Two Sections, 40 Pages of Community News
Brandon/Winthrop
C E L E B R A T I N G
Page 13
July 2019 Volume 14, Issue 7 Ph: 657-2418
33 1 7
Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Brandon Tradition, Babe’s Pizza Now Has New Owners After 41 Years
Opening Dates Announced As Bloomingdale Square Reconstruction Continues
Babe's Pizza double-decker has been a staple pizza, as well as of the Brandon their name, will all community for more remain the same. than 40 years and Before buying was established in Babe’s Pizza, the the community in Patel’s accom1978. Until recently, plished quite a lot. the landmark pizza Sofia used to be a joint has been Certified Nursing owned and operatAssistant (CNA) ed by Pat and Rich while Craig Paddock. worked at Pizza Now, the two Hut and Papa are happily retiring John’s. After that, and have left their he took over prized pizza shop to seven the new owners: Dunkin’ From left to right: New Sofia and Craig Donut locaowners Craig Patel and Patel. tions. He Sofia Patel shaking Throughout the hands with the previous later sold now-retired owners Pat years, the those and Paddock and Rich Paddocks have cre- Paddock bought in front of the ated a family-friendBabe’s Babe’s Pizza Logo ly environment Pizza, by connecting which he and making now runs long-lasting relawith his tionships with wife. their customers Craig bought Babe’s Pizza and employees. because he saw it as a place Running Babe’s that could flourish. Pizza over the “I want to help Babe’s Pizza years has grow,” he said. As the new ownbrought them ers, the Patels want only the many loyal cusbest for their new restaurant. tomers and Babe’s Pizza is located at friends. 107 N. Kings Ave. in Brandon So, it may be and is open Tuesday through a relief to those Saturday, from 5-10 p.m. and loyal customers Sunday from 5-9:30 p.m. It is that the Patels plan to keep most of closed on Mondays. For more inforeverything the same, other than a mation on the menu, visit places.sinfew upgrades. For sure, its famous gleplatform.com or call 689-2282.
It has been almost a year since the redevelopment of Bloomingdale Square began, and with all the construction underway, everyone is curious about the target dates for new tenants and store openings. The long-vacant Walmart space is currently being converted into a new New exterior Bloomingdale Square monument signs (22 ft.) have 48,841-sq.-ft. Publix, been designed to replace those currently located at the entrances on Bloomingdale Ave. and Bell Shoals Rd. a 1,600-sq.-ft. Publix It has also been announced that Beef Liquors, as well as a 15,000-sq.-ft. Home ‘O’Brady’s will open next to Truly Greek. Centric, a home goods store owned by Adjacent to that is a currently availBealls that features a continually changable 1,200-sq.-ft. storefront, followed by a ing assortment of home products. 3,000-sq.-ft. Banfield Pet Hospital, then a The anticipated opening date for the 2,800-sq.-ft. Pacific Dental Services. new Publix is tentatively set for Thursday, Next will be 1,200-sq.-ft. GNC Live Well, November 7. The existing Publix will keep and the building will be anchored by a its doors open until the day the new one 2,700-sq.-ft. Chicken Salad Chick, a is ready. “There will be no down time for restaurant specializing in fresh, housePublix,” reported Marc Elias, who is made chicken salad. the leasing contact agent for A traffic light has been installed at the Bloomingdale Square, Regency Centers. entrance/exit on Bell Shoals Rd. The old 40,000-sq.-ft. Publix location For leasing information, contact Elias will be home to a new LA Fitness once at 664-4823 or visit the corporate website the storefront becomes available and at www.regencycenters.com. build-out is complete (early 2020). Construction of the new, 14,400-sq.ft. strip center (with 2,000-sq.-ft. of patio In This area) began September 2018 with a comIssue pletion date of the exterior shell estimated to be in September or October. It will then take tenants another month or so to comNATIVITY CHURCH PARTNERS ...........PG 4 plete their build-out in order to customize STATE SENATORS ...............................PG 9 their stores. The work being done behind the McDonald's is related to water FLIGHT TO HONOR...........................PG 10 drainage retention and will not be develTHREE BULLS OPENS........................PG 13 oped. Located along the entrance roadway EYE ON BUSINESS .....................PGS 25‐26 closest to McDonald’s, the center will be ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 36 home to a 3,500 sq.-ft. First Watch restaurant with a patio. A SPORTS CONNECTION...............PGS 38‐39 breakfast/lunch/brunch favorite, this location has also requested for an Alcoholic READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE Beverage Permit and is planning to serve www.ospreyobserver.com adult beverages (unlike most other local First Watch restaurants).
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2397
By Jasmine Haroun
Generous Portions!
Postal Customer
ECRWSS EDDM Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
By Brian Bokor
CRAB, CRAWFISH, CALAMARI & LOBSTER
Made Fresh Daily!
Local resident Helen Lepre recently celebrated Cow Appreciation Day at the Brandon South Chick-fil-A on Bloomingdale Ave. She is an inspiration to the thousands of residents who put on a cow costume for this annual event. This year marks the chain's 15th annual Cow Appreciation Day, which was Tuesday, July 9, all participating Chick-fil-A locations gave away one free entree to anyone dressed as a cow.
At Crafty Crab, we know food tastes better with your hands, so don’t be shy-dig in!
704 E. Brandon Blvd. • Brandon, Fl. 33511 • 813-278-5111 Mon -Thurs 12pm -10pm | Fri & Sat 12pm - 11pm | Sun 12pm - 10pm
Not into shellfish?
Try our Cajun rice, chicken tenders and other flavorful menu options.
Page 2
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 7
July 2019
Page 3
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
The Women’s Resource Center Hosts 15th Annual Back To School Event
Bloomingdale High School Student Earns A Place At West Point Military Academy
The Women’s had some costly home Resource Center, repairs this year and have located at 1017 been through a lot. You Kingsway Rd. in have helped us a great Brandon, is preparing deal.” for its 15th annual The center was Back to School event opened in 2003 by Cheryl on Saturday, August Hickman to help those in 10 and would greatly need; struggling families appreciate any donaand individuals, single tions. parents, the Every year elderly or around this time, the disabled, vetcenter collects donaerans, and tions for its Back to the homeless. School event. After It quickly Bella was so excited trying receiving contribubecame a nonon the new pink shirt that she tions for the event, profit organizapicked out at the Women’s Resource Center’s event last year. the center then suption not only geared plies the remaining essentials. The goal is towards helping with present necessities, to provide 250 kids in need both donated but more importantly with achieving a and new outfits for each student. The more successful future. recipients also receive school supplies, as The center provides the resources, well as, food for the first week to help education, case management and supthem and their families. port many of these people need in order All of the items given to these kids to get back up on their feet and live better come from the donations brought in, so it lives. “We aid with budgeting, finding jobs goes without saying that the center bene- and homes, and keeping them accountfits from any contributions. The Center is able to achieve success in their lives,” currently accepting clothes, food, school said Hickman. supplies and hygiene products until Thanks to the local businesses, Wednesday, August 7. youth groups, churches, and individual Additionally, the Women’s Resource people who donate, these families know Center works with a textile mill, so any that their community supports them. In clothes that do not end up being used are their time of need, they can worry about sent to the mill to be recycled; this way one less thing. nothing is ever wasted. The Women’s Resource Center is A mother from last year’s event open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. noted, “Thank you for helping our family to 3 p.m. Visit http://www.wrctampa.org/ this year with school supplies. We have or call 309-3357.
Jackson Pepe, a Even though they had high school senior at never met, he heard Bloomingdale High many stories about his School, recently learned duty, valor, and courage. he had been accepted One story that resonates into the prestigious with Jackson Pepe is Military Academy at how his grandfather West Point in New York. received the Purple His start date was July Heart Medal of Honor. It 1. “I am so excited and began one day during proud that I get to serve World War II when a plamy country and contoon was wiped out in gressional district,” Pepe the field and Alexander said. Pepe was called to the Before the summer front line. His group was of his Junior year, Pepe crossing a river when Jackson Pepe holding his did not have a clear the Japanese ambushed Certificate of Appointment to The idea of his plans after United States Military Academy them, and he ended up West Point. high school. It was not taking a bullet straight until a trip to Washington D.C., with his through his arm. Unfortunately, most of family that he visited the Naval Academy his remaining group was wiped out that and later the West Point Academy camsame day. pus. “Hearing those stories as a child Getting into West Point is no easy definitely, directly and indirectly, influfeat; in fact, only 10 percent of applienced me to go into the military,” said cants get accepted. Pepe is athletic Jackson Pepe. (played lacrosse), musically talented After graduating, Pepe will serve in (drumline) and active at his school (class the military for five years. As of now, he president), but that was not enough; he is thinking of going into military intellialso had to secure a nomination from a gence after serving his country. congressional candidate to be accepted. “I am very excited but also nervous That nomination came from Dennis at the same time,” he explained. Ross, a former representative of Florida. West Point was founded in 1802 as In school, Pepe always knew he America’s first college of engineering. had an affinity for math, which is why he Today, it continues to be ‘one of our is pursuing a civil engineering degree nation’s premier leader-development like his grandfather. As a child, Pepe institutions.’ It is located 50 miles north heard many stories about his grandfaof New York City in West Point, New ther, Alexander Pepe, who was drafted York. For more information, visit into the military to serve in World War II. www.westpoint.edu.
By Jasmine Haroun
By Jasmine Haroun
Marital and Family Law WENDY K. MCGINNIS, ESQUIRE ATTORNEY-AT-LAW & CERTIFIED FAMILY MEDIATOR
You put your family first. So do we. DIVORCE, PARENTING PLANS & TIME-SHARING, CHILD SUPPORT & ALIMONY, PATERNITY, ADOPTIONS, RELOCATIONS, MODIFICATIONS, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, NAME CHANGES, MEDIATION
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
Practicing marital and family law exclusively since 2001
(813) 235-4650
410 S. WARE BLVD., SUITE 402, TAMPA (NEAR U.S. 301 AND HWY 60)
WWW.BRANDONDIVORCE.COM The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask the lawyer to send you free written information about her qualifications and experience.
Page 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 7
Advent Health Makes Medical Weight Loss A Priority For Overall Health
Nativity Catholic Church Partners With The Sheriff Office’s Homeless Initiative
Heart disease is the services easily accessinumber 1 killer in Florida, ble and obesity-friendly. A claiming 30,000 lives team of experts have yearly. been assembled under Heart disease is not one roof; no longer do an isolated event. It is you have to travel to difassociated with diabetes, ferent offices and spehigh blood pressure, high cialists and repeatedly fill triglycerides, sleep apnea out the same long intake and fatty liver, and when with the added struggle combined, it is often of aligning your medical referred to as metabolic records. The office is built syndrome. The root for your comfort, from cause for all these condilarge exam rooms, proptions is obesity. erly sized furniture, and Metabolic syndrome staff comfortable in disMichel Murr, MD, FFACS, often leads to premature cussing your weight. It death, untold health com- Medical Director is the Bariatric has refocused its entire Surgeon at the Bariatric & plications, and poor qualprocess to put your interMetabolic Institute, AdventHealth. ity of life. The good news ests first by removing all is that it can be prevented through weight the obstacles of fragmented care that loss. usually stand in your way. The key to losing weight and keepYet there is more work to do in raising it off is through the adoption and ing awareness of the consequences of maintenance of the following five habits: obesity. According to Michel Murr, MD, eat breakfast every day, sleep eight FACS, Medical Director, Bariatric hours nightly, walk 20 minutes daily, track Surgeon at the Bariatric & Metabolic your food intake, and avoid processed Institute, AdventHealth Tampa said, “Few food at least five days a week. people seek serious medical weight loss, If your body mass index (BMI) is and fewer than one in every 1,000 obese higher than 40, dieting and exercise are adults whose BMI is greater than 40 gets less effective because mechanisms that bariatric-metabolic surgery. Delaying surregulate your body weight have been gery would only delay the inevitable, overcome during years of caloric excess. allowing for the progressive worsening of There is relief, though; bariatric-metabolic obesity and its effects on your body’s surgery leads to sustainable weight loss, systems.” reversal of metabolic syndrome, and an Act now–obesity is a serious health improved quality of life. issue and requires serious treatment. At AdventHealth Tampa, these operFor more information, call 971-2470 ations have been perfected and made its or visit TampaBMI.com.
In the Tampafor help." Hillsborough area, To pull off this approximately 1,650 event, Nativity men, women and employed an army of children are homeparish volunteers to less. These are inditransform its social viduals who are hall and parking lot sleeping in cars, on into a ‘one-stop shop’ the streets or in tranof community sitional housing and resources. From shelters. basic necessities to On June 18, Nativity Catholic Church In 2010, the bicycles, the outreach opened up its doors to hold HCSO’s Hillsborough County event involved close quarterly Homeless Initiative outreach. Sheriff Office to 80 different types (HCSO) enacted the Homeless Initiative of social services where individuals could to help solve this issue and partnered receive toiletries, health-screenings, with various social service agencies, busi- immunizations, haircuts, clothing items, nesses and nonprofit organizations. A food, shower, housing assistance and deputy is assigned to five different disspiritual counseling. tricts and works with the local community Kathy Damico, one of the organizers to find long-erm solutions. of outreach and the financial administraIn addition to the daily interactions, tive assistant at Nativity commented, “It the HCSO and Tampa Police Department (the outreach) was well-organized, and it partner with local churches and organiza- brought me joy, and I'm sure that my cotions to hold quarterly outreaches. On workers will agree, that we were part of June 18, Nativity Catholic Church of this remarkable event ministering to those Brandon opened up its campus to serve in need.” 150 homeless people. The homeless The outreach not only offered shortwere bussed in, walked or were transterm relief such as a homecooked ported by deputies. spaghetti dinner prepared by Nativity vol"The homeless population in our area unteers, but also presented long-erm is growing, and there are no shelters in solutions by connecting individuals with Eastern Hillsborough County to help mental health help and housing assisthese individuals," explained Ussery, the tance. Ussery continued, “We do mindirector of Pastoral Care at Nativity. "I see istries like this at Nativity for the glory of them (homeless) come through Pastoral God, and we are blessed to have parishCare on a weekly basis. Much of the ioners who are so supportive.” homeless population is affected by alcoVisit its Facebook page at HCSO holism, drug abuse and mental health Homeless Initiative or issues, which need to be the emphasis skrager@hcso.tampa.fl.us.
Staff Report
By Amanda Boston
Best Oysters Around - Always Fresh!
LIVE MUSIC: Friday & Saturday 7pm to 11pm | Sunday 2pm to 6pm KARAOKE: Saturday 2pm to 6pm
July 2019
Page 5
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
W W W
.
O S P R E Y O B S E R V E R WE’VE MOVED TO VALRICO!
.
C O M
FOLLOW US:
2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, FL 33596 (office) 657-2418 • (fax) 657-4469
7 © Copyright 2012-2013 - Osprey Observer, Inc. No reproduction without written permission.
MANAGING EDITOR
ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
Marie Gilmore
Michelle Colesanti
657-2418
657-2418
editor@ospreyobserver.com
michelle@ospreyobserver.com
LAYOUT EDITOR
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Kathi Hayes
Kathy Collins
khayes@ospreyobserver.com
kcollins@ospreyobserver.com
DELIVERY MANAGER
BILLING MANAGER
657-2418
657-2418
Chuck Hoening
Terry Vassalotti
chuck@ospreyobserver.com
terry@ospreyobserver.com
NEWS REPORTER
GRAPHICS MANAGER
657-2418
657-2418
Kate Quesada
Denise Graf
kquesada@ospreyobserver.com
denise@ospreyobserver.com
NEWS REPORTER
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
657-2418
657-2418
Taylor Wells
Jennifer Hurst
taylormwells18@gmail.com
jhurst@ospreyobserver.com
657-2418
657-2418
PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS THROUGHOUT
BLOOMINGDALE/FISHHAWK • RIVERVIEW • APOLLO BEACH • BRANDON • VALRICO DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
RIVERVIEW ADVERTISING
Patricia Tracy
Carole Fluhart
ptracy@ospreyobserver.com
carole@ospreyobserver.com
FISHHAWK & VALRICO ADVERTISING
CHRISTIAN VOICE & BRANDON ADVERTISING
657-2418
720-810-7843
Kerrie Hoening
Trisha Becker
625-1527
Pet Vaccination Clinic At Kim’s Natural Pets
Saturday, August 3; 3:30-4:30 p.m. Kim’s Natural Foods – 2110 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico EZ Pet Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic Call 684-3663 to confirm.
Free Seminar On Caring For Houseplants
Saturday, August 10; 10-11 a.m. Kerby’s Nursery and Landscaping, 2311 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner Learn how to care for houseplants, where to place them in your home and how to repot when needed. Call 685-3265; visit www.kerbysnursery.com
Social Security Benefits Seminar Hosted By Angeloni Tax Advisory Group Tuesday, July 23 and August 20 and Thursday, August 8; 5:45 p.m. Learn strategies and principles behind the proper timing of taking you Social Security benefits; perfect for ages 58-67. The HCC campus at the Regent, 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. Call 626-7575 to make reservations. Leave message after 4:30 p.m.
Parkinson's Support Group At Savannah Court Of Brandon
Third Tuesday of the month; 6 p.m. Savannah Court of Brandon, 824 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Call 643-6767 to RSVP with Rhonda Fournier, Executive Director.
Hawthorne Health & Rehab Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
Third Thursday of the month; 2 p.m. 851 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon For more information or to register, call 661-8998 - M-F 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tampa Bay Chief Petty Officers Meeting
Fourth Thursday each month; 6:30 p.m. Tampa Buffet, 3904 S. Dale Mabry, Britton Plaza, Tampa For information, call Chuck Peterman, President – 767-1569.
919-8888
kerrie@ospreyobserver.com
tbecker@ospreyobserver.com
APOLLO BEACH SOUTHSHORE ADVERTISING
If interested in advertising in our Brandon or Valrico editions, please contact us at 813-657-2418.
Melissa Hartmann
833-7470
mhartmann@ospreyobserver.com
L AW OFFICE OF DEBRA R. BEL L , P.A. 813-330-0209
CHRISTIAN VOICE EDITOR
5476 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Lithia, FL 33547 BellLawPA@gmail.com
Amanda Boston
813-777-9824
ASSOCIATED WITH OSPREY OBSERVER
WWW.BEL L L AWPA.COM
aboston@ospreyobserver.com
Debra R. Bell
If you have an
Attorney
Guardianship - Estate Planning - Criminal Defense
Ad, Story or Press Release that you would like in the next
Our Personal Service & Attention to All Our Customers for 62 years
Bloomingdale/FishHawk edition
please contact Osprey Observer 657-2418.
Deadline for next BL/FishHawk edition is 10th of month.
HILLSBORO EVENT HALL 100 S. Mulrennan • Valrico, FL 33594 hillsboroeventhall@yahoo.com
EVENT SPACE IS ALCOHOL AND SMOKE-FREE
• Approximately 2700 sq. ft. of rental space • Seating for up to 120 persons • Separate private entrance with restrooms • Full kitchen
Newly Remodeled!
TO RESERVE, Call Karen: 813•203•1108
Birthday Parties Family Reunions Wedding Receptions Rehearsal Dinners Quinceaneras Christmas Parties Business Functions Retirement Parties Award Recognitions Scouting Events
Rentals require a 3hour minimum.
Open 6 Days
Mon.-Fri. 8am-5:30pm Sat. 8am-2pm
Fax 685-9875
425 West Robertson Street
Master Florist www.whiddenflorist.com
Order Online 24hrs a day.
CONFERENCE ROOM AVAILABLE FOR HOURLY MEETINGS • Table Seats up to 14 People • Additional SideChairs Available • Wi"i & AV Available
Virtual Online Tax Services No waiting or appointment needed...
Get Help Today!!! (0ffice) 813-616-1090 | (Fax) 813-616-1091 | info@aafinancialtaxservices.com www.aafinancilataxservices.com
710 OAKFIELD DRIVE SUITE 262, BRANDON, FL, 33511
Carole Gill I am passionate about working with professionals to create self-awareness, strengthen what's working and develop what's missing, leading to overall performance improvement and job satisfaction.
Business Transformation Expert, Executive Coach, Leadership Mentor and Professional Speaker.
813-802-8376 • WWW.CAROLEGILL.COM
Home Helpers offers help in the basic activities of daily living to help your loved one live independently. Assistance can include nutritional needs, hygiene and more. Office: 813.955.8909 | Mobile: 813.808.0875 1210 Millennium Parkway, Suite 1033 | Brandon, FL homehelpershomecare.com/Easttampa
CONTACT US TODAY! Tel: (813) 283-0642 ajhall@hcpagrp.com www.TheBrandonCPAS.com
Business, Estate, and Tax Law
617 West Lumsden Road | Brandon, FL 33511
813-662-7429 | www.LambertLawPL.com The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.
Ksliebermanteam@gmail.com
Come Experience Art!
• Kids Classes • Sip & Create Classes • Adult Classes • Workshops • Parties & Group Events We are an art studio that provides a unique art experience. A fun and engaging way to express your own unique creativity. 1114 E. Bloomindale Ave. Valrico FL, 33596 (813)591-0830 paschallblanc@gmail.com PB-Arts.com
The ReleafMD staff is dedicated to the ongoing research of the cannabis plant and can assist you with a variety of solutions and personalized treatment plans.
The Center for Medical Marijuana Schedule Your Appointment Today! Under the supervision of Dr. Kelly Ennix King 1 (844) Releaf1 or 1 (844) 735-3231
www.releafMDonline.com email: 4refeafmd@gmail.com 505 Eichenfeld Dr. Ste. 107, Brandon, FL 33511
Page 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 7
Turning Lane & Improvements Coming To S. Miller And Lithia Pinecrest Intersection
By Brad Stager
“The intent is to relieve the pressure on Miller,” she said. Julia Delones is a long-time resident of the area near the junction and expressed appreciation for the county’s effort, but is skeptical as to how well the plan will help a situation involving human behavior as much as a The intersection of S. Miller Road and Lithia Pinecrest will be improved with a $356,000 upgrade. high traffic count. “The extra turn lane will A growing number of people makhelp, but it’s not going to fix it because ing Valrico their home means an they block the intersection,” said increase in cars traveling on what were Delones, referring to a motoring techonce country roads, adding up to congestion and delays for drivers, especial- nique known as ‘blocking the box.’ Entering an intersection with traffic ly during peak travel times. backed up to the point where the car Among the plans in Eastern Hillsborough County to keep traffic mov- cannot clear the intersection, blocking the movement of other cars, is not only ing is a project to improve the interseca matter of courtesy, it is against the law tion of Lithia Pinecrest Road and S. according to Florida Statute 316.2061, Miller Road, just north of Bloomingdale which says in part, “No driver shall enter Avenue. an intersection or a marked crosswalk Plans for the project presented at unless there is sufficient space on the an open house held by Hillsborough other side of the intersection or crossCounty call for resurfacing and restriping existing pavement on S. Miller Road walk to accommodate the vehicle…” It is a problem that Workman to create an additional left-turn lane acknowledges does exist. from westbound S. Miller Road to the “Cars shouldn’t be blocking the southbound lanes of Lithia Pinecrest intersection, but they do,” she said. Road at the T-intersection. The traffic The project is part of Hillsborough signal system will be upgraded and County’s Capital Improvement Program pedestrian safety features will be and is estimated to cost $356,000. added. Actual road work will take about 60 to 90 Relieving congestion on S. Miller Road is the desired outcome, according days and the project is expected to be to Steffanie Workman, who is managing completed by August 2020. No road closures are anticipated. the project for Hillsborough County.
$1.00 OFF
ANY ICE CREAM OR SMOOTHIE
SAVE
Cold Stone Creamery 3426 Lithia Pinecrest Rd Valrico, FL 33596 (813) 681-2223 One coupon per person per visit. Expires 8/23/19
Buy One Get One FREE PITA (chicken or gyro)
Little Greek Fresh Grill 813.570.8162
10173 Big Bend Rd., Riverview Expires 8/23/19
Karla Marie Carolan, J.D. Jacqueline O. Ellett, J.D., LL.M.
ONE FREE *
CUPCAKE
10% OFF ENTIRE
with every hot beverage purchase
PURCHASE
Petite Madelyn’s - Valrico (813) 681-CAKE (2253)
Sunflower Cafe - Valrico 813-65-SUSHI
* Limited to selection/variety available at time of purchase. May not be combined with any other discount. Expires 8/23/19
10% OFF
Only valid with regular menu. With this coupon. Must present before submitting payment. Before tax. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other offers.
Expires 8/23/19
$2 OFF
ENTIRE MEAL
WITH PURCHASE OF $10 OR MORE
Summerfield Golf Doc’s Grille 813.671.3311
TBD @ 301 3840 US Hwy 301 S Riverview
13050 Summerfield Blvd., Riverview Not valid on Holidays. One coupon per check. Expires 8/23/19
Not Valid with any other discounts, promotions or coupons. No Cash Value. Expires 8/23/19
July 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 9
Get To Know Your Local State Senators, Galvano, Rouson, Lee
By Kathy L. Collins
The Florida State parts of Seffner, Mango Senate is the upper and Ruskin. chamber of the Florida Senator Rouson's State Legislature. The main office is in St. state of Florida has 40 Petersburg. However, state senators. The he does have mobile areas are known as disoffice hours in Riverview tricts. Locally, we are at the Winthrop Town represented by three. Centre and in Ybor City Senate District 21 is at the Cuban Club. The represented by State St. Petersburg office is Senator and President open Monday through of the Senate Bill Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 Galvano. District 21 covp.m. The Riverview and ers portions of Ybor City offices are by Hillsborough County appointment only. To set south of Plant City and an appointment, please all of Manatee County. call 727-822-6828. Senator Galvano’s Senator Rouson's office is located at 1023 legislative aides are Manatee Ave. W., Ste. Jason Holloway, Tennille Senator Bill Galvano, whose office is Senator Darryl Rouson, whose office Senator Tom Lee, whose office is 201 in Bradenton. The located in Bradenton, represents resiis located in St. Petersburg, reprelocated in Brandon, represents resi- Moore and Elise Minkoff. dents who reside in District 21. sents residents who reside in office number is 941dents who reside in District 20. Senator Rouson Galvano is currently serving as the District 19. 741-3401 and his email said, "As your Senator, I state agencies, but Senate President. between his disis other times we have to look to the leg- am here to represent your interests in trict office and his law office. Galvano.bill.web@FLSenate.gov. Tallahassee during the annual legislaislative process for solutions." Senator Senate District 20 is represented Senator Galvano said, “We are tive session." Senator Rouson added, Lee added, "My office serves as a liaihappy to work with our constituents on by State Senator Tom Lee. District 20 "We can help with issues regarding son between our constituents and covers Northeast Hillsborough (includany challenges they are facing with state agencies such as the state agencies. Sometimes state ing Brandon), Southeast Pasco and regard to local, state or federal govDepartment of Transportation or agencies can be difficult to navigate." ernment. If we cannot help, we will put Northwest Polk Counties. Department of Health. We can file legWhen Senator Lee is not in Senator Lee's office is located at you in touch with someone who can.” islation to change state laws and bring Tallahassee, he works as Vice 915 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. You can Senator Galvano added, “During appropriations back for projects in the President of Sabal Homes, spends my term as Senate President, I have a reach Senator Lee by calling 653-7061 time with his family and serves on sev- district." or emailing lee.tom.web@flsenate.gov. fulltime staff in Tallahassee who focus When the legislature is not in seseral boards. His local legislative aides are Melonie on our legislative policy and budget sion, Senator Rouson works as an Senate District 19 is represented Hoyt and Natalie Brown. goals. This allows our district office to attorney for the Rubenstein Law by State Senator Darryl Rouson. Senator Lee said, "I find it helpful focus almost solely on constituent Group. District 19 covers Pinellas and to hear from constituents about specifservices.” You can access current informaHillsborough Counties. It includes ic issues. Sometimes a problem can When the legislature is not in sestion by visiting www.flsenate.gov. Brandon, Riverview, Apollo Beach and sion, Senator Galvano divides his time be solved with a call to one of our
Page 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 7
Sixth Annual Flight To Honor Mission Planned By Polk City Veterans Council By Sean Crumpacker
The Polk City Veterans found on the Polk City Veterans of this year's Flight to Honor posing at the WWII monument. Council has announced its Veterans Council website. plan to hold its sixth Flight to According to Colonel Honor Mission, currently Clark, “The ability to continexpected to be conducted ue the Flight to Honor produring April 2020. The flight gram is totally dependent on will leave early in the mornsupport from our communiing from Lakeland Linder ty.” The nation can never International Airport for the thank veterans enough for one day trip to Washington, their service, but helping to DC, and return to the same fund life-changing programs airport later that night. like Flight to Honor is a Veterans will visit the war good way to start. monuments and the event "I can't even begin to tell will provide an opportunity for you how very wonderful yesthe community to honor their terday's trip to DC was. It sacrifices. was a trip of a lifetime," an Applications for both vetunnamed veteran wrote erans and guardians are about a previous Mission. being accepted now, and finalized "The welcome reception when we plans landed was the will be clinchdepender. It ent on gave the numall of ber of us applisome cants. closure All to some veterans bad are eligimemoble to ries of apply for our Representative Vincent Ross Spano attending the Flight to Honor Mission. the Mission so long as return both veterans and guardians can be guardians are hoped to be taken on they have not been on a previous home from that war." downloaded on the Polk City 2020’s Mission 6, which is estimated Flight to Honor or Honor Flight Aside from donations, the Polk Veterans Council website at to cost $98,000, and which will be Mission. There are multiple options City Veterans Council will also be http://polkveteranscouncil.com. covered entirely by donations. for veterans to apply under to best accepting volunteers. Those interestUSAF Colonel (Ret) Gary Clark, Donations made to the Flight to suit their needs and civilians can ed may contact Chairman of the Polk City Veterans Honor Mission are tax-deductible and flighttohonorpolk@gmail.com to ask apply as guardians at the cost of a Council, stated that 180 veterans and the address to send them to can be $450 donation. The applications for questions and learn how to help.
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Complimentary 2nd Opinion Exam
BRANDON
515 Corner Dr. 813-681-9473 Plant City
Lithia
623 E. Alexander St. 16321 FishHawk Blvd. 813-759-9474 813-643-9473
www.BusciglioSmiles.com
Dr. Ed Gonzalez is returning to our Brandon community and joining the Busciglio Smiles family
to once again provide our children with his excellent and experienced style of Pediatric Dentistry. He is an amazing, established practitioner, having treated three generations of Brandon’s children. His return is something worthy of celebration for the entire community, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Patients, parents, and dental colleagues alike will all benefit from having this fantastic man practicing again in Brandon.
July 2019
Page 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Teen Court Volunteers Hear Cases Offering Alternatives To First-Time Offenders
By Taylor Wells
For firstnity to learn from time teenage their mistakes offenders, Teen without affecting Court is a better their future while alternative to offering their juvenile court. In peers interested the Teen Court in the legal proProgram, after fession an admitting guilt or opportunity that taking responsicould shape their bility for their future." misdemeanor Everyone offenses, teen benefits in this A pro bono attorney, volunteering as the judge, offenders have program. speaking with teen volunteers in a Teen Court session. their cases Offenders, who heard and are then sanctioned by teen must be ages 13-18, can avoid formal juries and have about five weeks to comjuvenile court, are provided resources plete it, avoiding formal prosecution and a for individual and family services and stained court record. can return as volunteers. Youth volunCreated by the Thirteenth Judicial teers will receive community service Circuit of Hillsborough County in 1990, hours; mentorship opportunities; Teen Court also has teens volunteering increase communication, public speakas juries and defense and prosecution ing and communication skills; and attorneys. Pro bono attorneys volunteer have a strong addition to their as judges and train the ‘teen’ attorneys. resumes. Pamela Stokes, who recently retired Megan Hoening, who is a junior at as Teen Court coordinator, was with the Newsome High School, said, “I decidprogram since it began. She said the ed to volunteer for Teen Court to get a youth volunteers are very diligent, are not feel of what a trial is really like and to judgmental of the offenders and try to do what I can to be a part of the court reach out, direct and help them. system. I’ve had a lot of fun and find “I love the environment and working the trials to be interesting while also with the teenagers,” she said. “I love look- learning a lot.” ing back and seeing that some of the stuCourt Administrator Gina Justice dents I’ve worked with…they’re actually said, “In a court environment, you now attorneys and they’re working with have so few instances where you realus in a pro bono status as Teen Court ly feel you made a positive impact… judges.” And when they come and participate Pro bono attorneys will gain pro bono in such an innovative program, it’s just hours, can teach youths about court trials a way to engage in a way that results and enhance their skills and help them in a positive outcome for everybody.” open career paths in the legal profession Teen Court is held on Tuesdays through mentorship. The victim and comfrom 5:30-8 p.m. on the third floor of munity are also compensated for the the Edgecomb Courthouse at 800 E. offender’s actions. Twiggs Street in Tampa. Philip Colesanti, an associate attorFor more information, visit the ney at Roig Lawyers in Tampa who volTeen Court FAQ pages at unteers said, "Teen Court offers a positive http://www.fljud13.org/CourtPrograms/ perspective on our criminal justice sysJuvenileDiversionPrograms.aspx or tem. It gives those in trouble an opportucall Yvette Boatwright at 307-4478.
Your Injury Recovery and Wellness Center
50% OFF NEW PATIENT EXAM (cpt99202) & Xrays if necessary Also Receive a Coupon for a Free 30 Mn Massage
Drs. Arthur & Hope Reid
AUTO ACCIDENT CARE HEADACHE, NECK AND LOW BACK PAIN RELIEF MASSAGE THERAPY
1113 Professional Park Drive | Brandon, FL | 813-381-3880 | www.hopechiro.com The patient and any other person responsible for payment has the right to refuse to pay, cancel payment or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted or reduced fee services, examination or treatment. Medicare patients are not eligible for this offer.
The Truly Greek family preparers your food FRESH daily to take you on a tour of Mediterranean cuisine!
887 E Bloomingdale Ave.
PERSONAL INJURY
FAMILY LAW
Vanessa A. Bevington Allen S. Carman Michael J. Finegan SELECTED TO 2017 AND 2018 SUPER LAWYERS RISING STAR LIST MEMBER OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY AND EAST HILLSBOROUGH BAR ASSOCIATIONS
FORMER ATTORNEY FOR A MAJOR AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY
MEMBER OF THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY AND EAST HILLSBOROUGH BAR ASSOCIATIONS
FREE CONSULTATION PERSONAL INJURY
FAMILY LAW
- CAR ACCIDENTS
- DIVORCE/PATERNITY
- TRUCK ACCIDENTS
- ALIMONY AND CHILD SUPPORT
- MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
- PARENTING PLANS AND TIME-SHARING
- WRONGFUL DEATH ACCIDENTS
- PRE-NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
- PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE ACCIDENTS - DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INJUNCTIONS
NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN!
WWW.BRANDONLEGAL.COM
(813) 654-3444
Brandon, Fl. 33511 813-324-7933
TrulyGreek@outlook.com
223 LITHIA PINECREST RD., BRANDON
Find us on Facebook Mon-Sat 11 am - 9 pm Sun 1 pm - 8 pm
Take Out • Catering • Dine In Also Delivering Through:
THE HIRING OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION THAT MUST NOT BE BASED ON ADVERTISEMENT, YOU MAY REQUEST INFORMATION CONCERNING LAWYER’S CREDENTIALS FROM THIS FIRM
Page 12
Volume 14, Issue 7
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Hillsborough County’s Original Snowbirds Flocked To Limona In 1877 While some may grumble about increased traffic or jammed restaurants during ‘Snow-bird’ season, most of us treasure our winter neighbors. ‘Snowbirding’ has a long tradition in eastern Hillsborough County. Around 1880, our very first ‘snowbirds’ migrated to the town of Limona, a once thriving community supported by Historic Cemetery and marker at the corner of Limona a booming farm and Road and Lakewood Road in Brandon lumber-based economy. Few remnants of Limona remain as homesteaders, received threatening the village was completely absorbed letters promising that the only plots within Brandon beginning in the of land they would occupy would be 1950s. Historic Limona Cemetery on a 2’ x 6 ½’ plot for their coffins. Lakewood Drive is one of the few vis- Despite those threats, most Limona ible reminders. homesteaders stayed and prospered. In 1876, Judge Joseph Knapp In 1877, Judge Knapp met founded Limona by claiming a 160Edward Pratt -- a surveyor hired by acre homestead which he christened the Elgin Watch Company of Illinois ‘Limona Farm’ based on the Spanish to find a winter vacation colony for its word for lemon. Knapp became an retirees. Knapp convinced him to ardent booster of Limona praising its take a look at Limona. Pratt fell in unrivaled climate, healthfulness and love with the area and sent reports agricultural potential. He wrote letters back to Illinois of an unspoiled lake to the editor in Wisconsin and New region dotted with high sandy ridges Mexico successfully persuading setand an acceptable climate, perfect for tlers to migrate to the new communiretirees as well as for citrus, cattle ty. and timbering. Knapp’s booster efforts were freAs a result, the Elgin Company quently opposed by ‘squatter’ cattlepurchased land in Limona and men who occupied the land but who encouraged employees and retirees had not filed legal claims with the to invest a portion of their earnings in government. Knapp, along with other those business opportunities and to
By Charles Nelson secure winter homes in a welcoming climate. While several Elginites took up permanent residence, several families made Limona their winter home, traveling north for the summers. These were South Shore’s first ‘snowbirds!’ The community established a post office in 1877, and a railroad depot came a few years later linking
in that same era. Despite the hustle and bustle of modern Brandon, there remains a treasured window into life of early Limona. Scott and Julia Moseley moved to Limona, from Elgin, Illinois, in 1882. Their home, The Nest, was built in 1885, following a fire that destroyed their first cabin. The Nest sits today in a lovely wooded area, next to Portillo’s on Brandon Boulevard. Though not accessible to the public, this original 1885 house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can read much more about Limona and the Florida woodlands of 1882 – 1886. An excellent collection of letters and photos is available at the Hillsborough County Public Library: Come to My Sunland: ‘The Nest’ - 1885 Moseley home on the National Register of Historic Places Letters of Julia Limona to Plant City. By 1883 the Daniels Mosely from the Florida population had climbed to about 400 Frontier, 1882- 1886. It’s well worth residents. Limona prospered as an checking out! independent, small community until Charles Nelson holds a MA degree in History the Depression years, when it began form George Mason University and taught as an adjunct instructor at HCC (Dale Mabry). to steadily decline in population. He is also affiliated with Tampa Bay History Afterwards, the railroad station shut Center as a volunteer docent, researcher and down, the post office closed in 1964, community lecturer, with an emphasis on South and the town merged with Brandon Hillsborough County history.
Hawthorne Health & Rehabilitation • Bounce Back Rehabilitation Program • Skilled Nursing Services • Outpatient Therapy • Massage Therapy
Hawthorne Inn Assisted Living
• Unique Private Suites • Intimate Setting • Comprehensive Activity Program • Memory Care Available
Hawthorne Estates Retirement Apartments • Monthly Rental Retirement Apartments • Elegant Dining Room • Housekeeping Services • Salon On Site • Fitness Center • Outings & Daily Socialization
851 LUMSDEN ROAD • BRANDON • 813-661-8998 WWW.HAWTHORNEVILLAGEOFBRANDON.COM Not-for-Profit Provider
July 2019
Page 13
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Brandon Amateur Radio Society Hosts Annual Amateur Radio ‘Field Day’
Local Restaurateurs Open New Three Bulls Tavern & Brewery In Valrico
What would hapareas in and pen if the world lost around the U.S. access to telephone they were able to communications and make contact with the internet? In times of for the duration of natural disaster, the the event—nearly fear of communication every region of blackouts can become the U.S. over a a reality, making it twenty-four hour imperative to have period, including other means of Alaska, Hawaii BARS members James communication. and most of Moorehead (call sign Thankfully, one Canada, which WF4AC), Arthur Lusk local group can demonstrates the (KI4SGM), and Fred Hendershot (N3BUL) log- true power of ham offer a solution: the ging contacts made on air. Brandon Amateur Radio Society. radio. On June 22 and 23, the Brandon “Internet and power are always on Amateur Radio Society (BARS) hosted and always available, however, we’ve an Amateur Radio ‘Field Day’ as part of a seen quite a few examples of bad weathnational exercise supported by the er and natural disasters...that cause that National Association for Amateur Radio infrastructure to be unavailable. Ham (ARRL) to educate people about the radio has always demonstrated that when usage and importance of ham radios. all else fails, ham radio is always able to The event was hosted at Davis Park, get the message out,” Scott Irwin, presilocated at 612 N. Parsons Ave. in dent of BARS, stated. Amateur radio is a Brandon. vital skill, he explained, because of its reliThe national field day is always host- ability and ability to relay information ed on the fourth full weekend of June. when primary communication networks More than 40,000 “hams” (amateur radio go down. They can be used to communihobbyists) help set up the national field cate with first responders and even other day each year, including those among the regions of the US to relay information. Brandon Amateur Radio Society. The Brandon Amateur Radio Society Temporary transmission stations are set has been serving the Brandon, Riverview up to demonstrate the science and skill and East Tampa areas for more than 40 behind amateur radio as well as to eduyears to provide emergency communicacate the general public about the realtions, license classes and operator trainworld usefulness of an underrated hobby. ing programs. Hams were on-site educating visitors For more information or to schedule, about the radio setups they were using. please visit the website at www.brandonComputers logged the data of all the hamradio.org.
“They say her own estabgood fences make lishment, but good neighbors; she admits it is we say great beer fun to watch it does.” This is the blossom and mantra for the exciting to be recently opened part of the Three Bulls neighborhood Tavern & brewery. Brewery. While dinThree Bulls Tavern & Brewery This local ing at Three recently opened to rave reviews. It is located at 4330 Bulls, you will neighborhood Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico. establishment be able to may be new, but it has roots going back glimpse the brewing process and soon to the founding of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in enjoy one of the six beers Tracy plans to 1985 when Jim and Jeanette Mellody brew. There are also guest craft brews opened the first restaurant. Now 34 years available. later, their sons, Jim and Sean Mellody, The food is great too and it is Jim’s along with Jim’s wife, Tracy, continue the own recipes that you will find on the tradition by creating their own brand. menu. The food is mainly gastro pub Three Bulls is located where the Beef ‘O’ style. Among the offerings will be houseBrady’s recently closed on Bell Shoals smoked pastrami Rueben, Smoked Rd. and has been completely renovated. Gouda Mac ‘N Cheese, Mojo Smoked “It was our passion, more than anyPork, Tacos and Bowls. If you don’t eat thing else,” Jim said, on why they determeat, there are a lot of choices such as mined to open their own gastro pub. the Impossible Burger, Cauliflower Taco Conceiving a new concept was one or Veggie Bowl. thing, but making it happen proved to be “We are definitely committed to another. “So as it turns out, building a adding something special to the new restaurant concept from the ground Bloomingdale community said Tracy. “We up is no small feat,” said Sean. There don’t just own a business here. We live were some obstacles to overcome, but here too.” the restaurant recently opened to rave Hours are Monday to Thursday from reviews. 4-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 It is Tracy who is passionate about p.m.-12 Noon and Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 brewing, and is currently working on p.m. Three Bulls special brews. “I am primarily Three Bulls Tavern & Brewery is a Belgian-inspired brewer,” she said. She located at 4330 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico. started brewing back in 2012 but never Call 381-3853 or visit on Facebook at thought she would be brewing the beer in Three Bulls Tavern & Brewery.
By Sean Crumpacker
By Michelle Colesanti
$5,150
BREAST AUGMENTATION WITH SILICONE IMPLANTS
$4,150
BREAST AUGMENTATION WITH SALINE IMPLANTS. SURGERY MUST BE SCHEDULED FOR JULY 2019. ONLY APPLIES TO NEW BOOKINGS.
Breast Augmentation Breast Lift Tummy Tuck Mommy Makeover Liposuction Buttocks Lift
Facelift Eyelid Surgery/Browlift Skin Tightening Laser Hair Removal Botox/Dysport Dermal Fillers Cellfina Cellulite Reduction Renuvion Skin Tightening
Stanley A. Castor, M.D., FACS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Certified American Board of Plastic Surgery
813.971.2000 www.DrCastor.com
Page 14
Volume 14, Issue 7
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
County Offers Up To $5,000 Mini-Grants To Local HOAs, Deadline Approaching
BayCare And Local Organizations Collaborate To Improve Mental Health Outcomes
Valrico Buckhorn area residents Groves, which is have the located adjacent to opportunity to Mulrennen Middle improve their School on Pearson communities Rd., has been applynext year ing for mini-grants thanks to intermittently since money from 2010 with the HOA Hillsborough board seeking resiCounty. Applications The residents of Valrico’s Buckhorn can now be Grove community will receive a new submitted for ADA compliant play center this month Hillsborough thanks to a mini-grant from County’s 2020 Hillsborough County. Applications for Neighborhood the 2020 grants are accepted between now and Friday August 30. Mini-Grants, dent input for neceswhich offer groups and homeowners sary projects. associations (HOAs) the chance to apply “We maintain it as an annual topic in for up to $5,000 to fund community projboard discussion each year and survey ects. our community through social media to According to Wanda Sloan with gain feedback on the process,” said Hillsborough County’s Office of Estep. “It has always been a pleasure to Neighborhood Relations, mini-grants can work with the members of the county. be put towards a wide variety of projects There is not a doubt in my mind that the such as neighborhood celebrations, chilprogram wouldn’t be what it is, if not for dren’s programs, community gardens, the passion of the staff behind the grant signs and landscaping, crime watch proand the services they provide.” grams, safety equipment, websites, Before applying for a grant, group newsletters and leadership training. representatives must attend a training “Neighborhood, civic, homeowner class either in person or online. The trainand crime watch associations in ing reviews the application, grant criteria Hillsborough County that are registered and projects that qualify for the miniwith the Office of Neighborhood Relations grants. A verification code received at the are eligible to apply,” said Sloan. completion of the training must be includThe Hillsborough County Board of ed on the application in order for the proCounty Commissioners established the posal to be considered. A training class is mini-grant program in 1988, but this is the scheduled to take place on Tuesday, first year that grants will be awarded up to August 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the $5,000, double the amount available preBloomingdales Regional Library. viously. Successful grant recipients will be notified Daniel Estep, president of Valrico’s in late fall. Buckhorn Groves HOA, applied for a Applications must be received by 5 grant last year to install an ADA compliant p.m. on Friday, August 30. play center. To register for a class or to learn “Our community is now 15 plus years more about the grant process, visit old and we are seeing a wave of younger www.HCFLGov.net/Neighborhoods and and growing families moving in with click on the “Neighborhood Grants” link, young children,” said Estep. “But we have or call the Office of Neighborhood no feature for the youngest residents.” Relations at 272-5860.
The Tampa Bay “This is an issue region, like the nation, that’s very personal is grappling with record to me, and I’m very numbers of suicide grateful for this initiarates, substance abuse tive,” said Dewey and opioid deaths. Mitchell, member of That is why the BayCare Board BayCare and 30 other of Trustees and broorganizations have ker and owner of joined forces to develop Berkshire Hathaway a regional mental at Florida Properties health initiative and an Group in Pasco entity called the West County. “I’ve had a Ravi Chari, MD, president at HCA West Central Florida Mental loved one who strugFlorida Division. Wellness Coalition to help improve outgled with substance abuse. I’m one of comes for depression, anxiety and subthose people that didn’t know where to stance abuse disorders in Tampa Bay turn. I felt lonely and helpless. I am sure and West Central Florida. that there are some people in this room Leaders from BayCare and local who may feel the same way I do.” hospitals, behavioral health providers, law Other speakers shared the same enforcement, government agencies, sentiment. Participating leaders like Ravi schools and leading corporations Chari, MD, president at HCA West launched the entity and the initiative durFlorida Division, Chris Nocco, sheriff at ing an event on June 20 at the Bryan Pasco County Sheriff’s Department and Glazer Family Jewish Community Center Tracye Brown, assistant superintendent in Tampa. of Hillsborough County Public Schools, “Our community is in a crisis, and made the case for change and asked that’s why we need everyone’s support to others to get involved. help make a change,” Tommy Inzina, “Mental health and substance abuse president and CEO of BayCare, told the are changing everything we do in law guests. “This is not just a BayCare issue. enforcement,” said Sheriff Nocco. “Last It’s a community issue. BayCare is the year alone, we handled more than convener, and we’re trying to create 19,000 mental health calls in Pasco momentum and provide a platform.” County, and about 11 percent of them Through this coalition, the goal is to were mental health related.” bring together organizations from the The participating organizations plan region to destigmatize the issue of mental to create a governing board and a profeshealth and substance abuse, improve sional core team to accomplish their access to care, create urgent care access goals. and enhance navigational resources. Visit https://baycare.org/.
By Kate Quesada
READYMADE AND CUSTOM BLINDS We offer:
8504 E. Adamo Dr. Ste. 175 | Tampa 813-488-5487 Mon -Sat. 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
WAREHOUSE & SHOWROOM OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
• Mini Blinds • Vertical Blinds • 2" Faux Wood Blinds • Curtain Rods ALL READY TO GO! GRAND OPENING
By Vjolica Hysenlika
Like Us: Follow Us:
SPECIALTY COCKTAILS Classic Mojito..............................................$4 Margarita ...................................................$3 Featured Mason Jar Rum Punch..................$3.5
702 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon 813-685-0502 www.laseptimacafe.com Mon. - Sat. 11am. - 9pm. • Closed Sunday
Thank you for voting us
25%OFF
Lightweaves® Roller Shades* *Custom Only. Sale ends July 31, 2019.
HAPPY HOUR Monday thru Friday- 3-6pm SMALL PLATES $5.50 or 2 for $10 Yuca Fries-Mini Crabs-Stuffed Potatoes
for best Spanish Restaurant and Cuban Restaurant.
WINE Glass....$3 House • White Zinfandel • Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay • Red or White Sangria Featured Wine.....Glass $4 WELL DRINKS $2.5 Ron Carlos Rum-Bombay Gin Sauza Tequila-Smirnoff Vodka Canadian Whisky DRAFT BEER Bud Light $1.5
July 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 15
Bloomingdale High School Senior Bloomingdale Golfers Club Hosts Live Wins Free Car For Perfect Attendance Music On Saturdays By Nur Suleiman
don’t think there was a secret for having perfect attendance. I was just dedicated, and I always wanted to go to school.” Graves’s mother Tammy Fallin said “There was never a choice not to go to school. We always knew that. It’s just who Megan is.” Perfect attendance wasn’t always easy for Graves after moving to Ruskin and having to travel almost an hour to school each way, she still never missed a day. Megan Graves stands with her mom Tammi Fallin in Graves could hardly believe it front of het brand new 2019 Toyota Yaris at the when her key turned the door Hillsborough County School Headquarters lock, “I had butterflies in my stomEvery year Toyota of Tampa Bay and ach when I walked over to the car. Hillsborough County Public schools partHowever when I was choosing the keys, I ner up to hold the Perfect Car for Perfect picked up this one and I was going to put Attendance event. To be eligible, students it back. But then I had a feeling that it was have to be a graduating senior with perthe one and it was.” fect attendance from Kindergarten Hillsborough County Schools and through 12th grade or be randomly Toyota of Tampa Bay have been holding selected as one of eleven seniors who this event for nine years. The competition had perfect attendance for at least one was started as a way for Toyota of Tampa academic school year. Bay to give back to the community. The students selected one out of 21 General Manager of Toyota of Tampa keys and then had the chance to try the Bay Mark Schols said, “It is really amazkey to open the driver’s side door of the ing that over the years of watching this, it car. is almost like the person that is supposed This year, Bloomingdale High School to win the car, wins it.” graduate Megan Graves choose the corGraves plans to use her car to take rect key and was rewarded with a 2019 her into her next phase in life which is colToyota Yaris. Graves was the fifth particilege at Hillsborough Community College. pant to try the key out of the 16 who She wants to be either a neonatal nurse attended. Graves hasn’t missed a single or a wildlife veterinarian. school day for 13 years, which adds up to For more information on the Perfect 2,340 days with no absences. When Attendance Program, visit asked what her secret was Graves said “I www.sdhc.k12.fl.us.
By Nick Nahas
Once a month, the Golfers Club also hosts an event called First Friday on the first Friday of every month. The festivities begin with trivia at 7 p.m., lasting until 9 p.m., followed by a live band from 9 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. Drink specials are offered throughout the night as well. “It’s a great opportunity to get together with friends in our neighborhood,” said customer and Valrico resiPhoto courtesy of Bloomingdale Golfers Club dent Kristine Schroeder. “You can’t beat the locaBuxton performing live on a Saturday night. tion, the food is good, the The Bloomingdale Golfers Club price is right and the staff works really pizzeria has become the go-to hangout hard to accommodate everyone. I defifor Valrico and Brandon area residents. nitely recommend people give it a try. It’s The pizzeria, which opened in March of in our own backyard and it feels great to last year, is located in the clubhouse on be able to support a neighborhood busiNature’s Way and is open to the public. ness. A little friendly competition never Every Saturday night, the pizzeria has a band that performs from 8 p.m.-12 hurts either.” In the fall during football season, the Midnight while offering drink specials from their full bar, which includes several pizzeria will have access to every NFL game through its Direct TV package. craft beers as well. There is no cover Fans of teams from different cities will charge to attend. be able to watch their team play every “We love performing at the Golfers Club,” said Mick Hasson, member of the Sunday on the clubhouse’s 12 large TV screens with drink specials offered. band Rock Candy. “The room sounds The pizzeria offers different options very good, and people can still talk while other than pizza, including salads, the music is going. The crowds have wings, subs and burgers. For more inforbeen very fun, and the people are mation, or to view pizzeria and golf spegreat.” cials, visit the official Facebook page “It is a great gig with a cool neighcalled Bloomingdale Golfers Club. The borhood vibe that kids and adults can enjoy,” said Green Light Go guitarist Jeff menu can be viewed at BloomingdaleGolf.com. Dean.
Page 16
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Make Sure Disaster Preparedness Includes Pets
By Dr. Jennifer Challenger DVM, MPH
It is important to be prepared for natural disasters and emergencies. The safety of your family depends on preparing a disaster plan, and this includes your pet's needs, as well. Prior to an emergency, gather information and compile a pet disaster kit. Determine safe rooms in your home. Know your evacuation zone and which county shelters allow pets. In an emergency, if it is unsafe for you to stay in your home, it is also unsafe for your pets to stay. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately; never wait until the last minute. Have a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians in your community that shelter animals in an emergency. On your list include friends, relatives, or others outside your area that may let you and your pets stay with them. Also include pet-friendly hotels outside your area. A good reference is www.petswelcome.com. Public sheltering should be your last option. All shelters will allow service animals, but you will need to plan ahead and even call for reservations for family pets once the county announces that a shelter has opened. Shelters provide a safe refuge, but pets are kept in a separate area from their owners. You are expected to provide a cage and care for your animal
while you are at the shelter. Counties reserve the right to refuse admittance to any animal. A pet disaster kit is invaluable if you find yourself in this situation. Start assembling your kit by taking photos of your pets and write their names, identifying marks, rabies tag number and microchip number on the back of photos, along with your complete contact information. Store pictures and current copies of vaccination records in a sealed plastic bag in the disaster kit, and ask your vet for written prescriptions to include in the sealed bag. The kit also should include: carrier, bedding, two-week supply of food, collar, harnesses and leashes, water, disinfectant, handy wipes, paper towels, plastic bags for waste, latex gloves, sturdy bowls, treats/toys, can opener, small litter box, disposable pans/liners, scoop; ample supply of litter, 14 day supply of medications, comfort items, blanket or sheet for privacy in crate and a muzzle if necessary. After a storm or natural disaster, proceed with caution and watch for downed and dangling power lines, broken glass and other debris that could pose a danger. Always walk pets on a leash until they become reoriented to their homes and yards and all dangers have been cleared. Visit mapsscgov.net for evacuation and shelters list.
Volume 14, Issue 7
Grow Into You Foundation, Inc. Offers Life-Coaching & More What began as a calling to mentor teens in the foster care system has now expanded into a foundation and a home for teens who have aged out at 18 years old. Brandon resident Erin (O’Grady) NeSmith, a certified professional coach and mentor, guides teens who are getting ready to age out of group homes and transition into adulthood. NeSmith described how her experiences as an educator and time working with juvenile justice led her to establish her foundation in 2016. She recognized the gaps in ‘the system’ and felt God placed this mission of mentorship in her heart. Every week, NeSmith visits group homes throughout the Tampa Bay area. The goal of the foundation is to prepare teens for adulthood before they leave the foster care group home. However, she spends much of her day also assisting teens who have already aged out. Through life-coaching, she helps teens finish high school, encourages them to make healthy decisions and educates them on the state’s extended foster care benefits. “I help them shift their perspective,” explained NeSmith. “I tell them that ‘I can’t change your circumstances, but I can help you change the way you see them.’”
By Amanda Boston
Every year, nearly 26,000 teens age out of foster care. A recent study was conducted in the Midwest found that by age 26, between 31 to 46 percent of these former foster care teens were homeless at least once. Furthermore, an estimated 80 percent of foster youth suffer from a mental health issue. In March 2018, NeSmith was honored as a Lightning Community Hero and received a $50,000 donation from the Lightning Foundation. That following December, NeSmith used the funds to establish the Oak House for boys in Brandon. NeSmith's father owned the Oak House property, which was renovated for its new purpose with materials generously donated by Chadwell Homes. The property is maintained by NeSmith's father and her church family from Element Church where her husband, Benjamin co-pastors. “The solution is a community-supported and coach-supported home,” said NeSmith. “I want Oak House to be the model for all the other aged out homes in Hillsborough County, but funding is the main blockade.” To help or donate to the Grow Into You Foundation, visit www.growintoyoufoundation.org.
July 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
, k r a P e Th n I y t r Pa k Trash & Tal ore… Mby Michelle Coolemsanti, er.c led Compi ospreyobserv e@ michell
It’s Game On! Party In the Park At Brandon Recreation Center
In addition to how customers use the services, Solid Wastea Management also wants to know opinions on potential service changes being evaluated, including garbage collection frequency and curbside bulk pickup. You can participate online through July 29 and complete a short customer survey at www.SurveyMonkey.com/r/SWCustom erSurvey.
Mosquito's Worst
In celebration of Enemy Is Free National Parks & Residents Recreation Month, throughout Hillsborough County Parks Hillsborough County & Recreation will host a can pick up free fish Party in the Park at the again this summer to Brandon Recreation help reduce backyard Center on Thursday, July mosquito breeding. 25 at 5 p.m. Game On! Brandon Recreation This year's mobile Enjoy fun, games and Center Party mosquito fish truck music. The park is located events will also feature Mosquito at 502 E. Sadie St. in Brandon. Management's new education lab, focusVisit ing on actions residents can take to www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locaproactively eliminate mosquito habitats tions/brandon-park-and-rec-center for and stop larvae production. more information. Residents can visit the lab locally and pick up fish from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the County Now Offers Multi-Year Pet following Saturdays: July 27 - SouthShore Registration Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way in You can register your car for more Ruskin, August 24 - Mike E. Sansone than one year. Ditto for your boat. Now, Community Park, 1702 N. Park Rd. in you can register your pet for more than Plant City and September 7 - Gardenville one year at a time. Recreation Center, 6215 Symmes Rd. in Hillsborough County has added Gibsonton. more registration tag options, giving ownThis is a natural way for residents to ers the choice of a one-, two-, or threecontrol the spread of mosquito-borne disyear tag for their dog, cat, or ferret. The ease. Mosquito fish are small, native changes went into effect on July 1. freshwater fish that eat mosquito larvae. In addition to the convenience factor, The fish are ideal for backyard ponds, the change to multi-year licenses is fountains, animal troughs, unused swimdesigned to make it easier for owners to ming pools, and other standing water. keep their dog or cat’s vaccinations and They require no feeding, and care is limitregistration tags on the same cycle. Pet ed to protecting them from garden Resources will help pet owners get their sprays, chlorine, or other chemicals used tag on the same cycle even before your for cleaning. Mosquito fish do not lay pet’s rabies vaccine expires crediting eggs and need no special environment what has already been paid for toward for breeding. the cost of a multi-year license. Residents will need a photo ID showIn Hillsborough County, pets older ing residence in Hillsborough County to than four months must be registered and receive fish, which will be available while have proof of a rabies vaccination. Fines supplies last. begin at $100 for failure to license or vacFree mosquito fish are also available cinate. through September 18, every Tags can be purchased through the Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon at County’s Pet Resource Center or with the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, 1408 your veterinarian. 24th St. S.E. in Ruskin, through a partnership between Hillsborough County and Hillsborough County Invites the University of Florida facility. Residents to Talk Trash Hillsborough County wants to know how residential solid waste customers use their garbage, recycling, and yard waste services. The County contracts with three private companies to provide collection services to approximately 290,000 households in unincorporated Hillsborough and New Tampa. With the contracts expiring next year, Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management is seeking feedback from customers to help shape how services may be offered in the future.
You Are Invited For Social Dancing
Plant City Social Dance will hold a dance on Saturday, August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Strawberry Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd. in Plant City. This dance will be social dancing on a 3,000 sq. ft. floating wood floor. Dance to the music by DJ Ken Miller. Social dancing includes slow dances, waltzes, line dances, cha-cha and rumbas, two-step and country slow, swing and free style. The cost is $6 a person. No alcohol is to be brought on property.
Water and cups are available. Please bring your own snacks and drinks. Visit strawberrysquaredancing.com.
School Supply Free Giveaway Hosted By Embrace Christian Church
Embrace Christian Church is hosting a back to school supplies free giveaway on Sunday, August 4 at the Seffner Mango Library, located at 410 N. Kingsway Rd. It will begin at 11:30 a.m. after the church’s fellowship service at the library. For more information, email Pastor Duwayne Smith or call him at 310-8646.
RCMA Recruiting Teachers And Support Staff In 21 Florida Counties
RCMA, one of the state’s largest private providers of child care and education, is recruiting teachers and support staff for its 66 child development centers, three charter schools and afterschool care programs in 21 Florida counties. Founded in 1965, RCMA has 1,600 employees and serves more than 6,500 children of low income and migrant families each year. The nonprofit organization has an $82 million annual budget. There are a variety of open positions, including charter school elementary Spanish teacher, charter school first grade teacher, early childhood development teachers, information and data specialists, cooks and bus drivers. Spanish language fluency is preferred. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience. RCMA is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Learn more and apply at rcma.org/employment.
Ladies & Little Ladies Tea & Style Show
Ladies & Little Ladies Tea & Style Show is a fundraiser for The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Stephen Conference. It will benefit the food pantry and financial assistance program for those in need, and will be held on Saturday, September 14 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Additional monetary donations beyond ticket price and laundry soap would be greatly accepted. The cost is $18 per person. For reservation or additional information contact Pam Liguori at 545-7856 or PLC1522@yahoo.com or Arlene at 284-
Page 17
5884 or arstein@outlook.com. The Tea & Style Show will be held at the Family Life Center of St. Stephen Catholic Church, 10118 St. Stephen Circle in Riverview.
Congregation Beth Shalom’s Upcoming Events
Poker / Mahjong Night on Saturday, July 27-All are welcome to try their luck; $5 to play, loads of fun to follow. Call in advance to reserve a spot. Snacks and beverage will be served. Open House on Sunday, August 4Come, visit and learn about us: rabbi, Hebrew school, mission and more. For more information call the office. A Taste of Tanach (Formerly called “Bibles and Bagels) on Saturday, August 10 from 10-11 a.m. - Rabbi Bryan Mann will lead a session on the torah portions, Light breakfast ill be served. Bring your
own beverage. All are welcome. Everyone is welcome to attend Sabbath services on Friday’s at 7:30 p.m. Oneg, nosh and mingle follows. All are welcome. All services are streamed live and can be watched afterwards on its Facebook page. Simcha Shabbot service will be on August 16. Congregation Beth Shalom is located at 706 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 681-6547.
Plant City Community Chorale's 2019-2020 Season Sees New Voices
The Plant City Community Chorale is looking for new voices to join its singing community. New singers are asked to demonstrate the ability to match pitches and rhythms, sing in tune, and be flexible in section placement for voice balancing and tone dynamics. Please call/text 965-7213 oremail PCCChoraleSecretary@gmail.c om to set up a time on Monday August 12 between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. to sing for its Artistic Director. Monday rehearsals start on August 12 and run from 7-9:30 p.m. at Holy Innocent’s Episcopal Church, 604 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. Visit www.pccchorale.org.
Page 18
Volume 14, Issue 7
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Questions Answered About When To Water During The Rainy Season By Katherine Munson
Q: When is the best time of day to water your lawn? A: Follow the time of day specified by your local water restrictions. A good rule of thumb is to water your lawn before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to reduce evaporation from the sun. Q: How can I be sure my yard has received enough water? Q: Why are the summer A: Use a rain gauge to months the best time for outdetermine how much rain door water conservation? your yard has received. If A: During the summer you have a rain sensor, months of June, July, August make sure that it is working and September, Florida typicalproperly by manually turning ly sees increased rainfall. the irrigation system on and When it is raining daily, give spraying a water hose at the your irrigation system a break. rain sensor. If the sensor is Yards need no more than a working properly, your irrigaKatherine Munson, one-half to three-quarter inch of Senior Conservation tion system will automaticalwater every two to three days. Education Coordinator ly turn off within three minIf your lawn has received with the Southwest utes. Florida Water enough water from rainfall, turn Management District. Q: Any other tips on off your irrigation system, and making the most of the rainy season? turn it back on when needed. A: It is important to make sure gutter Q: When should you water your downspouts are directed into landscaped lawn? areas or your lawn. Installing a rain barrel A: Water only when your yard needs also is a great way to capture excess it. The simplest way to determine if your rainwater during the summer months. For yard needs water is to look for these visumore information on how to install a rain al clues: Grass blades are folded in half barrel, visit the District’s website at lengthwise on at least one-third of your WaterMatters.org/rain-barrels. yard. Grass blades appear blue-gray. Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it. If your yard is showing signs that it needs water, check your local forecast to see if rain is on the way.
Katherine Munson is a Senior Conservation Education Coordinator with the District. She assists with water conservation outreach efforts throughout the 16-county area and oversees the District’s youth education program.
We Buy C ins
Celebrate 50th Anniversary Of Apollo 11’s Moon Landing At MOSI’s One Small Step Exhibit By Taylor Wells
MOSI, said, “We had a shared dream, and with that shared dream and a very short amount of time, we came together as a country and we were able to demonstrate to the world that we were able to accomplish something monumental that’s The One Small Step exhibition at MOSI is available from now until early September, so make sure to join in and cele- inspirational, that has brate the 50th anniversary of this historic event. essentially set the bar In partnership with NASA, the One and the standard for all human space Small Step exhibition at MOSI has joined exploration.” the museum’s collection of innovative and As One Small Step shows, Neil educational exhibits in celebration of the Armstrong’s famous words, “one small 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” landing on July 16, 1969. hold true, as the Moon landing was a One Small Step is as a science and stepping stone for future space explohistory exhibit that includes recounting ration efforts. stories; artifacts like a space pen used to “NASA’s current mission is to go save the Apollo 11 mission from disaster; back and establish a permanent lunar hands-on space engineering activities, base on the Moon in preparation for such as a makerspace where guests can sending humans to Mars,” said Pelaez. build rockets and test magnetic hoverThis is a great opportunity for families crafts; and more. to come together and talk about what the It also has a full-scale wall featuring Apollo 11 Moon landing meant to them, Buzz Aldrin saluting the U.S. flag planted experience it through the exhibit and on the Moon, which guests can pose with learn more about it. One Small Step lasts and take pictures of, and a multiplayer throughout the summer until early game where people work together to land September, so be sure to visit for a fun, the Apollo 11 Lunar Module Eagle on the educational and fascinating adventure Moon. centered around this momentous event. On Tuesday, July 16, One Small The One Small Step exhibit is includStep visitors can join a global rocket ed in MOSI’s general admission. launch, which is expected to be a world For more information, visit record with Guinness World Records offihttps://www.mosi.org/explore-mosi/. cials participating. MOSI is located at 4801 E. Fowler Ave. in For what the exhibit aims to teach Tampa and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 guests, Anthony Pelaez, the Senior p.m. daily. Director of Exhibits and Innovation at
NEW TO THE MARKET
We also buy Stamp Collections, Proof Sets, Postcards, and Foreign Coins
Call “The Tracy Team”
Buy • Sell • Estimates • Appraisals
CORBIN’S Stamp & Coin
PATRICIA TRACY Realtor
(813) 748-9364
Where your experience is our priority!
RIVERVIEW
A must see! Fabulous 5 bdrms, 3 baths, well maintained 3,000+ sq ft home. Offers spacious open floor plan. Large kitchen w/ granite countertops, stainless steel appliances & beautiful updated cabinets. Family room comes w/ Klipsch surround sound speakers w/ latest acoustic technology. There is a flex room downstairs w/ full bath. Upstairs a spacious room that serves as a lovely family room, study. Master bedroom contains a large en-suite bath & walk-in closet. Community includes a pool, parks, & walking trails. This home is conveniently located, easy access to shopping, restaurants, airport & downtown. $293,900
209 N. Kings Ave. • Brandon, Florida 33510
813-651-3266 corbincoin@verizon.net Mon-Fri 9am - 4pm Sat 9am - 1pm
Southwest Florida Rheumatology Specializing in treatment of:
Rheumatoid Arthritis • Psoriatic Arthritis Osteoporosis • Gout • Osteoarthritis • Lupus ON SITE: Infusion • Lab Ultrasound
Accepting NewPatients most insurance accepted
Dr. Priya Reddy M.D. FACR Board Certified Rheumatologist
11954 Boyette Rd., Riverview
813-672-2243
www.SWFLRHEUM.com
VALRICO
Beautiful land, utilities, well & septic on property. Land zoned AS-1. No HOA!. Call Today! $50,000
Call today for a private showing!
FREE Home Value Estimates!
Selling the Neighborhood We Live, Work & Play Over 25 years Experience
July 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 19
Riverview Was Named ‘Moonshine Alley’ By Prohibition Era Feds Leaven Brewery in Riverview, Four Stacks Brewing in Apollo Beach and Bullfrog Creek Brewing in Valrico are local, southern Hillsborough County craft breweries growing legions of devoted fans. Although legal and popular today, opening a craft brewery during Prohibition (1920 to 1933) might well have landed an enterprising brewer/distiller in jail. Prohibition-era laws outlawed the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. More practical economic laws of supply and demand, however, ensured that the illicit commerce would thrive. Well-hidden stills could be found throughout rural Hillsborough County, and Riverview was a hotbed for the prohibited activity. Dubbed ‘Moonshine Alley’ by enforcement agents, the backwoods creeks flowing into the Alafia River around Riverview were natural settings for the illegal trade. Armed with guns and hatchets, agents often conducted raids in the area, smashing hundreds of stills and thousands of bottles of moonshine. Arrests, however, were infrequent. Tampa’s Prohibition Enforcement Director A. L. Pete Allen explained that, “The people out there live in trees. They see us coming and take to their heels. Lookouts are posted in trees to warn boozemakers.” Even when arrests were made convictions were rare. On a small island in Buckhorn Creek (near today’s Bloomingdale Rd. and Kings Ave.) was one of the largest sites ever raided. In May 1922, agents destroyed a 250-gallon still and arrested R. L. Watson. One
By Charles Nelson
Photo courtesy of Florida Memory Project
A working still uncovered in Riverview in 1920. Below: Logos for Leaven Brewery, Four Stacks Brewing and Bullfrog Creek.
thousand bottles of moonshine and fruitbrandy were smashed and dumped along with 800 lbs. of prunes and 200 lbs. of dried peaches found in ‘very bad condition.’ Bad fruit was often reported as a primary source of the mash. Director Allen reported, “The more juicy the garbage, the better the shine.” Typically, Watson was not convicted as the search warrant could not be produced at trial. Only 4 percent of those arrested in 1922 were sentenced to jail. Allen also reported that, “The aver-
Navigation to Wealth Creation
BRANDON 329 Pauls Dr. Brandon, Fl. 33511 813-689-9297 PLANT CITY 1907 S. Alexander St. Plant City, Fl. 33566 813-752-6604 rcwcpas.com
CUSTOM HAIR
AFTER
For the hair you’ve always wanted!
Thin Hair?
• Human Hair & Synthetic Hair Wigs • Permanent, Non-Surgical Options • Chemotherapy & Alopecia Specialist • Largest selection in Tampa Bay • We also service Men’s Hair Systems
BEFORE
Serving Tampa Bay Since 1969
117 N. Kings Ave • Brandon • (813) 651-9484
www.CustomHairTampaBay.com
age moonshiner did not know enough about distilling to manufacture clear whiskey, and the product was often strengthened with potash and other poisons which sometimes resulted in deaths.” This was a dangerous business but lucrative for operators where the risk of capture and punishment was slight. Smaller sized operations were more numerous. A small camp located about three miles northeast of Riverview was the location of a raid
where officers seized a 100-gallon capacity still and 11 barrels of grapefruit mash. Four miles southeast of Riverview on Bell Creek (near today’s Bell Creek Nature Preserve), a 100-gallon still was smashed and eleven barrels of corn and grits mash were confiscated. No arrests were made in either raid. Once moonshine was made, distribution to local buyers was key. Local road houses were often searched. When an illegal product was found, it was confiscated and these saloons were shut down, only to spring up in another location. A popular spot for moonshiners to deliver their stock was also found on Whiskey Stump Key, a small island south of the Alafia River mouth. Legend has it that customers left their money in an empty bottle under a tree stump on the island and returned to find the money gone and the bottle filled with liquor by area moonshiners. Today it is a protected bird habitat. So, feel free to visit one of our growing, local craft breweries. When you go, give a thought to the 1920s and tell your brew master of our wild moonshining history and his good fortune when it comes to timing in opening his business. Charles Nelson Bio Charles Nelson holds a MA degree in History from George Mason University and taught as an adjunct instructor at HCC (Dale Mabry). He is also affiliated with Tampa Bay History Center as a volunteer docent, researcher and community lecturer, with an emphasis on South Hillsborough County history.
Page 20
Volume 14, Issue 7
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
ts, u o y r T l bal e s a B l e ,& n o i Trav t a r t is 5K Reg ore… M ichelle Colesanti,
Year as a freshman, then practices or keeping score. Outstanding Sophomore and this No standings; games are year Manera was named MVP of the just fun. There is no cost team. for the families; the proManera has also been a standgram is corporate and indiout student in vidually sponsored. ed by M com the classroom, The West Florida Compil spreyobserver. o @ e earning a 5.28 Flames Soccer League ll miche weighted GPA in (WFFSL and formerly spite of a rigorBAYSL) has sponsored ous course load and hosted TOPSoccer including honsince 1996. This season begins at the ors, AP and dual WFFSL fields on Saturday, September 7 The Running Of enrollment at 9 a.m. and will run through The Bulls 5K classes. She is November 16. Discounted a member of the Registration takes place at the During Summer National Honor Society, National Beta WFFSL clubhouse, 3104 S. Kings The Running Club, and Mu Alpha Theta. With an Ave. in Brandon on Friday, August 9 of the Bulls 5K is interest in animals and a desire to (6-7:30 p.m.), Saturday, August 10 offering a $10 off pursue veterinary (9-11 a.m.), Friday, August 16 (6summer registraschool after college, 7:30 p.m.) and Saturday, August 17 tion discount. The Running of the Bulls Manera is a ‘puppy(9-11 a.m.) Day Team Time 5K will be held on Saturday, January 18, raiser’ for All players must show a copy of their July 31 9U Wolves 5:30-7:00pm 2020 at Bloomingdale High School. The Southeastern Guide IEP at registration. 11U Wolves 7:00-8:30pm 5K is hosted by the Bloomingdale Band Dogs and also volunAdult volunteer coaches and high Boosters and benefits the Bloomingdale teers at a local veterischool students interested in community August 1 10U Wolves 5:30-7:00pm High School Band and athletic teams. nary clinic. service hours are welcome. 12U Wolves 7:00-8:30pm One hundred percent of each race regisManera stated, For more information, contact Ken tration goes directly to the school. Local "It has been a great Muzyk at 657-5271 or Fred Englehardt at August 2 13U Ostingers 5:30-7:00pm businesses sponsor the race to cover all honor to receive the brandontops@aol.com. Visit www.faceexpenses. Each registrant receives a Henry Hicks 14U Ostingers 7:00-8:30pm book.com/BrandonTOPSoccer for race shirt and finishers receive medals. Memorial Award, and updates. Runners and walkers are welcome. I am thankful for my August 5 8U Wolves 5:30-7:00pm You can register now through August Bloomingdale High School Student coaches and teamfor only $20 at mates who have Awarded Outstanding Swimmer Florida. Our Wolves 8U-12U and https://fitniche.com/event/running-of-themade swimming at Bloomingdale High Isabella Manera has been awarded Ostingers 13U-14U teams are extremely bulls-5K/. School so rewarding." the Henry competitive, learn, and play baseball the Hicks right way under Director of Baseball – TOPSoccer Registration Takes Place FishHawk Wolves Jim Osting. Memorial In August Travel Baseball Award for The program offers Wolves teams TOPSoccer, (The Outreach Program Tryouts Outstanding from 8u-12u and Ostingers teams at 13u for Soccer), is a comIf you are look- and 14u. Under direction of Coach Swimmer munity-based training ing for a quality by the Jimmy Osting, his coaching staff of forand team placement travel ball program Hillsborough mer professional and college level playprogram for young that is professional- ing experience is second to none. This is County athletes with disabilily run with an outSchool a proven travel ball organization that ties. It is organized standing coaching Board. This plays at the highest level and prepares by youth soccer staff to help develhonor goes your player for the next level not only on association volunop your player to to just one the field but also off the field in daily life. teers. The program is their full potential, high school Tryouts will be held at FishHawk designed to bring the opportunity of learn- swimmer in FishHawk Wolves Sports Complex located at 16120 ing and playing soccer to any boy or girl Hillsborough Bloomingdale High School student Isabella Manera Baseball Club and FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. Please visit received the Henry Hicks Memorial Award for age 5 and up who has a mental or physiOstingers Baseball County. www.fhwolves.com to register for tryouts Outstanding Swimmer. cal disability. Academy will be Manera has or to learn more about the program or The goal is to enable young athletes conducting try-outs for the Fall 2019 lettered in swimming all three years on times of tryouts. For specific questions with disabilities to become valued and Season. the team, also qualifying for regionals about the tryouts or about the program, successful members of Florida Youth Play for the Nationally Ranked preevery year in her best event, the 100m please email Greg Stallings at Soccer and the US Youth Soccer family. mier travel ball program in Central breaststroke. She earned Rookie of the gstallings@fhwolves.com. The program is a ‘relaxed format’. No
Wolves & OBA Tryout Dates
HAULING & CLEANUP
A-Z HAULING & CLEANUP $25.00 & up We Will Do It All & Haul! Yards, Trimming, Property, Garages, Furniture, Appliances
813-239-4014
PEST CONTROL
PAINTING
YOUR TERMITE AND PEST SOLUTION FROM YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD PROFESSIONAL
LAWN SERVICE
WINDOW CLEANING
Palm Lawn Services 813-431-1860 nvymustang@aol.com
RESIDENTIAL . COMMERCIAL FREE ESTIMATES
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPE & IRRIGATION REPAIRS
CALL OUR TRAINED EXPERTS 24 HOURS A DAY
Call for FREE Estimate today!
814-207-7018 Veteran Owned
US NAVY VETERAN
Servicing Brandon and surrounding area for 25 years.
813-915-4080
4306 NORTH 56 STREET • TAMPA, FL 33610
Licensed Insured
Experienced,Reliable & Reasonable Licensed & Insured
LANDSCAPING ALTERATIONS TREE SERVICE ACCOUNTANT ADVERTISING AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER REPAIRS FRENCH DRAINS Warner’s Nursery 10706 Bloomingdale
813-689-5081 (cell) 813-817-6826
(office)
Lic# RX0058177
Inna’s
le F lexibrs Hou
Ladies, Gentlemen & Children
SALE
Prom & Evening Dresses Bloomingdale Professional Center
1514 Bloomingdale Ave E., Valrico (near Bloomingdale High School)
(813) 651-4416
ABC TREE SERVICE INC. Tree Trimming • Removal Stump Grinding Leaves Free Heavy Trim Sod Service Also Available
15 % OFF Month of July
CALL 813-623-4206
GARY D. MEYER CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT
• Accounting & Bookkeeping
ADVERTISE with US for
• Compiled Financial Statement Presentations • Tax Return Preparation for Individuals, Corporations, LLC’s and Partnerships • Consulting for New Business Startups • Financial & Estate Planning
813-971-4067
gmeyer4@tampabay.rr.com Serving the Tampa Bay Area Since 1980
$50 $200
JUST
AS LOW AS
or
per ad
per month* *INCLUDES ALL 5 EDITIONS PER MONTH
(813) 657-2418
www.OspreyObserver.com
July 2019
Page 21
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Bridal Show At The Regent To Be Aired On MOR-TV
By Hailey Le Roy
is airing eight times a week every month before the event and one month after the event. On the date of the show, Rios is going to interview some of the smaller businesses in the community. “...Everybody The beautiful Regent, where the bridal show will be taking place. better look very On Saturday, August 31, a bridal well dressed because they’ll be on TV for show at The Regent from 1 to 5 p.m. sure,” said Rios. showcasing local fashion designers and In addition to the booths, the event boutiques will air on MOR-TV. will feature a fashion show from the According to Christy Rios, the coormodel group, Redefined Model, around dinator of this event, the show started as 4-5 p.m. using local boutique dresses. a small idea to help local businesses in Rios’ purpose for this model group was the area but has since grown to the to put everyday people from the commubeautiful venue of The Regent, with a tel- nity on the stage. evision airing that will reach 1.5 million “We’re not looking for the typical homes. Victoria Secret cutout of what a model “I’m very excited about it. There’s should look like. We really want to help been a lot of bridal shows within the teach people how to walk confidently in area, but they are usually always at the their own skin versus walking good in arenas. I had the opportunity to be introheels. Anyone can walk good in heels duced to the ladies over at The Regent, and have a full face of makeup,” Rios who were excited about the possibility of said. working together on this. So, we set a It is free just to attend the event, but date and it’s been just...rubber hits the a ticket must be printed out from the road and going full force up until August ‘Bridal Show at the Regent’ Eventbrite. 31,” said Rios. Rios is still accepting new vendors She is also giving the opportunity for and sponsors. local businesses to get a booth at The For more details, email Regent and airtime on a commercial that BridalShowAtTheRegent@gmail.com.
Watchmaker
and Jewelers On Site
c M Auley Fine Jewelry Open Tuesday-Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-4
813-689-8124 Oakfield Drive, Brandon
(Located in the Atlantic Village Plaza, Kings Avenue & Oakfield Drive)
InCare's medical director, Dr. Pramjeet Ahluwalia, is an internal medicine trained physician from Texas Tech University. He has worked in hospital medicine for over 9 years dealing with complex medical cases and now brings that experience to help in outpatient care. His focus is on preventive medicine, health and body wellness, and optimizing chronic conditions to treat the patient as a whole.
Internal Medicine Primary Care Medical Spa Medical Marijuana IV Vitamin Therapy
813-553-3330 11922 Boyette Rd Riverview, FL, 33569
www.incarenow.com
GRAND OPENING! ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS NOW!
Page 22
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 7
IB Students In Hillsborough Continue To Outpace Students Around The World
Homes For Our Troops Builds A Custom Home For Local Army SPC
unheard of in the world of IB education, nationally and globally,” said Bob Cox, Hillsborough Schools’ Supervisor of Magnet Programs. According to the International Baccalaureate Organization, last year the U.S. IB diploma Strawberry Crest High School in Dover’s IB rate was 65.6% and the program had a 100% passing rate, a first for the school and only the second time in the disglobal IB diploma rate trict’s history. was 78.18%. These Students in Hillsborough County national and global numbers are currentPublic Schools’ four International ly being tabulated and updated for this Baccalaureate (IB) programmes are year. once again proving that they measure up “I want to congratulate our students, to, and exceed, the performance of stufamilies and staff who are part of our IB dents around the world. programs. Earning an IB diploma sets The IB diploma rates were recently these students apart from others as they released and our district’s four IB apply to universities. These students Diploma Programmes collectively had have proven they can handle demanding one of their most successful years ever, workloads and can meet the high expeconce again topping last years’ national tations placed on them, which will set numbers. them up for success in college and in the Every senior in the IB program at workforce,” said Jeff Eakins, Hillsborough Strawberry Crest High School in Dover Schools Superintendent. graduated with an IB diploma, giving the To receive an IB diploma, a student school a 100% passing rate, a first for must pass oral and written exams, pass Strawberry Crest High School and only courses and maintain a high Grade Point the second time in the district’s history Average throughout their four-year IB (Robinson High School, 2015). career. They must also earn hours in Strawberry Crest increased its diploma service to their community and write an rate by two points, moving from a 98% extended length college-level essay. last year. Students must accomplish all of the “Our students, families and educaabove while also living the life of a high tors at each of these schools worked school student, participating in school very hard to reach this amazing level of clubs, sports, jobs, friendships and other success. These diploma rates are activities.
The community is invitand finding out that I was ed to celebrate the kickoff of getting my own accessible the building of a home cushome. To learn I can gain tom-made in Wimauma for my independence back, it Army Specialist Michael was pretty much the best Monthervil, who fell on his day of my life.” neck during a training exerAs Monthervil’s old cise in Afghanistan, causing home offers little space for a spinal cord injury and leavhim to maneuver around ing him a paraplegic. This due to his wheelchair and house, to be built by Homes some places For Our Troops (HFOT), will are too high be specially adapted for his to reach, disability. Ashley Michael Monthervil is HFOT is a publicly Nickles, his grateful to HFOT and funded, 501(c)(3), nonprofit girlfriend and the community for their organization that builds and caretaker, support. donates custom homes often needs to help him, so nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 this custom home will give him back freeveterans. With these accessible homes— dom and independence. Construction which are built where veterans choose to should take six to eight months. live—they can get back some of their “I’ve gone to a few community kickfreedom and independence and focus on offs…and I can’t wait until my day comes. family, recovering and rebuilding their The excitement of them starting on my lives. home, it’s great and awesome. And for HFOT’s homes feature over 40 major the community to come out and support adaptations and exceed ADA compliance me, that’s going to be awesome,” said standards. According to its website, Monthervil. “These adaptations include wider halls The ceremony takes place on and doorways, automatic door openers, Saturday, July 27 at the Firehouse roll under sinks, stove tops, and counters, Cultural Center at 101 1st Ave. NE. in pull down shelving, generators and safe Ruskin and will be followed by an opporrooms, all designed to help the veteran tunity to meet Monthervil and lunch. live independently.” Registration for the event is at 9:30 a.m. Since its inception in 2004, HFOT and it starts at 10 a.m. RSVP at www.hfohas built over 270 homes nationwide for tusa.org/monthervil. veterans in need. Vvisit www.hfotusa.org. Contact Mell Monthervil found HFOT while getting Barbosa at mbarbosa@hfotusa.org or therapy at a VA medical center, and soon 774-218-2194. You can also help HFOT after, he said, “I remember back in 2015 by donating on its website.
Staff Report
By Taylor Wells
Summertime Savings! $500 Off Your Order *
Maximize your home’s energy efficiency Control light/privacy via a variety of opacities Lend an array of eye-catching fabric choices in different textures and band sizes Bring peace of mind with many safer, cordless operating systems Lifetime No-Questions Asked Warranty
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Call today to schedule an appointment. Blinds • Shutters • Shades • Drapes • Home Automation
813-530-0903
631 W. Lumsden Rd. | Brandon, FL 33511
July 2019
Page 23
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
BRIDGEWATER LANDING
Model Phone Number: 813-653-7373 www.bridgewaterlanding.com
55+ Independent Living Community Cottages & Villas NO CDD
Errors and omissions excluded. Prices, plans, elevations, promotions and specifications subject to change without notice. Š 2019 Sunrise Homes. All rights reserved. CGC# 038600
Page 24
Volume 14, Issue 7
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
THE BEST HOMES
Top Producer 2002 - 2018
MORE THAN $120 MILLION SOLD IN 2018
PRIVATE 7 ACRE PARADISE WITH SPRING FED LAKE! You are going to fall in love with this 4/4.5/3 + office + pool home! Have extended family? You will love the detached guest house! Main home updated in 2002 and NEW ROOF in 2011! New A/C's in 2011 & 2015! True unique property, take a look at my website! $750,000
! G EWIN N T S LI
SPECTACULAR SABAL HOME ON 0.36 ACRES! Fall in love with this wonderful 4/4/3 + office + bonus + pool/spa home that offers a fabulous canvas for you to make your own! Loaded with upgrades including fabulous wood & tile floors, plantation shutters, crown, gourmet kitchen & lanai with pavers & outdoor kitchen! Perfect! $650,000
! EW E N RIC P
PERFECT DAVID WEEKLEY "BEARDSLEY" HOME ON WATERFRONT LOT IN GATED HUNTERS LAKE! Fall in love with this 4/4/3 + office + bonus home that offers upgrades galore & shows like a model! Wood floors, neutral paint, wide base, crown & more! Gourmet kitchen with 42" white cabinets, island & stainless appliances! Screened lanai with pavers! $500,000
! EW E N RIC P
COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS FINEST! Perfect executive estate with private pond on almost 6 acres! Fall in love with this 4/3/4 + pool home that offers NEW ROOF in 2018! Be impressed with the wood floors, crown, framed windows, French doors & more! Spacious kitchen with wood cabinets, granite, island & built-in appliances! $650,000
! EW E N RIC P
WONDERFUL SUNRISE HOME IN SMALL COMMUNITY! Sitting on 0.33 cul-de-sac lot with touches that include crown, wide base, upgraded tile & wood floors, plantation shutters & more! Incredible kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite, island & stainless appliances including double oven! You are going to love it! $489,000
BEAUTIFUL ON QUIET LOOP STREET! You will love this 4/3/3 + office + bonus + pool/spa that is immediately available & waiting for you! Sitting on a large 0.27 acre lot this home offers fresh neutral interior paint, hardwood floors & crown! Large kitchen features 42" cabinets topped with crown, island & brand new high-end refrigerator! $370,000
! EW E N RIC P
GET READY TO FALL IN LOVE! Be impressed from the moment you arrive with this 4/3/2 + pool home on a waterfront lot that greets you with circular brick paver driveway & pretty landscaping! Other features include fresh exterior & interior paint in 2019, crown, volume ceilings, plantation shutters & gourmet kitchen! Perfect! $330,000
! EW E N RIC P
PERFECT HOME IN GATED COMMUNITY! You will love this 4/3.5/2 + office + bonus home with upgrades galore siting on a conservation lot on cul-de-sac street! Interior offers wood look tile, decorator paint choices, wide base, crown, French doors & so much more! Gourmet kitchen with espresso cabinets, granite, island & stainless appliances! Screened patio! $350,000
BEAUTIFUL REMODELED HOME! Fall in love with this 3 bedroom/2 bath + bonus + pool home overlooking a pond with roof & A/C replaced in 2016! Adorable home that offers wonderful paint choices, kitchen with white cabinets, updated master bath & generous sized secondary bedrooms! Fenced yard & new dock in 2018! $220,000
office: (813) 655-5333 | direct: (813) 924-8677 | Brenda@BrendaWade.com www.BrendaWade.com
Read InThis Section
Brandon/Winthrop
CHALKLINES....................................PG 28 DEKA LASH OPENS..........................PG 33 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT .........PG 36‐37 July 2019
Volume 14, Issue 7
AtmosEffect Fitness Offers Valet Experience
SPORTS CONNECTION...............PG 38‐39
Ph: 657-2418
Kerven Germain and Joel Balaban are the owners of AtmosEffect Fitness, a valet fitness experience that comes directly to you. It serves the entire area. This is one of the few truly mobilized gyms in the country. This valet gym has most of the equipment that you would find in a traditional ‘brick and mortar’ gym and provides all clients with a convenient, private and premium solution to help you achieve Budget Blinds has recently celebrated its one your health and fitness goals. year anniversary with new owners Mike and Adriane Wonderlin. Personal training, group fitness satisfaction, enjoy the classes, peace of mind and securiworkplace ty that comes with chooswellness ing the proven leader withprograms as in the window coverings well as industry. It offers custom team-buildwindow shadings, blinds, shutters ing events are offered. drapery and more. All of the area is served. The Owners Mike and Adriane hours are Monday to Friday from Wonderlin enjoy getting to know you 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday from 7 and your unique style so they can a.m.-5 p.m. It is closed on Sunday. deliver the perfect solution for your Call 682-9024 or visit home. www.AtmosEffect.com. You can also They have completed a full year visit on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram as new business owners and are @AtmosEffect. very excited for the back half of 2019. Budget Blinds Celebrates One“We are currently generating a Year Anniversary With New +10 percent growth over last year’s Ownership revenue. Most of our business Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa comes from repeat and referral cusand Brandon are your local experts. tomers that we have continued to With the highest levels of customer
Truly Greek is owned and operated by Ismail Abu and his family. The restaurant has a variety of items from gyros with lamb, beef or chicken, homemade vegan soups, salads, appetizers, desserts and more. Truly Greek is located at 887 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-8 p.m. Visit Truly Greek on Enjoy authentic Facebook. Call 324-7933 to place Greek food at Truly your order for some truly authentic Greek Restaurant, 887 E. Bloomingdale Greek food. Ave. in Brandon.
service from the 25 years that this local franchise has been operating. We are a local, family-owned and operated franchise. We always put our customers first and truly care about the communities that we service.” Budget Blinds is located at 10437 Gibsonton Dr. in Riverview and 1208 W Fletcher Ave. in Tampa. Hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 445-7121 or visit https://budgetblinds.com/brandon/ or www.facebook.com/inspireddrapesgreatertampa/.
Visit Truly Greek Restaurant In Brandon
New Vitality Center For Men
Women are not the only ones who need hormone replacement. Men also can get tremendous benefits from hormone replacement therapy (HRT). New Vitality Center For Men specializes in balancing hormones and restoring vitality. It helps them achieve the natural, healthy balance of hormones their bodies need to maintain optimum health and well-being. Low testosterone (Low T) in men can wreck-havoc in their health in a lot of ways including illness, loss of sex drive, muscle loss, sleep problems, loss of mental sharpness, loss of self-confidence, and more. Most male patients who receive hormone replacement therapy have more energy and improved sexual performance.
Continued on Next Page
Page 26
Business Column Continued.............
By Michelle Colesanti
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a safe, effective way to counteract some of the symptoms brought on by andropause. It is located at 112 Parsons Park Dr. in Brandon. Hours are Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. Call 436-0708 or visit newvitalityformen.com.
SpaceOAR Used In Prostate Cancer Treatment
The Cancer Center of South Tampa, Premier Radiation Oncology and Florida Urology Partners have added the use of SpaceOAR (Augmenix, Boston Scientific) in the treatment of localized prostate cancer with radiation therapy in an effort to protect quality of life and minimize side effects. With prostate cancer, 90 percent of cases at initial diagnosis are likely to be localized, meaning it has not spread to other organs. “We are very excited about this procedure and believe it’s a game changer for our radiation patients”, said Dr. Janelle Park, radiation oncologist at Premier Radiation Oncology. “This will allow us to really help our patients have a much lower side effect profile both during and after radiation therapy treatment.” Dr. Alexander Engelman, radiation oncologist at Premier and Cancer Center of South Tampa, also noted, “Interestingly enough, there was also noted at three year follow up to have a statistically significant decrease in urinary as well as sexual side effects. Any reduction we can give our patients in long term side effects from radiation is a plus.” Dr. Malcolm Root, urologist with Florida Urology Partners, said the procedure takes approximately 15-
20 minutes. Visit FloridaUrologyPartners.com, SpaceOAR.com or call its clinics to schedule a consultation to see if SpaceOAR is right for you: Cancer Center of South Tampa, 601 S. Armenia Ave. in Tampa at 353-8803 and Premier Radiation Oncology, 3140 S. Falkenburg Rd., Ste. 104 in Riverview at 734-8911.
Lint Guardian Offers Dryer Vent And Air Duct Cleaning
Daniel Accurso is the owner of Lint Guardian, which has been in business since 2012, offering a wide variety of services to meet customers’ needs. Full-service professional dryer vent cleaning and vent repair services are offered. Techs will remove the dryer from the wall, clean the area behind the dryer, clean the entire length of the exhaust to the roof and then access the roof to manually clean out the roof hood and flapper/screen. They will clean and check for any damage to the flexible line that connects the dryer to the actual exhaust. Finally, techs will clean the lint screen and cavity and check for proper air flow. It also offers air duct cleaning using an industrial power 2200CFM HEPA-filtered vacuum system, combined with compressed air agitation to gently clean the harmful pollutants that collect inside your ductwork. The compressed air method guarantees that ductwork remains undamaged. Hours are Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 400-2079 or
Air Conditioning & Heating
Celebrating 3 0 years in business!
Up to $1700 in Rebates! Sunairtampa.com | 813-684-9919
CAC044863
Volume 14, Issue 7
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Family Owned and Operated for 30 Years
FREE Diagnostic with Repair Call Today!
888-306-6066. Visit LintGuardian.com.
The Bridges Assisted Living Launches New Menu
Christmas In July Sale At What's In Consignment
The Bridges Assisted Living Community in Riverview officially launched a new menu on July 1. ‘Gourmet Delights’ includes a sixweek menu cycle ensuring more variety and selection. Chef Clyde Dorsett, who oversees the menu and dining experience, explained, “Residents will see new entrees on the menu, such as Pork Wellington, Chicken Florentine, Mahi Mahi and Rack of Lamb as well as special salads on a daily basis including Watermelon Feta, Tabbouleh, Couscous and Green Goddess Potato Salad.” “Our residents have both individual tastes and unique health needs; our new ‘Gourmet Delights’ menu will accommodate both,” stated Donna Steiermann, Executive Director. “With featured items and standard alternatives, our wait staff will continue to assist our residents with an exceptional dining experience.” The Bridges Assisted Living Community is located at 11202 Dewhurst Dr. in Riverview. Call 413-8900 or visit https://bridgesretirement.com/.
What’s In Consignment is having its annual Christmas in July Sale on Thursday, July 25 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Join in for refreshments, discounts and raffle prizes. Christmas items for consignment will be accepted from July 2-July 20. Call 643-7393 for more information. What’s In Consignment is located at 3220 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Ste. 103 in Valrico. For more information, call 643-7393 or visit http://whatsinconsignment.com/.
Stewart Chiropractic And Wellness Offers Alternative To Traditional Care
“Most traditional chiropractic techniques involve a lot of twisting, popping, cracking, and jarring. A technique called Prone Specific, which eliminates those aspects of an adjustment that often make people apprehensive about getting care,” stated Dr. Nicole Stewart, chiropractic physician and owner of Stewart Chiropractic and Wellness. Dr. Stewart utilizes state-of-theart diagnostic tools and techniques to safely and accurately determine the root cause of your condition. Dr. Stewart is a graduate of Logan University, College of Chiropractic. Prior to that, Dr. Stewart worked as a firefighter paramedic for 10 years. She completed All Welcome To Attend her internship at the VA Hospital in Grand Opening Of Sunflower St. Louis, providing care to veterans Garden Wellness Center and working with those participating Sunflower Garden Wellness in the Chronic Pain Management Center invites you to its grand program. She also completed her opening on Saturday, July 27 master’s in nutrition and human perfrom 3-9 p.m. formance with Please join in for a specialty in a fun and informaintegrative tive event where you medicine. will learn the imporDr. tance of wellness in Stewart proour lives and how vides a perwe all can reduce sonalized stress and improve approach to our health. This is a quality care, brand-new commuhelping nity of caring wellpatients ness professionals achieve and working to improve maintain their your mind and health. body's well being. Dr. With a wonderful Stewart is team that includes currently seean aesthetician, ing patients at massage therapist her office, and a clinical psylocated at 220 chologist, you can W Brandon enjoy a spa day that Blvd. in will melt away your Brandon. Dr. Nicole Stewart, Chiropractic Physician and (Enter the daily stress. owner of Stewart Chiropractic and Wellness. lobby next to Sunflower Garden Wellness Revolution Center is located at 213 N. Parsons Ice Cream and take the elevator or Ave. in Brandon. Please call Kat stairs to second level.) Simon at 973-449-9908 for more Visit www.drnicolestewart.com or information. call 320-8548.
Electronic Recycling & Reuse
• Caters to Businesses Large and Small • Free Pickups and Disposal • Local Drop-offs are available • Free HOA Community Collection Events Call for More Information!
www.mpactservicesusa.com | Office: 813.644.4996 | Cell: 813.601.6221
Making An “MPact” On Our Community!
July 2019
Page 27
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Popular European Wax Center Opens New Location In Brandon By Michelle Caceres Brandon resiing the hair from the dent Jander root for longer-lastHernandez was ing results. thrilled when she “Our wax spefound out her go-to cialists only provide place for hair waxing services removal was openevery day of every ing a center closer week,” he said. to her home. “When waxing is the Located at 1933 only service you W. Lumsden Rd. in provide, you perfect the HomeGoodsthat service.” European Wax Center opened in Brandon anchored Brandon Grebowski is and its wax specialists are ready to help so confident new Centre South shopreveal beautiful skin and a confident you. ping center, customers will love European Wax Center offers guests a full the experience, he offers a complimentasuite of waxing services, as well as a pro- ry wax (brows, underarms or bikini line for prietary line of beauty products in the women and nose, ears and brows for skincare, body and brow categories. Its men). professionally trained and certified waxing Hernandez received her free first wax experts provide guests with a comforta long time ago, but said she still saves able, luxurious experience. money by purchasing a wax pass that Hernandez, who had been a cusearns her free waxes. tomer at the center’s Tampa location for Grebowski agrees. Before he was a eight years, visits the center every three franchise owner, he was a customer. “I or four weeks for eyebrow, underarm and was tired of trying to shave in places I Brazilian waxing. couldn’t reach and seeing stubble just a “The experience at European Wax few days after shaving,” he said. “One Center is so much better than the waxing day I was in a hurry and ran into a service you get at a salon,” she said. “It European Wax Center in North Carolina doesn’t hurt as much, and when finished, and knew right away it was an altogether they apply special products to ensure you better experience.” don’t get ingrown hairs.” He opened a European Wax Center Center owner Frank Grebowski said in Tampa. His second location opened in the more painless service is due to a cou- April; many veteran wax specialists and ple of reasons. A proprietary hard wax is the manager of the Tampa location transused that goes straight on the skin, cools ferred to the Brandon center. quickly and the wax specialist removes For more information or to schedule the wax strip without requiring paper. The an appointment seven days a week, visit wax pulls the hair but not the skin, remov- www.waxcenter.com or call 793-2000.
LIFE INSURANCE • INVESTMENTS • MANAGED MONEY
(813)626-7575 www.angelonitax.com
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT? Never pay a consult fee to talk to us. Attend one of our seminars on Social Security. Full retirement/social security analysis (no charge) We stay up to date on all tax laws. We are a fully licensed fiduciary firm. 11938 Balm Riverview Road Riverview, FL 33569 Business Hours: Mon - Fri 9am-5pm
Locally Owned and Operated by a 21-Year Air Force Veteran
Now Enrolling!
• 6 Weeks Through 12 Years • Full & Part Time Options • Open: M-F 6am to 6:30pm • Creative Curriculum for Infants & Toddlers • ABC Mouse Computer Technology • Brainwaves Curriculum • APPLE Accreditation • STEAM Curriculum • Security Code Access Entry • FREE Internet Viewing of Your Child’s Day • Outdoor Playgrounds with Water Park • Before & After School Care: 6-12 Years
Alafia, Bevis, Cimino, FishHawk Creek, Foundation Christian Lithia Springs, Stowers, Valrico Academy
• Nutritious Meals & Snacks: Low Salt & Sugar • Spanish & Music Included • Trained Professional Staff, Certified in First Aid & CPR • Extracurricular Programs
NOW ENROLLING FOR FALL 2019 VPK FREE Part Time Program with “Pay for rest of day” Option
CIRCA FISHHAWK 8136547000
• Accelerated Pre-K Curriculum with Math, Science, Spanish, Music, Sign Language & More • Preparation for National Kindergarten Standards • Must be 4 years old by September 1, 2019 • Must be Florida resident • Class times: Tuesday - Friday, 8:15am - 12:00pm
5815 Kids Crossing Drive
(Located next to Stowers Elementary and Mosaic)
www.KRKCirca.com Lic # CHC432384
VALRICO 8136576200 4321 Lynx Paw Trail
(Located across fromLithia Springs Elementary)
www.KRKValrico.com Lic # CHC431024
Two Great Locations!
Page 28
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Ms. Lisa Turbee
rbee Ms. Turade
Volume 14, Issue 7
Durant High School Teachers Receive $1,864 DonorsChoose.Org Donation From SONIC Drive-In
Teacher Of The Month
e a teacher? Why did you decide to becom en. I am also a product of a 3rd G ntary childr leme I have always had a love for l jusMintz E hool nted to be different. Crimina wa I and Sc family of educators ught want to use a gun. I also tho tice attracted me, but I didn't . None e I love the power of words about being attorney becaus en. rds like working with childr d By of those struck my heart's cho Sponsore So I dared to be different and f O n o Kum create my own identity by ays being the teacher that I alw Brandon l. wanted as a little gir teacher? al What is a go of yours as a My goals are pretty simple… day. 1. Be better than I was yester udent to /st son per e on 2. Inspire at least elves and somemake a difference for thems one else. would be a surDo you have anything that prise to your students? ays surprised Usually my students are alw . They never when they find out my age ! They also am I as old think that I am as Ms.Turbe e has be rn things en a are surprised when they lea 25 years teacher for . about my family. s? ok bo te ori fav r What is one of you unt of Monte Cristo. I My favorite book is The Co ught in high school and what I tho was forced to read this back ence. I loved how t to be a life changing experi was a nightmare turned ou ately finding his true self in order to survive- ultim Dantes had to reinvent him out to me how life is ed by revenge. It just stuck self again after being consum have free will to react to it. full of ups and downs and we t you live by? Is there a quote or saying tha be "it is what it ise thing I always say, it would on the at wh e on any ask you If we face, we can ng that whatever obstacles ani me ply Sim ." you to up its ation or choose a make them in to the best situ and y vel siti po m the ce bra em d to immediately e approach. We as people ten ctiv du pro un e ativ neg re mo e action and looking e it is easy. Taking a negativ aus bec e ativ neg the on ell dw y creates dead ends rgy and creativity. Negativit ene es tak it in ve siti po the for e you anywhere. open roadways that can tak to ds lea ve siti po ng bei and
TEACHER OF THE MONTH SPONSOR:
33596
Staff Report SONIC® Drive-In recently recognized teachers and the contributions they make to education as a part of its Limeades for Learning initiative in partnership with nonprofit partner, DonorChoose.org. With the goal of helping teachers obtain much-needed classroom supplies and learning resources, SONIC launched a donation match in honor of Teacher Appreciation Month. Three teachers at Durant High School received a total of $1,864. SONIC donated $1.2 million matching donations made to SONIC Teacher projects. Maddie Stone at Durant High School received funds for ‘Mythology: An Ancient Gateway to a Love of Reading.’ “…I will now be able to open the doors to a rich literary world for my Latin and English students alike. With these mythology books, students SONIC® Drive-In recently recognized Durant High will be able to connect to different School teachers and the contributions they make to education as a part of its Limeades for Learning heroes’ journeys.” initiative in partnership with nonprofit Mrs. Braverman received partner, DonorsChoose.org. funds for her ‘Light Our Fire’ projcountry," said Christi Woodworth, vice ect. On DonorsChoose.org she noted that president of public relations for SONIC. the best part will be the ability to research "Each year, teachers spend hundreds of new information daily as it comes up in their own dollars to support their students, reading. “Fire tablets in my students' and with Limeades for Learning, SONIC hands will enable them to better compreand our fans made that burden a bit hend all of the new information they lighter. We celebrate and thank teachers receive each day.” for the incredible work they do to bring Stephen Arment’s ‘Drama Students learning to life in creative and fun ways Need Technology Too’ profited from for their students." SONIC’s donation. Since 2009, SONIC has donated “Every day at work, I get to be a part $13.1 million, supported 33,177 classof my students' journey to foster creativity rooms, and provided necessary learning and gain confidence, both on the stage materials and teaching resources and off of it. …I get to watch them learn requested by teachers to impact 995,310 to get used to the idea that when they students in partnership engage in creating something collaboraswith DonorChoose.org. tively, that their actions affect other peoVisit LimeadesforLearning.com for ple.” updates on contributions and more. "SONIC fans responded incredibly Teachers can become SONIC Teachers during Teacher Appreciation Month and and submit projects through nonprofit we were delighted to support 3,937 partner DonorsChoose.org for a chance teachers and their students across the to receive funding.
July 2019
Page 29
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Superintendent Jeff Eakins Surprised With National Education Leadership Award
By Tanya Arja
USF Award by the Education Dean University Robert Council for Knoeppel, repEducational resenting deans Administration. from top UCEA is an Colleges of association of Education colleges and across America, universities that recently surare committed prised to advancing Superintendent the work of Jeff Eakins with preparing eduthe nationwide cational leaders 2019 for the future. Excellence in For the Superintendent Jeff Eakins was recently surprised with the nationwide 2019 Excellence in Educational past five years, Educational Leadership Award. Leadership USF and Award. Hillsborough Schools have partnered to Dean Knoeppel presented Eakins provide an Ed.S. in Educational with the prestigious honor at the June Leadership program for current adminis25 meeting of the Hillsborough County trators in Hillsborough, with an emphaSchool Board in Downtown Tampa. The sis on turnaround school University of South Florida nominated leadership. Eakins because of his work supporting This grant-funded program provides the needs of school leaders, teachers tuition and books for administrators who and students’ in the Tampa Bay area— desire to pursue a research-based in particular, working to make sure new approach to improving schools and to teachers and school leaders graduating improving their practice to better serve from Tampa Bay’s colleges and universtudents. At the end of the Ed.S. prosities are prepared for the needs of gram, administrators develop a captoday’s schools. stone project designed to address a cur“What I see when he speaks to the rent school or district issue. community is his real love and passion Eakins started his career as an elefor what he does,” Dr. Knoeppel said as mentary school teacher 33 years ago, he presented the award. “He models for and has served as Hillsborough County us kindness and respect. And when Jeff Superintendent for four years. Dr. says ‘all’—he means ‘all.’ He’s an inspiKnoeppel has served as Dean of the ration to all of us.” College of Education at USF for one Eakins was chosen for the 2019 year, continuing a long career in educaExcellence in Educational Leadership tion leadership.
Suffering From Depression?
TMS Of Central Florida Can Help
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Although depresIn 2008, the Food sion is very treatable, and Drug only about half of all Administration (FDA) Americans who are approved TMS as a diagnosed each year treatment for people with depression actuwith major depression ally seek treatment. who have failed to That is why the devotrespond to at least one ed and highly skilled antidepressant. The team at TMS of FDA approved the TMS is owned and operated by Central Florida are device, called Kathleen Carroll, M.D., Charles DeVine, M.D. and Troy Noonan, M.D. NeuroStar, made by dedicated to helping patients find depression relief. the company Neuronetics. TMS works by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) delivering highly focused MRI-strength has become a promising treatment altermagnetic pulses that non-invasively (withnative for people with depression who out surgery) stimulate the brain. Patients don't respond sufficiently to antidepresbeing treated with TMS do not require sant medications. anesthesia or sedation. They remain TMS of Central Florida, located in awake and alert and return to work or Brandon, is owned and operated by three their daily routine immediately after each of the most prominent psychiatrists in the treatment. TMS treatments last less than area that have been successfully treating 20 minutes and patients don’t have to patients for more than 20 years: Charles stop their medications DeVine, M.D., Kathleen Carroll, M.D., and "The most rewarding part for me is Troy Noonan, M.D. In 2017, after extenthe satisfaction of seeing results,” said Dr. sive research into TMS provided by Carroll. “TMS helps people get back to NeuroStar, the three psychiatrists decided living life to the fullest.” that TMS Therapy was the logical proThe office often receives referrals gression in providing their patients the from other psychiatrists, general practionbest solution to major depression. All ers, as well as word-of-mouth referrals TMS procedures are performed by TMS from satisfied patients. Seeing patients Coordinator Sandi Lopez and her staff live a more normal and healthier lifestyle under the supervision of a psychiatrist. after TMS treatments gives the team While there are many effective treattremendous gratification. ments for depression, traditional "Most of my patients are amazed at approaches such as antidepressants and the results,” said Dr. DeVine. “And that psychotherapy do not work for everyone. means the world to all of us here at In fact, it is estimated that two-thirds of TMS.” TMS is located at 1119 Nikki View people with depression will not see satisDr. in Brandon. Flexible treatment hours factory relief from prescription antidepres- are available from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call sants and will often need an additional or 423-7037 or email Sandi Lopez at tmschange in prescription. centralfl@gmail.com.
NOMINATIONS NEEDED! Your favorite teacher could have their very own spotlight editorial in the Osprey Observer Community Newspaper! Complete the form below and email your nomination to: teacher@ospreyobserver.com
Teacher Name: School: Why should this teacher be Teacher of the Month?
SHOW & TELL | Thursday, August 8th at 3PM
Page 30
Volume 14, Issue 7
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Tickets On Sale For Tampa Theatre's Annual BeerFest
By Kathy L. Collins
Tampa events. With Theatre will events such as present its Barley's Angels, Eighth Annual The Brews BeerFest Brothers and Hop Fundraiser on Gun, Tampa Saturday, July Theatre's Annual 27 from 7 to BeerFest has 10 p.m. This raised nearly year's theme is $100,000 for Ferris Brewer's Tampa's nonprofit Day Off. The movie palace Tampa Tampa Theatre's movie-themed Ferris Brewer's since 2011. Day Off event is set for Saturday, July 27. The Theatre, BeerFest event features Tampa's top craft brews and Tampa's guests are invited samplings from Tampa's independent restaurants. beloved histo don their cheetoric movie palace, is located at 711 N. tah print vest and sneakers, dress as their Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. favorite Ferris Bueller character, or come BeerFest 2019, presented by Beach in a costume inspired by the movie. Community Bank, is a fabulous event to Patrons must be 21 years and older to attend. Not only are you helping to preattend and must have a valid, governserve a Tampa treasure, but you get to ment-issued ID to gain entry to the event. enjoy craft and local beers, and snacks There is a limited number of tickets and samples from some of Tampa's best available for the premium sampling which independent restaurants. begins at 7 p.m. These tickets, sold in According to Jill Witecki with Tampa advance, are $65. Grand sampling tickTheatre, "Like previous beer-soaked, ets, which allow for entry at 8 p.m., are tongue-in-cheek BeerFest events, Ferris $40 if purchased in advance. Tampa Brewer's Day Off is chaired by Tampa Theatre members receive $5 off advance Theatre's favorite partners in crime, sale prices. Tickets can be purchased at Veronica Danko, owner of The the Box Office or by visiting Independent Bar and Cafe, and Michelle www.Tampathearre.org. Please note a Baker." Witecki added, "Though the convenience fee applies if purchased theme may seem silly, BeerFest's puronline. pose is most serious. The annual event The Tampa Theatre was built in benefits the historic landmark's artistic, 1926. The theatre is a protected landmark educational and community programs, as and one of America's best-preserved well as its ongoing preservation." movie palaces. BeerFest, now in its eighth year, is For more information, visit www.tamone of Tampa Theatre's preeminent patheatre.org.
Kathleen Carroll MD, Charles DeVine MD, Troy Noonan MD Board Certified in General Psychiatry
- TMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a
non-invasive, drug free treatment for Depression performed by a Psychiatrist.
DO YOU SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION? No anesthesia or sedation required during the process. The patient remains awake and alert. FDA Approved • Covered by All Major Insurance
1119 Nikki View Drive | Brandon, FL 33511 tmscentralfl@gmail.com
Flexible Treatment Hours 8:30am to 7pm Call Sandi for a FREE Consultation at 813-423-7037
July 2019
Page 31
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Busciglio Smiles Welcomes Return Of Pediatric Dentist Dr. Gonzalez
Warhead Clothing Company’s Patriotic Products Are Designed For All
When Megan about a bad experience Pagliughi was searching at another pediatric denfor a pediatric dentist for tist’s office. her daughter Emma she Gonzalez has been went to the Internet for a a longtime fixture in the list of practices that Brandon community. He would accept her insurstarted a practice in ance. Brandon in 1975, The search led her Pediatric Dental Center, to Busciglio Smiles but sold it in 2013, and Orthodontic & Pediatric consolidated his pediatric Dentistry. dentistry and orthodontic “I saw that the pedipractice to his Tampa atric dentist’s name was location. His nephew, Dr. Dr. Edward Gonzalez Derek Busciglio, encourand I said to myself I aged him to reopen Dr. Edward Gonzalez is back in another pediatric dentistry think that was my denBrandon at Busciglio Smiles tist when I was a child,” Orthodontic & Pediatric Dentistry practice in Brandon. treating generations of young she said. “I really do love all my patients. A call to the office Brandon patients,” said revealed that it was indeed the same Dr. Gonzalez. “In some cases, I’m seeing Gonzalez that kept her teeth healthy the third generation of patient in some many years ago. She remembered her families and that is so rewarding to me.” own experience as his patient and immeGonzalez has been recognized for diately made an appointment for her his attention to patients, successful pracdaughter. tice and other contributions to the local “I was never scared to go to the den- and international community. He was tist because he always made me feel awarded the American Orthodontic safe and comfortable,” said Pagliughi. Society’s Dr. Richard L. Moore Lifetime Her daughter is having the same Achievement Award. experience, even though she has had to “I love working with kids and I’m have cavities filled and two baby teeth going to continue treating my young extracted. patients,” he said. “They let her take her stuffed dog Located at 515 Corner St., Busciglio named Kia into the treatment room which Smiles Orthodontic & Pediatric Dentistry gives her courage,” she said. “She’s is open Monday, Wednesday and never cried and it’s always been a great Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Tuesday 9 experience for her.” a.m. – 6 p.m. To schedule an appointPagliughi always refers her friends to ment visit www.theorthodoc.com or call Gonzalez, usually after hearing them talk 681-9473.
If you are feeling owner of Warhead patriotic and want Clothing. some new clothes, Dawson had not then you should conseen himself opening sider checking out his own business at Warhead Clothing first, but, he said, Company. This veter“Once I got out and I an-owned and operatstarted going back to ed business school, I started takopened in 2018 ing business classand provides es…at that point is high-quality, when I was American, milimore serious tary-inspired about it.” apparel for all. As for why Warhead Clothing Company’s apparel are The Brandonhe chose to sell perfect for showing off based company patriotic and your patriotic love for our designs, creates and military-inspired country and military. ships all of its apparel clothes, Dawson right here in the United States. Whether said, “Well, I know that there are other you are an active duty military member, a companies out there that do it; with my veteran, a former first responder or some- eight years of military experience, I am one with pride in their military and counvery qualified in selling it. I’ve had no try, this store is for you. regrets in joining the military, I love the Warhead Clothing’s apparel catalog U.S. military, and I decided that if I was is regularly updated each month with new going to go into a field in apparel, I designs. The latest addition, mesh snapthought this would be the best field that I back hats bearing an American flag, was can do. I can bring clothing that I know added in June. Customers do not need to military people would like.” have any membership or pay additional If you are a current or former memfees to access these new designs; they ber of the military, have family who are are available to everyone. part of it or are simply patriotic, then you While its selection is currently limited will want to give Warhead Clothing’s webto hats and T-shirts, after Warhead site a visit. Clothing expands, more types of clothing To order Warhead Clothing will eventually be added later on, such as Company’s apparel or find more informalong-sleeved shirts, hoodies and jackets. tion, visit https://warheadclothingcompaDerek Dawson, a retired sergeant ny.com/. You can also order by calling who spent eight years in the United 833-200-7272. Be sure to also visit its States Marine Corps, is the founder and Twitter page @CompanyWarhead.
By Michelle Caceres
Contact Florida Risk Partners today and let us help you evaluate your Personal & Business insurance coverage needs.
By Taylor Wells
813.413.8900 bridgesretirement.com The Bridges Should Be Your
#1 Choice for Assisted Living! HERE’S WHY:
• Licensed Nurses • Certified Nursing Assistants and Med Techs ASK ABOUT OUR • Manager on Duty 365 days/year 2 BEDROOM / • Stable, experienced staff 2 BATH APARTMENTS! • Clubhouse for resident events/parties • Solid block construction, 12 ft. ceilings, walk-in closets • Receptionist presence 13 hours daily with a sign-in-sign-out policy and secured entry & exit
We’ve Got You Covered!
1434 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico, FL 33596 | (813) 571-9591 info@floridariskpartners.com
www.FloridaRiskPartners.com
Page 32
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 7
Allstate Agent Debbie Bates Celebrates 32 Years Of Serving Clients
$2,500 State PEO Scholarship Awarded To Bloomingdale Senior
A lot has changed they forgot their proof of since Allstate agent insurance or they will call Debbie Bates started her while in a dealerselling insurance prodship’s office needing an ucts at the Sunpoint endorsement for a new Shopping Center in car. Ruskin in 1987. There “Customers are surwas only one agent in prised at how quickly I the area that owned a respond and provide cell phone, a clunky brick them what they need,” phone, and it was not she said. her. She owned a comWhen Wimauma Allstate agent Debbie Bates’ puter but its only function experience makes her qualified resident Sue Loggins to assist with her customers’ was to help with calculatwas involved in a minor insurance needs. ing insurance quotes. motorcycle accident, she Information about customers on microcalled her Allstate agent, Bates, for assisfiche would be delivered weekly (the tance. World Wide Web wasn’t developed until “I was panicking and upset, so I 1989). Instead of digital paperwork that called Debbie and she told me what to do flies through cyberspace in the blink of an and said if I was still upset when I got eye, a courier would stop by the office a home to call her back and she’d help couple times a week and hand deliver walk me through the claims process,” she documents to customers. said. “She really saved the day.” Bates, who now has two Allstate In addition to motorcycle insurance, locations, one in Ruskin at 837 Cypress Loggins has auto and life insurance poliVillage Blvd. in Cypress Creek cies with Allstate. She switched from Professional Center and another in Geico after more than 20 years when Brandon at 1767 S. Kings Ave. in Kings Bates showed her how much money she Avenue Executive Park, said even though could save by switching to Allstate. “She her business has embraced the technoknows her stuff and takes care of her logical advancements of today’s world, customers,” said Loggins. the human factor is still a key aspect of Both Allstate offices are open her business. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., but “I can write an insurance policy from Bates said appointments can be made in start to finish without ever having to see the evenings if necessary. the customer but that doesn’t mean I am For more information about Allstate not physically present in my business,” or to schedule a free consultation, visit she said. www.allstate.com/debbiebates or call Customers with auto insurance poli681-9696 for the Brandon office or 633cies will call her from the DMV because 0006 for the Ruskin location.
Alexandria of PEO in the Valrico and DeAngelis, a Brandon area. Bloomingdale sen“We’re looking for a ior, was awarded the special girl, special Florida State women that are going to Philanthropic be our future leaders,” Educational said PEO Chapter HF Organization (PEO) member Eileen Mueller. scholarship valued She has known DeAngelis at $2,500 because for five years and is the of her impressive one who recommended academic history her for the scholarship. and involvement in According to Mueller, Alexandria DeAngelis was awarded clubs. the Florida State PEO scholarship on DeAngelis “always went behalf of her hard work as a student out of her way to go What is the and citizen. Florida State PEO above and beyond.” She scholarship? It was established in 1994 has helped Mueller out countless times by the PEO Florida chapter to financially through puppy sitting, house sitting and assist qualified women’s tuitions for taking care of her husband’s orchids. undergraduate study at a Florida college She also worked part-time during or university. school, was very active in Bloomingdale To qualify, a student must have been High School’s extracurricular activities sponsored by the PEO Sisterhood in a and graduated with several honors cords. Florida chapter, been accepted into a Mueller is astounded with DeAngelis’ Florida college or university for the first hard work and dedication inside and outyear to pursue getting an associate’s or side of school. “I was just amazed. Here bachelor’s degree and met “requirements is this young lady who was always posiof scholarship, character and financial tive, and she wasn’t afraid to go out and need.” grab a hold of the golden ring.” She was According to the PEO International celebrated on June 1 with an open house website, the organization was founded in including the entire PEO Chapter HF 1869 at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount team. Pleasant, IA in order to provide opportuniThis upcoming school year, ties for women. PEO has given about DeAngelis will be going into, Pre-med at $225 million to girls in the form of grants, the University of South Florida. scholarships and loans. It is dedicated to Congratulations to DeAngelis for this helping hardworking women reach their remarkable achievement. educational goals. For more information on PEO, visit DeAngelis was awarded the scholarwww.peointernational.org or email Eileen ship through PEO HF, which is a chapter Mueller at eileenmueller@gmail.com.
By Michelle Caceres
By Hailey Le Roy
July 2019
Page 33
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Deka Lash Joins The Brandon Community With New Location
By Libby Hopkins
Automaker Henry ful, more confident, shortFord once said, “If everyens their beauty routine one is moving forward and they love how it together, then success makes their eyes look.” takes care of itself.” Sara The Cronin’s love and Jeff Cronin would being a part of the Deka agree with Mr. Ford’s Lash Company and their statement because they clients love the way their are driven by an entrelashes look. “Some of the preneurial spirit. They are comments from our franchise owners of the clients have been that new Deka Lash studio in they had a great experiBrandon. ence or their tech was Sara and Jeff Cronin are “We had wanted to very knowledgeable, very franchise owners of the new Deka Lash studio in Brandon. professional and very be entrepreneurs and when we started looking at franchise sweet, as well as the atmosphere was opportunities, Deka Lash rose to the top,” clean, comfortable and very peaceful,” Sara Cronin said. “This franchise proCronin said. vides you the support for training, operaDeka Lash Brandon is the first Deka tions and marketing to get your business Lash eyelash extension studio in the up and running with proven systems.” Tampa region and the Cronin’s have high Deka Lash Brandon opened hopes for their studio. “My hopes for the February 2019. studio are to provide our clients with conDeka Lash was created in 2011 by tinued excellent customer service and Jennifer and Michael Blair in Pittsburgh, satisfaction,” Cronin said. “I want it to be a PA. The goal of company is to create great place to work for my employees everyday confidence through beautiful too.” lashes that are affordable and accessible Visit www.dekalash.com/find-a-stuto everyone. Deka Lash studios are mod- dio/florida/brandon or contact Deka Lash ern retail salons which apply semipermaBrandon at 813-344-0725. New clients nent custom eyelash extensions by highly can receive $20 off an initial set of eyetrained lash artists to the clients' own lash extension at Deka Lash Brandon. lashes, providing a variety of unique looks Just mention this story when booking and styles. The company began franchis- your appointment. ing in 2016 and to date has 60 studios Deka Lash Brandon is located at open in 25 states. 1935 West Lumsden Road in Brandon. “We are so proud to provide eyelash The studio’s hours of operation are extension services to the Brandon and Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Fridays surrounding communities,” said Cronin. and Saturdays 9 a.m.–7 p.m. and “Deka Lash makes our clients feel beauti- Sundays 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
8/22/19.
Expires 8/31/2019
8/22/19.
8/22/19.
Page 34
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 7
Classic Albums Live Returns To Play Its Summer Series
Resident Celebrates Her Centennial Birthday At The Bloomingdale Adult Day Center
Sixteen we want them to years ago in focus on the Toronto, Ontario, music.” Canada, Craig Each show Martin was drivincludes them ing home, listenplaying a full ing to the radio. album of a popAs he heard to ular rock band. some of his “CAL reprefavorite music, sents music he thought to that endures CAL playing The Beatles’ album, himself, “Why and will continSergeant Pepper doesn’t anyone ue to accomever play the full album… all the good pany us all through and around this morsongs in a row?” and thus was born his tal coil,” said Martin. company, Classic Albums Live (CAL). His saying has always been ‘Note for In 2003, Martin began hiring musiNote, Cut for Cut.’ It is something he has cians to play an entire Classic Rock always said - something he has always Album such as Pink Floyd’s The Wall or strived for when creating these performThe Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper. His sister, ances. It is a tribute to the extensive colTracy Martin, joined the business and lection of music from over three decades became head of operations. He began of rock history. the company in Toronto and in that same As Phillips mentioned, “It’s like when year began working with a booking agent you watch a comedy show on TV. It’s difwho got them their first gig the U.S., play- ferent than you actually being an audiing in Rochester, NY. From there, their ence member. When you’re actually there agent booked concerts at Hard Rock in on set, you just find yourself laughing all Orlando and soon their journey started. the time. No improvising, no costumes, Currently, there are about 40-50 peo- just the music -- live.” ple working for Classic Albums Live perThis summer the band is performing forming in Performance Arts Centers its annual summer series playing six iconacross North America. ic albums in Lakeland at the RP Funding During each show, the musicians will Center. It has already performed CCR, usually dress in all black and perform the Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd and there is same way an orchestra would. Rob still time for Rolling Stones: Let It Bleed Phillips, music director for Classic Albums August 9, Beatles: Abbey Road Live said, “It’s almost like we are trying to September 20 and Tom Petty and the be invisible. We don’t dress up in cosHeartbreakers: Damn The Torpedoes tumes or anything like that because we October 18. Visit classicalbumslive.com don’t want the audience to focus on us or www.rpfundingcenter.com.
It is hard to imagine very much. This is wona time when a gallon of derful,” Miklus said gas cost one cent per before the festivities gallon, a loaf of bread began. only 7 cents, where TV During her young had not been invented adult years, she did not yet or when women go to a university, but she were only just given the became the manager of right to vote. Agnes a bank. She was married Miklus remembers it all, to John Miklus for 56 seeing how she was years and had one son born 100 years ago, also named John June 12, 1919, in Miklus. She was also Bridgeport, CT. blessed with two grandMiklus celebrated children, Michelle her 100th birthday at Miklus and Giselle the Bloomingdale Adult Hollister. At age 73, Day Center, where she she moved to Brandon was surrounded by her and has lived here ever friends, family and since. caretakers. Even at Miklus has lived to Agnes Miklus blowing out the see and experience 100 years, Miklus is candles on her birthday cake. still very lively at heart many things throughout and she can walk, talk and still joke these past 100 years; out of all of around a bit. “I’m still hanging around them, she recalls her favorite memory because God doesn’t have room for being Christmas time when all of her me yet,” said Miklus with a smile at family gathers together. her birthday party. Miklus’ party was special enough; At first, Miklus did not even want a however, she was not the oldest one party. “I didn’t figure I needed a party. to still grace the halls of the Adult Day I’m no child…that’s for sure,” she said Center party that day. John Miller will with a laugh, “but they wanted to give be 103 in August while Iva Bell will be me a party and I said, ‘Oh okay.’” The 108 in September. According to all party was thrown by her son and her three of them, they truly enjoy coming granddaughters with the help of every- to the Bloomingdale Adult Day Center, one at the Day Center. There were saying, “Everybody is right there to speeches, pictures, cake and even a help each other.” piñata. “God has been very good to The Center is located at 3940 me and I’m very grateful to have such Canoga Park Dr. in Brandon, call 330friends and real friends. Thank you all 7964 for more info.
By Jasmine Haroun
By Jasmine Haroun
July 2019
Page 35
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
HCC Brandon Hosts The Fourth Annual Florida Birding & Nature Festival
By Jasmine Haroun
The In addition, fourth exhibitors will annual offer artwork, Florida bird boxes, Birding & binoculars and Nature other products Festival is for sale. The quickly week will be approachfilled with fun ing and has and interesting been ventures scheduled accompanied from by several Thursday to popular Sunday, keynote speakOctober 17Photo courtesy of Tom Bell Photo courtesy of Lou Newman ers and profesA Roseate Spoonbill in flight. Three Caracaras on top of tree. 20. The fessionals that will tival will covers all three boat trip to Egmont surely pique interest to all of the bird take place at the Hillsborough Picture of Denver Holt, Owl Research Key Island, Fort days. Field trips and nature enthusiasts. “This year’s Institute. Community College (HCC) Brandon and keynote speakDeSoto Park for Florida Birding and Nature Festival is Campus where the location of the ers are add-ons and are not included ‘extreme birding’ a canoe-kayak trip shaping up to be the best ever. event also happens to correspond with registration, which is required to on the Hillsborough River and even a People should hurry to register for with the “peak migration of more than attend the seminars and nature expo. tour to Apollo Beach to visit the their preferred field trips, as space is 180 species.” The four days will be It is also required in order to sign up Florida Center for Conservation. limited on some of them,” said Field packed full with activities including for field trips, yet is not required to These tours will give its participants Trip Coordinator Mary Keith. For several expert-led eco trips to some purchase keynote tickets. a good opportunity to learn about more information, visit www.fbnfestiof the greatest wildlife sites in West The festival will host several and see more of Florida’s nature and val.org. Central Florida. guest and keynote speakers such as wildlife. Florida Birding & Nature Dr. Mark Madison, historian for the For the past three years, the fesFestival’s mission is to “promote U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; tival has had a great turnout. As appreciation and conservation of Denver Holt, the founder and presinoted on its website, Debbie L., a Florida’s birds, its wildlife and their dent of the Owl Research Institute; participant in the festival said, “I just habitats through responsible natureand Kenn Kaufman, a naturalist, conwanted to let you know how much we based tourism and public awareservationist as well as the best-sellenjoyed the Birding Festival. The ness.” So, throughout the four days, ing author of more than 10 books excursions as well as the seminars boat trips, a turtle symposium, including the successful Kaufman were very educational. The leaders keynotes, field trips, a popular nature Field Guides. were generous with their knowledge, expo, workshops, over 35 seminars From Friday to Sunday, the festiand patient with our questions. They and much more will be offered. val will offer more than 20 trips that did a great job organizing an incrediAs for the price, festival registrawill show members sanctuaries of the ble program. It was well worth our tion is $30 for a single day, or $45 area. Some of the outings include a 10-hour trip from Birmingham.”
WE’VE JUST HIRED OUR NEWEST CANCER FIGHTER!
Meet Halcyon™ ‐‐built for taking on cancer while taking it easy on you. Cancer is a formidable foe. But with our addi"on of the latest, world‐class cancer‐figh"ng technology, we’ve become cancer’s worst enemy. The Halcyon(with TM) radiotherapy system targets cancer with pinpoint accuracy while MINIMIZING YOUR TREATMENT TIME and maximizing your peace of mind. At Premier Radiaiton Oncology we brought Halcyon IN to knock cancer OUT.
BRANDON: 813-654-1110 203 W. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, FL 33511 MEDIWEIGHTLOSS.COM
Premier Radia"on Oncology
3140 South Falkenburg Rd, Suite 104 • Riverview, FL
813‐734‐8911
7/31/19
Page 36
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 7
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Winthrop Arts Offers Fine Arts Classes For Children, Teens And Adults
If you or your child The Art Factory like to create art, conoffers fine arts classes sider registering for but no experience is classes at the Art needed. Children, Factory. The Art teens and adults can Factory at Winthrop let their creative side Arts, located at 11267 shine without rubrics, Winthrop Main St. in grades or judgment. Riverview (behind Bryant Martinez, the Remi's Mini Donuts) Lead Art Instructor at offers fine arts classes the Art Factory said, for children five to 11 "The Art Factory is a Everyone, regardless of age and years old, teens 12 special place where and above and adults. experience, can take fine arts classes students can create at the Winthrop Arts Art Factory, Children's art located at 11267 Winthrop Main St. in freely. All of our stuWinthrop Town Centre. classes are offered dents, regardless of Monday through Thursday between the age or experience, are treated like fellow hours of 3 to 4:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m. artists." and on Friday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Teen Because students are treated like feldrawing classes are offered on Tuesday low artists, they are encouraged to enter from 6-7:30 p.m. Adult ceramics and artwork in the Annual Winthrop Arts watercolor classes are offered on Monday Children's Art Show, the Hillsborough from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Adult watercolor is County Fair Fine Arts Show, and the also offered on Wednesday from 1:30 to Florida Strawberry Festival Fine Art Show. 3 p.m. Winthrop Arts will host an Open Registration for all of the fine arts House at the Art Factory on Friday, classes is available at August 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees www.winthroparts.org. For the children's will have the opportunity to create art, classes, children can select from drawing, take a tour of the Art Factory and sign up painting (oil crayons, watercolor and for art classes. acrylic), Explore Creative Storytelling, For more information and to register ceramics and fabrics. Students must prefor classes, please visit register. Classes are $15 per class and www.winthroparts.org. If you have questhere is a four week minimum. tions, please call Kathy at 758-5161.
COUPON REQUIRED
$299
TEETH WHITENING SPECIAL
Cleaning Included (D1110) Not valid with any other offer.
Valid for patients without insurance only.
Expires 6-30-19
COUPON REQUIRED
CROWNS
$475 D2750
Not valid with any other offer.
Valid for patients without insurance only.
Expires 6-30-19
COUPON REQUIRED
COUPON REQUIRED
$998
NEW PATIENT EXAM & CONSULTATION
Valid for patients without insurance only.
Valid for patients without insurance only.
DENTURES COMPLETE SET D510 & D5120 Not valid with any other offer. Expires 6-30-19
FREE
D0150 & D0330 Not valid with any other offer. Expires 6-30-19
*May change based on complexity of case. The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other services, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to advertisement for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, service, examination, or treatment. General Dentist Lic. #22018 *Only first time consultation is at no charge. *Extraction's not included.
1090 E. Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511
813-548-7037 (Located in Walmart Plaza)
www.Brandonperfectdental.com
Take In The History Of The Area With A Guided Walking Tour Whether you brick because the town are new to the area suffered four fires in the or a longtime resiearly 1900's. dent, you may have In addition to from time to time strolling the picturesque wondered about the streets of historic downhistory of places town Plant City, you can such as Plant City, visit the ethnic enclave of downtown Tampa, West Tampa. West Tampa or Take a tour of Ybor City. If you Tampa and re-live local have and want to history from the time of Take a historical walking tour of Plant learn more, you City, West Tampa, Tampa and Ybor Native Americans to City with Dr. Gary DeSantis. should take a guidSpanish explorers to the ed historical tour with Gary DeSantis, founding of Fort Brook. You can also take Ph.D, of Greater Tampa Bay Walking a step back in time and visit Ybor City. Tours. You will learn how Ybor City became a Each tour is a 90-minute guided hisbustling factory town that put Tampa on torical tour of a specific area. DeSantis is the map. a trained and accredited historian. He is a Reservations are required. Tours cost former lecturer at several state colleges $20 for adults, $10 for children six to 12 and universities. He has lived in the years old, and free for children five years Tampa Bay Area for over 30 years and old and younger. The West Tampa tours has a comprehensive knowledge of local are offered on Sunday mornings only. history. The Plant City tours meet at McCall DeSantis said, "You can take a step Park located at 100 N. Collins St. The back in time and see that Florida has West Tampa tour meets at Villa Park more to offer than just theme parks." located at 700 N. Armenia Ave. The I recently took a tour of historic down- downtown Tampa tour meets at Oaklawn town Plant City. It was fascinating to learn Cometary located at 606 Harrison St. The about the evolution of Plant City including Ybor City tour meets at L'Unione Italiana the building of the railroad by H.B. Plant, located at 1731 E. 7th Ave. Visit the first Strawberry Festival and the build- www.greatertampabayhistoricwalkingings in downtown. Many of them are all tours.com.
July 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 37
Athlete Of Week: Brandon Graduate Believes In Team Building And Support
C.A.R.E. Animal Shelter Starts Fundraising Campaign To Build New Facility
Florida Armstrong firmly Orthopaedic Institute believes in the (FOI) announced ‘we not me’ mentalithat Jordan ty. Armstrong was its “When playing ‘Athlete of the Week’ on a team, you need for the week ending to bond and have a June 28. better connection The head coach with each other,” of the softball team Armstrong said. nominated “When you play as Armstrong, a softball one, you know each and volleyball graduother better. You are ate from Brandon more willing to do Jordan Armstrong, a Brandon High High School. anything for your School softball and volleyball player, “Jordan is was announced as Florida Orthopaedic teammates. You have Institute’s Athlete of the Week. always encouraging each other’s back teammates and she shows by examand stand by them.” ple,” the coach said. “She is willing to Believing in those around you go out of her way to help others while takes a great deal of trust, however still finding time to work on her studies. according to Armstrong that trust first Jordan helps her other teammates and must come from within. helped a friend get through an ACL “Stay true to yourself,” Armstrong tear and surgery after coming back said. “Don’t change for anyone. Work from her own injury in her junior year.” hard and strive to do your best always Always the team player, Armstrong and good things will come.” wanted to take this year to show her The Athlete of the Week campaign other teammates how they can grow is designed to focus on student-athtogether to form an unbreakable bond letes, recognizing them for their hard worthy of success. work and dedication both on and off “The thing that motivated me to get the field. started was that there was a lot of tenAthletes who earn the award in sion among my team,” Armstrong said. recognition of excellent leadership “We started with making tie dye shirts must exemplify strong relationship as team bonding. We then cleaned the building skills, show excellent initiative field and connected as one. We and serve as role models for his or her worked together instead of working peers. individually.” Coaches can nominate an athlete Every sport may have their standat www.floridaortho.com/about-us/athout players or star athletes, but lete-of-the-week/.
Group Architecture to create design plans for the new facility, which will include kennels, cat rooms, a cat ICU, a food preparation area, an isolated space for new Attendees gather around for the ribbon cutting arrivals, and a surceremony on May 31 at the Sun City Center gery and treatment Chamber of Commerce to kick off the C.A.R.E. room for on-sight Build It Campaign. spay and neuter proThe Critter Adoption & cedures. They plan to build on the same Rescue Effort Inc., or C.A.R.E., has startland the current facility is on. ed the ‘Build It Campaign’ to raise money “This project is going to take a long to build a new shelter. It kicked off the time to complete,” Smith said. “There is a campaign on May 31 with a ribbon cutting lot of preparation work that needs to be ceremony at the Sun City Center done and money that needs to be raised Chamber of Commerce, according to before we can even break ground.” C.A.R.E. President Penny Smith. Building a new facility is important to Founded in 2000 on a three-acre C.A.R.E. because it will help the public property in Ruskin, C.A.R.E. is South become more aware of the services it County’s only nonprofit, no-kill shelter with provides and enables more animals to a mission to reduce the number of homeget adopted quicker. less and abandoned animals through “Even though we’ve been here for 20 adoption, sterilization and education. It is years most people don’t have any idea run by 100 volunteers with no county, where we are, what we do, or that we state or federal funding, Smith said. exist,” Smith said. “So, part of what we’re After almost 20 years, the shelter has doing with this project is creating public outgrown its current structure and needs awareness.” a larger, more updated space to improve Having a larger facility with the ability its efficiency. The new shelter will be four to house more animals at a time will also times the size of the current one and will help C.A.R.E. deal with the increase in cost an estimated three million dollars to animal populations on the streets. complete. C.A.R.E. is located at 1528 27th St So far, the campaign has raised 500 SE in Ruskin. For info, call 645-2273 or dollars in donations from the public. visit https://careshelter.org/. C.A.R.E. has partnered with Bacon
Staff Report
By Jordyn Kalman
Page 38
Volume 14, Issue 7
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Sports 657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com
Connection By Nick Nahas and Photos courtesy of Gayle Borgen
Bloomingdale Baseball Catcher Brock Wilken Has Historic Season Brock Wilken had one of the best be on the same page as your catcher individual seasons in Bloomingdale and with him calling the pitches. He also Hillsborough County baseball history. made me feel comfortable throwing The junior hit a school record and whatever pitch he called. We were on Hillsborough County-leading 12 home the same page 99 percent of the time, runs while batting .468 with 26 RBIs and and I would rarely shake him off.” 37 hits in 79 at bats in just 25 games. Wilken is the nephew of He was the first player from Bloomingdale Head Coach Kris Wilken, Hillsborough County since Stan Rowe who also played catcher for the (Plant, 2010) to hit double digit home University of Houston and as a minorruns in over a decade. He was second leaguer for the Baltimore Orioles. The in the state of Florida in home runs, one younger Wilken transferred to behind Springstead’s Jiovel Lantigua. Bloomingdale after moving from North He was selected as the 813Preps.com Carolina to Florida for his freshman year Hitter of the Year of high school to play for his uncle, who and was selected has a great track record as a hitting into the Tampa Bay coach and getting his players to the next Times’ all-Tampa level. Wilken also wanted to compete Bay baseball First against tougher competition in Team. Hillsborough County, one of the top “I am honestly baseball counties in the country in kinda shocked at my regard to talent. Brock Wilken connects with the ball on a swing. own stats. I know I Wilken and the Bulls had the capability to have high expectations for do it, but to actually do it next season, returning five was really crazy for me and key starters from a team especially after having an that had success last seaOK sophomore year, my son, going 16-9 and teammates picked me up advancing to regionals for and lifted me up throughout the third year in a row. It the offseason and helped will be hard to duplicate last me get to my full capabiliyear’s season for Wilken, ties,” said Wilken. but he thinks there’s always The Wake Forest comroom for improvement. mit accumulated these “There’s always somegreat numbers while also thing you can improve on, making the switch from whether you have a great third base to the physically season or a bad one,” he demanding catching posisaid. “I will have to get bettion. Wilken took on a bigter defensively, for sure, allger role for the team, leadaround at third and catching the pitching staff as ing, and I’ll work on being well. As a freshman and that leader and teammate sophomore, Wilken played that my team needs. You third base. The team needcan always work on being ed a catcher after the previa better person.” Brock Wilken goes to the mound to talk to his pitcher. ous catcher, Jake Gilbert, Wilken plans on graduated, so he made the school. attending Wake Forest after change to help his team, even though “He was great all season, and he he graduates, but he might he will play third base in college. It was was a guy I could trust all the time in have a choice to make if he a natural change for him because he any situation,” said pitcher Myles Caba. gets drafted in next year’s Wilken tosses the ball to first base. was originally a catcher before high “He helped me learn what it was like to MLB Draft.
Hours: 6am - 10pm South Brandon
Lake Brandon Village
(813) 571-0569
(813) 655-1237
2010 Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon 11325 Causeway Blvd, Brandon
www.chickfilabrandon.com
July 2019
Page 39
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Sports
Connection
657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com
By Nick Nahas and Photos courtesy of Nick Gandy
Tampa Bay Well Represented In 2019 Senior Games Held In Albuquerque New Mexico
Shollenberger (middle) with Jay Bortner (right) and Julian Rainwater.
Tampa Bay area senior athletes were among the record-setting 2019 Senior Games participants. Nearly 700 Florida senior athletes, including 123 from the Tampa Bay area, competed in the 2019 National Senior Games that were held in Albuquerque, NM from June 14-25. The 2019 games broke the record for the most registered athletes in the organization’s history in its 32nd year. According to the National Senior Games registration database, all 50 states were represented in this year’s games with a total of 13,712 athletes, which is 30 percent higher than the games in 2017 and 14 percent higher than the previous 12,000-person games in Louisville, KY in 2007. Florida had the fourth highest participation rate among the states this year with 687 athletes. These athletes qualified at the 2018 Florida Senior Games, presented by Humana, held in Clearwater and Pinellas Counties in December 2018. Since 2001, over
Shollenberger (right) on the medal stand after receiving his bronze medal in singles.
4,000 Florida athletes have competed in the biennial National Senior Games. Valrico resident Barry Shollenberger has competed at the Senior Games since 2011. He and his tennis doubles partner, Jay Bortner, have had a lot of success at the competition, winning bronze in doubles in 2011 in Houston (65 and older), gold in 2013 in doubles in Minneapolis (70 and older), silver in doubles in 2017 in Birmingham and Shollenberger won the singles gold medal that same year. In the most recent games, Shollenberger and Bortner won the bronze medal in doubles and Shollenberger won the bronze medal in singles as well for the 75 and older age group. “We have had some pretty good
Call for Pricin g !
Shollenberger (left) with his doubles partner Jay Bortner.
success in the games, and that’s what keeps us coming back,” said Shollenberger. “The competition seems to be getting better and better each time we come. It’s a lot of fun. People at our age you normally don’t think of as athletes, but this is real competition, guys will rip your throat out for a point.” Shollenberger enjoys meeting new people and staying active. “The athletes traveling to the National Senior Games from Florida shows their dedication to having a better quality of life as they age,” said Marvin E. Green, Jr., Vice President of Amateur Sports & Events with the Florida Sports Foundation. “Whether they are going to compete against the top athletes from around the country in their age group, or if they are going for
an extended vacation to New Mexico and make new friends from other states, we are extremely proud of their efforts.” The sports that the athletes competed in include: archery, badminton, basketball, bowling, cycling, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, power walk, race walk, racquetball, road race, shuffleboard, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track and field, triathlon and tri relay and volleyball. Shollenberger plans on competing in the next Florida Senior Games and in the next National Senior Games in two years in Fort Lauderdale. For more information about the 2019 National Senior Games, visit www.nsga.com. Visit www.floridaseniorgames.com for information about the remaining 2019 Florida Senior Games, local qualifying events and the 2019 Florida Senior Games, presented by Humana, to be held in December 7-15 in Broward County.
Newly Renovated! Stop by to see our new look!
The personal relationships that develop between our staff members and our residents are a big part of what makes Delaney Creek home. We give our residents individualized care and impeccable service so they can live a carefree lifestyle.
We treat our residents like family! Licensed Nursing Staff 24 Hrs Per Day
Lic. Number AL9582
320 S. Lakewood Dr., Brandon, FL 33511 • (813) 655-8858 • www.rosecastleal.com/delaney
Page 40
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 7