Bloomingdale/FishHawk
15 C E L E B R A T I N G
August 2020 Volume 19 Issue 8 Ph: 657-2418 1 8
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School District Uses Referendum Dollars For $121 Million In AC Improvement Projects
Mother Of Local Hero Queena Releases A Memoir To Share Inspirational Journey
The fortable learning Hillsborough environment is County School essential.” District (HCSD) Bevis used the stuElementary also dent break to received new air perform many conditioning units much-needed this summer, upgrades replacing units thanks to funds that were original from the halffrom when the penny sales tax school opened Randall Middle and Bevis Elementary Schools more than 20 approved by are benefitting from the money raised from voters in late years ago. Hillsborough County’s half-penny tax with improvements this summer. 2018. Schools “The project throughout the county, including two in consisted of all-new rooftop units as well the FishHawk area, received air condias replacing and upgrading the controls, tioning improvements since the students ductwork and insulation in areas around left the buildings in March. the school,” said Principal Becky Thoms. “Thanks to the taxpayers of According to Maloney, normal Hillsborough County, our district has repairs and maintenance projects that invested more than $121 million to are typically funded through existing address essential needs in our schools,” property tax millage also continued. said HCSD’s Erin Maloney. “With stu“This funding provides a new source dents and staff physically off campuses of revenue, accelerating projects that since March, it has allowed construction otherwise would not have been tackled crews access to get ahead of schedule for many years into the future or may not on planned major A/C and roofing projhave been able to be completed at all,” ects in our schools. Despite the slowsaid Maloney. down of some equipment delivery and The referendum proceeds can be lower-than-projected sales tax revenue, used only for permanent capital purour district is still on track to planned chases including buildings, mainteprojected for this year.” nance, technology and security. Twenty-six schools throughout the “We are so thankful for the new air county received improvements this sum- conditioning project,” said Thoms. mer, including Randall Middle and Bevis “Receiving the money from the Elementary schools. Hillsborough County Tax Referendum According to Randall Principal Claire allowed us to move forward on this projMawhinney, the work was extensive in ect and provide optimal conditions for some areas of the school with the our staff and students to work and replacement of air handlers and ductlearn.” work in multiple areas. To learn more, visit “The company lead says that the www.sdhc.k12.fl.us. A list of projects can A/C will be ready for students when they be found at hillsboroughschools.org/citiarrive,” she explained. “Having a comzenoversight.
Queena Phu place.” may be known as the Nguyen hopes Bloomingdale Library her memoir will Attack Victim, but to inspire people from those of us in the around the world, “I Brandon community, am hoping to see the Queena is a hero. book can be pubShe is a vibrant, lished in different lanyoung lady that was guages so it can proaffected by traumatic vide hope to the brain injury at the age downtrodden around of 18 in April of 2008. the world,” Nguyen The injury left her said. “My wish is 100 with many disabilities percent of the book and changed her life or any related proforever. ceeds can support Queena’s mom, ongoing expenses Vanna Nguyen is through Hope Heals preparing to release The Brain, Inc. and a memoir about her Queena’s Medical life, faith and her Trust Fund. Vanna Nguyen, mother of Queena amazing daughter, We’re glad God Phu, the Bloomingdale Library Attack Queena. “I want to choose Ambassador Victim, will release a memoir about her life, faith and her amazing share my struggles in for publishing our book daughter, Queena. life, including this and sharing our inspiheartbreaking attack on Queena,” rational stories to the world. We are also Nguyen said. “I want to share my life’s working on a movie adaptation, but we story to create a living testament to the have not yet chosen a production comnotion that faith, community, and the pany. We are still researching how to do unending grace of God, provide us with a movie.” To preorder a copy, search for the power to do things we never thought the book on Amazon or Goodreads. possible. The book is called The Life She Once Knew: The Incredible True Story of In This Queena, The Bloomingdale Library Issue Attack Survivor. The book’s release date is 11/10/2020, but it is now available through the publisher’s website BEV SUTHERLAND ...............................PG 3 Ambassador International, Amazon and FREE MOSQUITOFISH..........................PG 5 Goodreads for preorder. It will soon be available for preorder TEEN IMPACT SPACE........................PG 10 to all local book retailers. “We have read the whole book draft to Queena and CHAMBER GIVES BACK ....................PG 17 she’s very focused and interested about LEARNING EXPERIENCE ...................PG 21 all the details in the book especially information about her brain damage and POLITICAL GUIDE......................PGS 3340 coma as she doesn’t really remember,” EYE ON BUSINESS.....................PGS 3031 Nguyen said. “From victim to survivor, to revealing SPORTS CONNECTION .....................PG 45 her name, now she can’t wait for release a book about her story, which is a story READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE of deep grief and darkness. She wants it www.ospreyobserver.com to shine a light into someone else’s dark
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 8
August 2020
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Former Bloomingdale Orchestra Director Left Lasting Impact On Her Students
By Tatiana Ortiz
With more started out as a than 30 years of clarinet player teaching in with a scholarship Hillsborough and in the second County, including semester at Bloomingdale Sutherland High School, switched to voice. Brandon resident She also particiBev Sutherland pated in a show created numerous choir and permemories and left formed songs a valuable impact Former Bloomingdale High School teacher from musicals. on the thousands She attended the Bev Sutherland, pictured here with her daughter, Kelly McRae, is battling cancer. University of of students she taught throughout her career. A few Tampa and earned a Bachelor of years ago, Sutherland was diagnosed Music degree with education. with ovarian cancer and unfortunately In 1975, Sutherland began teachit returned. One of her former stuing and she retired from dents, Kellie Harmon, who also Bloomingdale High School in 2011. resides in Brandon, organized a Once she retired, Sutherland taught GoFundMe for Sutherland. part-time off and on at Bloomingdale The fund has raised more than High School and the University of $25,000 with the goal of providing South Florida’s Tones of Gold. assistance for Sutherland’s 17-year“Words cannot express the joy old daughter and helping with other that I had while teaching and hopefulexpenses. ly my students know how much they Harmon explained her reasoning blessed me as I attended work everybehind the GoFundMe. day,” Sutherland said. “We learned about Mrs. Many consider Sutherland a perSutherland’s current situation and son who saved their lives as Harmon thought this would be a way for us to mentions how she was a proverbial give back to the person who gave us lighthouse in the storm. so much all these years,” Harmon “Overall, this has brought my said. classmates and I closer together as Sutherland’s love for music began we continue to help Sutherland keep in the sixth grade band. She played her legacy, which is us,” Harmon at the World’s Fair in New York City. said. Her time spent practicing nonstop and To donate, visit the GoFundMe at her dedication led Sutherland to https://www.gofundme.com/f/cmnnfadvancing to the top. In college, she bev-sutherland.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Mentors Needed For Local School Students
By Kate Quesada
The school lunch or Hillsborough qualify based on Education income. Foundation (HEF) is Joe Gross has offering residents a been a mentor for wonderful opportuHillsborough nity to change lives. Education The foundation is Foundation’s Take looking for 100 Stock in Children adults to mentor program since students, virtually or 2004. In that time, HEF mentor Joe Gross and his mentee, in person, for the Diego. Diego just graduated from Brandon he’s had five 2020-21 school mentees. His most High School and is going to HCC this month. year. recent, Diego, who “In the last quarter of the 2019-20 he worked with since 2015, graduated school year, the pandemic inspired HEF recently from Brandon High School and is to develop creative ways to continue to going to HCC to pursue computer engisupport the 359 students in its Take Stock neering. in Children mentoring and scholarship “The more you give to it, the more program, one of the largest mentoring you give back. It’s a very small commitprograms in Tampa Bay,” said Kendra ment to give back. It’s very rewarding,” Oestreich, HEF director of communicasaid Gross. tions. “Lacking the structure school proDiego encourages any one considervides, students needed guidance from ing mentorship to take a chance. their mentors more than ever. With HEF’s “A mentor can change someone’s continued support, 100 percent of the life. If someone’s struggling academically seniors in the mentoring program graduor personally, he can come in and motiated with a diploma.” vate him—that happened in my case,” he Mentors must be 18 years or older said. “I learned how to have more confiand have a high school diploma. They dence seeing him. He’s helped me as a are asked to complete a 90-minute menman and a student too.” tor training and make a minimum of one Take Stock in Children, funded by the school year commitment. They must also Florida Department of Education, foundapass a criminal background check and tions and donors, was established in follow all Take Stock in Children policies 1995 and is celebrating 25 years. and procedures and abide by all If you’re interested in signing up to Hillsborough County Public Schools polibecome a mentor, visit educationfoundacies and procedures. tion.com/Mentoring. For additional quesStudents enter the program in eighth tions, contact Anna Corman at acorgrade and, in addition to other criteria, man@educationfoundation.com or 463must qualify for free or reduced-price 4283.
Volume 19, Issue 8
August 2020
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This sumhatchery, but mer, seven Mary Geesey, events across project coordiHillsborough nator of the County, includorganization, ing South and has expressed Eastern its desire to Hillsborough begin its own County, are sustainable being held by hatchery and the county’s become a Mosquito completely Management sustainable Services in operation by which anyone can the end of 2020. pick up free fish The pickup that fight against events will occur mosquito overpopon Saturday, ulation. August 8, August This program 22, September 12 has been successand September 26 fully held each with locations summer since varying depending 2016, allowing for on the date. the residents of the These locations area to secure an can be found on effective way to Hillsborough Hillsborough County is giving out free mosquito-eating fish at events scheduled control the spread County website’s from August through September. of mosquitos and calendar. the diseases they carry. The fish will be available from 9 Mosquitofish are native to Florida a.m. to 12 Noon each date and in order and, due to their miniscule size, can to receive them, residents must take a reach mosquito larvae in any region of photo ID that confirms Hillsborough resithe pond, consuming up to 200 a day. dency. “They are able to get into places Due to COVID-19, the usual activiwhere the bigger fish don’t tend to go, ties that one might see at these events because they can’t access it,” explained have been cancelled and social distancChris Wilkerson, senior media relations ing guidelines are being followed. strategist of Hillsborough County “Unfortunately, we have to minimize Mosquito Management. contact and be less interactive, so this Mosquitofish do not require much has become a drive-through,” detailed special care, in exception to overall pro- Geesey. tection from certain toxic chemicals like Make sure to pass by before chlorine. Each resident who picks up September 26 to get your free mosquimosquitofish will receive a card that tofish and wear a mask. explains the background of the mosquiFor more information, visit hillsbortofish and how to handle them. oughcounty.org, head to the calendar, Hillsborough County Mosquito find a date mentioned above and click Management Services currently on the ‘Fight Mosquitoes with Free Fish’ receives these fish from a local fish event.
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Quarantine Vacation In New York City During Shutdown FishHawk resident spoke to a doctor Jennefier Patterson loves and since I was New York City. Her husable to breath, band works in the city and there really wasn’t the couple has an apartanything they could ment there, so Patterson do for me. He told makes frequent trips to see me not to go to the him and take in the amazhospital unless I ing sights of The Big Apple. could feel my lungs In March, Patterson filling. He said to planned on staying in the self-quarantine, city for three weeks. She take over-theFishHawk resident Jennefier Patterson contracted COVID-19 in counter cold and flu never imagined her trip New York City in March. would end up being three meds and rest.” months of quarantining in an apartment. Patterson was in the apartment with “It was the beginning of March and her husband and son. All three of them there wasn’t any travel bans or restricdid their best to stay apart. “I remember tions,” Patterson said. “COVID wasn’t at that point friends and family I spoke to something big at that time, so we thought in Florida were complaining about selfnothing of traveling.” quarantining and I thought to myself, ‘I’m While Patterson was in New York, in New York. I can’t leave and we’re in an she took in some of her favorite sights, apartment,’” Patterson said. “Our apartsuch as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and ment is two streets away from a hospital enjoyed a concert. “When you’re in the and there were refrigerated trucks parked city, you always take public transportation, outside of it full of dead bodies from this like the subway,” Patterson said. “You do virus.” this because it’s the easiest way to get Patterson’s fever and symptoms around the city.” went away after two weeks. “I called my Patterson was midway into the secdoctor here in Florida and told him I was ond week of her trip when she started to coming home,” Patterson said. “When I run a fever. “My fever started and I startgot home, the very next day I got an antied having other symptoms like congesbody test. Two days later, the results tion, fatigue, a horrible cough and sore showed I had the COVID antibodies in throat.” my system.” Around the same time, the number of Neither her sons nor husband caught COVID-19 cases in NYC was rising. “In the virus however, since reinfection is New York, if you thought you had COVID- possible, Patterson and her family are related symptoms, you called 311 to get taking every precaution to stay safe and help with COVID,” Patterson said. “I COVID-19-free.
Expiration: 8/31/2020
My COVID-19 Drive-Thru Story I recently lost my unteer approached my car full-time job due to and asked me if I had an COVID-19. Not because appointment. I asked if I contracted the virus there would be enough and was fired because I tests to last from 8 a.m. to was sick. The museum I 2 p.m. The volunteer just worked at took a huge shrugged her shoulders financial hit when it and said, “We’ll see.” closed down for three The form she gave me months due to the pandemic. To try and save money to stay afloat, the museum laid off some Libby Hopkins is a journalist of its employees, and I with the Osprey Observer was one of them. who lives in Brandon. She will be writing a series of COVIDWith positive 19 related stories called COVID-19 numbers ris“Living in COVID.” ing in Hillsborough County, so did my concerns for getting a asked for some personal information and COVID-19 test. I decided to register for a if I had any COVID-19-related symptoms. free COVID-19 test through the county. There was also a section on the form with When I went online on June 15 to every insurance companies’ names. I register for my test, the only available was asked to circle which insurance I had date was July 8 at 8 a.m. at the Lee and to provide the last four numbers of Davis Community Resource Center, my social security number. This told me which is in Tampa, near Ybor City. that the county would be billing my insurNothing was available in Brandon, where ance company for my ‘free test.’ I live. I waited in the car line for over an I looked into other options like CVS, hour for my test. The test itself wasn’t LabCorp and a few others to see if I painful, just very uncomfortable. A swab is could go sooner, but since I didn’t have rubbed back and forth in each of my nosCOVID-19 symptoms, I couldn’t register trils for 10-15 seconds. I was told I should for a free test at these locations. So, I have my results in five to 10 business waited. days. If not, I was given information for July 8 finally arrived and I left early Quest Diagnostic’s website to find my for my test even though the confirmation results. Results came in July 17-negative! email said not to arrive early due to “traffic For more info on obtaining a test through congestion.” I got to my drive-thru testing Hillsborough County, visit site at 7:40 a.m. and the line was already https://hcflgov.service-now.com/health70 cars deep. A testing site masked volbook or call 888-513-6321.
Expiration: 8/31/2020
Expiration: 8/31/2020
Living In COVID: Antibody Testing & Self Quarantining At Home Michelle Mosher is an Mosher said. “My hope out active member of the Brandon for the outcome of all of community. She and her family this is that people take this live in FishHawk. She is the virus seriously. Do what is owner of Southshore Insurance necessary for our commuProfessionals in Riverview and nity to get better and back was the president of the to normal. Wearing a mask Riverview Chamber of and following health guideCommerce, but she is still very lines shouldn’t become a active in the chamber. Mosher political issue. Small businever thought in a million years nesses are suffering that her ability to be active because of this pandemic.” would be taken away by a panTo learn more about demic. “I’m currently self-quarMosher’s business, antining in my home,” Mosher Southshore Insurance said. Professional, visit A member of Mosher’s www.southshoreins.com or Michelle Mosher’s loved one tested positive for COVID-19, but only had immediate family started showcall 448-7580. To learn symptoms for 15 hours. Dr. Bob Lutz, a family friend of Mosher’s, gave Mosher and her other family members an antibody test to see if she and other ing symptoms of COVID-19, more about the services family members had the COVID-19 antibodies. but the symptoms only lasted offered at Motion agreed to give them a test. A few days Mosher and her for about 15 hours. “My loved one Chirotherapy, visit later, their test came back positive for other family came home from work not feeling well members were tested and their results www.motionchirotherapy.com or call and had a slight fever,” Mosher said. “I COVID-19. “They were positive but had no symptoms,” Mosher said. “At came back negative for the COVID-19 banished them to another room in the 793-7791. Dr. Lutz has a limited supthat point, our friend, Dr. Lutz of antibodies. “We are still currently selfhouse and told them to do a Teladoc ply of antibody tests and will only Motion Chirotherapy in FishHawk, quarantining, waiting for our loved one administer them on a case-by-case appointment to see if they should be offered to give me and my other family to get a negative COVID test result,” tested for COVID.” basis. member an antibody test.” The next afternoon, her loved one Dr. Bob Lutz had secured a few did a Teladoc appointment and the antibody tests for his family when the doctor suggested they go get a pandemic hit. “I wanted to have a few COVID-19 test. “We called and it $ 00 on hand to make sure my family was would be two weeks to get a test safe,” Dr. Lutz said. “I did my research Full Service Car Wash through the county,” Mosher said. “We and I went with the Baxter antibody with Oil Change. called some other places, but since Includes Filter & 5 qts Oil test because it’s FDA approved.” my loved one didn’t have a fever anyEveryday Low Price: $37.99 Everyday Low Price: $29.99 The way the antibody test works is more or no real symptoms, no one Brushless Car Wash, Lube & Detail Center Expires 08/31/2020 Expires 08/31/2020 that a blood sample is taken from the would give them a test.” Mosher’s family member ended up patient by a finger stick. The sample is then overnighted to Boston for testing Hours: 8am - 5pm Monday - Saturday at an urgent care facility that finally and the results are back in 72 hours. Visa • MasterCard • American Express • Discover
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 8
Recyclable Waste Collection Resumes At Reduced Frequency For Waste Connections Customers
Ace Hardware Brings Jobs To Area With New Retail Support Center In Plant City
Scheduled collection of recyclable waste has returned on a reduced basis for South Hillsborough County residents whose service is provided by Waste Connections. The Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management Division has announced that residential recyclable waste will be picked up every other week on a temporary basis. Hillsborough County customers of Waste Weekly recycled waste pickConnections now have the recyclable collection up was temporarily disrupted in service restored to a reduced level of every-otherlate June because several drivers week pickups. for Waste Connections were Waste Division for Hillsborough County. unable to work due to COVID-19. The She says the county understands how collecting of recyclables is now occurring important collecting recyclables is to resievery other week to provide a reliable dents and it is a priority as the county and level of scheduled service. It reduces the Waste Connections deal with the unprelevel of recycled solid waste service from dictable impact that the coronavirus panthe regular schedule of weekly pickups demic is having on the solid waste collecthat existed prior to the shortage of drivtions workforce. ers. The reduction in recyclable collection “We’re not sure how long everyservice helps make it possible for Waste other-week recycling will be in place Connections to maintain twice-weekly because it’s such a fluid situation. Right pickup of regular trash. now it seems to be pretty stable,” said A web-based search tool is available, Byer. She added that maintaining twicewhich affected residents can use to deter- weekly garbage collection for residents is mine their scheduled pickup days by the top priority for the county and Waste entering their address. It can be accessed Connections. by visiting If a scheduled recycling or regular HCFLGov.net/WasteConnectionsRecycling. garbage pickup is missed, you can report According to Hillsborough County it by calling 272-5680. officials, the reduced level of service is Another option for residents who temporary and weekly collection of recywant to dispose of their recyclables is the clable waste will resume when Waste county’s Community Collection Center, Connections has a sufficient staffing of located at 13000 US 41 in Gibsonton. It is drivers. open Monday through Saturday from Kimberly Byer directs the Solid 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ace Hardware customers,” added Corporation, the Bossmann. world’s largest The Ace Retail hardware cooperaSupport Center in tive, is relocating its Tampa is an inteRetail Support gral part of Ace Center to Plant Hardware’s netCity. This move will work of distribution bring about 200 facilities strategicalconstruction jobs ly located around and more than 40 the world. It serves Ace Hardware, the world’s largest retailernew retail support more than 200 Ace owned hardware corporation, is relocating jobs to the commuHardware retail its Retail Support Center to a location on County Line Rd. in Plant City. nity. The new locations in Florida. 710,000 sq. ft. facility will be located on “On behalf of our city commission, I County Line Rd. in Plant City. This new would like to welcome Ace Hardware location will allow Ace Hardware to supply Corporation to Plant City,” said Mayor retailers and customers faster. Rick Lott. “Development activity along The Ace Retail Support Center is cur- County Line Rd. continues to generate rently located in Tampa. It has operated great employment and economic develat this location since 1977. Moving the opment opportunities for our city, its resifacility to Plant City allows Ace Hardware dents and our neighbors.” to add more than 315,000 sq. ft. to its curPlant City is located between Tampa rent capabilities. and Lakeland. Plant City was named after Construction of the new facility on railroad developer Henry B. Plant. The County Line Rd. is expected to begin in town of Plant City is known as the Winter October. Planners hope that the compleStrawberry Capital of the World and hosts tion of the project will take place in the annual Florida Strawberry Festival. November 2021. Plant City is less than 20 miles from “We are excited to break ground on Brandon. our new Plant City Retail Support Center, Ace Hardware is the largest retaileran important piece in our overall supply owned hardware cooperative in the world chain,” said Lori Bossmann, executive with more than 5,300 locally owned and vice president and chief supply chain offioperated hardware stores in approximatecer for the Ace Hardware Corporation. ly 70 countries. “Ace’s continued volume growth has drivSince 1924, Ace Hardware has en our need for a larger facility to accombecome a part of local communities modate our growing business demands. around the world and known as the place This relocation will enable faster service with the helpful hardware folks. For more for Ace retailers and ultimately our valued information, visit www.acehardware.com.
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Athletic Injury and Performance Florida high school athletes are pushed to perform at high levels, year-round. Whether that be in multiple sports or with single-sport specialization, it puts them at a high risk for overuse injuries. When you get pain while throwing, squatting, or with certain movements during the game, it can be hard to know if you should just push through it or if it’s something that may result in full-on injury if you keep going. The Good News! Many of these aches and pains, if caught early enough, can have simple fixes when properly assessed and treated.
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August 2020
Page 9
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Randall Student Becomes Entrepreneur And Opens Home-Based Bike Repair Shop
Locally Owned & Operated
By Laura Tamayo
Trey Glaser and similar is a 12-year-old vehicles further entrepreneur and successfulwho opened up ly determine a bike shop in what needs to his own home to be done in make this sumorder to return, mer an exciting, or build, the productive one, vehicle to tipdespite all the top condition. current outside On why he stressors. began the busiTrey Glaser, an avid bike racer, recently The bike ness in the first shop is located opened his own bike shop in FishHawk Ranch. place, Glaser in the subdivision Ibis Park in stated, “I have always loved bikes FishHawk Ranch and began busiand was always fixing my friends’ ness in the second week of June. bikes, so I figured, why not turn it Glaser is able to complete a variety into a job?” of renovations and fix multiple differHe also participates in bike racent technical issues in bikes, skateing in the Tampa area, which conboards and scooters. tributes to his appreciation for bicy“I’m able to fix, adjust and cles. replace breaks. I’m able to replace Per week, Glaser said that he tubes and tires. I can build a bike if receives four customers and estimatsomeone just got new parts and ed that his average profit is $50. This needs it built. I can also replace the money is used to buy new bike parts chain, wash and lube it and deliver it or new tools. He expressed that he as well as pick it up,” explained also plans to save up the money in Glaser. order to purchase something more His prices range from $5 for significant, such as a brand-new bike everything (including delivery) other for himself. than washing and lubing, which is Although the money is a big ben$10, and a full bike build, which is efit for Glaser, he said that he has $20. learned how to be professional in Glaser said that he mainly learns customer service and feels that is how to fix certain vehicular issues just as important as the money. from watching videos, but he also Contact 819-1155 if you want to works on his friends’ bikes often. find out more about this business or These things, combined, have get your bike, skateboard or scooter allowed him to understand bicycles fixed.
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Page 10
Volume 19, Issue 8
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Dog Daycare • Training • Bathing
Teen IMPACT Program Seeks Support In Relocating To Providential Office Space
By Gwen Rollings
Much has IMPACT was then remained the launched as its own same and much 501(c)(3) by Choices, has changed Life Impact Network since the and Pregnancy Care IMPACT Center of Plant City.” Program, Inc. Another change, began over 20 due COVID-19, preyears ago. What vented in-person preremained sentations and necesthrough two sitated professional IMPACT students and staff stand in front of decades are the films to be made availthe LifeCare building, which is their new many dedicated able to youth organizaoffice space. people who continue to extend their suptions in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. port and the hundreds of teens’ lives that The most current change is in its have been positively influenced. office location. Since 2010, Jim and Perhaps most importantly, the vision Marilyn Hough of Hough Financial has remained unchanged: to serve the Services graciously provided office space. community in public and private middle Due to the potential growth and possible and high schools, churches and commuexpansion for Hough Financial Services, nity organizations in the area of sexual IMPACT moved out in January. It was risk avoidance. Through its Teen IMPACT, home-based then with equipment kept in Parent Program and Classroom storage until, as Kagey said, “God Education, teens are encouraged to say showed us our next steps.” That hap‘yes’ to healthy relationships and a posipened shortly as Choices providentially tive future by saying ‘no’ to premarital sex, moved to a new location, and the drugs, tobacco and alcohol. Choices space became available The changes include the name of the again…where it first began. It needs supprevention program initially established at porters to help raise $15,000 to cover LifeCare (now known as Choices). Angie relocation expenses. Kagey became the prevention service Kagey said, “We are so excited director in August 2000. Since that time, about the opportunity to ‘come home.’ I the prevention services department can’t begin to tell you what a joy it would became IMPACT. be to be back in the space that God has IMPACT was able to secure two used for many years, and we anticipate large, federally-funded grants. According will continue to be used for His purposes.” to Kagey, executive director of the nonConsider becoming a partner by profit organization, “In 2010, the funding making a contribution through the website stream from the federal grant was lost at www.whatisimpact.com or by contactdue to the change in political climate. ing Kagey at 264-9368.
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Page 11
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
The Tampa Bay Rays Kick-Off A 60-Game Abbreviated Baseball Season
By Lily Belcher
The Tampa Bay this season.” The Rays are back on the Tampa Bay Rays diamond after a threeremain fully staffed as month coronavirus shutno one opted out of down sent players home. the season. After initially benching The Rays’ roster Spring Training midattended their first forMarch, league officials mal workout on July 3 and the Major League at Tropicana Field. Baseball Players’ Players followed CDC Association (MLBPA) guidelines by mainbegan talks on how an taining a safe distance abbreviated season and wearing masks as would look or if a season well as complying with would be played at all. MLB’s on-field restricThe sometimes heattions. ed and public discussion “It went really dominated sports headwell,” sixth-year manlines across the country ager Kevin Cash said Hunter Renfroe, Rays as players, such as in a virtual press conoutfielder, catches fly balls hit ference after the first Rays pitcher Blake by teammates. Snell, boldly ranted on workout. “[It was] social media over salaries, rules and great to see the guys. You can tell schedules. Until just a few weeks most of the guys had been doing ago, the prospects of a 2020 season something to keep their bodies in looked bleak. shape.” On June 23, MLB and the MLBPA Spring training 2.0, as it’s being came to an agreement: baseball will called, will continue to Opening Day, return for an abbreviated 60-game scheduled for July 24. The Rays will season with pro-rated salaries. Fans face their divisional opponents, the were thrilled as many were growing Toronto Blue Jays, at The Trop for the weary of the back and forth and noth- first pitch of this unconventional seaing but the TV replays of the 2008 son. The 66-day season has the Rays pennant race. However, their excitefacing divisional challengers for 40 of ment was not reciprocated by popular the 60 games with another 20 games veterans, such as pitcher and exbeing against geographic counterRays player David Price, who has parts from the National League East. opted out of the season, saying it is For more information on the sea“in the best interest for my health and son, roster and schedule, visit my family’s health for me to not play www.mlb.com/rays.
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Page 12
Volume 19, Issue 8
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Osprey Observer Summer Internships Go Virtual For Summer 2020
By Kye Saunders, Introduction by Kate Quesada
This summer has been different for students in many ways and the traditional Osprey Observer summer internships are no exception. As usual, the Osprey Observer welcomed a group of talented students as interns, but rather than shadowing reporters and team members in person, the majority of this year’s program Faith Miller took place virtually. But with weekly Zoom meetings and interviews that took place over the phone and through emails, the students from local high schools and colleges rose to the occasion and provided great content for the papers. We are so thankful they joined us!
Anjali Caliguiri
ship program, Asher responded, “I found out through the newspaper actually, when I saw an article about the previous interns.” Her favorite story during her time with the Osprey Observer was her very first assignment. Check out her story, titled ‘Randal Science Students Send Experiment To Space,’ about the team of Laura Tamayo Randall Middle School kids who participated in a SSEP competition and their science project/entry, ‘Spinach on the Station,’ which won the competition and is set to be launched into space later this year.
Lily Belcher
Jadon Khor
Faith Miller
Faith Miller is a recent graduate of Durant High School. She will be attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland Dominque Asher Jadon Khor as a freshman this fall with plans to major in communications with a concentration in journalism. Of all the stories be found on the front page of the July that Miller has covered during the course Bloomingdale and FishHawk editions, of her internship, her favorite one to write titled ‘Son’s Vision To Help Mom With was on Relay For Life, titled ‘Relay For Cancer Creates Award Winning Red Life Continues To Fundraise Despite Velvet Business.’ Pandemic.’ You can read Miller’s favorite story in our Riverview and Apollo Beach Lily Belcher editions, or if you missed it, simply hop on Lily Belcher is among the youngest our website at www.ospreyobserver.com. and brightest of our interns. Belcher will be a junior at Durant High School this fall, Anjali Caliguiri where she will step into her new role for Anjali Caliguiri will be attending Durant’s student newspaper, The Newsome High School as a senior this Pawprint, as editor-in-chief. Belcher disfall. She is a member of the Newsome covered the summer internship program High School Wolf Tracks newspaper staff when our very own publisher and editor, alongside her friend and now fellow Marie Gilmore, came to Durant’s newspaOsprey Observer intern, Jadon Khor. per class to share experiences as an ediWhen asked what drew her to becoming tor and journalist with the students. As an a summer intern, Caliguiri responded, “It avid sports fan, Belcher’s favorite story sounded like a really great opportunity that she has covered during her time with and I’m so glad Jadon and I got to work us is on the Rays’ 2020 season, titled together.” Her first and favorite story can ‘Team Continues Annual Rays Program
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To Encourage Summer Reading.’
Laura Tamayo
Laura Tamayo is a student at Newsome High School with a passion for reading and writing. She learned about the summer internship program through word of mouth. Tamayo has been covering stories on what makes our community unique with a knack for profiles. Her favorite story that she was had the chance to write for the Osprey Observer is set to come out in the next coming weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for Tamayo’s story on a secret take-one, give-one mini library right here in our community.
Dominque Asher
Dominque Asher will be a senior at Newsome High School this fall. When asked how she heard about the intern-
Jadon Khor will be attending Newsome High School as a senior this fall, where he will continue his work as editor for Newsome’s student-run newspaper, the Wolf Track. His favorite story that he has written for the Osprey Observer has to be his virtual library and Recreation story titled ‘Hillsborough Parks & Rec Moves Programs to Online Format to Maintain Summer Fun.’ “The library and recreational liaisons were super informative, and it made writing the article even more fun that I thought it would be,” said Khor.
Kye Saunders
Kye Saunders is a Florida State University graduate with a BA in creative writing. “I’ve always been interested in journalism and this internship has been an incredible opportunity to dip my toe in the water while simultaneously learning more about my own hometown,” said Saunders. Her favorite story that she was covered so far is titled ‘The Seeds Of Faith Community Garden Gives A Fresh Option For Feeding Families.’ Read more of Saunders’ pieces as well as any by of our other interns by visiting www.ospreyobserver.com.
August 2020
Page 13
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
New Name, Same Mission: Hope For Her Opens Its Doors Once Again
Plans Start at
By Kye Saunders
As son behind more and the organimore zation’s organizaname tions return change is to business related to as usual, clarity. few have “In May been wel2019, the comed Women’s back in Resource such a way Center of as the nonprofTampa it Hope for embarked on Her, formerly a transformaknown as the The Women’s Resource Center recently reopened tional journey as Hope for Her. Women’s to clarify our Resource Center. story and more deeply connect with Since opening its doors in 2003, our families we serve,” said Hickman. Hope for Her has helped more than “Grounded in our research insights, 45,000 families in the community. we now have a new name, logo and According, www.hopeforher.org, website that puts Jesus Christ at the the group’s mission is to work onecenter of our mission and the women on-one with women to help restore we serve at the heart of our work.” their confidence and self-worth, Visit www.hopeforher.org to remove barriers to safety and surdonate, explore volunteer opportunivival and rebuild critical life skills to ties and much more or follow the thrive. group on the Hope for Her Facebook In 2019 alone, more than 300 page for weekly updates and stories. women were able to secure jobs Hope for Her is open Monday to through the center’s employment pro- Thursday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and is gram. located 140 Yarborough Rd. in While Hope for Her supplies food Brandon. and clothing for women in need, Hickman is very excited about Founder Cheryl Hickman and her reopening recently. “This first week, team of volunteers’ focus doesn’t being open again, has strengthened solely lie in the immediate but longour commitment to help women and term success of the women who children in our community that are come through their door. experiencing crisis and trauma,” she Hickman explained that the reasaid.
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Page 14
Volume 19, Issue 8
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Take A Book, Share A Book In New Bloomingdale Community Little Free Library
By Laura Tamayo
In the front of the entire project. what may seem to be “It is fun to see a typical, suburban what books are left in Bloomingdale home, place of the ones an amazing communitaken,” said Martin. ty project has recently One may think bloomed. Melanie that some people Martin and her family would be too greedy decided to start up a and take too many or Little Free Library in even all the available their own front yard, books, but Martin driven by their love highlighted that the for reading and desire community has been to contribute to their very generous and environment. with their substantial Little Free Library donations, she has is an organization that The bookshelves full of novels two bookcases full of sit all across Martin’s yard, has built over 100,000 awaiting new book-takers. Make inventory to stock the sure to go by and take a book, library shelves. small libraries in over share a book. 100 countries, helping To take a book, those of all backgrounds get access the participant must drive by to books and education. Martin’s home in the Windsor This sort of project has been Woods neighborhood of close to Martin’s heart for a while Bloomingdale and simply choose and being able to establish her very which book from the library they own library was extremely meaning- want. ful to both her and her family. The Little Free Library opened “I've been intrigued by Little on July 3 and it has shown to be a Free Library boxes for several years very successful project. Martin now and have visited many around detailed that since the opening, she the country since we travel and has seen many people enjoying the move often,” explained Martin. box and has had to restock the The project works in a very gen- bookshelves several times. erous way, allowing for any person This library will be open indefito take a book from the mini library nitely and to get more information, without any obligation to give one you can find the Facebook or back. Instagram @LFLBloomingdale. Despite this, Martin highly Additionally, to understand the Little encourages leaving a book behind Free Library’s mission more in as this is one of her favorite parts of depth, go to littlefreelibrary.org.
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Page 15
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
How Card Churning Can Help Your Credit
By Steven Keys
recurring annual fees, we just cancel each card before its account anniversary (or downgrade it to a fee-free version). I know what you're thinking, “wouldn’t that destroy your credit score?” Ironically, it’s had the exact opposite effect for us. Since starting this Steven Keys and his wife Lauren offer tips on how to crazy improve your credit. adventure, Do you our credit get a bunch scores of junk mail have risen every day by nearly from banks 100 points. They now hover between trying to entice you to sign up for their 800 and 820, according to Credit Karma. newest credit card? “$300 cash bonus It turns out that consistently paying a after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 bunch of bills on time has more of a posimonths!” Most people throw advertisetive effect than all the credit inquiries and ments like these straight in the garbage. cancellations have a negative effect. My wife and I have been doing someNow, all of this might sound nuts, or thing a little different. it might sound like a lot of fun, but either At ages 29 and 30, we've now way, don’t try it yourself until you've done signed up for a total of 40 unique credit some research and carefully considered card accounts (basically a new card the risks. Your experience might not turn every two months). By choosing cards out exactly like ours. There are no guarwith large sign-up bonuses strategically, antees. meeting only the minimum requirements You can read a more detailed guide to get each bonus, and then quickly to credit card churning (and a ton of jumping to the next one, we racked up other money hacks) on our personal over $20,000 in free money over the last finance blog, TripOfALifestyle.com. seven years. This little hack is called Steven & Lauren Keys are gradu‘credit card churning.’ ates of Newsome High School who gradMost cards with high sign-up bonuses also sport big annual fees and wicked uated college debt free, have taken several 8-month paid vacations, paid cash high interest rates. But we don’t pay for a house and are semi-retired by 29. them. To avoid interest, we religiously They share their lifestyle tips through pay the full statement balance every sintheir blog, website and online. gle month on all cards. And to avoid
8/31/2020
8/31/2020
8/31/2020
Bruce Anderson - Colts
Warren Sapp - Bucs
Ryan Griffen - Bucs
Chris Godwin - Bucs
Bryant Mitchell - Bucs
Page 16
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 8
Creative Music Ability In Valrico Becomes Certified Ultimate Music Theory Instructor
By Gwen Rollings
Einstein, conof the orchestra, sidered one of the band and choir. most creative She explained, “My geniuses of the teachers at Clarion past century, reportUniversity were edly often turned to from Julliard music to help with School of Music, his creative many professors process. played in the Linda Lalonde, Boston Symphony owner of Creative and my voice Linda Lalonde posing with some of her Music Ability in teacher toured students at Creative Music Ability in Valrico with 40 plus Europe on a Valrico. years in music education and teaching, Fulbright Scholarship.” believes learning music theory should She received her master’s degree in also be fun. performance from the Dana School of Lalonde announced, “A most exciting Music at Youngstown State University in development and discovery! As a certiOhio and also earned a master’s in fied Ultimate Music Theory Elite Teacher, counseling. Lalonde went to Kent State I help students to maximize learning, University for PhD work in music educabuild confidence and [build] true music tion and has a consultant degree from reading and knowledge. Students develDetroit Trauma Institute. op a sharper creative mind; learn “I taught vocal music for 31 years in advanced music skills; lessons and conthe Youngstown City Schools. We did cepts are reinforced using the piano, two musicals per year with 250 students, whiteboard, sight and ear training activisoloists and dance line.” She developed ties…and more.” a Suzuki String and Piano program at The journey toward becoming certiHoyt Institute in New Castle, PA. fied as an Ultimate Music Theory Elite Lalonde currently offers piano, Teacher was no small achievement. organ, voice, violin, cello, mandolin and Lalonde became interested in music as a ukulele. She explained, “One of my spechild in Brookville, Pennsylvania learning cialties is work with all ages and special to play on her great grandmother’s old needs folks. My Ultimate Theory Club piano in the corner of the living room. Classes are in session as students maxiShe has come a long way since then. mize learning, build confidence and have Lalonde’s educational qualifications a blast.” Einstein would most certainly reinforce why she deserves the Elite approve. Teacher title. With a music education For more information, call 244-1625, degree (K-12), major in piano and minor email lindalalonde310@yahoo.com or in voice, Lalonde played all instruments visit http://www.creativemusicability.net.
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August 2020
Valrico FishHawk Chamber Of Commerce Continues To Give Back
By Jadon Khor
Members of the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce brought lunch to a group of workers at Twin Creeks Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Support comes from the heart, where families, friends and even local businesses find the compassion to selflessly help others. In a time when doling out such help would be imaginably drawn out and weary, it comes as a welcome reminder of the strength of the Valrico/FishHawk area that the community still, despite recent struggles, has the will to continue doing so. There is no better example of this collective strength than the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce (VFCC), whose efforts in the promotion of the local business economy reflect the efforts of the community to not only stay safe but to also support one another. Abi Merkle, VFCC chairman of the board, said that even though they are a smaller chamber, the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce was committed and dedicated to remaining a “source of information” and help to businesses to combat the struggles arising from COVID-19. “We wanted to ensure we were a resource of information,” said Merkle. To do this, she said the group uses websites
Page 17
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
and social media outlets to spread critical information about the local ordinances and businesses as a way to create one coherent message to the community residents. For example, the VFCC provides details about if a restaurant is takeout only or if they are dine-in. Information is accessible through Facebook @ValricoFishHawkChamberOfCommerce The VFCC continues to expand upon digital networking through weekly Wednesday meetings via Zoom that allow local businesses to network and talk to other business owners. The group also intends to hold a guest speaker sometime this month, where they will talk about PPP loans and loan forgiveness. In doing everything by Zoom, Merkle said they hope to “keep our members in mind and keep them safe.” One more recent event of the VFCC’s dedication came as a relief to a group of workers who have tirelessly worked through the pandemic in providing care to senior citizens. The chamber delivered a meal from the local Chick-filA to the staff at Twin Creeks Assisted Living and Memory Care in order to show thanks for their hard work and to give them simply a happy meal. “We felt that, why not, and thank them and give them a lunch from Chickfil-A,” said Merkle. But to help even more, Merkle encourages residents to do more. “Right now we are seeing a push for supporting local,” Merkle said, and that momentum is encouraged. To find out more or to get involved, visit valricofishhawk.org.
Florida Orchestra Goes Inside Beethoven!s Symphony No. 7 The Florida Orchestra Music Director Michael Francis brings his popular Inside the Music series straight into your living room for free. As your personal guide, the maestro peels back the layers of triumph and heartache in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 while TFO musicians perform from their homes in this video series. Learn to listen deeper to this magnificent work and escape the stress and anxiety of these difficult days: “Since COVID-19, I've been listening to the 7th every afternoon, sort of my cheer up theme song. I just discovered how much I love it, and now I have your wonderful analysis to help me understand it. Thank you so much for giving me this experience. Being able to see each musician contribute their sound is wonderful,” - Travis. You can find the complete series celebrating 250 years of Beethoven on the orchestra’s TFO at Home page at FloridaOrchestra.org/TFO-atHome, along with dozens of performance and education videos.
PART 1: The strings
Maestro Francis breaks down the
By Kelly Smith
triumphant finale, starting with the strings.
PART 2: Brass & timpani
We go to the special teams for the victorious fanfare.
PART 3: The woodwinds
For the woodwinds, it’s all about the drama.
PART 4: The big finish
Put it all together and what have you got? An astonishing, whooping finale.
PART 5: Heartache and hope
Immerse yourself in the haunting melodies of the most well-known part of the symphony, the second movement. You may know it from The King’s Speech. My favorite part … More than a dozen TFO musicians explain and play their favorite parts of Symphony No. 7.
Want An Extra Boost to Your Morning Coffee? Caffeine is the world’s most famous and commonly consumed psychoactive drug. Who doesn’t ingest even a little from time to time? CBD oil is rapidly gaining ground on coffee in terms of popularity and so it only makes sense that people would start combining the two. As it turns out, the two substances go very well together! Caffeine is molecularly very similar to adenosine, a compound produced in our bodies that activates the A2a receptor. Caffeine binds to the A2a receptors, inhibiting the re uptake of adenosine.
•
When adenosine binds to the A2a receptor, the result is what is commonly known as the ‘rest and digest’ effect, which increases clarity and alertness.
CBD oil is also a partial agonist of the A2a receptor; so the theory goes that by combining caffeine and CBD, adenosine is blocked across the board, resulting in not only more stimulation, but reduced anxiety (due to CBD’s effects on other neurotransmitters systems). On the bright side, CBD oil and caffeine together will cause the boost from your morning cup of coffee to last all day instead of just a few hours. Considering this information, again, it is best to be mindful and cautious when mixing caffeine and CBD.
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Page 18
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 8
Southern Bay Farms Got Creative With Family Education Tours During Pandemic
By Anjali Caligiuri
From The Tee Box With Jason Blanchard “I want to kill it off the tee.” I can’t tell you how many times I have heard, “I just want to hit it farther.” Golfers typically equate swinging harder with hitting it farther. That actually couldn't be further from the truth. Carry and total driving distance is based on swing speed, but that is just part of making the ball go farther off the tee. Every driver has a ‘sweet spot’ on the club face and when you strike your ball against that ‘sweet spot’ you are on the right path to maximizing your distance. This is primarily the center of the face in both the woods and the irons. You can swing as hard as you want, but if you aren't hitting the center of the club face, you will never be able to get the maximum ball speed off of it. Without getting too technical, the combination of a club hitting a ball is very similar to a trampoline. If you bounce in the center of the trampoline, you are able to jump much higher, as opposed to jumping by the edge and not really bouncing at all. Your golf club, especially your driver, creates the same effect, so if you hit the ball in the middle you can achieve maximum bounce (distance).
The real question is, how do you hit the center of the club face? The quick answer is, don’t swing so hard. I know this sounds simple, but it’s true. When you focus on tempo and control your body into a balanced finish, you’ll find that it would be the simplest way to hit solid shots. Another great tool besides focusing on good tempo is to actually shorten your backswing. During the backswing, the farther away the club gets from the ball, the more room for error you have. I promise, 90 percent of amateur golfers swing too long into the backswing for their skill level. I promise, the feeling of a shorter backswing and a balanced finish is so much nicer than the feeling of trying to kill a tee shot. Please reach out to me at golfguyosprey@gmail.com with any questions and check out our Youtube videos at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKORi1BixPjP_wCndPJ1ahA for some helpful tips ‘from the tee!’ Jason Blanchard, PGA manages the 18-hole Summerfield Crossings Golf Club as the COO/General Manager. The course opened in 1987 and was designed by Ron Garl. Visit https://summerfieldgc.com/
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With Lithia’s goats and the bustling community breeding of goats. filled with shopping Customers are able centers and restauto visit with goats in rants, it’s easy to our post-labor and forget there’s anothdelivery stall and er way of life. treat the mamas Southern Bay Farm and the babies with is here to remind snacks,” said locals of the farmJennifer. to-fresh wonders Southern Bay that come with living Farm strives to Goats Tilly, Carmella and Nash peer the farm life. During teach its custhrough the fence at the camera. the summer, Luis and Jennifer Gutierrez tomers about the process dairy prodinvited Lithia locals to tour their dairy farm ucts go through to become household at their location in Keysville to experience staples. the farmer’s day-to-day life and purchase “We enjoy teaching what ‘farmers’ their own product line of soaps and lotion do and how making sure you know specially crafted with goat milk. what is in the food or beverages you Developed from their son’s goats in intake are important, including how it’s 2018, the Gutierrezes have worked hard all raised,” said Jennifer. to create an animal and child friendly The Gutierrezes also incorporate environment on their farm. To ensure their fresh goat milk into their own line everyone’s safety during to the coronof skin products. Their goat milk lotion avirus pandemic, customers were expect- and soap makes the farm not just a ed to follow some protocols to stay safe. lifestyle but a business as well. Families were able to go through the farm “Our products on our website are one at a time and masks were required all organic. No chemicals. All made for adults and suggested for children. The from goat milk,” said Jennifer. Gutierrezes guaranteed the safety of the Southern Bay Farm has done a customers and workers while still giving magnificent job teaching the public families the most hands on experience. about dairy production while thoroughFamilies might expect to see goats, ly entertaining families looking for cows, chickens and other usual farm anisome wholesome, goat-filled fun. mals, but Southern Bay Farm wants the Although its summer tours are all customers to understand the full process booked, to find out more about of what owning animals on a dairy farm Southern Bay Farm, visit www.southmeans. ernbayfarm.com, call 505-9961 or find “The tour entails education on what it on Facebook, YouTube and we do here as a dairy farm, education on Instagram @southernbayfarm.
August 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
New Ice Facility; Thunderstruck Ice To Open In Gibsonton In September
By Nick Nahas
Ice hockey Vogt and her continues to husband wanted surge in popularito start ty in the local Thunderstruck area. A new facilIce because of ity/rink in the lack of ice Gibsonton, time available at Thunderstruck other rinks in the Ice, will likely area. The Vogts’ open in two oldest boys September. The have been playfinal touches on ing hockey for the construction about 13 years of the facility are and currently being made. play for the COVID-19 has Newsome hockslowed down the ey team. They Thunderstruck Ice plans to open in opening of the feel that they can September. facility, but it fulfill the need for should soon be in business. ice time in the area to help local playWhile Thunderstruck Ice, located ers improve and become the best at 10915 S. Hwy. 41, is not a full rink, that they can be. This rink will be the facility is about 2,000 square feet. open all day, every day of the week. It is one of the few ice facilities that Some local hockey clubs have uses synthetic ice, a solid polymer already expressed interest in renting material designed for skating using out the whole facility for practices normal metal-bladed ice skates. during certain times slots. According to the Thunderstruck Ice “Our main goal is to really help owner, Amanda Vogt, the ice is prothose that want to learn the sport, duced and manufactured in and to have a place that is reasonClearwater by a company based in ably priced for them to perfect their Canada. Synthetic ice is not cold— game,” said Vogt. “Our ultimate goal gloves are not required, students can is to develop great hockey players go on the ice wearing shorts and par- and teach more kids the game.” ents can walk out on the ice without The Vogts plan to have a ribbonskates to assist their beginning cutting ceremony and soft opening as skater. They will offer on-ice and offsoon as the facility is ready. For more ice training in the gym located in the information and to reserve ice time, facility as well. There also is a spevisit the website at cial goalie pad for goalies to train on. ThunderStruckIce.com.
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Simon Firearm & Family Safety Training Offers The Community Personal Safety Classes Firing a gun may be a new or an awkward experience or just uncomfortable because of a lack of practice for some people. Cora and James Simon want Cora and James Simon everyone who are the owners of Simon wants to fire a Firearm & Family Safety Training. gun to feel comfortable and safe doing it. “It’s our mission to keep people safe and make communities safer,” said Cora, co-owner of Simon Firearm & Family Safety Training. Cora and her husband, James, feel Simon Firearm & Family Safety Training is the reflection of their personal, career and business experience. “It is an organization whose concerns are heavily focused on prevention and avoidance of injury due to the acts of others, while training and preparing individuals for that ever-possible potential confrontation,” Cora said. “The development of the organization was started in stages as I recognized and became active in Damsel in Defense, whose goal is the nonlethal protection and women’s personal empowerment for self-protection, this experience plus my own career in real estate recognizes the vulnerability of these agents.” James, on the other hand, was raised in a firearm environment, so he had an opportunity to learn about guns throughout his growth years. “His
By Libby Hopkins
career, before retirement, as a CEO in hospitals put him in a 24/7 role of being responsible for the safety of patients, staff, physicians and visitors,” Cora said. “In some of his hospitals, he was also faced with external disasters that impacted on the hospital.” Simon Firearm & Family Safety Training offers a variety of firearm training and concealed carry classes. In July, it will be offering its ‘Countering the Mass Shooter Threat’ class. This class will be held on Sunday, July 12. “This program is designed to address a newer and more troubling threat and that is mass or active shooting incidents,” Cora said. “Our course includes prevention, preparation and practice training for surviving an active shooter event. Our program is designed for houses of worship, businesses, healthcare and community groups.” If you would like to learn more about the various classes offered at Simon Firearm & Family Safety Training, you can visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Simon-FirearmFamily-Safety-Training or contact Cora Simon by phone at 363-7576 or email at besafe@simonsafetytraining.com.
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Volume 19, Issue 8
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
amber h C , s c i n i l Health C Chill , s p i h s r a l Scho More & s t n e v Caw-Fee E ennett y Jenny B b d e il p m Co erver.com ospreyobs @ tt e n n e jb
Registration Now Open For “Back2-School” Health Clinics Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Back-2-School Coalition of Hillsborough County are joining forces again this year to provide free physicals and immunizations for students in a series of health fairs. This year’s Back2-School Health Clinic will look different due to COVID-19, but it will still provide critical services for our families. To maintain CDC guidelines and safety protocols, there will be no exhibitors on hand or school supplies distributed. Additional precautions include: limited appointment times to avoid lines, face coverings required, temperature check upon arrival and a limit of one parent or guardian per child. To register for the clinics, visit www.back2schoolfair.org.
Congregation Beth Shalom Invites You To Meet New Rabbi
at 681-6547 or email CBSmembership@hotmail.com.
Valrico Chamber Of Commerce Scholarship Winners Announced
The Valrico Chamber of Commerce recently announced its 2020 scholarship winners, Isabella Manera and Alexander Dyer. Bloomingdale High School graduate Isabella Manera will be attending the University of Florida in the fall and Alexander Dyer from Newsome High School will be attending Harvard University.
Vehicle Caravan Parade Celebrates Fourth Of July
Hypnotic Engagements is offering a free event to help you unmuddle your mind and de-stress during this pandemic period. Although the session is primarily geared towards educational and medical professionals, everyone can benefit from it. The Zoom Valrico Chamber of Commerce scholarship winners Isabella sessions are held reguManera and Alexander Dyer. larly, the next one is on Local McDonald’s Restaurants Tuesday, August 4 at 6:30 p.m. Raising Money For Ronald To find out more, visit hypnoticen-
Due to the pandemic, the traditional parade organized by the Brandon Community Roundtable was replaced with a vehicle caravan parade of local nursing homes escorted by Hillsborough County deputies. Local Attorney Ashley Ivanov sang God Bless America and America the Beautiful outside the nursing homes to bring cheer to seniors. Ms. Ivanov noted, “Although the parade was different this year, it was just as moving and celebratory of our nation’s birthday and, most importantly, lifted the spirits of our seniors.”
Congregation Beth Shalom invites you to attend an outdoor ‘open house Chill Caw-Fee Hosting A Wellness meet and greet’ to learn about the conDay And A Sip And Paint Event gregation and meet new Rabbi Paul Chill Caw-Fee is hosting a Sip and Schreiber, known as Reb Tuviah. The Paint Event on Friday, event will be August 7 at its store on held on 3407 Lithia Pinecrest Sunday, Rd. in Valrico and a August 9, Wellness Day on from 10 to August 15 where it will 11:30 a.m. at share with you how to its temple, get a medical marijuana located at 706 card in Florida. You can Bryan Rd. in sign up for events on its Brandon. Ashley Ivanov singing during the Fourth of website www.chillFor more July vehicle caravan parade. cawfee.com or by visiting information, its Facebook page, Chill Cawfee. please contact the temple administrator
Cleaning Services
by Bay Area Clean Team
Free Online Stress Release Class
McDonald House Charities
Local McDonald restaurants are raising money through the Drive Thru for local Ronald McDonald House Charities and families in need. Each time someone orders through the Dive Thru, they can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar or choose FishHawk Wolves U11 baseball team wins to make a donathe DeLand Summer Heatwave. tion. The restaurants that raise the most gagements.com or check its facebook money will win page, Hypnotic Engagements LLC. matching donations for their Ronald Simon Firearm & Family Safety McDonald House Offering Classes Charity houses. Nothing is more important to people than the safety and protection of Advancing the ones you love. Simon Firearm & Modern Professionals Hosting Family Safety Training can help you Introductory Meeting Online achieve that with its many training Advancing Modern Professionals classes with certified instructors, is a group of young professionals and which include concealed carry and entrepreneurs dedicated to the develhome defense, children’s gun safety opment and empowerment of likeand countering the mass shooter minded individuals in the Tampa Bay threat. Simon Firearm & Family Safety area. If you are interested in developalso provides protective devices for ing and executing professional and purchase including stun devices, pepentrepreneurial skills, you are invited per sprays and concealed carry pursto register for its first meeting on es. Tuesday, August 25 from 7-8 p.m., The next concealed carry and which will take place virtually. home defense classes are being held For more information, visit on on Sunday, July 12 and Saturday, Facebook at Advancing Modern August 1, call 363-7576 or search on Professionals or email Facebook for ‘Simon Firearm & Family AdvancingMP@gmail.com. Safety Training’ for more details.
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August 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Husband And Wife Duo Take The Learning Experience In FishHawk To A New Level
By Libby Hopkins
Jhana and 2019, reserved for Alton Pardue the top 10 percent recently became of operating The the new managers Learning of The Learning Experience cenExperience in ters.” FishHawk. They are “Hands down beyond excited to [it’s] our proprietary become a part of LEAP curriculum the FishHawk comand the characters munity. “We are so that help us bring it The Learning Experience hopes the excited to be the FishHawk community will make it a part to to life,” Jhana said. current operators of “This is by far the their children’s education. this center and being part of this wonderbiggest thing that sets The Learning ful community,” Jhana said. “The families Experience apart from all competitors. In that we currently service have been very addition to our curriculum, our team of welcoming and we look forward to meeteducators’ training and professional ing many more new families.” development skills is what is most imporThe Pardues live locally and have tant in our schools.” two small children who grew up in The The health and safety of The Learning Experience system. “It was the Learning Experience’s students is their amazing curriculum, growth and develop- number one priority. “I know that during ment my son experienced that inspired this very unprecedented time, we are all me to open our own,” Jhana said. “I want- worrying about the health and safety of ed to be able to provide more children the our children and family members,” Jhana opportunity of quality early childhood edu- said. “At The Learning Experience of cation. My husband, Alton, and I opened FishHawk, we take that concern very our first Learning Experience in New seriously. We began safety protocols the Tampa in 2017.” second we heard about COVID-19.” The couple has worked very hard The Pardues hope the FishHawk over the past three years to build a wellcommunity will make The Learning known and successful business. “Our Experience a part to their children’s educurrent school has an excellent reputation cation. “We look forward to building a in the community and with the state child- great team and making TLE at FishHawk care licensing authorities,” Jhana said. one of the best preschool centers in the “As a testament to our efforts, we have area,” Jhana said. received numerous awards for excelThe Learning Experience is located lence, including the prestigious Rising at 16232 Bayberry Glen Dr. in Lithia. Visit Star Award in 2017 and the Center of www.thelearningexperience.com or conExcellence Award in 2017, 2018 and tact Jhana at 575-8268.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
FishHawk Families Connect With #BlackLivesMatter Movement
By Franka Potter
In 2013, three system is not fair for African American all, there is much women founded the room for improveBlack Lives Matter ment.” Foundation Inc., a When asked how member-led network residents could help with more than 40 her cause, Wilson chapters in the United suggested, “stop States, UK and making excuses for Canada. Last month, the wrongs we see A peaceful protest organized by residents to support the Black Lives a group of FishHawk and know about. residents brought the Matter movement took place in June. Everyone can edumovement to Eastern Hillsborough with cate themselves, their children and [othpeaceful protests around the area. ers] by listening to people who have not Kristin Wilson, a FishHawk resident experienced life the same.” who has six children, helped organize FishHawk couple Anthony and local protests prompted by the deaths of Jennifer Toles, parents of four children, several African Americans. expressed their views on the BLM move“This movement is extremely imporment and how residents can help bring tant, we are all Americans and what hurts our community together. black residents also hurts me and this “My wife and I come from a long hiscommunity,” said Wilson. tory of veterans, but the unique piece to At the time when protests against our family is that, even if we had no one police brutality were springing up all over we knew who fought, died or became disthe world, Wilson connected with other abled as a result of fighting for this counresidents, including Shariffa Spicer, Rome try, we would still support America,” said Johnson, Hannah Webber, Melissa Allen Anthony. “I was taught and I teach my and Nicola Batts, to organize similarly children: we will love our neighbors.” minded local people so their voices could “We need to accept all of history to be heard on Juneteenth, an important understand the good, the bad and the day for the African American community. very ugly truths,” he said. “For my family, “This event allowed the community to my community and my country, on which come together and take a stand against so many of our families have fought, we racial injustice while celebrating diversity want unity, but to get to unity we must lison a very important and meaningful day, ten to the outcry.” Juneteenth,” said Wilson. For 2020, #BlackLivesMatter will Wilson grew up around law enforcefocus on issues concerning racial injusment as her father is a retired officer and tice, police brutality, LGBTQIA+ and Marine brother—now a police officer. human rights and more. To get involved, She added, “Unfortunately, the justice visit blacklivesmatter.com.
Volume 19, Issue 8
August 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 8
Know Where And How To Vote: By Mail, Early And On Election Day Voting is a right and not a privilege. In order to exercise this right, every voter in Hillsborough County must be informed and must know where to vote and how to do it. In Hillsborough County, there are three ways to exercise your right to vote: Vote By Mail, Early Voting and Election Day Voting. In order to vote in the primary election, which is set for Tuesday, August 18, you must be registered by Monday, July 20. In order to vote in the general election, set for Tuesday, November 3, you must be registered by Monday, October 5. When you register, you are asked to select a party. The parties are Republican. Democrat or No Party Affiliation. You can also register as a member of a minor political party such as the Green Party of Florida. Florida is a closed primary state. This means that for the primary election, your ballot will reflect the party that you have selected. In other words, you vote only for the candidates from your party as well as
non-partisan races such as the judge (county and circuit) and school board. In the general election, your ballot is based upon where you reside. You can view sample ballots for both the primary and the general election by visiting www.votehillsborough.org. “Many people are focused on the upcoming general election in November, but please do not ignore the primary election. We have local school board and judge races on the primary ballot that are non-partisan, so everyone votes in these races. If you are a Democrat or Republican, you will also have a Requesting A Vote By Mail Ballot Is say in which state Easy: and local partisan 1. Online: Vote By Mail Ballot Request candidate moves on to the 2. By Phone: (813) 612-4180 general election,” said 3. By Fax: (813) 744-5843 Supervisor of Elections Craig 4. In Person: at any of our Supervisor of Elections Latimer. Offices
To Request Vote By Mail For Yourself, You Must Provide: 1. Your name and home address 2. Your date of birth 3. Your mailing address, if different from home address (Ballots cannot be forwarded. Be sure to provide your current mailing address.) 4. Your signature (for written requests)
VOTE BY MAIL
Vote By Mail is the most convenient method. You do not need an excuse to choose this option. If you request this method, you will receive your ballot in the mail (by Thursday, July 9 for the pri-
mary election and by Thursday, September 24 for the general election), and you can take your time making your voting decision. The Vote
By Mail ballot must be received by the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can mail it or drop it off in person at one of its offices or at an Early Voting site. The Supervisor of Elections is also offering curbside drop-off this year. You can request your Vote By Mail ballot and track its delivery by visiting www.votehillsborough.org. “Election Day is your last day to vote, not your first. I encourage everyone to consider voting by mail. During the March election, it was heartbreaking to get calls from voters who could not leave home and had planned to vote on Election Day,” said Latimer.
EARLY VOTING
Early Voting is set up before both the primary election and the general election. Early Voting will take place from Monday, August 3 through Sunday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For the general election, it will be from Monday, October 19
By Kathy L. Collins
through Sunday, November 1 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. “In March, we had 23 Early Voting locations open, and we may have 24 for the August primary. We are just finalizing those details now. We will have drop-off ballot boxes at each of those sites for voters who want to drop off their Vote By Mail ballot,” said Latimer. Early Voting is just like Election Day voting. You must bring one or two forms of identification with your photo and signature on it. Acceptable forms of identification include a Florida driver’s license, state issued identification, U.S. passport, student ID, public assistance ID and more.
ELECTION DAY VOTING
Polling places or precincts, noted on your voter registration card, are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can bring your sample ballot with you and use it while you vote. Latimer said, “We are taking great measures to ensure a safe and healthy inperson voting experience.” Social distancing and hand sanitizing as well as adjusted layouts will be utilized. According to Latimer, “All of this will mean that in-person voting is going to be slower than in the past, but it will be healthy and orderly.” Whichever method you choose, remember that your vote counts. For more information, please visit www.votehillsborough.org.
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U.S. House District 15
Adam Hattersley (D) www.HattersleyFor Congress.com
Alan Cohn (D) www.AlanCohnFor Congress.com
Ross Spano (R) www.RossSpano.com
Jesse Philippe (D) www.JessePhilippe.com
State House District 59
Danny Kushmer (R) Michael Owen (R) www.DannyKushmer.com www.VoteMichaelOwen.com
Harry Cohen (D) www.harry2020.com
Group 7
Group 9
Kelly Ayers www.KellyAyersFor Judge.com
April Griffin (D) Nancy Millan (D) www.AprilGriffin.com www.VoteNancyMillan.com
Circuit Court Judge
Rickey Silverman www.Vote4Rickey.com
Monique Scott www.Scott4Judge.com
Ashley Ivanov www.VoteAshleyIvanov.com
Michael Scionti www.JudgeScionti.com
Angela Schoden www.Angela Schoden.com
Group 31
Greg Green www.GregGreenFor Judge.com
Group 30
Danny Alvarez www.ElectDanny Alvarez.com
Helene Daniel www.HeleneDaniel4 Judge.com
Circuit Court Judge
District 7 Countywide
Sally Harris www.VoteSally Harris.com
Charles Brian Boswell (R) Chad Chronister (R) www.VoteCharlesBoswell.com www.ChadChronister.com
Scott Bonavita Gary Dolgin www.VoteBonavita.com www.GaryDolgin.com
Circuit Court Judge
School Board
Lynn Gray www.LynnGrayFor SchoolBoard.com
Jim Boyd (R) www.BoydFor Florida.com
Hillsborough County Sheriff
Group 19
John Schifino www.SchifinoFor Judge.com
John Manners Houman (R) www.mr-manners.com
Jen McDonald (D) Scott Levinson (R) Tony Morejon (R) www.VoteJenMcDonald.com www.VoteTonyMorejon.com www.VoteLevinson.com
Hillsborough Tax Collector
Kevin Beckner (D) Cindy Stuart (D) www.KevinBeckner.com www.VoteCindyStuart.com
Bill Yanger www.YangerFor Judge.com
Scott Franklin (R) www.voteScott Franklin.com
County Commissioner District 1
Hillsborough Clerk of Court
Nancy Jacobs www.NancyJacobs ForJudge.com
State Senate District 21
Group 39
Jeffery Alex James Johnson www.jefferyforschoolboard.com
Wendy DePaul www.WendyDePaul 4Judge.com
Steven Scott Stephens www.judgestephens.org
August 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Summer Is A Good Time To Create A Rain Garden
By Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent
It’s that time ground utility of year again marking. Then, where we are design the shape generally fortunate of your rain garto receive rain freden by laying out quently. If you are a garden hose in looking for a way the manner you to capture rainfall desire. when it arrives, Information consider creating about construca rain garden in a tion is contained low area in your in the publication landscape or at cited below. the bottom of a Select plant downspout where Now is a great time to create a rain garden in materials after your yard. water puddles. you have deterThe purpose of a rain garden is to capmined the site conditions (sun, mature ture stormwater runoff from impervious height, spread). If you install a rain garsurfaces (roofs, driveways, sidewalks) den in sandy soil, it will only hold water and allow the captured runoff water to for a few hours, adding to your maintepercolate through the soil. nance duties: watering, weeding and Rain gardens are beneficial. They using sphagnum/peat moss to decrease decrease flooding and erosion and weed growth. Select plants that like wet attract wildlife and beneficial insects. feet and are drought-tolerant for times They filter runoff that would otherwise when rainfall is infrequent, such as: bald carry pollutants (grass clippings, pet cypress, river birch, beautyberry, dwarf waste, fertilizer) to storm drains and ultipalmetto, Walter’s viburnum, swamp mately into Tampa Bay, contributing to hibiscus, river oats, tickseed and muhly algae bloom and killing fish. grass. To create a rain garden, first, deterFor more information, please see mine the size and location. It should be Marina D’Abreau’s rain garden manual, at least 10 feet from your foundation, in https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/ an existing low area that drains quickly articles/rain-garden-manual-hillsborafter a heavy rain, in full sun, not within ough.pdf, from which this article was 25 feet of a septic system or well, away adapted. Have horticultural questions? from tree roots and within 30 feet of a Call 744-5519, or visit us at http://hillsborwater source. ough.ifas.ufl.edu and check out our calNext, and before you start digging, endar of events at be sure to call Sunshine 811, Sunshine https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcom State One-Call of Florida Inc., for undering-events/.
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Volume 19, Issue 8
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
G ET THE DIRT WITH FLORIDA YARD EXPERT
Lynn Barber, Hillsborough County Extension
Home Composting Workshops Offers By Extension
Did you know that we, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Hillsborough County Extension, offer Home Composting workshops to our residents? Right now, we are providing this, and other workshops (Microirrigation and Rainwater Harvesting), via Zoom. At Home Composting workshops, attendees learn how to create their own compost; the differences between compost, humus and mulch; how to reuse lawn and landscape clippings and kitchen food waste; and what you should do with grass clippings. Also included is an evaluation of different compost units or bins, what can and should not be composted, the critters you will attract in the cooler stages of composting and how to build your compost pile. Attendees receive information on cold, slow and passive composting and how to manage and monitor it from temperature, moisture and odor perspectives. Instructions are provided on mixing and turning the compost, finishing and curing it and screening it if you are so inclined. To me, a very lazy gardener, screening compost is like sifting flour. I understand why it is done, I just choose not to do it! All the above and more will
be fully explained, including how you can use the compost you created, whether finished or unfinished and why the difference is important. After the workshop, attending households will receive a compost bin, compost thermometer and kitchen compost pail/bucket with a lid. You may want to attend all three of the workshops we offer monthly from February through November: Home Composting, Microirrigation and Rainwater Harvesting. If you have not attended a Home Composting workshop with us in the past, you may want to consider registering for one now. Pre-registration is required. Check out our website, which contains the calendar of events, at: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcoming-events/. We hope to ‘see’ you at our upcoming workshops via Zoom. Remember to reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat. Be well! Lynn Barber is the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. Contact her at labarber@ufl.edu, or 813744-5519 Ext. 54105. Contact UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at hillsborough@ifas.ufl.edu, 813-744-5519.
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Page 29
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Where There’s A Home For Every Kitten, There’s A Kitten For Every Home
By Laura Tamayo
A year ago this account for as many month, Michelle Bass cats as possible to maxand Alicia Pollock came imize reach. together to form a vol“Rescues come unteer-based organizafrom a variety of location that offers numertions—people find them ous cats loving, nurturin their backyard, at ing homes. A Kitten their workplace, at Place helps abandoned schools. They are abanand orphaned kittens, doned in dumpsters as well as pregnant and found in buckets on cats, in the Southeast the side of the road,” Hillsborough region stated Bass. through rescuing and To secure these Local kittens are finding great fostering them until a homes thanks to A Kitten Place. rescued animals a safe home is secured. loving home, A Kitten Place typically Before deciding to begin the charity, had adoption events at local pet stores Bass and Pollock both had spent years on the weekends where adopters were fostering for multiple shelters and other pre-approved to adopt or customers rescues, which prompted a desire to could apply on-site. advance this part of their life into someBecause of COVID-19, virtual thing more. adoptions are now its main strategy in “We shared the same philosophy on ensuring rescues a home (with some certain aspects of rescue and we knew adoption events with social distancwe could offer a unique approach to help- ing), in which the adopter is screened ing homeless and abandoned cats and first, then messages the foster family kittens in our community,” explained of the cat to ensure that it’s a match. If Bass. approved, a meeting is scheduled to While A Kitten Place does take inspicarefully give the kitten to the new ration from other rescue centers and their owner. values, it has a unique mission that focusDespite all the outside chaos, the es on neonate kittens and pregnant organization is still constantly receiving females. Bass communicated that the new cats to put up for adoption. If organization specifically try to give the you’re looking for a new friend to take pregnant female cats a place to safely your mind off the current world situahave give birth and avoid any physical tion, go to akittenplace.org to apply. harm that they may have gone through in If you’d like to become a volunteer, an uncontrolled setting. either through fostering or helping with A Kitten Place takes in cats from any- transport and other duties, email akitwhere and everywhere, hoping to tenplace@gmail.com.
By Brian Bokor, Founder www.facebook.com/bokorscorner
Welcome to your August update of recently submitted building permits or construction plans for Southeast Hillsborough. Based on the latest data, we are beginning to see a slowdown in new retail requests coupled with an uptick in multi-family residential. Most recently, Texas Roadhouse submitted a permit for construction of a new restaurant at the northeast corner of Causeway Blvd. and Falkenburg Rd., and Mandola’s Italian Kitchen submitted a permit for a building out at 12962 S. US 301 near the new Sprouts. Staying in that area, the Riverview Chick-Fil-A announced that it will be updating us on the progress of the new store being built at 12810 S. US 301 via its Facebook page with an anticipated opening date in October 2020. Grocers have been active with several new stores planned. The empty storefront next to the PetSmart on Gornto Lake and Causeway Blvd. has requested to become our newest Sprouts. ALDI is continuing to finalize their plans for their new location on the west side of US 301 across from
Balm Riverview Rd. Fields and Table, an 8,000 sq. ft. specialty store focusing on fresh food and meats, will be built south of Symmes Rd. on the west side Balm Riverview Rd. Additionally, the Sun City Center ALDI will be expanding 2,100 sq. ft. as well as improving their parking area. Two more car wash locations have submitted plans, one on Symmes Rd. just east of US 301 and the other on the south side of Bloomingdale Ave. across from Bryan Rd. These are in addition to four other car washes already scheduled for the area located at: west side of Falkenburg Rd., exiting Crosstown; north side of Boyette Rd., west of McMullen Rd.; the Riverview GDX Theater area off Gibsonton Rd; and FishHawk Blvd. behind the SONIC Drive-In and old BB&T Bank, which itself is now an AutoZone. Finally, the long-vacated 7-Eleven Shell on the southwest corner of Bloomingdale Ave. and Providence Rd. will become a PNC Bank with a new Dollar General store coming to Ruskin on the northwest corner of 4th St. SW and US 41.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk
August 2020
Volume 19 Issue 8
In This Section
Ph: 657-2418
La Septima Cafe Offers Convenient And Delicious Family Meals
One of Brandon's favorite restaurants is making life easier and more delicious for residents in the light of the pandemic. In addition to take out and delivery, La Septima Cafe is offering family meals for $39.95. Diners can choose from any of the restaurant’s signature dishes and each family meal comes with rice, the choice of tossed salad or black beans, Cuban bread with olive butter and Delicious family meals, $39.95 from La Septima one 2-liter bottle of Coke, Diet Coke or Cafe. Sprite. Each family meal serves four for and Chris Hall. $39.95 with the exception of the Bistec Ragamuffin Outpost is open on Milanesa (Cuban breaded steak), which Wednesday from 4-8 p.m., Thursdayis $49.95. Orders can be made online Saturday from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sunday at laseptimacafe.com or over the phone from 12 Noon-4 p.m. and other times by by calling 685-0502. La Septima Cafe is appointment. More information can be located at 702 W. Lumsden Rd. in found on www.ragamuffinoutpost.com, Brandon. Facebook @RagamuffinOutpost or by calling 654-2834.
Ragamuffin Outpost Opens In Plaza Bella
New store Ragamuffin Outpost will have its grand opening on the weekend of August 1-2 in Plaza Bella in Valrico. Offering a refreshing selection of antique, vintage, local artisan and eclectic home décor items in nearly 2,000 sq. ft., you are sure to find something you will want to take home with you. Local vendors will be on-site regularly to tell their stories and offer insight into their products. Stop in and toast a glass of champagne with the new owners, Maxi
HiTech Automotive Adds A European Vehicle Specialist
Do you dislike taking your vehicle to the dealership? HiTech Automotive, situated on S. Montclair Ave. in Brandon, has recently added a European vehicle specialist to their team of highly skilled technicians. He has over 13 years experience in automotive repair and specializes in Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, VW and Volvo vehi-
home and offer door-to-door service, making it easy for you to get certified and to keep you diving,” said Massaro. For more information, visit www.trilogyscuba.com, call 4253500 or go to its Facebook page @trilogyscuba.
Laura Brown, the new construction team leader at Yellowfin Realty.
cles. Along with having an associate’s degree, he is also an ASE-Certified Master Technician with his L1 Certification, making him the fourth Master Technician on staff. This makes HiTech your dealership alternative for your European car. For more information on the repairs and services that HiTech offers, call 6841556 or visit its website, www.hitechautomotiveofbrandon.com.
Trilogy SCUBA Brings Diving Lessons To You
Trilogy Dive Center, owned by Mike Massaro and based in Zephyrhills, is a full-service dive center offering scuba training and certification, equipment sales and services and diving trips. Trilogy also provides group training for homeschoolers and other groups. “We train you at your
Yellowfin Realty Announces New Team Leader Of New Construction
Yellowfin Realty based in Winthrop Plaza recently announced Laura Brown as its new team leader of new construction. A seasoned sales associate, Brown has worked extensively in the South Hillsborough corridor from the hub of Brandon to SouthShore. Equally comfortable in a hard hat or heels, her focus is always on the customer. Brown gained valuable experience consulting with buyers in the home design center and she knows that buying a new home can be overwhelming, so bringing her into the experience brings assurance to all parties. The Yellowfin Realty office is at 11256 Winthrop Main St. in Riverview and can be contacted on 245-6186. Visit its website at www.yellowfinrealty.com for more information.
Improvements To River Hills Country Club
River Hills Country Club has recently made several improvements to its facili-
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Business Column Continued................... ties, which members are now enjoying. The tennis area received the biggest improvements with all eight tennis courts being resurfaced and the tennis shop getting a facelift to make it a more welcoming area. A ribbon-cutting, tennis exhibition and tournament were recently held to celebrate the completion of the work. If you are interested in becoming a member of River Hills Country Club, please contact Margie Martin on 6531554, ext. 232 or visit its website at www.riverhillscountryclub.com.
Brandon Regional Hospital Receives Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification
DNV GL Healthcare is a certification body helping healthcare organizations achieve excellence by improving quality. It recently awarded Brandon Regional Hospital its Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification. This award is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association and affirms that the medical center addresses the full spectrum of stroke care—diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education—and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes. “With stroke care, you must have the best clinicians and resources, but also the ability to act organizationally with extreme efficiency because of the time-critical nature of these events,” said Bland Eng, chief executive officer at Brandon Regional Hospital. “This certification from DNV GL validates all the effort we have put into this program and to ensuring the health and safety of our patients.”
Three Bulls Tavern Voted ‘Best Of The Best’
Local bar Three Bulls Tavern was recently voted Best Neighborhood Bar in the 2020 Tampa Bay Times ‘Best of the Best’ competition. Owners Jim and Tracy Mellody are thrilled to have won. “We have worked so hard to be your favorite neighborhood hangout. We hope to just keep on getting better and better,” they said. Three Bulls Tavern is located at 4330 Bell Shoals Rd. in Bloomingdale and can be contacted on 381-3853. Additional information is available at www.ThreeBullsTavern.com or its Facebook page, Three Bulls Tavern.
SERVPRO Alerts Local Grill Masters To Fire Risks The summer grilling season is here, and outdoor cooking and picnic gatherings are a welcome change for families eager to enjoy
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
the weather. As families prepare for their next outdoor feast, Brian E. Jones of SERVPRO of Brandon/North Riverview, a local fire and disaster remediation specialist, urges property owners to keep some ‘grilling fire facts’ in mind. Gas grills are involved in an average of 8,900 home fires a year. Charcoal and other solid fuel grills contribute to another 1,300. An average of 19,700 patients each year visit emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills. July is the peak month for grill fires. To help prevent a grill fire, there are several precautions that can be taken: Use your grill outdoors only. Place your grill away from your home or deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Never leave your grill unattended and keep pets and children at least 3 feet away. Keep your grill clean, remove fat or grease buildup. Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. SERVPRO specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services and repair services, helping to remediate damage for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO of Brandon/North Riveview, please contact Brian E. Jones at 741-3473 or bjones@servpro10822.com or visit www.servpro.com.
Free #MyYoYoJuiceSummer Sweepstakes
#MyYoYoJuiceSummer is a free event sweepstakes where you could win free smoothies and/or Eddie Bull’s Cookie Dough for a year from YoYo Juice Brandon and YoYo Juice Bloomingdale. There are also extra special saving deal days and rewards scheduled throughout the summer. Business owners Scott and Rose Laviano will be drawing all of the winners on their 25th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, September 2. There are multiple ways to enter; post a photo on social media using #MyYoYoJuiceSummer, sign up/check in on the YoYoJuice app and use the online menu at www.yoyojuice.com. YoYo Juice locations are 731 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon and 1044 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico.
By NITISH S. RELE nitishrele@gmail.com
2020 Civic Hatchback Gets Some Notable Changes Ever Information since the Display). The 10th-gen image Civic was appears when launched in the right turn 2017, the signal is actisedan, coupe vated. Other and hatchstandard back have goodies in our been receivSport Touring CIVIC SPORT TOURING trim include an eighting rave reviews. Not Tires: 235/40R18 known to sit on its laurels, way power driver and Wheelbase: 106.3 inches four-way passenger Honda engineers have once again made some leather seats and Length: 177.9 inches changes to the car, mainly tilt/telescopic steering Height: 56.3 inches in the hatch. The 2020 column, 7-inch audio Width: 70.8 inches Honda Civic Hatchback touch display, aluminum Weight: 3,012 pounds does retain the powertrain Fuel capacity: 12.3 gallons pedals, dual auto A/C, shared with its other remote engine start, Base price: $28,850 brethren: a 1.5-liter DOHC electronic parking brake, Price as tested: $29,780 direct-injected and turWe site: www.honda.com heated front seats, bocharged inline-four cylin60/40 rear seat, power der engine putting out 180 horsepower at moonroof, paddle shifters and door pock6,000 rpm and 162 pounds-feet of torque et bins. at 5,500 rpm. The five-door ride is still EPA mileage estimates are imprescoupled to a continuous variable transsive at 29 mpg city, 35 highway and commission or folks who like to be ‘in control’ bined 32. We averaged about 30 in of this compact car can opt for the sixcity/highway driving. The ECON button speed manual. A fully independent susserves its purpose for sure. pension is handled via a MacPherson Standard safety features include dual strut, but the rear gets an all-new multifront and side airbags, side curtain airbag link independent system. And leading the with rollover sensor, stability assist and hatch to its destination is the electric traction control, four-wheel antilock power steering with variable ratio. Also, brakes, rearview camera, tire pressure additional sound-damping materials now monitoring system and daytime running hold wind and road noise to a minimum, lights. Honda Sensing fetches the owner more than in previous models. collision mitigation brakes, adaptive cruise The traditional ‘wing’ grille crossbar control, lane keep assist and forward collihas been restyled, as have the LED sion and lane departure warnings. headlights (receiving a flashy blackout With a cool styling, roomy cabin, look), bumpers and wheels. Space praiseworthy performance and fuel-sipabounds in the Civic with 15.1 cubic feet ping capabilities, the practical 2020 of trunk area and a mammoth center con- Honda Civic Hatchback makes for an sole to hide precious belongings. A suitincredible package. Besides, with a repuable feature is LaneWatch, which displays tation for building durable and dependa wide-angle view of the passenger side able rides, who wouldn’t want to sign up road on the i-MID (Intelligent Multifor a Honda?
Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Maintaining the Dream located at 2713 Washington Rd., in Hillsborough County, in the City of Valrico, Florida, 33594 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Valrico, Florida, this 1st day of August 2020
Sun Air Services Celebrates 32 Years In Business
Sun Air Services, a top-rated and family-owned and operated air conditioning repair and service company, recently celebrated 32 years in business. Over that time it has grown to be able to provide a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-aweek emergency service as well as regular services all over the Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Valrico and Apollo Beach areas. To contact Sun Air Services, call 694-8989 or visit www.sunairtampa.com.
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Page 32
Volume 19, Issue 8
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Empty Store Shelves: Then And Now As County Residents Face WWII Food Shortages
By Charles Nelson
In the earliest weeks of this new COVID-19 world, empty shelves in stores and warnings of coming food shortages worried many Hillsborough County families. We’ve faced these kinds of shortages before, and we’ve survived them. Think, hurricanes! But our farm families were likely reminded of an earlier time when our food supply was under an even greater siege. Following Pearl Harbor, and for WWII’s duration, there was a sharp loss of available farm field workers. By May 1942, Hillsborough County farmers felt the acute loss of workers. Ruskin Vegetable Cooperative President Paul B. Dickman announced that in his fields alone 200 extra pickers were urgently needed. He warned that “If more workers aren’t obtained, much of the crop will rot in the fields.” This loss of farm labor was a real threat arising from three primary causes and affected every farm industry: •The draft—farm boys were among the first to enlist and be drafted. •The opportunity for higher-wage jobs in a nearby defense industry— with earnings of $1.25 an hour (and more) vs. $.22 for farmworkers. •A shortage of migrant workers unable to move about the country due to tire and gasoline rationing. Brandon area dairy farmer J. P. Wilbanks said that dairy farms in Hillsborough County were short 300 workers. As a result, milk was scarce just as war-time demand was increasing from an influx of soldiers, shipyard workers and their families into the
Federal and state governments This relief was temporary as many of Tampa Bay area. were aware of the prob- these workers left Florida farm jobs to For cattlemen, the lem and did try to join war industries for a much higher draft was considered help. In October, the pay. the biggest problem. federal government Ongoing recruiting efforts by local They urged local draft exempted some farm farmers provided some relief as well, boards to leave them and cattle workers but labor shortages and crop losses alone, arguing that it from the draft as continued throughout the war. Not until took many years for a “essential workers.” after the war did the number of farmcowboy to learn a big Modifying immigration workers return to a more normal cycle pasture. One local rules where necessary, which, along with improved mechanizacattleman argued temporary farm workers tion, allowed farming life to return to that “the cowboy is were shipped from the more normal rhythms. a highly technical Bahamas, Cuba, Haiti So, today, as we learn how to live man with considerBahamia and Puerto Rico into with COVID-19, we might recall this able skills. Roping n w Hillsboro orkers arriive ugh Cou a Florida. Dickman unsuclesson from our history to remind us t and riding skills nty Farm . cessfully recommended that it doesn’t take much to threaten the would make him a that Italian war prisoners things that we hold most dear. wonderful soldier, but cattlemen can’t be sent to Hillsborough use transient men to replace him.” County to ease the requirements, but Hillsborough County fruit and vegCharles Nelson Bio federal rules precluded their use in etable farmers were “scared to death” Charles Nelson holds a MA degree in Florida as no POW could be held within History from George Mason University over the reality of labor shortages. and taught as an adjunct instructor at 250 miles of the coast. They already faced ongoing weatherHCC (Dale Mabry). He is also affiliated In 1943, a New Deal agency, the related issues that often challenged a with Tampa Bay History Center as a Farm Security Agency, transplanted volunteer docent, researcher and “just-in-time” labor system. Facing a community lecturer, with an emphasis on large numbers of farmworkers from dramatically reduced labor pool to South Hillsborough County history. Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi. draw from was a disaster in the making. Around Plant City, the normal acreage of 2,500 to 4,500 acres was reduced to about 1,000 acres as farmNotice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes ers realized there would be no labor to pick the product. For the war’s duration, farmers NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business sought myriad ways to strengthen the under the fictitious name of Damian Demogines DBA Brandon Duct Cleaning short supply of workers, but they located at 1205 East 24th Ave., in Hillsborough County, in the City of needed help. Dickman said that “Farmers can’t compete with high Tampa, Florida 33605 intends to register the said name with the wages in other war work and if someDivision of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. thing isn’t done to relieve the farm labor shortage, America is likely to go Dated at Valrico, Florida, this 1st day of August 2020 hungry in another year.”
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Business Acumen & Experience Makes Sally Harris A Great Choice For School Board District 7
It’s Time For A New Generation Of Leadership In Florida’s 15th Congressional District
said Harris. Sally Harris is Harris’ running for a experience position on the will allow her Hillsborough to bring a difCounty School ferent perBoard, District 7. spective to This is a countythe school wide seat. She board. Harris would like your explained, “I vote on Tuesday, Sally Harris (shown in the center in black) is a parent, am a busiAugust 18. foster parent, teacher and business owner who will ness owner, Harris, or bring her vast business and life experience to the so I treat the ‘Miss Sally,’ as position of Hillsborough School Board Member, District 7. position just she is known by like a business owner and look at everyhundreds of children and families, is the owner of Circle C Ranch Academy. Harris thing with a microscope.” These are not just empty words. When Harris was on previously served on the Hillsborough School Board from 2014 to 2018 and was the school board, she asked questions like “Who turns out the lights?” The the chair in 2017-2018. superintendent at the time did not know. As a parent, foster parent, teacher As a result of the inquiry, timers and LED and business owner, she knows that the lights were installed and the district saved public schools must have the children as their primary focus. Her three main issues 1.2 million dollars in energy savings. Harris said, “I am good listener. I am in her campaign are higher academics, open-minded and look at both sides. I am vocational training in middle and high also kind. I have 40 employees, some of schools and the safety of the children. whom have been with me for 15 to 20 “I want the Hillsborough County years.” Public Schools to be the cream of the Harris has led a well-rounded life. crop. We need to get them not only to a She is the matriarch of a large family that higher level of academic achievement so includes a son who is a Hillsborough parents do not feel they need their chilCounty Sheriff Deputy and lives in Valrico dren to attend other schools, but also a and a daughter who lives in Seffner. place where all children learn and graduHarris is a longtime member of both ate with a skill. This is why vocational the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce training needs to be put back into the and the Sun City Center Area Chamber middle and high schools, so that children of Commerce. For more information, who do not go on to college have a skill please visit www.votesallyharris.com. and can prosper once they graduate,”
one on Election Day As a former naval when he became the officer and Iraq war vetfirst Democrat to reperan and now a state resent Florida’s 59th representative, Adam district. Hattersley’s life has “In the Florida been about service. Legislature, I’ve “I joined the Navy worked across the after college, just three aisle to pass legislation weeks before to help veterans, fireSeptember 11, 2001,” fighters and teachers. he said. “I served on a I’ve engaged with nuclear-powered submany of you through marine and taught elecour town halls and trical engineering at the through our legislative Naval Academy. Then, office,” he said. “I’m I volunteered to fight in thankful this communiIraq during the height Adam Hattersley is running for Congress in District 15. ty has entrusted me of the war.” with this responsibility.” After the military, Hattersley and his He added, “In 2018, I ran for office wife moved to Riverview, where they to stand up to a bad politician who didn’t built their American dream—a house, a reflect our values. Now, I’m running for cute dog and a small business. But he Congress for the same reason. missed being part of something bigger Congressman Ross Spano is the only than himself. member of Congress under criminal “Then something unexpected hapinvestigation. He admitted to breaking pened,” said Hattersley. “In 2018, I was campaign finance law to win. He also asked to run for Florida State House. There was an extreme politician running, denies climate change, opposes equal rights and sought to repeal pre-existing and no Democrat had entered the race.” conditions protections for Floridians. We He added, “Entering politics had deserve a congressman who serves with never crossed my mind. At the time, I honor and integrity. That’s why I’m rundidn’t even know who my state representative was! But my wife and I decided ning: just as I served in the Navy, in Iraq and in the Florida House, my mission is to be part of the solution, so I filed to to be a true public servant for our disrun.” trict.” After being told that the seat was To learn more about Hattersley, visit solidly Republican, and that he would www.hattersleyforcongress.com. lose handily, Hattersley surprised every-
By Kathy L. Collins
Staff Report
Tampa Native Michael Scionti Looks To Serve Community In Group 19
Helene Daniel Brings Life Experience To Group 30 County Judge Race
abroad.” Michael Scionti is Scionti has held honored to serve as various positions of one of your circuit public trust as a court judges in the lawyer, soldier and Thirteenth Judicial judge and has a Circuit. proven record in A Tampa native maintaining the fair and lifelong resident of and impartial adminHillsborough County, istration of justice. he has served the “I have always community and counperformed my duties try for 25 years, and responsibilities upholding the rule of with the highest level law in and out of the Tampa native Michael Scionti is curof integrity, demoncourtroom, on and off rently running for re-election in strated a strong the battlefield and Group 19. understanding of the law and applied a throughout all branches of governfair-minded, common sense approach ment. to my decision-making,” he said. “I “I currently preside over both believe the depth and breadth of my Veterans Treatment Court and legal and judicial experience has given Juvenile Delinquency Court—two of me the necessary balance, perspecHillsborough County’s problem-solving courts for struggling veterans and tive and problem-solving skills to make me an effective judge.” at risk youth,” said Scionti. He is currently running for re-elecA lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserve, he also serves tion in Group 19. “As a judge, I serve as an instruas a commander in the Judge ment of justice and ensure that everyAdvocate General’s Corps. one is treated equally under the law,” “Over the course of my 20 years he said. “With your support, I promise in the military, I have served multiple to continue serving our community tours of duty in both Iraq and with integrity, compassion and fairAfghanistan and was awarded the ness.” He asks you to please vote for Bronze Star Medal,” he said. “As a Michael Scionti for Circuit Court military magistrate, I presided over Judge, Group 19 on Tuesday, August hundreds of military-commissioned 18 or before. war tribunals and as a judge advoVisit www.JudgeScionti.com for cate I helped advance the rule of law and uphold human rights in countries more information.
judge,” said Helene Helene Daniel Daniel. “Circuit court has practiced law in is our highest trial Florida for over 33 court and it is a seriyears. A longtime resious job that comes dent of Hillsborough with considerable County, Helene Daniel responsibility.” is running for circuit Helene Daniel court judge in Group has been certified 30. by the Florida She has been Valrico resident Helene Daniel is running Supreme Court as rated AV for Circuit Court Judge Group 30. a Circuit-Civil Preeminent® by Mediator since 2001. Martindale-Hubbell®, its highest rating Family and community are important for legal abilities and ethics. This is a sigto Helene Daniel. She is a past president nificant achievement as it is based on of the Hillsborough Association for peer review. Women Lawyers. Over the years, she “My campaign values are experience, integrity and fairness,” said Helene has been an active volunteer in the community with Habitat for Humanity, Paint Daniel, who has extensive courtroom Your Heart Out, Dress for Success, R.U. experience, having tried cases in both Safe and many more. A longtime resicivil and criminal law. dent of Valrico, she is a member of “Pro bono work is an important part Nativity Catholic Church, where she of my community service and I enjoy served as a Sunday school teacher representing clients in and out of court. I believe it is essential, as a trial lawyer, to while a young mother. Helene Daniel is proud to be help those in need of legal assistance endorsed by West Central Labor Union, and represent them for free,” she said. AFL-CIO and also has the support of After 33 years as a lawyer, Helene Daniel understands the practice of law is many trial attorneys throughout Hillsborough County, She has been marabout people and compassion. The ried to her husband, Bill, for 32 years majority of her legal experience has and they have two children, Veronica been in Circuit Civil Court, handling and Will, who both graduated from cases in areas of nursing homes, medNewsome High School and attended the ical malpractice, personal injury, insurUniversity of Florida. They love dogs and ance law, healthcare law and commerhave three Labradors. “My proven trial cial litigation. experience and integrity will ensure I am "I have the experience and compea fair and impartial judge,” she said. Visit tence to be an effective circuit court
Staff Report
Staff Report
EXPERIENCE MATTERS 30 Years as a Lawyer Proven Courtroom Experience
AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® Past President HAWL Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers
HELENE DANIEL
FOR CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE Hillsborough County | Circuit 13 Group 30
HELENEDANIEL4JUDGE.COM Paid by Helene Daniel for Circuit Court Judge Circuit 13 Group 30
Gary Dolgin, A Candidate For Circuit Court Judge In Group 31, Wants To Be Your Family’s Judge
Monique Scott Brings Versatility And Experience To Group 7 County Judge Run
practice in Tampa Gary Dolgin, a since 1993. Dolgin board-certified marital has experience not and family law attoronly in marital and ney, will use his over family law, as he 30 years of experience has served as an to serve the residents assistant state attorof Hillsborough County ney in Manatee as a circuit court County and as an judge. Dolgin is runassistant public ning for circuit court defender in judge in Group 31 and Hillsborough would like your vote Gary Dolgin helped save his client Tara’s on Tuesday, August daughters after they were abducted and County. Dolgin has taken out of the state by Tara’s suicidal handled juvenile 18. husband. delinquency and Dolgin has represented many citizens over the years. One dependency cases as well as a myriad of issues that a circuit court judge will be client, Tara, found herself in a distressful required to rule upon. situation when her suicidal husband “I have dedicated my professional abducted their two daughters and took career to helping families and children. I them out of the state. Tara said, “Gary look forward to putting my many years of Dolgin was the only lawyer who took my experience to work for the people of call and understood the urgency of my Hillsborough County,” said Dolgin. situation. He assured me that his top priDolgin is one of 28 attorneys in ority was getting my daughters back.” Tara added, “Without him, our story could Hillsborough County who are board certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in have had a different ending. Our story is marital and family law. In Florida, board just one of many where he has protected certification recognizes an attorney’s spechildren and families.” cial knowledge, skill and proficiency in a Dolgin said, “The most rewarding particular area of law. The minimum stanaspect of my practice has been reuniting dard to become board certified is quite wrongfully abducted children and reprerigorous. senting domestic violence victims. Dolgin has lived almost all of his life Lawyers and judges can sometimes save in Hillsborough County. He is married to lives. The judge in Tara’s case knew to give her case top priority. I am going to do Wendi Towbin-Dolgin, R.N. for almost 30 years. They have 22-year-old twins, Cory the same as a judge for the people of and Mallory, and a 16-year-old son, Ari. Hillsborough County.” Visit www.GaryDolgin.com. Dolgin has run a successful private
Probation Division, Monique Scott is a Drug Division, Criminal former law enforcement Felony Division and officer, teacher, prosecuEconomic Crimes Unit. tor, first generation The versatility in American and Tampa Scott’s tenure as a native looking to share her prosecutor is exempliexperience as a fied by her experience Hillsborough County in prosecuting a variety judge. of criminal cases, Scott received her including DUIs, traffic, bachelor’s degree at the misdemeanor offenses, University of South Florida family/domestic vioand upon graduation lence offenses, white moved to Washington collar crimes, drug trafD.C., where she interned Tampa native Monique Scott is with the Public Defender’s running for Hillsborough County ficking, firearm judge. charges, violent felony Service. Upon returning to Tampa, Scott was recruited by the Tampa offenses and punishable-by-life felonies. Scott is married to Justin Scott, also Police Department as a sworn officer. a Tampa native, and they have one son Scott’s career was cut short due to who currently attends Jesuit High School her medical disability, epilepsy. She then as well as two dogs. began a career in teaching while attendScott is active both within the legal ing Stetson Law School within the partcommunity and the Hillsborough County time program. She had the honor of community at large. She is a member interning with Judge Gregory Holder and completing two Certified Legal Internships and serves as a committee chair for the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, in both the Hillsborough and Polk County Hillsborough County Bar Association, State Attorney’s Offices. Florida Bar, Criminal Law Inn of Court After graduating from law school, Scott began a career as a prosecutor with and Hispanic Professional Women’s Association and currently serves on four the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s boards: the Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Office. She successfully litigated numerCouncil, Hillsborough Association of ous jury trials, non-jury trials, depositions Women Lawyers, Tampa Hispanic Bar and argued countless motions. During Association and Epilepsy Services her tenure at the State Attorney’s Office, Foundation. To learn more, find Monique she practiced in a variety of divisions: the Scott For Judge on Facebook or visit County Criminal Trial Division, Domestic www.Scott4Judge.com. Violence Trial Division, Violation of
By Kathy L. Collins
Staff Report
Ivanov Campaigns With Integrity, Impartiality And Service For Group 19 Circuit Court Judge
Green Seeks To Serve As Circuit Court Judge In Group 31
numbers,” she said. Integrity. Impartiality. “These are real people Service. These are with real stories that more than words to nonmatter.” partisan judicial candiIn her personal life, date Ashley Willis Ivanov stays busy volIvanov. To her, they hold unteering with her value when they are church and taking her lived out. daughter to Girl Scout Professionally and events. “I try to lead by personally, Ivanov lives example and integrity is out these ideals. at the center of this,” As an attorney, she said Ivanov. has handled a diverse Impartiality is a corrange of cases, includnerstone of a judge’s ing litigated and non-litiresponsibilities in gated matters, repreadministering justice. senting both plaintiffs “It is not the judge’s and defendants. She Ashley Ivanov seeks to serve as a presently focuses her circuit court judge in Hillsborough role to legislate from County. the bench but to apply practice on probate and the law as it is, as created by the legisestate planning. lature,” commented Ivanov. “Integrity in the practice of law is Service is a regular part of her life, important for the rule of law to be effecand she would not have it any other tively carried out,” she commented. way. She enjoys reading to children in Ivanov zealously advocates for her the Head Start program with her fellow clients, giving them straightforward Rotarians. She also gives back to the feedback. Sometimes this may mean informing a prospective client that he or community by assisting Gold Star families and first responders with estate she does not have much of a case or planning. that the legal fees in the matter could Ivanov is committed to upholding be higher than what the client may equal protection of the laws for all peohave initially anticipated. ple, impartially applying the law as writ“Transparency is part of being ethiten by the legislature and stand behind cal,” said Ivanov. Her clients’ public testimonies attest the United States Constitution and Florida Constitution. to her professionalism. Watch the Ashley Ivanov Campaign “My clients’ matters are more than video at www.voteashleyivanov.com. pieces of paper filed in court with case
ball coach at Attorney Greg Robinson High dedicated has Green School and mentor the serving to his life in the Big Brothers of people Big Sisters proCounty. Hillsborough gram. born, was Green Seven generaeducated and raised of his family tions Hillsborough here in called have up grew He County. Hillsborough servin a community County home. In ice-oriented family fact, Green fondly that him who taught refers to communihis serving Hillsborough as highest ty is the Attorney Greg Green is running for circuit his “forever individan that honor court judge of Group 31. Green is home.” achieve. ual can daughters young two has and married community this for love Green’s in here right raised and born attended He life. in early came Hillsborough County. Chamberlain High School, where he Green believes our legal system and student-athlete a as hard worked serve as the foundation that should he There, standout. basketball was a and guarantees our rights and protects prepateamwork, of value the learned Green chose to run for freedoms. with him providing fairness, and ration (1) to ensure all litireasons: three in him guide that principles important in court enjoy equal appear who gants today. the courtroom fair treatment receive and access Hillsborough to service Green’s continue the famito (2) law, the under profeshis through continues County and (3) to service public of tradition ly the in involvement personal and sional tangible and real a as serving continue have to honored is He community. will Green children. his for model role prosecutor a as county our in served is justice that ensure to tirelessly work where general, attorney and assistant Green impartially. and fairly dispensed justice ensure to tirelessly he worked has real experience, proven leadership in our courts every day. He is also a and the right temperament to serve as partner founding and owner business your next circuit court judge of Group P.A. Law, of Green 31. Green profession, his of Outside For more information, our and community the also serves VoteGregGreen@gmail.com. visit footflag girls school high a as youth
Staff Report
Staff Report
GREG CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE GROUP 31 HUSBAND. FATHER. COACH. PUBLIC SERVANT. UNMATCHED EXPERIENCE
Established Trial Lawyer 21 Years of Courtroom Experience
STRONG COMMUNITY ROOTS
7th Generation Hillsborough Native Chamberlain High School Star Athlete
A COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY AND SERVICE Attorney Ad Litem Volunteer High School Girls Flag Football Coach Big Brother in Big Brother Big Sister Program Pastoral Care/Biblical Counseling at The Crossing Church
ENDORSED BY:
VOTE AUGUST 18, 2020 LOCAL 2294
POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY GREG GREEN, FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE GROUP 31
As Circuit Judge, Group 9, John Schifino Will Treat All Honorably And With Compassion
Nancy Millan Ready To Use Experience To Hit The Ground Running As Tax Collector
civility and can John Schifino grasp complex grew up in a large, issues. He has been tight-knit family in awarded several Seffner. His father, an professionalism attorney, gave him awards, including advice to be humble, the Hillsborough compassionate and to Association of practice law with Women Lawyers integrity. Schifino has Professionalism lived by this advice. Award in 2017 and Schifino is running to the Thirteenth become a circuit court judge in Group 9 and John Schifino is an experienced attorney Judicial Circuit who has earned a reputation as someone Professionalism would like your vote who practices professionally with civility Award in 2019. He on Tuesday, August and integrity. He will put these traits to use as a Hillsborough County circuit court has been selected 18. judge (Group 9). by his peers into the Schifino has been Super Lawyer Top 100 in Florida and Top a zealous advocate for his clients. He 50 in the Tampa Bay 2019. handles both trial and appellate cases “The court is a sacred institution. I involving business litigation, labor and admire it and will be humbled to be a part employment law and environmental law. of it,” said Schifino. “I am running for cirHe has been the lead counsel in numercuit court judge because I have the expeous cases and is a certified state court rience and understanding to run an effimediator. Now, after 25 years of practiccient and honorable courtroom. For ing law, Schifino believes it is time to live his dream of serving Hillsborough County almost 25 years, I have represented clients on both sides of the courtroom residents as a circuit court judge. and understand the lasting impact the “I believe the lessons I have learned court’s decision individuals and families,” from my parents, and the way I have explained Schifino. practiced law for 25 years, will make me Schifino is a member of the Greater a judge who is prepared, balanced and Riverview Chamber of Commerce. He is honest. I will always serve with integrity, married to Sara and they have two chilhumility and compassion. I will treat all dren, Jack and Eleanor. He has coached who come before me fairly and equally his children in various sports. He fondly no matter who you know or where you recalls playing in the South Brandon Little come from,” said Schifino. Schifino has earned a reputation as a League. Visit www.schifinoforjudge.com. lawyer who practices professionally with
becoming the next Nancy Millan, a Hillsborough tax collector. 30-plus-year veteran The Tax Collector’s of the Hillsborough Office is the funding County Tax Collector’s engine powering virtually Office is running to all local government and become the tax colleccollecting and distributing tor. Millan, a revenue for many other Democrat, will be on public entities, including the ballot on Tuesday, school boards, ports and August 18 and would mass transit systems. ask for your vote. The Hillsborough Tax Millan started as Collector’s Office generan entry-level clerk With over 30 years of experience in ates over $2 billion dolover 30 years ago. the Hillsborough County Tax She worked diligently Collector’s Office, Nancy Millan will lars annually and hanneed no on-the-job training. dles over one million and is now a member motor vehicle, vessel and mobile home of the senior staff as the director of comtransactions. munity relations. Millan said, “I know this Millan said, “I am proud of our initiadepartment and this department knows tive to establish self-service kiosks at sevme. I require no on-the-job training eral participating Publix locations in the because I have done this work for over greater Brandon area. Self-service kiosk 30 years, and as Hillsborough County’s is one way of making the Tax Collector’s next tax collector, I am ready to lead this Office more accessible to our residents.” office on day one.” Millan added, “The Hillsborough County “As a senior leader in the organizaTax Collector’s Office also opened a tion, I have been a part of modernizing Brandon area branch that includes a and transforming the way we provide road-testing range and is an important service to our customers. Our hard work to remake the organization resulted in the asset to the community.” “When I am elected, I will hit the Tax Collector’s Office becoming an ground running. My vision is to build upon award-winning organization that is a role the success of my predecessor to ensure model for government agencies in our office becomes a more accessible Hillsborough County and throughout the and more efficient, thus remaking the state of Florida,” added Millan. gold standard in government and cusMillan is a certified Florida collector tomer service,” said Millan. assistant and has worked with the city, For more information, please visit county and state agencies. She is well https://www.votenancymillan.com. prepared to take on the responsibility of
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L. Collins
Kelly Ayers, Candidate For Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge In Group 9, Wants To Be The People’s Judge
By Kathy L. Collins
has the legal expeKelly Ayers is rience necessary a candidate for to make her an Hillsborough effective yet comCounty Circuit passionate judge. Court Judge “If you come (Group 9). She will before me, regardbe on the ballot on less of the case, I Tuesday, August will make sure that 18 and would like the court experiyour vote. ence is fair and Ayers is a sechonest,” said ond-generation Ayers. Tampa native. Her Kelly Ayers, shown here with her extended fami“I am most dad, Steve Ayers, court circuit Hillsborough for candidate ly, is a served as a firejudge (Group 9). Ayers has always put family proud of the first, and wants to be the people’s judge. expertise I have fighter and later gained over the years. This has allowed owned Ayers-Sierra Insurance. people to have a great attorney repreShe has practiced for 26 years and sent them regardless of their income. It owns three law firms. Despite the high always warms my heart when I can do demands of her job, she has always put right by my clients, especially children,” family first. Now that her youngest child said Ayers. is off to college, Ayers believes this is an “When my clients are happy, I am ideal time to give back to the community happy. I want everyone who comes by serving as a circuit court judge. Ayers will bring a unique perspective before me to feel that way when they leave my courtroom. I want to be peoto the bench. “I am a people person. I want to be accessible and approachable. ple’s judge,” added Ayers. Ayers is active in several community I will always strive to work towards a resservice organizations. She has volunolution. I want to do things the simple way. I will always ask what can we agree teered with Bay Area Legal Service, upon. If the parties agree on issues, then works with high school interns and sponsors Buddy Baseball. we can work towards a solution. This is She is married to Attorney Dan what I want to bring to the bench if you Crowe, a retired Air Force Senior Master vote for me for Hillsborough circuit court First Sergeant. Ayers has three grown judge,” said Ayers. children, Mitchell, Kaelee and Carson. Ayers has extensive experience in For more information, please visit civil and criminal litigation as well as in www.kellyayersforjudge.com. family law and dependency cases. She
KELLY AYERS HAS THE MOST EXPERIENCE FOR JUDGE
Experience • 26 years of legal experience in private practice, beginning at Fowler White • •
Handles cases in federal, appellate,
• •
dependency Re-wrote the Baker Act Statute professionals
Vote August 18th
Circuit Court Judge Group 9 Education • Stetson University College of Law – P.O. Box 172151
Tampa, Florida 33672 Phone: (813) 440-7142
KellyAyersforJudge@gmail.com www.KellyAyersforJudge.com
•
Paid by Kelly Ayers for Circuit Court Judge, Group 9
Alvarez Runs For Judge In Group 30
Staff Report
fessor at the Daniel A. Alvarez University of Tampa. Sr. is a first-generation He created an American born and accounting company raised in to help disabled vetFlorida. Known to his erans and has a rare friends and clients as distinction of being Danny, he is a lawyer, a three-time Tampa community leader, vetBay Business eran, small business Journal’s Heroes at owner and currently Work serves as a member honoree. While he of the Hillsborough has enjoyed practicCounty Sheriff’s Daniel A. Alvarez, Sr. is running for ing law, his calling to Office. Alvarez is runCircuit Court Judge in Group 30. service is what has led him to this elecning for circuit court judge in Group 30. tion. “This is not about a title. It is “My family escaped government perabout serving and making a difference,” said Alvarez. “I am committed secution from a system that failed to honor the basic tenets of justice and faithto the law above anything else and to the fulness to the law,” Alvarez said. “I am fair and impartial treatment of all no matdedicated to being impartial, decisive, fair ter their background or where they come and just. For me, there is no other way.” from.” In 2015, Alvarez was named the After graduating college, he was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Hispanic Man of the Year by Tampa United States Army. During his time in the Hispanic Heritage, Inc. Alvarez has served the Hillsborough military, Alvarez was deployed to South County Commission on the Hillsborough Korea and later assigned to various leadChildren’s Services Advisory Board, was ership positions within the United States appointed by the governor of Florida to sit Army Airborne School. He understands on the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway the importance of honor and integrity. Authority and is a lifetime member of the In May 2011, Alvarez formed the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Alvarez Legal Group to help individuals His proudest accomplishment is whose voices are often drowned out in being a father. He has four children, Tony, the legal system. While the firm specialEmery, Lincoln and Elle. ized in business law, litigation and per“I’m ready to serve. I believe that I sonal injury, a strong focus remains on bankruptcy, estate planning and entertain- can be a voice for our community and I humbly ask for your vote this election,” ment law. At the same time, he spent said Alvarez. almost nine years as a business law pro-
Bob ‘Coach’ Henriquez Wants To Continue To Serve As Hillsborough County Property Appraiser
A Call To Serve As A County Court Judge Group 7 Was Drawn From Tragedy For Bill Yanger
first took office, but Bob ‘Coach’ there is still so much Henriquez is running more we can do for for re-election as the people of this Hillsborough County county,” said property appraiser in Henriquez. “New the general election on technologies and Tuesday, November 3. new ideas are When Henriquez was always being introelected to the position duced and we in 2013, his mantra should never rest on was to “Rethink, what we have Reinvent and Bob Henriquez, Hillsborough County achieved so far. Reinvigorate.” This property appraiser, is active in the comHenriquez required a detailed munity and often speaks to groups about years of brings look at how his office property issues (shown here speaking to a group of realtors in South Hillsborough experience to the performs all of its County). job of property statutory duties and appraiser. He served in the Florida State responsibilities. Legislature as a state representative for Henriquez has done this and has four terms. completed multiple tasks, including Moreover, his work with the adding internationally recognized appraisHillsborough Planning Commission has al staff to his senior staff. He completed given him a unique insight on the needs an overhaul of the office’s website to of residents who live in unincorporated ensure greater transparency of real and rural areas of Hillsborough County. estate and tangible property data. He “As a result of that experience, and what I reduced the cost of property assessment have learned since, I know how to fairly by implementing software that utilizes and equitably apply property valuation to aerial images. He reviewed all business those areas,” explained Henriquez. processes to achieve the most cost effiInterwoven within his public service is cient and responsible practices. his tireless work to help mold the lives of This process of rethinking how his young men as a football coach. He office operates is a neverending one. served as Tampa Catholic’s head football Through new technologies and practices, Henriquez wants to continue in his role as coach from 1990 to 1999 and again from Hillsborough County property appraiser in 2005 to 2012. Henriquez is married to Carrie and order to better serve the taxpayers of they have one son and two daughters. Hillsborough County. Visit www.vote4coach.com. “We have achieved so much since I
Since 2001, The call to serve Yanger has manthe community comes aged a successful to people in different law practice. His ways. When a lawyer extensive experidecides to run for ence has taught him judge, it might have a lot. “I have learned been a lifelong dream something from or because of a perevery court appearsonal experience. ance I have had in Bill Yanger, who the last 34 years,” is a candidate for said Yanger. county court judge in Yanger was Group 7, decided to Bill Yanger is running for county court run for judge after the judge in Group 7 on Tuesday, August 18. born and raised in Yanger brings both professional and life Tampa to parents tragic loss of his 22experience to the bench and as such year-old daughter, believes he will serve as a compassion- who were also born ate and empathetic judge. here. He raised his Rose. “We lost Rose on August 24, 2016 to a violent homicide three children in Tampa. He is a member of several area Chambers of Commerce, in Broward County, a case that remains open and uncharged to this day. I tell this including the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce. “As a member, board story not for sympathy but for context. member and chair of the South Tampa Rose’s loss was a clarifying moment, a Chamber of Commerce, I have been desperate and heartbreaking moment that focused my attention on what I want- active in many collaborations with area chambers, including the Greater ed and needed to do with my life,” Riverview Chamber of Commerce, parexplained Yanger. Yanger has practiced law for over 30 ticularly between our respective military affairs committees,” said Yanger. years. “I have been practicing for 34 “We want our judges to be capable years all over the state. I have fought in of the mechanics of the job. Voters criminal, family and state federal civil deserve a say in selecting a judge with court trenches for teachers and profesempathy forged from life's joys as well as sors, single mothers and desperate its heartaches. Voters deserve the perfathers, injured and broken workers, son in the black robe to have lived an world boxing champions, teenage rockexpansive life. I have lived one,” said ers and small business owners,” said Yanger. Yanger. “I am prepared to wear the robe For more information on Yanger, in whatever capacity I am asked to serve please visit www.yangerforjudge.com. by the Chief Judge,” added Yanger.
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L. Collins
Nancy Jacobs Will Use Life Experience To Serve The People As County Court Judge In Group 7
Vote For Scott ‘Mr. H’ Hottenstein Ready To Serve In Florida House District 57
patient and fair tem“I believe a perament,” said county court Jacobs who adds judge should be a that she has all of true public serthese characterisvant,” said Nancy tics. The life experiL. Jacobs, who is ence to which she running for county refers includes havcourt judge in ing family members Group 7. If you who have dealt with want a true public alcoholism and servant, then vote mental health for Jacobs on issues. “All of these Tuesday, August 18. Nancy Jacobs, who is running for county court are things that often Jacobs lives judge in Group 7, believes that a judge’s seat bring people to belongs to the people. court. In order to be her life by the above quote. She served as a prosecutor empathetic to someone who has these issues, you need to have lived with them for Hillsborough County from 1985-1993. and not just read about them,” added She has incorporated pro bono services Jacobs. for active military and veterans in her priJacobs is someone who will use her vate practice since opening in 1993. She was recognized for her service in 2019 by legal and life experience to provide an empathetic look at the circumstances of the Florida Supreme Court. Her private practice consists of criminal defense, fam- each case to determine what would be the best outcome within the boundaries of ily law and estate planning. Jacobs said, “Tampa has allowed me the law. She also understands that people need to get on with their lives and that to attain a successful law practice and the court system needs to move forward. has been a great place to live and raise my children. I am now at a point in my life “If you cannot get a court date, that is not access to the court and therefore not due where I can really give back to the community. That is why I am running for coun- process,” said Jacobs. Jacobs is also passionate about anity judge.” mal rights. She has volunteered with the According to Jacobs, there are four Humane Society of Tampa Bay and main characteristics that a person has to serves on a committee for the SPCA of have in order to be a good judge. “A Tampa Bay and has rescue dogs of her judge needs to possess extensive legal own. experience and life experience as well as Visit www.nancyjacobsforjudge.com. a lifetime of community service and a
Representatives. Scott Hottenstein, We at VoteVets are known as ‘Mr. H’ by his always so proud to students, is a candisee veterans like date for Florida House you committed to District 57. He is pascontinuing their sionate about serving service after the unithe public by advocatform,” wrote Jon ing for the health, eduSoltz, Iraq War vetcation and safety of his eran and chairman community. of VoteVets PAC, Hottenstein takes pride regarding in his original 24-year career in the United Scott Hottenstein, known as ‘Mr. H’ by his Hottenstein’s camstudents, is a candidate for Florida House paign. “In these turStates Navy, which District 57. bulent political began when he was 17 years old, and in his second career as times, our veterans, communities and country need leaders like you who will a Hillsborough County Public Schools continue to serve the nation and put the civics teacher. He has literally been in country first.” public service his entire adult life. A 1992 Alongside his endorsement from graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and VoteVets PAC, he has also received an 2019 Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year finalist, he seeks to translate the val- endorsement from the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund, the largest gun vioues he learned during both careers into lence prevention organization in the counmuch-needed legislative change. try. As a trained volunteer, Hottenstein Hottenstein retired from the Navy in has led several Be SMART presentations 2012 after numerous deployments and throughout the community. The program leadership positions, with a highlight of focuses on the open discussion of gun leading 450 sailors in a combat zone and safety hazards, the proper securing of bringing them all home safely. Now, he firearms and gun suicide and accident has set his sights on serving in a new prevention. way: by representing his community in Hottenstein understands the importhe Florida legislature. Hottenstein has tance of putting his country and commureceived endorsements from multiple nity first. After an outstanding military national organizations, such as VoteVets career and passionately educating the PAC. community’s youth, he seeks to serve a “I am honored to support your camthird time. Vote for Scott Hottenstein for paign to serve your fellow citizens of the Florida House District 57. 57th District in the Florida State House of
By Kathy L. Collins
By Sean Crumpacker
August 2020
Page 41
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Create Strategies to Help Achieve Your Financial Goals by Joanna Springstead Found throughout the state of Florida, one of the most coveted and charismatic creatures to observe in the wild is the North American river otter (NARO). NAROs are curious and playful by nature and capture much attention from wildlife enthusiasts for their undeniable cute-factor and charm. These semiaquatic mammals can be found in coastal marine habitats but are most common in freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes and ponds. Their long tails, muscular, streamlined bodies and flattened heads make them skilled swimmers and incredibly successful hunters. This is necessary since they are always in or around water and reside in dens that often have an underwater entrance or exit. A top predator in their food chain, river otters have a carnivorous diet that consists mostly of crayfish, turtles, crustaceans, frogs and fish. They can consume meals of up to 15 percent of their body weight daily and are most active early in the day and in the evening, spending hours hunting for their meals. Averaging 3-5 feet in length and 1030 pounds in weight, these solid, agile, web-footed animals can reach speeds of 8 mph underwater and 15 mph on land. Even more impressive, river otters can
stay under water for up to eight minutes at a time before having to surface for a breath. This is made possible by sealing off their nostrils when they dive, reaching depths of up to 36 feet deep. In the wild, river otters can live for 10-13 years. They mate once a year and average one to three pups per litter. These pups are reared by their mother and learn to swim at around two months of age. River otters are fascinating creatures that also play an important role in our ecosystem. As a top predator that utilizes both land and aquatic habitats, they are often referred to as an indicator species. Even with the risk of predation from larger species such as the American alligator, bobcats and coyotes, the greatest threat to river otters are from humans and include habitat destruction, fragmentation and pollution. As an indicator species, their presence illustrates a healthy ecosystem. Likewise, their absence indicates a problem that usually stems from pollution. We can help our river otter friends by recycling, reducing waste and pollution, discontinuing the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers, properly disposing of fishing line and hooks and remembering to keep our wildlife wild by never feeding, harming or approaching them.
You probably have many financial goals: a comfortable retirement, long vacations, college for your children, and so on. But to achieve these goals, you may have to follow different investment strategies.
And keep in mind that your strategy for achieving one goal may affect your ability to work toward another, so you might need to prioritize these goals and make some trade-offs in your investment moves. It’s possible that you may need to invest less toward one goal so you can put away more toward another.
First of all, you’ll need to identify each goal and ask yourself some questions: How much time will you have to achieve this obWorking toward multiple JOANNA jective? How much return SPRINGSTEAD goals can be challenging, will you need? How much so you may want to get Financial Advisor risk are you willing to some professional help, take? which, along with patience and effort, can help you make progress You’ll also need to choose invest- toward your financial goals. ments designed to help you reach Now booking appointments each goal. And these investments should work together. Monitor their via the phone/web conference. progress over time and make adCall today to schedule an justments as needed. introductory meeting.
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Page 42
Volume 19, Issue 8
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Sports Connection Photos courtesy of the Bloomingdale Football
657-2418
By Nick Nahas
www.ospreyobserver.com
Seven Bloomingdale Football Players Sign Committments To Play College Football Seven Bloomingdale High grow and motivate them to be School football players recently the best version of themselves,” signed on to play college foothe said. ball. They weren’t able to have Defensive lineman Marvin an official signing day at the Vinson signed to play for St. school due to COVID-19. Thomas University, joining his Defensive back/wide Bloomingdale teammates, receiver Gabe Akpewero Akpewero and Blackmon. “I’m signed to play at St. Thomas ready to show every coach that University. “I felt great after doubted me that I will be somethinking about my decision for a thing,” said Vinson. He will major Defensive back/wide receiver Bulls quarterback Lance Alderson Wide receiver/defensive back long time, and I feel relieved in business management. He Waylon Blackmon signed with signed with Baldwin Wallace Javon Stephens signed with Peru can’t wait to play with Akpewero that I chose the right school for St. Thomas University. University in Ohio. State in Nebraska. me to spend the next four and Blackmon again. “Those are years,” said Akpewero. He will my brothers for life,” he said. major in business management Guard Jordan Leath also and marketing. “I am looking signed to play for Minnesota forward to competing at a highState Community and Technical er level and improving my College. game as much as possible The 2020 class is the winwhile I am in college,” he said. ningest class in the school’s hisBulls quarterback Lance tory with a 33-13 overall record. Alderson signed with Baldwin “They are going to be missed, Wallace University in Ohio. “I and I appreciate everything they was very excited when I have done for us,” said Defensive lineman Marvin Vinson Defensive back/wide receiver Defensive end/defensive tackle signed,” said Alderson. “My Bloomingdale Head Coach Jake signed to play for St. Thomas Gabe Akpewero signed to play at Coulson. “That group of kids Jack Sykes signed to play for dream was always to play at University. St. Thomas University. Missouri Valley College. the next level and be the first in bought in and never questioned, can make it to the NFL, that would be a architectural engineering or construction my family to play college football.” He will you knew they were going to put in what dream come true, but I have to work to management. “My goal in college is to major in criminal justice. “My ultimate goal they needed to do to be successful. get there,” he said. keep my GPA above a 3.5, and my goal playing college football is to get faster These guys set the bar, and so we just Wide receiver/defensive back Javon with football is to help my teammates and stronger, and to show everyone why need to keep it going.” Stephens signed with Peru State in I’m there. I want to be one of the top QBs Nebraska. “It felt amazing knowing that in college,” he said. I’m the first in my family to go to college,” Defensive back/wide receiver Waylon said Stephens. He will major in business. Blackmon also signed with St. Thomas “I can’t wait for next season, I’m ready to University. “It felt great, all these years of work,” he said. hard work and persistence in the classDefensive end/defensive tackle Jack room and on the field finally paid off,” said Sykes signed with Missouri Valley Blackmon. He will major in engineering. “I College. “I felt a huge weight was lifted off hope to go and ball out and display my my shoulders and a lot of pressure was talents so that I can take my football relieved,” said Sykes. He will major in career as far my talents can take me. If I
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Minuteman Press Franchise Owners Help Local Businesses Bounce Back From COVID-19 For local Minuteman Press Franchise Owners and Valrico residents Julie and Mike Arndt, there is nothing more important right now than helping their communities recover and rebuild from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Julie, who runs Minuteman Press in Brandon, and Mike, who runs Minuteman Press in Plant City, have remained open since printing is an essential business. During this time, they launched Bounce Back Brandon/Riverview and Bounce Back Plant City, two free community websites connecting local area businesses with people who are looking to support local and shop local. Businesses that submit a completely free listing also receive free COVID-19 awareness and prevention posters as well as window decals and signs that Julie and Mike are providing. Julie said, “What Bounce Back means to our communities in Brandon, Riverview and Plant City can be described in one word: Solidarity. All of the participating businesses who have joined the Bounce Back movement see the value in us working together to support each other and best serve our customers with these special offers.” She continued, “We have over 125 local businesses who we are collaborating with through the Bounce Back Brandon/Riverview and Bounce Back Plant City websites. At first, we used this as a COVID-19 resource to simply let people know that our businesses were open. And when people realized this, it allowed them to take advantage of these special offers while stimulating
Staff Report
Bounce Back USA signage is distributed by Minuteman Press to local participating businesses in Brandon, Riverview and Plant City. The program was started by Minuteman Press Franchise Owners Julie and Mike Arndt.
the local economy.” One of the ways Julie and Mike have been promoting collaboration and solidarity is by distributing free COVID19 awareness posters to all participating businesses and also providing them with window signage and yard signs. “There is so much value in working together with our fellow business owners, and when people see our Bounce Back signage and posters, it is a great reminder that we are all in this together.” They also engaged three local
Chambers of Commerce in Brandon, Riverview and Plant City. “We’ve received such a positive response and working collaboratively with the Chambers of Commerce has also helped raise awareness and support of the Bounce Back program,” she said. Both Minuteman Press centers in Brandon and Plant City have remained open throughout COVID-19 since printing was designated as an essential business. “When the shutdowns and quarantines first hit, we made it a point to let people know we were still here
and still open. Once the other essential businesses found out we were open, we were able to help them with all of their printing needs (such as custom printed forms and pads) and keep their production and operations going. It was great for them to see the value of us as a local printing and business services provider, and we gained several new customers as a result.” As more businesses in Florida continue to reopen and rebuild, Julie and Mike are here to help. “Some of the products and services we offer that are in high demand right now are mailings. We are able to connect clients who can’t reach their customers personally by introducing them to cost-effective Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM), and we can handle everything from design and printing to the mailings themselves.” She added, “We also have social distancing products such as posters, window signage, and floor decals available and are ready to help all businesses reopen their doors safely.” Julie concluded, “One lesson I think we’ve all learned is that when we work together and support each other, good things happen. That, and goodwill goes a long way.” For more information on Minuteman Press in Brandon, visit https://www.brandon.minutemanpress.c om. Submit a free business listing at Bounce Back Brandon/Riverview (https://bouncebackusa.minuteman.com /locations/fl/brandon/) and receive a free COVID-19 awareness and prevention poster.
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Page 44
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 8
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Tampa Theatre Announces Virtual BeerFest In this really 7venth Sun Brewery, strange time that we Coppertail Brewing, are living in, it is Cigar City Brewing, comforting to know Motorworks Brewing that organizations and more will be fealike the Tampa tured. Theatre are trying to If you need a offer annual events. way to work up an While the events appetite for this, the may be in a different Tampa Theatre is format, they will still also developing a Tampa Theatre will hold its annual BeerFest virtually with a theme of be fun. just-for-fun scavGroundhop Day on Saturday, August 8. enger hunt around The Tampa Theatre is offering its annual BeerFest vir- downtown Tampa. Work up a thirst as tually on Saturday, August 8. This year’s you solve the clues and see the sights theme is Groundhop Day. Jill Witecki with on foot before coming back to the histhe Tampa Theatre said, “It kind of seems toric movie palace to pick up your samlike the past few months have been the pling box. same day over and over again. You wake At 6 p.m., the social aspect of up, put on pants (or not), stumble to your BeerFest begins on Tampa Theatre’s computer and struggle through a confusFacebook page. President and CEO ing to-do list of online tasks. If there was John Bell will provide a welcome along ever such a thing as a Punxsutawney with livestreaming music from Ronnie Phil of pandemics, we bet he would be Dee and the Superstars. At 7 p.m., a seeing the shadow that predicts six more panel of brewmasters will host a Q and weeks of shutdown right now.” A. At 7:45 p.m., you can watch the 1993 Like its movie-themed predecessors, classic movie featuring Bill Murray, Ferris Brewer’s Day Off, Hop Gun and Groundhog Day. Hoppy Gilmore, Groundhop Day will still Grand sampling boxes are $55 and feature delicious craft brewed beers from premium boxes are $75. Members save around Tampa Bay. However, instead of $5. Boxes can be picked up on Friday, coming to a tasting at the Tampa Theatre, August 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. and on it will package up a tasting 12-pack of Saturday, August 8 from 11a.m. to 2 bottles and cans, two tasting glasses, a p.m. The Tampa Theatre is located at big bag of fresh Tampa Theatre popcorn 711 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. and a few other fun surprises. Breweries For information, visit www.tamsuch as Hidden Springs Ale Works, patheatre.org.
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Winthrop Arts Is Set To Reopen And Offer Classes For Children, Teens And Adults When the state of on Discord. Florida ordered all Winthrop Arts was nonessential businesses able to offer four weeks of to close in March, arts summer camp. This was organizations were hit made possible because hard. The closures includJohn Sullivan, founder ed all of Winthrop Arts’ and developer of the comprogramming. munity of Winthrop, In addition to shutting Winthrop Arts, an arts nonprofit, offered the use of the down all in studio classes offers art classes for children, Pole Barn. “Because of its teens and adults at the Art at the Art Factory and Factory, which is conveniently open nature, the Pole halting the free art class- located within the beautiful com- Barn was the perfect munity of Winthrop at 11267 es given in the Mobile Art space for summer camp. Winthrop Main St. in Riverview. Factory, Winthrop Arts We were able to offer was forced to cancel the 12th annual summer camp to 20 campers per week Winthrop Arts Festival and Market. for four weeks,” said Kaman. “The Winthrop Arts Board of Now, with the school year fast Visionaries moved swiftly to be in compliapproaching, Winthrop Arts is planning to ance with the state’s order,” said board offer in-studio classes again at the Art member Paul Kaman. “Our actions in Factory. “When we do reopen, it will be cancelling the art festival and even postwith CDC guidelines in mind,” said poning summer camp were all intended Kaman. to keep instructors, students and the “We will still offer several classes community safe,” added Kaman. each day, but there will only be one class During the closure, Winthrop Arts held at any given time. Each class will be moved to innovate and adapt. Winthrop limited to 10 students,” explained Arts established the Winthrop Arts Online Martinez. Art Gallery. This allows artists of all mediWinthrop Arts will offer a wide array ums to showcase their artwork to potenof classes for children, teens and adults. tial buyers. A portion of the sales are Mediums will include drawing/painting, donated back to Winthrop Arts. mixed media, fabric art, ceramics and In addition, Winthrop Arts began creative storytelling. The Winthrop Arts Art offering virtual art classes featuring Lead Factory is located at 11267 Winthrop Art Factory Instructor Bryant Martinez. Main St. in Riverview. The popular Teen Drawing Class was To register for the fall, please visit hosted virtually by instructor Mariel Bell www.winthroparts.org.
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August 2020
Page 45
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
AJ’s Fine Wines & Liquor B We
By Taylor Wells
Last year in parade. April, local Scout Even after attainEryk Chazares ing the highest presented his achievement in the Eagle Scout projBSA, Chazares feels ect, a ‘Shelf of there is still more for Knowledge’ him to do. installed in RCMA “I just want to be Sam Allen CDC, able to help out my and on February troop, to help out all 29, he earned the the younger Scouts prestigious rank. that are going to folTo celebrate this low my path and outstanding eventually become Eryk Chazares and Melissa Snively, achievement, his Hillsborough County School Board Chair Eagle Scouts as for District 4. Eagle Scout well,” he said. “And I Court of Honor was held on June 20. plan to stay in the troop for as long as I Chazares planned to do the court of can until I go off to college, and I plan to honor at his church, but the pandemic give them as much advice and guidforced them to hold it outdoors instead. It ance as I can.” was the first time in the history of the “It took six years to get to where I’m Timucua District, the Greater Tampa Bay at, to get to Eagle Scout, and through all Area Council and Boy Scouts of America the ups and downs, I was able to over(BSA) Troop 89 that an Eagle Scout come all of them, and I look up to all the Court of Honor was held outside. people that had mentored me throughMany people attended the event, out the years,” said Chazares. “It felt including his family; close friend Alex overwhelming to see the fact that I had Dyer, who led the Eagle Scout Charge; gotten to Eagle, but I also felt proud and fellow members of Troop 89; his Eagle thankful for everyone that has helped Scout Mentor, Brian Fimbel; BSA me reach Eagle Scout.” Timucua District Representative Ted Chazares had a lot of people to Domey, who gave Chazares the Eagle thank for supporting and guiding him, Scout certificate; and Hillsborough County naming his parents, God, Fimbel, his School Board Chair Melissa Snively, who troop leaders and Scouts from National is also a Scoutmaster and presented the Youth Leadership Training and his foraward on behalf of the school board. mer Scoutmaster, Casey Tyska. Everyone, of course, wore face If the opportunity to be a Scout masks, practiced social distancing and leader arises, Chazares said he’d take it stayed in their cars. At the conclusion of so he can help other Scouts in his troop the court of honor, there was a drive-by or other troops around the U.S.
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Page 46
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 8
Crystal River Allows Families To Get Outdoors During Scalloping Season
By Faith Miller
Crystal River, a make sure they have a coastal city located just dive flag and are recomnorth of Homosassa, is mended to bring a home to many activities for swimming mask and friends and families to snorkel, flippers, a life enjoy during the summer jacket and a mesh bag months. Activities there to carry the scallops. include the Crystal River Adults ages 16-65 are National Wildlife Refuge, required to have a Three Sisters Springs and Florida fishing license Wildlife Refuge, the Crystal before they can begin River Archaeological State scalloping. Park, historic downtown, Another feature of Crystal River, about 80 miles the area is that multiple boating and many more from the Brandon area, is a springs and fun places to locations offer a special great place to go scalloping visit. where you bring in your with family and friends. One of the things the area is most scallops and they cook and serve them to known for in the summer months is that you in the restaurant. The customer it’s a great place to go hunting for scalneeds to either call ahead or let the host lops. The season for bay scallops runs know they want to “cook their catch.” from early July to early September and Next, they just need to make sure to bring they are normally found in the warm, their scallops pre-shucked and cleaned to shallow, waters of the coast, typically in the restaurant, then let the chefs do the eelgrass. rest. The meal is traditionally served with It is a fun, family-friendly activity that the customers catch along with what is only requires “a mask, snorkel, flippers referred to as the “fixin’s” that can also be and one exceptional charter captain,” served family-style. Some restaurants stated the city website. that offer this option include The Freezer There are many options for families Tiki Bar, Charlie’s Fish House, Backwater looking to get in the water; if they don’t Fins Island Bar and Grill and many more. have a boat of their own, there are multiFor more information on the area and ple charters and tours available in the scallop season, along with a list of addiarea for people of all ages. If a family tional restaurants, visit www.discovercrysdoes bring a boat of their own, they must talriverfl.com.
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Page 47
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Busch Gardens Welcomes New Male Baby Giraffe To Herd
By Kye Saunders
The Busch time bonding together. Gardens staff and The calf and his mother giraffe herd welwill rejoin the herd on comed a new baby the Serengeti plain in a boy earlier this couple months,” said month. Rebecca Romzek, The baby’s Busch Gardens public mother, Bea, is relations representaknown by the intertive. net as the best If the wait feels too friend of Wilma the long, then don’t worry, Ostrich. you can receive Bea and Wilma updates on Bea and are some of the her baby along with all many animals born of the other wonderful at Busch Gardens animals at the park that now live in the through Busch park’s 65-arce Gardens’ Twitter, Serengeti Plain Instagram and exhibit. Facebook pages as Busch Gardens giraffe Bea recently But don’t worry, well as its website, gave birth to a baby at the park. this is not an exhibit only for our long-necked animal www.buschgardens.org. friends, like Bea and Wilma, the area is Despite the challenges COVID-19 also home to elephants, rhinos and brought to all business, Busch Gardens now a baby giraffe. hasn’t changed its dedication to its aniAfter a 15-month mals and guests. long pregnancy, Bea “At Busch gave birth to her son Gardens, the safety standing up. of our guests, Although, it is a 6employees and anifoot drop to the ground mals has always after the baby finally been our top prioriemerges, Bea and her son are healthy ty. Even during these unusual times, and bonding. our animals continue to enjoy worldSo, when can we see mother and class care from their dedicated teams son on the Serengeti Express train that of animal experts,” said Romzek. goes around the park? These are the same team of “Right now, the most important experts that helped Bea welcome in her thing for Bea and her calf is to spend new son safely into the world.
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Volume 19, Issue 8
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
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w Nerice P
5202 COTO PL
w Nerice P
2233 GOLF MANOR BLVD
w Nerice P
5968 JAEGERGLEN DR
w g Nestin i L
15608 STARLING WATER DR
6122 PARKSET DR
w g Nestin i L
15208 MERLINPARK PL
w g Nestin i L
5934 CHURCHSIDE DR