Riverview/Apollo Beach
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April 2020 Volume 18, Issue 4 Ph: 657-2418
C E L E B R A T I N G
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Y E A R S
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P U B L I S H I N G
Osprey Observer Continues Publishing To Keep Public Informed During COVID-19 Alert
P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
Area Schools Host Teacher Parades For Students To Show Appreciation
By Libby Hopkins
By Marie Gilmore, Managing Editor
As your community newspaper, the Osprey Observer will stay open for regular business hours and will continue publishing our newspapers during the next eight weeks. We are monitoring every press release and every advisory from Hillsborough County, the state of Florida and the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and it is our top priority to keep our readers, our advertisers and our families safe and healthy during the next two months. With that in mind, we are here to help local businesses craft their brand messaging, their social media and how to reflect their best practices to give the community confidence in their services. Please call us at 657-2418 if you need guidance on any services, openings or assistance needed and our team will do everything we can to help. We are also collecting a list of organizations that need our help in this time, including Seeds of Hope, ECHO of Brandon (Emergency Care Help Organization), Meals On Wheels of Tampa and so many more. Please let us know of any community resources that could be of assistance to our readers, and thank you for reading! While reading the upcoming editions, please know that some events may have announced a delay, a postponement or a rescheduled event after the paper has gone to press, so please contact the organization directly for the latest information. For Hillsborough County schools, new Superintendent Addison Davis
released the following, “The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Because of this, we are taking steps to make sure everyone is following the requirements of the Florida Department of Health.” For the latest update, visit Hillsborough Schools.org/coronavirus. Starting on March 17, the county administrator Mike Merrill made a special order for all restaurants, bars, clubs and other businesses serving food and drink that they must close by 10 p.m. and limit load capacity to 50 percent. Shortly thereafter, the county released a second order limiting all public and private gatherings, including churches, to 50 people. Experts say social distancing is the most effective way to slow the spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) and to ensure public health facilities are not overwhelmed. The practice means refraining from large gatherings and keeping a 6-foot distance from other people when possible. Hillsborough County’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Business: https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en /residents/public-safety/emergency-management/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-business. Current numbers for the state of Florida of COVID-19 cases: http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseasesand-conditions/COVID-19/index.html. As of this printing, all local schools, libraries and many public facilities will be closed until further notice.
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Can You Find Oscar the Osprey?
The teachers and staff at Apollo Beach Elementary held a parade last month to show the students how much they missed them.
COVID-19 has recently made a huge impact on residents of all ages. Students especially are learning how to adapt to a new way of working and attending school. The teachers and staff at Apollo Beach Elementary realized how all these changes are affecting their students and decided to host a parade to let them know they missed them and that they are still part of the school. Alyssa Martin, a teacher at Apollo Beach Elementary, came up with the parade idea. “My father sent me a video of some teachers driving by houses to see their students,” Martin said. “Due to the circumstances, it is unknown when and if we will see and be able to hug our students again. So, I thought that having a staff parade would be a fantastic way for us to ‘see’ our sweet children and families. We all missed our students very much and our teachers and staff knew that this would be a great way to see them as well.” The parade took place on March 23, and more than 40 teachers and staff members, along with their spouses, children and fur children spent more than three hours driving through various communities in Apollo Beach. “The logistics of the Apollo Beach Elementary staff parade were created and finalized in less than 24 hours of pitching the idea to the staff,” Martin said. “Our principal, Kelly McMillan, and assistant principal, Dr. Bradley Fuller, were on board with this idea and promoted it
throughout our community. Valerie Dickson, our school counselor, and Tammy Holt, a parent in our community, also assisted with the logistics of the parade. I cannot thank them enough for all of their help and support.” Julia Sarmiento-Cohen’s son and daughter are students at the school and the parade not only lifted their spirits, it made them proud to be a part of the school. “My son’s teacher, Mrs. Seal, knew our home was not on the parade route and she personally reached out and called my son to check in and see how he was doing,” Sarmiento-Cohen said. “My daughter’s teacher, Mrs. Small, also face-timed my daughter to check in on her to tell her how much she missed and loved her. In the days since, many local schools have hosted parades for their students and teachers. The Florida Department of Education has directed all school districts in Florida to keep schools closed through May 1st.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. Some of our stories and advertisements were approved well before printing of this edition so please note times, locations, dates and details may have adjusted, changed or rescheduled since publication. We appreciate your support and readership of Your Community Newspaper.
Marie Gilmore
www.ospreyobserver.com
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 18, Issue 4
April 2020
Page 3
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
ACS Postpones Area Relay For Life Events But Keeps Online Portals Active
Free Outdoor & Osprey Treasure Hunts Available With Geocaching
won't publicly engage in the specific impact of our potential financial losses, but please know they may end up being significant.” The FishHawk and Bloomingdale area events were scheduled to take place this month and teams had already spent a significant amount of time fundraising, but they are also planning ways to raise money and have fun as a Relay for Life events scheduled for this community during the events. month were postponed due to concerns with “Equally important, we recognize COVID-19. the emotional attachment our volun“Cancer doesn't care about COVIDteers and supporters have to Relay for 19,” said Tammy Schoonover, Senior Life events,” said Schoonover. “They're Community Development Manager with more than fundraisers, they're grassroot the American Cancer Society (ACS). gatherings of strength and courage. As “People are still battling cancer, still on we look to reschedule events, we want cancer journeys.” to create opportunities that focus on Taking this into consideration, ACS is generating emotional support and bringasking for help from residents after making us together as a community. We will ing the tough decision to postpone all look to do that virtually. Once the social Relay for Life events scheduled to take distancing limitations are lifted, it will be place this spring. so important for ACS to help reignite our “The Cancer Society has to put the sense of community.” health and safety of its staff and volun“At this time, all Relay for Life events teers first,” she said, “so we've made the are reevaluating how best to move fordifficult decision to postpone all in-person ward with events and the Planning events. But we continue to do all that we Committees are working through those can in these unprecedented times to fulfill details at this time,” said our mission.” Schoonover. “However, participants, if Relay for Life events, which take interested in still supporting the mission, place at high schools and other locations can do so through virtual fundraising this throughout the country annually, are as it will give people a purpose and a some of the biggest fundraisers for the diversion at the same time. The fundraischarity. ing platforms are still in place for each “While the suspended events certain- Relay, so fundraising can continue ly create a financial concern, we remain through the Relay websites.” upbeat about attacking cancer from every For information, visit cancer.org or angle,” said Schoonover. “At this time, we call Schoonover at 319-5909 ext. 18001.
Parents everylocation. Once 10-20 where spent days in feet from the cache, March looking for fun, searchers use their safe activities for their eyes and follow clues families while practicleft in the app. ing social distancing Caches vary in size, and avoiding the but many contain spread of the coronprizes and a log to avirus. The Martin sign once found. family, Lithia resiThe Martins startdents, found a solued by finding the tion that provided Osprey Observer them, and other cache, which is hidlocals, with hours of den in FishHawk entertainment. Ranch (Phase I) on “With our spring Lithia Pinecrest Rd., break cruise being 1/4 mile south of cancelled and all that Fishhawk Blvd. was rapidly changing Quinn and Jesse Martin, who live in After locating Lithia, found the Osprey Observer in our world at lightthat, they decided to geocache last month and were ning speed, my husinspired to hide their own cache in take adventure into FishHawk Ranch. band, Josh, and I their own hands by started looking into activities to get our hiding their own cache for their friends family outdoors, active and just enjoying to find. the many places literally in our own “It’s easy to find once you get backyard,” said Mandy Martin. going, but just enough for the young “Geocaching came up on a blog I was ones to get excited,” said Martin. reading, and once I researched what They filled their cache with stickexactly it was, I knew it was a perfect fit ers, trinkets and small toys and ask for my two kids, ages 8 and 5, who love that anyone who finds the box leaves finding the little ‘treasure’ in life.” a treasure of their own. Geocaching, from the words ‘geo’ Caches logged in the geocache meaning earth and ‘cache’ meaning app are categorized in many different anything hidden, also known as modways, including difficulty and terrain. ern day treasure hunting, requires only To learn more about geocaching, a GPS, which comes on most mobile visit www.geocaching.com. If you find phones. Searchers begin by downthe Osprey Observer geocache, be loading a free app, which is available sure to take a picture and post it on on the App Store and Google Play, our Facebook page or email and navigating the GPS to a certain editor@ospreyobserver.com.
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Page 4
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 18, Issue 4
Walden Alumnus Works With University To Secure A Donation For Three Local Schools
TECO Doubling 600MW Solar Farm To Expand Power To Growing Population
It was a normal day, Then, in honor of perfect for baseball. Walden’s 50th anniverKatie Patel, a cardiac sary, the school decidnurse, was watching a ed to sponsor the team play as she waitWalden’s Mobilize for ed for her son’s game Good program. to start. The Lennard After receiving an High School pitcher, email with information Patrick Plunkett Jr., about the initiative, threw a pitch. Patel thought about Walden alumnus Katie Patel that day in 2017 and “The batter hit a hard line drive straight stands outside of Lennard High decided to request a School as she prepares to back at him,” Patel Mobilize for Good and donate donation of an AED several AEDs to save lives. said. “He (Patrick) did(automated external n’t have any time to react. The ball hit defibrillator) for the field. Although the him in the chest, causing him to go school has several other AEDs, she into sudden cardiac arrest.” said, with the size of the campus, Patel and several other parents, having one on the field would be a coaches and staff ran to Patrick. They real benefit. got him on his back and checked for The university donated five AEDs a pulse—there wasn’t one. to Lennard and provided CPR training “I started doing chest compresfor teachers, coaches, staff and stusions,” Patel said. “There was anothdents. er nurse there supporting his neck Walter McCollum, Walden’s dean and airway. I just kept doing chest of student affairs, said working with compressions to keep his circulation the school’s alumni to celebrate 50 going.” years of educational excellence by Patel, a graduate of Walden giving back was a natural fit. University, said she couldn’t believe “Throughout Walden University’s what was happening. 50-year history, countless students, “But my instincts kicked in quickalumni, faculty and staff have made a ly,” she said. “After that, I was just on real difference in their professions,” auto pilot doing what I’ve done hunMcCollum said. “Their passions comdreds of times when I worked in the bined with their commitment to social emergency department.” change define the very best of Fast forward more than two years Walden.” later. She still keeps in touch with The school’s Mobilize for Good Patrick through social media and an Initiative is working with 15 alumni in exchange of Christmas cards. But the five cities throughout the United experience always stuck with her. States.
company’s leadership. “Our customers want a cleaner energy future for themselves—and their children,” said Nancy Tower, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. “We are committed to continue to lead Tampa Electric toward cleaner energy while ensuring our prices remain affordable for customers.” According to TECO Tampa Electric uses goats to take care of the Spokesperson Cherie Jacobs, landscape at its solar farms. the solar farms will make a difTremendous growth in the number of ference in protecting the environment in homes and businesses in the Tampa Bay the area it serves. area, especially in Southern Hillsborough “When complete, the solar expanCounty, means a greater need for electrision will reduce carbon dioxide emiscal energy, and Tampa Electric Company sions by about 500,000 tons every is using the sun to help produce it. year, which is roughly equal to removThe utility has announced plans to ing 100,000 cars from the road,” she increase its solar power by 600MW wrote in an email. “Thanks to our existbefore the end of 2023. The additional ing investment in solar power, Tampa power will about double TECO’s solar Electric has already saved more than output to 1250MW, which, according to 1.4 billion gallons of water—significantly the company, is enough electrical helping an area of the state that has power capacity to service 200,000 critical concerns over water use.” homes. Jacobs added that TECO is planning to When the additional solar power is continue its solar expansion, including completely online, TECO’s use of solar the purchase of 1,200 acres of former energy will be about 14 percent of the Del Monte farmland straddling the utility’s total generated power. Hillsborough/Polk County line. According to a TECO news release, Currently, TECO operates a dozen that amount of solar energy production solar power farms to help service its “would be the highest percentage of 780,000 customers in West Central solar power of any utility in the state.” Florida, including South Hillsborough The $800 million investment in County locations in Balm, Lithia, Little solar power is a commitment to sustainManatee River, Grange Hall (south of ability and affordability, according to the SR 674) and Wimauma.
By Karin Davis-Thompson
By Brad Stager
April 2020
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 5
Spring Fishing Is Upon Us In Tampa Bay
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With the cronavirus (COVID-19) impacting everyone’s life and social distancing becoming the norm, the first thing I have noticed is the amount of boats on Tampa Bay has increased significantly. The weather has been extremely warm, the water has warmed up to around 78 degrees and the live bait has come into the bay. This means spring fishing is upon us. Although snook, redfish and trout are still closed (through May 2021), they are readily available to be caught. Snook are located along the cuts and mangrove line throughout Cockroach Bay. Fifty-plus snook days are now common. Greenbacks have been the bait of choice. Chumming has been necessary to fire them up. Redfish have been found in the same locations. Greenbacks, threadfins, shrimp and cut bait have all resulted in hookups
on these tough-fighting fish. The Spanish mackerel have followed the bait into the bay. Macks between 18” and 28” are being caught on live bait and gold spoons. This is pretty much nonstop action once you find the macks. Remember to use long shank hooks and 40-pound clear leader to reduce break-offs. As the water continues to warm, big fish season (my favorite season), blacktip sharks, cobia, kingfish and Goliath grouper will soon be arriving. Stay healthy, keep distance and as long as we are allowed, stay fishing.
Captain Brian Lemelin Optimus Fishing Charters 813-365-0230 www.optimusfishingcharters.com
Page 6
Volume 18, Issue 4
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Project Lotus Dances For Dignity
By Amy Schechter
1 at the Suncoast Credit Union Administration building in Tampa where participants in a two-hour Zumbathon were asked to donate products to participate. The event coordinator, Joseisa Sanchez, created this event after learning how many women do Project Lotus Restoring Dignity works with homeless not have access to these women in the Riverview area. products. “I knew I wanted When you imagine a homeless person, what do you picture? Kendra Wilson, to collect donated products, but didn’t know what I was going to do with them founder and president of Project Lotus until a friend told me about Project Lotus Restoring Dignity, is willing to bet that 98 Restoring Dignity.” percent of readers visualize men. With over 50 people attending this However, one third of the homeless population are women with unique challenges, event, Sanchez has plans to hold additional Dance for Dignity events. “Aside and that’s why her nonprofit is so very from being able to collect hygiene prodimportant. ucts, this event also brought awareness “I always had compassion for the to this cause and connecting people to underserved,” Wilson said. “I was wonProject Lotus helps them easily and fredering what to do for an initiative. What quently take action to donate and help about feminine hygiene products? We homeless women during their monthly give shampoos, toothpaste, socks, but cycle.” we often don’t think about these. What Wilson encourages others to follow does this group of people use? It’s often Sanchez’s example, “I’m only one person, unsafe items. Women in unstable housbut I’m going to make an impact.” ing conditions often go without or have to Although she has been collecting these choose whether to get something to eat products for a number of years, in 2019, or buy tampons.” Believe it or not, there she officially started Project Lotus are no federal funds allocated specifically Restoring Dignity as a nonprofit and for feminine hygiene products, and began partnering with agencies that Wilson knew she had to start the converalready work with homeless people. It sation. continues to seek out individuals, organiFrom a small group filling Ziploc zations and churches who want to be a bags, Wilson’s vision has grown expopart of this initiative through their time, nentially. Project Lotus Restoring Dignity recently received over $900 worth of sani- financial support and direct donations. tary feminine hygiene products from the For more information, visit www.faceDance for Dignity event held on February book.com/ProjectLotusRestoringDignity.
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Page 7
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
New East-West Route On The Way For SouthShore Residents By Brad Stager cars and trucks around SouthShore, other benefits include new sidewalks and bicycle lanes, providing local residents choices in accessing the growing number of businesses, services and recreational opportunities that are sprouting up all over what was East of this dead-end of Paseo al Mar Blvd. in Apollo Beach’s Waterset community is the Belmont once considered by land developsubdivision and US 301. A road project linking the ers of the early 20th century to be two disconnected ends of Paseo al Mar Blvd. in the an uninhabitable area. The Waterset and Belmont communities has been approved by the Hillsborough County Commission. planned route provides a link to an existing east-west road, CR 672, A new road project approved by the to create a transportation corridor from Hillsborough County Commission will pro- CR 39, west to the Apollo Beach watervide another route to travel between the front. rapidly growing areas of homes and comAccording to a media release from mercial developments along Highways Hillsborough County Commissioner US 41 and US 301 in the SouthShore Sandra Murman, the county is providing area. $4.25 million for the project and the Known as “Apollo Beach Blvd. I-75 Florida Department of Transportation is Overpass (Paseo al Mar)” to county paying $5.75 million, with the developer of transportation officials, the project will link Waterset by Newland Communities conApollo Beach Blvd./Paseo al Mar Blvd. tributing $12 million. from its current eastern terminus, just “This will create a vital new east-west west of I-75 in the Waterset development, corridor for SouthShore residents—the with the currently dead-ended portion of first in many years. The developer is conPaseo al Mar Blvd. that lies east of I-75 in tributing over one-half of the total cost of the Belmont subdivision. It skirts the this project, which is laudable, and we northern boundary of Bullfrog Creek can now say ‘the developer pays’ for Mitigation Park Wildlife and infrastructure. The new Apollo Beach Environmental Area. Boulevard will also provide a much needThe cost of the four-lane divided ed access option and give relief to resicounty road construction project is dents stuck in congestion on Big Bend $22,251,657 and includes an overpass Rd. till those improvements are comabove I-75 and a bridge over Bullfrog plete,” she wrote in an email. Creek, providing increased connectivity The final design of the project is between two of the region’s major northexpected to be completed early this year south roads, US 41 and US 301. with construction beginning before the Besides greater capacity to move end of 2020 and ending in late 2022.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
ewing i V e e t Mana rs, o t i s i V Center e & Mor
Tampa Electric’s Award-Winning Manatee Viewing Center Welcomed Six Millionth Visitor
When the water temperature of Tampa Bay is 68 degrees or aymire nielle W com a D y b r. d e colder, manatees gathe v r il e p s b Com ospreyo @ e er in the clean, warm ir m y dwa water discharge canal of Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station, sometimes by the hundreds. Visitors can see the mammals up close from multiple Masons Help Feed The Needy boardwalks and vantage points. Each For the members of DeSoto Masonic season, the 50-acre Manatee Viewing Lodge No. 105 in Riverview, giving back Center draws nearly 400,000 visitors, and being active and productive memand this year, it welcomed its six millionth bers of the community is pivotal to the visitor. “For decades, visitors have overall efforts of the entire lodge as well flocked to the Manatee Viewing Center to as the character building of the members. enjoy these natural treasures of Florida,” On March 14, 11 lodge brothers, their said Stan Kroh, manager of Land and wives and other volunteers gathered at Stewardship Programs for Tampa the Habitat for Electric. “We’re Humanity ReStore proud to be such a facility located at coveted destina501 W. Robertson tion—and a showSt. in Brandon. case for Tampa The DeSoto volElectric’s commitunteers expressed ment to environmenextreme gratitude to tal stewardship.” the Habitat Restore Admission and staff, which was very parking at the Apollo receptive to the Beach facility are lodge’s request to Members of DeSoto Masonic Lodge No. free. provide support and 105 in Riverview gathered at the Habitat The Manatee effectively put these for Humanity ReStore. Viewing Center’s volunteers to proregular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every ductive work. The Lodge Worshipful day from November 1 through April Master hopes to maintain this productive 15, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and relationship of community service Easter. between these two organizations and Visit the center online at www.tampaalso hopes to expand this effort to other electric.com/manatee or call 228Habitat for Humanity locations in the 4289 for more information. area.
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Volume 18, Issue 4
Apollo Beach Woman’s Club Celebrates 60 Years
The Apollo Beach Woman’s Club (ABWC) 60th Anniversary Celebration was held on February 16 at the Southshore Falls Community Center. Former Apollo Beach resident and retired WFLA Channel 8 newscaster Bob Hite was the guest speaker and two past ABWC scholThe Apollo Beach Women’s Club celebrated 60 arship recipients, Eddie Livsay and years in February. Pictured in the top sections (left Madison Corr, provided an update on to right): the current and seven past ABWC presidents; ABWC member Phyllis Elsberry, past ABWC’s status. The primary mission ABWC scholarship recipient Madison Corr and is providing scholarships for educaNatalie Corr; and past ABWC President Katherine tion and training of students who live Cintron with guest speaker Bob Hite. At the bottom in Apollo Beach and the surrounding (left to right): Diane Livesay with past ABWC scholarship recipient Eddie Livesey and ABWC areas with a demonstrated financial members. need. South Bay Genealogical Society To For information, call 672-4462 or visit Meet www.apollobeachwomansclub.com. On Tuesday, April 21, the South Bay Genealogical Society Apollo Beach is planning to meet at Woman’s the United Methodist Club May Church in the Life 2020 Enrichment Center Luncheon (LEC) at 1210 Del The Webb Blvd. W. in Apollo Beach Sun City Center. Woman’s Club Guest speaker (ABWC) plans Carol Rooksby to hold its last The Apollo Beach Woman’s Club (ABWC) Wiedlich at 1 p.m. luncheon for donated $500 to Mission Smiles, a mobile Wiedlich will be dental clinic that serves Hillsborough County by the season on talking on ‘Wiki, Wiki, providing free emergency dental care for those Wednesday, who financially qualify. Pictured left to right: What?’ This presenMay 13 at Claudia Gassett, ABWC president; Beverly tation will focus on Fletchall, ABWC community service co-chair; Apollo’s Kathy McGartland, Mission Smiles RDH explaining what wikis Bistro, located program director; and Marcia Ward, ABWC are and how you can at 6520 community service co-chair. use wikis for Richies Way in Apollo Beach. genealogical research. Call Sheila at 319For reservations, contact Sharon 631-4457. Mail your check to SBGS, PO Vasquez at 641-7856 or sharonlBox 5202, Sun City Center, FL 33571. If vasquez@verizon.net. www.apollobeachconditions change due to the current womansclub.com, or contact Liz health crisis, all members and those who Pedersen at 777-8215 or kenlizpederhave signed up will be informed. sen@msn.com.
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Page 9
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Chamber Of Commerce Holds Leap Around The World In 18 Holes Golf Tournament
Staff Report
In late February, the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) hosted its 26th annual Golf Tournament with the theme of Leap Around the World in 18 Holes. “The event took place at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club and the day was filled with beautiful weather and fun,” said Chamber Event Coordinator Gabby Morford. “The shining sun and gusts of wind were perfect for players and non-players alike to visit the vendors set up along the perimeter of the Putting Contest.” Among the vendor spots were Angeloni Tax Advisory Group, Inc. hosting the Putting Contest, Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery on US Hwy. 301 in Riverview, Bryan Hindman Electric hosting the Ball Drop, Charity Clothing Pickup, Christopher Ligori and Associates, Image360 in Tampa/Ybor City, NuVita Chiropractic, PHDermatology and The Regent. Providing food and beverages to attendees were Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Papa John’s in Riverview, Selfie Subs, The Alley at Southshore and Willie Jewell’s Old School Bar-B-Q. According to Morford, before the shotgun start, there were many opportunities for the guests to purchase raffle tickets and game enhancements. The raffle prizes contained dozens of amazing baskets and other items donated by the generous members and friends of the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce. “A continuously big hit is The Wagon of Cheer that was filled with over 35 bottles of liquor,” said Morford. “GRCC
JJ 2020 First Place Team – JJ Taylor of Risco/Talbot/Day/O’Fallen
ambassadors and board members contributed top-shelf liquors to create this bar stocking paradise that raised over $2,000 for the chamber.” Annually noted as the most anticipated moment of the day is the Bryan Hindman Electric Ball Drop. Bryan and Heather Hindman graciously donate their time and money to make this happen. Over $2,700 worth of ball drop numbers were sold this year. “Chris Guiley with A+ Hearing Center, Inc. was the ecstatic winner of the ball closest to the pin and was present at the time of the ball drop, which means she walked away with $1,644, 60 percent of the pot,” said Morford. Immediately following the Bryan Hindman Electric Ball Drop, the Marine Corps League Sgt. Walter P. Ryan Detachment, Inc. presented the national anthem and an official 21-gun salute to signal the beginning of the tournament. “The 26 teams enthusiastically departed the clubhouse for the start of the games,” said Morford. “There were teams who were serious about winning the tournament and others who just wanted to
The Marine Corps League Sgt. Walter P. Ryan Detachment, Inc. presented the national anthem and an official 21-gun salute.
have fun with their friends. All teams had the chance to use mulligans and string to enhance their chances of winning.” The beverage sponsors for the event were First Citrus Bank and Riverview Mortgage, and JJ Taylor donated beer. Winners included: Longest Drive for Women – Nancy Monsipapa of Nail the Sale; Longest Drive for Men – Pat Fore of P.F. Auto Glass, Inc.; A+ Hearing Center, Inc.’s Closest to the Pin – Dennis O’Hara of Absolute Wellness Center; Angeloni Tax Advisory Group’s Putting Contest – James Pulkowski of James J. Pulkowski, CPA, PA; and 2020 First
Chris Guiley (Left), the Electric Ball Drop winner.
Place Team – JJ Taylor of Risco/Talbot/Day/O’Fallen. The chamber would like to thank Christian Beiter, Preservation 1st Financial Group, LLC, and Co-Chair Bill Andrew, Tessera of Brandon. Top sponsors for the day included: The Mosaic Company, Preservation 1st Financial Group, Tessera of Brandon and Mike & Kathy Jones. Visit www.RiverviewChamber.com. The chamber is located at 10101 Bloomingdale Ave., Ste. 102 in Riverview and can be reached at 234-5944.
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Page 10
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 18, Issue 4
Education Foundation Donates Supplies To Local Achievement Schools
By Kate Quesada
The “These are Gibsonton Hillsborough some of the highEducation est needs schools Foundation (HEF) in our district,” said helped some Oestreich. SouthShore chilThe teachers dren who needed it had the opportunity most last month. to hand out the The group, a nonpackaged supplies profit focused on to their students. strengthening pubSchools also had lic education by the opportunity to supporting teachpick up supplies at Ruskin ers and empowerHEF. ing students to “The need is achieve academic great in and personal sucHillsborough cess, donated supCounty where two plies to more than out of three stu10,000 students in dents rely on free Achievement or reduced-price Schools throughout lunch at school and the county. they rely on the “This is an free supplies we unprecedented provide; that’s an time in education,” estimated 145,000 said HEF Media students, and the Contact Kendra number will continOestreich. “COVIDue to grow with the 19 concerns are current economic impacting how our slowdown,” said students continue Oestreich. Shields to learn, how The group has teachers are probeen helping stuviding lessons and dents in how Hillsborough Hillsborough Education County, offering Foundation continresources and ues to provide supfinancial support to plies and resources enrich K-12 educato support students tional experiences who need them by providing oppormost.” tunities for all stuThe group dents, regardless Thompson closed its Teaching of background or The Hillsborough Education Foundation economic status, Tools Resource packaged and donated school supplies Center, an on-site since 1987. to 10,000 students throughout Hillsborough County last month in the store at HEF “Together with SouthShore area. where Hillsborough our community County Public Schools Title I teachpartners, HEF strategically invests in ers can shop for supplies for free initiatives that impact teaching qualionce a month throughout the school ty and increase graduation rates, year, due to social distancing conbolstering a thriving workforce of cerns, but it found a way to help tomorrow and the sustainable prosanyway. perity of Tampa Bay,” said On the week that Hillsborough Oestreich. County students started e-learning, HEF is asking for the communiHEF staff began packaging and disty’s support to help ensure the tributing supplies to 41 Achievement achievement gap doesn’t grow even Schools, including Gibsonton, wider with students learning from Thompson and Ruskin Elementary home. For more information about Schools and Shields Middle School how you can help, visit educationin the SouthShore area. foundation.com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
The Boyette Springs Special Dependent District Board Of Trustees Welcomes A New Trustee
By Libby Hopkins
The Boyette Celia Howe is the Springs Special BSSDD’s treasurer Dependent District and loves being a (BSSDD) recently member of the board, welcomed a new and she is excited to member to their have Miles join the board of trustees, board of trustees. Gina Miles. Miles is “What I like most a realtor with Florida about being a trustee Executive Realty of the board is that I and has been in the have been able to real estate business work with fellow for more than 20 trustees for special years. projects such as our The Boyette Springs Special Dependent new signage in 2008 “I joined the District (BSSDD) recently welcomed a board because I'm new member to their board of trustees, and working with the interested in helping county to have native Gina Miles. Boyette Springs maintain an attractive plants and trees in the medians upon the exterior appearance, which will help posicompletion of the Boyette Rd. widening in tively influence home values in our com2014,” Howe said. munity,” Miles said. “I'm honored to serve Both Miles and Howe hope more resmy neighbors in this way.” idents from Boyette Springs will become Miles and her family are two-time involved with the BSSDD. Boyette Springs residents. “I’d like to see more residents step“We moved back to the neighborping in to serve on the board after each hood two and a half years ago after being trustee has completed his or her four-year away for 13 years,” Miles said. term,” Howe said. “At this time, four She has previously served on the trustees are serving beyond four years HOA Board of Directors during her previand two trustees have served over fifteen ous residency and enjoyed helping build years, so we are quite excited to wela sense of community among the neighcome Gina.” bors by implementing the Fall Festival To learn more or if you’re interested and Summer Ice Cream Social. in joining their board of trustees, you can The BSSDD was created in 1993 visit its website at www.boyettespringsswhen efforts among homeowners to care dd.com or email the BSSDD president at for the five entrances became too much boyettesdd@gmail.com. BSSDD meetfor an ongoing basis. The responsibility of ings are held on the second Wednesday the BSSDD is to maintain the attractive of each month at the Allstate Insurance appearance of the exterior properties in Company building, located at 12307 Boyette Springs. Boyette Rd. in Riverview.
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Volume 18, Issue 4
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Families Spread Hope With Chalk Messages, Artwork And Bear Hunts
For Aesthetic Appointments Call 813-514-4711 Serving the Tampa Bay Area since 1988
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Michelle neighbors created a Quessenberry, owner stained-glass piece on of No Place Like Home the driveway with a Pet Sitting, was walking message—‘God is a client’s dog in a Greater,’” said FishHawk neighborHernandez. hood and noticed colorIn an additional ful messages drawn on effort to stay connected, the sidewalk. As she another local community approached for a closer is inviting neighbors to look, she was surprised decorate their front Kayla and Anna Massey created doors or window with to see the inspirational chalk art work. notes of hope and hearts. Using the encouragement: hashtag #aworldof“Take it one step at a time.” hearts, Jennifer “The world is yours.” MacMenomay “Stay Hopeful.” encouraged neighApparently, throughout neighbors to take a nice, borhoods across the community, socially-distanced students are spreading positivity and stroll around the block to feel the love. “It hope with the creation of artistic mesmay feel like we are a world apart, but sages on sidewalks and driveways during maybe instead we can fill this void with the COVID-19 pandemic. During a very #aworldofhearts,” said MacMenomay on stressful time for children and parents, her Facebook post. these messages are brightening up the Other neighborhoods are starting a communities and bringing people ‘togeth- bear hunt for kids and families that are er’ during a time of isolation. This phegoing on walks during the quarantine. nomenon, or ‘chalkspiration,’ is beginning Everyone who wants to participate is to take shape in neighborhoods everyasked to put a teddy bear in a window— where. either a stuffed bear or a bear picture. As When Quessenberry returned home families walk through the neighborhood, to her neighborhood in Riverview that they can go on a bear hunt. afternoon, she saw more artwork adornFor even more artwork that is circling ing the driveways and sidewalks. “We around the globe, parents are encourhave some great artists here,” said aged to submit their child’s art on a public Quessenberry. Facebook group called Corona Sunshine, Riverview resident Orlando started by Jenny Heying from Tampa. t Hernandez was flying his drone and To see the amazing artwork that is came across an amazing piece of art in added each day, visit Corona Sunshine his neighbor’s driveway. “One of my on Facebook.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Local Small Business Makes Sure Local Charities Are Clean And Fit For Clients
By Karin Davis-Thompson
the effort and became an official not-for-profit. The duo also created a Facebook page and to date there are more than 550 members. While they are still working with the Ronald McDonald House, they have added other charities to the roster. Along with providing cleanKen Jordan and daughter Jessie prepare for a day of ing services, Lisa said they volunteering. work with charities to proLisa Jordan and her husband, Ken, vide other kinds of assistance. For said they were looking for the perfect example, she said she sits on the way to give back to their community. As fundraising committee for the Sylvia the owners and operators of Accent Thomas Center, a local support group American, Inc., they knew there had to providing assistance and support to be a way to use their skills and their adopted and foster children and their business to make a difference. families. They decided the best thing to do Lisa said she always feels really was use the expertise they had and progood when she sees all of the people vide professional cleaning services to willing to volunteer. local charities. “At our last cleaning event, we had “We provide cleaning and disaster a family come down from Pennsylvania restoration,” Lisa Jordan said. “We can and bring their three children to assist,” also do odor decontamination. It’s a way she said. to give back to those who give to othShe said the charity chosen for ers.” assistance is always extremely appreThe services for a cleaning includes ciative of their organization as well as everything from carpet to laminate and the volunteers who take out time to other hard surfaces. Their disaster help. restoration services include restoring “I usually get a big hug from the areas damaged by water, fire, mold, and facility manager when we are done,” sewage among other things. Lisa said. They call their initiative Cleaning For more information on how you Community Gives Back and in 2015 can volunteer or make a donation, email started with Tampa’s Ronald McDonald Lisa and Ken at accamer@earthlink.net. House. In June 2019, they incorporated
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Page 14
Volume 18, Issue 4
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
A+ Hearing Center Offers New AI Hearing Aids
By Michelle Caceres
Sun City Center specialists through resident Valerie Liotta the Florida has been wearing a Department of hearing aid since the Health, share the early 1990s, but commitment of not thanks to advances in only selling hearing technology, her new aids but educating hearing aid, Livio AI, people that hearing offers more than just should be treated better sound quality. the same as eyePowered by intesight. grated sensors and “Hearing is one A+ Hearing Center artificial intelligence, way we make conOwners Don and Chris Guiley are in the business of her new device is tact with the outside helping people hear better. rechargeable and feaworld,” said Chris. tures fall detection and alerts, translation She stresses that selling hearing aids in 27 languages and a real time virtual is only part of the story. “We’re here to assistant which allows for hands-free help help people hear better,” she said. whenever and wherever she needs it. It The Livio AI, which has earned a also includes a mobile app that allows her place on TIME’s 2019 list of best invento adjust the volume, switch memories tions in the accessibility category, is one and manage other features from her of the many hearing aids they recomsmartphone. mend at their store. There are many “This is unlike any hearing aid I’ve hearing aid styles that vary a great deal in ever owned and I love the new features,” price, size, special features and the way she said. they’re placed in ears. The Guileys, after Liotta thanks Don and Chris Guiley, a free hearing check, work with each owners of A+ Hearing Center, located at patient to determine which device best 1647 Sun City Center Plaza Bldg., Ste. meets their individual needs. 203A, for introducing her to the Livio AI. “If a patient selects a hearing aid “I have been purchasing my hearing today, I can have it ready by the next day, aids from them for years and value their but custom pieces require about a week,” recommendation and couldn’t be more said Chris. pleased with my new hearing aid,” she A+ Hearing is open Monday to said. “They care about their customers Friday, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and Saturday and are knowledgeable about the prodby appointment. ucts they offer.” For more information about A+ With a combined 45 years’ worth of Hearing Center or to schedule a hearing experience in the hearing business, the test, visit www.aplushearingsuncity.com or Guileys, who are licensed as hearing aid call 642-8200.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Mother And Daughter Form Dynamic Duo To Develop Personal Masks For Caregivers
By Gwen Rollings
Plato once said, bly 30 years, we got “Necessity is the back on the bicycle mother of invention.” and took out the Translation: needing sewing machine to something leads to figure out how to creating something to make this work.” satisfy that need. A prototype had Georgana Collins in to take into consideraApollo Beach and tion the size of masks, her 89-year-old the material needed mother, Millie and the steps Millie Stahl, 89 years Stahl, collaboratold, does her part in involved. The masks ed in recent days needed to cover the pressing personal protective masks. to create a solunose and mouth and tion for the shortstill have elastic sized correctly to keep age of personal the masks snugly in place. These two protective masks. ladies went to work. Stahl had some Collins is the administrator and a nurse material at home, but Collins bought addiwith Hanson Services In-Home Care and tional materials and elastic locally. Assistance in Sun City Center. For almost a week, the mother and The necessity was providing adedaughter duo spent four to five hours quate protection for 80 caregivers who every day producing these personal safevisit clients during the coronavirus panguards, which they say is a labor of love. demic. Collins said, “All of our caregivers Stahl pins each piece of material individucontinue to work. Our clients depend on ally to a pattern, cuts it out and irons it. us. We needed to ensure the safety of Next, Collins sews the pleats in place, our caregivers, the clients and all the fam- then more ironing is done by her mother. ilies involved.” Doing that proved to be a After that, the elastic is attached, and challenge. Even though an online order Stahl irons once more to ensure each for masks was possible, the masks could mask is “crisp and neat.” not be delivered until June. Inventing a All caregivers wash their own masks solution was the immediate priority. every night, place each separately in a Collins discussed the situation with sealed bag with the clients’ names printed her mother, and they determined a remeon the outside. One caregiver, Lupita dy was possible. Stahl was an accomMelchor-Guerrero, even made her own plished seamstress half a century ago. masks. Collins is clearly proud of her She made dance recital costumes replete team, “who never quit despite the chalwith hand-sewn sequins and squarelenges.” As her 89-year-old mother of the dancing costumes then. Collins said, invention agreed, “I just wanted to do my “Even though I haven’t sewed for probashare to help out.”
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 18, Issue 4
Riverview’s Drew Jrolf Continues Family Baseball Legacy With Scholarship
By Nick Nahas
Drew Jrolf’s high Coast Prospects. school baseball career is According to Drew, the in limbo like so many othteam goes on a trip to ers in Hillsborough County West Virginia every and all over the country summer, where they due to the coronavirus. do community service The Riverview senior at the local little standout may have played leagues. He says that his last game for the playing for the former Sharks as he awaits the major league player county’s decision on has helped him in so whether the postponed many ways. “He season will continue. Drew Jrolf plays first base for teaches a whole differThe first baseman ent level of baseball. the Riverview Sharks. comes from a baseball family. His He knows the game really well,” said older brother played for Newsome, Drew. “He teaches us the right way to and in November, Drew signed a fullplay, and how to be a better person ride scholarship to play college baseas well.” ball at the next level for the same The Sharks were on a hot streak school that his father, Tony Jrolf, before the hiatus, winning four times played second base for, Metropolitan in a row. Drew was batting .273 nine Community College in Kansas City, games into the season. He’s staying Missouri. Tony played Independent in shape, working out in his garage League baseball and he was the and hitting off the tee as much as he president of the East Bay Little can while hoping for another opportuLeague for several years. nity to help lead his team to one last “To be honest, I was completely playoff run with his fellow seniors. shocked when MCC-Maplewoods was The players are not allowed to work his selection,” said Tony. “I didn’t out with their club teams or the high push in any direction at all, so what school varsity team during the hiatus makes me the most proud was that with facilities being closed. he was able to process all the offers Regardless of what the county he had and selected the one that decides, Drew’s baseball career isn’t made the most sense to him. Seeing over. him run onto the field wearing the “It means a lot to me that I am same #16 jersey I wore will be an able to continue our family legacy, incredibly special moment.” playing for the same coach that my Drew also plays for former Tampa dad played for and hopefully getting Bay Devil Rays pitcher Seth to play at the next level after college McClung’s AAU team, the Florida Gulf as well,” said Drew.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Good Roads For Riverview! A Battle Cry For Construction Continues For 136 Years!
By Charles Nelson
The push for ‘good roads’ is not a new issue in Southern Hillsborough County. Six years before the first cars arrived on Tampa streets in 1900, roadbuilding in South County was proposed, although actual construction was often a very slow process. In 1894, a new road was suggested for linking Tampa to Riverview/Peru. This ‘Riverview Road’ would be built, primarily with convict labor, from a point just east of the Six Mile Creek Bridge (where today’s Broadway Ave. crosses the Tampa Bypass Canal) to the Alafia River. Because of delays in building other county roads, convict labor was stretched thinly, and construction of the Riverview Road was delayed until late 1899. By then, newspapers were urging action as the existing route was in “exceedingly bad condition for travel.” In late 1900, the county announced that it would build a swinging, iron drawbridge connecting Riverview with Peru over the Alafia River, using discarded iron from the dismantled Lafayette Street Bridge in Tampa (today’s Kennedy Blvd.). That bridge was completed in 1901, at about the same time that the Riverview Road became a reality. That road, however, was a shell road and needed frequent repairs to keep it passable. To improve the road, plans to upgrade to a hard brick surface were announced. But construction once again
an hour, but immediately south of the Alafia bridge, racers slowed to an average of twenty-seven miles per hour on the dangerous, sandy roads. Recklessly, Tampa’s Fred Ferman gunned his 1911 Cadillac Touring Car into a steep, sandy curve, near Riverview School, at a dangerous 48 miles per hour. He lost control of his vehicle and nearly ‘P ortion of brick Car.’ of disman g g R n in ri iv u w e overturned his car, breaking his o ra rv T D c iew Road t.’ illa ‘Line ’ ette Stree ‘1911 Cad tled Lafay rear axle in the process. 1.5 miles from the finish line, his axle disintegrated, and his pasmoved at a snail’s pace as disputes 1910. They urged Hillsborough sengers had to push the undrivable over private contracts, government Commissioners to close the gap of car to claim second place in the race. funding and poor construction techdangerous, unpassable roads niques hampered progress. In 1905, between Parrish and Riverview to cre- In all, six cars failed to finish because of the dangerous conditions. John Brandon, perhaps South ate a continuous, paved route That wreck-filled race underCounty’s first NIMBY protestor (Not In between Tampa and Bradenton. My Back Yard) slowed construction by Hillsborough Commissioners accepted scored the need for a good road to Manatee County. On the next day, strongly opposing improvements near that challenge, but opposing recomCommissioners selected the his property. Yet, despite these mendations on where to build the Riverview route as the best alternadelays, the Riverview Road could road stymied any decisions. tive and awarded contracts in August finally, in 1908, boast 14.3 miles of The powerful Tampa Board of 1911. Again, construction moved very good, brick road from Tampa to the Trade favored an ‘eastern route’ (now slowly, and the road was not completiron bridge on the Alafia River. US 301), which would incorporate the ed until 1923, although by then it had Any motorist brave enough to Riverview Road and bridge. Its oppobeen widened to sixteen feet and drive across the bridge, however, nents, composed of Ruskin and paved with asphalt, creating a solid immediately became mired in unimGardenville community leaders, proved sandy roads that made auto favored a ‘western route’ (now US 41) foundation for the future US 301. travel difficult, if not impossible. There along the bay which would be miles were no plans for additional roadwork shorter and cheaper to build. Charles Nelson Bio south of the Alafia since it was To draw attention to their position, Charles Nelson holds a MA degree in believed that existing, unimproved the Board of Trade and the Tampa History from George Mason University roads adequately served the needs of Automobile Club held a 53-mile auto and taught as an adjunct instructor at HCC (Dale Mabry). He is also affiliated rural farmers in the area. race from Tampa to Bradenton along with Tampa Bay History Center as a Surprisingly, the primary incentive the ‘eastern route’ on July 4, 1911. On volunteer docent, researcher and to build good roads south of Riverview the paved road sections, north of the community lecturer, with an emphasis on South Hillsborough County history. came from Manatee County leaders in Alafia, speeds approached fifty miles
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Page 21
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
What To Do While Distancing & From Home: Art-To-Go, LEGO & More
By Kate Quesada
With residents responding to calls to practicing social distance and staying home to prevent the spread of COVID19, many local businesses are adapting their services to offer ways their customers can have fun and be safe. From online classes to craft kits at home, businesses are answering residents’ requests to keep busy and stay connected in these changing and challenging times. Details subject to change. Please contact the retailer for details.
find regular updates on the business’s Facebook page.
Curbside Pottery To-Go Kits
Escape the ‘quarantine blues’ with The Pottery Patch’s new Curbside Paint Your Own Pottery To-Go Kits. Now available, purchase online or call 643-0014 and let representatives help you pick out some fun pottery to paint in the comfort of your own home. Don’t worry about catching an illness (or passing one on). Studies have Kerby’s Nursery Offers shown that creating and Garden Fun For All painting is relaxing, calms With children home our anxieties and, best of all, unexpectedly, many people fun! Order online or call the are looking for things to do. studio to pre-purchase your Fortunately, outside everypottery of choice. Drive to Gardening is one way to one’s back door is a yard the studio and call from your keep children active year round. or garden for them to car, and workers will bring explore. Kim and Joey Bokor of Kerby’s out your to-go kit. Return it at your conNursery in Seffner offer 10 garden projvenience and employees will glaze and ects to do with kids. Suggestions include fire your projects. Projects will be ready planting seeds, setting up a vegetable for pick up in seven days. All kits come garden, planting a garden for butterflies, with pottery paints, brushes, decorating rounding up worms in the garden, going supplies and directions. Customers can on a bug hunt, planting a miniature garselect the pottery pieces den and creating your own flower. they want from its online listFor more information on these ideas ing or call the studio and its or to learn more about the nursery, call helpful staff will walk them 685-3265 or visit through the process. Let www.kerbysnursery.com. your kids open their minds and explore Florida Aquarium Offers their creativity, all Online Programming while staying safe After making the hard from illness at decision to close its doors home. to the public in support of The Pottery community efforts to limit Patch, a pottery the spread of the coronavirus (COVIDpainting studio, is one of 19), the Florida Aquarium launches its the oldest paint and crefirst-ever SEA-SPAN Facebook Live to ate studios in the Tampa Bay area with keep kids learning and adults entertained over 17 years of entertainment for all during these difficult times. ages. With over 600 different pottery and Guests can visit the aquarium and be DIY wood projects in stock, it is the perentertained and educated from the comfect spot to create away these quarantine fort of their own living room. blues. To watch live, just visit the Aquarium’s To learn more, contact Wendy Pettys, Facebook page at 10 a.m. The Aquarium owner, at 643-0014 or 601-6691. Visit will also post the SEA-SPAN sessions on www.potterypatchstudio.com. The Pottery its website and on YouTube so the shows Patch is located at 2551 S.R. 60 E. in can be watched on demand. Valrico.
Tea Parties At Home From Camellia’s Tea Room Camellia’s Tea Room, located at 3102 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico, recently started offering Tea Party To Go packages, which can be picked up at the curbside, and daily family meals. To learn more, visit camelliastearoom.com or call 278-5213. You can also
Bricks 4 Kidz Offers LEGO Challenges With Prizes
Stuck at home with the kids? Bricks 4 Kidz can help them stay busy and get you some prizes too. Each challenge lasts 24 hours. Post the picture of your completed challenge in the comments, and the one with the most Facebook likes will win a free Bricks 4 Kidz Summer
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that can be ordered in advance and picked up at the store to be assembled at home. The store also offers pint-sized containers of Big Olaf ice cream for pick up too. To learn more, visit www.artandicecream.com or call 3159803.
TADA Offers Online Arts Experiences Theatre Arts and Dance Alliance (TADA) is always looking for new and creative ways to solve problems. This situation is no different. While TADA feels it is socially responsible to limit large numbers of students in dance studios and large groups in the lobby, it can still continue to deliver the exceptional dance, music and theater experience you know and love at Theatre Arts and Dance Alliance. Thanks to new technology, the studio is opening its digital doors and providing an online arts experience using Zoom.us as a platform. Email any questions to office@tadance.com. To learn more about TADA, visit www.tadance.com or call 571-0901.
AR Workshop Offers DIY To-Go
Glazer Children’s Museum Takes Learning And Playing Online
Once the Glazer Children’s Museum closed its doors to the public last month, employees quickly started offering online programming for children and parents to enjoy safely with GCM at Home. GMC at Home, a new section of the museum’s website, hosts videos, printable activities pages, recipes and other fun ideas for families to try while complying with social distancing. Follow along at www.GlazerMuseum.org/GCMatHome.
Girls With Confidence Offers Online Classes
With the current health issues we are experiencing and to encourage social distancing, Girls with Confidence recently decided to offer a series of virtual workshops for girls. The focus will be to continue the group’s mission of helping girls develop positive self-esteem and confidence at an early age. The goal of the online classes is to provide a creative outlet for the girls, share skills and strategies to manage through our new normal and allow girls to share and interact online with other girls and encourage one another. Each virtual workshop will be limited to 10 spots and will include a group discussion on the topic, fun interactive games and/or a demonstration for a creative craft or art project your girls can Art Monkey do on their own after the Emporium workshop is over. Some Adapts With workshops may include a Crafts And handout sent prior for the Ice Cream girls to complete before, Parents during or after their time looking for fun crafts to do together. Each workshop Five-year-old Rhett with their children while Gilmore works on a to go is only $10. If your daughcraft kit from Art Monkey in ter is attending a Spring school is out should look no Lithia. further than Art Monkey in 2020 series right now, FishHawk Ranch’s Park Square. The reach out for a coupon code. For more business is offering to-go craft kits, from information, contact info@girlswithconfiEaster-themed art work to night-light kits, dence.com. Crafters need not panic. During times of social distancing, AR Workshop has a solution. The business is putting together DIY To-Go Kits that can be picked up at the curbside at the Valrico location so that crafters can make projects in the comfort and safety of their own home. Kits can be ordered online and picked up during regular pickup windows. To learn more, visit www.arworkshop.com or call 775-7109. AR Workshop is located at 1046 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico.
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Page 22
Volume 18, Issue 4
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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Page 23
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Local Businesses Adjust & Adapt With Drive-Thru, Delivery & Flex Options
By Kate Quesada
Sage Cleaners Offers On-Demand Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service
Sage Cleaners, Eastern Hillsborough’s largest dry cleaning and laundry business with 12 locations from Seffner to Apollo Beach, is now the area’s first on-demand dry cleaning and laundry service. Customers can download Sage’s app and select a pickup and delivery day. Representatives will come by and pick up and return items in as little as 48 hours. “We are waiving all fees associated with the service through at least April 30 to encourage anyone with interest in social distancing and minimizing the COVID-19 spread to give us a try,” said Owner and CEO Cohen Wills. “We will pick it up on your porch and leave it hanging on a clothes hanger on your door on delivery so that you won’t have to interact with our drivers at all if you prefer to practice social distancing.” Wills also stated that it is an important time to use dry cleaning as home laundering may not reach temperates high enough to cause the virus to become inactive. “The CDC says that, similar to SARS, coronavirus can become inactive at temperatures between 138 and 150 degrees,” he explained. “The average household dryer will only reach 135 and most water heaters in a home are set around 120 degrees, so the virus could potentially remain on your clothes even after cleaning. We at Sage Cleaners have equipment that far exceeds those numbers in our pressing & cleaning process that eliminates any lingering viruses that could remain in your clothes. Our unique, eco-friendly cleaning process also has the highest flash point of any dry cleaning method, eliminating more bacteria and viruses than any other process.” Visit www.sagecleaners.com to learn more.
No-Cost HR Advice
My HR Advisor invites small business owners impacted by the coronavirus to reach out to speak with an HR Advisor at no cost. HR Advisors are able to assist with answering general HR-related questions or help point you in the right direction. It is here to help. Sign up for a basic free member account at www.myhradvisor.com to get started or submit a contact request form. My HR Advisor will get back to you to assist in any way it can. Stay safe.
Beat Cabin Fever With Latitudes Tours
Gift certificates are available for purchase for future use at latitudestours.com.
The group offers sunset dinner cruises, eco-tours and more.
Grade A Spanish Tutors Goes Virtual
Looking for some help with learning Spanish while school is virtual? The employees of Grade A Spanish Tutors can help. The new business is offering virtual classes for children and adults struggling to learn the language. According to Owner Kevin Kemp, a Lithia resident, the business’ tutor has more than 40 years of teaching and tutoring experience. To learn more, call 763-5435 or visit www.GradeASpanishTutors.com.
Hypnotic Engagements Reduces Stress
Mathnasium instruction from anywhere with an internet connection. Mathnasium@home was developed over three years for customers who had difficulty bringing their children into centers, and thousands of students have found it to be as effective as in-center learning. There are three local Mathnasium locations. Mathnasium of Riverview is located at 11446 US Hwy. 301 and can be reached at 844-684-3265, Mathnasium of West Brandon is at 10268 Causeway Blvd. and can be reached at 333-6676 and Mathnasium of Brandon is located at 1048 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico and can be reached at 655-MATH (6284). For more information, visit www.mathnasium.com.
Hypnotic Engagements wants to help residents reduce stress by engaging their Davenport’s Daily Delights minds. Goes Delivery-Only The company is offering a free sesIn an effort to serve the sion for anyone with the coronavirus. community while keeping Hypnosis is offered for people dealing everyone safe, Davenport’s with cancer, pain, dementia, Daily @ Davenport’s Daily Delights migraines and more. (813) 810-8513 To learn more, call Daniel at Davenportsdailydelights@gmail.com Delights is working 248-941-4246 or visit but implementing www.HypnoticEngagements.com. some changes to keep everyone fed Rae’s Accounting Can Explain and safe. Tax Changes The company has suspended its Rae’s Accounting in Apollo Beach pickup option and is delivery-only for two has all the information you need to deal weeks. It asks that customers leave a with the IRS filing, payment delays and cooler out and it will provide ice packs tax credits due to coronavirus concerns. with the delivered meal. All payment will With a lot of misinformation out there, the also take place online. staff at Rae’s Accounting is keeping up to In addition to donating more than 20 date and can help with all tax questions meals to local families in need, Owner from who needs to file when to who is eliPeggy Davenport is also setting up a gible for tax credits and payments. sponsorship system through her business To learn more, contact Rae’s where residents and businesses can Accounting at 540-1040, email donate to locals who have fallen on rough Robin@RaesAccounting.com or visit times and need food. www.raesaccounting.com. Rae’s To learn more, find the business on Accounting is located at 400 Frandorson Facebook or visit www.davenportsdailyCir., Ste. 103 in Apollo Beach. delights.com.
Canine Cabana Offers Essential Workers Discount
Canine Cabana’s mission is to provide a safe, active and healthy recreational environment that meets canine physical and behavioral needs while improving the quality of life for both dogs and the owners who love them. Although the dog daycare, lodging and private training location in Riverview remains open for all, it is offering 20 percent off on services for any essential business workers, including nurses, first responders, pharmacists, grocery workers, childcare workers, delivery workers or postal workers. Call 672-9663.
Local Mathnasium Locations Offer Mathnasium@home
For parents with children at home, Mathnasium’s new service, Mathnasium@home, allows students to continue the same face-to-face
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Brooks Pressure Washing Offers Sanitization
In light of COVID-19, Brook Pressure Washing Inc. wants to help the community. The business is offering cleaning and sanitizing of playground equipment at local parks, churches, preschools and/or schools. “We make no claims or guarantees of making this virus go away,” said the owner. “That would be completely irresponsible for anyone to do. Right now we are able to take on one to two projects per week.” To sign up, complete the form at https://forms.gle/ZhA13Mw8Xc8nSd2a7. To learn more about the business, visit www.brookpressurewashing.com, call 610-5251 or email Info@brookpressurewashing.com.
Big Frog Will Bring Custom Shirts To You
Big Frog Valrico, your one-stop shop for custom T-shirt designs and production, is working with customers to fit their needs at this time. Orders can be placed online and can be delivered or picked up curbside at the store. For more information, call 684-2873, email valrico@bigfrog.com or visit www.bigfrog.com.
Rolling Pin Suspends Classes, Offers Gift Cards And Curbside Delivery
For the health and safety of customers and employees, the Rolling Pin Cooking Emporium recently suspended cooking classes and events. However, for as long as possible, the retail store will remain open and orders can be placed over the phone and will be brought to the curbside. Gift certificates for the store and for future classes can be purchases at www.rollingpinonline. To learn more, call 653-2418 or email dwest@rollingpinonline.com.
Sherwin-Williams Offers Curbside Pickup
In an effort to reduce direct contact and time spent in public places, SherwinWilliams is now accepting orders over the phone and offering curbside pickup. To take advantage of this service, simply call to place an order. If you are planning a painting project, visit www.sherwinwilliams.com for a 30 percent off paints and stains coupon. The FishHawk-Lithia SherwinWilliams store is located at 5496 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia and can be reached at 654-2854.
BayCare Offers Drive Up Testing
BayCare patients who have been instructed by their doctor to be tested for COVID-19 are now able to provide a specimen for testing without leaving their cars. BayCare Urgent Care at 2442 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico is one of seven BayCare Urgent Care locations across West Central Florida doing drivethru testing centers for COVID-19. BayCare will operate the service seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, visit baycare.org/coronavirus/.
Gecko Floor Care
If you have asthma, bad allergies or just want to make sure your house is as clean as possible, Gecko Floor Care can help. Service technicians take precautions that include wearing masks, gloves and sanitizing equipment after every job. For more information, visit geckofloorcare.com or call Dennis Napoli at 924-7344.
Page 24
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 18, Issue 4
Riverview/Apollo Beach 28-36
April 2020
Volume 18, Issue 4
Ph: 657-2418
Flex Suites Business Center Opens In Gibsonton
Heath and recently opened the doors to its new office at 620 E. Bloomingdale Ave. behind Have you been Stonewood Grill & Tavern. Heath looking for an office has over 20 years of experience space with the leasing being a financial profesional and flexibility to suit your also has the credentials of CLU business needs? Newly and ChFC, giving him the experiopened in Gibsonton, ence, education and designations The ribbon-cutting at Flex Suites Business Center. Flex Suites Business that many investors are looking feeshop.business.site/ and you can Center may have what you’ve been lookfor. He will invest time into underHeath Wealth reach them by telephone at 871-0791. ing for. It offers premier executive office standing what is important to you Management LLC spaces, free parking, superior furnishings, The chef at Cali Cafe opens in Bloomingdale. and what you would like to accomHealthcare Solutions Team Is Here preparing fresh pastries daily. inclusive amenities and outstanding servplish financially while reviewing windscreen To Help ices provided by their highly trained proyour comfort zone for investment fluctuaruin your day. PF Auto Glass, the fessional staff. Flex Suites Business Do you need help navtion. Heath’s experience through many 2018 Small Business of the Year Center is located at 10668 New East Bay igating the complex and different market cycles provides him the Award winner from the Greater Rd. Gibsonton, located in the same plaza often confusing healthcare understanding to help his clients structure Riverview Chamber of Commerce as Four Stacks Brewing Company. insurance market? Ken the proper portfolio allocation. His servicis here to help. It is an experiwww.facebook.com/FlexSuitesBusinessC Bardales and his team at es include retirement planning, estate enced mobile auto glass company enter, or call 640-0010 Healthcare Solutions Team planning, goal planning as well as finanserving customers in Hillsborough County are the right people to help you. It is a cial advice and planning. and around, in fact they are celebrating New Colombian Cafe Comes To local health insurance company with ‘A’ His office hours are Monday to Friday it’s 26 years in business. Service is proRiverview ratings that represents the top national from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment. vided at your home, place of employment carriers, such as Aetna, Cigna, United Contact him on 556-7171 or visit his webThe rich aromas of freshly brewed or where ever is convenient for you and site at HeathWealth.com. Colombian coffee and baked pastries met Healthcare, Humana, etc. The professionusually takes around 40 minal licensed agents working there are guests at Cali Cafe’s opening. Owners utes and a wait time of an ready to help you with your coverage Southwest Florida Rick Oliveros and Claudia Durango hour to cure the adhesives Rheumatology Welcomes showed off their new shop while providing needs, specializing in health, accident, and glue. critical illness, dental, vision and life plans. New Doctor bite-sized pastries and breads made that Visit PF Auto Glass’ webCall the team today to discuss morning by their chef. Cafe Cali specialSouthwest Florida site at www.pfautoglass.com options for you and your family on 689izes in Colombian fare and everything is Rheumatology is proud to welto learn more. 8800 or visit their website at hst-branmade fresh daily on-site, and coffee is come Gina Prakash, MD as don.com. The office is located at 1040 E. exported directly from Colombia to the latest provider to their team Financial Services Office Brandon Blvd. and is open Monday to accompany the food. of physicians. Dr. Prakash is Opens In Bloomingdale Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cafe Cali is located at 10010 US board certified in internal Heath Wealth Hwy. 301 in Riverview, behind Kazbor’s medicine and rheumatolSouthwest Florida Management LLC was foundPF Auto Glass Celebrates 26 Years Grill. For more information, you can visit Rheumatology welcomes ed in 2019 by owner Elijah Gina Prakash, MD. Continued on Next Page their website at https://calicafe-cofDo not let that chip or crack in your
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Business Column Continued................... ogy; she chose to specialize in rheumatology because she values making difference in the lives of patients whose diseases are often misunderstood. She finds that it is often like solving a puzzle to determine an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. With the specialty’s ever-growing research, it is one of the most exciting and challenging branches of medicine to practice.
AdventHealth Closing The Gap On Healthcare Needs
AdventHealth just opened a 24hour, 16-bed emergency room at 305 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon to help serve the healthcare needs of East Hillsborough County. The emergency room is the latest in the company’s expansion plans to create a connected network of healthcare throughout Tampa Bay. Denyse Bales-Chubb, president and CEO of AdventHealth Tampa and AdventHealth Brandon ER, said, “We are excited to expand our network of care to make a significant impact on improving the lives of all we serve. This is a growing community with growing health and wellness needs, and we want to be part of the solution of making high-quality healthcare easily accessible to anyone in need of care.” By adding this emergency room, families now have direct access to a healthcare system close to home. The AdventHealh Brandon ER will be staffed with board-certified emergency medicine physicians and nurses who specialize in emergency care for adults and children. Additionally, the ER will offer a dedicated AdventHealth ambulance to transport patients if they have extended healthcare needs.
European Style Bakery Coming Soon
Pink Door Bakery will soon be opening its doors in bustling Riverview. Owner Jonalynn Carlucci has had a vision for a hometown bakery easily accessible to Riverview and its neighboring communities since opening her cottage foods shop in 2017. While offering specialty cakes, cupcakes and cookies has been her bread and butter, the storefront will also be offering freshly baked, homemade croissants, pastries, breads, brownies
By Jenny Bennett
and other sweet treats, many of them with an international flair. The shop will also have coffee and hot chocolate available daily, as well as a retail area with a selection of last minute gifts for the foodie-inspired specialty honeys, chocolates and candies, and even decorative items. The bakery will be located in Shoppes of Boyette on 11266 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, right next to The Venue alongside local favorites like Leaven Brewery, Pho Loc Tho and Kimi’s Ice Cream. A grand opening will be announced soon, but look for its doors to open sometime by early April.
All American Title Insurance, Inc. Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Guests can tour Cardel’s fully furnished model home at 11409 Tanner Ridge Pl. in Riverview, off of Boyette Rd., or call the Sandhill Ridge sales office at 571-7171 for more information.
Humana Hiring Almost 200 Full-Time Positions Leading Health and well-being company Humana Inc recently announced it is looking to fill close to 200 new national phone sales positions in Tampa Bay. The inside sales agent positions will provide national phone sales and enrollment assistance for the company’s Medicare benefit plans and specialty products. The positions are located at Humana’s call center in Tampa at NetPark on 5701 E. Hillsborough Ave.
Brandon Honda Wins 2020 Dealer Of The Year
DealerRater, a dealership review and ratings website, just awarded Brandon Honda, for the fourth time, Honda Dealer of the Year, as well as its sixth Consumer Satisfaction Award among Florida dealerships. The awards are based upon
Volume 18, Issue 4
community will offer assistance with all activities of daily living, including culinary services, social programming, therapies and pharmacy to ensure the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of residents. Solinity CEO Josh Crisp said, “Solinity is excited to form this partnership with the local owners of the community to meet the growing and insufficient senior housing needs of Plant City. I was inspired by the vision that was shared with me by the late owner, Mark Jordan.” “Mark’s goal was to create a culture of caring. The Solinity team truly understands what Palm Cove is all about and every team member listens and communicates at all levels to stay focused on creating the type of community that the founders envisaged,” said Mike Tatum, owner of Palm Cove. Palm Cove is expected to open in fall 2020 at 2102 N. Shannon Ave. in Plant City and is now leasing. A leasing and hospitality center will open at 110 S. Collins St. in Plant City in the downtown district. To schedule an appointment and learn more, visit PalmCoveLiving.com or call 444-5299.
Brandon Honda Promotes Marcos Enrique To Internet Sales Director
Brandon Honda General Manager All American Title Sam Raabe is pleased to announce that Insurance, Inc. is a locally Marcos Enrique has been promoted to owned and operated agency. internet sales director at Brandon Honda. On March 5, Susan Luther, In his new position, Enrique works closely the owner/president, gathwith the internet sales and finance teams ered her team together to All American Title Insurance celebrates 25 years. to finalize auto lease and purchase celebrate its 25th anniversary. agreements that Together, they combine over Brandon Honda’s customer reviews of best meet cus150 years of experience to offer a team its customer service, quality of work, tomers’ needs. approach to every closing to ensure that friendliness, pricing and overall cusOriginally their clients’ transactions are handled to tomer experience. Brandon Honda from Miami, perfection. All American Title Insurance, has a cumulative customer satisfacEnrique first Inc. has helped thousands of families tion rating of 98 percent. joined Brandon achieve their dream of homeownership; it New Executive Manager Allen Honda nine compares with the biggest companies in Hicks will be working hard to maintain months ago as a technology and knowledge but keeps these great scores. General Manager sales relationship the small town community and cusSam Raabe said, “He’s a tremendous manager, where tomers at heart. Its years of experience addition to our team, bringing excephe quickly distinand commitment to excellence make All tional customer service and leadership Marcos Enrique, the new guished himself American Title your number one ‘Home skills as well as a knowledge of the internet sales director at as someone who Town Title Company.’ automotive industry that is difficult to Brandon Honda. works well with All American Title Insurance, Inc. is find.” located at 679 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon Honda is located at 9209 E. customers and colleagues. “Marcos has a lot of positive energy Brandon. For more information, visit its Adamo Dr. in Tampa. For more informaand has made a seamless transition from website at www.allamtitle.com or call 684tion, visit www.BrandonHonda.com. floor sales to specialty internet sales,” 3330. said Christine Conley, internet director of New Senior Living Community Brandon Honda. “His telephone commuCardel Homes Announces Final Coming To Plant City Opportunities In Sandhill Ridge Local Plant City senior living develop- nications skills and problem-solving capabilities have been a particularly good fit.” If you were looking to purchase a ers are partnering with nationally recogBrandon Honda, located at 9209 E. property or build in Cardel Homes’ awardnized Solinity to bring world-class, locally Adamo Dr. in Tampa, was recently winning community, Sandhill Ridge, you’d owned senior housing options to Plant named the 2020 Honda Dealer of the better make a decision soon, as only a City. Palm Cove will consist of 47 beautiYear for Florida by DealerRater.com. For few opportunities remain. The gated comful apartments designed to meet the more information, call 664-1234 or munity offers five floor plans ranging from needs of seniors, offering assisted living, visit www.BrandonHonda.com/. 2,010 to 3,132 square feet. memory care and respite services. The
April 2020
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 27
Summer Camps Offer Many Options To Keep Kids Active And Engaged
Editor’s Note: Are we missing a great Summer Camp opportunity? Email our Assignment Editor kquesada@ospreyobserver.com with subject line Summer Camp to add an additional camp to our guide. Please note dates and details of all camps are subect to change. Have you got the calendar ready? What should we do this summer? Where should we travel, what skills should we learn and how will we get there? It’s that time of the year when parents are beginning to wonder how to keep the kids busy during the dog days of summer. The staff at the Osprey Observer has collected the top recommendations for local summer camps and created this special pull-out section. Busch Gardens’ Summer Day Camp for kids is a time to make new friends, try new things, come faceto-face with a giraffe and challenge North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower. Overnight Summer Resident Camp is a home away from home where you live what you love right at Busch Gardens! Maybe your kids would like to spend the summer learning how to cook and use new kitchen utensils at Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium. At Music Showcase, music and theater take the stage, and so can your child. Musicals will be offered where your child can hold starring roles in popular musicals
offered by the Florida Academy of Performing Arts for children ages 5 and up. The local YMCAs will offer many types of camps at its great summer camp location, Camp Cristina in Riverview, which mixes fun along with great learning experiences. With plenty of choices, there is something for everyone. Mathnasium offers ways to keep your children’s math skills from getting rusty in a fun environment. Weekly themes utilizing age-specific activities and field trips are what make BSAC’s Camp High 5 unique. Specialty camps for soccer (Florida Hawks FC), LEGO® (Bricks 4 Kidz) and art (Center Place) also offer great opportunities for creative and athletic summer learning. Kids ‘R’ Kids at Circa FishHawk and Valrico offer full and half-day summer fun with weekly field trips and themes with it’s summer theme of #focusonfun. For dates, prices and registration information on these camps and more, turn the pages, enjoy this special section and have a great summer. Watch for our Summer Camp Sweepstakes link where the Osprey Observer will buy your child a week of camp at the summer camp of your choice! Enter now by emailing subject line ‘Summer Camp Free’ to contest@ospreyobserver.com. Did we miss a great summer camp option? Email subject line ‘Summer Camp’ to kquesada@ospreyobserver.com and we will be sure to add it to our full listing online. Have a great summer of fun!
YMCA Offers Fun And Exciting Summer Camps At 16 Tampa Bay Locations
By Libby Hopkins
Tampa YMCA is hosting a summer full of great camps for children.
Summer is just a few short months away, but the YMCA is already gearing up for months full of fun camps. “We offer children a day camp curriculum full of fun, educational activities,” said Lalita Llerena, senior communications director for the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA. “Activity specialists lead campers through various unique experiences each day, including swimming, science, high ropes, outdoor education, nature encounters, horseback riding, canoeing, visual arts and more. These fun and unique experiences give Y campers an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime.” In the YMCA summer camp, children are in a welcoming environment where they can feel like they belong, build relationships, develop character and discover their potential. “In addition to a traditional
day camp called ‘Activity Central,’ the YMCA offers specialty camps such as basketball, equestrian, extreme team, gymnastics, leadership, soccer, swimming, visual arts, science and performing arts, to name a few,” Llerena said. “Parents have the option to add on before and after-care activities, which include swimming, horseback riding, sports and high ropes. Activities and specialty options vary by location.” The YMCA’s goal for its summer camps is to make all who attend happy. “We guarantee an exciting summer filled with lots of memorable moments,” Llerena said. “Our camp staff members are kind, trustworthy individuals committed to creating a safe place for campers to practice social skills and character values.” “Some kids can experience learning loss and gain weight twice as fast than during the school year,” Llerena said. “That’s why the Tampa YMCA offers summer camp, to make sure kids and teens in the Tampa Bay area are adventurous, active and healthy this summer.” Spots are filling up fast at 16 locations across Hillsborough and East Pasco Counties. To ensure your kids stay engaged socially, physically and academically throughout the summer, register today at www.tampaymca.org/letscamp.
“Soccer Fun with Coach Juan”
Boys and Girls
born between 2013 and 2008 July 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 2020 9.00 am to 1.00 pm
Soccer Fields of the FishHawk Sports Complex Lithia FL
Your child must bring: • Readiness to have a lot of fun playing soccer • Cleats, shin guards, and a ball • Snack • Water bottle
$195.00 if registered before April 15, 2020 $215.00 if registered after April 15, 2020 CAMP FEATURES:
Age appropriate technical and tactical instruction • Small sided games • Daily 5 v 5 Competitions Daily Soccer Tennis and Soccer Golf Competitions • Professional coaching staff Athletic Trainer onsite • Hydration Station • Camp T Shirt Registration:www.floridahawksfc.com Contact Juan E De Brigard, Director of Coaching, Florida Hawks FC | doc@floridahawksfc.com • Cell # 754 244 3016
Fun And Education At Busch Gardens And Adventure Island Camps What could be more fun than spending the summer at one of the area’s most famous attractions? Starting in June, Busch Gardens and Adventure Islands are offering summer camps for students with a sense of adventure and fun. According to Rebecca Romzek, public relations and communications leader with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island, camps are available for students from kindergarten to those heading to college. “This year, Florida’s best thrill rides and breathtaking upclose animal encounters make Busch Gardens Tampa Bay the fan favorite choice for summer camp,” said Romzek. “Campers at Busch Gardens explore inspiring, exciting and educational experiences with immersive, multi-day camp programs for all interests.” Camps, both day and residential, run weekly from June to August and offer students a wide variety of fun and educational options with the choice of signing up for three or five days at a time. “Camp is all about making memories
Staff Report
At Busch Gardens and Adventure Islands’ summer camps, students learn while getting to enjoy all the parks have to offer.
with new friends while enjoying thrilling rides and world-class shows that can only be found at our parks,” said Romzek. “Come face-to-face with a giraffe or take on all-new attractions opening this spring. Spin and splash on Solar Vortex, America’s first dual tailspin water slide at Adventure Island, or take on Iron Gwazi, North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world at Busch Gardens.” Campers can explore even more with complimentary admission into the park each day following camp. Space is limited, so Romzek encourages residents to register today at www.buschgardens.com/tampa/summercamps.
A Great Array Of Creative Summer Camps Offered At The Patel Conservatory
By Kathy L. Collins
Spend your summer learning all about musical theater, dance, improv and more. The Patel Conservatory has a wide array of choices and would make a great option for people of all ages and abilities.
The Patel Conservatory, located at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (Straz Center) in downtown Tampa, is offering a unique set of summer camp options. This includes, but is not limited to, Acting Camp with three productions, such as Galactic Battles, Myths and Legends and Within the Wizarding World. There is an afternoon enrichment class available. You can also choose to attend Improv Camp: ComedySportz or Making Movies and Music. Into musical theater? You can select from three Mini Musical Theater productions, featuring Backyard Beats, Troll Time Live! and Octo Exploration. There are 10 Musical Theater Camps as well, featuring Broadway Rocks!,
Broadway Today, Kids on Broadway, Magic and Muggles, Mystery and Mayhem, On The High C's, Patel's Got Talent, Remake Remix, Spooktacular Tunes and Wiz-O-Mania. You can also take part in camps featuring vocal musical instruments, dance and more. Suzanne Livesay, the Straz Center's vice president of education, said, "Patel Conservatory camps are worth the drive to downtown. Our camps are not only fun but also provide excellent training in the performing arts, which develops confidence, creates camaraderie and engages creativity. The term 'conservatory' can be a little intimidating, but do not let it prevent you from exploring the many camps we offer for all ages and abilities." Livesay added, "Our camps develop participants' performing arts skills at a variety of levels and always conclude with some form of showcase where campers demonstrate what they have learned throughout the session." The Patel Conservatory has been offering summer camp for the past 15 years. Each year, it averages approximately 1,200 campers. The Conservatory offers scholarships and the deadline is Monday, April 13. To apply, visit strazcenter.org/financialaid. For more info, please visit patelconservatory.org.
Camp High 5 At BSAC Offers A Summer Of Fun For Children In The Community
Kids Step Into Their Favorite Stories At Performing Arts Summer Camps
Brandon Sports or program available and Aquatic Center for everyone and it (BSAC) will have works hard to provide the opportunity for low income families area children to with the opportunity to attend Camp High 5 participate on scholarat BSAC this sumship. “We offer scholmer. arships year-round,” “Camp High 5 Paruas said. “We at BSAC program is have scholarships going to be aweavailable for every some,” said BSAC’s This summer, children fwill have the opportu- program, from nity to attend Camp High 5 at BSAC. director of youth camps, swimming programming, Nicole lessons to dive team.” Paruas. “Our summer Camp High 5 is in the camps, as well as all our process of finalizing its sumprograms, let kids be kids mer camp program. “We are and have fun. The support staff we have finalizing our new camp website, so famifor our camps are awesome and they lies can begin registering for our camps make our camps and programs very very soon,” Paruas said. “This year’s enriching for everyone who attends.” summer camps are going to have weekly The Brandon Sports and Aquatic themes, offer field trips and so much Center is a community-based nonprofit more, all while making an impact on the organization. Its mission is to impact lives lives of our campers.” daily through superior educational and Proposed field trips include Sky athletic programming that enhances Zone, a Rays game, Astro Skate, Tampa physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Zoo and trips to local slash park pads. To BSAC focuses on four main pillars of learn more about Camp High 5 and the service: after-school care, youth drowning fun summer camps it will be offering this prevention, sports and recreation as well summer, you can visit www.mybsac.org as special needs education. or call 689-0908. BSAC is located at 405 BSAC goes above and beyond tradi- Beverly Dr. in Brandon. The hours of tional programming to make a real impact operation are weekdays, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., in the lives of children who attend any of Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and it is its programs or camps. There is a sport closed on Sundays.
As summer available for your quickly approachconvenience. es and the school Have a child year ends, that wants to rock thoughts of sumout this summer? mer camp regis‘Rockin’ with tration might Alex’ is a come to mind. summer rock Budding thespiband proans or just a child gram with FAOPA’s summer camps offer children the who likes to enter- chance to step into the role of a character camps geared for all from one of their favorite stories. tain will enjoy The experience levels. Florida Academy Director Debbie of the Performing Arts at Music Evans said these programs offer children Showcase’s (FAOPA) two types of suman outlet for expressing themselves and mer camps for children ages 5 and older. learning about emotions and public Located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in speaking. “Whether it’s for a career in the Brandon, FAOPA offers two-week, halfarts or just for having fun, music and day musical theater camps, from 9 a.m.-1 musical theater are great ways for chilp.m., that are structured by age, ability, dren to gain self-confidence,” she said. interests and progress and feature live Valrico resident Julie Howard’s three productions at the end. daughters, Lily (13), Addison (10) and In past years, shows have included Rachael (8), have all participated in the Willy Wonka, Mamma Mia, Matilda, academy’s summer programs including Seussical, Elf and Les Mis. The Lion King and Willy Wonka. The second type offered are the Music Showcase Owner Heather Music and More Camps, which are fullOchalek said the benefits to an arts eduday weeklong camps, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., cation can be seen in improved academic during select weeks. Campers will learn performance and increased self-esteem. to play instruments like drums, ukuleles “From our private lessons, rock band, and guitars. They can also learn to sing, string ensembles and musical theater to act, paint/make art, dance and more. The workshops and master classes, our two camp options can be combined to classes can spark creativity and innovacreate an entire day of fun and learning. tion,” she said. For further details, visit Free early drop-off and late pickup is FAOPA.org or call 490-2787.
By Libby Hopkins
KIDS
Summer Camps (Ages 6-11) 10:30am - 1:00pm
June 1 - 4 June 8 - 11 June 15 - 18 June 22 - 25 June 29 - July 2 July 6 - 10 July 13 - 16 July 20 - 23 July 27 - 30 August 3-6
TWEEN’S & TEENS
By Michelle Caceres
Mathnasium of Riverview is proud to introduce our Summer Camp program! Available to all current, previous and new students.
Summer Camps (Ages 11-15) 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Dates:
June 1st through June 5th and June 6th through June 10th July 6th through 10th and 13th through 17th August 3rd through 7th FULL OR HALF DAYS AVAILABLE FOR EACH WEEK OF CAMP
Brandon’s Big Green “EggQuarters”
If interested in pricing, availability or any additional information, please contact us at:
(813) 512 7007 or (844)
384 3271
For any additional information about tutoring sessions, please call or visit our website at
mathnasium.com/riverview
11446 U.S. 301 Riverview FL 33569
Soccer Fun For Boys And Girls
The Florida Hawks Futbol Club has fun and educational camps for local soccer lovers. The club is driven to develop great people by building the skill and character of its players on and off the field. Soccer Fun with Coach Juan will take place Saturday to Wednesday, July 6-10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for girls and boys born between 2008 and 2013. It will feature age-appropriate technical and tactical instruction from a professional coaching staff with smallsided games and daily 5 v 5, soccer tennis and soccer golf competitions. Visit www.floridahawksfc.com to sign up or learn more.
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium Is Cooking Up Some Summer Fun
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium’s Summer Camps are a great way to learn new skills in the kitchen, create tasty recipes and meet lots of new friends. The only things you need to be prepared are closed toe shoes and a
restraint for shoulder-length hair. All of the ingredients, tools and even the fun are included. Students are taught how to properly use real kitchen tools, knives and appliances safely under adult supervision. Students will come away with the confidence to prepare dishes that are age appropriate and tasty. The goal is to encourage your child to be a help in the kitchen and to have fun while building a lifetime of good skills. Cooking camps for kids ages 6-11 will take place from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. daily and the tweens’ and teens’ summer camps, ages 11-15) will take place from 2-4 p.m. Camps will take place weekly for four days and run from Monday, June 1 through Thursday, August 6. Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium is located at Brandon Crossroads, 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Call 653-2418 or visit www.rollingpinonline.com.
Straz Center Hosts Patel Conservatory Performing Arts Camps
The Patel Conservatory, located at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (Straz Center) in downtown Tampa, is offering a unique set of summer camp options from acting to vocal musical instruments, dance and more. The Patel Conservatory has been offering summer camp for the past 15 years. Each year, it averages approximately 1,200 campers. Camps are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so signing up early is strongly encouraged. The Patel Conservatory offers scholarships for summer camp. You must apply, and the deadline is Monday, April 13. Please apply for a scholarship by visiting strazcenter.org/financialaid. For more information on all that the Patel Conservatory has to offer this summer, please visit patelconservatory.org.
Bricks 4 Kidz Offers LEGO® Summer Camps
Bricks 4 Kidz is back with awesome LEGO® Summer Camps being offered all over the Brandon, Riverview and Valrico areas. Join in for a different theme each week, such as Fortnite, Pokemon, Star Wars, Minecraft and much more.
Each week, campers will be building signature Bricks 4 Kidz robotic LEGO® models, very popular LEGO® mosaics and 3D LEGO® sculptures, as well as playing fun games and creating arts and crafts projects they will get to take home. At the end of each week, every camper will get to take home their very own LEGO® minifigure. Each day and week will be a brand-new LEGO® adventure you won’t want to miss. Sign up at www.bricks4kidz.com/florida-tampa or call 545-4282.
Swimming To Horseback Riding And More At Local YMCA Camps
The Tampa Metropolitan YMCA summer camps are well known for offering something for every child. With multiple locations offering daily activities including swimming, science, high ropes, outdoor education, nature encounters, horseback riding, canoeing, visual arts and more the Y camps
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are always a local favorite with boys and girls alike! In addition to a traditional camp called Activity Central, the YMCA offers specialty camps such as basketball, equestrian, extreme team, gymnastics, leadership, soccer, swimming, visual arts, science and performing arts to name a few. Spots are filling fast with area locations including Brandon, Valrico, Riverview and SouthShore. To ensure your kids stay engaged socially, physically and academically throughout the summer, register today at www.tampaymca.org/letscamp.
Summer Fun At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay And Adventure Island
This year, Florida’s best thrill rides and breathtaking upclose animal encounters make Busch Gardens Tampa Bay the fan favorite choice for summer camp. From kindergarten to college-bound, campers at Busch Gardens will explore inspiring,
exciting and educational experiences with immersive, multi-day camp programs for all interests. Camp is all about making memories with new friends while enjoying thrilling rides and worldclass shows that can only be found at its parks. Come face-to-face with a giraffe or take on all-new attractions opening this spring. Spin and splash on Solar Vortex, America’s first dual tailspin water slide at Adventure Island, or take on Iron Gwazi, North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world at Busch Gardens. Campers can explore even more with complimentary admission into the park each day following camp. Weekly offerings vary by camp but run from June to August with three and five-day camps with an overnight option available. Camps are open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Space is limited. To register today, visit https://buschgardens.com/tampa/summer-camps/.
Fun And Education Spins Throughout The Summer At Kids ‘R’ Kids
Kids ‘R’ Kids is excited to launch a
new twist on camp where kids are redefining summer and turning ordinary days into the extraordinary. Just as fragments inside a kaleidoscope fuse together to captivate us with a new perspective, Kaleidoscope 360° will spin this summer into a unique dimension of discovery, fun and friendships through various weekly themes. This summer promises a well-supervised, engaging and enriching camp for preschool and elementary-aged children. Extended hours, meals/snacks, weekly field trips, sports and more are available. Summer camp is offered at both Kids ‘R’ Kids locations: Circa FishHawk on 5815 Kids Crossing Dr. (next to Stowers Elementary and Mosaic), visit www.KRKCirca.com or call 654-7000, and at 4321 Lynx Paw Trl. in Valrico (across from Lithia Springs Elementary), visit www.KRKValrico.com or call 6576200.
BSAC Offers Field Trips, Swimming And More
The Brandon Sports and Aquatics Center (BSAC) is offering Camp High Five this summer, using superior educational and athletic programming to enhance students’ physi-
cal, mental and spiritual well-being. Camps will have weekly themes, offering field trips to locations including SkyZone, a Tampa Bay baseball game, Lowry Park Zoo and local splash park pads. To learn more about Camp High Five and the fun summer camps it will be offering this summer, visit www.mybsac.org or call 689-0908. BSAC is located at 405 Beverly Dr. in Brandon. The hours of operation are weekdays from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and it is closed on Sundays.
Music And Acting Camps Offered Through Music Showcase
Budding thespians or just children who like to entertain will enjoy The Florida Academy of the Performing Arts at Music Showcase’s (FAOPA) two types of summer camps for children ages 5 and older. Located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon, FAOPA offers twoweek, half-day musical theater camps, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.,
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that are structured by age, ability, interests and progress and feature live productions at the end. Parents will enjoy watching their children bring the musical to life in the auditorium, which is equipped with a professional sound and lighting system, costumes, props and set design. The second type offered are the Music and More Camps, which are fullday weeklong camps, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., during select weeks. Campers will learn to play instruments like drums, ukuleles and guitars. They can also learn to sing, act, paint/make art, dance and more. The two camp options can be combined to create an entire day of fun and learning. Free early drop-off and late pickup is available for your convenience. For more information about summer camps or any of FAOPA’s other programs, visit FAOPA.org or call 490-2787.
dropped off at the MAC front desk. To learn more or to get the registration form, visit https://themac gym.org/summer-sportscamps/. MAC is located at 216 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon and can be reached at 315-3280. .
Mathnasium of Riverview Is Ready For Math Fun
Give your child the benefit of a personalized math learning plan and confidence building to help strengthen their skills in a classroom setting. Summer time is ideal for having fun and at Mathnasium of Riverview, that is understood and a comprehensive summer math program has been put together that makes math sense and kids have fun doing so. The programs range from helping to stop finger counting to Calculus. Summer is a perfect, no-stress time to stay in tune with math. With Mathnasium being the ‘Math’ in STEM, Mathnasium knows how to teach math. Mathnasium is located at 11446 US-301 in Riverview. For more information, please visit www.mathnasium.com/riverview Facebook @Mathnasium of Riverview or email riverview@mathnasium.com
Sports Fun At The MAC
The MAC Gym in Brandon is offering basketball, volleyball and soccer camps in June and July. The basketball camps are open for 7 to 14-year-olds, soccer is available for 7 to 12-year-olds and volleyball, which has both co-ed and girls camps, is available for 8 to 14-year-olds. There will also be a basketball camp from Monday to Friday, July 27-31 for 10 to 14-year-olds. The camps run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and lunch is available to purchase, or campers may bring their own from home. An email will be sent on the weekend before camp with details. Camps fill up fast! Registration forms for MAC summer sports camps can be picked up at the MAC front desk or downloaded online. Form and registration fees may be
CIRCA FISHHAWK 813 654 7000
5815 Kids Crossing Drive
(Located next to Stowers Elementary and Mosaic)
www.KRKCirca.com Lic # CHC432384
Center Place Fine Arts Offer Summer Art Camp To Brighten The Day
Who knew that art could be so much fun? This summer, register your 7 to 13-year-old to discover their love of painting, drawing, pottery and more. Classes are offered Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include Art Mural, Animal Paintings, Pencil Drawings Cruise Around the World, West & Wild Canvases, Ceramic Sculpture, Recycled Art, Landscape Drawings, Paper Sculptures, Space Art, Mixed Media and more. Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon. For more information or to register, visit www.centerplacebrandon.org or call 685-8888.
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VALRICO 813 657 6200
4321 Lynx Paw Trail
(Located across fromLithia Springs Elementary)
www.KRKValrico.com Lic # CHC431024
Editor’s Note: Are we missing a great Summer Camp opportunity? Email our Assignment Editor kquesada@ospreyobserver.com with subject line Summer Camp to add an additional camp to our guide. Please note dates and details subect to change.
experience one of a kind. With the instructors and the staff, the ratio per camper is around 6:1. This ratio allows for added reps for each player and helps to break up the groups in an age-appropriate format. Weeks of camp are Monday, June 15, July 13 and July 27. The
Learn Baseball From The Pros At Ostingers Baseball Academy Summer Camp
Ostingers Baseball Academy will hold its baseball camp this summer to give your children a better understanding of the game of baseball through small group instruction, drills and games. Having a good time while learning the fundamentals will be the main focus of this camp. Ostingers’ staff is made up of all former professional players who will instruct, teaching the game from the ground up. The camp is not a fullday camp with video games and indoor activities. Jim Osting is a baseball instructor with 12 years of professional baseball playing experience, including two years of Major League Experience (Padres and Brewers). Patrick Ryan is a baseball instructor with eight years professional pitching experience. Kris Wilken is the Head Baseball Coach at Bloomingdale High School and has six years of professional playing experience. College and high school players trained by Ostingers Baseball Academy will assist your children throughout their camp experience. Additional help is provided from Ostinger players current and past to make the campers’
camps run halfdays Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The camps are held from Monday to Wednesday at Ostingers Baseball Academy on 8711 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia and Thursday and Friday at the FishHawk Sports Complex fields, located at 16120 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia (for games and other activities). The cost is $180 (sibling discounts available). For more information or to register, call 737-3000 or visit www.OstingBaseball.com.
Summer Camp At T.L.C.’s Gypsy Haven T.L.C.’s Gypsy Haven is now
registering for summer camp. The farm has been in business for more than 12 years, offering after-school riding lessons, horseback riding camps, monthly horse leasing, pony parties and more. The camps will be made up of small groups (less than 10) and students will have their own horse for the entire week. Your kids, from ages 7 and up, will have a lot of fun enjoying weekly themed horseback riding camps. They will receive hands-on experiences, learning to ride as well as how to groom the horses. The camp takes place Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting Monday, June 1 and running through Monday, August 3. Your kids will enjoy field trips each Friday they are at camp. With limited space (eight spots weekly), you will want to call early. Located 10 minutes from FishHawk, T.L.C. Gypsy Haven is on 4325 Keysville Rd. in Lithia. For more information, please call Tammi at 842-4236 or visit www.tlcsfarms.com.
TechPlayzone Offers Hands-On Learning
TechPlayzone, where bright kids play to learn, is offering six weeks of hands-on, high-tech camps planned for second to sixth grade students. The camps will take place at HCC Brandon Campus from 9 a.m.-12 Noon for $125 per week. Campers can register at www.techplayzone.com. TechPlayzone is celebrating 15 years of quality STEM camps, featuring 3D printing, drones, Minecraft for engineers, cod-
ing, LEGO robotics, and hands-on science experiments. For more information, email desh@techplayzone.com or call 444-CAMP.
Firehouse Cultural Center Offers Art Camps If your child enjoys arts from visual to musical theater, check out the weekly camps on offer from the Firehouse Cultural Center. Camps are offered individually
or you can sign up for one, two, three or all nine weeks. Camp classes will explore a different theme each week from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with snack times and a lunch break in a creative and safe environment. Themed weeks span from musical theater, visual arts, animation to robotics. Campers can explore the visual and performing arts or imagine and discover arts and technology. Each week culminates with a stage performance for family and friends. Camps are open to children 814 years of age and campers are required to bring a brown bag lunch. Camps fill up fast, so call 6457651 or register at www.firehouseculturalcenter.org.
Our instructors have 30 years combined professional playing and coaching experience.
"The BEST Summer Camp In Riverview, Florida!" As low as $117 per week! Save Your Child's Spot Now! Attention Parents in Riverview! Are you ready for a FUN, SAFE, and AFFORDABLE Summer Camp that your child is going to LOVE? YES!!! Our Awesome Summer Camp always sells out quickly, so call / text us today at (813)952-8053 to save your child's spot! All sports classes are included and we are open the entire summer from 7am - 6pm! (Ages 5-12 Welcome!)
Everything is Included! - Martial Arts ! -Hip Hop Dance! -Tumbling! -Outdoor Sports! -Educational Activities! -Lego Challenges! -Video Games ! -And Much More!
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Session 1 Session 2 June 15-19 (M-F) July 13-17 (M-F)
Session 3 July 27- 31 (M-F)
Location:
M-W Ostingers Academy • 8711 Lithia Pinecrest Road Th-F Field for games and other activities Space is Liimiite ed Age Group: 7 - 14 yrs Re egiister Ea arly Time: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm to ho old yourr spot! Cost: $225/camper **(Second Child $200) **Multi week discounts
Daily Instructtion n • Ga ames s • Piitchiing/Ca atching Fu unda amentals Ad ddressed • Drills For More Information:
Call 813.737.3000 or visit our website at www.OstingBaseball.com
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 18, Issue 4
April 2020
Page 37
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
s
Ms. Keysha Simmon
th
mons Ms. Sim e
Teacher Of The Mon
come a teacher? Why did you decide to be mother. d cher because of my grand a tea r 5th G ield I decided to become a s able wa I d an C. in Washington D. erf ation She was a pre-K teacher dic de Summ tary r he saw d summers an the n g rin e du r he m th wi e rk l ght to wo E l every day. She not only tau s nts de stu r he th wi Schoo ng rki to wo familie also connected with their her pre-K students, but she the food, clothing and a safe ] had and made sure that [they d By Sponsore ther mo t place to stay. My grand h g i R n g Ali showed me that teaching Realty doesn’t just happen in the nclassroom, but making co nections to your students nts to grow. families will help the stude ch my own kids tea I also always wanted to for teaching. I was and show them my love my daughter in blessed to be able to teach currently my third grade and now I am cher. tea son’s fifth grade science a teacher? What is a goal of yours as other counto I would LOVE to travel t as easily no is Ms. Sim tries in which education mons ve that lie 21 years has been teach be I . nts de stu all to in in the sc ble availa hool sys g for ng opportutem. rni lea e vid pro to le ab being s and that do not have resource nities in other countries most rewarding way the be America will in ve ha we t tha ies nit opportu eer. to finish my teaching car and why? What is your favorite book ays Stories From Wayside School by Louis Sachar ew Sid ls’ class. The stories My favorite kids’ book is t the students in Mrs. Jew ou ab s ter ap ch 30 s ha it and has their own because e, each student is unique lik is m oo ssr cla l rea a at show wh talent and struggles. system? uld change in our school Is there anything you wo learning opportunities for n s-o e more hand vid pro to ed ne ls oo sch t to experience travelI feel tha not have the opportunity y ma nts de stu y an M . ny hands-on learnstudents od. I try to provide as ma rho bo igh ne ir the of de en my class was ing outsi students. For example, wh my for ble ssi po as ces en ale that the stuing experi in a life-sized inflatable wh ht ug bro I s, ale wh t ou learning ab ide of and measure. dents were able to walk ins
Superintendent Jeff Eakins Opens Time Capsule At Cypress Creek Elementary School
By Gwen Rollings
Hillsborough Cypress Springs County Schools from the first day, Superintendent Jeff proved why he is Eakins became a still “the best custotime traveler on dian in February 27 as he Hillsborough took a trip back to County.” 1991. At 11 a.m., the As a 25-year-old grand opening fourth grade teacher began as the cover at a new school, to the cement conThe contents of the time capsule Cypress Creek tainer, which silentrevealed by Superintendent Eakins, Elementary School ly lay under a stairformer Principal Joseph Green, and present Principal Roy Moral. in Ruskin, he was well at the school full of inspiration and imagination. for 29 years, was pried open easily. Eakins recalled his good fortune in The time capsule was removed from having Joseph Green as his princiits resting place with sounds of pal. Eakins remarked to Green, “Joe, laughter and applause. However, we were having a conversation think- opening the time capsule was anothing about the kids and our new speer story. When all efforts at pulling cial school when the idea just natuand twisting failed; Berrien carried rally emerged about making a time the long cylinder away. He earned his capsule. I might have come up with title (best custodian) and returned the idea, but you would make things soon with an open capsule. happen.” Eakins and Green were able to Eakins and Green were not reveal the contents: a whistle, a video alone. Many other time travelers that still worked, a school T-shirt, made the trip back through the years: class pictures of smiling children, letBonnie Weigle was a second-grade ters from kids about what they wantteacher in 1991. Lisa Amos, a ed to be in 25 years (a model, policeteacher then, is now the principal of man, Marine, teacher, ballet dancer, a Kingswood Elementary School in principal, driving a limousine), a tatBrandon. J. Thomas Roth taught with tered flag donated by a veteran which Eakins and is the principal at flew over the construction of Cypress Reddick Elementary in Wimauma. Creek, a Tampa newspaper with Ellen Kleinschmidt was the music headlines about storm chances being teacher. Carol Tedder was assistant high, Bush vs. Clinton and the econoprincipal. Nancy Waddell was a my. Eakins summarized the contents teacher and still works there. Former of the 1991 time capsule, “Well, some students and a student’s mother things are different today, but I’m came. proud to see some things never Perhaps most of all the time trav- change, like the same kind of love elers, James Berrien, custodian at and care about their students.”
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Volume 18, Issue 4
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Ca ll Toda y for this Month’s Specia l!
Winning The Masters Lottery! Spring is here and with it comes the first golf major of the year, the Masters, a tradition unlike any other. Each year, more than 10,000 people enter a lottery for a chance to walk along the grandfather pines of Augusta National and what many golfers call the Mecca of the golf world. Since most of the tickets to the Masters have been passed down from generation to generation, it has been either impossible or ridiculously expensive for the golf fans to see the Masters and Augusta National in person. Although thousands enter the lottery, only a few are selected, but when you receive that letter in the mail, it is something special; you have won the golden ticket. With Augusta in mind, the thoughts of undulating greens will be the topic of this months golf tip. People always ask me what is the best way to read a green. You need to survey the green as you walk up to it. Get a feeling for which way you would think the water from a rain storm would run off of it. This will give you a general overview of what you can expect. As you line up your putt, make sure to check out both sides of the hole. What
looks like a rightto-left putt from behind the ball may look totally different when you walk around the cup and look at the same putt from a new vantage. When deciding where to aim, always give yourself a point to putt at. This point may not always be at the hole but at the apex of where the ball may start to break or a spot maybe just a few inches from the edge of the cup for those straighter putts. The real way to get better at reading greens and making those putts comes from practicing. If you don’t study, you can't pass the test. We look forward to your comments or questions about the game and the world that surrounds it. Please feel free to email me at golfguyosprey@gmail.com. Also, check out our weekly golf tips on our youtube channel, “From the tee !” at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKO Ri1BixPjP_wCndPJ1ahA. Jason Blanchard, PGA manages the 18-hole Summerfield Crossings Golf Club as the COO/General Manager. The course opened in 1987 and was designed by Ron Garl. Visit https://summerfieldgc.com/
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Photos courtesy of East Bay cheerleading program
East Bay High School Cheerleading Program Wins First Cheer Title In School History The East Bay High School cheerleading program had a season for the record book, winning the first cheer state championship in the school’s history. They won the regionals and placed eighth at the nationals as well. The only other team from East Bay to win a state championship in the school’s 62-year athletic history was the 2010 softball team. “Being able to win states meant so The East Bay cheerleading program wins its first cheer title in school history. much to me,” said senior Mya Brown. “When I first came on the team as a our season.” freshman, I never thought my high school Ethan Sisouphone is not only a cheerleading career would end with me leader on the team, he’s also the school’s and my team winning states.” valedictorian, with an outstanding 7.64 The team was led by seven seniors, GPA. He will be attending the University including Brown, who has earned a of Florida in the fall. cheerleading scholarship to Webber “It's such a big commitment in order International University. The other seniors to focus on athletics as well as academon the team include Donasia Curtis, ics. Personally, it took incredible amounts Isabella Kotopka, Jenessa Ortiz, Ethan of discipline and time management in Sisouphone, Jaden Santos-Lopez and order to be able to cheer and do well in Madison Tuch. school,” said Sisouphone. “Through my Seven-year Head Coach Tracy journey of being a state champion and Howard said that the team’s unity was valedictorian, it took a lot of sacrifices to paramount to their success. “Every one of make school and cheer my primary them has contributed an enormous focus. In the end, when we were amount of time, love and dedication to announced as state champions, and
it, now I'm competing at the next level. It feels good to know my hard work has paid off, and that I was able to make my family proud both on the field and the mat.” Because of the coronavirus, the team is still waiting for the opportunity to celebrate at their annual banquet and ring ceremony where they will receive their state championship rings. According to Howard, the goal is to keep the momentum going and win another state championship. “Winning a state championship is something that has never happened before for the East Bay cheer team, so being a senior on the team that made history for our school is really something to be proud of,” said senior Tuch. “All of the seniors on our team were so encouraged and motivated all year, which eventually spread throughout the team. We wanted a state title and we fought for it. Being a senior only makes it better because now that I saw the underclassmen win, they want it even more next year, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish.”
East Bay finished 8th at nationals.
when I was announced as the valedictorian at school, I felt that the commitment to both school and cheer was worth it.” Santos-Lopez earned a scholarship for both football and cheer at St. Thomas University in Miami. The defensive lineman had a successful season on the gridiron, as well as great success on the mat during competitive cheer season. He is the first East Bay student-athlete to receive a dual-sport scholarship. “It means everything,” said SantosLopez. “I’ve been working to get a scholarship for football since Pop Warner down in SouthShore for the Longhorns. It’s been a longtime dream for me to be able to play college football on scholarship. As for cheer, I never saw myself ever doing
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 18, Issue 4