Osprey Observer Valrico July 2023

FAMILY OFFERS MINI FRIENDS FARM VISITS TO BRING JOY TO SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN

Nestled among the roads of Valrico is an expansive 4.3acre property that is home not just to the Karnowski family, but also their farm full of miniature animal friends.

“I hope that it just brings joy in sometimes a sad world,” said Melissa Karnowski, founder of Mini Friends Farm.

The farm aims to provide a place of peace for people with autism and mental health conditions.

“Our goal is to equip all children with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to overcome their challenges,” the Mini Friends Farm mission statement reads.

Melissa views the farm as a place to disconnect from the rest of the world and embrace the quiet of the outdoors. She and her husband, Tom, were inspired to create the farm after their son, Brandon, started showing pigs through his school’s FFA program.

Brandon was diagnosed with autism and used showing pigs as an outlet to express himself. Melissa described how his entire demeanor seemed to shift when he was around animals, and she wants to give other kids with autism the opportunity to experience the same happiness. Currently, several people with autism visit the farm every one to two weeks to brush and feed the animals.

YE MYSTIC KREWE OF GASPARILLA AWARDS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS TO LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

By Anna Edlund

By Ava Benedict

Melissa’s ultimate goal is to have even more children with autism visit and experience the farm. She said the animals have a healing touch, and spending time with them is extremely calming for everyone who visits. The farm is home to a variety of animals, including alpacas, miniature donkeys and a pony. Each animal is named after a celebrity or pop culture figure, including donkeys Snoop Donk and Martha Stewart and a pony named Dolly Parton. Although these animals are super lovable, it takes a huge amount of work to maintain the farm and cover the costs of providing for them.

To raise money for feed, farm supplies and animal surgeries, Mini Friends Farm hosts birthday parties and other special events on the property. One of these special events includes an annual Open Farm Day, where the public has the opportunity to learn how to brush, feed and take care of the animals on the farm. The last Open Farm Day attracted a crowd of over 70 people, so booking ahead is a must for those wishing to participate. Mini Friends Farm also gives people the opportunity to book experiences with the animals, such as walking the donkeys and animal-assisted therapy. To learn more about Mini Friends Farm and how to donate, visit its website at www.myminifriends.org.

Four local high school seniors received college scholarships from the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (YMKG) Community Fund.

Choosing to donate $120,000 in college scholarships this year, YMKG conducted a thorough process to select 10 well-deserving high school students. Qualifications included academic success, extracurricular activities, athletic excellence and a financial need. By reviewing many applications and conducting in-person interviews, they were able to select the chosen few.

The four finalists residing in the local area are Sarah Fabel from Strawberry Crest High School, Westin Doud from Riverview High School, Caroline Haxton from Durant High School and Peyton Haxton from Durant High School.

Caroline and Peyton, twin sisters who both plan to attend the University of Florida, were selected out of their graduating class for their immense academic success and leadership. Each sister received a college scholarship worth $10,000, broken up into $2,500 per school year.

“I was very shocked, and honestly still am. I never expected that I would actually get the scholarship, despite having been a finalist,” shared Caroline as she put her feelings into words.

Unlike other scholarship announcements, YMKG creates a unique ‘invasion’ performance to personally deliver the news.

“Our school holds a ‘Diamond Awards’ Banquet for seniors, and they ‘invaded’ the ceremony in order to give us the scholarships. In true Gasparilla fashion, they were dressed up as pirates and came throwing beads,” recalled Peyton.

This event has occurred for the past 26 years, with the fund supplying students a total of $1,346,000 in college scholarship money. While being a fun and whimsical tradition that encapsulates the pirate theme of Gasparilla, this act is additionally changing lives dollar by dollar. Each scholarship awarded supports the education of the next generation to come.

“It definitely relieves a lot of stress. It will probably go towards paying for books, fees and other expenses that may arise,” said Caroline.

The process of searching and applying is often a lengthy one, but it can ultimately pay o f in the end. With the large number of expenses that modernly hang over the heads of upcoming college students, scholarships can be a helpful tool.

“It’s definitely worth applying for the scholarship, even if you think it is unlikely you will get it, because you never know. Of the scholarships I applied for, including this one, I did not expect much to come from them,” said Caroline.

Explore social media and keep an eye out in the community for applicable scholarships such as this one.

For further information on the YMKG Community Fund, visit its website at https://ymkg.com/ymkg-community-fund/.

Melissa Karnowski, owner and founder of Mini Friends Farm, uses animals as a way to help people with autism or mental health conditions.

Have you taken a stroll or ridden a bike on the Tampa Riverwalk lately? Tere are so many attractions, parks and recreation, restaurants and bars to visit along the way. Read more about the

path and the Riverwalk Attraction Pass

Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico (Located in the SteinMart Plaza)

Te Haxton twins hold up their scholarships beside their mother and brother.

PROTECTING YOUR KIDS THIS SUMMER IN THE WATER

Summer break in Florida comes with heat, humidity and mosquitoes. Kids, desperate to stay cool, look for the closest body of water, such as a pool or going to the beach. But what normally is a fun-filled activity can quickly turn dangerous. Many parents may not realize that for children ages 1-4, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death, and, for 5 to 14-year-olds, the second-leading cause.

Sadly, drownings often occur within 10 feet of an adult (it’s quiet and fast). As parents and caregivers, what can be done to keep your kids safe in or around water?

First, be aware of nearby pools of water. Children should know to ask for permission to go near any water. Also, all pools and hot tubs need to have a safety fence. If a lake, pool or river is nearby, make sure that children are within arm’s reach (especially kids who are not able to swim yet).

Second, have a designated ‘water watcher,’ alternating watchers every 30 minutes. The water watcher makes sure to keep an eye on all children in the water and isn’t distracted (no texting or talking). Often, drownings occur because adults believe someone else is watching the kids since there are many other adults present.

Third, have someone available who

By Ashley Abene

knows CPR. Being trained in infant and child CPR could save a life.

Finally, teach survival swim skills and swimming to all children. Babies can even learn to self-rescue as early as 6 months old. There are many places offering swim lessons locally, such as: the YMCA, High 5 Inc., Kinder Swim, Watermelon Swim, Angelfish Swim School and several others.

The YMCA even ofers a program for free called ‘Safety Around Water.’ Lacey Boldman, senior director of aquatics and swim at the Tampa YMCA, stated that the YMCA ofers this program from “May 8-11, and then we are hosting it again August 21-24. The skills that we focus on during that program are submerge, jump, push, turn/grab and swim/float/swim. In addition to that program, during all of our regular group swim lesson programming (in the beginner stages), they focus on those important ‘self-rescue’ skills.”

These are just a few of the things you can do to keep your children’s summer break both fun and safe. You can check out more tips on water safety at the American Red Cross’ website at www. redcross.org/get-help/how-to-preparefor-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/ water-safety.html.

PAYTON’S LEGACY SHINES ON: HONORING A COURAGEOUS TEEN’S BATTLE AGAINST BRAIN CANCER

In the face of adversity, one unwavering teenager’s remarkable spirit and determination continues to inspire countless others. Payton Hardy, a vibrant 15-year-old, bravely fought against glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, during her battle that began in October 2021. Today, she lives on through Payton’s Legacy, a nonprofit organization committed to uplifting young individuals by fostering programs in arts and education.

When Payton underwent an MRI in late September 2021 at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital of Tampa Bay, the call back delivered heart-wrenching news to her family: They had found a malignant tumor.

In the face of uncertainty, Payton displayed amazing strength as she prepared for the long journey of treatment ahead. Despite her long battle with sickness, her determination and passion for music and academics continued to shine brightly. Payton’s love for the arts extended beyond music; she pursued dance classes in tap and contemporary at Dance Quest International and became the lighting designer in Armwood High School’s theater department. Academic excellence was also a hallmark of Payton’s life, as she achieved straight A’s and set her sights on graduating in 2024 with an associate degree in arts and her high school diploma.

Tragically, in January 2023, Payton’s journey reached its end. She left her loving family and community grieving the loss of an extraordinary person. However, through

By Keiko Moral

Payton’s Legacy, an organization founded by her family — mother Cynde Hardy, sister Hayley Hardy and father Steve Hardy — they honor her memory and carry forward her mission.

Payton’s Legacy empowers youth by enhancing access to arts and education

programs. Its heartfelt, deeply personal eforts include donating 399 toy girafes — Payton’s favorite animal — and bringing comfort to children at local hospitals. Additionally, it established an annual band scholarship, providing aspiring musicians with opportunities to pursue their dreams. The organization aims to assist underprivileged children in afording dance lessons with the aim of inclusivity and artistic expression, as well as the continuation of creative endeavors that Payton cherished, ensuring that her memory lives on even after she is gone. Looking ahead, the nonprofit is excited to announce the purchase of a lighting board for Armwood High and upcoming events, where the community can come together to celebrate Payton and contribute to the organization.

“We always knew Payton was going to change the world, but now we have to keep going in her honor,” said Steve, co-founder of Payton’s Legacy.

To contribute to, support or learn more about Payton’s Legacy, visit www.paytonslegacy.org.

Payton Hardy bravely awaiting presurgery to remove the tumor.

High 5 Inc. ofers all levels of swimming lessons at its facilities.

Te Tampa YMCA ofers a free ‘Safety Around Water’ course during the summer that teaches children vital water survival skills.

nitishrele@gmail.com

VOLVO XC60 PLUG-IN HYBRID BOASTS COMPELLING RIDE, LUSH CABIN

It is one of our favorite midsize luxury crossover SUVs. We have driven several versions of the XC60 over the years and can say with surety that the 2023 version tops them all.

Under the hood of this Volvo sits a 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged and supercharged engine putting out a massive 455 horsepower and 523 pounds-feet of torque. We test drove the T8 plugin hybrid version (E-AWD). That is essentially an electric motor and an 18.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, which can take the SUV nearly 35 miles before the gasoline engine kicks in (full charge time for the battery is about five hours on 240 volts). The eight-speed auto gearbox in our all-wheeldrive SUV is sprightly in any untoward situation. And the start-stop feature (auto engine stop when the vehicle halts) ensures substantial savings in fuel and weight. Tow capacity is a cool 3,500 pounds.

XC60 AWD (ULTIMATE)

Wheelbase: 112.8 inches

Length: 185.4 inches

Height: 64.2 inches

Width: 78.7 inches

Suspension: Double wishbone front, multilink rear

Steering: Electric power

Weight: 4,677 pounds

Fuel capacity: 18.8 gallons

Electricity and gas: 63 MPGe

Gas only: 28 mpg combined

Base price: $66,950

Price as tested: $74,690

Website: www.volvocars.com

By Nitish Rele

one and watch it expand while keeping the other tiles visible for future use. The splashes of wood decor and a tailored dashboard is a nice touch. Standard goodies include two-zone auto AC, 10-way power heated/cooled Nappa leather front seats, 60/40 rear seat, aluminum cargo scuf plate, panoramic moonroof and a leather-wrapped dashboard. XC60 continues as is with passenger volume topping around 100 cubic feet.

The handsome crossover portrays a centered high-gloss black mesh grille with the familiar Volvo iron mark, flanked by LED headlights and Thor’s Hammer-like daytime running lights. The generous cabin conveys an upscale aura with a 12.3-inch instrument panel decked in shimmer graphite aluminum inlays. New for 2023 is a Google builtin Assistant, Maps and Play store. There is ample space for leg and shoulder room for three adult passengers in the rear seat. Volvo Sensus infotainment, with a distinct vertical 9-inch display touch screen, is essentially made up of four tiles: navigation, media, phone and user-defined. Activate

The Chinese-owned but Swedish-made car company is renowned for safety. Continuing the tradition, the XC60 gets dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, driver knee airbag, lane departure/keep aid, blindspot information, cross-trafc alert, rearpark assist and sensors, adaptive cruise control, four-wheel antilock brakes, threepoint seatbelts for all, side impact protection, dynamic stability and traction control, 360-degree camera, hill-start assist and descent control, City Safety (brakes automatically to help prevent a rear-end collision) with steer assist, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.

Yes, it’s an SUV, but don’t for a minute believe that your outing will be sluggish. Sitting on 20-inch wheels, the XC60 can take of 0-60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds and reach top speed of 130 mph. Apart from astonishing liveliness and sharp handling, the ride boasts a well-crafted and wisely designed cabin. Volvo’s prolonged safety list makes it a no-brainer.

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fctitious name of SMP XCELLENCE located at 10672 Bloomingdale Ave, Suite 104, in Hillsborough County, in the city of Riverview, Florida 33578 intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Valrico, Florida this th day of July 2023

KNOW YOUR ZONE BEFORE THE STORM: LOCATION IS EVERYTHING DURING STORM SEASON

With the summer storm season upon us, protecting property, valuables and lives from the e f ects of foul-weather events, including, but not limited to, hurricanes, becomes a consideration. Knowing what to do and when to do it can depend on understanding terms that are often heard but maybe not well understood, such as flood zones and evacuation zones.

Hillsborough County’s landscape has many bodies of water and low-elevation areas that make it a good idea to check how a property is classifed in food and evacuation zones.

Flood and evacuation zones serve two di f erent purposes, and assigning properties to them is done by di f erent government agencies.

Flood zones are determined by the National Flood Insurance Program and serve to identify areas that could easily flood. Designation within a high-risk flood zone could mean flood insurance is required for a property. Factors such as land elevation, proximity to water bodies and the historical record of floods are considered in determining flood zones.

Evacuation zones identify areas that are at risk of being evacuated during a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or a flood. Local o f cials determine evacuation zones based on things like an area’s potential for flooding and the availability of safe roads and shelters. You can check which evacuation and flood zone a property is in by visiting hillsborough-

By Brad Stager

county.org and entering the address in online interactive maps accessible on the website.

Information from the maps also include locations of public shelters and an area’s evacuation status.

Some shelters are designated as pet-friendly, and nonhuman family members are welcome at these facilities. County o f cials say it is important to pay attention and be able to provide for your pet’s needs if moving to a shelter during a disaster.

“It is strongly recommended that everyone bring their own supplies with them; crates, food, water, medication, anything that the pet needs,” said Crissy Leto, who is the program coordinator for Hillsborough County’s pet resource center.

She added that custodians of pets who are not dogs or cats need to be particularly mindful of the animals’ needs.

Residents who require routine medical support such as dialysis and other conditions can register for space at a special needs shelter where medical personnel and equipment are available. Registration can be accomplished online or by mailing or faxing a downloadable form available at www.hillsboroughcounty. org. You can also call the Hillsborough County Health Department at 813307-8063.

FINANCIAL FOCUS HELP GET YOUR TEEN STARTED WITH A ROTH IRA

To be successful in most endeavors, it’s important to develop good habits — and that’s certainly the case for investors. And the earlier one develops these habits, the better. So, if you have teenagers who may be starting to work at part-time jobs, now may be a great time to introduce them to investing — and one place to begin might be a Roth IRA.

As you may know, a Roth IRA is a popular retirement savings vehicle — its earnings can grow federally tax-free, provided withdrawals aren’t taken until the investor is at least 59 ½ and has had the account fve or more years. But because a Roth IRA is funded with after-tax dollars, contributions can be withdrawn at any time, penalty-free, to pay for any expenses — including college. Roth IRA earnings can also be used to help pay for college, although these withdrawals will be taxable. However, if a child is the account owner, a lower tax bracket will likely apply.

In 2023, up to $6,500 per year can go into your teenager’s Roth IRA, as long as the amount contributed doesn’t exceed the amount of their taxable compensation for the year. And your child doesn’t have to put all the money in — you and the child’s grandparents can also contribute. In fact, you might want to “match” your child’s contributions up to the limit to provide an incentive for them to continue investing in the Roth IRA. Not only will your matching contribution help build the Roth IRA’s assets but it can also instill in your child’s mind the beneft of earning a match – which can prove valuable later on, when your child is in the workforce full time and has a chance to receive an employer’s matching contributions in a 401(k) or similar plan.

HCPS AWARDED $1.5 MILLION GRANT TO TARGET BIRTH-12TH GRADE LITERACY

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) has been awarded a multiyear Florida Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) program grant for $1.5 million to target literacy for children from birth through 12th grade (B-12). The grant is funded through the Florida Department of Education.

The CLSD program will include local high-need early childhood programs and nine high-need HCPS schools, including five elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school in a feeder pattern throughout east-central Hillsborough County. The grant will serve over 6,500 traditionally underrepresented children across the B-12 continuum, specifically students with disabilities, English language learners and economically disadvantaged children. HCPS has strategically designed the CLSD grant activities to meet the needs of the students identified in the targeted feeder pattern.

The goals of the CLSD project are to build the capacity of students’ knowledge and use of evidence-based reading practices, improve teachers’ use of ev-

idence-based practices in the classroom, increase PK-12 student literacy outcomes and reduce the achievement gap. The comprehensive strategy focuses on providing a robust array of professional development

on evidence-based reading and literacy practices, training parents/families on how to interpret student data and determine resources that can be used to address achievement gaps and strengthening the vertical articulation across the B-12 continuum, including student instruction that is aligned to Florida’s Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards for English Language Arts.

HCPS expects this CLSD project will result in gains in student scores on formative and summative assessments and improved literacy outcomes for pre-K12th grade students within the identified feeder pattern. The CLSD grant activities are specifically designed to bolster student achievement by creating seamless articulation and maximum access for families and students living in the targeted communities.

Your child may well fnd a job at a local restaurant or shop, as these businesses have experienced a shortage of workers the past couple of years. But if you have a family business, you can employ your teen to provide income that can go into a Roth IRA. Furthermore, if the business is one parent’s sole proprietorship, or it’s a partnership in which each partner is the parent, the payments for a child younger than 18 are not subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes. As an employee, your child must perform reasonable tasks necessary for the business and be paid reasonable wages — that is, wages comparable to what you’d pay a regular employee for the same work.

But wherever your child’s wages come from, using some of them to help fund a Roth IRA can be a good move. For one thing, it gives you a chance to explain the value of putting time on your side when you invest — simply put, the more years you invest, the greater your chances of accumulating the resources you need to meet your goals. And by helping your teen open a Roth IRA, which holds stocks, mutual funds or virtually any other type of security, you can discuss the diferent risk/ reward characteristics of various types of investments — the kind of basic knowledge that all investors should have.

Once your teen’s frst paychecks start coming in, consider bringing up the idea of opening a Roth IRA — you may well be opening the door to a lifetime of consistent and informed investing.

HCPS was awarded a $1.5 million dollar grant for literacy with a goal of bolstering student achievement.

SENIORS IN SERVICE PROVIDES

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS 55 YEARS AND OLDER

If you or someone you know is over 55 years old and would like to volunteer for your community, you should contact Seniors in Service. This is an organization that was established in 1984. The mission of Seniors in Service is to provide solutions to community challenges by engaging volunteers ages 55 and older.

Chris Noble, community engagement manager for Seniors in Service, said, “Engaging volunteers is our specialty. Older adults have a lifetime of experiences and talents that can be used to uplift our community. We help seniors of all ages step into the best years of their life and live with purpose through service to others. Research shows volunteering is good for your health. It keeps you active, purposeful and socially connected.”

There are several ways you can serve. Noble explained, “Our volunteers tutor and mentor children, provide companionship for homebound elders, connect disheartened veterans to resources and provide food security for hungry families and individuals. They also use their talents to help other nonprofit organizations accomplish their mission.”

If you are interested, visit https://seniorsinservice.org/ to see volunteer opportunities or contact Natalie Salas at nsalas@seniorsinservice.org or 813-492-8928. Seniors’ passions, skills and schedules are examined to match them with the volunteer oppor-

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY’S CHRISTOPHER TOMPKINS JOINS FLORIDA 4-H HALL OF FAME

By Kathy L. Collins

tunity that is right for them. According to Noble, “The greatest need right now is to recruit volunteers to serve as tutors and mentors in the classroom. We place volunteers who are 55 and older into pre-K through third grade classrooms to serve as classroom grandparents. Volunteers serve 1520 hours per week in the same classrooms for the entire school year, providing one-on-one tutoring to help struggling students learn to read. Classroom grandparents receive monthly training. Eligible seniors will receive an hourly stipend.”

For many children, a grandparent fills a role that no one else can.

The motto of Seniors in Service is “Got an hour? Given an hour.” There are a lot of opportunities, and many only take an hour a month.

Noble said, “If you want to step into the best years of your life and start serving your community, Seniors in Service can help you find the volunteer opportunity of your dreams. You can join a community of over 1,500 volunteers who are building a better future for children, seniors, families and veterans. Last year our volunteers used their talents to provide over 280,000 hours of service throughout Tampa Bay.”

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

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS:

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The UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program and Florida 4-H Foundation are honored to announce the 2023 inductees to the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame: Betsy Barfield of Jeferson County, Todd Bundy of Gadsden and Leon counties, William ‘Bill’ Hill of Polk and Hernando counties, Larry Middour of Orange County and Christopher Tompkins of Hillsborough County (posthumous).

The induction event will be held Thursday, August 3 at the University of Florida (UF) Reitz Union.

Established in 2002 during the national 4-H centennial year, the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding 4-H alumni, volunteers, professionals and community leaders. Members have made significant contributions to 4-H and their community through accomplishments in the areas of citizenship, leadership, career and character.

Tompkins made a lasting impact on all who knew him. His legacy of leadership at a young age impacted the careers of many fellow 4-H youth.

Warren Brooks, executive director of career, technical and adult education for Hillsborough County Public Schools, shared, “I am not sure if there has ever been a student more decorated than Christopher Tompkins. His drive to succeed I have not witnessed in any other; however, instead of focusing on all his awards, his real impact was his ability to elevate others and encourage them to grow personally.”

Tompkins influenced Brooks’ own evolution from a shy, quiet kid into a 4-H state ofcer traveling the country, an experience

that would impact his own career. This is a common testament from those who knew Tompkins.

As a student at the University of Florida, Tompkins continued to succeed and serve. He became UF’s first Truman Scholar, and in his final year of law school served as UF Student Government president. Tompkins worked with multiple elected ofcials before opening his own law firm in Brandon. Tompkins passed away in 2005 at age 34 after a battle with leukemia. His legacy is marked by dedicated service, authentic leadership and firm belief in the importance of citizenship and community service.

Special thanks to 2023 hall of fame sponsors Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. and Friends of the Florida 4-H Foundation. Event and youth sponsorships are available at www.eventbrite.com/e/florida-4-h-hall-of-fame-induction-registration-623709280247.

Nominations for the 2024 inductee class are accepted online at https://give.ifas.ufl. edu/4-h-giving/fl-4-h-foundation/fl4hhof/ now through January 31, 2024. For questions, contact Caylin Hilton at grow4H@ ifas.ufl.edu or 352-392-5432.

4-H is the youth development program of the land-grant university system and Cooperative Extension System. 4-H provides hands-on educational experiences for youth ages 5-18 with the objective of developing youth as individuals, and as responsible and productive citizens. In Florida, 4-H is administered by University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University. Learn more at https://florida4h.org/.

Live your legacy now by becoming a volunteer through Seniors in Service. Help a homebound senior, become a cherished mentor to a struggling child or an appreciated companion to an at-risk veteran.

LEARN AND SERVE TAMPA GIVES BOTH STUDENTS AND TEACHERS RESOURCES TO SUCCEED

Dr. Kristy Verdi

created the Randall Middle School

9/11 Memorial in 2010, involving each student in this massive undertaking that encouraged the practice of service-learning for middle school students. Service-learning is an important part of education, as it instills civic responsibility in students and teaches them not just curriculum but also how to give back to their community. Although an increased number of teachers have tried to integrate this approach in classrooms, very few resources are available. This lack of resources is why, in March of 2020, Dr. Verdi created Learn and Serve Tampa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing service-learning projects to K-12th grade students and schools.

Each year, organizations across the world, including Learn and Serve Tampa, organize projects for students to help their communities on Global Youth Service Day.

TICKETS FOR TAMPA THEATRE’S 11TH ANNUAL BEERFEST, BEERASSIC PARK, ARE NOW ON SALE

By Ava Benedict

ating posters that encourage the use of recycling bins through the NYLC Education in Action program, participating in the NYLC Project Ignition’s safe driver campaign and establishing a community garden at Burnett Middle School. Before founding Learn and Serve Tampa, Dr. Verdi previously organized the 9/11 Memorial at Randall Middle School and led the Randall Area Youth Service Council, known as the R.A.Y.S. program. This program encouraged middle school students in the community to partake in more service-learning projects and volunteer opportunities. When Dr. Verdi left Randall Middle School in 2018, she continued to pursue her passion of providing service-learning programs to students.

Tampa Theatre will present its 11th annual BeerFest on Saturday, July 29 beginning at 7 p.m. This is a 21-and-older event. Participants will enjoy an evening of craft beers and local brewers, plus snacks and samples from some of the city’s top independent restaurants. This year’s theme is Beerassic Park.

Breweries and local restaurants that are participating include Coppertail Brewing Co., Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Independent Bar and Cafe, Motorworks Brewing, On the Go Gourmet, Woven Water Brewing Company, King of the Coop, BarrieHaus Beer Co., Common Dialect Beerworks, Corner Club, King State, Late Start Brewing and Ulele Spring Brewery. This list is sure to grow.

By Kathy L. Collins

tiful theater, and if you have not had a chance to visit it, this is a great opportunity.

Over the past decade, Tampa Theatre’s signature summer fundraiser, BeerFest, has raised more than $100,000 for the nonprofit movie palace with events like Barley’s Angels, The Brews Brothers and last year’s Pee-Wee’s Beer Adventure.

Witecki added, “BeerFest guests are invited to don their dino duds, dress as their favorite Jurassic Park character or come in a costume inspired by the movie.”

All are welcome to attend Beerassic Park, but you must be 21 or older to attend, and a valid government-issued ID is required for entry.

There are several categories of tickets.

“We want to empower youth service and connect it with classroom learning,” said Dr. Verdi.

Since its creation, the organization has participated in countless projects, including the sponsorship of three national days of service: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Global Youth Service Day and the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. This year, Learn and Serve Tampa has had over 2,000 volunteers participate in a multitude of events. Current projects include replacing student artwork at the McKay Bay Nature Park Pavilion, cre-

“True service-learning should be the kids themselves looking around them and saying, ‘Hey, we see this issue and want to do something about it,’” said Dr. Verdi.

Learn and Serve Tampa continues to aid teachers in connecting students with service-learning projects and nonprofits that are in need of volunteers. Although it has received grants from some local businesses, it mainly operates on donations from people throughout the Tampa area. To learn more information about Learn and Serve Tampa and how to get involved, visit its website at www.learnandservetampa.org.

As with previous beer-infused, tonguein-cheek BeerFest events, Beerassic Park is chaired by one of Tampa Theatre’s favorite independent restaurant owners, Veronica Danko of Independent Bar and Cafe.

Jill Witecki with Tampa Theatre said, “Though the theme may be silly, BeerFest’s purpose is most serious: the 11th (almost) annual event benefits the theater’s artistic, educational and community programs, as well as the ongoing preservation of the 97-year-old historic landmark.”

Tampa Theatre is a remarkably beau -

A limited-capacity premium sampling begins at 7 p.m., and advance-sale tickets are $75. Grand-sampling ticket holders can enter at 8 p.m., and advance-sale tickets are $55. Tampa Theatre members save $10 o f advance-sale prices. Tickets are available at the Tampa Theatre Box O f ce or online on the theater’s website (convenience fees apply). Tickets will sell out, so get your tickets early.

Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://tampatheatre. org/. You can also call 813-274-8981.

Tampa Teatre will present its 11th annual BeerFest, with the theme Beerassic Park, on Saturday, July 29.

STATE FARM INSURANCE HELPS JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF FLORIDA TO FUND PROGRAMS FOR AT-RISK YOUTH

Imagine a town where young entrepreneurs organize and operate a business. The business manages a personal bank account and creates a business plan with their staf Displays are created, items are priced and sold, reporters interview local business leaders to get the most up-to-date stories and CEOs and CFOs work together as a team. This describes a day at Junior Achievement (JA) BizTown.

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

“State Farm believes that financial literacy education is critical to building stronger and more resilient communities,” said Jose Soto, State Farm corporate responsibility analyst. “Part of our education funding is directed toward initiatives and programs that support K-12 financial literacy and pathways for college and career success. We are proud to support Junior Achievement financial literacy and career readiness programs across Florida.”

Each of the eight Florida-based JA areas will use the support to advance learning experiences most needed in their region.

By Libby Hopkins

JA Tampa Bay, which includes Hillsborough, Polk, Highlands and Sarasota counties, will use the support for JA BizTown, a capstone learning experience 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’s like to earn and work in a community.

JA Finance Park, another capstone learning experience that is a real-life simulation, is 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. “In the past six years, Junior Achievement of Florida has received over $370,000 from State Farm to support all JA chapters across Florida,” Soto said. “In 2022, State Farm provided over $700,000 in charitable grants to JA nationwide in support of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy education program in 43 regions.”

If you would like to learn more about Junior Achievement and the programs it ofers, you can visit its website at https:// jatampabay.org/.

The Toll Relief Program, introduced by Governor Ron DeSantis and enacted by the Florida Legislature, launched on January 1 of this year. Now in its fifth month of posting credits to customer accounts, Florida commuters continue to see significant savings as a result of the program. In the month of May, account credits of $40.1 million were posted to 1 million customer accounts.

The yearlong program automatically gives SunPass users with at least 35 monthly toll transactions a 50 percent toll credit to their account. Since the program’s inception in January, more than $190 million in Toll Relief credits have been issued, benefiting 1.2 million Floridians. The Toll Relief Program builds on the successful SunPass Savings Program that concluded in December 2022 and resulted in 384,000 drivers saving over $18 million.

“For many Florida families, the savings from the Toll Relief Program make a big impact, allowing families to use those savings for other important expenses,” said Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise executive director and

CEO Nicola Liquori. “As the state’s toll agency, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise is proud to support the Toll Relief Program and ofer our loyal customers the opportunity to enjoy increased savings.”

In addition to the 25 percent savings SunPass customers already receive, the Toll Relief Program provides drivers with another way to save. The program runs through Sunday, December 31 and is expected to provide 1.2 million drivers with savings of nearly $480 over the course of the year.

The Toll Relief Program is administered by Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise and includes SunPass as well as other Florida-based tolling agency partners throughout the state. Customers are encouraged to ensure that their transponder is properly mounted in the vehicle and their account is in good standing.

SunPass is the prepaid electronic toll collection program operated by Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, the toll agency for the state. To learn more about SunPass, please visit www.sunpass.com or call 1-888-TOLL-FLA (1-888-865-5352).

Te Junior Achievement Florida Foundation announced that it received a $70,000 grant from State Farm.

TOLL RELIEF PROGRAM HAS PROVIDED MORE THAN $190 MILLION IN TOLL RELIEF SINCE JANUARY 1

SAM’S HONEY BEES SHARES HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES & EDUCATION

Sam Goodwin is an Apollo Beach beekeeper who shares his love for saving bees and teaches classes after retiring from the Army as a command sergeant major and defense contractor. Goodwin, with his business, ‘Sam’s Honey Bees,’ started beekeeping around eight and a half years ago after retiring, finally being able to aford to work in a business he had always wanted to be a part of: agriculture.

“My goal is to spread the word on the importance of bees to our food supply and pollination; one third of our food supply depends on bees,” Goodwin said. “We’d have about four to five years left as humans without bees. So, if you like to eat, protect your bees.”

Goodwin spreads his message to those who attend his hands-on beekeeping-experience classes, where he explains to people as young as children the function of bees in our world and how they band together as colonies.

“About six to eight people come out and train with me,” said Goodwin. “Three have been licensed and have their own hives.”

Along the lines of beekeeping, Goodwin also sells local, raw and pure honey to the community, and he takes house calls to remove bees. His daily maintenance of the bees involves inspecting and cleaning the hives, looking for the queen, observing the queen’s progress in the hive laying eggs and assessing whether boxes need to be added or

By Sophia Walck

taken from the hives (about three to five times a week).

“You look for normalcy, and if you don’t find normalcy, you fix it,” he said.

With all this said, a lot goes on in Goodwin’s apiary in the Circle Pond Tiny Home Community.

“It’s definitely a challenge to keep them healthy; … beekeeping is both an art and a science. There’s certain parts of it that will always be the same in the book, but there’s a lot of art to it as well. Not everything is covered by the book,” Goodwin said.

About the struggles in the hives, like rough winters and mite infestations, Goodwin said, “Honey is their winter food. As long as they have honey, they won’t starve. They can generate their own heat and air conditioning in their hives, and the heat they create keeps the hive about 90-95 degrees even with a pile of snow on top. Some of my medicine is vapor; it kills the mites. Mites are their biggest enemy.”

Upon arriving at Goodwin’s apiary in Apollo Beach, it’s obvious that he’s passionate about bees. His hive setup and system are meticulous and well-organized with diferent labeling systems and charts filled with information on each hive. Anyone who’s interested in taking a look and learning more about the fascinating species should visit the ‘Sam’s Honey Bees’ page on Facebook or email Goodwin himself at bees4sam@gmail.com; his hobby is truly amazing.

• PRIMARY CARE

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813-438-5220

949-798-7803

214 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon WECAREWELLNESSCLINIC.COM

EGGS UP GRILL CELEBRATES 500,000 CRACKED EGGS

Can you imagine cracking half a million eggs? Eggs Up Grill in Riverview can, as it has now cracked and served over 500,000 of them.

This hot breakfast spot has been counting the number of eggs it has cracked since the moment it opened its doors. Throughout the last two years, owners John and Priscilla Conyer have enjoyed celebrating the community they have created not only through counting eggs but through serving delicious, fresh and locally sourced meals.

“Eggs Up Grill is all about neighbors serving our neighbors, and guests get a kick out of coming in from their previous visit to see how we’ve grown in egg count,” said Priscilla.

The community loves to be connected to the restaurant through the counting of the eggs. The guests at Eggs Up Grill enjoy taking a picture of the egg-counter display and comparing it every time they dine in. When Priscilla and John see guests attending each egg-count milestone, they feel pride in being able to

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

connect with their community.

“I love dining in at Eggs Up Grill, and every time I come it always makes me feel happy being here,” said the guest who ate the 500,000th egg. “I feel like I’m forever part of history right here in our community.”

With the care that each team member puts into your breakfast, dining in at Eggs Up Grill truly makes you feel like part of the community. Along with a large and delicious menu, Eggs Up Grill also offers catering for any size event and a private dining experience in the store for groups of up to 15.

The Conyers hope to be a staple restaurant in the community and look forward to the next egg-count celebration when Eggs Up Grill cracks its 750,000th egg.

Eggs Up Grill is located at 3920 U.S. Hwy. 301. Its hours are 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m., seven days a week. Stay up to date on special promotions and details on Instagram and Facebook @eugriverview and check out the full menu online at https:// eggsupgrill.com/4.

Te guest who ate the 500,000th egg was surprised to be served this milestone egg and was excited to receive it.

Eggs Up Grill has customers who dine in at least two times a week, and they love an opportunity to celebrate the restaurant.

I proudly hold up a frame from a hive, showing of the bees and their work.

Darlyne Georges

MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Sam’s Honey Bees apiary is located in Apollo Beach.

TAMPA RIVERWALK OFFERS

2.4 MILE DESTINATION FOR RECREATION & FUN

Whether you’re looking for some family-friendly fun, a peaceful walk, holiday festivities or a bite to eat, the Tampa Riverwalk has it all. This 2.4-mile multiuse path ofers a plethora of activities and sights for people to spend their time. On this walk, you can stop in museums, pass by art murals, check out the Straz Center for Performing Arts or relax in the Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park. The Tampa Riverwalk hopes to create a stronger sense of community and be an inviting outdoor destination for everyone to enjoy.

It all began back in July 2005 when Friends of the Riverwalk was incorporated as a Florida not-for-profit entity. The corporation raised over $2,778,000 cash and in-kind and then $1,350,000 was sent to the city to fund the construction projects that we can now enjoy ourselves.

The Tampa Riverwalk is always striving to expand and constantly brings in new events, sponsors and guests who can choose from several daily activities. The Fourth of July Boat Parade is a fun patriotic parade where people can register their boats and compete for the prize gifted to the most patriotic boat. There is entertainment as well, including a waterski show, blessing of the fleet and fireworks. You can even participate in the poker run by checking in at the specific locations to be eligible for more prizes.

Another special event the Tampa Riverwalk hosts is the annual free trick-or-treat event with over 50 stations, a Halloween lighted boat parade and a movie on the big screen in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park at the end. This event will occur on Saturday, October 28. Save the date for an enjoyable Hal-

By Bella Ferretti

loween celebration with the Tampa community.

Along with several other annual events, you can always count on the Riverwalk for a celebration.

If you are looking for a jam-packed attraction day or three, the Riverwalk Attraction Pass is perfect for you. One pass ofers access to seven attractions, including The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay History Center, Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa Museum of Art, Pirate Water Taxi, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and Henry B. Plant Museum. You’ll get a little bit of adventure, historical viewings and cultural sightings of Tampa. All of these attractions and events can be hard to remember, so checking out the event calendar or signing up for the newsletter would be a beneficial way to stay up to date with the Riverwalk.

People of all ages can enjoy a little something at the Tampa Riverwalk. With years of development, construction and teamwork, the riverwalk has developed astronomically and ofers several ways to help continue the expansion. You can see more of the community support with the personalized pavers along the walk. People can purchase pavers to honor a loved one, show support to events or leave their mark on a place they love. After purchase, you can then share the stories behind the pavers that are posted on the website for anyone to view.

You can donate, volunteer or purchase one of the three memberships to support the riverwalk and all it ofers. Check out the website https://thetampariverwalk.com/ for more information on events, restaurants, parking locations and ways to help.

Thank You For Your Business and Trust Thank You For Your Business and Trust

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

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD APPOINTS VAN AYRES AS INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT

At a special called school board meeting, Van Ayres was appointed as interim superintendent, e f ective Saturday, July 15. Ayres is currently chief of strategic planning and partnerships where he led the district’s five-year strategic plan, all while building community relationships.

Ayres was born and raised in Tampa and has been a lifelong educator with Hillsborough County Public Schools.

He graduated from Je f erson High School in 1992. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Tampa, he began his teaching career in 1997 as a science teacher at Blake High School. In 2003, Ayres was selected to become assistant principal for student a f airs and later assistant principal of curriculum at Blake High School.

In 2012, Ayres jumped at the chance to return to his alma mater and was appointed principal at Je f erson High School. Three years later, he was promoted to deputy superintendent, and then spearheaded the work to improve the district’s graduation rate — which increased by 12.2 percentage points over a five-year period.

Ayres comes from a family of educators. His father and mother were both dedicated teachers in Hillsborough County Public Schools. His father, Van, taught

at Leto High School for 33 years. His mother, Nuri Ayres, spent 35 years in Hillsborough County Public Schools, as a math teacher at Webb Middle and Jefferson High School and then a beloved principal at both King and Sickles high schools. Ayres’ two children both graduated from Hillsborough County Public Schools, from Blake and Robinson high schools.

“I am truly honored to lead this district. Hillsborough County Public Schools is my home and I know this is one of the best school districts in the nation. We have a lot of work ahead of us as we prepare to open schools and welcome our 210,000 students back to the classrooms. I look forward to this opportunity and thank the school board for their confidence in my leadership,” said Ayres.

On June 15, Superintendent Addison Davis submitted his letter of resignation, and will leave HCPS on Friday, July 14, after three years at the helm of the nation’s seventh-largest school district. During his tenure as superintendent, Davis worked to improve HCPS’ academic ranking from 35th in the state to 19th — the highest ever. Also, during his time in HCPS, Davis’ team solved a $150 million financial deficit and obtained the district’s highest graduation rate of 89.2 percent.

Van Ayres has been appointed as Interim Superintendent.

HIGH 5 INC. DEDICATES NEW MEMORIAL GARDEN TO SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM DIRECTOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIVE BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY SPRINGS IN FLORIDA TO VISIT THIS SUMMER

By Ella Shockley

By Lily Belcher

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

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

The TRIDENT Team is a daily program for adults with special abilities. The program acknowledges that some students may not be able to live independently, but High 5 and TRIDENT can help them maximize their strengths.

Through the program, special needs kids and adults have the opportunity to participate in social, educational and recreational activities, like building High 5’s first memorial garden.

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

Florida’s natural springs attract thousands of visitors every year. With their beautiful water and amenities, there’s no better way to spend a hot, sunny day. Here are the top five natural springs to visit all around Florida this summer with activities and amenities to fill a whole summer day for your family.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park, located in Fort White, is home of a national landmark, the Ichetucknee Head Spring. Costing only $8 per vehicle for entry, this park includes family favorites such as tubing, kayaking, canoeing, paddling, swimming, snorkeling and even scuba diving. No need to worry about buying tubes or kayaks before you go, as the general store at this spring has rentals of all types available so your family can have the perfect day at the springs.

Silver Springs State Park, located in Silver Springs, is home to the filming of over 20 movies back in old Hollywood, including Rebel Without a Cause, starring James Dean; Distant Drums, starring Gary Cooper; the James Bond movie Moonraker; Creature from the Black Lagoon; and six Tarzan flicks. Costing only $8 for entry, its amenities include glass-bottom boats, paddling, hiking, wildlife/birding, camping, educational sites (museum and environmental center), cracker village and

plenty of dining options.

Blue Spring State Park, located in Orange City, is home of the Thursby House, historically where Louis Thursby shipped tourists and goods to Jacksonville back in 1856. Costing $6 per vehicle, manatees are ready to be seen at this location. Also, activities such as birding, boat tours, camping, fishing, hiking, paddling, scuba diving, picnicking, snorkeling, swimming and tubing are all available.

Devil’s Den Spring, located right between Ichetucknee and Silver Springs in Williston, is known to be an underground spring home to many extinct animal fossils dating back to Pleistocene age. Costing between $18-$25, this spring ofers snorkeling and scuba diving in a prehistoric cave, a picnic/grill area, a heated swimming pool and assorted lawn games, as well as camping and a RV park. Wekiwa Springs State Park, located in Apopka, was the first tourist attraction in Central Florida, just miles outside of Orlando. Costing $6 per vehicle, this spring is home to unique amenities like horseback riding and mountain biking while including activities like paddling, fishing, geocaching and four diferent types of camping.

For more information on the springs listed, visit www.floridastateparks.org.

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

Tis beautiful spring is found below the surface, in an underground cave where visitors can snorkel around, or even scuba dive if they wish at Devil’s Den Spring.

Tese ancient relics can be found underwater in the famous Silver Spring at Silver Springs State Park.

Hillsborough County Extension Service has launched Homegrown Hillsborough. This is a community initiative to educate and engage residents on their local food system, or the production, distribution, marketing, access and consumption of food.

Hillsborough County Extension Services has launched Homegrown Hillsborough. Tis initiative utilizes district ambassadors who are responsible for community engagement and data collection throughout Hillsborough County. Tey are ready and eager to meet interested organizations.

Homegrown Hillsborough is a network of community organizations with the mission to grow a strong food system. The network has a vision to support an integrated food system that is diverse, reliable and creates opportunities for active participation.

Homegrown Hillsborough will focus on community nutrition, food entrepreneurship and agricultural production designed to strengthen the relationship that Hillsborough County residents have with their food. Homegrown Hillsborough is a network of organizations interested in collaborating on food system initiatives.

The first step to grow the Homegrown Hillsborough initiative is for residents to complete a survey to help the county create food system programs and projects relevant to the interests and values of residents. The survey delves into the production, distribution and consumption of food for Hillsborough County residents. The survey takes five to 10 minutes to complete. You can also subscribe to a

By Kathy L. Collins

newsletter that will provide you with information on upcoming events, workshops and farm tours. You can take the survey by visiting https://sfyl. ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/homegrownhillsborough/.

Organizations are asked to participate in an interview regarding their current work and goals for the Hillsborough County food system. Organizations or groups do not need to be a formal entity, they just need to be interested in improving the community through food system initiatives. This can include ones interested in supporting a community garden.

Monica Petrella, food systems program coordinator with Hillsborough County Extension Services, said, “Food and the food system have the ability to transform our community for the better. Because everyone has their own relationship with food, there are many ways in which residents can build a personal connection to this program and the community at large.”

Homegrown Hillsborough is in phase one. This is expected to last until the end of the year. Phase two will begin in 2024, with phase three set for 2025.

The Hillsborough County Extension Services is located at 5339 County Rd. 579 in Sefner. You can contact it by calling 813-744-5519.

The National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NALHFA) honored the Hillsborough County Housing Finance Authority (HFA) with the Award of Excellence during the annual NALHFA conference held in Tampa on May 4. The NALHFA Award of Excellence is the most prestigious national award in the local afordable housing finance community. The award recognizes the agency for its eforts to help homeless residents move to permanent housing.

The NALHFA honored nine innovative programs across the country that have come up with creative ways to deal with the shortage of afordable housing. The HFA of Hillsborough County was recognized for its Up and Out Program that provides rental assistance to families and elderly people who have been homeless.

Mark Hendrickson said, “The Up and Out Program ofers a hand up to help formerly homeless persons move back into the workforce and stable permanent housing. With a limited investment of funds, families transition to a position where they no longer need assistance.”

The aim of the program is to fill the gap where formerly homeless families often lose government assistance as they enter the workforce. This loss of assistance often leads to a cycle where a family is homeless, then has shelter and then becomes homeless again.

By Kathy L. Collins

About 10 years ago, the HFA of Hillsborough County Board of Directors began investing some of its available funds in community programs. It wanted to find a way to really make a diference. Homeless providers were asked to identify who could benefit from limited HFA funding. It turned out the answer was families that had moved from homelessness to temporary housing and were now employed and ready to move back into the conventional rental market, who often fell through the cracks of funding. They needed rental assistance to help them move up and out of the homeless system back to employment and eventually pay all their rent themselves.

HFA has built partnerships with three faith-based homeless service organizations. The HFA provides rental assistance and case management through Metropolitan Ministries (which focuses on families), the Catholic Conference (which focuses on the elderly) and the Salvation Army (which focuses on single adults).

This is a countywide program. Since its inception, 227 families — a total of 576 people (including 325 children and 42 seniors) — have been helped. The average income of families in the program has been less than a third of the area median income.

For more information, please visit https://flhousing.org/.

Te National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NALHFA) honored the Hillsborough County Housing Finance Authority with the Award of Excellence during the annual NALHFA conference on May 4.

SMALL BUT MIGHTY HEROES: EMPOWERING CHILDHOOD CANCER WARRIORS AND FAMILIES

Small But Mighty Heroes, a remarkable childhood cancer organization, continues to make an impact by providing tailored support, raising awareness and advocating for children battling cancer and their families. Founded in February 2017, the organization has grown exponentially, currently supporting over 400 oncology children and welcoming approximately eight new applicants every week.

Driven by a personal passion for pediatric care, the organization’s founder, Tina Downing, experienced a life-altering moment upon the birth of her second son. Inspired by a medical IT company’s nonprofit focused on children of all ailments, Downing dedicated her time as a volunteer and generously donated 6 percent of her paycheck. It was during this period that they crossed paths with a little boy named Blakey, who left an indelible mark on their heart. Witnessing Blakey’s journey and ultimately his passing, the founder realized the profound need for support in the pediatric oncology realm.

“My very real experiences fuel my mission. Connecting with these children and their families is the backbone of the support we provide,” said Downing.

Small But Mighty Heroes takes a personable approach, putting the needs of the children and families they serve at the forefront. Its dedication to remaining connected throughout the entire

By Keiko Moral

journey, regardless of its direction, sets it apart. The organization o f ers five programs designed to address the unique needs of children fighting cancer, their siblings and parents. Furthermore, its commitment to collaboration has seen it forge partnerships with other nonprofits, expanding its reach and capabilities.

Notable partnerships include Dancing for a Di f erence, The Grow Group and Costumers with a Cause, organizations that contribute to the village of support o f ered to these families. Small But Mighty Heroes has also established strong alliances with esteemed medical institutions such as the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital oncology team and bone marrow transplant team, which work closely with dedicated sta f to expedite crucial assistance. Additionally, collaborations with Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando and Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri have reinforced its commitment to providing support.

As a licensed nonprofit organization in both Florida and Missouri, Small But Mighty Heroes remains resolute in its mission to empower and uplift childhood cancer warriors and their families. With its upcoming program launch in the fall, the organization continues to evolve and grow, ensuring that every child battling cancer knows that they matter.

Florida is known for its majestic nature parks that are filled with colorful plants and abundant wildlife. Luckily, you don’t have to travel far to see the beauty these parks have to ofer. With over 3,000 acres of parks in Tampa Bay alone, there’s plenty of great areas to explore. If you’re looking for a place to spend time in nature this summer, make sure to grab some sunscreen and check out these five local nature parks.

Alafia River State Park spans across almost 8,000 acres and is renowned for its variety of mountain biking trails, ranging from beginner to highly advanced. For those who want to enjoy a more leisurely experience, scenic hiking trails run throughout the park. If you want to sleep under the stars this summer, camping and glamping spots are also available and only a short walk away from hiking and biking trails. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown and is located at 14326 S. County Rd. 39 in Lithia. For more information, visit www.floridastateparks.org or call 813672-5320.

Created in 1848 by settler James Alderman, Alderman’s Ford Nature Preserve features a 1.9-mile paved hiking loop where visitors can view a diverse scene of creeks and pine woodland habitats. It’s perfect for those who want to take a relaxing hike, ride a bike or walk with their furry friend. A playground area is also available for families with children, and several pavilions can be rented for special events. The park is open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. in the summer/spring and is located at 100 Alderman Ford Park Dr. in Plant City. For more information, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org or call 813-757-3801.

Sprawling tree roots are a highlight of Edward Medard Conservation Park, which includes numerous amenities, such as a 3-mile walking trail, boat launch and observation platform. A disc golf course and beach volleyball court provide family-friendly fun for people of all ages. Canoes and kayaks

By Ava Benedict

can be rented on-site, and campsites give guests the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors overnight. The park is open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. in the summer and is located at 6140 Turkey Creek Rd. in Plant City. For more information, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org or call 813757-3802.

If you’re looking to see a beautiful sunset over Tampa Bay, Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is a must-visit this summer. During the day, visitors can spot manatees swimming in the warm waters near the TECO power plant. Sandy pathways span across the park, showcasing the incredible nature of the beaches. A large lookout tower can be spotted as soon as you enter the parking lot, providing guests with an incredible view of the summer sunsets and the shimmering waters of the bay. The preserve is open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. during the summer and is located at 6760 Surfside Blvd. in Apollo Beach. For more information, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org or call 813-672-7876.

Circle B Bar Reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise with a huge population of bird species (including bald eagles and ospreys) present on the property. Foxes, otters and owls are just some of the amazing creatures you can see in the vast, 1,300-acre park.

Out of the nine hiking trails, Alligator Alley is one of the most popular to venture down — but beware, as it ofers a close glimpse at these massive reptiles. Walking isn’t the only way to enjoy the park, as cycling and mountain biking is allowed on all trails, and free guided tram tours are available a few times per month. The park is open every day from 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. and is located at 4399 Winter Lake Rd. in Lakeland. For more information, visit visitcentralflorida. org or call 863-668-4673.

Exploring these local parks is a fun way to get outside this summer and embrace the beauty of nature while still staying close to home.

Alafa River State Park features several trails that showcase the park’s calming scenery.

Alderman’s Ford Park is home to a variety of natural wildlife and plants.

Te large tree roots of Edward Medard Park are perfect for hiking and taking photos.

Te Apollo Beach Observation Tower, fnished in 2020, is a great way to view the entire park and watch the sunset.

Circle B Bar Reserve is full of hiking and biking trails that immerse guests into nature.

Small But Mighty Heroes members having fun with superheroes.

A KITTEN PLACE: GIVING HOPE TO SPECIAL NEEDS CATS AND KITTENS

By Keiko Moral

IMPROVEMENTS CELEBRATED AT A KID’S PLACE OF TAMPA BAY

By Kathy L. Collins

A Kitten Place (AKP) was established with a mission to give cats and kittens with challenging medical conditions the best chance at survival and a safe environment. This amazing program helps the most vulnerable members of our feline community. A Kitten Place focuses on providing individualized care to each rescue, doing its best to provide a happy and healthy life.

“AKP specializes in rescuing neonates (who must be bottle-fed around the clock), special needs (including paralyzed kittens), kittens needing amputations or eye removal, kittens needing extensive diagnostics,” said Michelle Bass, who established the rescue with Alicia Pollock in August 2019.

Recently, A Kitten Place has expanded its program, significantly increasing its capacity to help those in need. With its intake now averaging 250 cats and kittens at any given time, the organization is making an even greater impact. This expansion has been made possible through partnerships with two local cat cafes, Sassy Cat Club Cafe in Brandon and Purrology Cafe in Lakeland. The cafes are a great place to visit after a stressful day or as a family outing, and there are always cats waiting for cuddles. These collaborations have not only allowed A Kitten Place to save more animals but have also led to an increase in successful adoptions.

In another exciting development, A Kitten Place has been invited to become an adoption partner with PetSmart Charities. This new partnership has resulted in the establishment of its own adoption center at the Brandon PetSmart, located of SR 60 at 1051 W. Brandon Blvd. This new facility allows AKP to showcase more of its kitties to a receptive audience of potential pet owners, increasing the chances of finding loving forever homes for these pets.

The community can play a vital role in helping A Kitten Place save more lives. Volunteering is invaluable, with opportunities available in fostering, transportation, events and as PetSmart Kennel volunteers. Additionally, monetary donations play a pivotal role, as the program incurs an average of $15,000 in monthly expenses to provide the necessary care for these vulnerable creatures. Those interested in supporting A Kitten Place, such as learning more about donating funds, can visit its website, https://akittenplace.org/, or fulfill its wish lists on Amazon and Chewy.

On June 14, dignitaries and the community came together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at A Kid’s Place. They were cutting the ribbon on some major renovations at the campus.

A Kid’s Place ofers a unique and safe home at its 60-bed campus, which is located on five acres in Brandon. The organization serves a large number of sibling groups.

Brad Gregory, CEO for A Kid’s Place, said, “It is important that children brought to A Kid’s Place after being removed from home feel safe and normal. The homes the children live in are strong, clean and beautiful, which allows them to have a peaceful night’s sleep, keep their personal possessions close, do homework without being interrupted and eat meals and visit with friends in an open space.”

Renovations were done on all five home interiors. The Stepping Stones Independent Living house was remodeled from top to bottom.

Specifically, as part of the improvement project, interior and exterior renovations were made to seven buildings and the surrounding grounds to provide a more suitable living environment for youth in foster

care and those aging out of foster care. The improvements include the installation of new windows in five foster care homes; new kitchen and laundry room cabinets and countertops; a new roof at the aging-out facility, as well as interior painting of walls and ceilings; renovations to a kitchen and one bathroom; and new flooring installed throughout the home. Additionally, the renovation included upgrades to the flooring and interior doors in the administrative building and classrooms. Finally, multiple trees were trimmed or removed.

The renovations cost $448,000. Hillsborough County contributed $340,000 from Community Development Block Grants.

The remaining amount was contributed by others, including Florida Medical Foundation of Caring, White Family Foundation and Homes by Westbay, KeHe Cares, Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation and the Mabel and Ellsworth Simmons Charitable Foundation.

Gregory said, “For the last 14 years, we have rescued almost 2,000 abused and neglected children and provided them a safe, loving and nurturing environment in which to live. Our great success would not be possible without the generous support in all ways from the county and local community.”

For more information, please visit https:// akidsplacetb.org/.

A Kitten Place works hard to help heal any cats that come its way.

With the help of community partners and funding from Hillsborough County, A Kid’s Place was able to complete signifcant renovations to its buildings and grounds. Te renovations were celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 14.

FUN

By Keiko Moral

EDUCATION TALK: READING FLUENCY AND ITS IMPORTANCE FOR ALL STUDENTS

Did you know reading fluency is an important aspect for students? Literacy should start being introduced to children once they are born. A parent is a child’s first teacher, and this shouldn’t be taken lightly. On average, children should start reading between ages 6-7 years old. Reading gaps in younger students could mutate into future academic problems. Students who read during the summer and during their free time gain an average of one month of reading proficiency. Students who don’t read lose an average of two to three months proficiency over time; those months add up to years. By high school, the number has doubled. Both parents and teachers are seeing an increase with students who struggle with reading. What can be done? Expose students to a variety of books and materials. If the reader is showing signs of struggle, practice words of difculty and introduce choice reading material that gets them excited. Here’s a mindful tip: Becoming a fluent reader means establishing a consistent rhythm and pace that help guide the reader through the text. Remember, it’s not about being the fastest reader but rather developing a reader who keeps a steady pace throughout their reading.

It’s all about strategy and finding the best strategy when it comes to developing a fluent reader. Developing reading fluency helps students grow as learners and with other core subjects. In order to do so, provide students with various opportunities to read the same passage orally. When a child reads, it helps when this is done orally. When

By Dr. Tyla Phillip

a child can hear themselves, this will help progress the reader as they build reading skills. Mindful tip: To do this, you should first know what your student is reading. Second, you should have your student read aloud repeatedly. Model fluent reading, then have students reread the text on their own. Allow a student to learn through examples and models. The first mistake is not showing and not correcting the development of a reader. Rather, give students the best chance at becoming a fluent reader. Introduce good models of fluent reading; giving examples of a reader’s voice can help written text make sense. Read aloud daily to your students; by

As the summer season kicks into high gear, the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is preparing to embark on a journey of activities for individuals of all ages. With a diverse range of events planned, these libraries are the go-to destination for those seeking knowledge, entertainment and community engagement during the summer months.

The libraries’ summer events cater to diferent age groups, ensuring there’s something for everyone. For our youngest library-goers, toddlers, special story-time sessions will captivate their imagination and foster a love for books and reading. These interactive sessions feature engaging storytelling, music and age-appropriate activities designed to spark creativity and curiosity in the little ones.

Adults are not forgotten in the summer lineup, as the libraries also ofer a plethora of events that cater to their varied interests and passions. From book clubs and author talks to workshops, there’s something to satisfy every adult’s thirst for knowledge and personal growth.

While some events are recurring and held throughout the summer, others are unique and take place on specific dates. This variety ensures that there’s always something new and exciting happening at the Hillsborough County Public Libraries. By ofering both familiar and fresh experiences, the libraries cater to the diverse needs and schedules of their patrons. Make the most of the diverse events and resources available at your local library.

reading efortlessly and with expression, you are modeling for your students how a fluent reader sounds. Reading is a gateway to academic success and can open the door for students in school.

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

Teenagers, often seeking exciting and engaging experiences, can look forward to a lineup of captivating events tailored just for them. From interactive workshops on calligraphy to chess club, the libraries aim to provide a space where teens can explore their interests and connect with like-minded peers.

“Creating a welcoming environment for our community is at the heart of what we do,” said Muyao Guan, former Bloomingdale Regional Public Library intern.

To learn more about these upcoming events or to register, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative’s website at https://hcplc.org/events or call 813-273-3652. Spaces may be limited for certain events. From writing workshops to tech and film screenings, our local libraries have consistently been community engagement hubs. Come and discover the joy of learning and creativity at your local library.

The Florida Orchestra (TFO) has named Ignacio Barrón Viela as its new president and CEO, the orchestra announced. He brings global experience to lead the state’s largest professional orchestra in a new era of growth in Tampa Bay, joining TFO in August.

Born in Zaragoza, Spain, Barrón Viela is a classically trained cellist who has spent more than a decade performing in orchestras and managing music projects worldwide. He comes to TFO from the Reno Philharmonic in Nevada, where, as president and CEO, he helped expand its artistic oferings with a wide variety of events and concerts, including a semi-staged opera. Post-pandemic audiences consistently grew, sometimes exceeding pre-pandemic levels. During his tenure, the Reno Phil Youth Symphony Orchestra performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

Before that, he was the executive director of the Billings Symphony in Montana, where he created key partnerships with local and national associations, cultivated donor relationships with record-setting donations and doubled the symphony’s net worth and endowment. Barrón Viela succeeds Mark Cantrell, who departed in April to be CEO of the Colorado Symphony.

“It will be an honor to lead Florida’s premier orchestra,” Barrón Viela said. “I am impressed by the orchestra’s stellar reputation and innovative programming, and I am inspired by TFO’s commitment to serving the needs of this growing community with such passion. I look forward to working closely with Michael Francis, the remarkable Florida

Orchestra musicians, a great board and an energetic staf.”

“I am delighted Ignacio Barrón Viela will join us as president and CEO of TFO,” said music director Michael Francis. “From our first meeting, it was clear that Ignacio has a genuine passion for music, a strategic mindset and a charismatic ability to communicate deeply about our wonderful art form. With his fascinating background as a musician, engineer, senior management consultant and successful orchestra CEO, Ignacio will bring a highly skilled, experienced and dynamic approach to leading The Florida Orchestra.”

Barrón Viela holds a Master of Industrial Engineering degree from the University of Zaragoza and an MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business, with an emphasis in arts leadership through the USC Thornton School of Music. In 2020, he was nominated as one of the ‘40 Under 40’ most successful leaders in Montana, and in 2022 he was recognized with the Community Builder Award by the Downtown Billings Association.

Barrón Viela and his wife, Brianna, enjoy exploring the great outdoors, running road races and learning from and engaging with people from all walks of life. They will make the move to Tampa Bay over the summer.

As the largest professional orchestra in the state with 71 full-time professional musicians and conductors, TFO performs more than 100 concerts a season and provides free music education and outreach programs to underserved areas throughout Tampa Bay all year long. For ticket information, visit https://floridaorchestra.org/.

ARTISTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR SKYWAY 2024

Local artists are invited to submit a proposal to be considered for Skyway 2024 exhibition, the Tampa Bay area’s celebration of contemporary art. This is an open call to artists and art collectives residing in Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties to submit application materials for the exhibition.

There are five partnering institutions collaborating in this exhibition. These include the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg; The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; the Tampa Museum of Art; the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design; and the USF Contemporary Art Museum. The five art institutions will co-publish a fully illustrated catalogue to accompany the exhibition featuring the work of each exhibiting artist.

The deadline to enter is Monday, August 14. Artists working in diverse media and disciplines, including socially engaged art and participatory projects, are encouraged to submit original artworks and project proposals. Submissions can include, but are not limited to, works on paper, paintings, sculptures, photography, videos, performances, sound, research-based art and site-specific installations. Submissions can include examples of works and past projects that provide an overview of the artist’s practice. Only original works of art completed after De-

By Kathy L. Collins

cember 2020 will be considered for the exhibition in 2024.

Artworks and projects in the exhibition will be selected by an expanded curatorial team from the five participating art institutions, including Christopher Jones, Stanton B. and Nancy W. Kaplan curator of photography and media artst, and Ola Wlusek, Keith D. and Linda L. Monda curator of modern and contemporary art, from The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; Katherine Pill, senior curator of contemporary art, from the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg; Rangsook Yoon, senior curator from the Sarasota Art Museum; Joanna Robotham, curator of modern and contemporary art from the Tampa Museum of Art; and Christian Viveros-Fauné, curator-at-large from the USF Contemporary Art Museum.

Curator, writer and scholar Evan Garza is the guest juror for Skyway 2024. Currently a curatorial fellow at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, Garza was a recent Fulbright scholar at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin, Ireland and served as co-curator and artistic director of the 2021 Texas Biennial. Garza co-founded Fire Island Artist Residency (FIAR), a New York nonprofit and the first residency program in the world exclusively for LGBTQ+ artists. Additional information and submission guidelines can be found at www.skywaytampabay.com.

First Baptist Church of

Community Plan

Your input is important!

We invite you to come talk to your neighbors and Planning Commission staf about the creation of the Valrico Community Plan. The establishment of this plan is at the direction of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).

GET INVOLVED AT THE OPEN HOUSES

Saturday, July 22 | 9 am–noon

Mulrennan Middle School Cafeteria 4215 Durant Rd, Valrico, FL 33594

Monday, July 24 | 5–7 pm

Mulrennan Middle School Cafeteria 4215 Durant Rd, Valrico, FL 33594

Friday, July 28 | noon–1 pm Register for the virtual meeting at bit.ly/planvalricojuly28

Te Tampa Museum of Art is one of fve local art institutions taking part in Skyway 2024 exhibition, which will be on display during the spring, summer and fall of 2024.

Awards, Cornhole, Senior Softball & More...

JROTC Award Winners

The Alafia Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was pleased to announce the winners of its awards to JROTC students at seven local high schools.

The winners are: Armwood High School — Cadet Makayla Gould; Bloomingdale High School — Cadet Christine Allen; Brandon High School — Cadet Mia Gontowski; Durant High School — Cadet First Lieutenant Elizabeth Morris; Newsome High School — Cadet Isabella Donnelly; Strawberry Crest High School — Cadet First Lieutenant Cynthia Rivera-Trejo; and Tampa Bay Technical High School — Cadet Maysa Bouslimi.

ROTC medals are awarded to student cadets of outstanding ability and achievements in high school JROTC programs of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. They are selected by their JROTC leaders.

Become Involved In Te Guardian Ad Litem Program

The foster care system touches every part of society. You can help, take action and make a difference in a child’s life by joining the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Ofce Child Advocacy Team.

Although every child appointed to the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Ofce is assigned a guardian ad litem attorney and a child welfare professional, not every child has a volunteer on their team. National research shows that children with a guardian ad litem are likelier to earn better grades, enroll in postsecondary education, receive more services while in foster care and be less likely to reenter foster care.

Through the collaboration of a national best-practice, multidisciplinary team that always includes a guardian ad litem attorney, a child welfare professional and

hopefully a trained volunteer or pro bono attorney from the child’s community, the team provides legal representation while assisting the child in expressing their needs and wishes.

Learn how to get involved at https:// guardianadlitem.org/ or call 813-2725110.

Brandon Senior Softball Association Celebrates 20 Years

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

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

Back The Line Charity Events

Cornhole Fundraiser

Back the Line Charity Events will be hosting a cornhole fundraising event on Saturday, August 12 starting at 12 Noon for a Plant City teenager battling cancer. Along with the cornhole tournament, there will be a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and barbecue lunch from Newman’s BBQ. Tickets are $60 per team of two and include a barbecue lunch. To register, use the QR code. The event will take place at the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center, located at 2508 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are also available; please contact Heather Cropper at 813-625-1507 for more information.

706 Bryan Rd. Brandon FL 33511

Bible Study 9:30AM

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

CAUSES & SOLUTIONS DUNKLEY AUTO DETAILING

By Dr. Robert Norman

MAKES CARS IN THE COMMUNITY SHINE

Acne

What causes acne and what can be done to treat it?

Like most common medical problems, acne is surrounded by its share of myths.

Although acne can be aggravated by poor personal hygiene or by eating too many sweets, acne is a hormonal problem.

It develops when the sebaceous follicles — which are concentrated mostly in the skin of the face, neck and shoulders — begin producing too much oil. This excessive oil production is brought on when the levels of certain hormones in the blood increase.

These changes also trigger the sexual development that takes place during adolescence.

Oil Is Not Te Only Culprit

At the same time, there is over¬production of the skin cells that line the follicle. These excess skin cells, along with the excess oil, form a sort of paste which clots the follicle and forms a pimple.

Whiteheads are formed when the follicle opening is tight; blackheads form when the opening is large enough for oil and cells to push up to the surface.

Blackheads are dark in color not be-

cause of dirt but rather because they are made up of pigment producing cells.

Doctors classify acne as either noninflammatory or inflammatory. Noninflammatory acne, characterized by blackheads, whiteheads and perhaps an occasional red lesion – may be cleared up with over-the-counter remedies. Sulfur, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are good for drying the skin.

However, these chemicals can irritate the skin, so it takes a bit of trial-and-error to find the right product.

An exfoliant can also be helpful.

These drugs work by opening the follicles so that the excess oil can flow out.

For severe cases, such as inflammatory acne, you should seek our care.

There are several prescription medications that are highly efective in clearing up severe cases of acne, and we can give you information about them.

I want to stress that teenagers should not be blamed for having acne.

Acne is a biological condition that is not caused just by bad hygiene or improper diet. If you mislead your child to believe these myths, you may create an unhealthy situation of self-blame, while wasting time that you could spend treating the problem.

Brian Dunkley of Riverview is the owner of Dunkley Auto Detailing. You could say auto detailing is in Dunkley’s blood. “When I was a little kid, I would walk around our neighborhood with my Radio Flyer wagon and a bucket and wash neighbors’ cars,” Dunkley said. “As I got a little older and was able to drive, I started detailing my own car and my family’s cars.”

Dunkley Auto Detailing is proud to provide the highest-quality auto detailing in Tampa Bay with the convenience of coming to you at your home or work. Your time is valuable, and driving to a facility and waiting for paint cleaner to dry is boring. “We come to you so you can skip all of that hassle,” Dunkley said. “We service the Brandon community as well as Hillsborough County.”

Dunkley’s clients love the simplicity of his mobile service. “No more driving to a detail shop and waiting for hours for your vehicle to be serviced or having to arrange a buddy to pick you up and drop you of,” Dunkley said. “We’ll help you select the auto detail package that is right

By Libby Hopkins

for you.”

If you ask Dunkley what makes his business diferent from other mobile auto detailing businesses in the area, he will tell you it’s the quality. “There are a lot of great detailing businesses in the area, but what makes us diferent is our quality of work,” Dunkley said. “The look on my customers’ faces when they see their car after it’s been detailed is the best part of my job.”

Dunkley Auto Detailing ofers three different auto detailing packages, so there is a package that will fit your budget.

Dunkley is also believes in keeping thing local. “As a local small business, keeping things local is extremely important to me,” Dunkley said. “I buy all of my detailing supplies from local business. We need to support each other so we can help our businesses can grow and grow our community.”

If you’d like to learn more about Dunkley Auto Detailing and the services he offers, you can visit his website at https:// dunkleydetailing.com/ or call 304-7193464.

Dr. Robert Norman is an award-winning dermatologist with ofces in Tampa at 8002 Gunn Hwy. and in Riverview at 10422 U.S. Hwy. 301 S.

Brian Dunkley of Riverview is the owner of Dunkley Auto Detailing. You could say auto detailing is in Dunkley’s blood. Dunkley Auto Detailing is proud to provide the highest-quality auto detailing in Tampa Bay with the convenience of coming to you at your home or work.

HOW STUDYING ABROAD CHANGED MY OUTLOOK ON LIFE

I’ll never forget everyone telling me, “You’re going to come back a new person after studying abroad.”

As a Florida State University (FSU) student, I had heard nothing short of amazing things about the several international programs, which sparked my interest to apply.

Although I knew that studying abroad would afect my life, I never expected the volume of impact it would have on my perception of the world.

To put my experience into words would be impossible, but I can say that I grew in countless ways, and I’m forever indebted to FSU Valencia, Valencia itself, FSU Garnet apartment one, the people I met along the way and, of course, my best friends. My scope of the world was opened further than my hometown, college campus and occasional travel vacations.

I learned that the people in Spain are very softspoken (my friends and I found this out the hard way). I learned that bikes are the main source of transportation for locals in Amsterdam. I learned that people in Europe tend to work to live rather than live to work. I learned that the best stargazing spot in Morocco is the tallest dune in the Sahara Desert. The list could go on for days, but what all of this has taught

By Bella Ferretti

me was that life isn’t about what’s coming up next, but rather what’s right in front of you. I realized that I was constantly living by looking for the next best thing instead of taking a step back and appreciating the beauty of now.

Having immersed myself into several diferent cultures and meeting hundreds of diferent people, I felt a sense of gratitude for this abroad experience as well as my life at home. Throughout my six weeks in Valencia, traveling Europe, taking classes, and living in an eight-girl apartment, I was the most present I had ever been in my life. I raised my hand in class, introduced myself to strangers, booked flights, planned weekend trips, woke up early, went to bed late and lived every day like it was my last. I was eager to explore and embrace independence, which allowed me to take in everything that I saw and learn lessons that will guide me through the rest of my life. To say that these were the best six weeks of my life is an understatement and I cannot recommend studying abroad enough. For more information about FSU International Programs, visit https://international. fsu.edu/.

As a Florida State University (FSU) Valencia study-abroad student, I went to five countries, two continents and nine cities, all in the span of six weeks. You could say that I made the most of these six weeks and learned the system of traveling throughout Europe. Considering I had never traveled alone or even booked a flight prior to this, I learned a lot about what to do and what not to do in terms of living and traveling in Europe. Although everyone has their own advice on how to make the most while studying abroad, here are some things that I wish I knew before starting my journey.

My first recommendation is to only book a one-way ticket to Europe. Why, you may ask? Well, odds are, you will fall in love with the experience and never want to leave. I think that booking the return flight later is the best idea in case you decide to extend your trip and skip the hassle of switching flights.

When it comes to weekend travel, I suggest booking some flights and hotels several weeks in advance to save money. Although I often found that I made last-minute plans with trips, I think it would have been beneficial to plan at least

By Bella Ferretti

two trips in advance to avoid the headache of planning and the extra costs. Having a balance between spontaneous trips and planned trips allowed me to go places I would’ve never thought of, as well as have stressfree preplanned trips with friends.

Don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in diferent cultures or go to places that are unfamiliar to you. From my experience, some of my most memorable days consisted of doing things I never thought I would in places that I had never even heard of.

I’m sure you will hear this a thousand times, but don’t leave your purse or belongings out of sight. My parents drilled this into my head before I left, but after three of my roommates left Europe missing their phones, wallets and purses, I realized the importance. Speaking of parents, don’t forget to call and send postcards to the people you care about (they appreciate it more than you know).

Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where you have full control of your experience. If you take anything from these tips, remember to keep an open mind and live each day to the fullest.

My roommates and I holding Issue 5 of the Osprey Observer outside of the Florida State University Valencia, Spain Garnet Building.

Pictured (left to right): Katie Hurst, Bella Ferretti and Bri Riguad.

A view of the Marina of Valencia.

Me standing on the dunes in the Sahara Desert of Morocco. Tis was one of my favorite days abroad, and it was the one place I never expected to go.

Sending my postcards from Valencia, Spain to family and friends.

UPTOWN CHEAPSKATE: NOT YOUR MOTHER’S CONSIGNMENT STORE

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

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

JROTC CADET LEADERSHIP CAMP INTRODUCES CADETS TO ADVENTURE TRAINING

By Avery Ranieri

their favorite brands.

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

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

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

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

From rappelling o f a 40-foot tower to ziplining from tree to tree roughly 20 feet in the air, the Junior Reserve O f cers’ Training Corps (JROTC) Cadet Leadership Camp (JCLC) took the summer camp experience to new heights this season.

Hosted at the Flaming Arrow Scout Reservation in Lake Wales from June 12 to June 15, JROTCs from schools in Pasco, Broward, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties attended the annual adventure training conducted here at no cost to the cadets. Cadets from each school were then assigned to one of the four companies — Alpha, Bravo, Charlie or Delta — in an e f ort to teach them leadership skills among new friends and colleagues.

On June 12, cadets who could not swim were identified. To increase their familiarity with the water, these novice swimmers were introduced to several basic techniques in a pond on the property with lifeguards on duty. All JCLC cadets were then encouraged to complete a 10-meter swim; those who were unable to finish were given a bracelet to identify their current swimming level and had access to life preservers for all future challenges.

Beginning on June 13 and continuing through June 14, each day was divided into both a morning and afternoon session, both of which were devoted to the completion of a particular task. This ranged from rappel and water survival training to canoeing. Cadets were also encouraged to finish a Challenging Outdoor Personal Experiences (COPES)

By Madeline Gardner

course; this course tethered participants in before requiring them to walk across a series of cables and brave a zipline along the way.

Running the rappel tower this year was Lennard High School’s senior army instructor, LTC (R) David Dietz, who brought along 16 of his own cadets. Monitoring their progress on this course, Dietz cited the sense of personal accomplishment the cadets experienced to be a rewarding aspect of this challenge and others.

“They’re very scared of these training events, but when they go through and they conquer it, it’s a sense of success you just can’t give in any book or on a PowerPoint,” said Dietz. “Every year — these cadets who say they can’t do something — we teach them they can do it with a little bit of grit and application of e f ort.”

Topping o f the camp experience with closing remarks, June 15 also featured an opportunity for each of the four companies to compete against one another as they prepared and performed skits. This final collaborative activity o f ered the cadets a moment to reflect on all the connections the camp had helped furnish.

“The most exciting aspect of JCLC for me is teamwork while going through all the activities,” said Cadet Isabela Stitt, a rising sophomore at Lennard. “I realized you needed to be able to get along with others to complete the tasks. The aspect of teamwork was also rewarding because teamwork helps you meet new people and make new friends.”

until July 31st

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

Cadets were responsible for participating in a series of water survival activities, including completing a 10-meter swim on their frst day.

Cadets who attended JCLC completed a series of adventure training exercises, including rappelling, canoeing, completing water survival tasks and fnishing a COPES course.

LeHeal Biogenix Participates In Campaign To Support Veterans

LeHeal Biogenix is committed to giving back to the community and supporting those in need. That commitment has prompted it to join forces with the Brothers In Arms Foundation and Regenative Labs to provide much-needed services to veterans in the Tampa Bay area.

Through this donation campaign, the clinic hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of our veterans by providing health care services that address pain from damaged tissue.

“We are honored to be a part of this initiative to give back to our veterans who have given so much for our country,” said LeHeal Biogenix provider Gavril Green-Goodman, ARNP (combat veteran and flight nurse with U.S. Air Force).

The donation campaign is open to all Marine Special Forces and Recon veterans in the Tampa Bay area who are in need of health care services to treat missing or damaged tissue. Instead of covering up the pain with steroids, this type of care addresses the real tissue issue.

Veterans interested in receiving healthcare services from LeHeal Biogenix can contact Regenative Labs for more information by calling 1-800-891-3452, ext. 1700 or email-

ing info@regenativelabs.com.

Vine Vegan Celebrates Opening With A Ribbon-cutting

Vine Vegan of Brandon celebrated the opening of its plant-based eatery with a multichamber ribbon-cutting hosting the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce, Brandon Chamber of Commerce and Hearts & Heels. Owner Danielle Stevens opened Vine Vegan six months ago in the location that was previously Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium. Providing dishes that reflect a multicultural influence and feature many of the veggies, spices and techniques that we all enjoy, she promises you will love your dining experience! Stevens’ goal is to “blow the minds of carnivores all over Brandon,” and she guarantees even the most critical skeptic that they will not miss their meat-based meals. Visit Vine Vegan at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon on Sunday and Monday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.,

and from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

You can read more about Vine Vegan’s story or view its menu at https://vinevegan.com/.

Keystone Yoga Celebrates Ribbon-cutting

Keystone Yoga, located at 119 W. Windhorst Rd. in Brandon, recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting with the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce. Keystone Yoga believes yoga is for everyone, no matter your experience or knowledge of yoga. It helps you dissolve stress, calm your worries and find happiness within the physical body while also building strength and flexibility. Its teachers each ofer unique insights in their classes, based on its various teacher trainings. One thing they all have in common is their passion for sharing this practice that has transformed and changed their lives. Yoga is not just a physical practice but also a time to move inward to connect your body, mind and spirit. Whether you are looking to find calm amongst chaos, a good sweat or a deep rest, Keystone Yoga has something for you. Be sure to take advantage of its new student special — 30 days of regularly scheduled classes for only $49. Visit its website at www.keystoneyogafl.com or call 570-4012416 for more information.

Big Frog Custom T-shirts & More Opens

Big Frog Custom T-shirts & More of Brandon provides creative individual designs and unique selling points. The shop features direct-to-garment printing, screen printing, vinyl printing and direct-to-film printing on a wide variety of items, including T-shirts, hoodies, ball caps, tote bags and more, all with a fast turnaround, often within 24 hours. Embroidery services are also available. Customers receive free in-person design help, and there are no minimum quantities or setup fees. The grand opening is set for Saturday, July 22 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be free T-shirts for the first 100 people and food, fun and drinks for all. Big Frog of Brandon is located at 935 E. Brandon Blvd. For more information, visit its website at www. bigfrog.com/brandon/, call 813-684-2873 or email brandon@bigfrog.com.

Logo

Aesthetics Provides Wellness Services

TRU

TRU Aesthetics is an aesthetics and wellness practice located at 1218 Millenium Pkwy., Ste. 2-14 in Brandon. It specializes in facial contouring, antiaging, skin rejuvenation and wellness. It ofers minimally invasive medical treatments, including Botox, dermal fillers, microneedling and wellness shots, to enhance a patient’s natural beauty and overall well-being. The goal is to help you look bet-

By Jenny Bennett

CELEBRATE HARRY POTTER’S BIRTHDAY AT THE LAST FRIDAY EVENT IN PLANT CITY THIS MONTH

By Kathy L. Collins

ter, not diferent. For additional information, visit its website at https://mytruaesthetics. com/ or call 813-696-1710.

Hope For Her Celebrates Supporting Women In Our Community

Hope for Her hosted a ribbon-cutting with the Valrico FishHawk Chamber Commerce, celebrating over 16 years supporting women in our community. As a nonprofit founded by women who have endured serious life challenges, Hope for Her is a safe place where women experiencing crisis and trauma find the strength, skills and support they need to rebuild their best lives. Women who need help can call 813-309-3357 or visit its location behind Bay Life Church at 140 Yarbrough Rd. in Brandon. It is open for services from Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. You can find out more about Hope for Her, what it ofers and how you can support its program by visiting www.hopeforherfl.org.

Small-pet Boarder

Opens In Valrico

Valrico’s newest dog lodging facility, Adorable Ankle Biters Bed & Biscuit, is now open and operated by Dena Craig, veteran groomer and owner of Adorable Pets by Dena. Wanting to provide a safe and comfortable place for her small-pet clients to feel comfortable leaving their fur babies while they are away, Craig opened Adorable Ankle Biters Bed & Biscuit for small pets only and provides a warm, inviting feel of a Southern bed and breakfast with private bedroom areas and an indoor park that feels outdoorsy. Services ofered include tuck-in and cuddle time, doggy massages, Jacuzzi baths, breakfast in bed and ice cream treats. There is also a full-time paw-activities director to organize fun playtimes for your pups. Located at 3220 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Ste. 103 in Valrico, it is open from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and on weekends by appointment. For more information, call 813-3249400, email adorableanklebiters@gmail.com or visit https:// adorableanklebiters.com/.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives is a full-service design, installation and maintenance outdoor lighting company. It knows that outdoor and landscape lighting is one of the most efective ways of adding beauty and value to your home. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives is America’s most trusted residential outdoor lighting specialists, and it provides the perfect placement of lighting fixtures to transform your home.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives is located at 330 Pauls Dr., Ste. 113 in Brandon, additional information can be found on its website at www.outdoorlights.com/brandon/ or by calling 813-755-4344.

Te Artzy Mermaid

coastal art boutique and a paint-and-sipstyle venue where various types of fun painting and art classes are ofered. Classes are available for both children and adults in a wide variety of disciplines, including art made with seashells, crushed glass, resin and beads. Private parties can also be arranged and are ideal for birthdays, bridal showers and corporate events, so stop by and unleash your creativity. The Artzy Mermaid also showcases local Florida artists’ work, which is for sale in the boutique. For more information, visit its website at https://theartzymermaid.com/ or call 813-649-0366.

Riverview Woman’s Club Supports West Central Foster Care

Throughout the months of May and June, while everyone was preparing for and enjoying summer, the Riverview Woman’s Club prepared for the start of the 2023-24 school year. Supporting West Central Foster Care’s back-to-school drive, the goal of which is to supply local foster families with the many necessities their children need to be successful in school, the club raised money for and donated over 200 new lunch boxes for local students.

Bay Area Cardiology And Vascular Associates Joins Cardiovascular Associates Of America

Cardiovascular Associates of America (CVAUSA), a comprehensive cardiology practice management services organization, announced that Bay Area Cardiology and Vascular Associates (BACVA) has joined its elite physician alliance. BACVA has four ofces in Brandon, Sun City Center, Riverview and Tampa. The doctors are board-certified in cardiovascular diseases and provide diagnostic and customized treatment services for a wide range of cardiovascular conditions. They focus on individual patients’ needs and their longterm health and vitality.

“Bay Area Cardiology and Vascular Associates is excited to partner with CVAUWA as we continue to expand our ability to provide cutting-edge, high-quality and high-value cardiovascular care in the Tampa Bay area,” said Stephen Mester, MD, managing partner of BACVA.

“It’s a tremendous honor to partner with the outstanding physicians and staf at Bay Area Cardiology and Vascular Associates. They are ‘the’ leading cardiovascular group in the greater Tampa Bay area,” said Tim Attebery, chief executive ofcer of CVAUSA. For additional information on Cardiovascular Associates of America, please visit https://cvausa.com/. For information on Bay Area Cardiology and Vascular Associates, visit www.bayareacardiology.net.

Plant City Main Street’s Last Friday events are always fun, but the July event, a celebration of the birthday of the Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter, is especially fun. The celebration will take place on Friday, July 28 from 5-9 p.m. in McCall Park, located at 100 N. Collins St. in historic downtown Plant City. Admission is free.

Come dressed as your favorite witch, wizard or muggle and take part in the costume contest. There will be live music from Ace Jackson and the Jump Kings. The Main Street Kids Zone comes complete with a bounce house and free activities for children, including an extreme gyrosphere. There will be over 60 exhibitors, including merchandise and delicious food.

Downtown Plant City will be transformed into a magical Harry Potter-themed venue. Stop by the Union Station Depot and Viewing Platform (102 N. Palmer St.) and try to board the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾. Then head over to The Kandy Shoppe (106 N.E. Drane St., #2) and get a chocolate frog before they sell out. Mandy Keyes, owner of The Kan-

dy Shoppe, said, “The Harry Potter celebration is one of our favorite events.”

Tub Treats (106 N.E. Drane St., #1) and The Crafted Butterfly (102 S. Evers St., #106) will be offering lots of Harry Potter-themed merchandise.

You will not want to miss the Butterbeer ofered at Krazy Kup (101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd.). Get there early though, as the delicious Butterbeer always sells out fast.

Frank Trunzo, owner of Krazy Kup, said, “It’s magical, it’s mystical, it’s Krazy Kup.”

For the witches, wizards and muggles over 21, stop by Three Hands Mead Company (111 S. Evers St.) for a quick tipple of mead. Three Hands Mead always goes all out on the decorating. You will feel as if you have been transported to Hogwarts and its Great Hall. Roots Tap Room and Wine Bar (101 S. Evers St.), just down the street, will be a good place to pop in for a cold beverage.

For more information on this event and others hosted by Plant City Main Street, please follow it on Facebook and visit its website at www.plantcitymainstreet.org.

The

Everyone, be they witches, wizards or muggles, can participate in the Harry Potter Birthday Celebration hosted by Plant City Main Street on Friday, July 28 from 5-9 p.m.

FLORIDA COLLEGES HOLD VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS TO ASSIST WITH MOVE-IN DAYS

As local families and college students face the fast-approaching event of college dormitory move-in day, many Florida colleges ofer support through helpful volunteer programs.

While moving possessions into their dormitory at the start of a new semester, attendees of the University of South Florida (USF) are assisted by student volunteers in the annual Bull Haul program.

Move-in day is crowded with students and their families, as everyone attempts to transport necessities and decor simultaneously. Organization and assistance are provided through the program as fellow Bulls direct the crowds, answer questions and ofer a hand.

“For students whose parents couldn’t come help them move in, they were glad to have the option for another student to help them,” said USF student Joseph Santarlas as he reflected on Bull Haul’s impact during past move-in days.

The cause not only benefits incoming residents but also the volunteers who sign up to help. To motivate the community to give their time, USF ofers the opportunity for those who register to move into their dormitories early. They will also receive community service hours and merchandise, such as free shirts.

“I got an email from USF saying that I could move in three days early by helping so that no one is stressed. We benefit

MONSTER JAM ROARS BACK INTO TAMPA THIS SUMMER

By Anna Edlund

by moving in early because move-in day is hectic,” explained Lilly Erwin, a past Bull Haul member.

The program unites the entire college community by making sure that the days run smoother for families, while providing perks to the people who choose to help out. The Bull Haul is a great opportunity to get involved with for USF students.

Similar organizations

ofer assistance in other Florida schools for the upcoming summer and fall terms. The University of Florida (UF) invites members of the college to be ‘move-in volunteers’” throughout terms. The University of Central Florida (UCF) ofers its own ‘Movein Volunteer Program’ (known as MVPs), similar to USF’s Bull Haul.

Be sure to follow your college housing department’s website, as well as its Instagram and other social media, for upto-date information and to discover ways that it plans to help make moving in a breeze.

For more information on USF’s Bull Haul, visit its website at www.usf.edu/ housing/residential-experience/bull-haul. aspx.

For more information on UF’s Movein Volunteer opportunities, visit https:// housing.ufl.edu/volunteer/.

For more information on UCF’s Move-in Volunteer program, visit www.housing. ucf.edu/movein/free/.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy of Lilly Erwin.

Te University of South Florida campus, where the annual Bull Haul program takes place on move-in days.

THE MISSING PIECE THEATRE PRESENTS SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL

The Missing Piece Theatre, an all-volunteer community theater group, will show Seussical the Musical this July. All shows will be held at the Gem Theater, located at 118 NW 1st Ave. in Mulberry. Seussical the Musical is directed by Steven Bucko, who leads a local all-star ensemble cast, with 12 of them being from Lithia, Valrico, Riverview, Brandon and Plant City. The youngest performer is 6 and the oldest is in their 60s. Bucko has directed shows across the United States and is a previous winner of the BroadwayWorld Best Director Award for Tampa/St. Pete as well as the Short Play award winner at the Tampa Bay Theatre Festival.

Whether you are 8 or 88 years old, you will love the next show being put on by Te Missing Piece Teatre. Seussical the Musical is a great show for anyone, and the Gem Teater in Mulberry is a treasure and a great place to see the show.

PLANT CITY ENTERTAINMENT TO PRESENT THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS

never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

Bucko said, “Seussical is an amazing collection of classic Dr. Seuss characters that come together to tell a wonderful story of friendship, family and fun.

While the zany and crazy antics of the Cat in the Hat make this a can’t-miss show for our audiences to enjoy, the gorgeous music and choreography will provide amazing treats for your eyes and ears. We have all grown up reading the books, and now you can see them come to life.”

Plant City Entertainment (PCE) will present The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas over several weekends in July. Plant City Entertainment, a local nonprofit, is located at 101 N. Thomas St. in historic downtown Plant City.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas will be shown beginning with the opening night on Friday, July 14. Shows will also be on Friday, July 21 and 28; on Saturday, July 15, 22 and 29; and on Sunday, July 16, 23 and 30. The Friday and Saturday night shows will be at 8 p.m. The Sunday matinees will be presented at 2 p.m.

Do not miss your chance to see Plant City Entertainment’s next production, Te Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

know audiences will too.

Ever since Shirley Outen (longtime board member and concessions extraordinaire) and Kay Secord (former board member and president of PCE) said I should direct this show, I have wanted to do it. This show is a little diferent from the norm that I usually direct because it is not a fairy tale.”

The show tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent of to military school for thinking too many thinks. Horton faces a double challenge, for not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must also guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz

Bucko added, “Although most of the action will take place on the gorgeous Gem Theater stage, audiences can expect to get an even closer view as our characters venture out into the audience. You will want to get a close look to see the beautiful costumes.”

Seussical the Musical will be presented beginning on Friday, July 14 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, July 15 and 22 and Sunday, July 16 and 23, the shows will be held at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be obtained by visiting www.themissingpiecetheatre.org.

Tickets to The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors and $16 for members and groups of 10 or more. There will be an opening night special of two tickets for $35. Tickets can be obtained online at www. plantcityentertainment.com (until 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and until 10 a.m. on Sunday) or at the door, if tickets are available.

Kristen Permenter, director of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and a veteran of Plant City Entertainment, said, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is a foot-stomping, country-romping heck of a good time. I absolutely love the music and lyrics (by Carol Hall) in this show, and I

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texaswas made popular with the 1982 film starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds. It tells the story of an actual brothel that operated in La Grange, Texas from 190573 called the Chicken Ranch. Permenter explained, “In the opening number, the bandleader and narrator tells our story of how the Chicken Ranch got its name. The show goes on to tell and sing and dance the story of the rise and fall of the historic Chicken Ranch and how a televangelist reporter blows the whistle on the whole operation and brings the governor, a senator, a mayor, a sherif and a whole town to its knees.”

The show is not recommended for children under 12 years old.

Permenter added, “With a cast and crew of over 35 people, this show will blow you away.”

For more information, visit www.plantcityentertainment.com or call 813-754-4925.

CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF KEEL & CURLEY WINERY WITH ITS NAPA TRIP SWEEPSTAKES AND BIRTHDAY PARTY Staf Report

Keel Farms is celebrating Keel & Curley Winery’s 20th anniversary with the ‘Cheers to 20 Years’ Sweepstakes from now through Saturday, August 5.

The statewide sweepstakes consists of simply entering to win on the Keel Farms website, along with runner-up prizes found on Keel & Curley Winery bottles’ peel-away stickers.

One winner selected at random will win an all-inclusive winemaking trip for two to Napa Valley on a date of their choosing. One runner-up winner will win a VIP experience at Keel Farms for two on a mutually agreed upon date, which includes a winery tour, tasting and dinner for the winner and one guest of their choosing.

Additional prizes found on bottles in stores include either a $5 coupon for a wine bottle online at www.keelfarms.com or a free drink in the Keel Farms Tasting Room.

Keel & Curley Winery at Keel Farms is a winery dedicated to handcrafting high-quality, locally grown fruit wines. Founded in 1984, the family-owned and operated Keel & Curley Winery is located 17 miles east of Tampa in Plant City at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. Started with

NEW FAUX FLOWERS FOR RENT

By Libby Hopkins

just 10 gallons of blueberry wine in 2003, Keel & Curley Winery now produces over 500,000 bottles of wine annually and offers visitors lunch and dinner daily, as well as tastings, tours, events and more. The winery also produces Keel Farms Agrarian Ciders, a line of delicious hard ciders made using Florida fruits. Keel & Curley products are available online, at Keel Farms and in select grocery stores statewide.

“Our winery has grown tremendously over the past 20 years, and that’s because of support from our loyal customers,” said Keel Farms President Clay Keel.

“This sweepstakes is our way of saying thank you.

We have many exciting developments in the works, so we look forward to more milestones and fun giveaways in the future.”

There is no purchase required to participate in the sweepstakes. Participants can enter by filling out a form at https://www. keelfarms.com/cheers-to-20-years-sweepstakes.

The Cheers to 20 Years Sweepstakes will conclude with a celebratory Keel & Curley Winery birthday party on August 5 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Keel Farms. Parking and admission are free, and all are welcome.

Titus and Renee Pea served in the United States Air Force; Titus served for 26 years, and Renee served for 22 years. In 2021, they were asked by a friend to make all of the arrangements for her fairytale destination wedding at the Twickenham Estate in Jeferson, North Carolina. “When the guests and the bridal party walked into the reception hall, the looks on their faces were priceless,” Renee said. “As a team, my husband and I found our calling in floral design. We can design your dream flowers for any special occasion.”

The couple’s flowers are truly unique, as they are not real, they are fake — or faux. “These aren’t your grandmother’s flowers,” Renee said. “They have a natural look and touch and are eco-friendly.”

The Peas are the owners of FauxReal Flowers in Brandon. “Our flowers will never wilt and are afordable for any budget,” Renee said. “We will customize, deliver, set up and pick up your arrangements for your events.”

Renee got into flower arranging as a way of relieving anxiety. “My husband is very active in the Brandon community, and we wanted something to do togeth-

er,” Renee said. “We had been looking at franchising, and we found FauxReal Flowers. I met with the franchise owners for two days and decided this was a perfect fit for us.”

The FauxReal Flowers model is a low-maintenance and fun business to be in, while ofering franchisees a low investment cost for a great turnaround. The profits are high and the costs are low, which makes investing in FauxReal Flowers worth it. “FauxReal Flowers are sustainable, rent-and-return flowers, so brides or event organizers get a luxury dream look at a fraction of the price,” Renee said. “Our goal is to give our clients everything they want and more without breaking the bank. This includes beautiful bouquets, arbors, walls, stands, accents and more at competitive prices.”

If you would like to learn more about FauxReal Flowers or hire FauxReal Flowers for your next event, you can visit the Peas website at www.brandon.fauxrealflowers.com or call them at 813-5956374. You can also stop by their showroom, located at 1363 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

President and Vice President of Keel & Curley Winery Clay and Ryan Keel.

Titus and Renee Pea served in the United States Air Force; Titus served for 26 years, and Renee served for 22 years. Tey are the owners of FauxReal Flowers in Brandon. Te couple’s fowers are truly unique, as they are not real, they are fake — or faux — and you can rent them for your next event.

WAT MONGKOLRATANARAM BUDDHIST TEMPLE HOLDS SUNDAY MARKETS AND BUDDHIST EVENTS

The Wat Mongkolratanaram Buddhist Temple, established in Tampa since 1981, offers Sunday markets, Thai culture and Buddhist services to the public.

Each Sunday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., guests are able to buy traditional Thai food from volunteers at the market.

The food includes a variety of noodle soups and rolls, as well as many other delicious options. All proceeds from the events are donated to propagate Buddhist practice and teaching.

“I recommend anyone go because sometimes it’s a culture shock to people. I feel like it’s something diferent for people to experience and new foods to try,” explained Mia Ramos, a temple visitor.

Being half Thai and Cambodian, Ramos appreciates being able to connect to her culture through events at the temple. She especially enjoys New Year’s celebrations filled with food, dance performances and parades. Ramos additionally recalls how people often buy peace oferings and donate money to the temple to maintain it as a beautiful place for the monks who live on the grounds.

Visitors can also be engaged in religious practices and educational sessions that promote mental development. The temple holds meditation workshops, weekly religious service and Buddhist chanting services.

BOXING-THEMED HAIR SALON CATERS TO MEN AND CHILDREN IN RIVERVIEW

By Anna Edlund

Buddhist chanting is often performed in Thai temples through Pali, a sacred language of Buddhism. The Wat Mongkolratanaram is special, as it often includes recordings of an American monk performing Buddhist teachings in English. English-speaking visitors who seek the opportunity to participate in these sessions are able to comprehend words through this unique and inclusive method.

“Being able to understand what is being said has created a welcomed level of understanding to what is taking place that I have been missing out on for years,” stated Rich Tyson, who finds clarity at the temple.

As an English-speaker who has regularly attended Buddhist ceremonies, Tyson is used to just appreciating the rhythm of the monks’ chants and not being able to understand the language. He appreciates the inclusion that he experiences at this specific temple, especially as he attends alongside his daughter and strives to expose her to her Thai culture.

Whether or not identifying with Thai heritage, the Wat Mongkolratanaram Buddhist Temple grants partakers a space to explore Buddhism. All are welcome and encouraged to become immersed in the culture in new and enjoyable ways.

For more information, visit https:// wattampainenglish.com/.

Getting your haircut, a beard trim or an eyebrow wax can be a very intimate experience and finding somewhere and someone that you trust can be difcult.

That’s why

Knockouts Haircuts for Men, a men’s salon in the Riverview area, is pulling out all the stops to make your experience as luxurious and comfortable as possible.

Knockouts is a sports-themed, full-service salon providing competitively priced haircuts and other grooming services, including coloring, manicures, pedicures, facials and waxing. The salon caters specifically to men by ofering a pampering experience at a reasonable price that is not often available when you use a discount walk-in salon or traditional barbershop.

“When customers visit us, they see how diferent we are right away,” said Mark Norton, co-owner of Knockouts. “From our easy in-and-out location with ample parking to the brand-new build, the store is designed to give a fantastic experience in a luxury environment.”

Because the owners want you to enjoy the experience, they take pride in having a comfortable space. This includes extra-wide and reclining chairs, hair washing stations with heating pads and wheelchair accessibility, a television at every station and more.

“Our attention to detail includes a friendly welcome, professional consultation and expert service,” said Mark, “and our pam-

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

pering services provided in our casual, sporty environment will leave you relaxed and refreshed.”

The most popular service, Heavyweight, is a oneof-a-kind service only ofered by Knockouts and stands alone as the best service available in the area. When you get this package, you are provided with a consultation, wash, expert haircut, neck massage and cleanup, rewash and condition, hot towel for the face, scalp massage, styling and application of products.

The owners, Mark and Tammy Norton, began to notice the lack of luxurious salons that cater to giving men a comfortable, upscale experience for a reasonable price. The Nortons chose Riverview as the location for their first store due to the area’s continued growth, diversity and talented workforce. As seasoned business owners, they know that the Knockouts franchise model would be successful in the Southern Hillsborough County market. In addition, they are now in the process of developing six more stores in Florida.

Knockouts prides itself on creating a comfortable experience where the products used are the best in the industry, the fridge is always stocked and the chairs are always comfortable.

For more information, please visit https:// knockouts.com/riverview-fl/ or contact the store by calling 813-280-2963 or emailing swflorida@knockouts.com.

Dancers perform on temple grounds in a New Year’s celebration.

Photos courtesy of Mia Ramos. Visitors enjoy the scenery of the temple grounds during the 2023 Songkran Festival.

With experienced team members, you will always feel confdent in yourself after visiting Knockouts.