Bloomingdale/FishHawk
1 Pg 2 C E L E B R A T I N G
November 2017 Volume 16, Issue 11 Ph: 657-2418 1 5
Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
Spring Completion For $800,000 Park Square Fountain Renovation, Playground Also Planned
By Kate Quesada
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Thanksgiving Day Kicks Off With FishHawk, Waterset And YMCA Turkey Trot Runs
By Michelle Colesanti
Kick start your Thanksgiving holiday by walking (or running) to greet the new day at one of the many Walk/Runs taking place locally. Not only will you get a head start on the burning of calories for all the food you will later consume, but you will also be helping to support local charities.
FishHawk Turkey Trot
FishHawk's Most Wanted Turkey will greet you at the upcoming FishHawk Turkey Trot taking place on Thanksgiving morning at the Pubix Plaza, 5668 Fishhawk Crossing Blvd. in Lithia. Come wobble with the turkey before you gobble the big meal. The race will support Seeds of Hope, which provides food assistance for the community and is primarily funded by the annual Turkey Trot. The chip timed 5K costs $30 and will begin at 8 a.m. The chip timed 10K will also begin at 8 a.m. and costs $35. If you wish to run the 5K untimed, the cost is $25 and will begin at 8:05 a.m. The 1M and 250 yd. mini run will begin at 9:15 a.m. There will be free crafts for the kids and medals for the kids that participate in the Fun Run. Packet pickup is Wednesday, November 22 from 4-8 p.m. at the Palmetto Club, 17004 Dorman Rd. in Lithia.
All turkey participants are encouraged to arrive an hour before their scheduled race A 2017 Turkey Trot Ornament will also be available to support Seeds of Hope. They cost $15 and available on the order form before entering payment (final design may be slightly different). To register, visit www.eventbrite.com and search FishHawk Turkey Trot.
Tampa YMCA Third Annual Goody Goody™ Turkey Gobble
On Thanksgiving morning, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA invites community members to participate in the Third Annual Goody Goody™ Turkey Gobble 5K, 8K and 1 Mile Run/Walk sponsored by Goody Goody™ restaurant. Strollers and dogs are welcome to join the race,
Continued on Page 5
In This Issue SHOP LOCAL.......................................PG 3 ECHO..................................................PG 6 JOB OPPORTUNITY ............................PG 9 VETERANS MEMORIAL.....................PG 11 HOA HOT TOPICSR...........................PG 19 SPORTS CONNECTION...............PGS 32‐33 CHALKLINES .....................................PG 37 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 43 EYE ON BUSINESS ............................PG 45 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ................PGS 50‐56
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of-the-art technology which will be easier to maintain and last over 20 years.” The new fountains will be simpler to operate and maintain. In addition, the controllers, nozzles and operating system will be commercial grade and nozzles will rotate. Some parts will also come with a warranty. Construction is underway for a new fountain and splash pad area “The Park in FishHawk Ranch’s Park Square. The project has a budget of $800,000 and is expected to be finished early spring 2018. Square Fountains serve as the centerVisitors to FishHawk Ranch’s Park piece for the FishHawk Ranch communiSquare will have noticed construction ty,” said Brown. “Since the District is underway on the fountains and splash responsible for maintaining the existing pad, which have not been operating corfacilities and amenities, it was important rectly since 2007. What residents may to rebuild it.” not realize is what has gone into the projThe project, which is expected to be ect and why it deserves its $800,000 completed by early spring 2018, was price tag. funded solely by the fees collected from According to Ruth Brown, Chairman the 2,551 homeowners and Park Square of FishHawk Ranch Community business units in FishHawk CDD II. Development District (CDD) II, which is In addition to the fountain construcoverseeing the project, demolition of the tion, which is being done by Western previous fountains alone cost $100,000. Aquatic Construction and Development “To say that the board was shocked at the price would be an understatement,” Inc. an Arizona-based commercial pool contracting company, the board also said Brown. “Unfortunately, that’s what it approved a complete renovation of the costs to build a quality commercial grade bathroom structure in Park Square due to splash pad these days.” wear and tear. The engineer is also workBrown stated that the fountains, ing on a master plan of Park Square, which were constructed in 2005, began including a playground in the area, which having problems years ago. Brown stated is subject to the board’s “The underground equipment vault, controllers, pump and filtrations failed and approval and will likely be phased over time depending on availability of funds. had to be completely replaced,” said To contact the FishHawk Ranch CDD Brown. “Since the fountain nozzles had II, visit www.fishhawkcdd.org or call 533exceeded their lifespan and soft decks 2950. Brown can be reached at are now available, the board decided to build an entirely new fountain using state- seat2@fishhawkcdd2.org.
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 16, Issue 11
November 2017
Page 3
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Shop Local And Visit Florida Santa At Valrico/FishHawk Holiday Expo The Valrico/FishHawk Chamber is bringing the holidays to Park Square in true Florida Style with the 3rd Annual Shop Local Holiday Expo on Saturday, December 9, 9 a.m.-12 noon. With food tasting, fun games and crafts for kids, free photos with Florida Santa and shopping opportunities with local vendors, there is sure to be something for everyone! FishHawk's own resident Jake Dela Cruz will be the DJ and emcee for the event which will include the annual Mascot Dance Off and Corporate Flamingo Challenge. Last year's winner, Encore by David Weekly showcased a corporate flamingo in a holiday house for the 1st place finish. The idea of an old-fashioned, family fun expo with Florida Santa, games, treats for kids, business booths and local crafters, all gathering for a holiday event was developed and the first annual Shop Local Holiday Expo was created two years ago. “We wanted to host an event that help introduce our businesses to the community and also make it fun for
Newsome JROTC Year In Full Swing
By Cadet Captain McKenzee Thornton
By Marie Gilmore
parents and families this holiday season,” said Valrico/FishHawk Chamber Event Coordinator Bridget Jenkins Wilson, owner of Cardinal Roofing. Join more than 50 local business booths and take a photo with Florida Santa and his sleigh pulled by a ‘Flock of Flamingos’, which have been decorated by local businesses Holiday Flamingo Challenge. Each flamingo is sponsored by a local business and judges will determine the best decorated flamingos to be ‘crowned’ during the event. Families will enjoy music, shop the local business booths, enjoy games and pick up a few treats for Holiday gift giving. Business booths are still available and cost $50 for Chamber members and $100 for nonmembers and include a Flamingo to decorate and a 10×10 space at the event. Email questions to Bridget@cardinalroofingandsolar.com or Sign up at WWW.VALRICOFISHHAWK.ORG. FishHawk Park Square is located in the heart of FishHawk Ranch at the corner of Dorman Rd. and Churchside Dr. The event is free to attend.
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Before the 2017-2018 school year even began, cadets from the Newsome High School Junior Reserve Training Officer Corps (JROTC) were hard at work, ensuring the success of themselves and the Wolfpack Battalion. In June, Newsome JROTC sent over 30 cadets to attend the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC), comprised of a four-day camp in Lake Wales. A Newsome JROTC record was broken as six Newsome cadets were selected as ‘Top 10%’ out of over 400 cadets: Christian Weirdo, Logan Portugue, Spencer Caceres, Al Rogers, Kenya Smith, and Maggie Coonfare. Now that school has begun, the Battalion has been an active presence around Newsome by executing it’s ‘Keep Our Campus Clean’ program every Friday afternoon as well as providing support at home football games and other special events around campus. Wolfpack Battalion seniors were recognized at the October 25 home football game ‘senior walk.’ In the classroom, cadets are currently acquiring beneficial life-saving skills in first-aid and preparing for the Presidential Physical Fitness Test, also known as the
‘Cadet Challenge.’ However, it is not only within the classroom that cadets are thriving. The September 2017 Cadet of the Month is Cadet Private Andrew Caceres and the Noncommissioned Officer of the Month is Cadet Staff Sergeant Alexander Melton. In September, both the Newsome JROTC Rifle and Raider teams participated in their first competitions by starting the season strong, both teams brought home second-place trophies. The Rifle team repeated their second place performance again on September 30 defeating last year’s State Champions. Cadet First Lieutenant Hunter Dymond, from Newsome, was the “Top Shot” overall in the competition. Two individuals from Newsome JROTC were recognized for their outstanding performance at the September 26 Hillsborough County School Board Recognition Board. Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Mallory Hirn, the Wolfpack Battalion Commander, is the recipient of the prestigious Legion of Valor Award. This award is presented at the ratio of one in every 4,000 cadets. Mallory also recently won the Tampa Bay Chapter of Warrant Officers Scholarship award. Lieutenant Colonel Maurice Bolduc, the Newsome JROTC Senior Army Instructor, was recognized for being selected the Cadet Command Senior Army Instructor of the Year out of over 1,700 Army JROTC units around the world. Visit www.newsomejrotc.com.
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Volume 16, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Annual Christmas Tree Lightings & Parades Offer Local Holiday Fun For Families
By Kathy L. Collins
The holidays are Ballet, Dance just around the corner, Dynamics, singers and so are the many and more. The tree area Christmas tree lighting ceremony lighting ceremonies, will begin at 6:30 movies, parades and p.m. The tree will festival. Be sure to be lit at approxicheck out all that the mately 7:15 p.m. area has to offer and and a holiday have fun getting into themed movie will the holiday spirit. be shown on the The Annual lawn behind the Enchanted Tree tree following the Lighting Ceremony in lighting of the tree. Hyde Park will kick off Winthrop Town the holiday season on Centre is located at Saturday, November the intersection of 18 from 5 to 9 p.m. Bloomingdale Ave. This is a free, family and Providence Rd. friendly event featurin Riverview. ing photos with The City of Santa, live Tampa will hold music by Late its Annual Tree Night Brass, Lighting food and beer Ceremony on trucks, a Kids’ Friday, Zone, balloon December 1 at animals and 6 p.m. in Curtis more. Hyde Hixon Park Village is Waterfront Park located at 1602 in downtown W. Snow Ave. Tampa. The in Tampa. event is free On and includes a Thursday, count-down to Enjoy some magical holiday fun at the many area November 30 light the tree Christmas Tree Lighting events including the Winthrop you will not Arts’ Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony which with Mayor Bob want to miss features holiday themed entertainment by local per- Buckhorn. A formers. Lights of Love, movie will be the annual Christmas tree lighting cereshown after the lighting in the park. mony in historic downtown Plant City at The 36th Annual Downtown Tampa McCall Park located at 100 N. Collins St. Christmas Parade will be held the next This event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. At day, Saturday, December 2 beginning at 5:30 p.m., you can get photos with Santa. 11 a.m. The parade will wind throughout The tree lighting ceremony will take place downtown, but the best place to view at 6:30 p.m., and the tree will officially be the parade is along Madison St. Take lit at 7 p.m. the family over to beautiful Curtis Hixon Come back to Plant City on Friday, Waterfront Park for the Annual Santa December 1 for the Annual Christmas Fest from 12 to 4 p.m. Parade from 7 to 9 p.m. The parade On Wednesday, December 6 begins at the intersection of Collins St. Center Place will host its 33rd Annual and Alsobrook St. in downtown Plant City. Christmas Tree Lighting. Dawn Galia, The parade will run down Collins St., turn Executive Director of Center Place said, right on Reynolds Ave. and end just past “We have an eclectic group of performthe Plant City Courthouse. You can bring ers for our 33rd Annual Christmas Tree chairs and comfortably watch the majesty Lighting.” Galia added, “We usually of this annual tradition in Plant City. have a packed house for this free comOn Friday, December 1 Winthrop munity event. We look forward to this Arts presents its Annual Christmas Tree event every year.” Santa Claus who will Lighting in Winthrop Town Centre in be on hand to help light the tree and Riverview. This annual event is fun and take photos with children. Center Place free for the whole community. You will is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in enjoy a performance by the Brandon Brandon.
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Local Turkey Trots..Continued From Page 1
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Waterset 5K Turkey Trot
The Waterset 5K Turkey Trot will be held Thanksgiving morning, November 23 beginning at The Lakeside Park, 7250 Parkshore Dr. in Apollo Beach. Check in opens at 7 a.m. and the chip-timed 5K race will begin 8 a.m. A separate Kid’s race will take place at 9 a.m. Strollers are welcome. Awards will be given out for overall male and female Masters, Grand Masters and top three in each age group. Medals will be given for all who participate in the Kid’s race. Early bird registration through November 19 is $25. After that, the fee is $35. The Kid’s Fun Run Registration costs $15. Online registration is now available at www.athlinks.com/event/turkeytrot-at-waterset-191213. Early packet pick up will be at The Landing Club and Café in Waterset at 7012 Sail View Lane on Wednesday, November 22 from 3-8 p.m. Sponsorships for promotional items for the race packets, raffle prizes or to have a table set up at the race to promote your business are available. Newland requests that businesses refrain from selling items during the event. There are also additional sponsorship opportunities: Gold ($1500), Silver ($1000), Bronze ($500) or Race Friend ($250) sponsor. For more information on sponsorship, please contact McMorrow at lmcmorrow@newlandco.com or call 235-0154.
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By Michelle Colesanti music and family fun starting at 7a.m. The route starts and ends in front of the Amalie Arena at 401 Channelside Dr. As title sponsor, the award-winning Goody Goody™ restaurant is providing free breakfast to all participants after the race. Included in the registration price are a chip-timed numbered bib for 8K and 5K participants, a dri-fit t-shirt and finisher medal for all participants. Prizes will be awarded to 1st place overall male/female adult and 1st place overall male/female youth (ages 9 and under). First place prizes will also be awarded by age group (1019, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 5059, 60-69, 70+). On-site results will be available following the race and in an emailed link. All proceeds raised will support the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program for cancer survivors and their families. The free 12-week Y program offers people affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person. Register at runsignup.com. The cost for 5K is $35 now and $45 on race day. The 8K is $40 now and $50 on race day and the 1-Mile Run/Walk is $15 now and $20 on race day. Pre-Race Party & Packet Pick-Up takes place at Ferg’s Live, 490 Channelside Dr. on Tuesday, November 21 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. with pre-race party from 5-7 p.m. The Goody Goody™ Turkey Gobble 5K, 8K and 1-Mile Run/Walk is also sponsored by Rocke McLean Sbar, 10News WTSP, Tampa Bay Times, Cox Media
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 16, Issue 11
ECHO Celebrates 30 Years With Grant & Announcement Of Second Location With dark clouds looming and a rescheduled event date due to Hurricane Irma, the ECHO staff and dedicated volunteers were getting ready for the 30 year celebration of ECHO. Clouds or no clouds, this event was going to happen. Thirty years ago this organization started out as a food pantry. Today, it is a growing nonprofit organization providing food, clothing, and life-stabilizing resources to Eastern Hillsborough County residents. On Thursday, October 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the N. Parsons Ave. location, ECHO invited the community to go on excursions (tours) to have the ECHO experience and learn more about what’s next for ECHO. Mark Gaudio, Board Member of ECHO welcomed the community and Sue Burkett, Honorary Mayor of Brandon, sporting her official Mayor sash announced October 5 as ECHO Day in Brandon. Gaudio acknowledged Vince Ferraro for volunteering his accounting expertise to ECHO for more than thirty years. Gaudio stated, “Ferraro’s direction helped ensure that the money went to the people who need it.” When receiving his award, Ferraro stated that he found it very fulfilling to see people ECHO has helped. Eleanor Saunders, Executive Director for ECHO spoke of how the mission never changes, neighbors helping neighbors. Saunders noted
By Kathleen Rogers
that ECHO has identified that 25% of residents needing assistance are coming from southern Hillsborough County. She announced they are addressing this need with a second location. She shared, “This location will provide emergency food and clothing initially. It will be accessible to those in need via bus and there are plans for expansion.” Bill Goede, Tampa Bay Market President for Bank of America followed ECHO’s second location announcement with exciting news. In honor of ECHO’s 30th Anniversary, Bank of America released early that ECHO had earned the Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders grant. Saunders and the ECHO staff were presented with a check from Bank of America for $200,000. Goede stated, “ECHO meets the critical needs of the community well. We want to support
their mission and efforts into South Hillsborough County. Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders Grant gives organizations flexible funding to think outside the box.” ECHO’s goal is to end hunger in eastern Hillsborough County. Since 1987, ECHO has provided immediate hunger relief to over 200,000 residents. On average, ECHO serves 300 local families a month. Michele Pruitt, Director of Development for ECHO shared that ECHO helps residents in crisis to be able to catch their breath. To provide a much needed moment of relief, ECHO gives residents 12 outfits and 20 pounds of food for each member of the family. Once residents have the essentials, Pruitt stated “They can think about what’s next, they can begin to bridge, take GED classes to be able to take care of themselves.” Pruitt shared that the ECHO process is all about
empowerment. It serves as both crisis relief and then a launching point to self-sufficiency. As part of ECHO’s 30 year celebration, it has embraced a new tagline ‘I’M ECHO.’ This mantra was crafted by one of the many dedicated volunteers of ECHO. From mending and meticulously organizing the clothes to stocking the canned and fresh bake goods in the pantry, these volunteers are giving back in a big way. Some of the volunteers once needed ECHO’s services and understand the need for this neighborhood support system. Bill Goede of Bank of America commented that in the Neighborhood Builders Grant selection process, the volunteers were the difference. With now two locations on the horizon to operate, ECHO needs the community’s continued support. Please go to their website https://echofl.org/ or call 685-0935 to find out how to help this vital organization by volunteering, making much needed donations, or through financial assistance. Rest assured that nothing goes to waste at ECHO and the community’s support is what has driven ECHO forward for 30 years and will continue into the future. ECHO is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and Tuesday evenings 5-7 p.m. ECHO services are provided at 507 N. Parsons Ave.
November 2017
Page 7
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Nativity’s 48th Annual Novemberfest Returns With Crowd Favorites And New Entertainment, Midway, Music & More Novemberfest is back for its forty-eighth year of fun and family festivities. The timehonored event takes place from Wednesday, November 15 through Sunday, November 19 at the Nativity Catholic Church. Every year Novemberfest With smiles and thumbs up, these children are enjoying the Novemberfest is a major fundraiser for Nativity draws close to perks of Midway’s unlimited ride armbands. Catholic School and a long time tradition for the 40,000 people as Brandon community. ment is ‘Battle of the Bands.’ On it transforms the parish grounds into a Wednesday night beginning at 7 Center Stage at 8:30 p.m. carnival-like atmosphere featuring p.m., several youth groups will perform The merriment continues with Midway rides, games, tents of tasty on Center Stage to compete for the Midway’s unlimited ride armbands, treats and family-friendly entertaintitle of best band. Then on Thursday which are ment. Nativity Catholic School’s new night at 8 p.m., the band ‘Twist’ will principal, Mary Myers, reflected on the debut as it joins this year’s musical school’s largest fundraiser. acts. “I am so impressed by the fellowNativity is pleased to announce ship and shared responsibility that the the return of the crowd school and parish have demonstrated together in appreciation and support for our communities’ youth initiatives, which are the main benefactors of our available for purNovemberfest event,” said Myers. chase at the event for $23 or online Novemberfest is open Wednesday at $19. For deeper savings, you and Thursday from 4-10 p.m., Friday can purchase the unlimited ride from 4 p.m.-12 Midnight, Saturday from armbands for $17 and food tickets for 11 a.m. to 12 Midnight and Sunday favorite ‘Soul Circus $9 from the Nativity Catholic School or from 12 Noon to 8 p.m. As always, the Cowboys.’ The country rock band will Nativity Faith Formation students. admission, parking and entertainment perform as Friday night’s headliner at 8 Myers also announced, are all free. p.m. On Saturday night, the Plant City “Customary to our event, Brand-new to this year’s entertaincountry singer Daniel Sprouse will take Novemberfest will honor all our first
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Page 8
Volume 16, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Hillsborough Sheriff David Gee Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
By Tamas Mondovics
As utives a forum to Hillsborough exchange informaCounty Sheriff, tion and ideas.” David Gee took the TBACPA boasts last few days of his of more than 100 nearly four members from over decades of law 30 agencies repreenforcement career senting seven counto visit with friends ties surrounding and staff of the Tampa Bay. agency, to say Selected Sheriff Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee goodbye and to receives the prestigious Tampa Bay Area of Hillsborough Chiefs of Police Association Lifetime County in 2004 and encourage all Achievement Award. re-elected—unopwhom he had the posed—in 2008, 2012 and in 2016, Gee privilege to serve for the past 13 years. During his career Gee has earned a certainly fits the TBACPA’s bill. Gee’s career began 38 years ago long list of accomplishments, accolades as a patrol deputy, followed by a homiand recognition both locally and nationally, including the unanimous consent of cide investigator; Internal Affairs supervisor, public information officer, chief approval as a leader and a friend to financial officer, and chief deputy. many, Gee had to make room for one more award. In a recent statement Florida On Saturday, September 23, just Governor Rick Scott said, “With four one week before his last day as Sheriff, decades of experience in law enforceGee was awarded the Tampa Bay Area ment, Sheriff David Gee has truly comChiefs of Police Association (TBACPA) mitted his career to protecting Florida Lifetime Achievement Award. families and visitors. Sheriff Gee is an Gee was honored during the 2nd excellent example of the bravery, dediAnnual Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of cation and selflessness that is displayed Police Foundation Gala held at the across Florida’s incredible law enforceTampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and ment community. His leadership has Marina. helped keep Hillsborough County safe, "I was truly humbled to have and our state’s crime rate is at a 45received such a prestigious award,” year low due in part to the hard work of Gee said. “It has been a real honor and Sheriff Gee and his team.” privilege to serve the citizens of Hillsborough County Colonel Chad Hillsborough County.” Chronister was appointed by Scott as As stated on its website, TBACPA Sheriff until the until the next general was founded in 1957 with the “purpose election set for November 2018. of allowing local law enforcement exec-
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Page 9
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Siemens And Chromalloy Gas Turbine Corp. Bring 350 New Jobs To Area
By Tamas Mondovics
State and facility will be Local officials were leasing 210,000 pleased to hear of sq. ft. at Tampa Siemens and Regional Chromalloy Gas Industrial Park Turbine and is schedCorporation’s deciuled to open in sion to bring its late 2018. headquarters locaSiemens tion for a new joint already has venture to approximately Hillsborough 5,200 employCounty. ees in Florida Florida. Governor Rick Scott took charge in the announcement that the Advanced Airfoil Components manufac“Siemens is very pleased to make turing facility will lead to the creation of additional investments in the I-4 corridor, 350 new jobs by the I-4 corridor with a where we already have more than 5,000 capital investment of approximately $139 employees,” Siemens USA CEO Judy million. Marks said. “We’re a global company that The company will produce turbine is proud to be ‘U.S. local,’ with over 60 blade and vane (broad blade) cast commanufacturing sites across the country. ponents for power generation. This joint venture with Chromalloy The I-4 corridor within the borders of streamlines our supply chain and ensures Hillsborough we have the County most advanced includes technologies as County Line we pursue perRoad, has formance gains for our gas turemerged as bines.” a key locaSharing his tion for the distribution, thoughts on the logistics and benefits, manufacturChairman of ing operathe tions of major Hillsborough corporations. County Board A recent The I-4 Corridor including County Line Road is a major of County press release thoroughfare bisecting Hillsborough and Polk Counties Commissioners has become a key location for the distribution, logistics about the Stacy White and manufacturing operations of major corporations, including the latest addition of Siemens and Chromalloy said, “We are move emphasized Gas Turbine Corporation, which has decided to bring its excited to welheadquarters to the region. that Siemens come and Advanced Chromalloy evaluated multiple states Airfoil Components to Hillsborough before ultimately choosing Florida as the County and thank them for their investbest destination for this new headquarment in our community. The addition of ters. hundreds of skilled manufacturing jobs is “I’m proud to announce that great news for local families. We are conSiemens and Chromalloy chose Florida fident that the quality of our workforce and as the best place to start their new joint the responsiveness of our colleges and venture that will create 350 new jobs for universities to the industry’s evolving families in the Tampa area,” Scott said. training needs will help Advanced Airfoil According to Seimens, Advanced Components thrive here for decades to Airfoil Components will hire workers for a come.” range of skilled positions, including techFor more information about nical engineers, manufacturing techniHillsborough County, please visit cians and production workers. The new www.HCFLGOV.net.
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Page 10
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 16, Issue 11
November 2017
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Page 11
YMCA Announces Partnership With VA During Free Health Fair
Veterans Memorial Park Hosts Afghanistan Memorial Dedication
Veterans a new partnerand their famiship where the lies were invited Tampa Y will last month to a work directly with free health fair to the VA to provide kick off a new programming partnership and services tarbetween the geting the veterTampa an population,” Metropolitan said Y Area YMCA and Communications James A. Haley Director Lalita Photo courtesy of YMCA Llerena. Veterans’ YMCA CEO Tom Looby is joined by VA CEO Joe Hospital and Llerena Battle during a press conference and ceremonial Clinics. MOU signing between YMCA and VA leadership. emphasized that According to Y programming Y officials the event was historic in that includes, but is not limited to, pre-diabetes the VA and YMCA leadership came education, fitness regimens and support together to sign a Memorandum of for cancer survivors, arthritis and Understanding to begin working in a Parkinson’s patients. ‘mutually-beneficial manner to promote The overall goal of the partnership is and enhance the health and well-being of to enhance the experience and access to veterans and their families at multiple programming and resources that conTampa Y locations in Hillsborough and tribute to the health and well-being of vetEast Pasco counties.’ erans and their families. After the ceremonial signing, which The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA included CEOs Tom Looby (YMCA) and is a cause-driven 4-star charity, strengthJoe Battle (VA), veterans and their famiening Hillsborough and East Pasco comlies participated in a free health fair where munities for 128 years, through youth they were be able to tour the New Tampa development, healthy living and social Y facility, 16221 Compton Dr. in Tampa, responsibility. and learn about how they can benefit Across the Association, 18 facilities from Y programming that builds healthy engage more than 150,000 men, women spirit, mind and body at all Tampa Y locaand children — regardless of age, income tions. or background — to nurture the potential Attendees enjoyed health screenings, of children and teens, improve our comfitness assessments, yoga demos, group munity’s health and well-being, and proexercise demos, free giveaways and light vide opportunities to give back and suprefreshments. port neighbors. Visit “The free health fair is the first step in www.tampaymca.org.
Members of Scott Bill, the Hillsborough CEO/Founder of County Veterans the Brian Bill Memorial Park and Foundation, a Museum 501 c3 national Committee along nonprofit organiwith local officials zation providing and community therapeutic proleaders successgrams for fully dedicated the Special Photo courtesy of website newest memorial Operations Residents visit the recently dedicated Afghanistan War Memorial after its dedication Forces, active in honor and ceremony last month at the Hillsborough memory of those duty, veterans County’s Veterans Memorial Park. that made the ultiand their famimate sacrifice. lies. The Afghanistan Memorial dedicaThe Foundation was established to tion ceremony was held on Saturday, honor the memory of Navy SEAL Brian October 7 at Hillsborough County’s R. Bill, a member of Navy Special Veterans Memorial Park and Rear Warfare Development Group, and all of Adm. LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans his fellow Special Operations Warriors Museum at 3602 N. Hwy.301, in who have died in service since the Tampa. onset of hostilities after 09/11/2001. The long-awaited memorial honors “We will always remember the sacHillsborough County’s 16 and Florida’s rifice of all those brave solders in 135 fallen and veterans of Operation Afghanistan and the ones that have Enduring Freedom (OEF). come before them,” Bill said. “The Veterans Park Committee is The event’s keynote address was grateful for the success of its recent given by General Joseph L. Votel, who war memorial dedication ceremonies,” attended the United States Military said Afghanistan Memorial Committee Academy and was commissioned in member Mark Goujon. 1980 as an Infantry Officer. Also in attendance was Following his attendance at the Hillsborough County Commissioner Army War College, General Votel comStacy White (District 4) who emphamanded the 75th Ranger Regiment sized the reason for the memorial when and participated in Operation Enduring he said, “This memorial recognizes 16 Freedom, Afghanistan and Operation of our very own from Hillsborough Iraqi Freedom, Iraq. County who made the ultimate sacrifice For more information, please conin Operation Enduring Freedom.” tact Hillsborough County Consumer The ceremony was also joined by and Veterans Services at 246-3170.
By Tamas Mondovics
By Tamas Mondovics
Page 12
Volume 16, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
The Angeloni Tax Advisory Group Looks Out For Its Clients
By Michelle Caceres
There are many Scheafnocker had qualities to look for in a encountered in the past financial services had felt more like a provider, but one pushy salesperson than should be at the top of a counselor looking out the list. for her best interests. "I'm a fully-licensed "Once we decided to fiduciary, and that use him we felt like a means that every finanbig burden had been liftcial recommendation I ed off our shoulders," make to a client has to said Mrs. Scheafnocker. be more beneficial to "I don't worry about our them than it is to me,” money anymore.” said Angeloni Tax Located at 11938 Advisory Group owner Angeloni Tax Advisory Group Balm Riverview Rd., owner Howie Angeloni is a Howie Angeloni. “I am Angeloni Tax Advisory fully-licensed fiduciary, which morally bound to that means he puts financial needs Group’s services include by law.” of his clients above his own. asset management, In addition to acting estate and financial in a client’s best interests, fiduciaries planning, investment management, are also required to make sure their life insurance, retirement financial recommendations are based on accu- planning and tax preparation servicrate and complete information, are es. up-front about their fee schedule and A new service the office provides must disclose any instances in which is final expense insurance and funeral they are compensated for making cer- trusts. Angeloni’s son, Mitchell tain recommendations. Angeloni, said these products offer “If you always act in the capacity peace of mind that individuals will not of a fiduciary you never have to worry leave a burden on surviving family about your clients being disappointed members. in what you do,” said Angeloni, whose “Surviving family members usualcompany has been in business for ly don’t have access to their loved more than 15 years. one’s bank accounts and insurance Valrico residents Glenn and Carol policies until after the funeral,” said Scheafnocker attended one of Mitchell Angeloni. “Not many families Angeloni’s tax advisory seminars can come up with the $20,000 needwhere they learned maximization ed for funeral expenses.” strategies on how and when to apply Visit www.angelonitax.com or call for social security benefits. 626-7575 to schedule a free initial The financial advisors that Mrs. consultation.
Christmas Town™ Returns To Busch Gardens® With Family Favorites & More
Staff Report
Christmas Town™ returns to Busch Gardens® with twinkling lights, Yuletide shows, holiday shopping, Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland and of course a visit from the big man himself—Santa Claus. The annual holiday tradition takes place on 25 select dates from Sunday, November 19 to Sunday, December 31. Christmas Town is included with an annual pass, Fun Card or daily admission to the park. New this year is A Story Time Breakfast with Rudolph at the Dragon Fire Grill. As guests enjoy stories from the famous RedNosed Reindeer, they dine on waffles, French toast, eggs, biscuits and gravy, pastries and more. Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland returns with its beloved television characters that bring to life the scenes from the television screen. This year Sam the Snowman joins the cast of Rudolph, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and Bumble at the Winter Wonderland located in Celestial Crossing. Guests can also expect the return of Santa’s House presented by CocaCola®, where families encounter busy little elves preparing for Christmas. Families can meet and take photos with Santa in his private study. The Christmas Town Village will feature savory treats and Yuletide sweets with a brand-new Holiday Culinary Sampler. The sampler will feature delectable creations from the Christmas Town holiday menus to allow guests to sample multiple specialty items. Also, new this year is the Three Kings Celebration, which will be held on Monday, January 1 through Saturday, January 6. Busch Gardens unfolds the famed journey to the humble town of Bethlehem. This cultural celebration boasts authentic Latin flavors found only during the holidays, live entertainment honoring
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the three Wise Men and Busch Gardens’ dazzling display of twinkling Yuletide lights. Nestled between beautifully lit trees and roaring with excitement, some of the best views of Christmas Town can be found atop Florida’s top thrill rides, including the family spin coaster, Cobra’s Curse™. From world-class roller coasters and Broadway-style entertainment to one-of-a-kind, up-close animal encounters, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay continues to deliver some of the biggest thrills anywhere. For a complete list of seasonal sights and unforgettable Yuletide experiences, visit ChristmasTown.com. Christmas Town also offers great opportunities for groups looking to book a unique holiday party. For details, call the Busch Gardens Events Team at 9875523. Plus, be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at BuschGardensTampaBlog.com, or follow Busch Gardens on Facebook, Twitter, Instag ram and Snapchat.
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Page 13
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Camp Cristina Is Host Site For Making Strides For Mental Health 3K Walk/Run
Staff Report
Last year, NAMI Hillsborough’s inaugural event drew hundreds of participants to Camp Cristina and raised thousands of dollars for local programs, which include free support groups and signature The Hillsborough County affileducational courses iate of the National Alliance on for anyone living with Mental Illness (NAMI a mental illness and Hillsborough) will host its second their family memMaking Strides for Mental Health bers. 3K Walk/Run on Saturday, NAMI November 4, at YMCA Camp Hillsborough also Cristina in Riverview. operates a resources Funds raised through the referral phone line. family-friendly event will help the "It's time to stop non-profit organization continue to Dr Marketa Wills, a psychia- stigmatizing mental trist for WellCare, was the provide a wide range of support health struggles and chair of last year's walk. to area residents living with a talk about how we mental illness and their loved ones. are going to support the millions of Florida The organization has support groups residents who are impacted by such a and programs available to help residents prevalent health concern,” said Ashley who are feeling especially stressed due to Wynn, president of NAMI Florida. news of the Las Vegas shooting tragedy “Florida is currently 51st in spending as well as the recent hurricanes that on mental health care, spending less than impacted Florida. 49 states and the District of Columbia. During the first week of October, We cannot afford to stay quiet or sit idly which is national Mental Illness by,’’ she added. Awareness Week, the organization is Community partners, agencies and especially urging residents to consider the individuals can sign up now to support resources available through NAMI this year’s Making Strides event. Hillsborough. Sponsors are needed as well as teams NAMI is the nation’s largest grassfor the walk/run. roots organization dedicated to “stomping For information,, email namihillsborout stigma” related to mental illness and ough.2017walkrun@gmail.com. increasing the quality of life for those To set up a team online, visit emberaffected by mental illness through supwww.firstgiving.com/NAMIhillsborough/20 port, education and advocacy. 17NAMIHills.
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 16, Issue 11
New Goddard School Combines Safety, Creativity While Inspiring Young Minds Shekar Laveti and Souji Chalumuri are excited by their new school’s incredible success in Lithia. The Goddard School, serving infants through children age five, opened its doors about one month ago, and since that time has seen tremendous growth. In a new ecofriendly building, the school offers a wealth of tools and spaces for child development. Goddard School students are constantly engaged. In centers, children explore foreign languages including American Sign Language, and learn more about letters, numbers and the world around them. Muted interior colors with entertaining designs keep young minds focused but not over-stimulated. Hands-on charts and puzzles employ tactile-kinesthetic learning, while art stations offer a creative outlet. “We wanted to be more than a daycare,” said Laveti. “We wanted children to come here and learn something not just be supervised.” Some are introduced to digital literacy skills on the school’s state-of-the-art desktop computers, while others are practicing math facts using manipulatives. A diversity of sensory techniques allows Goddard’s students to achieve and research proves it. They score 45 percent higher on math and literacy assessments than their
By John Davis Jr.
non-Goddard peers. In addition, Goddard students are more likely to perform above grade level upon entering primary grades. These facts alone make the school a prime choice for parents seeking higher cognitive interaction for their children. Prices at the school range from $210 per week up to $265, depending on age. Chalumuri said she and her husband did their homework before opening and made the price range competitive with surrounding facilities. For the amount parents are paying, however, they are receiving instruction, cleanliness and safety few other schools provide, said the owners. On every door, pinch guards assure no little fingers get caught. The playground’s USA-made artificial turf prevents injuries. The school boasts an 18-step diaper changing protocol, and its other childcare procedures are equally prescriptive to ensure child well-being. Small class sizes at The Goddard School also optimize education. While the State of Florida mandates preschool classes be capped at 20 students per teacher, The Goddard School halved that number to be certain individualized attention was given to every child. Even with a max of 10 students, the classes are usually kept smaller so that students receive specialized instruction. Find out more about the school by visiting www.goddardschool.com/tampa.
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Page 15
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
The Helen Gordon Davis Centre For Women Opens At HCC Campus
By Michelle Caceres
When the ribbon employment servwas cut dedicating a ices and the clean, well-lit space on Women’s Business Hillsborough Center. Community College’s The center will Brandon campus for offer affordable use by The Helen counseling servicGordon Davis Centre es, billed on a slidfor Women, many were ing fee scale and on-hand to celebrate based on housethe availability of its hold income, to services not only to stuany person regardHCC Brandon president Dr. Nancee dents but members of less of gender, Sorenson, the Centre for Women executhe community. tive director Ann Madsen and HCC presi- sexual orientation, Speakers at the rib- dent Dr. Ken Atwater cut the ribbon to race, national oricelebrate of The Centre for Women’s bon cutting included gin or religion. The newest location on the Brandon campus. Brandon campus presiprogram is staffed dent Dr. Nancy Sorenson, The Helen with licensed master’s level therapists. Gordon Davis Centre for Women execuWellness workshops are also offered tive director Ann Madsen, Hillsborough throughout the year and include creative County Commissioner Stacy White and solutions for parenting, anger manageHCC president Dr. Ken Atwater. ment, self-esteem, assertiveness and Atwater welcomed The Centre as a aging issues. part of the HCC family and was quick to Counselor Liza Sherman said the point out that its opening on the campus new space at HCC will allow her to offer was a perfect partnership that would ben- counseling services in a location convenefit students. “The ability to improve lives ient to the Brandon community. “For me is the DNA that HCC is founded upon it’s all about helping people,” she said. and when you work together to accomThe Centre’s employment services plish this goal you get more accomwill assist both men and women develop plished,” he said. career plans and prepare resumes to Madsen, The Centre’s executive land the right job. director since 2012, said Sorensen The Women’s Business Centre offers played a big hand in making the partnerfree, confidential, individual counseling, ship possible. “Our programs will help group workshops, access to business open doors of opportunity to people,” she support services and funding options as said. well as mentoring programs to help Initially, three of the Centre’s prowomen plan, start and grow a business. grams will be offered on campus, includFor more information, visit www.theing counseling and wellness services, centre.org or call 251-8437.
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Page 16
Volume 16, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Yellowfin Realty Puts Family First And Seeks Realtors To Join ItsTeam
By Amy Schechter
A yellowfin tuna is a notes, “We want to highly prized sportfish care about the peoknown for its strong ability ple. We want to be to fight despite a small the expert. No one size. If you reel in a yelcan guarantee a sale lowfin, you’ve had a really price. What we can great day. The Morris famguarantee is we’re ily kept that fighting spirit going to do everything the right way. in mind when they took a We’re going to take leap of faith and started away the variables Yellowfin Realty in 2009. that prevent an effecDespite the turbulent real tive sale.” Sellers estate waters of the time, Susie Tate Morris and son William can expect suggesthey knew that with the are proud of Yellowfin Realty. tions to help tenacity of their namesake, they could build this endeavor into increase sale price and equity, expert value assessment, and professional the gold standard of their field. photography and media promotions. Nearly a decade later, Yellowfin Buyers are Realty continues in the to support the hands of a community with team that its relationshipknows this based brand and community, its strong, flexiso they can ble approach to see all of real estate. their Susie Tate options in Morris is a broorder to ker and agent make a with over 30 good deciyears of experiThe Morris Family are fifth generation Floridians and sion and ence in the local proud local residents. then negoreal estate martiate a fair price. All clients can expect to ket. She is joined by her son, William Morris, a real estate agent and graduate maximize their experience buying or selling while limiting frustration, cost, of Stetson Law School. The Morris and inconvenience. Family are fifth generation Floridians, Whether in one of their convenient and William, along with his four siblings, offices, in your home, or at a local all graduated Bloomingdale High restaurant, they want to meet with you School. He and his mother continue for a no-strings-attached evaluation of their strong investment in the communiyour housing situation and your housty they love, and together, they lead a ing goals, where they can be your conteam poised to meet all of your buying sultant as you navigate the real estate. and selling needs. William is confident: “If you’re going to From the start, the Morris family sell your house and buy one, we can knew the importance of creating connections and relationships. William said, save you money. Talk to us.” Are you an agent looking for a new opportunity? “It was a leap of faith on our part, but we knew that my mom had done a lot of Are you committed to being fully engaged in life every day? Then #finlife real estate; we’ve always been really is for you, and you’ll have the advanintentional building and establishing our business on referrals and relationships.” tage of Susie, a broker and active agent who knows the ins and outs of With the combination of Susie’s experience and William’s unique knowledge of real estate and wants to mentor you. Call 229-8862 or visit at www.yellowfinlaw they have seen growth on average realty.com. of 10-15% a year doing 100 million dolSusie Tate Morris is married to John lars in sales last year and on track to do significantly more this year as they grow Morris, the team’s property manager; they have five children: Chad, Tate, the team of agents they oversee. Luke, Annie, and Will. William Morris is Recently one of Susie’s other sons, married to Mackenzie Skole Morris; they Luke Morris, opened a branch of have one son, Hayes. Yellowfin Realty’s Yellowfin Realty in Jacksonville. corporate office is located at 11256 Ultimately, everything comes back Winthrop Main St., Riverview, 33578. to the customers’ best interests. William
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Page 17
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Local Painter Celebrates 15 Years; Offers Free Paint Job To Local First Responder
By Tamas Mondovics
County Hosts Opioid Crisis Summit After 197 Fatal Overdoses Logged In 2016
By Tamas Mondovics
Hillsborough While the effort to County officials address the problem welcomed memreached Hillsborough bers of the medCounty, Florida Gov. ical, mental health Rick Scott also and law enforceannounced plans to ment community propose major legisladuring a recent tion during the upcomsummit entitled ing session and more “The State of the than $50 million as part Opioid Crisis in of his 2018-2019 recHillsborough County Commissioner Hillsborough ommended budget to Sandra Murman addresses her audience combat opioid abuse in County.’’ during the 2017 Hillsborough County The summit Florida. Opioid Crisis Summit. was held at The proposed legisTPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. lation will include placing a three-day limit 50th St. in Tampa, organized by Suncoast on prescribed opioids, unless strict condiCommunity Health Centers and included tions are met for a seven-day supply. The panel discussions with the Hillsborough legislation will also require all healthcare County State Attorney’s Office, the professionals that prescribe or dispense Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and medication to participate in the Florida the Hillsborough County Medical Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, a Examiner’s Office. statewide database that monitors conHillsborough County Commissioner trolled substance prescriptions. Sandra Murman played a major role in Scott said that additional reforms to bringing the event to the community, fight unlicensed pain management clinics, focusing on opioid overdoses in the coun- require continuing education courses on ty which, according to local officials began responsibly prescribing opioids and creatto spike in late 2014. In 2016, the majority ing new opportunities for federal grant of the county’s 197 fatal drug overdoses funding are in the works. involved opioid use, County officials said. Attorney General Pam Bondi said, As recorded by the Hillsborough “We are in the midst of a national opioid County Medical Examiner an increasing crisis claiming lives in Florida, and we number of fatal overdoses involve heroin must do everything we can to stop drug and fentanyl. From January 1 through abuse and save lives.” July 31 of 2017 there were reportedly 35 For more about Hillsborough County deaths associated with fentanyl. please visit www.HCFLGOV.net.
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By Scott Michie
replace wood rot. Painting a home by a licensed painting contractor not only keeps your home looking fresh, but ensures that these common issues are fixed before they cause costly damage to the home. For a veteran or a retired first responder with a fixed retirement income, the expense to properly maintain a home in Florida can become too costly. Murray believes there is someone in the community that has a need without the means. He wants to use his painting company to meet the
need. To apply, visit http://donsbayareapainting.com/free-house-painting-giveaway from veterans of U.S. armed forces, retired first responders such as police officers, firefighters and paramedics and their widows in order to be considered for the free exterior house repaint giveaway. The paint will be donated by Porter Paints. The deadline to submit an entry is 11:59 pm EST on December 31 and the winner will be announced on January 15, 2018. Murray said heroes who qualify, but are not the officially selected hero, will be eligible to receive a discount to repaint their house.
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Page 18
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Sprouts Farmers Market Confirms Valrico Store Opening In Early 2018 It is official. Sprouts Farmers Market recently announced that it will open a new, nearly 30,000 sq.-ft. store in the longvacant, former Albertson’s location on the northeast corner of Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and Bloomingdale Ave. in the first quarter of 2018. Sprouts Farmers Market Inc., known for its “healthy should be affordable” belief, opened its first store 15 years ago and specializes in fresh, natural and organic products at prices that are appealing to everyday shoppers, according to the company’s website. Sprouts’ shelves are filled with colorful fresh fruits and vegetables, barrels of wholesome grains, nuts and sweets, gourmet cheeses, meat, seafood, as well as crates of bulk food, vitamins, supplements and more, giving it an indoor farmers’ market-type atmosphere. Stores also feature a deli with freshly prepared foods, bakery, butcher shop, fish market and many organic and gluten-free options. Shoppers will also find more than 1,800 Sprouts Brand items which meet strict ingredient standards. The Valrico store will employ about
By Sharon Still
120 people, according to Sprouts Senior PR Specialist Kalia Pang and is one of 30 new Sprouts locations that will open across the country in 2018 and the fourth Sprouts location in Tampa Bay. Other locations are in south Tampa, Carrollwood and Palm Harbor. To learn more about job opportunities or to apply, visit sprouts.com/careers or call 866-925-2396 for non-managerial roles. In addition to the Sprouts Farmers Market, redevelopment of the Albertson’s building by Woerner Equity Group will also include a 20,107-sq.-ft. PetSmart (www.petsmart.com) and a 3,555-sq.-ft. Orange Theory Fitness. While there are no details about PetSmart’s opening date, Orange Theory Fitness is offering preopening rates. Visit www.lithiavalrico.orangetheoryfitness .com or call 813-743-4683 for additional information. There also is an outparcel allowing up to 4,000 sq. ft. of building space in the plaza known as Valrico Landings. For parcel sales and development information, contact Gary Housman at 561-8353747, ext. 209 or visit www.woernerequity.com.
Volume 16, Issue 11
Center Place Presents Christmas Card Lane And Holiday Stroll
By Kathy L. Collins
This year, Center Place will kick off the holiday season with an exciting new event, Christmas Card Lane and Holiday Stroll. The event will take place on Sunday, November 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Life Size Holiday Cards, created by area businesses, non-profits and civic organizations, will be displayed along Clayton Lake and South Parsons Ave. throughout the holiday season. Lisa Rodriguez, Marketing Director for Center Place said, “We want to hold a large, arts related holiday kick-off event that our entire community could take part in and enjoy.” This is a great opportunity for businesses, non-profits and other local organizations to showcase their business or organization by participating in either the Life Size Holiday Cards or hosting a vendor space at the event. According to Lisa Rodriguez, “With the Life Size Holiday Cards, we are bringing back a tradition from years ago when we lined the streets of Brandon with giant Christmas Cards. We are asking local businesses, clubs, non-profits to make
and paint a holiday greeting card for this festive time of the year. Prizes will be awarded for the best cards.” At the event on Sunday, November 12, there will be something fun for the entire family. Come out and kick There will be venoff the holiday sea- dors outside around son at Center Place’s new event- Clayton Lake. Christmas Card Inside Center Place, Lane and Holiday business vendors Stroll. will be offering a free, hands-on holiday craft project. Outside vendors will need to bring a tent, tables and chairs. No electricity is provided. What would a holiday event be without Santa and music? Jolly Old St. Nick will make a special appearance, so parents should bring their cameras to snap a priceless photo. In addition, there will be local choirs and musicians entertaining on the outdoor lakeside deck at Center Place. “We want everyone of all ages to come out to the event and enjoy kicking off the holiday season. We are a huge suburban area, but we still long for that small hometown feeling. Let’s come together and create something special for our community,” said Rodriguez. For information, visit www.centerplacebrandon.org, or call 685-8888 or email cpfinearts@verizon.net.
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Page 19
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
PEN
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By Kate Quesada
FishHawk Market Day, Food Trucks And More FishHawk Ranch Fundraises At Food Truck Rally
River Hills Installs New Security System
The gated Valrico community of River Hills updatFrom 5-9 ed its security sysp.m. on Saturday, November 11, tem last month. According to River FishHawk Ranch Hills Board of will host 15 food The next FishHawk Ranch Food Rally, open to Director VP and trucks offering anyone, will take place November 11 from 5-9 unique food items p.m. in the FishHawk Osprey Club parking lot. Communications, in the Osprey Libby Trautman, the Club parking lot. The event will be put on community’s Infrastructure Committee by Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally which began looking at vendors and systems has thrown dozens of events to date, almost two years ago in an effort to prospecializing in rallies, lunch spots and vide the best security for the best price. catering. “At the end of an exhaustive In addition to the food and a mobile search, Envera Systems out of DJ truck, the event will also be a fundrais- Sarasota was chosen as the contractor,” er for Seeds of Hope Inc. which will be said Trautman. “Envera brings to River collecting canned and dried goods. Hills not just military grade hardware Parking for the event will be available and the most current high encryption across the street at Bevis Elementary, but software, but a stellar reputation of servpatrons are encouraged to walk or bike if ice, professionalism and reliability with possible. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets it.” are welcome as seating is available on a The new system features an RFID first come, first served basis. style decal for each authorized resident For more information on Tampa Bay and club member. The gate arms are Food Truck Rally, visit www.tampabaylonger, lot for better visibility and to elimfoodtruckrally.com. Contact the Osprey inate the option of tailgating for unauthoClub at 657-6629. rized users. The cameras are state of the art and in addition to the communiNew Vendors At FishHawk Market ty’s gate attendants, there will also be Day 24/7 remote monitoring from Envera’s base in Sarasota. This month's FishHawk Ranch mar“This security update not only ket day will take place on Sunday, brings up to the current technology, but November 5 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Park Square. More than 40 vendors will partici- keeps us on the cutting edge while simultaneously providing enhanced pate and booths will include fresh prosecurity that will benefit the River Hills duce and handmade and homemade community for decades to come,” said items from local businesses. Trautman. For information or to become a venFor information, call River Hills at dor, contact the Osprey Club at 657662-10837. 6629.
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Volume 16, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Bloomingdale Student Chef Wins State Contest With Citrus Chicken Taco Recipe
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By Kate Quesada
Bloomingdale High School Senior Gigi Rivera celebrated her recent Fresh From Florida Cook-Off win with Executive Chef Vanessa Marquis, Wesley Roderick, executive chef at On Swann and Chef Paula Kendrick of the Florida Department of Agriculture.
When students at Bloomingdale High School chose Citrus Chicken Tacos with Watermelon Salsa for lunch from the cafeteria last month, many of them didn’t realize they were eating a dish created by one of their own. Senior Gigi Rivera developed the recipe for the meal and it won her first place in the 2016-17 Fresh From Florida Student Cook-Off, sponsored by The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. One of the prizes for winning the contest was to have her recipe served at her school. The cook-off invites students in ninth to 12th grade to create and prepare an original recipe that uses fresh Florida products and meets the National School Lunch Program nutrition standards. All entries must contain at least one fresh fruit or vegetable grown in Florida. Five regional champions were chosen to compete in the finals in Orlando in April and Rivera took first place. “Our goal for the contest is to get students to understand Florida produce, while of course helping them to understand the importance of cooking,” said Chef Paula Kendrick of the Florida Department of Agriculture. The school culinary department hosted a surprise celebration lunch
for Rivera when her dish was served in the student cafeteria, attended by representatives from state departments and Bloomingdale High alumni Wesley Roderick, executive chef at On Swann in south Tampa. Rivera credits her grandmother with her love for cooking. “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am,” said Rivera, who is the oldest of five siblings. “She not only helped me realize that cooking can be fun, but more importantly, that healthy cooking can be fun.” According to her parents, Amy and John McClane, Rivera spent hours at home brainstorming her cook-off recipe. “We had a lot of taco nights while she was preparing,” said John. In addition to school, Rivera works as an assistant chef at La Septima in Brandon where she started at two years ago as a hostess and has progressed to being allowed to create lunch specials since winning the cook-off. “This contest has given me the confidence I need to follow my dream of eventually opening my own restaurant,” said Rivera, who is looking at different colleges, including the Culinary Institute of America in New York, with culinary programs to attend after graduation in May. Bloomingdale High School is located at 1700 E. Bloomingdale Ave. and can be reached at 744-8018. For more information on the Fresh From Florida Student Cook-Off, visit www.freshfromflorida.com.
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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE(800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT,APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION # CH33782
Traveling Tips During the Holiday Season Between mid-November through the beginning of January mark the busiest time of the year for travelers. Airports, seaports and roads are crowded. When recently asked about her top travel tips, Jenifer Breaux, Dream Vacations franchise owner and vacation specialist in Lithia had this to offer: 1. Lightweight bag – Always pack a small, collapsible bag with you in your suitcase. You can use this onboard a ship, while you are sightseeing, or even at the beach. 2. Layovers – With the amount of travelers during the season, be prepared for layovers. Have songs, or games in mind to play with the kids such as “I spy” that do not require additional items to be packed. Have a lightweight book and talk a walk around the airport terminal when you can. 3. Medications – Always keep them in your carry on. 4. Use a travel agent – They can help with the off peak travel, may know of those hidden gems to visit, can help if your flights are re-routed, and can recommend the best shore excursions if you are taking a cruise. “I recently helped a honeymoon couple that traveled to the Dominican Republic. They were not aware that they needed an exit visa. This is where I came in and took care of all these details, so they could enjoy their wedding day and look forward to their honeymoon,” said Jenifer Breaux, Dream Vacations franchise owner and vacation specialist in Lithia. “These tips and more are what I offer my clients so they are prepared and can truly relax in paradise.” For more information or to be matched with the vacation of your dreams, please call Jenifer Breaux of Dream Vacations at 813.667.7000 or visit www.JBVacationPros.com.
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November 2017
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Page 21
Bevis Ranks Tops: County & State By Kate Quesada When the they were able to Florida do that,” said Department of Hillsborough Education County School (FDOE) released District Area 5 its school grades Superintendent and rankings Dr. Michelle recently, many Fitzgerald. schools throughAccording to out eastern the FDOE, the Hillsborough goal of the FSA County had reais to measure Colleen Bevis Elementary School Principal son to celebrate. student achieveMelanie Cochrane and Assistant Principal But Colleen ment in the critiRebecca Thoms are celebrating the school’s Bevis Elementary recent ranking of fifth in the state by the Florida cal subject areas. Department of Education. in FishHawk The test was Ranch received extra credit, as it was designed with input from educators, disnamed the number one elementary trict administrators, community leaders school in the county and number five in and members of the public. It was first the state, with an A ranking for at least the administered in the spring of 2015. 15th year in a row. Bevis Principal Melanie Cochrane According to the FDOE, the goal of and Assistant Principal Rebecca Thoms the rankings is to provide an easy way for believe many factors are involved in the parents and members of the public to school’s success. understand how well schools are serving “So many things come together to their students. Schools receive scores in make Bevis what it is,” said Cochrane. up to 11 areas including achievement, “But most importantly, everyone here puts based on results from the Florida their focus on the kids, not only the teachStandards Assessments (FSA) in English ers and families, but our whole communiLanguage Arts, Mathematics and ty.” Science, learning gains and the main“We pride ourselves on good overall taince of a focus on the students who instruction,” said Thoms. “If we make sure need it the most. Bevis received 607 out our students learn in a way that they can of a possible 700 points, 96 percent of the apply throughout their lives, they will students achieved a “3” or higher on a become successful people, not just sucscale of 1-5 in the mathematics portion of cessful test takers.” the FSA and students in the school’s lowColleen Bevis Elementary School is est quartile significantly improved their located at 5720 Osprey Ridge Dr. in Lithia scores. and can be reached at 740-4000. To see “To see fifth in the state, it just gives the list of school grades in Florida, visit you chills to think how exciting it is that www.schoolgrades.fldoe.org.
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Page 22
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Osprey Youth Tri-Athlete Group Open To New Members
By Kate Quesada
Does FishHawk area to give your young it a try,” said Clay. “It is athlete love to unlike any of the other swim, bike sports teams being and run? If offered as it encomso, the passes three disciOsprey Youth plines into one race.” MultiSport Clay added that group has a one advantage of the lot to offer group is that most them. members also particiThe pate in other sports group, which and there is no fee to supplies supjoin, as long as parents port for are willing to help out. FishHawk residents Brayden Howard and youths aged 7 Macey Clay are members of the Osprey Youth Although new athto 12 years MultiSport group which helps young athletes letes should be able to train for triathlons. old, is gearing swim 50 yards unasup for its training season and is looking sisted and ride a bike without training for new members. wheels, the group is open to almost Group founder, Nicki Clay, started everyone. Osprey Youth MultiSport in 2014 when “The beauty of this sport,” said Clay she and her family moved to FishHawk “is that any child can jump in at any age. and found there were no training groups It’s not like a competitive sport where one closer than St. Petersburg for youths needs to get their foot in the door at age interested in completing triathlons. 6. All levels are represented at any given “My daughter missed training and race. You don’t have to excel at all three racing with a group of like-minded youth disciplines either.” athletes so myself and a friend decided to Group members have recently particstart one,” said Clay whose 10-year-old ipated in races all over Florida, including daughter Macey has participated in 50 the Tampa Bay Youth Triathlon at triathlons. Adventure Island and a race on the camAccording to Clay, the group meets pus of the University of Florida in as much as twice a week more during Gainesville. Two athletes traveled to the USAT Youth Nationals triathlon in Ohio in triathlon season, which typically starts in August with 9-year-old FishHawk resident early March and ends in September, but Brayden Howard placing 10th in his age holds frequent bike, swim and running group. events during the rest of the year. Contact Clay at “Our main goal is to help the sport nicoleclay99@gmail.com for more. grow and to encourage the youth in the
Volume 16, Issue 11
Rilakkuma Launches First U.S. Retail Pop-Up Store At Westfield Brandon Mall
Staff Report
Aliquantum closely with San-X on International the branding and has recently growth of the property opened the first over the last five years U.S. Rilakkuma gaining significant shelf Shop at space where it matWestfield ters. Brandon Mall to “Rilakkuma is funthe delight of damentally all about shoppers. The relaxation, and it’s creTampa Bay ating that balance of area is the first working very hard and U.S. shop to finding the relaxation open. All ages element in your will enjoy visitlifestyle,” said David A grand opening was held on October 14 of Ringer CEO. “Brandon ing this limited the limited time pop up Rilakkuma Shop at time pop-up Westfield Brandon Mall, the first to open in is statistically one of store located our strongest markets the United States. near Game Stop. so we brought our first pop-up store here The Grand Opening event on which will stay open until mid-January.” October 14 offered lots of festivities and The brand is currently also sold in Books Rilakkuma giveaways. ‘Rilakkuma’ is A Millionand Barnes & Noble. Japanese for ‘relax bear.’ In the spirit of its This store introduces consumers to name, Rilakkuma stays relaxed and lazy the Rilakkuma brand offering a variety of everywhere it goes. Rilakkuma is comlifestyle products to experience the pletely stress-free and likes doing things Rilakkuma way of life. at its own pace and time. It is impossible There are 15 Rilakkuma store locafor anyone to dislike it, as its job is to help tions throughout Japan along with three others relax and relieve stress. Along with Rilakkuma Cafés in Taiwan. With global Rilakkuma, other fan-favorite brand charbrand recognition from a loyal fan followacters include Korilakkuma, a white bear ing, Rilakkuma is poised for growth as it that is mischievous and loves to play launches the first North American store tricks and Kiiroitori, which translates to and continues to build on overseas suc‘yellow bird,’ and acts as a mother hen. cess. Every day Kiiroitori watches over both The opening of the first ever Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma, keeping Rilakkuma Shop is just the beginning of them out of trouble. what is to come for the Rilakkuma Brand Aliquantum International (AQI), the in the United States.Visit @RilakkumaNA Exclusive Distributor and Licensee of (Facebook) and @RilakkumaUS (Twitter Rilakkuma for North America, has worked and Instagram) for more information.
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Page 23
Page 24
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 16, Issue 11
See Inside For More News Section 2 of 3 November 2017
Volume 16, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/FishHawk
www.ospreyobserver.com
2017 County Fair Fine Arts And Photography Competition Winners Announced The Hillsborough County Fair celebrates the talents of the residents of the county each year at the fair. As part of this tradition, artists and photographers enter their works of art in the hopes of winning cash prizes and ribbons. Both competitions are judged by local artists and photographers of distinction. The two shows are an excellent opportunity for any resident who lives in Hillsborough County to enter either a fine arts work or a photograph and have the work displayed in a gallery setting and viewed by thousands of visitors to the annual fair.
high level of skill is demonstrated superbly here.” The winner in the Youth Division was Juliette Young, a high school student who entered a black and white pencil piece. Bryant said, “We agreed that the overall piece had strong execution in both the face and hands. Both of these are elements that are difficult to portray.” One piece that was entered was a collaborative piece created by the Mural Club at Trapnell Elementary School in Plant City. This piece received a 2nd place ribbon. Mary Jane Wagoner, chair of the Fine Arts Competition said, “This is a great piece. I am glad to see some kids enter the show and get recognition for their hard work.”
By Michelle Colesanti
judges were impressed with the quality of this year’s entries, especially those in the Youth Division.” The Best of Show for Digital Color for the Youth Division went to Lauren Diedrich, a middle Photo #1 school student from Photo #2 Valrico. The Best of Show for Digital Color Adult Division went to FINE ARTS Brenda Anderson of Plant City. The Best of This year, the Fine Arts Competition Show for Digital Black was judged by local artists and residents and White Adult of Plant City, Debra Bryant and Michaela PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOGDivision went to Mona Messer. The Best of Show for the Adult RAPHY/MIXED MEDIA Merriam of Valrico. Division went to Bebe Blackwelder of The Best of Show for Brandon. Blackwelder is an amateur artist This year’s Photography and Mixed Media Adult who entered an acrylic piece into the Photography/Mixed Media Competition Division went to competition. Bryant, who spoke on behalf was judged by Jason and Nicole Hahn. Photo #3 Donna Holt of Plant of both Photo #4 City. judges, said 1. Lauren Diedrich of Valrico took Anderson added, of the winBest of Show for Digital Color Youth for her photograph of a stuffed would encourage “I ning piece, animal gazing out the window. 2. Brenda Anderson of Valrico was awarded Best of Show Digital Color Adult for her photograph of a anyone who takes “We felt the child with a bubble. 3. Mona Merriam’s photograph of a girl with a photographs, whether artist showed dog took Best of Show in the Digital Black and White Adult Division. great atten4. Donna Holt of Plant City was awarded Best of Show for her inter- it is with a camera or a phone to enter the esting Mixed Media piece. tion to draftsshow.” They are professional nature photogramanship and Artists and photographers are phers who specialize in capturing all of color harmoencouraged to enter next year’s competiamazing creatures and places that the ny. This piece Fine Arts #1 Fine Arts #2 tion. Read all of the rules carefully and our planet has to offer. has great submit your entries early and online. Brenda Anderson is the chair of the universal Bebe Blackwelder’s acrylic work depicting a horse won Best of Show for For more information, please visit Photography and Photography/Mixed appeal and the Adult Division and Juliette Young’s black and white pencil portrait won Best of Show for the Youth Division at this year’s Hillsborough County Fair www.Hillsboroughcountyfair.com. Media Competition. Anderson said, “The the artist’s Fine Arts Competition.
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Page 26
Volume 16, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
After Storm, Local Resident Rescues 21 Baby Squirrels, Plans To Continue
By Kate Quesada
Bloomingdale resident Carmen Tate opened her home to a different kind of evacuee when Hurricane Irma moved through the area in September. The neonatal pediatric ICU nurse rehabbed 21 baby squirrels displaced before and during the storm and is currently housing 18 until they are ready to be released back into the wild. Tate believes that her medical training and daily work with premature babies both prepped and drew her to caring for the baby squirrels, but her adventures with young animals began years ago when her 8-year-old daughter found a nest of abandoned Mallard eggs. With her daughter’s help she made an incubator for the eggs and cared for them round the clock. When the eggs hatched almost four weeks later, Tate took care of the ducklings until they were old enough to be released in the neighborhood pond. Her animal rehabbing adventure continued when, about a year ago, she had her trees trimmed and noticed four babies squirrels had fallen between 40 and 50 ft. to the ground. After researching on-line, Tate decided that taking the squirrels into her home and nursing them herself was the best option for them. “I took to Google and found a group of squirrel lovers on Instagram where I
Bloomingdale resident Carmen Tate took in 21 baby squirrels during and after Hurricane Irma. She plans to release them all when they are large enough.
gained a huge amount of information,” said Tate who learned to feed pumpkin to squirrels with stomach troubles, and that keeping them inside, out of natural light, can cause bone disease, among many other interesting facts. “It’s amazing how fragile and hard to take care of they really are.” Tate released those four babies a few weeks after taking them in, but kept
in touch with her squirrel internet groups, becoming a mentor herself to some rescuers around the country. When Hurricane Irma approached the area, Tate reached out to multiple neighborhood Facebook groups mentioning that she was available to help if anyone found baby squirrels after the storm. “Before the storm even hit, I had a
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squirrel dropped off to me from a neighbor who found the baby after a tree trimmer killed its mother,” said Tate who rushed to Walgreens to buy supplies to feed and keep the squirrels warm right before the store closed to prepare for the storm. “In the aftermath of the storm, I had between eight and ten people bring me a few squirrels each.” The squirrels weighed between 60 and 80 grams and were between three and five inches long. As they grew bigger, Tate moved them from containers with heating pads to cages so they could have space to move around and learn to crawl, climb and balance. She plans to release them when they reach approximately 12 weeks of age, which will vary as they were all different ages when they were brought to her. Once this group of squirrels is released, Tate plans to take in others as needed. “I didn’t go looking to become a squirrel rehabber,” she said. “But what was I supposed to do? I have the resources and knowledge and I couldn’t let them die without trying to save them.” Tate set up a fundraising page on Facebook for anyone who would like to help with the cost associated with rehabbing the squirrels. Search Bloomimgdale/FishHawk Irma Squirrel Rescue or TwirlySquirrels on Instagram for more information.
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Page 27
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
GET THE DIRT
WITH FLORIDA YARD EXPERT Lynn Barber, Hillsborough County Extension Hurricanes have find at: www.treesareprovided many of us cool.com. Click on with the ‘opportunity’ the tab titled ‘Choose to prune our landa Tree Care scape plants; those Professional’ to locate not uprooted or those in your area. destroyed. Under norHurricane pruning mal conditions, prunon Palms: is a practice ing does not have to that harms the palm Pruning should be done sooner than involve a significant and can cause more later due to the damage incurred by Hurricane Irma. amount of our free damage in strong time, but right now it seems to. winds. This type of pruning leaves only We should prune our landscape the fronds on the top of the palm. plants soon because of the damage Please see the University of Florida incurred. Generally, we prune to train publication, ‘Pruning Palms,’ by the plant to grow in a specific direction, Timothy K. Broschat, at: stimulate flower or fruit production, prohttp://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep443. Not all mote more full growth, remove dispalms or fronds require pruning. Dead eased or dead foliage and safety prunpalm fronds can be pruned; however, ing, which is to prevent damage to peo- partially dead fronds (part green, yelple and property. Currently, we are low or brown) should not be pruned pruning for some of those reasons and because they continue to supply also to clean up shrubs that have been potassium to the palm. Fronds should blown over, uprooted or damaged by not be removed above the clock hand falling trees and/or tree limbs. A few tips positions of nine and three. follow: As always, follow the landscape Pruners, not hedge shears, should or architectural control procedures if be used to prune shrubs. Cutting back you live in a deed restricted communione-third of the plant will improve the ty. For assistance with horticultural aesthetics and health of the plant. questions, call us at 813-744-5519 or However, you may need to prune more visit us at the UF/IFAS Extension now depending on the amount of damHillsborough County, 5339 CR 579 in age sustained. Seffner. More gardening information is Tree pruning may be necessary to available at: improve the shape or form. For assishttp://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu and tance in pruning trees, use an www.facebook.com/HCFFL/. International Society of Arboriculture Remember to reduce, reuse, recycle (ISA) Certified Arborist which you can and repeat.
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Page 28
Volume 16, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
All Family Law Group Named Top 10 Best Firms & Best Female Attorneys
Teen Impact To Host Bingo Fundraiser With Coach Handbag Prizes
The All Silon-Laguna, Family Law they charge Group was reasonable founded in and competi1997 to protive rates. “Our vide effective, services are amicable and tailored to empathetic resolve your legal soluindividual cirtions to legal cumstances,” issues includSilon-Laguna ing divorce, said. “We Attorneys Ginger L. Dugan (from left), Monica P. Da Silva and Lynette Silon-Laguna. family law, gather inforrelative adoptions, and eventumation regarding your particular ally Chapter 7 personal banksituation at your free initial conruptcy. According to founding sultation and throughout your attorney Lynette Silon-Laguna, case.” the firm has recently added The All Family Law Group criminal defense to its areas of was selected by the American practice and employs an expeInstitute of Family Law Attorneys rienced attorney who has been as one of the 10 Best Law practicing exclusively in criminal Firms in client satisfaction in defense since 1996. “We have 2017, and as one of the 10 Best highly qualified attorneys and Female Attorneys in 2017. In legal staff to assist us in reaching our goal addition, the National Association of of providing excellent legal services for Distinguished Counsel selected the group our clients,” Silon-Laguna said. as part of the Nation’s Top One Percent The firm prides itself on being reliable for 2015-2017, and the firm was also and timely in communicating with clients selected by The National Advocates for and expediting their cases through the Top 100 Lawyers, as well as also having legal process. They strive to provide cost- a BBB A+ Rating since 2009. effective legal services by working toward The All Family Law Group provides an amicable solution, when possible, to legal services to all of Hillsborough and avoid expensive litigation. “When cases Pinellas Counties and MacDill Air Force cannot be amicably resolved,” she said, Base. “we will aggressively represent you to The firm’s main office is located in attain the best result possible.” Riverview on Highway 301 just south of The practice provides a free initial Bloomingdale Avenue. Contact the firm consultation to discuss options either in by email at info@familymaritallaw.com, or person or by telephone. According to by phone at 672-1900.
Would you like Teen Impact program, a chance to win a said, “I have teenagers, Coach handbag and they struggle every while supporting a day with peer pressure, worthy cause? If so, as do all of our stugrab your bingo dents.” dabbers and venSince 1998, Teen ture over to The Impact has served the Regent on Hillsborough communiTuesday, ty, which contains the November 28 for eighth largest school Impact’s bingo district in the nation. The photo showcases the Coach hand- With a staff of only fundraiser. bag prizes for Impact’s bingo fundraisAngie Kagey, ing event on Tuesday, November 28. three, Kagey relies on the Executive volunteers to live up to Director of Impact, said, “We are excited the program’s name. about the opportunity to do something Hoening continued, “To know that fun to engage the women of our commu- there is an organization in our communinity.” ty that is encouraging and empowering Light refreshments will them to say no to sex, drugs be served with bingo and alcohol, is something our games from 7-9 p.m. To community should stand play—the cost is $40 per behind and support.” person, which also includes The evening will also feaall bingo supplies. Bingo ture a silent auction and raffle tickets are available to purthat will provide additional chase online. Doors will opportunities for winnings. open at 6 p.m. with limited tickets availThe Coach boutique at the Westfield able at the event. Brandon Mall donated an impressive gift George Shea with Signature Realty basket for the raffle. Raffle tickets are is sponsoring the bingo event and con$20 for an arm's length and can be purtributed 10 brand-new Coach handbags. chased at the door. The fundraiser benefits Teen Impact, a For further details or to purchase a nonprofit program that encourages and bingo ticket, visit www.impactcoachbinequips high schools students to make go.eventbrite.com. The Regent is located positive and healthy life choices. The at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. program consists of student-led school For more information on Teen clubs, camps, fun events and a summer Impact, visit www.whatisimpact.com. For staff program. questions, contact Angie Kagey at Kerrie Hoening, an advocate for the akagey@whatisimpact.com or 264-9368.
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November 2017
Page 29
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
ible s s e c c A r i Wheelcha Fields & Baseball More… lesanti, lle Co y Miche r.com b d e il p Com serve spreyob o @ e ll e mich
Theme Announced For 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival
The Florida Strawberry Festival announced today its theme for the 83rd annual event – ‘Building New Memories.’ “Yes, it points to the new entertainment venue we’ve constructed,” said President Paul Davis. “But most of all, we want our guests to know we’re in the business of continuously making new and better memories for families.” The festival’s strawberry character featured in each year’s theme artwork is an iconic part of the event’s branding and advertising efforts. In this theme’s artwork, he wears a hard hat and safety glasses and carries a hammer and construction plans for the new entertainment venue. “We’re so excited about our visitors having a brand new experience with our new entertainment seating and the added vendor building,” said Davis. “It is our desire for our guests to make lifelong memories with their loved ones at the Florida Strawberry Festival.”
Vendors Needed For Toy Train, Collectible, Hobby Show And Sale
Vendors are wanted for an upcoming Toy Train, Collectible and Hobby Show/Sale on Saturday, November 18 at the Hillsborough County
Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. All Vendors are welcome, any train memorabilia, trains, accessories, baseball cards, crafts, comic books, coins, crafts, antiques, diecast cars or any other hobby or collectible related items you may be interested in selling. Six ft. tables cost $20 each. If interested call Joe at 727-244-1341 or visit www.regalrailways.com to rent a table online.
Benefit Concert Will Honor Military Veterans And First Responders
The Eastern Hillsborough Community Band will perform a benefit concert on Thursday, November 2 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Brandon, 121 Carver Ave. in Brandon, in honor of all active and veteran military servicemen and women and first responders. It is free and open to the public. The 60 member band under the direction of Mr. Kenneth Watts will perform a variety of popular and patriotic songs. A voluntary donation to Seeds of Hope (www.sohopefl.org) to assist the Alafia River neighboring families who sustained flood damage in Hurricane Irma may be offered. Email terriemorrison@verizon.net or call the church office at 689-4597.
First Wheelchair Accessible Baseball Fields Will Be Constructed In County
Players with special needs will soon have a baseball field that is wheelchair accessible, safer for play and allows even more opportunities for children with special needs and mobility issues to play baseball. Buddy Baseball is a non-competitive recreational league for boys and girls with special needs where players are paired with a buddy to assist them on the field. Since inception in 2009, the league has been playing on traditional clay and sod softball fields which can be challenging for children with mobility issues. Currently there are no synthetic
Photo Courtesy of Mary-Stewart Latta
A Benefit Concert will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon on Thursday, November 2 at 7 p.m. to honor military veterans and first responders.
rubber baseball fields in Hillsborough County for children with special needs. Buddy Baseball, in conjunction with the City of Temple Terrace, is in the early planning stages with construction scheduled to begin in March 2018. The State of Florida and Hillsborough County will be funding the project. The fields will be located at the Temple Terrace Parks & Recreation - Family Recreation Complex. Current funding will be used for field construction. Buddy Baseball is seeking additional donations and sponsorships to support the growing league. All donations are a taxdeductible investment to the league. Donations can be made online at http://buddybaseball.org/sponsorships/donations/ or by contacting Russ Oberbroeckling, executive director
at russ@buddybaseball.org. Buddy Baseball is a non-competitive recreational league for boys and girls ages 8 to 22 with special needs. Each player is paired with a buddy to assist on the field and in the dugout. At the start of the 17th season in September 2017, the league has grown to more than 16 teams with more than 90 different schools participating.
Bloomingdale Library Book Sale
Friends of the Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, will hold a fall book sale on Saturday, November 4 from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. The money raised directly funds the Life Story Writing classes and other Bloomingdale Writer’s Connection (BWC) programs at the library.
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Page 30
Volume 16, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
r, a a z a B y Holida , Mitzva Laser TagMore… Day &
Next Level Church (NLC) FishHawk is sponsoring a family olesanti, C laser tag event on e ll e h d by Mic m Sunday, Compile preyobserver.co @os e ll November 5 from e h ic m 5-7 p.m. The free event takes place at NLC’s future site at 10540 Browning Rd. in Lithia. To register for this event, please
Holiday Craft Bazaar
Shop for jewelry, clothing and crafts at a Holiday Craft Bazaar at Grace Community United Methodist Church at FishHawk on Saturday, November 11 from 9 a.m. -2 p.m. at 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia. There is no admission fee for shoppers. There will be great gifts for all ages. The bazaar is sponsored by the Women of Grace, and booth rental fees will support missions in the community. Visit www.gracecraftbazaar.com.
First Baptist Brandon Christian Academy Will Hold Soaring Eagle Challenge Walk-A-Thon
On Thursday, November 9, First Baptist Brandon Christian Academy will hold its first Soaring Eagle Challenge Walk-A-Thon. It will begin at 9:30 a.m. Grades Pre K-2 through 8th grade will participate with a goal to raise $15,000 for the school’s technology needs. The Academy seeks local businesses to partner as a sponsor for the event. There are three levels of sponsorship: Event Sponsor $200, Prize Sponsor $150, and General Sponsor $50. Sponsors name and logo will appear on all event t-shirts, Sponsor banner, school’s social media sites and the newsletter. Brandon Academy is located at 216 N. Parsons Ave. If you wish to partner or need more information, please contact Frances Brankley at 689-9435. The Academy is a self-supporting, non-profit organization of the First Baptist Church of Brandon. It is dually accredited by ACSI and AdvancEd. More information about the school can be found at www.fbcbrandon.org/academy.
Pastors Daniel and Mary Stahl, Pastors at The Palms Church invite you to come and experience this incredible night of anointed music. The Palms Church is located at 207 New Hope Rd. in Brandon.
Free Family Laser Tag Event In FishHawk
visit NLCFishHawk.com. For the past three years, NLC has been among the top 10 fastest-growing churches in America. NLC exists to be a loving, relevant, and life-giving church. It continues to live out its mission by opening new locations to reach as many people as possible with the hope and love found in Jesus. NLC is currently
assembling a team in preparation for a launch in FishHawk. If you are interested in learning more about NLC FishHawk, check out NLCFishHawk.com or email the FishHawk pastor at Bobby.Brown@NLC.tv or 740-225-
Joshua 1:9 Freedom Run Supports Persecuted Christians
The fifth annual Joshua 1:9 Freedom Run will take place on
3095.
Congregation Beth Shalom Congregants Celebrate Mitzva Day
Members of Congregation Beth Shalom will be performing many mitzvahs on Sunday, November 5 as they join together to enrich the greater Brandon community. Meeting at the synagogue on Sunday at 9 am, they will join at a nursing home, ECHO and other community locations. All are welcome to join in. Enjoy Hanukkah Music with Cantor Greenblatt as she serenades everyone with beautiful melodies on Sunday, December 3 at 4 p.m. Welcome the Sabbath on Friday evenings at 7:45 p.m. Oneg, nosh and mingle follows. Congregation Beth Shalom is located at 706 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. Call for more information at 6816547.
Jeremy Rosada In Concert
Brandon’s only American Idol finalist, Jeremy Rosado, will be in concert at The Palms Church on Friday November 17 at 7 p.m. Rosado just released his second CD, ‘REWIND’ and will feature new music from this project. This ‘Rewind Tour’ event will also have times of celebration and worship. Tickets are $10 and can be secured through EventBright.com/Jeremy Rosada, at the Palms Church, or at the door.
Saturday, November 18 at 8 a.m. at the Al Lopez Park in Tampa. The chip-timed 5K raises funds and awareness for those persecuted for their Christian faith. All registration
fees go directly to support Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (FRRME). Participants may register the morning of the race or online at www.joshuacord.org/5k/ or www.active.com. Early registration is $25 and $20 for active duty military. After November 14, registration is $30. All 5K registrants will receive a Dri-FIT tshirt. Also, on race day, a one-mile fun run will be held at 9 a.m. The fee is $15 per child and free for those less than 5 years old. Participants may also donate baby blankets, gloves, mittens and hats, which will be mailed to Christian refugees. Al Lopez Park is located at 4810 N. Himes Ave. in Tampa. Visit www.joshuacord.org.
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November 2017
Ruskin Hosts 29th Annual Seafood Festival With 150 Vendors, Concerts & More
By Kate Quesada
Calling all seafood lovers, the 29th Annual Ruskin Seafood Festival will take place Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5 at E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin offering food, fun and entertainment for the whole family. Last year more than 25,000 residents attended the water-front festival, coordinated by the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, making it one of Hillsborough County’s largest community events. “This is among the annual festivals you will look forward to every year and it’s not just because of the seafood, even though that is the main course,” said Chamber Executive Director Melanie Rimes. “There is a lot to do and see and eat, of course, and the waterfront atmosphere is so much fun.” According to Chamber Membership Development Chair Leslie Bennett, 150 vendors have signed up for the event this year offering food, drinks, arts and crafts, educational displays, commercial exhibits and an entire area dedicated to interactive kids entertainment. “Although seafood is the main focus of the event, we try to make sure there is something for everyone,” said Bennett who lists clams, grouper, mullet, shrimp and seafood chowder among the offerings. Live music will take place at the event from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday
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and 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. Luis Garcia will kick the event off at 11:30 a.m., followed by America Song Box at 1:30 p.m., Kozmic Pearl and 3:30 p.m., Spy vs Spy at 5:30 p.m. and Soul Circus Cowboys at 7:30 p.m. Sunday’s lineup is The Hummingbirds at 11:30 a.m. and Randy McNeeley at 1:30 p.m. The children’s area will feature hamster balls with racing, bull riding, various bounce houses and inflatable slides, a rock wall, a trackless train, pony rides and a petting zoo. There will also be entertainment on the Kid’s Stage and dance performances throughout the weekend. The event is pet friendly, but all animals must be on a leash. The festival will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, November 4 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, November 5, but the entertainment will continue with the food court, Sandbar and Clam Jam Stage on Saturday until 9 p.m. The park is located at 2401 19th Ave. N.W. in Ruskin and can be reached at 671-7655. Admission to the park for the festival is $2 a car, but parking is free. Each adult will also need a $5 ticket for admission to the festival. Children under 12 and active military with ID are free. Group rates are also available in advance only. For information, contact the chamber at 645-1366 or visit www.ruskinseafoodfestival.org.
Bell Shoals Baptist Church Presents Wonder: A Christmas Experience
By Amanda Boston
Wonder: A Christmas Experience features Bell Shoals worship choir, orchestra and rhythm section in its state-ofthe-art lighting and sound venue.
Renowned for its larger than life stage productions, the Bell Shoals Worship Ministry invites you to its annual Christmas production on Friday, December 8 at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10 at 6 p.m. The musical production of The Wonder of Jesus Through One Man’s Eyes presents the gospel story through the eyes of one man, Simon Peter. Playing the role of Simon Peter is the award-winning Christian actor and scriptwriter, Mac McConnell. The show features Bell Shoals’ 175person adult choir, a 35-piece orchestra and an 8-piece rhythm section. Also taking the stage are the Bell Shoals’ children and student choirs. Special guest Dave Cleveland, who has toured with Steven Curtis Chapman, Twila Paris and the Brooklyn Tabernacle, joins the ensemble with his electric guitar. One of the musical numbers includes the song, Heart Abandoned, written by Sean Curran, a former student of Bell
Shoals and Kristian Stanfill, a prominent contemporary Christian artist. Back by popular demand is the free app called Offline Lights. The app is not essential to the show but will enhance the viewer’s experience. To participate, download the app to your phone so that it will synchronize to the performance. “We want to do something similar to last year,” said a spokesperson for Jason Millsaps, pastor of music and worship. “At the top of the service, we’re going to use a phone app that will add an audience participation component to the first song.” An hour before the show, guests can enjoy pre-show concerts in the church’s welcome area from the following schools: Durant High School choir on Friday, December 8, Burns Middle School Chamber Strings on Saturday, December 9 and Bloomingdale High School on Sunday, December 10. The approximate length of the performance is one hour and 40 minutes. The show is free, open to the public and suitable for all ages. If you would like to attend, you do not need tickets, but invitation tickets will be available for Bell Shoals members to give to guests. Bell Shoals Baptist Church is located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd in Brandon. For information, contact the church at 6894229 or visit www.bellshoals.com/brandon or on social media BSBCWorship.
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P R E SS
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Volume 16, Issue 11
Sports Connection 657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com
Bloomingdale Bulls Charged To Keep Momentum For Season Second Half The Bloomingdale High varsity football team began the season with a pair of tough losses, first against Newsome and then Chamberlain. The disappointing start, however, may have been just what propelled the Bulls to reflect, pull together, refocus and start winBulls wide receiver Terrel Ferrell breaks through the East Bay defense for a first down during a recent disning. Bloomingdale freshman running back Charles trict game. Montgomery takes the football down the field for a 35-yard Following its 50Bloomingdale quarterback Tyler touchdown during a game against East Bay. Hunter passes the football connection “Coming ing three times with Hunter, who complet27 defeat to for a first down during a district game through Middelton, out of two ed 12 of 23 for 160 yards. Montgomery Chamberlain, against East Bay. losses and a win, this district game is a ended the game with 59 yards rushing on with a 36-9 win before Bloomingdale took on major test for us.” 11 carries. traveling to Strawberry Crest High to put Lennard High, its first Class7A District 9 The Bulls then took the field and got The final score was sealed by Ferrell the icing on the Bulls winning streak, and opponent for the season, and as if with a the job done. Although a close game from with less than eight minutes remaining on leaving the Chargers at home to reflect vengeance, ran away with a 45-17 victostart to finish, there was little doubt that an 80-yard pass, to advance the Bulls 2-0 on their 52-0 loss. ry. the program was back on track with solid in conference. “We are at full strength,” Warner conIt was also the first of four consecuplayers including senior quarterback Tyler Bloomingdale hopes to carry the fidently said just minutes before the home tive wins for the program led by Bulls Hunter, senior wide receiver Edward momentum, while yet to play TBT, Plant game against East Bay. “We are doing Head Coach Max Warner. Amos, junior wide receiver Terrel Ferrell City and district rival Durant. The Bulls next took on East Bay, win- good offensively and defensively.” and freshman running back Charles For more information about fall high Warner emphasized that the bout ning the crucial confidence-booster 14-6. Montgomery, to name a few. school football, please visit www.maxagainst East Bay was an important turnBut there was more to come. Ferrell collected 95 yards by connect- preps.com. ing point for the season when he said, Warners’ players next plowed
November 2017
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Sports
Connection
Bloomingdale Hires Jeff Shotwell As Head Basketball Coach
By Nick Nahas
1997 as an assistant girls’ basketball coach at East Bay High School. He later went to Riverview High School as an assistant coach when the school first opened. A year later in 19992000, he earned his first head coaching Senior staring guard, Senior starting Senior forward, Paul job as the Durant Connor Moran. guard, Mikey Kusz. Dobler. women’s basketball head coach. Shotwell jokes that, at 25, he was way too young to be a head coach at the time. He coached that team for four years, and in his last season they went 264 and made it to the regional finals. Shotwell then became the head coach at Plant City, but later returned to Durant as the head men’s basketball coach, where he coached from 2004-2009. For the last seven years, The Bloomingdale Bulls open the regular season Shotwell has been an assistant coach for Newsome under head at Newsome on December 1. coach Barry Jacobs, who was an The Bloomingdale Bulls basketball assistant at Riverview with Shotwell back program is in for some full sail changes in 1997. Shotwell wants to take what he this upcoming season. Bloomingdale learned at Newsome and apply it to hired Newsome assistant coach Jeff Bloomingdale. He wants to incorporate a Shotwell as their head coach on April 7 more deliberate, patient and mentally after eight-year head coach Joe Willis tough playing style with an emphasis on took the head coaching gig at Plant High not turning the ball over, sharing the ball School. “At Bloomingdale, we look for and passing it several times a possescoaches that understand the importance sion, and playing great, hard-nosed, manof three components: being an outstandto-man defense. ing student-athlete, having great sportsThe Bulls will return two senior manship and being a true competitor,” guards that started last season, Connor said Donny Peak, Bloomingdale Athletic Moran and Mikey Kusz. Along with a forDirector. “Coach Shotwell’s vision fits the eign exchange student from Italy, direction of Bloomingdale High School.” Back when he was in college at USF, Edoardo Fadda and senior forward, Paul Dobler, the Bulls look like a team that can Shotwell majored in Sports Medicine and compete for a district title. “I’m expecting was an assistant athletic trainer for the to win districts,” said Connor Moran. “We men’s basketball team. He later develare the most underrated team in the oped a passion for basketball and decidcounty and we can beat every team in ed that he wanted to get into education our district.” and coaching. The USF head women’s According to Shotwell, the players will basketball coach at the time, Trudi Lacey, have to make some adjustments for this offered him a coaching internship. Shotwell became a student manager with different style of play. The Bulls have 22 games that were played in the summer the team and later decided that he wantand fall under their belt. Tryouts are on ed to pursue coaching as a career. He is Tuesday, November 7, and the regular now in his 21st season coaching basketseason will start on Friday, December 1 ball in Hillsborough County. at rival Newsome. Shotwell’s first coaching gig was in
Newsome High Graduate Makes It In The Professional Soccer WorldBy Renee Hobbs
You didn’t mess with her on the field team took home the Icelandic Premier then, and you still don’t. Former League Championship Trophy. Cate said FishHawk (FH) resident Ana Cate began this is definitely the highlight of her career playing soccer when she was six years so far. Cate has been in Iceland almost old, scoring numerous goals her first time two and a half years and said, “I miss my on the field. family the Cate most. Being laughed and able to drive said, “My over and see mom them. Also to thought have them at everyone did my games. that.” That’s the Twenty five toughest year old thing.” Cate Cate attendsaid she ed Nativity Catholic School her seventh missed the weather here,”but not in the and eighth grades, going on to Newsome summer…it’s too hot.” One of Cate’s High School where she played soccer all favorite things about Iceland is the openfour years. Cate graduated and attended ness; “It’s a liberal and forward thinking Auburn University on scholarship. The society. They’re very resourceful people.” young athlete then studied at Durham Cate also coaches two younger girls’ socUniversity in England, also on scholarcer teams and has managed to master ship. Cate earned her Master’s Degree the language. Cate was already fluent in in education and Spanish and after graduating, said, “It has Cate signed her helped me learn first contract with Icelandic”, and a professional added, “There soccer team in are some similar Iceland, sounds and senFimleikafelag tence structure,” Hafnarfjordor. Cate went on to Cate played one talk about the season and said, fact that she “It was really doesn’t make it rough. We were back to FH a pretty bad enough, “Maybe Newsome High School graduate Ana Cate played three times a team.” Cate stayed in Iceland soccer all her years in FishHawk and now takes year.” Cates parhome a championship in the professional world. and was invited ents still live in to a trial from the defending champions, the house where Ana was raised in FH. Stjarnan. Cate did that and then signed a For more information about women’s socone year contract that she renewed last cer in the FH area you can visit floridafall. “We finished in second place last hawkssfc.com, formerly FishHawk season”, and this season she and her Soccer Club.
Expires 12/31/2017
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Volume 16, Issue 11
Minimize Sharing Of Holiday Feasts With Family Pets This Season
Dr. Jennifer Challenger DVM, MPH
Thanksgiving, that special time of the year when people look forward to making their plans for the holiday season-is almost here. Nothing is quite as inviting as the aroma of a turkey basting in the oven and all the fixings that go with it. As homes begin to transform with holiday spirit, families and friends gather for visits and celebrations. Our pets also share in in the joy of the holiday season with us. It is important to remember that allowing our pets to join us in our holiday feasts can sometimes lead to upset stomachs, cause diarrhea and even result in an unexpected visit to the emergency clinic or veterinarian's office. You may find it difficult at times to ignore a cat's constant meow or a dog's imploring looks as it begs for a taste of your holiday meal, but be sure not to overindulge their appetites. As boring as it sounds to us, pets thrive on a stable diet of the same food. For every junk yard dog with a cast-iron gut, there are 30 other pets that cannot handle a sudden change in the consistency of their diet. A well-balanced pet food with the proper ratio of protein, carbohydrates and fats gives a pet a healthy, well-regulated digestive system. Although some pets are able to enjoy a piece of the white meat
from a turkey and a small helping of vegetables (without gravy or butter), others will end up with cramps and distress from even the smallest amount of something different than their usual food. If you feel you must share your holiday dinner with your four-legged family members, remember that pets should only be given a very small amount of lean meat (i.e., low-fat chicken or turkey), vegetables and fruits. Foods to avoid include sauces, gravies, butter, sugars, dairy products or anything high in oils or fats. Do not allow your pet to chew on turkey bones, which can cause serious health problems. Veterinarians generally tell clients not to give their pets any "people food" at all in order to avoid potential gastrointestinal pain for pets and expensive veterinary care bills for their pet owner. However, since it is human nature to include all family members, as well as our pets, in our holiday celebrations, I just ask that you remember these two simple rules: Rule #1: Only feed your pets healthy choices Rule #2: Feed your pets very small amounts Our pets are much smaller than we are and do not need larger portions of any kind of food, even for those that are healthy. The best advice I can give is to remember that moderation is the key to a successful celebration.
Thanksgiving Family Traditions Start Here
9th Annual FishHawk Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Day! Nov. 23rd New! 10K (timed), 5K (timed), New! 5k (untimed), 1M Fun Run, 250 yd. mini-run Thanksgiving crafts for the kids and the kids at heart! Register at www.Eventbrite.com search 2017 FishHawk Turkey Trot to register today!
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November 2017
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Brandon ’86 Rotary Club Presents 26th Annual Brandon Seafood Festival
By Kathy L. Collins
The Brandon ’86 Brandon ’86 Rotary Club and Rotary Club chair of the will hold its Seafood Festival. 26th Annual “This is our signaBrandon ture fundraising Seafood event that has Festival on raised money for Saturday, the needs of local November 4 charities for over from 11 a.m. 25 years,” added The Brandon ’86 Rotary Club to 3 p.m. at Adkinson. invites the community to come Rotary’s For those out an enjoy a day of food, fun Camp Florida and fellowship at its 26th Annual who wish to Brandon Seafood Festival on located at become sponSaturday, November 4. 1915 Camp sors, there are Florida Rd. in Brandon. The cost to attend many sponsorship levels starting at just is $20 per adult with an advance pur$100. In addition, area businesses can chase ticket or $25 per adult at the door. apply to be a vendor at the event. For For children ages 12 to 17, tickets are more information on becoming a sponsor $10. Children under 12 can get in for $1 or vendor, please contact Adkinson at or a donation of canned goods. The price madkinson@autoclubgroup.aaa.com or includes all you can eat and drink. call 765-9546. The Brandon Seafood Festival feaBrandon ’86 Rotary Club is a service tures southern fried fish, shrimp, hush organization that meets every Friday at 7 puppies, coleslaw, hamburgers and hot a.m. at the Rotary Event Center located dogs. In addition to the all you can eat at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. buffet, families can enjoy a pie eating Guests are welcome to attend. “Rotary is contest, human foosball and more. A local about Friendship, Fellowship and DJ will provide music throughout the day. Community. We work together to solve All proceeds from the event benefit local community issues, provide humaniinternational and local charities including tarian aid and to promote goodwill and the Outreach Clinic, ECHO, Everyday peace. Rotary is comprised of local busiBlessings and Rotary’s Camp Florida. ness people who believe that mutual Last year, the Brandon ’86 Rotary Club service is the best way to create thriving was able to donate $9,000. businesses and societies,” said “Brandon ’86 Rotary Club has been Adkinson. working hard to make this a great event Tickets to the Brandon Seafood filled with fun and great food,” said Festival can be purchased at www.branMarlene Adkinson, president-elect of donseafoodfestival.com.
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Volume 16, Issue 11
Beethoven Gets The Party Started For Florida Orchestra’s 50th Birthday
By Kelly Smith
“Every bit of it has such rhythmic drive and power. It’s just sort of this magnetic pulse.” That’s how Florida Orchestra Music Director Michael Francis describes Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 and its jubilant feeling of dance. It’s a fitting centerpiece to the orchestra’s Birthday Bash Weekend marking its official incorporation 50 years ago, on November 2, 1967. Expect festive touches all weekend, from the lobby into the concert halls in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater on Friday to Sunday, November 3-5. Tickets start at just $15, with free Classical Kids tickets for kids and teens, as part of the Tampa Bay Times Masterworks series. Joining the celebration is FrenchCanadian pianist Alain Lefevre, who makes his TFO debut on his specialty, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 4. He’s one of the few pianists who performs the original 1926 version. The concert kicks off with Bartok’s Dance Suite, a collection of folk songs from around the world, “almost like the United Nations,” said Francis, who is
conducting the concerts. But the celebration doesn’t end with Beethoven: Marvin Hamlisch & More - (Friday and Saturday, November 10 and 11): The orchestra honors one singular sensation with beloved songs by Marvin Hamlisch, along with the music that inspired him from Gershwin and Bernstein. Lee Musiker conducts and plays piano; Doug LaBrecque on vocals. There is also a Saturday matinee at 2
p.m. Jeffrey Multer Plays Bruch (Saturday and Sunday, November 18 and 19): TFO’s virtuoso Concertmaster Jeffrey Multer shines on Bruch’s everpopular Violin Concerto No. 1. Also: the famous melodies of Schubert’s unfinished Symphony No. 8, and Hindemith’s fantastically fun Symphonic Metamorphosis. Larry Rachleff conducts. The Florida Orchestra regularly performs at the Straz Center in Tampa, Mahaffey in St. Petersburg and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Masterworks and Pops tickets are $15, $30 and $45. You can purchase tickets at www.floridaorchestra.org or 727892-3337 and 800-662-7286.
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November 2017
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Photos and story by Tamas Mondovics
District Puts New Bell Schedule And Makeup Time After Hurricane Irma Center Stage School Board Votes On New Bell Schedule For 2018-2019 Season
Type of School Elementary Schools: Elementary Magnet: High Schools: Middle and High Magnet: Middle Schools:
The Hillsborough County School Board has approved a new bell schedule for the 2018-2019 school year. Spearheaded by Superintendent Jeff Eakins, and after feedback from parents, students, district employees and the community, the proposed schedule was introduced on Tuesday, October 10, at 11:30 a.m. in the School Board Auditorium, located at 901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. At the district headquarters, 901 E. Kennedy Blvd. the Board approved the proposal the following week. The decision came in the wake of three community meetings to gather additional feedback and answer questions. According to school officials, nearly 57,000 people chose one preferred option among the six possible bell schedules on the district’s Bell Schedule Survey and more than 1,800 stakeholders provided input using the Bell Schedule Simulator. The change means that starting next fall, elementary schools will begin the day first. Officials said that the new schedule matches the guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommend high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later.
Start Time 7:40 a.m. 8:45 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:25 a.m.
Before-school and after-school care at elementary and middle schools will continue to be available, at a low cost, for families where there is a need. One big reason for the change given by officials was the district’s issues with thousands of students arriving late to school as the current arrival and dismissal schedule does not allow buses enough time to run their routes. District spokesperson Tanya Arja said that last year, 12,000 students were unavoidably late to school every day. “The proposed new bell schedule will afford our bus drivers more time to safely navigate traffic and get students to school on time,” Arja stated in a recent press release. For parents, students, staff and the community who would like to provide feedback or input to the proposed 20182019 bell schedule, please email bellschedule@sdhc.k12.fl.us The 2018-2019 bell schedule, based on community input, is listed above. Individual school schedules, including K-8 schools, may vary. For a complete school-by-school list, visit https://tinyurl.com/y7cpldwy.
End Time 1:55 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:25 p.m. 3:25 p.m. 4:20 p.m.
District To Use Early Release Days for Makeup Time After Hurricane Irma
Hillsborough County Public Schools officials decided last month to convert four Early Release Days into regular school days, beginning on Monday, October 23, to make up for missed classroom time due to Hurricane Irma. Officials said that instead of dismissing an hour early, school will dismiss at its normal time on the following dates: Monday, October 23, October 30, November 6 and November 13, which they said will allow students at all grade levels to meet the state’s requirements for time spent in class during the first semester. To finalize its decision, the district sent a survey directed to employees for feedback, which proved that the most popular option (78 percent of respondents) was to make up for missed time by changing early release days. Hillsborough County Public Schools
annually builds additional instructional time into the calendar each year. For more information, visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us.
Superintendent Eakins Named Administrator Of The Year By American Heart Association
Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Eakins was named the National Administrator of the Year, by the American Heart Association last month. Out of hundreds of candidates, Eakins was chosen by the AHA for his commitment to student health by ensuring heart healthy programs including the May 2015, Hands-Only CPR, which was approved by the district, making it a graduation requirement, while educating nearly 12,000 students each year in high school. Eric Stommes, the Youth Market Director with the American Heart Association, presented a plaque to Superintendent Eakins. “We believe this award is well-earned and well-deserved,” Stommes said. “Superintendent Eakins promotes health and wellness throughout the district and that is truly saving lives.”
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Volume 16, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
s, p u o r G s t Suppor ay Lunch D Veteran’sMore… & nti, lesa helle Co ic M y b d m Compile preyobserver.co s o @ e ll miche
GFWC Valrico Service League Harvest Dinner & Auction
ed at 11020 Hackney Dr. (SE corner of Providence Rd.) cleanup will take place on Saturday, November 4 at 8 a.m. For more information, call Florence Sikes at 677-7606 or email florence.sikes@gmail.com.
Help For Quitting Tobacco
Quitting tobacco isn’t easy. Finding help should be. Tobacco Free Florida offers free tools and services to help you get started in these two hour sessions. Free Community worksite and clinic groups will be offered, with programs covering all forms of tobacco. Free Nicotine replacement patches, gum and lozenges will be available, while supplies last and if medically appropriate. Classes will be available:
The GFWC Valrico Service League, Inc. (VSL) will hold its main fundraiser of the year, the Harvest Dinner & Auction, on Sunday, November 5 at Center Place, 650 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon. The last several years, VSL has partnered with the Campo YMCA funding swimming lessons for children whose families cannot afford lessons. "We think it's important that if you live in Florida, you should know how to swim" said President Karen Boraiko. Hands on activities of the group include educational activities at area Title I elementary schools and providing clothing The VSL, which makes a difference in the local commuand shoes for needy children, nity, will hold its annual Harvest Dinner & Auction on Bunco and bingo at area retireSunday, November 5 at Center Place in Brandon. ment homes and participating in Cards for the Troops. Tickets for the dinner and auction are Wednesday, November 8 from 2-4 p.m. at Moffitt Cancer Center – Owis Den, $30 and may be purchased at Center 12902 USF Magnolia Dr. in Tampa, Place through October 28. The event, Thursday, November 15 from 6:30-8:30 sponsored by Terry Fink State Farm p.m. at Florida Hospital Pepin Heart Insurance, starts at 5:30 p.m. with a Institute, Conference Room, 3100 E. catered dinner at 6 p.m. and live auction Fletcher Ave. in Tampa, Monday, at 7 p.m. November 20 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Last year's auction helped VSL supOakfield Medical Plaza, Classroom B, port ECHO, Brandon Outreach Clinic, 276 S. Moon Ave., Ste. 260 in Brandon. Center Place, Family Promise of The five week Quit Smoking Now Brandon, A Kid's Place, LifePath Hospice, Support Group will meet on Tuesdays and Canine Companions among others. from November 21 to December 19 from For more information, call Claudia Yake at 685-7998 or Sue Hadden at 685- 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Florida Hospital Pepin Heart Institute Conference Room, 3100 6160. E. Fletcher Ave. in Tampa. Pre-registration is required by calling The Neem Tree Is Topic At Riverview 974-7889. For additional classes, Garden Club’s November Meeting visit www.ahectobacco.com. The Riverview Garden Club will hold its business meeting on Wednesday, November 8 at 10 a.m. The guest speaker will be Vickie Parsons on ‘The Neem Tree’. The club is located at the Riverview Civic Center, 11020 Park Dr. Call 6546987 for more information.
Volunteers Need For Cleanup Of Private Cemetery
Volunteers are needed for the annual cleanup of the Hackney Cemetery, locat-
community who have served or are still serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This is not a fundraiser, but a community activity to give back to our Rotary community. This year’s guest speaker will be Robert "Bob" Lapella, Sergeant Major, US Army (Ret.) a Special Forces Operator with 25 years of experience and service. The cost for lunch is $25 per person for all Rotarian's/civilians and guests with no military affiliation. It is recommended but not required that each Rotarian or Civilian attendee pay for one lunch for a veteran. This will enable all veteran attendees, active duty, reserve and retired to dine at no charge.
Dance Theatre announces its annual presentation of The Nutcracker featuring a cast of 100 aspiring dancers and actors and featuring two professional ballet dancers including Nicole Padilla, former Soloist with the Sarasota Ballet and Edward Gonzalez Kay, Senior Soloist with the Cincinnati Ballet. Other special guest performers will be featured from area schools including
Marine Corps League Looking For New Members
The Sgt Walter P. Ryan Detachment of the Marine Corps League will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, November 7 at Alafia American Legion Post 148, located at 7240 US Hwy. 301 in Riverview. Membership is open to all Marines, FMF Corpsmen and Chaplains who have served or are currently serving. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. It is proceeded by a social hour which begins at 6 p.m. The Detachment is always looking for new members that miss the camaraderie they had while on active duty. For more information contact Ron (Doc) Essick at 5030390 or ronessick@aol.com.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Theatre Arts and Dance Alliance (TADA) in collaboration with Tampa Bay
Photo courtesy of Castle Photography
Young Clara is performed by Mackenzie Capella in The Nutcracker Ballet.
Bevis Elementary, FishHawk Creek Elementary and Newsome High School. Two matinee performances will be held on Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10 at Howard W. Blake High School at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 for students and seniors, $15 for adults, and $25 for premium seating. Group discount is available for 15 or more people. Visit www.tadance.com or call 571-0901.
Rotary Club Veterans Day Lunch Honors Those Who Served In The Armed Forces
The Rotary Club of FishhawkRiverview's Third Annual Veterans Day Luncheon will be held on Friday, November 10 at The Chateau, 1903 E. SR 60 in Valrico from 12 Noon-2 p.m. This luncheon was started as a way to honor the men and women within the
General Assembly Meeting Monday, November 13th at 9:00am - 10:30am
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November 2017
Page 39
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volunteers Needed To Advocate For Children Through Guardian ad Litem Program
FINANCIAL FOCUS
By Kate Quesada
According to According to Garcia, Valrico resident Marilyn the volunteer time is Garcia, there are more spent talking to the chilthan 1,500 children in dren and people who foster care in know them including their Hillsborough County parents, teachers and currently. Many have foster families. GAL been removed from Volunteers then gather their families for reainformation related to the sons of abuse, neglect case from all their or abandonment. sources and go to court Guardian ad Litem of Hillsborough with the appointed attorGarcia and the County is looking for volunteers to Guardian ad Litem be voices for children in the foster ney to advocate for the care system. children as part of a team (GAL) organization are of experts in each case. working to find volunteers who are willing to be voices for these children. “GAL Volunteers do not need a speGAL, a program with groups all over cific background or any qualifications,” the country, started in Florida in 1985 and said Garcia who has lived in Valrico since is made of volunteers who 2002. “They just need a are appointed by the court to heart to love children and speak up for the best interest the ability to provide sound of children involved in judgment for what is best dependency court cases. for them.” Currently there are only “There are many people 703 volunteer guardians in involved in helping judges the county to help advocate determine the best solutions for the thousands of chilfor families, from case mandren who come through the agers to attorneys,” said system and only those Garcia, the Community deemed the highest prioriOutreach Coordinator and ties receive Guardian volunVolunteer Recruiter for teers. Garcia would love to Hillsborough County GAL. see the number rise so that 100 percent “But GAL looks at the situation from the child’s perspective. We speak for the chil- of the children can be represented. dren who do not have a voice.” “There is a whole community of broGAL volunteers undergo 30 total ken children that need a voice in our hours of training in different phases, neighborhood,” she said. including a preliminary face-to-face interFor information, visit view, and volunteer on average 10 to 15 www.galtampa.org or call 272-5110. hours of time a month.
Melissa L Haskins Financial Advisor
Can You Afford to Retire Early?
Some people dream of retiring early. Are you one of them? If so, you’ll need to plan ahead – because a successful early retirement can’t be achieved through lastminute moves. So, if you’re determined to retire early, consider taking the following steps: • Pick a date. Early retirement means different things to different people. But it’s important to pick an exact age, whether it is 60, 62, 64, or whatever, so you can build an appropriate retirement income strategy. • Think about your retirement lifestyle. You may know that you want to retire early – but have you thought about what you want to do with your newfound time? Will you simply stay close to home and pursue your hobbies? Do you dream of spending two months each winter on a tropical island? Or are you thinking of opening your own small business or doing some consulting? Different retirement lifestyles can have vastly different price tags. Once you’ve envisioned your future, you can develop a saving and investment plan to help you get there. • Boost contributions to your retirement plans. If you want to retire early, you may well need to accelerate your contributions to your retirement accounts, such as your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored plan. You may need to cut back in other areas of your life to maximize the amounts you put into your retirement plans, but this sacrifice may be worth it to you. • Invest for growth. Your investment strategy essentially should be based on three key factors: your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. When you change any one of these variables, it will affect the others. So, if you shorten
your time horizon by retiring early, you may well need to reconsider your risk tolerance. Specifically, you may need to accept a somewhat higher level of investment risk so you can invest for greater growth potential. • Keep a lid on your debt load. It’s easier said than done, but try to manage your debt load as tightly as possible. The lower your monthly debt payments, the more you can contribute to your retirement plans. Life is unpredictable. Even if you take all the steps described above, you may still fall short of your goal of retiring early. While this may be somewhat disappointing, you might find that adding just a few more years of work can be beneficial to building resources for your chosen retirement lifestyle. For one thing, you can continue contributing to your IRA and your 401(k) or similar employersponsored plan. Plus, if you’re still working, you may be able to afford delaying your Social Security payments until you’re closer to your “normal” retirement age, which, as defined by the Social Security Administration, likely will be 66 or 67. The longer you put off taking these benefits, the bigger your monthly checks, although they will max out once you reach 70. And even if you are not able to retire early, some of the moves you took to reach that goal – such as contributing as much as you could afford to your IRA and 401(k), controlling your debts, and so on – may pay off for you during your retirement – whenever it begins. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Melissa L Haskins, Financial Advisor
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Page 40
5K, , s i n n e T s Men’ s Holiday ’ Newsome Dinner Theater ichelle Colesanti,
Volume 16, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
parking.
Bloomingdale Rajun Bull Band Plans For A Busy Fall
8018 for more information.
Madrigals Holiday Dinner Theatre
shooter. We will have prizes for Top Male/Female/Youth/Team. Businesses interested in being station sponsors or larger banner sponsors (banners will be displayed at our home field during the baseball season). Email dhscougarbaseball@gmail.com.
You are invited to the annual Newsome High School Holiday Madrigal Dinner Theatre. This year’s d by M m Renaissance-themed Compile preyobserver.co @os e ll e celebration has a ‘new h ic m castle’ located in the Running Of The Limona Village Chapel, Bulls 5k At 408 Limona Rd. in Bloomingdale Brandon. Performances Senior High take place on FishHawk Ranch Tennis School Thursday, November Club Men’s 4.0 USTA 30 and Friday, This is the perTeam Finishes 2nd At December 1 beginfect time to set Florida Sectional ning at 6:30 p.m. some early goals for Championships The award-winning Newsome 2018. How about supporting a local The FishHawk Ranch High School Chamber Choir will school and working on your fitness? Tennis Club USTA Men’s 4.0 feature festive song, dance, a lavCome out for the Running of the team, captained by Tim ish feast, and pageantry befitting Bulls 5k on Saturday, January 27. Walker, in similar style, royal guests. A wondrous and deli- The race will begin at 8 a.m. swept through their regular cious banquet shall be served to The Running of the Bulls 5k is a season with a 7-1 record. satisfy the palates of our most dis- community race that takes place on They represented cerning guests. Sing along to your the Bloomingdale High School camHillsborough County to comfavorite carols, and raise your pus. All proceeds go to the pete in the Florida Sectional glass as we toast Wassail! This FHRTC Men’s USTA 4.0 team: Back row from (l-r): Gabe Championships at the new Mead, Rodney Crawford, Jose Torres, David Spohn, Greg is a spectacular holiday event Goodson & Captain Tim Walker. Front row from left: Mark USTA National Tennis not to be missed, and sells out Center in Lake Nona, Florida Kanarek, Andrew Sanderson, Tim Plossl, Mike Johnson and quickly. Carlos Sanchez. Not pictured but played in tournament is RJ in August, where they finBrauneker. Tickets are limited and only ished second in the state. sold in advance for $25. Order For results and pictures, visit assessment, which will take place on forms are available online at www.fishhawkranchtennisclub.com. Saturday, November 4 at Gaither Newsomechorus.net and on faceHigh School book.com/NewsomeChorus. Homeschool Day At Cracker The Band will host a Veteran’s Country Day concert on Tuesday, November 7 Durant HS Baseball 4th Annual On Monday, November 6 from 10 at 7 p.m. and a Winter Concert on Clay Shoot a.m.-2 p.m., Durant HS Baseball 4th Annual bring your famiClay Shoot Fundraiser will be held lies to discover at FishHawk Sporting Clays the lives of seton Saturday, November 11. tlers in rural Registration begins at 9 a.m. and Florida before Shooting begins at 10 a.m. No the turn of the shooting experience is required to 20th century participate. Registration for individthrough handsual shooters is $65 or Foursomes at on activities that $240. Fifty Clay Targets and lunch would have been are included with each registered familiar to a child growing up in a Thursday, December 14 at 7 p.m. in Bloomingdale High School Rajun' Florida farming community over 100 the school auditoriBull Band will raise money years ago. Historically dressed interum. At the winter for instrument upgrades and preters will lead each activity disconcert donations maintenance. cussing its historical significance. will be collected for The race will start and Homeschool Day activities are Toys for Tots. The finish on the track. Runners designed to capture the interests of Band is also particiand walkers are welcome. students of all ages. pating in the Snow FitNiche Running and Cracker Country is Tampa’s only on 7th parade in Fitness will time the race. living history museum and is located Ybor city Look for race information on the Florida State Fairgrounds. on Saturday, and a registration link at Tickets cost $8 per person 4 December 9. www.fitniche.com years old and up, children 3 years old Bloomingdale Sign up at www.athand younger will be admitted for free. High School is locatlinks.com/event/running-withAdvance ticket purchase recommend- ed at 1700 E. the-bulls-5k-212931 or ed. Enter the Fairgrounds via the Bloomingdale Ave. in www.facebook.com/bloom2016 Renaissance- themed Madrigals Feast hosted by Newsome High Orient Rd. Service Entrance for free Valrico. Call 744ingdalebulls5k/. School Choir The Bloomingdale Rajun Bull Marching Band has been busy. With this year’s theme, ‘Tales of Kings and Castles’ with music from,Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, The Gladiator, and Game of Thrones, it promises to be another successful season at FBA marching
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Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Family-Owned Budget Blinds Brings Smart Home Technology To Riverview After two successful careers in the corporate world and the successful realization of a dream to own a business together, Jim and Elaine Trotter are excited to announce the expansion of Budget Blinds with their Riverview showroom. Budget Blinds has offered professional service to the Tampa community for over 20 years, and they are excited to make their huge variety of stylish window treatments including shutters, blinds, draperies, shades, window film, and home accessories like rugs and bedding, convenient to the East Hillsborough community. Beyond what you may typically think of when you imagine window treatments to bring style and comfort to your home, Budget Blinds has recently partnered with Lutron so that you can integrate your life with smart home technology of your choice, like Sonos, Amazon Alexa, or Apple Homekit, to name a few. Elaine Trotter explains why she and her husband volunteered the Tampa franchise as beta testers for this technology that has since rolled out to Budget Blinds franchises across the country: “With the statistics we’re seeing, over 50% of con-
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receive free app control with a purchase of automated shades through Lutron; this offer is good whether you purchase one or install throughout your house. Running through the end of November 2017, the more you buy, the more you save on everything. Homeowners can save up to 35% off selected window coverings through their extensive selection of manufacturers. Jim and Elaine both really believe in giving back, so you know when you come to Budget Blinds, you are dealing with neighbors who have your interests in mind: “We feel strongly in supporting the community that has supported us. This will be our third year we donate $1 for every window covering sold for Homes for Our Troops. We believe in this model because they reward injured veterans mortgage free, specially adapted homes.” Visit www.budgetblinds.com/Brandon/ or call 540-0020. Budget Blinds Serving Brandon is open Monday- Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.. Stop by the showroom in the Lowe’s Plaza at 10437 Gibsonton Dr. in Riverview.
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Page 42
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 16, Issue 11
Ryuu Japanese Steak House Offers Unique Dining Experience At Brandon Mall As Ryuu Japanese Steak House prepares to enter its seventh year at Westfield Brandon Mall, owner Robert Smith said his mission remains the same—to provide great food in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Ryuu, which means “dragon” in Japanese, is best known for its Teppanyaki dinner. Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cuisine that uses an iron griddle to cook food. At Ryuu, diners enjoy fresh vegetables, choice-cut meats, succulent seafood and the performance artistry of Teppanyaki chefs who masterfully chop and dice the food, then set the hibachi grill aflame in the blink of an eye. In addition to the Teppan tables, which can seat up to 22 people, the restaurant also has booths and an extended bar area. It offers happy hour all day, every day, including 2-for-1 drafts. Ryuu also features an extensive sushi menu. Smith said the more popular sushi rolls are the Volcano Roll and the Double J Roll. Smith said he has enjoyed the exposure that being located in the mall brings. “We do a lot of advertising, but we get people who say, ‘We never even knew you existed until we came to the mall.’ ”
By Michael Smith
Smith, a New York native, estimates that 80 to 85 percent of his customers are regulars who have been coming to the restaurant Photo Courtesy of Ryuu for years, Japanese Steak House Ryuu’s seating options including some include large Teppan tables, booths and an who come every week. extended bar area. A handson owner, Smith can be found working in the restaurant most days. He said his favorite thing about his job is getting to meet people and talk with them, and seeing his customers’ kids grow up. “I have children who have been coming since they were babies and to see them go from toddlers to children is just amazing,” he said. Smith said it is important to him to support the community that supports him and his restaurant. He has sponsored local baseball teams, donates regularly to New Horizons Group Homes and helps local schools with fundraisers. Ryuu Japanese Steak House, located across from Panera Bread, is open seven days a week. It serves lunch Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open for dinner Monday-Thursday 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Friday 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Saturday 12 Noon-11 p.m., and Sunday 12 Noon-9 p.m. For information, visit www.ryuujapanesesteakhouse.com or call 438-5934.
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November 2017
Page 43
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
A Call To Artists Has Been Issued For The 10th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival And Artisan Market
Plant City Entertainment Presents You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
Artists and artisans are encouraged to enter the 10th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Artisan Market. Applications are now available. Space is limited and the top three artists will be eligible for cash prizes.
A call to artists and artisans has been issued by organizers of the 10th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Artisan Market, which will be held on Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Winthrop Town Centre in Riverview. All artists and artisans who are interested in having their art work considered for this juried arts show, can visit www.winthroparts.org and learn more on how to apply. This year, applications for the show are being accepted through Zapplicaiton, a free site for artists and artisans. Zapplication allows individual artists and artisans to apply online to art shows. Artists and artisans can directly download images and pay online and the information only has to be entered once. Visit www.winthroparts.org for the link to Zapplication. For the 10th Annual Winthrop Arts and Artisan Fee, there is an application fee of $25. Once artists and artisans are notified of their acceptance into the show, there is a participation/booth fee of $125. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2018, but space is limited, so you are encouraged to enter early. The Winthrop Arts Festival and
P.O. Box 6099 • Brandon, FL 33508
888-466-8055
Artisan Market is a juried show, and it has become a recognized and eagerly awaited annual event. Artists and artisans from the local area as well as nationally have participated in years past. Fine art artists who are accepted into the show will be eligible to win monetary awards. Last year over $5,000 was awarded including $2,500 for Best of Show. The show is judged by highly qualified judges. Bryant Martinez, the Winthrop Town Artist said, "We are really looking forward to this, our 10th year. The Winthrop Arts Festival and Artisan Market is a special event for us. I hope that my fellow artists, who live either locally or a distance from Winthrop, will join me in showcasing their work at this wonderful event.” There are sponsorships opportunities available at varying levels. This includes the innovative, Friends of Winthrop Arts which allows small companies and even individuals to not only become sponsors, but have the opportunity to judge and select an artist to be awarded a portion of their sponsorship. For more information, please visit www.winthroparts.org, email info@winthroparts.org or call 758-5161.
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Bring the family to Plant City as Plant City Entertainment brings the comic strip classic, Charlie Brown to life in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown The Broadway Musical, this November.
Plant City Entertainment is proud to present You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Broadway Musical beginning on Friday, November 10 at 8 p.m. Thereafter, shows will be held on Saturday, November 11 and on Sunday, November 12 at 2 p.m. Additional shows will be held on Friday, November 17, Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Charles Schultz’ beloved comic comes to life in Clark Gesner’s classic musical, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Brief vignettes span the months from Valentine’s Day to Beethoven Day. They feature wild optimism and utter despair. The whole gang makes an appearance including bossy Lucy, Schroeder, Sally, Snoopy and Charlie Brown himself. This is a crowd-pleasing classic. Tickets for adults are $18. Students under 18 and Seniors over 60 are $14. Tickets can be purchased online at www.pceshows.com ($1 convenience fee applies). Depending on availability, tickets may be available at the door one hour before each performance. Please visit www.pceshows.com or call the box office at 752-0728.
April Smith Golombek, first vice president for Plant City Entertainment said, “The show is a collection of scenes from classic Charlie Brown comics with favorite characters acting out some iconic scenes such as Charlie Brown flying a kite and getting advice from Lucy. You can also see Linus trying to leave his blanket or Lucy declaring her love for Schroeder. This show is kid friendly and heartwarming for adults.” Chelsea Orvis directs You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. Orvis said, “I could not have asked for a better cast and production team. Everyone has been incredible in helping put this show together. I hope our audiences enjoy the show.” Be sure to check out Plant City Entertainment at the Pig Jam in Plant City on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18 in Plant City. Plant City Entertainment is a nonprofit 501 ( c)(3). Plant City Entertainment has been entertaining the area since its inception in 1980 as Plant City Community Theatre. Plant City Entertainment is located at 101 N. Thomas St. in downtown Plant City. For more information, please visit www.pceshows.com or email info@pcehows.com.
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Page 44
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 16, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/FishHawk
November 2017
Volume 16, Issue 11
Ph: 657-2418
Inside Pages
Dr. Laura Bridges Selected for Tampa Bay Journal's Annual Up & Comers Under 40 List
Having access to a skilled and caring dentist can do wonders for a patient's life, from encouraging good dental health all the way to helping solve existing dental concerns in as painless and less disruptive a way possible. By all accounts Dr. Laura Bridges is filling this kind of role with her Valrico practice, Bridges Dental. She was recently selected for the Tampa Bay Journal's annual Up & Comers Under 40 List, one of just 60 Tampa professionals recognized in a field of over 400 entrees. The list represents the best in business people on the rise serving the Tampa Bay area. “I'm devoted to providing the best in dental services to this community which means so much to me,” commented Dr. Bridges. “It's an honor to be named alongside so many truly impressive business leaders by the Tampa Bay Journal and I'm beyond grateful to the judges and, especially, to my patients, staff and family for making this kind of success possible.” Bridges Dental offer a wide range of dental services including crowns, bridges and fillings, cosmetic dentistry, root canals, dentures, teeth whitening, gum treatment, and extractions. The office is located at 3646 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. Call 654-3399 or visit www.bridgesdental.com.
50!56
Disease. The Parkinson’s Disease support group is free of charge and open to those who have been diagnosed with the disease, family members, A low cost Shot Clinic will be held on Saturday, November 4 from 2-3 p.m. at caregivers and anyone Kim’s Natural Pets, 3110 Lithia Pinecrest with an interest in learning Rd. in Valrico. Call 684-3663. more about Parkinson’s. Hawthorne Health & clean, green maid servRehabilitation Center, located at 851 W. ice. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon, is a skilled Hours are 9 a.m.-5 nursing facility with inpatient and outpap.m. Call 392-1813 for a Owners of SolMaids Services tient rehabilitation programs including free quote or visit www.solLLC, Vivian and Bernardo speech, physical and occupational theramaids services.com to Gonzalez. see how you can get free pies. Hawthorne also hosts a dementia support group in the assisted living facility, cleaning. Visit on as well as past meetings for those dealing Facebook/Twitter: Professional Green Cleaning with strokes, diabetes, low vision and SolMaidsServices. Maid Services Provided By other diseases. SolMaids Services For more information or to register, Hosts Hawthorne SolMaids Services LLC, owned call 661-8998 Mondayby Bernardo and Vivian Gonzalez, is a Friday from 9 a.m.-5 Disease Parkinson’s family-owned and operated maid service p.m. Support Group with professional green cleaning maid Hawthorne Health & services. 20/20 Window Rehabilitation Center hosts “We have earned our clients’ trust. Cleaning Announces a monthly support group With a reputation for providing professionIts Sister for those diagnosed with al, reliable maid services that are also Company 20/20 Soft Parkinson’s Disease and affordable, we are also committed to proWash caregivers on the third tecting your homes and our earth by What is 20/20 Soft Thursday of every month. using products and methods that are Wash? A new company A variety of speakers green for the planet and safe for your using soft washing as an alternative to provide information on topics relatwill family.” The staff is trained in the latest pressure washing. Soft washing uses ing to swallowing, balance, walking, green cleaning methods and each maid water-based, biodegradable chemicals to speaking, mobility, exercise, self-care, is carefully screened, bonded and emulsify dirt, grime and algae while sanicognition, and memory, all of which insured. Discover for yourself what homecan be impacted by Parkinson’s owners have come to enjoy; exceptionally Continued on next page
Page 46
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 16, Issue 11
Business Column Continued................... Plant It Earth Offers Lawn Revitalization By Michelle Colesanti
tizing the surface. Elementary Its 100 percent School biodegradable Tutoring chemicals do not Offered damage your Local property or resident plants. Also, soft Jacqueline washing uses Adkins is one-third the now offering water of pressure elementary washing and lasts tutoring servfour to six times longer than pressure ices for grades K-6. washing. Adkins said, “I would love the One of its specialties is roof opportunity to work with your amazing cleaning—in particular, those black child to help him/her grow academical‘stains’ on your roof, which is algae ly. The benefits of working with one feeding on the limestone filler student at a in asphalt shingles. Unlike time are propressure washing, which can found: I can cause further damage to the determine what roof, the Softwash Systems™ method of learnuse low-pressure pumps and ing works best biodegradable cleaners to for them and tairemove mold, mildew, algae, lor my instrucmoss, and airborne contamition towards nants like road grime and those concepts sand. that are both relSoft washing is also ideal evant and interfor cleaning gutters, soffits, esting to their pool cages, lanais, fences, everyday lives.” decks, patio furniture and Adkins has much more. From the roof to 12 years experiJacqueline Adkins is offering elethe driveway, 20/20 Soft mentary tutoring services locally. ence as an eleWash can help your home mentary teacher look its best. To get a free in the Hillsborough County schools. estimate, call 863-644-4000. She holds a Masters Degree in For information, visit www.20Education Curriculum and Instruction 20windowcleaning.com. The office is and a Bachelors Degree in located at 6155 S. Florida Ave. Suite Psychology. 3 in Lakeland and is opened Monday Contact Adkins at 956-6895 or to Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. JacquiA949@aol.com.
& Reader Special After Hurricane Irma
By Kathleen Rogers
Driving the roadways of the Brandon area, there are still lingering signs of Hurricane Irma’s damage. Although some homes escaped with less damage than expected, most lawns took a beating. There are stumps now, where large oak trees were previously standing and piles of branches still waiting at the curbside. It may be a time to consider a service to get your lawn back in shape. Since 2003, Plant It Earth has been providing greenfriendly weed and pest control to the Tampa Bay area. Troy Crews, owner of Plant It Earth has these tips for area residents dealing with lawn care issues after Hurricane Irma. 1. Remove all debris from grassy areas and rake to ensure quicker and better recovery for turf areas. Loosen mulched areas by raking to help dry and prevent root damage. 2. Dispose of damaged tree limbs and prune back thick growth to promote healthy tree recovery as well as healthy foliage. 3. Consider aerating the lawn to promote healthy root growth and loosen compacted soil. 4. Prepare the lawn for the cooler months with a granular slow release fertilizer. It is a good source to feed your lawn and keep the root system healthy. Plant It Earth uses a 24-00-11 50% slow release granular product.
Plant It Earth is offering a Hurricane Special, which is a 50% discount off your first application when residents mention this article. To restore lawns, Plant It Earth develops customized care plans for lawns, shrubs, and trees for their customers. Many of their competitors treat or spray all their customers’ lawns the same, but Plant It Earth’s trucks have compartmentalized tanks to enable a customized process. These lawn care plans address weed and pest issues, as well as fertilization for the lawn. To keep lawns weed free, Plant It Earth mixes and refines a blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients. For home interiors and lawn pest control, Plant It Earth has six licensed state operators on its staff. Plant It Earth is so confident customers will be satisfied with their service; it does not require customers to sign contracts and offers a money back satisfaction guarantee. Crews said, “Whether or not you use Plant It Earth, please support local businesses.” Call (866) 794-1077 or visit www.plantitearthflorida.com.
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November 2017
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Page 47
Page 48
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 16, Issue 11
Valrico Family Thrilled To Open Second Zaxby’s With New Gibsonton Location
By Nick Nahas
In March own business, 2003, Matt has been a Wortman big help giving made his him advice. dreams come Wortman has true when he bought the bought his rights for two first Zaxby’s more restauchain restaurants, but rant in Valrico. plans to open On April 3rd of only one more this year, he restaurant in expanded, Hillsborough building off Zaxby’s stellar staff getting County. He the success of wants people ready for the opening. his first store. to know what his restaurant has to The current offer. “We try to put love and care into Valrico resiour restaurant like a family would, dent opened and we just want to do the best for all his second restaurant in Gibsonton, in the guests that come in and want to the Riverview 14 Shopping and enjoy the excellent food that we proEntertainment Center, near the vide,” Wortman said. Goodrich GDX movie theater. Wortman is focused on making Wortman became interested in his Zaxby’s restaurant a desirable owning a Zaxby’s chain when he place for families to eat, along with worked for the company while he was great customer service. “I expect in college in Georgia, he said. He great customer service, excellent food made an offhand comment to his and any complaints to be solved mom about one day wanting to own a immediately if somebody has a bad Zaxby’s. He said his family was very experience,” Wortman said. “I want supportive and helped make his the management team to do the best dream become a reality. that they can to correct the mistakes He moved to Valrico in 2002 and that were made.” went into business with his mom, and Zaxby’s is a fast-food restaurant together, they purchased their first that specializes in chicken wings, restaurant. The family-owned busichicken fingers, sandwiches, salads ness has had success, which led to and more. It also offers special dipthe opening of the second store 14 ping sauces and catering is available years later. Wortman said his father, as well. It primarily operates in the Robert, who previously owned his south with more than 800 locations.
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Page 49
Volume 16, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Breakaway Express Brings Mobile Escape Room Brings Mystery To You
By Kate Quesada
Whether you attention to detail in are planning a the room set up, team building theme and puzzles is event or a fun what sets them apart. evening with “We really want to friends, Valrico make our customers resident Eric feel like they are in a Matus and his scene from the partner Sherri D. 1920s,” said Matus. Keith have a “Our rooms are a 4-D, unique and conimmersive experience venient answer from start to finish.” Valrico resident Eric for you. They recommend Matus and his part- that groups are limited Matus and ner Sherri D. Keith Keith recently to six to eight people recently opened BreakAway opened at a time and the Express, a mobile rooms are not set up BreakAway escape room experience. Express, a for young children. mobile escape room offering two Players are given an hour to solve a 1920’s Underground Speakeasy series of themed puzzles using clues, themed rooms with an hour’s worth of hints and strategy to complete multientertainment that can be brought to ple objectives before time runs out. almost any home or office. Matus and Keith constantly monitor After working in the Escape Room players and offer hints and clues industry for some time, Matus came through television screens when up with the mobile concept to make it requested. easier and less stressful for customers Pricing for most experiences is to plan their events. $35 per person; however travel dis“It can be such a headache coordi- tance and number of players can be nating birthday parties and team build- taken into consideration for large ing events, especially figuring out trav- groups. BreakAway Express also sets el logistics,” said Matus. “So we make up at JF Kicks in Valrico on Friday it easy by bringing the fun to you.” evenings offering escape room sesThe climate controlled trailer is sions for $30 per player and each eight and a half ft. high and 34 ft. long customer receives a $5 drink and food and is the only escape room of its kind voucher. Follow BreakAway Express in Florida. But the mobile aspect isn’t on Facebook for scheduled dates. For the only thing that separates more information, visit www.breakBreakAway Express from other escape awayescaperoom.com or call (863) rooms. Matus and Keith feel that their 529-1120.
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Annual Holiday Sweepstakes Highlights Best Of Shop Local
By Marie Gilmore
be very excited to receive all of these great items from the businesses in our community,” said Kerrie Hoening, Advertising Sales Manager. “Last year was the first time we have ever done a program like this in the paper and we in w Prize are excited to e Grand hings th e m a FL bec ur Favorite T rs. , ia share some of h it L f O e o l cal retail op Loca is family the treasures from The Dav of the 2016 Shprizes from 25 lo ners our local small businesses with our kes with Sweepsta readers.” Bridget Jenkins Wilson, owner of Cardinal Roofing and a member of his holiday season, the Osprey the Valrico/FishHawk Chamber of Observer is once again partnering Commerce said the Chamber is with local businesses to highlight the also focused on encouraging local best of Shop Local gift giving. shopping this holiday season and in The campaign is called, A Few fact has a Shop Local Holiday Expo of Our Favorite Things and we have coming up on Saturday, December gone to the best of our local busi9, 9 a.m.-12 Noon at Park Square in nesses and asked them to give us FishHawk Ranch. ideas of a few of the top items “Anything we can do to keep available this holiday season. our local businesses in the spotlight From now until mid-December, is great for our community,” she we will be collecting Our Favorite said. “And, this is a great opportuniThings all throughout the communi- ty for Osprey Observer readers to ty and putting them together in have a chance to win an amazing one giant gift basket that will be holiday gift.” given out in a Sweepstakes for our Already gathered this season, readers. gifts include a Ladies Seiko Watch “We have so many great items from McAuley’s Fine Jewelry valued coming in and someone is going to at $350 and a custom outdoor fire
T
pit from Outdoor Impressions valued at $850. A pure Silver Christmas Coin from Corbin’s Coins valued at $30, DayDreams Day Spa Journey To Tranquility valued at $135, custom framing certificates from FastFrame, a Swarovski Crystal necklace from TMarie’s Boutique and a ukulele from Music Showcase, just to name a few of the great treasures already gathered together. Last year, more than 450 residents entered the Sweepstakes
and the Grand Prize, valued at more than $3,500, was awarded just before Christmas to FishHawk resident Tim Davis. To enter this year, email Sweepstakes to contest@ospreyobserver.com or fill out the entry form and send in by mail, fax or email. Good luck and thank you for shopping local! No purchase or contribution is necessary to enter and contest is subject to all rules & regulations as required by the State of Florida.
Legendary Kicking Coach Tom Feely
813-205-5008
Tom@FeelyAthletics.com Visit FeelyAthletics.com for more info!
Kick! Punt! Snap!
Private and Group Lessons Gift Certificates Available Whether you are a novice or a professional athlete looking to fine tune your skills, Feely Athletics will help you improve your game.
Holiday Coin Collections, A Daydreams Day Spa Escape & New Sporting Goods to DayDreams Day Spa & Corbin’s Stamp & Coin Is Your Bath Shop. You can make Source For Treasured that possible Family Heirlooms with a gift If you are looking for the card to perfect gift - maybe for a Daydreams. family with a new baby or to With celebrate a momentous many differoccasion, a special coin may ent types of spa packbe the perfect keepsake? ages to choose from Start a new family tradition including massage therby commemorating the apy, body, therapy, skin Christmas season each year. car therapy, nail and Holiday 1oz coin collections are pedicure the perfect way. One ounce Pure Silver each treatments, pure silver coins are availwaxings & able for $29.95 in a gift or boxOrnaments Gift Boxed brows, airor also as brush tanan ornaning, maternity ment that services, servcan be disices for men played. and for teens 209 N. Kings Ave. and more, there is someCorbin’s Coins is Brandon, located Florida 33510 at 209 N. Kings Ave. in Gift Basket thing for everyone. The shop in Brandon and is open Item: 1 oz. Daydreams also Monday to Friday from 9 corbincoin@verizon.net Pure Silver offers spa products a.m. to 4 p.m. and Mon-Fri 9am - 4pm Sat 9am - 1pm Christmas which would also Saturday from 9 a.m. to*Silver prices subject to change. Coin make great gifts. Pevonia Skin 1 p.m. Value: $30 Care products are offered. Gift certificates are available at the Journey To Tranquility At DayDreams Day Spa Spa, located at 658 Oakfield Dr. in With all the stress the holidays Brandon or online at www.daydreamsbring, what better gift for someone (or dayspa.com. yourself) is to escape for a few hours A second DayDreams location is
istmas C ins
$29.95
CORBIN’S
Stamp & Coin 813-651-3266
call 863-686-5859.
in Lakeland at 1463 Town Center Dr. For more information on this location,
Enhance Your Photos At Fast Frame For The Perfect Holiday Gift Did you take a special picture this year while you spent time with your family, maybe on vacation or at a special event? Surprise your family this year with a wonderful family picture specially framed to order commemorating this special shared time. Once you have that beautiful photo, Gift Basket Item: a frame becomes Tranquility Journey in part of the bigger Spa - 95 minute mas- picture, so it’s sage, hand therapy important to and hot stone foot make sure that it massage. brings out the Value: $135 photo in just the right way. When customers bring in their personal items and they
By Michelle Colesanti
are not sure about how to decorate their art, Fast Frame owner Alex Roche helps to educate them on how to enhance their item through framing. He offers competitive pricing and has been assisting customers with frames for more than 28 years. Fast Frame also offers oil paint stretches, shadow boxes, needle
points, restoration and repairs and corporate art. Fast Frame has been a Gift Basket part of the Item: Two $40 community Gift Cards for for 15 years. Framing For more Value: $80 information, visit www.fastframe.com or call Roche at 655-6400. Fast Frame is located at 6128 Winthrop Town Center Ave. in Riverview. Hours of operation are Sunday and Monday by appointment only with 24-hour notice and Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
ay id r F kF e ac Sal F re l O to B
% S 30Entire
813-530-0922 www.TMariesFashions.com 3407 Lithia Pinecrest Rd Valrico (at Bloomingdale) HOURS: Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm | Sunday 10am-5pm
Rolling Pin Cooking Class Gift Certificate, TMarie’s Special Gifts & Musical Music Showcase It is also Great Gift Ideas Brandon’s Big And Classes Green Help Make Rolling Pin A ‘Eggheadquarters,’ Great Stop For the ultimate cookHoliday Gift ing experience. Needs Rolling Pin If you are Emporium is open stuck coming up for private events with creative gift too. Gift cards are ideas, make a also available. visit to Rolling Rolling Pin is Pin and to find located at 2080 Gift Basket Item: Badlands Dr. in Brandon. something for every chef Gift Bundle of Items Call 653-2418 or visit in your life. Rolling Pin & Cooking Class offers a gourmet retail http://rollingpinonline.com/ Certificates store and cooking classfor more information. Value: $547 ($447 es. Retail; $100 Stop by and browse Find Your Perfect the extensive collection of Cooking Classes) Holiday Ensemble At classic and unique kitchenTMaries Fashion & Gifts Boutique ware. You will find everything TMaries from barware, bakeware, aprons, Fashion & Gifts towels & mitts, coffees & teas, cookBoutique is ware, electrics, gadgets, gifts for entertaining, knives & cutting boards, your one stop shop for all of outdoor cooking and more. Enjoy your favorite shopping in the specialty food and fashion outfits wine departments. and accessories for the upcoming There are many great reasons to attend Rolling Pin’s cooking classes - holiday season. It offers a wide variety of casual fashions, resort wear, whether you enjoy cooking – or just plus size fashions, swim suits and eating - from great date nights to cover ups, accessories, shoes, gifts, learning about new foods, this is a great gift idea anyone would be excit- formal dresses, and prom/homecoming dresses, to help you define your ed to receive.
Give The Gift of
Fun
This Holiday Season!
By Michelle Colesanti
own unique style. While you are in there shopping for those party clothes, you will also find many accessories including jewelry that would also make great gifts for friends and family members. Some brands available at TMaries include Tribal, Elan, Catherine Barclay, Julian Chang, French Dressing Jeans
Gift Basket Item:
30 inch 14K Gold Plated Chain Statement Necklace with Swarovski Crystal and Cabana Encrusted Rose Life. Gift Medallion and Large Certificates White Seashell Pearl. are also Value: $117 available. T. Marie’s Fashion & Gift Boutique is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 Noon-5 p.m. It is located at 3407 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. For more information, call 5300922. Visit www.TMariesfashions.com.
A Few Of Your Favorite Things Can Be Found At Music Showcase Music is the international language that is understood and enjoyed by all. Share your love of music by offering voice or instrument lessons to your favorite student. Instrument rentals start at $10 (if you don’t want to make a purchase). If you sign up online, the instrument will be delivered to your school. All of your music needs can be found at Music Showcase, which offers competitive pricing on sheet music and books. There is an inhouse repair shop, and private and
3642 Lithia Pinecrest Rd (next to CarWash on the Greens)
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(813) 655-6400 ↑1820s Photo &
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Grandmother to Grandson
Oil Paint Stretches Shadow Boxes Needle Points Restoration & Repairs Corporate Art 15 Years In The Area
LC’s Cafe Holiday Catering, McAuley Fine Jewelry Seiko Watch & Feely Athletics group lessons are offered. Is your child interested in musical theatre, acting, or maybe photography? Sign them up at the Florida Academy of Performing Arts at Music Showcase. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, call 685-5998 or visit MusicShowcaseOnline.com and FAOPA.org.
Gift Basket Item: Ukelele
and Gift Card
Value: $70 (Ukelele $50 and Gift Card $20)
Enjoy Home-Style Latin Inspired Holiday Catering From LC’s Cafe Enjoy simple, sweet and Gift Basket savory home Item: Catering style cooked, Gift Certificate Latin inspired Value: $50 foods. LC’s Café will be (with $250 glad to cater order) your upcoming holiday party either at your work office or home. The staff is flexible in helping you to enjoy perfect meals to help celebrate the season. Enjoy holiday events in
the privacy of your own home where LC’s Café will host with a waiter and attendant in your kitchen. Hours are Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday Brunch from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Monday. LC’s Café is located near Divine Designs Spa at 1602 Oakfield Dr. #103 in Brandon. Call 526-9395 or email lcsupperclub@gmail.com.
McAuley Fine Jewelry Is A Gem In The Community This season design something uniquely ‘you’ to surprise your special someone. McAuley Fine Jewelry (located in the former Martin’s Jewelers) will help you plan your custom made piece of Jewelry. Jewelry repairs are also done on premises. McCauley
By Michelle Colesanti
dreds of youths, Feely is nationally known for teaching the fundamentals and techniques of kicking and punting. To date, roughly 15 of Feely’s students have played professional football. His most notable pupil is son Jay Feely, a Jesuit High grad Gift Basket who went on to play 16 years in Item: Seiko the professional ranks, including 14 in the NFL. Ladies Watch “I know there’s nobody Value: $350 who’s done more in the state of Florida to help kids get better in the last 15 years from a kicking Fine and punting standpoint,” Jay Feely Jewelry is located on Oakfield said of his father. Drive, in the Atlantic Village Plaza, If your child is interested in Kings Ave. & Oakfield Dr. sports, help them achieve their It is open from Tuesday to Call 205-5008 or email dream. Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Tom@FeelyAthletics.com. Visit Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. www.feelykicking.com for more Call 689-8124 or visit information. www.mcauleyfinejewelry.com.
Feely Athletics Will Take Your Budding Athlete To The Next Level Jesuit and national kicking coach Tom Feely has coached hundreds, perhaps thousands of youths in various sports, but he is known especially for his work in football. Whether a one-on-one instruction on a Saturday or a week long camp or combine featuring hun-
Gift Basket Item: Coaching Video
Value: $65
Custom Firepit From Outdoor Impressions & Birthday Party Celebration At The Alley By Michelle Colesanti A great different kind of gift idea for friends or family could be Outdoor Impression’s 30 inch Munich fire pit. Whether roasting marshmallows or sipping wine,
Outdoor Impressions Will Help You Create The Perfect Outdoor Space To Enjoy YearRound With the beautiful weather that we enjoy year-round, it makes sense to have an outdoor kitchen area specially created for you. The designers at Outdoor Impressions specialize in customizing the details of your outdoor kitchen to your specific needs and taste; everything from the location of appliances in the outdoor kitchen build, to the materials and color schemes that best compliment your home and outdoor living space. It also specializes in paver driveways, patios, walkways, entryways, pergolas, arbors, water features, fire pits, fire places and design services.
Gift Basket Item:
Outdoor Fire memories Pit are sure to Value: $800 be created year after year with this great feature added to any outdoor living space. Outdoor Impressions is located at 10020 Carr Rd. in Riverview. Call 6846817 for more information. It is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
lanes along with a Hurricane Alley 8 Have fun at Route 66 Mini Lane Executive Suite. But Bowling, Tin Pan Alley Arcade and bowling is only the Billiards too. Stuff your kid’s Gift Basket stockings with passes to go beginning of all the Item: Birthday bowling. fun. While there, you The Alley is open Sunday can also enjoy Alley Party For Up to Thursday from 9 a.m.-12 Kat’s Pub & Grill or To 12 People Midnight and Friday and Alley Scoops Ice Value: Saturday from 9 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Cream if you just want $129.99 It is located at 10221 Big Bend a snack. If you want to host a private holiday party, there is Rd. in Riverview. Call 672-8353 or visit a private space for that purpose. http://thealleyatsouthshore.com. Professional catering is on-site.
Christmas C ins 1oz Pure Silver
$29.95
each
Gift Boxed or Ornaments
CORBIN’S
Stamp & Coin 209 N. Kings Ave. Brandon, Florida 33510
Family Fun Awaits At The Alley In
Southshore With over 42,000 sq. ft. of fun, the Alley should be your first choice in family entertainment during the holidays. There are 32 bowling
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Solve Your Jewelry Problems this Holiday Season For more info visit: celestialclasp.com or call Maria 813-352-9087
813-653-2418 2080 Badlands Dr. Brandon, Fl 33511 Sun 11-6, Mon-Tue 10-6, Wed-Sat 10-9
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Backyard Birdseed Squirrel Buster, Jewelry In A Cinch & Daniella’s Mobile Massage By Michelle Colesanti
Nature Lovers Will Delight In Gifts From Backyard Birdseed Backyard Birdseed is your goto place for your friends and family who enjoy watching nature close up. It carries a wide Gift Basket array of prodItem: Squirrel ucts to Buster increase backValue: $50 yard (and front yard) enjoyment for children, families, and birders of all ages. Premium birdseed, bird baths, bird and bat houses, hummingbird feeders and patio and garden décor are all available. In case you do not know what the perfect gift would be for your nature lover, gift certificates are also available. Backyard Birdseed is located at 3642 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. (next to Car Wash on the Greens) in Valrico. It is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and closed Sundays. Call 8162473 or visit www.backyardbirdseed.com. Leaving Jewelry Frustration Behind Is A Cinch
Cinch Clasp Give A Gift Of Tasteful Gifts From offers you the most Mobile Edible Arrangements valuable piece of Relaxation Make Great Holiday Treats jewelry you will ever Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Pre-natal Daniella's What better way own. and Sports Massage Mobile Massage We have all to say you care than offers Deep Convenient, Mobile Massage struggled with putwith a healthy and Tissue, with Flexible Scheduling ting on or taking off tasteful gift of fresh Neuromuscular, necklaces, bracelets Prenatal and fruit. With many P and or Sports Massage. Her assortments from anklets. Those little clasps goal is to provide pain Gift Basket Edible can be so hard to put on and and stress relief thru Item: One Hour Arrangements, you take off. If you have longer therapeutic massage all Free Massage will find something nails or arthritis, these in the convenience of Value: $65 for everyone on little clasps can be next to your home. She is a your gift list. impossible to maneuver. professional, licensed Choose from many Cinch Clasp lets you put Massage beautiful holiday gift on or take off any necklace, Therapist baskets such as the chain, bracelet in two secand has 15 Christmas Tree onds or less every time. Gift Basket years of expeBouquet or the tradiCinch Clasp is very secure and can rience as Item: Cinch tional Delicious handle multiple chains, so you can well as a Clasp Celebration® bouput on or take off all at the same background Value: $150 quet recipe, honeytime. in Physical Gift Certificate dew, cantaloupe, strawberries, Cinch Clasp would make a Therapy. for a and grapes scattered throughgreat gift to accompany a piece Daniella Chocolate of jewelry you are giving someout a beautiful arrangement to offers flexiDipped Fruit create an eye-catching and one dear to you or just on its ble schedulBox: $25 own for someone who already wow-worthy effect. ing. has a lot of jewelry. Cinch To schedEdible Arrangements can be Clasp comes in three different ule an appointment found locally in the Shoppes at Lithia, sizes and offers many different or to get gift certifilocated at 3455 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in finishes. cates, which make Valrico (571-7200), and also at 10273 The Cinch Clasp was invented by great holiday gifts, call 323-4901or Big Bend Rd. in Riverview (Bell local resident, Maria Gibbs. Visit celesemail dveten@gmail.com. Visit on Plaza)(672-6111) or order online at tialclasp.com or 352-9087. Facebook at Daniella’s Mobile www.ediblearrangements.com. Massage.
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By Michelle Colesanti
FishHawk PinchA-Penny Has Egg-cellent Christmas Ideas For your cooking enthusiast, FishHawk PinchA-Penny has got you covered. The Gift Basket 4-1 Big Green Egg Item:A collection each breath, inhale micro-particles grills, roasts, bakes of Big Green Egg that holistically address respiratory and smokes a variety Sauces & Spices and skin ailments. Give the gift of good health to your loved ones. of food from desserts Value: $110 to burgers. Pinch-AThere are both adult and children’s Penny has all the accesSalt Room Therapy. Acupuncture, thersories you need along with sauces and apeutic massage and foot reflexology seasonings to are also offered. Another great gift boot. Now through idea is a Himalayan Salt Lamps, Dec 31, the store which are said to help blood flow, is having a 15 perimprove sleep and also improve cent sale on all Big asthma and allergy symptoms. Green Egg grills The Salt Grotto and accessories. is located in Pinch-a-Penny Salt Grotto Gift Plaza Bella is located across Cards. Shopping from Newsome Can be used Center, 1026 High School at towards therapy Bloomingdale 16715 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. Call 655sessions. Ave. in Valrico. 3700. Value: $50 It is open Tuesday - Friday from Visit The Salt Grotto And Breathe Easier This Holiday Season 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 Breathe easier this holiday season. a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 Noon-4 p.m. It is closed on Relax in luxury at The Salt Grotto. Dig Monday. Call 324-8946 or visit your into the sand like salt and fill your http://thesaltgrotto.com/. lungs with safe, naturally salty air. With
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November 2017
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Page 57
Get Into The Holiday Spirit At Annual Alafia Boat Parade & Chili Cook-Off
By Sharon Still
For more than three decades, boats adorned with lights and festive decorations have paraded down the Alafia River for the community’s annual holiday boat parade. This year, the 34th Annual Alafia Lighted Boat Parade and Chili Cook-Off will kick-off at 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 2 at the Riverview Civic Center on Park Rd. The parade of lighted boats will start at the 301 bridge at 5:30 pm and will continue past the Civic Center to "The Diddy” and then back past the Civic Center ending at River’s Edge Bar and Grill where the VIP after party and awards ceremony for the best decorated boats will be held. Families are invited to the Riverview Civic Center from 5-8 p.m. to enjoy the parade, sample some chili and vote for your favorite at the Chili Cook-Off and pose for photos with Santa. There will be entertainment, a 50/50 raffle to benefit county parks, hot dogs, refreshments and fun for all. There is a $5 donation to taste the chili. “It is always a fun time and kind
of kicks off the holiday season for us,” says Lisa Felice of Brandon who brings her grandkids every year. Presented by the Rotary Club of FishHawkRiverview, proceeds from the event will fund the charitable activities of the club including raising money for the Clean Water and Sanitation Project in Honduras to provide water filtration and latrine systems to the indigenous peoples of that country that do not have safe drinking water or sanitation. Proceeds also will be allotted to local charitable activities. There are several levels of sponsorship available and area boaters are encouraged to join the fun by decorating their boats and participating in the parade. Those who want to compete are asked to donate $25, although boaters do not have to compete to participate. If you are interested in participating in the Boat Parade this year, contact Mike Broussard at Michael.broussard@flyinglocksmiths.com. For more information, contact Dr. Kim Tyson at hummingbird133@verizon.net or visit www.alafiaboatparade.com.
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November 2017
Page 59
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Local Churches Give A Gift Of Hope To Hundreds Of Local Families
By Amanda Boston
toys. Donations may be dropped off at the collection tent on the church property beginning Friday, November 24 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. with the same hours on Saturday, November 25. The collection period continues through Saturday, December 16 with the weekly drop-off Last year, Deputy Parks and Deputy Boyer set up a ‘toy shop’ and and times of days assisted parents with finding the perfect Christmas gifts for their Wednesday through children. Friday 4-7 For p.m. and seven years, Saturdays 10 the multia.m.-3 p.m. church outFor a list reach known of requested as Gift of Hope has provided a traditional Christmas meal and gifts to local families struggling to put food on their table. In collaboration with the Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO) of Brandon, local area churches collect food items, toys and monetary To participate, families must register at either ECHO or the Compassion House with photo identification, proof of residency and donations while social security card or birth certificate for each family member. ECHO registers and sets appointment donations, visit the Gift of Hope website times for families to receive the donated at www.brandongiftofhope.com. items. Additionally, ECHO and the Compassion Melanie Langston is the volunteer House will accept donations during their and registration coordinator for Gift of regular business hours. If you would Hope and said, “We are looking to regisrather make a monetary donation, the ter 800 appointments, which will include option to purchase a turkey through toys for their children, a food bag and a PayPal is available online. gift card to provide the Christmas dinner A multitude of volunteers is needed but more importantly the hope of Jesus to execute an enterprise of this magniChrist.” tude. Beginning on Monday, November 6, For a three-day period, Gift of Hope those who wish to volunteer can register volunteers come together to distribute for an activity and time slot on the Gift of meal items and organize an area filled Hope website. Volunteers must be at with toys so that parents can ‘shop’ for least 14 years old. their children’s Christmas gifts. For families who wish to participate in The Gift of Hope distribution days are Gift of Hope, they must register for an Thursday, December 14 and Friday, appointment Plumbing Repairs Leak repair at ECHO, located at 507 N. December 15 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Parsons Ave. in Brandon or at the Re-pipes Water Softener Installation Saturday, December 16 from 9 a.m.-5 Compassion House, located at 206 N. p.m. at the First stoppages Baptist Church of Drain Water Heater Installation Moon Ave. in Brandon. For more informaBrandon, located at 216 N. Parsons Ave. tion, Construction contact Melanie (Residential) Langston at 661Home Additions New First Baptist Church will also operate 3696Construction ext. 324 or at (Commercial) Remodels New as a collection center for meal items or mlangston@baylife.org.
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Page 60
Volume 16, Issue 11
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Signature Realty Associates
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ONE FULLY FENCED ACRE ON A QUIET STREET IN THE HEART OF LITHIA! 3/2/2 home built in 2004 features wood floors, vaulted ceilings, neutral paint & more! Kitchen is open to the family room & offers warm cabinetry & decorative backsplash! Brick paver patio for outside entertaining! $275,000 ! EW E N RIC P
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