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July 2020 Volume 19 Issue 7 Ph: 657-2418 1 8
Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
Son’s Vision To Help Mom With Cancer Creates Award-Winning Red Velvet Business
By Anjali Caligiuri
King bake to contribute to the Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation and spread Selina’s Red Velvet across the Tampa Bay area. “Eventually, I’d like a storefront not just in Florida but in multiple states with also continuing to offer delivery. I’m currently working to start shipping the cake as I’ve been getting requests from customers in different states,” said Lewis. As Lewis takes up King’s recipe and continues the legacy of her red velvets, the Tampa Bay area can’t get enough of their cupcakes and their inspiring story. “We’re connecting people and putting smiles on faces while building lasting relationships through red velvet cake,” said Lewis. Selina’s offers cupcakes, red velvet cakes, 3-layer cakes & more and delivers locally for $3. Cupcakes are onedozen for $15 and slices are $3 each. To find out what makes Selina’s Red Velvet so delicious, contact Anthony Lewis on Facebook @Selinasredvelvet, on Instagram at _selinasred_, on Twitter at _selinasred_, email Selinasanthony31@gmail.com or call 408-9042 and 408-2223.
P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
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Hess Orthodontics Teams Up With Bucs’ Chris Godwin To Start ‘Stats 4 Smiles’ Program By Nick Nahas
Chris Godwin with the Hess Orthodontics team. For every touchdown Godwin scores during the 2020 season, Hess will donate free treatment to a child in need.
Hess Orthodontics in Riverview has teamed up with Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pro Bowl receiver Chris Godwin to start the ‘Stats 4 Smiles’ program. Every time Godwin scores a touchdown, Hess Orthodontics will donate treatment to an underprivileged child. “Everybody is extremely excited,” said Dr. Michael Hess. “Everybody here is a huge fan of the Bucs. We were super excited when he (Godwin) came in as a patient and when he partnered with us for the program.” Hess Orthodontics has several professional football clients, including former Buccaneer and NFL Hall of Fame player Warren Sapp. Current clients include Bucs receiver Bryant Mitchell, Bucs backup quarterback Ryan Griffen and Colts running back Bruce Anderson. Hess expects the program to be a success with Godwin’s emergence as a star receiver and the addition of six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady throwing him passes in 2020. Godwin had a breakout season during his second campaign in 2019, as he found the end zone nine times, earning a Pro Bowl appearance. Sun Coast Dental Center in Brandon is working with Hess Orthodontics to pick a child in need of braces. During the football season,
Godwin’s stats will be tallied up on Hess Orthodontic’s social media pages in celebration of his success. It will also be posting a picture of the child with his or her new braces. Hess Orthodontics has locations in Riverview, Lithia, Apollo Beach and Parrish. It offers a wide variety of treatments, including traditional metal and clear braces, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen clear aligners, Damon Q Self-Ligating Braces and Insignia. Via its website, Hess Orthodontics shares a vision for its patients that is as much about creating the healthiest and most beautiful smiles as it is about creating an environment of comfort and happiness. It does this by viewing the practice, team and patients as a part of its own family. To it, orthodontics is more than just a job, it is a shared passion, and it is grateful to all of the families for allowing it to become a part of their lives. For more information, visit HessOrthodontics.com or its official Facebook page, Hess Orthodontics.
InThis Issue NEW PRINCIPALS AT 2 SCHOOLS ........PG 3 HENS IN YARDS MEETING ...................PG 7 WHO’S GOT YOUR VOTE ...................PG 14 GIFTS FOR GUARDIANS .....................PG 25 NEW! AROUND THE CORNER ...........PG 36 GET THE DIRT ....................................PG 37 SPORTS CONNECTION ......................PG 39
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“Selina’s is more than just red velvet cake,” said Anthony Lewis, owner of Selina’s Red Velvet. After hearing the devastating news that his mother, Selina King, was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2018, Lewis uprooted his life in Georgia and moved to Valrico with his 6-year-old son to be with his mother. As the medical bills piled up, he decided to take Anthony action to pitch in with Lewis and his mother’s rehabilitaSelina King tion. Using her original stand back to back, showred velvet recipe, Lewis casing their baked cupcakes to help custom Tshirts. his mother conquer cancer in January 2019 and now continues the business to donate a dollar from each sale to the Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation. Looking back to 2018, baking was never a part of Lewis’ plan. Having previously worked in customer service, spending his time baking cupcakes with the recipe his mother used for 27 years was not something he envisioned, but rather a delightful blessing. “I never gave it much thought; however, I’ve always been great with directions, and I absolutely love what I do,” said Lewis. What used to be a way to aid the chemo payments has now developed into a devoted small business and has earned recognition from news stations, radio stations and newspapers who are covering this inspiring story. Lewis and
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
July 2020
Page 3
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Rocha Takes Reins At Newsome High School As Bruning Passes Torch To Retire
By Mia Cafaro
More than 30 2018 and worked in the Hillsborough County schools same position at and programs have been Bloomingdale from 2012 approved for principal to 2018. When she found changes in the coming out she would be the new school year, and among Newsome principal, those is Newsome High Rocha said she, “felt this School. Carla Bruning, immense sense of honor Newsome’s principal for the and humility to have such past nine years, will be retira unique opportunity to ing and passing her position follow in the footsteps of to Katarzyna ‘Katie’ Rocha. Carla Bruning is retiring my mentor, Mrs. Bruning.” after serving as Bruning has been workRocha is excited to be Newsome’s principal for ing in the school system for able to serve in the nearly a decade. a long time. She taught at FishHawk community. Gaither and Bloomingdale, As the assistant prinserved as an assistant principal for curriculum, cipal at Durant and King, Rocha had the opportunity and was the principal at to work closely with leadKing and Newsome. ership teams and faculty Beloved at Newsome by and has developed a plan staff and students alike, that emphasizes improvBruning was known for walking the quality of instrucing the halls and interacting tion for every Newsome with the students, and she student. said, “to me, that was “At Newsome, we are always the best part of the constantly in pursuit of Katie Rocha will be job.” Her advice to the future excellence; we strive to Newsome’s new Newsome principal is to principal beginning in the grow and evolve as reflecfall of 2020. “Always be in touch with the tive practitioners serving students.” to meet the needs of all our students,” Though the pandemic must have she said. created a chaotic end to Bruning’s In addition to the administrative career, she looks back on her time in positions changing at Newsome this the school system with fondness. “I year, other schools in the area such as totally enjoyed my career. I got to work Bloomingdale High School, Riverview with some of the best students in High School and Armwood High School Hillsborough County,” said Bruning. have had principal changes as well. Rocha has been the assistant prinMore information about Rocha can cipal for curriculum at Newsome since be found at newsome.mysdhc.org.
Burkett Accepts District Position And Welcomes Rodriguez To Bloomingdale High
By Taylor Wells
Recently, the a Hispanic leader in our popHillsborough County School ulation, where 30 percent of Board had selected new our student body is Hispanic, principals for 34 schools and is huge.” programs, including Born in Cuba and havBloomingdale High School. ing moved to Miami and then With Principal Sue Burkett Broward County until high leaving the position, Marcos school, Rodriguez went to Rodriguez is taking on the USF for his bachelor’s mantle as its principal. degree in music performance Burkett, who grew up in the and later received a master’s Bronx and has two children, Principal Sue Burkett is degree in education leaderleaving Bloomingdale had been the principal of ship. High School after seven Bloomingdale since 2013, He was an assistant years. and now she is moving on to director—later a director—at become a regional superinthe Pepin Academies, and tendent for middle schools. afterwards took the position She is excited for the opporof assistant principal of stutunity to impact more schools dent affairs at Lennard High and support principals, but School. While there, he startshe’ll miss being ed his doctorate program, Bloomingdale’s principal. which he finished in April “I’m gonna miss the kids 2018. and the community terribly. He moved to Sickles I’ve been in this community High School as the assistant in Valrico for 15 years,” said principal of administration for Principal Marcos Burkett. “That’s a long time a year and a half and transRodriguez is looking forward to supporting to be with families and be in ferred to Bloomingdale with Bloomingdale High a community, so I am gonna the same position until the School with his new miss the day-to-day interacend of 2019. position. tions of the school.” Rodriguez is looking forward to a lot As she takes on her new position of things, like continuing the tradition of and passes the torch to Rodriguez, academic excellence and strong commuBurkett knows the school is in capable nity support that’s already there, as well hands. as working with the staff students. “I’m “I don’t have one concern about him,” definitely looking forward to being here she said, “and to bring him back into this and helping to continue moving the community with such a strong music proschool in the right direction,” said gram and his music background, his Rodriguez. knowledge of the community and to have Visit bloomingdale.mysdhc.org.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
Fossil Valley Girl Scouts Hike 34.2 Miles Of The Appalachian Trail
River Hills Coodinates Food Collection To Benefit Seeds Of Hope Food Bank
Three Cadette rocks, but those Girl Scouts from two miles felt the Troops 3541 and longest,” she said. 1151 in the Fossil “We thought we Valley Service unit were never going recently spent their to get there!” spring break hiking Rhodes, Troop the first 34.2 mile sec3541’s co-leader, tion of the stated there was Appalachian Trail in quite the sense of the mountains of accomplishment Georgia, earning four among the entire Girls Scouts from two local troops important badges and group as they saw recently hiked the first 34.2 mile section the experience of a of the Appalachian Trail in the mountains the sign for Neels of Georgia. lifetime. Gap, where they “We have been practice hiking in our finished their hike. neighborhood, at local state parks, in “We were so excited to reach our parking garages downtown and at the goal,” she said. high school track and bleachers,” said The Cadette Girl Scouts earned their Macey Clay, a seventh grade student at Primitive Camping badge, Night Owl Randall Middle School. “We were ready badge, Trailblazing badge and Outdoor and wanted to accomplish our goal that Leadership Journey badge. They also we had planned so long for.” took notes on the amount of time they The three girls hiked with two of their hiked each day, how far they went, intertroop leaders, Nicki Clay and Jenny esting stopping points along the way, Rhodes, and three parents. Their advenwater locations, elevation changes and ture began at the southern terminus of gear suggestions, which they will compilthe Appalachian Trail located at Springer ing into a handbook for future troops. Mountain. There, they were dropped off “These girls truly are trailblazers, as a for their four-night, five-day journey, which hike of this magnitude is a first from the involved hiking anywhere from five to nine scouts in our area,” said Nicki Clay, troop and a half miles a day over mountains, leader. across streams, and on and over giant Maya Tedford, a Randall eighth rocks, all while carrying a backpack grade student, agreed. “The trail showed weighing close to 40 pounds. me I am stronger than I thought and I can Even though there were some diffiaccomplish something in harsh conditions cult uphill spots, Brynlee Rhodes, a sevthat a lot of people don’t think they can enth grader at Burns Middle School, felt do.” The Girl Scouts hope their experithe last two miles of the trek were the ence will encourage others to follow in hardest. “It was all downhill stepping over their footsteps.
River Hills Heeps and residents came Wade kept restogether for those idents abreast in need last of the food month by collectdrive plans via ing car loads of their Facebook donations for a posts, pictures local food bank. and videos. “Seeds of They recruited Hope, Inc. is volunteers to located right create signage, here in our help set up Residents in River Hills recently held a food drive for boxes at each own backSeeds of Hope. yard and is neighborhood primarily sign, collect donations in the golf carts, funded through the donations,” said Julie sort and fill boxes with the donations, load Rule, chair of the River Hills Social Team. the truck and make the deliveries. “They provide food assistance for our “We couldn’t have pulled this off withcommunity in need and offer meaningful out the help of our volunteers, Cameron community service hours for students. Troyer, Thomas Heeps, John Heeps, Seeds of Hope, Inc. has three main ways Luke Patten and Madeline Felegy,” said of distributing food: through a mobile Heeps. “They made it happen!” pantry for local residents, through a onceRiver Hills residents raided their own a-week distribution open to all and pantries and also made specific trips to through the backpack of food program Publix to be able to make donations. The coordinated with local schools. After the donations ranged from single items to a onset of COVID-19 school closings and car’s trunkload. the higher unemployment rates and “Kudos to all the residents who social distancing guidelines, their demand donated and helped bring this activity to has been greater than ever.” life,” said Rule. “A simple Facebook post According to Rule, local realtor and grew to what would end up filling three River Hills resident Brenda Wade knew of full-size pickup truck beds of donations. the need to help stock Seeds of Hope’s Thank you to everyone who helped.” food pantry and can be credited with this River Hills is a deed-restricted, multigrassroots effort which all started with a village, controlled access community with Facebook post. 1,162 single-family homes and common “Almost immediately after Brenda lands surrounding a country club and golf posted the request, she had a key voluncourse located at 4350 New River Hills teer in Andrea Heeps, who agreed to help Pkwy. in Valrico. To learn more, visit the cause,” said Rule. www.riverhills-hoa.com.
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By NITISH S. RELE nitishrele@gmail.com
MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS IS THE IDEAL ALL-ROUNDER Introduced comforts are just two years offered, such ago, the as dual auto Mitsubishi a/c, cruise Eclipse Cross control, power is a surprisingly windows/door enjoyable ride. locks, leather For a fresh tilt/telescopic vehicle that leather steerweighs over ing column and 3,500 pounds, shifter, eightMITSUBISHI ECLIPSE it is quick off the mark, way power driver and CROSS Tires: 225/55R18 responding with agility in four-way manual frontany situation. The test drive Wheelbase: 105.1 inches passenger heated seats, Length: 173.4 inches SEL trim of the compact Fuel capacity: 15.8 gallons black headliner, driver SUV is equipped with a information center, audio City: 25 mpg Highway: 26 mpg 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder system with six speakBase price: $28,595 powertrain that puts out ers, underfloor cargo Price as tested: $32,520 152 horsepower at 5,500 Website: www.mitsubishi- hold, head-up display rpm and 184 pounds-feet of and a rear seat armrest cars.com torque at 6,000 rpm. The with two cup holders. slightly noisy continuous variable Safety features, at no extra cost, transmission continues as is. A include dual front and side airbags, MacPherson strut front and a multilink side curtain airbag, driver knee rear suspension works well to absorb airbag, rearview camera, active stabilunpleasant highway bumps. The elec- ity and traction control, blind spot tric power steering returns a weightmonitor with lane change assist and ed, linear response to the driver’s rear-cross traffic alert, forward colliinput. The S-AWC (Super All-Wheel sion and lane departure warnings, hill Control) system sends power not only start assist, four-wheel anti-lock to the front or rear wheels but also to brakes, anti-theft alarm, front-pedesthe left or right wheels for maximum trian impact crumple zones, daytime traction. Also, the idle-neutral logic running lights and tire pressure monitechnology translates into fuel savtoring system. ings at a stop as does the eco mode It may look deficient in horsepowonce turned on. er on paper, but the four-cylinder and No doubt, the Eclipse Cross useful Eclipse Cross is an alluring sports an aggressive look with horiproposition. The all-inclusive ride zontal LEDs headlights and fog lamps boasts considerable cargo and pasflanking the chromed grille with a cen- senger space as well as decent fuel tered Mitsubishi emblem. The cabin is mileage (our highway average was roomy with plentiful head and leg around 29) at an economical price. room for rear passengers in the That it comes with a 10-year or 60/40-split folding seat. The 7-inch 100,000-mile power train and a fivetouch navigation and display audio year or 60,000-mile new vehicle limitinterface is easy to operate. Several ed warranty is a plus.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
America’s Next Great Film Colony, 1925, Destined To Fail: Sun City’s Hollywood Of The East
By Charles Nelson
In April 1925, could you have been tempted to buy land and possibly live right next door to ‘America’s Sweetheart,’ Mary Pickford? Land sale pitches like this one were used by cunning promoters to lure ‘starryeyed’ investors to a brand-new community to be built in Southern Hillsborough County. The community, south of 5. Mary Pic tudio, 192 the Little Manatee River, kford. Sun City S was to be called Sun City (not to be confused with today’s Sun City cycles have occurred several times in Center). Planned for a 400-acre site Florida’s past. Without question, the south of Ruskin on today’s US 41, the Great Land Boom/Bust of the 1920s town of Sun City was being built to was the most severe. Even the recent lure Hollywood into making 2004-2009 mortgage-fueled crisis, Hillsborough County its permanent while fresh in our minds, cannot comhome: a new ‘Hollywood of the East.’ pare to the frenzied real estate market Today, the only ghostly reminders of of the ’20s where only a few of the the once ballyhooed community are early investors made money before its street names (each designated in the ‘house of cards’ fell, leaving many honor of famous silent film stars and penniless. Tampa Bay was not studios of the era; one example: immune to land fever. In Southern Chaney Dr. in honor of Lon Chaney, Hillsborough County, land speculators ‘The Man of a Thousand Faces!’). By attempted to ‘cash in’ with potentially January 1926, a mere nine months lucrative land sale schemes. Some after its well-publicized announcewere successful. James B. Gibson ment, this ‘can’t miss’ investment developed ‘Gibsonton-on-the-Bay’ in opportunity was a completely failed 1923 as a fishing resort. Some were project. The developers quickly disap- not. Ruskin Heights, east of Ruskin, peared from Hillsborough County: sought sales through land auctions at broke, disillusioned and dishonored, variable prices with little long-term suffering the fate of many other quessuccess. In fact, throughout Florida, tionable developers in the ’20s. most planned developments failed in Speculative land boom and bust the 1920s. Locally, only a few, like
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It became clear that successful development depended on the movie industry coming to Sun City. To guarantee that relocation, Sun City developers erected a $300,000, stateof-the-art movie studio. However, the glittering studio wasn’t nearly enough to bring the industry to Sun City. Other than two, longforgotten comedy shorts, n u S the studio remained empty. f o w erial vie Today’s a City. In 1932, creditors forced the dismantling of the studio, netting a meager $1,500 against thousands Davis Islands and Temple Terrace, of dollars in debt. were examples of long-term success. Developers failed to lure Below the Little Manatee River, Sun Hollywood to make movies in Sun City was not particularly unique in tryCity and to build a community. A ing to ‘cash in’ on land sales during model home, built in 1925, was the the Florida Land Boom. At its heart, it only structure built, other than the stuwas a land sale scheme, like all the dio. (That model home still stands on others. To ensure a successful outChaney Dr. just off US 41.) But little come, however, Sun City developers else remains of this planned, ‘starused the film ‘hook’ to lure investors. studded’ community. After January Everything depended on the movie 1926, there was no mention of Sun industry deciding to come to City in local papers. The planned Hillsborough County and anchor the ‘Hollywood of the East’ had failed development. quickly. On March 21, 1925, Sun City developers announced the public sale of land contracts. Advertising hype in Charles Nelson Bio area newspapers fueled an early Charles Nelson holds a MA degree in History from George Mason University bandwagon reaction for the movie and taught as an adjunct instructor at colony’s speculative potential. In April HCC (Dale Mabry). He is also affiliated 1925, local speculators put down with Tampa Bay History Center as a volunteer docent, researcher and deposits but quickly sold those concommunity lecturer, with an emphasis on tracts, at a profit, to other speculators. South Hillsborough County history. Few intended to actually build homes.
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Page 7
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Land Code Revision Hearings Will Discuss HOA Rules To Allow Hens On Properties
By Brad Stager
allowing still has to fly with local homeowner associations, according to county officials, who cite the authority that HOAs have under Florida law. “Therefore, the county’s allowance of chickens in residential districts would not prevent HOAs from prohibiting them, through their governing documents and rules, within HOA communities,” reads an Backyard fowl may take their place alongside furry friends in homes in unincorporated emailed comment from the Hillsborough County as commissioners consider Hillsborough County attorney’s allowing hens on residential property. office provided by the county’s Unincorporated Hillsborough County media relations office. has changed dramatically in recent years, The proposed revision is being guidevolving from predominantly rural to ed by Commissioner Sandra Murman, notably suburban as housing tracts who represents District 1. She said havreplace farms, but one feature of country ing a few chickens around a home has living may be coming home to roost on a become a beneficial lifestyle trend and cul-de-sac near you. that residents in unincorporated areas A revision to the county’s land use should have a chance to enjoy it. code allowing hens on residential proper“During this time when the commisty is under consideration by the sion is dealing with public safety issues, I Hillsborough County Commission. The felt it was a good time to improve the proposed ordinance would allow in total public morale and allow residents to have up to five caged hens and pullets to be easy access to eggs that are in high kept in a backyard. Roosters would not demand. Backyard chickens can provide be permitted. many benefits to residents, including food Besides the companionship chickens security, pest control and companioncan offer, supporters of the ordinance tout ship,” Murman wrote in an email. the food value backyard fowl can provide, Public hearings about allowing backespecially during an emergency situation. yard chickens will be held on Thursday, However, slaughtering the birds or selling July 23 and Thursday, Sepember 24 at 6 their eggs on-site are among the recomp.m. as the county revises its land develmended restrictions. opment code. Locations and methods (inThe proposal applies to unincorporat- person or virtual) for the hearings will be ed Hillsborough County, but for residents determined closer to the meeting dates living in communities controlled by deed due to COVID-19 restrictions. For details, restrictions, what the county ends up visit hillsboroughcounty.org.
Work to Achieve Your
Financial Independence by Joanna Springstead In recent months, we’ve all felt the loss of some type of freedom, such as being able to travel or engage in social gatherings. Still, as we prepare to observe Independence Day, we appreciate the liberties we still have in this country. And making the right moves may also help you achieve your financial independence.
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Volume 19, Issue 7
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
et k r a M Sunday ewsome ,N Returns arns Award E Teacher Jenny Bennett om ed by Compil preyobserver.c s o @ jbennett
you shop local artisans and enjoy a place for families and friends to bond. Jewelry, artwork, craft food, organic soaps, health and beauty products, crafts and pet products will all be available, with the spotlight on local talent and artists.
Hillsborough County Bar Association Honors Veterans Advocate With Liberty Bell Award
Newsome High School Teacher Receives Congressional Award
Congressman Vern Buchanan recently announced that eight teachers in the 16th Congressional District were chosen for the Congressional Teacher Awards. The awards, established in 2014, are given out annually to exceptional Suncoast teachers for their outstanding achievements on behalf of students. This year’s award recipients include Sandra Misciasci for her accomplishments as a ninth grade reading teacher at Newsome High School. Teachers were nominated for the award by their principals, then an independent panel of judges selected the winners. Congressman Buchanan said, “While they may not always receive the appreciation or recognition they deserve, teachers have one of the most important and difficult professions of all.”
Valrico Sunday Market Returns At Chill Cawfee
Chill Cawfee is excited to relaunch the Sunday market under its new name, Valrico Artisan Faire. It is a twice-amonth event, every second Sunday and fourth Sunday under the grandfather oaks outside Chill Cawfee at 3704 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Have fun in the sun as
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Library Curbside Pickup Now Available
Contact-free curbside pickup is now available at Bloomingdale and Brandon Regional Libraries. It is by appointment only and available Monday-Saturday The Hillsborough County from 10 a.m. Bar Association has selected until 6 p.m. a local veterans advocate and Simply select volunteer, Col. (USA Ret.) Jim your items Fletcher, to receive its 2020 online at Liberty Bell Award. This annuHCPLC.org, al award recognizes outstandwait until the ing non-lawyer citizens whose library notifies community service strengthyou that your ens the effectiveness of the hold is ready American legal system. Col. and then Fletcher is an active and tireschedule your less volunteer in our commuappointment nity, serving with the Veterans online. Bring Treatment Court and several your library Col. Fletcher, Liberty Bell Award winner. veteran organizations. He card number was one of the original mentors with the with you and follow the confirmation Veterans Treatment Court and is the email instructions to pick up your items. task force team leader and a senior veteran mentor with the court. This volunVirtual Career Services Available To teer work includes actively recruiting Job Seekers prospective mentors for the growing Career Source Tampa Bay is docket of veteran participants; constant launching an innovative way to provide follow-ups with other mentors on needs virtual services and engagement to of the court; checking in with his own unemployed job seekers. CSTB has assigned veteran participants; serving contracted with a web-based platform to as a liason to judges, elected officials deliver virtual services to individuals of and other community leaders; and other all ages. The Career EDGE program administrative tasks. Speaking about consists of interactive modules with Col. Fletcher, Chief Judge Ron built-in virtual coaching, including a job Ficarrotta said, “Col. Fletcher is a true interview simulator, resume and job patriot and hero in every sense of the application builder, guidance in develop-
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Page 9
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Newsome High Graduate Prepares Care Packages And Delivers For People In Need By Gwen Rollings
We have all seen toothpaste, hair brushthem, individuals standing es, feminine products, by stop lights on busy body wash, toilet paper, highways, sitting around water, body cleansing shopping centers or walkwipes, Band-Aids, hand ing back and forth at intersanitizer and mouthsections. These strangers wash. to passing motorists hold Eldridge started various size cardboard buying things to make signs with similar words 15 care packages when essentially asking for the others learned of her same thing: help. idea and wanted to These situations are help. She said, “I have most uncomfortable at red had a really positive Kate Eldridge holding some of reaction to help me lights when motorists are the items she includes in the confronted by sign holders make these care packcare packages. approaching their cars. ages. I have gotten a Although Americans intrinsically believe in few money donations, but the main help helping people in need, the conundrum that I have received has been people prolies in determining if it’s even appropriate viding different items from the list I providto help a stranger standing by the road ed. This is going to help big time when and holding a sign, especially if we’re not making packages.” certain that the need is legitimate. Reaching out to organizations like Kate Eldridge, a recent graduate of Metropolitan Ministries, Eldridge learned Newsome High, was confronted with this how best to identify, locate and reach out situation, and this is what she decided, “I to those in need. Through all those in the have always seen everyone who would Brandon and Tampa areas who volunstand on the side of the road asking for teered to assist with the care packages, donations but felt so bad because I never she has discovered there so many others had anything to give. There’s a guy who wanting to “do more” than just look the holds a sign by Chick-fil-A that says other way at those in need. ‘Anything will help.’ While I would usually Eldridge suggested ways the comgive him an order of food from there, it munity can help: sending her locations seemed like I could do more.” where those in need can be found, donatThe “more” that Eldridge decided ing to her GoFundMe page at was to organize care packages for distrihttps://www.gofundme.com/f/cm54s7bution to those in need, living on the care-packages-for-the-homeless or prostreets or experiencing hard times. These viding the items for packages. For more care packages would include socks, Tinformation, email shirts, masks, deodorant, toothbrushes, kateeldridge14@gmail.com.
St. Andrew’s Be A Blessing Program Thanks Workers One Card At A Time By Lily Belcher
and frontline workers but have helped nearly double that in only two months. Katie Britt and Rachel Grafton have organized and helped distribute the gifts and plan to continue the program as long as the church continues to receive donations. "What’s been wonderful about this whole initiative is that it has been a win-winwin for everybody," said From left to right: Emma Adcock, Mary Beth Rachel Grafton. "It obviously Southworth, Ali Southworth deliver a banner to blessed the recipients but Brandon Regional Hospital employees. has also been a blessing to The St. Andrew’s United Methodist businesses that we are purchasing Church has organized a Covid-19 meals from and it's always a blessing relief program, Be a Blessing, to proto serve in some way, shape, or form, vide notes and gift cards for first whether it is writing letters or donating responders and families financially money." impacted by the Coronavirus. While many churches have had to Donations collected by Be a Blessing cancel weekly services and other outwill be delivered to hospital staff reach programs, St. Andrew’s is conthrough Feeding the Frontline and to tinuing their mission to serve the comfamilies through volunteers for St. munity. Through the Be a Blessing iniAndrew’s. tiative, the church can remain open to The program is not just designed helping and serving hospital staff, for the St. Andrew’s congregation, patients, and members of the commuhowever. The Be a Blessing program nity and still play an active role in fulgives the opportunity to nominate filling their mission to serve. someone or apply for relief for themFor more information, contact selves. Donors can also drop off notes Jessica Adams, the Communications of encouragement in collection bins Director of Be a Blessing, at outside the church, which will be disjessica.adams@saumc.net. To make a tributed by volunteers, or make monedonation or apply for or nominate tary donations on their website. someone for help visit St. Andrews’ The Be A Blessing initiative began United Methodist Church’s website at in April with a goal to help 125 families www.saumc.net
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Page 10
Volume 19, Issue 7
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
River Hills Neighborhood Hosts Big Class Of 2020 Senior Parade
Staff Report
We all have memories of graduations—whether our own or of our friends and family—but no doubt that the Class of 2020 will have completely different memories than the ones of the past. With all of the social distancing guidelines in place, many of this year’s graduates didn’t get to participate in some of the most traditional of events: graduation, parties, prom, senior skip day, pranks on the principal—and the list could go on and on. Valrico’s River Hills neighborhood wanted to provide an event that would be memorable for their resident graduates. Representing several schools in the area (and homeschool too), the River Hills Class of 2020 Senior Parade became a reality on May 31. The 25 entries in the parade were asked to have a dedicated driver to focus on safety so the graduate could focus on the fun. Decorated vehicles included sports cars, convertibles, golf carts, pickup trucks and sedans with moonroofs that came in handy, and prizes were awarded for Best Decorated, Most Spirited and Crowd Favorite. The graduates all dressed accordingly in their cap and gown, prom attire, senior sports team uniform or logoed attire of where they’re headed next. “Most of the grads were from high school, but let’s not forget our VPK and college grads too,” said Julie Rule, chair of River Hills Social Team. To kick off the parade during the vehicle lineup, official photos were
In attendance with him were Newsome High School Principal Carla Bruning and Spoto High School Principal Denise Savino. Each graduate was also given a goody bag filled with donated items from residents, area small businesses, the neighborhood HOA and River Hills Country Club. “Residents were encouraged to turn out along the parkway with their signs and noisemakers, and they certainly did,” said Rule. Chairs, blankets, coolers, food, drinks and pets helped pass the time as the spectators waited for the parade to pass them by. Volunteers estimate that at least 300 residents lined the parkway to cheer on the grads as drivers honked their horns and grads waved to the crowd while the parade made its way through the neighborhood. “In this uncertain time of social distancing and our new normal, this Members of the Class of 2020 participated in a socially distanced golf cart parade in River Hills memory is one that we hope lasts a on May 31. lifetime,” said Rule.
taken by a neighborhood photographer and fist bumps and elbow knocks (all in accordance with current social distancing guidelines) were passed out by River Hills HOA President Paul Brooks.
Bruce Anderson - Colts
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July 2020
Page 11
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Congregation Beth Shalom Welcomes New Rabbi To Community
Newsome Sophomore Bakes Up New Curbside Bakery Business
Congregation Subsequently, Beth Shalom of Reb Tuviah Brandon is celebratreceived his rabing exciting news binic ordination this month. from the Jewish “It is with great Spiritual Leaders joy that we are Institute in New announcing that York and is a cerRabbi Paul tified Hebrew Schreiber, aka Reb chant leader Tuviah, will be jointhrough the Aleph ing the Congregation Alliance for Rabbi Paul Schreiber, aka Reb Tuviah, Jewish Renewal. Beth Shalom Family joined the Congregation Beth Shalom effective July 1 as family this month as full-time rabbi and His studies have our full-time rabbi taken him to Ohr spiritual leader. and spiritual leader,” said Toby Koch. Somayach in New York and Aish Reb Tuviah has served as the HaTorah in Jerusalem and Miami rabbi of Temple Beth David in Spring Beach. Additionally, he has studied Hill since 2016. Prior to his time at with Rabbi Shefa Gold of Kol Zimra, Temple Beth David, his soulful, spiritual Rabbi Marcia Prager of Aleph and Rick journey has taken him on many paths. Recht at the annual Songleader Boot Throughout the years, he has Camp. He is currently completing his immersed himself in Jewish education master’s degree in Jewish studies with and has created, led and participated the Academy of Jewish Religion in in numerous Jewish and interfaith proNew York. grams. He ran weekly Shabbat servicReb Tuviah and his wife, Nancy, es and monthly healing circles at conare extremely excited about joining gregations and various assisted living Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon homes on the East Coast of Florida. and the greater Jewish community of Additionally, he was the Sunday school Tampa Bay. Each Shabbat, Reb Tuviah music teacher and song leader for looks forward to sharing his unique and kindergarten through sixth grade stumusically rich approach to prayer, wordents at a reform congregation. ship, study and introspection with our Having a master’s degree in eduentire community. cation and administration, he initially Congregation Beth Shalom of enjoyed a fulfilling career as a classBrandon, located on 706 Bryan Rd., room teacher and as a principal in both serves Eastern and Southern public schools and private Jewish day Hillsborough County. For more inforschools in Miami, West Palm Beach, mation, visit bethshalom-brandon.org Boca Raton and Burlington, Vermont. or call 681-6547.
Like many teenagers, it’s been inspiring to see Emily Finch often pondered her really take ownership about the secret recipe to of this and develop it into success. Especially during what it is now. We are the height of the quaranincredibly proud of her tine, this soon-to-be work ethic and passion to Newsome High School do things that bring joy to sophomore wondered what others.” she could do to make a difIn addition to baking, ference in the community. Emily plays the clarinet With the encouragement of and decided to audition her father and mother, for a leadership position Christian and Beth Finch, in the Newsome band. Emily Finch, an upcoming sophomore at Newsome High One of the audition Emily’s Curbside Bakery School, started Emily’s was born. requirements was to parCurbside Bakery during “I have always liked to quarantine and has donated ticipate in a service proj15 percent of her profits to bake, especially different ect. people in need. holiday treats. When the “I felt like this was stay-at-home order started, I began trying God’s way of telling me I needed to give out new recipes,” said Emily. “My dad back to the community. In the end, it all kept posting pictures of what I was baking came together very nicely, and I believe on Facebook and there were a lot of posi- that it was all God’s doing.” tive comments. We arranged a pickup Emily’s Curbside Bakery’s most popone night for a friend who wanted some ular baked goods include pretzel bites, of my pretzels. This was the point where I chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon really felt inspired to start the bakery.” rolls. To place an order, visit and like Emily has donated 15 percent of her Emily’s Curbside Bakery on Facebook. profits to those in need, including a donaEach week, Emily posts what she will be tion to FishHawk Fellowship Church’s baking and pickup days. After orders are food drive benefitting the Seeds of Hope placed, customers receive confirmation of food bank. She has also donated her the pickup date and time. baked goods to the church staff. Emily’s Curbside Bakery will continue The Finch family, including younger throughout the summer; however, there sister Peyton, have been FishHawk resimay be adjustments in orders to accomdents for the past 11 years and have modate her summer schedule. As the been attending FishHawk Fellowship new school year begins, Emily is considChurch for four years. ering scaling her bakery to special “Christian and I have loved watching requests, events and parties. For more Emily develop her passion for baking,” information, visit www.facebook.com and said her mother, Beth. “As her parents, search for Emily’s Curbside Bakery.
Staff Report
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Page 12
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
Hillsborough County's Conviction Review Unit Reviews Wrongful Convictions If you have ever watched The Innocence Files on Netflix and wondered whether there is a similar program for Hillsborough County, the answer is yes. Under the direction of Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren, the Conviction Review Unit (CRU) was established in 2018. Since its inception, it has received 237 requests and has reviewed 177 cases. The purpose of the CRU is to identify, remedy and prevent wrongful convictions. The CRU is led by Attorney Teresa Hall. The conviction must have been for a felony and must have occurred in the 13th Circuit of Florida (Hillsborough County). If someone believes that they or someone they know has been wrongfully convicted of a felony by trial or plea agreement, they must submit a petition. Hall explained that the petition, which can be found by visiting www.innocencefilestampa.com, was drafted so that a layperson can prepare it. Hall stressed that if anyone has a question about whether they should submit a petition, “I welcome anyone to email me at cru@sao13th.com or call 274-1954.” The CRU cannot act as your attorney, but it will answer questions as best as it can. If you are represented by an attorney, the petition must be submitted by your attorney. The claim must be supported by information or evidence not previously litigated before the original trier of fact (judge or jury). Examples of grounds that would merit review would include information about an alibi witness or fact witness that was not called or not available and
By Kathy L. Collins
Andrew Warren (at the podium), the Hillsborough County State Attorney, created the Conviction Review Unit in 2018. Warren is seen here during the announcement of the creation of the CRU along with the Hon. Chris Altenbemd (L), Teresa Hall, the the State Supervising Attorney for the CRU, and the Hon. E.J. Salcines (R).
is now available. A second example would be misidentification of the petitioner as the perpetrator. False confession is another example. This is especially true for a youth. If you were coerced into making a confession or someone in authority lied and made promises that were never kept, this would be an example of a coerced confession. One more example would be if the conviction was based on junk science. At the time, an expert witness may have testified based on science that has since been shown to be unreliable. If that is the case, this would be an example of a reason why the CRU might agree to review the case. The CRU consists of dedicated attorneys, investigators and support staff. An Independent Review Panel, composed of legal experts outside of
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Attorney’s Office, collaborates with the CRU to provide additional analysis and evaluation of cases under review. If, following the review and investigation, the CRU identifies a wrongful conviction, the State Attorney’s Office will remedy the conviction, possibly by dismissing the underlying charges and convictions and will take appropriate measures to prevent similar wrongful convictions. Reviews can take a very long time. The length depends on many factors, including the age and complexity of the case, the information available and the number of petitions to be processed. This review is an extrajudicial process and there is no right of appeal from declination by the CRU. All decisions made by the CRU, including the
decision to accept a petition regarding reopening a case investigation as well as how the claim will be investigated and resolved, are at the discretion of the 13th Circuit State Attorney’s Office. Locally, the CRU is in the process of reviewing a case where a robbery occurred in Valrico. Both the victim and the defendant reside in Valrico. Hall came to Hillsborough County from Indiana. She was a prosecutor in Indiana for eight years and served as a judge for three years. Hall initially went to work for the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office. Hall explained, “When the CRU was created, I thought I would be a good fit for, given my experience.” Hall added, “This was Andrew Warren’s idea, but he has let me be creative. He is great to work for and is truly a leader in the state of Florida.” For more information on the Conviction Review Unit, please visit www.innocencefilestampa.com. If you believe that you or a family member have been wrongfully convicted of a felony, please contact the CRU by emailing cru@sao13th.com or call 274-1954.
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July 2020
Page 13
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Newsome High School Graduate Fulfilling Dream Of Fire Academy
Newsome Freshmen Score Eighth In the World At Virtual Odyssey Of The Mind Championship
While many high weigh. The first day school graduates may I put on just the be struggling with boots and tried to deciding on a future walk was pretty career, Newsome stufunny. I relied on dent Kellcee Aurich my faith in God at learned quickly what different times. One her calling was. It all of those times I began when Aurich was rappelling off was going through a the burn building, I difficult time during kept telling myself Tiny but mighty Newsome graduate her sophomore year that ‘I can do all Kellcee Aurich has completed the in high school and the things through Hillsborough County Junior Fire Academy Newsome High Christ, who gives and will be entering the Hillsborough County Fire Academy this year. School resource offime strength.’” cer reached out to her about a program What excites Aurich the most about that he thought would be beneficial. her future is knowing that she will be “He knew that I was interested in the helping people in crisis on a daily basis. medical field,” said Aurich. “So, the proHer family is extremely supportive of gram he referred me to was the her career decision. “We have started Hillsborough County Junior Fire calling her ‘tiny but mighty,’” said her Academy.” mother, Becca. “My grandfather was a During the training that summer, firefighter with the City of Clearwater Fire Aurich realized that she especially liked Department and no one else in the family the paramedic program and she knew had ever followed in his ‘boots.’ It will not then what her calling was. Her training will be easy, but she is up for the challenge. continue this August at HCC, where she She’s survived a lot in her 17 years and will study for her Emergency Medical we believe all that has ultimately prepared Services Technician certification. Then, in her for this.” the spring, she will enter the Hillsborough Aurich has some advice for other County Fire Academy. Upon completion, students who may be interested in pursushe will go back into school to be certified ing a similar path. “If this is your chosen as a paramedic. Within two years, Aurich field, you will need to maintain great hopes to be actively serving her commuphysical, emotional and mental conditionnity. ing all the time, not just on the job,” said “There were many moments that I Aurich. “Always keep your goals in front would struggle with whether I could do of you.” this or not, said Aurich. “I’m not a tall or For more information about big person and being dressed in 100 lbs. Hillsborough Community College Junior of gear is a lot because it’s almost what I Fire Academy, visit www.hccfl.edu.
Over the had to last eight Memorial Day weekminutes and end, a group of five revolved around Newsome High the theme of Willy School students Wonka. competed at the Spontaneous Odyssey of the was more stressMind world champiinducing as the onship, ending up in students did not eighth place. The know what the championship would question was until typically take place The Newsome High School Odyssey of five to eight minthe Mind team recently placed eighth in utes before, only at Iowa State the world. University or knowing that it Michigan State University, would ask them either to but due to the coronavirus construct something or pandemic, students particirespond verbally. pated virtually this year. This year’s world Odyssey of the Mind is a championship was altered club that centers on creative by COVID-19, but memproblem-solving and bers were able to particiincludes students from elepate by attending a Zoom mentary grades to college. meeting where they were The Newsome team is made given their spontaneous up of five local students, questions to respond to in Oompa Loompa dress addition to taping their Blake Bole, Kaylee Matteis, made of candy Findlay Hartman, Kayla original eight-minute perwrappers. Purifoy and Bradley Carlson. formances and sending them to Erin Hartman, one of the two judges. Newsome chapters’ coaches, As well as offering new experiexplained that their team practiced ences, the club has allowed members one to two times a week from October to develop very important life skills. to February. The regional competition “I have seen all five kids grow in then takes place, and those who many ways,” said Hartman about the score first and second place move on team members. to states, then to the ultimate level: She zeroed in on their developthe world championship. ment in teamwork, problem-solving The two parts of a competition are skills and resourcefulness, stating that Long-Term Problem and the team even had a budget of $145 Spontaneous. For Long-Term on their project and found ways to Problem, the Newsome participants recycle materials in order to meet it. spent October to February building The current team of five ninth three different vehicles that were selfgrade students has set new records propelled in different ways and had to each year since fifth grade and travel a specific distance simultaneHartman communicated their hope to ously. continue this trend, but not before These vehicles carried elements they celebrate their eighth place spot to a ‘center’ where, Hartman by going to an amusement park of the explained, “they have to be used to students’ choice (once it’s safe). create a reaction that will ‘save the Visit www.odysseyofthemind.com world’ using baking soda.” The display for more information on the club.
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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 4. In Person: at any of our Supervisor of Elections Supervisor of Elections Craig 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)
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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.
July 2020
Page 15
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Randall Spinach On The Station Science Experiment Will Launch This Fall
Residents Thank Law Enforcement With Gifts For Guardians Facebook Group
Up, up and Mars could be able to away! A group of grow the spinach. aspiring STEM stuAfter concluding that dents from Randall spinach would be a Middle School viable food source, recently participated Kalnins and McMillin in the Student started the experiSpaceflight mental design and Experiments proposal writing Program (SSEP), phase and concluded working together to with a five-page procreate their ‘Spinach posal. on the Station’ projVaughn Grace Kalnins and Lucas McMillin, the Mission 14 team, investigate how ect, which was choexplained, “The stuspinach can grow on a space station. sen to fly up to dents completed nine space. Guided by Mary Vaughn, teacher weeks of experimental design and proof Gifted Earth and Space Science at posal writing from September 3, 2019 to Randall, the Mission 14 team, made up of the due date, November 1, 2019.” seventh grade student Grace Kalnins and Despite their experiment being choeighth grade student Lucas McMillin, sen to launch into space and travel to the worked rigorously to produce a entry to International Space Station (ISS), Kalnins the highly competitive SSEP. and McMillin continue to work hard and SSEP is a demanding competition refine and develop their experiment incorporating science, history, written before the launch date in upcoming communication skills and math that is October. held by the National Center for Earth and Vaughn gushed, “As the teacher Space Science Education (NCESSE), facilitator for the Spinach on the Station where students must answer an essential proposal, I am very proud and honored question: “What physical, chemical or bio- that with a lot of hard work Grace and logical system would [they] like to explore Lucas have officially become microgravity with gravity seemingly turned off for a researchers.” period of time, as a means of assessing This year, the NCESSE is holding the the role of gravity in that system?” SSEP competition to honor the 50-year Kalnins and McMillin researched anniversary of the Apollo 11 flight to the microgravity and the bone mass loss that Moon and the crew aboard, where Neil it causes. The team came up with the Armstrong made history as the first idea that spinach would be a viable food human to walk on the Moon. The Mission source, as it is high in nutrients and espe- 14 team’s experiment will be the first out cially calcium, and they researched ways of three to go into space and to the ISS. that astronauts going to the Moon or Visit http://ssep.ncesse.org.
A group of excluded from that,” FishHawk resishe said. “But 99 perdents is making it cent wake up every their mission to day and put their brighten the days lives at risk to save of local law ours.” enforcement The response agents. Gifts for Guardians Brittani received online overAbdallah and Pam whelmed Abdallah, Kitts recently startwho received donaed a Facebook tions for her bags group called Gifts from many people for Guardians to within hours of her connect local first post. police officers with “So many have the people who wanted to donate to FishHawk resident Brittani Abdallah help with the bags,” want to show how recently started a Facebook group much they appreci- named Gifts for Guardians to show she explained. ate them. Once the bags appreciation for local law enforcement officers. “We decided to are assembled, start this group because of everything Abdallah drives to locations around happening right now in the world and FishHawk and hands them out to offiin the news,” said Abdallah. “Our cers she sees. She has also left bags police are very important and we at homes where she has noticed a can’t live without them. I feel it’s very police car parked. important for us now, more than ever, “The appreciation the men and to show them that we support them, women have shown that have need them and love them.” received these little gifts has brought Abdallah, whose father is a us to tears,” she said. “Though the retired Tampa police sergeant, began gifts can’t compare to the large sacricollecting items and putting them into fice that they give, I believe the gift bags in an effort to let officers impact we are making is huge.” know she appreciates what they are Abdallah has plans to grow the doing every day. group out of the FishHawk area and “I know personally how hard the is also looking for officers to show job is and how much they sacrifice on appreciation with her bags. a day to day basis. There are bad To learn more about the group, people in the world, in every professearch for Gifts for Guardians on sion, and unfortunately police are not Facebook.
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Page 16
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Munzee: A Family-Friendly Outdoor Activity, Perfect For Quarantine
By Dylan Quesada
During these hard your screen to get to times of quarantine the area of the and social distancing, Munzee. most people have felt When you are in cooped up in their the virtual bubble of home with not much to where the hiding spot do. The Abadi family could be, you begin found a fun and excitsearching for the physing way to get out of ical QR code. the house, get exerHunters receive cise and cure their points for finding each boredom. Munzee, which are “At the start, I used to advance in thought this break levels. There are many would be very boring different types of and isolated,” said Munzees, each with Adam Abadi. “But then their own point value. we found Munzee and Greenie, the most it gave me something common type of fun to do outside.” Munzee, earns you The treasure hunt- Munzee, a virtual treasure hunt about 20 points. But a game, can be played throughout ing app known as the Eastern Hillsborough County diamond Munzee, a ‘Munzee’ has helped area. Here, Adam Abadi captures rare find, earns about a Greenie Munzee while biking 60 points if you capmany people get up around his neighborhood. and out of the house ture them. on real-life treasure hunts. The Abadi Adam said, “I think Munzee has family found Munzee from a Facebook changed these tough times of the post by a friend, and knew that it coronavirus because it gives us somewould help their family of four, with thing to do during the times where we their kids, Adam (12) and Alex (10), can’t interact with our friends due to during these tough times. social distancing. I think getting outHunters start by downloading a side and doing activities like Munzee free app called Munzee, found on the is beneficial during the pandemic App Store and Google Play. From because it takes you outside and there, you create an account by progives you something to do. You never viding your email and creating a userwant to stay inside and sit around, so name and a password. You then find Munzee is a good way to get out and Munzees close to you, which isn’t exercise.” hard considering there are 9.6 million To learn more about Munzee, visit to date, and follow the compass on Munzee.com.
Volume 19, Issue 7
The Florida Orchestra Posts 100 Videos From Home
By Kelly Smith
When the pandemic took hold in mid-March, The Florida Orchestra vowed to keep the music going, even without concerts. Wow, did we ever. TFO has posted more than 100 videos on YouTube and our TFO at Home series on our website—more than any other orchestra, we believe—thanks to our creative musicians, Music Director Michael Francis, Associate Conductor Daniel Black and tireless staff. Many of these videos were created by our teaching artists to help kids practice and learn virtually at home. The response has been truly moving, including this for our virtual orchestra performance of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 (finale): “The performance brought tears to my eyes, and it gives me hope that all of our orchestras will be playing together again and bringing back the joy of live music to audiences all over
the world. Thank you, and please pass my thanks to those involved in making this uplifting performance!” said Kathy. Our TFO at Home series also includes WSMR radio rebroadcasts, blog posts and extensive resources for virtual learning, especially for music students. In addition to dozens of individual performance videos, here are highlights of what you’ll find at FloridaOrchestra.org/TFO-at-Home: Inside the Music series. Straight to you for free. Feel the heartache, hope and triumph of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 as Michael Francis breaks the best parts, with virtual performances by TFO’s musicians. Check out all videos in the series that celebrates 250 years of Beethoven. Way to go, graduates! Just for you, Class of 2020, The Florida Orchestra performs Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance from their homes. Hard to imagine graduating without it. What brings you joy? The Florida Orchestra family hopes you will find your own moments of joy in this video of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy performed by TFO and featuring our musicians, board members and staff.
July 2020
Page 17
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Resident Rallys Four Local Restaurants To Come Together To Feed Fire Fighters
By Karin Davis-Thompson
It started with a converbecause they are keepsation with employees at a ing us safe. This was the few of his favorite communileast we can do. We just ty restaurants. It ended with wanted to give them a four small business making home-cooked meal.” a difference for first responThe firehouses had ders. the chance to dine on A local resident got everything from wings to together with four of his the special of the day. favorite restaurants to proThe original Beef ‘o’ vide a free meal to first Brady’s, on Kings Ave. in responders firehouses in the Brandon, provided wings Brandon/Valrico area. He to Fire Rescue - Stations said that since the pandem- The New York Diner Owner 11 and 33. Laurie Conover recently ic, fire stations are getting a Keith’s Oaks Bar & donated meals to workers record number of calls in Grill, a family-owned at local fire stations. addition to their usual call restaurant on Lithia volume and it was important Pinecrest Rd., donated for them to know they were wings to Fire Rescue appreciated. Station 18. “I wanted to use locally The New York Diner owned restaurants,” he said. allowed its first respon“It was something I had ders from Fire Rescue been thinking about. I just Station 36 to select from chose four places that I frethe menu, while the quent and when I told them And, finally, Three what I wanted to do they all Bulls Tavern & Brewery in said yes.” Valrico donated the day’s The restaurants providspecial to its fire stations, Chefs Zach Conover and 7 and 27. ed food over three days to Chris Patchin at The New make sure all three shifts at Conover, who has York Diner in Valrico the fire stations got a meal. been in business for 10 recently cooked up some food for local fire fighters. years, said it made her Laurie Conover, owner of The New York Diner in Valrico, said feel good to give back and she was donating meals was just a small way to happy to see how happy she made say thank you to first responders for them. working to keep us safe and healthy. “They were very thankful,” she “They are on the front lines, prosaid. “We put smiles on faces, fed beltecting us,” she said. “They have families and hopefully they got a good lies themselves, they can’t go home night’s sleep.”
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Page 18
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Award-Winning Future Career Academy Is Vital To Economic Development Strategy Staff Report
organizations. The academy has already opened in eight other schools throughout Hillsborough County, servPlant City Future Career Academy students visited Star Distribution ing about Systems as part of the Business Field Trip. Students met with business leaders and employees to learn about the company's jobs, 3,000 students culture, training and more. this year, with Future Career Academy (FCA) is a plans to continue to expand in the future. program that prepares non-college-bound While roughly 25 percent of high high school seniors for the workforce, and school students will earn a college it has caught the attention of the business degree, 75 percent will, instead, need a community, the school district and now fulfilling, full-time job right after 12th the PTA/PTSA. grade. This sobering thought resonates On April 23, the Hillsborough County with Rick Lott, mayor of the City of Plant Council PTA/PTSA 2019-2020 High City, in large part because of the time he School Division Education Award was spends working with FCA and lobbying presented to FCA for its field trip compofor its support among the business comnent, which takes students to area busimunity. nesses for an eye-opening look at work“The academy is vital for students places in their community. and also has become an integral part of As business owners guide students our city’s economic development stratethrough their facilities and show them the gy,” he said. “Students need to know that diverse jobs that exist there, the teens even if they don’t go to college, it’s OK. learn about a variety of careers and their They can still be successful in life. And salaries, benefits and advancement the program is extremely valuable to our opportunities, and they begin to underbusinesses, who hire these prepared, stand the commitment needed to earn competent young workers. These new and keep a job and what employers employees, in turn, remain in the area, expect from their workers. building industries and contributing to the FCA began five years ago at Plant community’s economic wellbeing.” City High School and is presented by For more information about bringing Workforce Development Partners Corp., FCA to your business or area high a nonprofit organization in partnership school, visit www.plantcitycareeracadewith the Hillsborough County School my.com or call Yvonne Fry at 478-0494. District along with other businesses and
Volume 19, Issue 7
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Page 19
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Plant City Photo Archives And History Center Adds Photographs And Book To Its Collection
By Kathy L. Collins
The Plant individual donaCity Photo tions and family Archives & papers and docuHistory Center ments, the Plant has received City Photo some exciting Archives total colnew additions. lection approaches These include a 180,000, many of collection of which have been photographs digitized for preserand a new vation. The Plant City Photo Archives & History Center book. Jim Helms is committed to preserving the history of Plant The entire City. With the addition of the Kenneth Jameson was born in the Photography collection and a new book by Jim 1940s and grew up collection of Helms, the center expands its collection. Kenneth in Plant City. The Jameson Photography had been donatPlant City native has written a book ed by Michael Jameson, his son. The called Juvenile Impressions of Plant City collection of 31 boxes containing nega– A Collection of Playful Stories. Jim lived tives, prints, and miscellaneous photoon Ferrell St. and then Johnson St. He graphic materials dates back nearly four attended Wilson Elementary, Burney decades. This amounts to neatly 31,000 Elementary School and Jackson photographs. Elementary School. He graduated with Ed Verner, Plant City Photo Archives the Plant City High School Class of 1965. & History Center president, said, “The Jim also wrote about his grandmothnew contribution of photos greatly adds er, Zula Helms, who owned and operated to the total collection of the archives and the popular Helms Dress Shop on expands its ability to tell the story of the Palmer St. in downtown Plant City. Jim history and heritage of the Greater Plant said of the book, “These 35 stories offer City community.” a playful telling of my observations and Kenneth was born and raised in the feelings about growing up in Plant City.” Lithia area. Kenneth was a high school The 300-page book by Jim is on reporter and photographer for the Tampa sale in the Plant City Photo Archive & Times and a veteran of United States History Center gift shop along with a Army. Jameson was a pioneer in videonumber of other books by local authors. taping weddings with his son, Michael. The Plant City Photo Archives & He retired from photography from 2016 History Center is a not-for-profit history and passed away in 2018. organization. It is located at 106 S. Evers The Kenneth collection adds to the St. in downtown Plant City. For more Plant City Photo Archives’ collection of information, please visit www.plantcitywork of local photographers. With many photoarchives.org.
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Page 20
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
Plant City Main Street Launches Downtown Dollars Matching Program To Boost Sales
By Kathy L. Collins
Small busisaid of the pronesses all over the gram, “Plant City area have been has a reputation impacted by for being friendly COVID-19. In an and generous, effort to help the from the founding small businesses fathers all the way that make historic down to the residowntown Plant dents. We have City so great, Plant seen validation of City Main Street the kind spirit and has launched the the kind of people COVID-19 Small who live here.” Small businesses such as Krazy Kup are Trunzo added, “It Business participating in the Plant City Main Street Recovery Downtown Dollars Program. You can help is said that when support your favorite Plant City small Program. you squeeze an businesses while saving money. Plant City orange, what is Main Street is offering the Downtown inside comes out. The pandemic has Dollars Program. Customers who love shown what comes out—great people.” their small businesses can purchase Additionally, David Schultz and Downtown Dollars vouchers for $5. David Gnage, the owners of The You can redeem them at participating Mercantile, agree that this is a great downtown businesses for $10 off your program for the community. Schultz purchases. Plant City Main Street covsaid, “We were closed for two months. ers the difference in cost, allowing This is a real timely program from Plant businesses full-priced sales at a time City Main Street to get shoppers in the when they are being hit hard by declin- door when we need them. This is a ing revenues. good financial investment.” You can redeem up to five vouchGnage said, “This program shows ers per visit. Vouchers cannot be their participation in the community. exchanged for cash. This will definitely help all of the shops Participating downtown Plant City in the downtown district.” businesses include Brick City Bricks You can order the Downtown (LEGO store), The Mercantile (vintage Dollars vouchers by visiting items and handcrafted goods), Krazy www.plantcitymainstreet.com/downKup (coffee shop), Norma’s Cuban towndollars. The vouchers will be availSandwich Shop, Roots Tap Room & able for purchase and redemption from Wine Bar, The Corner Store (health June 1 through Monday, August 31. food store and deli) and several more. Customers can redeem up to five Frank Trunzo, owner of Krazy Kup, Downtown Dollars vouchers per visit.
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July 2020
Page 21
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
School District Recognizes Students With Perfect Attendance
By Kate Quesada
Three Bloomingdale/FishHawk area students were recognized with an amazing accomplishment last month. Julia Salvo from Bloomingdale HighSchool and Mark Grabau and Alexander Dyer from Newsome High School were among the 10 members of the Hillsborough County Public School’s (HCPS) Class of 2020 to receive perfect attendance for their entire educational career. According to HCPS’ Tanya Arja, each student attended 2,340 consecutive school days without logging one absence. That is every school day from kindergarten through 12th. To mark this achievement, the students were guests at the school board meeting on June 9, where they were presented with brand-new laptops courtesy of Toyota of Tampa Bay, along with $500 scholarships from Suncoast Credit Union. “These students have demonstrated a high level of commitment by attending school every single day. It is important for students to possess character traits such as dependability and reliability to be successful now and in the future as they move on to the next stage in their life. I am proud of the diligence and discipline shown by each of these learners to accomplish perfect attendance throughout their entire career in Hillsborough County Public Schools. I also want to congratulate their parents and families for providing a support system to make this achievement possible,” said Superintendent Addison Davis. The students feel honored to have been recognized with the award. “This award means so much to me because it represents all of the hard work and dedication that went into having 13 years of perfect attendance,” said Salvo. “It is such an honor to be recognized for this achievement and I’d like to thank my family, my teachers and the administration for the role they played in this accomplishment.” Dyer, who was also Newsome’s valedictorian, thanked all who have supported him. Julia Salvo (top) from Bloomingdale High “I think the award is not only a School and Mark Grabau (middle) and validation of all the hard work I have Alexander Dyer (bottom( from Newsome High School were among the 10 members engaged in over the past four years of the Hillsborough County Public School’s but also a testament to the support of (HCPS) Class of 2020 to receive perfect my teachers, friends and families,” attendance for their entire educational career. said Dyer.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
Tampa Scouts Adapt With Virtual Camping, Community Service & More
Staff Report
The food banks are COVID-19 panstrained to demic forced keep up with many youth demand, organizations according to to close their Feeding doors, but America. according to However, the members of the pack alone Boy Scouts of brought in over America 400 pounds of Greater Tampa food for ECHO. Bay Area “They saw Local members of the Boy Scouts of America Greater Tampa Bay Area Council were able to adapt during the coronavirus pandemic. Council, that they could Kilcomons family of Pack 107 took the Scouting is as active as ever during do something without going out,” Cub grand prize, a Go Time Gear Life Tent the outbreak. Master Eric Brown said. “It was very and a bag of camping “Our district is persevering,” simple, and it made a huge impact on games. District Executive Clarissa Castillo the community. There are families out “Service projects are said. “The program is needed for the there in need right now.” being done with family youth to stay engaged, socialize in a Troop 61 provided 2,500 pounds support, and advancesafe environment and to provide emoof nonperishable food items for Seeds ment continues,” tional stability.” of Hope. After the donations were colWilliams said. “We have While campgrounds and properlected and dropped off, First Class even promoted severties were closed to the public, volunScout Troy Gilmore sorted the collecal Eagle Scouts. teers and staff members worked to tion to assist with distribution to more Scouting is alive and ensure program opportunities are still than 350 families that week. well.” accessible in the Scouts’ Timucua “While we are not able to gather Cub Scout Pack 61 District, which is made up of the southfor a campout in the woods or fellowand Troop 61 in Valrico ern half of Hillsborough County. ship over the finest of Dutch oven performed two such Tasked with serving over 2,000 youth, cuisines, our core values remain the service projects in April and May. Both the district has shifted its focus to same,” Sharrod McCree, field director hosted separate no-contact food meetings and community outreach for the Greater Tampa Bay Area plan for the future. drives in collaboration with ECHO compliant with national guidelines. Council, said. “Our Scouts continue to Many leaders have come up with (Emergency Care Help Organization) Timucua District initially faced the live the mission and remember the creative activities to keep youth and Seeds of Hope at Bloomingdale same challenges as other nonprofits oath and law. I couldn’t be more proud engaged in the meantime. Jill Migone, Presbyterian. serving young people during the panto be a part of the Scouting movement a parent of three Cub Scouts, created “It made my heart happy to help demic, but most units have now today.” the #campathome contest, which people in need,” Lion Scout Olivia switched over to virtual meetings, Interested in Scouting? Visit encouraged families to go camping in Campo said. according to District Commissioner https://join.scouting.org/ to find a local their backyards and living rooms COVID-19 could result in an estiDonna Williams. Platforms like Zoom unit in your area or call the Tampa throughout the month of April and post mated additional 17.1 million people and Skype have been utilized, and, Service Center at 872-2691. the photographs to social media. The experiencing food insecurity, and many even at the district level, committees
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July 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
In This Section
Bloomingdale/FishHawk
TAMPA THEATRE MARQUEE ............PG 33 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 34 KIDS GET CRAFTY.............................PG 35 FLORIDA WILDLIFE WITH ALI...........PG 38
July 2020
New Director Of Swim At BSAC
The Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center (BSAC) has named Sharon Finotti as director of swim education. Finotti brings more than 22 years of experience in the fitness and swim industry. She received her license as a Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety (TSW) through AUSTSWIM, the industry standard for swimming and water safety in Australia and many countries. Perfect practice makes perfect is foundational to the educational approach Finotti is stressing at BSAC. “Teaching proper techniques with consistent reinforcement, and not moving a child up to the next level before they are ready, prevents the forming of bad habits,” said Finotti. BSAC’s Learn to Swim Program is the most comprehensive swim lesson program in the area, offering a progressive group lesson program as well as children and adult private lessons, parent/tot classes and adaptive (special needs) swim lessons. Along with teaching swimming techniques, lessons incorporate water safety and survival skills. Hillsborough County ranks as one of the highest in the state for youth drowning of children 3 to 5 years of age. These numbers are on the rise as families are self-isolating and more
Volume 19, Issue 7
SPORTS CONNECTION .....................PG 39
Ph: 657-2418
children are at home boosting your during the day. immune system to Children are reststay healthy and less and love to well or maximize explore and pools your training by and bodies of water rejuvenating your are everywhere in muscles to get Florida, and it only back in the takes a few seconds game for water accidents stronger to happen. This and capable leads to a higher of achieving Jean Pierre and Kimberly celebrating the ribrisk factor for chilmore. The bon-cutting of their new spa. dren who do not services know water safety and how to offered at the location on swim. 13454 Boyette Rd. in BSAC is a communityRiveview include: cryotherapy, based 501(c)(3) nonprofit infrared sauna, compression organization. For more than 50 therapy and dry flotation, as years, it has been its mission well as others. is to impact lives daily Allegra Spa Cafe is open through superior educational Monday to Friday from 10:30 a.m. to and athletic programs. 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 BSAC is located on 405 a.m. to 6:00 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon. Visit p.m. To find out www.mybsac.org. more, visit www.allegrasAllegra Spa Cafe Celebrates pacafe.com or Opening Of Holistic Therapies call 662-4343. Jean Pierre and Kimberly Velez, Navigator new owners of Allegra Spa Cafe, are Academy Of excited to finally be able to welcome Leadership you. Allegra Spa Cafe has a relaxing Registering atmosphere for both mind and body to Students recover and energize. Its holistic therapies are designed to make you feel Navigator Academy of Leadership great from the moment you walk in the is a tuition-free Public Charter School door and it is the best place to work on in Valrico. Some parents find that tradi-
tional schools aren’t meeting their children’s needs and want their children to have the best chance to excel in school and in life. Your child deserves more from their school, and at Navigator Academy of Leadership, your children are its future. Its teachers
are passionate in delivering its SMART (Science, Math, Art, Reading, Technology) curriculum in conjunction with its NASA collaboration. The Leader in Me school helps mold students to become tomorrows leaders. To find out more, visit its website at navigatoracademyvalrico.com or call it at 603-9340.
New Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview Hotel Opens In Riverview
The 108-room Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview hotel at 10743 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview has opened with a new décor theme that provides guests with a feeling of warmth and calm. “Delivering both function and comfort,
Continued on Next Page
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Business Column Continued................... our new design and décor elevate the Fairfield brand. At Fairfield, we provide an easy, positive and productive travel experience,” said Janis Milham, senior vice president of classic select brands at Marriott International. Additional amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, business services, valet laundry and others. For more information or reservations, visit www.fairfield.com.
Florida Dermatology And Skin Cancer Centers Continue To Provide Care
Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers (FLDSCC) continues to take extraordinary measures to ensure that access to essential dermatological care will continue without disruption during this unprecedented time. As it regularly monitors the COVID-19 outbreak, it would like to remind you that it remains open and, as always, its employees, patients and community remain its top priority. While many patients continue to receive treatment in one of its dermatology office locations, it understands that others may be looking for a contactless alternative. FLDSCC is offering virtual visits through telemedicine. Due to the nature of cases it observes and treats, please note that a patient may be asked to schedule an in-office follow up appointment for further diagnosis and treatment if it is felt necessary. If you’d like to learn more about its telemedicine and virtual care program or have any questions, please contact FLDSCC at 1-855-353-7546, info@fldscc.com or visit the website at www.fldscc.com.
Heroes Paradise Opens
Heroes Paradise, located at 733 Knowles Rd. in Brandon, is a family-owned entertainment center that aims to provide a meeting place where people of all ages can play a part in having fun and creating strong bonds within our community between first responders, military members, families and youth. The facility is now open and welcoming all ages to come and engage in activities such
Volume 19, Issue 7
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
By Jenny Bennett
as tactical laser tag, an interactive rock wall, on and off-road remote control cars, virtual reality, archery tag and yard games. With 8 acres of property and various attractions, there is something for everyone of any age. Heroes Paradise also hosts an array of private events, ranging from corporate team building to birthday parties for all ages. Visit www.HeroesParadise.com, call 833543-7637 or email HeroesParadiseATeam@gmail.com to find out more.
Beat The Heat Eco Tours
Latitudes Tours is very happy to be back on the water. It has added a new Breakfast Eco Tour with an early morning departure time of 8 a.m. to beat the summer heat and afternoon rain storms. It has also partnered with a local favorite, the Ruskin Diner, to offer five breakfast classics with your choice of drink to enhance your cruise as an optional extra. Book online at latitudestours.com or call 641-1311.
Adam Bantner Named A Florida Legal Elite For 2020
Adam Bantner, a boardcertified criminal trial law attorney with Valrico Law Group, was recently named as one of Florida Trend magazine’s Florida Legal Elite for 2020. This is the 17th year of Florida Legal Elite presenting a prestigious roster of attorneys chosen for recognition by their peers. Bantner and the other attorneys chosen exemplify a standard of excellence in their profession and by so doing have garnered the respect and esteem of their colleagues. Valrico Law Group can be contacted on 397-3965, or visit its website at www.ValricoLawGroup.com.
Dance Studio Open
Did you know that dancing is a healthy and great way to lift your spirits? Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Brandon has reopened and is once again sharing the joy of dancing with the community. It has new hours to coincide with with social distancing and cleaning, so please check www.fredastaire.com/Brandon for up-to-date information.
A Callout On Facebook And Social Media Brings Meals To Parents Of Newborns In NICU
By Gwen Rollings
allowed one family member, usually the mother, to stay. Others could see the baby on the NicView camera, providing access 24 hours a day.” This innovative small camera sysLocal restaurants, including Nékter and Davenport’s Daily Delights, provided meals tem is placed at designated bed spaces and treats for parents of children in the and allows parents, family and friends Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Tampa view their infant in real-time and to General Hospital while they stayed with their babies. helps families develop that bond with their preemie or hospitalized infant even When parents are preparing for the when they can’t be in the NICU with birth of their child, people often say with them. knowing smiles, “Your life will never be Parents were not allowed to leave the same again.” After COVID-19, many to eliminate their possible expounit the people shake their heads and say, “Life in the public areas of COVID-19 to sure as we knew it will never be the same members such as Team hospital. the again.” These prophesies have proven Lauren Mishos and Mangiapane, Angie especially meaningful to many new parout via social reached Marino Laurie ents in extraordinary ways since the secvariety for seeking Facebook and media ond week of March at Tampa General response The meals. hospital parents’ Hospital’s Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed was great from Greater Brandon and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Tampa restaurants, including Jai Ho Tampa General (TGH) is one of just Indian Cuisine, Nékter, Davenport’s Daily 12 Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Delights, D’Angelo’s, Culver’s, Shells Centers designated by the state of Seafood, Wright’s Gourmet, Outback Florida to deliver the highest level of Steakhouse, Carrabba’s, Entenmann’s medical care to critically ill newborns bakery, Caspers McDonald’s and Jack premature and sick infants and to and Jill of America donated cookies from women with high-risk pregnancies. Alessi Bakery. Meals were often providBefore March, both parents were welcome to visit their infants 24 hours a day. ed for NICU team members as well. Gofer Girl Scout Troop donated snack COVID-19 necessitated changes in the bags, cards and activity books. visiting policies in the NICU, but TGH’s In the midst of all the changes our highly-trained team of professionals has recently endured due to the nation found innovative ways to make the best the staff of TGH’s Jennifer pandemic, of a challenging situation. NICU proved the spirit of Muma Leigh Brenda Bugbee, NICU manager, unchanged, alive and remains charity explained the changes, “Each baby was well.
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July 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
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Volume 19, Issue 7
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Pawn Shop Owner Brings Community Together To Help A Local Veteran In Need
Team Continues Annual Rays Program To Encourage Summer Reading
Veteran Kim Ashley Joseph Kurosky has Harden, a barbeen a faithful custender at Keith’s tomer to Billie Jo Oaks Bar and Grill, Sebastian for more saw Sebastian’s than 10 years. He post on Facebook visits her weekly and immediately while she works at wanted to help. the Value Pawn & She decided to Jewelry in Brandon. create a During one of Kim’s GoFundMe page visits, Sebastian to help him. noticed his legs were “So far, we’ve extremely swollen. raised almost The community came together to help “He and I had $3,000 to make his veteran Kim Joseph Kurosky recently. stepped outside and trailer and the other I said to him, ‘You need to elevate your structure on his property livable for him,” legs, Kim.’ He responded, ‘Billie Jo, can Harden said. “The outpouring from the you please let me know how I’m supcommunity has been absolutely amazposed to elevate my legs when I’m sleep- ing.” ing in my truck and trying to swat off mosHarden and Sebastian also received quitos?’ Up until that point, I never realhelp from Jim Stacey at AMVETS Post ized the severity of his living situation,” 44, Travis Wright of the Hillsborough Sebastian said. County Sheriff’s Office and Nam Knights, Sebastian asked Kim if he would be Ellie Saldana of Hot Boxes Dumpster, comfortable with sharing his story on Jarrod Matthews of Wretched Few VMC social media to try and get him some and Lori Finnegan of Finnegan Real help. “I could not believe how many peoEstate, in addition to the numerous people wanted to donate food and help him,” ple who have donated funds on Kim’s Sebastian said. GoFundMe page. Nearly 40 people from Kim is a Marine sergeant who did the Brandon community have helped to two tours of duty in Vietnam. He suffers clean and organize the property. from a hoarding condition and diabetes. “I am amazed at all the help that has Because of his hoarding illness, his trailer been available to me,” Kim said. “I became unlivable and his property is couldn’t imagine there were so many overrun with items. His trailer is 40 years people who wanted to come out and old and has electricity, but no running help, especially with the virus happening water. Kim sleeps in his truck each night, now.” which has caused his legs to swell to a To help Kim, please visit his dangerous size. GoFundMe page at https://bit.ly/2UfImLN.
Even without a they reach the season, the Tampa home plate, they Bay Rays, partneremail a picture of ing with Suncoast the scorecard. Credit Union and The Rays will the Tampa Bay send two tickets Times, will host the to a future home 13th annual game if the particReading with the ipant reaches the Rays to train home plate along Tampa’s rookie with the prizes readers. Through the program, Pre-K Willy Adames, shortstop for the Rays, through 12th grade reads with a student for Reading with students log their the Rays. reading hours throughout the summer to won for reachreceive prizes. ing first, secThe Rays began the free program in ond and third 2007 to encourage reading in order to base. avoid the typical summer learning loss by Shea recording up to 24 hours spent reading. Bagley, a sec“Reading is a vital component to a ond grade teacher at Bevis Elementary child’s education and helps prepare them School, said, “I think it’s an awesome profor a bright future,” said Cindy Helton, gram. It gives children an opportunity to executive director of the Suncoast Credit read…[and] to find books they want to Union Foundation. “Helping to provide read.” students with educational tools is part of The program has hit it out of the park our DNA.” in each of its 13 seasons. More than The coronavirus pandemic forced 300,000 students across nine participatthis year’s event to begin early and proing counties have racked up two and a vided students with a motivation to read half million hours of reading. Reading with in their additional idle time that came with the Rays is an opportunity for parents to distanced learning and the cancelled get their kids excited about reading and school year. In past years, students could an opportunity for students to score a go to the library or the Rays’ website to homerun by hitting the books. pick up a score card, but this year, particiFor more information on Reading pants will have to download the scorewith the Rays or book recommendations, card from their homes visit www.mlb.com/rays/community/readAfter reading for the required hours, ing/ or contact students will ‘round the bases’ and, when reading@raysbaseball.com.
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July 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 29
FishHawk Resident, Parks Advocate, Deploying For A Year
Longtime Brandon Resident Sells Vintage Area Map To Benefit ECHO
FishHawk resident Institute in Chicago, Jeremy Hall is gearing Illinois in 1996 and has up for his deployment his undergraduate as an army engineer degree in Bible and officer serving in the theology. “My life has Army Reserve as a been enriched by getbattalion commander ting to know Christians for the 3rd Battalion, from a multitude of reli347th Regiment, 177th gious backgrounds Armored Brigade. The and I hope that others Photo courtesy of Lynn Hall will experience the married father of four Jeremy Hall swears in during change same though interactchildren will be of command that occurred in May. deployed for a year to ing with others on my Due to COVID, the traditional ceremony was conducted via Fort Bliss, TX to augFacebook group,” said ment the mission of the Microsoft Teams video conference. Hall. Visit /www.face5th Armor Brigade. Hall’s unit plans, coor- book.com/groups/Central.Florida.Bible.St dinates, synchronizes and supports the udy.Page/. pre/post-mobilization training and demobiIn addition to his Bible study group, in lization of Army National Guard and October 2016, Hall started a Facebook United States Army Reserve units to progroup focusing on community support to vide trained and ready forces. build more playgrounds and recreational Originally from Minot, North Dakota, facilities in FishHawk Ranch. Since Hall and his family moved to FishHawk in FishHawk is not a town, it lacks the local August 2013 due to an assignment governance of a city to pull together all change with the U.S. Army to MacDill Air the organizational entities needed to build Force Base. large and innovative projects. Two months ago, Hall started a “The inspiration for my idea was the Facebook page focused on studying the original broken Park Square fountain and Bible. “My page is strictly a hobby of mine the follow up project to replace it,” said and not affiliated with any religious organi- Hall. “At the time, I advocated with the zation,” said Hall. “I started the Bible FishHawk CDDII to build a playground in study group to provide our local area with Park Square that would have similar a non-denomination Facebook page equipment features as the Common where people can come together to Ground Playground in Lakeland.” encourage one another to study the Link to the page at: https://www.faceBible. My hope is that people from all difbook.com/groups/Parks.and.Playgrounds. ferent Christian denominations will come of.FishHawk/about/. together to provide reflections on what Hall is now focused on spending as they are studying in the Bible.” much time as possible with family before Hall graduated from the Moody Bible his August deployment.
Longtime ing a copy of the Brandon resident map, she decided Karen Waters to use her hard McGinnis recently work as an opportufound a way to bring nity to help raise a dose of nostalgia funds for ECHO, a to other locals while local nonprofit that helping out a great had helped her. cause. “I chose Echo McGinnis, who of Brandon because moved to Brandon they helped me get with her family in Longtime Brandon resident Karen Waters back on my feet the 1970s, was able McGinnis tracked down a copy of a map when I was strugof Brandon from 1986 and is selling to locate and repligling at a point in copies, with the profits going to ECHO of cate a map of my life,” she Brandon. Brandon from 1986 explained. “I have and is selling copies to other residents, recovered from that time and I am finally with the profits going to the Emergency in a place where I am able to give Care Help Organization (ECHO). In less back.” than two months, she sold around 100 In just over a month, McGinnis met copies of map and donated more than with many residents who also grew up $1,500 to the charity, which is near and in Brandon and were eager to have a dear to her heart. piece of history in their homes. “It turned into a quest for me,” said “Everyone was delighted to be able McGinnis, who remembered owning a to see what Brandon looked like in it’s copy of the map as a child. She posted prime,” said McGinnis, who attended on Facebook asking if anyone could Burns Middle and Bloomingdale High help her get a copy, and after a lot of schools. “It brought back so many great leg work she was able to track down a memories.” framed version of the map in Brandon’s Maps are still available to purchase iconic Bill’s Prescription Center. After through McGinnis’ GoFundMe page at finding that the map was too big to copy www.gofundme.com/f/1986-brandonat Kinko’s, she took it to a blueprint native-posters for $35, although company and eventually worked with a McGinnis encourages an additional professional art restorer who was able donation to ECHO at the time of purto digitally copy the print and give her a chase. Once ordered, maps can be file on a thumb drive. picked up at McGinnis’s business, Once McGinnis realized how many Florida Farmhouse Market and other locals were also interested in own- Collectables, opening soon in Seffner.
By Kelly Wise Valdes
By Kate Quesada
Page 30
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
Residents At Tessera Of Brandon Stay Engaged And Connected With Families While Safe
Sparkling, Dusting, Giving...Online Groups Find Ways To Deliver Spirit Of Joy
In the midyoga, a visit from the dle of the Weinermobile and COVID-19 panmuch more—can work demic, Tessera just outside its doors in of Brandon the residents’ view. adapted excelThis also helps the lently by making local businesses that sure that its resare struggling due to idents are the quarantine, so engaged more everyone benefits. than ever and Moreover, resiTessera of Brandon has adapted connecting with dents are still celebratexcellently to the COVID-19 pandemic by people outside it ing holidays; local busikeeping its residents socially distant yet connected and entertained. while everyone nesses are connecting stays safe. with the residents through letters and People want to check on their reladonating food and masks; they’re playing tives like never before, and to help out putt putt golf, bocce ball and giant chess; and keep everyone distanced yet togeth- the list goes on. There’s plenty of things er, Tessera of Brandon created visitation for the future as well, like Drum Magic stations where families can meet and talk visiting, scheduling sing-alongs and Bible with each other through a phone from study classes. opposite sides of a window. Since then, Residents are giving back to the they’ve been used nonstop. community too, as they’ve made cards “Our residents are very understandfor graduates, made Easter eggs for kids ing, the families are understanding. It’s of a local church, donated their cereal nice that they can visit,” said Jill Andrews, and made cards for Seeds of Hope and director of community relations at much more. Tessera of Brandon. “We’ve become “We’ve had to get so creative, and experts at Skype and Zoom and our team here, instead of flipping into FaceTime and Facebook Live and all of ‘Well, I guess we’re not gonna do that those things, and in the visitation stations anymore more,’ instantly went into ‘OK, we set up littles areas with couches and so what can we do and how could we chairs and tables inside a window, and change it up so that we could still do it or then we set up outdoor furniture outside do it even better?’” said Andrews. the window for the family members.” Visitors must set up appointments to That’s just the beginning, as it has use the visitation station. To learn more been organizing constant events and about Tessera of Brandon or set up an activities to keep its residents engaged. appointment, visit tesserabrandon.com or Tessera is using its iN2L program so call 607-6880. It is located at 1320 local businesses—such as Zumba and Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.
Have you ever been said Scolaros. “You sparkled? Have you ever have to ‘sneak’ up to seen a Wineicorn? If their door, ring or knock you’ve answered ‘No’ to and then run like crazy either one of these quesback to your car and tions, don’t worry, leave.” because if you live in the Once the person Greater Brandon area, who has been sparkled you may just get lucky receives their gift, they soon. are encouraged to take Wine With Friends a picture and then pay it Florida is a local group forward to another spreading a little cheer to Wineicorn. “We love people in the community when the ‘Minicorns’ during the challenging (kiddos) get involved times of the COVID-19 too,” Scolaro said. “It pandemic. sets such an amazing ‘Wineicorn’ Chelsea Tossas “I love unicorns, cats example of random acts delivers some joy with a special and long walks on the added flair as part of the Wine of kindness.” beach, and just in case The group also recWith Friends Florida! you couldn't guess, I also like drinking ognizes important events such as birthwine,” said Amy Scolaro, organizer of the days or promotions. Brandon chapter of the group. “But most “It's all about support and love,” of all, I like helping people, giving back Scolaro said, “even in the darker times. A and volunteering. If it makes a difference mama lost her job and ended up hometo our community, I want to be part of it.” less. Everyone rallied together to get her A friend of Scolaro’s invited her to a immediate supplies to get through the gift giving wine group that was based in days and nights outside. She ended up Arizona. “I thought to myself, Florida with a place to stay, clothes and food in a would love this, especially amidst all the mere 48 hours later; she was safe and corona chaos; the world needs love more felt loved.” than ever,” Scolaro said. “It also provides To learn more about Wine With a safely distanced activity and a muchFriends Florida or to join the group, visit needed pick-me-up. You don't need to its Facebook page at drink wine. We have gifted ladies with www.facebook.com/groups/WineWithFrie water, lemonade, beer, soda, iced tea, ndsFlorida. In addition to this group, sevetc.” eral neighborhood groups have sprouted The group is very simple to join. up with a similar spirit of giving. “We have a questionnaire everyone The concept is the same, spread fills out and they will send you their some joy with a basket delivery and put address if you choose to ‘sparkle’ them,” your name in for your own surprise!
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July 2020
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 31
Tampa Tongue-Tie Center Specializes In Laser Pediatric Treatment
Congressman Spano Visits Veteran-Owned Businesses To Discuss COVID-19 Effects
A tongue and/or frenectomies, so it was lip-tie is a physical an amazing learning condition where the experience. He was an use of the tongue or awesome teacher and lip is limited. These mentor, which has can cause issues with allowed me to continue eating, sleeping and helping families in my speaking and own practice.” increase the Utilizing a non-touch risk for caviCO2 laser, Dr. Lynn can ties. It is estirelease a tongue or lip-tie mated that 20 percent Dr. Casey Lynn treats patients at in under 20 seconds with SmileLYNN Pediatric Dentistry in of newborns have almost no bleeding, Apollo Beach and has recently some sort of tongueminor discomfort and launched his practice to include Tampa Tongue-Tie Center. tie. Sometimes the tie quick healing. After the can be ‘clipped’ in the hospital or pediatri- procedure, many parents notice that their cian office. Although this can help, there babies are not only gaining weight but may be an incomplete release and no also no longer have gas/colic and are post-op therapy guidance. This could lead sleeping more. to scarring, reattachment and difficulty According to Dr. Lynn, one of the with breastfeeding. In addition, there most important steps of the process is could be future issues, including probpost-release. Every baby treated at the lems with speech, sleeping and breathTampa Tongue-Tie Center has already ing. been evaluated by a lactation consultant Dr. Casey Lynn of SmileLYNN and usually a pediatrician. Pediatric Dentistry in Apollo Beach has Recently, the office has reopened recently launched Tampa Tongue-Tie and is strictly adhering to all of the latest Center to address the issues related to CDC guidelines. “Our office was focused tongue and lip-ties. “Performing tongue on longer appointment times, patient and lip-tie surgeries are some of the most safety and providing an amazing experirewarding procedures I do as a pediatric ence to all of our parents and patients dentist,” said Dr. Lynn. “I love to hear that prior to COVID,” said Dr. Lynn. “We have the procedure has been ‘life changing.’” streamlined all of our practice systems to “I became interested in tongue-ties decrease the need to contact in the office during my pediatric residency,” said Dr. (touchless forms, consents and payment Lynn. “After residency, I wanted to learn options).” more hands on, and luckily I worked as Visit www.tonguetietb.com or call an associate for Dr. Frank Sierra in 591-3052. SmileLYNN Pediatric Dentistry Tampa. He has been working with mothis located at 122 Harbor Village Ln. in ers and infants for years doing laser Apollo Beach.
U.S. The Landing Representative Bar & Grill shutRoss Spano, a tered its doors for Republican for six weeks while Florida’s 15th constaff and cusgressional district, tomers sheltered spent time in in place to preBrandon, Plant City vent transmission and Lakeland tourof the virus. ing veteran-owned While his busismall businesses to ness is now spotlight the impact U.S. Representative Ross Spano visited local open and sales veteran-owned small businesses to learn COVID-19 has had are picking up, what challenges they face during the COVIDon their enterprises. his concerns 19 epidemic. “Ensuring that veterans have the relate to his inability to gain access to resources they need to succeed is one of small business loans through the state my top priorities,” said Spano. “Visiting and federal Small Business their small business in the district is a way Administrations. for me to connect with and learn about “They’ve been overwhelmed with the the problems they are facing firsthand.” need for assistance,” said Hellemn, who The tour began at a rally at Fred’s has made multiple attempts over the last Market in Plant City and then proceeded few months to contact the agencies, to no to Lakeland with stops at Xcellent avail. Xteriors, Headley Law, Ring Roofing and He was able to get a Paycheck Will Power Fitness Facility and ended Protection Program (PPP) loan from PNC with an after-action review and meet and Bank, a program that was part of the greet at The Landing Bar & Grill, located Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic at 4351 Lynx Paw Trl. Security (CARES) Act. Bill Hellemn opened what would one Spano has used his position in day be named The Landing Bar & Grill in Congress to advocate for veteran small 2013 after retiring from 23 years of servbusiness owners. As the only Florida ice in the Navy and another 12 years of Representative on the House Small service as a civilian contractor for the Business Committee and a former small United States Special Operation business owner, he introduced the Command (SOCOM). Veteran GI Bill which would allow veterWhile meeting with Spano at his ans to use their GI Bill benefits to start a business, Hellemn expressed gratitude business as well as the Boots to for Spano taking the time to hear his con- Business Bill. cerns with how his business has been For more information, visit affected by ‘safer-at-home’ restrictions. www.rossspano.com.
By Kelly Wise Valdes
By Michelle Caceres
Page 32
Volume 19, Issue 7
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Newsome Valedictorian Named 1 of 161 National U.S. Presidential Scholars
By Michelle Caceres
Of the approximately impressive,” he said. 3.6 million students that “He came into my graduated from high room and said he was the school this year, Newsome male chosen for academgraduate Alex Dyer is in an ics,” said his mom, Dawn elite group. Dyer, PhD, a college proDyer was one of only fessor. 161 high school seniors His mom said the recognized as a U.S. award is a testament to his Presidential Scholar, one strong work ethic. “He had of the nation’s highest honperfect attendance for his ors for high school stuentire school career, he dents. started the dual enrollment Newsome graduate Alex Dyer was selected as one of program before he could The White House two U.S. Presidential Commission on even drive and is just a Scholars in the state of Presidential Scholars genuine, caring person,” Florida. selects scholars annually in one of three she said. paths of accomplishment: broad academTypically, U.S. Presidential Scholars ic achievement, academic and artistic are guests of the Commission during the scholarship in the visual arts, the perform- National Recognition Program and enjoy ing arts or creative writing or outstanding an all-expense paid trip to Washington scholarship and accomplishment in D.C. to meet with government officials, career and technical education fields. educators and others and are awarded Dyer was one of two students in the U.S. Presidential Scholars medallion Florida (one male and one female) select- at a ceremony sponsored by the White ed for his broad academic achievement. House. Thanks to restrictions related to Take one look at his application and you COVID-19, Dyer received his medallion in can see why. As the school’s valedictorithe mail, but that doesn’t minimize its an, he earned a weighted 9.68 GPA; took meaning. dual enrollment courses (worth 27 credits) When asked what advice he could at USF, earning a 4.0 GPA; volunteered impart to those still in high school, he said at the Veterans Memorial Park and that it’s never too late to set your mind to Museum in Tampa; is an Eagle Scout your academic goals. He didn’t set his and in the prestigious Order of the Arrow; mind to getting into Harvard until midway was an officer in both the robotics and through high school. key clubs; and was a member of multiple “I spent a lot of my senior year studyhonor societies. ing and taking extra classes, but in the “When I found out I was a semifinalist end, it was worth it,” he said. “The lesfor the award, I went online to take a look sons I’ve learned I’ll carry with me at my competition and they were all really throughout my life.”
From The Tee Box With Jason Blanchard As the summer heats up and the rains move in, many people don’t realize how much the water can affect not only how the ball responds on the greens but how the mud and water can affect ball flight as well. The rain tends to soften up fairways and not only cause tee shots to not roll out as much but will often times make mud to stick to your golf ball. Mud will likely cause drastic changes in ball flight and distance for your next shot. The rule of thumb is that of opposites when it comes to dirt or mud on your ball. If the dirt is on the right side of the ball, it will cause the ball to move left, and vice versa. If the dirt is on the top of the ball, it will stay low, and if on the bottom it should go higher. If the grass or dirt is between the club face and the ball at impact, many times you will get what’s called a flyer, putting less spin on the ball and causing it to fly farther and roll more when it hits the ground. Another issue the rain causes is casual water on the fairways and greens. This is where
the rules of golf are your friend. Rule 25 allows you to move your ball when either you are standing in water or your ball is sitting in water not inside a hazard. You may take free relief from this condition no closer to the hole. Just remember that when taking any type of free relief you must take complete relief. In the situation of the casual water, make sure your ball and your stance are completely out of the standing water when you take your relief. If you take time to know the rules, you will be surprised how much they can help you. Please feel free to reach out to me with any rule questions at golfguyosprey@gmail.com. Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel 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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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 33
La Septima Café Adapts With Family Meals And A Thriving To-Go Business
Put Your Messages Up In Lights With New Tampa Theatre Marquee Program
flank steak that originates from Cuba and literally translates to ‘old clothes.’ The lore on how the dish got its unique name is that the man who created the recipe was so poor that people upon seeing the dish thought that he was feeding his family torn up old clothes. By ordering in from La Septima Café, you are choosing not only to support a local business but also taste Family meals are now available for $47.95 at La food with a rich and beautiful Septima in Brandon. history. In light of COVID-19, local When the restaurant is set to restaurants are learning how to best open back up is “to be determined,” cater to guests without having the according to La Septima employee opportunity to serve them in person. Sky Ray. If we can’t go into our favorite restau“When we do open it back up, we rants, how, then, can we best recrewant it to be done correctly and safeate that in the safety of our own ly,” said Ray. homes? Local favorite La Septima In order to serve customers who Café has cultivated a new way to do can’t make the drive to the restaujust that with family meals and a rant, La Septima has partnered with thriving to-go business. Mobile Meals and Door Dash to offer With their dining room closed, the delivery. owners of La Septima Café, the Each family meal comes with Fernandez family, took matters into rice, the choice of tossed salad or their own hands and pivoted the black beans, Cuban bread with olive focus from delicious food in an butter and one 2-litter bottle of Coke, authentic Ybor atmosphere to bringDiet Coke or Sprite. Each family ing their food safely to their cusmeal serves four for $47.95 with the tomers. exception of the Bistec Milanesa Not only does La Septima Café (Cuban breaded steak), which is offer delivery and take out, but now $49.95. Orders can be made online they offer family meals. Diners can at laseptimacafe.com or over the choose from any of the restaurant’s phone by calling 685-0502. La signature dishes, including Ybor clas- Septima is located at 702 W. sic ropa vieja, slow-cooked shredded Lumsden Rd. in Brandon.
In bright lights came as a hint of and large signs, relief when, in a the Tampa Theatre meeting disflashes messages cussing options of congratulations for fundraising, a along Franklin St. former employee Illuminated by LED asked if it were at panels, stylized in all possible to unique vogue antidisplay a conquated by flashgratulatory mesbacks to former sage to their son theater decades, for his graduathe Tampa Theatre tion. The Tampa Theatre shows off Reid Wagner’s brightens the city “A lightbulb congratulatory message for his high school with its newly went off for us,” graduation. Be sure to get one too with a $150 donation to the Tampa Theatre. advertised said Witecki, as Marquee Messages program. Tampa Theatre realized that, with its Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, newly installed and advanced marquee the Tampa Theatre shut down in-house boards, it could remotely display mesoperations in March, including its sages. Marquee Messages program, causing So far, the program has attracted financial burdens for the company. But congratulations for high school graduaearlier this month, the theater reopened tions, birthdays, weddings and more. its Marquee Message boards in bright Most recently, a couple’s 58th anniverand colorful fashion. For donations of sary was stapled in lights with many $150, the Tampa Theatre will display more following. messages on its historic marquees for Though the shutdown has hindered one hour and offers three distinct time the Tampa Theatre in allowing moviegoeras for the message to be displayed in: ers to enjoy a good film and popcorn, it 1926, 1956 and 1996. These styles pull doesn’t stop them from pursuing ways on the Tampa Theatre’s historic roots, to participate in their community. with each one being a hallmark represenTo schedule a Marquee Message, tation of the theater’s episodic timeline. contact Tampa Theatre Box Office These donations help the Tampa Manager Dawn Kidle at dawn@tamTheatre to maintain costs, including rent patheatre.org to make your donation and staff payments, and avoid losing its and schedule your date and time. Digital signature, historic environment. To proofs will be provided prior to the disDirector of Marketing and Community play going live to ensure your special Relations Jill Witecki it was imperative message is camera-ready at the approthe Tampa Theatre stay afloat. So it priate time.
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Page 34
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Museum For All Program Grants Access To Local Museums For Those Who Receive SNAP Benefits
America’s Wildest Drive-In Experience Comes To Tampa With The Parking Lot Social
Museums For Petersburg and the All is a national, John and Mable branded access Ringling Museum of program that Art in Sarasota. encourages individThe program uals of all backoffers museums a grounds to visit way to broaden their museums regularly visitor base and it and build lifelong allows undermuseum habits. It served comis open to participamunities a tion by any type of way to visit Local museums, including the museum, including museums, art, history, natural Tampa Museum of where the Art, participate in a history/anthropolovisitors can program called Museums For All. It is an initiative gy, general musebe inspired and have that allow members of the community their creativity ignited. ums, children’s who receive SNAP benefits free or museums, science The program is an reduced admission at several area museums. centers, planetariinitiative of the ums, nature centers, historic houses, Institute of Museum and Library sites, zoos, aquariums, botanical gar- Services. It is administered by the dens and arboretums. Association of Children’s Museums. The program allows individuals Since its launch in 2014, and families who receive SNAP benMuseum for All has served more than efits (food stamps) free or reduced 2.5 million visitors nationwide. general admission to many museums There is no limit to the number of simply by showing their active EBT times an individual or a family can card at the admissions desk. Cost of visit the museum. They can get admission should never be a barrier admission for 43 or less for up to to someone visiting a museum. four people per one EBT card. At the In the state of Florida, there are Tampa Museum of Art, for instance, 22 participating venues. Within the families receive free admission Tampa Bay area, there are several, thanks to funding from PNC Bank. including the Museum of Science and A representative from the Tampa Industry (MOSI) in Tampa, the Tampa Museum of Art said, “We are so Bay History Center in Tampa, the proud to offer this national program Tampa Museum of Art next to Curtis to the Tampa Bay community during Hixon Park in downtown Tampa, the this critical time.” Explorations V Children’s Museum in For more information on the Lakeland, the Great Explorations Museum For All program and to find Children’s Museum in St. Petersburg, out about participating museums, the Morean Art Center in St. please visit www.museums4all.org.
The Parking nology and conLot Social is sists of a fully coming to covered stage, Tampa’s two 40-foot Raymond screens, a 52James Stadium foot-tall rainbowbeginning on shooting fire Thursday, July hydrant and two 16 and running larger than life, through Sunday, inflatable Parking July 19. This Lot Social gorilevent modernRaymond James Stadium in Tampa will host las. Not only izes the tradiThe Parking Lot Social, a new immersive and does the space interactive event featuring Car-A-Oke, tional drive-in look amazing, it Headphone Disco DJ Battle, Midnight Movies experience and more. Get your tickets now as each event is capable of through a supercomfortably hostis limited to 250 cars. sized, multisensory attraction. Guests ing up to 250 cars at each event. In a will enjoy ‘Car-A-Oke,’ silent disco, live unique twist, audio will be transmitted bands, interactive trivia, stand-up directly from the stage to custom-made comedians, food, drinks and more. wireless headphones, which will be The Parking Lot Social offers an supplied to all guests. exciting mix of classic and cutting edge If that is not enough, there will also concepts to help guarantee a unique be a dedicated food village. Social disand unforgettable night out with the tancing protocols will be in place for all emphasis on the interactive and the food ordering, delivery and handling. immersive. The event was the creation of The Parking Lot Social will also be Grahame Ferguson and Cameron hosting two dedicated family events Craig, founders of XL Event Labs. going by the name of Social Kids. Ferguson said, “The Parking Lot Social These will run through the day on has been designed with a special Saturday and Sunday and will feature emphasis on the event being immerall the same entertainment but adapted sive and interactive. Given that people for a family audience. There will be a will be restricted to their cars, this strong parents versus kids theme runaspect of the event becomes super ning throughout the Social Kids events important. Think of it like a mini festival and a fun, safe day out for the entire that takes place right inside your very family is guaranteed. own car.” At the event’s core, and setting it Tickets start at $29 and must be apart from a traditional drive-in experipurchased online. For a completer ence, is its unique, custom-designed schedule and to purchase tickets, performance space. This spectacular please visit installation is a blend of art and techhttps://theparkinglotsocial.com/.
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Page 35
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Local Options Help Kids Get Crafty: Summer Art Opportunities For Kids
By Faith Miller
Multiple locations in the area are offering kids and their families several opportunities to get creative and have some fun this summer. AR Workshop and Art Monkey, two local art studios in the area, are offering everything from summer camps to candle making to get kids
Workshop’ on Wednesday, July 29. The business will be hosting a ‘Christmas in July’inspired week from Sunday to Saturday, July 19-25 with fun Christmas-themed arts and crafts for kids. During these uncertain times, it’s great to see businesses reopening and helping kids find their imagination and creativity this summer. All information regarding Art Monkey can be found at www.artandicecream.com and it can be contacted at 3159803. All information regarding AR Workshop can be found at www.arworkshop.com/brandon. Its summer camps can be found under the calendar and it can be contacted about birthday parties and events at 775-7109.
Art Monkey offers project workshops throughout the summer.
An AR Workshop summer camp featuring the tote bags the kids made.
creative on their break from school. AR Workshop is located in Brandon and is currently offering multiple activities and events for kids and families. Its summer camps currently run weekly from June to early August, and kids participate in a different project each day and are able to personalize the projects they make. “It’s a really fun time for all the kids,” stated the owner, Stephanie Paxton. The business also offers private birthday parties where the birthday kid picks the project for the group to
do and each of them gets to personalize the project to make it their own. Another option for crafty fun, Art Monkey, is located in Lithia in the Park Square Town Center and has many events happening throughout the month of July. Each Friday, the business will host ‘Story Art’ where children are read a book and do a project based off that book. Once the children finish their artwork they receive a kiddie cup of ice cream. Art Monkey has begun offering candle making and is offering workshops on Thursday, July 2, Tuesday, July 7, Wednesday, July 8 and Friday, July 10 for different age groups, each
with their own special treat included. The business is also offering multiple varieties of workshops for kids, including a ‘Unicorn Plaque/Bubble Painting Technique Workshop’ on Sunday, July 12 and a ‘Be Gnarly (Gnarwhal) Canvas Workshop’ on Friday, July 31. For teens and tweens, the company is offering a ‘Happy Camper Plate
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
Tampa Theatre’s Movie-Maker Summer Camp Goes Virtual
By Lily Belcher
By Brian Bokor, Founder www.facebook.com/bokorscorner
With all the new construction around South County, we wanted to shed some light on just a few of the many projects coming to the area in this column. Some of these are in the early stages of development and others about ready to open, with each adding value to our ever-growing community. Due to the events of the past three months, opening dates for several new stores, including the Cracker Barrel near the Riverview GDX Theater in Gibsonton, the Tractor Supply Company on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Seffner as well as the Bravo Supermarket in Brandon near Providence Rd. and Town Center Blvd. intersection, have been delayed. Please check back with the Osprey Observer for the most updated information. New projects in the construction phases include Alafia Brewing Company on US 41 in the Twin Oaks Plaza in Gibsonton. Brainchild of founding partners Dan Castanera along with George and Mary Taylor, the team looks to make their operation not just a brewery, but a destination.
Live circus acts will entertain guests daily and kids will help make their own flavored sodas. The Big Bend area will be getting a Noire The Nail Bar in the Lincoln Bend Plaza near the recently opened ALDI. Two new 7-Eleven stores are being built in Ruskin, one at NE 19th Ave. and 30th St. and the other at Shell Point Rd. and 24th St. as well as a four-story hotel near the College Ave. interchange at I-75. Recently submitted plans include the Riverview Regional Park covering 25 acres located on the north bank of the Alafia River off Riverview Dr., west of US 301 and east of the I-75 overpass. Parking, pavilions, restrooms and a large walking path with a scenic overlook of the Alafia are just some of the features. A large community hospital is set to be built on the east side of US 301 between Boyette Rd. and Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview with Apollo Beach slated for a large home improvement distribution facility at the southwest corner of Big Bend Rd. and US 41. Want to know what is coming soon.... email bsbokor@gmail.com.
Despite the corontor during the week of avirus pandemic’s best Monday, July 20. efforts to dim the lights “The instructional on Tampa Theatre’s portion includes game anticipated summer show-style quizzes camps, young direcand group discussions, tors will attract audibut even more imporences via virtual auditant will be the periods toriums to view the where campers are products of this year’s searching their homes A backyard movie-maker films his unique summer film for props, costumes guest star for Tampa Theatre’s summer camp. camp. The Backyard and settings,” said Movie-Maker summer camp, Tampa Theatre’s media conpartnering with the Florida tact, Jill Witecki. “The goal of Center for Instructional the Backyard Movie-Makers virTechnology (FCIT) and the tual camp is the same as our Tampa Electric Company for regular Summer Film Camp: to the 20th year, is part of Tampa foster creativity and teach chilTheatre’s Education and dren visual literacy.” Outreach program and welThe camp gives future comes students in grades 3-12 Steven Spielbergs a chance to and their families to learn the put their ideas in the spotlight— basics of cinematography and teaching campers how to write a directing. The camp gives parscript, direct and edit short film. ticipants an opportunity to learn the While Stan Lee might not make a techniques needed to create an atcameo in the at-home movies, particihome film for only $125 per family each pants will create sets in their living room week. and cast their family as actors. Aspiring “When the ongoing COVID-19 clofilmmakers will need a computer or sure made it impossible to move forphone with a movie editing software ward with Summer Film Camp this program, such as iMovie (which is free) year, we all agreed immediately that we or Movavi (which offers a seven-day wanted to collaborate instead on a virfree trial), to create their at home movie. tual program,” said FCIT Assistant For information about the Backyard Director Nate Wolkenhauer. Movie-Maker summer camp, visit After the success of June’s courshttps://tampatheatre.org or contact Jill es, participants will have the option to Witecki at jill@tampatheatre.org. For create a family documentary during the information on how to register, contact week of Monday, July 13 and create a Box Office Manager Dawn Kidle at scene in the style of their favorite direc- dawn@tampatheatre.org.
BEAUTIFUL HOMES START WITH BEAUTIFUL FLOORS
July 2020
Page 37
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
G ET THE DIRT WITH FLORIDA YARD EXPERT
Lynn Barber, Hillsborough County Extension
A Favorite Heat Seeking Annual - Coleus
Annual flowers provide a great opportunity to color up your landscape, front porch and lanai, whether in the ground or in containers. Most Florida annuals last one season, not one year. There are both warm and cool season annuals. I selected coleus as a favorite warm season annual that does well in central Florida. Coleus is a fast-growing plant that can reach a height and spread of 1-3 feet. Coleus has low drought tolerance. It prefers full sun and performs well in partial shade/partial sun. Propagation from cuttings is very easy. Consider your site conditions: sun, shade or part of each; soil type; and the size of the landscape bed, then you can make good plant selection decisions. Purchasing plants first and then making these determinations later will cost you time and money. For plant selection, access the University of Florida website, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu, and select specific plants. Or, order a free copy of The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design. Go to https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/, click on ‘Resources,’ then ‘Free Publications,’ select the ‘Florida-Friendly Landscaping’ topic and you will find the guide. To prepare the site, add 2-3 inches of organic matter to the soil surface and mix into the soil. Top the organic matter with a controlled (slow)-release fertilizer according to the label and mark your calendar
We me Welco ck! a You B
when the next application will be needed. Dig the hole for the plant so 10 percent of the container size is above ground level. Water the plant before and after it is planted. Space the plants according to their mature size, not how they look the day you plant them. Water as needed until the plants are established, which means you can see shoot growth. Microirrigation works well for watering annuals, and be sure to direct the water to the roots and soil, not to the leaves or flowers. Mulch the area so it is 2-3 inches deep when settled and pull the mulch away from the base of the plants. Mulch retains soil moisture, and this moisture next to the stem of the plant could cause damage and attract insects or disease. Mulch moderates the soil temperature, reduces runoff and erosion, improves the soil structure, suppresses weeds and enhances the beauty of the landscape. For more information on annuals, please review Gardening with Annuals at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg319, from which this article was adapted, and the Central Florida Gardening Calendar, which contains month-by-month information on what to plant, when to prune, fertilize, etc., at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep450. For more information and answers to gardening-related questions, contact our office at 744-5519, and be sure to visit our website for information and upcoming events at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcoming-events/. Enjoy your landscape. Be well.
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Volume 19, Issue 7
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Rainwater Harvesting: Now’s A Good Time To Get Ready, Set And Capture! By Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent
Many birds of prey call Florida home, including the five species of owls that live here yearround. Those species include the barn owl, great horned owl, eastern screech owl, burrowing owl and barred owl. The barred owl may be one of the most widespread and common owls to observe in our area. With their round head and stocky build, these large birds lack ear tufts and have vertical brown bar markings on their white, feather-covered chest. Nocturnal by nature, these quiet and stealthy hunters are most active at dusk but can be seen and heard in daylight hours too. Their hoot is a low, rich baritone of eight to nine notes that sounds like a hoot, caw and cackle. They can often be heard in pairs communicating back and forth as they are very territorial creatures. The barred owl’s diet consists mostly of small animals like rodents, squirrels and lizards. They have been known to prey on aquatic critters such as crayfish, frogs and fish as well. Barred owls roost in trees and nest in cavities within those trees. They prefer habitats near water and are commonly found in areas with lakes, ponds and swamps nearby.
Barred owls often live an average of 10 years in the wild and have survived for over 20 years in captivity. They mate for life and can utilize the same nest year after year to hatch their eggs and rear their young for up to 4 months. Barred owls, like all birds of prey, are crucial components of a healthy food web and ecosystem. Not only do they keep many rodent, insect and reptile populations in balance by being a natural source of pest control, but they also do not have many predators, giving them a top position in the food web. These beautiful birds do, however, face many challenges that stem from human development sprawl. One threat to their survival is the overuse of rodenticides. With rodents being a main food source, owls often fall victim to secondary rodenticide poisoning from eating the poisoned prey. This sad and painful death to many raptors like owls can be avoided by eliminating the use of bait boxes and rat poisons all together. If you have a rodent problem, try instead to find and eliminate the source or utilize a nontoxic and humane alternative that is safe for all animals and can possibly save an owl’s life.
Did you know that 1 inch of rain on a 1,000-squarefoot roof will yield 623 gallons of water? Yes, that’s hard to believe…until you attend a workshop, receive your rain barrel, take it home, hook it up and it rains. With an average annual rainfall of approximately 50 inches, each household can save more than 31,000 gallons a year if they had sufficient storage capacity. We offer rainwater harvesting workshops one Saturday a month via Zoom currently through the Extension office in Seffner for a cost of $5. By participating in this workshop online, you will learn how to collect rainwater for landscape irrigation, the benefits of capturing rainwater and how set up and create additional barrels. Information is shared on creating an overflow, connecting multiple rain barrels, maintenance needed, painting if desired and mosquito control. Harvested rainwater can be used on ornamental plants, but not edibles, and this will also be fully explained during the workshop. Did you know that we offer triple workshops (rainwater harvesting, composting and microirrigation) nearly every month of the year, currently via Zoom? These educational programs
are $5 per household per workshop, attendance one time only, as a Hillsborough County resident. If you have not attended, think about this: after the rainwater harvesting workshop, you will receive one rain barrel that staff and Master Gardeners have drilled and spigoted. After composting, you receive a compost bin, kitchen compost bucket and compost thermometer. After microirrigation, you receive a microirrigation kit, hose nozzle and rain gauge. Prior to the workshop, registrants will receive information about workshop item pickup locations and times. Pre-registration is required. Check out our website, which contains the calendar of events, at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcoming-events/. For horticultural assistance, contact the UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County at 744-5519. We do hope that we will soon all be able to again stroll through the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden, our perennial garden and Girl Scout Troop-created Pollinator Garden. We hope to ‘see’ you via Zoom at our upcoming workshops, and remember to reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat. Thanks, and be well!
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Sports Connection Photos courtesy of Dawn Wolff
657-2418
www.ospreyobserver.com
By Nick Nahas
Bloomingdale Girls Basketball Starter Follows Family Tradition As Standout Player COVID-19 has affected many people’s daily lives and routines. There are many cons of the pandemic, but there are some benefits to having more free time, such as the ability to spend more time with your loved ones. Bloomingdale basketball player Kyrstin Wolff and her mom, Dawn Lanier, have taken advantage of this rare opportunity. Lanier played college basketball for Loyola University. Many members of her family members have played the game as well, including her father, who played semipro. Now her daughter, Kyrstin, has taken up the family tradition as well, by her own choice. As a freshman at Bloomingdale, Wolff averaged six points per game to go along with seven rebounds and two blocks per game while starting at center. This comes as a pleasant surprise for Wolff, who got cut as a sixth grader from her middle school team a few years ago. Wolff didn’t let that hinder her. She decided to work as the team manager that same season to learn the playbook, as well as hone her skills. She didn’t want to feel that same way again, so she used that as her main motivation to get better.
Her hard work all paid heads sometimes because off in the end, as she they both have strong perbecame a starter for her sonalities and are very simihigh school team, which lar, but they always make went 19-7 this past seaup in the end, and this son with a trip to regionexperience has helped als. She also worked them learn to communicate hard while doing schoolbetter. Dawn is currently work online, finishing working from home for her freshman year with Progressive as a corporate an impressive 3.85 recruiter. She has taken on GPA. the role of a mom, teacher “I learned a lot from and trainer while working Kyrstin Wolff was a standout player for Bloomingdale. playing tough teams like full-time. The pair has Tampa Bay Tech and trained for four to five days Fort Myers this past a week since the beginning season,” said Wolff. “I’m happy to have of the pandemic. earned their respect as a freshman, but I “She is far better than I was at her know that I still have a lot of work to do.” age,” said Dawn. “As hard as it is to hear The young Wolff remains hungry as her not wanting to be like me, it allows she continues to work in the off-season me to see her forge her own path. I think with her mother to evolve as a player. that’s because she’s chosen basketball, According to Dawn, Kyrstin has only versus it being planted on her. I love seeplayed the game for three and a half ing her on the court. I love seeing her years and still has a lot that she can enjoy playing.” improve on. This pandemic has given the Kyrstin has been working on her pair a rare opportunity to spend time fundamentals, dribbling, shooting and together and bond over the game that athleticism, often going to the blacktop they both love. They admittedly butt court in the private park behind her
neighborhood with fellow teammate Kaylie Lewis and others. She also has a hoop in her driveway and has worked out in her garage with their “makeshift CrossFit gym.” Dawn has also been running and working out with Kyrstin, while teaching her everything she knows about the game. Their body type and style of play is so similar that it’s almost uncanny. Kyrstin also wears the same number 42 that her mother and grandfather both wore. Dawn calls Kyrstin her “mini-me.” The training will continue throughout the summer for Dawn and Kyrstin. They normally would be entrenched in the travel ball summer season at this time. Kyrstin plays for the Compound travel team, and Dawn is the assistant coach. They may choose not to participate due to concerns over the virus. She is also missing out on the high school spring ball season and on coaching summer basketball camps at the high school. Kyrstin’s goals are to become ranked in the state and county basketball rankings. She wants to come back to school as a different player, because she knows that her best is yet to come.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
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