BUSCH GARDENS HONORS MILITARY WITH FREE PARK ADMISSION FOR ACTIVE DUTY, VETERANS AND FAMILIES Staf Report

from Osprey Observer Valrico May 2023

KRAZY CUP OWNER FRANK TRUNZO’S AUCTIONEER STORY

BULLFROG CREEK BREWING CO. CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF COMMUNITY EVENTS

By Marie Gilmore

Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is honoring military veterans and up to three guests with free one-day admission to its parks from now through Sunday, July 9. Active-duty military and their guests continue to enjoy one-day complimentary admission throughout the year. The ofers are part of Busch Gardens’ long-standing Waves of Honor program that salutes active-duty military members, veterans and their families by ofering special pricing and promotions throughout the year.

For more than 20 years, Busch Gardens has been proud to provide complimentary park access to members of the United States military. More than 10 million guests — active-duty military members, veterans and their families — have enjoyed free admission to the company’s parks. Whether it’s educational animal experiences or thrilling attractions, Busch Gardens invites military families for a day of family fun.

“We take great pride in providing military members and their families the opportunity to create memories at one of our parks,” said Marc Swanson, chief executive ofcer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “Extending free park admission to military service members, veterans and their families allows us to show our utmost appreciation to all the brave individuals who serve and sacriﬁce for our county. We are hon- ored to continue this long-standing tradition as a small gesture of our deep gratitude towards members of our military.”

Eligible U.S. military veterans and retirees can register for complimentary single-day tickets for themselves and up to three dependents before Sunday, May 14 at www.wavesofhonor.com. After registering, all tickets must be redeemed at the park by July 9.

U.S. active-duty, activated or drilling reservist and National Guardsmen also can take advantage of one complimentary admission for themselves and up to three dependents per year to Busch Gardens. Additional discounts and ofers are available for active military and veterans through MWR and ITT ofces on U.S. military bases and online at www.wavesofhonor.com. These ofers are available year-round and may difer by park.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, ofering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA-accredited zoo with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species and exciting seasonal events all year, providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age.

For more information, visit www.buschgardenstampa.com.

Five years ago, longtime local residents and business owners Jamie Ratclif and his wife, Kelly, opened Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. in an abandoned gas station in the heart of the Bloomingdale community.

Well today, that little gas station in the Erindale Plaza is a 3,000 sq. ft. center core of activity, events, members, fresh brews, live music, charitable events, markets and all embraced within a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

And credit has to be given to a business that not only survived the 2020 shutdown and pandemic but is also constantly evolving its business model, even making to-go cases of beer, cider and root beer and ofering curbside delivery.

As Valrico’s ﬁrst brewery, Ratclif, a proud veteran, is also proud of the business they have created, and he said, “We love this community and we love to drink our beer with friends and family. Community is everything to us and we love to give back.”

And give back they do. Ratclif estimates that over the ﬁve years and hundreds of music bingo events, local nonproﬁts have raised more than $400,000 thanks in part to a generous program where Bullfrog provides the equipment and the preregistered charity provides the audience, the sales team and the prizes.

Bullfrog is a fully working brewery and pub under the supervision of head brewer Nicholas DiGioia and general manager Alex Volovar. Iconic local brews in- and the newest addition, Pizza Rock IPA.

“Our team is passionate about beer and the art of brewing,” said Ratclif. “We believe in using only the ﬁnest ingredients to create unique and delicious beers that are sure to satisfy the taste buds of even the most discerning craft beer enthusiasts.” Over the ﬁve years, Bullfrog has created 386 beers, served 6.4 million ounces of beer and had 340 beers gifted to visiting veterans.

In addition to the best local brews, Bullfrog Creek has a full-time dedicated food truck serving pub favorite, such as burgers, fries, wings and more, directed by head chef Cormac McCarthy.

Bullfrog Creek opened to the public in March 2018 and is dedicated to crafting high-quality, innovative beers for beer lovers in the community. It is located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 12 Noon-10 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, 12 Noon-11 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 Noon8 p.m. Visit www.bullfrogcreekbrewing. com for a full listing of upcoming events.