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January 2017 Volume 15, Issue 1 Ph: 657-2418 C E L E B R A T I N G
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Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Goodrich Riverview 14 GDX Poised For February Opening Of Movie Theatre & Pub
Local Bikers Gear Up For Annual Gibtown Bikefest Motorcycle Rally
ety of special amenities. “We are extremely grateful for the very positive response that we are receiving from Riverview and surrounding Grand Rapids, areas,” he Michigan-based, said. “No Goodrich Quality doubt, the Theaters, (GQT) Inc., had fantastic hoped to open the doors welcome to the organization’s first from across theater in Florida in time the Tampa for the 2016 holiday seaBay comson, but according to munity Chief Operation Officer Goodrich Quality Theaters, (GQT) Inc., Martin Betz, a little delay announced the opening of its much anticipated demonwas necessary for a very Riverview 14 GDX Theater in early February. strates its The theater is promising guests a luxury cine- excitement. good reason. ma experience including an original restaurant Our entire “We are bringing concept serving fresh, prepared to order dishes organizaand beverages. something special to tion is commovie goers and while mitted to bringing movie-lovers of all ages missing the holidays is unfortunate, we the very best theater entertainment with want to be as compelling as we can on opening day,” Betz said. “We did not want unmatched value, unique food and beverage offerings and an outstanding to rush the project.” With only a few minor finishing touch- Rewards Program.” Building on the organization’s 75es left to complete the theater, which will year experience, Riverview 14 “GDX” is create nearly 100 jobs when open, GQT boasting of Goodrich’s cutting-edge large announced the scheduled opening of format auditoriums including its two 70 ft. Riverview 14 GDX (Giant Digital wide and 40 ft. tall screens projected in Experience), a 66,000 sq. ft. state-of-theart theater multiplex in Riverview, for early 4K digital, showcasing floor-to-ceiling viewing powered by Premium Dolby February 2017. ATMOS sound system making movieLocated at the southwest corner of Igoers “feel” the action. 75 and Gibsonton Dr., just east of the “The walls between every auditorium Super Walmart (exit 250) the theater is promising its guests an unmatched luxury are IMAX rated to ensure no sound will cinema experience filled with a wide variContinued on page 20
as to make Considered arrangements by many, as one for the next. of Florida’s most One of entertaining bikethe IISA’s fests, 2017 Annual newest projGibtown ects was the Motorcycle completion of Rally is just the around the corner. Showmen’s Proudly preMuseum, a sented by the large free Fran Haasch Law Group, the familyoriented event is Biker and motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy the day during last year’s annuguaranteed to al Gibtown Bikefest at the IISA Club draw a large Grounds in Riverview. crowd, with plenty standing building, boasting of historical of room for thousands of bikes. artifacts, photos, while large advertising The festivities are scheduled to kickoff on Friday, January 13 and run through banners depict the evolution of the outdoor amusement industry. Bikefest visiSunday, January 15, at the five-acre tors are encouraged to stop by the International Independent Showmen’s museum and walk through the history Association (IISA) Club Grounds, 6915 of days gone by. Riverview Dr. in Riverview. With a long history under its belt, Also known as the Showman’s the Showmen’s Bikefest has become a Bikefest, the free event will feature free major Florida event ensuring organizparking and free live entertainment with ers’ confidence in its current and conbands to include Greg Billings, Marshall tinued success. For information visit, Tucker, Black Honkeys, Randy McNeely, Blackwater Jack, Big Engine just to name www.gibtownmotorcyclerally.com. a few. Stunt shows, food and beverage vendors, and merchandise vendors are promising to keep all visitors entertained. In This “This is our 12th season in a row, Issue and we are expecting up to 30,000 visitors for the duration of the event, which will officially begins on Friday afternoon at NON‐PROFIT SCHOOL ........................PG 3 3 p.m.,” said vendor coordinator Craig Fletcher. WINTER JAM......................................PG 7 Fletcher added that last year the COURTESY SCHOOL BUSES ..............PG 10 event saw more than 40 vendors, but organizers are expecting more this year. ROAD RACE ......................................PG 12 The IISA has been an integral part of EYE ON BUSINESS ............................PG 25 the Gibsonton and Riverview area for almost 50 years and has been the perAPOLLO BEACH .........................PGS 30‐31 manent and winter home to many carniHOLISTIC HEALTH.............................PG 32 val showmen and circus performers. As the ideal location for the annual YEAR IN REVIEW .......................PGS 33‐40 event, the IISA Club grounds have become a place for those in the outdoor READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE amusement industry to come together, www.ospreyobserver.com share stories of the past seasons as well
By Tamas Mondovics
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By Tamas Mondovics
Photo Courtesy By Tamas Mondovics
To have a better appreciation of the County’s front line employees, Hillsborough County Commissioner Stacy White assists County Fire Rescue workers during a prescribed burn Work Day last spring in the Triple Creek Preserve, which ties into the Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve in South County. The photo is a great addition to this edition’s year in review segment.
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