UNION SPORTSMEN’S ALLIANCE, IRONWORKERS LOCAL 397 HOST YOUTH FISHING EVENT AT SUNCOAST YOUTH CONSERVATION CENTER

Nearly 200 youth and their families turned out for Take Kids Fishing Day at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center (SYCC) in Apollo Beach on April 15. Most of the participants had never fished before.

Hosted by Ironworkers Local 397 and the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), the free community event aimed to introduce youth to saltwater fishing from the boardwalk and fishing pier constructed by union volunteers at SYCC in 2019.

The wheelchair-accessible structure is the result of a multiyear community service project organized by the USA through its Work Boots on the Ground conservation program. It flanks a restored saltwater pond and marsh adjacent to the SYCC’s 6,000-square-foot education facility.

“We are grateful to the USA for its commitment to supporting youth engagement with the outdoors. The fishing pier they built for us makes a huge diference for visitors, field trip students and summer campers,” said SYCC director Candice Wade.

“Florida’s natural resources belong to all of us, and not everyone gets the chance to grow up with access to nature or guidance on how to engage with the outdoors,” she added. “Events like this empower youth and families to enjoy Florida wildlife in a conservation-minded manner. I especially love that participants received fishing gear so they can continue to apply the skills they learned.”

As youth fished from the boardwalk and along the banks of the marsh, 18 union volunteers from Ironworkers Local 397 and the NFL Players Association, along with USA and SYCC staf, assisted them with baiting hooks, casting, reeling and getting familiar with their new fishing rods and reels, provided by the USA.

“The unions are part of the community, and we are always looking for ways to give back and make a positive impact. We had plenty of volunteers to ensure the kids had a great experience,” said Keven Barber, Ironworkers Local 397 financial secretary-treasurer/business agent, who organized the event. “Between youth events like this and the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) apprenticeship readiness program we participate in with high schools, we hope to expose youth to the trades so they consider it as an option when they graduate.”

“At the NFLPA, we look for opportunities for kids to experience activities they don’t normally get a chance to participate in,” said NFLPA Tampa Chapter President Jerry Bell, who volunteered at the event. “It was great to be able to spend time with these kids and show them a few things about fishing. I saw one little girl catch the biggest fish of the day, and it was neat to see how excited she was.”

Throughout the event, SYCC staf also manned four education stations, including fish tagging, knot tying, fish measuring and casting.

The Suncoast event was part of a series of free, community-based Take Kids Fishing Day events, organized through the USA’s Work Boots on the Ground program with support from USA national partners Provost Umphrey Law Firm, Union Plus and Humana as well as founding partners UIG, ULLICO, Bank of Labor, AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corporation and Buck Knives.

“The weather for this year’s event was great, and the kids caught more fish — black drum and pinfish — than previous years,” said USA Conservation Coordinator Cody Campbell. “We can’t thank the volunteers from Ironworkers Local 397, the NFLPA and SYCC enough for donating their time to give participating families a fun and educational experience and spark their interest in fishing.” until May 31st

Duck Donuts Celebrates Grand Opening

Duck Donuts, located at 821 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon’s Bloomingdale Square plaza, recently celebrated its grand opening.

The owners, father-and-son duo Jay and Jason Patel, said, “We are delighted to be opening the first Duck Donuts in the Tampa Bay area. The community has been patiently waiting for us to open the doors, and now we cannot wait to sprinkle happiness with our warm, delicious, made-to-order doughnuts.”

Customers can create their own doughnuts by choosing from a variety of coatings, toppings and drizzles, or they can select from the menu. The store also ofers a viewing area where you can watch your donuts being made.

For more information, visit www.duckdonuts.com/brandon/. To contact Duck Donuts in Brandon, call 813-315-9661.

Skill Samurai Opens In Bloomingdale Square Plaza

Skill Samurai recently opened at 931 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon and ofers after-school coding and robotic classes as well as summer camps. It believes that all chil- dren should have the opportunity to develop various skills, and several classes are available for all ages and skill levels. Instructors guide the students and ensure that every one of them is getting the best out of their class by tailoring the courses to students’ strengths and weaknesses. For more information, visit its website at https://skillsamurai.com/fl-brandon or call 813-761-2832.

Virtual Dementia Tour Visits Tessera Of Brandon Senior Helpers and Second Wind Dreams invite you to open yourself to experience the world around you in a completely diferent way at their Virtual Dementia Tour: Your Window Into Their World. The sensitivity training program enables participants to gain a greater understanding of dementia and shift their thinking from fear to action. Join them at Tessera of Brandon, located at 1320 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon, on Tuesday, May 23 from 3-5 p.m. Please call 813-607-6880 to reserve a place.

Iron Rock Insurance Opens Commercial Division

Local-family-owned Iron Rock Insurance has recently expanded and opened a commercial insurance division. With the growing commercial business Lisa Hast, managing partner of Iron Rock Insurance, felt it would be a great asset to the business as well as the community. Heading the commercial division is Spencer Foy, and Kate Norberg, li- censed CSR, joined the commercial division as well. Iron Rock Insurance is located at 400 Frandorson Cir., Ste. 103 in Apollo Beach and can be contacted on 813-213-9600. Visit its website at www.ironrockins.com for more information.

Pro221 Pressure Washing Ofers Expert Exterior Cleaning

Pro221 Pressure Washing specializes in all-inclusive exterior cleaning services. With cleaning homes, driveways, lanais, pool cages and more, it has the expertise and equipment to deliver outstanding results. Owner Mark Girdwood brings over 20 years of experience in customer service and understands the importance of providing high-quality service to valued customers. What sets Pro221 apart is its commitment to customer satisfaction. It guarantees that every project will be treated with the respect it deserves, and it will only stop when the customer is satisfied. Pro221 Pressure Washing is fully licensed and insured. The convenient booking options, via text message, phone call, email or website, make it easy for the customer to schedule a service. Contact it by calling 813-699-0304 or visit its website at https://pro221.com for additional information and to book services.

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HCA Florida Brandon Hospital Receives Patient Safety Excellence Award™

HCA Florida Brandon Hospital has been recognized by Healthgrades as a 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recipient. This distinction places it among the top 10 percent of all shortterm acute-care hospitals as evaluated by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting patients and providers. “This award highlights HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and its caregivers who are committed to patients and safety standards,” said Tripp Owings, chief executive ofcer at HCA Florida Hospital. “We take pride in meeting and exceeding established standards as we prevent serious patient injuries, avoid preventable complications and mortalities and eliminate harm throughout the hospital.”

May Is Garage Door Safety Month

Garage Door Safety Month is every May. It is an initiative to help keep the public safe, and Master Garage Door Co., which has been serving Eastern Hillsborough County for over 25 years, is a great choice for that

By Jenny Bennett

goal. If you suspect any problems with your door system, contact Master Garage Door Co. at 813-6847744 or email steve@ mastergaragedoor. com. Additional information about services ofered can be found on its website at www. mastergaragedoor. com.

Wingspread Farm

Selected For 2023 Best Of Valrico Award

Wingspread Farm has been selected for the 2023 Best of Valrico Award in the Farm category by the Valrico Award Program. Each year, the Valrico Award Program identifies companies that it believes have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community. These are companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community and help make the Valrico area a great place to live. Wingspread Farm is located at 3003 Pearson Rd. in Valrico and is open Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit its website at www.wingspread.farm for more information.

Rello Runs Academy Summer Basketball

Rello Runs Academy, owned locally by Durrell and Jade Peterson, is preparing for its summer basketball camps and classes in the Riverview area. It provides a great fun environ ment for all athletes to grow in spir it, mind and body through basketball. Call 904-563-3170 or email jpeter soncorp@ gmail.com for more informa tion.

Have you ever wanted to defy the aging process? Who hasn’t? While no one can stop the clock and the passing of time, ageRejuvenation, a local medical spa clinic, can put a plan in place to bring your body back to an optimal level comparable to when your body was the healthiest in your 20s. ageRejuvenation also ofers weight loss plans that can help you reach short-term weight loss goals.

Under the medical direction of Dr. Dawn Ericsson, ageRejuvenation is committed to treating symptoms of aging and promoting longer and healthier living regardless of age. Core to its full-scale program is an individualized whole-body approach that helps patients restore their health through hormonal balance, decreased inflammation, improved sexual function and weight loss.

Brett Markowitz, visionary and founder of ageRejuvenation, said it is devoted to customized treatment plans that use advanced diagnostic testing to provide insight into the root causes of symptoms.

“We understand that no two individuals are alike,” Markowitz said. “We also believe that treating the whole body is important. Looking at the thyroid, looking at the hormones, looking at the gut health is essen- tial.”

By Jane Owen

Clients are given a full-body assessment, which includes a lifestyle assessment with regards to stress, blood tests for hormone analysis and an analysis of food sensitivities and intolerances to support gut health.

“The average person going through traditional doctors and referrals would go through a whole year and a half to get the assessment and labs we do. We do that, day one. You get answers day one,” Markowitz said.

With regards to weight loss goals, ageRejuvenation’s holistic approach to healthy living ensures clients will have long-term success.

“Once you come see us, if you follow what we tell you to do, you are not going to put the weight back on,” said Markowitz.

ageRejuvenation has locations throughout Tampa Bay and will be opening additional locations in Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina. The Brandon ofce is located at 1155 Nikki View Dr. For more information about the services ageRejuvenation ofers, visit www.AgeRejuvenation.com. Call 813-681-8624 for a free consultation.