Two Sections, 36 Pages of Community News
Brandon/Winthrop
21 C E L E B R A T I N G
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Y E A R S
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P U B L I S H I N G
O’Reilly’s Parts, Christian Bros Auto And 16-Building Executive Park Now Underway
By Brian Bokor
Lit hia
CVS
approved project for this site and will be the least intensive of the three approved uses. The first project (1989) was to be named 'Royal Oaks Plaza' with Food Lion as the anchor along with a drug store, bank, restaurant, gas station and retail complex. The land then sat idle for 28 years until the Royal Oaks Senior Community Assisted Living Facility was approved in 2017. This was to be a two-story (35 ft.) facility containing up to 160 beds, but before construction plans were submitted McCullagh & Scott acquired the project and submitted plans for the executive park, which were approved. A dedicated left-turn lane on Bell Shoals Rd. will be added to improve traffic flow. Developers are mandated to replace all trees removed inch-for-inch on-site…and if the land necessary is not available on-site, funds are contributed to the Hillsborough County Tree fund, which plants the trees on equivalent conservation land. McCullagh & Scott, in business for over 30 years, will be developing this project. Specializing in churches (such as Arise Assembly of God, 1st Presbyterian of Brandon and FishHawk Fellowship), it also has built several local businesses, including Camp Bow Wow in Riverview, Ace Hardware (Lithia and Riverview), both Providence Lakes and Bloomingdale Executive Parks and even a salsa plant in Seffner. For information, call 621-7777 or visit https://mccullaghandscott.com.
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Behind the CVS Pharmacy (southwest corner of Lumsden Road, Lithia Pinecrest Ave. and Bell Shoals Rd), development has begun on Bell Shoals Executive Park—an eight-acre project encompassing 16 freestanding buildings (all one story, 28 ft. in height) and adding 61,500 sq. ft. of professional office space to the Brandon area (available summer 2020). According to David Lennon, Vice President at McCullagh & Scott, "The goal of this park is high-end professionals.” That includes lawyers, doctors, engineering firms, CPAs and other professional designations. No retail stores have been included in the park, which will keep the majority of traffic between the typical business hours of 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The new O'Reilly's Auto Parts and Christian Brothers Auto Repair under construction on Lumsden Rd. are not part of Bell Shoals Executive Park but are also underway. The executive park is the third
ne
Bell Shoals Rd. Drone imaging by Cody Hurst
Development has begun on Bell Shoals Executive Park at the southwest corner of Lumsden Rd., Lithia Pinecrest Ave. and Bell Shoals Rd.
P O S I T I V E
12
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Community Rallies To Help Fire Damaged McLane Middle School
By Kate Quesada
One of lying together. Our theme this Brandon’s oldest year is ‘Striving for Greatness,’ schools suffered and we will have a wonderful a fire last month year thanks to all of the comthat left seven munity support.” teachers scramAccording to Hillsborough bling in the County Public School’s Media weeks before Outreach, Tanya Arja, a decithe start of the sion has not been made as to academic year. what to do with the conMcLane Middle demned building. School was “Our focus since the fire struck by lighthas been makning in July, ing sure causing the seventh grade buildMcLane Middle ing, which held seven classrooms, is ready for stuto be condemned. dents on the According to Eric Seidel, first day,” said Public Information Officer with Arja. “We’ll now Hillsborough County Fire Rescue work with the (HCFR), the lightning struck the insurance comcenter building, causing a twopany to assess alarm fire. cost and deter“Firefighters arrived to find mine the next flames shooting through the roof of steps.” the two-story classroom building in McLane McLane Middle School in the middle of the school,” said Middle School Brandon was struck by lightning Seidel. “It took crews around 30 is located at last month, causing a fire that destroyed the school’s seventh 306 N. Knights minutes to get the flames under grade building. control, using both aerial and Ave. in ground attacks; however, hotspots contin- Brandon and can be reached at 744ued to arise, which required use of both 8100. water and foam to extinguish.” HCFR crews prevented the flames In This from spreading to any other surrounding Issue buildings and there were no injuries. However, teachers and administrators had their work cut out for them movTRASH DAY GOING TO BE DUMPED ..PG 3 ing the seven affected classrooms and rounding up supplies to replace items BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS..............PG 9 destroyed in the fire before welcoming DRIVER’S ED ELECTRIC CAR .............PG 10 back students. “It is heartbreaking, but we are Viking OSPREY OBSERVER INTERNS ...........PG 14 strong,” said Principal Dina Langston. NEW FLORIDA LAWS........................PG 18 Community members, parents and teachers from other local schools have EYE ON BUSINESS .....................PGS 25‐26 come together to help McLane teachers SPORTS CONNECTION......................PG 28 prepare for the school year. “We are extremely grateful to everyCHALKLINES .....................................PG 32 one who has reached out, offering to help READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE with school supplies and offering to set up classrooms,” said Langston. “We are ralwww.ospreyobserver.com
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August 2019 Volume 14, Issue 8 Ph: 657-2418
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Volume 14, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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Page 3
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Mathnasium Keeps Students’ Brains Active With Robotics & Coding Program
By Mia Cafaro
Mathnasium imaginations. of Brandon is This included usually a space abilities such as reserved exclufollowing a line sively for math of tape on the tutoring, but this floor or defendsummer, students ing itself with had the opportu(fake) lasers. nity to enter a Last sumworld of robotics mer, and coding. Mathnasium of These activiBrandon hosted ties were part of a a STEM camp, Students use the Lego Mindstorms robotics camp in which each coding program to give the robots different tasks. that took place day focused on Monday through Thursday multiple times a different topic: science, technology, this summer. It was attended by elemenengineering or math. This summer comtary and middle school-aged kids who bined all of those topics into this activity. were able to expand skills like teamwork Engineering and science were necessary and problem-solving through working to build the robots in a way that would together on projects. allow them to perform the activities the Although summer is a time for a students wanted to code, and the coding break from school, that does not mean it itself required technology and math to has to be a break from learning. There make the robot carry out a specific task. are many benefits to keeping students’ For some weeks of the camp, brains active year-round. Mathnasium partnered with AR “It is not necessarily what they are Workshops, which is right next door. A learning, it’s that they are going through portion of the time was spent doing the process of learning. The brain needs woodworking projects in the workshop, to be exercised, just like any other mussuch as making a chessboard. cle,” said Ian Allen, a longtime employee During the school year, Mathnasium of Mathnasium and the director of the offers math tutoring for elementary camp. through high school-aged students. For each camp, the students built Instructors are equipped to help with any and coded a different Lego Mindstorms topic, as well as SAT and ACT prep. To robot. This allowed kids to attend more find out more about Mathnasium prothan one camp and have a new experigrams, call 655-6284 or visit at 1048 ence each time. The robots varied from Bloomingdale Ave. To learn more about remote-controlled cars to rovers and the crafts and services offered at AR could be coded to the extent of the kids’ Workshops, call 775-7109.
Solid Waste Wants Your Take On Trash
By Michelle Caceres
Gibsonton matter to us,” said residents Robert Tramel. and Jewel Splain Information colcould not wait to lected from cusvoice their opinion tomers will be used to Hillsborough while evaluating priCounty Solid vate solid waste Waste collection contracts, Management offiwhich are schedcials about how uled to be rebid in Hillsborough County Solid Waste they use the curManagement officials asked customers to talk late 2019. The rent garbage, trash, sharing how much and how often they agency’s fiscal year recycling and yard use residential trash and recycling programs. runs from October waste services. 1 through September 30. New contracts The couple, who usually offer their will be signed by the end of this year and home to down-and-out families needing new services will start on September 30, assistance, said they have a family of six 2020. living with them right now and they create Customers who completed the sura lot of trash. vey have shared how full their trash and “Our trash bin is completely full on recycling cans are each week, how frethe first trash day and at least half full on quently they use the once-weekly yard the second,” said Robert, who worked for waste collection service, whether a onceWaste Management for 15 years as a weekly garbage collection would work if mechanic. there was a cost savings to be gained or His recycling is also full every week. if another garbage can would be provided He also has yard waste in his yard right and if the opportunity to dispose of larger no, waiting for collection. bulk items, like sofas, mattresses and This is exactly the kind of information refrigerators, during curbside pickup that government officials are looking for, would be a valuable addition to existing said Damien Tramel, the solid waste services. manager with Hillsborough County Solid Robert shared his opinion that once a Waste Management. week trash collection would not be The agency is seeking feedback from enough for his household, but it might its approximately 290,000 residential cus- work if he received another garbage can. tomers in unincorporated Hillsborough He hopes for more consistent service on County and New Tampa on potential his street; sometimes the trash trucks do future service changes under evaluation, not pick up on his street. including garbage collection frequency “I just want decent service for what and curbside bulk item collections. I’m paying for,” said Robert. “Our goal is to meet the needs of our For more information, visit www.hillscommunity residents and their opinions boroughcounty.org or call 272-5680.
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Page 4
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Add Names To NASA’s Latest Mars Rover And Get Free Boarding Pass
By Jasmine Haroun
NASA is invitJet Propulsion ing people all Laboratory (JPL) will over the world to use an electron beam to submit their etch all the submitted names to be a names onto a part of the next microchip. The lines of mission to Mars. text are less than 0.1 The submitted percent, as wide as a names will be human hair, and about etched onto a one million names can The boarding pass you receive after submitting your name. microchip that will be squeezed onto a sinbe sent with a rover on the next mission gle chip. to Mars. It is scheduled to take off July As of now, over seven million 17, 2020 and touch down on the Red names have been submitted, so needPlanet on February 18, 2021. less to say, NASA will need more than "As we get ready to launch this hisone chip for this project. toric Mars mission, we want everyone to NASA believes that this mission will share in this journey of exploration," said expand our knowledge of outer space Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate and expand the horizons for the human Administrator for NASA's Science Mission race. It also hopes that the partnerships Directorate in Washington D.C. of other countries and space stations will NASA will be launching the rover unify nations, create new economic from the Cape Canaveral Air Force opportunities and inspire future generaStation and will be sent to the Jezero tions. crater on Mars. It is programmed to The rover has not yet been named explore the region where scientists and, as NASA has done in the past believe could have once supported with its other rovers, it will hold a nammicrobial life. ing contest for students grades K-12. “The Mars 2020 mission rover will The ‘Name the Rover’ contest will be gather samples from Martian rocks and open to students in the fall. soil using its drill. The rover will then store To submit a name name to be the sample cores in tubes on the Martian etched onto a microchip, visit surface. This entire process is called bitly.com/marsname2020 and complete ‘sample caching.’ Mars 2020 will be the the short form. The entry deadline is on first mission to demonstrate this on Mars. Monday, September 30. It could potentially pave the way for future For information on the rover, visit missions that could collect the samples https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/. For and return them to Earth for intensive lab- information on the Mars 2020 mission, oratory analysis,” said NASA. visit NASA’s mission team members at www.nasa.gov/specials/moon2mars/.
Volume 14, Issue 8
HART Launches Ride With Respect Campaign To Promote Positive Transit The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) recently launched a new rider awareness campaign, Ride with Respect. The goal of HART's new Ride with Respect campaign is to promote a positive on-board experience for both operators and customers. The campaign targets customers, operators and the community and consists of education of the safety and security rules, riding etiquette, operator customer service training and a social media campaign aimed to elevate the transit operator position to the level of first responders—police, fire rescue, etc. "Every day, more than 300 transit professionals and 34,000 customers share a space on HART buses, vans and streetcars," said Benjamin Limmer, HART CEO. "We hope launching the Ride with Respect campaign helps maintain a safe, respectful and courteous environment on board our vehicles." Central to the Ride with Respect campaign is a series of emotional short vignettes following HART operators throughout their day, displaying family interactions, hobbies, devotions, etc. to help customers and the general public better connect with HART staff.
Staff Report
The first in the Ride with Respect video series is Latisha Jones, a HARTPlus van operator who has driven for HART for seven years. You can search her name on youtube.com to see her video. "Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1593 is glad to see this community-based campaign, especially featuring ATU Local 1593 Union members/HART professional operators," said Curtis Howard, ATU International Vice President. "The ATU will continue to partner with HART, Hillsborough County and the rest of the communities we serve. As we do our best to move the residents of Hillsborough County in a safely and timely manner, we need them to treat our operators with respect each and every day.” ATU Local 1593 thanks the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for assisting HART operators with de-escalation training and would especially like to thank every HART operator for their dedication, commitment and professionalism as they execute 34,000 daily trips for Hillsborough County. For more information on the Ride with Respect campaign, visit www.goHART.org/RideWithRespect.
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August 2019
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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Hillsborough County Public School District 4 Citizen Advisory Council Coummunity Meeting Monday, August 26 at 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Lithia Springs Elementary School Media Center, is located at 4332 Lynx Paw Trl., Valrico. Join school board member Melissa Snively and her 3 CAC (Citizens Advisory Committee) appointees at its community meeting. The CAC advises the district of issues in the community, and this is how District 4 (HCPS District 4) Citizens Advisory Committe (D4CAC) members gather information. The meeting also serves as an opportunity to provide input to Melissa Snively regarding her decisions on budget and other policies. Parents, students, teachers and administrators are welcome. Feel free to bring a friend.
Plant City Social Dancing
Strawberry Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd., Plant City Saturday, August 24 & 31; 6:30-9:30 p.m. Dance to the music by DJ Ken Miller. No alcohol is to be brought on property. Bring your own snacks and drinks. Cost: $6. Visit strawberrysquaredancing.com.
Social Security Benefits Seminar Hosted By Angeloni Tax Advisory Group Tuesday, September 17; October 15; November 19 and Thursday, September 5; October 3 and November 7; 5:45 p.m. HCC campus at The Regent, 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview. Learn strategies and principles behind the proper timing of taking your Social Security benefits; perfect for ages 58-67. Call 626-7575 to make reservations. Leave a message after 4:30 p.m.
Pet Vaccination Clinic At Kim’s Natural Pets
Saturday, September 7; 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.
Fall Veggie Gardening
Saturday, September 21; 10-11 a.m. Kerby’s Nursery and Landscaping, 2311 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner Learn everything you need to know to get your fall garden growing. Call 685-3265; visit www.kerbysnursery.com
Congregation Beth Shalom Shabbat Services
Fridays; 7:30 p.m. 706 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. All welcome. Oneg, nosh and mingle follows. Services stream live afterwards on Facebook at Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon. Call 681-6547 for more information.
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
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Page 8
Volume 14, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
ets k c i T , g cin n a y D l a Soci ble For Smoke Availa son & Morsaenti…, Robin by Michelle Cole
Casino Tampa is located at 215 Sydney at 5223 Orient Rd. Visit Washer Rd. in www.seminolehardrockDover. tampa.com/.. Vendors will be selling A New Senior model trains, m d o e c r. il Community Choir e p various hoberv Com preyobs s o @ e Seeking Singers bies, colll miche lectibles and A new senior comdie-cast munity choir in cars. There Riverview is seekwill be a running train laying singers with all out for the children to levels of singing Andrew Learned Files For Florida enjoy. There is something experience. ‘Joyful House Of Representatives District for kids of all ages to Voices’ will hold its Smokey Robinson will 59 enjoy. appear at Seminole Hard first rehearsal on Rock Hotel & Casino on Monday, September Admission is $5 for Andrew Learned, the Navy Thursday, October 10. adults. Kids 12 and under Veteran and local small business 16 at 1:30 p.m. This are free. Credit cards are accepted. owner who, in 2018, ran an insurgent senior community choir was created Vendors needed. If interested, campaign for the 15th Congressional for older adults who have a love of please contact Joe at 727-244-1341 District, today announced his candimusic and a desire to sing. or visit www.regalrailways.com. dacy for Florida House of “Singing has a way of lifting spirRepresentatives District 59. its and stimulating memoIn an email to supporters, Andrew Smokey Robinson Coming To ries,” stated the choir’s New Hard Rock Event Center explained his reasons, "I didn't get music director, Janet into this race to fight for an arbitrary Formato. Legendary singer-songwriter district line or a fancy desk in DC. I’m Smokey Robinson will perform in the The idea for the senrunning for the same reasons I stood ior community choir came new 1,500-seat Hard Rock Event up to defend our country overseas — Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel as a result of a number of to get things done, to make life better & Casino Tampa on Thursday, residents at The Bridges for all my neighbors here at home." who love to sing. October 10 at 8 p.m. "We already hold the majority in Executive Director Donna Tickets at $80 and are on sale Washington, but FL-59 is one of the Steiermann is excited about the now via Ticketmaster and at The closest seats held by a Democrat in choir. Rock Shop. The show is for those 21 the Florida Legislature and now that “In addition to a number of our and older. Rep. Adam Hattersley will vacate it to residents, we anticipate 20 or so senRobinson initially rose to fame run for Congress, it's our most vuliors from the greater with his group The Miracles. In 1960, nerable and critical seat to hold… Brandon/Riverview area to join us. The Miracles recorded their and Tallahassee matters now more than We especially welcome those with Motown’s first million-selling hit, Shop ever." mild cognitive impairment,” explained Around. With two highSteiermann. Between 1960 profile swing Studies have proven that singing and 1970, members of the with others provides benefits such as Robinson Florida House, managing stress, alleviating pain, would produce Adam Hattersley increasing happiness and establish26 Top 40 hits and Margaret ing friendships. with The Good both Sixty-minute rehearsals will be Miracles, announcing runs held every Monday starting on including severfor Congress this September 16 at the Cambridge al Top 10 hits week, Andrew's Clubhouse at The Bridges, located at such as You’ve announcement 11202 Dewhurst Dr. in Riverview. A Really Got a will be welcome holiday performance will be schedHold on Me, I Vendors are needed for the upcoming Toy news for Florida uled in December and a spring perSecond That Train & Collectible Show on Saturday, Democrats eager formance will be Emotion and November 23 at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. to make gains held in April. the group’s going into the 2021 redistricting For additional only No. 1 pop hit—The Tears Of A rounds. information and to Clown. Other notable hits included Visit https://andrewlearned.com/. reserve your spot, Ooo Baby Baby, and The Tracks Of please call 413My Tears. Vendors Needed For Toy Train & 8900. The Detroit native has been Collectible Show/Sale In inducted into the Kennedy Center, November Applications Now Available For awarded an individual star on the 35 $1,000 Math Grants And/Or Hollywood Walk of Fame and a secA Toy Train & Collectible Host A Math Night ond star with The Miracles. He was Show/Sale presented by Regal Railways will take place on Saturday, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Mathnasium is dedicated to helpof Fame in 1987. November 23 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at ing children learn and understand Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & the Hillsborough Fairgrounds, located math in ways that can change their
lives forever. In its effort to assist all children with math and STEM education, it has partnered with National PTA in its STEM + Families Initiative. (Visit www.pta.org/stem.) It is reaching out to you today to let you know about the 2019 National PTA STEM + Families You can apply on behalf of your school. Each grant winner will be awarded $1,000 to partner with their local Mathnasium and to host a ‘Math Night’ at their school. Math Nights are turnkey two-hour events co-hosted by Mathnasium and local PTAs in elementary schools across the country helping kids explore math at their own level through fun games and activities and provide students and their families with quality STEM experiences. You can apply for the grant through the quick and easy form here at http://bit.ly/2019MathGrants. The application deadline is on Sunday, September 8. There are only 35 grants offered nationally, but if your school does not receive the grant, please reach out to your local Mathnasium about hosting a Math Night at your school. Mathnasium, changing lives through math, has three locations locally: Mathnasium of Brandon, located on the corner of Bloomingdale Ave. and Bell Shoals Rd., call 655-6284 or email brandon@mathnasium.com; Mathnasium of West Brandon, located off of Causeway Blvd. and Falkenburg Rd., call 607-4950 or email westbrandon@mathnasium.com; and Mathnasium of Riverview, located at 11446 US 301, call 844-384-3265 or email riverview@mathnasium.com.
Grief Care Class
The First Baptist Church (FBC) of Brandon provides a Grief Care Class to the community to those that have lost loved ones at no cost. You do not need to be a member of the church to attend these very successful classes. They are provided to our community because of a public need to help others suffering from grief. Privacy is maintained by the group itself. Classes are held on Thursdays from 10-11 a.m. Contact the group by calling the church office 689-1204 or by emailing fbcbrandon.org and providing it with your contact information.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Lesser-Known Behind The Scenes Tours You Can Take Tomorrow By Sean Crumpacker you might not know, however, is that the stadium offers a whole other experience: stadium tours.The 75minute long backstage tour grants guests access to a luxury suite, the pirate ship, the USF home team locker room, the field, and more. Prices vary by age group. To check ticket prices or reserve a spot on a tour, visit http://raymondjamesstadium.com/stadium-tours/.
The Tampa area is home to a wide variety of entertainment opportunities for both tourists and residents alike, but what many locals don’t realize is that plenty of these businesses offer behind-the-scenes tours to those who go looking.
The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is a widely popular attraction. What many people don’t know, however, is that the aquarium features a few unique activities for visitors to sign up for online. The aquarium hosts a daily Behind the Scenes Tour. One hour in length, the tour gives guests a closeup look at the work that goes into maintaining a facility which harbors 14,000 animals. Whether you are interested in marine life and rescue or just want to learn about the aquarium, the tour is sure to be interesting and ensure guests appreciate the effort put into caring for so many animals. The Behind the Scenes Tour, as well as the Florida Aquarium’s other attractions, can be signed up for on its website at www.flaquarium.org/tours-and-adventures. Prices vary day-to-day, so be sure to make your plans in advance.
AMALIE Arena
Amalie Arena, originally known as the Ice Palace, is more than just a stadium for sports and performances. On Lightning game days, the arena opens up for guest tours, although a ticket to the game is not required to attend. Guests will get to see every floor of the arena, as well as view the pipe organ, the press box, the zambonis, and, of course, the ice. The tour is $10 per person. Children under 5 may attend at no cost. The tours always start 3.5 hours before the day’s game. For more information, visit www.nhl.com/lightning/arena/amaliearena-tours.
Tampa Theater
Big Cat Rescue
Tampa Theatre
Tampa’s historic movie palace is a bastion of culture that the city’s citizens fought to protect back in 1973, and for good reason. There are few theatres of its kind left in America. On the 90-minute Balcony to Backstage Tour, guests can get a glimpse of the inner workings of the Tampa Theatre. Visitors on the tour will learn about the theatre’s history, art, architecture, and stories. Because the tours do sell out, the Tampa Theatre recommends those interested reserve their slots in advance. Additionally, Tampa Theatre members can take the tour at no
cost. Visit https://tampatheatre.org/tour/balconybackstage-tour/ to book your tour.
Port Tampa Bay
All aboard; Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m., Port Tampa Bay offers a 75-minute tour of the harbor. Guests will board the Bay Spirit II to experience “a dynamic, working cargo port.” Port Tampa Bay is the largest, most diversified port within the state and one of the largest with-
in the nation— guests are sure to experience an entirely new world on the harbor excursion. The seats for tours fill up quickly, so reservations are required to be made in advance. Call 905-7678 or visit www.porttb.com/harbor-tours to sign up. Best of all, it’s free.
Raymond James Stadium
If you are a sports fan, you have probably watched a football game at the Raymond James Stadium. What
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If you’re looking for a longer, educational animal tour that delves into ‘the inner workings of a real animal sanctuary,’ look no further than Big Cat Rescue’s Keeper Tour. Two hours in length, the Keeper Tour is a mini tour of the 67 acre sanctuary. Along the way, guests will learn the history of the sanctuary and about the cats themselves, and see many of the approximately 80 exotic cats. The tour also includes a Behind the Big Cat Scenes Adventure, each of which is promised to be unique and exciting. To book, visit https://bigcatrescue.org/keeper-tour/.
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Page 10
Volume 14, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Bloomingdale Is First Driver’s Ed To Go Green With TECO Electric Car Donation
Show Your Support For Veterans At The Annual Travis Manion 9/11 Heroes Run
them about electric cars.” Lankford also said the LEAF will save the school money in terms of fuel and maintenances. For Bloomingdale Principal Sue Burkett, acquiring the latest in transportation technology for her students to maneuver on the school’s driving range and local roads is as important as what goes on inside of classrooms. “It’s innovative and will help us keep up with what is going on Bloomingdale High School driver education teacher in society,” she said. Mike Lankford charges up the school’s new Nissan The growing number of elecLEAF all-electric car, while Tampa Electric Company Business Development Manager and Bloomingdale tric cars in use indicates supportalumnus Ken Hernandez looks on. ing that technology is part of With the addition of a plug-in, allTampa Electric’s future, according to electric Nissan LEAF compact car to its Business Development Manager and fleet of six Dodge Durango SUVs, Bloomingdale alumnus Kenneth Bloomingdale High School became the Hernandez. first school in Florida to make electric “It’s our product going into the vehicle vehicle technology part of its Driver and we are looking at the right way to Education program. educate our customers about electric Along with a new set of wheels, transportation.” Bloomingdale is also the first high school According to Tampa Electric, it is the in Florida to offer Tampa Electric first electric utility in Florida to offer the Company’s Electric Vehicle and Energy Electric Vehicle and Energy Education Education program, a collaboration with program, and that the program is among the Tampa Bay Clean Cities Coalition and the first of its kind in the country. the University of South Florida’s Center “This will give students hands-on for Urban Transportation Research. A curexperience that will help them make riculum and student handbook will help informed decisions when they’re ready to driver education teachers like purchase their own vehicle,” said Tampa Bloomingdale’s Mike Lankford navigate Electric President and Chief Executive the new technology with students. Officer Nancy Tower in a news release. “I think it’s going to be a really good Two other high schools in driver education course,” he said. “It’s the Hillsborough County, King and Sickles, future of where cars are going and we’re will also be acquiring electric cars and going to do everything we can to teach charging stations as part of the program.
officer when he was killed. The reason he was in Iraq was due to the events of 9/11. And he— Travis—you know, gave the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed by a sniper,” said Beau Higgins, race director. Manion died to save his teammates in the war following 9/11, inspiring the 9/11 Heroes Run and the Travis Manion Foundation. The Travis Manion Foundation has partnered with The 2019 Heroes Run will take place on Saturday, September 14 at Park Square, 16144 Churchview Dr. GORUCK for its 2019 9/11 in Lithia. Heroes Run. Rucking is a sport It is of the utmost importance that which involves carrying a weighted pack the sacrifices of veterans, first responand is the foundation of Special Forces ders, active duty and their affected fami- training. The partnership with GORUCK lies are never forgotten. The 9/11 brings rucking divisions to the 9/11 Heroes Run, hosted by the Travis Heroes Run, which can also be signed Manion Foundation, aims to ensure that up for online. Visit the 9/11 Heroes the legacies of American heroes are Run’s website for more information. preserved by honoring their actions and The Travis Manion Foundation is uniting the community. also looking for volunteers to help The 5K+1M fun run is scheduled to organize and set up the 9/11 Heroes be held on Saturday, September 14 at Run. Park Square, located at 16144 According to Higgins, “We’re Churchview Dr. in Lithia. Walkers and blessed here in FishHawk and it’s runners of all ages and fitness levels important for us to get together and are welcome and encouraged to attend. remember the sacrifices of those first Online registration for participants is responders and those veterans and to required on its website at never forget the impact that 9/11 had on https://911heroesrunlithiafl.itsyourrace.c so many people’s lives. In an area like om, which is also where the course FishHawk where you do have a signifimap can be found. cant amount of veterans present, it’s “For me, this is very personal. only right that we take a few hours once Travis Manion was one of my marines a year to remember those sacrifices when he was killed. We were deployed and come together as a community to together in Iraq. I was his commanding appreciate what we have.”
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By Sean Crumpacker
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Page 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
BSAC After-School Experience Offers New Clubs And New Locations
Staff Report
The BSAC Afterschool. The highly School Experience anticipated new cur(BASE) is bringing riculum has also back its most popular brought in communiafter-school clubs in ty business partners, addition to exciting which connects stunew options. After a dents not only to our long day, students community, but to can look forward to current leaders in the spending time with Brandon area as their friends while well. Students will For the new school year, the BSAC developing personal have the unique After-School Experience is bringing interests and hobbies back opportunity to its most popular after-school clubs in Culinary, Arts & engage with professome exciting new options. Crafts, Robotics, sionals across a LEGO’S (intro to wide range of indusRobotics), tries through field Community Service, trips and guest Gardening, Odyssey speakers, interacting of the Mind, and with chefs, dental Trade. Students have hygienists, law the opportunity to enforcement, nutriregister for two clubs tionists and more. in fall and two clubs BASE continues in spring. to raise the standard “As a local nonprofit, for after-school programBSAC is excited to serve ming by tying activity curour community by providing riculum to the Sunshine exceptional after State Standards. school experiences Educational enrichfor children,” said ment has never Brandi Hooper, been more fun, Director of BASE. innovative, or “Our curriculum engaging. based programming In the 2019offers homework time, 2020 school year, computer lab time, BASE will be availorganized outdoor able at BSAC in games, and enriching addition to the folclubs. All of our activlowing six ities are focused on immersing your child Hillsborough County Elementary in leadership experiences, community Schools: Brooker, FishHawk Creek, connections, the importance of service, Bevis, Stowers, Lithia Springs and and understanding how they can impact Kingswood. BSAC also picks up stuthe lives of those around them.” dents from various elementary schools In an effort to drive the BSAC misin the Brandon area for programming at sion of impacting lives daily, students will its 12.5 acre main campus, which has explore educational topics they are pastwo swimming pools, diving boards, a sionate about while building life skills that media center, gym, and art room. For will carry on well into middle and high information, visit www.mybsac.org.
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Page 12
Volume 14, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Playing For Charity At The Annual Knights Of Columbus Golf Classic
2019 Community Water Wise Award Winners & Entries Now Open
fet lunch. Tee off time will be promptly at 9 a.m. with a four-person scramble to add to the excitement of the day. Early bird registration fees are $85 per golfer until Thursday, September 5. After that, the cost will be $95 for singles and $380 for a foursome. Group shot taken from last year’s Knights of Columbus golf There will be prizes for tournament. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, first, second, third and last October 5 at Bloomingdale Golfers Club. place finishers, plus men's The Knights of Columbus is preparand women's longest drive and closest to ing for its sixth annual Charity Golf the hole events. Classic, sponsored by Mother Seton This year there will be four hole-inCouncil #6724. Even the sweltering heat one contests with one $10,000 hole and and afternoon showers will not stray three other $1,000 holes. There is also a these dedicated golfers from this annual $2,000 putting contest ($1,000 goes to fundraising event, which will take place the winner and $1,000 to the council for on Saturday, October 5 at the charity). Complementary cold beverages Bloomingdale Golfer's Club, located at will be provided for participants. 4113 Great Golfers Pl. in Valrico. There will be additional fundraising “The proceeds will be used for chariopportunities with an auction, a 50/50 table events throughout the year,” contest and a raffle for a ‘Bucket of explained Neil Waid, Council Deputy Cheer’ and other great prizes. Grand Knight. “Organizations such as “The Knights of Columbus is a fraterSpecial Olympics, Lopez Exceptional nal organization,” Waid explained. Center, the James A. Haley Veterans' This selfless organization believes in Hospital and Haley's Cove Living Center, and supports the true meaning of charity, along with various other local organizaunity, fraternity and patriotism. tions, are on the club's list of recipients.” For registration and forms, as well as “Donations are also made to support sponsorship opportunities, visit the Homeless Veterans Outreach, KofCBrandon.com or email Jonathan Nativity Outreach, and veteran families in Lodrigues at kofcgolfclassic@gmail.com. need each year,” said Waid. Please pay online with PayPal or mail Registration will be Saturday, payment with registration forms to: October 5 from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. The fee Mother Seton Council #6724, Post Office includes a golf cart, range balls, gift bag, beverages, continental breakfast and buf- Box 1327, Brandon, Florida 33511.
The Community There are sevWater Wise Awards, eral elements of sponsored by these landscapes Tampa Bay Water, a that are positive regional municipal examples of Floridawater provider, recFriendly ognize individuals LandscapingTM and businesses water wise praccommitted to contices. These include serving our water the planting of resources and prodrought-tolerant tecting the environtrees and plants, Karen Taylor’s landscape was one of the self-mulching areas ment by using 2019 Community Water Wise Award Florida-Friendly under trees, groundContest winners. Landscaping™ (FFL) principles. covers versus turfgrass utilized in all or There are nine FFL principles, which several areas of the landscapes, plants include: right plant, right place; water effiselected that are appropriate for their site ciently; fertilize appropriately; mulch; conditions, grouping of plants with similar attract wildlife; manage yard pests water and maintenance needs, organic responsibly; recycle; reduce stormwater and alternative mulch was applied, pervirunoff; and protect the waterfront. Many ous materials were used for paths, walkof these principles are used as part of the ways and other areas. landscape evaluation process for this Each landscape had gutter downaward program. spouts and roof runoff directed onto The retention of existing trees and mulched/planted areas. One landscape vegetation is evaluated, as are landscape contained six rain barrels which were design and plant selection. Stormwater used to water landscape plants. Both runoff prevention techniques and use of thrive mainly on rainfall with minimal irriefficient irrigation techniques are gation, were aesthetically pleasing, beaureviewed. Winning landscapes balance tiful and inviting. attractive design with plants, landscape You can enter the contest any time at elements and water efficient irrigation http://tampabaywaterwise.org. Get a techniques that have a positive impact on head start on 2020. The deadline for our environment. entries is June 30 each year. The winners for the 2019 Community For information, call 744-5519 or visit Water Wise Award Contest are: UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, Unincorporated Hillsborough County, the located at 5339 CR 579 in Seffner. You landscape of Maryanne and Joe Velez may also want to view on at www.faceand the Tampa winners are Karen Taylor book.com/HCFFL/. Remember to reduce, and Ingo Fochler. reuse, recycle and repeat.
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Page 13
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
New Affordable Apartment Complex Opens In Valrico For Seniors
By Kate Quesada
Laburnum Gardens, an 81-unit apartment complex for seniors, opened earlier this month in Valrico.
A new apartment complex in Valrico is helping to solve one of the area’s more difficult problems. Laburnum Gardens, located on Bloomingdale Ave., opened earlier this month and is offering affordable rental apartments for seniors. “All 81 units at Laburnum Gardens are reserved for seniors with incomes at or below 60 percent of the area’s median income,” said Todd Pratt, Hillsborough County’s Media Relations Strategist. Pratt explained that the maximum monthly rent will range from $502 for a one-bedroom unit to $904 for a two-bedroom apartment. Five of the units are designed for people with mobility challenges and two are for those with hearing or vision disabilities. “It is good and it’s clean, and the biggest thing is that it is new; brand-new,” said resident Armando Ocasio. “There are a couple of people that are in wheel
chairs and it makes it easier for them and it’s comfortable.” Developed by Southport Development, Inc., the complex was partly funded by Hillsborough County. The maximum income for prospective residents ranges from $18,760 to $40,140, depending on family size. “Such public-private partnerships are becoming increasingly valuable as State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP) funding has significantly declined in recent years,” said Pratt. Amenities at the complex include a clubhouse and community area, elevators in all buildings, a nature trail and boardwalk and a shuffleboard court. “In order to build a strong economy, people need a place to lay their heads at night so they can take care of their families and take care of their lives,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner Kimberly Overman. “That foundation is key to a successful community and economy.” Laburnum Gardens is located at 1146 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. For more information, visit the development’s website at www.laburnumgardens.com or call 278-5273.
Florida Fire Service, Inc. Offers Quality Safety Installation & Protection For fire safety and prevention, businesses want professionalgrade equipment, installation and upkeep to make sure it is all up to code and in the best condition, and Florida Fire Service, Inc. is a surefire choice. Florida Fire Service is a locally owned and familyoperated full-service fire protection company that has been in business for over 50 years. From fire extinguishers to alarms, fire suppression systems and more, its products are topnotch. “We maintain customers’ fire protection equipment so the fire department never has to do their job through timely, professional, friendly sales and service and working with customers to come up with affordable solutions that work for them,” said Executive Vice President Doug Higgs. To keep your fire equipment like new, the company does maintenance, repair, design, upgrading, cost-saving, certifying, scheduled inspections and retrofitting. Florida Fire Service is the licensed contractor that performs the required annual maintenance; other inspections may be required on fire protection equipment that can be performed by the owner or their designated agent. “I was an aviation firefighter on the flight deck of the USS Nimitz, so I truly
By Taylor Wells
understand the importance of attention to detail, the importance of thorough maintenance as well as what it truly means to serve others,” said Higgs. As a former paralegal and business owner, his wife also understands the importance of attention to detail and service to others. Florida Fire Service has four core values: keeping things simple and accessible; the company’s staff is friendly and works quickly, the owners are always available for questions or concerns and its prices are affordable. Training the best people to offer the best service possible; its employees are great listeners, knowledgeable, experienced and enthusiastic. They all undergo extensive training, earning NICET, state and national certifications, along with a FDLE Level II background check, which is unique to the company. Although it does not provide its services to residential homes, homeowners can bring fire extinguishers to Florida Fire Service’s office for complimentary inspections. “I would like to take the opportunity to thank our over 6,000 loyal customers for trusting us with their fire protection service needs,” said Higgs. Florida Fire Service, Inc. is located at 2801 E. SR 60 in Valrico. For more information, visit https://floridafireservice.com/ or call 877-662-3473.
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Page 14
Volume 14, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Interns Add To Osprey Observer News Team For The Summer
By Jordyn Kalman
Sean Crumpacker Newsome High School
Crumpacker will be entering his senior year at Newsome High School. He is not sure what college he would like to
Two Sections,
15
C E L E B R A
T I N G
1 7
3 6 Pages of Comm
Jasmine Haroun Newsome High School
in journalism and environmental studies. After her journalism teacher told her about this opportunity, Le Roy wanted to intern at the Osprey Observer because writing has been her passion since she was little. She loves the Osprey Observer because of its focus on the local community and how it brings everyone together. In her time here, she has learned not just about the writing process, but also about the marketing and business side of the newspaper industry. She said she now knows there are a ton of factors that people do not think about when a newspaper is delivered to their door. Le Roy’s favorite part about working for the paper has been interviewing people and hearing first-hand the stories of people in the community. She would like to say to the staff, “Thank you to the entire staff for being so nice and helpful!”
unity News
Valrico
July 20 1 9 Volume 1 6 , Issue 7 Ph: 6 5 7 -24 1 8
Y E A R S
O F P U B L See Article On I S H I N G Turning Lane & P O S I T I V Page 12 E C O M M Impro U N I T Y N E W S S.Miller And Lithia vements Coming To Thera py Dog At Nelson Pinecrest Intersection Integrated With Elementary To Be By Brad Stager Class the project for Hillsborou rooms Nelson gh County. By
Hailey
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2397
Elementary has Le Roy He had two surgeries “The intent is to acquired a therapy relieve the pressure on on his back legs dog to be integrated Miller,” she and said. two anterior cruciate inside its classroom ligs. ament (ACL) tears. Julia Delones is Odd Job, a a longtime resident of However, he has mixed black lab, the area mostly has near the junction recovered and is visited the school and continexpressed appreciati uing to positively occasionally for impact on for the the county’s effort, the community. past seven years, but is skeptical as to how “Just to sit and pet said the owner of well the the plan will help a a dog totally reduces dog and physical situation involving human your stress level,” education teacher behavior as Th e intersection at much as a high Everyone, including of S. Nelson, Leslie traffic count. will be improved Miller Road and Lith iaPinecrest the teachers, has used “The extra turn A growing number with a$ 3 5 6 ,0 0 0 upg rade. Wheeler. She has lane will Odd help, but it’s not of people making been teaching at going to fix Valrico their home it because Nelson since 2005 means an increase they block the and would bring in Odd cars traveling on intersection,” Job in during teacher what were once country said Delones, workdays ever since roads, adding up referring to a she got him. to congestion and motoring tech“Who doesn’t nique known as delays for drivers, Solomonwalkin ‘blocking especially during peak g Odd want to have their travel times. Entering an intersectiothe box.’ NelsonElemenJobaround tary. Among the plans n with traffic dog at school with backed up to the them? ” point where Hillsborough County in Eastern Last year, Wheeler said Wheeler. Job to calm to keep traffic mov- cannot clear the intersectio the car decided to train ing is a project Odd Job to be a n, blocking down after a the movement of to improve the therapy dog so intersecother tion of Lithia Pinecrest that he could regularly work rough day. a matter of courtesy, cars, is not only Road and S. with students at it Miller Road, just the school. According “He’s had an according to Florida is against the law north of Blooming to Wheeler, Odd Statute 316 .206 dale Avenue. Job got was very cooperativ effect on Coach Wh eeler 1, which says in part, h as been e during “No his driver therPlans for the project apy training and teach ing Ph ysica shall enter everybody in an intersection or got it done in four l presented at a marked crosswalk Educationat an open house weeks. He did everything this school.” unless there is sufficient held by Hillsborou Elementary sinNelson the trainer gh ce 2 0 0 5 . County call for space asked on the him to do. Then, other side of the In addition, Wheeler resurfacin with the help of intersection or crosswould like to ing existing pavement g and restripNelson’s principal start bringing Odd walk to accommo and guidance counJob into assisted date the vehicle…” to create an additional on S. Miller Road selors, he was approved living homes so he can It is a problem that left-turn lane continue to help to visit during from westbound Workman school hours. others inside and outside acknowledges does S. Miller Road to of school. the exist. southbound lanes In the past school year, “Cars shouldn’t of Odd Job be blocking the Road at the T-intersecLithia Pinecrest was used only on intersection, but tion. The traffic Fridays and strictly they do,” she said. signal system will reward to students’ be upgraded and The project is part good behavior and pedestrian safety of Hillsborough academics. The kids County’s Capital features will be could either read Improvement Program added. to Odd Job, take him and is estimated out for a walk or to cost $356 ,000. just Relieving congestio relax and enjoy Actual road work petting him. n on S. Miller will take about 6 Road is the desired “He has always 0 to 90 outcome, according days and the project is loved children and to Steffanie Workman expected to be has a great disposition , who is managing completed by August 2020. 14 that to go to waste,” and I didn’t want No road closures are anticipate said Wheeler. d. Next year, the school SPORTS FIELD UPGRADES is hoping to add onto Odd Job’s ..................PG 4 purpose. It would like to incorporat TEEN COURT .................. e him ....................PG 9 the classroom setting even more inside as well as rewardSPORTS CONNECTIO ing students. He N...............PGS 2 8 ‐2 will be 9 dents daily. A blanket visiting the stuCHALKLINES .................. permission ................. slip will ..PG 3 2 be sent out across the school to allow interaction with READ MORE LOCAL Odd Job. NEWS ONLINE Odd Job has not had the easiest life.
er
Kalman is a sophomore at the University of Florida currently majoring in journalism. She chose this field of study after working on her high school newspaper for two years and then writing for The Alligator, one of the country’s largest student-run newspapers, in college. She loves journalism because it allows her to channel her passion for writing into something positive for the community. Her favorite part about working at the Osprey Observer this summer was collaborating with such a wonderful team and getting the chance to be more involved in the community she grew up in. During her time on staff, she continued to improve her writing and interviewing skills. Kalman would like to say to the staff, “Thank you for making this whole experience so enjoyable. Shout out to Michelle for being awesome and always being there to give me advice and offer to help.”
attend in the future, but he is considering UCF or Old Dominion. Crumpacker said he will most likely major in programming because he makes video games and codes as a hobby but is also considering journalism as a possibility. Crumpacker wanted to intern at the Osprey Observer because he loved the writing and journalism classes he has taken in school, so this was a great way to continue working on his skills over the summer. During his time at the Osprey Observer, Sean has learned about the news writing process, how to conduct interviews and has further improved his communication skills. He also recently moved to FishHawk, so writing for the paper has been a great way to learn about and get involved in the community. Crumpacker wanted to say to the staff, “Thanks to everyone at the office for being so helpful, friendly and responsive. This internship was a great opportunity, both for my own hobby and job experience, and I’m really grateful that I got to get involved with the Osprey Observer.” ECRWSS EDDM
Jordyn Kalman University of Florida
Hailey Le Roy Newsome High School
Postal Custom
Every summer, the Osprey Observer welcomes interns from high schools and colleges into its office to learn the ins and outs of the newspaper industry and gain real-world experience as a reporter. This summer, the Osprey Observer had the pleasure of having five interns, Jordyn Kalman, Sean Crumpacker, Hailey Le Roy, Jasmine Haroun and Nur Suleiman, in their newsroom.
Sean Crumpacker Newsome High School
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
Jordyn Kalman University of Florida
Hailey Le Roy Newsome High School
Th ree Bulls Tavern Hours are Monda & Brewery recently opened y toTh ursday fro torave reviews. m 4 -1 1 p.m., Frida from 4 p.m.-1 2 No y and Saturday o Th ree Bulls Tavern nand Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. & Brewery is loca inValricointh e fo ted at 4 3 3 0 Bell rmer Beef O’ Bra Sh oals Rd. dy’s spot onBell 3 8 1 -3 8 5 3 or visit Sh oals Rd. Call onFacebook at Th ree Bulls Tavern & Brewery.
Le Roy will be a sophomore this upcoming school year at Newsome High School. She is unsure of what college she would like to attend but is interested
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Nur Suleiman Florida A & M University
During her time, Haroun has been able to further develop her writing abilities and has been introduced to whole new areas of the community she had not seen before. Her favorite part of working here has been collaborating with her colleagues and she admires how everyone is available to lend a helping hand whenever needed. Jasmine would like to say, “Thank you so much to the Osprey Observer team for giving me this opportunity to see such a wonderful group of people impact and inspire the community.”
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Jasmine Haroun Newsome High School
Haroun is a rising sophomore at Newsome High School and hopes to one day go to her dream school, University of Florida, to study biological sciences. She wanted to intern at the Osprey Observer because she has always valued the newspaper since it shows us the good going on around us, and people need to see the positives once in a while. Also, this gave Haroun the opportunity to enhance her writing skills.
Nur Suleiman Florida A & M University
Suleiman is a rising second year student studying journalism at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She chose Florida A&M because she wanted a change of pace and felt the university chose her. She wanted to intern at the Osprey Observer to advance her writing skills while she was home for the summer at a publication she loved to read in high school. After spending a couple months working here, Suleiman has learned a lot about the ins and out of newspaper writing. Although she was a member of the Newsome yearbook staff, she had never considered news before, so this opportunity has allowed her to explore this field. Her favorite part about working here is being able to watch a topic transform into a story and to see her work published. Suleiman would like to say, “I would just like to thank the staff for this opportunity and tell them that they truly are amazing people.”
August 2019
Page 15
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
New Terminal Site Considered For Possible Commuter Ferry Service
By Brad Stager
town hall meeting in Brandon. As presented at the meeting, the price to Hillsborough County for implementing the ferry commuter service is expected to be about $38 million in capital costs, including the purchase of boats and infrastructure construction. Advocates suggest using money from the BP oil spill settlement, county transportation tax dollars and funding available from the Florida Department of Hillsborough County Commissioners (from left): Transportation to pay for it. Pat Kemp, Kimberly Overman and Mariella Smith A partnership between the update residents on a proposed ferry service operator of the existing Cross Bay between SouthShore and MacDill AFB. Providing more transportation options Ferry seasonal service between Tampa to link major job, residential and entertain- and St. Petersburg, HMS Ferries, Inc. ment hubs is a topic that comes up and South Swell Development Group, among politicians and civic groups when LLC would cover operating costs of about charting a course for fast-growing regions $100 million for 20 years. like Hillsborough County’s SouthShore Commuters between the SouthShore area. area and MacDill AFB could make the A commuter ferry service connecting journey in 15 minutes, as compared to South Hillsborough County’s large milithe current average of about 45 minutes tary-related population of service memand longer during peak travel times. Each bers and civilian workers with MacDill Air ferry would carry 150 passengers per trip. Force Base has been under consideraSupporters say the service could be tion for several years but has been expanded to operate during off-peak impeded by funding and environmental commuting hours and on weekends. concerns. Increasing transportation options in An offer by phosphate producer southeast Hillsborough County appeals to Mosaic of land at its Big Bend Marine Wimauma resident Fran Bodman, one of Terminal just north of Big Bend Rd. at ‘lita few dozen attendees at the meeting. tle to no cost,’ according to Hillsborough “Wimauma and the whole area County Commissioner Pat Kemp, may needs this so people have more access help the project get under way. to jobs,” she said. Kemp, along with Hillsborough According to the ferry plan, which County Commissioners Mariella Smith needs approval by the Board of County and Kimberly Overman, provided an Commissioners, the service would begin update about the ferry plans during a in 2022.
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Page 16
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 8
Join Giant Goat Yoga Session At Keel & Curley To Benefit Fight Against Trafficking
Fetch Specialty And Cancer Veterinary Centers Joins The Brandon Community
Goat yoga is going after this about to be taken to record. The amount the next level with of people, number of this world-recordgoats and amount of beating event. poses that everyone On Saturday, must do at the same September 14, time are just a few. A Grady Goat veterinarian must Foundation is going also be there, as for the gold with its well as spotters and attempt at beating counters. the current world This giant yoga record for largest session will not just goat yoga class, have around 100 “…because it’s there The normal goat yoga sessions at Grady goats, though. There and it’s there to will be many venGoat Farm typically take place on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. break,” said the dors out there, food, Grady Goat Foundation founder, Debbie drinks, a land rover obstacle course and Canton. live music directly after the world record It will be taking place at Keel & attempt. Curley Winery in Plant City with only 400 “It’s going to be a really fun event.” spots available. Each ticket is $55. Surprisingly, this will not be the first Currently, there are over 1,000 people time someone has sought after this interested in the event on Facebook. record. Arizona Goat Yoga had a turnout All the money earned during the ses- of 351 people and 84 goats. The event sion will go directly to the Grady Goat was held at Arizona’s Mesa Foundation. Amphitheatre, which was donated to According to its website, the foundathem by the City of Mesa. It worked on tion was inspired by a goat born on its this project for two years until it was finally ranch named Grady, who was brought able to pull it off and achieve the world into the world with multiple disabilities. record status. Grady motivated Canton to support chilThe event will be held at Grady Goat dren facing adversity with all the profits Farm on 12551 Franklin Rd. in from the foundation’s yoga sessions, Thonotosassa. For more information and which normally take place every Saturday to get tickets and be a part of a world and Sunday. record, visit the Goat Yoga World Record Specifically for this event, the money & Artisan Festival Eventbrite page at earned will go towards the fight against https://www.eventbrite.com/e/goat-yogahuman trafficking. world-record-artisan-festival-ticketsThere are many rules to abide while 52271093247.
Dog and cat provide pets with owners consider quality of life. their pets to be “Fetch is also members of their the only veterifamilies, and like nary practice in with family memthe Tampa Bay bers, they can area treating canbecome distraught cer with an when they find out advanced form of their beloved pet is radiation therapy sick or has cancer. called stereotactic Dr. William therapy,” Ratterree and Dr. Fetch currently has two board-certified veteri- Ratterree said. nary specialists on staff: oncologist Dr. William “Stereotactic therCarrie Kosarek of Ratterree (pictured), double boarded in med- apy is a modernFetch Specialty ical oncology and radiation therapy, and surand Cancer geon Dr. Kimberly Enderle, board-certified in ized, nonsurgical small animal surgery. Veterinary Centers radiation therapy in Brandon give local pet owners hope in that delivers a higher dose of radiation in helping their beloved furry family mema fewer number of treatments to a targetbers live longer with an improved quality ed body area, mostly tumors that cannot of life. be surgically removed.” “We saw a need for a full-service Examples of tumors that cannot be specialty hospital in the Tampa Bay area safely and effectively treated include that offered the latest treatments and brain, spinal, nasal, lung, adrenal, urotechnologies that could improve the quali- genital and bone tumors. ty of life for pets,” Ratterree said. “Fetch is “Stereotactic therapy is a faster and a multi-specialty and emergency facility more precise approach to destroying canthat holds five exam rooms, a full-service cer cells with minimal damage to the surICU, two surgery suites, a chemotherapy rounding healthy tissue,” Ratterree said. suite, a 16-slice helical CT, color flow “This advanced form of radiation therapy ultrasonography, video endoscopy/bronresults in more rapid tumor shrinkage.” choscopy, digital radiography and radiaFetch is an emergency care and spetion therapy.” cialty hospital that works in conjunction Cancer is the leading natural cause with primary veterinarians to help resolve of death in older cats and dogs, but it is health issues for pets in the area. also one of the most treatable compared Visit www.fetchvets.com or call Dr. with diseases that can cause heart or kid- Ratterree or Dr. Kosarek at 603-8000. ney failure. Just like human medicine, Fetch is located at 717 W. Robertson St. there have been great advances in the in Brandon. It is open seven days a week treatment of cancer in animals, which can and 24 hours a day.
By Hailey Le Roy
By Libby Hopkins
August 2019
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Bikes For Christ In Need Of Used Men’s Bikes
Bikes for Christ’s main focus is providing bicycles for those in need, and it has reached critically low levels on its men’s bike inventory. If you have a good used bike that you do not use, please consider donating it. Local drop off areas include Cycle Therapy at 917 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon (548-0007), Florida Mattress at 1809 W. Brandon Blvd. (477-9016) and A Peace of Plant City at 120 N. Collins St., Ste. 101 (704-5773). Visit www.bikes4christ.com/donations for more information or to make a donation.
5K Race Seeks To Help End Substance Addiction
Substance abuse and addiction is a very real and present tragedy affecting our communities. According to a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were more than 70,000 drug-related deaths reported in the United States in 2017 alone. Unfortunately, many people who fall prey to the trap of addiction do not have the means to find a way out. That is why Next Level Church is teaming up with Phoenix House to host the very first Run For The One 5K charity event and fight the battle against substance addiction. You are invited to walk or run in the 5K race on Monday, September 2 at 7: a.m. at 5642 FishHawk Crossing Blvd, Lithia. The race entry fee is $25, $20 for recovering participants, $15 for children under 10 and $40 for virtual participants. The entry fee covers the race as well as a shortsleeve T-shirt. For anyone interested in contributing without participating in the race, online donations are accepted. All of the proceeds will directly support Phoenix House. The race packet pick-up at Next Level Church on 10540 Browning Rd. in Lithia will be on Friday, August 30 from 4-7 p.m.; Saturday, August 31 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and race
Page 17
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
day pick-up from 6-6:45 a.m. at the race location, 5642 FishHawk Crossing Blvd. in Lithia. Preregistration is recommended. To register and for more information, please visit www.runfortheone.com and select the link to the race location near you. You may register online or print the application. Call Walt Robbins at 308-3090 or email walt.robbins@nextlevel.church for more information.
YMCA Expands Program For Falls Prevention Patients
The YMCAs of Tampa Bay can now improve the health of older adults thanks to a recent expansion of a program proven to help seniors. Enhance®Fitness is now available at 22 locations across Tampa Bay. The 16-week evidence-based program is offered at no cost to the participant, thanks to the generosity of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living. The Y partners with BayCare Health System to help refer into the program patients who are at risk for falls. EnhanceFitness is a proven community-based senior fitness and fall prevention program. It helps older adults become more active, energized and empowered for independent living. The national physical activity program is deemed particularly safe and effective for older adults living with arthritis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We are so excited for the opportunity to expand EnhanceFitness in the Tampa Bay area. Over the next two years, we will serve nearly 4,000 seniors with this impactful program,” said Summer Cruff, director of Community Integrated Health Programs at the YMCA of the Suncoast. “We hear such great success stories from our participants about improved quality of life and feeling socially connected to a group. Our EnhanceFitness classes are like a second family.” EnhanceFitness participants meet three times a week for an hour, where they experience cardiovascular exercises, strength training, stretching and balance work. The wide variety of movement keeps members engaged.
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Joseph White, from Brandon, fires a 9mm pistol during a live-fire handgun qualification course held on the flight deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85). McCampbell is forward-deployed to the U.S. Seventh Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
old and up; children 3 years old and younger will be admitted for free. Advance ticket purchase recommended. This is a very popular event and there are limited tickets available. Cracker Country is located at the Florida State Fairgrounds on 4800 US 301 in Tampa. Parking is free. Enter Orient Rd. only. Please follow the directions listed on the website and not GPS. Visit www.crackercountry.org/index.php/comevisit/when-to-visit/homeschool-events/pioneers-cowhunters.
Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay Athletes Bring Home 41 Medals
The Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay team won 25 gold, 11 silver and five For more information, bronze medals in the Medium Team contact EnhanceFitness@tampaymca.or Division at the national championship g or stop by a participating Y. Visit tournament, held from July 14-19 in Eden www.ymcatampabay.org/. Prairie, MN, taking fourth-place honors. Team members set four national records, Holy Innocents’ Fall Whistle Stop and Danielle Kanas received the ‘Spirit of Craft Show Seeks Excellence’ Vendors award as Holy Innocents’ the outEpiscopal Church is standing accepting vendor female field signups for its Fall athlete. Whistle Stop Craft The Show on Saturday, Adaptive November 2 from 9 Sports USA a.m.-3 p.m. The event Cracker Country will hold a Homeschool Day on Junior will be held on the Nationals is Friday, September 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. church grounds at 604 for athletes N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. ages 6 to 22 with physical disabilities. Both inside and outside locations are This year’s tournament featured 254 athavailable. The fee for an inside location, letes from 32 states. which accommodates one six ft. table A signature program of Hillsborough and two chairs, is $45 and $40 for an outCounty’s Parks & Recreation, Paralympic side 12x12 ft. space, which is well shadSport Tampa Bay offers year-round sports ed. and recreation programs to promote Interested vendors can register for a healthy lifestyles, independence and perspot at www.hiepiscopal.org. For any sonal growth for people with physical disquestions, please contact the church durabilities. ing normal business hours at 689-3130.
Homeschool Day At Cracker Country: Pioneers & Cowhunters
Homeschoolers and their families can enjoy a day at Cracker County on Friday, September 6 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Educational interpreters in historic dress will guide young learners through activities that would have been familiar to a child growing up in a Florida farming and ranching community over 100 years ago. Try your hand at churning butter, helping with the household chores, making your own toy and taking a lesson in a one-room school house. Learn some ‘cow hunter’ skills, like how to swing a (Back row, left to right) Zach Woodke, lasso and what to pack for a long cattle Danielle Kanas, Logan Krepop, Elizabeth drive Tidey and Coach Andy Chasanoff. (Front row) The cost is $8 per person 4 years J.T. Gerstner.
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Page 18
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 8
An Overview Of The Top Florida Law Changes That Took Effect July 1
By Kathy L. Collins
During the 2019 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature reviewed more than 3,500 proposed bills. Of those, nearly 200 made it through to the Governor DeSantis’ desk. Out of the 200, nearly 20 bills took effect on July 1. Among them was the $90.98 billion spending bill for the fiscal year. Included in the budget is money for the Everglades and water projects. Student funding was boosted to $242 per student, and there was money for post Hurricane Michael. Here is a look at some of the other bills, in no particular order, that took effect on July 1. (HB 107) Texting While Driving is now a primary offense which means that if the police see you tapping on your phone, they can pull you over without another reason. The law will be fazed in with warnings at first and then tickets will be issued beginning on January 1, 2020. (SB 190) Bright Futures requirements are now more stringent. In order to receive the ‘Academic’ scholarship, which covers tuition and fees at state colleges and universities, a student must achieve a 1330 on the SAT rather than 1290. To receive the ‘Medallion’ scholarship, which covers 75 percent of costs, you must have closer to a 1200 rather than 1170. (HB 19) Floridians can now purchase U.S. FDA approved drugs at a lower price from Canada and other countries. (SB 1020) This bill creates a Hemp Program which provides for a regulato-
Nearly 20 laws that passed the Florida Legislature in the 2019 session took effect on July 1. These included a ban on texting while driving and an increase in the requirements to be eligible for Bright Futures Scholarships.
ry framework that includes requiring licenses for people and businesses who want to grow hemp. (SB 426) Firefighters with a diagnosis of cancer will be eligible for additional benefits. (SB 7098) This bill carries out a constitutional amendment setting death benefits for law enforcement officials who are killed on duty. (SB 168) This highly controversial bill allows local law enforcement agencies to “use their best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration law.” (SB 7012) This law carries out the constitutional amendment wherein voters voted to ban vaping and the use of electronic cigarettes indoors.
Karla Marie Carolan, J.D. Jacqueline O. Ellett, J.D., LL.M.
(SB 7070) This bill provides that the standards for testing requirements for certifying teachers will be lowered. (HB 771) This bill prohibits the local government from adopting or enforcing ordinances relating to single-use plastic straws. (SB 707) This is an education bill that includes a new school voucher program that allows the state to pay for as many as 18,000 students to attend private school. (SB 1552) This bill established Florida Red Tide Mitigation and a Technical Development Initiative. (SB 7066) With voters voting overwhelmingly to pass Amendment 4, which proposed to restore the voting rights to people who had completed the
terms of their sentences (except for sexual assault and murder), the legislature passed a measure requiring felons to pay restitution, fines and fees before they can register to vote. Other bills included SB 7068, which builds and expands toll roads. This was a top priority of Senate President, Bill Galvano. The bill will expand the Suncoast Parkway from Tampa Bay to the Georgia border, expand the Florida Turnpike west to connect with the Suncoast Parkway and include a toll road from Polk County to Collier County. Representative Mike Beltran of Lithia was instrumental in passing of SB 292 and HB 843 . The first requires school districts to allow authorized students to wear military dress uniforms at high school graduation. The latter increases oversight of pediatric heart surgeries by allowing team doctors to make unannounced visits to struggling programs and review death records. Representative Beltran said of HB 843 , “My legislation will provide the necessary oversight to allow a Pediatric Cardiac Technical Advisory Panel to appoint physician experts to visit Florida’s 10 pediatric heart surgery programs.” Representative Beltran added, “We worked with all stakeholders to devise a system of regulation that will reduce preventable deaths while allowing doctors and facilities to perform necessary lifesaving procedures. This legislation saves lives.” To review all of the bills that the Florida Legislature considered and passed, visit www.laws.flrules.org or www.flsenate.org.
August 2019
Page 19
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Hillsborough Soil And Water Conservation District Hosts Summer Poster Contest
By Kathy L. Collins
The Hillsborough awareness of polliSoil and Water nators and the role Conservation District they play in our is hosting a Summer world." Posters Poster Contest. should illustrate Students from Pre-K what pollinators do through 12th grade fir the world. are eligible to enter. Pollinators The contest is free to include bees, butenter. Students who terflies, birds and Students from Hillsborough County are bats. attend public or priencouraged to enter the Hillsborough Soil vate school and "Without these and Water Conservation District’s homeschool are eligipollinators, we Summer Poster Contest. You can win cash awards and have your artwork seen would not have ble to enter. All by thousands at the Hillsborough County entries submitted will fruits, vegetables Fair this October. The theme for each be displayed at the and even nuts. poster is “We Love Pollinators.” Hillsborough County Fair October 17-20 They are critical to the production of fruits and 24-27. vegetables and nuts," said Tompkins. All entries are eligible to win cash The Hillsborough Soil and Water awards. There are two categories Junior Conservation District serves conservation category is Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st needs at the local level. The organization grade, 2nd and 3rd grade, and 4th is responsible for programs in the innerthrough 6th grade. Senior categories are city, urban, suburban and rural communi7th through 9th grade and 10th through ties. The purpose of the organization is to 12th grade. provide local grassroots mechanisms to In the Junior Categories, 1st place deal with soil, water and other natural can win $25, 2nd place is $15 and 3rd resources problems and in preventing place is $10. In the Senior Categories, 1st problems in Hillsborough County. place can win $50, 2nd place is $30 and The Hillsborough Soil and Water 3rd place is $20. Conservation District was organized by The theme for this year's contest is the people of Hillsborough County in ‘We Love Pollinators.’ According to Betty August 1946. Jo Tompkins, Executive Director of the Entries for the "We Love Pollinators" Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation Poster Contest are accepted through District, "During the last National Bee August 30. Entries can be sent to 201 S. Colony Count, we learned that we have Collins St., Ste. 202, Plant City, Fl 33563. lost 40.7% of the total amount of bee For more information on this contest and hives in the U.S. This is catastrophic and others, please call 752-1474, ext. 3 or not sustainable." Tompkins added, "The email soilandwater@hcflgov.net or visit purpose of the contest is to create greater www.hillssoilandwater.org.
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Page 20
Volume 14, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Friday Night Lights: Strawberries And Football Highlights Turkey Creek History
By Charles Nelson
its usefulness. Over strong community objections, Turkey Creek was forced to abandon the “strawberry schedule” in 1956-57 and operate on a school schedule Photo courtesy of author that matched all Photo courtesy of Newspaper.com Photo courtesy of Newspaper.com of Hillsborough 1927 School Building listed on the Historical July 1956, Turkey Creek parents oppose the eliminaCoach Bonar urges on Turkey Creek Footballers in Registry of Hillsborough County. County. Many tion of the strawberry schedule. 1952. believed this These coaches school calendar to open in late Spend any time with old-timers in might end Turkey Creek’s football sucunderstood the complex, multi-faceted Spring, ending their terms just before Eastern Hillsborough County’s Turkey cess. lives of their boys as both students and Christmas to ensure sufficient family labor Creek and you are sure to hear stories of The fortunes of the football team durlaborers, sensing that they might be playfor the winter harvest. the historic “strawberry school” and its ing this trying period in Turkey Creek’s ing for something bigger. Following World War II, serious disfamed football teams. Bliziotes said of his team, “98 percent history bolstered the community as likely cussions resurfaced suggesting that Turkey Creek sits squarely in the nothing else could have. The high school of them have done farm work all their “strawberry schools” should be closed for county’s most important agricultural life…when not on the football field, they’re continued to serve Turkey Creek until a variety of economic, educational and region. 1972, though on a “normal” school schedworking on the farm field.” moral reasons. Turkey Creek parents Labor intensive strawberries have ule, and the football team continued its Under Coach Bonar, winning seacountered that closing these schools crebeen the dominant winter crop for the last winning ways in the Tampa Bay sons became the norm, and the winning ated an existential threat to their farms, 120 years. Until well into the mid-twentiConference. The Gobblers went on to win did not stop. From 1950-52, Turkey which would not survive the loss of their eth century, farmers and their children a total of 6 championships until the Creek amassed Florida’s longest undechildren’s labor. There was little middle supplied that labor. From Christmas to Conference folded in 1972. feated streak (to that date) of 26 games. ground. April, farm children were needed in the Today, the 1927 school building, listBonar’s successor, John Bliziotes, Concurrently, while farm families and fields to pick and package the low-lying ed on the Historic Registry of Hillsborough was equally successful in creating anoththe school board battled, a brand-new fruit. Their schooling would have to wait. County, still proudly stands at 5005 S. er streak of 18 winning games in 1955football team arose to energize the high As a result, laboring farm children Turkey Creek Rd. 56. The community, battling for its school’s supporters just as their traditions often found themselves behind in their school’s survival, went football crazy. were being assailed by district educators. school work because of their long Thousands of fans packed Holmes Charles Nelson Bio Turkey Creek’s first football game absences. To alleviate this absentee Charles Nelson holds a MA degree in Stadium on Friday nights in support. was in 1944 in a losing effort at Pinecrest. problem, Turkey Creek School was one History from George Mason University Despite this success and intense For three years, the Gobblers’ gamely and taught as an adjunct instructor at of the very first to adopt a “strawberry” support from the community, the school HCC (Dale Mabry). He is also affiliated played mediocre football, but in 1947, forschool schedule in 1923. Most with Tampa Bay History Center as a board continued to question the viability of tunes turned under the leadership of Hillsborough County schools opened in volunteer docent, researcher and “strawberry schools,” presenting a long list Coach Herb Bonar (1947-1953) and his community lecturer, with an emphasis on July or August, but those in the middle of of reasons why the schedule had outlived South Hillsborough County history. successor, John Bliziotes (1954-1959). the strawberry region adjusted their
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Page 21
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Big Cat Rescue Is One Of The Leading Exotic Cat Sanctuaries
By Sean Crumpacker
Manny
Nikita
In 1993, Carole Baskin drove to Minnesota to visit a breeder with the intention of purchasing a pet bobcat cub. Rather than a cattery, they found a fur farm. Partially skinned bobcats and lynxes were left lying on the floor and they learned that of the 56 kittens available, those that were not sold would be skinned next year. The pair agreed to purchase all of the owner’s felines, provided he would no longer make coats out of cats. He accepted. They travelled home to a then-40 acre site in Citrus Park where they began to build cages. Thus, Big Cat Rescue was formed. Big Cat Rescue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of exotic cats alongside banning private possession of the animals. It works against circuses who abuse big cats for performances, fur farms which slaughter felines for
their coats and misinformed pet owners who think wild, exotic cats can ever be as tame as their smaller, domesticated counterparts. Big Cat Rescue is accredited by the Global Federation of Sanctuaries. Additionally, Charity Navigator gave it a rating of four stars—Charity Navigator’s highest rating. All donations received by the sanctuary go towards caring for its 60+ wild cats; all of its non-program expenses come from the income generated by its tours, so you can rest assured that any donations made to the sanctuary will go entirely to the cause. The sanctuary hosts regular tours, allowing visitors to come to its 67-acre site to view the cats as close as safely possible for both onlookers and the felines. Guests are given a radio and an earbud to listen to recordings detailing each cat’s backstory and the circumstances which brought them to the
Beacher
“retirement home” Big Cat Rescue aims to be. It is worth noting that some of the cats were rescued from upsetting and disturbing circumstances. Listening to each story is a truly eye-opening experience for those uneducated about big cats’ struggles and will eradicate any beliefs that these cats belong in private captivity. The only way to see the cats is to attend a tour, but luckily, there are plenty of options. The Day Tour is the standard experience which takes guests around the sanctuary to learn about the cats and the horrors of big cat abuse. The Feeding Tour takes place in the morning rather than the afternoon, when the cats get their meals and are generally more active. The Keeper Tour is a longer, more in-depth look at the sanctuary geared towards those interested in more than just the cats. Lastly, the Kids Tour is
geared towards children under 10, who are not allowed to attend the other tours. For more information or to book a tour, visit https://bigcatrescue.org/tickets/. Additionally, check out the rest of the sanctuary’s website for more information about big cat abuse and how even a single individual can play a role in putting an end to it.
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Call today to schedule an appointment.
813-530-0903
631 W. Lumsden Rd. | Brandon, FL 33511
Locally Owned & Operated
Page 22
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 8
AAA: Back-To-School Season Brings Added Danger On The Roadway
Staff Report
• Eliminate Distractions. AAA urges motorists to slow down Research shows that taking your and stay alert; they will soon be shareyes off the road for just two seconds ing the road with millions of Florida doubles your chances of crashing. students who are returning to school. Children can move quickly; crossing the Not doing so can have life-changing road unexpectedly or emerging suddenconsequences. ly between two parked cars. Reduce According to the Transportation risk by avoiding distractions like using Research Board, about 100 children your cell phone or eating while driving. are killed each year while walking to or • Watch For School Buses. from school and about 25,000 are Every state has a law making it illeinjured. The afternoon hours are pargal to pass a school bus with its red ticularly dangerous. Over the last lights flashing and its stop-arm extenddecade, nearly one-in-four child ed that has stopped to load or unload pedestrian fatalities occurred between students. However, some motorists sim3 and 7 p.m. ply choose to ignore the law. Any perDrivers should prepare for an son using, operating or driving a vehicle increase in: on or over the roads or highways of this • Congestion – more drivers in the state shall, upon approaching any morning and afternoon. school bus that displays a stop signal, • Pedestrians – students walking to bring such vehicle to a full stop while and from school or the bus stop. the bus is stopped, and the vehicle • Buses – picking up and dropping shall not pass the school bus until the off students. signal has been withdrawn. • Bicyclists – traveling to and from • Share The Road. school. Children on bicycles are often “AAA urges drivers to allow inexperienced, unsteady and unpreextra time for their morning comdictable. Slow down and allow at least mute and use extreme caution, three feet of passing distance even outside of school zones,” said between your vehicle and a bicyclist. Mark Jenkins, spokesman of AAA – If your child rides a bicycle to school, The Auto Club Group. “Throughout require that he or she wear a properly town, students will be walking or About 100 children are killed each year while walking to or from school and about 25,000 are fitted bicycle helmet on every ride. pedaling alongside city streets on injured. As the new school year is upon us, AAA urges motorists to slow down and stay alert. Not Find videos, expert advice and safety their way to-and-from school or the doing so can have life-changing consequences. tips at ShareTheRoad.AAA.com. bus stop; and they may not be • Slow Down. • Come To A Complete Stop. • Talk To Your Teen. familiar with the rules of the road. It’s Speed limits in school zones are Research shows that more than Car crashes are the leading cause of incumbent on drivers to eliminate disreduced for a reason. A pedestrian one-third of drivers roll through stop death for teens in the United States, and tractions, slow down and watch out for struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 signs in school zones or neighbornearly one-in-four fatal crashes involving students and their families.” mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to hoods. Always come to a complete teen drivers occur during the after-school AAA – The Auto Club Group— be killed compared to a pedestrian stop, checking carefully for children on hours of 3-7 p.m. Get evidence-based through its School’s Open – Drive struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 sidewalks and in crosswalks before guidance and tips Carefully campaign—is reminding mph faster. proceeding. at TeenDriving.AAA.com. motorists to:
August 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. © 2019 Sunrise Homes. All rights reserved. CGC# 038600
Page 24
Volume 14, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
THE BEST HOMES
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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! $635,000 ! EW E N RIC P
CUSTOM BEAUTY ON 0.29 CUL-DE-SAC LOT! This 4/3.5/3 + pool/spa home with wrap-around porch & stunning elevation will impress from the start! Inside find wood floors, neutral paint, fireplace, volume ceilings & so much more! All new carpets 18-19, pool & spa heater & pump 2017 & water heater 2019! One of a kind! $475,000
ONE OF A KIND CUSTOM HOME! Fall in love with this beautiful 5/4.5/3 + pool home sitting on a cul-de-sac backing to conservation! Coveted apartment above garage, wood floors, huge bedrooms & soaring ceilings are some of the features! Kitchen with white cabinets, granite & island! Unique home! $499,900 ! EW E N RIC P
CUSTOM BARTLETT HOME ON 1.3 ACRES! Beautiful 4/3/3 home on a quiet loop street! Zoned agricultural with a 2 stall barn with feed room, storage & paddock! NEW ROOF 2015, NEW A/C 2016 & NEW WATER HEATERS 2012! Inside features combination formals, French doors, column accents, diagonal tile & volume ceilings! $449,900 ! EW E N RIC P
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! $218,000
GATED ENCLAVE OF CANTERBURY OAKS! Fall in love with this 5/4/3 + office + bonus + pool home on large 0.35 acre lot! Be impressed with the neutral paint, volume ceilings, oversized trapezoid windows, fireplace & wonderful kitchen with white cabinets, granite, island & NEW stainless appliances! Freshly painted exterior! $539,900
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Brandon/Winthrop
In This Section SPORTS CONNECTION. ...................PG 28 BIER FEST BUSCH GARDENS ...........PG 29 CHALKLINES....................................PG 32 LOCAL SCHOOL GRADES.................PG 33
August 2019
Volume 14, Issue 8
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT...............PG 34
Ph: 657-2418
Hope Chiropractic Wellness Center Hosts Ribbon Cutting
Come out and celebrate Hope Chiropractic Wellness Center's ribbon-cutting on Friday, September 20 at 12:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Hope Chiropractic has been serving the Brandon community for almost 10 years. While the practice offers a variety of supportive care such as massage therapy, spinal decompression and rehab, Chiropractic adjustments are the most essential part of your care. Aches and pains are signs that your body is not working right. Our nervous system works a lot better when our spine is in proper alignment. Your brain, spinal cord and nerves control how your body works. Physical, chemical or emotional stresses produce a defensive posture. A thorough exam helps the doctors find misaligned vertebrae. Applying a precise force (adjustment) to stuck spinal joints helps the body right itself. Adjustments can be done using instruments, a special ‘drop’ table or the doctor's hands. Health usually returns as repeated visits restore nervous system integrity. Hope Chiropractic is located at 1113 Professional Park Dr. in Brandon. Call 381-3880 or visit www.hopechiro.com.
Drs. Arthur and Hope Reid of Hope Chiropractic will take care of all your chiropractic needs.
Tampa Rejuvenation Provides Latest In Weight Loss And More
Tampa Rejuvenation has been bringing health and wellness to the Tampa Bay community for over 14 years. It provides the latest in weight loss, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, sexual health and noninvasive aesthetics. CoolSculpting is a safe and effective way to eliminate fat cells for good. Utilizing state-of-the-art cooling technology, CoolSculpting is able to target problem areas that do not respond well to diet and exercise. FDA-cleared in 2010 and with over four million treatments performed worldwide, CoolSculpting is the leader in noninvasive fat reduction. This technology can even be strategically used to improve overall
body shape by smoothing out fat pockets and reducing the volume of fat cells in the treatment area. At Tampa Rejuvenation a consultant and certified technician will work with each patient to determine their goals and expectations, creating a customized treatment plan to meet each patient’s desires. Tampa Rejuvenation is located in Brandon at 1155 Nikki View Dr. For a free consultation, contact the Brandon location at 537-3800. For other Bay area locations, call 888865-8370. Visit www.tamparejuvenation.com.
Oasis Senior Advisors Help Find Assisted Living Options
Do you have a senior who is living alone and
should not be, or does not want to? There are many options for assisted living communities, but it can be stressful and time consuming to deal with. Oasis Senior Advisors is a free service to seniors and their families to help the senior find the right place to thrive. Oasis Senior Advisors have indepth knowledge of assisted living communities (ALFs) in your neighborhood and will be with you every step of the way to help you find the right community for the senior to live and grow. Getting older does not mean you have to stop living. If you are thinking of moving, resources are available to help you find everything you need from attorneys, to packers to movers, to a new place no matter where you want to go. Please call 468-6362 or email aahtes@YourOasisAdvisor.com for more information.
Brandon Honda Opens New Express Lube Center In Major Expansion
Brandon Honda has recently opened its new Honda Certified Express Lube Center, adding 10 express service
Continued on Next Page
Page 26
Volume 14, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Business Column Continued.............
By Michelle Colesanti
bays, lifts, a personalized tire installation team and eight service advisor stations to double the size and volume of its original service department. It has Brandon Biz Pros, LLC delivered three checks for $250 apiece to also added 15 teachers it sponsored in its Back to School Drive. Winners were additional selected from a pool of 407 title 1 teachers across Hillsborough Honda factoryCounty that applied. The winners were: Stacey Bruton of Armwood High School, Ashley Ortiz of Brandon High School and Kara trained techniThompson of Lopez Elementary. cians to halve offer high quality oil, brake, battery customer wait times. Customers and tire services with faster, more stopping by for routine maintenance efficient turnaround times for cusservices will find that an oil change tomers on the run.” only takes a little over an hour, Brandon Honda is a Morgan Auto including wash, and is priced up to Group www.morganautogroup.com $30 less than discount service cendealership. It is located at 9209 E. ters. Adamo Drive in Tampa. “We designed and opened an The service department is open entirely new service lane, dedicated Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; solely to busy customers who only Saturday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, need routine oil, brake, battery and 7 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, tire services,” said Neil Cann, Service call 664-1234 or visit www.brandonDirector. “The Express Lube bays honda.com.
Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Vernon - MacGraves Promotions Inc. located at 2539 Arborwood Drive, in Hillsborough County, in the City of Valrico, Florida 33596 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Brandon, Florida, this 8th day of August, 2019.
CoWork Landing Brandon Celebrates Three Years With Free Business Event
Staff Report
CoWorking is pickan ‘office.’ ing up momentum in CoWork Landing recent years with the offers flexible, condawn of the freelancer, venient and profesremote worker and the sional work environpopularity of the entrement that encourpreneur. Businesses are ages productivity, starting up at a rapid necessary separapace, and because of tion and balance that they need somebetween work and place to work. CoWork life that many people Landing brings all the require, as well as resources that you and positive social interyour other colleagues action. have to offer into one To celebrate its cohesive workspace. It third year, CoWork Shannon Carlton celebrates is an effective and pow- three years at CoWork Landing. Landing is hosting erful small business an ‘ask-the-expert’ resource. week with free coworking from Studies show that approximately Monday to Friday, September 9-13. 55 percent of people who cowork feel Starting at 9 a.m. each morning, more like a part of their community experts will share 30 minutes of and 80 percent are happier since training followed by a day of coworkjoining a coworking space. ing and answering your questions. Over the last three years, Topics covered will be 2020 CoWork Landing Brandon has proud- Marketing Trends, Profit First trainly supported the growth of more than ing, HR Department of One, the use 35 businesses. Boasting five offices, of content writing to bring value to four dedicated desks and countless your clients and start your business other shared workspace opportunithe right way with a business attorties, CoWork Landing is excited to be ney. at the forefront of the continued CoWork Landing Brandon is growth in the Brandon area. located at 522 Oakfield Dr, Brandon, Onwer Shannon Carlton started FL 33511. For information or a tour, CoWork Landing because she firmly call Carlton at 924-4679. Visit believes that small businesses are www.coworklandingbrandon.com or changing our community and the at facebook.com/coworklandingbranworld. She wanted to be a part of don for live ‘hat chats’ where she that by giving local small business a shares live business tips every flexible and affordable way to have Friday morning at 7:30 a.m.
Internal Medicine Primary Care Medical Spa Medical Marijuana IV Vitamin Therapy
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813-553-3330
11922 Boyette Rd • Riverview, FL • 33569
www.incarenow.com
August 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 27
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Volume 14, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Sports Connection 657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com
By Nick Nahas and Photos courtesy of Leah Pemberton
Bloomingdale Softball Names Former Player Leah Pemberton Next Head Coach
Pemberton played college softball for the Florida Southern Mocs.
Leah Pemberton was named the new head coach of the Bloomingdale High School softball team on July 24. There was an opening after Head Coach Mark Braddy retired in June after five seasons at the helm. Pemberton had a very successful career as a player, playing infield for Bloomingdale from 2009-2012 and going on to play college softball for Florida Southern College from 20132017. She was one of the team cap-
Pemberton tags the runner for the out.
tains for her senior season at Bloomingdale, hitting .301 with 22 hits, 14 runs scored and nine RBIs. “It means so much to me just getting the opportunity to go back to Bloomingdale,” said Pemberton. “It changed my life as a player. I had some of the best times at Bloomingdale with all the girls on the team as well as the coaches, so being able to have the opportunity to go back and give these girls the same opportunity that I had in high school just
Pemberton takes over as head coach for Bloomingdale softball after Mark Braddy retired in June.
means everything.” Pemberton was an assistant coach for Braddy for the last two seasons. She was coached by him since she was about 10 and considers him one of her mentors. “He has such passion for the game, as well as the girls, so just being able to not only have seen it as a player, but also being able to coach alongside him is definitely something I’ll take with me.” “She's been preparing for this for a while,” said Braddy. “I remember her as a player, she was always the vocal player, the coach on the field during games or practice, helping others all the time. It's a natural evolution for her, and I know she will do well.” Pemberton wants her team to have love and passion for the game and to just leave it all out on the field. Expectations are high this season for a team that won its first district champi-
onship since 2004 last season. The Bulls have one of the best players in the state returning in senior catcher Kailey Harrigan, as well as UCF commit pitcher Maddie Droz. The seniors of the team just met with their new coach for the first time to talk about goals and expectations and laying out a format and foundation of what they want to accomplish. The fall season begins at the end of August. Pemberton’s former Bloomingdale teammate and daughter of Braddy, Marlie Braddy, will be an assistant coach again next season for the Bulls. Pemberton wants current and future players to leave a legacy for the program and know that Bloomingdale is home and they are always welcome back. “I want them to leave Bloomingdale better than when they first got here,” she said. “I’m excited to be a Bull again and continue that tradition.”
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
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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.
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August 2019
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Go Retro And Try The Drive-In For Some Great Family Entertainment Take a trip down memory lane and bring your family to support three local Drive In businesses that have survived the era of technology. In the past there were hundreds of drive-ins in Florida, but now there are only about seven. In Hillsborough County two still exist; The Ruskin Family Drive-In and The FunLan Drive-In. Not too far away in Lakeland, you can also visit the Silver Moon Drive-In. The Ruskin Family Drive In, located at 5011 US-41, opened on April 16, 1953 and is celebrating 67 years in business. The movies are displayed on a 2,000 ft. screen. Sticking to its roots, the Ruskin Family Drive In only accepts cash. The prices are $6 per adult (aged 9 & up), $1 for children ages 5-8, and under 5 is free. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday. Visit www.ruskinfamilydrivein.com. In Tampa, the Fun Lan Drive-In is located at 2302 E. Hillsborough Ave. in Tampa and has been showing movies for just under 70 years having opened in January 1950. During the day from Thursday-Sunday Fun Lan is a Flea Market and Swap Shop. However, starting at 8:30 p.m., you can catch a
By Nur Suleiman
movie. More than 71 years ago, Silver Moon Drive-In at 4100 New Tampa Hwy. in Lakeland opened on April 14, 1948 and is the only surviving Drive-In movie theatre in Polk County. The prices are $2 for ages 4-9 and $6 for ages 10 and up and $2 for ages 4-9. The gates open around 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and around 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Each screen shows a double feature. Silver Moon also offers a Flea Market during the daylight hours. www.silvermoondrivein.com. One common theme amongst the Drive-Ins is swap shops or flea markets that make use of the property during daylight hours. Swap shops are when vendors come out and sell or swap their goods. President of Sun South Drive-In Theatres Chip Sawyer said, “A lot of theatres started to use the land as a creative way to gain revenue and use the land during the day”. Some tips for going to the Drive-In would be to get there early because there is no assigned seating and spots can fill up fast. Also bring cash because some Drive-In Movie theatres do not take credit cards.
Page 29
Bier Fest Pours Out This Month At Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay
Staff Report
Just in Bier Fest hightime for lights more than 20 International Florida-based brewBeer Day, eries and over a Busch dozen Tampa Bay Gardens favorites. Tampa Bay is The best way to hosting the enjoy the flavors of return of Bier the festival is with the Fest, featuring purchase of a Bier over 40 local Fest Sampler and internaLanyard, starting tional brewAt this year’s Bier Fest, taking place at Busch at only $29.99. eries, Gardens on weekends now through September Samplers allow a 40 new brews 8, enjoy pub-inspired fare and great entertain- choice of any five or ment along with 40 new brews to try. to ten food or beverage try, new pub-inspired fare and live entersamples throughout the festival. Pass tainment. Members get an exclusive offer: 12-items Although International Beer Day is for the same price as a 10-item sampler, celebrated globally on the first Friday of or two extra samples for free. August, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has Bier Fest is included with park admisbeen pouring out the fun all year with sion, including year-round admission with complimentary beer samples as a part of a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Annual the park’s 60th anniversary celebration. Pass or Fun Card. For a limited time, Samples will continue to pour out at guests who purchase a Busch Gardens Garden Gate Café in the heart of the fes- Fun Card for $99.99 will receive an tival footpath throughout Bier Fest each Adventure Island Fun Card for free, weekend now through Sunday, including unlimited admission through the September 8, including Labor Day. Beer end of the 2019 season. connoisseurs can create the perfect pairFood and beverage is not included ing with delicious pub food favorites and with park admission and is available for enjoy live music from local acts. an additional fee. Guests must be 21 From Florida’s finest craft brews to years of age or older to consume alcointeresting international delights, park holic beverages. guests can enjoy local favorites and Be the first to know about new explore new flavors throughout the festievents, special deals and future val plaza. New to the festival this year, announcements by following the park’s guests can toast to the end of summer social media channels and join the conwith seasonal flavors like pumpkin and versation using #ThrillsOnTap fruity ciders, including gluten-free options. on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Page 30
Protecting Your Pets From Heat
By Dr. Jennifer Challenger DVM, MPH
As the temperature rises, ensuring that our pets are able to maintain proper body temperatures is extremely important. Keep pets indoors with plenty of fresh water during the hottest times of the day. If your pets must remain outside, make sure they have access to water and shade at all times. Filling small children's pools with water for supervised outdoor play will help pets cool off. Never leave your pet in a parked car. According to reports from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), even on mild days, when outdoor temperatures are 73 degrees F, the temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees within 30 minutes. At 90 degrees or higher, it only takes minutes for the temperature inside a car to reach 160 degrees. Dogs and cats can suffer from heat stress like people do. Very young, very old, overweight and short-nosed pets are most susceptible. If your pet has had a previous history of cardiovascular or respiratory disorders, be even more cautious. Healthy pets can have severe reactions to long exposure in the heat or even to short exposure if they are exerting themselves during a walk or run. After dark, it is still hot, and ani-
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mals can still overheat. It is not a good idea to take a dog on a run or jog with you in hot weather at any time of the day or night. Dogs are not equipped to sweat and let off excess heat the way people can. Some symptoms of heat stress or heat stroke include profuse panting and salivations, staring or an anxious expression, failure to respond to commands, warm and dry skin, high fever, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, muscular weakness, collapsing and bloody
diarrhea. If your pet is experiencing any of the symptoms of heat stroke, try to reduce the body temperature by gradually immersing in cool water. Cool wet towels may also be used for transit to the veterinarian’s office. Get your pet to a veterinarian immediately after applying the cool water and ice packs. Rapid treatment for shock, brain swelling and other side effects of heat stroke is needed to prevent death and give your pet a better chance of survival. To help prevent heat stress in pets, make sure animals have plenty of clean, fresh water at all times; provide proper ventilation and air circulation for animals kept in kennels or pens; make sure your pen has shade cover when outdoors; avoid excessive exercise during hot weather; and never leave pets in parked vehicles.
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Two Locations For Bait & Tackle Are Great Catch For Fishing Supplies
By Michelle Colesanti
JC Kruczewski are also available. has always loved Kruczewski to fish, and when opened up his second he saw a need in location about one the Apollo Beach year ago—Gibsonton area for a Bait and Bait and Tackle. Now Tackle shop, he that the Williams Park opened one in boat ramp has October 2016. reopened, he encour“There is ages everyone to visit. water all around "I am grateful to and the closest the people bait and tackle who come to shop was in get their bait Ruskin or and tackle Jennifer Menard shows off her catch, which she made Gibsonton,” he from us. I look using her supplies from the explained. forward to Apollo Beach Bait and Tack Kruczewski Shop. Both that store and the Gibsonton being here for a long Bait and Tackle have everything you chose the Apollo time to help them to need for a great fishing experience Beach location have great days of because it is near the marinas, boat fishing," commented Kruczewski. "Believe ramps and numerous fishing groups. it or not, there are still people who come Everything that a fisherman needs to in and say they didn't know we were have for a great day on the water can be here." found there. "We can better meet the needs of the Kruczewski said, "With our merchancommunity. We now carry a larger selecdise, you can catch what you want." tion of rods and reels, marine batteries Kruczewski started with 750 sq. ft. and tackle galore,” said Kruczewski. and only one tank for bait. Bait and Tackle of Apollo Beach is “The response of the community was located at 6040 U.S. Hwy. 41 N. in Apollo greater than we ever expected,” he said. Beach and Bait and Gibsonton Bait & The Apollo Beach shop has now Tackle is located at 9851 US 41 S. expanded to 1,500 sq. ft., four fish tanks The hours are Monday to Saturday full of bait and three freezers full of bait. from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays from 6 You will find live and frozen bait, tackle, a.m.-6 p.m. It is also open every day, fishing apparel, rods and reels, marine including holidays. batteries and more. Small, medium and Bait can be reserved at either localarge shrimp; greenbacks; pinfish; and tion the day before just by calling. Call grunts are all bait that is carried. 296-7735 for the Apollo Beach location Freshwater bait like worms and shiners and 513-3823 for the Gibsonton shop.
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DENTURES COMPLETE SET
Volume 14, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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August 2019
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Experience Musical Theater Wonders With The Straz Center’s 2019-2020 Broadway Series Beginning in mid-September, the Straz Center’s 2019-2020 Broadway Series will be ready for all musical theater lovers to enjoy. This year, nine shows are included in the Broadway season ticket packages, with three more available to be added. “What is terrific about our series is that we present the absolute best that Broadway has to offer. The Tampa Bay community has come to expect top-notch Broadway performances and our series always delivers,” said Paul Bilyeu, senior director of communications at the Straz Center. Starting the series on Thursday, September 19 to Sunday, November 3 is Spymonkey’s Hysteria, a combination of The Pink Panther and Hitchcock’s Rebecca. Directed by Cal McCrystal, Hysteria features a “spooky mansion, a plucky young heroine and a handsome English aristocrat. Add a German butler and a Spanish soap star and you are all set for a night of hysteria with Spymonkey!” From Tuesday to Sunday, October 813, you can experience the delightful tale of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Dahl’s story follows Charlie, who gets a rare look into Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory alongside a few lucky others. You, too, can join the delicious fun of OompaLoompas, amazing inventions, wonderful songs and more. Following that is Fiddler on the Roof from Tuesday to Sunday, November 510. From Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher and the team behind South Pacific, The King and I and 2017 Tony-winning
By Taylor Wells
My Fair Lady
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory
Best Play Oslo, the performance will be an authentic vision of the beloved original and fresher than ever. Next up is Once On This Island from Tuesday to Sunday, November 1924.This widely acclaimed, Tony Awardwinning show is about a courageous peasant girl named Ti Moune who, guided by island gods, goes on a beautiful and magical journey to find the man she fell in love with. After that is Disney’s Aladdin from Thursday to Sunday, December 19, 2019 to January 5, 2020, which has left many
Aladdin
Once On This Island
in awe on its tour around the country. This new version of the highly regarded classic has all your favorite songs along with fantastic new music, choreography, sets and costumes that make the show extraordinary. Then from Tuesday to Sunday, February 18-23, 2020 comes Mean Girls from writer Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond, lyricist Nell Benjamin and director Casey Nicholaw. This hilarious musical is about Cady Heron, who was raised in an African savanna and must survive in her new home of suburban
Illinois when faced with three lionized frenemies. Coming next is Miss Saigon from Tuesday to Sunday, March 24-29, 2020 by the creators of Les Misérables. It tells the story of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim forced to work for the Engineer in a bar. She falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris, but the fall of Saigon separates them. The eighth show is Summer: The Donna Summer Musical from Tuesday to Sunday, May 5-10, 2020. Donna Summer is a Bostonian singer-songwriter who rose to stardom from gospel choir to dance floor diva. Featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits, it tells the risks she took in breaking through barriers to become an iconic figure who would inspire all future music divas. Last but not least is My Fair Lady from Tuesday to Sunday, June 2-7, 2020, directed by Bartlett Sher. This musical follows Cockney flower seller Eliza Doolittle and linguistics prof Henry Higgins, who strives to change her into a ‘proper lady,’ but she may not be the one changing. In addition to those nine shows, you can also see Jersey Boys, Jesus Christ Superstar, and The SpongeBob Musical. Single tickets for all three go on sale on Sunday, December 1. Though not included in the Broadway season ticket packages, you can call the Ticket Sales Office at 229-7827 to ask how to add them. For more information about the shows, to buy single tickets or to buy or renew season tickets for the Broadway season package, visit www.strazcenter.org/TicketsEvents/Season-Tickets/1920-Broadway.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
uini Ms. Ardrade
2nd G od o Kingsw ary t n e Elem School
uini Ms. Rhonda Ardon th Teacher Of The M
a teacher? Why did you decide to become the Student Services departin g rkin Ten years ago, I was wo ny students were enrolled ment for a for-profit college. Ma By d re o s n o Sp college. They had graduated that were not prepared to go to not developed the skills and from high school, but still had KUMON g comprehento be successful including readin its hab dy stu n o These students would end up of Brand sion and simple essay writing. s owe withdrawing, and in the proces ns, loa t den stu a substantial amount of debt in It was during it. for w sho to g thin any t withou to become a ted wan I that time that I decided had the ts den stu ure teacher—to help ens sful in ces suc e om bec to ls foundational skil ional their future academic and profess endeavors. cher? What is a goal of yours as a tea p their innate elo dev ts den I want to help stu t drive a lifemotivations and curiosities tha learn in time love of learning. Students differento is l different ways, and my goa specific ir the et me tiate my instruction to Ms. Ard is able t den stu h uini ha eac t needs, ensuring tha for overs been a teach ial. ent pot er full 8 years. her to fulfill his or longand erm rt-t sho set to ts den stu Teaching rse, part in this process, and of cou term goals [plays] a significant ng the way! my class celebrates successes alo a [deepWhat is your favorite book? e Selfors (for children)—it is not message Fortune’s Magic Farm by Suzann the but , life of k about the purpose n seated] book that makes you thin eve and us, of h eac ething special in e of the is quite motivating. There is som ces, this can be discovered in som stan um circ through heartbreaking s. most unusual, unexpected way saying? What is your favorite quote or and to think teach one to think intensively to is “The function of education cation.” edu true of l goa racter—that is the critically. Intelligence plus cha Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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Volume 14, Issue 8
Tax Referendum Dollars Already Hard At Work At Local Schools
By Kate Quesada
As of last projects are month, going to be Hillsborough completed,” County Public said Arja. Schools So far, (HCPS) has more than $5.6 collected more million has than $31 million been spent on from the Halfschool projects, Penny Sales and in the first Tax year, in addition Referendum to the new passed by votroofs and air Lithia Springs Elementary School in Valrico received a new air conditioning system this summer conditioners, 50 ers in thanks to funds from the Half-Penny Sales Tax November playgrounds, Referendum passed by voters last year. 2018. tracks and athAccording to school district officials, 102 letic courts are expected to be replaced; projects are taking place over the sum31 painting and carpeting projects should mer throughout the county, including a be completed; and more than $1 million new air conditioning unit and other will be invested in school security. upgrades at Lithia Springs Elementary “Over the next 10 years, funds from and Durant High Schools in Valrico. the Half-Penny Tax will overhaul or “Currently, we have 21 air conditioner replace a/c systems at 203 schools,” said overhauls or replacements and 13 new Arja. “Each summer, our district expects roofs being completed,” said Tanya Arja, to complete approximately 20 major Hillsborough County Public Schools' school air conditioning projects as the Media Outreach. funds are generated by sales across the Arja explained that the district uses county.” multiple criteria to determine which school In addition to the air conditioners, projects to prioritize. HCPS’ 10-year plan includes more than “We look at the age of the equip1,700 projects, including 63 aging roof ment, the last time there was a major replacements, $23 million in safety and upgrade to the system and the number of security improvements, $25 million in work orders sent in by a school,” she classroom technology upgrades and the said. “Over the past three years, we have building of four new schools to relieve had more than 250 maintenance overcrowding. At least $500,000 will be requests from Lithia Springs Elementary, invested in each school. which was operating with air conditioning Durant received ADA improvements equipment from 1992.” over the summer and work on the Air conditioning improvements began school’s roof will be completed over the over the summer at Durant but will contin- school year in addition to painting, which ue through the school year with complealso began last month. tion scheduled for the summer of 2020. “Since the moment school ended, HCPS has put together five and 10our teams have been hard at work delivyear plans organizing and prioritizing the ering on our half-penny promise,” said projects, but adjustments will be made to Arja. “We are grateful to residents [who] the list if there is a major breakdown or passed the sales tax referendum to increase in work orders. improve our schools.” “The list is reviewed by the roofing For the latest updates on referendum department for synergy with their projects projects and a list of schools on the five and with planning and construction before and 10-year plans, visit www.hillsbora final determination is made on which oughschools.org/citizenoversight.
August 2019
Local Schools Receive Great Grades
By Kate Quesada
Florida report cards are in and all of the Bloomingdale and FishHawk area schools passed with flying colors. All local elementary, middle and high schools, with the exception of Bloomingdales High which received a B, and Pinecrest Elementary which received a C, were awarded the highest possible A ranking. Randall Middle School in Lithia is one of the 99 schools in “The number of A Hillsborough County that received an A or a B rating for the and B graded schools 2018-2019 school year. Randall has a received an A every year since opening its doors in 2000. operated by Hillsborough County Public Schools Hillsborough County has climbed to 99 in the newest School "At Randall we are very fortunate to Accountability Report data from the have family support. Our parents provide Florida Department of Education,” said our school with so many resources Tanya Arja, Hillsborough County Public through their volunteer work and donaSchools’ Media Outreach. “Schools gradtions,” said Principal Claire Mawhinney. ed A and B now make up 46 percent of “Our students come to school with a all district-operated schools in strong foundation that we can build on for Hillsborough, a three percentage point success. We have high expectations for increase from 2018.” ourselves and our students. Our teachers According to the Florida Department and support staff put in extra hours tutorof Education, school grades provide an ing and volunteering time to our clubs, understandable way to measure the perSTEM, music and athletic programs.” formance of a school and focus on stu“The amazing thing is this is dent success measures through achieve- achieved with a larger than average midment, learning gains and maintaining a dle school population of 1,424 students,” focus on students who need the most added Mawhinney. “We are very proud of support. our learning gains in Language Arts this Schools are graded A, B, C, D or F year. Ours students showed gains in their based on scores based on 11 composcores, moving from 58 percent in 2018 nents: four achievement, four learning to 65 pergains, a middle school accelerations, as cent in well as for graduation rate and college 2019. This and career acceleration. Each component is important is worth up to 100 points in the overall data since calculation. The number of points earned it reflects for each component is added together the sucand divided by the total number of availcess of all able points to determine the percentage of our stuof points earned. dents, Randall Middle School in Lithia is cel- including those who ebrating its 20th birthday this year and need extra academic support. We are has continually maintained an A grade proud of our students and ready to soar since opening its doors in 2000 and earn- into the new school year.” ing the highest school grade points for Visit www.fldoe.org/accountability/acc any traditional middle school in ountability-reporting/school-grades.
Electronic Recycling & Reuse
Page 33
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Former Valrico Resident Is 2020 Florida State Teacher Of The Year
By Kate Quesada
Dr. Dakeyan resentatives from the Graham has another Florida Department of title to add to his Education in panels and name this month. one-on-one meetings durGraham, who spent ing the final interviews. many years in the A student at Lithia Valrico area attending Springs Elementary for local schools, was third through fifth grade, selected as the 2020 Graham also attended Florida State Teacher Burns and Rodgers of the Year at an Middle Schools and gradawards ceremony in uated from King High Orlando in late July. School, where he will The event was return to teaching after Dr. Dakeyan Graham, who attended Valrico-area elementary taking a year of leave to the end of a long and middle schools, was named road for Graham, a fulfill his role as Teacher the 2020 Florida State Teacher of band, orchestra and of the Year. He also the Year last month. music theory teacher at King High School received his bachelor's and master's who found out that he was nominated for degrees in music education from the Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year University of Florida and PhD from the in December, an honor that he won in University of South Florida, but credits his January. success to the foundation he received at Florida’s 74 school districts sent their local area schools. winners to the State Teacher of the Year “If it weren’t for Hillsborough County Program committee and five finalists were Public Schools, I wouldn’t be where I am chosen based on their student gains, today,” he said. “That education, that community involvement, teacher leaderfoundation, that learning, that passion for ship and instructional practices. education and passion to remain a stuGraham, whose parents still live in dent of life all came from my journey the Bloomingdale home where he grew through Hillsborough County.” up, was honored to have been chosen as In his new role as Teacher of the one of the finalists and even more honYear, Graham will travel the state, speakored by being named the Christa ing at schools and with legislators about McAuliffe Ambassador for Education, the the needs of his profession. statewide Teacher of the Year. “My biggest goal for the year is to “I was able to learn so much through promote a greater understanding of colthe process and had the honor of meetlective equity and the importance of working and getting to know an amazing ing for students and teachers,” said group of educators and legislators,” said Graham. For more info, visit www.floriGraham, who spent time with many repdateacherslead.org.
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Page 34
Volume 14, Issue 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Young Artists Featured At Center Place’s 7th Annual Little Monster's Art Show
Tampa Theatre Offers New Sing-Along Sundays Film Series
Center went to Place held its Maddon 7th Annual Little Ryne Pfalz Monster's (age 8) with Create “Majestic Children’s Ocean.” Community Art Second place Show in July. was given to This year there Gianna were 27 young Crittenden artists who par(age 9) for ticipated. They “Scarlet,” and entered 51 third place pieces of art cre- Young artists from the area entered artwork in the 7th went to Annual Little Monsters Create Children’s Community Jianna ated from variArt Show at Center Place. They were honored for the ous mediums, talent and hard work at a reception held on Monday, JuradoJuly 29 at Center Place in Brandon. including Marcano acrylics, pencil, colored pencils, photogra- (age 9) for “Spread Joy.” Honorable phy, papier-mâché and clay. The annual Mention was awarded to Layla Williams show is open to any child ages 4 to 13. (age 8) for “Beautiful Snowbird.” An artists’ reception was held on July 29. The winners in the 10 to 13 age The judge for this year’s show was group included first place winner Payton Greg Manley, an artist and art teacher at Tribbey (age 12) with “Just Be You.” The Armwood High School. second place winner was Jonas Williams “It was my pleasure judging this (age 10) with “Sunset on an Island,” and year’s show. Every artist displayed here third place went to Brennen Osterberger is a winner.” Manley added, “Creating (age 10) with “Freezing Planets.” visual art work can be fun, but it also Honorable Mention was awarded to takes problem-solving and hard work, Maria Abbott (age 13) for “The Nature of both mentally and physically. It is also a Wood.” little intimidating to share your work with In photography, a special award was others.” giving to Izzy Carpenter (age 11) for The show was divided into three age “Fractured Senses.” groups. The first place winner in the 4 to In the 3D category, a special award 6 age group was Jane Novitske (age 6) went to Caitlyn Coletti (age 10) for “Deku with "Rainbow Rainbow Colored to the Mask: The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Sky." "Colorful House" by Brodie Novitske Mask.” (age 6) took second place. Third place Manley added, “I want to encourage went Raven Gonzalez (age 4) for "Fun." all of the artists to continue to be creative Honorable Mention was awarded to and continue sharing your creative voice.” Alexander Williams (age 5) for "Jeweled For more information on this show Jellybean." and other upcoming events and exhibits, In the 7 to 9 age category, first place please visit www.centerplacebrandon.org.
The Tampa Theatre things’ and sold out a twois pleased to present its week run.” newest series, September In 2014, the Tampa Sing-Along Sundays. Theatre sold so many tickCome down to Tampa’s ets to a weekend of Singmajestic movie palace Along Mary Poppins that every Sunday this their Disney contact called September and join othto make sure that there ers in a gleeful sing-along was not a typo on the box to some classic movies. office report. This fun and very Supporters of the thepopular form of movie atre have twice voted for series will begin with a Sing-Along Grease in to the classic, The Sound of top spot for the annual Music, on Sunday, "Fans Pick the Classic" September 8. You can poll during the Summer sing-along to songs Classics Series. Most such as My Favorite recently, six screenings of Things, Climb Ev’ry Sing-Along The Greatest Mountain and Maria. Showman have sold out If you like to sing your heart out in unanimity with other On Sunday, within days of going on sing-along fanatics, then get September 15 join John down to the Tampa Theatre sale at the Tampa Theatre. Travolta and Olivia Witecki said, “We get for their September SingAlong Sundays. Newton-John as they it. You all love your singsing classic songs from Grease. alongs. There is something hypnotic The newest “classic” sing-along about following that bouncing ball; movie, The Greatest Showman, will be something freeing about breaking the shown on the big screen on Sunday, taboo of talking during a movie; someSeptember 22. thing ebullient about raising your voice in You will not want to miss out on the unanimous—if not always on-key—song fun, so make sure you attend Singwith hundreds of fellow filmgoers. And Along Mary Poppins on Sunday, you have proven it time and time again September 29. as a moviegoing public, gobbling up The Tampa Theatre started offering tens of thousands of tickets over the a Sing-Along Series in 2002 when it par- years whenever we put lyrics on the big ticipated in the national release of a screen.” sing-along version of The Sound of The September Sing-Along Music. Sundays will be presented at 3 p.m. The Jill Witecki with the Tampa Theatre Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N. said of the event, “With its little bags of Franklin St. in Downtown Tampa. Tickets props to wave and no-brainer costume are $13. Members of the Tampa Theatre options, the novel concept quickly save $3. Get your tickets at www.tambecame one of our patrons’ ‘favorite patheatre.org.
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August 2019
Page 35
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Produce Co-Op Offers Six Pick Up Spots, Great Value & Volunteer Hours
By Kate Quesada
Four years ago medium bin costs last month, Cassie $20 and is developed Adams invited 15 of to feed a family of her neighbors to save four and a large bin, money by buying fruits costing $30, should and vegetables in bulk. feed a family with five It did not take long for to seven members. word to spread and Adams posts the soon Cypress Creek items that will be in Co-Op was born. At the bins the weekend most recent count, the before on Facebook. group had more than Both bin sizes have 22,000 members with the same kind of pick-up locations and items but not the delivery throughout same amounts. Southeastern There is no requireHillsborough County. ment to sign up for a The Cypress Creek Co-Op recently Members, who join celebrated four years of bringing fresh bin every week and produce to communities throughout many add on items by paying a one-time Southeastern Hillsborough County. fee of $5, have the are available. opportunity to order bins of produce for The co-op has multiple pick-up locapick-up weekly and can earn free food by tions throughout the area, including volunteering to help with distribution at the Waterset in Apollo Beach, Summerfield in pick-up locations. Riverview, Ruskin, FishHawk Ranch, “It started as a way to get to know my Valrico and Winthrop on different days of neighbors,” said Adams, who sorted the the week and at Tampa General Hospital produce on her living room floor when the once a month. Delivery is also available group was still small. “And although we in certain areas. have grown so much it still feels like a Adams is proud of the group’s community venture.” involvement in the community from donaEach week, Adams, who previously tions to schools and neighborhood events worked with wholesale produce compato helping people help others. nies, goes to local fruit and vegetable “This is so much more than produce,” buyers and farms to price out items to be she said. “Our members feel like part of a included in the bins for the week. community, get to know neighbors they “I try to buy local first, based on what wouldn’t normally have met, help others is in season,” she said. and eat well because of it.” Bins come in medium and large To learn more about Cypress Creek sizes and contain approximately six differ- Co-Op, find the group on Facebook or ent types of vegetables and five fruits. A visit www.cypresscreekproducecoop.com.
Monster Jam® Triple Threat Series™ Returns To Amalie Arena Staff Report
Tickets are on backflips, vertisale for Monster cal two-wheel Jam®, the unexskills and racpected, unscripted ing at speeds and unforgettable up to 70 miles family-friendly per hour to motor sport. The produce jaw2019 season will dropping, live bring a new level motor sports of high-flying, fouraction seen wheel excitement around the to the entire family world. with six different Now competitions at across all Amalie Arena on Monster Tickets are on sale for Monster Saturday, August Jam Jam® at Amalie Arena on 24 at 1 and 7 p.m. events, Saturday, August 24 at 1 and 7 pm. Coming off the fans in heels of the first-ever Monster Jam World every city Finals XX at Camping World Stadium in will have the chance to vote for the winOrlando, Monster Jam is bringing more of ner in the two-wheel and freestyle comthe action back to Florida later this sumpetitions by real-time, in-stadium fan votmer with the highly technical and highing on their smartphones. Fans are invitstakes athleticism of the Triple Threat ed to the Pit Party taking place on the Series Monster Jam event. Arena Track prior to the 1 p.m. event, Featuring eight of the most intense where they can get up close and personathletes of Monster Jam, Tampa Bay area al with the Monster Jam trucks, speedfans will witness a fierce battle for the sters, ATVs and drivers, take photos and championship with each competitor conget autographs. tending in customized high-powered vehiTickets start at $15 and General Pit cles: Monster Jam Speedsters, Monster Party Passes start at $15 each. Tickets Jam ATVs and, of course, the iconic and Pit Passes are available for purchase Monster Jam trucks in six events sure to online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at leave fans on the edge of their seats. Amalie Arena ticket office. Monster Jam drivers are trained, Amalie Arena is located at 401 world-class male and female athletes Channelside Ave. in Tampa. Call 301who have mastered not only the physical 2500 for ticket information. strength and mental stamina needed to For more information on a Monster compete, but the vital dexterity to control Jam near you, please log in on 12,000-pound machines capable of doing MonsterJam.com.
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Page 36
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 14, Issue 8