Osprey Observer Valrico August 2021

Valrico

17

August 2021

Volume 18, Issue 8

Ph: 657-2418

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CELEBRATING 19 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS

DURANT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE DRAFTED BY THE NEW YORK YANKEES

VALRICO RESIDENT SULLENBERGER WINS GOLD AT JOAD NATIONALS; WILL REPRESENT U.S. IN WROCLAW, POLAND

By Lily Belcher

Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596

By Nick Nahas Valrico resident from 2017-19, she had to shoot while and Tampa Cathsitting down in a chair. olic High School Sullenberger has a GoFundMe page rising senior Sydset up to help raise funds for her trip ney Sullenberger to Poland. If you are interested in contook home gold tributing, search ‘Sydney Sullenberger at the Junior Archery’ on Facebook or GoFundMe. Olympic Archery She has Development never been (JOAD) Nationals outside of and world youth the United team trials in DeStates, so catur, Alabama in she looks July. forward to Valrico resident and TamThe 17-year-old pa Catholic High School traveling archer finished as rising senior Sydney Sulto another the top seed out lenberger took home gold country. of 78 girls, win- at the Junior Olympic Archery “I would like thank my family, Development (JOAD) Nationals. ning gold at JOAD friends and my incredible coach, DiPhotos courtesy of USA Archery Nationals, and latane Watson, for all the love and super competed against the top eight for the port,” said Sullenberger. “A big thanks also world youth teams trials, in which she also goes out to Adventures Archery for their claimed first place. She is one of three girls continued support.” that will represent the U.S. while competing in Wroclaw, Poland in early August.

“Ultimately, this is what I have been working towards for the past seven years of my competitive career,” said Sullenberger.

“To finally have all the hard work, training and everything pay off, it really meant a lot to be able to accomplish that.”

She will compete as an individual, on the Compound Cadet Female Team (top three qualifiers from world youth team trials) and possibly for the Mixed Team (top boy and top girl qualifiers) in Poland. Sullenberger will also compete in the Buckeye Classic in Columbus, Ohio, which is the final leg of her National United States Archery Team (USAT) season to potentially qualify her for the U.S. National Team as well.

“I’m looking forward to competing on the world stage at such a high level against all these other countries—for me right now, it’s the highest level that I’ll be able to compete at,” said Sullenberger. “It’s just going be a great experience to have under my belt.”

Sullenberger works for Adventures Archery in Tampa, where she originally MULRENNEN PRINCIPAL ..................PG 3 learned how to shoot.

OSPREY INTERNS................................. PG 4 The high school junior has faced adversity in her career, having to battle through three EYE ON BUSINESS ................... PGS 21-22 knee surgeries. For three straight years SPORTS ...........................................................30

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It’s every baseball pitched four complayer’s dream to plete games and led earn a spot in the big the county by more leagues and to stand than 40 strikeouts on the same clay his senior year. where countless young “The whole family athletes began their was there with Sean, journey to Cooperwaiting to hear,” stown. The 2021 MLB said Valdes. “Once draft put 612 athletes [his] name [was] anone step closer to playnounced, it’s just that ing on major League breath of relief and turf. In the 14th round, excitement … everyDurant High School one has been excited 2021 graduate Sean for him.”

Hermann got closer After the draft, to standing on a major Sean Hermann signs with the Yankees Hermann returned to league mound, becom- and begins workouts in their farm system. Durant’s clubhouse to ing the 423rd overall talk to Durant basedraft pick. Hermann ball’s rising stars said he found out he to tell them what it would have the opwas like to be draftportunity to take this ed, encourage them next step with the to work towards the Yankees organizamajors, and thank tion on July 13 while his coaches and watching the third teammates. day of the MLB draft.

On July 19, Her“It was a dream mann officially come true,” he designed with the scribed. “It was craYankees. As a result zy to hear my name of joining the major called.” league farm system, Durant baseball coach Butch Valdes Hermann will not attend the University of knew Hermann would be drafted, but it South Florida in the fall—a decision, Valwas a matter of when and to which team. des said, which was easy to make.

Valdes said the San Diego Padres had ex“This has been his dream,” explained pressed serious interest in the 18-year-old Valdes. “If you are drafted high enough in right-hander with a scorching fastball and MLB, that’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal. And mean slider, but Ronnie Merrill, a scout for you can always go back to college. You New York, secured Hermann’s position in can’t always go back to MLB.” the Yankees organization.

Valdes said Hermann has already reportThe right-hander excelled as a pitcher ed to the Yankees’ Rookie minor league during his high school career, pitching for team to begin workouts. Hermann plans Durant’s varsity squad since his sophomore to continue to work his way through the year in 2019. He pitched 136.2 innings over farm system and, hopefully, one day stand 29 games and struck out 209 opponent on the mound under the lights in Yankee batters in his three years on varsity. He Stadium.

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Valrico Edition

Volume 18, Issue 8

Valrico Edition

August 2021

MEET MULRENNAN’S NEW PRINCIPAL, TAMARA BROOKS

By Michelle Caceres

Tamara Brooks, who to provide a learning has worked for Hillsenvironment where borough County Public students felt motiSchools for 25 years, vated to achieve to is the new principal the best of their abilat Mulrennan Middle ities in order to beSchool. come successful and She is transferring responsible citizens. from Buckhorn ElemenBrooks said her goals tary, where she was its for this school year principal for 12 years. include keeping evPrior to that position, eryone safe, making she was an assistant sure they’re learning principal at Seffner Eland having fun while ementary for six years. completing those Brooks is relishing the goals. “That’s my job switch and additional in a nutshell, providresponsibility, which ining a rich and safe Tamara Brooks is the new principal at cludes managing the malearning environment Mulrennan Middle School. jor administrative tasks for students,” she said. and supervising all students She hopes her students and teachers at the school, will develop the vital charwhich has a student body of acter trait of courage to 1,400 students. Buckhorn’s work hard, stick with it student body included 780 stuwhen things get tough, build dents. grit and do so bravely.

“Buckhorn’s students feed Her advice to the teachinto Mulrennan, and I have an ers? “Let students rise to established connection with these students every challenge you put in front of them and and their parents,” she said. “I look forward you will be surprised what they can accomto continuing those relationships and mak- plish,” she said. ing new connections with the rest of the She said she is also tuning into the student body, the community and school school’s already established traditions and staff.” culture created by Tim Ducker, its former Samantha Dunn Hagy, mom to an in- principal of 15 years. coming sixth-grade student who attended Brooks acknowledged that she has big Buckhorn Elementary, posted on Facebook shoes to fill. “Luckily, I have size 10 feet,” that she’s thrilled about the switch. joked Brooks.

“I do still have a child at Buckhorn, but For more information about Mulrennan to know Ms. Brooks will be at Mulrennan Middle School, visit https://www.hillsbormakes me so excited,” she said. oughschools.org/mulrennan or call 651While at Buckhorn, Brooks’ mission was 2100.

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BRANDON REGIONAL HOSPITAL OFFERS SPECIALIZED CARE IN CHILDREN’S EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Staff Report

The Chilperience during dren’s Emertheir three years gency Deof training. Most partment at Adult Emergency Brandon ReDepartments are gional Hospifocused on patal offers spetients 18 years of cialized care age and over and to children of often lack specialall ages. Loized medicines and cated next treatments for to the main children.

Emergency Urgent care faThe Children’s Emergency Department at Brandon Department cilities can treat at 119 Oakfield Regional Hospital offers specialized care to children of most minor illnessall ages.

Dr. in Brandon, es and injuries. the Children’s Emergency Department fea- However, most are primarily adult-focused tures 16 all-private treatment rooms and and often do not have a lot of expertise with provides care for acute, chronic and unex- children. pected needs.

If you have a concern about your child’s The Children’s Emergency Department minor illness or injury, you should first conis staffed by specially trained pediatric tact your child’s primary care physician for emergency physicians. In addition to three guidance. If your child has a more serious years of general pediatrics training, pediat- illness or injury—such as vomiting and diarric emergency physicians have an addition- rhea, an asthma attack, broken bones, burns, al three years of training in a specialized bicycle accident, lacerations, seizure or othChildren’s Emergency Department. This er more concerning illness or injury—a visit provides the needed skills and experience to the Children’s Emergency Department at to treat everything minor to major. In ad- Brandon Regional Hospital is recommended. dition, the nursing staff is specialized and Accredited by The Joint Commission, specifically trained in children’s emergency Brandon Regional Hospital is a 436-bed care. The Children’s Emergency Department acute care facility that is nationally ranked at Brandon Regional Hospital is completely as a Top 100 Hospital by IBM Watson, a Top separate from the Adult Emergency Depart- Teaching Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, a ment and is exclusively focused on making a U.S. News & World Report High Performing visit as comforting as possible for both chil- Hospital in COPD and Heart Failure and a dren and parents.

Leapfrog Group ‘A’ for patient safety.

Traditional Emergency Departments are For more about children’s emergency care staffed by adult trained emergency phy- at Brandon Regional Hospital, visit https:// sicians. These physicians usually have less brandonhospital.com/specialties/pediatthan four to six months of pediatric ex- ric-emergency-care or call 681-5551.

CAC1820162

Page 4

Valrico Edition

Volume 18, Issue 8

MEET THE 2021 OSPREY OBSERVER NEWS REPORTER INTERN TEAM

By Debra Garcia

Every summer, the Osprey Observer ofand major in political science and English. fers internships to local high school and Thinking about her interest in journalism, college students into its office to learn Pedraza became an intern to pursue a newspaper industry works and gain expossibility in her future. “I wanted to feel perience as a news reporter. Due to what it was like and learn more about the COVID-19, for the second time in a row, field. Luckily, I still love it,” said Pedraza. the Osprey Observer offered these internMeghan Reyes - Newsome High School ships virtually and welcomed eight new Reyes is a junior at Newsome High members to the team. This summer, the School and according to her plan, she Osprey Observer welcomed Makenzie Atwill go to the University of Tampa after kins, Annabelle Caraway, Pauline Derry, high school, major in journalism and miDebra Garcia, Laura Marzullo, Ariana Penor in education. She, too, wanted to join droza, Meghan Reyes the Osprey Observer and Anika Shah. to gain experience Makenzie Atkins in the journalism The Osprey Observer 2021 interns completed many published stories University of South field, as she has this summer. From left to right: Marie Gilmore, Annabelle Caraway, Florida only worked for her Anika Shah, Meghan Reyes, Debra Garcia, Laura Marzullo and Atkins is a senior school newspaper in Ariana Pedraza. at the University the past. “I plan on Pauline Derry - Suffolk Osprey Observer to gain of South Florida being a journalist full University experience and knowledge majoring in public time after college; Derry is a virtual soph- on the journalism world. relations and adverthis internship was omore at Suffolk Universi- “I knew this opportunity tising. Before internthe first stepping ty in Boston and hopes to was a perfect way gain ing at the Osprey stone into my career major in psychology and the proper skills I needed Observer, she has bath,” said Reyes. minor in either criminal to pursue my career,” said always loved readAnika Shah justice or political science. Garcia. ing and writing but Newsome High In order to investigate her Laura Marzullo - Dunever got a chance School Pauline Derry Makenzie Atkins interest in the journalism rant High School to written anything Shah is a senior at Marzullo is a senior at Durant High Newsome High School and plans to double people could read. That is why she want- field, Derry thought an internship at the ed to intern at the Osprey Observer. “Get- local newspaper was a great thing to do School and one day wishes to major in major in either computer science or engiting experience writing real stories about this summer. “I thought an internship at journalism and minor in writing when she neering and business. She had always had amazing people was something I really the Osprey Observer was a perfect way to goes off to college. Inspired to become an a love for the power of communication dip my toes into the world of journalism,” intern by one of last summer’s interns, Lily and how information could change somewanted,” said Atkins.

Belcher, Marzullo wanted to enhance her one’s opinion on a subject. So, she wanted Annabelle Caraway - Riverview High said Derry.

Debra Garcia - Newsome High School journalistic writing skills and follow in her to use an internship at the Osprey ObservSchool Garcia is a senior at Newsome High friend’s footsteps. “She is a friend of mine er as an opportunity to explore that. “The Caraway is a junior at Riverview High School who hopes to one day to major in School who is determined to go to the and is a bright young woman. Therefore, internship has really opened my eyes to so journalism when she goes off to college. University of Florida and major in jour- I knew I would be able to shine the same many things going on in the community Caraway wanted to seek an internship at nalism. Since she was a kid, Garcia knew way she did,” said Marzullo. that I didn’t know about previously. I am Ariana Pedraza - Newsome High really glad that I got to learn and shine a the Osprey Observer as a way to gain ex- she wanted to pursue journalism and did perience and exposure to the field. “I have everything she could to make that happen. School light on important issues,” said Shah.

Pedraza is a sophomore at Newsome loved every minute of this internship and She took classes at school and worked at To learn more about the Osprey Observam so grateful for the opportunity,” said her high school newspaper. So naturally, High School who, once she graduates, er internship program, email kquesada@ she wanted to take up an internship at the wants to attend the University of Florida ospreyobserver.com.

Caraway.

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It’s that time of year again where we are you desire. Information about construction generally fortunate to receive rain frequent- is contained in the publication cited below. ly. If you are looking for a way to capture Select plant materials after you have derainfall when it arrives, consider creating a termined the site conditions (sun, mature rain garden in a low area in your landscape height, spread). If you install a rain garden or at the bottom of a downspout where in sandy soil, it will only hold water for a water puddles. The purfew hours, adding to pose of a rain garden is your maintenance to capture stormwater duties: watering, runoff from impervious weeding and using surfaces (roofs, drivesphagnum/peat moss ways, sidewalks) and to decrease weed allow the captured rungrowth. Select plants off water to percolate that like wet feet and through the soil. are drought-tolerRain gardens are benant for times when eficial. They decrease rainfall is infrequent, flooding and erosion such as: bald cypress, while attracting wildlife river birch, beautyIf you are looking for a way to capture and beneficial insects. They rainfall when it arrives, consider creating berry, dwarf palmetfilter runoff that would a rain garden in a low area in your land- to, Walter’s viburnum, otherwise carry pollutants scape or at the bottom of a downspout swamp hibiscus, river where water puddles. (grass clippings, pet waste, oats, tickseed and muhfertilizer) to storm drains ly grass. and ultimately into Tampa Bay, contributFor more information, please see Marina ing to algae bloom and killing fish.

D’Abreau’s Rain Garden Manual at https:// To create a rain garden, first, determine gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/artithe size and location. It should be at least cles/rain-garden-manual-hillsborough.pdf, 10 feet from your foundation, in an existing from which this article was adapted. Have low area that drains quickly after a heavy horticultural questions? Call 744-5519 and rain, in full sun, not within 25 feet of a sep- check out our calendar of events at https:// tic system or well, away from tree roots sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcomand within 30 feet of a water source. ing-events/. When we are fully open, stop Next and before you start digging, be sure by 5339 County Rd. 579 in Seffner, where to call 811, Sunshine State One-Call of Flor- you can see our rain garden in the Bette ida Inc., for underground utility marking. S. Walker Discovery Garden located in our Then, design the shape of your rain garden courtyard. Remember to reduce, reuse, reby laying out a garden hose in the manner cycle and repeat.

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Valrico Edition

Volume 18, Issue 8

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY EASES RESPONSE TO COVID-19

By Taylor Wells

Since the start of last year, the world has according to the CDC, Florida’s total numbeen taking many measures to ensure ev- ber of cases was 2,406,794, the number eryone’s safety against COVID-19 and de- of fully vaccinated people was 10,240,997 velop ways to prevent, treat and cure it. As (47.7 percent of the population) and the more people are being vaccinated against highest seven-day moving average of casCOVID-19, cases continue to decrease es was 17,568 on the week of January 2-8. and demand for testing and vaccination In Hillsborough, as of July 16, the total declines and more private providers offer number of cases was 150,433 the numservices, Hillsborough County’s response ber of people vaccinated was 700,729 (54 to the virus is winding down. Because of percent of the population ages 12 and up) that, government departments like the and the highest seven-day moving average Florida Division of Emergency Manage- of cases was 6,398 on the week of Janument and Florida Department of Health decided to cease daily reports for Florida counties on June 3.

“Florida has transitioned into the next phase of the COVID-19 re- Hillsborough County’s seven-day total, rate, percentage and percent change sponse.

Infections in the last seven days, from January 1 to July 15. (Photo courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.) and disease control is a core function of the Florida Depart- ary 2-8. ment of Health, and we continue to surveil, Though the weekly and daily case numadapt and respond to COVID-19 to protect bers have gone down drastically and more public health statewide,” stated Weesam people are being vaccinated, as we all conKhoury, communications director at Flor- tinue to deal with the virus, residents and ida Department of Health. “Florida’s case visitors of Hillsborough are still encourpositivity has been below 5 percent for a aged to follow the CDC’s COVID-19 guidemonth, and has continued to decrease over lines and be mindful of the virus.

10 weeks. Almost 85 percent of Florida’s To view weekly data reports for seniors vaccinated. Nearly 90 percent of COVID-19 (updated each Friday), find vacthe population is eligible for the vaccine, cination or testing sites or get any othwhich is widely available statewide.” er information related to the virus, visit In Florida, one of the first two COVID-19 https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/. More cases was reported in Hillsborough County information is also available at hcflgov. on March 1, 2020, which is when COVID-19 net/staysafe and https://covid.cdc.gov/ data began being reported. As of July 18, covid-data-tracker/.

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Page 7

COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO BRANDON AREA GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY HELPS OTHERS HELP HARVEST LOCAL LEARN THEIR FAMILY HISTORY VINEYARD GRAPES AFTER INJURY

By Tatiana Ortiz

By Libby Hopkins

John Beckwith of a neighbor for help.”

Lithia is a computer While Beckwith software engineer was recovering and by day, but on weekattending physical ends he is a craftstherapy sessions, his man, boat restorer vineyard was overand wine maker. To growing. “I didn’t say Beckwith is busy want to lose all of would be an undermy grapes, so I statement. asked some friends His home in Lithand co-workers if ia is a farmhouse he they would come out John Beckwith of Lithia is a winemaker. He built himself and it recently suffered an injury that left him unable to to my vineyard and sits on his vineyard. harvest his grapes, but his friends and co-work- harvest the grapes “Winemaking is my for me so I could ers came to his grapes’ rescue and helped him harvest them. passion and I grow make my wine.” mostly Blanc du Bois On July 18, Beckgrapes for wine makwith’s friends and ing,” Beckwith said. co-workers descended For those of you like onto his vineyard, armed me who don’t know with garden clippers, what Blanc du Bois scissors and buckets, grapes are, they are a and picked his Blanc du hybrid grape variety Bois grapes. Beckwith used for making white gave all of them direcwine. First bred by tions on how to cut, John Mortensen at the prune and crush them to University of Florida in make his wine, all from 1968, the variety is now his wheelchair. “I’m so found throughout the happy everyone came Southeast of the United out to help and I was States, most commonly able to save my grapes,” in Florida and Texas, but also in Georgia and Beckwith said. “They harvested enough Louisiana. grapes to make about 5 gallons of wine.”

In May of this year, Beckwith was cleanBeckwith is forever grateful of the help ing the rain gutters on his farmhouse when he received and he promised to have everyhe fell off his ladder and dropped 20 feet. one back out to his property once the wine Beckwith shattered multiple bones in his is ready for drinking. “As soon as I’m better left arm and leg. “I was able to pull myself and the wine is ready, I invited everyone to up on my fence and crawl around my house come back to the vineyard to sample the to my cell phone,” Beckwith said. “I called fruits of their labor,” Beckwith said.

in Valrico. The society also partnered with the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative.

Those who attend the meetings will get to hear from a guest speaker about genealogy or a topic connected to family history. The meetings do not cost anything to attend, but for those wanting to become an annual member, the cost would be $15. These membership fees help go towards the funding From left to right: Members of the Brandon Area Genealogical of programs that the guest and Historical Society Georgene Bender, President Rue Lynn Galbraith and Joan Glass at the Bloomingdale Regional Public speakers utilize.

In January of this year, Library getting prepared for their upcoming meeting.

Rue Lynn Galbraith became Individuals interested in learning the new president of the society. As Galabout their family history or genealogy braith continues to thrive in his role, he can join the Brandon Area Genealogical is developing goals that he looks forward and Historical Society, which became es- to accomplishing. tablished in 1995. A Brandon couple by “My ultimate goal once we start meetthe names of Tom Smith and Jean Smith ing again at the Bloomingdale Regional had formed it as they had been doing ge- Public Library would be to grow particnealogy for more than 20 years. At that ipation in this society and to help gain time, it was called the Greater Brandon better understanding of family history,” Genealogical Society. It came into fru- Galbraith said. ition due to the fact that the Smiths’ Beginning in the fall during the second wanted to share their knowledge and in- Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. and the terest of genealogy among those within last Saturday of the month at 10 a.m., their local community. In 2003, the name another topic called ‘Ask a Genealogist’ of this society changed to the Brandon will occur at the Bloomingdale Regional Area Genealogical and Historical Society. Public Library.

Currently, the Brandon Area Genealog“We are grateful for the partnership ical and Historical Society meets every with the Hillsborough County Public Lisecond Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. brary Cooperative,” Galbraith said. through Zoom. Prior to the pandemFor more information, visit http:// ic, the society held its meetings at the sites.rootsweb.com/~flbaghs/ or email Bloomingdale Regional Public Library Galbraith at ruelynn.gen@gmail.com.

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Valrico Edition

JROTC AWARD WINNERS PRESENTED BY THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

By Pauline Derry

want to commend one student from each high school every year for upholding the same values they do.

The student is selected by their school’s JROTC commander and presented an award at an award ceremony at the end of the year by a DAR representative from a local chapter.

Although there were many deserving of the award, the students selected were Hailey Boyle from Armwood High, Erin Rankin from Bloomingdale High, Kylie Archiquette from Brandon High, Joscelyn Bird from Durant High, Anastasia Rivera from Newsome High and Eulalia Montejo from Strawberry Crest High.

Kylie Archiquette from Brandon High School was the 2020-21 “The students chosen for recipient of the JROTC award presented by the Daughters of the this award show qualities of American Revolution (DAR). dependability and good charThis past school year, the Alafia River acter,” said Kim Ruiz, communications Chapter of the Daughters of the American chair of the Alafia River Chapter. “Not Revolution (DAR) in Brandon presented only must they show scholastic achieveawards to JROTC students at six local ment, but military achievement as well,” high schools. she added.

The DAR is an organization of women To be selected for the award, the stuwho value patriotism, history and edu- dent must be in the upper 25 percent of cation while honoring the patriots of the both their JROTC program and their other Revolutionary War. academic subjects.

The Alafia River Chapter’s doors were The recipient of the award is given a ribopened in 1982 by 17 National Society bon and metal to wear on their uniform Daughters of the American Revolution to be reminded of going above and beyond (NSDAR) and has since grown into a chap- inside and outside of the classroom. ter of more than 119 members.

For more information, visit www.dar.org JROTC is a part of the national program or www.fssdar.com/Alafiariver. of the DAR and the chapter members

Volume 18, Issue 8

BESS THE BOOK BUS HELPS INSPIRE ART IN THE COMMUNITY

By Libby Hopkins

Bess the Book Bus was born.

Bus is a local Since its incepn o n p r o f i t /m o tion, Bess the Book bile literacy outBus has served reach dedicated more than 25,000 to building home children and givlibraries for chilen away 900,000 dren and families books in dozens of that otherwise states across the may not have the USA each year. opportunity to Bess the Book own books. “We Bus recently donatbuild home librared multiple art and ies and a love for activity books to reading in our Center Place Fine Bess the Book Bus is a local nonprofit/momost underserved Arts & Civic Associabile literacy outreach dedicated to building c o m m u n i t i e s home libraries for children and families that tion in Brandon. “These otherwise may not have the opportunity to across the USA by books will be used in own books. making the joy of our children’s art classbook ownership a es,” said Center Place’s reality for our kids,” executive board presisaid Bess’ head bus dent, Ryan Odiorne. “We driver, Jenn Frances. have also shared this “Bess the Book Bus’ amazing book donation volunteers and board with our community members envision partners. This way, all of a nation where all our families will be able of our children have to do art at Center Place access to the basic as well as fun creativities resources they need at home with their famto be successful in ilies. We are so thankful school and later in for Bess the Book Bus life.” and all they do for Center Place.”

Frances started the nonprofit because Bess the Book Bus will soon be debuting she wanted something more in life. “I just a new bus in the community. “I’m thrilled wasn’t feeling fulfilled in life,” Frances said. that we received such amazing communi“I was happy, but something was missing.” ty support [and] that we will be debuting She was looking for a volunteer oppor- our new book bus very soon,” Frances said. tunity because she loves volunteering. “I If you would like to learn more about couldn’t find one that was a good fit for Bess the Book Bus or if you’d like for Franme, so I thought about what I liked to do, ces to bring Bess the Book Bus to your locashed in my 401(k) and bought a Volk- cation, you can visit her website at www. swagen bus.” From there, Bess the Book bessthebookbus.org.

Valrico Edition

August 2021

NEW OSPREY HEIGHTS OFFERS GRACIOUS RETIREMENT LIVING

YOUNG MAN TAKES ON 50-YARD SUMMER MOWING CHALLENGE

By Amy Schechter

Russell and monthly calendar Kathleen Rush of activities from with Osprey exercises to games Heights Gracious to movies to outRetirement Living ings offers someis truly a place thing for everyone. to call home. At “We do the Osprey Heights, cooking, cleaning, it understands shopping and fixresidents want ing,” Russell to enjoy a comadded. “You’ll fortable, active, find we’re independent passionate lifestyle along about sewith peace of niors having mind. a good expeRussell and rience.” OsKathleen Rush prey Heights with Osprey Osprey Heights Gracious Retirement Living offers over 40,000 includes three Heights, have square feet of indoor common areas, including a dining room home-cooked over 10 years seating 160 people, a dance floor, a digital movie theater, two meals daily gaming areas, a library, a salon, a gym and a chapel. of experience with a variety in senior care. of options deRussell explained their philosophy: “We signed with taste and nutrition in mind believe a lot of people’s outcomes have served to your table in the dining room. to do with time spent with others. If the Many residents drive, but Osprey Heights pandemic taught us anything, it was that also offers transportation to appointit is not healthy to be by ourselves. We are ments, shopping areas and other fun the antidote to the social isolation crisis outings. Furthermore, at Osprey Heights, facing seniors today.” the management team lives on-site and Osprey Heights is designed with commu- is available 24 hours a day, seven days nity in mind. There is over 40,000 square a week in case of emergency. Each of its feet of indoor common areas, including a floor plans is equipped with emergency dining room seating 160 people, a dance pull cords that link directly to managefloor, a digital movie theater, two gaming ment. Your monthly rent includes your areas, a library, a salon, a gym and a chap- meals, transportation, events, activities el. Furthermore, there are living rooms and weekly housekeeping. scattered throughout where people can For more information or to schedule come together to meet. “We are facilita- your tour, call 813-295-6887 or visit setors for socialization,” Russell emphasized. niorlivinginstyle.com/osprey-heights. OsAt Osprey Heights, it wants people to en- prey Heights Gracious Retirement Living joy life and be able to age in a place where is located at 2808 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. they will spend time daily with others. A in Valrico.

EXPIRES: 8/31/2021

Page 9

By Ariana Pedraza Many people this summer have found hobbies and activities to keep them busy and engaged.

One local Valrico fourth-grader took staying busy one step further.

Raising Men Lawn Care Service, a small nonprofit organization, has challenged kids to mow 50 lawns each free of charge for anyone who cannot mow their lawns themselves.

This includes the elderly, veterans, single parents and anyone else who is in need of assistance.

For every 10 lawns mowed, the participant is rewarded with a different colored shirt (first orange, then green, blue, red and finally black), and at the end, the challenger receives their own lawn mower, leaf blower and weed eater. Participants ages 7-17 are welcome to try and are encouraged to team up to do good for the community.

Corbin Dihel, a 9-year-old boy in the Bloomingdale area, entered the Raising Men Lawn Care Service 50Yard Challenge with the intention of helping as many people as he could. Within his first five days of starting the challenge, Corbin had mowed eight lawns.

With the help of his parents, who did the weed Valrico resident Corbin Dihel is particeating, Corbin has been ipating in the 50 Yard Challenge this summer. able to get most lawns

done within a couple hours. His first lawn, however, was over an acre of grass that had not been mowed in a while and took him three hours to clean up.

“I wanted to help people in need that can’t mow their yards themselves or can’t afford it,” Corbin explained, “So far, I have helped a retired lunch lady with a walker, a single mom, a veteran with cancer, an elderly lady with cancer and an elderly couple with COVID.” Corbin’s parents have helped, but are giving all the credit to him for getting out there and doing the most he can every time.

Mrs. Dihel, Corbin’s mom, said, “I am so proud that Corbin has stepped up and accepted this challenge. I hope this experience stays with him forever and he always remembers how to spread kindness to others.”

The road to 50 lawns is not a short one, but Corbin plans to go even farther. Soon after finishing his current challenge, he wants to move on to 50 more, exclusively for military members, and then even start his own lawn care service.

To learn more about the 50-Yard Challenge, visit www.weareraisingmen.com/the-50-yardchallenge.

Page 10

Valrico Edition

Volume 18, Issue 8

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FIRE RESCUE STATION 45 BREAKS GROUND IN BRANDON

Plans Start at

By Tatiana Ortiz

of cancer for the firefighters. It will include a clean entryway, which allows firefighters to keep their bunker gear separate from the living quarters.

The new station will be home to three shifts of firefighters/paramedics, with at least six first responders on Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and Fire Chief Dennis Jones of the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue shoveled some dirt each shift. In addition, it during Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Station 45 groundbreaking cere- will also house a rescue mony. From left to right: Commissioner Gwen Myers, Commissioner Kim- ambulance, a battalion berly Overman, County Administrator Bonnie Wise, Fire Chief Dennis chief and a fire engine.

Jones, Commissioner Harry Cohen and Commissioner Mariella Smith.

“Not only is the health and welfare of the resWith shovels in hand and hard hats on their heads, Fire Chief Dennis Jones idents important to me, but also our fire of the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue rescue personnel,” Jones said. “They put along with members of the Hillsborough their lives on the line every day to care for County Board of County Commissioners the citizens.”

Commissioner Harry Cohen from District (BOCC) joined together as dirt was tossed during the groundbreaking ceremony of 1 stated that this groundbreaking for Hillthe new Hillsborough County Fire Rescue sborough County Fire Rescue Station 45 Station 45, located in central Brandon at demonstrates the county’s commitment to 307 Pauls Drive. As one of the busiest and protect the lives and property of residents, fastest-growing parts of the county, this businesses and visitors. He also mentioned new station will help fire rescue reduce that the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue response times within that critical period responds to well over 100,000 calls a year.

“This facility will greatly benefit the of need.

In fact, Jones mentioned that it is expe- thriving central Brandon area, especially riencing record call increase, which would the Oakfield and Paul’s communities,” Cobe the largest in the history of the depart- hen said. “This station will save lives and become yet another source for all of the ment.

“We need a station to keep up with the citizens of Hillsborough County.”

“We are excited to watch this modern capacity and call volume,” Jones said.

This new, modern-designed, two-bay fire station take shape, which we hope will be station will be the first state-of-the-art fa- in operation by late spring of 2022,” Jones cility when it comes to reducing the risk said.

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Valrico Edition

BRANDON TOWNHOME PROJECT TO FEATURE BUILD-TO-RENT PRODUCT

By Brian Bokor

viding private yards, another unique feature distancing this product from your typical apartment complex. Professional property management and exterior maintenance are included without burdening residents with additional HOA and/or CDD fees.

Recently, a $71.5M loan was secured for the purpose of developing 360 The Brandon built-to-rent townhome units in the new Brandon Town Center project.

Town Center projPeople outside of the real estate world ect—not to be may not be familiar with the concept of confused with Westfield Brandon, the large ‘build-to-rent’ housing, yet it is a rapidly shopping mall nearby, which previously growing movement highlighting some im- shared the same name—will be a 660-unit portant emerging trends in today’s hous- townhome-style project located north of ing demand. Recently, a $71.5M loan was Brandon Pkwy. between Providence Rd./ secured for the purpose of developing 360 Lakewood Dr. and Pauls Rd. The developbuilt-to-rent townhome units in the new ment will include 75,000 square feet of Brandon Town Center project. commercial space along with a dog park, Build-to-rent (BTR), as the name implies, is fire pits, walking trails, swimming pool and a type of housing where the developer builds fitness center. The initial phase of construcall products specifically as rental units. One tion will be the aforementioned 360 townof the fast-growing developers in this niche homes with phases two and three to follow. markets their brand as “Rents Like an Apart- In mixed-use projects such as these, residenment. Lives Like a Home.” tial areas will typically be constructed before What makes units in these communities commercial uses are developed. different from typical apartment complexEstimates from the U.S. Census Bureau es are upgraded features such as soft-close show 65 percent of Americans under the cabinetry in kitchen and baths, including age of 35 currently rent, with research quartz or granite countertops, stainless showing they are looking for more desirable steel appliances, hardwood flooring, in-unit rental options along with longing for a true washer and dryers along with architectural sense of community. Build-to-rent neighborupgrades like coffered or vaulted ceilings. hoods offer luxury, quality, privacy and conThese lushly landscaped single-fami- venience, allowing the kind of live-work-play ly rental communities offer one, two and lifestyle desired while remaining free from three-bedroom-attached townhome units the long-term financial obligations that acand/or detached single-family homes pro- company single-family home ownership.

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Page 11

CHEF G’S FLORIDA BARBQ SAUCE IS LOCALLY CRAFTED AND SOLD

By Anika Shah

Gaston Merideth, a the FDA website to see resident of Brandon, is what I need to become the owner of Chef G’s a certified manufacturer Florida BarBQ Sauce. to produce my own barAlthough available onbecue sauce without usline, Merideth’s sauces ing a co-packer.” It took can now be found localone and a half years to ly at the Fields & Table become a certified manof Riverview and Olivor ufacturer.

Heritage Farms in DoThere are currently ver. four varieties of Chef It all started when G’s BarBQ Sauce: ClasMerideth realized that sic, Florida Gold (Honey his catering clients reMustard), Heatwave ally liked his barbecue and a formula of all sauce, yet he couldn’t three called Fusion. Mertake credit for it beideth’s personal favorite Chef Gaston Merideth, owner of Chef G’s cause it technically is the Fusion.

Florida BarBQ Sauce. wasn’t his base. DelvApart from barbecue, ing into the world of Merideth has extensive sauces, he found that while culinary experience. After states like Texas, the Carobeing a chef in the U.S. linas, Kansas and Alabama Coast Guard for four years, had their trademark palhe took continuing eduates, Florida did not. Mercation classes at the Culiideth spoke on his thought nary Institute of America process: “In our state, and worked as a chef at most of the cuisine comes Universal Studios. He also from other areas … we taught culinary arts at have Cuban sandwiches Manatee Technical College and key lime pie, but very and wrote for the Sam’s limited Florida cuisine … so I said if I make Club newsletter. Now, he owns his own caone, I will make it conducive to our state, tering company, Gaston’s Culinary Services. use ingredients that grows in our state and Last year, he won the American Culinary make it an efficient barbecue sauce.”

Federation’s prestigious Chef of the Year Certainly living up to his vision, Merideth award for Tampa Bay. uses strawberries from Plant City whenevFor now, Merideth is selling at stores only er possible, hot datil peppers from St. Au- in the Tampa Bay community and hopes to gustine and Florida tomatoes and citrus. He slowly expand. “I always believe when you formally launched online three years ago start locally it will take you globally,” he and decided to manufacture it on his own said. for the integrity of quality. Merideth deTo order and for more information, visit tailed, “I went to the Florida website and https://flbbqsauce.com or call 280-2257.

Page 12

Valrico Edition

Volume 18, Issue 8

ADOPT A HILLSBOROUGH TEACHER PAIRS NEEDS WITH GENEROUS COMMUNITY

By Anika Shah Adopt a Hillsborsupplies under their ough Teacher is a school thread and Facebook group that residents buy them. helps teachers fulfill The Amazon pages their school supply update in real time so wish lists for the community members year. It all started will know what has last year when foralready been bought mer teachers Brooke and what is still needElkins and Lorra ed.

Gillman noticed the Starting since July success of the Adopt 17, threads are live, a Senior Facebook with all of the elepage, which allowed mentary, middle, high residents to connect and charter schools School supplies received through Adopt a with and buy care being posted in the Hillsborough Teacher. packages for high days following. They school seniors who will stay online for the didn’t have a graduation. duration of the school Elkins got to thinking year. that the same could be With over 250 schools done for teachers, “who, in the district, the 100 especially during COVID, dollars in flex spending were needing support in that teachers receive is the classroom more than often not enough. Instead, ever,” she said. “teachers are pouring What started as a hundreds and hundreds of whim stayed up for the dollars of personal money entire school year and into their classrooms evblossomed into a thriving community of ery year.” over 13,000 members. It touched nearly For Elkins, “The more help we are giving every school in Hillsborough, which is quite our teachers, the better it is for them, and a feat considering it is the 27th biggest ultimately it’s better for the kids,” she said. county in the United States. The growing While some teachers’ whole lists have been popularity of the page influenced Pasco and cleared, others, especially Title 1 schools, Pinellas Counties to start one. struggle with getting enough supplies.

Originally a hub of posts by teachers, El- On how people can help, Elkins said, “Join, kins has streamlined the page to be orga- adopt and share the page.” nized alphabetically into threads of schools.

For more information and to support, visit Educators post their Amazon Wish List of ‘Adopt a Hillsborough Teacher’ on Facebook.

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Valrico Edition

August 2021

BASS PRO SHOPS DONATES FISHING EQUIPMENT TO LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

By Pauline Derry

Tampa’s Bass a Kid Fishing, Inc., Pro Shops recently and his team change donated over 600 the lives of fatherfishing combos, rods less and foster kids and reels to local by mentoring them nonprofit organiand taking them on zation Take a Kid fishing trips where Fishing, Inc. as part they learn the imof its annual Gone portance of life skills Fishing National Doand, most importantnation Day that took ly, are shown that place on June 10. someone cares about This year, over them.

40,000 refurbished “Their donation rods and reels were enables me to bless donated to nonless fortunate kids profit organizations in the community. A across the country. lot of the kids live in The gently used foster care and are fishing equipment unable to afford the was brought in by equipment to fish. I customers in return William Dunn, founder and CEO of Take a Kid give away eight to for discounts on new Fishing, Inc., takes underprivileged kids on fishing 10 rods at a time, so excursions. gear. donations like this “We’re thrilled help us keep going,” to be such an imDunn said. “This is portant part of their second year introducing kids donating to us and it and their families has helped tremenin our communidously.” ty to the fun of William and his fishing. They’re team are always choosing to put accepting PayPal down the phones donations on their and video games website along with and spend quality time in the outdoors new company sponsors to fund fishing making wonderful family memories,” said trips to help their cause.

Jarron Ritchie, Bass Pro Shops Tampa genFor more information on how to get ineral manager. volved or to donate, visit www.takffl.com William Dunn, founder and CEO of Take or contact Dunn at 863-944-5641.

Page 13

CAMPO YMCA WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBERSBy Michelle Caceres are affordable for all.”

Pratt joined the YMCA team in 2018 as membership and wellness director at East Pasco YMCA after moving from Michigan, where he was manager of Domino’s Farms Corporate Fitness Center. He graduated from Eastern Michigan UniCampo Family YMCA welcomes Robyn Ostrem and Ryan Pratt to its team. versity with a BS in sports medicine and Campo Family YMCA exercise science. has appointed Robyn OstHe has been blown away rem as its vice president of by the number of members operations and Ryan Pratt that visit the Campo YMCA as its associate executive each day, which is a marked director. increase from number that Ostrem, who has been frequented the East Pasworking for the Tampa co facility. He knew every Metropolitan Area YMCA members name, a task that since 2019, transferred he said is going to be more from the New Tampa Famdifficult at Campo. ily YMCA, where she served as its execuPratt said he wants members to know tive director. Prior to 2019, she was living the YMCA is there to support them. “Evin Illinois and working for the YMCA of ery time a member steps into our facility, Metro Chicago.

I want them to know they are a part of Ostrem said she and her staff have been our Y family and that we are here to assist working diligently to make cosmetic upthem on their journey to living a healthy dates (fresh paint, updated lighting and and fulfilling life,” he said. hiring a new cleaning company), and other Campo Family YMCA, celebrating its exciting facility improvements are coming 20th anniversary this year, offers two soon. swimming pools with a splash pad and She also is focusing on increasing the waterslides, an outdoor picnic and worknumber of individuals serving on the board out area, a basketball gym, a variety of of advisors. “These individuals are tasked frequent group exercise classes, plenty of with helping to raise money for the Y, exercise machines and free weights, youth which is important since we are a nonprofsports, summer camps and more. it organization,” she said. “Funds raised For more information, please visit www. support our Open Doors program, which tampaymca.org or call 684-1371. ensures YMCA membership and programs

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Valrico Edition

KOPLIN RETURNS AS PRINCIPAL TO LEAD 60-YEAR LEGACY AT BROOKER ELEMENTARY

By Kate Quesada

said Koplin. “One of my first stops when I came back to campus was my old classroom. It has been wonderful to be somewhere familiar with so many welcoming faces.”

Growing up in a small town in Minnesota, Koplin learned the importance of community and education. Her father-in-law taught in her high school and her own father was a community college teacher.

“Brooker has such a strong sense of community,” she said. “Everyone knows someone who went to Brooker and people are so proud of their school.”

Koplin plans to focus on increasing the technology available to Brooker students and is already working on Valrico resident Heidi Koplin was recently named campus beautification projects to principal at Brooker Elementary School. She is pictured here with her husband, Benjamin, and daughter, help the school move into its next decade.

Madison. Not pictured is her son, Andrew.

In her free time, Koplin is an avid Brandon’s Brooker Elementary School will reader, loves cooking and travels as much as begin its 60th year this month with a new possible, especially internationally. Her love principal at the helm. Valrico resident Heidi for travel began when she studied abroad Koplin returned to the school where she first in France in college and, along with her hustaught in 2006 over the summer and is look- band, Benjamin, she tries to plan at least ing forward to leading Brooker students and two trips out of the country each year. A families for an important milestone year. visit to Thailand is on her bucket list.

Koplin, who was hired by outgoing prinHer children, Madison and Andrew, both cipal Julie Kelly as a second-grade teacher graduated from Burns Middle and Bloomingwhen she moved to the area from Minneso- dale High Schools and Madison also attendta in 2006, most recently acted as the assis- ed Brooker for elementary school. tant principal at Brandon’s Mintz Elementa“It is such a privilege to lead this comry for two years and held the same role at munity,” said Koplin. “Brooker is a gem of a Thompson Elementary in Ruskin before that. school.”

She also worked as a math coach at Mintz Brooker Elementary is located at 812 Defrom 2012-2014. wolf Rd. in Brandon and can be reached at “I am so excited to be back [at] Brooker,” 744-8184.

Volume 18, Issue 8

529 Plans: Not Just For College

Valrico Edition

August 2021

Page 15

BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY WITH SUPERINTENDENT DAVIS

By Superintendent Addison Davis

It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome back our students, teachers, staff and families to what will be a phenomenal 2021-22 school year.

Returning students to a more familiar routine will be paramount to their academic success and overall social and emotional wellness. Our families will re-engage through face-to-face learning, or by joining thousands of families who have chosen Hillsborough Virtual K-12.

Our first priority remains health and safety as students and staff return to campuses. We will continue to practice social distancing per CDC guidance for schools where possible; each school will have ample PPE available for use, including sanitation stations in all classrooms, face coverings for those who want one and directional signage in hallways for controlled movement. Each school will continue to have a COVID-19 lead—a staff member designated to guide our protocols in partnership with Department of Health - Hillsborough (DOH-H), including contact tracing and quarantines.

In line with CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated individuals with no COVID-19 symptoms will not be required to quarantine. Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 90 days and remain symptom free will also be excluded from quarantine.

Our schools will once again benefit from some of our most valuable partners—school volunteers. These irreplace-

DIRECTORY OF

LOCAL BUSINESSES

able resources provide crucial contributions, including individual academic supports for kids, distributing student incentives, gathering of school supplies and direct support to teachers. We do encourage our visitors to schedule appointments through school leadership prior to visiting campus.

Based on COVID-19 trends across the community and combined with recommendations from local health officials, HCPS (Hillsborough County Public Schools) has planned for full student programming this school year. Our safety protocols will not vanish during extracurricular/athletic contests, as we will continue to recommend the use of face coverings and social distancing while in attendance regardless of the venue.

Reopening schools is critical in our efforts to narrow the achievement gap for students, as well as accelerate learning gains that may have slowed during the most unorthodox school year on record.

We will continue to work with the DOH-H and Tampa General Hospital/USF Health as we monitor conditions across our community so that we respond in a smart and measured way as necessary.

We have also created a reopening plan with more information. Go to www.hillsboroughschools.org for details. We want to thank everyone that has contributed to the work of protecting and educating our students over these past 16 months.

Karla Marie Carolan, J.D.

As always, we are here for any legal support you may need and wish everyone good health.

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Page 16

Valrico Edition

Attic Sale, Yoga, Chill Cawfee & More...

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Granny’s Attic Sale At St. Andrew’s UMC

St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, located at 3315 S. Bryan Rd. in Brandon, is hosting its Granny’s Attic Summer Sale on Saturday, August 28 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Come out and take a look at its gently used merchandise, including books, games, kitchen items, home decor, accessories and more.

It is also seeking vendors for its Fall Craft Fair on Saturday, October 30. For more information, call the church office at 689-6849, email info@saumc.net or visit www.saumc. net.

knowledge to best support their loved ones. A great way to learn and share are the new hybrid Alzheimer’s Association support groups, which are now being held via Zoom and in person at Tessera of Brandon. One is an evening group and the other is midday. The evening group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. (Zoom meeting number: 897 6781 0479; password: evening). The midday meeting is on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. (Zoom meeting number: 869 4044 7508; password: support). Tessera of Brandon is located at 1320 Oakfield Dr. Call 607-6880 for more information.

Chill Cawfee Hosts Wellness Luncheons

Chill Cawfee will be presenting monthly Wellness Luncheons with Dr. Kelly King at Releaf MD. The luncheons will answer questions about CBD medical marijuana, ailments that qualify, products that are available at dispensaries and the processing of state information. Dates for upcoming luncheons are Saturday, September 18 and Saturday, October 16. The luncheons will take place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Chill Cawfee is located at 3407 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.

B Street Market Place Is Looking For Vendors

B Street Market Place will be starting in October and running through April, skipping January, and it is looking for vendors for the events. The markets will be held at Keller Williams Realty, located at 2350 E. SR 60 in Valrico, on the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration fee is $40 per market or if you register for all six markets in advance the rate is reduced to $35.

Please reach out to the Brownlee Group at 413-4229 for more information.

Make Your Own Bath Bomb At Center Place

Center Place’s yoga mother and daughter duo from Well Rooted Wellness will be teaching guests how to create their own bath bombs. The class will take place on Thursday, September 16 from 6-9 p.m. at Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association, located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon. The cost for the class is $40 and includes wine, food and supplies for making bath bombs. To register for the class, call Center Place on 685-8888.

Dementia And Alzheimer’s Support Groups Now Meeting

Care partners of those with any type of memory loss, whether family, friends or professionals, need to be equipped with the

Singles Meet And Greet At Plant City Social Dance

Plant City Social Dance will be hosting a singles meet and greet on Saturday, August 21 as part of its regular Saturday night dance schedule. Dances are held at the Strawberry Square Dance Center, located at 4401 Promenade Blvd. in Plant City, and tickets are $7. It runs from 6-9:30 p.m. with ballroom music from 6-6:30p.m., followed by regular dance music.

For more information and a sample of the dance music, visit www.djkenmiller.com or email pcsocialdanceclub@inbox.com.

Concealed Carry And Home Defense Fundamentals Class

Simon Firearm & Family Safety Training is offering a concealed carry and home defense fundamentals class on Saturday, September 18. It also offers a range of training classes, including children’s gun safety and countering the mass shooter threat.

For more information on training classes and to register for an event, contact James Simon at besafe@simonsafet- ytraining.com or call 363-7576.

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Volume 18, Issue 8

HCSO BICYCLE RESPONSE TEAM WELCOMES FOUR NEW OFFICERS INTO THEIR FAMILY

By Laura Marzullo

Deputy Dan Samec all successfully joined. They prepared for tryouts through additional MTB trail riding, distance road riding, weightlifting and cardio exercise.

“I began supplementing with additional cardio that started at 5 miles, and built up to 8-mile daily rides prior to my daily weightlifting routine, and concluded my workouts with added stretching to prevent injury and increase my flexibility,” said Patron.

The Bicycle Response Team recently held tryouts in Lithia.

Another new member of the team, Bergher, prepared A 20-mile endurance by taking trips to the ride, multiple fire alarm “HCSO Range in Lithia for drills and a 13-mile, mulshooting in the morning ticourse mountain bike with some mountain bike ride—four officers put riding in the afternoon at their athleticism to the Alafia State Park.” test in order to join the Patron has a passion HCSO Bicycle Response for exercise and weightlifting, which they Team in Lithia recently. found through serving five years as a milThe Bicycle Response Team (BRT) reitary police officer in the U.S. Army.

After sponds to incidents of civil disobedience they got out of the military, they took the and large-scale special events. This inInternational Police Mountain Course in volves crowd management, natural or June 2020 and instantly fell in love with man-made disasters and/or search and mountain biking. rescue operations.

“I wanted to find a specialty team that In addition, “The BRT conducts routine combined my passion for fitness and being bike patrol and bike safety presentations a first responder, so I knew the Bicycle Reby request or based on the operational sponse Team was where I wanted to be,” needs of the agency,” said BRT team leader exclaimed Patron.

Master Deputy Chris DePolis.

Being able to intertwine your career and The BRT conducts a 12-hour training hobbies is a dream. session once a month and may train any“It means the world to me to be able to where within the confines of Hillsborough service my community in a capacity that County. allows me to do what I love,” said Bergher.

Tryouts to join the team were held on For more information on the HCSO BiJune 23. Master Deputy Tim Berg, Deputy cycle Response Team, go to teamhcso.com.

Benjamin Bergher, Deputy Alex Patron and

August 2021

Valrico Edition

UP OWL NIGHT SLEEPOVER ADVENTURES OPENS, OFFERS THEMED BIRTHDAY SLEEPOVERS AT REASONABLE PRICES

By Debra Garcia A child’s birthday corn Dreaming,’ ‘Wilcan be very excitderness Explorers,’ ing, as it is the one ‘Pretty in Pink,’ ‘Dinoday a year they get saur Island,’ ‘Princess to make memories Ice Palace,’ ‘Game with their friends On’ and ‘Calling All and family, celebratSuperheroes.’

Up ing their lives up till Owl Night Sleepover that point. There Adventures hopes to are many ways that make more themes kids these days celeas time progresses. brate their birthdays, Not only does Up whether it’s with a Owl Night Sleepover party, going to an Adventures have arcade, visiting a v e r y theme park or even reasonhaving sleepovers. a b l e Kathy Lucket (middle) with kids during Sleepovers can their first Up Owl Night sleepover. pricing, be tricky to host, starting though. Not anyat $130, more. Up Owl Night a lot is Sleepover Advenincluded tures is a new local in all pricings. This business in the Fishconsists of delivery, Hawk area that hosts setup and takedown children’s birthday of everything, includsleepovers. Founding indoor overnight ed by the mothtents, plush mattresser-daughter duo es, mattress covers, Kathy Lucket and sheets, blankets, Bree Music, Up Owl throw pillows, trays, Night Sleepover Adtable lights and decor, ventures was made decorative garlands, to bring wonderteepee lights and a ful memories to all small present for each children who come child. through their doors.

Booking a birthday “Growing up, sleepover is very easy sleepovers were a as well. Just visit its staple in our home website, click “book a and birthdays have party” and book a day always been someand time that is availthing our family has able. Up Owl Night taken very seriously.

Sleepover AdvenStill to this day, we tures is recommendhave some of our ed from children ages most fond memo5 and up. ries of sleepovers “Our hopes are that we have held,” said we would like Up Music.

Owl Night Sleepover Music has a backAdventures to beground in elementary come well known in education and loves the community. We to bring children’s want to host as many imaginations to life. parties as we can beLuckett is known as the fairy grandmother cause we want children to experience how to her family and friends and has an in- fun a themed sleepover can be,” said Music. credible gift of decorating. Together, they For more information, please visit the Up combined their skills to open Up Owl Night Owl Night Sleepover Adventures’ website Sleepover Adventures. at https://www.upowlnightadventures.

These are not just ordinary sleepovers, com/, its Facebook page at Up Owl Night however. Every sleepover has a specific Sleepover Adventures LLC or email Music theme. Right now, its themes include ‘Uni- at sales@upowlnightadventures.com.

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TAMPA BAY RAPTOR CENTER PROVIDES RESCUE & REHABILITATION SERVICES TO COMMUNITY

By Debra Garcia

The Osprey Obit bought a piece a server’s very own land but was not aleditor-in-chief, Marie lowed to build on it.

Gilmore, had a runNo, it is still in search in with a red-shoulto buy a bigger piece dered hawk that of land in the southdesperately needed ern part of Hillsborrescuing. Have no ough County. fear, the Raptor CenIn addition to rester of Tampa Bay, cuing, raising, rehabilInc. is here. itating and releasing It all started when hundreds of birds of the hawk slammed prey across Central into Gilmore’s pool Florida, the Raptor screen.

Center of Tampa Bay “After four hours of also provides transtrying, Raptor Center portation and facilsent their volunteer itates solutions for over within 15 minnon-bird of prey speutes and she picked cies and deploys raphim up and he flew id response teams to Nancy Murrah, president of the Raptor Center of treat and transport away,” said Gilmore.

Tampa Bay, in a car after rescuing a hawk.

Nancy Murrah, the species.

Photo courtesy of the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay. who is the president One of the main of the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay, took the reasons the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay original call. “The hawk got stuck in her la- wants a facility so bad is for the bald eanai, and we were able to get it out success- gles. When an eagle is captured, they need fully. There was no injuries, so he was able to to be taken to a flight cage in order to be be released on the spot,” said Murrah. rehabilitated. Other than the cage in BusThe Raptor Center of Tampa Bay is a non- ch Gardens, the nearest flight cage is over profit organization that is currently building 200 miles away. The Raptor Center of Tama wildlife rehabilitation facility with a focus pa Bay wants to be able to have their own on birds of prey. This is where they will res- flight cages so the eagles do not have to cue, treat and rehabilitate raptors, always travel so far. with the goal to release them back into the It also hosts environmental/nature educawild. tion teaching events for the general public The organization is made up of volunteers, and works in conjunction with utility comstate and federally permitted rehabbers, ed- panies and corporations to provide solutions ucators and conservation advocates. for these birds.

The Raptor Center of Tampa Bay has been For more on the Raptor Center of Tampa trying to build this facility since 2018 when Bay, visit www.raptorcenteroftampa.org.

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Valrico Edition

Volume 18, Issue 8

August 2021

Valrico Edition

Page 19

REGISTER TODAY FOR FALL CLASSES STATE REPRESENTATIVE AT WINTHROP ARTS ANDREW LEARNED HOLDS FIRST

By Kathy L. Collins LIVE TOWN HALL MEETING If you, your child exa on Mondays

By Kathy L. Collins

lative Session. The bills included HB 429, the Purple Star Campuses Act; HB 1399, an act relating to aquaculture records; and HB 1097, the Health Care Licensure Act. Learned fielded questions on a wide range of topics, including gambling, traffic infrastructure, school spending, the health of Tampa Bay and the prison sysState Representative Andrew Learned held his first live town tem.

Learned said, “It was great hall meeting on June 30 at Your Pie Brandon. Learned invites everyone who lives in the area to attend and participate in his to see so many people across monthly town hall meetings. partisan divides come together to talk about what we have acState Representative Andrew Learned, who represents District 59 in the Florida complished and the work still ahead for House of Representatives, held his first this legislative term. From delivering tens in-person town hall meeting on June 30 of millions of dollars for new traffic infraat Your Pie Brandon, located at 125 E. structure, to military-friendly schools and Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. District a COVID recovery led by vaccines in arms 59 covers a large area, including parts of and dollars in pockets, we are on a much Brandon, Valrico, Riverview and Gibson- better course than we were when I first took office.” ton.

Learned plans to hold monthly town Residents who could not attend in person were able to submit questions online hall meetings on the last Thursday of each and attend virtually on either Zoom or month from 6-7 p.m. He will select placthrough Facebook Live. Learned answered es and venues from around the district. questions submitted online and from those Learned said, “We wanted to highlight Your Pie Pizza on Bloomingdale because in attendance.

This was his first year in the Florida they have struggled due to some of our House of Representatives. Learned spon- ongoing traffic improvements. A small way sored three bills that passed and co-spon- we can help a great locally owned restausored 15 bills that also passed. Learned rant through a challenging time as we said, “This achievement made me one build back better.”

You can subscribe at andrewlearned.com of the most productive members of the for updates and follow on all social media House.”

Learned gave an overview of the bills channels for future town hall opportunities he sponsored that passed this past Legis- happening monthly around the district.

or teen are interfrom 3-4:30 p.m. ested in learning to will feature fine create fine art and artisan crafts for artisan-style piecchildren 5 and up. es, you can register Registration for for art classes with all of the classes is Winthrop Arts. available at www.

Classes are held winthroparts.org. at the Art FactoA registration fee ry, located 11267 of $35 per family Winthrop Main is required. ClassSt. in Riverview. es are $15 each Winthrop Arts ofwith a minimum fers art classes for of four weeks. The Children, teens and adults are treated like fellow children 5 years exception to the old and up, teens artists when they take art classes with Winthrop Arts. price and number Classes are held in the arts education studio called (in sixth grade and of classes applies the Art Factory, located at 11267 Winthrop Main St. above) and adults to the Saturday in Riverview.

(Ceramics on Monpainting classes day evenings). Classes begin on Tuesday, and basket weaving. All students for all August 10. classes must preregister. There are no dropThe hours and classes vary each day, but in classes unless otherwise advertised. generally classes are held during the hours Children, teens and adults can let their of 3 to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. creative side shine. No experience is necesSpecialty classes highlighting painting will sary and all materials are provided. be held on select Saturdays throughout the Bryant Martinez, lead art instructor for year beginning in September.

Winthrop Arts, said, “We have expanded Winthrop Arts began offering Basket the types of classes that we offer over the Weaving classes with Peggy McCarson years. However, the mission of Winthrop this past year. These classes will continue Arts has never changed. We want everyone throughout the year on select Thursday to feel free to come and take classes and evenings, and through them, students learn learn to create art with us. We are truly artto handcraft woven baskets. ists creating art with other artists.”

New classes that have been added for Students are encouraged to enter area this coming year includes Comics, Anime art shows, including the annual Winthrop and Graphics with Mariel on Wednesdays Arts Children’s Art Show, the Hillsborough from 5-6:30 p.m. This class is set up in County Fair Fine Arts Show and the Florida four-week sessions and is good for students Strawberry Festival Fine Art Show.

7 years and older. There will also be a CeFor more information and to register for ramics class with Marta on Thursdays from classes, please visit www.winthroparts.org.

6-7:30 p.m. This Ceramics class is designed If you have questions, please contact Kathy for students of any age over 5. Art with Al- at 758-5161 or kathy@winthroparts.org.

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Valrico Edition

Volume 18, Issue 8

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New Season, Page 29 Cherry Blow Dry Bar To Open In Brandon Cherry Blow Dry Bar, one of the fastest-growing blow-dry bar franchises in the country, is set to open its first location in the Brandon area in July. The new location will service the Brandon and Tampa Bay area. Cherry Blow Dry Bar offers its signature express services, including blowouts and lash extensions, through its affordable membership model. Its premium services include keratin treatments, hair extensions, haircuts and coloring—most recently launching the popular brow l a m i n at i o n and lash-lift services.

The new salon, located at 935 Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon, will offer a unique membership program starting as low as $39 for a monthly blowout. Customers can pick and choose from Cherry Blow Dry Bar’s styling menu, which includes nine different hairstyles, from updos and beachy waves to braids and voluminous curls. In addition to accommodating its loyal mem-

bers, it also caters toward groups, bridal parties and even little ones.

C h e r ry Blow Dry Bar’s team of highly trained, talented stylists works with all types of hair using the best tools and products in the industry. Brands include Blowpro and Pureology hair care, Hotheads® Hair Extensions, Bella Lash extensions, Keratin Complex repair and treatment systems and other popular lines.

During its opening month, the Brandon Cherry Blow Dry Bar will be offering several limited-time offers, including complimentary services and special pricing. To stay up to date, follow its Brandon Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cherryblowdrybarbrandonfl or visit www.cherryblowdrybar.com.

Rasmussen University Opens Upgraded Campus In Brandon Rasmussen University, a regionally accredited private university, an-

nounced the relocation and opening of its brand-new Tampa/Brandon campus. Classes at the new campus, located at 330 Brandon Town Cen-

ter Dr. in Brandon, began in July. “The Rasmussen University Tampa/Brandon campus has grown to one of the largest Rasmussen campuses, creating a need for more classroom space, nursing and health science labs, simulation equipment as well as faculty and staff space,” said Jamie Sperling, campus director.

“We’re excited to announce the relocation and opening of our new campus, which boasts innovative features to provide a unique learning experience and access to a dynamic curriculum designed to prepare students for future success.”

For more information about the Rasmussen University Tampa/Brandon campus and its degree offerings, visit www.rasmussen.edu/ locations/florida/tampa-brandon/.

Visit on Facebook @RasmussenTampaBrandon, Twitter @Rasmussen or Instagram @RasmussenUniversity.

Fraiche Medspa Opens In Brandon Fraiche Medspa offers you the unique opportunity to combine traditional and nontraditional

Page 22

Valrico Edition

BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED... treatments to achieve a healthy and in 2003, and she is very happy to be celyouthful appearance. Its aim is to keep ebrating its 18-year anniversary. Yard you looking youthful and feeling physi- Guards on Doody comes to residential cally rejuvenated for years to come. Dr. yards, places of business, dog waste staNicola Archie, DNP, MSN, FNP-C owns tions, commercial properties and most Fraiche Medspa and offers a variety of anywhere else with dog waste that services and treatneeds to be removed. ments, including It offers regular chemical peels, weekly, twice-weekly HydraFacials, miand biweekly services croneedling, deras well as a one time mal filler injections service. Mention this and more. article and receive a Fraiche Medspa $10 Poopon to use on is located at 210 S. services.

Parsons Ave., Ste. For more informa3 in Brandon. For tion, visit www.ruffYard Guards on Doody celebrates 18 years in more information, job.com or call 657business. visit www.fraiche9797. medspa.com or call 330-0266.

Sign Gypsies Will Help You Family-Owned Pizza Store Celebrate All Opens In Seffner Occasions Marco’s Pizza has opened Sign Gypsies its newest location at 11713 is a premier E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. yard greeting Blvd. in Seffner. The location company.

It is owned by Michael Brody specializes in and operated by his cousin, yard greetings Bryant Austin. Originally from that make any Chicago, Brody and Austin are day a celebration.

Anniversaries, birthno strangers to delicious pizza. After a days, graduations and birth announcelong wait, these two entrepreneurs are now eager to share their love for Mar- ments are just some of the celebrations it can decorate for. It offers three cusco’s Pizza with the Seffner community.

For more information, visit www.mar- tomized greeting packages and it happy to discuss your needs with you to make cos.com or call 822-3100. the greeting special.

For more information, visit its webYard Guards On Doody Celebrates site at www.signgypsiesriverview.com 18 Years In Business or call 530-9618. Follow on Facebook Cheresee Rehart, a Boyette Springs @signgypsiesriverview. resident, started Yard Guards on Doody

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Volume 18, Issue 8

WESTFIELD BRANDON ANNOUNCES NEW RETAILERS Staff Report There is something for everyone at Westfield Brandon, especially with the newly announced slate of retail and dining offerings arriving at the shopping center.

Adding to the destination’s lineup of popular and convenient shops and grab-and-go dining will be: • FYE, a leading retailer of entertainment and pop culture merchandise.

• Charlotte Russe; opening this summer near Books-A-Million, Charlotte Russe returns to Westfield Brandon offering the latest clothing, footwear and accessories trends.

• The Pampered Peach, a wax bar that has created a process using speed waxing techniques in combination with a proprietary blend of wax that leaves skin feeling super smooth in less than a few minutes.

• DAZ Hijab; started by three sisters, DAZ Hijab offers a variety of hijabs, clothing and accessories for every occasion. DAZ Hijab will open this summer near Apple.

• Avis Rent a Car, now open near the east entrance. Avis offers a full-service car rental agency available at the mall.

• Adore Cosmetics, which offers innovations in organic skin care products that are mostly powered by stem cells from plants.

• Swaidan; with new urban styles, a great selection of jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, hats, belts and accessories, Swaidan has fashionable clothing for all ages.

• Mintwist, a transformational juice bar offering tasty combinations of fruits and vegetables in South America. Mintwist juices, waters, smoothies and shots are made with high-quality ingredients at very affordable prices to ensure that everyone can enjoy.

• Luxx Vanity, offering luxury vanities to

complete your space.

Find everything from luxurious floor mirrors to vanity stations with plenty of storage.

• Dream Diamonds; specializing in custom jewelry and luxury watches, Dream Diamonds offers the lowest prices in town for 10-karat, 14-karat and 18-karat gold jewelry.

• And lastly, ReBath, the nation’s largest complete bathroom remodeling company, opened its showroom in Westfield Brandon this April near Macy’s. If your bathrooms are outdated and can use an upgrade, Re-Bath can help.

“We are thrilled to welcome 11 diverse retail options at Westfield Brandon. The addition of so many national, regional and local favorites demonstrates how Westfield Brandon is a premier shopping center that offers brands and experiences our customers crave,” said Dawn Arvidson, marketing director at Westfield. “We are excited to offer more experiential and service offerings that make the center a one-stop destination for our guests.”

Westfield Brandon is conveniently located eight miles east of downtown Tampa at the convergence of three major highways.

Serving one of the fastest-growing suburban communities on the Florida Gulf Coast, this property showcases a wide variety of popular retailers and restaurants, including a new P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Michael Kors, Apple, Sephora, MAC, Fossil, Oakley, Bahama Breeze Island Grille and The Cheesecake Factory.

For more information the center’s retail offerings, along with openings and new arrivals, please visit www.westfield.com/ brandon.

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Valrico Edition

SENIOR CONNECTION CENTER ANNOUNCES 2020/21 SALT & PEPPER AWARD WINNERS

By Kathy L. Collins

Senior ConnecCenter Emertion Center, the gency Squad area’s aging and has been prodisability resource viding services center, held its Anto the residents nual Rise & Shine of the area for Award Ceremony 57 years. The on May 25. The squad has over event was held vir- Mike Bardell and Diane Simon, both residents of Sun City 400 volunteers tually this year and Center, received Salt & Pepper Awards at Senior Connec- who provide tion Center’s Annual Rise & Shine Award Ceremony. more than 250 peoa variety of ple participated from home or work. services for free. These include ambulance Patty Suarez, Senior Connection Center transport, a wheelchair van service and vice president, said, “We had to cancel last lending equipment such as wheelchairs. year’s event, so it was especially important Bardell said, “I was flattered to win to have a ceremony this year.” Suarez add- and was kind of surprised. I do not have a ed, “Even though we held it virtually, it was God-given talent. I was given this award as still exciting to recognize the award winners a result of the willingness and sacrifice of and share the heartwarming stories of the those volunteers who work for the squad. impact they have on their communities.”

This was especially so during the COVID-19 The Rise & Shine Awards Ceremony is pandemic. They continued to work despite an opportunity to recognize outstanding the risk to their health.” achievements of local seniors by giving Bardell added, “This award is a result them Salt & Pepper Awards and to share of all those who work for the squad. I am the work Senior Connection is doing. It is thrilled to get the recognition for the squad also a way to pay tribute to the late Hon- because they do so much.” orable Claude Pepper, who represented Diane Simon, another resident of Sun City Florida in Congress and was instrumental in Center, also received an award for Arts and developing the Medicare program.

Entertainment for sharing her artistic talAwards are given in categories of Philan- ent as a painter to benefit charity and inthropy, Community Service and Volunteer- spiring others through her teaching. ism, Arts and Entertainment and Health Senior Connection Center is a private and Wellness. nonprofit whose mission is help older adults Locally, Mike Bardell, a resident of Sun and persons who have disabilities live with City Center and the chief of the Sun City independence and dignity. For more inforCenter Emergency Squad, was awarded the mation, please visit www.seniorconnectionHealth and Wellness Award. The Sun City center.org.

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Volume 18, Issue 8

August 2021

Valrico Edition

DAVENPORT’S DAILY DELIGHTS PARTNERS WITH LASAGNA LOVE PROGRAM TO DELIVER MEALS

By Ariana Pedraza

Peggy Davenport and her team making lasagna to deliver to families in need.

During the last week in June, Peggy Davenport of Davenport’s Daily Delights teamed up with teenagers to make lasagna to deliver to families in need.

Davenport’s company makes fresh homemade meals to deliver to paying customers across Tampa Bay every weeknight. It partnered with Lasagna Love, which is an organization that began making lasagna across the country during the pandemic for families in need. Davenport’s Daily Delights partnered with it for a Lasagna Love Day once a month, where they work with Middle and high school students to help make and deliver the food in bulk. The teenagers get Florida Bright Futures service hours from working alongside Davenport to make the meals.

The goal of this program is to feed as many families as possible. The Lasagna Love program is run on the work of volunteers and donations. Davenport’s Daily Delights loves to be involved and during the pandemic it had its own campaign. It prepared food and delivered the food to people who needed it, with a focus on health care workers and local hospitals.

When asked why she chose to have her company participate in the Lasagna Love program and others like it, Davenport explained, “Hunger is a big issue in America and should not be. We can all do our part to help those in need.”

Lasagna Love is run off of donations, so any contributions are greatly app re c i a t e d in keeping Lasagna Love running. If you would like to make a donation towards lessening hunger across Tampa Bay with these layers of warm love, please visit www. davenportsdailydelights.com and click on the designated Lasagna Love Donations button in the ‘Donations’ section. The organization is also largely kept alive by volunteers. If there are any middle and high school students who are in need of Bright Futures service hours, contact Davenport at davenportsdailydelights@gmail.com.

She will talk to you and get you scheduled to make food for a great cause.

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THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA TO OPEN THE FALL SEASON WITH BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH AND VIVALDI’S THE FOUR SEASONS

By Kathy L. Collins

The Florida OrUnlike many chestra has another major ornounced a full chestras across schedule of epic the country, symphonies and beThe Florida loved concertos feaOrchestra has turing world-class played throughsoloists. The season out the panexpands to venues demic while across Tampa Bay in following CDC the fall, including the guidelines for Straz Center for the safety at the Performing Arts in Mahaffey TheTampa. ater. Now, the This September, Michael Francis, The Florida Orchestra’s music director, state’s largest Music Director Mi- will welcome back full audiences as the 2021-22 season p r o f e s s i o n a l chael Francis will opens this September. Francis is in his seventh season orchestra is welcome back full as the music director and has led the orchestra through poised to return difficult times during the pandemic. audiences with two at full power powerhouse works in one concert featur- with traditional length concerts for big auing Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Vival- diences in the fall. di’s The Four Seasons. The Tampa Bay MasThe Florida Orchestra’s 54th season will terworks Series will begin on the weekend bring internationally renowned soloists to of Friday-Sunday, September 24-26.

Tampa, including classical guitar superstar “As we emerge from this crisis, Bee- Milos. The season will feature popular conthoven’s Fifth Symphony is really the only certs that range from the music of Star piece that could open the season, because Wars to the cinematic America’s Wonders it so perfectly embodies our journey from and the cutting-edge FLY Dance Company. darkness to light. This is a time of rejuveIn addition to the Masterworks Series, nation, and what better than Vivaldi’s Four The Florida Orchestra offers the Raymond Seasons to take us out of winter and into James Pop Series, the Light Symphonic the new spring of life?” said Francis.

Morning Coffee Series and Community “I am so proud of how The Florida Or- Concerts. chestra has kept concerts going. Our comSeason tickets for the 2021-22 season munity has never needed live music more are offered as varying packages. Premium than now. I cannot wait to bring back the curated packages are the best value. You glorious power of a symphony at full force. can also compose your own series. For Experiencing such extraordinary music more information, please call The Florida together makes us stronger as we move Orchestra Ticket Center at 727-892-3337 forward with optimism and hope,” added or 800-662-7286 Monday through Friday Francis. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Page 26

Valrico Edition

LIFE’S TREASURES THRIFT STORE IN BRANDON HOSTED A PINNING CEREMONY FOR VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS

By Tatiana Ortiz Life’s Treasures Thrift Store held a special ican flag presentation and much more. pinning ceremony in commemoration of InFlorida is the third-largest military veteran dependence Day weekend on July 3 as part population in the nation, consisting of dedicatof the Chapters Health Valor program to hon- ed and highly skilled first responders. Chapor veterans and first responders. Chapters ters Health Foundation supports the work of Health Foundation funds and operates the Chapters Health System and serves Hillsborprogram. At the Branough, Pasco, Polk along don location, 12 veterwith other counties too. ans and first responders In Hillsborough were recognized. Each County, Chapters veteran and first reHealth Foundation sponder received a pin, supports LifePath Hosa certificate as well as a pice. Life’s Treasures stitched star.

Thrift Store Manager Adam Stanfield, the Cheryl Ann Haley at vice president of develthe Brandon location opment and executive stated that, as a local director of Chapters storefront, it makes Health Foundation, exdaily contact with vetplained how the pinning erans, first responders ceremonies came into and active military. This fruition. would be how her busi“The Valor pinnings ness got involved with were a fundamental Navy veteran Perry W. Norris received his the pinning ceremony. part of prior program“Overall, being able pin from uniformed, retired Air Force Lt. Col. ming to which the to talk with the people Lee Alexander at Life’s Treasures Thrift Store Foundation is seeking who received their pins in Brandon. to expand throughout and seeing their apprePhoto courtesy of Chapters Health System. its service community,” ciation felt inspiring as Stanfield said. “This will be a natural effort as well as humbling all at the same time,” Haley the stores run through the commitments of said. more than 400 volunteers, with many being The Life’s Treasures Thrift Stores are diveterans,” he added. rectly affiliated with Chapters Health System.

Chapters Health System honors first re- Any proceeds from the store funds services sponders and military veterans with a high for the patients’ families. quality of life until their last breath. It also For more information, visit www.chapterprovides hospice care, grief services and home shealth.org. Those interested in volunteer opcare to the veterans and their families. The de- portunities at either Life’s Treasures or with sign of this program aims to meet the special the Valor program can contact Anne Ferrell needs unique to first responders and military at ferrella@chaptershealth.org or call 461veterans, which includes honor pinning, Amer- 5279.

Volume 18, Issue 8

RETIRED USAF VETERANS CREATE FOAM-FILLED FUN

By Annabelle Caraway

The best part is that the party can come to you and doesn’t need a specific location. The foam is created from a special foam gel and water.

To disperse the fun at parties, a 6-foot-tall cannon blows the foam in a 40x40-foot area.

While playing in the foam, the Foam Factory plays music to keep the party going.

“The foam isn’t just white.

We have blue and red that is almost pink, so we can do Stephen Herron, Shane Stults, Brian Porter and Brenda Porter, the gender reveal parties. We also have glow foam for evening owners of Foam Factory.

Milestones, accomplishments and more are all causes for celebration.

When thinking about a party, the usual comes to mind, balloons, cake and maybe a bouncy house. The Foam Factory is a perfect addition to a celebration list.

Brian Porter and Shane Stults have been best friends for 15 years, including serving in the United States Air Force together. Porter and his wife, Brenda, used to own a gymnastics company years ago and enjoyed seeing the happiness they brought to children.

The Foam Factory currently has three franchises in FishHawk, Orlando and South Carolina.

“We wanted something new that people would be looking for; something new instead of bouncy houses for children’s parties and birthday parties in general. We saw it on the internet and not many people were doing foam parties, so we started doing homework and Shane said he wanted to do it,” said Porter.

parties with strobe lights to add effect,” said Porter.

The Foam Factory is all about bringing smiles and laughter to people through its unique party feature. As a recently opened business, it is hoping to increase its clients and continue being a part of your celebration. For more information, you can visit its website at www.floridafoamfactory.com or www.facebook.com/floridafoamfactory for its Facebook page.

August 2021

Valrico Edition

Page 27

NEW DO-IT-YOURSELF NORIDA PODS MAKE TINY HOME LIVING ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL

By Marie Gilmore

We’ve all heard about fill that need and collabothe tiny home moverate with counties around ment, the idea of leavthe country for best posing our glut of ‘stuff’ sible solutions. We start behind and making life with our glamping pods simple by just keeping and will grow into tiny our essential needs. houses, ADUs (accessory Now, there is a new dodwelling units—typically it-yourself kit for a new a kitchen or spare room in kind of tiny house lifeEurope) and other modustyle that you can build lar homes.” in about 60 hours. The Each pod consists of a company, a partnership wooden oval structured between two entrepre‘house’ made of Scandineurs, is reminiscent of Norida Pods Co-Founder Fredrik Axels- navian pine, designed and son stands with his wife, Sandra Sanan IKEA furniture kit. handcrafted in Europe chez, in front of a prototype do-it-yourself The small tiny house or and shipped to Florida. ‘glamping pod.’ ‘glamping pod’ is availThe package includes the able in a kit, ready to asboards, doors, windows and semble, and can be delivall types of screws needed. ered within the week.

Pricing starts at $8,600 Currently, the company, for an 8x10-foot and ranges called Norida Pods, has a to $14,900 for a 10x19-foot prototype house available floor plan. The 10x19 design for tours right in Plant can include a kitchen area, City and has pods at the living space, queen-size bed ready. and bathroom area, plus Both Swedish-American a small front porch with partners have a passion French doors, double-pane for real estate, high-qualwindows and a shingled ity construction, creation roof. of passive income and how people live.

The pods are available for immediate de“I was born and raised in Sweden and livery to all parts of the country and suitmoved to the United States six years ago,” able for campgrounds and parks. They are described Co-Founder Fredrik Axelsson. also great as a home office, guest house, “I have seen big changes in how people garden shed or art studio. Customers are want to live, such as work from home, responsible for checking local zoning regugig economy and even affordable housing. lations/permissions to ensure compliance.

The demand is there and growing, but the For more information, call 561-801-5400, supply is lacking behind. Together with my email fredrik.axelsson@noridapods.com or co-founder, Lars Dyrendahl, we aim to ful- visit https://noridapods.com/.

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Page 28

Valrico Edition

TAMPA PARKS RECEIVE RECOGNITION FROM USA TODAY READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS WITH FIVE TOP-TEN HONORS Staff Report

Guests can enjoy Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay through Monday, September 6. Roller coaster fans can take on their favorite thrill rides in the dark, enjoy electrifying entertainment, bite into seasonal eats and see the park’s biggest and brightest fireworks show, ‘Spark!

A Nighttime Spectacular,’ on weekends through September 6.

Visit again and again with a Busch Gardens Fun Card, where guests can pay for a After weeks of public votday and play all year. For the ing, Tampa’s premier theme price of a single-day ticket parks have been recognized to Busch Gardens, the Fun among the best in the counCard allows access throughBusch Gardens was recently recogtry in USA TODAY’s 10Best out the year, so guests can nized among the best in the country Readers’ Choice Travel in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ visit again and again and Awards. As chosen by the experience great events like Choice Travel Awards. nation’s readers, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Summer Nights, Bier Fest, Christmas Town and Adventure Island have placed in the and more. For the best value and benefits, country’s 10 best lists for the following cat- guests can upgrade to a Bronze, Silver, Gold egories: Best Amusement Park (number six), or Platinum Annual Pass to enjoy the perks Best Outdoor Water Park (number eight), they want most throughout 2021. Annual Best Roller Coaster (Montu—number sev- Pass Members receive 12 months of visits en) and Best Amusement Park Restaurant with the best benefits ever, including free (Zambia Smokehouse—number three). parking, up to six free guest tickets and up The parks were nominated for the awards to 50 percent savings on merchandise, Quick by a panel of relevant experts, including edi- Queue and more. Annual Pass Members and tors from USA TODAY, editors from 10best. Fun Card holders also get special discounts com and theme park connoisseurs. For Bus- for the best deals on Howl-O-Scream, startch Gardens and Adventure Island, the five ing at $24.99 for a limited time.

2021 awards are the most the parks have Guests can visit www.buschgardenstamever received in a single year from the annu- pa.com to purchase tickets, Follow on Faceal competition. book, Twitter and Instagram.

Volume 18, Issue 8

PEREZ MAKES DIRECTORIAL DEBUT WITH BLACK SAI MOVIE

By Libby Hopkins

By day, Derrick Perez young creatives. I am wellof Lithia is a certified versed in screenwriting, Guardian ad Litem for the shooting video and graph13th Judicial Circuit and ic design and can manage works with more than 17 any project, big or small.” children in care. He also This film brings awareworks as a family coach ness to human traffickwith Finally Home Adoping and tackles the issue tion Agency and has done of overcoming trauma. contract work with the “What I like most about Sylvia Thomas Center as this film is the team of well as Child Proindividuals behind tective Services and Lithia resident Derrick Perez made his directorial it. We are a massive Safe At Home PAS- debut on July 14 at Xscape Theatres Riverview 14 group of minority CO. By evening and filmmakers in the with the release of his new film, Black Sai. weekends, dependarea coming togething on production scheduler to make opportunities ing, he is a film director, profor ourselves to grow ducer, writer and actor. and tell bigger stories.

Perez made his directoMy hope for this film is to rial debut on July 14 at Xslaunch my new universe cape Theatres Riverview 14 that I am building as well with the release of his new as build a fanbase in the film, Black Sai. “As a young community and bring Tampa native, I have made more film and television filmmaking my passion; that opportunities to the Tamstarted with my younger pa Bay area,” said Perez. self watching the ‘behind Perez’s film brings the scenes’ content of my faawareness to human vorite films,” Perez said. “At trafficking and tackles the age of 23, I already have the issue of overcoming over a decade of experience shooting mul- trauma. “What I like most about this film tiple commercials, documentaries, features is the team of individuals behind it,” Perez and short films.” said. “We are a massive group of minority Black Sai is about a very young Marissa filmmakers in the area coming together to Vasquez, who is tragically orphaned when make opportunities for ourselves to grow two men break into her home and gun and tell bigger stories. My hopes for this down her family. She is immediately filled film is to launch my new universe that I am with feelings of revenge and questions. “I building as well as build a fan base in the hope to make a difference through my sto- community and bring more film and televirytelling and other creative works,” Perez sion opportunities to the Tampa Bay Area.” said. “I even founded my high school’s first If you’d like to learn more about Perez’s film club, which has already inspired other film, Black Sai, visit www.gotchafilms.com.

August 2021

Valrico Edition

BROADWAY MAKES A RETURN TO TAMPA THIS OCTOBER comedy film of the same name.

The award-winning Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, Cats, will hit the stage Tuesday, December 7 through Sunday, December 12.

Then, bring in the new year with a jukebox musical, Summer: The Don-

Broadway shows are coming back at the Straz Center in Tampa this October. You can see a variety of shows and musicals, including The Prom, which will be in Tampa next year in February.

After a long period of being closed or only holding small locally produced shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (The Straz Center) has announced their upcoming Broadway season. Performances of Broadway shows will begin in October. Attendees should check with The Straz Center regarding on site restrictions and ticket pricing.

Judy Lisi is the president and CEO of the Straz Center, a nonprofit arts organization. Lisi said, “It has been a long intermission, but we are excited for the return of touring Broadway to Tampa. We have put together a remarkable season that includes a couple of welcome surprises along with a few shows that were postponed from early 2020 due to the pandemic and a number of shows originally announced for the 2020-21 slate.”

Lisi added, “It is a season of blockbusters, audience favorites, award winners and classics. This lineup truly is the best of Broadway.”

The Straz Center will begin with the musical comedy Tootsie from Tuesday, October 26 through Sunday, October 31.

Tootsie is based on the 1982 American

na Summer Musical. This will be in Tampa from Tuesday, January 1, 2022 through Sunday, January 16, 2022.

Winner of six Tony Awards, including Winner for Best Musical, Dear Evan Hansen, will come to Tampa from Tuesday, February 1, 2022 through Sunday, February 6, 2022. Dear Evan Hansen is also a 2018 GRAMMY Award winner for Best Musical Theatre Album.

The Straz Center will offer the musical The Prom from Tuesday, February 15, 2022 through Sunday, February 20, 2022.

Next, the Disney hit Frozen will be in Tampa from Wednesday, March 23, 2022 through Sunday, April 3, 2022.

My Fair Lady closes out the 2021-22 season when it comes to Tampa from Tuesday, April 26, 2022 through Sunday, May 1, 2022.

The Straz Center is located at 1010 N. Macinnes Pl. in downtown Tampa. To get more information on Broadway shows, times, tickets and availability, please visit www.strazcenter.org or call 229-7827.

Page 29

BREAKROOM ENTERTAINMENT TO PRESENT THE BOYS IN THE BAND AT PLANT CITY ENTERTAINMENT Breakroom Entering a cast of entirely tainment, a new thegay actors that went atre company, will on to star in another present The Boys In feature film adaptaThe Band at Plant tion of the play for City Entertainment Netflix. from Friday to SunThe Breakroom day, August 20, 21 Entertainment proand 22. This will be duction takes this Breakroom Enterone step further by tainment’s first show. having an entire cast Plant City Entertainand crew from the ment is located at LGBTQ+ community.

101 N. Thomas St. in Breakroom Entertainment will present The The Boys In The Plant City.

Band is a passion Boys In The Band at Plant City EntertainThe synopsis for ment this August. The cast includes (on top) project for Director The Boys In The BanRome Johnson. “I Doug Buffaloe as Emory and (bottom left dis: In his Upper East to right) Peter Belk as Hank and Bri Burgess really wanted to dias Larry.

Side apartment, Mirect this show and chael is throwing a felt that one of my birthday party for friends would be Harold, a self-avowed perfect in it. We de“32-year-old, pockcided to get togethmarked, Jew fairy,” er to produce the complete with surshow,” said Johnprise gift- Cowboy, son. a street hustler. As “This show is the evening wears on, known for being a fueled by drugs and historical gay show alcohol, bitter, unrein the communisolved resentments ty as it was one of among the guests come to light when a the first plays to honestly depict gay game of truth goes terribly wrong. life without tragedy or as a joke,” added The show contains strong language Johnson. that includes drug and sexual references The Friday and Saturday night shows as well as some offensive dialogue, in- will have an 8 p.m. curtain call. There will cluding homophobic and racial slurs. be a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday.

The Boys In The Band was a groundTickets are $20 each. All proceeds breaking play which premiered from the show will benefit Plant City off-Broadway in 1968 and ran for 1,001 Entertainment, which was forced to be performances. It was subsequently made closed for over one year as a result of into a feature film with the original cast. the pandemic.

In 2018, The Boys In The Band made its You can get tickets by visiting https:// Broadway debut at the Booth Theatre www.eventbrite.com/e/the-boys-in-thein an unprecedented production featur- band-at-pce-tickets-162715850489.

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Valrico Edition

Volume 18, Issue 8

PHOTO COURTESY OF CASEY LANE.

DURANT FOOTBALL HIRES FORMER PLAYER AND LONGTIME ASSISTANT CLAYTON VARNUM AS HEAD COACH Former Durant High School linebacker Clayton Varnum has coached football at Clayton Varnum.

Durant since he graduated from the school in 2011. The lifelong Cougar has come full circle—being a Durant fan since he was 8 years old, and now, at 28, becoming the head man in February.

Varnum took over as head coach when 18-year Durant Head Coach Mike Gottman left to take over the East Bay High School football program at the beginning of the year. Gottman was Varnum’s coach in high school. Varnum has always been interested in coaching, and he enjoys teaching youth not only on the football field, but at his church as well.

The Durant TV Production teacher took over the JV program after high school, and later moved up to varsity as the linebacker coach and co-defensive coordinator after he graduated from college at Florida Southern and accepted a teaching position at his alma mater. He wants to continue the success that his mentor had, but also wants to put his own spin on the program.

Varnum said that his defense will run a

similar system ball.” because he was The 28-year-old a part of it for so coach is one of many years, and the younger head his former co-decoaches in Hillfensive coordinasborough Countor, Frank Lane, ty. He wants to will take over the change the perposition full-time. ception that he Offensively, they can’t be successful will shift more because of his age, towards a spread lack of experience attack, after runas a head coach ning a pistol runand being at the heavy previously. same school for Varnum and his his whole career, offensive coorand teach his playdinator, Jackson ers that it doesn’t Barwick, played matter how old together at Duyou are. Varnum is Durant football hired former player and longtime Assisrant, meeting a man of God and tant Coach Clayton Varnum as head coach. as freshmen in he instills his faith 2008. Barwick played receiver for the in his coaching, striving to set a good exCougars and is currently a teacher at Du- ample for his players. He refers to one of rant as well. his favorite bible verses, 1 Timothy 4:12: “I’m excited to see what he can do,” said “Let no one despise you for your youth, but Varnum. “He’s an offensive wizard and he set the believers an example in speech, in just knows the game so well. I definitely conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” think we are going to do our best to just “I’m a Durant guy. They didn’t have to take what teams give us and try to exploit take me back as a teacher, but they did. numbers and get our best guys the foot- They didn’t have to bring me back as a

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coach, but they did and they’ve invested in me,” said Varnum. “I want our guys to really dig their heels in—this is their area school. I have a lot of pride in this place, and I want them to have the same pride in it that I have. We are going to go out and play as hard as we can, and at the end of the day, what we control is what we can control.”

Varnum has hit the ground running since he took over the program in the spring. The Durant team won their spring game 14-7 against Strawberry Crest High School, and they are currently doing summer workouts, lifting weights, attending summer camps as well as competing in seven-on-seven tournaments. Varnum and his staff are focused on helping their players get recruited. The Cougars started practice for the regular season on August 2 and their first game is on Friday, August 20. He hopes to make it back to the playoffs with the majority of his offense returning, including his quarterback.

“Our goal is to be bigger, faster and stronger, and we want to outwork as many people as we can to set ourselves up for this upcoming season,” said Varnum.

“The talking season is coming to an end, and we’re getting ready to strap up and swap paint with somebody else.”

Valrico Edition

August 2021

NEW CHILDREN’S BOARD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER OPENS IN PLANT CITY

By Kathy L. Collins The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County offers a multitude of services to the residents of Hillsborough County. Among its services are multiple locations of the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers.

create stronger bonds within families and social and cultural networks to form a connected community.

Sandra Murman, former Hillsborough County commissioner and current Glazer Children’s Museum Board member, said, “In addition to offering the developmental play groups and health and safety education classes, the Children’s Board has partnered with the Glazer Children’s Museum to offer a ‘popup’ exhibit experience that gives children the unique opportunity to learn through play.

The Children’s Board On July 16, dignitaries and the community came together to celebrate the should be commended grand opening of the newly renovated Children’s Board Family Resource for opening their sevCenter in Plant City. enth Resource Center On July 16, the Children’s Board of Hills- to help all children with early education and borough County unveiled a newly renovated support regardless of where they live in our Children’s Board Family Resource Center in community.”

Plant City. The new location is located at 301 The Children’s Board Family Resource N. Palmer St. (between Baker St. and Reyn- Center in Plant City is open from Monday olds St.) in downtown Plant City. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; on Tuesday and The new location is a 7,900-square-foot Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; and on Wednesday building that provides universal services and Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. such as developmental playgroups, health The services offered at this location inand safety education classes. The Glazer cludes a Mobile Medical Clinic, for which Children’s Museum is providing exhibits to appointments are required. It offers vision, provide parents and children with opportu- hearing and developmental screenings, for nities to learn through play. which no appointment is required. It also ofThe Children’s Board Family Resource fers car seat safety classes, CPR and first aid Center in Plant City is managed by Lutheran classes, dental services, safe sitter classes Services Florida. The Children’s Board Family and Safe@Home classes.

Resource Centers strengthen informal supAll services are provided at no cost to Hillports that are crucial to our most precious sborough County residents. Visit www.famiresource, our children and families. They also lysupporthc.org or www.childrensboard.org.

Page 31

PROJECTION: SHORT FILM ACCEPTED INTO FILM FESTIVALS

By Marie Gilmore

one,” explained Guidas. “Watching the completed short, it hasn’t varied too much from the concept.

That in itself is a win. We were so lucky to have the support and time of all of the Tampa cast and crew.”

The film storyline follows The cast and crew of the short film Projection shooting scenes at Riverview’s Oops Martin, an inA Daisy flower shop. mate, who has It was during the fall off 2020, still witha vision about in the mask-wearing days of COVID-19 a teen, Aidan, who is in mortal danger when friends Jereme Guidas, a profession- from his abusive stepfather, Paul. Unable al photographer from Pittsburgh and Rus- to physically intervene, Martin solicits an sell Thomas, a TV producer in Tampa, put acquaintance from his past, Jade, to save out a local, Tampa-based casting call for a Aidan as Paul nearly kills him. proof-of-concept short film.

The film was shot around the Tampa The pair, both with extensive background Bay, St. Petersburg and Riverview areas in video, film production and screenplay over two days in October. writing, wanted to see if they could put toAn important part of the film, where gether a film, following distancing guide- Jade takes the call from Martin in jail, was lines and using their vast experience in the filmed locally at Oops A Daisy florist in industry to do it on a deadline for the Film Riverview. Owners Laura and Roger Nation Riot Make Film Challenge. were happy to open their doors to a local Currently, the movie has been accepted movie production and were proud to be a into the Barry Gaines GAINESCON Fes- part of the filming. tival, the action, sci-fi and horror festival Osprey Observer Managing Editor Marie and the Art is Alive Film Festival and they Gilmore also jumped in to help with public are awaiting word on the Tampa Bay Un- relations and location scouting. derground Film Festival.

“This was a fun film to get involved with The casting call found the actors for and the cast and crew were professional the short film, Projection, a supernatural and I can’t wait to see how we do at film thriller short film. This is a passion project/ festivals.” proof of concept for a longer format proFor more on Projection, visit https:// duction according to Thomas. www.facebook.com/ProjectionShort“Things really fell together for us on this FilmTampa.

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Valrico Edition

Top Producer 2002 - 2020

Volume 18, Issue 8