention ponds and fishponds or horse
Page 7
CARNEVALE COMES TO LAKELAND AT RP FUNDING CENTER
Staff Report
sound that emerges from a classical backdrop but then transcends beyond the limits of any single creative expression, masterfully placing his instrument at the forefront of the orchestra. Now, Hamilton presents his mystical and electrifying masquerPuerto Rican saxophonist, classical pop recording artist, musical director, and composer Jazz a d e Hamilton performs his latest concert production Carnevale at the RP Funding Center on showFriday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m. casing masterPuerto Rican saxophonist, classical pieces pop recording artist, musical director such as “Song from a and composer Jazz Hamilton performs Secret Garden,” “Libertango,” “Over the his latest production Carnevale at the RP Funding Center on Friday, September Rainbow,” “Green Hornet,” Aranjuez” and “Bésame Mucho,” along with many 30 at 7:30 p.m. Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Hamil- more. All this intertwined with his original ton knew he was destined to become a arrangements, orchestrations and spellmusician since the age of 3. At the age binding interpretations. Come and celeof 4 and 5, he serenaded his neighbors brate love in a unique immersive musical from the balcony of his grandmother’s experience with the organic, smooth and third-floor apartment, singing the most warm tone of Hamilton in this dynamic famous songs of his favorite salsa artist, Héctor Lavoe. His introduction to jazz and breathtaking Book of Moments that was unique; with a father that was an today he calls Carnevale. The RP Funding Center is located avid collector of good music recordings, minutes between Orlando and Tamhe was exposed to different genres at pa in Lakeland off Interstate 4 at 701 an early age. Then one day, he found the W. Lime St.; the RP Funding Center is original recording of “Body and Soul” by a short drive from anywhere in Central the great Coleman Hawkins and fell in Florida. Regular box office hours are love with the saxophone and jazz music Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. forever. Tickets are on sale now and cost $44, Known for his recordings of classical, $55, $66, $77 or $97. For tickets, visit pop, jazz, Latin jazz, contemporary jazz the RP Funding Center Box Office, call and salsa genres, his main instruments toll-free at 863-834-8111 or online at are alto and soprano saxophones. Conwww.rpfundingcenter.com. sequently, Hamilton crafted a distinctive
Page 8
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
THE CHILDREN’S DREAM FUND TREATS KEYLA MARTINEZ TO HER DREAM SHOPPING SPREE By Lily Belcher
Keyla Martinez was treated to a VIP shopping trip by Children’s Dream Fund.
On April 20, Keyla Martinez was treated to a VIP shopping trip at the Westfield Brandon mall by the Children’s Dream Fund. Keyla was diagnosed with lymphoma and has finished treatments, just in time for her to partake in her shopping dream. Martinez and her family arrived at the mall in style with a limousine ride from her house and signs and gift bags welcoming Martinez before she began shopping. She was treated to special dressing rooms and escorted to her favorite stores, where staff went all out to invite her on her VIP shopping spree. “Keyla likes YouTube, and she sees shopping sprees. She always wanted to go on one,” said mother Maria Martinez. “She also loves fashion and accessories. She’s definitely a girly girl.” Martinez shopped with her mother, aunt, older brother and younger sister and
received a special lunch before doing more shopping. The 10-year-old has been battling lymphoma at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and her social worker, Leah Wimberly, referred her to the Children’s Dream Fund. “She is a really great example of embracing changes life brings and moving forward. I was reminded how resilient we all are—not just children but parents too,” said Children’s Dream Fund marketing specialist Lisa Halter. “And Keyla’s excitement while anticipating her Dream has brought joy to us as we plan, and yet another reminder of the positive impact a dream come true has on a child’s life.” Halter explained that Martinez’s formerly long, curly hair has grown back straight following treatments. Prior to her diagnosis, Martinez never wanted to get a haircut so she could look like Rapunzel, but she has embraced the change and was looking forward to shopping for new accessories, especially for her hair. The Children’s Dream Fund is a nonprofit organization that has given over 3,000 pediatric patients their dreams for over 40 years. It serves 3 to 21-year-olds in West Central Florida suffering from life-threatening illnesses and works to give them their unique dreams. “Every child deserves hope and a dream,” as said by the website, “and our goal is to continue to make those dreams come true.” For more information on the Children’s Dream Fund, visit childrensdreamfund.org or contact Halter at lhalter@childrensdreamfund.org or 727-896-6390.
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Volume 20, Issue 6
SEVEN LOCAL JROTC STUDENTS RECOGNIZED WITH ROTC MEDALS AND CERTIFICATES Staff Report The Alafia RivForce and Marine er Chapter of the Corps. They are seNational Society lected by their JROTC Daughters of the leaders and meet the American Revofollowing criteria: lution (NSDAR) • Recipients must is pleased to anhave demonstrated nounce the winners loyalty and patriotism of their awards to and earned a record of JROTC students military and scholastic at seven local high achievement during schools. These stutheir participation in dents were recan ROTC program. ognized for their • Students must be excellence in acin the upper 25 perCadet Corporal Lydia Davis of Strawberry Crest ademics and par- High School was presented with an ROTC Medal cent of their classes in ticipation in the ROTC and in academic and certificate by Sheryl Shangler. program: subjects. • Bloomingdale High School - Cadet Heidi Gri• They must have shown qualities of dener, presented by Kim Ruiz. pendability and good character and patriot• Brandon High School - Cadet Adryana Pagan, ic understanding of the importance of ROTC presented by Glenda Thurow. training. • Durant High School - Cadet Airman First “Every year, I can tell you they’re always Class Amber Delaney, presented by Roberta Joroutstanding young people,” Ruiz said. “Their dan. • Newsome High School - Cadet Jessica Lee, leadership skills, their maturity, their commitment to being part of but also standing presented by Roberta Jordan. • Strawberry Crest High School - Cadet Cor- out as individual leaders is just really heartporal Lydia Davis, presented by Sheryl Shangler. warming to see.” • Armwood High School - Cadet Staff SerShe also wanted to recognize Melody geant Bailey Couch. Powers, chairman of the National Defense • Tampa Bay Technical High School - Cadet TyCommittee at the Alafia River Chapter NStianna Green, presented by Claudia Conner. DAR, for helping to make these ceremonies “It’s probably five or six years where I’ve possible. been going to the schools and doing this ev“She coordinates with the schools to gathery year. It’s a lot of fun to watch the stu- er the names of the award winners, has that dents cheer each other on as they’re getting information printed on their certificates these different awards,” said Ruiz, public re- then schedules chapter members to present lations and media chair at the Alafia River the awards at the school’s award ceremony,” Chapter NSDAR. said Ruiz. Certificates and Bronze ROTC Medals For more information about the Daughare awarded to student cadets of outstand- ters of the American Revolution, contact it ing ability and achievement in high school at arcregistrar201921@gmail.com or visit JROTC programs of the Army, Navy, Air at www.fssdar.com/Alafiariver/.
June 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
CHRISTOPHER SHULTZ RECOGNIZED FOR REBUILDING RODGERS MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND By Lily Belcher
Austin West with Christopher Shultz, director of bands, at Rodgers Middle School.
Christopher Shultz, Rodgers Middle School’s director of bands, took on his role in the Riverview school in 2018 and was tasked with rebuilding Rodgers’ music program from a dwindling nine-member band. Four years later, Shultz leads a strong, growing, 160-musician, award-winning band, despite limited funding and instruments. Shultz’s first course of action was aggressively recruiting young musicians and getting them to put their trust in him as he rebuilt the program. Within nine weeks, he had increased the membership to 74 seventh and eighth grade beginners. While his older students practiced their skills and honed their musical talents, he worked to enlist 45 additional sixth graders. In just over a year, Rodgers’ band was well over 100 students and fell just one point shy from a ‘Superior’ ranking (the highest rank-
ing for performing arts competitions) in the district concert band festival. Just as the blossoming band was gaining the recognition they deserved, the coronavirus canceled the next festival and the next opportunity for Shultz students to showcase their talents as a group. However, this year the band, with three full years of experience and practice under their belts, performed and earned their first Straight Superior, indicating all four judges awarded them a Superior ranking. Alongside his students’ success, Shultz efforts earned him the Tom Bishop Award by the Florida Bandmasters Association. “I was nominated by John Davis, the band director at Riverview HS; voted on by the district at our meeting; and then sent to the state,” explained Shultz. “The award is given out for ‘remarkable positive growth and impact in a relatively short period of time.’” Shultz applauded his students’ growth in both musical talents and developing relationships as they step up as leaders and work together, taking pride in everything they do. Austin West became Rodgers’ first musician to earn a spot on the exclusive All-State band, earning second chair trombone player. The eighth grader and future Riverview High School student is working toward the title of the district’s ‘Master Musician.’ He earned a Superior at the Solo and Ensemble Festival with his high school-level solo piece. “The success of the program only comes from their success,” said Shultz. “Watching them hit their mark on the little achievements is so rewarding.”
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 6
CONGRATULATIONS TO AREA HIGH SCHOOL
VALEDICTORIANS & SALUTATORIANS
Compiled by Taylor Wells
Valedictorian Elizabeth Riotto Bell Creek Academy GPA 8.08 Plans to attend University of Florida
Salutatorian Jailen Marcelin Bell Creek Academy GPA 7.40 Plans to attend Howard University
Valedictorian Jacob Garbett Spoto High School GPA 8.24 Plans to attend Undecided
Salutatorian Jessica McCallum East Bay High School GPA 7.71 Plans to attend University of Florida
Valedictorian Jenjella Morris East Bay High School GPA 7.95 Plans to attend University of South Florida
Valedictorian Lurrie Leon Lennard High School Traditional GPA 7.533 Plans to attend University of Florida
Salutatorian Kylie Anderson Lennard High School Traditional GPA 7.007 Plans to attend Florida State University
Valedictorian Kaylin Anglin Lennard High School Collegiate Academy GPA 8.509 Plans to attend University of Florida
Salutatorian Edgar Murrillo Lennard High School Collegiate Academy GPA 8.461 Plans to attend Tufts University
Valedictorian Deandrea Daughtry Riverview High School GPA of 8.4210 Plans to attend Lehigh University
Salutatorian Wyatt Amarosa East Bay High School GPA 7.65 Plans to attend Florida Institute of Technology
Salutatorian Carolina Cordon-Morales
Riverview High School GPA 7.8750 College Undecided Premed
June 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 11
SUN CITY CENTER RESIDENT GIVES SCHOLARSHIPS TO EAST BAY SENIORS
YE ROYAL KREWE OF CHARLOTTE DE BERRY TO HOST SECOND BINGO NIGHT FUNDRAISER
For roughly 10 who, while in the years, Larry Brooks military, earned a of Sun City Center bachelor’s degree has been giving in liberal arts and back with scholarlater a master’s deships to deserving gree in sociology. high school seniors “I went through a set to continue time where it was their education. very tough for me, This year again, so I can understand Brooks funded two what it’s like to be scholarships, inshort on funds. Also, cluding one through even factoring in for his association inflation, college towith the Riverview day is so much more Woman’s Club, expensive than which celebrated when I went to its 10-year anniverschool. There’s just sary in May. Photo courtesy of Linda Chion. no comparison.” “I had been givBrooks at first Riverview Woman’s Club treasurer and ing out scholar- co-founder Donna Fore with Larry Brooks, attempted to work ships at East Bay an associate member of the 10-year-old club. with an organization High for years, where women from the he was affiliated with to raise funds for Riverview Woman’s Club were giving scholarships. With no interest there, he out scholarships as well,” Brooks said. set out to raise funds on his own, only “I was very impressed with their orga- to find the fundraising effort cost more nization, and when they opened up the than the cost of the scholarship itself, opportunity for men to join as associate and so he personally funds the scholarmembers, I jumped at the opportunity.” ships in his name. Brooks said that for his two annual “As much as you’d like to support ev$1,000 scholarships he targets stu- erything, you can’t,” Brooks said. “You dents in need, primarily female stu- have to pick and choose the things dents “because females in a lot of areas you want to support. Giving a scholarhave been on the short end of the stick.” ship to someone who’s trying to better He depends on guidance counselors and themselves by continuing their educateachers to make the final determina- tion, that’s something I want to do for tion based on needs-based applications. as long as I’m able to do it.” “If you are very wealthy, I don’t see For more information regarding the any point giving money to you when Riverview Woman’s Club, please visit your kids don’t really need it,” said the wedsite www.riverviewwomansBrooks, a reverse mortgage consultant club.org.
also be a 50/50 raffle, so guests have the option to buy tickets to further support Thompson Elementary School. “Aside from participating in several local parades, we choose a charity each month to support. Many of our charities involve children, women in need, Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte de Berry supports local women, children veterans and animals,” and veterans in need with frequent charity events. explained Pennington. On June 25, Ye Royal Krewe of CharParticipation in the event will cost lotte de Berry will host a Bingo Night $20 in cash only for 10 bingo cards. Ye Fundraiser to support Thompson EleRoyal Krewe of Charlotte de Berry hopes mentary School. Bingo Night will take to raise at least $800 to donate to the place at the Veterans of Foreign Wars school in addition to the donations to post in Ruskin. the 50/50 raffle. “We have chosen Thompson ElementaIf interested in joining the krewe, ry because two of our members, myself Pennington suggests women come to and my sister, Shelby, are the daughters the meet and greet on June 18 at the of Vince Thompson, for whom the school Bullfrog Creek Brewing Company off was named,” said First Mate Niki PenLithia Pinecrest Road. They will be at nington about the choice to support the the brewing company between 2-4 p.m. Apollo Beach elementary school. to answer questions and provide more This is the second year Ye Royal Krewe information about Ye Royal Krewe of of Charlotte de Berry has hosted the binCharlotte de Berry. go charity event at the Veterans of For“Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte de Berry eign Wars post and the second time the was formed as a philanthropic band of proceeds have been donated to Thompwenches who not only participate in pason Elementary School. rades but donate time and talent to local The event will follow a steak dinner and bay area causes,” reads the krewe’s provided by the Veterans of Foreign website. Wars. After the dinner, guests are enBingo Night will take place at 7 p.m. couraged to stay to play games of bingo at 5120 N. U.S. Hwy. 41 in Ruskin. For to win baskets. The baskets were domore information on Ye Royal Krewe of nated by Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte Charlotte de Berry, visit www.kreweofde Berry and have a minimum value of charlottedeberry.com. $50 for each themed prize. There will
By Linda Chion
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 6
SOUTHSHORE BAY LAGOON OFFERS A SUBURBAN COASTAL LIFE Staff Report Southshore Bay, a fast-growing community by Metro Places, has officially opened its lagoon, the first in Hillsborough County. The lagoon features crystal-blue waters, beaches and a wide range of activities, allowing residents to live a coastal lifestyle in the suburbs. It is the second lagoon community opened by Metro Places and Metro Lagoons, that opened their first lagoon in 2018 in the Pasco County community of Epperson, the first in the country. The Southshore Bay lagoon stretches across five acres of water, which equates to four football fields in size, and is surrounded by features like an event pavilion and stage, bringing the total size of the lagoon area to 17 acres. After a soft opening to residents in August 2021, the Southshore Bay lagoon opened for day pass ticket sales Southshore Bay, a fast-growing community by Metro Places, has officially opened its lagoon, the first in Hillsborough County. to the public on April 15. The lagoon is part of a wide array of amenities at • Paddle boarding and kayak rentals. part of new comSouthshore Bay, where builders D.R. Hor• Aquaglide floating adventure course munities being ton and Medley by Lennar have sold more and Superslide. planned in Pasco, than 1,000 homes since the community • ‘Gasparilla Island’ with a beach and Manatee, Duval opened in May 2019. The community of- splash pad. (near Jacksonfers everything from walking trails to dog • Family beach. ville) and Osceoparks to best-in-class ULTRAFi internet • A wide range of activities, like yoga, la counties (near service. movie and trivia nights, live music perfor- Orlando). The lagoon also brings jobs to South- mances and swim lessons. The lagoons’ ern Hillsborough County. Metro Lagoons, In addition to the lagoons at South- o n e - o f - a - k i n d which runs the lagoon’s day-to-day op- shore Bay and Epperson, Metro Places technology is erations, expects to hire between 80 to and Metro Lagoons have two more la- sustainable and 100 new full-time and seasonal employ- goons under construction at Mirada in safe for the environment, limiting the use ees within the next year. Pasco County and at Brightwater in Lee of water and energy. Lagoons use 100 The amenities at Southshore Bay la- County. Both are slated to open at the times fewer chemical products and 50 goon include: end of 2022. times less energy than traditional swim• An event pavilion and stage. Looking ahead, Metro Places and Met- ming pools, consume only two percent of • Swim-up bar and food services. ro Lagoons have four additional lagoon the energy needed by conventional filtra• Cabana and tiki rentals. communities in the planning phase as tion systems, fully comply with the most
stringent water quality standards and consume 30 times less water than a typical 18-hole golf course. “The lagoon at Southshore Bay will redefine how people in South Hillsborough County experience coastal living,” said Vaike O’Grady, Metro Development Group’s vice president of marketing and communications. “We have brought the best of the coastline to Hillsborough County and are thrilled to provide a unique experience to our residents while contributing to the county’s vitality and economic growth.” A Tampa-based company founded in 2003, Metro Development Group is the largest privately held residential developer in Florida. The company’s
communities, under the Metro Places brand, are known for innovative technologies and high-impact amenities, like its extremely popular lagoons managed by Metro Lagoons. For more information, visit metrodevelopmentgroup.com.
June 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 13
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
TAMPA BAY RODEO AND FAMILY FESTIVAL RETURNS
Staff Report
Due to the sold-out attenIn addition to dance at the first event in April, the bull riding the Tampa Bay Rodeo and Family and other rodeo Festival is galloping back into the competitions, the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds extremely popuon Friday and Saturday, July 15 lar mutton busand 16. tin’ will return, T h e allowing young two-day cowpokes to test extravtheir skills each a g a n night. Parents can za once sign kids up onagain feasite for the event. tures nonThe Tampa stop rodeo Bay Rodeo and action with Family Festival heart-stopis a community ping bull riding, event featuring bronco busting and barrel racTampa-area muing, as well as a festival chocksical artists, Hillfull of delicious food and excit- Tampa Bay Rodeo and Family Fes- sborough Countival gallops back into the Hillsboring games for the whole family. ty-based rodeo ough County Fairgrounds on July 15 The fun starts at 5 p.m. each producer, local and 16. day with the Family Festival vendors and area and continues with the rodeo competition sponsors including: beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale for • Bud Light. $25 per person, which includes general • Russell’s Work & Western Wear. parking. Children under 1 year old are free. • Duke’s Brewhouse. The jam-packed evening of activities be• Everglades Equipment. gins at the Family Festival, where guests • Sunstate Equipment Company. can try to best the mechanical bull or many • Acme Barricades. other pre-rodeo challenges for cowpokes • Tampa Bay Times. of all ages. Tasty grub that will please even • US 103.5. the littlest wrangler will be sold through• Rumba 106.5. out the night, including barbecue, corn The Tampa Bay Rodeo is an EBA-sancdogs, tacos, apple fries and much more. tioned event. Bulls, broncs and barrels are The Bud Light Beer Barn will feature live presented by 5s Bucking Bulls, based in country music each night from 5:15-7:15 Lithia. p.m. with Randy McNeeley performing on For more information and tickets, please Friday night and Angie Rey performing on visit https://hillsboroughcountyfair.com/ Saturday night. tickets.
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Volume 20, Issue 6
ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL-SOUTH’S CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER HONORED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Staff Report
Dr. Christopher current on health Bucciarelli, St. regulations. He Joseph’s Hospialso provides clintal-South’s chief ical oversight to medical officer physicians, ensures (CMO), has received regulatory complithe University of ance and evaluates Florida’s (UF) 2022 quality of services. ‘40 Gators Under Dr. Bucciarelli also 40’ honor. The disrepresents the hostinction annually pital at BayCare recognizes achieveand community ments by 40 alummeetings. ni under the age of The University of 40 who are ‘going Florida’s College of greater’ in their proMedicine, his medfessions and comical school, and the munities. Dr. Christopher Bucciarelli, St. Joseph’s Hospi- College of Health He was honored and Human Pertal-South’s chief medical officer, has received the University of Florida’s 2022 ‘40 Gators at an event at UF’s formance (HHP), Under 40’ honor. Stephen C. O’Conhis undergraduate nell Center in April with the school, also presented Dr. Buc2022 40 Gators Under 40 ciarelli with ‘Young Alumni class. Award’ plaques for his 40 GaDr. Bucciarelli, also a memtors Under 40 honor. HHP is ber of the UF Hall of Fame also placing a brick engraved because of his accomplishwith his name in front of the ments as a Gator undergradHHP building on the Gainesville uate, holds two degrees from campus. UF, a Bachelor of Science in “It’s a great honor to be recexercise physiology in 2006 and a Doctor ognized by the University of Florida with of Medicine in 2012. He also completed so many great people from diverse backhis residency training at UF in emergency grounds,” Dr. Bucciarelli said about the 40 medicine. Gators Under 40 award. “Listening to the Dr. Bucciarelli was named St. Joseph’s accolades of all the other individuals was Hospital-South’s CMO in August 2021. humbling and made me feel honored to be As the CMO, he assists St. Joseph’s Hos- recognized with such a great group.” pital-South’s doctors in providing safe, To learn more about the University effective medical care. His responsibili- of Florida’s 40 Gators Under 40, visit ties include training new physicians on https://www.uff.ufl.edu/gatornation/unthe hospital’s policies and keeping staff der-40-and-on-top-of-their-game-2/.
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
June 2022
IN-DEPTH WITH DAVIS ALLOWS FOR CLOSER LOOK AT HILLSBOROUGH SCHOOLS By Linda Chion Through online then it has “slingshot videos hosted by Adinto what I want my dison Davis, school career field to be.” officials said it’s never Principal Marcos Rotoo early to research driguez said gaining the wide range of life skills through the choices and programs program “is huge and available in Hillsborinstrumental,” even if ough County Public students decide not to Addison Davis (left), superintendent of Schools for students pursue careers in auwithin and outside its Hillsborough public schools, in the In-Depth tomotive technology. attendance boundar- with Davis video shot at Bloomingdale High At Armwood High School with Principal Marcos Rodriguez. School in Seffner, ies. “Our in-depth segDavis explored the ments strive to take school’s collegiate an in-depth look at our academy, which allows staff, our students and students to earn their programs that make liberal arts Associate our district so great,” in Arts (A.A.) degree said Davis, the school through Hillsborough district’s superintenCommunity College dent of schools. “We while also meeting the want to make sure Addison Davis (left), superintendent of requirements for their that all of our families Hillsborough public schools, in the In- high school diplomas. and students know Depth with Davis video shot at Armwood “It’s not just a about every one of our High School with Collegiate Academy cost-saving measure,” Instructor Theodore Newfield. amazing opportunities said teacher Theodore within our schools.” Newfield, adding that it allows students At Bloomingdale High School in Valrico, “to explore other career opportunities they Davis talked with teacher Richard Fortney, might not even be aware of,” even if they whose automotive services program al- change their minds by graduation. Better lows students to earn Automotive Service to change their minds now, Newfield said, Excellence (ASE) certifications. “rather than when they get off to college.” The ASE certification has “major, masIn-Depth with Davis segments include sive name recognition,” Fortney said. topics that cover mental health, virtual ed“When you walk in with an ASE certifi- ucation, school reopening issues, Hispanic cation, that says you know what you’re Heritage Month, Black History Month, talking about. You have earned the right to kindergarten readiness, magnet choice opbe in that automotive shop. You are above tions, career and technical education prowhere everybody else is just walking off grams, environmental studies and agriculthe street.” ture programs. View for yourself at https:// One student said he took the class “to get www.youtube.com/results?search_quebasic knowledge of my car” and that since ry=in-depth+with+davis+channel.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 6
GET A GROUP DISCOUNT WITH HILLSBOROUGH 2022 SOLAR CO-OP
By Taylor Wells
Hillsborough County is provide other needed teaming up with the nonprograms and services profit group Solar United and enable homeowners Neighbors (SUN) for the and businesses to spend Hillsborough 2022 Solar on other needs. And Co-op, a free group to since 2017, the co-op has help residents and small helped over 600 resident businesses go solar. With Solar panels installed on the Hillsbor- participants, resulting in the co-op, residents can ough County Pet Resource Center’s roof. over 1 megawatt of soget a group rate discount lar installation on homes when purchasing solar throughout the county. panels. By the end of 2022, The co-op is open the county will have through Sunday, July 31 installed solar panels and has a 125-member at 28 county facilities, goal, which may increase generating about 3,400 if there’s enough demand. kW annually. These Solar panels being installed on the The discount depends on efforts are all part of Southshore Regional Service Center’s the number of people, gothe county’s mission of roof. ing rate and vendor and Net Zero Energy, using deal chosen, which will what you produce, and be ironed out as a group ceasing the use of fossil with professional assisfuels. tance from SUN. McNamara said, “Go“The nice thing about ing solar helps people the co-op is that you Solar panels installed on the Brandon save money, reduce and know you’re going to get stabilize their expenses. Park & Recreation Center’s roof. a really good rate beLoan or cash, solar is recause you do have that large group of people ducing the amount of electricity you buy. and SUN … handles all of that,” said Sheila It’s paying yourself and building wealth McNamara, the county’s sustainability man- and investing in your home instead of givager. ing your money to a utility.” Going solar creates jobs and puts energy Also, there will be a Florida Solar 101 production and its benefits back in the hands webinar on Thursday, June 23, as well as of the people while contributing to cleaner air other information sessions — in person and water for everyone. Plus, with an average and virtual — in June and July, including of over 200 sunny days each year, Florida’s a Spanish and prerecorded ones. great place for gathering solar energy. For information, visit www.solarunitAccording to Hillary Zalla, media relations edneighbors.org/hillsborough. For a webistrategist with the county, since the incep- nar, select the ‘Events’ tab or visit www. tion of solar in Hillsborough, it has generated hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/susover 6 million kilowatt hours of solar energy tainability-and-green for sustainable living and saved over $700,000, which is used to information.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
June 2022
NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE EXTENDS REACH WITH GREATER RIVERVIEW, GREATER PLANT CITY CHAMBER SUPPORT
COUNTY PLANS $20 MILLION FOR SIDEWALK REPAIRS
Staff Report
By Linda Chion Open to everymaking sure they are body and backed aware of resources availby both the Greatable, and sharing resourcer Riverview and es in a challenging time,” Greater Plant City Doran said. “He has perchambers of comsonal experience building merce, the Nonup his own nonprofit, and profit Leadership I love the way he shares Roundtable meets information and grants virtually on the opportunities.” fourth Tuesday of Virtual meetings the month. Pat Simmons, founder of the nonPat Simmons, founder of Bikes For profit Bikes For Christ, runs the Nonprofit Leadership Christ, said he is Roundtable with chamber support. in a good place to take the roundtable to its next level of en- allow the gagement. round“The purpose is to educate our nonprof- table to its and to help them continue to grow,” e x t e n d Simmons said. “Also, the networking al- its reach, lows us to know what’s going on with our Simmons said, as he nonprofit friends and how we can all work “brings in a lot of good speakers to help together to make a stronger community.” educate people as to how to grow and The brainchild of Plant City Chamber make their nonprofits stronger.” President Christine Miller, the roundtable Bikes For Christ traces its roots to a once met in chamber space, until office 2015 mission trip where Simmons said spaces were sold, and the chamber meets he learned “what real poverty is like in a now in temporary space. third-world country.” Coming home, “I Meanwhile, at a Riverview Chamber didn’t know what I wanted to, but I wantgathering, Simmons talked about the ed to do something to make a difference in roundtable, which is when Tanya Dor- my own community.” an, the chamber’s chief executive officer, Working with organizations that serve expressed an interest in working with the poor and homeless, Simmons comthe roundtable to extend its reach in the bined his love of cycling to mobility needs. Greater Riverview area. Roughly 10 per- Since 2016, Bikes For Christ has worked cent of the chamber’s 720 members are with more than 70 organizations across nonprofits, Doran said. four counties to provide bicycles for trans“Pat has been very engaged with us, portation. educating the nonprofits in our area and For more, visit www.bikes4christ.com.
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The homeowner has submitted several requests over the past 8 years to repair the sidewalk in front of his home. The resident has witnessed kids getting injured while riding scooter or bikes. The sidewalk continues to grow worse each year.
If you are struggling with broken sidewalks in your community, help could be on the way. The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted recently to use $20 million in American Rescue Plan funds to repair broken sidewalks throughout the county. According to Hillsborough County, the Public Works Department maintains more than 3,200 miles of sidewalks with a budget of only about $550,000 a year to perform repairs. The $20 million approved by the BOCC dramatically increases the number of neighborhoods Hillsborough can improve by repairing and replacing broken sidewalks. Sidewalks often are damaged over the years by tree roots or vehicles, and broken sidewalks can discourage residents from using them. Repairing sidewalks provides many benefits, including improved safety, greater mobility and healthier communities. By further separating people from traffic, sidewalks also reduce pedestrian injuries, supporting Vision Zero goals. The Hillsborough County American Rescue
Plan Investment Plan, approved by the Board of County Commissioners on September 1, 2021, provides a framework for investing the $285 million in federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds in the community. The funding will support vital projects throughout the county related to water, sewer and broadband infrastructure; public health response; negative economic impacts; and revenue replacement for certain government services. Projects funded by Hillsborough County must meet the guidelines established by the federal government while addressing the county’s unique community needs and reflecting the BOCC’s collective values in addressing residents’ needs. The sidewalk repairs are one of the programs funded under this plan by the BOCC. If there is a sidewalk in your neighborhood that needs repairing, you can visit https://service.hillsboroughcounty.org/311/ roads-sidewalks/ to report it. The report will ask for the location of the issue and a contact for follow-up questions. Additionally, it is possible to call the Hillsborough County Public Works Department Customer Service Center at 813-635-5400 to report. For more information, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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Meet & Greet Candidates, NARE, Freedom Plaza & More... Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition memory care, skilled nursing, in-home care, hospice care and rehab offered. The open house will take place on Wednesday, June 15 from 3-5 p.m. at Freedom Plaza, located at 1010 American Eagle Blvd. in Sun City Center. For more information, visit www.freedomplazafl.com or call 813-634-1824.
National Active And Retire Federal Employees Chapter Meeting
National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Chapter 109 will meet on Monday, June 13 at 12:30 p.m. Speaker Rita Smith will explain the new Postal Candidate Meet And Greet Reform Act which recently became law Are you aware of the upcoming primary and its impact. The meeting will be held elections being held in August and would at the Tampa like to meet local candiBuffet restaudates and find out more rant, located at about them? 5th Gear 3903 S. Dale Fitness is hosting many Mabry in Tamlocal candidates on Saturpa in Britton day, June 11 from 1-3 p.m. Plaza. For more at 1076 E. Brandon Blvd., information, contact Terry Zitek at 813Ste. 211 in Brandon. The local event will 251-5611. be hosted by Gretchen Trasorras, Patrick Bailey. Maria Perez, Clarice Henderson, Kris Beaird and Linda Townsend. Each East Hillsborough Democratic candidate will have time to speak, explain Club Meeting Join the East Hillsborough Democrattheir platform and have a Q&A session ic Club at Brandon Crossroads Bowl, loafterwards. For more information, please cated at 609 Crater Ln. in Tampa, or on email patrickbnhs@gmail.com. Zoom for the monthly meeting on June 14 at 6:30 p.m. The Freedom Plaza guest speaker Open House will be Andrew Freedom Plaza in Learned. Please Sun City Center is go to the club hosting an open house. calendar on Do not miss this opporthe website at tunity to view the luxuwww. e a s t h i rious model apartment llsboroughdems.org an hour before the homes. Along with viewing the apart- meeting to register and check for upments, you will meet the department dates, or you can call 813-677-8300 and leaders and learn more about the excep- leave a message. All like-minded individutional independent living, assisted living, als are welcome.
Volume 20, Issue 6
PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS RECEIVED GRANT TO ADVANCE GIRLS’ SAFE DRIVING SKILLS Staff Report Pace Center for Girls, a friendly art competia nationally recognized tion and the statewide model that provides winning art piece will be education, counseling, displayed at the Florida training and advocacy State Capitol. for more than 3,000 “Working with Pace girls and young womgirls has been a memen annually, received orable and rewarding an $85,000 grant from experience,” said Jose State Farm Insurance Soto, State Farm corto advance girls’ underporate responsibility standing of distracted analyst. “The girls have driving and safe moan incredible abundance tor vehicle operation. of talent and creativity, The funding supported and our agents enjoyed Pace’s service-learnthe opportunity to teach ing program designed them invaluable lessons to help girls engage in Pace Center for Girls recently received about safe driving that leadership development an $85,000 grant from State Farm will build a safer, stronand give back to their lo- Insurance to advance girls’ under- ger and better-educated standing of distracted driving and safe cal communities. community.” motor vehicle operation. “Pace believes a holisTexting, talking on the tic approach to safety ensures our girls phone, eating, drinking and fiddling with can thrive,” said Mary Marx, president music—all common activities of teenagand CEO of Pace Center for Girls. “Dis- ers—can have catastrophic results when tracted driving is a public health threat, driving. In 2020, there were more than particularly among young people, so we 48,000 driving crashes in Florida, 75 perare grateful to State Farm for investing in cent of which were caused by the driver Pace and providing us the opportunity to being inattentive behind the wheel. enhance our counseling, academics and “Car crashes are still the leading cause life skills training on this topic.” of death for teenagers in the U.S., and From April 19 through 22, Pace hosted most of those deaths are completely prea weeklong initiative across its 21 Florida ventable,” said Filler. “Our choices matter. locations where girls completed lessons, Through this program, we aspire for Pace crafted art projects and heard from guest girls to have the resources and education speakers, including representatives from to make good choices when they are in State Farm, highway patrol officers and vehicles and advocate for safer driving Cara Filler, America’s leading speaker among their friends and families.” on traffic safety and peer pressure. Girls For more information about Pace Cenare advocating for safe driving through ter for Girls, visit www.pacecenter.org.
FINANCIAL FOCUS
WHAT INVESTORS CAN – AND CAN’T – CONTROL As an investor, you can easily feel frustrated to see short-term drops in your investment statements. But while you cannot control the market, you may find it helpful to review the factors you can control. Many forces affect the financial markets, including geopolitical events, corporate profits and interest rate movements – forces beyond the control of most individual investors. In any case, it’s important to focus on the things you can control, such as these: • Your ability to define your goals – One area in which you have total control is your ability to define your goals. Like most people, you probably have shortterm goals – such as saving for a new car or a dream vacation – and long-term ones, such as a comfortable retirement. Once you identify your goals and estimate how much they will cost, you can create an investment strategy to help achieve them. Over time, some of your personal circumstances will likely change, so you’ll want to review your time horizon and risk tolerance on a regular basis, adjusting your strategy when appropriate. And the same is true for your goals – they may evolve over time, requiring new responses from you in how you invest. • Your response to market downturns – When the market drops and the value of your investments declines, you might be tempted to take immediate action in an effort to stop the losses. This is understandable – after all, your investment results can have a big impact on your future. However, acting hastily could work against you – for example, you could sell investments that still have solid fundamentals and are still appropriate for your needs. If you can avoid decisions based on short-term events, you may help yourself in the long run.
• Your commitment to investing – The financial markets are almost always in flux, and their movements are hard to predict. If you can continue investing in all markets – good, bad or sideways – you will likely make much better progress toward your goals than if you periodically were to take a “time out.” Many people head to the investment sidelines when the market tumbles, only to miss out on the beginnings of the next rally. And by steadily investing, you will increase the number of shares you own in your investments – and the larger your ownership stake, the greater your opportunities for building wealth. • Your portfolio’s level of diversification – While diversification itself can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses, it can help greatly reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. Just how you diversify your investments depends on several factors, but the general principle of maintaining a diversified portfolio should govern your approach to investing. It’s a good idea to periodically review your portfolio to ensure it’s still properly diversified. The world will always be filled with unpredictable, uncontrollable events, and many of them will affect the financial markets to one degree or another. But within your own investment world, you always have a great deal of control – and with it, you have the power to keep moving toward all your important financial objectives. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
edwardjones.com/adam-benabram
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
June 2022
KITTEN SHOWER PREPARES HILLSBOROUGH SHELTER FOR KITTEN SEASON
By Taylor Wells
(Left) Three men with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue standing behind Chelsea Goss, senior supervisor of volunteer services at Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center and Max the dog at the center’s kitten shower. (Right) Rockland was recently adopted from the Pet Resource Center.
Kitten season, a monthslong time of the year when Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center takes in hundreds of kittens, is just beginning, so the center is expecting a lot of babies soon. To help with the seasonal influx—and to introduce residents to the possibilities of fostering kittens, cats or dogs and what they need to know—it hosted a kitten shower on April 30. The event featured giveaway baskets, enrichment activities like making cat toys, the chance to name kittens at the shelter, a Hillsborough County Fire Rescue fire truck and the opportunity to tour the shelter. “We had a lot of donations of blankets and towels, litter was donated, some food supplies were donated, toys were donated, so that was definitely a huge help for us as well,” said Chelsea Goss, senior supervisor of volunteer services at the Pet Resource Center. Kittens present a special set of challenges for shelter staff, especially very young kittens that require hand-feeding if their mom is not present. The kitten shower also gave information and resources on how residents can become a foster parent to kittens, cats or dogs that just need a little love and help to find a new home.
Goss was glad to say the event went well, as several families interested in adopting kittens had attended and a few new potential foster parents were signed up to help out when more kittens come during kitten season. Foster parents received training and were given the chance to take care of pets for as little as two weeks. The center’s foster program provides a temporary, safe place for pets to live, and behavioral or other information foster parents provide significantly increases the chance of a successful adoption when the pet is returned to the shelter. “We had 32 dogs adopted that day, and 20 cats went home that day as well,” said Goss. If you find kittens, Goss said to wait several hours for their mom to return before deciding they’re orphans and bringing them to the Pet Resource Center, as the mom usually returns soon. Although, if you see a mom with her kittens and are concerned about them, you’re welcome to bring them to the center so it can see what it can do for them. The shelter hosts a kitten shower each April, so the community can look forward to attending another one next year. Those interested in fostering for the Pet Resource Center can email fosterpets@hcflgov.net.
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RETIRING AFTER 15 YEARS AT FISHHAWK CREEK ELEMENTARY
By Kathi Hayes
noticed,” said former teacher Sonja Shear. “One of the most exciting things that I look forward to is having our seniors come back to walk the halls of FishHawk Creek Elementary wearing their cap and gown. I had the opportunity to work with these students and excited to see them now as seniors and to hear about their future endeavors,” said Pizzichetti. She has been such a gift not only to the school but also to the community. “Ms. Pizzichetti would buy cookies from me during our fundraiser, bake them and give them to me all wrapped up. She continued to bake cookies for me over the years, which made me feel special,” said former student Makye Hayes. “She treats every Carmela Pizzichetti sits single child with love wearing the 5th grade shirt the and respect. Recentseniors wore seven years ago ly, when my son was during this year’s clapout. killed, she did everyFifteen years ago, thing in her power to Carmela Pizzichetti help his younger sibstepped foot into Fishlings acclimate to their Hawk Creek Elementary new normal without (FHCE) as its school him. She checked on counselor and made them every day and a difference. She inthey knew they were troduced herself to in a safe place because incoming students as of her. She had bears ‘Pizza-spaghetti’ to made for them out of help them learn her Bradley’s T-shirts. She name. still checks on us even Pizzichetti helped though we have moved students to see Fishout of the area,” said Hawk Creek’s vision Carmela Pizzichetti with past FHCE Meagan Hulett. to soar to the highest admin and past Principal Pamela Bush. Pizzichetti has 10 level of academic achievement and cit- years with middle and high schools in izenship. “I am ever so grateful to have Hillsborough County under the Florida been included in the students and fam- Department of Juvenile Justice and the ilies’ lives. It has been a true learning Florida Department of Education. She experience,” said Pizzichetti. She sup- has always advocated for every student. ported PTA, administrative, teaching and “I am looking forward to spending time instructional staff, as well as the front with family, friends, traveling a bit, hitting office, custodial and café, but more im- the local beaches and waking up without portantly, they supported her too. an alarm clock,” said Pizzichetti. She is “Ms. Pizzichetti inspires the students also excited to spend more time with her to be the best version of themselves and nephew and going to see the drum circles encourages them along the way and will at the beaches. certainly be missed,” said teacher Diahn “Make the rest of your life the best of Brauss. your life,” said former teacher Jen Fowke. “Ms. ‘Pizza-getti’s’ career was filled The families and community will miss Pizwith creating special relationships with zichetti, but they are excited for her new all her students, making each one feel chapter and wish her well. special. Always taking the time to reach For more information about FishHawk out and check on her colleagues too. Her Creek Elementary, visit www.hillsbordedication and friendships did not go un- oughschools.org/fishhawkcreek.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 6
MILITARY FAMILIES SERVE AT OUR LADY’S PANTRY
Staff Report
“Volunteers to cis, who started Our Lady’s Panworking there try come from as well. Francis, throughout the also an AmeriCounty and from Corps-OVC memall walks of life,” ber and retired said Tom Bullaro, from the Army, co-director of Our is on her second Lady of Guadayear there. lupe Food Pantry A m e r i with his wife, AniCorps-OVC memta Bullaro. ber Michelle King, “Many of our who is from a From left to right: Michelle King, Leona Glenn, volunteers, in fact, Yvette Harvey, Scott Harvey and Hortencia Francis, military family, are retired mililearned about Our all members of AmeriCorps-Operation Veteran tary or from miliLady of GuadaConnect. tary families and lupe Food Pantry are now working from friends who members of Amerwork at the pantry iCorps-Operation and has been there Veteran Connect for over a year. (OVC). OVC is a program under the umbrelAmeriCorps-OVC members Yvette and la of Seniors in Service (SIS) out of Tampa. Scott Harvey also have been working at the The special mission of this group, which pantry for more than a year. Yvette retired includes volunteers over the age of 19, is from the Department of Veterans Affairs to connect veterans, active militaries and and is from a military family and Scott, a their families to community resources.” Gulf War veteran, retired from the Army “Through this connection, vets can in- after seven years. crease their knowledge about benefits and They all enjoy the good work they do have access to care,” said program manag- there, and Tom thanked them all for their er Glarisol Traspalacios. “Further, they can dedication to serving others. engage veterans in assisting their fellow “Having the help of all of our Ameriveterans through volunteer service.” Corp-OVC members at the pantry every AmeriCorps-OVC member Leona Glenn, week has made a big difference in helping who retired from the Air Force after 20 us do everything that we must do to get the years, has served “all over the place,” she job done,” he said. said. While looking for volunteering opporFor information, visit https://seniorsintunities, Glenn chose the pantry at Traspal- service.org/operation-veteran-connect/ or acios’ suggestion, and so Glenn has been www.ourladyspantry.com. going a twice a week for over two years. People are always welcome at the pantry Then, she chatted up Our Lady’s Pan- any Tuesday, Friday or Saturday morning if try with her good friend Hortencia Fran- they wish to volunteer.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 6
Celebrating 41 Years Serving our Community Thinking it’s time for a new roof? Do you think your roof may have wind damage? DO NOT REPLACE YOUR ROOF WITHOUT LETTING US TAKE A LOOK!
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Riverview/Apollo Beach
EXPLORE AT TAMPA HISTORY CENTER READ FULL ARTICLE ON PAGE 42.
Older, Lundy, Alvarez, Koch & Martino Law Firm Older, Lundy, Alvarez, Koch & Martino, founded in 2003, is a full-service law firm that offers a fresh and innovative approach to the practice of law. The firm’s key practice areas include family law, civil and commercial litigation, corporate law and estate planning. With offices throughout the area, it is ready to work with you on your legal needs. Additional information can be found on its website at www.olalaw.com or by calling the main office on 813-254-8998. Follow on Facebook @ OlderLundyAlvarezKoch. Miracle CBD And More Miracle CBD and More, located at 7441 U.S. Hwy. 301 S., Ste. 111 in Riverview is family-owned and operated. Owners Mike and Stacy Self opened the store after experiencing the benefits that CBD products provide for themselves and focus on providing quality products with superior customer service. It carries products to relieve sleep problems, reduce pain and anxiety as well as help with other health problems. To find out more, visit its website at www.miraclecbdandmore.com or call 813-374-0126.
The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce celebrates Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview Brandon’s two-year anniversary.
Tiki Boat Of Riverview Celebrates One-Year Anniversary Tiki Boat of Riverview is celebrating its one-year anniversary. Join captains Jeff and Dan on their boat for cruises on the Alafia River, Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay. They will provide a cooler with ice and bottled water, and you can bring snacks and beverages of your choice. Cruises vary in length, from the very popular sunset cruises to an all-day 8-hour cruise, and they are suitable for up to six guests. For more information, visit www.info@tikiboatofriverview.com or call 813-815-6220.
es, electronics, furniture, kitchenware, toys, home decor and more. The store is open Friday to Wednesday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. but is closed on Thursdays for restocking. The price of items starts at $8 on Friday and decreases in price each day until Wednesday, when items are only $1. The store is located at 11120 S. U.S. Hwy. 41 in Gibsonton. Contact it by calling 813-252-3065.
Hampton Inn & Suites Celebrates Two Years The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting cereBlack Friday Deals Liquidation Store mony at the Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview Brandon, commemorating Don’t waste your its two-year anniversary at this locamoney paying full tion. When staying at this hotel, you retail prices, come can fuel up on the free hot breakto the Black Friday fast and wind down in the relaxing Deals Liquidation pool. In between you can catch up Store to find Target, on work or your electric social life Amazon and Overwith free Wi-Fi. Hampton Inn & stock returns and Suites Tampa Riverview Brandon is located save up to 90 percent. The inventory changes at 10240 Causeway Blvd. in Tampa and is weekly and includes clothes, small applianc-
conveniently located for the Port Tampa Bay cruise terminals, Riverwalk and Busch Gardens. To learn more about Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview Brandon, visit its website at www.hilton.com/en/ hotels/tparvhx-hampton-suites-tampa-riverview-brandon or call 813-497-4590. Concierge Healthcare Training Services & Consultants Opens Classroom In Riverview Concierge Healthcare Training Services & Consultants’ mission is to add value, skill and knowledge to the health care industry by providing quality training to future health care providers and the communities served. Its passion is in training others to be prepared to save a life by offering quality health and safety certification training classes directed by experienced health care professionals, all with a personalized approach. Classes offered include CPR, new parent CPR, phlebotomy training, IV skills sessions, medical billing, coding as well as others. Concierge Healthcare Training & Services is located at 11252 Winthrop Main St., Ste. B in Riverview. Additional information can be found on its website at www.conciergehealthtrain. com or by calling 813-856-5104.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED... The Goddard School Of Riverview Is Now Open The Goddard School, a premium child care provider, has opened its first location in Riverview. The school serves local families seeking high-quality, early childhood education and is now enrolling children. Located at 12964 Boggy Creek Dr. in Riverview, this new 15,000-square-foot center has enough space to provide care for and educate more than 230 children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. “We are thrilled to offer Riverview children a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment,” said Shekar Laveti, owner of the Goddard School of Riverview. To learn more about The Goddard Schoolof Riverview and how to enroll visit, www. goddardschool.com/ schools/fl/riverview/ riverview. Southeast Regional Insurance At Southeast Regional Insurance, it wants to make sure that you know exactly what you are purchasing, as insurance is not something that you want to take a chance with. Insurance protects you, your family and your possessions. If you need help to review your quotes, its licensed agents will answer your questions. It offers auto, home, condo, renters insurance and more. For more information, visit its website at www.southeastregionalinsurance.com or call 813-6995446.
Volume 20, Issue 6
MANDOLIN MUSIC AND COAST GUARD SERVICE MARK SAN JUAN FAMILY LEGACY
By Linda Chion
Renewed Intergrative Counseling.
leading to effective long-term wellness. It invites you into a journey where you can heal from hurtful life experiences, strengthen yourself by developing effective coping skills, grow healthy relationships and live each day with purpose. It wants to remind you that asking for help is not a weakness, it is selfcare. Renewed Integrative Counseling is located at 11912 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview. Additional information can be found on its website at www.renewedic.com or by calling 813-444-7116.
Ruth’s Cafe Now Open For Breakfast And Lunch Ruth’s Cafe, formally known as Ruth’s Steakhouse, is now open. Located at 7409 U.S. Hwy. 301 S., Ste. 300 in Riverview, it is locally owned and operated. Ruth’s Cafe is looking forward to serving its loyal customers and encouraging new ones by offering home-style cooked meals, healthy options and homemade desserts to please your taste buds. To learn more, view it on Facebook @ K&H Window Tinting Keeps You Cool RuthsCafeBreakfastandLunch or call 813K&H Window Tinting is the number one 299-8036. installer of XPEL ceramic window film in the area. This Father’s Day Engraving Event At AJ’s film makes Fine Wine & Liquor a dramatic Join Ajay Jambhekar, owner of AJ’s Fine difference Wine & Liquor, for his Father’s Day engravin comfort ing event featuring a wide selection of spirand style its to have engraved, including a variety of by blocking Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve Bourover 50 percent of the heat coming into bons. These make your vehicle and 99 percent of for perfect perUV rays, keeping you cooler and sonalized gifts for comfortable. Stay comfortable dad and are also for years with its lifetime warperfect for thankranty. K&H Window Tinting is an you presents or appointment-based service and a ‘just because.’ will schedule appointments seven The engraving days a week. Text 813-322-2277 event will take with your vehicle’s year, make and place at AJ’s Fine model for a quote and to book Wine & Liquor, your appointment. located at 3443 Lithia Pinecrest Renewed Integrative CounRd. in Valrico, on seling Saturday, June Renewed Integrative Counsel11 from 6-9 p.m. ing is a Christian-based practice Preorders are that implements a holistic and integrative highly encouraged, and there are no quantiapproach to mental health care which fos- ty restrictions. Call AJ’s at 813-654-6488 to ters emotional, physical and spiritual health, make your preorder selection.
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William ‘Bob’ San Juan received a standing ovation of sorts at The Regent last month following his rendition of “God Bless America” colors by Branon a 12-string don High School mandolin, an JROTC meminstrument the bers. Attend90-year-old ees remained learned to play standing and after enlisting protracted apPhoto courtesy of Linda Chion. with the Unit- Mandolinist William ‘Bob’ San Juan at The Regent on plause ensued ed States Coast as San Juan April 27 with his son-in-law, Robert Mancini. Guard at age 17. strummed his With decades of playing under his belt, final notes. San Juan, a Riverview resident, continues As a volunteer, San Juan typically plays a family legacy started by his father and at nursing homes on Sundays and for specarried out by each of his three broth- cial occasions hosted by others. He said ers, all of whom, like the patriarch San he was particularly pleased to be opening Juan, played the mandolin and retired as the Hillsborough 100 luncheon program guardsmen officers after decades of col- in concert with the JROTC students, as he lective service. believes it is important for young people “We all were self-taught, and we loved to learn about military service. the instrument because our dad played His mandolin brings back memories, as it,” San Juan said. “Growing up, we lis- San Juan continues a musical tradition tened to him play, and some of it must handed down by his father, Vicencio, and have stuck.” deepened by his brothers, Vincent, Pedro How much so was evident April 27 at and Ramon. San Juan’s mandolin bears The Regent in Riverview, where San Juan a photo of his wife of 68 years, Juanita, played to a packed house at the 2022 who died in 2019 and urged him to conHillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge tinue playing. Kickoff Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, “I like playing for other people,” San presented by the Hillsborough Soil and Juan said after his performance at The Water Conservation District. San Juan Regent. “It just makes me feel good. And played throughout the event but most I thank God for giving me whatever talent dramatically after the presentation of I have to be able to share it with others.” Private Charters: 4 hour, 6 hour, 8 hour & 2.5 hour Sunset Cruises. Cruising the Alafia River and Tampa Bay.
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June 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
BUSCH GARDENS DEBUTS ALL-NEW SUMMER CELEBRATION
Staff Report
An all-new radiating from a Summer Celebraunique new protion is underway duction on the at Busch GarFestival Field. As dens Tampa Bay the most stunthis month. The ning show ever park is now feato light the park’s turing a variety sky, ‘Summer of entertainment Celebration Firethroughout the works Spectacday, including the ular’ will feature An all-new Summer Celebration is underway at return of ‘Cirque an explosive arBusch Gardens Tampa Bay this month. Electric’ and ray of colors and ‘Gwazi Beats,’ exciting effects a new atmospherfrom dazzling lasers ic show combining to mesmerizing foundrums, dancers and tains and pyrotechstilt walkers in a nics. This all-new pulse-pounding disproduction is offered play of music and every Friday, Saturdance. Plus, the award-winning ‘Turn It day and Sunday night at 9:15 p.m. until Up!’ will resume to daily operations in the August 7. Moroccan Palace Theater. With the return of world-class enterTo celebrate the summer season, guests tainment and all-new thrills like Iron 21 and older can enjoy a complimentary Gwazi, there’s never been a better time beer sample daily at Pantopia Drinks & to become a Pass Member. Annual Pass Snacks until Sunday, August 7. For those Members enjoy 12 months of visits with craving something sweet to beat the heat, special benefits, including exclusive acthe Moroccan Delights ice cream parlor cess to the Pass Member Lounge opening will reopen with a refreshed look and later this summer, plus free parking, free mouthwatering treats like handcrafted guest tickets, access to special VIP events, Thrill Shakes, ice cream floats, specialty savings on merchandise and more. Annual sundaes and more. passes start as low as $14.75/month with After nightfall, the park glows with no down payment. Restrictions apply. unique theming, entertainers and the For more information, visit www.busthrill of conquering coasters in the dark chgardenstampa.com. Busch Gardens is like the all-new Iron Gwazi. Guests can owned by SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. dance to DJ beats throughout the park, (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and including a newly themed block party entertainment company providing experiplaza presented by Coca-Cola®. For an ences that matter and inspiring guests to epic finale to a thrilling day of adventure, protect animals and the wild wonders of guests will be drawn to the vibrant energy our world.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 6
FINANCIAL PLANNER’S SPECIALTY IS PEOPLE
By Sharon Still
For 35 years, servclients and educates ing individual investhem about what is tors and businesses available and how to and focusing on solubest serve their investtions for business ment needs. “My job owners, executives, isn’t to convince peoretirees and nonprofple to buy something, its is what Gabriel it is to inform and eduMbulo does on a daicate,” said Mbulo. ly basis. However, Mbulo’s specialty is when he talks about people, he emphasized, his job as a financial explaining that hiring advisor at Edward a financial planner is Jones, he describes about more than inhis role as becomvesting. He can act ing a part of a clias the rational side ent’s family. versus the emotion“The more I al side and provide Edward Jones financial advisor Gabriel know about you, the Mbulo and his family recently attended his information about why better I can serve sticking with a certain daughter’s graduation from you,” said Mbulo. strategy works. Pace University. Mbulo originally Outside of the office, comes from Zambia, where the only in- being active in the community is also vestment opportunity for people is land. important to Mbulo. He is a board memWhen he settled in the States, he dove ber of the Spurlino YMCA, Rotary Club into the financial world, learning from the of FishHawk-Riverview and the Ruskin inside out. Firehouse Cultural Center. He also is a After earning his Master of Business member of Better Living for Seniors and Administration from the University of involved in local youth organizations. Tampa, he worked behind the scenes at As Mbulo said it, he has been living and large financial institutions. As an institu- playing in the Riverview community since tional consultant and research analyst at 1994. He is married with two grown chilRaymond James Financial, he reviewed dren. His daughter recently graduated and developed investment policy state- from Pace University and is living in Manments, developed investment recommen- hattan, and his son attends the University dations and worked on request for pro- of South Florida. posals for nonprofits. Gabriel Mbulo’s Edward Jones office is “This experience gives me in-depth located at 10657 Big Bend Rd. in Riverknowledge of the products and services view. For further details, visit www.edavailable,” said Mbulo. wardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/ He explained that he gets to know his gabriel-mbulo.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
June 2022
BLOOD DRIVE TO BE HELD AT BEVIS ELEMENTARY IN HONOR OF 3-YEAR-OLD ZAYA ZITKO
By Taylor Wells
start fostering, and it turned out that the first baby we fostered had siblings who were also related to those with good friends of ours. From there, we just kept expanding the family.” In addition to the blood drive, Zaya has also been getting physical therapy for his cerebral palsy and help with his other health conditions. “We’ll obviously keep working with him and keep praying he walks Parker Isaiah (Zaya) Zitko has a few health conditions, but he’s a happy kid whose future is looking bright.
FishHawk residents Derek and Dawn Zitko have a 3-year-old son named Parker, known to most as “Zaya”, who has been an inspiration to many in the community. Zaya was born at 30 weeks with cerebral palsy, brain bleeds and several gastrointestinal issues. Due to his health conditions, he required a number of blood transfusions during Parker Isaiah Zitko being held by his mother, Dawn Zitko, the first weeks of his life. In with his father, Derek Zitko (left of them in the center), and order to help people like Zaya, surrounded by his siblings. John-Michael Elms, a neighbor of the Zitko family, became an advocate one day, but other than that, he’s pretty for blood donations and an organizer of healthy,” said Derek. He also said that, many blood drives, and he is setting one though Zaya should not need more blood up at Bevis Elementary in honor of Zaya. transfusions, so many others are in need. Those wanting to honor Zaya and give “We’ve just been very blessed, and blood can find the blood drive at Bevis we just had the opportunity to fight for Elementary School, located at 5720 Oskids. I was in the military 21 years, and prey Ridge Dr. in Lithia, on Saturday, June we bounced around the world and just 25 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. They will greatly always tried to serve and help people,” appreciate help with getting blood donasaid Derek. “So, when we finally got settions. tled in here, we found it in our hearts to
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GREAT LANDSCAPE ADDITIONS: FLORIDA-FRIENDLY ORNAMENTAL GRASSES BY LYNN BARBER, FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING™ AGENT butterfly. Ornamental grasses Purple fountain grass, are a great addition to Pennisetum setaceum ‘Ruany landscape. They add brum,’ can reach a height texture, color, form and of 4-6 feet and spread interest. These grasses of 2-4 feet and prefers need the same types of full sun. It has moderate maintenance as other drought tolerance and landscape plants (water, needs well-drained soil fertilizer, division) but Muhly Pink Grass moisture. Purple fountain generally require much grass has narrow purple less. As with all types of leaves with purple-pink plants, consider your site or copper flowers in conditions, which include summer and fall. This is sun, shade, mature size an excellent ornamental (height and spread) for grass when used in mass placement purposes, soil plantings, containers, as pH, soil moisture and soil an accent, border or cut texture. The ornamental Fakahatchee Grass flowers. It can reseed grasses below thrive in into surrounding areas, Central Florida. which could be good or Muhly grass, Muhlenbad depending on your bergia capillaris, a native location and preference. plant, reaches a height All grasses in this arof 3-4 feet and spread ticle are easy to divide, of 2-3 feet. It prefers full share with your friends sun, can tolerate extreme and neighbors or use to drought and flooding, has create more color in your moderate salt tolerance Purple Fountain Grass and works well in wetland sites and beach- own landscape. Once established, irrigation front landscapes. Muhly grass has narrow may not be needed at all. You can consider foliage and produces pink/purple fall flow- annual fertilization, but these plants generalers. It is used as a border, an accent, in mass ly obtain enough nutrients from the soil. For more in-depth information on these and othplantings and as cut flowers. Fakahatchee grass, Tripsacum dactyloides, er Florida-Friendly ornamental grasses, usanother native, reaches a height and spread ing your browser, go to ‘Ask IFAS’ followed of 4-6 feet. It prefers full sun, does well by each of the following: Considerations for in partial shade/partial sun and tolerates Selection and Use of Ornamental Grasses, flooding and standing water. Fakahatchee Muhly Grass and Purple Fountain Grass. Call 813-744-5519 or visit UF/IFAS Exgrass produces cream/yellow/orange/red flowers from spring through summer and tension Hillsborough County, located at is a larval food plant for the byssus skipper 5339 County Rd. 579 in Seffner.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 6
TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART PRESENTS FIRST ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CULTURAL CELEBRATION Staff Report
On Sunday, June 19, the Tampa Museum of Art (TMA) will hold its first annual Juneteenth Cultural Celebration.
Commemorate Juneteenth with an engaging, family-friendly experience at the Tampa Museum of Art’s (TMA) first annual Juneteenth Cultural Celebration. On Sunday, June 19 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., prepare for a lively community celebration of this holiday, also known as Freedom Day, with free museum admission, art-making activities, live music and performances, family portraits, amazing food trucks and more. The event lineup also includes programs by community partners Moffitt Cancer Center, its George Edgecomb Society and HORUS Construction Services, promoting social and health equity for all community members. CAN Community Health will provide free health screenings on site throughout the day. Visitors will also experience a free sampling of arts and health programs the Tampa Museum of Art provides for families and various special needs groups. Kessanda Abel, community engagement manager at the Tampa Museum of Art,
said, “Juneteenth at TMA is an excellent way to see the amazing power that art has to bring the community together, especially when all members of the community are welcome and represented in a place that celebrates the uniqueness of everybody.” Cathy Grant, vice president and chief diversity equity and inclusion officer at Moffit Cancer Center and co-chair of the governance committee at the Tampa Museum of Art, said, “This celebration is a great example of organizations with a shared commitment to equity working together to support programs like the Juneteenth Cultural Celebration and making educational opportunities accessible to everyone. It’s important for us to extend the opportunity for young people and community members to be able to walk through the doors with their personal experiences, see themselves represented and know that this is a place where they are welcomed, whether they are experiencing the exhibits at the Tampa Museum of Art or receiving care at the Moffitt Cancer Center.” The first annual Juneteenth Cultural Celebration is possible thanks to passionate community members and partner organizations that support the black and African American community in the Tampa Bay area and share the museum’s objectives to create programs that facilitate equal access to art education opportunities for all community members. Register for free admission to the Juneteenth Cultural Celebration at https:// tampamuseum.org/Juneteenth. Located at 120 W. Gasparilla Plz. in Tampa, the Tampa Museum of Art is open seven days a week, Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and on Thursday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
SENIOR HELPERS OFFERS HIGH-QUALITY IN-HOME CARE By Kathy L. Collins If you are in need Senior Helpers will of in-home senior offer a sponsored care, look no furwebinar called Dether than Senior mentia Care: How to Helpers (Riverview). Effectively Respond Senior Helpers ofto Challenging Statefers tailored home ments. The webinar care services which is led by Teepa Snow, range from daily as- Senior Helpers Riverview offers high-quality a renowned authority in-home senior care at an affordable price. It sistance to in depth on aging and demenoffers tailored home care services, including specialized care for companion care for seniors who need daily as- tia. The webinar will ailments such as sistance and in-depth specialized care for those be held on WednesAlzheimer’s, demen- with chronic conditions, such as Alzheimer’s day, June 22 from and dementia. tia, Parkinson’s and 2-3 p.m. other chronic diseases. Senior Helpers Riverview has been Senior Helpers Riverview is owned and awarded Great Place to Work for the last operated by senior care specialist Scott three years. In addition, it is accredited by Fox. According to Fox, who has owned Se- The Joint Commission. nior Helpers for 14 years, “Senior Helpers Fox brings a lifetime of experience to offers services from a variety of profes- owning and operating Senior Helpers. He sionals including companions, home health has worked in the health care industry. In aides and certified nurse assistants. We addition, he explained, “My grandfather provide everything from sitting with your died from the stress of taking care of my loved one to bathing, dressing and 24-hour grandmother with brain cancer. My family care.” became caregivers and hired a company like Fox employed 150 area residents. Fox Senior Helpers with caregivers to help. My said, “Senior Helpers is an industry lead- other grandmother suffered from demener for in-home care or whatever you call tia/Alzheimer’s. My mission is to change the home. We offer award-winning specialty misinformation and help people understand programs in dementia/Alzheimer’s called it is all about the approach for proper care.” Senior Gems™. We offer senior helpers free The primary goal of Senior Helpers Rivertools and education for caregivers upon re- view is to help provide a high quality of life quest. We also have a data-driven tool pro- for its clients and their families by deliverfiles that help people age in place with 20 ing customized, dependable and affordable years of experience of data-driven results.” care. Senior Helpers is always looking to hire For more information, please visit www. good people. It will train individuals to get seniorhelpers.com/fl/riverview or call 813into the industry. 677-1400.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
June 2022
NEW VALUE-ADDED MEMBERSHIP MODEL AT HIGH 5 INC. Staff Report Everyone feels like they belong at High 5 Inc.—and now they officially can. This nonprofit is known for superior educational, athletic, aquatic and recreational programs for all ages and needs is converting to a new membership model to offer more programs and privileges to children, teens, athletes, adults and those with special needs. “Just as High 5 is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of the Brandon community, this new membership model will include more benefits and programs that make a positive difference in the experience of its members,” said CEO Chuck Burgess. From more after-school programs to expanded athletic facilities, High 5 has been adding, increasing, enhancing and refreshing many of its offerings, with many more on the way. Some of the improvements that can already be experienced include: •A new playground area and walkways. •A complete resurfacing of its existing hard courts for tennis. •Eight brand-new Pickleball courts. •A wide-open space newly created for those with special needs in the TRIDENT program. •New competition-ready starting blocks in the 50-meter swimming pool. •Brand-new locker rooms. •Upgraded AC systems. “These recent improvements are just the beginning of the many benefits that High 5’s members, their families, participating athletes and the special needs community will
experience with the new membership model,” said Burgess, who added that additional benefits include: •Special pricing with greater savings. •Early registration for after-school, summer camp and athletic programs. •Exclusive invitations to members-only events. •Bigger, better facilities. •Faster check-in. •Brand-new opportunities for cross-program training at reduced rates. •Member-driven discounts on summer camp, court rentals, merchandise and more. “High 5’s membership opportunities will allow us to create an even greater community feel in all our programs,” said Burgess. “With a goal of bringing more people together, we’ve created ‘stay awhile spaces,’ member perks, cool member-themed events and unique opportunities for families. Plus, we’ve actually lowered our program pricing with the membership knowing that families are feeling the effects of pricing increases elsewhere. That’s the High 5 way.” High 5 Inc. is a community-based nonprofit organization providing superior after-school, academic, athletic, water safety, sports and recreation and special needs programs that enhance physical, mental and spiritual well-being. High 5’s mission is based on five pillars of service, which include After-School Education, Learn to Swim, Special Needs Education, Sports and Recreation and Community Partnerships. For information, contact High 5 Inc. at 813-689-0809 or visit high5inc.com.
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YOUNG LOCAL RESIDENT SINGS NATIONAL ANTHEM AT A MIAMI MARLINS GAME
By Kathy L. Collins
Valrico resident Pranysqa Mishra recently received an imitation to sing the national anthem before a large stadium crowd at a Miami Marlins baseball game. Following her rendition, Mishra was greeted by the Miami Marlins manager, Don Mattingly.
Seven-year-old Pranysqa Mishra recently sang the national anthem at a recent Miami Marlins baseball game. While this would make most adults quake in their boots, Mishra is already an old hand at singing in front of large crowds. The Valrico resident won a contest and was selected to sing the national anthem at an NBA game for the Washington Wizards. Then, she received an invitation from the LA Lakers and also sang virtually for the Miami Marlins during COVID-19. According to Mishra’s mother, Priya, “The Marlins liked her so much that she got an invitation this year to sing in person.” Priya added, “Pranysqa was super excited and very happy to perform.” Priya said, “She had a fun time. After
her performance, player Jazz Chisolm and Marlins Manager Dan Mattingly personally came to congratulate her, stating it was an amazing rendition. She also had a fan moment—spectators were applauding her and taking pictures. Her voice was compared with the legendary singer Céline Dion.” According to her mom, Mishra was not nervous. In fact, she was excited and very happy to perform. Priya said, “Pranysqa wants to make her community proud, and she will continue to sing the national anthem to show her love for the United States and for veterans. She wants to share her voice with the whole world.” In her spare time, Mishra loves to draw and compose music using different software on the computer. According to her mom, she is a very clean and tidy person. In her free time, she loves to play with her baby sister. Mishra’s in the second grade. Her family recently relocated to the Valrico area from Canada. She will attend Lithia Springs Elementary School. Her favorite subjects in school are music and science. Mishra started singing at the age of 2. She started taking singing lessons when she was 7 years old from a private tutor in Atlanta. When she grows up, Mishra wants to be a pop singer and music composer.
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Ask the Chamber for Help! We’ll take your business off life support and make 2022 your year to shine! Lynne: (813) 634-5111 • Lynne@SouthHillsChamber.com 1651 Sun City Center Plaza
The Doors of The Church Are Open Church Services 10am Sunday Youth & Teens Church School 9:00 a.m. Kingdom Builders 10:00 a.m. (Children’s Church 2-10) Bible Study 7pm Tuesday (Teens) 5920 Robert Tolle Drive 7pm Wednesday (Adults)
Riverview, 33578 813-337-7457 Office Hours: Mon - Thur 10am- 3pm www.Mtzionriverview.com FACEBOOK: Mt Zion AME Church Riverview
Community Food Pantry 2nd & 4th Thursday 11:00 -2:00 Monthly Second Chances Job Training Mon.-Thurs.
Jenny Bennett at the Mayflower II in Plymouth, MA Karen J. Sims, Pastor and Roy Sims (brother)
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 6
SIGN UP NOW FOR FLIGHT TO HONOR APRIL 2023 MISSION
By Brad Stager
Flight to Honor Polk missions fly groups of veterans to Washington D.C. for a day of touring memorials and monuments dedicated to their service.
With the successful completion of Flight to Honor Polk Mission 7, Polk County Veteran Council is wasting no time to prepare for next year’s mission to fly local military veterans to Washington D.C. to visit memorials honoring the service and sacrifices of them and their comrades. The most recent flight to commemorate the service of participating veterans from World War II as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars was successfully flown on April 26 and event organizers are already planning Mission 8 for April 2023. The Flight to Honor Polk missions, which began in 2015, take off early in the morning from Lakeland Linder International Airport on a chartered flight and return on the night of that mission’s date. Any veteran can apply to participate and there is no cost for them to do so. Applications for next year’s mission are now being accepted from veterans and guardians to accompany them. There is no charge for participating veterans, with priority for the flights given to those dealing with severe medical conditions first, followed by veterans who served in the Second World, Korean and Vietnam wars.
Veterans are accompanied during the day by designated guardians who volunteer to serve on the missions. Their purpose is to assist their veterans with the travel and memorial sightseeing activities. If a guardian applicant is chosen to participate, a $500 donation to defray the cost of the mission will be requested. Guardians are assigned to a veteran in the order that applications are received. Roxie Hund, one of the mission organizers, said the Polk County-based flight missions are a local community effort to recognize and honor veterans. “We are independent,” she wrote in an email. “We are totally funded and managed by donations and volunteers from the Central Florida community. Any veteran can apply to participate in a Flight to Honor Polk Mission.” The Flight to Honor Polk missions are among many activities of the Polk County Veterans Council, which has been supporting veterans since 2003. Applications for veterans and guardians can be downloaded at www.polkveteranscouncil.com and donations can be sent to Flight to Honor, P.O. Box 3911, Lakeland, FL 33802. You can also learn more about the missions by visiting Flight to Honor on Facebook.
Knock, Knock. Who’s there? Florida is home to eight resident yearround species of woodpeckers, which include the red-headed, red-bellied, downy, hairy, red-cockaded, yellow-bellied sapsucker, northern flicker and pileated woodpeckers. The largest and most recognizable of those would have to be the pileated woodpecker. Pileated woodpeckers have the classic look that is most often associated with these fascinating birds. They average sizes of about 15-20 inches long, similar to a crow, which also makes them the largest woodpecker in all of North America. Unmistakable by their red mohawk, black bodies, white-striped sides and long necks, pileated woodpeckers are very striking and an exciting sight to see. Pileated woodpeckers are year-round residents in the state. They mostly inhabit tree-dense areas with downed and dead trees that they have drilled out with their beaks; however, they are also observed in backyards in the suburbs. Pileated woodpeckers are insectivores and feed primarily on ants, termites and beetle larvae. The most common woodpecker that is widespread throughout the state would be the red-bellied woodpeckers. These birds are a bit smaller, averaging around 8-9 inches in length. In contrast to the pileated woodpecker, red-bellied woodpeckers lack the bright red mohawk atop their head, instead showcasing their
lighter, rusty, slim-lined head. Their belly actually is not even red, it is white with a faint tint of color, and their wings have a beautiful black-and-white striped pattern. Red-bellied woodpeckers are also more common to observe grazing from your traditional bird and hummingbird feeders in your yard. Red-bellied woodpeckers are similarly found in wooded areas with dead trees, but their diet varies, as they mostly consume acorns, fruits, nectar, nuts and sometimes small frogs. Interestingly, these birds can return to nest in the same nest every year, though each year they will excavate a new cavity to use. Woodpeckers play a crucial role in our ecosystem and act as natural pest control. In addition to this, the nest holes that they create also serve as habitat for several other species or birds and other animals. It should be noted that all woodpeckers are protected in the state under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and cannot be harmed or killed. Enjoy their beautiful and unique presence and keep an ear open, you never know when you may hear a busy woodpecker at work. Ali Holton is currently director of FishHawk TNR Inc. She has a master’s in biodiversity, wildlife and ecosystems and 20 years of experience specializing in animal behavior and conservation. To reach her, email fishhawktnr4@gmail.com.
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June 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY AGING SERVICES SENIOR CENTERS REOPEN
By Tatiana Ortiz
In March 2020, “I am excited as the Hillsborough many of our seniors County Aging Serhad asked about vices senior cenwhen it would reters closed due open,” McKay said. to the COVID-19 “The seniors pandemic. On April could not wait to 25, three locations, see one another including those loface to face,” she cal to Southeastern added. Hillsborough CounVolunteers of all ty in Ruskin, Plant ages are needed. City and Progress Clients swaying to music during a game of Name Students interestThat Tune at the Progress Village Senior Center. Village, reopened, ed in volunteering offering events and activican earn community serties for seniors and service vices hours that qualify toopportunities for local volwards the Bright Futures unteers. By the end of June Scholarships. Some of the of this year, all 22 locations areas where the volunwill be reopened. teers will be assisting in Last month, the Progwould be facilitating an ress Village location had exercise activity and much a bongo and conga drum more. player, Name That Tune, Hillsborough County testimonials and more for Aging Services provides the attendees. The locaan array of services, such tion is implementing many as in-home services, acsafety protocols, including tive adult programming, extra sanitizing and operreferral services and hot ating at a 50 percent ca- Mildred Domineck, 75, a member meals. It is geared toward of Hillsborough County Aging Ser- enhancing the lives of older pacity. vices Progress Village Senior Center. Mary Jo McKay, nutriadults ages 50 and up. tion and wellness manager at the HillsborThe senior centers will be open Monday ough County Aging Services, explained that through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Many of lower COVID numbers are the reason as to the activities are driven by the seniors. why the senior centers are reopening. For more information, visit https://www. According to McKay, although the se- hillsboroughcounty.org/en/government/denior centers are reopening, virtual activities partments/aging. Anyone seeking general will still be available, as it is important to information about the aging services should the group that it continues reaching those call 813-272-5250. Those with questions homebound seniors so they, too, can partici- about volunteering should call 813-853pate and not miss out. 2017.
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FREE DAILY RANGE BALLS & MINI GOLF FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER Staff Report Are the kids driving you crazy and playing too many video games this summer? Want to have them do something healthy and learn a lifelong sport? Ace Golf is offering a free summer golf practice program for kids ages 5-15. Every day from Wednesday, June 1 through Wednesday, August 31, kids can sign up to receive a free small bucket of range balls each day for the whole summer. Kids hit the balls on the practice ranges at bay area Ace Golf locations. And it’s all free. “There are a lot of families out there that just can’t afford to put kids in camps, or they just want something productive to fill their summer,” said Bill Place, owner of Ace Golf Ranges and Golf Courses. “We want to help, and hopefully in the process we may find the next Tiger Woods.” Here’s how it works: • Children may sign up for free at any of three Ace Golf locations in Riverview, Land O’ Lakes and Tarpon Springs. • Each child receives a daily stamp card for one free small bucket each day. • Each time the child redeems their free bucket, they will get a stamp on their card noting the redemption. An adult must accompany them. • No purchase is necessary. Kids should bring a golf club with them or may rent one.
• At the Riverview and Land O’ Lakes locations, kids may substitute the small bucket each for miniature golf (one round per day). In addition to the Free Bucket or Mini Golf program, kids may also play golf for free when accompanied by a paying parent at all Ace Golf Courses (18hole golf courses) after 12 Noon every day now through the end of October. Ace Golf Range is located at 12910 Boyette Rd. in Riverview (call 813-672-7750). Its hours are Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (closes at 8 p.m. on Monday); Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. The facilities feature lighted golf practice ranges, miniature golf and batting cages. For more information, go to ace-golf.com. Ace Golf Courses include the Plantation Palms Golf Club in Land O’ Lakes (call 813-996-4653 or visit plantationpalms. net) and the Crescent Oaks Country Club at 3300 Crescent Oaks Blvd. in Tarpon Springs (call 727-937-4653 or visit crescentoaksgolf.com). All Ace Golf Courses are open to the public and offer membership, dining and banquet centers. Ace Golf is locally and family-owned by Su Lee and Bill Place since 1993. In addition to the free kids program, each location offers summer golf camps, clinics, and private and group golf lessons.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 6
June 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 35
WEDDING DRESS GIVEAWAY DONATES TO 25 LOCAL TEACHERS
MOTION CHIROTHERAPY ADDS ASSESSMENT TOOL TO HELP IDENTIFY CONCUSSIONS
works in the district,” said Courtney. “… We need this after a really u n p re c e d e n t e d two years in education. Something like this creates such synergy and energy for our district.” One bride and teacher at King Teachers of Hillsborough County received free wedding dresses in giveaway High School from Satin & Lace Bridal Boutique. shared that she and her fiancé Satin & Lace Bridal Boutique hosted its second wedding dress giveaway at The have been together for over 15 years but Regent on Monday of Teacher Apprecia- have never had the opportunity to fortion Week at the beginning of May to rec- mally get married. When she received the ognize the soon-to-be brides of Hillsbor- email saying she won a free wedding dress, she dismissed it as junk mail because she ough County. After being nominated by peers, friends didn’t think she would actually win when and even fiancés, 25 teachers were select- she had filled out the application. “It means a lot,” she said. “I’ve never ed to receive a wedding dress donated by Satin & Lace. The giveaway not only re- won anything to this manner, and that’s lieved some of the financial burden of a why I was kind of shocked.” Local vendors, such as Sugar Lees wedding but also gave the teachers the recognition they deserve for their dedi- Gourmet Coffee Service, 3 C’s Catering cation to their jobs despite the lingering and Care Package Meal Prep Co., provided food and drinks for the brides and their challenges of the coronavirus. Shannon Keil reached out to AnnMa- guests. Precious Plunders supplied crowns rie Courtney, director of partnership en- that could be worn as accessories for the gagement for the school district, to see wedding and Publix Bakery distributed if Hillsborough County teachers would be cake to the attendees following the dininterested in being the recipients of the ner. At the event, the brides picked up the wedding dresses. Her response was “Of course!” The brides were nominated and dresses they had selected and been fitselected after sharing their love stories ted for prior to the dinner during Teacher Appreciation Week. They had the opporthrough an essay. “It was wonderful to see so many col- tunity to share their stories, thank those leagues nominate their fellow teachers that nominated them and talk about their and secretaries, and really anyone who upcoming weddings.
At Motion ChiroThermonitor recovery by imapy, the goal is to help plementing a detailed athletes avoid injury while return to school and play alleviating pain, increasplan specific to that stuing performance and imdent-athlete.” proving biometrics. A reIn business for four cent partnership with EQ years, Motion ChiroTherActive now adds the benapy offers chiropractic efit of being able to concare, performance care tinually monitor cognitive for athletes and concusfunction over time to sion management. The compare with a baseline practice treats an extento easily identify when a sive list of issues, includpatient has experienced a ing arthritis, headaches, concussion. sciatica pain, tennis elbow, Dr. Robert Lutz, owner of “We are so excited to Motion ChiroTherapy, recently shin splints and carpal partner with EQ Active,” partnered with EQ Active, an tunnel syndrome. Through announced owner Dr. Rob- assessment tool that uses inter- continuing education, ert Lutz. EQ Active is a active games to measure brain physicians are trained in neurological assessment function over time to help in techniques used by many tool that involves playing the treatment of concussions. professional athletes and seven interactive games which assess teams to keep themselves performing at visual function, cognitive function and their highest ability safely. This approach balance. The data obtained is used to focuses on identifying the underlying compile real-time tracking of cognitive cause of the issue, treating the problem functioning. and working with the patient to avoid reDr. Lutz commented, “It allows us to occurrence. see how your brain works almost like a Do not miss Motion ChiroTherapy’s upmovie, instead of just a snapshot picture coming sports physical clinic to support of when the injury happens.” local student-athletes scheduled for Fri“Since I opened my doors, I have seen day, June 3 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. by appointa lot of student-athletes who suffer con- ment. Proceeds are donated back to the cussions,” he added. “After diving down a Newsome Athletic Boosters. rabbit hole for about six months, I believe Motion Chirotherapy is located at 16765 we now have the best way to monitor the FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia in the Winn-Dixie cognitive function of your brain to know Plaza across from Newsome High School. when or if you had a traumatic event.” Office hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday EQ Active assists in determining the and Thursday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday and extent of a head injury and helping the Wednesday; and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday. doctor make data-driven decisions about Visit motionchirotherapy.com or call treatment and recovery. 813-793-7791 for more information and Dr. Lutz added, “It also allows us to to schedule an appointment.
By Lily Belcher
By Sharon Still
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 6
Photos courtesy of the Riverview High School wrestling program and Austin Chung.
RIVERVIEW HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLER NICO ROMERO WINS STATE TITLE IN 3A DIVISION Riverview High School wrestler Nico come first. He doesn’t Romero was very confident that he was know whether or not he destined for victory in the final round wants to pursue wrestling of the state tournament after coming in college, but one thing up with a close win in the semifinal is for sure, he can earn an match while battling through a knee academic scholarship if he injury. The junior knew that he put in decides to take that route the necessary work in the offseason to instead. Either way, he has get him to this point. His intuition was a bright future ahead of correct, as he claimed the 3A state him. For right now, he has championship with relative ease in the dreams of winning another final match, becoming only the second state title next year. Nico Romero celebrates after winning the state title. male wrestler in the school’s history to “Anybody who’s spent 15 accomplish that. Current North Caroseconds talking to him can Nico Romero not only dominates on the wrestling mat, but on the brink of quitting. I couldn’t have lina wrestling standout Kizhan Clarke is in the classroom as well. He has made straight A’s throughout done it without him.” see how bright he is,” said Hall. “He can do the only other wrestler to reach that pla- high school and has a chance at being valedictorian of his Romero not only dominates on the whatever he wants. If he wants to pursue class next year. teau. Romero also helped lead his team wrestling mat but in the classroom as wrestling at the next level, he can do that, to eighth place in the state overall, which well. He has made straight A’s through- if he wants to be a doctor, he can do that. some help along the way when it came to his is the best finish in the school’s history. out high school and has a chance at being He has so much growth potential because he “I was super happy about my semifinal training during the offseason before. Romero valedictorian of his class next year. He’s also started late at wrestling. He has so much still match, super pumped up,” said Romero. picked up wrestling his freshman year at Riv- a part of the National Honor Society and the to learn, but he’s very good at what he does. “When I got to my finals match — when you erview and wasn’t as experienced as some Science Honor Society. His parents have al- It’s a cliche, but he can do whatever he wants get to that moment, you can’t have any doubt of his teammates. His two workout part- ways taught him that his grades and school in life.” in your mind, so I guess before going into ners, Nikolas Hernandez and Jacob Edwards, that I had already known that I was going to helped push him to be where he needed to be. Residential • Commercial win. It wasn’t a cockiness thing, it was more Romero gave big praise to Hernandez, who Exterior Repaint Specialists confidence because I knew how hard I had took second place in the state tournament in the weight class above. worked and I expected to win.” License #L20000250797 “There were times when he was a lot betRiverview head wrestling coach Ryan Hall said that Romero is a unique wrestler in ter than I was and he pushed me so much WE TAKE THE PAIN OUT OF PAINTING, AND that he’s very open to critique, vocal when to the point that I wanted to quit, but every he wants to learn something, has an itch to time I wanted to quit, he would tell me to PUT THE WO BACK IN WONDERFUL! DON’T DO IT YOURSELF! keep going and work harder,” said Romero. compete and is athletic to boot. (813) 723-9124 or (813) 670-8565 CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE The standout wrestler, who has a back- “He was a role model; he has these leadership YOUR FREE ESTIMATE!! www.tandjpaintingfl.com ground in mixed martial arts, said that he had skills that would bring you up when you were
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June 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
NONPROFIT RIVERVIEW SOFTBALL LEAGUE PROVIDES COMMUNITY SERVICE By Nick Nahas
Photos courtesy of the Riverview Softball League.
The Riverview Softball League (RSL) started in January 2021 with 40 players participating.
The Riverview Softball League (RSL) started in January 2021 with a total of 40 players participating. Since then, the nonprofit league has expanded to 13 coed teams and includes 150 men and women that play every Sunday from 4-8 p.m. at Progress Village Park during the fall and spring seasons. Players range in age from 18-60 and come from cities such as Riverview, Apollo Beach, Sun City Center and Gibsonton. The minority-owned nonprofit organization has teamed up with ECHO of Brandon to help needy families in the Tampa area. During this season, the RSL is sponsoring the Soles 4 Souls ECHO program, in which it will be collecting new and gently used shoes for men, women and children every Sunday until June 26. Most of the teams in the RSL are sponsored by local businesses, such as Play It Again Sports, Pistolese’s Pizzeria, Edward Jones, Four Stacks Brewing Company, D-Bat in Ruskin, Fitlife and Cigar City Brewing, to name a few. It also has different locally owned food trucks come each Sunday to provide food. “We are a close-knit, tight family,” said
RSL Vice President Kym Graves-Kalu. “We like to keep all of our operations, our dollars and services inside the South Hillsborough County area.” Graves-Kalu and RSL President CoreyManley have played coed softball a long time and felt that there was a need for the league in the community because there weren’t any in nearby areas. She said that all the revenue that the organization gets, such as sponsorships, donations and league fees, go back into the league for field maintenance, rentals and umpires. The league is recreational and family-friendly. “Our league has brought neighbors and teammates together to where they are not just a softball team, but they are friends and they commune outside of softball and they do other activities together,” said Manley. “It’s really created a camaraderie between not just the teammates but the league as a whole. I feel that our league has done a really good job of bringing communities together.” Graves-Kalu, Manley and the rest of the league have goals of expanding even further. They have recently formed a men’s league with six teams. Registration and partnership inquiries can be found on the league website at https://riverviewsoftballleague.com or you can email the RSL at riverview.softball. league@gmail.com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SUPERVISOR
OF ELECTIONS CRAIG LATIMER READIES FOR 2022 ELECTION CYCLE
By Linda Chion
Times have we started changed for reaching out to Craig Latimer our partners,” as Hillsborough Latimer said, County supernoting the influvisor of elecence of Tampa tions, a career Bay business he sought as a partners on priretired major mary and generwith the Hillsal election days borough County later that year. Sheriff’s Office. The Rays, the “If you told Bucs, the Lightme five years ning, the USF Photo courtesy of Linda Chion. ago you need Sports commuCraig Latimer at the Riverview Woman’s Club luncheon in to go and start nity “leveraged April at the VFW Riverview Post 8108. finding plexitheir social meglass, hand sanitizer and wipes, we would dia, indicating they were giving their peoall laugh,” Latimer said as the featured ple the day off to work at the polls, or to speaker at the Riverview Woman’s Club vote, and that everybody else should do luncheon in April. “But we did. One of my the same thing,” Latimer said. “We ended warehouses looked like an aisle at Costco up turning away 2,900 poll workers.” or Sam’s Club.” “We had a great election, Florida was a It’s not news that elections are in the shining star,” Latimer said about the 2020 news, not only for the results they report presidential election. “One of the biggest but also for the processes in which the reasons is we’re allowed to start counting votes are cast and tallied. As those de- vote-by-mail ballots 22 days before the bates continue, Latimer focuses on the elections.” strength of the system locally and in tryComing up is the Monday, July 25 ing times and the highpoints and lessons deadline to register for the 2022 primary learned for steadying the course of busi- election. Early voting is from Monday, Auness in tumultuous times. gust 8 to Sunday, August 21, followed by The first test came with the March 17, Election Day on Tuesday, August 23. The 2020 presidential preference primary, deadline to register for the 2022 general held days after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis election is Tuesday, October 11. Early votprohibited visitations to assisted living fa- ing is Monday, October 24 through Suncilities due to the onset of the coronavirus day, November 6. Election Day is Tuesday, pandemic. Ten polling sites were lost and November 8. hundreds of poll workers were unavailable. For more information, visit www.vote“We did what great organizations do, hillsborough.gov or call 813-744-5900.
Hours: Mon-Thurs 9-5 | Friday 9-12
Volume 20, Issue 6
MICHAEL PERRY RECOGNIZED FOR WILDFIRE FIGHTING, PREVENTION WITH
HILLSBOROUGH’S FOREVER CONSERVATION AWARD By Linda Chion The sixth anled an estimated nual Theodore 200 prescribed Roosevelt Hillsburns and helped borough Forever contain 200 to Conservation 300 wildfires in Award has been the region, which presented to a White said made decorated VietPerry “as equalnam veteran ly comfortable who started his fighting wildfires Florida Forest Photo courtesy of Hillsborough County. as he was leadService career ing prescribed Michael Perry (center) after receiving the county’s as a towerman in Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation burns.” White a Valrico tower Award at the Hillsborough County Board of County also said PerCommissioners’ meeting on April 20. on the front lines ry served as “a of prescribed burns. passionate educator about these crucial Michael Perry received the award from and often misunderstood conservation the Hillsborough County commissioners efforts” and routinely met with residents at their April 20 meeting. The conser- both to promote and explain the benefits vation award is given annually to an in- of prescribed burns and to lead wildlife dividual or group for “attributes of true fire training for volunteer firefighters. conservation stewardship,” including “The firefighters, land managers and “integrity in performance toward conser- other experts who conduct prescribed vation goals” and “persistence and dedi- burns, also called controlled fires, are cation” to the long-term conservation of unsung heroes,” White said. “Mr. Perry is natural resources. synonymous with this essential practice Keep America Beautiful received the in Hillsborough County.” award last, the first time a group was In return, Perry said it was “humbling honored. According to Commissioner to be up here today receiving this award,” Stacy White, Perry received the award and he thanked his family for their supfor his integral role in developing Hills- port and friends through the county’s Jan borough’s prescribed fire program. K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition Proponents of prescribed fires as a and Protection Program (ELAPP), which land management program said they pro- to date has protected more than 60,000 mote healthy ecosystems by clearing out acres of rare and important habitat. competing vegetation. Moreover, White Launched in 1987, the program was resaid, the fires cycle nutrients into the soil, named in 2014 in honor of Platt, a former provide food for wildlife and stimulate commissioner and lifelong advocate for growth and seed protection of fire-de- environmental protection. pendent plants. For more information on the April 20 According to county officials, Perry board meeting, visit www.HCFLGov.net.
June 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 6
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
June 2022
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FLORIDA ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES SEASON MASTERWORKS SERIES
Staff Report
Music lovers, mark your calendars. The Florida Orchestra (TFO) will launch its 2022-23 Hough Family Foundation Masterworks series in October with the powerful drama of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, conducted by internationally acclaimed Music Director Michael Francis in venues throughout Tampa Bay. Big moments in TFO’s 55th season include a mini festival of Rachmaninoff’s Second and Third Piano Concertos; a world-premiere violin concerto composed by Tampa native Michael Ippolito for TFO Concertmaster Jeffrey Multer; great classics such as Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral), and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4; and a once-in-a-lifetime performance of Wagner’s The Ring Without Words. “We can’t think of a more stirring and sensational way to start the season than the extraordinary spectacle that is the iconic Carmina Burana,” said Francis, who will enter his eighth season with TFO. “There’s nothing like the sheer joy of listening together in the concert hall, and this season we’ll bring some of the most spellbinding sonic experiences ever. We’ll give new life to beloved classics, debut inspiring new works and perform a variety of composers that reflect the different cultures and influences that make up our Tampa Bay community. At the heart of it all are the brilliant Florida Orchestra musicians, whom we will feature throughout the season, as well as world-class soloists.” The Florida Orchestra will start off the new season with a new title sponsor, the Hough Family Foundation, for its premier classical Masterworks series. This con-
The Florida Orchestra recently announced dates for the 2022-23 season.
tinues the Hough family’s philanthropic legacy and solidifies a meaningful partnership that generously supports TFO’s core mission of bringing epic masterpieces that inspire, unite and educate at the highest levels of excellence under the leadership of Maestro Francis. TFO’S premier Raymond James Pop Series showcases a variety of Broadway,
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Saint Anne Catholic Church
~Masses~ Vigil Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m., 10 a.m., & 5 p.m. (12:30 p.m. Spanish) Monday-Friday 8 a.m. ~Masses~ Wednesday & Jueves 7 p.m. ~Masses~ Vigil Saturday 4:30 p.m. ~Mass Schedule~ Vigil Saturday 4:30 p.m. Recorded Masses on &the St.(12:30 Anne website Sundaycan be8viewed a.m., 10 a.m., 5 p.m. p.m. Spanish) Saturday...........................................................Vigil............4:30 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m., 10 a.m., & 5 p.m. (12:30 p.m. Spanish) Monday-Friday 8 a.m. Sunday........................ 8 a.m., 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. (12 p.m. Spanish) (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and Facebook page. 78p.m. Monday-Friday a.m. Wednesday & Jueves Monday Friday......................................................................8 Wednesday & Jueves Thurs. at 6pm, Sat. at 3:15pm 7 a.m. p.m. Reconciliation Tue. at 8:30am, Wednesday & Jueves...........................................................7 p.m.
Saint Saint Anne Anne Catholic Catholic Church Church
andbe Byviewed Appointment. Recorded Masses can on the St. Recorded Masses cancan bebe viewed onSt. the St.Anne Annewebsite website Recorded Masses viewed on Anne website For more information, please check the St.page. Anne website. (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and Facebook page. (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and Facebook (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and Facebook page. Reconciliation Thurs. at 2021-2022 6Thurs. p.m., Sat. atFormation 3:15 p.m. Reconciliation Tue. at 8:30am, at 6pm, Sat. at Registration is now open for the Faith year. Reconciliation Tue. at 8:30am, Thurs. at 6pm, Sat. at3:15pm 3:15pm For more information, please check the St. Anne website. Please call theBy office for more information. and Appointment. and By Appointment.
For more information, please check the St. Anne website. For more information, please check theNE St. Anne website. VBS June 6 thru 10 U.S. Hwy. 41 ••106 11th Ave • Ruskin Registration is now for thefor2021-2022 Faith Formation year. SaintAnneRuskin.org •information. 813-645-1714 Please callopen the office more Register Now Please call the office for more information. Registration is now open for the 2021-2022 Faith Formation year.
U.S. U.S. Hwy. Hwy. 41 41 •• 106 106 11th 11th Ave Ave NE NE •• Ruskin Ruskin SaintAnneRuskin.org • 813-645-1714 SaintAnneRuskin.org • 813-645-1714
movie and popular music. It opens with Hollywood Sings (Friday and Saturday, October 14 and 15) with movie music from Frozen, The Wizard of Oz, La La Land and more and pits the Wizarding World against The Empire in Harry Potter vs Star Wars (March 18 and 19, 2023) with music by John Williams, Patrick Doyle and more. “Our Pop series brings fun, familiar
music that’s also the heart and soul of our favorite movies and beyond. This music transports us to a special time and place in our lives like nothing else can. Listening to it live with the power of The Florida Orchestra makes all the difference,” said TFO President and CEO Mark Cantrell. In Jeans ‘n Classics Presents Abbey Road (February 4, 2023), TFO will perform the famed Beatles album in its entirety, featuring “Come Together,” “Here Comes the Sun” and more. It will be conducted by TFO’s new assistant conductor, Chelsea Gallo. The Light Favorites Morning Coffee Series, led by Principal Guest Conductor Stuart Malina, includes Poetry in Music (Thursday, October 27) with lyrical works by Debussy, William Grant Still and more; Best of Ballet (Thursday, December 15), which includes Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker; Arabian Fantasy (Saturday, November 17); Spring in Paris (April 12 and 13, 2023); and Divine Inspiration (March 15 and 16, 2023). The nine-concert series at the Mahaffey Theater and the five-concert series at Ruth Eckerd Hall come with a dollop of humor and a Pre-concert Conversation, starting one hour before the performance. For community concerts in the fall, the orchestra will perform the free Pops in the Park concert in Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg and is planning a wide variety of community partnerships for the 2022-23 season. A full schedule of TFO’s community concerts, such as Inside the Music, Sing Out Tampa Bay, full-orchestra Family Concerts and more, will be released over the summer. To learn more, visit www.floridaorchestra.org.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 6
EXPLORE
SUMMER CLASSICS MOVIE SERIES RETURNS TO TAMPA THEATRE
AT HISTORY CENTER
Tampa Theatre classic and regularly will present its shows up on lists of popular Summer the best films ever Classics Movie Semade. You can see ries on Sundays at Pulp Fiction on July 3 p.m. beginning on 10. June 5 and ending Another film that on August 28. Come celebrate a century of extraordinary film- was selected at the Jill Witecki making by seeing some of your favorite classics March fundraiser, this on the big screen at Tampa Theatre during its with Tampa Theone by Nick Buchanan, Summer Classics Movie Series presented on atre said, “Tampa is The Wizard of Oz. Sundays from June 5 through August 28. film fans know This delightful 1939 that when it comes to beloved classics, film will be shown on July 17. there is no more authentic way to watch Next, you can see Alfred Hitchcock’s them than in a majestic movie palace.” 1954 mystery thriller, Rear Window, on Witecki added, “For more than 30 years, July 24. the community has flocked to Tampa TheWho doesn’t love the 1972 hit The Godatre on hot Sunday afternoons to enjoy father? This is your chance to see Marlon Summer Classics as they were meant to be Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan and Robert seen.” Duvall together on the big screen. Enjoy it First up, come enjoy a sing-along of the on July 31. 1961 hit musical West Side Story. This will The Western comedy Blazing Saddles be shown on June 5. will be shown on August 7. Tampa Theatre will present the 1977 After that, the musical drama All That sci-fi thriller Star Wars: Episode IV-A New Jazz will hit the big screen on August 14. Hope on June 12. Casablanca gets a special presentation Celebrate Father’s Day with a showing of with two showings. The first is on SaturIn the Heat of the Night on June 19. day, August 20 at 7:30 p.m. and then again On June 26, come see the 1964 war on August 21. thriller Fail Safe. This film was chosen by Share a unique experience of seeing and Tampa Theatre donor Ed Golly, who won hearing the scent films One Week and The the opportunity to ‘Pick a Classic’ at Tampa Camerman on August 28. Both films will be Theatre’s WineFest fundraiser in March. accompanied live on the Mighty Wurlitzer On July 3, make plans to see Stand by Theatre Organ. Me. For ticket prices and to purchase tickets, Pulp Fiction is considered a ‘modern’ please visit www.tampatheatre.org.
‘CUBAN PATHWAYS’
The newest traveling exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center is Cuban Pathways, which explores 500 years of history. The exhibit is available for viewing through February 2023.
The newest traveling exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center, located at 801 Water St. in downtown Tampa, is titled ‘Cuban Pathways.’ The exhibit chronicles over 500 years of history from three paths: African, Chinese and Spanish. It is truly an amazing exhibit. The oldest artifact is a Peter Martyr map from 1511 which identifies the island of Cuba. The exhibit also contains a chug boat, which is a little, handmade open vessel powered by a small diesel engine. The boat in the exhibit was used in 2021 by 12 Cubans to cross the Florida Straits. This is the first traveling exhibit produced exclusively by the Tampa Bay History Center. Dr. Brad Massey, Saunders Foundation Curator of Public History for the Tampa Bay History Center, said, “This is a very ambitious exhibit as it tells 500 years of history
in 2,000 square feet. It chronicles diverse groups of people who came to Cuba.” Massey added, “Cuba was the Caribbean hub of the modern Atlantic World and home to a diverse population.” In the exhibit, you will see a receipt for an enslaved person and transfer papers for Matilda, a Creole being transferred as property. Another interesting item is a painting. The subject is not what is of interest; rather, it is the painter, Vincente Escobar, a free black painter that makes the painting interesting. According to Massey, 20 percent of the population was free black people. There are artifacts related to the long ties Tampa has had with the island of Cuba, there are military artifacts and there is even a giant View-Master that shows Cuba when it was the number one foreign destination for 50 years until Fidel Castro took over in 1959. You will see an interesting group of items telling the story of China’s connection to Cuba. The collection occupies more than 2,000 square feet of gallery space and will be available for viewing through February 2023. Cuban Pathways will then travel the Southeastern United States. For information about Tampa Bay History Center, visit www.tampabayhistorycenter. org or call 813-228-0097.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
June 2022
Page 43
ACE GOLF’S RIVERVIEW EXPANSION BEGAN 20 YEARS AGO
By Taylor Wells
upgrading and improving things. Rezoning has been delayed, and though it might continue later, the location isn’t closing for at least a year. In fact, it’s possible that Ace Golf will remain open for years to come, as the owners are still considering the offer, and whether the rezoning will continue depends on many other factors. Regardless, Place wants to celebrate
Ace Golf in Riverview has been in business for nearly 20 years.
Twenty years ago, the Osprey Observer published a front-page story in our June 2002 FishHawk edition about Ace Golf’s owners, husband and wife Bill Place and Su Lee, expanding onto Boyette Road in Riverview. The story reported that the “plan would bring a driving range, batting cages, mini golf and even a picnic barn for parties to an 18-arce parcel” at the location, and Ace Golf Range in Riverview has grown much throughout the years. And ever since the Brandon location closed, Ace Golf in Riverview has gotten busier. This increase in business has been a continuing trend, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the golf range was one of the few places where people could feel safe while outside having fun. Along with still hosting parties in the barn, it’s become more active in lessons and camps, like junior golf camps every summer, and it offers kids a Free Bucket or Mini Golf program throughout the summer. Daycare groups are known for visiting often in the summer and during the holidays. Plus, there are adult group classes for learning golf, a driving range, batting cages, mini golf and a pro shop. Not only is there much fun to be had, but Ace Golf in Riverview also prides itself on being a very clean and well-maintained facility. As proof of that, it has won the Golf Range Association of America’s award for Top 50 Stand-Alone Facilities every year since opening, which Place credits partly to having things that are nicer than you’d usually find at other golf ranges, like rolling canopies and over 1 acre of Celebration Bermuda grass. Recently, the owners received an offer from a builder that could potentially lead to Ace Golf in Riverview closing, and rezoning efforts began. “Some people started posting ‘Oh, they’re closed,’ or ‘They’re closing this month,’ and I had no idea where people got this information, but it was completely wrong. There will be more than adequate notice if that does come about,” said Place, who added that Ace Golf will continue operating normally as well as keep
An Osprey Observer newspaper from 20 years ago featuring a story about Ace Golf expanding onto Boyette Road in Riverview.
Ace Golf in Riverview’s 20th anniversary next year, as it opened in 2003, so the community can look forward to joining in. The specific time and type of celebration are to be decided later. “What’s kind of a funny thing about the location, when we first went in there, we actually had a lot of resident opposition to us building the golf range there, and we finally did get the approval to build, and within six months some of the same residents that opposed had requested a crosswalk to be established—a signalized crosswalk to the neighborhood across the street—and they were successful in getting that put in. Now, flash-forward to where this builder has proposed putting in homes, we’re finding some people are actually expressing opposition to us leaving now,” said Place. “I’ve seen a big outpouring from a number of people in the community that they’ve really enjoyed having the recreation.” There’s even a woman who told Place that she brings her father to Ace Golf because he has dementia and playing miniature golf is something they can enjoy together often. After many years since opening, Ace Golf in Riverview has become a place beloved by the community. “It’s been a great 20 years so far, and we appreciate all the support that people have shown,” said Place. Ace Golf in Riverview is located at 12910 Boyette Rd. Its hours are Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (closes at 8 p.m. on Monday); Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Visit https://ace-golf.com/ for more information.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
NELSON ELEMENTARY STUDENTS LEARN TO SAVE A LIFE WITH CPR By Kate Quesada
Students at Nelson Elementary School used teddy bears donated by the Rough Riders when learning CPR at school last month.
A group of local elementary school students recently learned how to save a life with help from some fluffy friends. Nelson Elementary School physical education teacher and Valrico resident Leslie Wheeler thought outside of the box when preparing her CPR unit last month. Wheeler teaches compression-only CPR to her students but noticed she was missing a vital part for the instruction. “Because we only have one set of mannequins to use, it is not enough for an entire class, and sometimes the students might not feel comfortable practicing on the mannequins,” she explained. “So, I reached out to the Rough Riders to see if they would be willing to help.” The Rough Riders are a U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. “They are well known in the Tampa Bay
community for distributing thousands of teddy bears to hospitals, centers for abused women and children, community health centers, special needs day care center and foster children,” she explained. Wheeler, who has been a member of the Krewe of Celts for the past 10 years, has a connection with the Rough Riders as they also participate in the Gasparilla Pirate Festival as a Krewe. The Rough Riders donated 20 large teddy bears to the program. “The use of teddy bears made the learning experience a little less scary,” she said. “When they learn about the circumstances of when you need to administer CPR, it is a very frightening moment to imagine. When the students were watching the video, I could see how engaged they were. They knew this was a serious lesson they were about to learn.” This is the first year that Wheeler has taught CPR to first, second and third grade students, but she is looking forward to making it an annual event. “Last year, I only taught it to my fourth and fifth graders,” she said. “This year, I introduced it to first through fifth grade. This is a permanent unit that will be taught yearly. The more the students practice, the easier it will be if they are ever in a situation where CPR will be needed.” To learn more about the Rough Riders, visit www.tamparoughriders.org.
Volume 20, Issue 6
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS LINK HIGH SCHOOL STUDIES TO CONSTRUCTION, HEALTH CARE EMPLOYMENT
By Linda Chion
As the Greater excavating, framing/ Tampa Bay area drywall, masonry, market explodes, modeling, profeswith scores of folks sionalism in the making their home workplace, solar in Southeastern Hillpower, water infrasborough County, structure/treatment the need to ensure and AC refrigeration an able and steady and heating technolworkforce to fill ogy (HVAC). high-demand jobs in Dramatic job Photo courtesy of Hillsborough County Public Schools.growth in the conhealth care and construction continues to A still shot from the March 28 “In-Depth with struction and medical Davis Workforce Development Programs” episode swell as well. fields is a sure bet in featuring Addison Davis, superintendent of HillsToward that end, Hillsborough County borough County Public Schools, and Kim Bays, the Hillsborough County and beyond. school district’s chief of innovation. School District offiAccording to Sucials have announced plans to create two perintendent Addison Davis, “Florida’s prinew high school programs and a technical vate sector employment has increased by college, all dedicated to their respective ar- 470,000, or 6.7 percent, over the past year” eas of workforce development. alone. The two industries that have gained Expected for a 2023-24 school year open- the most jobs are construction and health ing are a medical academy at D.W. Waters care, Davis said in his March 28 In-Depth in Tampa and a construction academy at with Davis episode. Bowers/Whitley in Tampa, both for students Kim Bays, the school district’s chief of inin grades 9-12. The phase three effort calls novation, noted in the same segment that for post-graduation studies at the upcoming “without a doubt” the medical and conBrewster Medical Technical College in Tam- struction industries will lead the pack in job pa. opportunities. “We expect that by the year Courses of study at the upcoming medi- 2029, there will be 116,000 job opportunical academy, developed in partnership with ties in the medical industry and 51,000 job medical organizations and businesses, are to opportunities in the construction industry,” include training and certification for home Bays said. “So, it’s incumbent on us to prehealth aides, medical laboratory assisting, pare students for those two industries.” EKG aides/technicians and allied health asSchool officials said to expect “a marketsisting. ing blitz” over the summer months related The 15 programs of study planned for the to the new high school programs. construction academy involve building conFor more, view “In-Depth with Davis struction, electricity, plumbing, augmented Workforce Development Programs” on Youreality/visualization, electric vehicles, ener- Tube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjEoggy and environmental design, estimating, WfnfZ4.
June 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
to locate some good ledges ARS, American red snapin that range. While on the per, will be the hot topic in locations, look to large towthe offshore arena for the next month. Gag grouper ers of baitfish and chum will also open this month, heavily. Use big chunks of and both target feed for excut bait, threadfins, pinfish, greenbacks and any other cellent table fare. type of baitfish you can get Billy Nobles is a local for both the chum and the captain in Apollo Beach hooked bait. Use a knockarea who targets these Tysa Dawn found this great fish constantly. He has in- blackfin tuna with captain Billy er rug setup with weight Nobles. enough to get down and vested many, many years hook with a bigger gap in perfecting his approach than the diameter of the to catching these fish. Hit weight. him up for a charter and Nobles is a regular out you will not be disappointthere in the deep waters of ed. These are some of his the gulf and recommends techniques. to always keep a flatline Gag grouper can be with a live bait out behind found up around rock the boat. You never know structures and reefs. They what you may find in the react well with chumming open waters. He regularin many of these areas, and Amy and Chris Nichols with large pinfish, threadfins an American red grouper with ly catches ARS, yellowtail captain Billy Nobles. and greenbacks are the bait snapper, grouper (both red choices this time of year. A 5/0 to 7/0 may and gag), mangrove snapper and blackfin be the hook size you want, and remember, tuna. Occasionally, a sailfish or mahi-mahi circle hooks are required for reef fishing. You will come join the party. If you make a trip can use a 60# to 100# main line with 100# on your own, please remember to make a leader on a stout rod and a 6000 series float plan so people at home know where reel. You’re going to need a setup with some you are headed and have an approximate backbone to it to move these fish up out of time of return. Taking two boats is always their hideaways. safer and a lot of fun. ARS will hold up in deep water in upwards You can reach Nobles at 813-299-5563 of 160 feet and 60 miles out. Do some home- or find him on Facebook at Billy Nobles. You work and survey your depth finders or maps will not be disappointed.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
THE TAMPA BAY SUMMER RV SHOW OFFERS EVERYTHING IN ONE LOCATION
By Sharon Still
From seasoned People new RVers to those to RVing will be who have never amazed at the constepped foot in a veniences and techrecreational vehinological advances cle (RV), there is an RV can offer sure to be somethese days. Stanthing for everyone dard features may at the Florida RV include USB ports, Trade Association’s Wi-Fi hotspots, upcoming Tampa tablet holders in Bay Summer RV There is plenty to see at the upcoming Tampa Bay the bunk beds and Show. Scheduled remote-control opSummer RV Show. for Thursday to eration of various Sunday, June 9-12 at the Florifeatures. Many RVs are also da State Fairgrounds, the event designed for luxury, as they are will showcase many different constructed with handcrafted brands, models and floor plans cabinetry, fireplaces, elaborate of RVs as well as feature vendor entertainment systems, wine booths offering everything from chillers and more. When it comes RV windshield repair to decorato comfort, some RV floor plans tive items and spill-proof dog bowls. There offer king, Sleep Number or memory foam also will be a DJ, face painting and other beds; recliners; air ride driver and passenactivities for the kids. ger seats; and much more. More people than ever are enjoying the Admission is $5 per adult; children ages RV lifestyle. According to Go RVing’s re- 16 and under are free. Military and first cent RV Owner Demographic Profile, the responders will receive $1 off the price of most comprehensive study of RV owner- admission for all days of the show and seship ever conducted, RV ownership has niors will receive a $1 discount on Thursincreased more than 62 percent in the last day, June 9. Upon entering, attendees can 20 years with a record 11.2 million house- sign up for door prizes; a $100 American holds owning an RV. Additionally, a stag- Express gift card will be awarded to an atgering 9.6 million households intend to buy tendee each day of the show. an RV in the next five years. Show hours are June 9-11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., At the Tampa Bay Summer RV Show, RV and Sunday, June 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Leashed dealerships will be there displaying new pets are welcome. motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels The Florida State Fairground is located and other types of RVs, all in one location. at 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 N. For further deGuests can tour the RVs and salespeople tails, visit www.frvta.org or call 813-741will be on hand to answer any questions. 0488.
Volume 20, Issue 6
June 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
LOCAL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE AND WIN IN DROP SAVERS POSTER CONTEST By Kathy L. Collins Hillsborough County The winning students’ Public Utilities and the schools were awarded City of Tampa Water bottle-filling stations Department invited and reusable water botstudents in the School tles for the first-place District of Hillsborough winning students’ art County to participate in classes. Bottle-filling the Drop Savers poster stations save money becontest. Kelsey Smith, cause students do not senior environment sci- Cooper Bess from Stowers Elementary need to buy single-use entist for Hillsborough bottles of water, and School and Miki Lin from Brandon County’s Water Conserthey help the environHigh School won first place in their vation program, said, divisions in the 2022 Drop Savers poster ment by eliminating “This is one of Florida plastic bottles from the contest. Both schools will receive bottle-filling stations. Section of the American water stream. Water Works AssociaSmith said, “For Hilltion’s most important outreach sborough County, conserving programs. The poster contest water has many benefits for allows participants to have fun the customer, the utility and the and at the same time promote environment, including saving the importance of water conmoney on water and sewer bills, servation in their homes.” reducing the costs of building Students in grades K-12 were new water and wastewater inencouraged to create a poster frastructure and preserving the depicting a water conservaenvironment and resources to tion idea—in slogan form, drawing form or ensure that clean water will be available for both—focusing on the importance of water current and future generations. The postconservation. Students had to work indi- er contest is a long-range education and vidually and could use crayons, paint, color awareness program with the hope for crepencils or markers. They were required to ating lifelong conservers and ambassadors create an original piece of art for a panel for conservation. It challenges students to of judges to review. Winning posters were explore water conservation concepts and to judged based on the message, creativity and creatively express their individual ideas of originality. the importance of water conservation.” Judges chose a first, second and thirdSmith added, “Water conservation starts place local winner for each division. First- with you. We work closely with Tampa Bay place winners advanced to the statewide Water Wise (TBWW), the regional water level, led and judged by the Florida Section conservation program offered by Tampa of the American Water Works Association. Bay Water that offers rebates for homeLocally, this year’s first-place winners in- owners and business owners who purchase cluded Cooper Bess from Stowers Elemen- and install water-saving devices.” tary School and Miki Lin from Brandon High Visit https://tampabaywaterwise.org/en/ School. for more information.
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AIRLIFE/BAYFLIGHT VISITS HCC PARAMEDIC STUDENTS By Kate Quesada A group of stuFire Rescue, the dents at Hillsborflight team from ough Community AirLife/BayFlight College’s (HCC) landed their aircraft SouthShore camadjacent to the HCC pus were able to SouthShore camsee up-close what pus. happens in a mediIn addition, cal emergency last the fire company month when the demonstrated landschool worked in ing zone safety and conjunction with the flight team exHillsborough Coun- Students at HCC’s SouthShore campus were visited plained their role in ty and brought an by an AirLife/BayFlight aircraft last month as part patient care. of the EMS program. AirLife/BayFlight “The demonstraaircraft to the field tion concluded with adjacent to the a tour of the aircraft school’s science and a question/anbuilding. swer period,” said According to Linder. professor LawAlso included rence Linder from in the event was the EMS Programs a team of rescuFaculty, the Nationers from Manatee al EMS Education County Search Standards were & Rescue, which revised in 2021 and brought their resnow require that schools work cue unit and explained how with state and local agencies they would coordinate with the to provide the students with flight team during a search and the knowledge to work safely rescue operation. around a landing zone during “It is our hope that the resan air medical operation. cue teams will be a part of “This includes the proper our ongoing commitment to treatment of the patient and the interac- providing our students with an excellent tion with the air medical personnel who clinical and educational experience,” said will then transport the patient to the trau- Linder. ma center,” he explained. “What better Hillsborough Community College’s way to learn than to land an aircraft and SouthShore campus is located at 551 have the students explore the interwork- 24th St. NE in Ruskin and can be reached ing of safety and advanced patient care?” at 813-253-7000. For more information, With the help of Hillsborough County visit www.hccfl.edu.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 6
