Brandon/Winthrop
15
February 2021
Volume 16, Issue 2
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CELEBRATING 19 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
HCSO SGT. BRIAN LAVIGNE
REMEMBERED AND HONORED BY BOCC By Brad Stager
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2397
year career with HCSO. Besides recognizing Brian’s professional achievements, such as Deputy of the Half in 1992 and the Sheriff ’s Office Life Saving Award in 2017, the memoriam spoke of his learning to play the bagpipes and developing martial arts skills. The statement concludes with thoughts of LaVigne’s wife, Cathleen LaVigne; children, Caitlin and Erin Liam LaVigne; his mother, Carol LaVigne; and siblings, Kevin LaVigne and Pamela Weyh, as well as colleagues and friends. “This board hopes they take Sgt. Brian LaVigne of HCSO was honored by the solace in the many cherished Hillsborough County Commissioners for making the ulti- memories and positive impacts mate sacrifice while serving and protecting residents. Sgt. Brian LaVigne made during The first order of business for the his lifetime.” February 3 meeting of the HillsborCathleen expressed appreciation to ough County Commission was to rec- the commissioners for honoring her ognize the ultimate sacrifice made by late husband and to those in law enSgt. Brian LaVigne of the Hillsborough forcement who continue serving HillsCounty Sheriff ’s Office (HCSO), who borough County residents. was killed in the line of duty on Jan“Thank you to Sheriff Chad Chronisuary 11 while responding to a distur- ter and his team for their support,” she bance call in Brandon. Brian was fatal- said. “And to the men and women who ly injured when the suspect allegedly put on the belt and vest and head out rammed the deputy’s patrol car with the door, we thank you.” his own vehicle while fleeing the scene. A special plaque honoring Brian will “This is a very solemn day for us,” be presented to his family, who atsaid Commissioner Pat Kemp, who tended the ceremony online. It reads chaired the meeting. in part, “Hillsborough County honors “All of our hearts are broken because the memory of Sgt. Brian Roy LaVigne when we lose one of our first respond- for his tireless dedication to the safety ers, it profoundly affects us all. This and well-being of others and giving his board offers its sincerest condolences life for the good of his community as to his colleagues and family who are a member of the Hillsborough County here today,” she said. Sheriff ’s Office.” A memoriam signed by all sevBrian was honored as part of the en members of the Board of County county commission’s Fallen Heroes Commissioners (BOCC) was read and Program, which allows for official cerentered into the record. It highlights emonial recognition by the BOCC of the Brian’s devotion to his family, com- sacrifice made by first responders who munity and colleagues during his 31- died while performing their duties.
RELAY FOR LIFE GETS READY TO KICK OFF THEIR 2021 EVENTS By Libby Hopkins Many local and naand volunteers, and withtional nonprofits are out their tireless help, looking to 2021 to be we cannot do what we a new year of hope do,” Schoonover said.“We and prosperity. 2020 know they’ve had their saw many of their own challenges, and that yearly fundraisers get makes their support even cancelled due to the more remarkable.” COVID-19 pandemic, The details for this but the American Canevent are still being cer Society (ACS) is The American Cancer Society saw its Relay worked out, but for more gearing up for a great For Life events go unfulfilled in 2020, but information about the the passion of its volunteers and the focus Bloomingdale 2021. virtual on its mission never wavered. The American CanRelay For Life, you can cer Society saw its Relay For Life events contact Event Lead Kerry Heron at www. go unfulfilled in 2020, but the passion of relayforlife.org/bloomingdalefl or Student its volunteers and the focus on its mission Ambassador Esha Saini at eshasaini13@ never wavered. ACS and its Southeast gmail.com. The website for registration is Hillsborough County supporters continued www.relayforlife.org/bloomingdalefl. to fund efforts that saved lives, celebrated lives and moved us closer to a world without cancer. “Cancer hasn’t stopped and many of the Relay teams have already signed up and begun fundraising,” said ACS Development Manager Tammy Schoonover. “However, in the Greater Brandon area, we have started out slow as collectively to date we have raised just over $4,100 versus $22,000 at this same time last year.” ACS will continue to use guidelines from the CDC and other government municipalities to determine the future of Relay For Life events and other in-person events. Relay events for the 2021 season will transition from tradition and rely more heavily on virtual platforms, volunteer efforts and community connections. “It’s not the walk, it’s the why,” Schoonover said. “Why we relay is what is important and there are many ways to support that ‘why’ and the American Cancer Society mission.” The Bloomingdale virtual Relay For Life event is being held on Saturday, April 30, PG 10 from 6-10 p.m. via Facebook Live. The SIREN DOCUMENTARY ...... event will be very similar to an in-person TECO CLOSES COAL UNIT PG 17 event and will still have the same ceremoEYE ON BUSINESS ...................PGS 25-26 nies, such as the opening ceremony, lumiPG 31 naria and closing ceremonies. “ACS is very LATITUDES TOURS .............. grateful for its many supporters, donors
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FAMILY MEALS $39.95. • SANGRIA QT. $20 We Teach Plants is a new, local, family-owned business run by FishHawk resident Lauren Felker, who not only has a passion and love for plants but also a natural inclination for teaching. The idea for We Teach Plants sprouted from the success of a plant and home decor boutique owned by Felker’s mother that opened in 2019 in the Winthrop Plaza. See Full Story on Page 33.
11:00 am - 8:00 pm | Pick up and Delivery Bottled Wine Available with Pick Up orders! 702 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon • 813-685-0502 • www.laseptimacafe.com Mon. - Sat. 11am. - 8pm. • Closed Sunday