Osprey Observer Riverview/Apollo Beach March 2024

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14TH CRAWFISH FESTIVAL IS BACK WITH GOOD MUSIC, FOOD & FUN FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Fourteen years ago, two friends were looking for a way to raise money for the Rotary Club and give back to local charities and high schools.

From this passion, the Crawfish Festival was started to bring the community together with good food, shopping and entertainment.

This year, the 14th annual Crawfish Festival is on Saturday, April 13 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Founders Square Park in Winthrop Town Centre. The free event will feature live music, food vendors, kids’ activities and shopping for everyone to enjoy. Guests can purchase meals during the event or avoid the lines and purchase online ahead of time.

If you are bringing the whole crew, purchase the Family Pack for $70, which includes two Cajun-style crawfish dinners with corn and potatoes, your choice of two ho tdogs or hamburgers, two beers and two nonalcoholic beverages. You can also purchase individual Cajun-style crawfish dinners with corn and potatoes for just $25. There will be a la carte items for purchase with Crawfish Cash, including pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, smoked fish spread, red beans and rice, gumbo, drinks and more. Advance purchase of tickets and Crawfish Cash is highly recommended.

Michael Broussard, co-founder of the

By Makenzie Atkins

festival, was born and raised in south Louisiana and grew up eating Cajun-style food. Being able to combine his passion for Cajun food and his passion for helping the community is what makes this festival so special to him.

“Getting crawfish around here can be challenging, so the crawfish fanatics have made the event what it is today,” said Broussard, “and the support of the community has been incredible.”

All Crawfish Festival proceeds support charitable causes. Beneficiaries include community organizations working to alleviate poverty, illiteracy, hunger and disease. Funds also provide area youth scholarships and leadership development. Last year, the FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity, awarded $35,000, with roughly 90 percent allocated locally. For more information and a complete list of recipients, visit www.fishhawkriverviewrotary.org.

The Rotary Club is excited to bring the 14th annual Crawfish Festival presented by ‘Laissez le Bon Temps Rouler’ title sponsor Chris Ligori & Associates back for the community to enjoy good music, good food and good company. To learn more about the Crawfish Festival, prepurchase meals or sign up as a sponsor or vendor, please visit www. luvcrawfish.com.

It is the end of an era for Tampa residents and racing enthusiasts from around the country, as East Bay Raceway Park is set to close this fall. February marked the final Winternationals at the famed 1/3-mile dirt track, and when racing season concludes in October the local icon will close its gates for good.

East Bay Raceway Park opened in 1977 and three generations of race fans have flocked to the warm weather to kick o f racing season. Current owner and president Al Varnadore, born and raised in Dover, has been at the helm for the last 22 years and has seen the industry change over time with costs skyrocketing, driving out the everyday people building cars in their backyards and focusing on precision and specialty-built vehicles.

As what Varnadore refers to as “the right time,” in 2019, the park entered into a purchase agreement with The Mosaic Company, a phosphate-mining company which owns all the neighboring properties. The agreement gave Mosaic the option to purchase the 28 acres in five years.

Five years have passed, and the planned sale will go through in 2024. Varnadore commented, “It is bittersweet. The cost of racing has gone up so much that the market is killing itself.”

He plans to stay around the racing scene but added that he turns 65 in May and it’s time to slow down and spend

By Sharon Still

time with his grandchildren.

As for East Bay Raceway Park, Varnadore said that Mosaic will use the property as an extension to its two phosphate stacks, explaining that he has been told 3 feet will be removed from the ground surface and leveled.

While the winter months attract the most fans to East Bay Raceway Park, there is still excitement ahead for those who want to experience the nostalgia before it ends.

“Any of our Late Model and Sprint Car events are great entertainment for the family,” he said.

Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models have been an attraction at the track since 2005. He added that it was standing-room-only at Winternationals and expects an even larger crowd at the track’s ‘Grand Finale,’ a $50,000-to-win Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series race that concludes the season on Saturday, October 12.

East Bay Raceway Park is located at 6311 Burts Rd. in Tampa, just o f U.S. 41, and can be reached at 813-677-7223; Check out its event schedule and find more information at https://ebrp.co/.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS, SUN ’N FUN AEROSPACE EXPO RETURNS APRIL 9-14 BARBERSHOP QUARTET AND

It may be hard to fathom, but the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Plenty of fan-favorite attractions will return, along with several new experiences that debut at this year’s expo, which is from Tuesday to Sunday, April 9-14.

The celebration kicks of with SUN ’n FUN’s Opening Day Concert, featuring Dylan Scott with special guest Sara Evans. The expo will showcase over 600 acres of static displays of all types of aircraft, including vintage, homebuilt, aerobatic, warbird, military, light sport, seaplanes and rotorcraft. Among new features will be the Future ’n Flight Plaza, focusing on innovative technology, aviation careers and flight simulation experiences. Children will enjoy a newly established Aviation Playground that promises to inspire.

Throughout the six-day event, daily airshows will include spectacular military demonstrations by the USAF Thunderbirds, the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet Demo Team, Tora Tora Tora, Commemorative Air Force Warbirds and the Ghost Squadron. The Wednesday and Saturday night airshows will be just as riveting, featuring aerobatics by world-class airshow performers, pyrotechnics and fireworks.

A special appearance will be made by the four-engine, tri-tailed Lockheed VC121A Constellation — nicknamed ‘The

Staf Report

Connie’ — a meticulously restored 1948 transport that once served the military, U.S. presidents and NASA. The Commemorative Air Force will ofer rides on several legendary warbirds, including the B-29 Super Fortress ‘FIFI,’ the B-24 Liberator ‘Diamond Lil,’ the P-51 Mustang ‘Gunfighter’ and an RC-45J Expeditor.

Over 500 exhibitors will present an expansive lineup of aviation-related products and services.

Pilots and maintainers will benefit from handson workshops focused on building and maintenance skills and dozens of topical forums. Youth will have an opportunity to engage in STEM activities, including flight simulation, robotics, drones, riveting and wing rib building.

For added comfort, look for the air-conditioned tent designed for families to unwind or the newly added shaded resting spots. Also this year, find more picnic tables and benches across the campus and convenient refillable water bottle stations.

There is truly something for everybody at the 50th anniversary SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo.

Weekly and single-day tickets to the 2024 SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo can be purchased online or upon arrival. Children 10 and under will be admitted for free. Detailed information about the fly-in can be found at https://flysnf.org/.

CHORUS SEEKS NEW MEMBERS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO PERFORM

The Par for the Chorus Barbershop Quartet is everything you might expect from a barbershop music group and more. In fact, while their name is a play on par for the course due to them being based in Sun City Center, where golf is a popular pastime, they are par to none.

Par for the Chorus is a nonaudition chorus comprised of men and women who sing a cappella arrangements of traditional barbershop songs as well as more contemporary songs. Performances and rehearsals include singing together as a chorus and singing as quartets.

The group was founded in 1999 by Don Looper, Jack Frobose and Lee Frayer and currently has 20 members of all ages, with Charles Bunton being the oldest at age 94. While the group is based in Sun City Center, there are members that come from Sarasota, Bradenton and Valrico.

President David Lemley welcomes anyone interested in joining the group.

“We are always looking for new members. We have many learning aids to help them get up and running even if they have never sang in a chorus before. We like to sing well,

By Jane Owen

but we don’t take it too serious and we have a great bunch of fun and interesting people,” Lemly said.

Lemley has been singing for three years. The longest member in the group has been singing barbershop for 50 years.

Valrico resident Dan Tracy began singing last year.

“As a new member, I really like the camaraderie in the group. Everybody tries to help each other and uplift each other. I’m learning a lot about myself by attempting to learn how to sing, and it’s a great feeling when you do get it right and the chord tones ring out. I’m 59 years old and just starting, so if I can do it, anyone can,” Tracy said.

The first annual Ice Cream Social, benefiting Sun City Center Security Patrol and Par for the Chorus, is on Friday, April 5, from 2-4 p.m. at the Atrium Building, located at 945D N. Course Lane in Sun City Center.

In addition to always welcoming new members, Par for the Chorus is looking for new opportunities to sing and perform. To contact them, email parforthechorusscc@ gmail.com. For more information, visit their Facebook page @SCCbarbershopchorus.

Photo courtesy of SUN’ n FUN. Among the many other daily airshows, there will be demonstrations by the USAF Tunderbirds during the six-day event.

From left to right: Carol Matz (tenor), Dan Matz (lead), Dan Tracy (bass) and Tom Purinton (baritone) performing during the intermission of the SouthShore Concert Band’s Christmas concert.

Te Par for the Chorus Barbershop Quartet performing their 2023 Spring Concert at St. Andrew Church in Sun City Center.

ECHO’S ELEANOR SAUNDERS NAMED 2023 RIVERVIEW CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

The 2023 Riverview Citizen of the Year is Eleanor Saunders, executive director of ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization), who said at the award’s announcement that it is an honor she shares proudly with her team.

“I’m so proud of my team, and it’s a stellar team,” Saunders said on February 2 at The Regent, where the then-named Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet and awards ceremony, shortly before unveiling a new logo with the organization’s new name, the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce. “I’m so thankful that we live in a community that now has two places like ECHO for people to come and get help.”

Saunders for roughly 18 years has been an employee of ECHO, hired as the second employee by Stacey Efaw, whose job Saunders filled roughly nine years later. The nonprofit today, at two locations, has 26 employees, up from 10 a decade ago, Saunders said. The nonprofit opened more than 30 years ago in Brandon, thanks in good part to the largesse of Julian L. Kraft Jr., who provided the space at 507 N. Parsons Ave.

ECHO last year moved its Riverview operation into larger quarters, from 7807 Capitano St. to 10509 Riverview Dr., home of the old Riverview library. The new and much larger Riverview Public Library is at 9951 Balm Riverview Rd.

At both locations — and with plans over

By Linda Chion

the next few years or so to open two more, including one in South Hillsborough County — the mission is to focus services on three areas of critical need.

“Right of the bat, you have the critical need for food and clothing,” Saunders said. “Then you have the need for one-on-one job training, but you can’t keep a job if you don’t address the third level of need, for shelter, reliable transportation and child care.”

Overall, the need is growing, as ECHO this fiscal year, which ends on Sunday, June 30, is on track to report having served an unprecedented 30,000 neighbors, up from 10,000 neighbors in fiscal year 2010, Saunders said.

“That’s the great thing about ECHO,” said Betty Jo Tompkins, who in 2022 was named Riverview Citizen of the Year. “Their programming is very individualized, and they take advantage of all the opportunities given to them in the community.”

“People need help,” Tompkins added. “They need help with food, they need help with housing, they need help with clothing, they need educational and job training skills. ECHO is ofering a comprehensive program to work towards helping the whole person.”

To learn more about ECHO, visit https:// echofl.org/. Call ECHO Riverview at 813540-9880. Call ECHO Brandon at 813-6850935. ECHO has two thrift stores in Brandon, one at 815 W. Bloomingdale Ave. and the other at 424 W. Brandon Blvd.

DRY CONDITIONS AND MAINTENANCE WARRANT CONSERVING WATER

Local skies have been full of clouds this winter, but the amount of rain produced so far is leaving the Tampa Bay area in drought conditions that have ofcials calling for continued conservation eforts from the community.

Water used by Hillsborough County residents is provided by Tampa Bay Water, the regional utility responsible for providing a safe and reliable flow of water in the region. Ofcials said there is still enough water to go around and cited recent rains and cooler temperatures as factors that are helping the situation, but conservation is still essential to ensuring things stay that way.

“We have plenty of water to meet the region’s needs, but it means we may go over our permitted groundwater pumping limits if rain is inconsistent, if we have a warm spring and early summer and if residents don’t follow watering restrictions,” said Warren Hogg, chief science ofcer at Tampa Bay Water. “We ask that everyone treat water like the precious and limited resource that it is.”

The ongoing dryer weather that has prevailed over the west coast of Florida recently means that the C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir in Lithia is filled to less than half

By Brad Stager

of its storage capacity of 15.5 billion gallons of water. According to Tampa Bay Water, the reservoir contained 7.21 billion gallons of water as of January 20. The utility also announced a 12-month rainfall shortage of 9.3 inches in January and a reduction in the daily flow of the Hillsborough River of 9.1 million gallons.

The dry conditions and deficit in stored water come at a time when the Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant in Apollo Beach is going ofine for maintenance until later this year. According to Tampa Bay Water, up to 10 percent of the region’s drinking water comes from desalination, which means the temporary absence of the plant’s production will make the supply of usable water more reliant on sources such as rivers and groundwater pumped via wells.

Current watering restrictions limit property owners and managers to irrigating on one scheduled day per week, as determined by the property’s address. Watering is also restricted to hours before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Using reclaimed water for lawns and landscapes is exempt from the restrictions.

More information, including the watering day schedule, can be found at https:// hcfl.gov/.

2023 Riverview Citizen of the Year, ECHO executive director Eleanor Saunders, with Betty Jo Tompkins, the award’s 2022 recipient.

Te C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir in Lithia stores drinking water for local residents.

nitishrele@gmail.com TECH-LOADED 2024 CADDY ESCALADE IS A POWERHOUSE!

By Nitish Rele

Is it still the King of Bling after over a quarter century on the road? You bet. The fifth-gen Cadillac Escalade is that and much, much more.

Under the hood sits a 6.2-liter V8 EcoTec3 engine that blasts of 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 poundsfeet of torque at 4,100 rpm. The 10-speed auto gearbox is quieter than most that we have driven recently in any luxury SUV. And the startstop feature (automatic engine stop when the vehicle halts) ensures substantial savings in fuel and weight.

ESCALADE SPORT PLATINUM (4WD)

Tires: P275/50R22 all season

Wheelbase: 120.9 inches

Length: 211.9 inches

Width: 81.1 inches

Height: 76.7 inches

Suspension: coil-over-shock

front, independent rear

Steering: electric power rackand-pinion

Fuel capacity: 24 gallons

City: 14 mpg

Highway: 18 mpg

Base price: $113,695

Price as tested: $120,715

The Dynamic Fuel Management system deactivates four of the eight cylinders for fuel savings. And if you need to haul a sailboat or another car, the tow capacity is an astonishing 8,000 pounds.

Website: www.cadillac.com

ed reality to the mix and you are in business.

Other luxuries include the trizone auto AC, flipdown 12.6-inch DVD screens for rear passengers, panoramic sunroof, hands-free lift gate, head-up display, heated/cooled front seats, suede headliner and attractive dark-auburnwith-black-accent interior. The stainless-steel speaker grilles throughout are eye-catching. Ingress and egress into the high-sitting vehicle is convenient, thanks to power retractable running boards. The third-row seat folds via a power button in the cargo hold, while the second-row power seat moves fore and aft 5.5 inches.

You can identify an Escalade anywhere, thanks to its gigantic presence up front with the centered and traditional crest emblem in the Galvano chromed grille, flanked by horizontal HID (high-intensity discharge) headlights. The iconic, full-size luxury SUV genuinely gleams in the cabin department with OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screen technology, which basically is light produced in response to an electric current. Three screens: a 14.2-inch instrument display behind the steering wheel; to the left, a 7.2-inch touch screen for driver information center; and a 16.9-inch infotainment screen in the dashboard. All use OLED and boast twice the clarity of a 4K TV. Audiophiles will love the 36-speaker AKG sound miracle, which can be heard via the ceiling, headrests and even the center console. Add the navigation system with augment-

Dual front and side airbags; side curtain airbag for rear rows; stability, hill descent and traction controls; four-wheel antilock brakes; rearview camera; rear-cross traffic, forward-collision and side-blind zone alerts; lane keep assist with departure warning; Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assistance system; front/rear park sensors; tire pressure monitoring system; and daytime running lights are standard. Magnetic Ride Control adjusts the four-wheel independent suspension as per road conditions, resulting in a smooth but firm ride. It also keeps body roll to a minimum. It may weigh over 5,800 pounds, but the Escalade has ample power to result in a graceful, smooth and easy-riding companion as your passengers’ ride in luxury. All you need is an overblown bank balance to pamper yourself and the family

By Laurie E. Ohall, Florida Board-certifed Elder Law Attorney

When it comes to estate planning in Florida, there are a myriad of diferent options designed to protect and distribute assets. Two commonly used tools are revocable trust and enhanced life estate deeds (also known as a ‘lady bird’ deed). While both allow someone to transfer their assets after death, each tool has its pros and cons. What Is a Revocable Trust?

A revocable trust (also known as a ‘living trust’) is a legal entity created by a person (the grantor) to hold and manage their assets during and after their lifetime. The grantor retains the right to amend, modify or revoke the trust at any time. The advantages to a trust are:

1. Flexibility: A trust can be amended or revoked at any time, thereby allowing for adjustments to your estate plan (if a beneficiary dies, or if a grandchild is born, etc.). Also, a trust can hold any type of asset, such as a homestead, other real estate, financial accounts, business investments, etc.

2. Avoids probate: If the trust is funded correctly, this will avoid probate at the death of the grantor.

3. Privacy: Unlike a will (or a lady bird deed) both of which are a matter of public record (either at the recording of the deed or at death in the case of the will), the trust remains private and confidential.

4. Control: Because the grantor retains the right to amend or revoke the trust, they can control what happens to the assets both during their lifetime and even after death. Really, the only disadvantage to a trust is the cost and the time it takes to fund the trust.

Enhanced Life Estate Deeds (AKA a Lady Bird Deed)

A lady bird deed is a way to transfer real estate, whether it be a homestead or nonho-

mestead property, to a beneficiary upon the death of the property owner. The advantages include:

1. Lifetime control: With such a deed, the owner of the property retains the right to live on the property and to use it, or sell, mortgage, rent, etc., during their lifetime. Upon their death, it passes to the beneficiaries named in the deed.

2. Avoids probate: This deed avoids probate; also, upon the death of the owner, the beneficiaries record the owner’s death certificate, and the house is in their names. Additionally, the beneficiaries will receive the ‘step-up’ in basis, as they will via a trust, so capital gains tax would be at a minimum, if any.

3. Cost-effective: Compared to a revocable trust, a lady bird deed is more cost-efective.

4. Not a gift for Medicaid: If you need to apply for long-term care benefits in the future, this type of deed will not disqualify you from doing so.

The disadvantage of a lady bird deed may cause many to decide this option is not for them. There can be title insurance concerns; if family members do not get along, then having them own property together may not be a good idea; and there is limited flexibility if you want to change or revoke the deed.

It is important to talk to a qualified estate planning attorney who can help you assess your situation and explain your options to you. Understanding the diferences between the options can empower you to make the right choice for yourself.

Laurie Ohall is a Florida board-certifed elder law attorney practicing in Brandon, Florida. She has been practicing law for 30 years and her practice is focused on estate planning, elder law planning and probate. Ohall is licensed to practice law in Florida and Ohio.

HILLSBOROUGH COMMISSIONERS SEEK APPLICATIONS FOR THE DIVERSITY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Staf Report

Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking interested residents to serve on the Diversity Advisory Council. The council was created to facilitate communication between Hillsborough County government and diverse populations, and to address matters related to diversity that afect county government and its citizens.

member of the Diversity Advisory Council and state why you are most suited to carry forth those goals.

2. A complete Questionnaire for Diversity Advisory Council.

3. A Standards of Conduct form. Meeting schedule: monthly, second Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.

The council is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and is comprised of two individuals from each of the following categories: African American; Caribbean; Far East Asian; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender; Hispanic/Latino; Indian Asian; Middle Eastern; Native American; Northern and Southern European; People with Disabilities; and At Large (identification with a specific category is not required).

Three positions are vacant, and six terms expired. Terms are for two years. Positions are specified as individuals from the following categories: African American (one), Far East Asian (one), Hispanic/Latino (one), Indian Asian (one), Middle Eastern (two), Native American (two) and Northern and Southern European (one).

All nominees must reside in and be registered voters in Hillsborough County. Appointments are voluntary positions; therefore, members serve without compensation.

Citizens interested in being considered for appointment must submit:

1. An essay of 200-500 words highlighting what your goals would be as a

Forms are available on the county’s website on the Announcements & Forms page at https:// hcfl.gov/government/boards-and-committees/announcements-and-forms. You can also type ‘Announcements & Forms’ in the search box at https://hcfl.gov/ to find the forms to download.

The forms can be filled out and printed, then scanned and emailed, faxed or mailed.

All forms must be signed and dated, and all questions must be answered in entirety to be eligible. Applicants declining to submit an essay will be eliminated from further consideration for service on the Diversity Advisory Council of Hillsborough County.

The application is due by close of business on Friday, March 22. Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners in April or May.

Forms can be:

• Mailed to P. O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33601.

• Faxed to 813-239-3916.

• Emailed to rotgerg@hcfl.gov.

• Delivered to 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 2nd Floor, Tampa, FL 33602.

TAMPA ELECTRIC CELEBRATES 125 YEARS SINCE FIRST STREETLIGHT

When the first electric streetlight illuminated downtown Tampa in the late 19th century, crowds gathered, and reporters wrote about the ‘light show.’ Since that first streetlight, everyone’s lives have been immeasurably brightened by the power of electricity.

And now, in 2024, Tampa Electric marks its 125th anniversary — right where it all began.

“At the heart of our 125year history is a deep connection with the communities we serve,” said Archie Collins, president and chief executive ofcer of Tampa Electric. “As one of the oldest companies in Tampa, we have powered homes and businesses — while fueling dreams and aspirations. We are proud to be such an important part of the fabric of this community.”

Through the years, the energy industry has changed dramatically as technology has advanced. Tampa Electric has been at the forefront of these changes, constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of customers. From adding renewable energy sources to integrating a smarter grid, the company’s commitment to progress, safety and customers has always been its priority.

Here are just a few examples:

• In 1899, the company had 28 employees and 1,200 customers. Today, Tampa Electric employs about 2,500 people and serves 840,000 customers across West Central Florida. Each year, employees devote tens of thousands of hours volun-

teering to make our communities brighter.

• Far from the days of that first downtown streetlight, TECO now has 200,000 energy-efficient LED streetlights, some with smart-city capabilities.

• The company’s fuel use has changed dramatically. This year, coal consumption is expected to be down by 94 percent since 2000. Solar power is up to 14 percent of the electricity we create, with plans to add more. TECO generates the highest amount of solar energy per customer of any utility in the state. That all adds up to save customers about $200 million in fuel costs since 2017.

• In the 1980s, the Big Bend power plant developed an unusual following — of manatees. The gentle giants gather in the warm, clean water used to cool the plant. What began as a small parking lot, then a trailer, eventually became the award-winning Manatee Viewing Center.

• In the past 20 years, Tampa Electric has reduced the length of power outages by 40 percent and reduced the number of momentary ‘flickers’ by 65 percent. Today, the company delivers 99.98 percent service reliability to customers.

The next chapter in the TECO story will be one of continued innovation, sustainability and community engagement.

Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 840,000 customers in West Central Florida. Visit www.tampaelectric.com.

Area Interact, Rotaract and Rotary Clubs met at Rotary’s Camp Florida on February 17 for a camp cleanup day. Rotary’s Camp Florida is a 21-acre, ADA-compliant campsite that provides a safe, fun space to learn, grow and play for groups whose members need supportive accommodations. The camp is rented by organizations who would like to provide these services to its clients. The day not only beautified the campus but also brought the multigenerational Rotary family together to learn from each other.

FishHawk-Riverview Rotary

On Monday, March 25, Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview member Jason Webster will present on Rotary’s water and sanitation eforts around the world. On Monday, April 1, the La Paz, Honduras team who worked with Honduras Compassion Partners in February will share about the projects completed, the lives touched and the environmental impacts of installing latrines, water filtration systems and water storage pilas, as well as the house they built. Both events start at 12 Noon at Gasparilla Pizzeria and Growlers in Valrico. For more information, visit its social media channels or www.fishhawkriverviewrotary.org.

Brandon Global Eco Rotary

Brandon Global Eco South contributed $1,900 through a series of grants toward a worldwide Rotary efort to supply water to a drought-stricken part of Ghana, West Africa. Members meet on the second and fourth Mondays from 6-7 p.m. on Zoom to discuss environmental education and ecological friendly projects. For more information,

contact Bruno Kazenas at 813-263-7062 or bkazenas@comcast.net.

Interact Club of Tampa Bay (High Schoolers)

Area high schoolers interested in service, leadership, food and fun are invited to attend the Interact Club of Tampa Bay meetings on the first Monday of each month from 6-8 p.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center in Brandon. The Interact Club is sponsored by the Brandon ’86 Rotary Club. For more information, contact Chad Norgard at chad@norgardinsgrp.com.

USF Rotaract (College Students)

USF Rotaract held three events on February 10, collecting hundreds of pounds of trash from St. Pete Beach and Mirror Lakes. It also helped raise $7,000 dollars for Metropolitan Ministries and has over 40 diferent service events planned for March. Additionally, on Saturday, April 20, it will have its Earth Day Riverfest and Cleanup, which involves cleaning the river, building a boat dock and more. For more information, contact Benjamin Meyer at benjaminmeyer@ usf.edu.

Brandon

The Rotary Club of Brandon hosted its 32nd annual Bill Harper Classic Golf Tournament on January 18 to a sold-out field of golfers. This year’s tournament broke club records and raised over $30,000 for Brandon-area nonprofits. The club also hosted its annual Wild Game Dinner on March 1 to raise additional money for its nonprofit partners. For information on the club, fundraisers or projects, please reach out to the club at brandonrotaryfl@gmail.com.

RIVERVIEW HIGH STUDENT PERFORMED AT CARNEGIE HALL IN NEW YORK IN FEBRUARY

A Riverview High School student, Hannah Hewett, recently had the opportunity to perform as a vocalist with the Honors Concert Choir at Carnegie Hall in New York City. George Mason University’s Honors Performance Series is an opportunity for young vocalists from all over the world to perform under the best conductors at prestigious concert halls.

Hewett is a member of the Riverview High School Chamber Choir, the Victorian Christmas Choir, the Harmonix Group, a church choir and has studied piano and voice privately for years.

By Ashley Abene

Working with these conductors and performing at these renowned music halls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians will never forget.”

This year, 10,000 nominations were sent out for auditions, and only 500 students were selected to perform with this concert choir. Hewett was invited to audition with the concert choir, and she submitted her application, resume and two audition pieces. She was then selected to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, led by conductor Jefrey L. Ames, Ph.D.

In addition to the prestige of performing under world-class conductors, students who participate in this concert series are eligible for college credit with George Mason University.

Marion Gomez, music director for the Honors Performance Series, stated, “Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing.

Hewett participated in the choir as a first alto singer and performed with the Honors Concert Choir for the matinee showing on February 10. The concert lasted approximately two hours and consisted of three performances by an orchestra and two choral groups. The Honors Concert Choir performed seven songs: “Gloria Fanfare” by Dr. Jefery L. Ames; “Rytmus” by Ivan Hrusovsky; “Svjati Boze” by Lisa Milena Simikic; “Night Vision” by Stephen Chatman; “Northern Lights” by Eriks Esenvalds; “I Wanna Be Ready,” a traditional spiritual; and “We Shall Overcome” by Zilphia Horton, Frank Hamilton, Guy Carawan and Pete Seeger.

Hewett said of her experience in New York City, “I was so excited to perform in such a prestigious venue like Carnegie Hall, to work with a wonderful conductor like Dr. Ames and my fellow concert choir performers from around the world and to take in all the sights and sounds of New York City for five days. It was such a great, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I wish it would have lasted longer.”

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE PRESENTS A FREE AIR SHOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Every other year, thousands of people flock to MacDill Air Force Base (MacDill AFB) for its biennial air show, Tampa Bay AirFest. On Easter weekend, Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30, an air show of epic proportions will be coming back to MacDill AFB, located in South Tampa. General admission is free to the public.

Each day is full of exciting performances and displays featuring the U.S. Air Force’s own Thunderbirds, U.S. Special Operation Command’s (SOCOM) Para-Commandos, C-17 Demo Team, KC135 Stratotanker, Warbird Thunder Airshows, A-10 Demo Team and F-18 Demo Team, in addition to five to six civilian pilots.

The Air Force Thunderbirds’ website states, “The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.”

SOCOM’s Para-Commandos are the foremost parachute demonstration team and will be performing their advanced tactical maneuvers for the crowd.

According to the AirFest website, “The Para-Commandos tailor each per-

By Ashley Abene

formance to the individual venue and can perform from as low as 2,000 feet above ground level to as high as 13,500 feet above ground level. Depending on the venue and time of day, the Para-Commandos may jump flags, smoke, sparklers or a combination of each into the event.”

There will be displays and tours of all kinds of aircraft, including C17s, fighter jets (A-10s, F-16, F-22, F-35s, etc.), Black Hawk helicopters, Chinook helicopters and so on. Spectators can even talk to the pilots and crew and take pictures in the pilot’s seat.

Make sure to check out the booster tables for food and souvenirs. The proceeds help fund local morale events for service members.

MacDill Air Force Base is located at 6901 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa. The entrance for the public can be found at the Dale Mabry, MacDill Avenue and Tanker Way gates. Department of Defense ID cardholders should enter through the Bayshore Gate only. Gates open at 8 a.m.

MacDill AFB encourages guests to bring ear protection, sunglasses and chairs to sit in, as there will be no seats out for the public.

For more information about the Tampa Bay AirFest, please visit its website at www.tampabayairfest.com or by calling 813-725-1795.

Tunderbirds performing one of their stunts as part of an air show in an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Hannah Hewett, a Riverview High School student, was selected as a fnalist to perform at Carnegie Hall with vocalists from all over the world.

Hannah Hewett with the listing for the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall.

RIVERVIEW CHAMBER CHANGES ITS NAME, PRESENTS BUSINESS AWARDS AT DINNER/MASQUERADE BALL

A new name and a new round of awards and recognitions marked the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce Masquerade Ball at The Regent in Riverview in February.

Before the night was through, chamber President and CEO Ny’Kole ‘Nykki’ Krivda asked attendees to bring their attention to the screens for the first public viewing of the chamber’s new logo, which in turn sported the chamber’s new name.

The Riverview Chamber, founded in 1966, now is the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce, a move Krivda and chamber Chair Tammy Folsom See, in a letter to members, said was necessary to ofer “more equal representation of the multiple communities we serve.”

They noted that Hillsborough County Commissioner Michael Owen, a Bloomingdale High graduate, at a recent Board of County Commissioners meeting, said, “Riverview has become the urban core now.” Now, as a chamber, “we must remain a relevant business leader in the surrounding economic core,” the letter continues.

With its Phantom of the Opera theme, featuring a show tune performance from former school board Chair Melissa Snively, the masquerade ball aforded an opportunity to recognize 2023 business award winners and 2023 Riverview Citizen of the Year Eleanor Saunders, executive director of ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization). ECHO’s mission is to bridge the gap between crisis and stability for neighbors in roughly 20 ZIP codes.

Businesses awards granted in three categories went to Craig Beckinger for ABC Event Planning, Joe and Melissa Canfield

for Grease Monkey in Ruskin and Vanity Barr-Little for Sylvan Learning of Apollo Beach.

In the category for up to five employees, ABC Event Planning faced finalist competition from Parwani Law, P.A. and Accent American, a disaster restoration firm. Grease Monkey, in the category for 16 to 19 employees, faced of against Your Pie and Ebb & Flow Yoga. In the category for more than 20 employees, Sylvan Learning of Apollo Beach topped ECHO and Hillsborough Community College.

Chamber awards were given as well to

By Linda Chion

board from 2009 to 2014 and has been named top ambassador six times.

Rounding out the recognitions, Dave Lechuga of Florida Executive Realty received the Shining Star Award, given to first-year chamber members. Michael Broussard, immediate past chamber chair, was named 2023 Chamber Champion. He was not at the masquerade ball because he was on a mission trip in Honduras.

The night featured Riverview Honorary Mayor Brian Porter as emcee. Joe Zuniga sang The Star-Spangled Banner and James Blewett of Extraordinary Church delivered the invocation. The Best Decorated Table Award went to The Regent. Catering was by 3 C’s Catering; Nothing Bundt Cakes provided dessert.

The night concluded with recognition of the chamber’s 2024 board of directors, chaired by See.

members who go above and beyond.

The Joe Eletto Ambassador of the Year Award went to Lisa Jordan of Accent American.

The Margy Watkins Volunteer of the Year Award went to Daisy Vega, founder of the Freedom to Walk Foundation, which helps cover the expense of a medical device that addresses foot drop.

Veteran Joe Eletto, who helped found and co-chairs the chamber’s Military Afairs Committee, learned at the ball that the ambassador award would be named in his honor. Eletto, a realtor, served on the chamber

Also on the board are Krivda and board emeritus Jim Johnson. Filling out the seats: Ron Akers (FruxPay), Annette Bilyeu (Spectrum Business), Joel Brown (TECO), Dave Boyle (YMCA Camp Cristina), Jef Campbell (Lydansco Business Consulting & Strategic Planning and Funding), Patrick Downes (St. Joseph’s Hospital-South), John R. Mayhew (Florida Supreme Court certified circuit civil and county civil mediator), Gabriel Mbulo (Edward Jones), Jason Newmyer (AdventHealth Riverview), Theresa Sharkey (Your Pie), Bill Short (retired) and Elena Westrop (Charity Clothing Pickup).

For more information about the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, visit www.riverviewchamber.com or call 813234-5944. The chamber is in Winthrop at 6152 Delancey Station St.

Te newly renamed Joe Eletto Ambassador of the Year Award goes to Lisa Jordan (left).

Chamber Chair Tammy Folsom See (right), 2022 Ambassador of the Year Jill Jofko (left) and 2023 awardee Daisy Vega.

Eleanor Saunders, 2023 Riverview Citizen of the Year, with business award winner Craig Beckinger of ABC Event Planning.

Grease Monkey business award winners Joe and Melissa Canfeld (center) with Riverview Honorary Mayor Brian Porter and chamber Chair Tammy Folsom See.

Central Hillsborough County Chamber 2023 Shining Star Award recipient Dave Lechuga with 2022 honoree Tammy Dotson (left) and chamber Chair Tammy Folsom See.

Vanity Barr-Little of Sylvan Learning of Apollo Beach holds her business award in the category for organizations with more than 20 members.

TAMPA DYNAMO FC OFFERS SEVERAL RECREATIONAL AND COMPETITIVE SOCCER PROGRAMS

Tampa Dynamo FC is preparing for its spring recreational and competitive seasons to bring youth and adult soccer to Hillsborough County.

The spring season will host recreational programs in addition to the ongoing youth competitive season, which hosts registration in March and tryouts in May.

“Our competitive program is designed for those kids that have ambition within the game to develop and potentially take next steps, whether that be to play in high school college or for those kids that dream to play professionally one day,” said Graham Faught, club president.

Tampa Dynamo FC’s recreational programs rely on around 60 parent volunteers to coach the club-supported teams. These programs are open to any young athlete who wants to learn how to play and develop a love for soccer.

The club sees approximately 1,500 youth participants and around 250-300 adult athletes each season.

The youth recreational programs cost $150-$200, which includes uniforms, one practice per week and several games each season. The cost for the youth competitive seasons is between $775-$1550, including insurance, 10 months of training and Grass-

By Lily Belcher

roots-licensed coaches. The $150 cost for adult recreational programs includes eight games during the season and insurance.

“We do our best to keep costs as low as we can for our families,” Faught said.

Smaller programs are hosted throughout the year at the new SouthShore Sportsplex on Waterset Boulevard.

“We were given the opportunity by Hillsborough County to expand our recreational programming and took the chance. Many of our members come from Apollo Beach/Waterset and this gives them the chance to play closer to home, which is always a positive,” Faught said.

The expansion to the Waterset area also gives Tampa Dynamo the extra field space it needs after seeing the recreational program grow to 700 kids this spring.

The club was founded in 2003 as the Valrico Youth Soccer Club but has grown to its new name, Tampa Dynamo FC, since 2015.

For more information on upcoming programs and registration information, visit Tampa Dynamo FC’s Instagram and Facebook pages. Registration is opening in March.

For more information, email clubadmin@tampadynamofc.com or call or text 813-677-1133.

Tampa Dynamo FC hosts adult and youth recreational programs throughout the year.

Tampa Dynamo FC’s competitive programs ofer young athletes the chance to hone their competitive skills.

FOUR LOCAL ATHLETES SELECTED FOR THE UNITED WORLD GAMES

By Lily Belcher

ketball players will travel to Europe this summer to participate in the United World Games.

Josiah Reid from Randall Middle School, Tomi Akingboye from Rodgers Middle School, Lennox Zayela from Bell Creek Academy and Elijah Ventura from Farnell Middle School will represent the United States.

The United World Games’ basketball competition for those ages 10-19 years old will take place from Thursday, June 20, to Sunday, June 23. The boys will travel for 10 days and combine the basketball competition with skill development and cultural education.

Hope Reid, Josiah’s mother, said the four boys were selected alongside other players from a pool of applicants across the country based on their playing style, skills and character.

“It’s just a really exciting time. We’re all looking forward to watching them represent the U.S. and hopefully bring home the gold,” Hope said.

PhD Hoops, a travel basketball company, is sponsoring the trip, but the boys have participated in a shoe drive to help fund their trip to Europe. During the shoe drive, the boys collected over 2,000 pairs of shoes for micro entrepreneurs

in developing countries.

“These kids are making an impact internationally. They will be. We’re going [to] go over there and represent,” Hope said.

Until the games, the athletes have recommended drills they must do and are playing on local AAU teams. The basketball players will travel together right before the games, where they will be able to practice as a team.

“They’re also going to have a lot of team-building opportunities to build relationships They’re going to be doing some sightseeing, but they have about three to four days of, you know, getting to know each other based on their playing styles and running drills,” Hope said.

The United World Games are an annual youth sporting tournament nonprofit. It hosts events, including basketball, field hockey, dance and more sports. The four boys will play on the United States’ basketball team with hopes to showcase their skills and bring home the gold.

“We’re extremely, extremely proud of them,” Hope said.

For more information about PhD Hoops, visit www.phdhoops.com.

For more information on the United World Games, visit https://unitedworldgames.com/.

Whether you are looking for

for your home, vehicle, commercial/business or even pet, you have an opportunity for one-stop shopping at Southshore

Professionals. Celebrating 10 years in business, Southshore Insurance is here to help and educate you for all your insurance needs.

Owner Michelle Mosher brings more than 30 years of insurance experience to the table. Originally from Florida, Mosher moved due to her husband’s miliary career. It was during this time she owned a State Farm agency in Connecticut but eventually returned to her home state with her husband and daughter. They moved to Riverview in 2012, then Mosher transitioned into becoming an independent agent and opened Southshore Insurance in March 2014.

The staf at Southshore Insurance are focused on educating their clients in this ever-changing industry. Mosher said their most frequently asked question from customers is “Why did my rates go up?”

“It’s not usually anything caused by them,” said Mosher. “The Florida insurance market is tumultuous at best, and we’re seeing rates rise on every line of insurance we provide our clients.”

However, there could be some relief this year.

“Lower storm occurrences and some new

By Kelly Wise Valdes

companies in the market should help alleviate some of the property insurance issues,” said Mosher. “There’s always insurance legislation, and I encourage people to share their voices at the polls. Our elected ofcials are the ones that vote on our insurance laws/reform, and it’s important to know who they are and be a voice to them of your concerns.”

Southshore Insurance strives to provide the best service at the best cost.

“We certainly hope our clients never have a claim, but at the end of the day the buying of the product and the cost is only as good as the education behind the coverage, if you need it,” said Mosher. “We pride our agency on education.”

Mosher expressed that the agency’s success is attributed to putting together a winning team, including Caitlin Homes and Chelsea Hardesty.

“We love the people in this community; we truly love our clients,” said Mosher. “I am honored to be able to come to work every day and enjoy the opportunity to educate people on their purchase of something that could have huge ramifications at some point.”

For more information, visit www.southshoreins.com or call 813-448-7580. The office is located at 11216 Winthrop Main St. in Riverview.

Josiah Reid, Tomi Akingboye, Lennox Zayela and Elijah Ventura will represent the United States at the United World Games this summer.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms,” (1 Peter 4:10).

A couple of weeks ago, I shared a series of photographs highlighting the beautiful windows here at Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church. The post — “Focus on the Stained Glass” — turned out to be hugely popular. The sanctuary, flooded with morning light, glowed with a preternatural radiance.

Today’s key image is taken from that set of pictures. It was edited by a talented young videographer who is producing a series of vlogs that focus on our 150-year history, as told by members who are deeply rooted in the story.

The reinterpretation reminds me that creative work involves not just imagination and innovation but often collaboration too: A) the original design of the sanctuary, B) My photograph and then C) the artist’s vision. This caused me to consider the proposition that living well, and also doing faith well, can benefit from — in addition to our best creative ideas — a commitment to collaboration too.

I am talking about the principle of community: the Creator-initiated and baked-in truth that human beings are designed, first and foremost, for a collaborative life journey.

• Community as experienced in a good marriage.

Spring is almost here, which means it’s time for some spring cleaning. This year, in addition to tidying your home and surroundings, you might want to consider sprucing up your fnancial environment, as well.

Here are some suggestions for doing just that:

• Improve your vision. Once the days are warmer and longer, you may want to get outside and clean all the winter grime and smudges from your windows, allowing you to see the world more clearly. And you may want to bring more focus to your fnancial vision by asking some key questions: Is my investment strategy still appropriate for my needs, goals and family situation? If not, what changes should I make? And am I prepared for changes in my life, such as health challenges or a need to retire earlier than planned? The answers to these and other questions can help you clarify where you are, in terms of your fnancial picture, and where you want to go.

• De-clutter. As you look around your home, you may fnd things such as expired health care products, old prescriptions, ancient cleaning solutions, and so on, in addition to duplicate household items (how many blenders do you really need?) and non-working equipment — printers, laptops, etc. Most people fnd that eliminating this clutter gives them a good feeling – and more livable space. As an investor, you can also fnd clutter in the form of redundant investments — for example, you might own several nearly identical mutual funds. You might be better of selling some of these funds and using the proceeds to fnd new investments that can help you further diversify your portfolio. As you may know, diversifcation is a key to investment success, but keep in mind that it can’t prevent all losses.

• Working cooperatively as neighbors.

• Support, encouragement and accountability in the church.

• Moving forward together and building constructive consensus as towns and cities.

• Bringing the best of diversity and passion and political conviction to bear on society.

• Working — out of a sense of community — for the common good.

But most of all, on my mind and heart is the idea that we are our very best when we come together and share our gifts. This is how God designed us; not as individuals but as community, as God’s children, as collaborators, as — in a sense — artists with spirits wide open to the possibilities.

OK, it’s just a black-and-white photograph. But the best of art makes us think, inviting us to consider things beyond ourselves — inviting us into community.

Peace, and more peace — always.

— DEREK

Derek Maul has written for many news outlets, including the Tampa Tribune, Te United Methodist News Service, All Pro Dad, FOCUS Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, Te Christian Science Monitor, Presbyterians Today, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many other publications. Read Derek Maul’s daily blog posts at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com.

• Plant seeds of opportunity. Whether they’re planting camellias and crocuses or carrots and cilantro, gardeners are busy in the spring, hoping their eforts result in lovely fowers and tasty foods. And when you invest, you, too, need to plant seeds of opportunity in the form of investments that you hope will grow enough to enable you to make progress toward your goals. So, you may want to review your portfolio to ensure it’s providing this growth potential, given your individual risk tolerance.

• Reduce dangers. You may not think about it that much, but your home and surroundings can contain potential hazards. You might have ill-ftting caps on cleaning products with toxic chemicals, or sharp cutting instruments protruding from shelves in your garage, or heavy, cracked tree branches hovering close to your roof. Spending some time on a spring-cleaning sweep can get rid of these dangers — and devoting time to consider the possible threats to your fnancial security, and those of your family, can pay of, too. For starters, review your life insurance to determine if you’ve got enough. Your employer may ofer some coverage as an employee beneft, but it might not be sufcient, so you may need private coverage. And the same is true for disability insurance, because if something were to happen to you, and you couldn’t work for a while, you’d still want to protect your family’s lifestyle.

Spring is a great time for brightening your physical space — and your fnancial one, too.

Grace Notes

Daily Bread

By Debora Coty

This month, I’ve been focused on Matthew 6:11, “Give us this day our daily bread,” the third line in the Lord’s Prayer. In studying this seemingly straightforward sentence, I was swept back to an Old Testament passage that also speaks of daily bread (bread is a recurring theme throughout scripture; Jesus was even called the “bread of life”).

bread in the form of mysterious manna (the name actually means “What is it?”) covering the ground each morning. Daily bread. Sustenance to keep them alive.

And He kept sending it for not just one week or a month, not even one year or two, but for 40 years (Exodus 16:35).

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day,’” (Exodus 16:4). Yep, there it is: daily bread.

Background: After Yahweh sent Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, through the Red Sea and out into the wilderness trekking toward the Promised Land, the food supply they’d brought from Egypt wore thin.

So, they did what you and I would have done: They whined.

To shut them up, the Almighty sent self-sacrificing quail for dinner, and

The catch was that they would receive only enough daily bread for one day at a time. If they tried to collect more than the Lord saw fit to provide, the manna would rot and grow maggots (Exodus 16:20) or melt (Exodus 16:21).

It was a hard lesson for them to learn. Just like it’s hard for you and for me today. Trust. Trust that our Deliverer will deliver us. That the manna will be there. Just enough daily bread for one day. And then trusting that it’ll be there tomorrow too.

How about you, my friend? When has Papa God used daily bread to meet your needs?

Debora M. Coty is an inspirational speaker and award-winning author of over 40 books, including the bestselling Too Blessed to be Stressed series. Visit with Debora anytime at www.DeboraCoty.com.

MARLIN

What started as an idea at a kitchen table in 1993 became a partnership of Marlin ‘Scott’ and Glenda Clark with James ‘Red’ and Evelyn Grifn on January 21, 1994 — a little over 30 years ago. The idea of Marlin James Air Conditioning & Heating was established on a foundation that the future of the business would be in developing relationships, not just focusing on a single repair or new installation.

“We plant seeds of faith, respect, kindness and courage that are harvested into relationships as we serve your comfort needs,” said Scott, owner of Marlin James.

Red was a huge part of the Marlin James success story due to his belief in building relationships and trust with customers. It was very common for Red to be ‘missing in action’ when out on a service call. He was usually found sitting in a customer’s garage chatting about grandkids or life. Red retired in 2007 and passed away in March 2018 after battling dementia.

Red’s legacy continues, as Marlin James has honored his beliefs in customer service by naming its maintenance program Red’s Club, saving customers money while maintaining its system and extending equipment lifespans. In the spirit of Red’s customer-focused approach, when the team at Marlin

Staf Report

James encounters a customer challenge, its motto of “What would Red do?” still guides them to this day.

Scott reflected on the past 30 years with these thoughts: “We’ve had some rough years, good years, and great years, all making our journey very memorable. None of this would have been possible without our faith and amazing relationships in life and business.”

In addition to great customer relationships, Marlin James is also a strong believer in giving back to organizations that impact our local community. It is particularly interested in groups that provide food, clothing, shelter and protection through care and faith, such as Bread of Refuge, Family Ministries, Forgotten Angels and A Kid’s Place.

The Clark family would like to thank their Marlin James family and their customers for making the past 30 years amazing and fun.

“Ya’ll are what makes the future possible!” they said.

Marlin James Air Conditioning & Heating ofers residential and commercial repairs, maintenance, replacement systems and new construction. For more information, visit www.marlinjames.com or call 813689-0817.

PREHISTORIC-LOOKING ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLES

The Sunshine State is home to many species of marine, freshwater and terrestrial turtles. In fact, Florida has some of the richest diversity of turtle species in the world. Turtles are reptiles that have wandered our planet by land or sea for millions of years. They are easily identified by the shells (which can be hard or soft) that cover most of their body.

In Florida during spring months (March through May), it is not unusual to come across a turtle in the road, and the most commonly encountered are the freshwater species. One of those is the alligator snapping turtle.

Alligator snapping turtles are the largest species of freshwater turtles in North America and are widely distributed across the state. These prehistoric-looking creatures can reach impressive sizes, ranging up to 30 inches long from head to tail and weighing up to 180 pounds. Alligator snapping turtles are often referred to as modern-day dinosaurs due to their primitive features, such as their long tails; spiky, ridged shell; and pointy faces with their eyes on the side of their head. Their tongues have even adapted into a unique, lure-like appendage that aids in their capture of fish by luring their prey in with little efort, making them quite efcient hunters.

Their diet consists primarily of fish,

plants and even other turtles. Alligator snappers live most of their lives in aquatic habitats of fresh and brackish waters, which can be streams, ponds, lakes, rivers or swamps. These cold-blooded creatures breathe air and can stay submerged for up to 50 minutes at a time before coming up for another breath. They can be found on land during mating and nesting season while looking for mates or finding wetland habitats to later lay their eggs.

Like other turtles, alligator snapping turtles are solitary animals that do not rear their young. Their lifespan in the wild averages 10-50 years, though they have been recorded living much longer in captivity. It is perfectly legal to move turtles out of roadways, but always do so in the direction in which they were heading, and always with extreme caution for larger species that can turn their heads.

Alligator snapping turtles are protected in Florida as a state species of special concern. Help keep Florida rich in biodiversity by protecting all of our amazing fauna.

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 fshhawktnr4@gmail.com.

Te Doors of Te Church Are Open

Church Services 10am Sunday

Youth & Teens Church School 9:00 a.m.

Kingdom Builders 10:00 a.m. (Children’s Church ages 2-10)

Bible Study 7pm Tuesday (adults) Via Zoom

Wednesday Prayer Via Zoom 7 pm Tuesday (teens) Via Zoom

5920 Robert Tolle Drive Riverview, 33578 813-337-7457

O fce Hours: Mon - Thur 10am- 3pm

www.Mtzionriverview.com

FACEBOOK:

Mt Zion AME Church Riverview

Christian Debutant and Master’s Program (ages 7-21)

EVERY DAY MATTERS! DISPELLING THREE MYTHS ABOUT SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Everybody knows it is important to go to school. But they may not understand just how vital is it that our stu dents come to school ev ery day, ready to learn. Our motto this year in the district is “Hills borough Strong — Ev eryone Matters, Every Day Matters.” Regular attendance allows stu dents to practice their skills and progress in their courses. Below are three myths that we often hear about school attendance and why it is important that your child be in school every day.

Myth No. 1: “Atten dance is most import ant for high school. It’s not as critical in elementary school.”

Community Food Pantry 2nd & 4th Tursday 11:00 -2:00 Monthly

Second Chances

Job Training Mon.-Fri.

Project PIC

Program for Teens 13-18 (Call for information)

By Superintendent Van Ayres

FALSE. The foundation for a success ful education and future starts in elementary school. Attendance is important for every child every day. Research shows that chronic absenteeism in early grades correlates to di f culty reading in third grade and low achievement in middle school. By sixth grade, chronic absences become a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.

Myth No. 2: “Missing school two to three days a month is not a big

FALSE. Missing just two to three days a month is 10 percent, and that can have a negative impact on

Throughout a school day, students engage in each of their core subjects, like math and reading. Missing two to three days per month can very quickly amount to a heavy load of missed lessons and makeup work. Students feel overwhelmed when they return due to missing important instruction and assignments. The best way to keep up with the pacing of your student’s curriculum is to ensure they are in class daily.

Myth No. 3: “As long as the absence is excused, it’s OK.”

FALSE. Although it is true that an excused absence is better than unexcused and there are times when a student needs to be absent, even excused absences can negatively impact a student’s learning.

Every day matters at school. So don’t let your child hit that snooze button — have them get up, get to school and make the most of every day!

Karen J. Sims, Pastor and Roy Sims (1st Gentleman)

Compiled by Jenny Bennett

Pickleball With An Impact

The Impact Program’s third semi-annual Pickleball with an Impact fundraiser will be taking place on Saturday, March 23, at High 5 Inc. The doubles tournament will start at 8 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m. Entries are $100 per team, which includes lunch and a T-shirt. Single entries, who will be assigned a partner, are $55. All proceeds from the event will go to Impact, which promotes healthy lifestyles and relationships to teens. There will be rafe and silent auction prizes available to win as well. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.whatisimpact. com.

Spring Craft Show Vendors Wanted

Immanuel Lutheran School, located at 2913 John Moore Rd. in Brandon, is hosting a Spring Craft Show on Saturday, April 13, and is looking for vendors. The show will take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., with setup on Friday evening from 5-8 p.m. Registration is $25 per table that you provide, or $35 if the school provides the table. For more information, contact Stephanie Winn at 813-300-8048 or email winn725@gmail.com.

Luck Of Te Irish Silent Disco

Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a silent disco. Join in on Friday, March 15, from 6-9 p.m. for an evening filled with fun and shenanigans for those over 18. Tickets are available for the event by calling 813685-8888 or visiting https://centerplacebrandon.com/ and are priced at $10. Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE: King For A Day

The grr-ific musical for little tigers and grown-ups alike is back at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts at the Mahafey Theater on Wednesday, March 20, at 6:30 p.m.

In Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE: King for a Day, Daniel and all his friends invite you for a brand-new adventure in Neighborhood of Make-Believe where Daniel learns just what it takes to be king. It is an event filled

with tiger-tastic fun, teaching the valuable lessons of kindness, helping others and being a friend. Tickets are on sale now at https://themahafey.com/ and www.danieltigerlive.com.

Te ‘Z’s’ Return To United Methodist Church Of Sun City Center

The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center (SCCUMC), located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center, welcomes the ‘Z’s,’ Bill and Carol Zimmerman, for a 7 p.m. concert on Sunday, March 10. They cover bands and performers like Frank Sinatra, Bruno Mars, Fleetwood Mac, the Beatles, Bonnie Rait and the Eagles. The Z’s love connecting with their audience, telling stories and having a great time playing the music everyone grew up and fell in love with. Tickets for the performance will be $15 at the door.

St. Stephen Bingo

St. Stephen Catholic Church, located at 10118 St. Stephen Circle in Riverview, will be hosting its monthly bingo fundraiser on Tuesday, March 12. The games begin at 6:30

p.m., with the doors opening at 5:30 p.m., providing time to socialize and eat. Along with bingo, there will be rafe and door prizes available. The money raised supports the corporal works of mercy by supporting St. Vincent de Paul and THORN Ministries with the purchase of personal hygiene items, socks and blankets. For more information, visit St. Stephen’s website at www.ststephencatholic.org.

Buddy Cruise Annual Golf Fundraiser

Buddy Cruise is a nonprofit charity that provides educational resources, awareness, inclusion and advocacy for individuals with special needs and their families. It is holding its annual golf fundraiser on Friday, April 5, at The Bayou Club, located at 7979 Bayou Club Blvd. in Largo. Registration begins at 12 Noon and the shotgun start is at 1 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person and include golf, dinner and prizes. For more information about sponsorship opportunities and to register, visit its website at www.buddycruise.org/golf.

WORDS OF A LEGENDARY 101-YEAR-OLD WWII BUFFALO SOLDIER

I had the great honor of joining a presentation featuring legendary 101-year-old WWII veteran Roy Caldwood — the last of the renowned Bufalo Soldiers in the state of Florida — as the keynote speaker, who shared his storied life with an assembly at Saint Leo University (SLU). It was exciting to hear about Caldwood’s experiences from the man himself.

Saint Leo is a “university who has deep ties to our military brothers and sisters, with over 50 years of educating our nation’s military personnel,” stated SLU President Dr. Edward Dadez, who said it was an honor and a privilege to welcome the attendees to an event featuring such a distinguished guest.

Caldwood served our country in Italy from 1943-45 during World War II in the 92nd Infantry Division Reconnaissance Troop 2nd Platoon of the U.S. Army, who were named the Bufalo Soldiers after the 19th-century African American cavalrymen. On April 5, 2023, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor proclaimed that day to be Roy Caldwood Day. Additionally, he’s a recipient of the New York City Department of Corrections Medal of Honor and the U.S. Army Bronze Star.

At the presentation, Caldwood, joined by his daughter, Diane Royer, and other family members, began with how he felt about getting drafted: “So, I thought about it, and I said, ‘Would I be better of if Hitler and Mussolini’ — they called them the Axis back in

Bufalos, guys who are going to be really trained to be real soldiers, and it was an outfit that anyone looked up to,” said Caldwood. “I mean, just the thought of joining the Bufalos really lifted our spirits.”

He told of times where he faced racial prejudice in Henry Patrick, like being

By Taylor Wells

assigned to a reconnaissance troop to track down a batch of Germans. Among Caldwood’s most memorable experiences involved the ‘Purple Heart Stretch,’ where German soldiers hid in the mountains and killed Americans who passed through. When he, two other soldiers, and local women were forced to travel this route for food, they came under fire by mortars. The first mortar missed, but Caldwood assumed the next ones meant death — then the situation became incredible. The next 30-40 mortars all strangely missed, and he realized they were missing on purpose. Their attackers, it turned out, were telling Caldwood’s group they wanted to surrender.

those days — ‘if they won the war?’ … I said, ‘Hell no. … I’m putting my bet on this country, and I’ll do what I can to help,’ so I went into the Army.”

“I was a premed student, so they took me and 12 others and they put us in what they call a medical sanitation outfit,” said Caldwood.

He was first sent to Henry Patrick, Virginia. He was disappointed, as there was no training to fight in the war there, but he got his chance to do more with the Army when he saw a recruitment ad for the Bufalo Soldiers in the Stars and Stripes military newspaper. He signed up immediately.

“What attracted me was that they’re the

forced to move to the last row of a theater by military police, despite his and others’ complaints, and getting put in train seats next to a smoke-filled engine on the way to training in Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

“It was pretty bad. But we didn’t care,” said Caldwood, “because we knew we were going to have a much better life.”

His determination was so great that not even having diarrhea and being stuck in a hospital stopped him from getting out and passing the fitness test to join the 92nd Infantry Division.

When stationed overseas in Italy, was

“And about a couple hours later, that last batch of Germans did peacefully surrender to our platoon,” he said.

He has lived a storied life, one where the excitement didn’t end after the war, such as his time at the New York City Department of Corrections on Rikers Island as an assistant deputy warden and program director from 1955-76 — during which he survived a hostage situation by the Black Panthers. At 101 years old, he’s still physically active, doing things like dancing on a yacht and helping train his grandson in 2023. And he’s not done yet.

If you’d like to learn more about this hero, check out his book, Making the Right Moves: Rikers Island & NYC Corrections

Photo by A.J. Colson, Saint Leo University. Dr. Janis Prince, associate professor of sociology and chair of the Department of Social Sciences, celebrates the resiliency and valor of Roy Caldwood during his speech at Saint Leo University.

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY RELEASES SNEAK PEEK AT FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL CONCERT LINEUP

Staf Report

By Linda Chion

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is ofering a glimpse into its star-studded lineup of A-list performers who will take the stage at the Food & Wine Festival this year, kicking of on Saturday, March 9, with the Goo Goo Dolls. The Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival is included with daily park admission, but guests who want to take full advantage of all the park and festival have to ofer can snag their annual passes now and for a limited time receive a free upgrade to the next pass level.

The Food & Wine Festival is a celebration of the culinary regions of the world paired with the star-studded lineup of A-list performers. Running on Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, May 19, guests can sip and savor their way through flavorful eats and mouthwatering treats as they discover their new favorite brew or cocktail and immerse themselves in electrifying concerts from chart-topping acts across pop, Latin, rock, country and beyond. In addition, local artists will be showcasing their talents and selling unique creations from charming cabins scattered throughout the park. Food and beverage are not included with park admission and are available for an extra fee.

“The Food & Wine Festival is an event our guests look forward to every year, and this year is going to be the best one yet,” said Stewart Clark, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. “From craveable food and beverage options to top musical talent, our guests are really in for a treat.”

Parkgoers can immerse themselves in a culinary journey through Europe, Latin America, North America, South Africa and Oceania with savory and sweet options paired with a selection of wines from both the old and the new world, craft beers hailing from

both domestic and international breweries and exclusive bourbon tastings.

Unlock the tastiest culinary experience with the ultimate foodie tool: the Food & Wine Festival Sampler Lanyard. Starting at $70 and redeemable at the numerous cabins located throughout the park, sampler lanyards provide convenience and ofer the best value for guests with options of 10 and 15 items. An exclusive 18-item sampler for the same price as a 15-item sampler is available for all pass members. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.

The Food & Wine Festival is serving up an 11-weekend extravaganza of electrifying concerts, featuring 22 chart-topping acts. Here’s a quick glimpse of what’s on this year’s set list, with more to be announced in the coming weeks: Goo Goo Dolls on March 9; Starship featuring Mickey Thomas on Sunday, March 10; Sister Hazel on Sunday, March 17; Taking Back Sunday on Saturday, March 23; Owl City on Saturday, April 6; Grupo Niche on Sunday, April 7; Better than Ezra & Vertical Horizon on Saturday, April 13; Hoobastank on Sunday, April 14; Michael Ray on Saturday, April 20; Gavin DeGraw on Sunday, April 21; Andy Grammer on Saturday, April 27; Chris Lane on Sunday, April 28; Boys Like Girls on Saturday, May 4; and 38 Special on Sunday, May 5.

Immerse yourself in the delicious sights and sounds with exclusive access to a reserved seating area right by the stage. Guests can get closer to their favorite artists, sip on a complimentary beverage of choice and mingle in the private VIP bar, the perfect recipe for an unforgettable evening. To view showtimes and purchase reserved seating and VIP packages, guests can visit https://buschgardenstampa.com/.

The Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center is set for support from its annual High Tea and Fashion Show, next scheduled for Saturday, April 13, at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Brandon.

A long-standing and much-beloved nonprofit, the organization opened as the Brandon Outreach Clinic in 1987. Then and now, medical professionals donate their services to ensure working people who can’t a f ord medical expenses get the care they need.

the “thousands of patients” and “thousands of hours of free medical care” given to people who don’t have medical insurance, with the clinic relying both on donations and pro bono work from doctors and other medical care practitioners.

“I’ve been volunteer since 2003, first as a nurse practitioner and now as well as a board member,” said Ada Tapper, a U.S. Army reservist and owner of ACT Health Solutions, a mobile practice for primary, geriatric, chronic, acute and preventative care and for the transition care necessary for patients released from hospital and rehabilitation settings.

“I do believe health care is for everyone and that no one should be denied access,” Tapper said. “So many of us have chronic illnesses that can be managed, but without the proper care it leads to a poor quality of life. A lot of that is preventable and manageable.”

That’s where the Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center steps in, co-founded by Dr. Stephen Parks, who in 2023 talked about the clinic’s impact at an awards ceremony hosted by the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce. He talked about

According to Tapper, the clinic has two major fundraisers a year, including a comedy show fundraiser in October. It is holding the High Tea and Fashion Show instead of the long-running Kentucky Derby Party, which once was a community staple, held in May.

“We’re looking for sponsors, table hosts and people to participate,” Tapper said. “It’s a good way to support the mission and to learn more about what we do.”

Savory and sweet tastings, a variety of teas, table design awards and ra f es (including a 50/50 drawing) are on tap for the April 13 tea. Doors open 11 a.m. in the Family Life Center at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, located at 3315 S. Bryan Rd. in Brandon. Tickets cost $35 per person and $280 for host a table. All proceeds benefit the Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center and go directly to patient primary care.

For more information, visit https://theoutreachclinic.com/. To RSVP or become a table host, email director@theoutreaclinic.com. Call: 813-654-1388.

GAVIN DEGRAW ANDY GRAMMER

38 SPECIAL GOO GOO DOLLS

Mathnasium Opens New Center In Riverview

Becky McDaniels has owned Mathnasium of Brandon since 2013 and recently opened Mathnasium of Riverview.

Mathnasium is a learning center focused on mathematics education for students of all ages. Its goal is to help students develop a strong foundation in math and build confidence in their abilities; this is achieved by providing personalized instruction which addresses each individual’s needs.

Mathnasium of Riverview is located at 13388 S. U.S. 301 in Riverview, next to Bu f alo Wild Wings. For more information, call 813-565-1102 or visit its website at www.mathnasium.com/riverview.

ASP — America’s Swimming Pool Company

and adaptable services to meet every pool’s unique needs from skilled technicians. For more information, call 813-641-4936 or visit its website at www.aspsouthshorefl.com.

Master Marketing Firm

The pleasure of plunging into a cool pool on a hot summer day is pure delight. However, the responsibilities that come along with owning a pool, like regular maintenance, cannot be overlooked. Having a trustworthy professional pool service company at your disposal is essential, and ASP, America’s Swimming Pool Company of South Shore, takes pride in being the go-to company. With its extensive experience in providing superior pool maintenance, it o f ers reliable

Master Marketing Firm understands the importance of staying ahead in the digital landscape. That’s why owner Bob Burmaster and his team o f er innovative AI consulting services, helping you harness the power of artificial intelligence to drive your marketing efforts forward. This unique approach combines the best of SEO and social media advertising to generate consistent, high-quality leads for your business. With Master Marketing

Firm’s guidance, you can unlock new opportunities and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market. For more information on the services provided, visit its website at www.mastermarketingfirm.com.

Music In (e)Motion Family Concert

The Florida Orchestra is expanding its lineup for families with Music in (e) Motion, a full-orchestra family concert, on Sunday, March 24, at 2 p.m. at the Straz Center in Tampa. Tickets are on sale now for $20 general admission; those 3 years old and younger are free. The interactive

Petting Zoo will be available before the concert so kids can try out orchestral instruments. It runs from 12:45-1:30 p.m. in the Straz Center lobby. The concert is geared for ages 6 and older, though all ages are welcome. The Florida Orchestra serves our community with more than 150 concerts and music education and outreach programs each season. For a full calendar, visit https://floridaorchestra.org/.

Full Flow Lavish Loos, T e Ultimate Luxury Restroom Rentals

Full Flow Lavish Loos, based in Ruskin, is Tampa’s ultimate destination for luxury restroom rentals. The lavishly designed portable restrooms redefine outdoor comfort. The modern, spacious, air-conditioned and impeccably clean restrooms not only o f er essential conveniences but also exquisite bathroom accessories and designs. They can be transported across the Tampa Bay area, from St. Petersburg and Clearwater to Bradenton. For additional information, visit its website at www.fullflowlavishloos.com.

DELANIE’S LEMONADE STAND CELEBRATES $100,000 RAISED FOR ANIMALS IN NEED

Local resident Delanie Dennis has a love for animals and an incredible drive to help ones in need, which she’s been doing through Delanie’s Lemonade Stand, Cafe Delanie, fundraisers and other initiatives since she was 7 years old. Early last month, Delanie hit the huge milestone of raising $100,000 for local animal rescues, shelters and sanctuaries.

To celebrate, Delanie and her parents, Andy and Julie Dennis, held an event on February 15 at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, which is one of the many nonprofits she’s been involved with over the years. At the event, catered by 3 C’s Catering, she also held a check presentation. Her friends, members of the Humane Society, members of other animal rescues Delanie has assisted and more went to the celebration.

“About 75 people came,” said Andy. “Yeah, yeah, it was a really good event. Lots of different rescues came, and people that are involved with the rescues, mostly.”

Some of the organizations at the event included RVR Horse Rescue, McNeely Farmily Rescue and Sanctuary, Florida Skunk Rescue and Mastino Rescue. A person from Dillard’s also attended, as Delanie is partnering with

By Taylor Wells

Dillard’s for its Easter Fashion Show at International Plaza and Bay Street on Saturday, March 16. A percentage of sales for that day will go to Delanie and then to her rescue of the month.

“My next goal is to get $150,000,” said Delanie, and she hopes to achieve this by the end of 2024.

Delanie began her journey to help animals through her lemonade in April 2019, meaning this upcoming April will mark her fifth anniversary. Her family’s plans for commemorating the occasion have yet to be decided, but she’s immensely glad to have come so far.

Delanie gave a list of everyone she would like to thank: “All the volunteers at the rescues, my mom and my dad for helping me, all the people at the cafe, and all the people who support it.”

If you’d like to support Delanie’s causes or want to learn more, stop by Cafe Delanie and Delanie’s Lemonade Stand, located at 3016 U.S. 301 N. Ste. 300 in Tampa, or visit www.facebook.com/cafedelanie/ and www. facebook.com/delanieslemonadestand. Additionally, the Dennis family is seeking to partner with local businesses, such as having percentages of certain purchases going toward Delanie’s fundraising eforts.

Whether you are gifting a significant other, relative, friend or casual acquaintance, it’s time to think outside of the box. A significant classic plant is the rose, whether freshly cut and in a vase or the bush itself. A few other choices you may want to consider include firebush, firespike, powderpu f /sunshine mimosa and purple coneflower.

Firebush, Hamelia patens , a native large shrub, can grow to a height and spread of 15 feet and is suited for Central and South Florida. It is fast-growing, has medium drought tolerance and prefers shade but does well in both full sun and partial sun/shade.

BY LYNN BARBER, URBAN HORTICULTURE AGENT

Orange/red yearround flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and birds. The foliage is generally more attractive in the shade, but it flowers more in the sun. I have firebush in sun and shade, and wildlife is present. This plant can die back in the winter but comes back strong in the spring.

Firespike, Odontonema strictum , non-native, can reach a height of 2-6 feet and a spread of 2-3 feet, has medium drought tolerance and prefers full sun. This herbaceous perennial produces red fall through winter flowers and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

Powderpu f /sunshine mimosa, Mimosa strigillosa , is a native perennial groundcover that grows well in North, Central and South Florida. It is fast-growing, tolerates drought fairly well and prefers full sun. The pink powderpu f flowers attract butterflies.

purea , another native perennial, performs well in our state. This plant can grow to a height and spread up to 3 feet. Purple coneflower tolerates drought well and performs well in partial sun/shade and full shade. It produces flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds and birds. Some gardeners in your life may have more plants and gardening gear than they can manage (Not that many of us would admit to that!). If that’s the situation, consider nongardening-related gifts. Maybe o f er your time to assist with mulching or weeding. What about gifting a nice lawn chair, binoculars, a bird feeder, bird seeds or a birdhouse? If your gardening friends prefer gardening gifts, a subscription to a horticulture magazine or an hour or more of your time helping them with a project. It’s easy to find a pair of red gardening gloves, pink shovels, garden hoses and trowels too. Repurpose items: Gift a plant shelf (also known as a towel holder), turn shoes into a succulent planter or put half of a food-grade barrel into a planter. Ideas are limitless.

For information about upcoming horticultural programs and to find your county’s calendar of events, go to https:// sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office.

For the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, visit our website, http://sfyl.ifas. ufl.edu/hillsborough/, which contains our calendar of events.

Purple coneflower, Echinacea pur-

Contact Barber at labarber@ufl.edu for more information.

Firebush.

Firespike.

Powderpuf

Delanie Dennis in front of her lemonade stand at her event celebrating $100,000 raised for animals in need.

Delanie Dennis presenting a giant check for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay with special events manager Liz McCoy and her dog.

Whether you are traveling to your local farmer’s market or your favorite restaurant, accidents can occur at any time.

ER at Sun City Center, an extension of Manatee Memorial Hospital, is a full-service emergency department that provides care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We are located at 16504 S. U.S. 301 in Wimauma, adjacent to Walmart®.

ER at Sun City Center features:

• Full-service laboratory and imaging services (X-ray, CT and ultrasound) (A physician order is required.)

• Care for all ages

• Access 24/7

• On-site physician 24/7

• Ten treatment areas, including seven exam rooms and three rapid medical exam spaces

• 10,884 square feet

Vitality Respite Center, a new ministry designed to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, is now open at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, located at 3315 S. Bryan Rd. in Brandon.

Initially, Vitality Respite Center will be open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and provide a fun, engaging environment for participants to enjoy social, recreational and enrichment activities while their caregivers get a four-hour break. The program is limited to 10 participants a day. In the event the enrollment increases, the program will expand to Fridays as well.

“We’ve been preparing for several months to get to this day, and we are so excited that it’s time to begin this much-needed ministry to support our friends and their caregivers,” Pastor Gary Rideout said.

Vitality Respite Center program director Ginger Heath and over 30 volunteers completed training sessions o f ered by the Respite for All Foundation (RFA).

“We didn’t have to reinvent the wheel but are able to apply best practices that have already proven successful at other ministries,” Heath said. “We have a great schedule of enrichment activities ready to go, and I know our participants are going to see right away that the environment is less like caregiving and more like a thriving socialization and activity center. Having personally been a caregiver, I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing program that can transform lives of both guests and caregivers in such an exciting way.”

Understanding that Alzheimer’s and dementia diseases are progressive conditions, the participants who would most likely benefit from the program are those who can sit in group settings for a long period and are able to feed themselves and move around.

Heath added, “This is not just for our own church members but for others in the area living with a dementia-related disease who would benefit from these social and relational activities.”

Vitality Respite Center is part of a larger network of respite ministries adopting a successful volunteer-based model of care promoted by the Respite for All Foundation to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, as well as their caregivers.

The low-cost, high-engagement RFA programs are run by a one or two-person sta f together with trained volunteers and are typically sponsored by a church or other community organization. Because the model is a social program, no medical training is required. From one to four days a week, participants are led through recreational and enrichment activities that fill a need for relationships and interaction. At the same time, caregivers get a much-needed break when they are able to leave their loved ones with trusted volunteers for four hours.

For more information about enrolling someone in the program or joining the volunteer team, please contact Heath at 813-204-0014 or gingerheath.vitality@ yahoo.com.

Staf

SALTY SHAMROCK BRINGS BACK ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

St. Patrick’s Day, observed globally on March 17, stands as a cherished celebration of Irish heritage and culture. In this community, the heart of this festive occasion is at Salty Shamrock.

St. Patrick’s Day commences on Sunday with a vibrant lineup of performances, featuring iconic local acts like Ireland’s own Irish Ramblers, the renowned Top 10 Blues artist Ghalia Volt and The Southern Creek Band. These musical performances will fill the air with the traditional essence of Irish sounds for all to enjoy.

On St. Patrick’s Day, the Salty Shamrock will have an entrance fee of $5 any time before 2 p.m. and $10 after then. All ages are welcome to come enjoy the holiday festivities.

Amidst the sounds of fiddles and guitars, guests can indulge in a variety of traditional Irish delicacies, from fries and Guinness gravy to pub-style fish and chips. The hearty Irish fare with the scent of freshly poured pints of Irish beer creates an atmosphere that is both festive and inviting.

“St. Patrick’s Day is the one day a year everybody can get together and be Irish,” said Edward Teti, general manager at Salty Shamrock.

Before the big celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, there is another notable celebration close to the Salty Shamrock’s

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

heart. St. Puppy’s Day began as a tribute to both St. Patrick’s Day and the cherished bond between humans and beloved pets. St. Puppy’s Day is a joyous occasion that brings dog lovers together in the spirit of fun.

On Sunday, March 10, St. Puppy’s Day unfolds with a series of engaging activities, including a lively parade and entertaining contests for dogs and their owners. From best-dressed competitions to owner-lookalike contests, St. Puppies Day ofers a delightful prelude to the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

Registration for St. Puppy’s Day will start at 12 Noon on March 10 and the parade will be at 1:15 p.m., with the contest and judging beginning at 1:45 p.m. St. Puppy’s Day is free for all.

Salty Shamrock is a beloved gathering place founded in 2016 by Sean Rice and operated by his sons alongside Rice’s longtime friend, Teti.

Both St. Puppy’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day embody Salty Shamrock’s commitment to fostering community spirit. Whether sharing a laugh over a pint or enjoying the lively entertainment, Salty Shamrock is the perfect place to spend your St. Patrick’s Day.

For more information, please call 813938-5282 or visit https://saltyshamrock.net/.

NEWSOME GRADS LAUNCH

CRAMBETTER TUTORING SERVICE FOR COLLEGE COURSES

Between

to numerous clubs and organizations and living away from home, college is often made even more difcult given the academic rigor expected from students. Fortunately, local Newsome High School graduates Steven and Lauren Keys and their partner, Marty Parks, have developed a solution for deriving success in even the most challenging courses: CramBetter.

By Madeline Gardner

ness agenda.

CramBetter is a tutoring service that believes the key to unlocking a student’s understanding is breaking down and concisely explaining even the most complicated concepts via brief but detailed instructional videos and example test questions. Courses feature videos that review these example questions to mitigate any confusion, and each course and its attached resources are available to students for only $40 a month.

“CramBetter students say they love the service because it saves them time,” said Steven. “CramBetter’s explanations are both shorter and easier to understand than what’s taught in a typical university lecture.”

Ofcially launched in Fall 2023, the platform currently ofers content and study materials for the following courses: Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus I and II, Chemistry I and Physics I and II. In addition to co-founding the platform, both Steven and Parks are chiefly responsible for developing the course criteria and creating the associated videos, while Lauren oversees CramBetter’s marketing and coinciding busi-

Steven obtained his Bachelor of Science in physics from the University of Florida and his Master of Arts in education from the University of Central Florida, and Parks graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in statistics, Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and Master of Science in electrical engineering. Beyond these degree-based qualifications, Steven and Parks believe CramBetter more aptly navigates the instruction of college course curriculums because of their own previous experiences as scientific researchers, university teacher assistants, AP instructors for College Board, and private tutors for over ten years.

CramBetter and its resources are not only available at Florida universities, including the University of South Florida, University of Central Florida and Florida State University, but also at other major universities, such as the University of Georgia and Clemson University.

“We want to be the go-to resource for premed, prehealth and engineering students across the United States,” said Steven. “It’s been an amazing experience to hear from students who didn’t understand physics, chemistry or calculus until they used CramBetter, and we can’t wait to help more people learn more efciently.”

For more information, visit https://crambetter.com/ or check out CramBetter’s introductory YouTube video.

Pictured from left to right: Steven Keys, Lauren Keys and Marty Parks, who ofcially launched CramBetter in fall 2023.

EASTERSEALS FLORIDA’S CEREMONIAL GROUNDBREAKING HERALDS UPCOMING SCHOOL FOR LIMITLESS LEARNING

A first-ofits-kind school for Easterseals Florida celebrated a ceremonial groundbreaking for the school’s outdoor ‘Boundless Playground’ at the BayCare HealthHub of Bloomingdale Avenue in Valrico.

The February 6 event aforded also an opportunity to showcase the Easterseals School for Limitless Learning, under construction in the BayCare HealthHub, for young children who are neurodiverse or have other related disabilities. Ofcials said the school is the first of its type for Easterseals Florida, which covers a 40-county area.

According to Easterseals ofcials, with the growing number of children in Hillsborough County diagnosed with neurodiverse conditions, the school is necessary to meet the demand for specialized early education. These conditions include such things as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia and dyslexia.

Ofcials also said the school is uniquely focused on helping children from infancy to second grade reach developmental milestones through hands-on activities in a private school setting.

Set to open in mid-2024 for both summer and academic year programming, the school will house a lower elementary school program (preschool through second grade) and an early childhood program (infant to age 3). The Boundless Playground is sponsored by the Spurlino Foundation. The indoor sensory

By Linda Chion

room, designed to reduce anxiety and improve focus, is sponsored by the Francis and Gertrude Levett Foundation. The curriculum reportedly is based on Dr. Stanley Greenspan’s DIRFloortime model, a play-based approach to support children with autism.

According to Easterseals Florida, this year alone an estimated 2,400 children under age 5 will be diagnosed with autism in Hillsborough County. From birth to age 2, it’s especially important that children on the autism spectrum receive the therapies, support and education they require, which ofcials said will give them “a head start that will sustain them and their families for decades to come.”

Families wishing to get on the waitlist for available student seats should email school ofcials at limitlesslearning@easterseals. com, call 813-236-5589 or visit www.easterseals.com/florida/programs-and-services/children--families/school-for-limitless-learning.html.

Founded in 1919, Easterseals reportedly is the nation’s largest nonprofit health care organization. Its mission is to lead the way to 100 percent equity, inclusion and access for people with disabilities, their families and communities by enriching education, enhancing health, expanding employment and elevating community. For more information, visit www.easterseals.com/florida/.

VINE VEGAN HOSTS EASY HOW-TO WORKSHOPS ON BECOMING VEGAN-ISH

Vine Vegan is hosting monthly workshops to show the community how they can incorporate a plant-based diet into their lives without stress or complications.

Owner Danielle Stevens and certified plant-based nutritionist Erin DeMarines hosted their first interactive session at Vine Vegan to introduce customers to eating vegan. With about 25 people attending, January’s ‘learning-focused’ workshop served as an introductory session.

At the end of February, Stevens and DeMarines will bring customers to Sprouts and o f er tips on creating a ‘well-rounded vegan shopping list.’

By Lily Belcher

to o f er something to meet those needs,” Stevens said.

In March, Stevens plans to organize a hands-on cooking session at Vine Vegan. In future workshops, she plans to host guest speakers, such as a doctor who could advocate for a vegan diet.

“I think people want to know how to shop for themselves, how to eat out, how to make healthy food at home, how to make it fast, so we just want to kind of cover all those bases,” Stevens said.

Stevens shared insights from her own journey to eating vegan and practical tips for customers looking to do the same.

“People have aspirations to get healthier in the new year. And a lot of people struggle with allergies, making appropriate and delicious meal planning a challenge. All of those things together, I thought it might be the perfect time

The Vine Vegan owner encouraged those interested to attend one of her sessions. She said guests do not have to attend every month but can come in when there is a topic that interests them. Stevens hopes to o f er engaging workshops for customers and answer any questions they may have about what a vegan or vegan-ish lifestyle looks like.

The classes are free and are hosted from 5:30-7 p.m., and customers will have the opportunity to purchase and try some of Vine Vegan’s food for their dinner.

Vine Vegan will host the sessions at the end of each month in one of its private rooms. The restaurant is located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon o f Brandon Parkway and Providence Road.

For more information on Stevens’ story, what Vine Vegan o f ers or upcoming sessions, follow Vine Vegan on Facebook, visit https://vinevegan.com/ or call 813939-8463.

Danielle Stevens created a workshop to help customers learn more about eating vegan.

Danielle Stevens and Erin DeMarines hosted around 25 people at Vine Vegan’s frst workshop in January.

Michael Francis, Music Director

Rick Steves

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CELEBRATES ITS 190TH BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday, Hillsborough County!

This thriving county on the west coast of Florida with a history as long and winding as the Hillsborough River turned 190 years old on January 25. Can you believe it? It’s even older than the state of Florida.

Hillsborough’s population at that time was several hundred people. Today, the population is around 1.5 million, and on average an estimated 21,000 new residents move to Hillsborough County each year.

Hillsborough County got its name from Wills Hill, who was the first British secretary of state for the Thirteen Colonies from 1768-72. On January 25, 1834, the U.S. Legislative Council for the Territory of Florida approved an act organizing Hillsborough as Florida’s 19th county. Florida was granted statehood in 1845.

“As the custodian of o f cial records in Hillsborough County, the Clerk’s o f ce holds 190 years’ worth of documents that we make available to everyone. The public can now view seven linen reproductions of original Hillsborough County plat maps inside the Pat Frank Courthouse Building,” said Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Cindy Stuart on a flyer.

Things have changed dramatically for Hillsborough County over its 190-year history.

When Hillsborough County was just a baby, it covered a larger area than today’s county borders. In the beginning, Hillsborough County was a sprawling area that included what is now Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands counties, most of Glades County and part of Lee County.

It isn’t your great, great, great, great, great, great, great-grandparents’ Hillsborough County, but as the years pass, Hillsborough County continues to be home. And that alone is reason to celebrate.

“Birthdays are a time for reflection and gratitude, and we are grateful for each member of the community. We look forward to years of continued initiatives that contribute to the betterment of Hillsborough County,” said Stuart.

The Pat Frank Courthouse’s display, which includes maps of Fort Brooke dating back to 1853 and Ybor City from 1886, is in room 140 of the courthouse, located at 419 Pierce St. in downtown Tampa. Its hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The display can also be viewed online at https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/.

To learn more about Hillsborough County’s history, including our county’s namesake and historical highlights from the last 2,000 years, such as the 1937 Antifascist Women’s March and early indigenous residents, visit https://hcfl.gov/ newsroom and search through the history category.

Happy Birthday, Hillsborough County, and here’s to many more!

THE ACCESS 2050 LONG RANGE

TRANSPORTATION SURVEY IS OPEN FOR RESIDENT INPUT

The Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is proud to announce the launch of the Access 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan Survey. This plan will set the course for the future of transportation in Hillsborough County.

Those who live, work and play in Hillsborough County are invited to actively participate in shaping a visionary roadmap for our transportation network for the next 25-plus years. With the rapid evolution of technology, changing demographics and evolving environmental concerns, the need for a comprehensive and forward-thinking transportation plan has never been more pressing.

“Our goal with the Access 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan is to create a forward-looking blueprint that reflects the aspirations and addresses the needs of our communities. By actively involving residents, workers, visitors, businesses, advocacy groups and local leaders in the planning process, we’re going to develop a transportation system that creates the best future for Hillsborough County,” said Dr. Johnny Wong, Hillsborough TPO director.

What are your priorities for investments in transportation? What is your vision for transportation needs now and into the future as Hillsborough County continues to grow? To provide your input, please

Staf Report

take our brief, interactive survey at www. access2050.org. The survey will be open through Monday, April 15.

Together, we can unlock a vision for Hillsborough’s transportation future that safely connects our communities as well as provides everyone access to economic opportunities and needed goods and services for a thriving future. Your voice is the key.

“The Access 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan marks a pivotal moment for Hillsborough County where our collective vision and innovative strategies will shape the transportation landscape for generations to come. Through robust community engagement, we aim to build a transportation network that not only connects our neighborhoods but also fosters economic growth and environmental stewardship,” stated Commissioner Gwen Myers, Hillsborough TPO Board chair.

Participants who leave their email at the end of the survey will be eligible for prize drawings for tickets for the Bucs, Bad Bunny, Kane Brown, a $100 Publix gift card or a MOSI family four-pack. (Completion of the survey is not required to enter.)

To learn more about Access 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan and how to get involved, visit https://planhillsborough. org/2050lrtp/ or follow the Hillsborough TPO on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram

TAMPA THEATRE PRESENTS 25TH ANNUAL HOLLYWOOD AWARDS NIGHT

Tampa Theatre is proud to present Tampa’s longest-running Oscars® watch party on Sunday, March 10. Bay-area film fans are invited to come toast the nominees and celebrate the winners together at Tampa Theatre’s 25th annual Hollywood Awards Night, presented by Amalie Oil Co. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m.

You can be treated like a star at Tampa’s longest-running Oscars® watch party on Sunday, March 10, at Tampa Teatre. Guests are encouraged to dress up in their most glamorous outfts or in a movie-themed costume.

The red-carpet reception takes on a whole new hue this year under the historic Franklin Street marquee. Jill Witecki with Tampa Theatre said, “After a limo ride around the block courtesy of longtime event sponsor Skyline Limousine, our superstar guests will walk the carpet past adoring fans and paparazzi and chat about who they’re wearing with costumed characters representing some of this year’s biggest movie stars … and Ken.”

Inside the historic theater, there will be games, prizes, free popcorn and soda, and you can see the preshow on the big screen, as well as a cash bar. Live coverage of the 96th annual Academy Awards® begins at 7 p.m.

Tampa Theatre’s Hollywood Awards Night 2024 ofers three levels of watch-party experiences. This year, the newest option is the Premium Orchestra Ticket, which you can get for $99. This top-tier ticket includes all the preshow activities on Franklin Street

By Kathy L. Collins

and open seating on the orchestra level to watch the awards broadcast. Premium ticket holders also enjoy an exclusive open bar with beer, wine and a signature cocktail, plus appetizers, desserts and unlimited popcorn.

The Mezzanine Ticket is $55. This option gets you all preshow activities, a reserved seat in the mezzanine, two complimentary drink tickets redeemable for beer or wine and concierge drink service to your seat, plus free popcorn, soda and water.

For just $25 you can get the Balcony Ticket. This allows you to enjoy all preshow activities. You can watch the live broadcast from the balcony with free popcorn, soda and water.

Guests who stay until the best picture is announced at the end of the telecast will also enjoy doughnuts and cofee in the lobby.

Attendees are encouraged to show of their star status with a movie-themed costume or let the glamour of Hollywood inspire an outfit. This event is not sponsored by or afliated with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

You can get tickets at the historic Franklin Street Box Ofce, located at 711 N. Franklin St. in Tampa or online at https:// tampatheatre.org/.

FELLOWSHIP CHURCH EXPANDS TO MULTIPLE LOCATIONS TO REACH MORE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY

FishHawk Fellowship Church recently changed its name to Fellowship Church — and the story behind the decision to change names is part of an incredible journey, according to Senior Pastor Daniel Butson. Since its original launch, the church has grown in attendance to more than 2,000 each week.

“God’s been writing an incredible story over the last 25 years in the life of this church,” said Butson. “We started church services in 1998 when a handful of people left the comforts of Bell Shoals Church to launch a brand-new campus here in Lithia. We started meeting in Lithia Springs Elementary, eventually moved to what is now White Oak Cottage. Then in 2001, Bell Shoals gifted our church the land we are on today and invited us to become our own church.”

Since that time, the church has made a significant impact in the community. It has seen thousands of people make decisions to follow Christ with nearly 2,000 people baptized. In addition, the church has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars for local and global missions and providing thousands of meals for the hungry.

“Every time we risked, God enlarged and expanded our personal faith and impact in the community,” said Butson. “Once again, we are sensing the leading of God into a new season of impact and expansion. God has not called us to be static or complacent. Movements move. We have been blessed to

By Kelly Wise Valdes

be a blessing and bring the life-changing news of Jesus to one neighbor and one neighborhood at a time.”

This is why FishHawk Fellowship Church is becoming Fellowship Church — one church in multiple locations. The church is launching its second location in Riverview.

“We’d love to see what God has done here in the Lithia area multiplied into other communities,” said Butson. “Riverview is our first step, as we plan to launch our first service Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Collins PK-8 School. This location will ofer live preaching, engaging kids’ and students’ ministry and dynamic worship.”

Fellowship Church has also partnered with two international churches, one in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and another in Brazil, and its goal is to launch 10 Fellowship Church locations in 10 years.

“We are a multiethnic, multigenerational, Christ-centered church committed to leading people to encounter Jesus and experience life,” said Butson.

Upcoming events in March include the annual Easter Party with an unforgettable egg hunt, free food, games, bounce houses and more in Park Square on Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Fellowship Church also welcomes everyone to attend church on Easter Sunday, March 31. For more information, visit www.fellowship.church. Fellowship Church is located at 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia.

Senior Pastor Dr. Daniel Butson is excited to announce that FishHawk Fellowship Church is now Fellowship Church and is expanding to new locations.

It’s time again for Relay For Life, that terrific fundraiser in which teams of all ages collect donations and take turns walking or running laps for up to 24 hours, always keeping at least 1 teammate on track. Please consider giving or getting involved! For details go to www.relayforlife.org or call 800-227-2345.

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SUMMER CAMPS OFFER MANY FUN OPTIONS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS ACTIVE AND ENGAGED

It’s that time of year… Have you thought about your calendar and how you will keep your children busy and engaged during the summer months? Trying to narrow down options that appeal to your children’s interests can be a challenge.

To help, the sta f at the Osprey Ob server has once again collected the top recommendations for local summer camps and created a special pullout section highlighting the best in our area. From music and theater to outdoor sports and fun to programming and learning, there are many local options that are sure to appeal to all ages and interests.

5 and up. The Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory o f ers arts education courses and programs in dance, theater and music with 50-plus camps

YMCA, Spurlino YMCA in Riverview or the ever-popular outdoor day camp, Camp Cristina in Riverview, the YMCA always mixes a variety of

and classes available.

If you have a child who prefers the outdoors, be sure to look into both Camp Osprey LLC and Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center. Both camps o f er a more traditional summer camp experience and have overnight options as well.

Do you have a performer in the family? At Music Showcase, music and theater take the stage, and so can your child. On o f er will be musicals where your child can hold starring roles in popular musicals provided by the Florida Academy of Performing Arts for children ages

The Olympics will not just be in Paris this summer. Brandon’s High 5 Inc. has an exciting summer planned where your child will experience the thrill of Olympic-style games,

The local YMCAs will o f er many types of camps. Whether at the Campo YMCA, the North Brandon

murai o f ers coding, robotics, YouTube, Roblox and Minecraft camps for all levels and experience.

fun with great learning experiences.

For the sports enthusiasts, specialty camps focused on sports can be found at i9 Sports, Fellowship Church and Buckhorn Springs Racquet & Pool Club. Your horse lover will be sure to enjoy a camp at TLC’s Gypsy Haven, where weekly themed riding camps run throughout the summer.

Kids ‘R’ Kids Circa FishHawk o f ers full and half-day summer fun with weekly field trips and themes.

Keeping the summer slide away, Mathnasium o f ers a variety of learning opportunities, and Skill Sa -

For dates and registration information on these camps, turn the pages, enjoy this special section and plan to have a great summer. Watch for our Summer Camp Sweepstakes link, where the Osprey Observer will buy your child a week of camp at the summer camp of your choice! Enter now by emailing (subject line: ‘Summer Camp Free’) contest@ospreyobserver.com.

Did we miss a great summer camp option? Let us know by emailing jhurst@ospreyobserver. com.

Options for fun abound — enjoy your summer!

ABOUT OUR CAMPS

With over 25 diferent camp options throughout the Tampa YMCA area, there’s something for every camper to enjoy! From art and gymnastics to ziplining and splashing in our pools the Y is the ultimate summer destination.

Summer Camp starts May 28th!

YMCA

CAMP OSPREY

MATHNASIUM

PATEL CONSERVATORY

MUSIC SHOWCASE

HIGH 5 INC. BRINGS OLYMPICTHEMED ACTIVITIES TO THIS YEAR’S SUMMER CAMP

High 5 Inc. is hosting its annual summer camp beginning weekly on Tuesday, May 28, and running through Friday, August 9. With the Summer Olympics just around the corner, High 5’s Olympic-themed camp this year will give students the opportunity to participate in Olympic-style activities and games.

“Our camp is designed to inspire young athletes and promote teamwork, sportsmanship and a love for physical activity,” said Jada Spano, vice president of operations.

The summer camp has its earliest drop-of time at 7 a.m. and latest pickup at 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The camp will cost participants $160 per week.

Students should provide their own snacks and lunches, as well as bring a change of clothes and a towel. Campers should show up each day in a swimsuit and closed-toed shoes.

“During our Olympic-themed summer camp, campers will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports and activities inspired by the Olympic

By Lily Belcher

Games,” Spano said.

Activities will include track and field events, swimming, soccer and other sports.

“Our experienced and dedicated coaches will guide campers through various training sessions, teaching them the fundamental skills of diferent sports and helping them improve their techniques,” Spano said. There will be around 25 students to each teacher. There will also be a variety of crafts for students, including creating banners to represent their values.

“Campers will learn the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship as they work together towards common goals and cheer each other on,” Spano said.

High 5 Inc. is a nonprofit after school program that supports students learning to swim and special needs education through sports and recreational activities.

High 5 Inc. is located at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon of State Road 60. For more information about the summer camp or to register, visit https://high5inc. org/ or call 813-689-0908.

MUSIC SHOWCASE AND FLORIDA ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS OFFER FUN CAMPS FOR STUDENTS

Music Showcase

and the Florida Academy of Performing Arts’ annual summer camps o f er a fun, interactive way for students to make friends, learn about music and hone their theater skills all in one week.

The performing arts center o f ers the Music and More Camp and Musical Theatre Camp throughout the summer.

The Music and More Camp o f ers themed activities, including arts and crafts, instruments, acting, singing and more. The camp runs weekly from Tuesday, May 28, through Friday, August 2. Students can enjoy a full day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with early drop-o f starting at 8 a.m. and late pickup ending at 6 p.m.

“Music and More Camp takes the daily routine and makes it fun and exciting,” said Danielle Sanchez, director of the Florida Academy of the Performing Arts.

The Musical Theatre Camp gives students the opportunity to play di f erent roles in producing their own play. The camp’s dates and times depend on what

By Lily Belcher

show the student is participating in, but some run in the morning or evening.

“Musical Theatre Camps give students an opportunity to participate in a show with or without experience in theater,” Sanchez said. “At the end of the two weeks, students will showcase their new abilities on show.”

The Musical Theatre Camp encourages students to learn stage character and development, work with a set, act, collaborate and build confidence.

The Music and More Camp costs $230 per week and the Musical Theatre Camp costs $275 per week. There is a $30 onetime registration fee for both camps and a $25 sibling discount. Scholarships and multicamp discounts are also available.

Parents should send their children with snacks, lunch and a water bottle. They can wear everyday clothes and shoes.

For more information on Music Showcase’s summer camps or to register in March, visit https://faopa.org/.

High 5 Inc. will host its summer camp with Olympic-themed activities this year.

Music Showcase helps students learn acting, singing and performing skills through its weekly summer camps.

SUMMERTIME FUN WITH MATHEMATICS AT MATHNASIUM PERFORMING ARTS

There’s no better time for kids to catch up and get ahead in math than during the summer break. Now is the time to get Mathnasium on your summer schedule and keep those math skills sharp heading into the fall.

Summer at Mathnasium is a fun and engaging way for your child to

By Libby Hopkins

and virtually. Mathnasium has a proven teaching method that results in true understanding and increased confidence, along with reward opportunities and so much more.

“Our hope for summer learning is that each child who walks in our door has a better understanding of math and

With summer fast approaching, parents may be scrambling to figure out fun-filled and educational plans for their children over the break. There are many opportunities for children to have all kinds of experiences. One place that ofers a variety of musical/performing arts classes is the Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory.

By Ashley Abene

camps are ofered during the summer season.

The cost of the summer camp depends on whether a child is signed up for an intensive program, a production, classes/workshops or cross-disciplinary camps. There are also private lessons, pre-camps and post-camps ofered. Financial aid is available in the form of need or merit-based

A performance of Te Little Mermaid in 2023.

SUMMER CAMPS PROVIDE KIDS ENRICHMENT, EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT ALL

LONG

Compiled

High 5 Inc.

Brandon’s High 5 Inc. is inviting students to embark on an exciting and adventurous journey where your child will experience the thrill of Olympic-style games, kicking o f on Tuesday, May 28, and running through Friday, August 9.

Camp is o f ered Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. at High 5 Inc., located at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon. Campers can sign up for individual weeks or throughout the entire summer. To register, visit www.high5inc.org/camp-3.

and drinks and are encouraged to wear light pants or leggings, but boots are a must. The camp boasts one teacher, one aide and at least one volunteer per 10 students.

For more information, visit www. tlcsfarms.com, call Tammi at 813-8424236 or email tlcs2867@aol.com.

night being $795. Meals are provided, and snacks can be purchased in the camp canteen.

COSMO (Camp Osprey

Smoky Mountain Outdoor) adventures are available as well for groups of 12 campers ages 13-16 years old.

The camp is located at 18050 U.S. 301 S. in Wimauma and can be reached at 941928-6860. For more information, visit www.camposprey.com.

Camp costs $175 a week per child for nonmembers, and High 5 members can register for $160. To learn more, visit www.high5inc.org or call 813689-0908.

TLC’s Gypsy Haven

Located at 4325 Keysville Rd. in Lithia, TLC’s Gypsy Haven o f ers weekly themed riding camps, for ages 8-99, focused on riding and grooming. The camps take place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. from Monday, June 3, to Friday, August 2.

Students pack their own lunch, snacks

Camp Osprey LLC

For a fun, traditional camp experience, check out Camp Osprey, which is located on 204 acres of beautiful woodlands alongside the Little Manatee River in Wimauma. Camp activities include high ropes courses, zip lining, horseback riding and much more.

Camps take place every week starting in June, and campers can sign up for a week or the whole summer. Day and overnight options are available, with day camp costing $325 a week and over-

Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center

Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center is located on 170 acres of woodland alongside the Alafia River in Lithia. Camps take place weekly from Sunday to Friday starting on Sunday, June 9, and finishing on Friday, August 2; campers can sign up for a week or the whole summer. Cedarkirk o f ers overnight camps for older students, and younger campers in grades one through three can attend

a shorter three-day camp. Camps range in price from $465-$510 a week and include all meals plus two daily snacks. Day camp is available for campers who have completed first grade up to those who have completed fifth grade and is priced at $220 per week. Day campers must bring their own lunch. Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center is located at 1920 Streetman Dr. in Lithia and can be reached at 813-6854224. For more information and to register, visit https://cedarkirk.org/.

i9 Sports Experience i9 Sports with coaches and instructors that provide age-appropriate, quality instruction that’s both fun for kids and convenient for busy families. Register for spring break camps now, with more details about summer camp to come. Your child can participate in either a half or full-day multisport camp with soccer and flag football, or a morning volleyball camp, conveniently located at Heroes Paradise in Brandon. Register at www.i9sports.com/ venues/brandon-heroes-paradise-clinics-youth-sports-programs/6603.

i9 Sports provides a youth sports experience unlike any other, teaching the importance of good sportsmanship on the field and in life. Call 813805-8742 or email leagueoffice29@ i9sports.com for more information.

Kids ‘R’ Kids

to register.

The Patel Conservatory

Kids ‘R’ Kids Circa FishHawk is thrilled to announce the Galactic Quest Summer Camp, showcasing unique weekly themes. Featuring a junior camp for kindergarten to second grade and senior camp for third to fifth grade, each week of camp involves a new theme designed to empower and enlighten campers through amusing activities, fascinating field trips, timely lessons in teamwork and so much more. Meals and field trips are included in the weekly cost. Camps are full day and students can sign up on a weekly basis or for the whole summer.

Kids ‘R’ Kids Circa FishHawk is located at 5815 Kids Crossing Dr. in Lithia and can be reached at 813-797-5497. Visit www. krkcirca.com for more information and

The Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory offers arts education courses and programs in dance, theater and music with 50-plus camps and classes available. Starting on Tuesday, May 28, and ending on Friday, August 2, full and half-day camps are available weekly for ages 4-18. The cost varies depending on the camp; financial aid is available in the form of need or is merit-based. For more information, visit www.patelconservatory.org or call 813-222-1029.

Music Showcase And The Florida Academy Of Performing Arts

Music Showcase and the Florida Academy of Performing Arts’ annual summer camps offer a fun, interactive way for students to make friends, learn about music and hone their theater skills. The camp runs weekly from Tuesday, May 28, through Friday, August 2, and students can enjoy a full day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with early drop-off starting at 8 a.m. and late pickup

ending at 6 p.m. The Music and More Camp costs $230 per week and the Musical Theatre Camp costs $275 per week; scholarships and multicamp discounts are available. For more information and to register, visit https://faopa.org/.

Skill Samurai

Located in Brandon, Skill Samurai’s coding, robotics, YouTube, Roblox and Minecraft camps welcome everyone from seasoned players to first-timers. Skill and experience levels don’t matter, Skill Samurai makes it fun for all. Camps will run from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and begin at $240; discounts for siblings and multi camps are available. Campers need to bring lunch and wear closedtoed shoes. For more information and to register, visit https://skillsamurai.com/ fl-brandon.

Buckhorn Springs Racquet Club

Do you have a budding tennis player? Sign them up

for summer camp at Buckhorn Springs Racquet Club, located in Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club in Valrico. Camps will run all summer Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.12 Noon and will cost $185. Advanced/tournament players have a full-day option, including match play and video analysis. Tennis shoes are required. Visit www.buckhornracquet.com for more information.

Fellowship

Church

Fellowship Church, located at 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia, will be hosting half-day sports summer camps each week over the summer starting on Monday, June 3. Drop-off is available from 8:15 a.m., and campers must be collected promptly at 12:30 p.m. Sports will include soccer, flag football and basketball. Please visit the website for the weekly sport and age range. The cost is $115 per week. To register, visit www.fellowship.church.

Sidekicks Family Martial Arts Centers

be found on its website at https://ilovesidekicks.com/ fishhawk-camp.

YMCA

Easterseals

School For Limitless Learning

At the YMCA, “campers are given a safe space to discover who they are and what they want to become while building character through activities based on the Y core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility,” said Hannah Geaumont, communications and social media manager of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.

Sidekicks Family Martial Arts Centers’ summer camp will run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with early drop-o f available at 7 a.m. and late pickup until 6:30 p.m. Martial arts classes are fun and exciting while packing fitness and self-defense into each session. Your child will also develop more confidence, focus and discipline. Campers are advised to wear activewear bottoms and closed-toe shoes with the camp T-shirt, as well as bring two snacks and a packed lunch. Sidekicks is located at 16132 Churchview Dr., Ste. 210 in Lithia. More information can

Local YMCAs, including the Campo Family YMCA, Spurlino Family YMCA and North Brandon YMCA, will o f er everything from sports and drama to art and coding, in addition to swimming and playing. Camp Cristina in Riverview will have a wide range of activities, such as traditional day camp favorites and unique options like Horse Camp, Counselors in Training and Waterfront Camp. To learn more about the YMCA summer camps, visit www.tampaymca.org.

Get ready for an exciting and inclusive adventure designed specifically for neurodiverse young learners at Easterseals School for Limitless Learning, located at 2460 Bloomingdale Ave., Ste. 170 in Valrico. Its summer camp aims to create a supportive and engaging environment where every child can thrive. The camp is available throughout July, with morning, afternoon and all-day sessions available. Sessions are $250 per week, with all-day camp being $450 per week. For more information, visit its website at www.easterseals.com/florida/programs-and-services/.

Mathnasium

There’s no better time for kids to catch up and get ahead in math than during the summer break. Summer at Mathnasium is a fun and engaging way for your child to keep up their math skills and prepare for the year ahead. It has a proven teaching method that results in true understanding and increased confidence, along with reward opportu -

nities and more. For more information, call Mathnasium’s Brandon center, located at 1048 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, at 813655-MATH (6284).

You can also visit www.mathnasium.com/brandon. The Riverview center, located at 13388 S. U.S. 301 in Riverview, can be contacted on 813-565-1102 or visited at www. mathnasium.com/riverview.

Tampa Dynamo FC

Tampa Dynamo FC is offering a summer soccer camp for players of all levels and abilities. Camp will be held Monday to Friday, June 17-21, from 8:30 a.m.12 Noon for ages U7U14 (20182011).

Tryout registration is also now open, with tryouts beginning Wednesday, May 1, for the 2024-25 season. Tampa Dynamo FC is a player-centered club — go see what it’s about. Visit www.tampadynamofc.com or call 813-677-1133 for more information.

YMCA SUMMER CAMPS OFFER FUN AND ADVENTURE

It’s almost summer camp season, and more than 5,000 participants are expected at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA’s 12 family centers.

“Our campers can expect a new spin on fun, friends and adventure this year,” said Hannah Geaumont, communications and social media manager of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. “Campers are given a safe space to discover who they are and what they want to become while building character through activities based on the Y core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.”

Te Tampa YMCA has locations throughout the county to provide your child with camp memories to last lifetime.

Locally, area centers, including the Campo Family YMCA, Spurlino Family YMCA and North Brandon YMCA, will ofer everything from sports and drama to art and coding, in addition to swimming and playing. Camp Cristina in Riverview will have a wide variety of activities for children and teens, such as traditional day camp favorites and unique options like Horse Camp, Counselors in Training and Waterfront Camp.

Tampa Y camps are geared toward ages 6-15. Participants will experience a fun summer filled with friendships, adventures and phenomenal memories. Dave Boyle,

By Libby Hopkins

executive director of Camp Cristina, oversees camps.

“This camp season, while we continue to cherish the timeless traditions that have always defined us, we are excited to introduce a modern twist to these classic elements,” Boyle said. “Central to our refreshed approach is a renewed emphasis on fostering meaningful connections. Our counselors bring a unique blend of diverse backgrounds and skills, allowing us to ofer a personalized experience that caters to the individual needs and interests of every camper. They serve as role models, demonstrating values and attitudes that leave a lasting impact on the campers, shaping not just their summer but their character and life outlook. Importantly, they create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where campers feel comfortable to be themselves, fostering respect and appreciation for others.”

Campers will have the opportunity to develop friendships and experience a sense of belonging.

Tampa Y Summer Camp registration is now open. If you’d like to learn more about the YMCA Summer Camps, visit www.tampaymca.org.

LOCAL GIRL STARTS PRINCESS BIRTHDAY PARTY BUSINESS: FISHHAWK FAIRYTALES

One local FishHawk teen has started her own birthday princess business this year. Abigail ‘Abby’ Giese, a 14-year-old freshman attending Newsome High School, recently decided to start a business for children’s birthday parties, entitled FishHawk Fairytales. Abby had the inspiration to start this small business when one of her dad’s colleagues was struggling to find a princess to hire to appear for his daughter’s birthday party.

FishHawk Fairytales is a locally owned small business that ofers a variety of princess options and activities for children’s birthday parties.

Stephanie Giese, Abby’s mother, stated that her daughter has “seven years of theater experience and previously attended Progress Village, the Hillsborough County magnet school for performing arts, to study theater and singing. She is now part of the Newsome Chorus group that will be traveling to New Orleans in April, as well as being a member of the cast of the spring musical.”

Abby incorporates her theater and vocal skills in her FishHawk Fairytale business. As a self-proclaimed “party princess,” this business ofers a few diferent options for party packages. Some of the options are ba-

By Ashley Abene

sic party princess, dance party package, crafty princess package, royal makeover package, ultimate princess party package and enchanted story time package. Each party theme ranges in price from $50-$100 and varies in the amount of time spent at the party as a particular princess. Every package includes a choice of princess theme, a photo session with the princess and a themed activity.

There is a lot included within every birthday package. For example, within a mermaid-themed crafty princess party, Abby will dress up as a mermaid princess, have a mermaid photo session, bring a variety of under-the-sea craft activities (like making tridents) and even provide face painting.

Other birthday packages include group sing-alongs based on the theme chosen and even dance-alongs. For a dance-along, Abby will coordinate and teach a choreographed dance for the birthday party participants to learn. Additional options for birthday parties are tea parties and spa parties.

For more information, visit https://abigailrgiese.wixsite.com/my-site-3/, visit the business’ Instagram page @fishhawkfairytales or call 813-730-0553.

Abigail Giese dresses up as a princess and creates a princess-themed party.

FINANCIAL HELP

AVAILABLE FOR LOW-INCOME STUDENTS THROUGH HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION BOARD SCHOLARSHIPS

Hillsborough County ofers scholarships to students who wish to pursue their postsecondary education.

Students must be between the ages 16-24, have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent, be Hillsborough County residents and have a household income either at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines of the Community Services Block Grant. If a student meets these criteria, they may apply for Hillsborough County’s Community Action Board Scholarship.

Applications are available now and may be accessed by visiting www.hcfl.gov/education.

The deadline to apply is Monday, March 18.

The scholarships are worth up to $2,500 for two years or $5,000 for up to four years. The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or four-year universities. The scholarships are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of tuition so they can focus on furthering their education, not bills.

Students seeking a master’s degree or a second bachelor’s degree do not qualify. Eligibility guidelines are subject to change based on grant requirements.

Pat Simmons, founder of award-winning nonprofit Bikes For Christ and member of

By Kathy L. Collins

the Community Action Board, said, “For the past six years, I have served on the Community Action Board of Hillsborough County. Our scholarship program is by far what I enjoy the most. Several scholarship options are available to both technical schools and four-year universities. Students can also reapply each year for funding.”

The Community Action Board provides recommendations for the development, planning, implementation and evaluation of Community Services Block Grant funds and other programs that serve the low-income residents and communities of Hillsborough County.

It is highly recommended that applicants read through the full 2024 Community Action Board Scholarship Application Package before applying online to ensure all documents are complete and requirements are met. A full list of required documents can be found in the application package.

Students can apply online by visiting www.hcfl.gov/education. For questions about the online applications and to ensure that you have all of the appropriate documentation, please call 813-272-5220.

THREE SOUTH COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS ACHIEVE 95 PERCENT OR HIGHER GRADUATION RATE

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is pleased to announce the high school graduation rates for the 2022-23 academic year.

While the HCPS graduation rate experienced a slight decrease of 1.7 percentage points to 86.2 percent from last year, it aligns with the prepandemic graduation rate in 2018-19. Notably, the 2022-23 graduation rate represents the second highest in the district’s history, following the exceptional years of 2019-20 and 2020-21, when classes were exempt from statewide standardized assessment requirements due to the pandemic. This demonstrates that there was no sustained learning loss for students in our district due to the pandemic.

Newsome High School achieved the highest graduation rate in the county.

“This year’s graduation cohort faced unique challenges, having entered ninth grade during the 2019-20 school year, which was significantly impacted by COVID-19 closures,” said Van Ayres, Hillsborough County Public Schools superintendent. “The resilience and perseverance of our students, supported by the unwavering dedication of our teachers, administrators and school and district support staf, have been instrumental in achieving these commendable results.”

Congratulations to the following local area schools for their remarkable achievements in increasing their graduation rates:

• Brandon High School: +1.1 percent.

• South County Career Acceleration Academy: +2.2 percent.

• Sumner High School: +2.7 percent.

• East Bay High School: +2.8 percent.

• Brandon Epic3: +6.2 percent.

Additionally, the following local schools maintained an impressive graduation rate above 95 percent, including Newsome High School with the highest graduation rate in the county.

• Riverview High School: 95 percent.

• Strawberry Crest High School: 95.1 percent.

• Newsome High School: 98.9 percent.

To view graduation rates data, visit https:// fldoe.org/accountability/accountability-reporting/school-grades/.

HCPS is the seventh-largest school district in the nation with more than 220,000 students in its public schools. There are more than 274 school sites, including 137 K-5 elementary schools, 45 middle schools, 28 high schools, nine K-8 schools, four career centers, four technical colleges and 54 charter schools.

It is also the largest employer in Hillsborough County with more than 24,000 employees. Many district programs provide students with unique learning opportunities, including magnet, International Baccalaureate, career and technical education and advanced academics, such as Advanced Placement, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) and dual enrollment courses.

For information, visit www.hillsboroughschools.org.

Staf Report

Cirque du Soleil has made its much-anticipated return to Florida’s St. Petersburg/ Tampa Bay region with the debut of BAZZAR, a high-energy spectacle of intrepid acrobatics, dynamic stunts and exhilarating performances that pays homage to the entertainment company’s legacy.

The fourth stop on its North American tour, the show is being presented at the Tropicana Field stadium under the iconic Big Top through Sunday, March 24.

Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR is an eclectic lab of infinite creativity where a joyful troupe of acrobats, dancers and musicians craft an awe-inspiring spectacle. Led by their maestro, they band together to invent a whimsical, one-of-a-kind universe. In a place where the unexpected is expected, the colorful group imagines, builds and invents vibrant scenes in an artistic and acrobatic game. This ‘bazaar’ awaits one and all to claim their spots in its marketplace of merriment and creative camaraderie. People might just find that the end of the story is really only the beginning. The high-energy excitement, collision of sounds and colors, and meeting place of diverse characters you’d find at a traditional bazaar inspired the name of the show. BAZZAR perfectly captures that spirit.

Originally created in 2018, BAZZAR

first toured in India and the Middle East. Then in September 2022, it relaunched, touring first in Brazil and then other parts of South America before coming to the U.S. The show features an international cast of 35 performers and musicians, including teeterboard, acrobatic bike, contortion, duo roller skate, duo trapeze, aerial rope, hair suspension, fire manipulation, slackline and, for the first time in Cirque du Soleil history, mallakhamb, a traditional Indian sport in which a gymnast performs aerial yoga postures and wrestling grips in concert with a vertical stationary or hanging wooden pole.

Follow #BAZZAR and #cirquedusoleil on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Visit www.cirquedusoleil. com/bazzar for ticket and show information.

Fans can also enjoy Cirque du Soleil year-round with Drawn to Life, the first-ever creative collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney, performing exclusively at Disney Springs in Lake Buena Vista. Set your imagination in motion with Drawn to Life — a love letter to the art of Disney Animation interpreted through the acrobatic mastery of Cirque du Soleil. For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/ drawn-to-life.

Little Medical School (LMS) is deeply rooted in founder Dr. Mary Mason’s love of family, medicine and education. In 1998, Mason wrote her first lesson plan and enlisted her medical residents to teach local teenagers. This passion for encouraging careers in health care culminated in the creation of LMS in 2010. Today, it is a pioneer and leading developer of specialized curriculum and interactive resources for children ages 1-14.

LMS of Tampa Bay works with educators, healthcare leaders and community organizations to inspire healthy lifestyles in children as they learn about medical careers.

LMS-trained instructors are also community members ranging from aspiring world changers, practicing medical providers and accomplished educators. All programs were written and reviewed by board-certified and trained health care professionals.

Kristina Helton, owner of LMS of Tampa Bay, will be bringing the LMS Summer Camp to the Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association.

“This summer, we are ofering our Little Doctor School program at Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association from June 17-21. Students in grades K-5 will have the opportunity to assume the role of a doctor,” Helton said. “Camp participants will role-play

By Libby Hopkins

the key responsibilities of a doctor and learn about vital organs in the human body. These future doctors will learn how to use a stethoscope, blood pressure cuf and reflex hammer. They will practice administering first aid, learn how pharmacists play a role in administering medications and create models of parts of the body to learn how they work.”

Campers receive daily activities and products to keep and practice with at home. At the end of the week, families are invited to attend a ceremony where the campers will ‘graduate’ with their own student lab coat, a real working stethoscope and a diploma.

“We are super excited to have the Little Medical School Summer Camp at Center Place this summer,” said Center Place’s executive director, Libby Hopkins.

“We’ve had such a positive response to our programs,” Helton said. “They are unlike anything else ofered in our area.”

For more information, visit https://littlemedicalschool.com/tampabay/. To register your child for LMS Summer Camp, visit www.littlemedicalschool.com/tampabay/ center-place-fine-arts-camp/. The cost is $250.

The Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B, inside the Brandon Regional Library.

Cirque du Soleil returns to the region with the debut of BAZZAR, featuring an international cast of 35 performers and musicians.

WONDERS OF WILDLIFE MARKETPLACE EVENT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR RAPTOR CENTER OF TAMPA BAY

The Raptor Center of Tampa Bay (RCTB) is a nonprofit organization operated by volunteers that is working to build a wildlife rehabilitation facility in East Hillsborough County. The organization rescues and rehabilitates more than 1,000 birds and other animals each year with a goal of releasing them back into the wild.

RCTB is hosting the Wonders of Wildlife Marketplace on Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Hogan’s Place located at 7023 Gibsonton Dr. in Gibsonton. This free, fun, family event will have a variety of local vendors, food and music, plus an opportunity to meet the ambassador birds from RCTB.

Raptor Center of Tampa Bay will be hosting the Wonders of Wildlife Marketplace on Saturday, March 16. Tis is a free, family-friendly event.

Although the entrance to the event is free, it is a fundraising opportunity to support RCTB to help cover the ongoing costs of its work. Some of the vendors at the market will be Wild Planet Creations, Bizbee Prior Art, Simpatico Silver, Blue Pearl Vet Specialists and more.

Nancy Murrah is the president of the Raptor Center as well as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, and she is excited about the upcoming community event.

“The marketplace has all kinds of opportunities to buy cool nature-related stuf, good food and see our animal ambassador

By Kelly Wise Valdes

birds of prey,” said Murrah. “Hogan’s has farm animals, too.”

Murrah said there will be a large variety of birds at the event including Zoe’ the Red-Tailed Hawk, Charlie the Great Horned Owl, Carmen and Moonpie, Eastern Screech Owls and possibly a Crested Caracara.

But Murrah said that she is most looking forward to debuting RCTB’s children’s book, I Can Save The Planet. Purchases of this book, along with other donations, all go toward supporting RCTB wildlife rescue services.

“Wildlife organizations do not receive any public funding,” said Murrah. “We are a 501(c)(3), and the amount of issues wildlife is having has increased exponentially.”

In addition, RCTB is holding a fundraiser on Saturday, April 6, at Three Bulls Tavern.

“From 1-4 p.m., the owners are donating a percentage of their profits to the Raptor Center,” said Murrah. “Additionally, if patrons identify that they are there with the Raptor Center, they will receive a discount on their meal.”

For more information, call Murrah at 813-205-1851, go to www.raptorcenteroftampa.org or visit the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay’s Facebook page.

Join Camp Bayou as it welcomes spring and celebrates its 25th anniversary with some fun activities at its Spring Fest on Saturday, March 23, from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. Some of the activities you can expect include nature activity tables, trail walks, tomato seedling giveaways, plant swaps (no invasives please) and cart tours.

Joining the morning shenanigans are the Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum, Raptor Center of Tampa Bay, Manatee Viewing Center, Little Manatee River State Park and Florida Forestry Service.

No registration is required, and it’s free. Go out and experience all that Camp Bayou has to ofer.

While you are marking your calendar, save the date, Saturday, April 13, for a night paddle to explore the Little Manatee River after dark — without flashlights. Canoes and kayaks are available for $25 per boat; it costs $5 if you have your own vessel. Plan to arrive by 7 p.m. to be out on the water by 7:30 p.m. Registration is required; email campbayou@gmail.com or call the ofce 813-641-8545. Camp Bayou continues to ofer day paddle trips on the first and third Saturdays of each month at 9 a.m.; reservations are required.

The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is neither a campground nor a summer camp. It was an RV park before the county’s ELAP program purchased the land, but it is now open for day use only, with

its 200 acres open to the general public. Through volunteers, donations, supporters and grants, the managing nonprofit, Bayou Outdoor Learning and Discovery Inc. (B.O.L.D.), offers preregistered programs to schools, youth groups, adult groups and families. The center is open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for passive recreational pursuits, such as wildlife watching, nature photography and trail walks. General admission is still free.

For those who are interested in helping with registered groups, Camp Bayou is looking for enthusiastic volunteers who love the outdoors and want to pass along that passion to others through hands-on activities, walks and canoe tours, as well as to help with maintenance and exhibits. Contact Becki at 813-641-8545 or fill out the form at www.campbayou.org. It is mainly looking for folks to help teach school groups in grades K-6, but there are other opportunities as well.

The Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center is a public- private partnership between B.O.L.D. and Hillsborough County Conservation & Environmental Lands Management. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of State Road 674 at the end of 24th Street SE in Ruskin. Check out the Camp Bayou Facebook page and, for more information, visit www.campbayou.org or call 813-641-8545.

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Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary with its Spring Fest on Saturday, March 23.

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF FLORIDA BENEFITS FROM $70,000 STATE FARM GRANT

The Junior Achievement (JA) of Florida Foundation announced that it has received a $70,000 grant from State Farm. The statewide initiative will support Junior Achievement learning experiences throughout Florida, enabling thousands of young people to participate in JA’s nationally recognized financial literacy and career readiness learning experiences.

Junior

from State Farm to support Junior Achievement learning experiences.

State Farm has been a supporter of Junior Achievement in Florida for the past eight years, with contributions to its programs totaling over $440,000 going toward funding financial literacy, work-readiness and entrepreneurial-focused learning experiences for youths.

“Financial literacy education is critical to inspiring and preparing our next generation of leaders in order to help them build stronger and more resilient communities,” said Jose Soto, State Farm corporate responsibility analyst. “We are proud to support Junior Achievement K-12 financial literacy and career-readiness program across Florida.”

Eight Florida-based JA areas will use the support to advance learning experiences most needed in their regions.

JA Tampa Bay, which includes Hillsborough, Polk, Highlands and Sarasota counties, will use the support for:

• JA BizTown, a capstone learning expe-

Staf Report

rience that introduces fifth graders to economic concepts, workplace skills and personal and business finances. They act as employees and consumers, from paying bills to handling customer service, and experience what it is like to earn and work in a community.

• JA Finance Park, another capstone learning experience that is a real-life simulation, where students enter the game of life and apply financial concepts to balance their personal budget and learn to make choices that support their future goals.

• 3DE Schools by Junior Achievement, the newest JA learning experience, teaches students in high school relevant business skills and core competencies through business case methodology.

Richard George, president of Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay, stated, “The State Farm funding supports our eforts throughout the state of Florida, and we are so grateful. Junior Achievement is providing our young people with the tools to transform their futures. We are increasing economic equity and mobility through our learning experiences focused on financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. This creates a brighter tomorrow for all.”

For more information on the organization, visit www.juniorachievement.org/ web/ja-floridafoundation.

The Arts Council of Hillsborough County has several grant programs designed to provide funding for arts organizations. The Community Arts Impact Grant, the smallest of the grant programs, is designed to make arts and cultural opportunities more accessible for underserved populations across Hillsborough County. This grant provides funding on a reimbursement basis up to $5,000.

By Kathy L. Collins

There are a couple of great examples of organizations whose projects have benefited from a Community Arts Impact Grant.

Applications for the Community Arts Impact Grant open on Monday, April 8, at 9 a.m. The grant is perfect for small arts organizations based in Hillsborough County.

Martine Collier, division director for the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, said, “The Community Arts Impact Grant provides a valuable opportunity for nonprofits of all budget sizes, especially those outside the urban core, to receive funding for projects of a cultural nature.”

Collier added, “Distributing cultural opportunities widely throughout the entire county provides greater access for all Hillsborough County residents.”

The current application is for funding for fiscal year 2025. The grant period is from November 1, 2024, to August 15, 2025. The Community Arts Impact Grant is a reimbursement-based grant program. An organization’s program or project must take place during this time period. Funds must also be expended during this time period in order to be reimbursed.

One of these is Recycled Tunes, a program run through the Gasparilla Music Foundation. Tad Denham, Recycled Tunes ambassador, recently visited Marshall Middle School in Plant City and delivered 40 instruments to the very appreciative students and their band director, Dr. Jef Cayer.

Another example is the Veterans Pottery Program run by the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin. This program offers veterans — including but not limited to those sufering from PTSD or other service-related disorders or disabilities — the opportunity to experience the benefits of participating in a structured pottery class. Sessions range from four to five weeks.

The Community Arts Impact Grant was started in 2018. This grant program is meant to provide nimble/flexible funding while serving as a training opportunity for small, community-based organizations that are new to grant writing and/ or seeking support from the Arts Council of Hillsborough County.

Grant funding is provided by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

For more information, please visit https://hillsborougharts.org/organizational-grants/.

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Achievement of Florida Foundation received a $70,000 grant