Brandon/Winthrop
25 C E L E B R A T I N G
June 2020 1 8
Y E A R S
O F
Volume 15, Issue 6 Ph: 657-2418 P U B L I S H I N G
Pawn Shop Owner Brings Community Together To Help A Local Veteran In Need
By Libby Hopkins
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2397
Veteran a dangerous Kim Joseph size. Kurosky has Ashley been a faithful Harden, a barcustomer to tender at Keith’s Billie Jo Oaks Bar and Sebastian for Grill, saw more than 10 Sebastian’s post years. He vison Facebook and its her weekly immediately while she wanted to help. works at the She decided to Value Pawn & create a Jewelry in GoFundMe page Brandon. to help him. During one of “So far, The community came together to help veteran Kim Joseph Kurosky recently. Kim’s visits, we’ve raised Sebastian noticed his legs were almost $3,000 to make his trailer and extremely swollen. the other structure on his property liv“He and I had stepped outside able for him,” Harden said. “The outand I said to him, ‘You need to elepouring from the community has vate your legs, Kim.’ He responded, been absolutely amazing.” ‘Billie Jo, can you please let me know Harden and Sebastian also how I’m supposed to elevate my legs received help from Jim Stacey at when I’m sleeping in my truck and AMVETS Post 44, Travis Wright of trying to swat off mosquitos?’ Up until the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s that point, I never realized the severi- Office and Nam Knights, Ellie ty of his living situation,” Sebastian Saldana of Hot Boxes Dumpster, said. Jarrod Matthews of Wretched Few Sebastian asked Kim if he would VMC and Lori Finnegan of Finnegan be comfortable with sharing his story Real Estate, in addition to the numeron social media to try and get him ous people who have donated funds some help. “I could not believe how on Kim’s GoFundMe page. Nearly 40 many people wanted to donate food people from the Brandon community and help him,” Sebastian said. have helped to clean and organize Kim is a Marine sergeant who did the property. two tours of duty in Vietnam. He suf“I am amazed at all the help that fers from a hoarding condition and has been available to me,” Kim said. diabetes. Because of his hoarding ill- “I couldn’t imagine there were so ness, his trailer became unlivable many people who wanted to come and his property is overrun with out and help, especially with the virus items. His trailer is 40 years old and happening now.” has electricity, but no running water. To help Kim, please visit his Kim sleeps in his truck each night, GoFundMe page at which has caused his legs to swell to https://bit.ly/2UfImLN.
P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Longtime Brandon Resident Sells Vintage Area Map To Benefit ECHO
By Kate Quesada
Longtime with many resBrandon resident idents who Karen Waters also grew up McGinnis recently in Brandon found a way to and were bring a dose of eager to have nostalgia to other a piece of hislocals while helptory in their ing out a great homes. cause. “Everyone McGinnis, was delighted who moved to to be able to Brandon with her see what family in the Brandon Longtime Brandon resident Karen Waters 1970s, was able looked like in McGinnis tracked down a copy of a map of to locate and Brandon from 1986 and is selling copies, with the it’s prime,” profits going to ECHO of Brandon. replicate a map said McGinnis, of Brandon from 1986 and is selling who attended Burns Middle and copies to other residents, with the profits Bloomingdale High schools. “It brought going to the Emergency Care Help back so many great memories.” Organization (ECHO). In less than two Maps are still available to purchase months, she sold around 100 copies of through McGinnis’ GoFundMe page at map and donated more than $1,500 to www.gofundme.com/f/1986-brandonthe charity, which is near and dear to her native-posters for $35, although McGinnis heart. encourages an additional donation to “It turned into a quest for me,” said ECHO at the time of purchase. Once McGinnis, who remembered owning a ordered, maps can be picked up at copy of the map as a child. She posted McGinnis’s business, Florida Farmhouse on Facebook asking if anyone could help Market and Collectables, opening soon in her get a copy, and after a lot of leg work Seffner. she was able to track down a framed version of the map in Brandon’s iconic Bill’s Prescription Center. After finding that the In This map was too big to copy at Kinko’s, she Issue took it to a blueprint company and eventually worked with a professional art READING WITH THE RAYS ...................PG 3 restorer who was able to digitally copy the print and give her a file on a thumb drive. EVERY VOTE COUNTS..........................PG 4 Once McGinnis realized how many other locals were also interested in ownCONVICTION REVIEW..........................PG 8 ing a copy of the map, she decided to CELEBRATING SENIORS .....................PG 10 use her hard work as an opportunity to help raise funds for ECHO, a local nonSUMMER CAMP UPDATE.................PG 14 profit that had helped her. EYE ON BUSINES.......................PGS 2122 “I chose Echo of Brandon because they helped me get back on my feet SPORTS CONNECTION.......................PG 26 when I was struggling at a point in my READ MORE LOCAL NEWS life,” she explained. “I have recovered from that time and I am finally in a place ONLINE where I am able to give back.” www.ospreyobserver.com In just over a month, McGinnis met
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Page 2
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 6
June 2020
Page 3
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Team Continues Annual Rays Program To Encourage Summer Reading
Home Instead Senior Care In Brandon Brought Smiles For Mother’s Day
Even without a they reach the season, the Tampa home plate, they Bay Rays, partneremail a picture of ing with Suncoast the scorecard. Credit Union and The Rays will the Tampa Bay send two tickets Times, will host the to a future home 13th annual game if the particReading with the ipant reaches the Rays to train home plate along Tampa’s rookie with the prizes readers. Through the program, Pre-K Willy Adames, shortstop for the Rays, through 12th grade reads with a student for Reading with students log their the Rays. reading hours throughout the summer to won for reachreceive prizes. ing first, secThe Rays began the free program in ond and third 2007 to encourage reading in order to base. avoid the typical summer learning loss by Shea recording up to 24 hours spent reading. Bagley, a sec“Reading is a vital component to a ond grade teacher at Bevis Elementary child’s education and helps prepare them School, said, “I think it’s an awesome profor a bright future,” said Cindy Helton, gram. It gives children an opportunity to executive director of the Suncoast Credit read…[and] to find books they want to Union Foundation. “Helping to provide read.” students with educational tools is part of The program has hit it out of the park our DNA.” in each of its 13 seasons. More than The coronavirus pandemic forced 300,000 students across nine participatthis year’s event to begin early and proing counties have racked up two and a vided students with a motivation to read half million hours of reading. Reading with in their additional idle time that came with the Rays is an opportunity for parents to distanced learning and the cancelled get their kids excited about reading and school year. In past years, students could an opportunity for students to score a go to the library or the Rays’ website to homerun by hitting the books. pick up a score card, but this year, particiFor more information on Reading pants will have to download the scorewith the Rays or book recommendations, card from their homes visit www.mlb.com/rays/community/readAfter reading for the required hours, ing/ or contact students will ‘round the bases’ and, when reading@raysbaseball.com.
Mother’s Day tion note from was different for Lowe’s. many this year. The flower With residents deliveries made practicing social the days of givers distancing due to and receivers COVID-19, a lot of alike. children of all ages “The smiles were unable to visit on their faces their loved ones to were amazing celebrate. But in an and it felt like I effort to make mothers in the Home Instead Senior Care Customer Service Representative Brandon area feel Jennipher Daniels delivers a appreciated, Mother’s Day flower basket to Ms. Lowe’s Home Jean (left) thanks to a generous donation from Lowe’s Home Improvement Improvement. teamed up with Home Instead Senior Care to brighten was providing them a million bucks,” said the days of some isolated moms. the Home Instead Senior Care of Lowe’s donated $1 million worth of Brandon and Tampa franchise owner, flower baskets through its network of Kristi Campbell. nurseries and small business growers to Home Instead Senior Care in more than 500 senior living and long-term Brandon, established in 2003, is considcare facilities nationwide in the days lead- ered the world’s largest provider of coming up to Mother’s Day. prehensive, in-home care services for the “We hope that these flower deliveries elderly with more than 1,000 franchise brought a spark of joy to the grandmothgroups worldwide, and its caregivers ers and moms in senior housing who assist with household duties, companionmay feel alone on Mother’s Day,” said ship care, transportation and more with Marisa Thalberg, Lowe’s Home the mission to enhance the lives of aging Improvement executive vice president, adults and their families. The caregivers chief brand officer and marketing officer. are also using the proper protocols in On May 8, Home Instead Senior direct accordance with the CDC (Centers Care had three drivers disperse close to for Disease Control and Prevention) 100 flower baskets to clients and their guidelines. caregivers throughout Hillsborough For more information, visit County, including the Brandon location on https://www.homeinstead.com/482. It Kings Ave. All of the baskets were individ- located at 1755 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. ually wrapped and included an appreciaCall 291-2624.
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Know Where And How To Vote: By Mail, Early And On Election Day Voting is a right and not a privilege. In order to exercise this right, every voter in Hillsborough County must be informed and must know where to vote and how to do it. In Hillsborough County, there are three ways to exercise your right to vote: Vote By Mail, Early Voting and Election Day Voting. In order to vote in the primary election, which is set for Tuesday, August 18, you must be registered by Monday, July 20. In order to vote in the general election, set for Tuesday, November 3, you must be registered by Monday, October 5. When you register, you are asked to select a party. The parties are Republican. Democrat or No Party Affiliation. You can also register as a member of a minor political party such as the Green Party of Florida. Florida is a closed primary state. This means that for the primary election, your ballot will reflect the party that you have selected. In other words, you vote only for the candidates from your party as well as
non-partisan races such as the judge (county and circuit) and school board. In the general election, your ballot is based upon where you reside. You can view sample ballots for both the primary and the general election by visiting www.votehillsborough.org. “Many people are focused on the upcoming general election in November, but please do not ignore the primary election. We have local school board and judge races on the primary ballot that are non-partisan, so everyone votes in these races. If you are a Democrat or Republican, you will also have a Requesting A Vote By Mail Ballot Is say in which state Easy: and local partisan 1. Online: Vote By Mail Ballot Request candidate moves on to the 2. By Phone: (813) 612-4180 general election,” said 3. By Fax: (813) 744-5843 4. In Person: at any of our Supervisor of Elections Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer. Offices
To Request Vote By Mail For Yourself, You Must Provide: 1. Your name and home address 2. Your date of birth 3. Your mailing address, if different from home address (Ballots cannot be forwarded. Be sure to provide your current mailing address.) 4. Your signature (for written requests)
VOTE BY MAIL
Vote By Mail is the most convenient method. You do not need an excuse to choose this option. If you request this method, you will receive your ballot in the mail (by Thursday, July 9 for the pri-
mary election and by Thursday, September 24 for the general election), and you can take your time making your voting decision. The Vote
By Mail ballot must be received by the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can mail it or drop it off in person at one of its offices or at an Early Voting site. The Supervisor of Elections is also offering curbside drop-off this year. You can request your Vote By Mail ballot and track its delivery by visiting www.votehillsborough.org. “Election Day is your last day to vote, not your first. I encourage everyone to consider voting by mail. During the March election, it was heartbreaking to get calls from voters who could not leave home and had planned to vote on Election Day,” said Latimer.
EARLY VOTING
Early Voting is set up before both the primary election and the general election. Early Voting will take place from Monday, August 3 through Sunday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For the general election, it will be from Monday, October 19
By Kathy L. Collins
through Sunday, November 1 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. “In March, we had 23 Early Voting locations open, and we may have 24 for the August primary. We are just finalizing those details now. We will have drop-off ballot boxes at each of those sites for voters who want to drop off their Vote By Mail ballot,” said Latimer. Early Voting is just like Election Day voting. You must bring one or two forms of identification with your photo and signature on it. Acceptable forms of identification include a Florida driver’s license, state issued identification, U.S. passport, student ID, public assistance ID and more.
ELECTION DAY VOTING
Polling places or precincts, noted on your voter registration card, are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can bring your sample ballot with you and use it while you vote. Latimer said, “We are taking great measures to ensure a safe and healthy inperson voting experience.” Social distancing and hand sanitizing as well as adjusted layouts will be utilized. According to Latimer, “All of this will mean that in-person voting is going to be slower than in the past, but it will be healthy and orderly.” Whichever method you choose, remember that your vote counts. For more information, please visit www.votehillsborough.org.
June 2020
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 5
Future Plastic Pavement Roads Can Save Oil And Clean Up Waste
By Brad Stager
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The road to cially as private the future in roads and parking Hillsborough lots due to the way County may be most governments paved with manage and reguplastic debris. late road construcA company tion. MacRebur’s has developed plastic pavement a process for has even turning plastic been used Future roads may be built using waste into for auto racdiscarded plastic to cut down on the use of petroleum and divert waste material that ing tracks from landfills. can replace a and airport portion of the petroleum product bitumen runways. that is used in asphalt pavement for roads. Bitumen is the black, viscous and MacRebur has built one road made sticky liquid that binds materials like rock of plastic waste in the United States, and sand together in asphalt pavement. located at the University of California San MacRebur Ltd. is the Lockerbie, Diego, and wants to build more, especialScotland-based company that developed ly in Florida. The presentation to memthe process for turning household and bers of the Greater Brandon Chamber of commercial plastic waste into roads. The Commerce is part of MacRebur’s groundcompany’s CEO, Toby McCartney, level approach to generating support for recently promoted the idea of paving with plastic roads. plastic in Hillsborough County during an “We go to the people driving on the online presentation hosted by the Greater roads,” said McCartney, who added that Brandon Chamber of Commerce. He said the plastic roads last longer with less MacRebur’s process exploits what plastic cracking and rutting than those made with and bitumen have in common, as conventional asphalt. “Bitumen comes from the same oil as Increased longevity of plastic roads is plastic.” a point worth considering, said chamber McCartney added that MacRebur’s member George May, who participated in plastic roads are more stable than roadthe online presentation. ways and do not release microplastics “I’m very impressed by this product. If into the environment like some asphalt we can get to the point where our roads that incorporates ground tire rubber. last five times longer, that would be huge “We’re greener, we’re environmentally for our county budget,” he said. friendly,” he said. You can learn more about MacRebur’s plastic roads are in use MacRebur’s plastic roads by visiting in locations throughout the world, espemacrebur.com.
Page 6
Volume 15, Issue 6
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
serving with the Veterans of Science and Industry (MOSI) and will Treatment Court and several be deployed to emergency centers veteran organizations. He across Hillsborough County with other was one of the original menemergency supplies when a hurricane tors with the Veterans threatens the Tampa Bay region. Pack n’ Treatment Court and is the play cribs are one way to prevent a child task force team leader and from dying from unsafe sleep by provida senior veteran mentor ing a place where a child can be laid with the court. This volundown to sleep alone away from other b om ed Compil preyobserver.c teer work includes actively potential hazards. The cribs will be pro@os jbennett recruiting prospective vided at no extra cost to families seeking mentors for the growing emergency shelter. docket of veteran participants; constant follow-ups with other Aging Services Caregiver Support mentors on needs of the Group Meetings court; checking in with Bloomingdale Adult Valrico Sunday Market Returns At his own assigned veterDay Care Center would Chill Cawfee an participants; serving like to remind everyone Chill Cawfee is excited to relaunch as a liason to judges, that it is still operational the Sunday market under its new name, elected officials and even though the center Valrico Artisan Faire. It is a twice-aother community leaditself is closed to the month event, every second Sunday and ers; and other adminispublic. The Aging fourth Sunday under the grandfather Caregiver Support Group oaks outside Chill Cawfee at 3704 Lithia trative tasks. Speaking about Col. Fletcher, meetings are continuing Pinecrest Rd. Have fun in the sun as Chief Judge Ron to take place every you shop local artisans and enjoy a Ficarrotta said, “Col. Thursday via teleconferplace for families and friends to bond. Fletcher is a true patriot ence. Go to Jewelry, artwork, craft food, organic and hero in every sense HCFLGov.net/Aging to soaps, health and beauty products, Col. (USA Retired) Jim Fletcher, of the word. He continfind out more. All sescrafts and pet products will all be availis an active and tireless ues to serve with honor volunteer in our community, sions are free. able, with the spotlight on local talent serving with the Veterans and distinction in our and artists. Treatment Court. Veterans Treatment Social Dance At Court and has been a driving force and Strawberry Square Dance Center Hillsborough County Bar key to the success of the court. I am Plant City Social Dance will have a Association Honors Veterans proud to have Col. Fletcher as part of dance on Saturday, June 27 at the Advocate With Liberty Bell Award our court family.” Strawberry Square Dance Center. This The Hillsborough County Bar dance will be social dancing and there Association has selected a local veterPack N’ Play Cribs Donated To will be a 3,000 sq. ft. floating wood floor ans advocate and volunteer, Col. (USA Hurricane Shelters to dance on. Social dancing includes Ret.) Jim Fletcher, to receive its 2020 The Children’s Board of slow dances, waltzes, line dances, chaLiberty Bell Award. This annual award Hillsborough County has recently providcha and rumbas, two-step and country recognizes outstanding non-lawyer citied 1,452 pack n’ play cribs to the slow, swing, freestyle and some Latin zens whose community service strengthEmergency Operations Center to predances. Ballroom dancers can dance to ens the effectiveness of the American pare for this year’s hurricane season. most of this music as well. There will be legal system. Col. Fletcher is an active The cribs will be stored at the Museum a singles table set up. Singles and and tireless volunteer in our community,
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Pet Resource Center Requests Masks
The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is requesting donations of cloth face masks at the pet shelter on 440 N. Falkenburg Rd. in Tampa. The masks will be used by on-site staff who are caring for the pets at the shelter. Bins are available for residents to drop off donations.
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June 2020
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 7
Congressman Spano Visits Veteran-Owned Businesses To Discuss COVID-19 Effects
Sparkling, Dusting, Giving...Online Groups Find Ways To Deliver Spirit Of Joy
U.S. The Landing Representative Bar & Grill shutRoss Spano, a tered its doors for Republican for six weeks while Florida’s 15th constaff and cusgressional district, tomers sheltered spent time in in place to preBrandon, Plant City vent transmission and Lakeland tourof the virus. ing veteran-owned While his busismall businesses to ness is now spotlight the impact open and sales COVID-19 has had U.S. Representative Ross Spano visited local are picking up, veteran-owned small businesses to learn on their enterprises. his concerns what challenges they face during the COVID- relate to his “Ensuring that 19 epidemic. veterans have the resources they need to inability to gain access to small business succeed is one of my top priorities,” said loans through the state and federal Small Spano. “Visiting their small business in Business Administrations. the district is a way for me to connect with “They’ve been overwhelmed with the and learn about the problems they are need for assistance,” said Hellemn, who facing firsthand.” has made multiple attempts over the last The tour began at a rally at Fred’s few months to contact the agencies, to no Market in Plant City and then proceeded avail. to Lakeland with stops at Xcellent He was able to get a Paycheck Xteriors, Headley Law, Ring Roofing and Protection Program (PPP) loan from PNC Will Power Fitness Facility and ended Bank, a program that was part of the with an after-action review and meet and Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic greet at The Landing Bar & Grill, located Security (CARES) Act. at 4351 Lynx Paw Trl. Spano has used his position in Bill Hellemn opened what would one Congress to advocate for veteran small day be named The Landing Bar & Grill in business owners. As the only Florida 2013 after retiring from 23 years of servRepresentative on the House Small ice in the Navy and another 12 years of Business Committee and a former small service as a civilian contractor for the business owner, he introduced the United States Special Operation Veteran GI Bill which would allow veterCommand (SOCOM). ans to use their GI Bill benefits to start a While meeting with Spano at his business as well as the Boots to business, Hellemn expressed gratitude Business Bill. for Spano taking the time to hear his conFor more information about Spano or cerns with how his business has been his stance on other issues, visit affected by ‘safer-at-home’ restrictions. www.rossspano.com.
Have you ever been said Scolaros. “You sparkled? Have you ever have to ‘sneak’ up to seen a Wineicorn? If their door, ring or knock you’ve answered ‘No’ to and then run like crazy either one of these quesback to your car and tions, don’t worry, leave.” because if you live in the Once the person Greater Brandon area, who has been sparkled you may just get lucky receives their gift, they soon. are encouraged to take Wine With Friends a picture and then pay it Florida is a local group forward to another spreading a little cheer to Wineicorn. “We love people in the community when the ‘Minicorns’ during the challenging (kiddos) get involved times of the COVID-19 too,” Scolaro said. “It pandemic. sets such an amazing ‘Wineicorn’ Chelsea Tossas “I love unicorns, cats example of random acts delivers some joy with a special and long walks on the added flair as part of the Wine of kindness.” beach, and just in case The group also recWith Friends Florida! you couldn't guess, I also like drinking ognizes important events such as birthwine,” said Amy Scolaro, organizer of the days or promotions. Brandon chapter of the group. “But most “It's all about support and love,” of all, I like helping people, giving back Scolaro said, “even in the darker times. A and volunteering. If it makes a difference mama lost her job and ended up hometo our community, I want to be part of it.” less. Everyone rallied together to get her A friend of Scolaro’s invited her to a immediate supplies to get through the gift giving wine group that was based in days and nights outside. She ended up Arizona. “I thought to myself, Florida with a place to stay, clothes and food in a would love this, especially amidst all the mere 48 hours later; she was safe and corona chaos; the world needs love more felt loved.” than ever,” Scolaro said. “It also provides To learn more about Wine With a safely distanced activity and a muchFriends Florida or to join the group, visit needed pick-me-up. You don't need to its Facebook page at drink wine. We have gifted ladies with www.facebook.com/groups/WineWithFrie water, lemonade, beer, soda, iced tea, ndsFlorida. In addition to this group, sevetc.” eral neighborhood groups have sprouted The group is very simple to join. up with a similar spirit of giving. “We have a questionnaire everyone The concept is the same, spread fills out and they will send you their some joy with a basket delivery and put address if you choose to ‘sparkle’ them,” your name in for your own surprise!
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Page 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 6
Hillsborough County's Conviction Review Unit Reviews Wrongful Convictions
By Kathy L. Collins
If you have ever watched The Innocence Files on Netflix and wondered whether there is a similar program for Hillsborough County, the answer is yes. Under the direction of Hillsborough County State Attorney, Andrew Warren, the Conviction Review Unit (CRU) was established in 2018. Since its inception, they have received 237 requests and have reviewed 177 cases. The purpose of the CRU is to identify, remedy and prevent wrongful convictions. The CRU is led by attorney, Teresa Hall. The conviction must have been for a felony and must have occurred in the 13th Circuit of Florida (Hillsborough County). If someone believes that they or someone they know has been wrongfully convicted of a felony by trial or plea agreement, they must submit a petition. Hall explained that the petition, which can be found by visiting www.innocencefilestampa.com, was drafted so that a lay person can prepare it. Hall stressed that if anyone has a question about whether they should submit a petition, "I welcome anyone to email me at cru@sao13th.com or call 274-1954." The CRU cannot act as your attorney, but they will answer questions as best they can. If you are represented by an attorney, the petition must be submitted by your attorney. The claim must be supported by information or evidence not previously litigated before the original trier of fact (Judge or Jury). Examples of grounds that would merit review would include information about an alibi witness or fact witness
Andrew Warren (at the podium), the Hillsborough County State Attorney, created the Conviction Review Unit in 2018. Warren is seen here during the announcement of the creation of the CRU along with the Hon. Chris Altenbemd (L), Teresa Hall, the composed of legal Supervising Attorney for the CRU, and the Hon. E.J. Salcines (R).
that was not called or not available and is now available. Another example would be misidentification of the petitioner as the perpetrator. False confession is another example. This is especially true for a youth. If you were coerced into making a confession or someone in authority lied and made promises that were never kept, this would be an example of a coerced confession. Another example would be if the conviction was based on junk science. At the time, an expert witness may have testified based on science that has since been shown to be unreliable. If that is the case, this would be an example of a reason why the CRU might agree to review the case. The CRU consists of dedicated attorneys, investigators and support staff. An Independent Review Panel,
experts outside of the State Attorney's Office, collaborates with the CRU to provide additional analysis and evaluation of cases under review. If following the review and investigation, the CRU identifies a wrongful conviction, the State Attorney's office will remedy the conviction, possibly by dismissing the underlying charges and convictions and will take appropriate measure to prevent similar wrongful convictions. Reviews can take a very long time. The length depends on many factors, including the age and complexity of the case, the information available, and the number of petitions to be processed. This review is an extrajudicial process and there is no right of appeal from declination by the CRU. All decisions made by the CRU, including the decision to accept a petition regarding
re-opening a case investigation, as well as how the claim will be investigated and resolved, are at the discretion of the 13th Circuit State Attorney's Office. Locally, the CRU is in the process of reviewing a case where a robbery occurred in Valrico. Both the victim and the defendant reside in Valrico. Hall came to Hillsborough County from Indiana. She was a prosecutor in Indiana for eight years and served as a judge for three years. Hall initially went to work for the Hillsborough County Public Defender's Office. Hall explained, "When the CRU was created, I thought I would be a good fit for, given my experience." Hall added, "This was Andrew Warren's idea, but he has let me be creative. He is great to work for and is truly a leader in the State of Florida." For more information on the Conviction Review Unit, please visit www.innocencefilestampa.com. If you believe that you or a family member have been wrongfully convicted of a felony, please contact the CRU by emailing cru@sao13th.com or call 274-1954.
June 2020
Page 9
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Resident Rallys Four Local Restaurants To Come Together To Feed Fire Fighters
By Karin Davis-Thompson
It started with a converbecause they are keepsation with employees at a ing us safe. This was the few of his favorite communileast we can do. We just ty restaurants. It ended with wanted to give them a four small business making home-cooked meal.” a difference for first responThe firehouses had ders. the chance to dine on A local resident got everything from wings to together with four of his the special of the day. favorite restaurants to proThe original Beef ‘o’ vide a free meal to first Brady’s, on Kings Ave. in responders firehouses in the Brandon, provided wings Brandon/Valrico area. He to Fire Rescue - Stations said that since the pandem- The New York Diner Owner 11 and 33. Laurie Conover recently ic, fire stations are getting a Keith’s Oaks Bar & donated meals to workers record number of calls in Grill, a family-owned at local fire stations. addition to their usual call restaurant on Lithia volume and it was important Pinecrest Rd., donated for them to know they were wings to Fire Rescue appreciated. Station 18. “I wanted to use locally The New York Diner owned restaurants,” he said. allowed its first respon“It was something I had ders from Fire Rescue been thinking about. I just Station 36 to select from chose four places that I frethe menu, while the quent and when I told them And, finally, Three what I wanted to do they all Bulls Tavern & Brewery in said yes.” Valrico donated the day’s The restaurants providspecial to its fire stations, Chefs Zach Conover and 7 and 27. ed food over three days to Chris Patchin at The New make sure all three shifts at Conover, who has York Diner in Valrico the fire stations got a meal. recently cooked up some been in business for 10 food for local fire fighters. years, said it made her Laurie Conover, owner of The New York Diner in Valrico, said feel good to give back and she was donating meals was just a small way to happy to see how happy she made say thank you to first responders for them. working to keep us safe and healthy. “They were very thankful,” she “They are on the front lines, prosaid. “We put smiles on faces, fed beltecting us,” she said. “They have families and hopefully they got a good lies themselves, they can’t go home night’s sleep.”
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Page 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 6
Community Finds Unique Ways To Celebrate The Class Of 2020, Car Parades, Signs & More With the end of the 2019-2020 school year moved to eLearning and high school graduations postponed to July or possibly cancelled, the community has taken it into its own hands to celebrate the Class of 2020 in unique ways with parades, signs and more. “Our district’s graduates have so much to be proud of and to celebrate. Though it is not the end of their senior year that anyone could have predicted or wanted, their accomplishments and Photo courtesy of Melissa Snively Seniors from Durant High School celebrated recognitions will shine far brighter than the end of school with a car parade last any national emergency,” said month. Hillsborough County Public Schools’ Tanya Arja. “More than 13,000 seniors in Hillsborough County Public Schools will obtain their high school diploma this year and continue their future plans in college, the military or directly into a rewarding career.” Arja added that the district is continuing to monitor CDC guidelines and recommendations from the Florida Department of Health. The staff at Bryan Hindman Electric, LLC “Our district’s graduation committee recently gave out free yard signs to members was proactive, making alternate plans to of the Class of 2020. ensure all seniors have the opportunity to of their high school careers. experience the graduation ceremony they Brandon High is hoping to hold a tradeserve,” she said. “Instead of graduation ditional graduation ceremony at the ceremonies in May, our district’s tentative Florida State Fairgrounds at 8 p.m. on plan is to hold traditional ceremonies the Monday, July 13. week of July 13-26 at the Florida State Fairgrounds.” Bloomingdale Seniors Celebrate With
Brandon High Seniors Celebrate With Parade Brandon High School celebrated its 455 graduates last month at a drivethrough cap and gown pickup event at the school. Teachers made signs and greeted the students to celebrate the end
Parade, Lip Dub And More
Many of the 589 graduates in Bloomingdale High School’s Class of 2020 picked up letters from friends and family on Friday, May 22, with a car parade attended by community members in addition to teachers and staff.
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Operation Lotus Rallies Community To Give To Seniors
Operation Lotus celebrated the class of 2020 with baskets filled with items from local businesses.
Operation Lotus, a local charity with the mission of restoring hope to people experiencing loss or tragedy, recently teamed up with Amanda Grossman with Talk of the Party to surprise some local seniors. Parents and community members nominated seniors and an online platform randomly chose the winners. The gift included items from Outback Steakhouse, Plant City, Culver’s of Brandon (Faulkenburg Rd.), C&C Cookie Factory and Heavenly Creations, and community members, like Eblin Raush, donated gift cards, pens, books and candy. For more information, visit www.operationlotus.org.
Bryan Hindman Electric Celebrates Graduates Brandon High School’s Class of 2020 held a drive through celebration at the school last month.
“Both the cap and gown pickup and our drive through graduation were put on by the Bloomingdale faculty and they were also great ways to make the seniors feel better,” said Audra Nikolajski, editor of the Bloomingdale High School yearbook. The school was also able to keep up the annual traditions of the Senior Slideshow, which this year were posted on YouTube rather than shown at the Senior Breakfast as in the past, and Senior Lip Dub, which this year ended with the students singing “We’re All In
The team at Bryan Hindman Electric, LLC wanted to celebrate their son, a senior at East Bay High School, and other graduates in a safe way during the time of social distancing, so they decided to give out free lawn signs for members of the Class of 2020. “It is heartbreaking for the students who have lost the opportunity to participate in the things they were looking forward to this year,” said Heather Hindman. According to Hindman, students and their parents from all over the county took advantage of the free signs from the company. For more information, call 672-4084.
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June 2020
Page 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Award-Winning Future Career Academy Is Vital To Economic Development Strategy Staff Report
organizations. The academy has already opened in eight other schools throughout Hillsborough County, servPlant City Future Career Academy students visited Star Distribution ing about Systems as part of the Business Field Trip. Students met with business leaders and employees to learn about the company's jobs, 3,000 students culture, training and more. this year, with plans to continFuture Career Academy (FCA) is a program that prepares non-college-bound ue to expand in the future. While roughly 25 percent of high high school seniors for the workforce, and it has caught the attention of the business school students will earn a college degree, 75 percent will, instead, need a community, the school district and now fulfilling, full-time job right after 12th the PTA/PTSA. grade. This sobering thought resonates On April 23, the Hillsborough County with Rick Lott, mayor of the City of Plant Council PTA/PTSA 2019-2020 High City, in large part because of the time he School Division Education Award was spends working with FCA and lobbying presented to FCA for its field trip compofor its support among the business comnent, which takes students to area busimunity. nesses for an eye-opening look at work“The academy is vital for students places in their community. and also has become an integral part of As business owners guide students our city’s economic development stratethrough their facilities and show them the gy,” he said. “Students need to know that diverse jobs that exist there, the teens even if they don’t go to college, it’s OK. learn about a variety of careers and their They can still be successful in life. And salaries, benefits and advancement the program is extremely valuable to our opportunities, and they begin to underbusinesses, who hire these prepared, stand the commitment needed to earn competent young workers. These new and keep a job and what employers employees, in turn, remain in the area, expect from their workers. building industries and contributing to the FCA began five years ago at Plant community’s economic wellbeing.” City High School and is presented by For more information about bringing Workforce Development Partners Corp., FCA to your business or area high a nonprofit organization in partnership school, visit www.plantcitycareeracadewith the Hillsborough County School my.com or call Yvonne Fry at 478-0494. District along with other businesses and
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Page 12
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Brandon Residents Named Knights Of Columbus Family Of The Year
Staff Report
Alexander and Alex, a Regan Franklin of knight for seven Brandon received a years, has huge honor last served his counmonth. The couple cil in several offiwere named the cer and chairFamily of the Year man positions— by the Florida State including finanCouncil of the cial secretary Knights of and recorder— Columbus. coaches little The Franklins league baseball were selected by and is a board the 55,000-member member for a Florida jurisdiction local Boy Scout The Franklin family, Brandon residents, were Troop. of the international recently named the Family of the Year by the fraternal organizaRegan, a Florida State Council of the Knights of tion for their service school teacher, Columbus. to their council, their church and their heads up the women’s church retreat, is local community. active in the Parent-Teacher-Student Alex, a member of Resurrection Organization and runs the school food Council 15675 in Riverview, his wife, bank that assists the homeless and less Regan, and children Nick and Sophia are fortunate. all involved in various church ministries at Nick and Sophia, both National Resurrection Catholic Church in Honor Society members, are also very Riverview, including the Eucharistic minactive in their high school. Nick was capistry, CCD and RCIA religious education tain of the cross country team and programs, altar servers, lectors and choir. assists his father in directing the annual Several years ago, the entire family Passion Play. Sophia is currently the stuorganized the first parish youth retreat, dent body president and assists her which has turned into an annual event mother with the religious education classattracting more than 100 young men and es. women attendees. Recognized by the Florida Knights of As a family, they have actively partic- Columbus as a model family, the ipated in the council’s annual golf tourna- Franklins will be nominated for the ment, the Tootsie Roll Drive, to support national award presented by the two milthe intellectually challenged, the Coats lion-member Knights of Columbus at its for Kids initiative and the council’s food annual convention in the fall. pantry that serves more than 100 local To learn more about the Florida area families each week. Knights of Columbus, visit www.kofc.org.
Volume 15, Issue 6
State Agencies Offer Tips To Avoid Current COVID-19 Scams A global pandemic is just the kind of opportunity to exploit other people that criminals are loath to waste. Fortunately, resources from local law enforcement to state agencies are available to help avoid getting scammed. A flow of money like the economic stimulus checks sent to individuals and businesses from the federal as well as some local governments is something that can attract criminals. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister says people should be careful of clicking on email links or responding to phone calls that claim to help process such payments, even if someone says they are from the IRS. “Remember, no government agency will ever ask you to pay money to get your stimulus check faster,” said Chronister in a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office press release. Chronister added that people should continue to be vigilant about personal information, like their social security number. “Following these tips will help keep you and your money safe.” Spending money in a time of crisis has its own perils, according to Florida Attorney General and Plant City native Ashley Moody. She said a lot of online companies are preying on peoples’
By Brad Stager
needs for things like personal protective equipment (PPE) and are not delivering the goods. “This is outright fraud. It’s criminal and we will not tolerate it in Florida,” said Moody in a press release. “Imposters are exploiting this crisis and scamming Floridians trying to purchase vital PPE to protect their health and stop the spread of COVID-19. Sadly, we have received reports of several of these fraudulent websites that purport to be associated with locations in Florida and are working with website domain hosts to have these sites removed and evidence preserved.” Moody recommends researching a company before buying online and taking advantage of consumer protections that credit cards offer over cash or debit transactions. If you are a victim of PPE fraud, you can contact the Florida Attorney General’s office by calling 1-866-9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com, where you can also report suspected price gouging by businesses. Other useful websites are coronavirus.gov, which has the latest information from the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and ftc.gov for consumer and business information from FTC.
June 2020
Page 13
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Local Author Publishes First Fantasy Novel & Hosts Signing At Bullfrog Creek
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Page 14
Volume 15, Issue 6
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Area Summer Camps Adjust Protocols For Maximizing CDC Guidelines
Staff Report
Every year, the Osprey Observer is excited to showcase some of the best camps our area has to offer. This year was no exception. Despite some unexpected obstacles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, your local camps are ready to operate with a goal to serve and entertain the children in our community— and keep them safe. Read on to see how many of them are updating procedures to support CDC guidelines.
Camp High 5 At BSAC
Camp High 5 at Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center (BSAC) is ready to help make your child’s summer memorable. From free registration to field trips and swim lessons, there is something for everyone. Be sure to check out camp details on the website at myBSAC.org. You can also find a link to a video on what BSAC is doing to keep your children healthy and safe.
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium is prepared to make your child’s experience both fun and safe while they learn new skills, make new friends, create tasty recipes. Camp staff will be enforcing social distancing measures and effective hand washing and sanitizing, utilizing touchless temperature at beginning of each session, students will bring own face protection and more. Learn more online at www.rollingpinonline.com.
YMCA
After providing 10 weeks of emergency relief care for essential workers, the Y has become experienced in keeping children and staff safe. Visit www.tampaymca.org/letscamp to learn how your Tampa area YMCA has made adjustments to ensure your children can safely attend camps, beginning on Monday, June 1. Your Tampa Y
offers 10 weeks of camp at 16 locations across the Tampa Bay area.
Firehouse Cultural Center
Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin has eight weeks of fun to choose from, and with camp options ranging from animation to theater to robotics, there is something for everyone. To ensure the safety and health of all, campers will be temperature scanned and required to hand sanitize before entering building. Additionally, social distancing will be maintained, contact surface areas will be sanitized, masks must be worn and many other steps following and beyond CDC guidelines will be used. Register today at www.firehouseculturalcenter.org or call 6457651 for more information.
TechPlayzone
TechPlayzone is ramping it up this summer and offering both virtual and in-person classes. Campers will be able to take part in engaging STEM opportunities with LEGO® robotics, coding, handson science and more. Check out the options on www.techplayzone.com and register today.
The Florida Academy Of Performing Arts The Florida Academy of Performing Arts located in Music Showcase is following CDC guidelines to ensure a safe camp experience. Register Online today at FAOPA.org.
TLC’s Gypsy Haven
For more information on horse camp at TLC’s Gypsy Haven, located in Lithia, call Tammi Catrett at 842-4236 or email at tlcs2867@aol.com. To sign up, visit the website at www.tlcsfarms.com.
Camp Osprey
Experience the great outdoors, including ropes, horses, ziplining and more. Camp Osprey wants you to feel secure in knowing your child is safe at camp. It will be following CDC guidelines, such as monitoring camper and staff temperatures, masks being worn by counselors and adhering to smaller groups, including in cabins for overnight campers. You can register now. Camp starts on Sunday, June 14. Visit www.camposprey.com for details or email info@camposprey.com.
Impact Summer Camp
Impact Summer Camp is excited to welcome children ages 5-12 who love being active and having fun. The staff is prepared with precautionary measures in place that go beyond CDC guidelines, including an air purifier installed and ozone machine for air treatment, temperture scanning twice daily and increased cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day. Please visit ImpactSummerCamps.com or call 952-8053 and register today.
Florida Hawks FC
The staff at Florida Hawks FC is offering a variety of soccer camps for various ages and skill levels. For more information and for details on enhanced safety measures such as smaller groups, bottled water, controlled exit and entry and more, visit www.floridahawksfc.com.
Mathnasium
Summer is under way at Mathnasium and it is ready to have students join in the STEM Camp fun. Planning for safety first, Mathnasium is following CDC guidelines like temperature checks when entering, maintaining capacity regulations and
social distancing, having masks be required, disinfecting surfaces regularly and putting sneeze guards in place where needed. Be sure to check out www.mathnasium.com/brandon for more information or call 655-MATH (6284) and register today.
Patel Conservatory At The Straz Center
Register today for summer classes in dance, theater and music at the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center by visiting patelconservatory.org or calling 2221040.
Sports Fun At The MAC!
The MAC Gym in Brandon is once again offering summer sports camps. Registration will be limited to assist in social distancing requirements. Procedures will be in effect as provided through Governor DeSantis’ Safe. Smart. Step by Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery and in accordance with CDC guidelines. Register today at themacgym.org.
R & R Ranch
For more information on camp registration for children 6-12 years old and updates on horse camp dates at R & R Ranch, call 653-3819.
Ostingers Baseball
Ostingers Baseball is offering three summer camp sessions (June 1519, July 13-17, July 27- 31) for children 7-14 years of age. Camps are from 8:30am-12:30pm (it does 1/2 day camps because it is a true baseball camp). Ostingers Staff is made up of all former Professional players, who instruct! We want to teach the game from the ground up. The camp will be held at the Ostingers Baseball Academy located at 8711 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia. For more information, please visit ostingbaseball.com or call 737-3000.
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June 2020
Page 15
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
ECHO In Brandon Establishes Its First Summer Youth Leadership Program
By Tatiana Ortiz
Students ages pantry and clothing 15 to 21 who have an closet. The group also interest in developing provides free life leadership skills building programs through serving their such as GED community will get an (General Equivalency opportunity to Diploma) classes, accomplish that financial counseling, this summer with employment services ECHO’s and much more. (Emergency Care The 75 students Student volunteers assisting with Help Organization) in this program will moving boxes of food from a food drive new Youth commit to one day a at ECHO’s warehouse. Leadership Program. This nine-week pro- week from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Several traingram began on June 1 and will end on ings will be provided to teach students Friday, July 31, offering students the about core issues and lessons on generchance to earn community service hours ational poverty, what causes it, what and learn about poverty. ECHO does and more. Students will also During the quarantine months, work on team projects, assist with running ECHO shifted to an emergency food disthe Back to School Community Bash and tribution plan in order to cater to the participate in a team fundraising competineeds of the community while following tion. social distancing recommendations. This There will be a competition consisting was especially important because, as a of five teams of 15 students. Each team full-service operation, the group relies on will be responsible for planning one a large number of volunteers, the majority fundraiser for ECHO during the latter part of which are over the age of 60. of the summer as a prize will be awarded The Youth Leadership Program was to the team with the most success of it. born in an effort to expose new volunCOVID-19 safety protocols will be impleteers to ECHO. mented throughout the program. According to ECHO’s executive “Overall, our goal is that when studirector, Eleanor Saunders, this summer dents finish the program they will be able season will likely be very busy for ECHO, to see how anyone could end up at our which offers a wide variety of assistance doors,” ECHO Development Coordinator and resources to people residing in Savanna Thompson said. “We are also Hillsborough County who suffered from a grateful for the outpouring of love and recent emergency. support from our community too.” Residents who come to ECHO for Visit https://echofl.org. ECHO is locatassistance are given 20 pounds of food, ed at 507 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. seven outfits and more with ECHO’s food Call 685-0935 to learn more.
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Page 16
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 6
Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 Makes Things Cool For Local Veterans’ Home
By Libby Hopkins
The The Elks misBrandon Elks sion is to inculcate Lodge #2383 the principles of has been a charity, justice, loyal supportbrotherly love and er of Liberty fidelity. Members Manor in also strive to recTampa for ognize a belief in more than God, to promote seven years. the welfare and Whenever enhance the hapthe manor piness of its memhas a need, bers and to quickthe Brandon en the spirit of The Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 recently donated an ice machine to the veterans at Elks step up American patriotLiberty Manor. to fulfill it. ism. “All of the members of the Elks “We were so happy we were able have their favorite charities that we to get the ice machine delivered to help, but Liberty Manor is mine,” said Liberty Manor during the pandemic,” Brandon Elks Lodge’s treasurer, Price said. “Our hope is to continue Nancy Price. “Most of the veterans at to support Liberty Manor in any way Liberty Manor served in Vietnam and possible.” that’s my generation, so they are Liberty Manor has faced many very near and dear to my heart.” challenges since the pandemic, but Liberty Manor is home to 17 vethaving the support from the Brandon erans, and with so many of them livElks Lodge and the community has ing under one roof, it can be chalgiven Lindsay and Liberty Manor’s lenging to keep food and supplies veterans a feeling of relief. “We are filled. One of the supplies that are a so thankful for the Brandon Elks,” big challenge to keep filled is ice. Lindsay said. “Our veterans are so “Only those veterans that wake up at appreciative of the love and respect 6 a.m. are lucky enough to get some they get from the Elks. It’s an honor ice for the day,” said Liberty Manor’s to have them as one of our supportCEO, Connie Lindsay. “Elks Lodge ers.” #2383 were able to identify this probTo learn more about the Brandon lem because they cook for the veterElks Lodge #2383, visit www.branans often. The Elks purchased an donelks.org. For more about Liberty automatic ice machine so the veterManor or to make a donation, visit ans can enjoy the luxury of ice every- www.libertymanor.org or contact day, all the time.” Lindsay at 900-9422.
Expiration: 6/30/2020
Expiration: 6/30/2020
Expiration: 6/30/2020
June 2020
Page 17
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Residents At Tessera Of Brandon Stay Engaged And Connected With Families While Safe
By Taylor Wells
In the midyoga, a visit from the dle of the Weinermobile and COVID-19 panmuch more—can work demic, Tessera just outside its doors in of Brandon the residents’ view. adapted excelThis also helps the lently by making local businesses that sure that its resare struggling due to idents are the quarantine, so engaged more everyone benefits. than ever and Moreover, resiTessera of Brandon has adapted connecting with dents are still celebratexcellently to the COVID-19 pandemic by people outside it ing holidays; local busikeeping its residents socially distant yet connected and entertained. while everyone nesses are connecting stays safe. with the residents through letters and People want to check on their reladonating food and masks; they’re playing tives like never before, and to help out putt putt golf, bocce ball and giant chess; and keep everyone distanced yet togeth- the list goes on. There’s plenty of things er, Tessera of Brandon created visitation for the future as well, like Drum Magic stations where families can meet and talk visiting, scheduling sing-alongs and Bible with each other through a phone from study classes. opposite sides of a window. Since then, Residents are giving back to the they’ve been used nonstop. community too, as they’ve made cards “Our residents are very understandfor graduates, made Easter eggs for kids ing, the families are understanding. It’s of a local church, donated their cereal nice that they can visit,” said Jill Andrews, and made cards for Seeds of Hope and director of community relations at much more. Tessera of Brandon. “We’ve become “We’ve had to get so creative, and experts at Skype and Zoom and our team here, instead of flipping into FaceTime and Facebook Live and all of ‘Well, I guess we’re not gonna do that those things, and in the visitation stations anymore more,’ instantly went into ‘OK, we set up littles areas with couches and so what can we do and how could we chairs and tables inside a window, and change it up so that we could still do it or then we set up outdoor furniture outside do it even better?’” said Andrews. the window for the family members.” Visitors must set up appointments to That’s just the beginning, as it has use the visitation station. To learn more been organizing constant events and about Tessera of Brandon or set up an activities to keep its residents engaged. appointment, visit tesserabrandon.com or Tessera is using its iN2L program so call 607-6880. It is located at 1320 local businesses—such as Zumba and Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.
Water Filter Warehouse Has New Technology To Promote Healthy Lifestyle
By Michelle Caceres
Water Filter father work in the Warehouse Owner industry. Dan Kelleher said he “When I grew up I his goal is to provide worked for every residents of the brand water company Tampa Bay area to learn from each one access to the highest of them,” he said. “I quality of water in started my own comorder to promote a pany and sell the best healthier lifestyle. products that these Located at 3110 companies offer.” Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Kelleher, who in Valrico, adjacent to noted, between him Kim’s Natural Pet and his employees, Foods, Water Filter they have more than Water Filter Warehouse Owner Dan Warehouse offers a 200 years of experiKelleher said every home in Florida needs a water filtration system. variety of filtration ence in the industry, systems, from water coolers to drinking said Water Filter Warehouse is a top 1 water systems to whole house water filpercent dealer for all of its manufacturers. tration systems, that will remove impuri“We don’t get that distinction for not havties such as iron, sulfur, bacteria and ing knowledge about every product they other contaminants that can be harmful to have,” he said. health, ruin appliances and stain fixtures. One relatively new concept attracting It also sells shower filters, gravity pitchers, attention in recent years is electrolyzed straws that filter water and alkaline water. water, that is generated using water, salt With Florida’s shallow aquifer (which and electricity and is an eco-friendly prodis why basements aren’t an option here), uct perfect to use for food sanitation (like anything sprayed will permeate into the fruits and vegetables), water purification aquifer and eventually contaminate the and disinfecting surfaces. water system. Poor quality water can “This system creates water that mean white spots on glassware and fixbecomes a natural disinfectant and can tures, a white, scaly buildup on shower safely kill 99.99 percent of viruses and doors, dry hair or itchy skin or a funny bacteria,” said Kelleher. smell or taste to water. Water Filter Warehouse’s store hours Water Filter Warehouse can correct are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Inthese problems with any number of prod- home consultations, which are compliucts. “We sell anything and everything mentary, can be scheduled for Mondaywater,” said Kelleher, whose passion for Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Call 844-H20clean water started as a young child TEAM (420-8326) or go to www.thewatergrowing up in Virginia and watching his filterwarehouse.com.
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Page 18
Volume 15, Issue 6
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Neighborhoods And Businesses Get Creative To Thank Essential Workers
By Kate Quesada Free Counseling Services From Healing The Broken Heart
BAYADA Home Health Care Employees Teach Themselves How To Sew Masks
Office employees at the BAYADA Assistive Care State Programs (BSP) office in Brandon of BAYADA Home Health Care (bayada.com), a leading nonprofit provider of in-home healthcare and support services, banded together to watch YouTube videos and teach themselves how to sew masks, making over 100 comfort masks for its staff members in need. These masks contribute to the many supplies BAYADA is currently in need of and is actively seeking donation from across the country. Donations can be made to the organization by visiting BAYADA.com/Care4Covid or texting CARE4COVID to 41444.
To show appreciation for local first responders, educators, healthcare providers and mothers, Healing The Broken Heart, LLC Counseling Services is offering three counseling sessions for free via telehealth. To learn more, email healingthebrokenheartllc@gmail.com or call 4303113. Visit www.healingthebrokenheartllc.com for more information on Healing The Broken Heart, LLC Counseling Services. Employees at BAYADA Home Health Care recently made masks for staff members in need.
Reddick Elementary kindergarten teacher Karena Caputo received thanks for her school in the shape of a sign for her yard.
Local Teachers Receive Recognition
Students and parents all over the country are more thankful than ever for their teachers after months to eLearning. The staff at Reddick Elementary in Wimauma were shown appreciation with signs in their yard from grateful parents. Kindergarten teacher Karena Caputo proudly displayed her sign in her yard.
Bass Pro Shops Donated Masks
Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris personally donated one million FDA-approved ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Masks to healthcare workers and first responders working on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis across the United States. In Tampa, a total of 6,000 of these masks will be donated to two facilities— Brandon Regional Hospital and the Palm Gardens of Sun City Center Assisted Living Facility. Convoy of Hope is utilizing its national network of partners and volunteers to identify appropriate local hospitals and medical facilities and help distribute the masks based on areas’ needs and demands. The donation will provide thousands of hard-to-find masks to every local community with a Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s store, boat center, distribution center and White River Marine Group manufacturing facility—over 200 communities in total. To support their efforts, visit www.convoyofhope.org/10mm.
SONIC Thanks Teachers With Donations
To recognize the entrepreneurial spirit driving teachers to meet their students’ distance learning needs during this difficult time, SONIC® Drive-In matched all donations to DonorsChoose on Teacher Appreciation Day, giving three Riverview teachers funds. Christine Schreck at Boyette Springs Elementary School, Amanda Bromen at Bridgeprep Academy of Riverview and Amanda Kovach at Lillian Symmes Elementary School all received money for projects through the program. Through Limeades for Learning®,
Taco YOLO Donates Cinco De Mayo Meals
Masks were recently donated to Brandon Regional Hospital from Bass Pro Shops.
SONIC donated $1 million to public school teacher requests across the country on Teacher Appreciation Day— Tuesday, May 5—supporting their endeavors to provide students with essential education resources. Conley at Independence Academy was among the exceptional teachers whose project received funding. “Teachers across the country face new and complex challenges to keep their students learning right now,” said Christi Woodworth, vice president for public relations for SONIC. “As we continue to celebrate teachers this Teacher Appreciation Month, we sincerely thank educators like Samantha Conley who are creatively keeping their students learning even as schools are closed.
Despite having to work during a pandemic on one of the nation’s favorite holidays, employees at Brandon Regional Hospital enjoyed delicious food on Cinco de Mayo thanks to a local restaurant. Taco YOLO in FishHawk Ranch teamed up with the Newsome High School Athletic Boosters and donated meals on May 5. “We are honored to be a part of the community and were happy to donate to the brave men and women on the front lines of the pandemic helping members of our community,” said Taco YOLO’s Heath Hardin. To learn more about Taco YOLO, visit www.tacoyolo.com.
Healthcare workers at Brandon Regional Hospital ate meals from Taco YOLO on Cinco de Mayo thanks to a partnership between the restaurant at the Newsome Athletic Boosters.
With SONIC’s $1 million donation match, we were able to help teachers obtain resources for their students and will continue to empower them throughout the year.” SONIC is committed to helping teachers now in this time of need, and all year long. Through Limeades for Learning, SONIC has donated $16.6 million to public school teachers, helping more than 21,000 teachers and impacting more than 5.4 million students in public schools nationwide since 2009. Visit LimeadesforLearning.com to learn about future funding opportunities and explore public school teacher requests in need of support.
June 2020
Page 19
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Tampa Tongue-Tie Center Specializes In Laser Pediatric Treatment
By Kelly Wise Valdes
A tongue and/or frenectomies, so it was lip-tie is a physical an amazing learning condition where the experience. He was an use of the tongue or awesome teacher and lip is limited. These mentor, which has can cause issues with allowed me to continue eating, sleeping and helping families in my speaking and own practice.” increase the Utilizing a non-touch risk for caviCO2 laser, Dr. Lynn can ties. It is estirelease a tongue or lip-tie mated that 20 percent Dr. Casey Lynn treats patients at in under 20 seconds with SmileLYNN Pediatric Dentistry in of newborns have almost no bleeding, Apollo Beach and has recently some sort of tongueminor discomfort and launched his practice to include Tampa Tongue-Tie Center. tie. Sometimes the tie quick healing. After the can be ‘clipped’ in the hospital or pediatriprocedure, many parents notice that their cian office. Although this can help, there babies are not only gaining weight but may be an incomplete release and no also no longer have gas/colic and are post-op therapy guidance. This could lead sleeping more. to scarring, reattachment and difficulty According to Dr. Lynn, one of the with breastfeeding. In addition, there most important steps of the process is could be future issues, including probpost-release. Every baby treated at the lems with speech, sleeping and breathTampa Tongue-Tie Center has already ing. been evaluated by a lactation consultant Dr. Casey Lynn of SmileLYNN and usually a pediatrician. Pediatric Dentistry in Apollo Beach has Recently, the office has reopened recently launched Tampa Tongue-Tie and is strictly adhering to all of the latest Center to address the issues related to CDC guidelines. “Our office was focused tongue and lip-ties. “Performing tongue on longer appointment times, patient and lip-tie surgeries are some of the most safety and providing an amazing experirewarding procedures I do as a pediatric ence to all of our parents and patients dentist,” said Dr. Lynn. “I love to hear that prior to COVID,” said Dr. Lynn. “We have the procedure has been ‘life changing.’” streamlined all of our practice systems to “I became interested in tongue-ties decrease the need to contact in the office during my pediatric residency,” said Dr. (touchless forms, consents and payment Lynn. “After residency, I wanted to learn options).” more hands on, and luckily I worked as Visit www.tonguetietb.com or call an associate for Dr. Frank Sierra in 591-3052. SmileLYNN Pediatric Dentistry Tampa. He has been working with mothis located at 122 Harbor Village Ln. in ers and infants for years doing laser Apollo Beach.
A Callout On Facebook And Social Media Brings Meals To Parents Of Newborns In NICU By Gwen Rollings
allowed one family member, usually the mother, to stay. Others could see the baby on the NicView camera, providing access 24 hours a day.” This innovative small camera sysLocal restaurants, including Nékter and Davenport’s Daily Delights, provided meals tem is placed at designated bed spaces and treats for parents of children in the and allows parents, family and friends Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Tampa General Hospital while they stayed with their to view their infant in real-time and babies. helps families develop that bond with preemie or hospitalized infant even their When parents are preparing for the they can’t be in the NICU with when birth of their child, people often say with them. knowing smiles, “Your life will never be Parents were not allowed to leave the same again.” After COVID-19, many to eliminate their possible expounit the people shake their heads and say, “Life in the public areas of COVID-19 to sure as we knew it will never be the same members such as Team hospital. the again.” These prophesies have proven Lauren Mishos and Mangiapane, Angie especially meaningful to many new parout via social reached Marino Laurie ents in extraordinary ways since the secvariety for seeking Facebook and media ond week of March at Tampa General response The meals. hospital parents’ Hospital’s Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed was great from Greater Brandon and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Tampa restaurants, including Jai Ho Tampa General (TGH) is one of just Indian Cuisine, Nékter, Davenport’s Daily 12 Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Delights, D’Angelo’s, Culver’s, Shells Centers designated by the state of Seafood, Wright’s Gourmet, Outback Florida to deliver the highest level of Steakhouse, Carrabba’s, Entenmann’s medical care to critically ill newborns bakery, Caspers McDonald’s and Jack premature and sick infants and to and Jill of America donated cookies from women with high-risk pregnancies. Alessi Bakery. Meals were often providBefore March, both parents were welcome to visit their infants 24 hours a day. ed for NICU team members as well. Gofer Girl Scout Troop donated snack COVID-19 necessitated changes in the bags, cards and activity books. visiting policies in the NICU, but TGH’s In the midst of all the changes our highly-trained team of professionals has recently endured due to the nation found innovative ways to make the best the staff of TGH’s Jennifer pandemic, of a challenging situation. NICU proved the spirit of Muma Leigh Brenda Bugbee, NICU manager, unchanged, alive and remains charity explained the changes, “Each baby was well.
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Volume 15, Issue 6
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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Brandon/Winthrop
June 2020
Volume 15, Issue 6
Ph: 657-2418
Florida Dermatology And Skin Cancer Centers Continue To Provide Care
Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers (FLDSCC) continues to take extraordinary measures to ensure that access to essential dermatological care will continue without disruption during this unprecedented time. As it regularly monitors the COVID-19 outbreak, it would like to remind you that it remains open and, as always, its employees, patients and community remain its top priority. While many patients continue to receive treatment in one of its dermatology office locations, it understands that others may be looking for a contactless alternative. FLDSCC is offering virtual visits through telemedicine. Due to the nature of cases it observes and treats, please note that a patient may be asked to schedule an in-office follow up appointment for further diagnosis and treatment if it is felt necessary. If you’d like to learn more about its telemedicine and virtual care program or have any questions, please contact FLDSCC at 1-855-353-7546, info@fldscc.com or visit the website at www.fldscc.com.
Heroes Paradise Opens
Heroes Paradise, located at 733 Knowles Rd. in Brandon, is a family-
owned entertainment center that aims to provide a meeting place where people of all ages can play a part in having fun and creating Datz is now open in Winthrop. strong bonds within Datz Restaurant our community between first responGroup - Riverview ders, military members, families and Grand Opening with a youth. The facility is now open and welvirtual celebration. coming all ages to come and engage in The virtual ribbon-cutactivities such as tactical laser tag, an ting was streamed on interactive rock wall, on and off-road Facebook Live to members and the remote control cars, virtual reality, community. Angel Campos, general archery tag and yard games. With 8 manager of Datz Restaurant Group – acres of property and various attracRiverview, showed off its brand-new tions, there is something for everyone location and introduced those in attenof any age. dance to the Datz Restaurant Group Heroes Paradise also hosts an Riverview management team. Datz array of private events, ranging from Restaurant Group - Riverview is a craft corporate team building to birthday parbeer oasis, a bourbon lover’s paradise, ties for all ages. Visit a foodie wonderland filled with bacon, www.HeroesParadise.com, call 833cheese and housemade breads. It 543-7637 or email offers an eclectic cocktail menu with HeroesParadiseATeam@gmail.com to artisanal liquors found nowhere else in find out more. Riverview and boasts a seasonal menu change that reflects a growing commuDatz Opens In Winthrop nity appetite for unique, new entrees. On May 14, a few Greater Datz is an award-winning restaurant Riverview Chamber of Commerce and has been featured on Good (GRCC) members joined to celebrate
Morning America, Travel Channel, Food Network, Cooking Channel and FYI. Datz Restaurant Group - Riverview is located at 6264 Winthrop Town Centre Ave. in Riverview within the Winthrop Town Centre, right next to Winthrop Liquors. For more information, visit https://datztampa.com/ riverview/ or call 535-7952.
MEDI Weightloss Is Open For New And Existing Clients
With the coronavirus sweeping across the nation, many people might be struggling with ways to manage their stress, adhere to proper nutrition, and focus on their overall wellness. At MediWeightloss, it is committed to the health and wellness of its patients. Did you know that obesity is a risk factor for COVID-19? It now offers telemedicine appointments and curbside pickup as well as office visits. Medi-Weightloss has also updated and enhanced its safety and sanitation protocols. MediWeightloss in Brandon has been serving the community for over 13 years, just read its reviews to see what patients say about it. For more, please visit www.mediweightloss.com or call 654-1110. Continued on next page
Page 22
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Business Column Continued................... Attorney D. Jean Ryan Esq. Offers Bankruptcy Services
Attorney D. Jean Ryan has a long career in bankruptcy services. She graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1984 and opened her own bankruptcy practice in 1989, concentrating primarily on consumer issues. In 1998, she merged her firm with a midsized firm and later was of counsel with the former Miami offices of Steel Hector & Davis LLP. In October of 2004, Ryan and Marcia T. Dunn, a chapter 7 trustee, opened Ryan and Dunn, P.A. In November 2010, Ryan continued with the bankruptcy practice as Dunn elected to return exclusively to her duties as a chapter 7 trustee. Ryan’s practice includes the representation of consumer debtors, business debtors, creditors and trustees in cases filed under chapters 7, 11, 12 and 13. To find out more, email jryan@ryanlawpa.com or call 651-2733.
Beat The Heat Eco Tours
Latitudes Tours is very happy to be back on the water. It has added a new Breakfast Eco Tour with an early morning departure time of 8 a.m. to beat the summer heat and afternoon rain storms. It has also partnered with a local favorite, the Ruskin Diner, to offer five breakfast classics with your choice of drink to enhance your cruise as an optional extra. Book online at latitudestours.com or call 641-1311.
Custom Facemasks Available For Your Company
Manatee Apparel Graphics is an
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By Jenny Bennett
established screen printing and embroidery company that has been serving the Tampa Bay area for over 30 years. Manatee Apparel Graphics also stocks various styles of face masks at its location in Riverview, including KN-95 disposable masks, Tultex washable cotton masks and 100 percent polyester activity masks. If you prefer custom masks with your company’s logo, its website offers the ability to design your own or you can call to place an order. Most orders will ship within 48 hours or you can pick them up at the store. For more information, visit manateeapparel.com or call 866-413-8400..
Weichert Realtors Welcomes New Team Member
Weichert Realtors is proud to announce that Sonya Ivy has joined its dedicated team of knowledgeable agents at its Brandon office at Brandon Realty. The team at Weichert Realtors has brought many years of combined real estate expertise to its clients. Brandon Realty is located at 211 N. Parsons Ave. For more information, call 689-1500.
Dance Studio Open
Did you know that dancing is a healthy and great way to lift your spirits? Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Brandon has reopened and is once again sharing the joy of dancing with the community. It
has new hours to coincide with with social distancing and cleaning, so please check www.fredastaire.com/Brandon for up-todate information.
Estate And Trust Planning During COVID-19
Volume 15, Issue 6
Honda’s variable store operations of sales and finance and will be coaching, motivating and guiding approximately 65 dealership associates daily. Brandon Honda is located on SR 60 and showroom hours are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 664-1234 or visit www.BrandonHonda.com.
Heath Wealth Management recently presented a webinar on Estate and Trust Planning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was hosted by Mara Shaughnessy and Elijah Brandon Regional Heath and presented by Hospital Opens ER 24/7 Dominic Jones. The presIn Wesley Chapel entation demonstrated the Brandon Regional complications that COVIDHospital, an HCA West 19 has on your estate plan Florida Hospital, has opened and the contingencies that a new full-service emergency need to be in place. Heath room in Wesley Chapel. The Wealth Management new ER is 10,820 square would like to thank everyfeet and features 11 private one who attended the rooms and board-certified webinar and let you know Derek Farner, the new that it strives to continue to general sales manager at emergency medicine physiBrandon Honda. cians, paramedics and nurses offer more educational with emergency care experience and material to its audience during these certifications. The ER in Wesley Chapel hard times. offers convenient access to emergency For more information on financial care in a state-of-the-art emergency planning, advice, webinars and other room setting. With more advanced services, visit heathwealth.com, faceservices than an urgent care, the ER book.com/HeathWealthMGMT or call accepts patients via ambulance and 556-7171. walk-ins and has an on-site CT scanner, ultrasound, X-ray and New General Sales laboratory services. Brad Manager At Brandon Jordan, vice president of Honda emergency services, said “We Brandon Honda is are excited to open this new, pleased to announce that freestanding emergency cenDavid Farner has joined ter and feel honored to have the opporBrandon Honda as its general sales tunity to provide exceptional care to the manager. Farner has excelled in sales Wesley Chapel community.” and finance positions for Morgan Auto The ER is located at 8951 Cypress Group dealerships for 14 years. In his Manor Dr. and can be reached on 953new role at Brandon Honda, he assumes leadership over all of Brandon 4100.
June 2020
Page 23
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
La Septima Café Adapts With Family Meals And A Thriving To-Go Business
Facebook Restaurant Group Helps Restaurants And Attracts Thousands
flank steak that originates from Cuba and literally translates to ‘old clothes.’ The lore on how the dish got its unique name is that the man who created the recipe was so poor that people upon seeing the dish thought that he was feeding his family torn up old clothes. By ordering in from La Septima Café, you are choosing not only to support a local business but also taste food with a rich and beautiful Family meals are now available for $47.95 at La Septima in Brandon. history. In light of COVID-19, local When the restaurant is set to restaurants are learning how to best open back up is “to be determined,” cater to guests without having the according to La Septima employee opportunity to serve them in person. Sky Ray. If we can’t go into our favorite restau“When we do open it back up, we rants, how, then, can we best recrewant it to be done correctly and safeate that in the safety of our own ly,” said Ray. homes? Local favorite La Septima In order to serve customers who Café has cultivated a new way to do can’t make the drive to the restaujust that with family meals and a rant, La Septima has partnered with thriving to-go business. Mobile Meals and Door Dash to offer With their dining room closed, the delivery. owners of La Septima Café, the Each family meal comes with Fernandez family, took matters into rice, the choice of tossed salad or their own hands and pivoted the black beans, Cuban bread with olive focus from delicious food in an butter and one 2-litter bottle of Coke, authentic Ybor atmosphere to bringDiet Coke or Sprite. Each family ing their food safely to their cusmeal serves four for $47.95 with the tomers. exception of the Bistec Milanesa Not only does La Septima Café (Cuban breaded steak), which is offer delivery and take out, but now $49.95. Orders can be made online they offer family meals. Diners can at laseptimacafe.com or over the choose from any of the restaurant’s phone by calling 685-0502. La signature dishes, including Ybor clas- Septima is located at 702 W. sic ropa vieja, slow-cooked shredded Lumsden Rd. in Brandon.
Local realtor favorite dishes Brenda Wade and deals, memhad an idea last bers also started month that posting givebrightened the aways and conlives of thoutests and rallying sands of quarandonations to protined residents vide food to while helping essential workers restaurants and recognition of through some single parents on hard times. Mother’s Day. Wade set up But the best the private thing for Wade Facebook group about the group ‘Restaurants in is how it has Greater Brandon brought the comFishHawk resident Rebecca Long was & Tampa Area recognized by the Restaurants in Greater munity together. Offering Delivery Brandon & Tampa Area Offering Delivery & “I have been Take Out Facebook page on Mother’s Day. so impressed by & Take Out’ and within days it had thousands of folhow positive everyone has been and lowers and hundreds of posts a week how they have rallied when they saw offering support to local restaurants. a need,” she said. “I feel we have “I eat out frequently and was still added value to some folks that needgrabbing takeout and noticed how ed us.” terribly slow the restaurants were,” Despite the fact that restaurants said Wade. “I just wanted to help. I are now starting to open with quaranhad a friend in Canada that had start- tine restrictions lifting, Wade feels ed a group and I felt we should try it there is still a role for the group. here.” “I see us continuing to support Wade started spreading the word them and using it to promote the about the group through her family independent food providers,” she and real estate contacts and it quickexplained. “We have lots of hidden ly gained momentum. gems in our community. There are “This community is close-knit and ones I didn’t know about and I think will rally for what they believe in,” she it’s important to support local.” said. “We all want our neighbors and Search for ‘Restaurants in friends to survive this black swan.” Greater Brandon & Tampa Area In addition to posts from resiOffering Delivery & Take Out’ on dents and restaurant owners about Facebook to learn more.
By Kye Saunders
By Kate Quesada
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Page 24
Volume 15, Issue 6
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Museum For All Program Grants Access To Local Museums For Those Who Receive SNAP Benefits
America’s Wildest Drive-In Experience Comes To Tampa With The Parking Lot Social
Museums For Petersburg and the All is a national, John and Mable branded access Ringling Museum of program that Art in Sarasota. encourages individThe program uals of all backoffers museums a grounds to visit way to broaden their museums regularly visitor base and it and build lifelong allows undermuseum habits. It served comis open to participamunities a tion by any type of way to visit Local museums, including the museum, including museums, art, history, natural Tampa Museum of where the Art, participate in a history/anthropolovisitors can program called Museums For All. It is an initiative gy, general musebe inspired and have that allow members of the community their creativity ignited. ums, children’s who receive SNAP benefits free or museums, science The program is an reduced admission at several area museums. centers, planetariinitiative of the ums, nature centers, historic houses, Institute of Museum and Library sites, zoos, aquariums, botanical gar- Services. It is administered by the dens and arboretums. Association of Children’s Museums. The program allows individuals Since its launch in 2014, and families who receive SNAP benMuseum for All has served more than efits (food stamps) free or reduced 2.5 million visitors nationwide. general admission to many museums There is no limit to the number of simply by showing their active EBT times an individual or a family can card at the admissions desk. Cost of visit the museum. They can get admission should never be a barrier admission for 43 or less for up to to someone visiting a museum. four people per one EBT card. At the In the state of Florida, there are Tampa Museum of Art, for instance, 22 participating venues. Within the families receive free admission Tampa Bay area, there are several, thanks to funding from PNC Bank. including the Museum of Science and A representative from the Tampa Industry (MOSI) in Tampa, the Tampa Museum of Art said, “We are so Bay History Center in Tampa, the proud to offer this national program Tampa Museum of Art next to Curtis to the Tampa Bay community during Hixon Park in downtown Tampa, the this critical time.” Explorations V Children’s Museum in For more information on the Lakeland, the Great Explorations Museum For All program and to find Children’s Museum in St. Petersburg, out about participating museums, the Morean Art Center in St. please visit www.museums4all.org.
The Parking nology and conLot Social is sists of a fully coming to covered stage, Tampa’s two 40-foot Raymond screens, a 52James Stadium foot-tall rainbowbeginning on shooting fire Thursday, July hydrant and two 16 and running larger than life, through Sunday, inflatable Parking July 19. This Lot Social gorilevent modernRaymond James Stadium in Tampa will host las. Not only izes the tradiThe Parking Lot Social, a new immersive and does the space interactive event featuring Car-A-Oke, tional drive-in look amazing, it Headphone Disco DJ Battle, Midnight Movies experience and more. Get your tickets now as each event is capable of through a supercomfortably hostis limited to 250 cars. sized, multisensory attraction. Guests ing up to 250 cars at each event. In a will enjoy ‘Car-A-Oke,’ silent disco, live unique twist, audio will be transmitted bands, interactive trivia, stand-up directly from the stage to custom-made comedians, food, drinks and more. wireless headphones, which will be The Parking Lot Social offers an supplied to all guests. exciting mix of classic and cutting edge If that is not enough, there will also concepts to help guarantee a unique be a dedicated food village. Social disand unforgettable night out with the tancing protocols will be in place for all emphasis on the interactive and the food ordering, delivery and handling. immersive. The event was the creation of The Parking Lot Social will also be Grahame Ferguson and Cameron hosting two dedicated family events Craig, founders of XL Event Labs. going by the name of Social Kids. Ferguson said, “The Parking Lot Social These will run through the day on has been designed with a special Saturday and Sunday and will feature emphasis on the event being immerall the same entertainment but adapted sive and interactive. Given that people for a family audience. There will be a will be restricted to their cars, this strong parents versus kids theme runaspect of the event becomes super ning throughout the Social Kids events important. Think of it like a mini festival and a fun, safe day out for the entire that takes place right inside your very family is guaranteed. own car.” At the event’s core, and setting it Tickets start at $29 and must be apart from a traditional drive-in experipurchased online. For a completer ence, is its unique, custom-designed schedule and to purchase tickets, performance space. This spectacular please visit installation is a blend of art and techhttps://theparkinglotsocial.com/.
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June 2020
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 25
Put Your Messages Up In Lights With New Tampa Theatre Marquee Program
Plant City Photo Archives And History Center Adds Photographs And Book To Its Collection
In bright lights came as a hint of and large signs, relief when, in a the Tampa Theatre meeting disflashes messages cussing options of congratulations for fundraising, a along Franklin St. former employee Illuminated by LED asked if it were at panels, stylized in all possible to unique vogue antidisplay a conquated by flashgratulatory mesbacks to former sage to their son theater decades, for his graduathe Tampa Theatre tion. The Tampa Theatre shows off Reid Wagner’s brightens the city “A lightbulb congratulatory message for his high school with its newly went off for us,” graduation. Be sure to get one too with a $150 donation to the Tampa Theatre. advertised said Witecki, as Marquee Messages program. Tampa Theatre realized that, with its Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, newly installed and advanced marquee the Tampa Theatre shut down in-house boards, it could remotely display mesoperations in March, including its sages. Marquee Messages program, causing So far, the program has attracted financial burdens for the company. But congratulations for high school graduaearlier this month, the theater reopened tions, birthdays, weddings and more. its Marquee Message boards in bright Most recently, a couple’s 58th anniverand colorful fashion. For donations of sary was stapled in lights with many $150, the Tampa Theatre will display more following. messages on its historic marquees for Though the shutdown has hindered one hour and offers three distinct time the Tampa Theatre in allowing moviegoeras for the message to be displayed in: ers to enjoy a good film and popcorn, it 1926, 1956 and 1996. These styles pull doesn’t stop them from pursuing ways on the Tampa Theatre’s historic roots, to participate in their community. with each one being a hallmark represenTo schedule a Marquee Message, tation of the theater’s episodic timeline. contact Tampa Theatre Box Office These donations help the Tampa Manager Dawn Kidle at dawn@tamTheatre to maintain costs, including rent patheatre.org to make your donation and staff payments, and avoid losing its and schedule your date and time. Digital signature, historic environment. To proofs will be provided prior to the disDirector of Marketing and Community play going live to ensure your special Relations Jill Witecki it was imperative message is camera-ready at the approthe Tampa Theatre stay afloat. So it priate time.
The Plant individual donaCity Photo tions and family Archives & papers and docuHistory Center ments, the Plant has received City Photo some exciting Archives total colnew additions. lection approaches These include a 180,000, many of collection of which have been photographs digitized for preserand a new vation. The Plant City Photo Archives & History Center book. Jim Helms is committed to preserving the history of Plant The entire City. With the addition of the Kenneth Jameson was born in the Photography collection and a new book by Jim 1940s and grew up collection of Helms, the center expands its collection. Kenneth in Plant City. The Jameson Photography had been donatPlant City native has written a book ed by Michael Jameson, his son. The called Juvenile Impressions of Plant City collection of 31 boxes containing nega– A Collection of Playful Stories. Jim lived tives, prints, and miscellaneous photoon Ferrell St. and then Johnson St. He graphic materials dates back nearly four attended Wilson Elementary, Burney decades. This amounts to neatly 31,000 Elementary School and Jackson photographs. Elementary School. He graduated with Ed Verner, Plant City Photo Archives the Plant City High School Class of 1965. & History Center president, said, “The Jim also wrote about his grandmothnew contribution of photos greatly adds er, Zula Helms, who owned and operated to the total collection of the archives and the popular Helms Dress Shop on expands its ability to tell the story of the Palmer St. in downtown Plant City. Jim history and heritage of the Greater Plant said of the book, “These 35 stories offer City community.” a playful telling of my observations and Kenneth was born and raised in the feelings about growing up in Plant City.” Lithia area. Kenneth was a high school The 300-page book by Jim is on reporter and photographer for the Tampa sale in the Plant City Photo Archive & Times and a veteran of United States History Center gift shop along with a Army. Jameson was a pioneer in videonumber of other books by local authors. taping weddings with his son, Michael. The Plant City Photo Archives & He retired from photography from 2016 History Center is a not-for-profit history and passed away in 2018. organization. It is located at 106 S. Evers The Kenneth collection adds to the St. in downtown Plant City. For more Plant City Photo Archives’ collection of information, please visit www.plantcitywork of local photographers. With many photoarchives.org.
By Jadon Khor
By Kathy L. Collins
7/22/2020
7/22/2020
7/22/2020
Page 26
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 6
Sports Connection Photos courtesy of Dawn Wolff
657-2418
www.ospreyobserver.com
By Nick Nahas
Bloomingdale Girls Basketball Starter Follows Family Tradition As Standout Player Covid-19 has affected many people’s daily lives and routines. There are many cons of the pandemic, but there are some benefits of having more free time, such as the ability to spend more time with your loved ones. Bloomingdale basketball player Kyrstin Wolff and her mom, Dawn Lanier, have taken advantage of this rare opportunity. Lanier played college basketball for Loyola University. Many members of her family members have played the game as well, including her father, who played semipro. Now her daughter, Kyrstin, has taken up the family tradition as well, by her own choice. As a freshman at Bloomingdale, Wolff averaged 6 points per game to go along with 7 rebounds and 2 blocks per game while starting at center. This comes as a pleasant surprise for Wolff, who got cut as a sixth-grader from her middle school team a few years ago. Wolff didn’t let that hinder her. She decided to work as the team manager that same season to learn the playbook, as well as hone her skills. She didn’t want to feel that same way again, so she used that as her main motivation to get better. Her hard work all paid off in the end, as she became a starter for her high school team that went 19-7 this past season with a trip to regionals. She also worked hard
while doing schoolwork pair has trained for four to her everything she knows about the online, finishing her freshfive days a week since the game. Their body type and style of play is man year with an impresbeginning of the pandemic. so similar that it’s almost uncanny. Kyrstin sive 3.85 GPA. “She is far better than I also wears the same number 42 that her “I learned a lot from was at her age,” said Dawn. mother and grandfather both wore. Dawn playing tough teams like “As hard as it is to hear her calls Kyrstin her “mini me.” Tampa Bay Tech and Fort not wanting to be like me, it The training will continue throughout Myers this past season,” allows me to see her forge the summer for Dawn and Kyrstin. They said Wolff. “I’m happy to her own path. I think that’s normally would be entrenched in the travhave earned their respect because she’s chosen basel ball summer season at this time. as a freshman, but I know ketball, versus it being plantKyrstin plays for the Compound travel that I still have a lot of ed on her, I love seeing her team, and Dawn is the assistant coach. work to do.” on the court. I love seeing They may choose not to participate due The young Wolff her enjoy playing." to concerns over the virus. She is also Kyrstin Wolff was a standout remains hungry as she Kyrstin has been workmissing out on the high school spring ball player for Bloomingdale. continues to work in the ing on her fundamentals, season and on coaching summer basketoffseason with her mother to evolve as a dribbling, shooting and athleticism, and ball camps at the high school. player. According to Dawn, Kyrstin has also has a hoop in her driveway and has Kyrstin’s goals are to become ranked only played the game for three and a half worked out in her garage with their in the state and county basketball rankyears and still has a lot that she can “makeshift CrossFit gym.” ings. She wants to come back to school improve on. This pandemic has given the Dawn has also been running and as a different player, because she knows pair a rare opportunity to spend time working out with Kyrstin, while teaching that her best is yet to come. together and bond over the game that Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes they both love. They admittedly butt NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, heads sometimes because they both desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of have strong personalities and are very similar, but they always make up in the Laura Moore DBA Laura Moore at Aquali Salon end, and this experience has helped located at 3652 Erindale Dr., in Hillsborough County, them learn to communicate better. Dawn in the City of Valrico, Florida 33596 intends to register the said name is currently working from home for with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Progressive as a corporate recruiter. She Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. has taken on the role of mom, teacher Dated at Valrico, Florida, this 23rd day of June 2020 and trainer, while working full time. The
June 2020
Page 27
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Great Time To Get Legal Affairs In Order At Tom Gallo Law
Rendee Hughes Continues To Succeed In Commercial Real Estate By Adjusting With Times
“You can’t take it with trust is in place so assets you,” said Florida Attorney can more quickly go to Thomas J. Gallo, P.A. “And heirs.” when it comes to making Located at 2240 Lithia your wishes known about Center Ln. in Valrico, Gallo how you want your estate (all has more than 40 years of your earthly possessions) experience in managing divided, doing nothing is complex estate planning, often the wrong answer.” tax planning and asset proWriting out a will, making tection, guardianship, trust plans for end-of-life medical and estate administration, care and establishing trusts business structuring and (if you are using them) are succession planning for just some of the issues every Tom Gallo with Tom Gallo clients. Law says every individual individual should address, Business owners in needs an exit strategy sooner rather than later. particular want to make because you can’t take it “Everyone needs a will sure that their businesses with you. or a trust, whether your famiwill be protected, he said. ly is large or small, whether you are sin“Even if you just own one rental property gle, married, divorced or remarried,” he there are strategies to protect that asset said. “Everyone should make sure that that I can help with.” their assets go to the person or persons The first consultation with Gallo is they want them to go to.” complimentary. During that initial visit, In Florida, if you die without a will— Gallo will have a conversation with the called dying intestate—the courts, using client about what’s important to them. succession laws found in the Florida “By getting to know a client’s goals, Probate Code, will decide how your fears and hopes, I can make a better assets will be distributed to your heirs. assessment of what they have, what they That process is public and often messy if want to do and devise a plan to help would-be-heirs have competing priorities them accomplish those goals,” he said. and conflicting notions of what is rightfully “It’s goes beyond just filling out forms.” theirs. Tom Gallo Law’s office hours are Did a family member die without a Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and will or trust in place? Gallo says his firm Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. can represent individuals through the pro“Come in so we can talk or if you prebate process, but it tends to be costlier fer we can talk on the phone or via and take more time. Zoom,” said Gallo. “Probate can take from five or six For more information about Tom months to a year to complete,” he said. Gallo Law, visit www.tomgallolaw.com or “To avoid probate, make sure that a will or call 815-4LAW (815-4529).
Rendee Hughes, a world does business, “I commercial sales associate am a commercial with Turner Cole Company agent, and we were Real Estate Services, very busy with low would probably agree with inventory (prior to writer Mackenzi Lee’s COVID-19). After that, quote, “It is not a failure to the phone basically readjust my sails to fit the stopped ringing the first waters I find myself in.” few weeks. I am now She’s been successfully receiving a steady ‘readjusting’ most of her life. amount of calls but less Hughes graduated than half the traffic of from Western Illinois pre-COVID-19.” Rendee Hughes is a broker University in Macomb, Although safe associate with Turner Cole Illinois in 1986 with a minor Company Real Estate Services. social distancing and in finance and a major in marketing. It zoom technology is expected to help was in her junior year at Western Illinois minimize physical interactions, Hughes University that Hughes took her first real said that most commercial clients want to estate class and loved it. She went on to walk the property and see it live. Social complete a master’s degree in business distancing, masks and gloves have administration from Colorado Technical become the acceptable method of interUniversity in 2008. Because of these acting with clients and doing business. educational qualifications, she adapted Once again, Hughes continues to successfully in sales and marketing for adapt with technology such as Zoom as over 30 years. it becomes increasingly more essential in In 1994, Hughes left the Chicago her day-to-day business dealings. Her area and its brutal winter weather and ingenuity doesn’t stop with just advanced adapted easily to the beautiful winters in technology. “I am rolling out a residential the Riverview/FishHawk area. offering to the Hughes’ team and very Seven years ago, she modified her excited about it.,” she said. “We will conlifestyle again and became a realtor and tinue to provide superior consultative eventually a broker associate. “I became services to those trusting us with their a broker associate for increased knowlassignments.” Although the waters are edge. It helped me tremendously in the rough, Hughes continues to readjust the investment realm. I can clearly guide sails for success. investors to positive returns on their Contact Hughes at rendeehughinvestments anywhere from 7 to 15 peres@gmail.com or call 735-6181. Turner cent.” Cole Company is located at 333 N. Hughes acknowledged that COVIDFalkenburg Rd., Ste. B206 in Tampa. 19 will most likely change the way the
By Michelle Caceres
By Gwen Rollings
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 15, Issue 6