Osprey Observer Brandon/Winthrop February 2021 by Osprey Observer

Brandon/Winthrop

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

IN THIS ISSUE:

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Page 2

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 2

February 2021

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

CHAMBER STARTS PROGRAM FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Staff Report Are you a young professional looking to unity in the younger populations of profesget involved in the Brandon community? sionals as we are all navigating this new The Greater Brandon Chamber of Com- endeavor. YP at the Brandon Chamber will merce launched a leadership program be a place we can all grow in our profestargeting young prosions together and learn fessionals earlier this from one another.” month. Kelly Peretz, the chamAccording to Ina ber’s membership and adMorrissey, the 2021 ministrative coordinator, Young Professionals will be the staff liaison for chair, this program the program. Of her new will provide recent role, Peretz shared, “I’m graduates and those looking forward to being a new to the workresource and supporter for force an opportunity young professionals in the to build connections community. Building conwith like-minded indinections is so important at viduals, grow profesthe early stages of a career sionally and personally and the chamber has the as well as leave their reach to attract young promarks on the Brandon fessionals from across the community. community to be a part of Membership in the Ina Morrissey, the 2021 Young Pro- this program.” Brandon Young Profes- fessionals chair, is looking forward to The Greater Brandon sionals provides access welcoming new members to the Great- Chamber of Commerce is to quarterly Off the er Brandon Chamber of Commerce celebrating 61 years in the group. Clock mixers and Power Brandon community. Hour lunches. In adIt is a membership ordition to the events, ganization that identifies young professionals community needs and will have access to a builds services to meet private online group them with nine various to encourage memcommittees, councils, bers to use each other leads groups and leaderas a resource, share ideas and build rela- ship programs, so the chamber has sometionships. thing for everyone in the community. The program kicked off with an Off the To learn more about the Young ProfesClock mixer at Fuzzy’s Tacos on February sional Group or to sign up for future events, 10. visit brandonchamber.com/young-profesMorrissey stated, “I am so excited to be sionals. The Greater Brandon Chamber of launching Brandon Young Professionals. Commerce is located at 1463 Oakfield Dr., Graduating this past year and diving into Ste. 134 in Brandon and can be reached at the professional world, I noticed a need for 689-1221.

Page 3

YMCA OFFERS FREE DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM TO MEDICARE PARTICIPANTS

Staff Report

Qualified Medicare participants can ing to the CDC. Prediabetes is a condition partake in the YMCAs of Tampa Bay’s in which a person’s blood glucose is eleevidence-based, CDC-approved Diabetes vated, but not high enough for a diabetes Prevention Program at no cost to them. diagnosis. Only 7 percent of those with The 12-month lifestyle modification pro- prediabetes know they have it, but with gram has been proven to reduce the risk awareness and simple actions, people of developing with prediabetes may type 2 diabetes prevent the onset of for those who are diabetes, a leading at risk. cause of heart disThe Y’s Diabeease, stroke, blindtes Prevention ness, kidney disease Program is ofand nerve disease. fered both in-per“Committed to imson and virtually proving the health at YMCAs across and well-being of Tampa Bay. A Tampa Bay, the Y trained lifestyle wants all community The YMCAs of Tampa Bay’s evidence-based, coach will provide CDC-approved Diabetes Prevention Program is members to undera supportive envistand their risk for available at no cost to qualified residents. ronment where participants learn how prediabetes and steps to take to avoid to incorporate healthy eating, physical developing type 2 diabetes,” said Tampa activity and behavior modification into Metropolitan Area YMCA Healthy Living their daily lives. Proven results show the Director Dawn Kita. “Developing type program can prevent or delay new cases 2 diabetes not only puts a tremendous of type 2 diabetes in adults by 58 percent strain on our healthcare system, but imand by as much as 71 percent in those pacts the lives of millions of people and over age 60. their families each year.” “365 days ago, I sat in a classroom at Many insurance providers offer this the YMCA and signed an agreement to program as a covered benefit for anyone join the Diabetes Prevention Program, go who has been diagnosed as having prediato meetings and follow their guidelines betes or who is at a high risk for developto be healthier and reduce my risk of de- ing type 2 diabetes. To qualify, Medicare veloping diabetes,” shared Cindy Reavis. recipients must have an A1C between “I’m thrilled to report success. To date, I have lost 87 pounds and lowered my A1C 5.7-6.4 or a fasting glucose of 110-125. from 5.8 to 5.5, which means I am no lon- Financial assistance and payment plans ger prediabetic. This program and my in- are available for other qualifying individuals based on household income. structors have literally changed my life.” For more information, email YDPP@ More than one in three Americans (88 million people) have prediabetes, accord- tampaymca.org.

Page 4

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

CAREERSOURCE SEEKS TO HELP LOCAL YOUTH FIND SUMMER JOBS By Hayley Fedor Originally created in 2019 by Career- virtual career exploration for four weeks Source Tampa Bay, the Summer Job Con- centered around networking for the youth, nection program is in full swing heading having the ability to build connections into its third year running. Backed by the with employers as well as peers and reHillsborough Counceiving compensaty School District as tion while doing it. well as the HillsborThe last program ough Board of County available for appliCommissioners, the cants is a six-week program is able to community or reach more youth and leadership project make a greater imthat consists of pact with each passstrengthening proing year. fessional skills of The main goal of participants along the program is to help with the compleHillsborough County tion of a commuyouth ages 16 to 24 nity-based project. One of the many youth impacted by the get connected with Summer Job Connection program hard at work. From accounting employment during to visual arts, these the summer. By not only assisting youth are just some of the diverse selection of but encouraging them to explore employ- jobs that youth in the area will be exposed ment opportunities, CareerSource hopes to by participating in the Summer Job to be “starting the pipeline of the work- Connection program this year. force in the new generation,” said Doug “Sometimes the first job can give ideas Tobin, director of public relations and mar- for what they want to do for the rest of keting at CareerSource Tampa Bay. their lives,” said Tobin. Through the 2021 Summer Job ConCareerSource Tampa Bay looks to pronection opportunities, youth receive more vide around 1,000 Hillsborough County than just an internship or a job. “We also youth with employment opportunities this have a program here that teaches them summer through the program. life skills like how to budget,” said Tobin. The 2021 Summer Job Connection proThe structure of the 2021 Summer Job grams are set to take place from June to Connection is broken up into three differ- July. The deadline for applications is Frient programs that Hillsborough County day, March 12. youth are able to apply to. The first proFor more information on the Careergram is a part-time, paid work experience, Source 2021 Summer Job Connection and earning $12 an hour for eight weeks and to find the online application, visit http:// gaining hands-on, real-world experience in www.careersourcetampabay.com/sumthe workforce. The second opportunity is mer-job-connection/.

Volume 16, Issue 2

LOCAL CHARITY RECOGNIZED BY SUPER BOWL COMMITTEE

Staff Report

exam. The NFL also provided journals that are used as an emotional healing tool for survivors. “A sexual assault is one of the most traumatizing experiences a person can go through. As the certified rape crisis center in Hillsborough County, we know that anyone who comes through our doors is going to receive the compassion and support they need in that moment Captain Fear, Lucile Malone from Rep. Fentrice from our staff. Receiving something as Driskell’s office, Hillsborough County Commissioner simple as a new shirt in those hours afPat Kemp, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Crisis Center ter an assault can help aid in the initial Board Chair Barbara Curts, Melissa Schiller from healing process for a survivor. This dothe NFL, Crisis Center CEO Clara Reynolds and Marcia Mejia from Rep. Kathy Castor’s office doing nation from the NFL ensures that survivors have something brand-new and double-fives for Super Bowl LV. comfortable to go home in following Ahead of Super Bowl LV, NFL staff coltheir exam, making a difficult situation lected brand-new clothing to be donated that much easier,” said Clara Reynolds, to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s Sex- president and CEO of the Crisis Center of ual Assault Services department. Captain Tampa Bay. Fear, the team mascot, also attended to The mission of the Crisis Center of Tamhelp deliver the significant donation with pa Bay is to ensure that no one in our comrepresentatives from the NFL. munity has to face crisis alone. The organiTo show their support of the donation zation is the community’s gateway to help, made to the county’s only certified rape hope and healing, and is Tampa Bay’s elite crisis center, Mayor Jane Castor, Hillsbor- provider of crisis and trauma services. ough County Commissioner Pat Kemp, a Responding to over 170,000 requests for member of Representative Kathy Castor’s help each year, the nonprofit agency ofteam and a member of Representative fers a range of evidence-based programs Fentrice Driskell’s team were in atten- designed to meet community needs: dance as well. The Crisis Center’s Sexual • Gateway Contact Center (2-1-1: suiAssault Services department serves in- cide prevention, crisis counseling as well dividuals 13 years and older within Hills- as information and referral services). borough County who have been assaulted. • Corbett Trauma Center (trauma counWhether the assault occurred last week- seling and sexual assault survivor serend or 15 years ago, survivors receive vices). confidential support and resources. The • TransCare (9-1-1 emergency and menclothing donated by the NFL will be pro- tal health ambulance services, medical van vided to survivors whose own clothing is transportation). collected for evidence as part of their rape For more regarding the Crisis Center of kit. These clothes ensure they have some- Tampa Bay, please visit www.crisiscenter. thing comfortable to change into after the com.

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

February 2021

W W W

O S P R E Y O B S E R V E R

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COOPERATION PART OF CODE ENFORCEMENT IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

C O M

ASSOCIATED WITH OSPREY OBSERVER

By Brad Stager

7 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, FL 33592 • (office) 657-2418 • (fax) 657-4469 MANAGING EDITOR

Marie Gilmore

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Kate Quesada 657-2418

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LAYOUT EDITOR

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Kathy Collins

Kathi Hayes

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BILLING MANAGER

GRAPHICS MANAGER

Terry Vassalotti

Denise Graf

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MARKETING MANAGER

CUSTOMER SERVICE

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Jennifer Hurst

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Jenny Bennett 657-2418

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Melody Gershkoff

Hillsborough County’s Code Enforcement Department ensures that residential and commercial properties are in compliance with the laws and regulations governing them.

Maintaining basic overall aesthetics while promoting health and safety within structures and the landscape outside of them is how Hillsborough County’s Code Enforcement Department serves the community. Besides ensuring buildings are properly maintained to guarantee structural integrity and that landscaping is appropriate to the property and surrounding environment, enforcing compliance with water restrictions, commercial signage rules (no emitting of smoke, vapors or sounds from signs allowed), overgrown grass limits, inoperable vehicle disposal and operating a business where zoning does not permit it are also part of a code enforcement officer’s routine. When a property owner gets a visit about a possible violation, Code Enforcement Officer Larry Hoffman wants people to know that the goal is to achieve compliance through cooperation and support. “We really want to work with homeowners and property owners,” said Hoff-

man in a Hillsborough Television (HTV) interview on the county’s YouTube channel. “We really just want to get everything into compliance. We’re not looking to stick people with fines or things like that. Our mission is to just bring the property back, return it to the neighborhood. That’s our goal, that’s what we want to do.” Hoffman added that fines for violations can range from $50 a day to $5,000 a day. Hillsborough County’s Code Enforcement Board is responsible for reviewing cases and assessing fines. The board meets monthly and hears evidence in code enforcement cases before rendering a decision. Residents with expertise in real estate, engineering, architecture, general contracting and business can serve on the board as one of its seven members and two alternates who are appointed by the County Board of Commissioners for terms of three years. There are code enforcement volunteer opportunities available as well. Residents who are 16 and older can help keep their neighborhoods clean by removing illegal signs, often called ‘snipe’ signs, as a member of Volunteers in Public Service (VIPS). A background check and training are required to participate. Residents can report possible code violations, pay fines or find out more about the county’s code enforcement efforts by visiting hcflgov.net or calling 274-6600.

Cammie Yick

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Residents and busi4 p.m. nesses in a portion The affected area of Southeastern Hillextends from the sborough County are south bank of the under new temporary Alafia River, south to irrigation restrictions the north bank of the enacted by county Little Manatee Rivcommissioners in Deer west of I-75 and cember. to Saffold Rd. east The restrictions are of I-75. The restrictin effect from Janued irrigation zone’s ary 4, 2021 to Decemwestern edge borders ber 31, 2022 and are Tampa Bay, with the intended to address eastern boundaries low water pressure going as far as Powduring peak usage Part of Southeastern Hillsborough County is erline Rd. in the north times in the South- under new temporary irrigation restrictions. and with Balm Boyette Shore service area. Rd., Balm Wimauma Rd. and S. County Rd. A news release from Hillsborough Coun- 579 marking the eastern limits for most of ty specifies that the temporary irrigation the zone. A small area south of 14th Ave. restrictions “apply to all within the South SE. and east of I-75 to 36th St. SE. is exCounty variance area—not just customers cluded from the restrictions, according to of Public Utilities—and most water sourc- a map provided by the county. es, including private wells and ponds or All other unincorporated Hillsborough lakes that are used as alternate irrigation County properties remain on a schedule supplies.” of twice weekly watering days and estabIrrigating established landscapes and lished times. lawns within the designated area is limited Kevin Moran, director of Hillsborough to one day weekly, which is determined by County’s Environmental Management Diviaddress. Irrigation is restricted to between sion, attributed the unreliability of water 8:30 a.m. and 12 Noon, or between 6 p.m. pressure at peak times to “the growth in and 12 Midnight. Addresses ending in 0 or 1 can irrigate the southern portion of the county, couon Mondays, those that end in 2 or 3 on pled with all of the houses having irrigaTuesdays, 4 or 5 on Wednesdays, 6 or 7 tion systems.” Moran added that condion Thursdays and properties ending in 8 or tions should improve when two water 9 on Fridays. Saturdays are for locations infrastructure projects are completed by with no address or mixed addresses, such as office complexes and shopping centers. December 2022. Visit hcflgov.net to view Reclaimed water customers may irrigate a map or check your address for detailed any day of the week before 10 a.m. or after watering information. BOBS RD

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COUNTY ROAD 672

SCALES RD

SWEAT LOOP RD

BEACH BLVD

SUN CITY CENTER BLVD

CODY

AUR K LA

19 TH AV E NE

MILES BREEZE A

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COUNCI L DR

AVE

LIGHTFOOT RD

OAH ENAND SH RD S U RR EY TRL

COUNTY ROAD 672

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RD E

39TH AVE SE

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Little Manatee River

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21ST 21ST 21ST AVE SE AVE SE AVE SE

ST S W

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14TH AVE SE

TEC O

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BOYETTE RD

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33RD ST NE

16TH AVE SW

21ST AVE SW

7 TH

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AVE NE

19T H AVE NE

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3 3R

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11TH AVE NE

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BE ND

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BIG

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NG RLI T NC

DR PE

GULF CITY RD

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10TH 10TH AVE SE AVE SE

CAN

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7TH AVE NE

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BLVD

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19TH

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7TH AVE NW

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OLD B IG BEND RD

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Staff Report

S DOVER RD

MARTIN RD

OVERHILL ORANGEWALK DR DR

PROVIDENCE RD

S GORNT O LAKE RD

E STATE ROAD 60

BERRY PATCH RD

S DOVER RD

AL P

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N ECH DR

S H

SUMNER RD

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LENNA AVE

LEE DIANE AVE DR

Your Questions Answered

ENDEAVOUR AVE

F IETZWAY RD

THIRD ST

GREG ST

A LD DR

URA NT

RAY RD

N RAM

STARBERRY LN

MCINTOSH RD

OHARA PL

MOTT RD

GALLAGHER RD

MOORES LAKE RD

MOTT RD PITTMAN RD

DAD WELDON RD

HIERS RD

N VALRICO RD

PINE ST

S OAK ST

RN AKS D

TELFAIR RD

GORNT LA

L KAT A KE H Y DR

G O RNTO L AK E RD

PAULS DR PAULS DR

JULIE JULIE LN LN

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S RAM P US HW Y 301-I 301

S 84TH ST

49TH AVE S

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GARLAND BRANCH RD

E STATE ROAD 60

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D R

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HI C O RK

LENNA AVE

LIME AVE

S TAYLOR RD

INTERSTATE 75 S

75 S

INTERSTATE

75 N

INTERSTATE

INTERSTATE 75 S

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N DOVER RD

K POND

STARK RD

TAYLOR RD

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TRAIL DR

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LVD

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BOGAERT RD

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301

TAMPA EXECU AIRPORT

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WILKINS RD

SYLVIA PL

R DE

N 56TH ST

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N US HIGHWAY 301

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N 57TH ST

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WINHAM ST

S 70TH ST

S 58TH ST

S 66TH S 66TH S 67TH ST ST ST

WAIKIKI WAY

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S 70TH ST

S 76TH ST

S 70TH ST

S 56TH ST

S 54TH ST

S 70TH ST S 66TH ST

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S 51ST S 51ST ST ST

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N 46TH ST

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S 34TH N 34TH ST ST

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301

N 56TH ST

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N 56TH ST

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N 59TH ST

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N 50TH ST

N 53RD ST

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CHU

Southwest Florida Water Management District

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EXP

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FRONT ST

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C IR

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HAYNES RD

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MONT DR

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EXPRESS

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VICTORIA ST

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W US HIGHWAY 92

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SYDNEY RD

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32ND AVE S 36TH AVE S

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LIMONA RD BATES ST

BRAND O N P N RA M

20TH AVE S

24TH AVE S

31ST AVE S

ON M E SEL Y EXP

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34TH AVE S

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-I75

301

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20TH AVE S 24TH 24TH AVE S AVE S

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SELMON EXPY E

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GLEN HARWELL RD

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COR PA R

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CANNING PLANT RD

ATE 4 INTERST

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HIGHWAY

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INT

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S TAT

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INTER

East Lake

TE STA

WILLI A RD

R PA

INTER

INTERSTATE 4W

H AVE

US I4 W-E RAMP HW Y 92

INTERST AT E 4 E

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INT

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ON SELMON SELM W EX PY E EXPY

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VIS VD

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STATE

ATE 4 INTERST

ATE INTERST 4W

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ATE 4 INTERST

4W ATE ERST INT

H SLIG AVE

SL I GH AV E

SLIGH AVE

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LAZY

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MUCK POND RD

MUC

PRUETT RD

IAMS

E SLIGH AVE

W-I75 M RA P

E L A KE AV E

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INTERSTATE INTERSTATE 4 E 4 W

E 4TH AVE

WILL

PAR EAST B L

INT

LORIDA INTERS TATE INTERSTATE 4 W I4 E/ SEL F/F P 4W M CONNECTOR

INTERSTATE 2 75

INTERSTATE 275 S

TIV E RD

Tampa Bypass Canal

N ET

E MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD

E 32ND AVE

W SPRUCES

INTERSTATE 275 S

CONE RD

RSTATE INTE 75 N

CONE RD

E SLIGH AVE

PLE LN

W RIVER LN

RIVER DR

E SLIGH AVE

E HANNA AVE

DAVIS POOL RD

ELM CT

E HENRY AVE

PERCH ST

PRUETT RD

TT ROWLEDR PARK

KENNY DR

TAT

E KIRBY ST

TUNA DR

Hillsborough River

ERS

E VEV LN

INT

N ROME AVE

TEMPORARY IRRIGATION RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT E BIRD ST

D ST

W HANNA AVE

Volume 16, Issue 2

U:\Area and EnviromentalProjects\Jeff Greenwell\Quarterly Map SouthCentral\South Central Quarter I 2019

Brian J. Armstrong, P.G., executive director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, answers some common questions.

ad valorem property taxes. While the Florida Legislature allows a tax levy up to 1 mill. ($1 for each $1,000 of assessed land value), the current millage rate Q: What is the is far less than the Southwest Florida maximum at 0.2669 Water Management mill. For the owner District? of a $150,000 home A: The Southwest with a $50,000 Florida Water Manhomestead exempagement District (Distion, the District tax trict) was created in would be $26.69 a 1961 by the Florida Brian J. Armstrong, P.G., executive director, year, or about $2.22 has more than 20 years of experience in Legislature to serve as per month. water resource management, serving in a local sponsor for a Q: How does the series of federal flood various leadership roles with the Southwest District use my tax control projects af- Florida Water Management District and dollars? the Florida Department of Environmental ter Hurricane Donna A: More than half Protection. caused massive floodof the District’s curing in the region. The District encom- rent budget is dedicated to water repasses roughly 10,000 square miles in source projects such as restoring springs, all or part of 16 counties and serves a reducing flooding and pollution and depopulation of nearly 6 million people. To- veloping alternative water supplies. day, the District is responsible for manExamples include $15.9 million for aging the water resources for West-Cen- springs initiatives to restore springs and tral Florida as directed by state law, and spring-fed rivers, improve water qualiits mission is to protect water resources, ty and clarity as well as restore natural minimize flood risks and ensure the pub- habitats; $26.3 million for Watershed lic’s water needs are met. Management Program plans to support floodplain management decisions and Q: Who oversees the District and initiatives as well as address potential where does its funding come from? and existing flooding problems; and A: A 13-member governing board over- $20.9 million for development of altersees District activities. Members are un- native water supplies to ensure an adepaid volunteers appointed by the gover- quate supply of water for both now and nor and confirmed by the Florida Senate in the future. to set policy and administer the budget. To learn more about the District, visit District funding comes primarily from WaterMatters.org.

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

February 2021

STILL TIME TO HIT THE TRAILS AND COMPLETE THE ANNUAL HIKING SPREE By Kathy L. Collins If you have not signed up for the an- cluding the Myron and Helen Gibbons Nanual Hiking Spree sponsored by Hillsbor- ture Preserve and the Trails of River Hills. ough County Parks & Recreation, never I plan to complete the Hiking Spree and fear, there is still time to do so. The Hik- get a patch or medallion. My fellow hiker, ing Spree ends on Wednesday, March 31. Katie Collins, said, “Who knew we had so For those many beautiful who have regparks and trails? istered and I want to visit all complete at of them.” least eight Dana McDonhikes from ald with Hillsthis year’s Hikborough Couning Spree trail ty said, “We list, you can want everyone choose to reto know that ceive a patch [there] is a fun or medallion. and easy way The annual Hiking Spree, sponsored by Hillsborough If you have to get outdoors County Parks & Recreation, is a great way to get out included your and explore new and see the natural habitat of Hillsborough County. four-legged trails right in Locations such as Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve in friend as a your own backPlant City are a great example. fellow hiker, yard. It is a great you can get a bandana. All of the prizes way to get out in nature and get exercise feature the green tree frog, which is the in your Hillsborough County parks.” designated animal for the 2021 Hiking McDonald added, “These parks are Spree. cared for by people who are dedicated So far, 5,128 residents have registered, to preserving nature and showing the along with 1,065 dogs. Approximate- community the importance of having ly 248 have submitted their completed these treasures so close. It is a great way forms. to see plants, trees or animals that you The annual Hiking Spree is fantastic might not see in your neighborhood.” way to get outside and explore all of the Hillsborough County Parks & Recregreat neighborhood parks, preserves and ation has been hosting the annual Hiking even a few state parks that are a part of Spree for five years. McDonald said, “We Hillsborough County. love showing people undiscovered gems. Since registering, I have visited Black- We plan on keeping the Hiking Spree and water Creek Nature Preserve in Plant City making it better each year.” and the Old Agrico Hiking Trail at Alafia To register for the Hiking Spree, please River State Park. I even discovered a few visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org and spots that are hidden in plain sight, in- click on Hiking Spree.

Page 7

BRANDON REGIONAL HOSPITAL OPENS FIRST PHASE OF NEWLY EXPANDED NICU

Staff Report

allow us to serve the needs of more infants in our community at a local level. Our goal is to help babies live a healthy and happy life.” Additional features in the new space include an expanded physician work area, multiple charting areas, larger nuCaregivers at Brandon Regional Hospital hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Brandon Regional Hospital has completed a $16.5 million expansion project of its Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Phase one of a two-phase project, the recent expansion will allow the hospital to provide care for 70 percent to 80 percent more infants per year. The NICU houses on-site neonatologists and maternal-fetal medicine specialists that have dedicated their careers to providing specialized care to babies requiring extra medical attention after birth. The expanded NICU provides many benefits to infants and families, including an expanded space measuring over 22,000 square feet, more than 65 percent larger than the former NICU; an increase of 14 beds, taking the total bed count to 36; 14 private rooms, including two rooms designed for twins; monitored rooms; infant safety/abduction prevention system; NicView Web Cam video streaming system that allows parents to view their infant(s) 24/7; an isolation room; and education room. “The NICU team at Brandon Regional Hospital is committed to providing high-quality care to babies that are in need of specialized treatment,” said Angel Luciano, MD, medical director of neonatology. “Having a larger NICU space will

trition preparation room and a multipurpose room. Services and other benefits provided in Brandon Regional Hospital’s NICU include advanced respiratory services, pediatric surgery, pediatric neurology, pediatric cardiology, lactation consultants, specialized speech therapists, neonatal nurse practitioners and certified neonatal nurses. Specialized infant beds that convert from an incubator are also on-site. The second phase of the expansion project will include additional private patient rooms, storage space and a lounge for caregivers. Phase two is scheduled to be completed this spring. Accredited by The Joint Commission, Brandon Regional Hospital is a 436bed acute care facility that is nationally ranked as a Top 100 Hospital by IBM Watson, a Top Teaching Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, a U.S. News & World Report High-Performing Hospital in COPD and Heart Failure and a Leapfrog Group ‘A’ for patient safety. For more information, visit brandonhospital.com/specialties/nicu.

www.sagecleaners.com

Expiration 03/01/2021

Page 8

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Poynter Institute’s Write Field Program Looks To Expand To Hillsborough County By Lily Belcher In 2020, the Poynter Institute was looking to expand their Write Field Program, a program dedicated to helping young African American and Hispanic middle schoolers improve both their writing and their confidence in their schoolwork. The program is based in Pinellas County, but, prior to the coronavirus shutdown, Co-directors Ernest Hooper and Demorris Lee were working to expand the program to the St. Petersburg College campus in Ybor City. With the next year of the program set to begin accepting applicants in the fall, Hooper and Lee hope to resume the expansion efforts. To justify the expansion, Lee and Hooper must prove an expanded interest from middle school minority students who hope to improve their writing abilities and close the achievement gap in local schools. “This free, academic year-long program teaches African American and Hispanic middle schoolers how to be better writers, communicators and students,” according to the program’s website. “They will study hip-hop. They’ll meet a Tampa Bay Ray. With professional journalists as their mentors, they’ll even get better grades.” Students who participated this year had the opportunity to meet Rays out-

fielder and Pinellas County local Brett Phillips. “He provided some great insight to the students about life and working hard and continuing to remain committed to your studies,” said Lee. While the Write Field Program focuses on writing, their 30-40 annual participants learn to communicate and take their first steps to success in the professional world, as well as boasting higher grades in school. Additionally, Write Field graduates have a lower dropout rate and advance to the next school year more frequently than their peers. Participants will have the opportunity to sign up for the 10-month program in the fall of 2021 on the website. Students will meet once a month on a Saturday to discuss the lesson assigned to that month and will spend the time between the meetings working on a writing prompt. At the end of the 10 weeks, each participant will choose their favorite piece to have published in the Write Field Program’s end of the year book. To donate to the Write Field Program, contact Wendy Wallace at wwallace@ poynter.org. To apply for the program, email Andrew DeLong at writefield@ poynter.org. For more information, visit www.poynter.org.

Volume 16, Issue 2

12TH ANNUAL CHEVROLET CHARITY RAFFLE OFFERS CHANCE TO WIN 2021 CORVETTE STINGRAY

By Taylor Wells

Stingray Chevrolet’s website details how much money its previous raffles have raised, such as 2019’s donations totaling $220,450, and which causes the funds have supported. Overall, the raffles have raised a total of $1,536,000. Raffle tickets are now available for $5 each online and in person at Stingray’s dealership in Plant City until Friday, March 12 at 6 p.m. To get tickets online—available until March 12 at 3 p.m.—fill out the entry form at www.stingraychevroTickets to enter the raffle are $5 each and are available let.com/chevrolet-charity-rafnow online and at Stingray Chevrolet’s dealership, as fle-entry-form/. Tickets will also be well as at the Florida Strawberry Festival starting on available at the Florida Strawberry Thursday, March 4. Festival at Stingray’s vehicle display from Thursday, March 4 until The new year has only just begun, and Sunday, March 14 at 4:30 p.m. if you’re looking for a way to start it on a Online ticket receipts will be sent to the high note, a chance of winning a brandemail address provided in the form withnew car for just $5 might be what you’re in 5 minutes after the order is processed. looking for, and you can even help a local Note, however, that online tickets have a nonprofit raise funds at the same time. ‘one-time’ $2 processing fee, no matter If that sounds good to you, then you’ll how many tickets are ordered—the limit want to enter Stingray Chevrolet’s 12th being 50 tickets per person. annual Chevrolet Charity Raffle, where The winning ticket will be drawn on you’ll have the opportunity to win a 2021 March 14 at 5 p.m. at the Florida StrawCorvette Stingray, with 100 percent of berry Festival, and you do not need to be the ticket proceeds benefitting Unity in present to win; you will be notified by the Community, Inc. phone if your name is drawn. Unity in the Community is a local 501(c) Stingray Chevrolet’s dealership is at (3) nonprofit staffed by volunteers that 2002 North Frontage Rd. in Plant City. raises funds for a number of good causTo learn more about Stingray Chevrolet, es. In its mission statement, it states: “All the event or the 2021 Corvette Stingray, actions taken by Unity in the Community visit www.stingraychevrolet.com/chevroare done with the common goal of helping individuals, or other charitable service or- let-charity-raffle/. To learn more about ganizations, to improve the lives of those Unity in the Community, visit www.unityinplantcity.org. in and around Plant City.”

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

February 2021

Page 9

BLOOMINGDALE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL KEY CLUB TEACHES STUDENTS TO

Assisted Living

LIVE A LIFE OF SERVICE

“Tessera Brandon... living your lifestyle.”

By Tatiana Ortiz

The Bloomingdale Senior High School ty will become a better place as they, too, Key Club is back and ready to serve the continue to instill an impactful difference community in a positive manner. within the areas in which they serve,” As the Kiwanis Club of Greater Bran- White said. don sponsor, Donelle White’s involveWith the Bloomingdale Senior High ment with the Bloomingdale Senior High School Key Club’s comeback, it seeks School Key community Club is to give partnerships. guidance on Whether it be making sure through support that its service of its service projects adhere projects, mentoto the Kiwanis ring and more, mission of beWhite wants ing dedicated people to know to improving that the memthe world, one bers are here to child, one comserve the community at a munity. Kidanya time. Favaro, junior The group and president of consists of 85 the Bloomingdaactive members le Senior High from grades School Key Club, Bloomingdale Senior High School Key Club members. nine through 12. can attest to A total of seven service opportunities are that. available every month. In order to remain “We are excited for what the club has an active member, students must com- in store and look forward to giving back mit to five service hours a month. Ser- to the community,” Favaro said. vice projects range from participating Come to Chipotle Mexican Grill at in a mobile pantry, bell-ringing for the 829 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon Salvation Army and much more. Proper on Wednesday, February 17 at 5 p.m. to COVID-19 guidelines are also adminis- support the Bloomingdale Senior High tered too. On a side note, the hours that School Key Club’s first fundraiser. Those these members put in can go towards who attend are also encouraged to bring Bright Futures scholarships. nonperishable food items, which will also White mentioned why the Bloomingda- be collected in a bin for Seeds of Hope. For information, visit https://bshskeyle Senior High School Key Club is unique. “By being active in a service organiza- club.com or email donelle.white@brantion, it teaches them that their communi- donlegalgroup.com.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 2

HEAVY METAL FAIRY TALE DOCUMENTARY RELEASED ABOUT LOCAL BAND SIREN

By Kelly Wise Valdes

There’s an old saying, “You’re as young as your dreams.” In 1981, several local Brandon high schoolers had a dream of forming a heavy metal band. Back in the 80s, Tampa Bay was a hot spot for the metal music genre. After practicing in hot garages, backyards and metal sheds, their band, Siren, released its debut single in 1984, “Metro-Mercenary,” which was well-received throughout the metal underground. By early 1986, the band had landed its first record deal with a German record label. The resulting album, No Place Like Home, was released and the band toured and promoted the album throughout 1987. Unfortunately, a string of bad luck, shady business deals and inner politics led to the band’s decision to part ways. This break would ultimately span decades. And then fate intervened. Unbeknownst to any of the former band members, Siren still had a large and loyal following in Germany. In late 2015, Siren fans from different countries reached out to former drummer Ed Aborn on social media. Aborn was living a normal life in Valrico as a software engineer, husband and father to two daughters; his band days were long behind him. However, the inquires led Aborn to write the band memoirs that resulted in an e-book titled Siren – The Early Years. In 2018, a loyal fan from Germany reached out to Aborn with the opportunity to reunite the band and perform at the prestigious Keep It True festival in Germany. The only obstacle was that the band hadn’t existed or played together in more than 30 years. Recognizing that this was

a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the band committed to be a part of the festival and got to work. “This has all been beyond imagination,” said Aborn. “When I was 18, it was my dream to be onstage and see thousands of people singing along with the songs I had written. That dream was set aside and forgotten as the obligations of life and family spanned the next 30 years.” The challenge of five guys, now all in their 50s, reuniting after more than three decades to perform before a festival audience in Europe is the premise for the full feature-length documentary, I’m Too Old for This Sh*t!: A Heavy Metal Fairy Tale. The documentary follows the band members— Ed Aborn (drums), Doug Lee (vocals), Gregg Culbertson (bass), Todd Grubbs (guitar) and Hal Dunn (guitar)—as they rekindle friendships and put aside animosity following the band’s breakup 35 years earlier to embrace their last chance at making their rock ‘n’ roll dreams come true. Siren released a new album in April 2020, Back from the Dead, on CD, vinyl and streaming. “We are very proud to have all grown up in the Brandon area,” said Aborn. “We enjoy the fact that the movie can shine a little light on our community.” Visit www.SirenBand.us or on Instagram @SirenBandUS, or visit SirenBandUS. bandcamp.com for merchandise. The documentary is available to rent/buy on Amazon Prime, iTunes, VUDU, Sling and several other streaming platforms. Email the band at SirenBandUS@gmail.com.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

ALAFIA BREWING COMPANYBRINGING THE SHOW BACK TO SHOWTOWN

By Brian Bokor

When Mary and George Taylor teamed up with Dan Castanera and decided to open Alafia Brewing Co. at 11106 U.S. Hwy. 41 in Gibsonton, they knew having the support of the surrounding ‘Gibtown’ community would be crucial for their success. Designing a space where they could not only share their unique beer creations with the public but also providing a place where locals felt welcome to showcase their talents were two main objectives of the owners. “We wanted to put people to work,” the Taylors stated, with Castanera adding, “It’s a creative space for creative people serving creative beer,” stressing the importance of acceptance to all when it comes to patrons of Alafia Brewing. The Taylors—Mary taught English at East Bay High for 35 years, with George currently working for Tampa as a traffic engineer—have been homebrewing for 25 years and wanted to open their own operation. The couple acquired 70 medals and accomplishments over that span and were regulars at events such as MOSI’s Science After Dark and Tampa’s Movie in the Park, partnering with Jump for Kids charity. They wanted to share their passion with the rest of the community on a more permanent basis, but knew one key ingredient was missing: they needed someone with the experience and desire to take on the task of setting up and then running a large-scale brewery on a daily basis. Castanera, who runs his own software development company, has been involved in the Brandon beer scene for years, being associated with Water to Fire Brewers Collective, D.I.Y. Brew Supply, Bootleggers Brewing Co., and Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. From his time spent in the industry, he knew George and Mary as well

as the ins and outs of what it would take to set up and then operate a brewery, so when the Taylors asked Castanera if he was up for the task, he knew this challenge was one he was ready to conquer. The festively decorated 6,000 sq. ft. taproom/entertainment venue offers up to 26 small batch beers, meads, hard ciders and seltzers along with wine, mimosas and root beer. Ca-

tering is being provided by DiMisa Gourmet, well-known locally for its authentic Italian dishes, toffee and award-winning chili. Carnival-style entertainment (fire breathers, aerial acrobats, trapeze artists, among others) randomly perform daily, with weekly events taking place, including open mic, karaoke and trivia. Every weekend, live bands perform Friday and Saturday nights with ‘Family Fun Day’ Sundays offering brunch and shows throughout the afternoon. For more information, visit the Facebook page or alafiabrewing.com.

Page 11

GREATER SEFFNER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS FIRST ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

By Tatiana Ortiz

Join the Greater measures that will be Seffner Area Chamimplemented. Bates ber of Commerce on hopes that the chamSaturday, April 24 ber will reach its goal at 8 a.m. for its first of raising $15,000. annual Charity Golf North Brandon FamTournament at Diaily YMCA Membership mond Hill Golf and and Wellness Director Country Club in DoRebecca Piatt stated ver. A portion of the how the North Brandon proceeds will beneFamily YMCA will benfit some of Seffner’s efit from the proceeds 501(3)(c) organizaof this charity golf tions, such as North tournament. Brandon Family “We have been a staYMCA, Operation: ple in the Seffner comCombat Smiles, Inc. munity for more than and more. North Brandon Family YMCA Membership 30 years and this will Greater Seffner and Wellness Director Rebecca Piatt at the help it become stronArea Chamber of ger as well as better Seffner Community Carnival prior to the pandemic. Commerce Vice prepared to serve the President Charles community,” Piatt said. Bates shared who will benFor those interested in beefit from its charity golf coming a sponsor, the deadline tournament. is Monday, April 12. Hole spon“These charities will bensorships cost $250 per hole. The efit our Seffner community through their deadline for individuals wanting to partichelp within multiple areas, that includes ipate is Friday, April 16. The cost is $350 providing dental care for veterans, assist- for a four-person team, which includes a ing people rejoin the workforce and much golf cart and lunch. Small games and rafmore,” Bates said. fle giveaways will also be occurring. During the board members’ meeting, “Overall, I would like the community to they discussed ideas on ways that they know that the charities that we will be could assist the charity programs in donating to are local and directly impact their chamber since it has been tough for our growing community,” Bates said. many families in the community that the To register, visit https://seffnerchamGreater Seffner Area Chamber of Com- ber.com/events/#!event/2021/4/24/seffmerce serves. This would be how the golf ner-chamber-golf-tournament. Check out tournament came into fruition. The golf its Facebook page at https://www.facecourse itself contains plenty of space for book.com/seffnerchamber. Email Info@ social distancing as well as other safety SeffnerChamber.com.

03/01/2021

Page 12

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 2

The Brenda Wade Team Loves SOLD Signs! Top Listing Agent in Hillsborough! 378 Homes Sold in 2020! D

SOL

97 Camelot Ridge Dr

D SOL

303 Karppe Rd

520 Winterside Dr

D SOL

521 Cottage Ln

D SOL

759 Caliente Dr

OLD

909 Pyrite Ct

D SOL

1030 Jameson Rd

1210 Tuxford Dr

1621 Wakefield Dr

D SOL

2302 Timbergrove Dr

2616 Bonterra Blvd

D SOL

2311 Dovewood Estates Ct

D SOL

2827 Lantern Hill Ave

D SOL

3024 Silva Wood Dr

3442 Ashling Dr

D SOL

3502 Starling Estates Ct

D SOL

3723 Crystal Dew St

D SOL

3914 Buckingham Loop Dr

D SOL

4203 Jade Ln

D SOL

4208 Fleewell Ct

D SOL

4412 Ortona Ln

D SOL

4703 Barn Owl Ct

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5028 Sylvan Oaks Dr

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1118 43rd St S

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4430 Winding River Dr

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1804 Milford Cir

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2323 Timbergrove Dr

D SOL

OLD

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3257 Stonebridge Trl

OLD

3512 Hillgrove Rd

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3997 Medicci Ln

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4217 Fleewell Ct

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4433 Tevalo Dr

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4719 Bloomingdale Ave

D SOL

5125 Fairway One Dr

118 Holly Tree Ln

504 Julie Ln

OLD

606 Winterside Dr

D SOL

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937 Meadow Glade Dr

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1123 NormandyTrace Rd #1123

1202 Savannah Landings Ave

1206 Emerald Dunes Dr

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1319 Lorea Ln

1414 Emerald Hill Way

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2422 Stonehill Ave

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2706 King Surrey Court

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2512 Arborwood Dr

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2843 Mossy Timber Trl

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2523 Centennial Falcon Dr

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2727 Pankaw Ln

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2843 Timber Knoll Dr

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2910 N 11th St

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716 Kingston Ct

730 Kingsfield Reserve Ave

OLD

2008 Berry Lake Dr

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2525 Siena Way

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2744 Abbey Grove Dr

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2912 Copper Height Ct

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1208 Letona Ln

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2552 Winding Way

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2914 Copper Height Ct

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3406 W Granada St #3

3407 Sylvan Shadow St

OLD

3531 Autumn Glen Dr

3603 Madison Cypress Dr

4002 W Bay to Bay Blvd

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4227 Touchton Pl

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4501 Compass Oaks Dr

D SOL

4732 Pond Ridge Dr

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5130 Fairway One Dr

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4006 Bangalow Palm Ct

4006 Woodland Retreat Blvd

OLD

4301 Bloomingdale Ave

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4503 Preston Woods Dr

D SOL

4737 Barnstead Dr

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5202 Coto Pl

OLD

4302 Southpark Dr

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4524 Spring Rd

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4806 Fox Hunt Dr

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4350 Ortona Ln

D SOL

4530 W Swann Ave

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4905 Pond Ridge Dr

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5208 Candler View Dr

5211 Pine Rocklands Ave

1515 Brilliant Cut Way

SOL

2230 Golf Manor Blvd

D SOL

2590 Lake Manor Dr

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3005 Drakes Landing Ct

D SOL

3421 Pittwood Rd

OLD

3603 Warmspring Way

D SOL

4007 Bayside Dr

OLD

D SOL

OLD

3528 Shadowood Dr

1210 Pelote Cemetery Rd

2821 Duncan Tree Cir

3406 W El Prado Blvd

D SOL

OLD

3520 Buckboard Ln

1025 Bal Harbour Dr

2780 Buckhorn Oaks Dr

3336 Stonebridge Trl

2203 Heritage Crest Dr

OLD

821 Telfair Rd

OLD

1445 Monte Lake Dr

SOL

3305 Pleasant Willow Ct

D SOL

1018 S Mount Carmel Rd

1443 Piney Branch Cir

SOL

817 Starlifter Ln

1206 Victoria St

D SOL

1908 Dierker Dr

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2720 Valencia Grove Dr

D SOL

1003 Edison Park Ct

1421 High Knoll Dr

SOL

1813 Pine St

1809 Powder Ridge Dr

D SOL

511 Clearfield Rd

SOL

D SOL

816 Viscount St

OLD

D SOL

SOL

3705 Barnhouse Pl

D SOL

4108 Cromwell Dr

OLD

4396 Turner Rd

D SOL

4612 John Moore Rd

D SOL

4930 Willow Ridge Ter

D SOL

5242 Villagebrook Dr

SOL

212 Mystic Falls Dr

508 Winterside Dr

702 Eagle Ln

D SOL

1003 Cherwood Ln

D SOL

SOL

815 42nd Ave N

808 Hunters Ct

OLD

SOL

208 Elm View Ct

D SOL

508 Little Eagle Ct

612 Spring Blossom Ct

D SOL

SOL

132 29th Ave N

D SOL

2836 Conch Hollow Dr

D SOL

919 Centerbrook Dr

SOL

D SOL

501 39th St N

OLD

805 Straw Lake Dr

2704 Park Meadow Dr

4717 Bloomingdale Ave

5110 Shady Stone Pl

D SOL

1308 Lorea Ln

SOL

111 3rd St S

530 Glenn Cross Dr

916 Centerbrook Dr

3180 Jenna Mae Way

OLD

2829 52nd Ave S

D SOL

OLD

2645 Grandbury Grove Rd

D SOL

805 Flamingo Dr

1705 Powder Ridge Dr

D SOL

1229 Rainbrook Cir

SOL

OLD

SOL

D SOL

500 36th Ave NE

524 Royal Ridge Street

1041 Tracey Ann Loop

D SOL

SOL

915 Tuscanny St

D SOL

OLD

SOL

108 Locust Dr

D SOL

436 Sand Ridge Dr

803 Hunters Ct

OLD

D SOL

408 Timber Creek Dr

OLD

SOL

103 Steven St

102 Locust Dr

D SOL

OLD

SOL

4111 Barletta Ct

OLD

4405 Winding River Dr

D SOL

4630 Swindell Rd

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5005 Sandy Brook Cir

D SOL

5304 Fishhawk Ridge Dr

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D SOL

1531 Berry Farm Rd

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2233 Golf Manor Blvd

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2611 Bayshore Blvd #1101

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2822 Bellwood Dr

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3011 Mojave Oak Dr

D SOL

3429 Cypress Landing Dr

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3705 Southview Dr

D SOL

4156 Yellowwood Dr

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4410 Oak River Cir

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

February 2021

Page 13

We sell MORE houses, We sell for HIGHER prices, And we take GREAT care of YOU! Call Brenda to get your SOLD sign in 2021! D

SOL

5308 Alafia Falls Dr

D SOL

SOL

5724 Circa Fishhawk Blvd

5808 Heronview Crescent Dr

D SOL

5811 Watercolor Dr

5915 Circa Fishhawk Blvd

OLD

6018 Hammock Hill Ave

6032 Audubon Manor Blvd

D SOL

6230 Kingbird Manor Dr

OLD

6037 Florida Cir S

6242 Camino Dr

8332 Bluevine Sky Dr

8410 Canterbury Lake Blvd

8904 Red Beechwood Ct

D SOL

10207 Geese Trail Cir

10228 Celtic Ash Dr

SOL

10911 Brooksnest Ct

SOL

11229 Hawks Fern Dr

OLD

11711 Gilmerton Dr

11967 Brighton Knoll Loop

12020 Creek Preserve Dr

D SOL

12706 Rose Campion Loop

12733 Flatwood Creek Dr

13930 Natures Reserve Dr

D SOL

14015 Swallow Hill Dr

D SOL

14908 Bassinger Ln

OLD

14919 Fishhawk Preserve Dr

15607 Sunset Run Ln

15817 Starling Crossing Dr

16013 Courtside View Dr

16015 Mulberrypark Cir

D SOL

16246 Bridgewalk Dr

D SOL

16309 Bayberry View Dr

D SOL

16917 Rolling Rock Dr

17115 Polo Trl

12920 E Wheeler Rd

14211 Quintessa Ln

OLD

15909 Ternglade Dr

16105 Bridgedale Dr

D SOL

16319 Palmettoglen Ct

D SOL

16328 Bridgelawn Ave

D SOL

17317 Boyette Rd

33217 Saint Joe Rd

12216 Creek Preserve Dr

14233 Natures Reserve Dr

13102 Rain Lily Dr

14609 Red Castle Ave

D SOL

OLD

16119 Starling Crossing Dr

18105 Dorman Rd

34058 Kearsney Abbey Cir

15928 Cobble Mill Dr

16125 Diamond Bay Dr

11211 Grand Park Ave

12304 Ballentrae Forest Dr

13204 Spindlewyck Cv

14704 Fishhawk Preserve Dr

D SOL

15209 Long Cypress Dr

15430 Osprey Glen Dr

SOL

15929 Ternglade

15931 Ternglade Dr

D SOL

16415 Dunlindale Dr

14702 20th St E

D SOL

OLD

15923 Cape Coral Dr

SOL

15208 Merlinpark Pl

D SOL

10799 Florence Ave

D SOL

16126 Bridgepark Dr

D SOL

16130 Alderman Turner Rd

D SOL

16430 Kingletridge Ave

16607 Goose Ribbon Pl

16621 Goose Ribbon Pl

D SOL

18335 Lithia Towne Rd

D SOL

Fossil Point Dr

18516 Roseate Dr

SOL

Lithia Pinecrest Rd Unit#0

18531 Lithia Ranch Rd

8010 Linesider Dr

10155 Haverhill Ridge Dr

D SOL

7703 Muddy Water Trl

10138 Newel Valley Loop

SOL

6209 Sea Air Dr

D SOL

SOL

OLD

13123 Logan Captiva Ln

6204 Kingbird Manor Dr

D SOL

11604 Wellman Dr

D SOL

SOL

11539 Balintore Dr

12288 Legacy Bright St

D SOL

15105 Fishhawk Preserve Dr

SOL

OLD

D SOL

17515 Bright Wheat Dr

SOL

12208 Avondale Oak Pl

D SOL

11534 Balintore Dr

D SOL

16116 Ternglade Dr

OLD

13003 Early Run Ln

11206 Creekview Dr

SOL

OLD

D SOL

11205 Lark Landing Ct

11436 Acacia Grove Ln #16

OLD

D SOL

10720 Chesham Hill Ct

SOL

D SOL

15102 Kestrelrise Dr

9690 Privateer Rd

10720 Carloway Hills Dr

11204 Coventry Grove Cir

6016 Hammock Hill Ave

D SOL

15016 Eaglerise Dr

OLD

D SOL

12129 Tree Haven Ave

9336 Edison Rd

SOL

D SOL

OLD

D SOL

11434 Whipperwill Ln

14127 Quarry Lake Rd

D SOL

15512 Avocetview Ct

12816 Bent Twig Dr

10622 Lake Montauk Dr

6012 Audubon Manor Blvd

OLD

7552 Maroon Peak Dr

7207 Bowspirit Pl

D SOL

9155 Loblolly Pine Pl

6011 Quartz Lake Way

D SOL

OLD

SOL

D SOL

11162 Spring Point Cir

OLD

11417 Estuary Preserve Dr

7124 Merlot Sienna Ave

SOL

OLD

D SOL

11020 Holly Cone Dr

SOL

11229 Wembley Landing Dr

10447 Riverdale Rise Dr

SOL

6432 Bridgecrest Dr

5910 Cherry Oak Dr

SOL

6124 Vireoridge Dr

D SOL

6119 Plover Meadow St

D SOL

SOL

6106 Kestrelpark Dr

D SOL

10403 Pleasant Spring Way

11006 Tortola Isle Way

6104 Watercolor Dr

8908 Bella Vita Cir

OLD

5713 Stockport St

SOL

5909 Audubon Manor Blvd

D SOL

5968 Jaegerglen Dr

OLD

5934 Churchside Dr

SOL

5905 Tealwater Pl

5823 Caldera Ridge Dr

SOL

5642 Glencrest Blvd

5630 Rockfield Loop

D SOL

OLD

D SOL

OLD

SOL

D SOL

6327 Brevada Ln

OLD

5605 Eagleglen Pl

SOL

D SOL

5821 Audubon Manor Blvd

5933 Fishhawk Crossing Blvd

6054 Sandhill Ridge Dr

6312 Cocoa Ln

D SOL

5816 Terncrest Dr

OLD

D SOL

OLD

5932 Village Center Dr

5546 Sunset Falls Dr

SOL

D SOL

5321 Fishhawk Ridge Dr

5816 Heronview Crescent Dr

SOL

D SOL

OLD

5316 Alafia Falls Dr

D SOL

5917 Tealwater Pl

SOL

D SOL

OLD

SOL

5312 Alafia Falls Dr

5309 Osprey Ridge Dr

SOL

5911 Jaegerglen Dr

SOL

10203 Radcliffe Dr

D SOL

10827 Charmwood Dr

SOL

10910 Pond Pine Dr

SOL

11218 Hawks Fern Dr

SOL

11612 Blue Woods Dr

D SOL

12309 Creek Edge Dr

D SOL

13313 Orca Sound

D SOL

14738 Heronglen Dr

D SOL

15444 Santa Pola Dr

SOL

15946 Cape Coral Dr

D SOL

16141 Bridgepark Dr

D SOL

16801 Berwick Ter

D SOL

18732 Dorman Rd

11227 Hawks Fern Dr

SOL

11616 Tucker Rd

D SOL

12337 Silton Peace Dr

SOL

13917 Smiling Daisy Pl

SOL

14749 Caravan Ave

SOL

15458 Osprey Glen Dr

SOL

16008 Ternglade Dr

SOL

16147 Bridgepark Dr

D SOL

16810 Falconridge Road

SOL

19027 Red Bird Ln

SOL

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Page 14

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

LOCAL MILITARY FOUNDATION HOSTS FIRST GOLF TOURNAMENT

By Libby Hopkins

The Stano Foundation and J. T. Morton have joined as partners for the eighth annual J.T. Morton Charity Concert and Golf Tournament which will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 26-27 at the Silverado Golf and Country Club in Zephyrhills.

The Stano Foundation is a local military nonprofit that sends care packages to our troops all over the world and helps local veterans that are transitioning out of homelessness. Since its start in 2015, the foundation has sent more than 4,700 care packages to the troops and it couldn’t have done it without the help of the community. “Our community partners and volunteers are the most amazing people,” said President Paula Stano. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have been able to send our care packages or help our veterans.” The foundation recently formed a community partnership with J.T. Morton, the host of the annual J.T. Morton Golf Tournament. “We met J.T. through another one of our community partners and we were thrilled that he wanted to help our foundation,” Stano said. “We [are] thrilled that he chose our foundation to be the recipient

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of the proceeds from his golf tournament. Our hope for this event to raise enough funds to support both of our programs [for] two quarters.” Morton has been hosting this event for eight years now and each year he picks a local charity to support with his tournament. “I started this event years ago when a woman I worked with had breast cancer,” Morton said. “We decided to host a golf tournament to help her and help pay some of her hospital bills. From there, it started to grow bigger and bigger each year.” Morton wanted to help The Stano Foundation because he was inspired by Stano and all the hard work her foundation did for our troops and veterans. “Paula inspires us by what she puts into her foundation,” Morton said. Stano and Morton are looking to the Brandon community for golfers to participate in the tournament and local businesses to be local sponsors. “Even though this event is being held in Zephyrhills, we have had some great support from the Brandon community for our past events and we hope they will support us again with this event,” Stano said. The eighth annual J.T. Morton Charity Concert and Golf Tournament will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 26-27 at the Silverado Golf and Country Club in Zephyrhills. March 26 is the concert featuring the Jase Randall Band. The golf tournament is on March 27 from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. If you’d like to be a tournament sponsor or if you’d like to play in the tournament, visit The Stano Foundation’s website at www.stano.org/golf-tournament or call 1-888-789-4994.

Volume 16, Issue 2

February 2021

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Page 15

BIG GAME LEAVES A SWEET LEGACY AT SEFFNER PARK

GINGER’S CAFE INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR ON WHEELS

By Brad Stager

This year’s Super Bowl LV has focused the quality of life for residents. a lot of local attention on the host city of “Trees are like the lungs of our planet. Tampa, but long after the final score of They breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe the big game is entered into the record out oxygen as well as provide habitat for books, Eastern Hillsborough County resi- birds and other wildlife. We were excitdents will coned to plant a tinue to enjoy variety of fruit a reminder of trees at this the area’s time location, not as a fruit bowl only for the thanks to the community to National Footenjoy but for ball League’s the youth who commitment attend the afto the enviter-school proronment with gram there.” its NFL Green Carprogram. ing for As part of the fruit NFL Green trees Week, an an- Volunteers and Hillsborough County staff will be nual series of planted dozens of fruit trees at the Mango i n te Recreation Center in Seffner as part of this league-supgrated year’s Super Bowl activities. ported envii n t o ronmental efforts conducted in Super the recreation center’s after-school and Bowl host cities, volunteers from Keep summer camp educational programs that Tampa Bay Beautiful, the local commu- teach children about nature, nutrition and nity and county staff planted about four gardening, according to Dana McDonald dozen fruit trees on January 28, at Man- of Hillsborough County Parks & Recrego Recreation Center in Seffner. More ation. McDonald added that the Mango than a dozen different types of fruit trees Recreation Center tree planting is part of were planted for the orchard, including a greater goal for the county. key lime, mango, jackfruit and avocado “We are trying to put more trees in all varieties. The selections also reflect the of our parks.” Seffner community’s role in Hillsborough The county’s planting effort includes County’s agricultural history as a place Bethune Park in Wimauma, the site of where many fruits were once grown and another recent, substantial tree planting local avenues still bear names like lemon, project undertaken by the county in partlime, plum and peach. nership with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful. Debbie Evenson is the executive direc- The Mango Recreation Center orchard tor of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and she has the distinction of being the only plantsaid tree planting projects like this are an ing to consist solely of fruit trees and can effective and natural way of improving be found at 11717 Clay Pit Rd. in Seffner.

By Libby Hopkins

Ginger’s Cafe Korean-American Mix Up is a cafe on wheels, serving a fusion of traditional Korean and American flare.

The food and restaurant business is in Ginger Williams’ blood. Williams is the owner of Ginger’s Cafe Korean-American Mix Up food truck. “My mother, Kay Williams, owned and operated two restaurants while I was growing up,” Williams said. “Bong Hwang on Henderson Blvd. in Tampa and Yi Dynasty on Lumsden in LaViva Plaza in Brandon. One of my uncles owns Shilla Korean Restaurant in Sarasota. So, the food and the cooking are just in the blood, I guess.” Williams’ career didn’t start in the restaurant business; it started in the automotive business. “Before I started this journey, I spent the last 16 years of my life in the car business on the service side,” Williams said. “I spent a lot of time oneon-one with customers and that was honestly my favorite part of the job. I talked about starting a food truck for about the last 10 years and finally decided it was time.” Ginger’s Cafe Korean-American Mix Up is a cafe on wheels, serving a fusion of traditional Korean and American fare. “Growing up in a household in which we ate both Korean and American food and sometimes fusing the two made for some delicious eats,” Williams said. Williams left her job in the automotive business in April 2019. “I found my truck in June and the building began,” she

said. “I worked every day getting my truck ready to start my business. I even painted it myself. It was a lot of work. My savings, blood, sweat and tears were all spent during my nine-month project. I was finally ready to open, so excited to start and then hit the pandemic. So, I opened in March 2020 and the struggle began.” The cafe started as a mobile service, one night a week at the Korean American Journal and two days a week at the Brandon Oriental Market. “We did apartment complex dinner services, residential HOAs and anywhere else that we could get in,” Williams said. “I finally found my permanent location this past August. We had to wait until November to move in and get started. It’s been slow growing, but our customers all come back, so that’s the dream I chase, keeping the people and growing the relationships.” Williams couldn’t have made it this far without the help of her family. “I have made it this far only because of the help of my family,” Williams said “My mother, Kay, works with me everyday for lunch. My sister Suzie, sister-in-law Zaadia and aunt Sung Ae also work on nights and weekends. Without them, I don’t think I’d survive. The love and support of my family are everything to me.” To learn more about Ginger’s Cafe Korean-American Mix Up, you can visit www. facebook.com/GingersMixUpCafe or call Williams at 325-9633.

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Page 16

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

BRANDON SPORTS AND AQUATIC (BSAC) PUTS PARTNERSHIP IN PLACE WITH BRICKS 4 KIDZ

Staff Report

Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center (BSAC), a community-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing regional leadership in after-school programs and sports recreation, proudly announced a new partnership between Team T.R.I.D.E.N.T., the BSAC program for special needs adults, and the local chapter of Bricks 4 Kidz, part of a global LEGO® brick-based learning program. The partnership consists of sorting the thousands of LEGO bricks of all colors, shapes and sizes that get overwhelmingly mixed up after being used in various Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO brick-building programs, including after-school exercises, workshops, camps, birthday parties and more. According to Bricks 4 Kidz Owner John Fontana, reassembling all the LEGO bricks back into consistent groupings after any given high-volume exercise had always been a logistical headache of sorts. But, once he put his head together with BSAC CEO Chuck Burgess, the value of what Team T.R.I.D.E.N.T. could do presented itself. “After talking about the problem, Chuck and I arrived at the idea that the hands-on part of the problem had a natural solution in the hands of the special needs adults at BSAC,” Fontana

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explained. “The labor-intensive sorting work by size, shape and color was something that was right up their alley, making all the difference in helping us prep previously intermixed LEGOs to be used in subsequent programs.” From Burgess’ perspective, the chance to give T.R.I.D.E.N.T. members a meaningful task they could do with confidence— but also one they take pride in—made the job a perfect fit from all sides. “Our special needs adults have a real hunger for learning and applying life skills,” Burgess shared. “By encouraging them to follow direction and check their work, we’re able to feed their appetite for being active while staying task-oriented.” He continued, “They also have a topnotch work ethic going for them, and a spirit of camaraderie that’s really uplifting to see.” Fontana agreed, and said, “If only everyone we worked with had the same heart and same commitment as these special individuals at BSAC. It’s almost magical, but thankfully, it’s no mystery.” To learn more about Bricks 4 Kidz, www.Bricks4Kidz.com/Florida-Tampa. For details about BSAC, log on to mybsac.org.

Volume 16, Issue 2

FLIP FLOP WOOD SHOP JOINS THE BRANDON COMMUNITY By Libby Hopkins everyone needs to have one of my Justin Rhodes of Branbed swings on their don worked for the Hillsfront porch.” borough County Sheriff’s If you ask Rhodes Office for 17 years. When what he likes most he retired from the sherabout what he iff’s office in 2020, he does, he’ll tell you started to make his wife’s the challenges he Pinterest dreams come gets from his custrue. “Like a lot of wives, tomers’ requests. my wife spends a lot of “I like building new time in Pinterest,” Rhodes things,” Rhodes said. said. “She saw this bed “Every project has a swing on Pinterest and new challenge and asked me to build it for I like that because When Justin Rhodes of Brandon retired her. I built one for her from the Sheriff’s office in 2020 he started when I was workand then the next thing I ing for the sheriff’s his business called Flip Flop Wood Shop. knew, I was asked to build office, it was kind another one for someone else, and that’s of routine. Now, I get to do something new how Flip Flop Wood Shop got started.” and different every day.” He doesn’t have a website, just a FaceRhodes is thankful that the Brandon book page that he started in June of 2020, community has made this business grow so and since then he has been building non- quickly. “My wife and I were worried when stop. “I started to get tons of orders from I left the sheriff’s office for the first few Facebook and Marketplace,” Rhodes said. months. We thought we were going to be “This led to me branching off and doing eating ramen noodles for the rest of our other woodworking things like wood roofs, lives,” Rhodes said with a laugh. “This busiceilings, buildings, bookshelves, entertain- ness took off so fast that it’s hard for me ment centers and other wood creations. to get back to customers with estimates I’m currently booked out with projects quickly. It feels great that my customers through the end of March 2021.” like my work and then recommend me to Rhodes has been woodworking for more other people. It’s a wonderful feeling to than 15 years, but only built things for his know that people appreciate my work.” house. “Since I retired this past June, I’ve Visit his Facebook page at www.facebeen doing Flip Flop Wood Shop full-time,” book.com/FlipFlopWoodShopLLC or call Rhodes said. “It kind of blew up and I think him at 352-0248.

February 2021

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

CANINE CABANA PAMPERS YOUR POOCH By Amy Schechter Since 2008, Canine Cabana has been the premier doggy daycare, lodging and training facility serving all of Brandon and Riverview. Now, Canine Cabana is proud to announce it is the one-stop shop for all your dog’s grooming needs. The owners, Angie Pickren and Kendall Duncan, have over 30 years of experience in animal care and behavior. They

met as zookeepers at Busch Gardens, and their love of animals is evident throughout their family-owned business. Pickren said, “We wanted to bring a service the community needed.” Dogs are family, and choosing with whom you entrust a son, daughter, brother or sister is vital. For that reason, the staff treats your pets like a part of the family whether they spend a day or a week at Canine Cabana. A big part of that promise is the effort Pickren and Duncan put into training their staff to be the most loving, professional team in the area. “We are committed to working with and training local young adults so they become amazing teammates ready for long-term goals,” Pickren explained. Now having grown up in the business, Pickren’s daughter, Olivia Frazier, joins the staff as a certified groom technician, along with longtime technician Gabby Veloso. Apart from running a luxurious doggy spa inside the facility, Frazier and

Veloso specialize in the medical aspect of dog grooming. They recognize and treat skin conditions, appropriately catering their techniques to specific breeds and individual differences. Canine Cabana is committed to using only the highest quality products for all grooming and bathing services, and it offers healthier skin and coat treatments as well as a shed control treatment. Did you buy a pandemic puppy? Does your dog lack manners? Canine Cabana also specializes in training dogs and their owners with positive, rewards-based techniques. It also provides group training, puppy socialization and individual training. When it comes to

Canine Cabana Owners Angie Pickren and Kendall Duncan have over 30 years of experience in animal care and behavior.

daycare and lodging, it has a large climate-controlled indoor play area and over a half-acre for outdoor play. In the next year, Canine Cabana will undergo some exciting expansion to offer even more resort-style amenities. If you stop by for a tour, you will be impressed, but unfortunately, it only keeps dogs, not children or spouses. Canine Cabana offers drop-ins and appointments for most services, whether you are a regular or a new family. For more information, visit caninecabana. biz or call 672-9663(WOOF). Canine Cabana is located at 9708 Carr Rd. in Riverview.

TECO PLANS TO RETIRE ANOTHER COAL UNIT NEARLY TWO DECADES EARLY

culture or mining operations, which were the land’s previous occupants. Long-term, as the shift from power generation to solar continues, these investments will help insulate customers from fuel price volatility. Big Bend Unit 3 will retire in April 2023, which is 18 years early. It began operating as a coal unit in 1976; natural gas was added as a secondary fuel several years ago. The company accelerated its retirement to Staff Report save customers money. Keeping the unit operating after 2023 would have required additional capital-intensive improvements. This is the second Big Bend unit that is retiring: Unit 2 will retire in November 2021 as part of the $850 million Big Bend Modernization project. When complete in 2023, the project will have state-of-the-art, highly efficient, combined-cycle natural gas units, capable of Tampa Electric recently announced its plans to retire one of the producing 1,090 megawatts of Big Bend units in 2023. electricity. Modernizing power plants improves fuel generation As part of the utility’s strategy to beefficiency, which lowers fuel costs for cuscome cleaner and greener, Tampa Electomers and lowers emissions. tric has achieved new sustainability mileManatees in the Big Bend discharge stones, including completing enough solar canal will not be affected by these retireenergy to power 100,000 homes, with ments; the remaining Big Bend units will plans to power another 100,000 by 2023 still produce plenty of warm water to proand plans to retire Big Bend Unit 3 in 2023, vide them refuge from the cold. which is nearly two decades early. These milestones are part of the compa“These significant milestones are imny’s strategy to reduce its carbon footprint, proving the land, water and air for all Tamwhich started in 1999 with the repowering pa Electric customers,” said Nancy Tower, of the former coal-fired Gannon Station to president and chief executive officer of natural gas, and most recently included the Tampa Electric. “We are saving our cusmodernization of Big Bend Unit 1. This is tomers money while becoming cleaner and consistent with Tampa Electric’s strategic greener in measurable ways.” focus of transitioning power generation to Thanks to local solar projects, Tampa less carbon intensity while remaining afElectric has saved two billion gallons of fordable for its customers. To learn more, water that had previously irrigated agrivisit www.tampaelectric.com.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

SANDRA MURMAN CONTINUES TO PUBLISH GOOD COMMUNITY NEWS NEWSLETTER By Kathy L. Collins While former Hillsborough sandymurman.com. Please County Board of County include your physical adCommissioner Sandra Murdress, email address and man is not currently holding telephone number. “This is public office, she continues my direct email, and I will to serve the public in sevpersonally read through eral ways. One such way is each and every one of these through the production of suggestions,” said Murman. her weekly Good CommuniMuran has a long history ty News newsletter. of community and public Murman emails the newsservice. She plans to stay letter just once per week, exactive in those roles. cept when there is breaking She served two terms as news of which the commua county commissioner. “I nity needs to be informed. Former Hillsborough County was gratified to have been Murman wants members Board of County Commission- twice chosen by my coler Sandra Murman continof the community to conleagues as its chair. Prior ues to serve the community tribute. She will accept to election to the county through her weekly Good information about events Community News newsletter. commission, I served in the that have broad community Florida House of Repreinterest, including special interest stories sentatives and was the first Republican about individuals who are making a dif- woman to be speaker pro tempore,” said ference in Hillsborough County. Murman. Murman explained, “I want to highlight In addition, Murman has been involved things that show the positive impacts in more than 30 organizations that supthat our citizens are and can have on port our community and enhance the our community. I also want to be able to lives of children and families. Murman exshare important information that others plained, “I am with Junior Achievement, will benefit from knowing. For example, Tampa Museum of Art, Dress for Success, when our community collects donations the Early Learning Coalition and more. I of toys and clothing for those less fortu- spearheaded the campaign to build the nate or who are experiencing a crisis or Glazer Children’s Museum and work with difficulties.” children in foster care through the ChilMurman started the Good Communi- dren’s Home Network, and I am a former ty News newsletter about 10 years ago. Guardian ad Litem.” Murman said, “It has proven to be very As for her future plans, Murman said, “I popular. Many of my friends, colleagues will never stop being a tireless advocate. and fellow community advocates have It is who I am.” asked me to continue, and I am more than To sign up to receive the Good Commuhappy to do so.” nity News newsletter, please email sanYou can submit information to sandy@ dy@sandymurman.com.

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Volume 16, Issue 2

THE TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES By Kathy L. Collins The Tampa Museum of Art recently masterpieces,” explained Kessandra Abel, received over $250,000 in the form of a community engagement manager for the grant from the Institute of Museum and Tampa Museum of Art. Library Services (IMLS). The funds from Abel added, “It is important to the Tamthis grant will be used to support, expand pa Museum of Art that everyone in our and enhance museum programming over community can find a home here to explore, the next few years. learn, connect with each other and express “This IMLS grant will allow us to extend themselves. This existing art thernew Museums for apy-informed inAll expansion reterventions online moves the financial and expand virtual barrier for some engagement opfamilies.” portunities to famThe Tampa Muilies participating seum of Art was in the Museums for founded in 1920. All program,” said It hopes to inspire TMA Executive Diresidents of the rector Dr. Michael Tampa Bay area Tomor. and others around Through the Muthe world by proseums for All providing engaging gram, families that The Tampa Museum of Art in downtown Tampa receive food assis- recently received a generous grant from the Institute exhibitions and intance (SNAP ben- of Museum and Library Services to help expand the novative educational programs that efits) can gain free programs it offers to visiting families. emphasize ancient, or reduced admission to participating museums, of which modern and contemporary art. The Institute of Museum and Library the Tampa Museum of Art is a participant. Services is the primary source of federal “The IMLS grant will allow families to support for the nation’s libraries and muvisit the museum virtually in small groups seums. For more information, please visit to explore new ideas with museum educators. It will allow families to have mind- www.imls.gov. The Tampa Museum of Art is located ful discussions in the galleries when they on Tampa Riverwalk at 120 W. Gasparilvisit, aided by guided questions that are la Plz. in downtown Tampa. All guests are fine-tuned by a mental health professionrequired to wear face masks and practice al. Additionally, and most excitingly, little social distancing. ones up to age 10 can sign up for the new The Tampa Museum of Art is pre-regisARTventure Crew to get kits of art sup- tering for the program. For more informaplies every few months to create their own tion, please visit www.tampamuseum.org.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

February 2021

MEET STATE SENATOR

DANNY BURGESS SERVING THE PEOPLE OF DISTRICT 20

By Kathy L. Collins

Danny Burgess, a Republican, is the town hall meetings scheduled, you can renew Florida state senator for District 20. ceive updates from his office via a newsThe district covers parts of Pasco County, letter called The Burgess Bulletin. His Polk County and Hillsborough County, in- office will also post updates on Facebook cluding Plant City and Twitter @ and Thonotosassa. dannyburgessBurgess is a capfl. tain in the United Burgess has States Army Rethree legislaserves. When he is tive aides— not in session, he is Natalie Brown, a practicing attorMeagan Hebel ney with the firm and Kimberly Maggard & BurSimon. Burgess, P.A. gess explained, A state senator “Natalie and is elected to a sixMeagan travel year term. Senawith me to Taltors represent the lahassee and residents of the lead on legisarea within their lation and apdistrict. Burgess propriations. said, “I really want State Senator Danny Burgess represents District 20. He is There is no the residents of there to not only represent his constituents in the Florida problem Kim Hillsborough Coun- State Senate, but to also be a bridge with state agencies. cannot solve. He and his family are happy to serve. ty to be well repShe keeps the resented. I may live in Pasco County, but lights on and the trains running on time.” Hillsborough and Polk County residents Burgess is married to Courtney and are just as important to me. My wife grew they have three children—Adeline, who is up in FishHawk and her family still lives 7; Danny, who is 5; and Nora, who is 2. As in Lithia. My family and I look forward for being in Tallahassee during the legisto exploring Hillsborough this summer lative session, Burgess said, “We are all in and maybe meeting a few of you out and this together. I love my family and I hate about.” to be without them. My wife and children Burgess added, “My staff and I provide and our King Charles Cavalier, Briar, go to a variety of services. In addition to legis- Tallahassee with me. We actually bought lating, we are a bridge between the resi- an RV for [the] session this year and we dents of District 20 and state agencies. If are living in that.” you are ever having trouble with a state Residents of District 20 can contact agency, we are happy to help.” Burgess and his office by emailng danWhile Burgess does not currently have ny@flsenate.gov or by calling 779-7059.

Page 19

LOCAL STORIES LIVE BUSINESS SERIES LAUNCHES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES Staff Report industry, including fitness, healthy food choices and beauty. Registration is available online (see the address below). Upon registration, participants can choose to interact with the panelists via Zoom. “On February 12 at 9 a.m., we will showcase African The three panelists on the first in a series of Zoom meetings for American business owners Hillsborough County small businesses consisted of business owners related to wellness, including Bayshore Fitness, Bulk Food in recognition of Black History Month,” said Lynn KroSuperstore and Amy’s Day Spa. esen, CEcD, manager of the After a successful trial run at Economic Development the end of 2020, Hillsborough Department’s EntrepreCounty’s Entrepreneur Collaboneur Collaborative Center rative Center (ECC) is turning its (ECC). free, virtual, small business panel The county is hosting the discussions into a monthly staple. panel discussions to showThe Local Stories Live series case Hillsborough County’s lets participants connect with small business community local successful small business owners for as well as share the best practices with lively discussions on what it takes to sur- existing and start-up small businesses. vive and thrive as a small business. Small businesses are the lifeblood of HillFollowing the inaugural session on Jan- sborough County’s economy. More than uary 15, Hillsborough County will host the 90 percent of employers in Hillsborough monthly live, virtual panel discussions, County are small businesses, which employ each focusing on a different small business more than 200,000 workers. sector, on the second Friday of each month “The first session was incredibly sucat 9 a.m. cessful,” said Kroesen. “The audience inThe 30-minute discussions will each cluded fellow entrepreneurs as well as feature three different local business lead- entrepreneur support organizations and ers and will be followed by a brief ques- others who are interested in learning, and tion-and-answer period. Established busi- supporting, our local business community.” ness owners, entrepreneurs and anyone The ECC was established by Hillsborinterested in the local business community ough County Economic Development in are invited to participate in the sessions 2014 to provide entrepreneurs easy access and learn why supporting local business- to business service providers, resources, es makes all the difference in Hillsborough mentorship and specialty training. County. Learn more about available small busiThe January 15 session showcased business services and resources at HCFLGov. ness owners representing the self-care net/ECC.

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Page 20

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Toy Train Show, Boat Show, Walk To End Colon Cancer & More ... Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Serving The Families Of Our Fallen Heroes

Attorney Ashley Ivanov recently spoke to American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. about estate planning and probate: the freedom to plan and the importance of such. Ivanov, whose family members served in the U.S. military, gives back to at least one in-need Gold Star family every year by offering a complimentary estate plan. “While Gold Star families may be given medals and honoring words, few may receive practical services that serve them,” commented Ivanov. “These families lost a loved one in active military service to our country, and they know freedom well—the benefits of such and the ultimate price that is paid to maintain and keep it. It is an honor to give back to these families.” If you are a professional and are interested in providing complimentary services to Gold Star families, please reach out to Ivanov on 436-0288 and she will put you in touch with members of the American Gold Star Mothers.

Grace Community Spring Market Returns

Grace Community Church in Valrico would like to invite everyone to its spring market on Saturday, March 27 from 9 a.m.2 p.m. It will be held at the church, located at 1425 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico, and will have a wide variety of vendors, including local produce and handmade arts and crafts. If you are interested in being a vendor, please register at www.GraceCommunityMarket.com.

will benefit local high school female students who plan to enter career and technical fields. Call 334-0226 to register.

Toy Train And Toy Show At Hillsborough County Fairgrounds

Regal Railways is presenting a Toy Train and Toy Show on Saturday, March 20 at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds on Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover. Vendors will also be on hand selling model trains, various hobbies, collectibles and die-cast cars. There will be a running train layout for children and something for all ages to enjoy. The show is open from 9 a.m to 2 p.m.

The local Walk To End Colon Cancer will take place virtually on Saturday, February 27. Register online for free at ccalliance. org/tampawalk to help fundraise, leading up to the walk and then walk locally with family or close friends.

Hillsborough Community College Awarded Entrepreneurship Education And Training Grant

Hillsborough Community College has been awarded a $100,000 Entrepreneurship Education and Training (EET) grant from the Florida Department of Education. This program seeks to fund innovative EET projects, cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets and capabilities in career and technical education students. “Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is dedicated to developing a talent pipeline to help support Tampa Bay’s flourishing entrepreneurship community,” HCC President Dr. Ken Atwater said. “This grant combined with our robust program offerings will allow us to equip individuals with the training they need to succeed.” In partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools, the grant seeks to spearhead a comprehensive EET program, Innovators in Action, to serve career and technical education educators and students of the Tampa Bay area.

Tuesday through Thursday, March 5-7. The Tampa Bay Boat Show is a grand event, showcasing area boat dealers/manufacturers, the latest in boating and fishing supplies as well as great accessories too. Enjoy walking around millions of dollars of inventory, a great way to

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see and compare all available makes and models in one location. You won’t want to miss the Florida Fishing School Seminar Series on Saturday and Sunday. Take part in a series of presentations by the area’s top fishing guides and local experts for great tips, secrets and fun. Florida State Fairground is located at 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa. For more information, visit wwwtampabayboatshows.com. Admission is free.

Socially Distanced Strawberry U-Pick

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Set Sail At The Tampa Bay Boat Ye Royal Krewe Of Charlotte De Show Berry Annual Scholarship Golf The Tampa Bay Boat Show is coming to the Florida State Fairgrounds from Tournament Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte de Berry are holding a golf tournament to benefit its annual scholarship. The event will take place at Summerfields Crossing Golf Club in Apollo Beach on Saturday, February 20 starting at 10:30 a.m. The event includes shotgun format, lunch, dinner, green fees, cart fee, range balls, awards and door prizes. Raffles and a silent auction will also be available. Entry fees are $95 per individual, $350 per foursome and hole sponsorship is also available. All proceeds

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activity and it is easy to maintain a 6-foot distance from other groups. Keel Farms Winery has grown to include a restaurant, winery and brewery. There is love music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, plus trivia every Tuesday. Keel Farms is located at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. in Plant City. For additional information or events, visit, www.keelfarms. com.

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spection information in the field, allowing a faster turnaround time.

Growing Gardeners Event At Cracker Country

Discover what life would have been like growing up in a Florida farming and ranching community over 100 years ago. Educators in historic dress will be on hand to welcome guests to the 1885 Carlton House, Okahumpka Train Depot, J.R. Terry Store, school house and other authentic structures. Young learners will explore a kitchen garden filled with plants that thrive in Florida’s winter growing season, learn about the state’s iconic citrus industry and take home ingredients to start a garden of their own. The event will take place at Cracker Country at the Florida State Fairgrounds on Friday, February 26, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Advance ticket purchase is required. Visit www.floridastatefair.ticketspice.com/ homeschool-day-growing-gardeners for more information.

Free Electronic Recycling Event Benefiting Local Nonprofits

Pronesis Technolongy Group is partnering with local Tampa Bay business, Urban E Recycling, to offer its local community the opportunity to recycle their electronic equipment safely and securely for free. “We look forward to hosting this event every year, and with the rise in cyber use this year, it is even more important to protect your data and make sure you are not leaving business or personal information on your old devices,” said Jeff Sheffer of Pronesis Technology Group. While this is a free event, Pronesis Technology Group is asking that you bring a donation of nonperishable goods for local community heroes, A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay and the Angel Foundation. The event will take place on Thursday, March 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pronesis Technology Group on 1463 Oakfield Dr., Ste. 101 in Brandon. For more information, including a list of accepted equipment and the top needs for the community groups, visit pronesisgrp.com/eshred.

Hillsborough County Development Services recently launched HillsGovHub, a simplified, fully digital business services process. The online portal at HCFLGov.net/HillsGovHub will provide free, 24/7 access to such features as the ability to apply and pay for commercial and residential building permits online, schedule inspections, upload contractor licensing/ professional certification information, apply for tree removal permits and view a variety of records. Anyone can use the HillsAmerican LeGovHub porgion Giving tal, including Back To The homeowners who are underCommunity taking American LeJust some of the 2,694 lbs. of e-waste collected last year. projgion U.S.S. Tampa, ects themselves, commercial con- Florida Auxiliary Unit 5 from District 15 tractors, builders as well as repair came together to give back to the comand renovation professionals. In munity recently. They were able to make addition to streamlining process- up homemade Valentine’s Day cards and es for customers, the digital sys- filled up goody snack bags for nurses who tem will enable staff to perform were administering the COVID-19 vaccine multiple views concurrently and injections at the James Haley VA Hospital provide real-time access to permit and in- in Tampa.

February 2021

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

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ARTISAN AESTHETICS: THE CHILDREN’S BOARD OFFERS SUMMER PASSPORT PROGRAM EXPERIENCED PLASTIC SURGERY By Kathy L. Collins

By Michelle Caceres

For the third dren and families,” year, the Children’s added Parris. Board is funding “The Summer Passan opportunity for port Programs are residents in Hillssuccessful in providborough County to ing high-quality sumparticipate in their mer opportunities for Summer Passport youth and their famProgram. This proilies in Hillsborough gram is designed County. They make for children ages 6 This year, children who are members of the Chil- a significant impact to 14. The program dren’s Board Family Resource Centers can apply in children gaining allows children to to attend summer camp at one of eight locations knowledge and proin Tampa, including the Straz Center for Perapply for one to vide invaluable expeforming Arts, The Florida Aquarium and MOSI. riences that result in two weeks of camp at no cost to the families. Eligible children a fun and safe summer,” stated Parris. must be members of the Children’s Board The Summer Passport Program was Family Resource Centers. started after a board member, Andrew Registration begins on Saturday, March Mayts, identified a problem and present6 and takes place at the local Family Re- ed it to the Children’s Board. Families were source Center. In the Brandon area, the then surveyed regarding scholarship prefFamily Resource Center is located at 1271 erences for specialized summer programs. Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. Space is limitThe Children’s Board’s mission is to ined and availability is dependent upon the vest in quality programs and services to camp location. support the success of all children and This year, children can select to attend families in Hillsborough County. The Chilcamp at the Glazer Children’s Museum, dren’s Board invests in programs and reMOSI, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, The sources to ensure children are healthy and Florida Aquarium, Tampa Museum of Art, safe, developmentally on track, have family Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tam- support and are ready to learn prior to gopa Theatre and the Lightning/Vinik Sports ing to kindergarten. Group. Transportation is not provided. There are six Children’s Board Family Re“The Children’s Board Family Resources source Centers located throughout HillsCenters Summer Passport Program pro- borough County. They each offer programs vides members with wonderful opportuni- and services at no cost, such as vision and ties to prevent our children from regress- hearing screenings and mobile dental sering while out of school for the summer,” vices. said Kelley Parris, executive director of the To learn more about the Summer PassChildren’s Board of Hillsborough County. port Program and about the services “The Resource Centers are also a place to offered at the Children’s Board Family reinforce those informal supports that pro- Resource Centers, please visit www.famivide a connection to community for chil- lysupporthc.org.

There are many factors to consid- tion, Dr. Castor takes the time to truly er before choosing a plastic surgeon. understand his patients’ aesthetic goals, They should be professional, friendly, unique anatomies, medical histories and board-certified and have years of experi- lifestyles. ence putting their knowlThe surgical proceedge into practice. dures available include Dr. Stan Castor, ownfull-body mommy makeer of Artisan Aesthetics, overs, facelifts, breast checks all of those boxes. augmentations/lifts/reHe is board-certified ductions, Brazilian butin plastic surgery by the tocks augmentation and American Board of PlasVASER liposuction. Artitic Surgery and has more san Aesthetics is also one than 20 years of expeof just a few practices in rience helping patients the area offering the latachieve their aesthetic est plastic surgery techgoals. His office offers nology, Renuvion J-Plasthe added benefit of an ma, which can tighten in-office, state-accreditskin on virtually any area ed operating room suite of the body. staffed by certified anesNonsurgical options thesia providers. are also offered, includ“I strive for the best ing a full range of fillers possible results for my and neurotoxins, such as patients while keeping Botox and Dysport for their safety, comfort and Dr. Stan Castor of Artisan Aesthetics wrinkle reduction and fawell-being in mind at all has been helping patients achieve cial rejuvenation. time,” said Dr. Castor, stunning and natural-looking results Artisan Aesthetics is for more than 20 years. who considers himself a located at 5383 Primrose perfectionist, a good quality to have in his Lake Cir. in Tampa. Its office hours are line or work. Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. FinancFormer patients sing him praises, saying options are available. ing “It was the best decision I could’ve Dr. Castor and his team’s years of trainmade,” “Thank you for giving me my con- ing and experience, passion for aesthetics fidence back” and “He’s a compassionate and commitment to understanding each doctor who gave me great results.” patient can help men and women achieve His cosmetic procedures are designed stunning and natural-looking results. to help patients reveal a more youthful To learn more about the team at Arappearance, address a physical feature tisan Aesthetics or the services offered, they’d like changed or accomplish other visit www.drcastor.com. To schedule a personal cosmetic goals. complimentary consultation in Dr. CasAt the initial complimentary consulta- tor’s office, call 971-2000.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 2

NEW BOARD BRINGS CENTER PLACE OF BRANDON BACK TO LIFE

By Libby Hopkins

Center Place Bernadette Fine Arts & CivPello, foundic Association er of Livinghas been a part stone Acadof the Brandon emy, wanted community for to be a part more than 44 of the board years and has because she been known as feels it’s a the “heart and pillar of the art” of the comBrandon community. munity. “CenThe communiter Place is ty was shocked one of the pilin March 2020 to learn that lars in the Brandon comCenter Place was closing munity and I am excited its doors for good. The panand honored to serve an demic, yet again, took a loorganization that serves cal landmark. our community in such a Many people came tounique way,” Pello said. gether to save the heart Board members JoAnn and art of the community. Shea and Claudia Yake “This is my mother’s legacy, have strong ties to Censo why wouldn’t we keep it ter Place. Shea was on the alive?” said Tom Odiorne. board previously and Yake Patricia Odiorne was the was a former director of Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association’s new board members, Tom Odiorne, Ryan Odiorne, Todd Allen, J.J. Massaro, creator of Center Place. Center Place “I want help Her sons, Tom and Ryan Odi- Mike Owens, Betty Jo Tompkins, Bernadette Pello, JoAnn Shea and Claudia Yake, have joined forces to bring the heart of to create and experience the the Brandon Community back to life. orne, are just two of the board feeling of community and members who came on board fellowship that is so needed, because he couldn’t imagine our com- ter Place,” Tompkins said. to breathe life back into Center Place. munity without it. “Center Place has especially in trying times,” Shea said. Local lawyer Mike Owens had fond “We’re here to make sure Center Place always held a special place in the heart memories of Center Place from his “I wanted to be a part of the Center survives,” Board President Ryan said. of our community, so we needed to childhood, so that is why he wanted Place board because I feel it is import“We need to have this building be here step in and save it.” to be a part of the board. “While I can ant for Center Place to become an infor future generations.” Betty Jo Tompkins is well known clearly say God did not bless me with tegral part of our community again,” Local realtor Todd Allen is also one of throughout the Brandon community artistic talent, I love the arts and what Yake said. the new board members. “Center Place and she is on the board because she Center Place stands for,” Owens said. The board has been working with benefits our community and right now wanted to keep the history of Center “I grew up across the street at South Hillsborough County to secure an openthe community needs Center Place,” Place alive. “I’m thrilled to have the op- Brandon Little League. We had our ing date, which should be released in Allen said. portunity to serve on the Center Place All-Star Banquets at Center Place and the coming weeks. Local business owner J.J. Massaro board because [it was] instrumental in many other events that I hold dear to To learn more about Center Place, wanted to be a part of the new board securing the facility that became Cen- my heart.” visit www.centerplacebrandon.org.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

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AR Workshop Under New Ownership The popular boutique DIY studio AR Workshop now has new owners. Tiffany Gleason, Jennifer Beveridge and Dana Thornton are excited to own the business and move forward with their venture. It offers a wide range of project types, including wood framed or planked signs, wood porch signs, canvas wall hangings, totes, pillow covers plus centerpieces, picture frames, trays and lazy Susans. The workshops are perfect for birthdays, private parties, showers, team building events, date nights, you name it. You can order a DIY To-Go Kit online, pick up at the workshop’s doorstep and craft at The new owners of AR Workshop. home if you would prefer that to a workshop. With hundreds of designs to choose Inflated Expressions Offers Balloons from, and more being added, there is al- For All Occasions ways something to do at AR Workshop. Inflated Expressions, based in Riverview, is Visit its website at www.arworkshop.com/ an affordable balloon delivery service that brandon for more information and to view offers creative balloon designs for all octhe workshop schedule, or call 775-7109. casions. No matter what size or budget, it has a package that suits your needs, and, Tessera Of Brandon Offers Memory best of all, it brings the balloons to you. It Loss Support Groups Tessera of Brandon is an active, contemporary-style assisted living facility located in the heart of Brandon. Along with providing care to its residents, it also supports its families and loved ones by of- offers creative balloon designs for parties, fering Alzheimer’s and dementia support birthdays, gender reveals, baby showers, groups. These groups are currently being graduations, retirements, award banquets held via Zoom. Call Tessera of Brandon at and other celebratory events. 607-6880 for the link to the Zoom meet- For more infromation, visit www.inflateing and visit www.tesserabrandon.com for dexpressions.com call 417-3573. more information on its services.

boxes of Girl Scout cookies per scout. Girl Scouts must be present at the time of purchase.

Missy’s Ink Celebrates Four-Year Anniversary Missy Duncan, owner of permanent makeup salon Missy’s Ink, is excited to be celebrating the four-year anniversary of her salon in Brandon. It specializes in brow, eye and lip makeup that will enhance your beauty. Missy knows that life is not always perfect, but she believes that your makeup can be. For more information, visit www.missyink.com, email missy@missyduncan.com or call 659-0648. Hess Annual Girl Scout Cookie Buy Event Returns Hess Orthodontics is proud to support its local Girl Scouts and announce the annual Girl Scout Cookie Buy event is back this year. Stop by any of its five office locations between Monday, February 1 and Wednesday, March 31 and it will buy up to five

David Weekley Homes Celebrates Five Years In Encore At FishHawk Ranch Encore at FishHawk Ranch, the 55-plus lifestyle division from David Weekley Homes, is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Located within the master-planned FishHawk Ranch, the community is closing out in all three sections, with a limited number of homes remaining. “We’ve been honored to create a unique, vibrant space for our 55-plus homeowners to call home over the last five years in Encore at FishHawk Ranch,” said Mike Foster, division president for David Weekley Homes in Tampa. “With the close-out of these final sections, we wrap up more than 22 years of building in FishHawk Ranch. I’m grateful to the nearly 1,000 David Weekley homeowners who have made this community such a special place.” Encore at FishHawk Ranch boasts a 5,000 sq. ft. amenity center, the Oasis Club, exclusively for Encore residents that features bocce and pickle ball courts, a high-end fitness room, resort style pool and entertainment room with a bar and catering space. A full-time lifestyle director maintains a calendar of

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 2

BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED... events. Residents in the community also enjoy convenience to outdoor recreation, including parks and miles of hike and bike trails. For more information about David Weekley Homes in Encore at FishHawk Ranch, call 774-4155. Hillsborough County Earns Six Sigma Accreditation Hillsborough County has earned Six Sigma Accreditation for its commitment to introduce and adopt insight-driven decision-making and process improvement throughout the county government. Six Sigma is a set of management techniques that uses data and metrics to improve the decision-making process. The goal is to make an organization more efficient and effective in identifying problems, identifying their cause and solving them. County staff trained in the Six Sigma curriculum will use that knowledge to make processes more effective and efficient within their departments and throughout the county. Hillsborough County earned the Six Sigma Accreditation after a rigorous process that took more than six months. To earn accreditation, each segment of the county’s Six Sigma training process, from curriculum to teachers, had to meet a strict set of standards. The county teaches Six Sigma techniques on an ongoing basis, training about 550 employees over the last three years. The Peterson Academic Center Opens The Peterson Academic Center recently opened in Valrico. It offers targeted, systematic academic support in science, math, reading, FSA and SAT/ACT test prep with a personalized approach tailored to the unique needs of each student. Dr. Eric Peterson along with his wife, Mrs. Amanda Peterson, have over 50 years of combined experience in the educational field. Both Dr. and Mrs. Peterson have dedicated their lives to the education of young people and believe that every student can succeed with the right tools and support. The Peterson Academic Center is located at 1806 Main St. in Valrico. For more information, visit www.petersonacademic.com, email tpacbrandon@ gmail.com or call 703-2075. Rachel Markley Earns Military Relocation Professional Certification CENTURY 21 Beggins Enterprises is proud to announce that Rachel Markley, sales associate with the Apollo Beach office,

recently added the Military Relocation Professional certification to her professional offerings. The Military Relocation Professional certification is for real estate professionals who work with current and former military service members and help them find the housing solutions that best suit their needs as well as take full advantage of available benefits and support. “By earning the certification, I have a better understanding of the processes and procedures involved in a military relocation and how these impact service members’ relocation and housing choices,” said Markley. Markley works with CENTURY 21 Beggins Enterprises and can be emailed at rachelmarkley@21be.com or called at 645-8481. The office is located at 6542 N. U.S. Hwy. 41, Ste. 101 in Apollo Beach. Local Odor Removal Company Eyes Expansion Local realtor and entrepreneur Sherri Southwell is a woman on a mission. She not only sells homes but rids them of odors as well. Using a proven removal process, which is both economical and nondestructive, customers’ homes and/or businesses are treated to eliminate odors resulting from pets, smoke, cooking, mold and mildew in addition to sanitizing AC ductwork and killing bacteria and viruses. While her business primarily caters to real estate agents, property managers and real estate investors, Southwell has noted that homeowners are also discovering the benefits of ozone. As a result of increased demand for odor removal and home sanitization services, Accurate Ozone Solutions of the Gulf Coast, based in Apollo Beach, is seeking to expand its service area into the surrounding counties. For more on the services provided, visit www.stinkclean.com, email info@StinkClean. com or call 833-357-8465. Fred Astaire Dance Studio Celebrating 10 Years The Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Brandon is celebrating 10 years of sharing the joy of dance with the community. This award-winning studio has held up the iconic name and mission of Mr. Fred Astaire himself, promising a positive and fun experience for everyone who walks through the doors. It has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support throughout 2020 and is looking forward to continuing its journey in sharing the joy of dance for many years to come. The Fred Astaire Dance Studio can be contacted on 438-5963. For more information, visit www.fredastaire.com/Brandon.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SEEKS ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION NOMINEES Staff Report Previous winners of the Hillsborough County Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award include Joe Guidry, Ann Paul and Dr. Brandt Henningsen.

Do you know someone whose work to protect the environment has made a lasting difference in residents’ quality of life? Nominations are now being accepted for Hillsborough County’s Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award (https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/ government/board-of-county-commissioners/t-roosevelt-hillsborough-conservation-award). The honor is given annually to an individual or group who exemplifies dedication to preserving the county’s natural resources. The award is named after Theodore Roosevelt Jr., the 26th president of the United States and noted conservationist who placed more than 200 million acres under public protection. Nominees must live or work in Hillsborough County and “be someone who shows persistence and dedication to long-term conservation of the county’s natural resources, demonstrates integrity in performance toward conservation goals and displays attributes of true conservation stewardship,” according to the award criteria. Nominations will go through the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program General Committee, which will send a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. The board will hold an awards ceremony in the spring to coincide with National Arbor Day.

Previous winners of the award include Joe Guidry, who was the first winner in 2017. Guidry was a former Tampa Tribune opinion editor. During his decades on the Tribune Editorial Board, Guidry undertook a campaign to save Tampa Bay from pollution. Ann Paul won the award in 2018. She was the Audubon Florida’s regional coordinator for the Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries, a series of islands where birds nest in colonies that extends from Citrus County to Charlotte County. In 2019, the award was given to Dr. Brandt Henningsen, who retired after 31 years of service as chief advisor environmental scientist for the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s SWIM Program. SWIM stands for Surface Water Improvement and Management. Henningsen directed or co-directed 58 of 99 SWIM restoration projects undertaken during his tenure. His hands touched 2,700 acres out of 4,700 restored—more than half. Last year, former Florida Governor Bob Martinez received the award for the multitude of accomplishments that can be seen throughout Hillsborough County, from the swamps of the Upper Hillsborough River to the banks of Cockroach Ray, and across Florida. The deadline for nominations (https:// hcflgov.formstack.com/forms/theodore_ roosevelt_hillsborough_forever_conservation_award) is Sunday, February 28. For more information, call 672-7876 or email Ross Dickerson at dickersonR@HCFLGov. net.

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February 2021

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Volume 16, Issue 2

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE By Libby Hopkins

Mr. and Miss Berry, the Florida Strawberry Festival’s official mascots, are looking forward to welcoming residents to the 11-day event next month.

It is almost that time of year again. The 86th annual Florida Strawberry Festival is kicking off next month and inviting residents to safely climb “All Aboard!” with delicious food and fun events for the whole family. Starting on Thursday, March 4 and running for 11 days, the event celebrates the strawberry harvest in Eastern Hillsborough County with vendors, livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, strawberry shortcake. “We wanted the theme this year to reflect our enthusiasm for together-

ness,” said Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis. “So, we thought it would be fitting to play off of that with a railroad theme and we feel like this is a concept our community will really jump on board with, so to speak.” Entertainment will kick off on March 4 with Florida’s Frank Sinatra at 10:30 a.m. on the Wish Farms Variety Stage. Other performers on this stage include Mike Walker and Jimmy Mazz, who will perform on Thursday, March 11 at 10:30 a.m. The Showcase Tent will feature artists such as Dennis Lee, Born Lonesome, Electric Woodshed and Pastor Calvin ‘Pee Wee’ Callins. There will also be a talent show on both Saturdays of the festival and performances by The Detectives, Bound No More, Joe’s Garage Band and the First Baptist Church of Plant City’s Worship Team. The Smithfield Straw-

berry Tent will host The Stephanie Ann Show and Kazual. On grounds, guests will be able to see magic shows, circus acts, pig races, a lumber jack show, the Dakin Dairy Farms Milking Parlor, Runa Pacha “Indian World,” Johnny D and Sheriff Max Magnum and can meet the festival’s official mascots, Mr. and Miss Berry. “We look forward to seeing our guests

and hope they will enjoy all the 2021 Florida Strawberry Festival has to offer,” said Davis. “It is our goal for everyone who walks through our gate to leave satisfied, knowing we offered them something truly special.” For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.floridastrawberryfestival.com or search for the festival on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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February 2021

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TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER NEW EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS

FLORIDA’S FOSSIL FINDS

A new exhibit at well as private the Tampa Bay Histocollectors. ry Center showcasing The Tampa centuries-old fossils, Bay History Tusks to Tails: A Fossil HistoCenter includes ry of Florida, is open now three floors of through January 2022. permanent and The exhibit features temporary exdozens of fossils found hibition space throughout the state, focusing on some dating back more 12,000 years of than 50 million years. Florida’s history Visitors will get to and culture. The see mammoth jaws, Tampa Bay Hiswalrus tusks, a sloth tory Center is a hand and even a whale Smithsonian Afskeleton. Many do filiate museum not know that Floriand is accreditThe Tampa Bay History Center has opened da’s waters were once ed by the Amera new exhibit called Tusks to Tails: A Fossil home to sharks to that History of Florida. This marvelous exhibit will ican Alliance of could grow up to 60 be available for viewing now through January Museums. The feet, and its land was Tampa Bay His2022. It is the first natural history exhibit displayed at the Tampa Bay History Center. home to giant rhinos. tory Center inThis newest exhibit unearths Florida’s fos- cludes the Touchton Map Library and Florsil finds. ida Center for Cartographic Education, the “This is our first natural history exhibit,” Witt Research Center and is home to the said Dr. Brad Massey, Tampa Bay History Columbia Cafe. Center’s curator of public history. “It is a The Tampa Bay History Center is located different look at Florida’s very early his- along Tampa Riverwalk at 801 Water St. tory, even before humans were here,” he in downtown Tampa. added. The Tampa Bay History Center continues The History Center worked with the Uni- to follow the recommendations of the Cenversity of South Florida’s Digital Heritage ters for Disease Control and Prevention & Humanities Collections to create topo- and local health experts. Face masks are graphical 3D maps for the exhibit to help required for entry into the museum gallerillustrate the layers of time presented in ies. To minimize interaction with staff, adthe exhibit. vance tickets should be purchased online “This exhibit chronicles how the Florida at www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/tickcoastline, and the animals that lived here, ets. Details on its COVID-19 protocols can changed over the last 55 million years,” ex- be found at www.tampabayhistorycenter. plained Dr. Massey. org/policiesandprocedures. The exhibit includes fossils on loan from For more information, please call 228the Florida Museum of Natural History as 0097.

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THE HOME DEPOT FOUNDATION

HONORS BRYANT MARTINEZ Recently, local time, he works artist and educator tirelessly to Bryant Martinez collect items, was honored by The especially Home Depot Founduring the holidation for his work days, to give to with children and migrant famimigrant families. lies who live in The honor came as Wimauma and a result of a nomPlant City. ination by Debi Dolobach, Dolobach, custom- Bryant Martinez was recently honored with a grant a long-time from The Home Depot Foundation. He was nomier order specialist employee of nated by Debi Dolobach from The Home Depot store for The Home DeThe Home De#6380 in Riverview. Shown here presenting the grant pot store #6380 to Martinez are (left to right) Jeremy Anderson, Debi pot, has known in Riverview (at Martinez for Dolobach, Bryant Martinez, Chris Gay and Gina the intersection of over 10 years Scrievers. Bloomingdale Ave. and U.S. Hwy. 301). and assisted in donations for area schools, Martinez was nominated by Dolobach for the underserved and organizations such as a grant through The Home Depot Founda- Winthrop Arts. Dolobach said of Martinez, tion’s Operation Surprise. A grant of $1,000 “I cannot believe all he does for people who was donated to Winthrop Arts in Martinez’s live in Wimauma and Plant City.” name. Gina Scrievers, manager of The Home DeThis year, Operation Surprise was re- pot store #6380, said, “We are grateful to imagined due to COVID-19. It was award- share this grant with you.” ed to veterans, first responders, healthcare Martinez said, “Debi is among a small workers and teachers. group of people who believed in what I was The campaign celebrates the selfless spir- doing. She has been a great advocate and it of those who serve. has helped me and countless others over Martinez served as a Navy corpsman with the years.” Martinez added, “This shows the 2nd United States Marines from 1990 that one person can truly make a differto 1994. He was honorably discharged in ence.” 1997. A Navy corpsman is an enlisted mediThe grant will be allocated to funding the cal specialist of the United States Navy who Winthrop Arts Mobile Art Factory program, may also serve in a United States Marine which provides free arts instruction to unCorps Unit. derserved children through partners such Martinez has worked as an educator since as Hispanic Services Council and Achieve 1999. He is currently the welding instruc- Plant City. tor for Pepin Academy and is the lead art For more information, please visit www. instructor for Winthrop Arts and the Win- winthroparts.org and www.homedepot. throp Arts Mobile Art Factory. In his spare com/foundation.

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Page 30

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 2

MEDI-WEIGHTLOSS MOVES TO TELEMEDICINE DURING THE PANDEMIC

PHOENIX HOUSE STILL HELPS THOSE IN NEED DURING THE PANDEMIC

By Libby Hopkins

By Libby Hopkin

care of their friends and family. We are extremely proud and thankful that more than half of new patients are based on referrals,” said Medi-Weightloss Founder Edward Kaloust. The program is based on weekly visits where patients get a body composition analysis and a complete medical exam, including blood panel and EKG. “We educate our patients about nutrition and fitness,” Willet said. “We are a physician-supervised weight loss program where we offer a balance of education, appetite management and exercise activity to lose weight. We teach our clients strategies to keep weight off using real food. This is not a quick fix, our program is a lifestyle change.” Both Medi-Weightloss locations in Brandon and in Lutz have been a part of the Tampa community for 16 years. “We are extremely proud to serve our community for 16 years,” Willet said. “We want to let the community know we are here for them even during the pandemic.” If you would like to learn more about the Medi-Weightloss Program, visit www.mediweightloss.com or call the Brandon office at 654-1110. The Brandon office is located at 203 W. Bloomingdale Ave.

Phoenix House Florida (PHFL) is a local able to shift to telehealth as appropriate nonprofit organization that has been serv- and available in our adult and adolescent ing the Tampa Bay area for 30 years. It de- outpatient program in Brandon,” vanderlivers the highest quality of care with pro- Werff said. “We are offering in-person asfessionalism and respect. It prides itself sessments at Brandon and are fully open on providing outstanding and accessible for admissions at our residential program treatment to adults and teens. in Citra. We follow a quarantine protocol Like most healthcare companies, Phoe- upon admission to residential to ensure the nix House Florida faced utmost safety of our challenges during the patients and staff.” COVID-19 pandemic. PHFL wants the “We remained dedicated community to know to our mission of healing that it is here to help individuals, families and during these challengcommunities challenged ing times. “We have by substance use disorbeen up and down in ders and related mental our need for services health conditions,” said with the challenges PHFL’s Chief Operating of the pandemic, but Officer, Dayle vanderhave remained consisWerff. “We were faced tent in our dedication with halting admissions to serving all we are for a short time so that able to during these we could shift our focus Phoenix House Florida’s Chief Operat- difficult times,” vanand take proactive steps derWerff said. “PHFL ing Officer, Dayle vanderWerff. to ensure the safety of is excited for 2021 and our patients and staff beyond to be able to by following all established move past the pandemCDC and Department of ic and be here in our Health guidelines. Then we community for years went above and beyond to to come to provide take measures necessary the much-needed subin both of our programs stance use treatment to follow all of the proper services that are still CDC and Department of such a huge and growHealth policies in protecting concern across the ing the health and safety of state of Florida.” patients, families and staff, If you would like to including PPE, social distancing, COVID learn more about Phoenix House Florida screening and regular professional clean- and the services it offers, visit www.phoeing of spaces.” nixfl.org or call 881-1000. PHFL is located PHFL also moved to a telehealth plat- at 510 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. 301 in Branform to help its clients. “We have been don.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic with its time at home and stress eating may have caused some people to put on some extra pounds known as the COVID-15 and allowed others more time to focus on their health. “We had the best fall-winter season we’ve ever had,” said Medi-Weightloss of Lutz Owner Gerri Willett. “Our best time for new clients is now through April. Last year at this time wasn’t that great.” Because of the pandemic, Medi-Weightloss now offers telemedicine sessions. “Even with offering telemedicine sessions, some of our clients still like to come in for their session,” Willett said. “I feel our clients have felt very comfortable with everything we’ve done to ensure their safety.” Medi-Weightloss was developed by physicians, registered dietitians and health professionals in the area of weight loss to help its clients control their calories and carbohydrate intake while eating the optimum amount of protein to preserve muscle mass. The Medi-Weightloss Program is evidence-based to result in a successful lifestyle change. When administering the treatment, Medi-Weightloss healthcare providers take each patient’s unique health profile into account, which is what makes them a program that works for their clients. “Our amazing success over the past 16 years is due in large part to our clients entrusting us with their care and the

February 2021

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Page 31

EMBARK ON A UNIQUE ADVENTURE WITH LATITUDES TOURS By Tatiana Ortiz Those seeking a new type of excursion along the waterways of the Tampa Bay Estuary and Little Manatee River should check out Latitudes Tours in Ruskin. Captain Dave Lopez, who owns Latitudes Tours, has a passion for anything Tampa-related and especially for fishing and boating. Latitudes Tours provides its guests with a memorable experience through its guided kayak eco-tours, dinner cruises, private charters for weddings, birthdays and more. It also educates guests on the history of Florida, its nature and much more. While on this journey, from time to time one may also spot manatees, dolphins and other wildlife. Latitudes Tours opened on October 2018. Since then, it has expanded to now offering Beach Bus and Paddle Bus tours. In 2020, Latitudes Tours received the Travelers’ Choice Award on Tripadvisor. The Paddle Bus stores all of the kayaks for those participating in the guided kayak eco-tours. It will travel to a total of six locations, which include Robinson Preserve, E.G. Simmons Conservation Park and more. These tours take 2.5 hours, as much will be seen.

Lopez explained how the Paddle Bus works. “The Paddle Bus does not take people to the location and all of the places do have parking available,” Lopez said. “Everything will also be set up in the water for those when they arrive,” he added. With the Beach Bus tours, it holds 15 passengers and travels to Anna Maria Island Hard Rock Casino, Strawberry Festival as well as other locations. It departs at Little Harbor Resort and Sun City. Those who take a ride on the Beach Bus will get to hear some history on the way to their destination and more. “All in all, I look forward to seeing how the future goes with our expansion,” Lopez said. Do not miss an opportunity to treat your valentine to a Sweetheart Dinner Cruise that consists of a one-of-a-kind dolphin eco-tour, sunset over Tampa Bay and more with Latitudes Tours on Friday, February 12; Saturday, February 13; or Sunday, February 14. For more information or to book a tour, visit https://www.latitudestours.com or call 641-1311.

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Page 32

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 2

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BRANDON HIGH

BRANDON EAGLES BASEBALL PROGRAM LOOKS FOR BOUNCE-BACK SEASON AFTER REBUILD The Brandon High School baseball program, once a Hillsborough County powerhouse, looks for a rebound season after a two-year rebuild. The Eagles finished the shortened 2020 season on a roll, winning four of its last five games, bringing momentum into the off-season. It was a big step for the program, considering they won just five games the year before. The team was in need of a rebuild after longtime Head Coach Matt Stallbaumer retired and several players transferred to other programs. The roster was demolished, with just 15 players and zero returning pitchers and catchers on the team. As a result, the team struggled. John DiBenedetto was hired after the 2018 season to change the fortunes of a once proud baseball program and lead them back to the promised land. The former Academy at the Lakes head man turned that program around after just three seasons. He brings great experience to the Eagles, having coached baseball for eight years, six as a head coach and two as an assistant. DiBenedetto also played for Newsome High School (2006-2008) and Blake High School (2009), and went on to play college baseball at Saint Anselm College for two seasons and Rivier University for his final two seasons. The head coach believes that the tough

Esteban Tavarez signed to play college baseball at Grambling State University in Louisiana.

Daniel Santana was named to the FACA AllState team last season.

2019 season gave the young players experience, perspective and some development they badly needed. DiBenedetto bought into these young underclassmen when he became head coach, and, in return, they have bought into him and what he preaches—committing to accountability and hard work on the field and in the classroom. He said that working through the struggles together has made them grow up as a group. “I’ve told my guys that the results may not pay off right away, but they will pay off in the long run if they buy into the process, and the baseball part will turn around on its own,” said DiBenedetto. “I always prom-

ise parents that if their kid does their job in the classroom and on the field, I guarantee that we will find a place to play for them in college.” He has kept his promise thus far, with five seniors signing on to play college baseball, including Marcos Herrand (Coppin State University), Esteban Tavarez (Grambling State University), Tres Toledo (Salem University), Kendal Spencer (Lake-Sumter State College) and Daniel Santana (New England College). “I love all my teammates and coaches,” said Herrand. “Everyone has a special role that they play, from the coaches to the

players, and that just creates great chemistry. I believe that’s what makes this program great.” In the shortened 2020 season, the team showed glimpses of great improvement. Spencer led Hillsborough County in hitting last season with a .609 batting average and he didn’t strike out once. Three players were named to the FACA All-State team, including Spencer, Santana and Herrand, and the team led the county with 43 stolen bases in just eight games. They will have 12 upperclassmen on the roster this season as well. “I’m looking forward to seeing how far we can go as a team,” said Santana. “We have many guys that can make an impact, and I truly feel we will be tough to beat. I believe we have one of the best pitching staffs in the county and we return seven hitters from a team that hit over .300 as a unit.” The momentum from last season carried on to the fall season for Brandon, as they competed with some of the better teams in the county. The Eagles hope to compete for a district championship this season because they haven’t won one in five years. “Going through the tough times has prepared us for this season,” said DiBenedetto. “Our motto has been ‘win every game.’ I don’t care how we do it, we just have to find a way to win baseball games.”

February 2021

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

LOCAL BUSINESS WE TEACH PLANTS TAKES LEARNING ABOUT PLANTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Page 33

2017 Small Business of the Year

By Hayley Fedor events,” said Felker. One of the special services available at We Teach Plants is a Kids Plant Club that takes place on Saturday mornings once a month. Through this club, kids are involved in planting sessions centered around a theme. By participating, kids can take home a new plant friend and lots of new knowledge about plants. Young guests present their creations from a We Teach Other We Teach Plants activities Plants event. include monthly DIY workshops held With a bit of interesting knowledge, mayon Saturday evenings, featuring events like be just a sprinkle of dirt and a lot of fun, We terrarium building and houseplants 101 that Teach Plants in Winthrop gets individuals are sure to bring out the green thumb in any engaging with plants on a whole new level. participant. The local, family-owned business is run by Beyond the monthly events offered, We FishHawk resident Lauren Felker, who not Teach Plants accommodates with custom only has a passion and love for plants but events as well that give customers the freealso a natural inclination for teaching. The dom of choice. Individuals can invite up to idea for We Teach Plants sprouted from the eight guests for a workshop of their choossuccess of a plant and home decor boutique ing on a reserved date. We Teach Plants owned by Felker’s mother that opened in works to turn plant dreams into reality. 2019. “Whether a baby shower, a birthday par“So many of our customers at the plant ty or a business function, we’ve got the pershop had questions about plant care that fect unique activity,” said Felker. “The possiwe decided to put our passions and skills bilities are endless.” together and offer plant workshops,” said The business mainly operates out of the Felker. Full Grown Girl plant shop located at 11292 We Teach Plants offers events and workSullivan St. in Riverview in Winthrop Town shops during which guests are able to get Centre, where workshops and other events hands-on with plants and learn about them are held; however, We Teach Plants also ofat the same time. fers mobile workshops that deliver the exFor the staff of We Teach Plants, the goal citement to you. is “to provoke a passion for houseplants in To find out more about the business and everyone, all while enjoying an unforgetany upcoming events, visit weteachplants. table eco experience at one of our unique com.

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Page 34

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 2

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

February 2021

THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE VISITS THE FLORIDA RAILROAD MUSEUM By Tatiana Ortiz Ride along Thomas the Tank Engine during its Party Train Tour at the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish on select weekends in April. Dates include Saturday, April 17; Sunday, April 18; Saturday, April 24; and Sunday, April 25. Prices range from $19 to $23, depending on the time of day for peak and non-peak pricing. To Thomas the Tank Engine add, anyone makes an appearance during its Party Train Tour at the 24 months old Florida Railroad Museum. and up will need a ticket to enter. Advanced tickets will be required. Florida Railroad Museum’s events director, Glenn Miley, mentioned how this event came into fruition. “Thomas the Tank Engine has been visiting the Florida Railroad Museum for 10 years and is coming back in April,” Miley said. While on board Thomas the Tank Engine, attendees will have a party pass to receive favors at numerous stops along the way. An array of activities that attendees could participate in would include crafts, checking out the party corner for lawn game fun and more. Those interested will also get an opportunity to say hello to Sir Topham Hatt or even visit the pop-up gift shop. This event will be abiding by the local

government guidelines with enhanced safety protocols in place. “There will be extra cleaning between trains. Sanitizer stations will also be placed around the grounds,” Miley said. Founded as the Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum, the Florida Railroad Museum, Inc. was established with the goal to preserve Florida’s railroad history that existed in the 1940s and 1950s. The museum itself consists of exhibits that individuals can ride. The Florida Railroad Museum operates on a 6-mile line between Parrish and Willow in rural Manatee County. As a side note, this specific railroad line was the first to be built in Manatee County. The trains are operated by the Florida Railroad Museum volunteers, and throughout the year, special weekend events such as this one will occur. For more information, visit http:// www.frrm.org. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.ticketweb.com/venue/florida-railroad-museum-parrish-fl/83825. It is located at 12210 83rd St. E. in Parrish and is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 941-776-0906.

Page 35

LOCAL BUILDER DAVE HUNT WILL BE WELL REMEMBERED By Libby Hopkins Dave Hunt was born in St. Petersburg ber in the Valrico Church of Christ for but called Brandon home for more than many years as an elder. “He was an elder 45 years. He recently passed away, but he for 30 years and was loved by his brethwas known for taking pride in his family, ren,” Philip said. “He was kindhearted, faith and his communia good listener and a ty. mentor to some. He was “He built homes as a leader and stood for a general contractor his convictions.” and was well known David taught his son in the circle of home the value of hard work builders in this area,” and responsibility. “My said his son, Philip Hunt father taught me a of Valrico. “He was a good work ethic early in people person and got my life and taught me along with everyone. the value of hard work,” He built several homes Philip said. “Chores in the Brandon, Valriaround the house like co and Riverview area. mowing the lawn and He focused primarily taking out the trash, on room additions. He cleaning our rooms, worked hard and felt were rewarded with a that he had accomweekly allowance. We plished something for went on fishing trips someone to make a difearly in the morning Dave Hunt (r) was a beloved father, ference in their life.” and I was always anxhusband and Valrico community David loved the out- member. He recently passed away, but ious when he would doors as well and he he will be remembered for his love of walk in my room to took his family on many wake me up to go. We family, faith and community. camping trips. “He would load all our gear loved the outdoors,” Philip said. “My dad up into the boat and head out for the and I like to fish and hunt together. The lake. Great memories with just the two of whole family would camp out and travel us, I guess that was the privilege of being together.” the firstborn.” David was very involved with the ValAfter his father’s passing, Philip learned rico community. In the 60s, he was a of how the Valrico community was proud member of the Sertoma Club and he was to have his father be a part of the cominvolved in the opening of the Buckhorn munity. “I would hear stories about dad Golf and Country Club in the 70s. “He and how he made a difference in their taught several leadership classes for life and he was always willing to lend a those wishing to excel in their field,” Phil- hand physically or spiritually for them,” ip said. Philip said. “He was humble, friendly and Philip’s father was also an active mem- dependable. He will be missed.”

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Page 36

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 16, Issue 2