Osprey Observer Riverview/Apollo Beach January 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach

7 C E L E B R A T I N G

January 2021 Volume 19, Issue 1 Ph: 657-2418 1 9

Y E A R S

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P U B L I S H I N G

P O S I T I V E

C O M M U N I T Y

N E W S

Homes By WestBay Donates More Than $90,000 To Tampa Bay Charities

Instructional Support Employee of the Year Finalists Named During Surprise Patrol Visits

As part of its comvides a safe and nurmitment to the Tampa turing residential home Bay community, Homes for foster children until

by WestBay has donatthey can be placed ed more than $90,000 to with a foster family. three local charities: A For the last three Kids Place of Tampa, years, Beth Bradburn, the Florida Wildlife Vice President & CFO Representatives from Homes by Corridor, and WestBay donate $30,000 to A Kids of Homes by Metropolitan Ministries.

Place. Beth Bradburn, Homes by WestBay has served Westbay CFO, Samantha Mellen, A on the organization’s Each organization Place Development Director, will receive approximate- Kids Brad Gregory, A Kids Place CEO, board of directors. ly $32,000, a record As a supporter of and Willy Nunn, WestBay CEO donation amount for the smart growth, Homes Riverview-based home

by WestBay has builder and a nearly 10 donated to the Florida percent increase over Wildlife Corridor since 2019. Each year, 2018. The statewide Homes by WestBay sets environmental organiaside a portion of each zation champions the home sale to assist its conservation of land, charity partners. water and wildlife “Giving back to our throughout the state.

Representatives from Homes by community is an integral Metropolitan WestBay donate $30,000 to The part of who we are as a Ministries has been a Florida Wildlife Corridor. company,” said Willy charity partner of Nunn, President & CEO Homes by WestBay of Homes by WestBay. since 2019. The non“As the largest locallyprofit provides food, owned, privately held housing, and social homebuilder in Tampa skills programs to Bay, we feel an obligahomeless and at-risk tion to support local individuals, families organizations that are and children throughtruly making a difference out Tampa Bay. As Representatives from Homes by in the communities the Covid-19 panWestBay donate $30,000 to where we build. In this demic continues, the Metropolitan Ministries. very challenging year, need for Met Min has we’re blessed to be able to assist these never been greater. During the current non-profits as they serve our neighbors crisis, nearly 40-percent of people seekin need and protect the environment ing assistance from the organization are throughout the state we call home.” doing so for the first time.

Homes by WestBay’s association For more information, visit with A Kids Place dates back to 2017. www.HomesByWestBay.com or The Brandon-based organization prowww.casafrescahomes.com.

A celebratory no longer has a student “Surprise Patrol” visitattending the school. ed Dawson “I am so passionate Elementary and for this school, its teachRodgers Middle ers and our students,” Schools to recognize she said. It’s no wonder two finalists for she received the nod Instructional Support from her peers.

Employee of the The District’s Year, an award honInstructional Support oring educational Employee of the Year will support personnel for be announced at the contributions they Excellence in Education make to their Awards ceremony, which schools. will take place virtually on Paraeducators, January 21, 2021. The custodians, secreIda S. Baker Diversity taries, nutritional Michael Helton (Dawson Elementary) Educator of the Year and Meredith Bippen (Rodgers staff, bus drivers and and Teacher of the Year Middle) have been selected as aides were eligible will also be announced. finalists for the 2021 Instructional for the contest, which Support Employee of the Year award.

For more informarecognizes outstandtion about HEF’s ing service by school employees who Excellence in Education Awards visit provide direct or indirect services to stuwww.EducationFoundation.com. dent and their families.

The surprise patrol was made up of representatives from Hillsborough Education Foundation, Hillsborough County Public Schools, presenting sponsor Suncoast Credit Union, Caspers Company, McDonald’s Restaurants and Amscot.

The finalists include: Lynn Jones (Mitchell Elementary School ESE Paraprofessional), Michael Helton (Dawson Elementary School Nutrition Services Manager) and Meredith Bippen (Rodgers Middle School Secretary).

Bippen was taken aback when the prize patrol walked into her office, with cowbells jingling and congratulatory exclamations.

“I had no idea I was going to get one of the finalist spots,” she said.

25 Bippen was the school’s PTA President before getting hired as its secretary. “The former secretary was retiring and she told me I would be perfect for the BROWNS CLUBS................................PG 4 job,” said Bippen.

EYE ON BUSINESS...........................PG 25 The teachers and staff at the school nominated her for Instructional Support TOBYMAC COMES TO AMALIE .......PG 28 Employee of the Year. She is still the DAVIS NAMES COUNCIL .................PG 29 school’s PTA President, even though she

Staff Report

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

First Tee - Tampa Bay Awarded Grant To Advance Racial Equality In Community First Tee - Tampa Bay, a Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA program, is pleased to accept a generous $100,000 grant from the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) to help advance racial equality in Tampa Bay. Thanks to USAA’s generosity, First Tee Tampa Bay will be able to provide free golf lessons to 600 minority students in Title I schools throughout Hillsborough County. The grant will also enable First Tee - Tampa Bay to offer 80 golf tournament scholarships and five college scholarships to minority students.

“The goal is to eliminate cost as an obstacle for any children from these specific schools and get them involved in our program,” says Ian Baxter, executive director of First Tee - Tampa Bay. “We are extremely appreciative to USAA for their generosity, which will introduce the game of golf to more children by removing any financial barriers.”

Officially formed in 1999, First Tee Tampa Bay provides more than 80,000 children each year with hands-on, interactive golf experiences along with introducing them to First Tee’s Nine Core Values.

Besides being a program of the Tampa YMCA, First Tee - Tampa Bay also partners with community members such as the Tampa Sports Authority, the City of Tampa and various golf facilities to offer year-round programming for kids and

Staff Report

teens.

“At First Tee Tampa Bay, we do not just teach golf, we teach life skills,” said Ian. “Our program uses the game of golf to provide young people with the chance to develop life-enhancing values like confidence, perseverance and judgment and a series of life skills such as goal-setting, meeting new people and staying healthy.”

Whether through programs in 175+ Hillsborough County Public Schools, after-school programs at several local courses or week-long summer camp experiences, First Tee - Tampa Bay shows children that golf is more than a game—it’s an opportunity to become the very best they can be.

For more information, visit www.firstteetampabay.org or call First Tee - Tampa Bay at 238-7320.

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is a cause-driven four-star charity, strengthening Hillsborough and East Pasco communities for 132 years through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the association, 18 facilities engage nearly 224,000 men, women and children—regardless of age, income or background—to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve our community’s health and wellbeing and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. For more information, visit www.tampaymca.org.

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VFW Post 6287 of Ruskin Hosts Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony at Little Harbor

By Libby Hopkins

Sunset Grill but that was not an option this year due to COVID. Since Pearl Harbor Day was established in On Dec. 7 of this year, the VFW Post 6287 of Ruskin held its 1994, the Ruskin annual Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony at Little Harbor.

VFW has been Each year on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor observing the memorial in some fashion.

Survivors, veterans, and visitors from all “The significance of Pearl Harbor Day over the world come together to honor used to be self-evident,” Chaplain and remember the 2,403 service memCampbell said. “However, as history is bers and civilians who were killed during taught less and less and as we rapidly the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on lose the members of our greatest generaDecember 7, 1941. The attack also permanently sank two U.S. Navy battleships, tion, the need for public observance becomes more important.” the USS Arizona and the USS Utah, as All the members of the post love this well as destroyed 188 aircrafts.

Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony. “I love this On Aug. 23, 1994, the United States event because this is a memorial for the Congress designated Dec. 7 as National event that launched our greatest generaPearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Every tion into action,” Chaplain Campbell said. year, remembrance events are held all “In the words of Admiral Yamamoto of over the U.S. Japan, they ‘awoke a sleeping giant.’ That VFW Post 6287 of Ruskin held their sleeping giant thrust us into war but it also yearly Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony at solidified our resolve. It got women out of Little Harbor. “Our ceremony is a solemn the kitchen and into factories, hospitals event,” said Chaplain Tom Campbell of and offices. It stretched our resourcefulVFW Post 6287 of Ruskin. “We have a ness, ingenuity and metal to the brink. few officers from our post in attendance along with our auxiliary color guard. There We stared into the face of oblivion and is always an honor guard from the Marine fought back. We achieved victory after victory asking for no more land than that Corps League. The ranking officer in attendance delivers a short speech about to bury our dead. We were not the imperialist tyrants we were fighting and never the day, I deliver the opening prayer for the fallen and then we set a wreath a drift sought to become them. It is an honor to stand shoulder to shoulder with the few in the bay. A biodegradable wreath that poses no environmental threat. The honor WWII veterans we have left.”

To learn more about VFW Post 6287 guard fires a three-volley salute. Taps is played and the colors are retired. Usually, of Ruskin, visit www.facebook.com/RuskinVFW. everyone is invited to breakfast at the

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 1

After 10 Month Closure, Give Kids The World Village Reopens To Wish Families

Cleveland Browns Backers Bring Their Passion For Team & Charity To Two Area Clubs

Give Kids The The World have given World Village in clear guidance on the Kissimmee, has scale and staging of announced that it will reopening, masking, be reopening to Wish social distancing, handfamilies this month, washing, food service, nearly 10 months from facilities cleaning, crowd the day that it closed management and transdue to the COVID-19 portation, and Give Kids Give Kids The World Village In pandemic.

The World has impleKissimee grants wish trips.

The 89-acre nonmented all of these profit resort provides transformative recommendations. weeklong Wish vacations to critically ill Reviewing the children and their families from around reopening preparathe world at no cost – with more than tions at Give Kids The 176,000 families served since 1986.

World, we are confiSince mid-March, the wishes of more dent that medically complex children and than 6,000 critically ill children have been their families can safely visit the Village,” postponed due to the closure. said Dr. Alexander.

With safety as its number one priority, Give Kids The World President and Give Kids The World Village will be taking CEO Pam Landwirth said, “We are a thoughtful, phased approach to reopen- thrilled to be getting back to our mission ing, beginning with a limited number of of spreading joy and creating the happifamilies and gradually growing its occuness that inspires hope for critically ill chilpancy over time. The decision to reopen dren and their families through magical has been made with the full support of stays in our storybook Village.” the Village’s longtime theme park partDuring normal operations, Give Kids ners, Walt Disney World Resort, The World relies on the compassion and Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld, kindness of more than 1,800 volunteers and after careful consultation with the each week to fulfill its charitable mission infectious disease experts at Nemours in support of critically ill children and their Children’s Hospital. Nemours Children’s families. Rated Four Stars by Charity Hospital experts led by pediatric infectious Navigator – with 90 cents of every dollar disease clinician and researcher Kenneth donated going directly to program servicA. Alexander, MD, PhD, also worked es, Give Kids The World Village was creclosely with Give Kids The World to ated by Holocaust survivor Henri develop the nonprofit’s comprehensive Landwirth with the goal of never turning a COVID-19 safety plan, which has been in wish child away. The Village will celebrate effect since March. its 35th anniversary on March 7.

“Experts consulting with Give Kids Visit www.gktw.org.

What do northern In that spirit of transplants do when camaraderie, including their sports loyalties the commonality of a die hard? Gather with shared, painful football like-minded folks and history and proximity, continue to root on both in Ohio and the their hometown Tampa Bay area, the two teams. local clubs are planning Especially longa combined end-of-thesuffering Cleveland season outing on the Browns fans.

Browns fans gather at the Brandon weekend of Thursday Just one of four Crossroads Bowl to cheer on their and Friday, January 9 team. teams never to have and 10. The event will reached the Super Bowl—the Detroit feature competitions between the two Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston chapters, including billiards, bowling, darts Texans are the others—the Browns still and cornhole, Brandon club vice presihave some of the most loyal fans anydent Jeff Komito wrote in a Facebook where. Including the Tampa Bay area. post. There will also be lots of fellowship The Brandon Browns Backers, which at the Brandon Crossroads Bowl. meets for games at the Brandon Any proceeds will be divided Crossroads Bowl (609 Crater Ln. in between charities. The Brandon club raisTampa), and the South Shore Browns es funds for Friends of Hillsborough Backers of Apollo Beach, which gathers County Animal Services and it set up a at the Salty Shamrock (6186 N. U.S. 41 trust fund for the kids of Marty Leahy, a in Apollo Beach) are two of the area clubs longtime friend of Jones and former vice for rabid Cleveland fans. president of the club who suddenly “The Browns Backers Worldwide is passed away in June of 2019 at the age considered to be one of the largest of 43. organized fan clubs in all of professional The South Shore club donates to the sports,” according to the official Browns Southeastern Guide Dogs as its primary Backers website, https://fans.clevelandcharity, club president Chris Conger said. browns.com. There are more than 370 “Last year, we raised $5,000 for them and chapters in 15 different countries. are close to meeting the same number It’s all about the Browns and the this year,” he added. friendships that are formed.

For more information on the Brandon “I just do it because I love the club, visit http://www.brandonbrownsbackBrowns,” said Greg Jones, who started ers.com/, and for the South Shore club, the Brandon club 16 years ago and visit https://www.facebook.com/Southserves as its president. “I don’t like to sit Shore-Browns-Backersat home by myself watching the Browns.” 282985712264347/.

Staff Report

By Bob Zoellner

January 2021

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Wintertime is Sublime…

Wintertime is December 21st-Mar 20th, and the cold fronts have started arriving. The bay water temperature has fallen into the 60’s and it looks like the 70’s are done until spring. The wind has been a major factor in getting out on the water.

Every day starts off dressing in layers with Gore-Tex (to keep us dry) and Thinsulate (to keep us warm), then perhaps shedding layers during the day, and then readjusting again in the late afternoon. The white bait has moved off the flats and into deeper water. Numerous towers along the channel are holding bait.

The key to netting this bait is to ensure there is some water (tide) movement, so the bait is up in the water column.

Chumming, using tropical fish food, will get them to come up off the bottom as well.

This past week’s charters have resulted in trips to the Big Bend TECO power plant. The warm water discharge is a magnet for numerous species of targeted fish. It’s also been loaded with Manatees, Dolphin’s, and Stingray’s. The bite at the power plant has been excellent. We caught Cobia, Jack Crevalle, as well as Bonethead and Bull shark.

Blacktips should also be moving in.

Fishing the power plant is a lot of fun, if it’s not crowded with other boats. For Cobia, we are mostly sight fishing.

Trolling the flats and looking for the silhouette of the brown bomber. We’ll be setup with several casting options in hopes of enticing the Cobia to bite. One rod will be setup with live bait (shrimp or whitebait), one with a plastic eel and one with a top water plug. Accurate casting is critical. Landing the bait 6” to 12” in front

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of the Cobia, usually entices the bite.

Sometimes the Cobia are on their own or travelling in pairs.

Double hookups are not unusual. Keep the hooked Cobia in the water and allow the second Cobia to catch up and join in the action. Remember, Cobia have to be 33” at the fork of the tail to keep, so handle with care if your releasing. Cobia will also tag along with the Stingrays and the Manatees, so keep an eye out for that. The Cobia in the picture was caught by Brian Ritchie, Qualia Reels. This was the first Cobia he ever caught. A great fight on light tackle that lasted over 30 minutes. It weighed around 40 pounds.

Pound for pound and inch for inch, the Jack Crevalle may be the hardest fighting fish in the bay. We caught this 32” inch Jack on a jig head with a large shrimp hooked thru its horn. On a 4000 size reel, we chased this Jack for 45 minutes before landing and releasing it. This is the biggest Jack I’ve seen caught in the bay. Several schools of big Jacks have been visiting the flats along Apollo Beach.

Casting on the edge of the school with just about any artificial lure, will produce drag ripping action.

Bonethead Sharks have arrived and are located in the flats area and out to 6’ of water. We like to use a shrimp, hooked thru the horn, attached to a jig head with a float about 3’-4’’ above the jig.

If you’re looking for a great day on the water give me a call and I’d be happy to show you how much fun our fishery can be. Hope to see you on the water.

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Volume 19, Issue 1

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Can You Find The “Spotless Town?” Coronet: A Tidy Phosphate Company Town

By Charles Nelson

Where would you go to find Florida’s ‘Spotless Town’? Here’s a hint: try as you might, you won’t find it. This once charming example of a complete industrial town about 3 miles southeast of Plant City no longer exists. Yet, from 1908 until mid-century, the little village of Coronet was a shining example of the phosphate industry’s company towns.

Phosphate mining is an essential part of our county’s history. Millions of years ago, Florida “Coronet Mines, 1926.” Source: Courtesy, Tampa“Coronet Phosphate Company, Coronet, FL, Director’s Bungalow (1945). Source: Tampa was underwater, and phosphate Hillsborough County Public Library System.

1925.” Source: Florida Memory Project.

Tribune, August 1974. mined in eastern Hillsborough The community did not last, however. cottages were built (in three different pers started finding more familiar nearby County comes from sediment deposited The town was purely a company town. sizes) with galvanized tin roofs. To maindenominations.) Company-based baseon that prehistoric sea floor. Beginning in When area phosphate mining began to tain segregated living quarters, 72 of ball teams, including the Prairie Pebbles 1908, the Coronet Phosphate Company those cottages were for white workers and the Miners, were cheered on by hun- slow, starting in the late 1920s, the compioneered pebble phosphate mining near pany found it more challenging to mainand situated south of the plant. To the dreds of fans as they played other Plant City. (Earlier river mining had been tain the village. By 1953, Coronet east, the company constructed another Hillsborough County and Polk County occurring in the Alafia River basin.)

Phosphate sold the plant and all its 24 houses to house black workers. At teams. (In many regards, the community Almost immediately, the Coronet assets to the Smith-Douglas Companies first, workers lived in the houses rent-free. was idyllic and remembered as such by mine, along with its processing plant, was Later, tenants paid a small rent. The comof Virginia. The new company began residents reminiscing later.) very successful. Tampa’s newspapers offering residents the opportunity to buy pany maintained all of the community’s A commissary, or company store, credited the Coronet mine as a boon to their homes for the fair price of $200 to homes and grounds to ensure its pristine existed on the property until 1973. Here downtown Tampa’s new port. $500. The company also paid to move appearance. residents bought necessities, rather than It was also a new, major employer for many of the structures to other parts of A 1910 newspaper reports, being forced to face the long trek to Plant much of Eastern Hillsborough’s unskilled Hillsborough County. By 1964, all of “[Coronet] is a beautiful little town, wellCity. In true company town fashion, ‘chits’ labor force.

Coronet’s homes were gone. Later ownequipped in every way. True, you may were sometimes provided in workers’ The company quickly realized that to ers dismantled the plant, and today, there say that it is a ‘private town,’ as the phospaychecks to cash in at the company stabilize that workforce, it would have to is scant evidence that this booming little phate company owns it. Still, it is there store for needed supplies. create a new town at the mine site. and is unmistakable evidence of prosperIn 1912, the company built a beautiful town of Coronet ever existed.

Existing roads to and from the mine and ous conditions.” Only the hum of the bungalow-style home for the director of Charles Nelson Bio plant were poor to nonexistent and sure Charles Nelson holds a MA degree in nearby plant and mine gave proof of the the plant. This remarkable structure is the to hinder steady employment. For the History from George Mason University and industrial nature of the town. only building still standing in what was taught as an adjunct instructor at HCC plant to be successful, workers would The community also boasted a clubonce Coronet. The house is listed on (Dale Mabry). He is also affiliated with have needed to live on-site.

Tampa Bay History Center as a house, a library, a swimming pool, tennis Hillsborough County’s Historic Homes The new small town of Coronet, with volunteer docent, researcher and courts, a movie theater, a nine-hole golf inventory. Today, it sits well back from community lecturer, with an emphasis on a little over 300 people, was an instant course and a church. (In 1930, the comCoronet Rd., but it is still visible through South Hillsborough County history. success. About 100 wooden company pany dismantled the church as worshipthe trees.

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January 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 7

Hillsborough County Wins Green Building Award For LEED Initiatives Hillsborough County has become the first county government in Florida and only the third county in the U.S. to achieve Platinum LEED for Cities and Communities certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The designation recognizes years of hard work and initiatives to safeguard the environment and enhance the quality of life for Hillsborough’s residents, businesses and visitors.

The accomplishment is significant.

The Platinum designation is the highest rating that can be obtained in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Cities and Communities program.

While LEED is the world’s most widely used green building rating system, the comprehensive Cities and Communities certification looks far beyond one area. The extensive process judges how well applicants integrate sustainability into all aspects of the community, including environmental stewardship, fiscal responsibility and overall community prosperity.

The review considered a wide range of areas, such as energy and water conservation, land use, solid waste management, community heritage preservation, cultural and recreational opportunities, social services, partnerships, equitability, innovative projects and more.

Hillsborough County’s application included five years of data and information provided with the support of a long list of county departments and community

Staff Report

groups.

Hillsborough County has implemented a vast array of sustainability initiatives, among them: The county reduces its energy use and costs by operating a chiller plant that makes ice to help cool buildings, adding solar to county facilities and using LED lighting in buildings, parking lots, sports fields and all traffic signals.

Neighborhood and corridor street lighting are transitioning to LED, in collaboration with TECO. The Resource Recovery Facility converts burnable waste into electricity, generating power for several nearby county facilities and approximately 35,000 homes. Reclaimed water is also used at the facility, and metals are salvaged.

The county’s Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP) is the largest local land preservation program in Florida, so far setting aside more than 65,000 acres, resulting in natural stormwater management, increased biodiversity, climate regulation, air pollution removal and passive recreational opportunities. The county also will receive nearly $1.5 million in revenue over the next seven years from carbon offsets provided through ELAPP preservation efforts.

Visit HCFLGov.net/Sustainability to learn more and to complete the sustainability survey. Click on the link for the ‘Community Sustainability Action Plan.’

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Page 8

Volume 19, Issue 1

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

ng i w e i V e e ManatC , Tip d e s o l Stays enge..More Chall

Apollo Beach Woman’s Club Seeking Donations For Scholarships The Apollo Beach Woman’s Club has been serving the community for over 60 years Bennett y n n and has given close to e J om ed by Compil preyobserver.c $400,000 worth of scholar@os jbennett ships during that time to local students. Last May, the club was hon-ored to give over $18,000 to seniors from East Bay and Leonard High Schools. The club not only Manatee Viewing Center To Remain do-nates gifts, gift cards, lothing, and food Closed items to families identified by the local Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing elementary school coun-selors as needCenter, where people can watch manaing a helping hand. While the club is tees gather each year, will remain closed grateful for the opportunity to meet virtualuntil at least fall as a result of the ongoing ly, unfortu-nately not meeting in person coronavirus pandemic. The viewing cenhas curtailed the club’s many fundraising ter, located at Tampa Electric’s Big Bend activities. The club is Power Station in Apollo unsure how or if they Beach, has been a staple for will be able to give any more than 30 years and scholarships in May allows visitors easy access to 2021. If you are looking the herds of manatees that to donate to a non-profit, are drawn to the plant’s warm please consider the wa-ters in its discharge canal.

Apollo Beach Woman’s “As with so many of the Club and give whatever changes we’ve seen this you can. It is our hope year, we know keeping the that you will help us in Manatee Viewing Center supporting some of the closed this season was a dishopeful and inspiring appointment,” said Stan Kroh, high school seniors in manager of Land and Recent Apollo Beach Woman’s our area. Checks Stewardship Programs for Club events including Angel should be made out to Tree gift giving to Apollo Tampa Electric. “Safety is our ABWC and mailed to Beach, Doby and Ruskin top priority, and with that in the treasurer, Sheila elementary Schools. mind, we’re offering virtual May at 328 Mystic Falls Drive, Apollo ways to experience the center until we Beach, 33572. Please note on your can welcome visitors back in person.” It is check: Donation for Scholarships. ex-pected to reopen on Sunday, For more information about the clubs November 1. activities visit www.apollobeachwomanIn the meantime, you can watch the man- sclub.com. atees from the comfort of your own home by visiting www.tampaelectric.com/mana2020 Tip Challenge Makes It To Ruskin tee.

The staff at South Shore Pizza were delighted to be included in the 2020 tip Military Affairs Committee Meeting challenge. An order was placed for a Discusses Veterans Day large pizza and some wings, when payThe Military Affairs Committee of the ing, the customer tipped $2020, asking SouthShore Chamber of Commerce held that it be divided equally among all the their most recent meet-ing at My staff that work there. The staff would like Warrior’s Place in Ruskin. The team to thank this very generous cus-tomer came up with a plan to who made everyone’s day. make sure that SouthShore Vet-erans didn’t go un East Hillsborough thanked this year in the Democratic Club Meeting absence of a Veterans Day The East Hillsborough Parade. They discussed Democratic Club will hold a the Veterans Day Festival, Zoom meeting on Tuesday, selling Veterans day lawn January 12, at 6:30 p.m.

Military Affairs Committee The guest speaker will be signs to show support, tribMeeting. ute stars for heroes and Sheila McNamara. All likeother projects that will take place inn minded individuals are welcome to 2021. attend.

For more information, call 645-1366.

For more information, visit www.easthillsboroughdems.org.

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Galactic Playgrounds Science Center Opens In New Brandon Location Off Of S.R. 60

By Libby Hopkins

Galactic Playgrounds Interactive Science Center has become a part of our community. It is the brainchild of Greg Mendolia.

“Galactic Playgrounds is a science center for kids of all ages,” Mendolia said. “We offer hands-on excitement with exhibits powered by children, so they get exercise, S.T.E.A.M. (Science Technology Engineering Arts Math) learning and fun all at once. Our interactive science center is sure to excite and educate your kids. All exhibits run on kid power, so they can exercise while enjoying an immersive educational atmosphere.”

Mendolia is originally from New England and he his family came to Florida to get out of the cold weather.

His children liked the local children’s attractions like MOSI and Glazer Children’s Museum, but wanted something more to stretch their minds and imaginations. “We visited different areas of Florida, but we found that Tampa was more family-oriented,” Mendolia said. “We started to look for what area of Tampa would be a good fit for our concept and Brandon is the epicenter of families with children, so Brandon was our choice to open Galactic Playgrounds Interactive Science Center.”

The center has quite a lot to offer families from our community. Visitors can relax and enjoy astronomy videos

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on the center’s 14-foottall Planetariumlike screens.

“We have a large variety of interactive science exhibits demonstrating magnetism, hydro forces, electric power, kinetic energy, high voltage static generators and gas plasma effects,” Mendolia said.

“And you can let your little scientist chill out for a bit and paint using our new Buddha boards.”

Before opening Galactic Playground Interactive Science Center, Mendolia made renovations to ensure the building was COVID-safe for families. “We installed a special new HVAC with five times more outside air, which blows COVID away,” Mendolia said.

“Plus we have 8,500 square feet of space for easy social distancing.

Families can rent our entire place.”

Some of the attractions offered at the center are Water World features all things water, allowing kids’ energy to power cool water exhibits. Children will be able to create amazing water cyclones powered in two different ways by operating water pumps, or by powering electric motors. There is also a water elevator utilizing the principles of the famous scientist Archimedes. Visit www.galacticplaygrounds.com or call 315-9478. The center, located at 1041 West Brandon Blvd., is open Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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January 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Jubilee Gymnastics Brings The Same Passion And Fun In A New Ruskin Location

By Hayley Fedor

Starting off the and even stagger new year on the class times to ensure right foot, Jubilee safer procedures durGymnastics is ing the pandemic. moving to a new, Some of the probigger, more grams at Jubilee accommodating Gymnastics include location in Ruskin dance, rhythmic gymeight years after nastics, and even the opening of the acrobatics. Another business in 2013. one of the unique The owner, sports that Jubilee Marybeth Wang Gymnastics offers It is Official! The Jubilee Gymnastics Logo for children ages who is an entreis Up on the New Building preneur at heart, four and up is originally began teaching in home gymknown as ninjafit. This is a program that nastics at the age of eighteen. This pasallows individuals to develop strength sion of hers lead to the opening of the and agility through a foundation in gymfirst Jubilee Gymnastics gym in Ruskin nastic principles and focused training on which originally worked with preschoolobstacle courses and circuits. ers only. Over the years, Jubilee While the distinctive, one of a kind Gymnastics has grown significantly and classes provided by Jubilee Gymnastics expanded to teaching and coaching chil- sets them apart from other gyms, the dren from infants to teenagers. real gems of the organization are the With the mission of being “the most staff that work there. family friendly, quality facility in the South “Our staff will be characterized by Shore area”, as said by Wang, the gym being nurturing, patient and passionate will be relocating to a larger space that about what they do, giving their best for will more comfortably suit the needs of every child and finding their work equally the Jubilee Gymnastics family. rewarding.” said Wang.

Previously, “when we worked on the In the new location, the staff of high beams you could touch the ceiling”, Jubilee Gymnastics plans to continue said Wang. and even better aid children with personThe new building will feature high al development skills and confidence ceilings offering plenty of room for the through gymnastics. talented gymnasts of Jubilee To find out more information about Gymnastics to practice with ease.

Jubilee Gymnastics and the opening of Additionally, having the new larger space the new location visit the company webwill allow the gym staff to spread out the site at jubileegym.com or email classes and activities on the property info@jubileegym.com.

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Jenny’s Zoo Offers Weekly Dog Shows & Makes Interacting with Exotic Animals Easy If you are looking for a fun, stress free, safe activity to kick off your new year, look no further than Jenny’s Zoo. Located in Wimauma, Jenny’s Zoo offers a variety of ways for families to enjoy some time out of the house interacting with animals.

Jenny Walker, the owner of Jenny’s Zoo, and her family come from generations of animal trainers. Prior to the pandemic, the Walker family traveled on tour with their animals, entertaining people across the country. When COVID-19 hit they decided to head home and in July the dream of Jenny’s Zoo became a reality.

The mission of the zoo is to provide the best care possible for the animals and engage the community.

“It’s great for my family and my animal family to give back to our community” said Walker.

With that in mind, Walker wanted to make visiting the park easy and affordable for all. Parking and admission are free and activities within the zoo only cost a small fee to take part in.

From camels to zebras to rabbits, Jenny’s Zoo offers visitors the chance to mingle with the exotic. Yet the star of the show over at Jenny’s is a real unicorn. Yes you read that

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right. The unicorn amongst other animals at the zoo are also available to snap pictures with.

There are plenty of activities on property to keep individuals of all ages busy. “Just a family friendly, fun feel for everybody here” as Walker describes it.

Animal rides are available for the kids, games to incite a bit of friendly competition, and concessions with fresh drinks and food. Even a dog show lead by Walker herself on Saturday and Sunday between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

In light of the pandemic, Jenny’s Zoo has put sanitary measures in place to make sure every guest feels comfortable and safe. There are hand washing stations as well as sanitizer provided throughout the zoo and plenty of room for social distancing.

In 2021 the zoo is “only going to get bigger and better” and additions are on the way according to Walker.

The family opens the zoo which is on their home property every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. at 12611 Andrews Rd., Wimauma, FL 33598. For more information, visit on Facebook at Jenny’s Zoo or call 362-0336.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 1

Kids ‘R’ Kids Angel Tree Produces Gifts For 150 Foster Kids Thanks To Students & Community

Kids Receive ‘Holidays On Wheels’ Thanks To Local Programs

A group of local Kids ‘R’ Kids’ children had a happy goal is to serve every holiday season foster child in thanks to the genHillsborough County erosity of Valrico and by providing each Lithia families. Kids child with new, age‘R’ Kids, a local childappropriate gifts from care center, set up their wish lists.

Angel Trees in its Over the years, facilities, and thanks Fernandes and other to parents and comemployees have visitmunity members, 150 ed the Foster Angel local foster children warehouse facility received new gifts. where tens of thouThe way it works: sands of toys are a tree is set up with housed for the chilangel ornaments dren. detailing children’s “This year, we wishes. Residents were very skeptical are invited to pick an given the COVID Kids ‘R’ Kids connected generous angel and buy sever- residents with kids in need last month, pandemic,” resulting in 150 gifts for local foster al presents for a child Fernandes admitted. children. in need; it’s that sim“We were honestly ple. The Foster Angel anxious at the type of Tree drive started for this response we would have. facility back in 2004 and We are enthused with the since then has helped results at both Kids ‘R’ thousands of children in the local comKids locations this year. Both our lobbies munity. are overflowing with generous toys, “We first got involved with this bikes and gifts.” organization when we realized there This is the largest turn out the were so many children that are separatorganization has had since it began ed from their family and placed in a foshosting the program over a decade ago. ter home due to abuse, neglect or abanIf you would like to contribute for donment during the Christmas Holiday,” next holiday season, Kids ‘R’ Kids has said Ben Fernandes, one of the owners two locations, one in Valrico near River at Kids ‘R’ Kids. “Our mission at Kids ‘R’ Hills and the other in Lithia near Kids was to reach out to our families FishHawk West. who come from an affluent background For more information, visit to and ask them to help our cause.”

KidsRKids.com or call 654-7000.

Tampa Bay Ministries’ annual driveNetwork to End through Holiday Tent.

Hunger (TBNEH), a Together, TBNEH and tri-county leader in Metropolitan Ministries hunger relief, worked together to research and proserve the entire commugram development, nity with food for the delivered Meals On holidays in the tri-county Wheels for Kids area.

(MOW4Kids) Tampa Bay Holidays On Wheels Network to End Hunger Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger is committed to ending (HOW), which delivered Meals On Wheels for Kids includes a full holi(MOW4Kids) Holidays On Wheels hunger in Tampa Bay (HOW) to 930 transportationday meal and toys, by bringing people disadvantaged and homebound to 930 transportatogether to find solufamilies with children in Tampa. tion-disadvantaged tions that eliminate barand homebound families with children in riers, increase access and knowledge, Tampa last month. and expand the amount of nutritious MOW4K HOW was developed, in food available. TBNEH has over 350 partnership with Metropolitan Ministries, members and serves a tri-county area, to ensure that every family has a nutriHillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas countious and joyous holiday celebration. ties. TBNEH is a 501(c)3 non-profit “I am so thankful this program is agency and relies on its community for available to people like me. I lost my job support. For more information, visit because of COVID and we have been www.NetworktoEndHunger.org. struggling,” said Rita, Holidays On As a local, independent nonprofit, Wheels head of household. “I have Metropolitan Ministries has provided three young children and after losing my services that alleviate suffering, promote job I had to give up my car and keeping dignity, and instill self-sufficiency for atour cabinets full has been hard enough. risk and homeless families in Tampa And with the holidays coming, I wasn’t Bay since 1972. sure how I was going to give my family Metropolitan Ministries' main cam[a special celebration]. Thank you for pus is located at 2002 N. Florida Ave. in helping us during this difficult time. You Tampa. For more information, visit are blessing.” www.metromin.org.

TBNEH utilized 200 volunteers to The Network is currently accepting deliver to 930 families, including 2,250 donations at www.networktoendchildren, that are homebound or do not hunger.org/holidays to help support the have access to a working or reliable MOW4K Holidays On Wheels program. vehicle. Families with their own transFor more information, please call (813) portation attended Metropolitan 344-5837.

By Maria Myers

Staff Report

January 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

January Is National Blood Donor Month

By Libby Hopkins

January has been and working with local elecdesignated as National tion offices to have blood Blood Donor Month drives during the recent (NBDM) to encourage presidential election so we donors to give or pledge to could get donors to help give blood. First-time and us. We had to pivot quickly regular donors are encourbecause OneBlood serves aged to make a difference 250 hospitals in the in their communities by Southeast and that’s an giving blood every awesome responsibility January, and regularly that has to happen 24 thereafter. Blood is tradihours a day, seven days a tionally in short supply durweek.” ing the holidays, especially During NBDM, since the recent COVIDOneBlood also wants to 19 pandemic. “National January has been designated encourage donors to as National Blood Donor Blood Donor Month is donate convalescent plasMonth to encourage donors going to take on a new ma to help those who are to give or pledge to give significance,” said Pat blood. First-time and regular infected with COVID-19 donors are encouraged to Michaels, Director of virus. “We are currently make a difference in their Media and Public communities by giving blood processing and distributing Relations for OneBlood. every January, and regularly convalescent to hospitals,” thereafter. Blood is “Last year the blood cenMichaels. “We also do the traditionally in short supply ters around the states had during the holidays, especially testing for COVID antibodradical changes in their since the recent COVID-19 ies. Doing this helped us pandemic. processes due to COVID. regain donors. We had Blood drives by the thousands had to be people come in and donate who have cancelled, which lead to the need for never donated before in their lives.” blood to increase dramatically.”

Michaels hopes that people will come OneBlood relies heavily on local out for NBDM and help OneBlood by blood drives to replenish their blood supdonating blood or convalescent plasma. plies. With the pandemic forcing busi“We hope National Blood Donor Month nesses, high schools and universities to will make a strong impact this year,” shut down, their supplies dwindled. “We Michaels said. “Now more than ever, we rely on corporate blood drives and other need blood donations and convalescent local blood drives,” Michaels said. donations. All it takes is a little bit of your “Twenty percent of our blood supplies time to save lives.” comes from blood drives held at local If you would like to learn more about high schools and college campuses. That National Blood Donor Month or if you was a massive drop immediately. We had would like to donate blood or convalesto regroup and restructure how we do cent plasma, you can visit OneBlood’s blood drive. We started going to HOA’s website at www.oneblood.org.

Page 11

Local ‘The DNA Detective’ Has Skill At Finding Biological Parents & Tracing Ancestry

By Libby Hopkins

Cathi Hardesty is a their matches to identify the Riverview resident who two or four if they are adopted specializes in Genetic and looking for both birth parGenealogy. She uses ents in genetic networks.

DNA and research to find These networks roughly reprethe biological parents of sent maternal mother and adoptees. To the residents maternal father’s relatives and of Riverview, she is known also paternal mother’s and as “The DNA Detective.” “I paternal father’s relatives. I caught the Genealogy bug then predict the relationship of about 10 years ago from each of the higher DNA matchmy biological father,” es. I determine the common Hardesty said. “We spent ancestors in each network and many hours developing build family trees out many our tree together. In 2014, generations. Then I reverse Cathi Hardesty is a I submitted my DNA to Riverview resident who course and build the trees forspecializes in Genetic Ancestry.com and ward to modern times. Using Genealogy. became fascinated by all obituaries, census records and that can be learned with a tube of saliva newspaper articles, I make sure no family and a laptop! Later, I developed my skills member is left out of the tree. From there enough to assist my brother-in-law in the I develop a hypothesis and try to disprove search for his biological father, using it. Upon proving lineage to all four of my DNA. From that experience, I realized predicted birth parent’s grandparents, my that I have a knack for interpreting the work is done!”

DNA and delivering results.”

Hardesty’s favorite part of her work is Hardesty began helping others and solving a case. “My favorite part of solving now she considers herself a seasoned a case is actually being able to provide researcher. “The majority of those who the name, a phone number and an ask for my help are the adoptee looking address of a birth parent to an adoptee,” for their family, however I have had a few Hardesty said. “It’s an overwhelming feelcases that were the birth parent or sibling ing of accomplishment and knowing that was looking for the child who was placed through my own tenacity, they will no for adoption,” Hardesty said. “Most of my longer feel like a part of their life is missclients are U.S.-based however; I have ing. I am so grateful to be a part of their solved some from as far away as story. I have been known to do a happy Canada, Wales and Scotland.” dance or two when I have solved difficult The search for a biological family case.” member takes time, knowledge, patience, To learn more about Hardesty and experience and a lot of work. “After her research, visit her website at receiving the adoptees’ DNA results, my www.myfamilyfinder.org. E-mail at work begins,” Hardesty said. “I research myfamilyfinder@yahoo.com.

Page 12

Volume 19, Issue 1

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Neighborhood Staple, Willie’s Seafood Closes After 45 Years In Business

By Libby Hopkins

businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on Willie’s. “We have always been a big part of the community,” Robinson said. “We’ve sponsored little league teams, supported many FFAs and many comWillie’s Seafood in Valrico has been a Brandon staple munity organizations held for more than 45 years. The Robinson family owns the their meetings at our community-loved restaurant and the family recently restaurant. My son and his made the very difficult decision to close Willie’s wife have been running the Seafood. The restaurant closed on December 23. restaurant for the last six Willie’s Seafood in Valrico has been years and then COVID hit. They had to a Brandon staple for more than 45 shut down. They missed the snowbird years. The Robinson family owns the season, but when they opened back up, community-loved restaurant and the they could only have 25 percent capacifamily recently made the very difficult ty. They still paid all their employees durdecision to close Willie’s Seafood. ing the shutdown, but with the restaurant A message on the restaurant’s webbeing an old building needing repairs site said, “We would like to let all of you and the cost to run it, it was just too know that we have made the decision to much.” close down Willie’s, the place for Robinson said she’s not going to seafood. It was not an easy decision dwell on the sadness over having to and a variety of reasons contribute to close Willie’s, but she will focus on all this choice. Many have noticed that the the good memories and what could menu prices have increased 20 percent come in the future for the restaurant. in two years. This has not touched the “Our customers are like our extended deficit caused by building repair, family,” Robinson said. “We’ve seen their increased food costs and payroll children grow up, graduate high school increases.” and then college and then they get marThe Brandon community was sadried. I’m not sure what Willie’s will dened to find out this local landmark become next, but hopefully, in some would be gone before the Christmas holshape or form, it will still be a part of our idays. “This was a family-owned and community.” operated business,” Owner Maryellen If you would like to see what the Robinson said. “We had Bill’s mother, future holds for Willie’s Seafood, keep aunts, uncles, cousins and children an eye on its Facebook page at working in the restaurant in the beginwww.facebook.com/WilliesThePlaceFor ning. It was just all family.”

Seafood.

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They also can provide baiting services for any insect plaguing your property.

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Page 13

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

DAR Celebrates Hope For Her Founder With Annual Community Service Award

COVID IN REVIEW: Local COVID Survivor Continues To Donate Convalescent Plasma

Earlier this lies have had month, the Alafia their lives River Chapter of the restored since National Society Hope for Her Daughters of the opened their American doors.

Revolution (DAR), Alafia River presented the Chapter DAR group’s annual Community Community Service Service Award to Cheryl Chairman Hicks, founder and Glenda Thurow Community Service Award, pictured left to executive director awarded the right: Cathleen LaVigne, chapter regent; of Hope for Her. Cecilia Murray, treasurer; Cheryl Hicks founder DAR Hope for Her, a and executive director of Hope for Her; Glenda Community local nonprofit, sup- Thurow, Community Service Award chairman; Service Award and Jen Gerken, Women’s Issues chairman. ports women expe- (Masks were worn during the presentation and pin and a certifiriencing crisis and cate to Hicks for only removed briefly for the photo.) trauma by providing her service to essentials such as housing, the community. Each childcare, food, clothing and year, this committee more to address the needs searches for outstanding of these women and their community members to children. Hope for Her recognize and thank for works one-on-one with their service to our local women to restore their concommunity. fidence and self-worth by identifying DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical, volneeds, creating plans to address them unteer women’s service organization with and staying with the families for as long over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters as needed. across the world. Any woman age 18 Cheryl Hicks opened this important years and older—regardless of race, relicenter for women in 2003. In its very first gion or ethnic background—who can year, Hope for Her and the dedicated prove her lineal descent from patriots of team of volunteers assisted 100 women the American Revolution is eligible to join and their families who had nowhere else the DAR. to turn. Last year, over 300 women found If you are interested in learning more employment through its program, 1,200 about the Alafia River Chapter of the women received one-on-one support and National Society Daughters of the the center received over 3,600 calls for American Revolution, help and support. More than 45,000 fami- email ARCRegistrar201921@gmail.com.

A few months make our ago, I wrote a engagement story about official. We are Charles still very much Oppermann and in love and the his battle with whole COVID COVID-19. thing has made Opperman was our family a lot about to be put closer and have on a ventilator started a few due to his new family trabreathing issues Charles Oppermann is a COVID-19 survivor. ditions. Shirley He feels the donation of convalescent plasma and I and my related to the he received in the hospital saved his life. He virus. Before he ex-wife Anthea, has become a local superhero by making was hooked up and my son multiple donations of his convalescent plasma. to the ventilator, Grayson recenthe sent a text to his girlfriend, ly all did a 5k together.”

Shirley’s daughter to ask for her perOppermann strongly believes his mission to marry her mom. When life was saved by the convalescent she responded “yes,” he then sent plasma donation he received while Shirley a text asking her to marry he was in the hospital battling him once he was out of the hospital. COVID. “If it wasn’t for that transfuMy story came out and so did sion, I know I would not be here the secret of his proposal to Shirley. today,” Oppermann said. “I got the “We hadn’t told anyone and once convalescent plasma and I immedithe story came out, everyone was ately started to get better.” calling Shirely to congratulate us,” That transfusion is the reason Oppermann said. “We hadn’t told Oppermann recently began donating any of our families that I asked her his convalescent plasma. “I was to marry me, so it was a huge surhonored to receive someone’s prise to everyone!” donated convalescent plasma, so I Shirley and Charles are still feel it is my obligation to donate so I together, but they have decided that can help someone like someone’s they will not make their engagement donation helped me,” Oppermann official until 2021. said. “I truly believe convalescent “We didn’t want to have our plasma saved my life from COVID engagement associated with 2020, and I want to help save other lives.” the pandemic and me being sick To make a blood or convaleswith COVID,” Oppermann said. “So, cent plasma donation, visit we are waiting until early 2021 to OneBlood at www.oneblood.org.

Staff Report

By Libby Hopkins

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

New Executive Director Takes Over At Outreach Free Clinic And Resource Center In Brandon

By Gwen Rollings

Allison Alvarez 18 years as executive Hedrick became the new director. executive director of The Brandon High Outreach Free Clinic and School and University of Resource Center, located North Carolina at at 517 N. Parsons Ave. in Pembroke graduate brings Brandon, in October, but years of experience in she is not unfamiliar to that marketing, communication, area nor how important an public relations and nonoutreach free clinic is to profit affiliations with organmany hardworking famiizations like The Leukemia lies. and Lymphoma Society Hedrick said, “I grew (LLS), Largo Cultural up in Brandon, just a Center and Suncoast Girl Allison Alvarez Hedrick takes street over from where over as executive director of Scout Council. Prior to Outreach Free Clinic and the Outreach Free Clinic and becoming executive direcResource Center in Brandon. tor, she was vice president Resource Center is now.

Even as a kid, I recall what a challenge it of communications with WEDU PBS. was when someone in the family needed Hedrick expressed her first goal to see a doctor. While my parents both would be raising awareness for worked—Mom worked in restaurants and Hillsborough County residents that Dad owned a small sports bar and grill— Outreach Free Clinic and Resource we didn’t have health insurance or much Center is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit, disposable income. Without a resource nongovernment medical facility providing like Outreach Free Clinic and Resource primary healthcare at no cost to those Center, doctor visits were paid for in who do not qualify for government assiscash—a significant hardship for a family tance and who cannot afford private medliving paycheck to paycheck and without ical care. sick time to also cover missing work. I Her second priority is to expand supwould always feel so guilty if I needed to port from volunteers, medical providers, go to the doctor, knowing it would cost donors and corporate partnerships. money not just for the visit, but also any Although patients receive care from prescriptions that might be needed. No licensed doctors, nurse practitioners and one should experience obstacles to getmedical residents who donate their time, ting medical care or feel guilty about takthe clinic relies on individual donations ing care of their health.” and community partnerships to maintain Hedrick’s empathy, education and services to the community. experience make her uniquely qualified to To learn more about the Outreach replace Deborah Meegan, who officially Clinic, visit www.theoutreachclinic.com or retired on December 17 after more than call 654-1388.

M

Volume 19, Issue 1

New Locally-Owned Great Clips Opens In Publix Plaza At FishHawk West

By Faith Miller

A brand-new, procedures. She gets much family-owned Great help from her general manager, Clips opened last Hanri Cochran, and her son, month in FishHawk Sam Orchard, as well.

West. The salon is Great Clips at FishHawk located next to Publix West is having its grand openin the Alafia ing right now and through Commons shopping Sunday, center.

January Lea Orchard is 31. During the salon owner/franthe grand Jeffery Miller gets the first chisee of this Great opening, haircut at the new Great Clips. She became a all haircuts Clips at FishHawk West. franchisee in 2001 in order to build a famwill be ily business to provide a strong future for $7.99. The regular haircut prices are very herself and her family. Her original career reasonable at $15 for adults and $13 for was as a CPA with children and seniors.

PricewaterhouseCoopers. Orchard was The construction and buildout was one of the original franchisees in this mar- made possible by South Shore ket, (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Contracting. Project Manager Jeffrey Hernando, and Sarasota Counties).

Miller, who worked with Orchard on the There were no Great Clips here at that project, was the first to receive a haircut time, now there are 87. at the new location. Miller and his team This Great Clips is number 13 for were able to build-out the salon despite Orchard. Her other stores are located in potential COVID-19 setbacks.

Carrollwood, Lutz, Citrus Park, Land Great Clips salons have the convenO’Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Riverview, ient Great Clips Online Check-In app that Apollo Beach, Clearwater, Dunedin and allows guests to check in on their cell Tarpon Springs. phones or laptops and add their names to Orchard said, “All stylists and cusa waiting list. “About 40 percent of our tomers are required to wear masks. After customers use our Online Check-In app every haircut, the entire area, including because it is so convenient and such a the chair and tools, are all deeply cleaned timesaver,” said Orchard. and sanitized. For each new haircut, Great Clips at FishHawk West is every person is given a new, freshly open seven days a week for the convenwashed cape.” ience of their customers. “ Orchard is hands-on with her busiGreat Clips at Alafia Commons ness and makes frequent visits to each of (FishHawk West) is located at 5631 Circa her Great Clips locations. She also hanFishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. Call 502-5980 or dles her own accounting and back office check in online using the Great Clips app.

January 2021

Page 15

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Tampa General Hospital Starts To Administer First Shipment Of COVID-19 Vaccinations

By Libby Hopkins

Tampa General receive the vaccinaHospital (TGH) tion, TGH will supply received its first shippartner hospitals ment of the Pfizer twoAdventHealth, dose COVID-19 vacBayCare, Bayfront, cine on December 15 HCA and Moffitt with as part of the state’s the vaccine for their pilot program to fight first phase group of the pandemic. Tampa healthcare workers.

Tampa General Hospital received its General has assemThe vaccine first shipment of the Pfizer two-dose bled an internal task COVID-19 vaccine on December 15 as requires ultra-cold part of the state’s pilot program to fight storage (-80 degrees force committee of the pandemic experts to develop the Celsius/-112 degrees process for vaccine distribution in accorFahrenheit) to maintain maximum effecdance with Centers for Disease Control tiveness. Tampa General’s pharmacy curand Prevention (CDC) recommendations. rently utilizes three freezers, allowing The initial shipment of vaccines for TGH to safely store a total of 510,000 this pilot program will be distributed to doses of the vaccine at once. “The freezhealthcare workers battling COVID-19 on ers at TGH also produce dry ice, which the front lines. Guidance by the CDC indi- will be essential for transporting the vaccates community access to the vaccine cine safely when needed,” Couris said. will be available around the spring of To support the needs of the local 2021, depending on vaccine production nursing homes and long-term care facililevels. “This vaccine provides hope to our ties, the state has contracted with both community and Tampa General is honCVS and Walgreens to administer vacciored to support this pilot program,” said nations to those patients as well as the John Couris, president and CEO of healthcare workers who provide their Tampa General Hospital. “We stand direct patient care. ready to support the governor and our The second phase of vaccinations is state officials in whatever capacity is expected to begin in early 2021 and, if asked of us in the distribution of the vacsupply is sufficient, will apply to additional cine.”

Tampa General physicians or healthcare In this first phase and in accordance workers in direct patient care, persons with federal guidelines, the COVID-19 over 65 with underlying health conditions, vaccine stored at Tampa General will only first responders, law enforcement and be available to TGH physicians and staff essential workers, including teachers, at greatest risk of exposure to COVID-19 childcare providers as well as food distriin the workplace. If the vaccine supply bution employees. received allows for it and once the initial To learn more about Tampa General group of TGH workers has begun to Hospital, visit www.tgh.org.

The Undy Run Goes Virtual For Colon Cancer

By Libby Hopkins

In January 2017 at the age of 46, Tara Polk of Brandon was diagnosed with stage IV rectal cancer that had spread to her liver. After two major surgeries and countless rounds of chemotherapy, she is now being closely monitored through blood work and scans.

Polk became aware of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance Tara Polk of Brandon is currently the event organizthrough her colorectal surgeon, er for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s Undy Run/Walk to End Colon Cancer.

Dr. Jorge Marcet. Wanting to help or close friends before joining the drivein any way possible, Polk was honored to through victory lap celebration, our safe give the Survivor Speech at the 2019 onsite activation.”

Undy Run To End Colorectal Cancer The victory lap will be from 10 a.m.event and in early 2020 she served as 12 Noon on Saturday, February 27 and one of the event’s coordinators. participants can trade their walking shoes “The Colorectal Cancer Alliance for a decorated car to drive through to exists to end this disease in our lifetime, celebrate and pick up their Tampa Walk and the pandemic has created a new swag bags. need and numerous challenges that are “Just a handful of volunteers will be critical to address for the colorectal canon-site wearing masks, social distancing, cer community,” Polk said. “The alliance regularly using hand sanitizer, while is addressing those challenges within our cheering for participants driving through in pillars to screen, care and cure.” their cars and placing the swag bags in To support the Colorectal Cancer the trunks of cars to stay safely disAlliance’s programs to screen, care and tanced,” Polk said. “Each swag bag will cure colorectal cancer, the Undy include a pair of boxers, goodies from Run/Walk to End Colon Cancer is continsponsors and educational material on coluing to raise funds and spread awareorectal cancer and the alliance. All colness, even if not in the traditional way. orectal cancer patients and survivors will “To keep the community safe, we receive their 2020 Survivor Medal and have pivoted the Tampa Walk to End anyone who hits fundraising levels of Colon Cancer to be virtual with a fun, $100 and above will receive their socially distanced, drive-through activafundraising items, such as the walktion,” Polk said. “We are encouraging branded pop socket, shoulder sling bag people to register online for free at ccaland thermal water bottle.” liance.org/TampaWalk, fundraise and To learn more, visit www.impact.ccalspread awareness leading up to the liance.org/event/2021-tampa-walk-to-endTampa Walk, but then walk on February 27 in their own neighborhoods with family colon-cancer.

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Page 16

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 1

Bridges Dental Opens New State-Of-The-Art Office In Prime River Hills Location

Automotive Recyclers Association Honors Brandon Auto Services Owner

Brad and Even though Laura Bridges, the location has owners of changed, the Bridges Dental, patient care has thought they continued to were crazy for remain top-notch. buying an office “My wife Dr. building Bridges’ care and during skill as a dentist the are unsurpassed,” height of he said. the A testament COVIDThe staff at Bridges Dental is serving patients to that is her at its new location at 4316 New River Hills being selected as 19 pandemic.

Pkwy. in Valrico.

That deciTampa Bay sion turned out being the smartest Magazine’s Top Dentist for 2020, her thing they ever did. fourth year earning the distinction.

Six weeks after they closed on the Dr. Bridges earned a degree in property, on June 30, 2020, a fire devbiomedical science from USF and astated their dental practice in received her DMD degree from the Erindale Plaza, where the practice had University of Florida’s College of been in business for 27 years.

Dentistry. Her staff includes three full“The office alarm went off because time hygienists and three office assisit detected motion,” said Brad. All tants. looked quiet upon driving to the Bridges Dental offers a variety of office…until he opened the door. “The services, including crowns, root canal, smoke just rushed out,” he said. “Our bridges, fillings, cosmetic dentistry, office was a total loss.” veneers, teeth whitening and gum That’s when the decision to purtreatment using the latest technology chase the new building was seen in a to make the patient experience as different light. “Sometimes it’s better to comfortable as possible. be lucky than smart,” he joked.

Bridges Dental’s new office, locatThe 5,000-square-foot office is ed at 4316 New River Hills Pkwy, is bright and airy, featuring 10 operatoopen Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 ries and a new state-of-the-art equipp.m. The office is currently accepting ment. Windows in every room bring new patients; most dental PPOs are plenty of natural light to every room. accepted.

“I think the new location only For more information about improves the patient experience,” said Bridges Dental, visit www.bridgesdenBrad. tal.com or call 654-3399.

It is no wonder Holland went on to Brandon Auto give an example of a Services is going customer whose vehistrong after nearly cle needed collision 50 years in the repair, but did not business. Owners have the ability to go Steve Holland and past a certain budget.

Ken Anderson are “We fixed the door, but passionate and we did not repaint at knowledgeable the customer’s about all things request. We have the automotive. Plus, ability to do that they believe in givbecause we have the ing customers Steve Holland, co-owner of Brandon salvage yard, and we Auto Services, was recently honored have a comparable choices so they by the Automotive Recyclers can get back on part in stock in most Association with a Lifetime the road without cases,” he said.

Achievement Award. breaking the bank.

Recently, the In addition to Automotive general repairs, Recyclers engines/transmisAssociation honored sions repairs, colHolland with a 813-689-8131 • 3159 E. State Road 60 - Valrico Lifetime Achievement lision repair and tire services, Award. Holland was Brandon Auto Services works hard to grateful and excited, saying, “It’s purchase damaged or used vehicles pretty awesome because it’s a so it can recycle parts. This is a critinational association. People from all cal portion of the automotive supply over the world are part of this. A lot chain. Customers get options and of people deserve it, and I feel lucky valuable metals like steel, aluminum to get it.” Born in Tampa and raised and plastic can be recycled and kept in Brandon, automotive work is in his out of landfills. bloodline. His father owned one of Holland explained what sets it the first body shops in the 60s. This apart: “I think growing up in the comaward is validation for a lifetime of munity and doing honest work is real- commitment to his craft and an ongoly the main thing. We give options to ing promise to the customer for qualithe consumer; we can do used parts, ty service and selection. Brandon new factory OEM parts or recycled Auto Services is located at 3161 E. OEM parts. Customers can choose S.R. 60 in Valrico. Visit www.brandohow their vehicles are repaired.” nautoservices.com or call 651-2288.

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Page 20

Volume 19, Issue 1

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Lightning Asst. Equipment Manager Shares Stanley Cup Day With Family & Friends

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Brandon resident eating at the food trucks Rob Kennedy’s name is outside. He then etched on the most brought the Cup next famous trophy in sports, door to the Heroes Only the Stanley Cup. The Barber Shop, where he assistant equipment gets his hair cut. After manager for the Tampa the festivities, they went Bay Lightning was a back to his house to part of the 2020 chamhave a party with his pionship team. friends and family to Kennedy has been end the night. with the club for 13 Kennedy’s job was years, after previously particularly difficult this Rob Kennedy lifts the Stanley working for several season with the NHL Cup over his head. minor league teams as playing its playoff well as the Florida Panthers. He got games in a bubble in Canada after a started with hockey when he was in four-month break during the regular college in Chicago, mainly because it season. The Lightning started in was the only job available near his Toronto and later traveled to school.

Edmonton for the last two rounds. He It’s customary that each player spent about two months away from his and member of the staff of the winning family during the championship run. team gets to spend a day with the Kennedy and his staff had to do a lot Stanley Cup trophy in the off-season. of planning, making sure the players Kennedy wanted to share the experihad everything they needed. Jerseys, ence with his community and the peosticks, skates, gloves and helmets, ple closest to him. among other things, had to be packed The day started with Kennedy up on the plane to travel. Kennedy bringing the Cup to his parents’ house said that they still aren’t completely in Cape Coral. His father has been unpacked after the trip. sick and Kennedy didn’t want him Kennedy’s dream of winning the exposed to other people in the midst Stanley Cup came true when the of the pandemic. The Beer Shed in Lightning defeated the Dallas Stars in Riverview was the next stop, where six games. “All the hard work finally they stayed for about an hour, and paid off, not just the work we put in they later ended up at Bullfrog Creek this year, but the long work we put in Brewing Co. in Valrico from 3-6 p.m. throughout our careers,” said Kennedy.

Kennedy and his family built a special “I don’t think people know how hard it bond with the Bullfrog Creek owner is to win a championship at any level, and staff after frequenting the bar and let alone the greatest trophy ever.”

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Page 21

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

New President Of Hillsborough Community College Brandon Campus Selected

G ET THE DIRT

Staff Report

Dr. Deborah Kish demic dean and graduate Johansen has been and undergraduate faculselected to join ty. She also has legal and Hillsborough Community government experience, College (HCC) as the having served in positions Brandon Campus presiof corporate and governdent. A committee comment legal counsel. prised of HCC faculty, Noted as a compasstaff, administrators and sionate and inspiring community representateam leader, Dr. Kish tives conducted a nationJohansen plans to bring a wide search for qualified tremendous passion for candidates, narrowing student success to both down the list through sevthe college and the eral rounds of interviews and open campus forums Dr. Deborah Kish Johansen for the final four candiis the next HCC Brandon Campus president. dates. HCC President Dr. Ken Atwater made the final selection, Brandon which was approved by the district board communiof trustees at its December 9 meeting. ty.

“Along with the positive campus feed“It is a back and her impeccable references, Dr. profound honor to be selected to Kish Johansen impressed me with her serve as the next president of the desire to foster a collaborative environBrandon Campus and join Hillsborough ment of learning and growth sustained by Community College,” said Dr. Kish assessment, support and inquiry at the Johansen. “The Brandon Campus serves Brandon Campus,” Dr. Atwater said. “I am as a vital educational and economic conconfident that her energy and enthusiasm duit for individuals and the Greater Tampa for the students, faculty and staff at the Bay area. I am eager to immerse myself campus will bring forth a period of renew- in the Brandon area and continue to build al and put the campus on a positive traan outstanding educational opportunity to jectory forward.” the growing community.”

With more than two decades in comHillsborough Community College bined higher education administration and serves more than 47,000 students annufaculty experience, Dr. Kish Johansen’s ally at its five campuses located throughextensive professional background out Tampa Bay. The college is accredited includes holding the positions of vice by the Southern Association of Colleges president of academic affairs, chief acaand Schools Commission on Colleges. demic officer, chief operating officer, acaFor more information, visit hccfl.edu.

WITH FLORIDA YARD EXPERT

Lynn Barber, Hillsborough County Extension

How To Care For Your Holiday Plants

With the holidays a distant memory, you may have received or purchased a holiday plant.

Below are a few tips about the care required for traditional holiday plants.

The bright red poinsettia is more easily established for outdoor use than other colors, such as pink, white or burgundy. This is a ‘short day’ plant, meaning it blooms when days are short, and nights are long. Blooming requires an extended period of darkness. If planted near artificial light, such as a street light or exterior house lighting, after October 1, there will be a delay in flowering.

This tropical plant likes temperatures in the area of 75-80 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at night. Indoors, don’t fertilize and only water when the soil is dry. You can plant poinsettias outside after the last chance of frost has passed.

In Central Florida, that usually means after mid-February. Outdoors, it should be located in the sun and away from artificial light. This plant has received a bad reputation as being poisonous, but it’s not.

There is white, milky sap in the stem.

However, if you are allergic to latex, you are probably better off not handling this plant.

Amaryllis is a bulb that produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers which can

be planted in containers or in the ground. It can reach a height and spread of 1-3 feet and makes a big impact when planted in groups of 10 or more. Plant this bulb between September and January. Amaryllis performs best in partial shade and well in the sun. You can leave bulbs in the ground for years or dig them up and replant them during September and October.

Gardenia produces fragrant white flowers and has glossy, dark green leaves. It can reach a height and spread of 4-8 feet.

Full sun to partial shade provides the best flowering. After flowering has been completed, the plant can be pruned, which is generally mid-summer.

Christmas cactus is also a ‘short day’ plant. For it to bloom during the holidays, move it to a dark area from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily for six weeks. After blooming has ended, place it in bright light. If indoors, place the plant within 6 feet of a window. Light exposure in a north window is not effective. Flowers vary in color from white to pink to red and more. This plant is great in containers on a front porch, lanai or as a houseplant.

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Page 22

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 1

Rock Insurance Company Has Strong Ties To The Riverview Community

Hillsborough County Library Hosts Virtual Events With Nasa Engineers & Lego Masters

Lisa Hast grew up in carriers,” Hast said. “We are the Apollo Beach and able to make comparisons Ruskin area and has to current coverage, shop been a Southern around a customer’s current Hillsborough county resicoverage to see if we can dent her whole life. “I was find a better policy with here when there were equal or better coverage for only a few homes in a similar or better price.”

Apollo Beach and Ruskin If you ask Hast what was mostly farmland,” makes her business different Hast said. “I am married from other insurance comto my husband Jason, panies in the area, she will and we have three tell you that her business grown children. Branden is community-focused.

McCorkle is a charter “We are different in the boat captain, my middle fact that as a family busiLisa Hast grew up in the Apollo son Cameron Hast is a Beach and Ruskin area and has ness we have history in plumber and my baby the area,” Hast said. been a Southern Hillsborough county resident her whole life. girl Torie McCorkle “Our office décor is all She is the owner of Rock works as an agent at old school Apollo Beach Insurance Company in Apollo Iron Rock. We have a photos and memorabilia.

Beach. two-year-old grandson named Carter.

I know the history of the area and have Jason and I live in the big town of Balm.” been here for 50 years. I have seen this Hast is the owner of her familyarea grow and thrive. We take what we owned and operated insurance company, do very personal.

Iron Rock Insurance in Apollo Beach.

Our customers are like family to us. I Iron Rock is a new company. love what I do because this is my home“We opened shop in June of 2020,” town. I see folks that I have known my Hast said. “I was with a family business entire life, or people I went to high school for 37 years and the time had come for with, or that my kids grew up and what is me to do something different. Jason and I fun too is we have my Boston Terrier were all over the board with it from selling Rimy as a part of the office; she comes to our home and moving to Podunk GA, to the office every day. Folks bring her treats going corporate America. The opportunity or just come to love on her.” arose to open Iron Rock and we took it.”

If you would like to learn more about Iron Rock Insurance primarily focus the services offered at Iron Rock on personal lines insurance. “Houses, Insurance, you can visit their website at cars, boats, flood, golf cart, recreational www.ironrockins.com or call Hast at 213vehicles, we are blessed that we have 9600. The office is located at 1312 Apollo some of the best players in insurance Beach Blvd Suite O in Apollo Beach.

This January, from NASA’s Transiting Tampa-Hillsborough Exoplanet Survey Public Library is excitSatellite (TESS),” said ed to announce, and the online announcecontinue, several great ment. virtual opportunities for Another event the guests. These events library will be virtually will include technology hosting is “Bricks 4 help, live question and Kidz: Master LEGO answer sessions, story Building with Mr. times and much more.

John.” At this event, On Friday and ‘Mr. John’ from Bricks Wednesday, January 4 Kidz will be showing 15 and 27, it will be participants how they hosting virtual events Children can join Mr. John virtually can become LEGO with Natalie Guerrero, Master Builders. He and learn on how to become a LEGO Master Builder. who is currently workwill be teaching and ing with the MIT Kavli Institute for demonstrating different building methods Astrophysics and Space Research on and techniques along with participating the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey in a Q&A. Satellite (TESS) mission. The first event “Whether you have a small amount she will be hosting is on January 15 or large amount of LEGOs, all skill levels beginning at 6:30 p.m., which is recomof builders are welcome to participate in mended for ages 7-12 years old. this super awesome, fun, and educationGuerrero will be explaining how technolal event!” said the online announcement. ogy and science are essential to space One thing that the libraries will be exploration along with participating in a introducing this month is its new ‘Tech live Q&A session with the children in Rescue’ appointments. According to attendance. On January 27, she will also Amanda Jones, a Learning Experiences be speaking at an event similar to this, consultant for Hillsborough County but for teens and adults. During this Public Library Cooperative, these will be event, beginning at 6:30 p.m., she will a virtual version of the library’s Walk-In be leading a more in-depth conversation Tech Help services, allowing guests to on the most recent happenings with the sign up for one-on-one appointments NASA TESS project as well as doing with library staff to get help with whatevanother Q&A with those attending. er technology issues they may have.

“What can we see of worlds beyond To sign up for events or tech rescue our own? Celebrate the library’s New appointments, please visit Gear, New You month with MIT’s Natalia https://hcplc.evanced.info/signup/calenGuerrero as she brings you the latest dar.

By Libby Hopkins

By Faith Miller

January 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 1

WOULD YOU O LIKE THE CHANCE TO HAVE V YO OUR INSURAN NCE PREMIUMS WORK FOR YOU? O DO NOT REP PLACE C YO OUR ROO OF WITHOUT LETT TING US TA AKE A LO OOK!

ROOF REP PAIR AND PA REPLACEMEN NT SER RV VICES

Family own ned business ser ving our neighbo ors fo or 39 years! <<< Alex Al (Ow (Owner)) with ith hi his sons...

“Our next gen neration of roofers!”

March 2020

Volume 19, Issue 3

Ph: 657-2418

Riverview/Apollo Beach

January 2021 Magruder Agency Celebrates 31 Years

Volume 19, Issue 1

Ph: 657-2418 T & J Painting

The Magruder Agency was established in 1989 by Pat Magruder and has grown because it pays attention to the needs of each client. It is too easy to find yourself with a generic insurTony and Jennifer Friedrichsen, owners of T & J Resident Natacha Painting. ance policy that Patricia and Stephanie Thorte mentioned that reached on 654-3100 or by doesn’t truly fit your Magruder. the See-Green product she had puremail at patricia@magruderspecific situation. chased online to aid in scleral lens agency.com. Additional information The Magruder Agency takes the time insertion was not working properly.

Dr. to sit with each of its policyholders and can be found by visiting their website Hollis went home and made (with his www.magruderagency.com. new clients to learn about their cover3D printer) Thorte a scleral lens inserage needs, budget limitations, and poltion kit he affectionately named the Local Eye Doctor Fulfills icy types that they are interested in.

Hollis Scleral Stand. Thorte came in Each client leaves with the best quality Community Need With 3D the following Saturday for a new lens Printing coverage to meet each of their needs and was given the Hollis Scleral and requirements. Over the years the Dr. Branning Hollis, co-owner of Stand. She is now able to use this Magruder Agency has received many Southern Eye Care Associates in product without having to worry about community awards including; Women Valrico, specializes in specialty contact it not working properly.

Owned Business of the Year, Small lens fittings, one being the scleral lens, Dr. Hollis plans to share the proBusiness of the Year and Excellence which is very helpful for people with duction particulars for the scleral lens in Marketing from the Brandon keratoconus and dry eye syndrome. insertion stand online for others to Chamber of Commerce, and Woman Dr. Hollis’ goal was to make someduplicate. of the Year from the American thing to aid in scleral lens insertion for Southern Eye Care Associates is Business Women’s Association. his patients without the high cost. Dr. located at 3307 Lithia Pinecrest Rd The Magruder Agency is located Hollis, father of two boys, works with and can be reached at 654-0220. For at 655 W Lumsden Rd., Brandon and his wife and co-owner, Dr. Mona more information, visit https://visionis open Monday to Friday, from 9a.m.

Kardani, splitting their time in the office source-valrico.com/. to 5p.m. Pat ricia Magruder can be and homeschooling.

When Tony Friedrichsen from T & J Painting finished school, he worked in the painting industry before going to college and earning both a BA in communications and an MBA from the University of Central Missouri. He then took a job in sales before taking side jobs in painting to help support his family. The side projects quickly evolved and he realized that there were more opportunities in running his own business with his wife versus the corporate position he had. T & J Painting was licensed in 2008 and has been in operation ever since.

T & J Painting offers residential and commercial painting, specializing in any size exterior painting projects, large or small. They are fully licensed and insured and Friedrichsen takes an active role in all projects from start to finish and never subcontracts any work. Friedrichsen feels that T & J Painting has been able to rise above the competition because of its pride in professionalism, its work with clients to determine exactly what they want and need and by never assuming that it knows best. It will help with project design and layout to make sure that

Continued on Next Page

8 MODELS / 10 COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM

813.335.0015 WWW.ICONEV.COM

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Business Column Continued................... clients are completely satisfied to the best of their ability. Other services offered by T & J Painting include power washing, deck and dock staining/painting, barrel/Spanish tile roof painting and fluid-applied commercial roof coating systems. To find out more, visit www.tandjpaintingfl.com or call T & J Painting at 670-8565.

Daylight Concepts Can Brighten Your Home

Daylight Concepts is a specialized group of professionals that help increase the comfort of your home. Have you ever walked into a room in the middle of the day and had to turn your lights on? That’s exactly the type of problem that they can solve in just a couple of hours. With tubular skylights, they bring natural daylight to kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, staircases, you name it! In over 14 years in business they’ve brightened thousands of homes. If you want a personalized experience, unique design, and the best quality of product and services, they are the right contractor for you.

Daylight Concepts is based in Tampa, additional information can be found on their website at www.daylightconcepts.com or visit on Facebook at solatubeflorida@daylightconcept.

Preservation 1st Financial Group Celebrating 16 Years In Business

Father and son team, Michael and Christian Beiter are celebrating 16 years of their insurance and financial planning business, Preservation 1st Financial Group.

Preservation 1st serves all your financial planning and insurance needs including retirement planning, estate planning, life insurance,

By Jenny Bennett

medicare coverage, college planning and more. Their mission is to partner with their clients and their families in their pursuit of their financial goals.

Preservation 1st Financial Group is located at 912 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, and can be contacted on 627-0872, they are currently providing virtual appointments. Additional information can be found by visiting www.preservation1st.com.

St. Joseph’s Named As One Of The Nation’s Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals

St. Joseph’s Hospital was recently named as one of the nation’s top performing hospitals by Fortune and IBM® Watson Health®.

The annual Fortune/IBM 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals study spotlights leading short-term, acute care, non-federal U.S. hospitals that treat a broad spectrum of cardiology patients. The study is designed to identify impartial, actionable and attainable benchmarks for hospital and clinical leaders as they work to raise their own organizations’ standards of performance in cardiac care. “The fact that we are the only hospital in Hillsborough County to receive this award, and that this is our third time on this list, underscores how we strive to provide extraordinary care for our community,” said hospital President Kimberly Guy. “St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Heart Institute is one of the most advanced and comprehensive centers for cardiovascular care in Florida.

We combine our expertise with compassionate care and are at the forefront of the latest research and new techniques in heart care.”

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Kemp Design Services Open For Graphic And Internet Services

Kevin and Barbara Kemp recently opened Kemp Design Services to help meet clients’ graphic design and internet needs. It is a small, family-owned business that prides itself on creating superior graphics and excellent customer service.

“We seek to understand the needs of our clients and make it our mission to provide them with marketing that works. We are committed to serving our community and clients,” said Kevin.

Services offered by Kemp Design Services include website design, logo design, print advertising design, search engine optimization and social media management and training.

Kemp Design Services is located at 18921 Boyette Rd. in Lithia and is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.KempDesignServices.com or www.facebook.com/KempDesign/. You can also follow it on Twitter @KempDesignServ or call 655-9200.

Valrico Business Owner Creates Products That Kill COVID-19

Volume 19, Issue 1

Desarden Accounting Services, Inc

Do you need help with payroll? Or are you looking to achieve your financial goals without being exposed to unreasonable risk?

Desarden Accounting Services, Inc has the necessary assistance you need. For over 16 years, Desarden Accounting Services has provided reliable support for the following accounting services; bookkeeping, payroll, notary, power of attorney, IRS representation, audits, tax returns and more. Desarden Accounting Services dedicates its time to help clients by providing the right information and knows that finance is a sensitive subject, so it will make sure to create an environment built on honesty and trust where you will feel respected and secured.

For more information visit riverviewaccountingservices.com, email desardenservices@gmail.com or call 786 234-8260.

Adam Bantner Is Designated AV

Preeminent By Peers Don Bethel, Adam Bantner, a owner of DnB criminal defense and Products, offers a personal injury attorline of products ney with Valrico Law that have proven Group, has been deseffective against ignated as an AV COVID-19. As part Preeminent lawyer by of its Germ Shield Martindale-Hubbell. product line, DnB This adds to the growProducts recently ing list of recognitions for Bantner. He introduced the Germ Shield has been board certified by the Florida Disinfectant Fogger. The Germ Shield Bar in Criminal Trial Law since 2016, Disinfectant Fogger is a single-use has been on the Super aerosol can that dispenses a Lawyers Rising Star list over light mist of disinfectant into multiple years and was recthe air which spreads ognized by Florida Trend as through the space and onto one of Florida’s Legal Elite surfaces, effectively disinin 2020. AV Preeminent is fecting the entire area. The the highest peer rating stanair and surfaces are left dard and is given to attorclean and deodorized. The neys who are ranked at the Germ Shield line of products highest level of professional kill 99.9 percent of germs excellence for their legal and were developed for use expertise, communication in industries such as healthskills and ethical standards. care, education and public Adam Bantner with Valrico Law Group is sittransportation. They are cur- Valrico Law Group. uated at 3626 Erindale Dr. in rently being used by the Tampa Police Department and the City Valrico. Bantner can be reached at 397-3965, or you can go to of Tampa. www.ValricoLawGroup.com to learn For more information about the more about his and Valrico Law Germ Shield Disinfectant Fogger, visit Group’s practices. https://dnbproductsinc.com/.

January 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Brenda Wade Team Partners With Local Businesses To Benefit Seeds Of Hope

By Michelle Caceres

The Brenda had their hours Wade Real Estate reduced.

Team and its busi“There have ness partners have been so many peoteamed up for the ple in our own comeighth annual munity that have Partners in Giving been impacted by event, which has the economic ramiraised almost fications of COVID$20,000 for Seeds 19,” she said. “The of Hope, a charity boxes of food we that provides food distribute weekly The Brenda Wade Real Estate Team and has gone from 120 assistance to local its partners have donated almost $20,000 families through boxes before the to Seeds of Hope in conjunction with its once-a-week food pandemic to a annual Partners in Giving event. distributions, a recent record of 618 mobile food pantry and a ‘Backpack of boxes.”

Food’ program coordinated with local Leda said the charity couldn’t do it schools. without the support of local businesses This is the third year in a row Wade, like the Brenda Wade Team. her team and business partners have “I am so appreciative of her and her donated to Seeds of Hope, totaling more team choosing Seeds of Hope as their than $40,000. “With everything that is charity of choice for the Partners in Giving going on this year, I thought Seeds of program,” she said.

Hope would be the best choice,” said Wade is thankful to her business Wade. partners, who offered their support not It was an excellent choice. only to her clients but to the community Seeds of Hope Founder Leda Eaton as well. The businesses she worked with said that this year the food bank has seen this year included Hillsborough Title, Only an unprecedented need for food, serving Pro Painters, Buyer’s Choice Inspection, more neighbors during the COVID-19 Complete Choice Insurance, The Home pandemic than ever before.

Loan Expert, All American Title, Meek According to Feeding America, the Insurance, Guaranteed Rate Insurance, nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief The Osprey Observer, Valley Bank Home and food rescue organization, more than Loan and United Mutual Funding Corp.

80 percent of food banks nationwide are “When we work together, we can serving more people now than they did a make a difference,” she said. year ago. Many of those served are getFor more information about Seeds of ting help for the first time as people who Hope or to find out how to help, visit had stable incomes have now lost jobs or www.sohopefl.org.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 1

TOBYMAC Hits Deep Tour Comes To AMALIE Arena As Part Of 2021 Tour

By Faith Miller

The winter season is upon us and that means busier courses and slower rounds. As everyone is making their 2021 goals, maybe one should be to pick up that pace of play.

Based on a previous survey by Golf Digest, ‘pace of play’ is a top complaint of golfers around the U.S. The average round on a busy golf course can be as much as five hours for 18 holes, and no one wants to be out there that long. We have always strived for a four-hour round. The United States Golf Association (USGA) has some great suggestions on how to improve the pace of play while not feeling like you are rushing your game.

To start, make sure you play the correct tees. Playing a yardage that is way too long makes for a miserable day, lost golf balls and a score you’re embarrassed to admit. Why not ‘tee it forward’ and give yourself a chance to hit par 4s in two without having to hit driver 3-wood. Shooting a lower score and playing quicker is more fun than saying you played a course that was 7,300 yards.

You should plan your shot as you

are approaching your ball by figuring out the yardage and what club you will be using before you get there. Keep your pre-shot routine down to a minimum by not taking more than one practice swing. When sharing a cart, don’t wait in the cart for your cartmate to hit, grab a few clubs and safely walk towards your ball or drop your cartmate off and head to your ball so they can walk over to you after they hit.

Always try to keep up with the group in front of you. The rule of thumb is that your place on the course is behind the group in front of you, not in front of the group behind you.

Lastly, pick up. The USGA handicap system allows for maximum shots on any given hole or use the double-par and pick up rule.

Although everyone wants to enjoy the beautiful scenery that many of our local courses have to offer, we have to be mindful of the others behind us. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email me at golfguyosprey@gmail.com.

Popular Christian artist ‘TOBYMAC’ announced the dates recently for the ‘TOBYMAC Hits Deep Tour’ scheduled to come to Tampa in February.

The tour plans to stop at Tampa’s AMALIE Arena for two nights on Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show beginning at 7 p.m.

The lineup will include “TOBYMAC & the DiverseCity Band along with special guests Tauren Wells, We Are Messengers, Unspoken, Cochren & Co. and Terrian,” (some dates will not feature all artists).

“Over the summer we’ve safely produced multiple tours at drive-in movie theaters, providing our fans with an outlet to continue enjoying live music, and we’re excited to keep that momentum going this spring,” said Dan Fife, CEO and founder of Awakening Events, in a press release.

Unlike other tours, this show will not be the typical opener, headliner and done.

“This tour is designed to be highenergy from beginning to end, with all of these amazing artists performing the songs you know and love, along with some pretty awesome collaborative moments as well,” said Curtis Pinkerton, director of marketing for Awakening Events, when describing how the lineup will work.

As far as how seating assignments

will be handled, the tour plans to use various sizes of ‘pods’ that will be available for purchase. The pods are spread out and distanced to follow current social distancing guidelines. The site states that all seats within the selected pod grouping must be purchased when chosen by the consumer. The minimum pod size available for purchase is two and the maximum is six.

Lobbies and seating areas throughout the arena and outdoor waiting areas will be open depending on the advice of national health advisors in the days preceding the event. Ticket holders will also be sent and notified of the policies directly in the days preceding the concerts. As of right now, merchandise and concessions will be available during the event, but this is subject to change.

As the event draws closer, the tour will be in “constant communication” with officials to follow local guidelines at the time of the event and will adjust policies as necessary.

Tickets for this event are on sale at Ticketmaster.com. The ReliaQuest Ticket Office at AMALIE Arena will not be open at the on-sale. Ticket prices are $19.95, $29.95, $39.95, $69.95 and $89.95. Prices do not include facility fee or service charges. Advanced parking passes are available at ParkWhiz.com.

Visit AmalieArena.com or call 301-2500 for more information.

January 2021

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Superintendent Davis Selects Educators For Teacher Advisory Council

Assisted Living Residents Prepare Hundreds Of Holiday Cards For The Troops

School the problem or an Superintendent accomplice to the Addison Davis has solution,” she said. “I selected a talented choose the latter.” group of 50 highly She was thrilled qualified educators when she found out to serve on his she was selected as inaugural a board member and Superintendent’s looks forward to servTeacher Advisory ing with her fellow Council (STAC).

Hillsborough County Superintendent Davis of Hillsborough The purpose educators.

County Public Schools has selected of the council is to outstanding educators to be members of “In my mind, the the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory council lends itself to provide an imporCouncil (STAC). tant voice for collective decisionteachers in the district’s decision-makmaking where we can think aloud, ing process and to provide the superinbrainstorm options, consider alternatendent with insights, suggestions and tives, evaluate risks and share our perspectives on critical educational opinions freely,” she said. “The diversity issues. The STAC, which is comprised on the council will offer Mr. Davis a of teachers from all grade levels, will wealth of information for a fresh enable better educational and adminisapproach to solving, not just pondering, trative decisions that will ultimately lead problems and improving performance.” to creating a positive working environThe council will meet monthly with ment and a safe and nurturing learning Superintendent Davis to discuss issues environment for students. relating to diverse academic experiCommittee members, who serve a ences, student support services, school seven-month term, include local school- culture, fair and consistent discipline teachers Lori Beth Bradner, an AVID and other factors that impact schools. coordinator at Randall Middle School, “I am excited to begin this collaboand Jon Sever, a music teacher at rative process to identify our strengths Bloomingdale High School. Teachers and areas of opportunity,” said superinwere selected after an application tendent Davis. “On the council are pheprocess that included an online applica- nomenal educators who will provide tion and, for some, an in-person interfresh perspectives that will help shape view. the future of the district.”

Bradner, who is in her fifth year at For more information about the Randall, was inspired to apply after Teacher Advisory Council or the School watching a video about the council and District of Hillsborough County, visit its purpose. “In life, we can be part of www.sdhc.k12.fl.us.

Earlier this month, with the holiday season in full swing, residents at The Bridges Assisted Living Community were eager to send Residents at The Bridges, located off Bloomingdale Ave., recently sent 438 cards to troops overseas. some collected and sent 1,124 cards,” reported cheer to troops serving in the military Haytasingh. overseas.

When the pandemic struck, students, The Bridges Activities Director Coleen Mercilliott knew exactly how to get churches, women’s groups and individuthis done. With stacks of Christmas cards als in the community mailed hundreds of letters and cards to residents at The that had been donated over the years, Bridges.

Mercilliott scheduled several “card writing “We were overwhelmed with the sessions” for residents to attend. Over the kindness of people in our community who course of several days, residents were thoughtfully sent notes of support to our busy writing and signing cards. residents,” stated Mercilliott. “When resiKnowing that Mission BBQ in Brandon collected and sent holiday cards dents were given the opportunity to show kindness and support to our troops, they to the military overseas, Mercilliott conwere thrilled to give back and send some tacted Crystal Haytasingh, community cheer to those serving our country.” ambassador at Mission BBQ. A partnerThe Bridges Retirement Community ship was soon formed as Haytasingh in Riverview is dedicated to providing received 438 Christmas cards prepared healthcare and housing for the elderly. by residents at The Bridges.

The Bridges features assisted living and According to Haytasingh, Mission memory care residences with all ameniBBQ collects and sends hundreds of ties on a beautiful campus off of cards to Heartillery Group, a nonprofit Bloomingdale Ave. organization whose mission is to show To learn more about The Bridges, support, love and gratitude to U.S. troops located at 11202 Dewhurst Dr., call 413overseas in simple ways (cards and care 8900 or visit www.bridgesretirement.com. packages). “Thus far this year, we have

By Michelle Caceres

Staff Report

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Page 30

Volume 19, Issue 1

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 Just Around The Corner, An Annual Update From Boker’s Corner In this year of unprecedented setbacks, many new restaurants, stores and entertainment options opened throughout Southeastern Hillsborough County, along with many others approved or currently under construction. We would like to highlight some of the most discussed developments in this year-end review.

Sincere apologies given to any new business that opened in 2020 that were not mentioned in this article, as I am sure there were many that we unintentionally missed.

In the Greater Brandon area, much of the new activity centered around Falkenburg Rd. with the opening of the 6,000 sq. ft. Cigars International, featuring over 1,300 cigar brands along with a full-service bar and spacious outdoor patio; Texas Roadhouse and soon Bubba’s 33 at the Causeway Blvd. intersection; and the relocation of Bootleggers Brewing Co. Mahana Fresh opened in Regency Square, Bravo Supermarket on Providence Rd. as well as Brandon Burgers, Panda Express, Bolay and The Dog Patch pet daycare along S.R. 60.

Projects approved or under construction include Sprouts in Lake Brandon Village and a RaceTrac gas station at the Kings Ave. and Lumsden Rd. intersection.

Coca-Cola Florida has been confirmed to be following through with plans to develop the 158-acre parcel at the U.S. 301 and Selmon Crosstown Expressway intersection by adding 1.3 million sq. ft. of development to house its new operations facility, which will include a warehouse, distribution and packaging facility along with office headquarters, retail shops and possibly a hotel. At Lithia

By Brian Bokor

Pinecrest Rd., the Bell Shoals Executive Plaza continues to grow and will be adding additional office space throughout 2021.

The list of dining and shopping openings in 2020 on Bloomingdale Ave. alone was staggering with the Bin + Board in Kings Row and Datz in Winthrop sharing top bill, followed closely by Donovan’s Meatery, Brandon Burgers, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Katana Japanese Express, Gasparilla Pizzeria & Growlers and Heights Meat Market. On top if this, Bloomingdale Square went through a major overhaul in 2020 by adding the new Publix, Home Centric, Chicken Salad Chick, Jersey Mike’s, First Watch, Beef O’Brady’s, GNC and Flip Flop Shops with LA Fitness and The UPS Store coming after the new year. Additionally, Heroes Paradise opened just north of Bloomingdale Square on Knowles Rd.,

offering families a variety of indoor and outdoor events and games, including laser and archery tag, rock wall climbing, RC (remote control) tracks and much more.

In the Gibsonton/Riverview area near the Alafia River, the Tiki Docks Bar & Grill opening topped the long list of new restaurants and stores in this area, including Eggs Up Grill, Bubbakoo’s, Wendy’s, Waffle House, Arby’s, Cali Cafe and Pink Door Bakery. The Cracker Barrel and soon McAlister’s Deli at Gibsonton and the I-75 interchange also ended high on the list, with an honorable mention given to Culver’s on Boyette Rd., Fields and Table on Balm Riverview Rd., ALDI at the U.S. 301/Balm Riverview Rd. intersection and Alafia Brewing Company on U.S. 41, which are all in various stages of construction.

Planning continues on the new 25acre Riverview Regional Park that will be

located on Riverview Dr. and the Alafia River between U.S. 301 and I75 with the new Riverview Library just about ready to open its doors on Balm Riverview Rd. The Riverview Marina has cleared land and finalized plans for its dry dock facilities along with a private restaurant on the premises. All indications point to AdventHealth breaking ground sometime next year on the 23-acre hospital set to be built on U.S. 301, just north of Boyette Rd. Further south in the Big Bend Rd. area of Riverview, aside from the much-needed Big Bend Rd./I-75 intersection makeover, the long-anticipated Chick-fil-A took the top spot along with Mandela’s Italian Kitchen and Cold Stone Creamery in the Summerfield area. Additionally, both ALDI and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop opened on Big Bend Rd. with the proposed 500,000 sq. ft.

Home Depot Distribution Facility near U.S. 41 still in the formative stages.

Wrapping things up, in Apollo Beach, the Waterset area’s new Starbucks, approved for months yet still not having broken ground, garnered the most attention with a recently announced ABC store and CubeSmart Storage being added to the same plaza, west of U.S. 41.

The Belmont area, which will be accessible from Apollo Beach via the new I-75 flyover, is also seeing its share of development with the new Publix and proposed 7-Eleven, Rita’s Italian Ice, Great Clips, Nail Dior Lounge, Domino’s and, as of the last update, Cajun Crab House all being added at the U.S. 301 and Paseo Al Mar Blvd. intersection.

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As always, we are here for any legal support you may need and wish everyone good health.

January 2021

Page 31

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 A Welcome New Year, Time For Resolutions, Renewals & Returns

Who would have thought a year ago we could have anticipated that within two months, our world would be shaken by a global pandemic the likes of which we have never seen? As COVID-19 precautions and regulations were put into place, we, the Osprey Observer, an essential business as a media outlet, would need to pivot our business model and react to the new quarantine restrictions.

Fortunately, as a locally owned business for more than 19 years with an incredible team, we made adjustments and sent our team home to work remotely, we continue to do our staff and sales meetings via our new best friend Zoom, we do digital newspaper proofs rather than printed versions and we’ve streamlined our processes to be more efficient. Luckily, due to the skill level and experience of our team, we haven’t missed a single

deadline or edition all year.

As our small businesses recover from the effects of 12 weeks of closure and continued new precautionary measures, we are right beside them to support them. We also added a ‘Living In COVID’ section where we highlight stories of hope.

And, again this holiday season, we did our annual ‘Our Favorite Things Holiday Sweepstakes’ with prizes from over 28 local businesses, and boy, did that put us in the holiday spirit! Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to the businesses who supported us in this campaign and throughout the year. The Osprey Observer is one hundred percent supported by local advertising and readers like you.

Please reach out to me anytime, we appreciate you.

Sincerely,

Marie Gilmore Managing Editor, Publisher

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Longtime Area Educator Dr. Earl Lennard Leaves Lasting Community Legacy

By Linda Chion Kenney

after a prolonged illness that led to his hospitalization since Thanksgiving 2018.

Lennard entered the Hillsborough County public school system as a first-grader at Palm River Elementary and left as its superintendent of schools upon retirement in 2005. Four Earl Lennard at his 2009 swearing-in years later, Gov. ceremony for Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections, with his daughter, Missy (l.), charter principal of Stowers Elementary, Charlie Christ appointAnnabel, his wife of 55 years and son Jeremy, a technology ed him Hillsborough specialist at Bloomingdale High.

County Supervisor of In the summer of 2020, the Elections, to replace Phyllis Busansky, Greater Riverview Chamber of who died that year. Lennard served out Commerce was able to reward four the remainder of her term and then ran high school seniors a $1,000 scholarunopposed for his own four-year term. ship in Earl Lennard’s name. One stuUnder his watch as superintendent, dent was chosen from Riverview High Hillsborough grew from the 11th-largest School, Lennard High School and to the eighth-largest school district in the East Bay High School and one high nation, necessitating the addition and school senior of a GRCC member. renovation of more than 90 schools. One These scholarship recipients are of nine siblings, Lennard worked on his Allison Powers (Riverview High family’s farm and tended to the details of School), Chanel Campbell (Lennard its roadside vegetable stand. A long-time High School), Ashley Aagaard (East member of Riverview United Methodist Bay High School) and Willow Morgan Church, he taught Gleaners Sunday (GRCC Family Member). Original story School there up until his illness. His printed January 2020. daughter, Missy, in 2009 became the From farm to schoolhouse, county charter principal of the elementary school fair to boardroom, Earl J. Lennard is in FishHawk named for Richard “Dick” remembered as a “humble, homegrown Stowers, who died in January. icon” whose teachings, kindness and In lieu of flowers, donations can be leadership leave an indelible mark. made to Riverview United Methodist The namesake of Lennard High Church, general fund, for a scholarship School in Ruskin died Dec. 23, at age 77, program in Lennard’s name.

Page 32

Volume 19, Issue 1

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 100 Women Who Care Pick Living For Logan Charity To Raise Distracted Driving Awareness

Schools Superintendent Addison Davis Facing New Job & County Crisis Head On

The 100 Women also to work toward Who Care eliminating the deadly Riverview/FishHawk epidemic of distracted group continued to drivers through eduraise money and cation, legislation and help others during changing hearts, the remaining minds and habits of months of 2020. In drivers everywhere.

July, the group The foundation is a donated to the tax-exempt 501(c)(3) 100 Women Who Care present a check nonprofit organizaAndrew Joseph to the Living for Logan Foundation.

Foundation and, in tion.

September, it donated to Another good woman the AlexStrong stepped up to do someFoundation. Seeds of thing. Melanie Jordy of Hope benefited in December.

FishHawk started Operation Lotus after New members are always welher husband died. The mission of her come. The next meeting will take place nonprofit is to help other families going on Tuesday, March 10 at the Venue in through a traumatic event. That is how Riverview. she met Jordan and Brooke Scherer. “I To learn more, find the group on now serve as the executive director for Facebook.

Living for Logan,” said Jordy.

Original story printed March 2020.

Debbie Matice, a local KellerOn September 15, 2016, a driver Williams realtor, said she began this was distracted by his phone while driving chapter because, “I wanted to do somewhen he ran at more than 100 miles per thing for the community but didn’t have a hour into the back of an SUV stuck in a lot of time to volunteer. traffic jam on I-75 near Brooksville. That On January 28, a check in the distracted driver forever changed the life amount of $3,450 was presented to Jordy of a Riverview family. Their 9-year-old son as a representative for the Living for and brother, Logan, was killed instantly.

Logan Foundation. An additional donation That tragedy turned into a cause as the of $1,725 was approved by the Richard Scherer family struggled to deal with the M. Schultz Family Foundation, bringing senseless loss of Logan: “If we let his the total to $5,175. death define us as humans and do nothTo date, the chapter has donated ing with our survival and our story, then more than $25,000 to local charities and his death is in vain.” meets in person and virtually each quarter.

This good family did do something For more ways to get involved, visit and established the Living for Logan www.livingforlogan.org or www.faceFoundation not only to honor Logan but book.com/100WWCRiverviewFishhawk.

Superintendent Davis offered this message for readers after his first nine months in Hillsborough County.

“My first month on the job at Hillsborough County Public Schools coincided with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

Within weeks as the new Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Superintendent, my staff and I Addison Davis sits with School Board Chair were creating plans from scratch Melissa Snively as he signs his contract to take on his new position. for virtual instruction along with that deserve their district’s support. daily meals to ensure all students’ “We need to mainstream our curricuneeds were met while we couldn’t be lum,” he explained. “We have a lot of with them physically. It was an unusuindependent contractors and we need a al time for our district, but I truly centralized curriculum and support for believe it was an opportunity to show the community how our teachers, staff teachers and a method to allow us to determine our overall return on investand district remain dedicated to our ment.” students even under the most chalIt’s this straight-to-the point and matlenging of circumstances.” ter-of-fact effort that made Davis a very Original story printed May 2020. popular administrator in Duval County, Just four weeks into his new position where he had been a teacher and princias superintendent of the country’s sevpal before becoming Chief of Schools. In enth largest school district, with 280 schools, more than 220,000 students and 2016, he was elected to the Clay County superintendent position and was nominatmore than 24,000 staff members, and ed for national awards.

Addison Davis is loving every minute.

The Davis family will make He had two weeks before the Hillsborough County home starting this COVID-19 restrictions forced the closing summer and includes his wife, Natalie, of schools through at least Friday, May 1, who works in the Insurance business, and he didn’t waste a minute.

“Before the virus hit, I had cleared my and two daughters, including one who will schedule from 7:30-12 Noon every day to be a high school freshman in the fall and plays travel volleyball and a daughter who get into the schools and meet teachers is a freshman softball player at the and students,” said Davis, who says that University of Central Florida. even in that short period of time, he For more information or to reach learned that the Hillsborough County staff Davis, visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us. is filled with high-quality, skilled teachers

By Gwen Rollings

By Marie Gilmore

v

January 2021

Page 33

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 School District Offers Once Weekly Meal & Snack Pickups For Students

Area Booster Group Organizes Meal Donations For Essential Worker Delivery

Throughout 2020, These meals will Hillsborough County include one pound of Public Schools and the lunch meat, one loaf of United bread, milk, juice and States Department nutritious snacks for the of Agriculture (USDA) week. The Grab-and-Go worked together to sites have had a tremenmake sure that students dous impact on our comwere receiving food. In munity, providing more addition to summer than 1 million meals so far Pictured is Hillsborough County Superintendent of pickups, the USDA for students during this School Addison Davis pledged to fund free extended closure. participating in the Grab-andmeals for all students “Our district’s goal is Go lunch program distribution earlier this month. throughout the 2020-21 to ensure every learner school year. has access to nutritious meals, even “We know that the students need when they are not physically at school,” fuel to be successful in the classroom said Arja. and ensuring students have the prop“This decision demonstrates care er nutrition will help the child as a from our organization. By reducing the whole,” said Department Manager of number of contact points within our comMedia Outreach Erin Maloney. munity, we will eliminate immediate conOriginal story printed May 2020. cerns and continue to develop strategies “As Hillsborough County Public that protect our students, employees and Schools (HCPS) continues to navigate parents. I am excited that we will be CDC recommendations for social distanc- extending nutritious meals to our students ing and the state’s stay-at-home order, in a manner that promotes and fosters our district is committed to keeping our safety. Our once-a-week stop will give students, families and our staff safe,” said students a weekly supply of food that will Tanya Arja, HCPS media spokesperson. assist them with remaining sharp during In April, the district changed its Grab- the e-Learning process. Our district’s and-Go meal distribution practices to min- effort will continue to evolve as we seek imize contact between families and staff. to identify proactive solutions to assist our Families will be able to pick up a community,” stated Hillsborough County week’s worth of food once a week Public Schools Superintendent Addison instead of traveling to a site every day.

Davis.

Families can pick up the meals every Meals are available to ALL children Wednesday between 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The 18 years old and younger as well as studistrict will continue to offer the Grab-and- dents with special needs under the age of Go meals at 147 school sites. For loca21. For additional information, please visit tions, visit www.HillsboroughSchools.org.

HillsboroughSchools.org.

you can do is help someone else,” said Trimborn.

She quickly went to work motivating her family and soccer players to start writing thank-you cards and letters to emergency workers and seniors, but then decided that she could use her connections to do more.

“I realized that there are The Newsome High School Athletic Boosters are many heroes in tough times, not one of many groups that recently came together to just the obvious ones,” she provide meals to local healthcare workers. explained. Trimborn’s first call Many residents came together in was to Jill Lansky, physician and 2020 to help those in need and thank providers relations director for women’s those working the front lines. Thanks services at Brandon Regional Hospital, to to donations from her customers, identify the hospital units in most need of Peggy Davenport of Davenport’s Daily support.

Delights was able to donate at least “Jill was so paramount in us pulling 2,000 meals to essential workers at the meals off and has spent countless local hospitals, the elderly and people hours organizing, identifying units in need, in need. Although Davenport stopped delivering most meals, sending out follow collecting money through her website up pictures,” said Trimborn. in August, the business is still donatDavenport’s Daily Delight’s owner, ing meals when there is a need and Peggy Davenport, has been donating will continue to do so. meals since the crisis started in late Original story printed June 2020.

March and has set up a donation form on FishHawk resident Tina Trimborn has her business website so that individuals made a big impact over the last few can easily give towards a meal for a frontweeks. Trimborn, physician and providers line worker or resident in need. relations director for Behavioral Health “We can’t imagine these healthcare Services at HCA -Brandon Regional and heroes going to work everyday and then Tampa Community Hospitals and quarantining away from their families to Newsome High School’s girls soccer protect others,” said Davenport. coach, is using her connections in the To learn more about Davenport’s community to feed local heroes while Daily Delights, visit www.davenportsdailysupporting area restaurants. delights.com.

“When the crisis hit, I immediately To sign up to help, email her at thought of my dad’s philosophy, that christina.trimborn@hca.healthcare.com. when you are struggling, the best thing

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Page 34

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 1

Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 AB Woman’s Club Awards $18,700 In 2020 College Scholarships To 13 Recipients

ECHO In Brandon Establishes Its First Summer Youth Leadership Program

During the a two-year pandemic, the degree at a Apollo Beach community colWomen’s Club lege received has been meeting $700. virtually which The 2020 has curtailed the college scholarClub’s many ship recipients fundraising activifrom East Bay ties. The Club is High School, unsure how or if with their intendthey will be able ed college The winners of the Apollo Beach Women’s to give any scholmajors in parenClub’s annual scholarships from East Bay High arships in May theses, are School attended a virtual scholarship 2021. They ask Ashley Aagard, ceremony. Not pictured is Gabriela Chitica. that if you are looking to donate to a University of South Florida (biomedical non-profit, please consider the Apollo science); Gabriela Chitica, University of Beach Woman’s Club and give whatFlorida (finance); Vivian Do, University of ever you can. “It is our hope that you South Florida (accounting); Daniela will help us in supporting some of the Dominguez, Hillsborough Community hopeful and inspiring high school sen- College (child psychology); Saphyra iors in our area who need financial Dulcio, University of South Florida (psyassistance to receive scholarships,” chiatry); Ada Liu, University of Florida said the club’s Kimberley Alkins.

(OB-GYN), Aya Rahmani, University of Checks should be made out to ABWC South Florida (biology research); and and mailed to treasurer, Sheila May at Madison Tuch, Florida State University 328 Mystic Falls Dr, Apollo Beach, (child psychology).

33572. Please note on your check: The recipients from Lennard High Donation for Scholarships.

School are Willow Morgan, Florida Original story printed June 2020.

Atlantic University (social studies The Apollo Beach Woman’s Club teacher); Marisol Neri-Baxcajay, (ABWC) awarded $18,700 in college University of South Florida (nursing); scholarships this year due to the hard Rosalba Neri-Baxcajay, University of work of its members and donations from South Florida (nursing); Kelsy Arteago, Eileen Sengstock, Catherine Goodrich Florida State University (computer engiand the Estate of Betty Fay. neering); and Michael Antonio Lowery, Twelve recipients from East Bay and University of South Florida (political sciLennard High Schools who are attending ence). a four-year Florida university received To learn more about the club, visit $1,500 and one recipient who is obtaining www.apollobeachwomansclub.com.

A total of 48 nine-week program students participatwill begin on ed in the ECHO Monday, June 1 and Youth Leadership end on Friday, July Program, which 31, offering students was called a great the chance to earn success by leadcommunity service ers. The students hours and learn served a total of about poverty.

2,083 hours in During the quarJune and July of antine months, Student volunteers assisting with 2020 and helped to moving boxes of food from a food drive ECHO shifted to an at ECHO’s warehouse. distribute food, emergency food dissort donations and contribute to the tribution plan in order to cater to the general running of the center. needs of the community while following “We are hoping to run a form of social distancing recommendations. the Youth Leadership Program durThe Youth Leadership Program was ing the summer of 2021 but are not born in an effort to expose new volunsure yet what it will look like,” said teers to ECHO. Savanna Thompson, development According to ECHO’s executive coordinator. “Because our normal director, Eleanor Saunders, this sumvolunteers are back serving with us mer season will likely be very busy for once again, our need for the proECHO, which offers a wide variety of gram is not as high, but we honestly assistance and resources to people had so much fun with the students residing in Hillsborough County who and it was so good to introduce stusuffered from a recent emergency. dents to the great need in the comThe 75 students in this program will munity. So, we will likely have some commit to one day a week from 8:30 form of the program, but are not a.m.-3 p.m. Several trainings will be sure what it will look like quite yet.” provided to teach students about core Visit www.echofl.org for more inforissues and lessons on generational mation. poverty, what causes it, what ECHO Original story printed June 2020. does and more. Students will also work Students ages 15 to 21 who have on team projects, assist with running an interest in developing leadership the Back to School Community Bash skills through serving their community and participate in a team fundraising will get an opportunity to accomplish competition. that this summer with ECHO’s Visit https://echofl.org. ECHO is (Emergency Care Help Organization) located at 507 N. Parsons Ave. in new Youth Leadership Program. This Brandon. Call 685-0935 to learn more.

Staff Report

By Tatiana Ortiz

January 2021

Page 35

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 Facebook Restaurant Group Helps Restaurants And Attracts Thousands

Land Code Revision Hearings Will Discuss HOA Rules To Allow Hens On Properties

The Restaurants in Wade started the Greater Brandon spreading the word and Tampa Area about the group through Offering Delivery and her family and real Take Out group has estate contacts and it stayed active through quickly gained momen2020, even with restautum. rants now open at full “This community is capacity. close-knit and will rally The group now has for what they believe in,” more than 15,700 memshe said. “We all want bers, with participants our neighbors and sharing favorite restaufriends to survive this rant specials and deals black swan.”

FishHawk resident Rebecca in addition to giveIn addition to posts Long was recognized by the aways. from residents and Restaurants in Greater Brandon Founder Brenda & Tampa Area Offering Delivery restaurant owners about & Take Out Facebook page on favorite dishes and recently stated, “I am Mother’s Day. thrilled at how much deals, members also this page has caught on in our area. I started posting giveaways and contests think we have supported our local and rallying donations to provide food to restaurants in their time of need.” essential workers and recognition of sinOriginal story printed June 2020. gle parents on Mother’s Day. Local realtor Brenda Wade had an But the best thing for Wade about the idea last month that brightened the lives group is how it has brought the communiof thousands of quarantined residents ty together. while helping restaurants through some “I have been so impressed by how hard times. positive everyone has been and how they Wade set up the private Facebook have rallied when they saw a need,” she group ‘Restaurants in Greater Brandon & said. “I feel we have added value to some Tampa Area Offering Delivery & Take Out’ folks that needed us.” and within days it had thousands of fol“I see us continuing to support them lowers and hundreds of posts a week and using it to promote the independent offering support to local restaurants. food providers,” she explained. “We have “I eat out frequently and was still lots of hidden gems in our community. grabbing takeout and noticed how terribly There are ones I didn’t know about and I slow the restaurants were,” said Wade. “I think it’s important to support local.” just wanted to help. I had a friend in Search for ‘Restaurants in Greater Canada that had started a group and I felt Brandon & Tampa Area Offering Delivery we should try it here.” & Take Out’ on Facebook to learn more.

feature of country living may be coming home to roost on a culde-sac near you.

A revision to the county’s land use code allowing hens on residential property is under consideration by the Hillsborough County Commission. The proposed ordinance would allow in total up to five caged hens and pullets to be kept in a backyard.

Backyard fowl may take their place alongside furry friends in homes in unincorporated Roosters would not be permitHillsborough County as commissioners consider ted. allowing hens on residential property.

Besides the companionship The Board of County chickens can offer, supporters of the Commissioners in September ordinance tout the food value backyard approved changes that allow people fowl can provide, especially during an to have backyard chickens in resiemergency situation. However, slaughdential neighborhoods. According tering the birds or selling their eggs to Hillsborough County’s Todd on-site are among the recommended Pratt, the chickens must be kept in restrictions. enclosed coops at all times, a maxiThe proposal applies to unincorpomum of five hens are allowed and rated Hillsborough County, but for resiroosters are not permitted. There dents living in communities controlled are restrictions on the height and by deed restrictions, what the county size of the coop and on-site slaugh- ends up allowing still has to fly with tering and egg sales are not permit- local homeowner associations, accordted. ing to county officials, who cite the “The changes do not supersede authority that HOAs have under deed restrictions,” said Pratt. “So if Florida law. a neighborhood has deed restricThe proposed revision is being tions that don’t allow chickens, you guided by Commissioner Sandra still can’t have chickens in those Murman, who represents District 1. neighborhoods.”

She said having a few chickens Original story printed July 2020. around a home has become a benefiUnincorporated Hillsborough cial lifestyle trend and that residents in County has changed dramatically in unincorporated areas should have a recent years, evolving from predomichance to enjoy it. nantly rural to notably suburban as For details, visit hillsboroughcounhousing tracts replace farms, but one ty.org.

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Page 36

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 1

Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 School District Uses Referendum Dollars For $121 Million In AC Improvement Projects

Work Continues On New Riverview Library Despite COVID-19

As of dents and staff December physically off 2020, campuses since Hillsborough March, it has County Public allowed construcSchools had tion crews collected $219 access to million from get ahead of the referenschedule on dum. Workers planned major completed 188 A/C and roofing projects and projects in our Randall Middle and Bevis Elementary Schools schools. Despite 120 were in are benefitting from the money raised from progress. the slowdown of Hillsborough County’s half-penny tax with improvements this summer.

There are some equipment 1,785 projects planned over the 10 delivery and lower-than-projected sales years of the referendum. So far, $23 tax revenue, our district is still on track to million has been spent on safety and planned projected for this year.” security and $25 million on technoloTwenty-six schools throughout the gy updates. Of all the money, 21 percounty received improvements this sumcent has been spent with small and mer, including Randall Middle and Bevis minority-owned businesses. There are Elementary schools.

14 major projects planned in the According to Randall Principal Claire county for the summer of 2021.

Mawhinney, the work was extensive in Original story printed August some areas of the school with the 2020. replacement of air handlers and ductThe Hillsborough County School work in multiple areas.

District (HCSD) used the student break “The company lead says that the to perform many much-needed upgrades A/C will be ready for students when they thanks to funds from the half-penny sales arrive,” she explained. tax approved by voters in late 2018.

“Having a comfortable learning enviSchools throughout the county, including ronment is essential.” two in the FishHawk area, received air The referendum proceeds can be conditioning improvements since the stu- used only for permanent capital purchasdents left the buildings in March. es including buildings, maintenance, “Thanks to the taxpayers of technology and security.

Hillsborough County, our district has To learn more, visit invested more than $121 million to www.sdhc.k12.fl.us. A list of projects can address essential needs in our schools,” be found at hillsboroughschools.org/citisaid HCSD’s Erin Maloney. “With stuzenoversight.

completion has been delayed by disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Work on finishing the 35,000 sq. ft. facility continA new 35,000 sq. ft. library is nearing completion to serve residents ues, however, of Riverview, Gibsonton and Apollo Beach. It costs $12.6 million and according to dollars.

David The new Riverview Library is Wullschleger, who is the project managnearly completion. According to er, the much-anticipated opening will Hillsborough County’s Michelle Van possibly occur in the fall, depending on Dyke, finishing touches, including how the pandemic affects completing the installation of the bookshelves, the remaining tasks. He said the library are currently being made to the inteand the amenities it brings to the rior of this impressive and beautiful Riverview, Gibsonton and Apollo Beach addition to the community. residents it will serve are impressive.

Information will be posted on the “The building itself is a work of art,” library system’s website at said Wullschleger.

HCPLC.org as the schedule is finalThe library is designed in traditional ized for transition of curbside servic- Florida style with ceiling fans and a es from the current building to the screened-in reading porch. A terrazzo new one. Original story printed floor features a design, titled ‘River of August 2020.

Fire,’ created by internationally known As the population of Riverview artist Barry Goodman, which depicts grows, so does the need for the servicthe Alafia River and the nearby area. es provided by the community’s library, With more than four times the room which opened its doors in November of the existing 8,000 sq. ft. library, the 1979. The increase in patronage over new $12.6 million facility will have plenthe years has been substantial enough ty of space for individuals and organizato create the need for a new, larger, tions who need a public meeting place. state-of-the-art library, which is nearing There will be eight conference rooms completion on Balm Riverview Rd., just with capacities ranging from 4 to 150 north of the intersection with Boyette people.

Rd. and Riverview High School.

There will also be a used book The new Riverview library was store operated by Friends of the anticipated to open this summer but Library.

By Kate Quesada

By Brad Stager

January 2021

Page 37

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 Mother Of Local Hero Queena Releases A Memoir To Share Inspirational Journey

Bring The Family For Fourth Annual Apollo Beach Lighted Christmas Golf Cart Parade

The Life She Once the unending grace of God, Knew: The Incredible True provide us with the power to Story of Queena, the do things we never thought Bloomingdale Library possible.

Attack Survivor became The book is called The available for purchase in Life She Once Knew: The November 2020, published Incredible True Story of

by Ambassador Queena, The Bloomingdale International.

Library Attack Survivor. The The book is valued at book’s release date is $16.99 but is free when you 11/10/2020, but it is now donate a gift amount of $30 available through the publish(for one book), or more er’s website Ambassador Vanna Nguyen, mother International, Amazon and through PayPal from of Queena Phu, the Queena’s website.

Bloomingdale Library Goodreads for preorder.

Attack Victim, will Queena and her mothIt will soon be available release a memoir about for preorder to all local book er, Vanna, scheduled her life, faith and her speaking events throughretailers. “We have read the amazing daughter, Queena. out the area, spreading the whole book draft to Queena word about the book and Queena’s and she’s very focused and interested story. For more information, visit about all the details in the book especially https://thelifesheonceknew.com/. information about her brain damage and Original story printed August coma as she doesn’t really remember,” 2020.

Nguyen said.

Queena Phu may be known as the Nguyen hopes her memoir will Bloomingdale Library Attack Victim, but to inspire people from around the world, “I those of us in the Brandon community, am hoping to see the book can be pubQueena is a hero. She is a vibrant, young lished in different languages so it can prolady that was affected by traumatic brain vide hope to the downtrodden around the injury at the age of 18 in April of 2008. world,” Nguyen said. “My wish is 100 perThe injury left her with many disabilities cent of the book or any related proceeds and changed her life forever. can support ongoing expenses through Queena’s mom, Vanna Nguyen is Hope Heals The Brain, Inc. and Queena’s preparing to release a memoir about her Medical Trust Fund. We’re glad God life, faith and her amazing daughter, choose Ambassador for publishing our Queena. “I want to share my struggles in book and sharing our inspirational stories life, including this heartbreaking attack on to the world. We are also working on a Queena,” Nguyen said. “I want to share movie adaptation, but we have not yet my life’s story to create a living testament chosen a production company.” Find the to the notion that faith, community, and book on Amazon or Goodreads.

fun and greatly anticipatOriginal story ed tradition in Apollo printed December Beach.

2020.

According to Batten, One of Apollo the golf carts, decorated Beach’s favorite annual with Christmas ornaholiday events is returnments and lights, will ing for a day of family begin the parade at the fun, as well as a Salty Shamrock parking Christmas season dislot, located at 6186 N. play of electric vehicle U.S. Hwy. 41 in Apollo creativity.

Beach, just south of The fourth annual Apollo Beach Blvd. The Apollo Beach Lighted parade will travel about Christmas Golf Cart 2.5 miles west toward Parade will take place Tampa Bay on Apollo Seasonally decorated and illuminated golf carts will Saturday, December 5 Beach Blvd., turning parade down Apollo Beach with festivities getting Blvd. on Saturday, December back east at the interunderway at 12 Noon, section with Surfside 5 during the Apollo Beach according to the event’s Lighted Christmas Golf Cart Blvd. to end where it Parade.

Facebook page. began.

The Registration Christmas golf for golf cart cart parade is parade particihosted by ICON pants will be Electric Vehicles, conducted ona nationally site and prior to known and localformation of the ly owned manuparade lineup, facturer of elecwhich is expecttric vehicles, ed to commence ranging from golf at about 6:30 carts suitable for p.m. You can personal leisure check for and recreational use to utility models updates and express interest in built for moving goods and people on attending the event by searching a commercial level.

Facebook for ‘Apollo Beach Golf Cart Lana Batten is the office manager Parade 2020.’ for ICON and has worked with her team to create what has grown into a

By Libby Hopkins

By Brad Stager

Page 38

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 1

Year In Review- Updates On The Top Stories From 2020 SouthShore Chamber Finishes 2020 With Plan To Keep Community Strong “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” Edmund Burke.

Not even the evil of COVID-19 has been able to curtail the efforts of the good men and women of the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce in Ruskin under the leadership of Melanie Davis, Executive Director. These are a sampling of the good deeds done: MARCH-Created a new “Open for Business” Facebook Page to update information for All businesses.

Organized a High School Graduation for terminally ill migrant student two days before his death at Hospice in Ruskin.

APRIL-Created and published an updated list of RESTAURANTS’ hours, those open and closed.

Developed a new logo, SouthShore STRONG, to keep the community close and positive.

MAY-Distributed over 250 masks to farmworkers, hospice and other essential workers in community.

Asked local daycare to make THANK YOU cards for essential workers and distributed them (over 150) to grocery stores, farm workers and health care providers.

Created a THANK YOU SOUTHSHORE video featuring chamber members for all social media outlets resulting in huge positive response.

Created a video: THANK YOU ESSENTIAL WORKERS and featured local well known community folks thanking their favorite essential workers.

Coordinated and co-sponsored the 12th Annual Migrant Graduate banquet (drive thru style) for 25 local migrant Lennard High School students.

MAY/JUNE-Helped to distribute lunch to several hundred families in Ruskin/Wimauma when school was out.

JULY-Created a fun, upbeat collage for our members included faces of staff and board members to raise moral and keep everyone motivated/positive during trying times.

JULY/AUGUST-Launched SouthShore Forward program allowing any business in the area to join the SS Chamber for FREE for 90 days, no strings attached, with over 30 joining.

Collected over 12,500 diapers from community and members (in three weeks) to donate to RCMA daycare for farmworker families.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER-Held multiple Cutting Up Around Town Ribbon

By Gwen Rollings

Cuttings: chamber staff visited over 25 businesses per day and went “live” at each place with a ribbon cutting promoting businesses to community.

Created the SPEND LOCAL, WIN LOCAL CAMPAIGN: a 30-day contest promoting small business shopping.

Winner received $1000 cash.

SEPTEMBER-Chamber office moved their location to downsize and be able to continue to service our members by decreasing our overhead OCTOBER/NOVEMBER Assisted over 45 chamber members with the county’s R3 program (Cares Act) allowing members to receive anywhere from $10k-40k!

NOVEMBER-Due to absence of Ruskin Veterans Day Parade, promoted eight different styles of Veterans Day yard signs and partnered with SS Signs to encourage community to purchase and display Chamber staff distributed 100 hot meals (day before Thanksgiving) to homeless, migrant and children in group homes in the SouthShore area. All paid for by a customer and prepared by Little Habana Café.

DECEMBER-Held a drive through SouthShore TOYS 4 TOTS (exchange a toy for a coffee) collecting nearly three large boxes of toys.

Made baked goods and distributed at local trailer parks and migrant camps for over 50 families. Also continuing to distribute to over 50 businesses to date Join the good people of SouthShore Chamber in 2021. For information: www.southshorechamberofcommerce.org call 813.645.1366.

Riverview Chamber Tackled 2020 Hands On With Virtual, Zoom & RSVP Events In 2020, Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) rediscovered, re-imagined, and celebrated the successes of the year and worked hand in hand with the community to conquer the challenges.

With a new strategic plan, GRCC is here to drive economic development and community involvement, creating a vibrant and prosperous future.

Our values include Inclusion & Diversity, Integrity, Leadership, Teamwork and Fun. The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce mission is to provide a forum which enriches community diversity and inclusion while promoting and enhancing economic sustainability.

GRCC tackled COVID-19 head on with strong leadership, adaptability, and creativity. Even during uncertain times, we were able to develop many great initiatives. Here are a few numbers to recap 2020 within the GRCC: •119 new members •34 ribbon cuttings and 17 grand openings to celebrate our businesses’ achievements & recognize the economic development in the Riverview community •33 educational webinars that highlighted elected officials, members helping members, and information regarding the various financial assistance programs.

•Established the Dr. Earl Lennard Scholarship Program in partnership with the Riverview Women’s Club to provide four (4) $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school students.

2020 Achievements !Created the South Hillsborough Restaurants Facebook page for South Hillsborough businesses to have a forum to promote their business and residents to place good reviews & ask for recommendations. This page has 1,800 members and counting. !As the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on the community, GRCC shifted focus to virtual events to keep opportunities open for members to connect with fellow members and build stronger relationships. !GRCC staff, board of directors, and

Staff Report

ambassadors organized and published a video to thank all the frontline workers & medical professionals for their hard work during a global pandemic. !Created & developed a COVID-19 Task Force to ensure safety within the GRCC and to help keep our businesses open and to keep our

staff safe. !Created and published an easily accessible specific directory listing of members who offered delivery & takeout for members to use while in quarantine. !Re-imagined our annual Taste of GRCC event by creating a Taste of GRCC Facebook group to help promote our food & beverage businesses. GRCC was able to give away over $2000 in door prizes and support 71 businesses. !Launched a “rediscover, innovate and celebrate” tag to the GRCC logo to promote strength & adaptability within our chamber and the community. !Developed 3 brand new events that promoted networking & relationship building for members & their businesses.

These events include TurboChatter NetworkNite, Happy Hour, and Munch & Mingle. CDC guidelines were put in place to keep attendees safe & healthy. !Re-imagined our annual Teaching to Excellence event and successfully supported all 28 local Riverview public & charter schools. This effort supported our local Riverview teachers & students. !Hosted a re-imagined Political Forum via Zoom with over 700 views featuring 15 candidates. These sessions helped our businesses decide which candidates were there to support their future & goals best. !Invited Jay Handler from Membership 101 to help increase member retention !Promoted Resiliency 101: How to Protect Your Business for our sister chamber, South Tampa Chamber of Commerce. !Partnered with other chambers to offer Candidate Training in Hillsborough County.

For more information visit www.riverviewchamber.com or call 2345944.

January 2021

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Offers Support To Local Families

By Libby Hopkins

One local support group is finding we had waited so long to have was not innovative ways to raise funds during the the son I was going to take home. I think I pandemic. cried for three months straight, it was like Families, Respect, Inspire, Educati I was grieving the loss of my baby, not on, Networking for Down Syndrome celebrating him. When we arrived home I and Special Needs had no idea what (F.R.I.E.N.D.S.) is a to do.” volunteer-based Foyt realized nonprofit that was she needed to founded in 2007 by become an advoparents of children cate for her son, with Down synand that is when drome. The group’s she joined motto is “I can and I F.R.I.E.N.D.S. will,” and President “It was run Ann Foyt is the drivby a small ing force behind this group of parFamilies, Respect, Inspire, motto. ents who got Education, Networking “I love helping together to lisfor Down Syndrome and Special Needs (F.R.I.E.N.D.S.) is a ten to a speaker and then new parents,” Foyt volunteer-based; non-profit. said. “We have a go out to dinner afterF.R.I.E.N.D.S. Parent Packet that we wards,” Foyt said. “The woman running assemble with resource information, was ready to hand the responsibility over brochures from other agencies and the to someone else and when I told her I book, Babies with Down Syndrome: a would take it over she handed me a box Parents’ Guide. We sent out over 150 of papers and told the others I was now packets this year to new families, to president.”

Brandon Hospital, St. Joseph’s Women’s, It wasn’t easy, but Foyt turned the litSt. Joseph’s Children’s, Tampa General tle nonprofit into a thriving organization and Mease Countryside. The hospitals that helps families who have children with distribute the packets to parents for us.”

Down syndrome.

Foyt has lived in the Brandon area “We have programs for our commufor more than 20 years and has been a nity with our monthly Baby Friends, adult nurse for 25 years. Her son, Zachary, dances, arts and crafts, family game night was born in 1998. and parent support group meetings in “We did not know he had Down synHillsborough and Pinellas,” Foyt said. drome until the doctor in the operating “With [the] pandemic, all of our programs room announced to the entire room, ‘Mr. stopped.” and Mrs. Foyt, your son has Down synTo learn more about F.R.I.E.N.D.S., drome.’ The room got extremely quiet; all visit www.fdswf.org or contact Foyt at you could hear was me crying. The son 245-2782.

AdventHealth Introduces InQuickER For Quick & Easy Online ER Scheduling AdventHealth has introduced an online scheduling tool, InQuickER, to create a more convenient experience for ER patients.

With it, you can book online and wait in the comfort and safety of your home.

Patients with non-life or limbthreatening emergencies can now reserve a treatment time online before arriving to the emergency room at AdventHealth Brandon ER, a hospital department of AdventHealth Tampa.

For non-life-threatening emergencies, visit GetInQuickER.com on your desktop computer or mobile device to see available appointment times. Once you find an available time that fits with your schedule, click to reserve the treatment time and complete a brief secure form with your information. You will immediately receive a confirmation with directions and details regarding your visit. At your arrival, a team of ER experts will be ready and waiting for you.

“I was very pleased with how smooth everything went. The staff were very pleasant and supportive of the online scheduling. I did not even know about this until I went to the

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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Page 40

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 1

Pottery With Parkinson’s Keeps Retired Chaplain Active And Raising Funds For Cure

By Libby Hopkins

The gopher tortoise is one of five species of tortoise in North America. Federally listed under the Endangered Species Act and state designated as threatened, the gopher tortoise is both vulnerable and vital to the health of the Florida ecosystem.

Gopher tortoises have an average lifespan in the wild of 60 years but can easily reach ages that exceed 80 years old. On average, they measure from 9-11 inches in length and are identifiable by their slightly domed shell, scale-covered forelimbs and stumpy hind legs.

Adults are generally a muted tan, gray or brown in color. Gopher tortoises are terrestrial turtles and spend over 80 percent of their time at and around their sandy burrows.

Gopher tortoise burrows, which average around 15 feet long and 6.5 feet deep, are also protected. This is because gopher tortoises are considered a keystone species and their burrows have many benefits to both the tortoises and other animals.

Keystone species are species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed, the ecosystem would change dramatically. Burrows maintain stable conditions for the tortoises, which is

important to these ectotherms who depend on their environment to maintain their temperature.

Additionally, burrows offer protection from predators but also provide shelter and refuge for up to 350 other species that can transiently inhabit them. The female gopher tortoise reaches maturity around the age of 10-20 years old and lay a clutch of eggs, containing five to nine eggs, typically once per year. Nesting season usually falls between May and July.

Gopher tortoises do not rear their young, which is common among most species of turtle. Hatchlings are more brightly colored than adults, displaying orange and yellow markings which fade as they grow beyond a year old.

The biggest threat to the gopher tortoise is habitat loss, pollution and habitat destruction.

It is illegal to possess and handle these animals, but it is permitted to help them across a street should they be in immediate danger. It is advisable to simply move the tortoise to safety in the direction which they were heading as these creatures never stray far from their home. Remember that animals like the gopher tortoise are an asset to our habitat.

Bruce Wright—or everything we sell ‘Bishop,’ as many to the Michael J. people in the Plant Fox Foundation to City area also know help find a cure for him, because he Parkinson’s.” worked for 15 years Bruce finds as the senior chaplain inspiration for his for Florida Hospital pieces from Tampa in Tampa— YouTube and has a passion for Pinterest, but he scripture and pottery. loves the whole “I am an Anglican process of making bishop and the nickone of them. “From name kind of stuck,” start of a piece to Bruce said. finally pulling it Bruce and Elaine Wright are the owners of from the kiln, I love He has been Pottery with Parkinson’s. They started married to his wife, their business after Bruce was diagnosed the entire process,” with Parkinson’s Disease in 2007.

Elaine Wright, for Bruce said. “It more than 44 years. “I was diagnosed forces me to concentrate on the task at with Parkinson’s disease in 2007,” Bruce hand, which gets my mind off of my myrisaid. “Upon retirement, actually disability, ad aches and pains.” from the hospital in 2015, I found myself Scripture influences his pieces as bored silly. Of course, I was still active in well. “As I sit at the wheel, I am reminded our church, I still hung around with friends of the Scripture in Isaiah 64:8, ‘But now, at the cigar stores, but the extra free time Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, I used, although unintentionally, [was] and you our potter, and all of us are driving my wife crazy. A retired art the work of your hand,’” Bruce said. “If teacher, she suggested I look into potgiven the choice, I would not have chotery.” sen to have Parkinson’s disease, but I am The couple started Pottery with encouraged by the fact that God is in Parkinson’s as a way for Bruce to help charge and He has a plan. He directs the with his condition and to raise money for events of my life. As I encounter difficulthe Michael J. Fox Foundation. ties, learning to trust in His potters’ hands “We started Pottery with Parkinson’s is tremendously encouraging and reasprimarily for me for therapy on my cramp- suring.” ing hands, arms, etc. after I was first diagTo learn more about Pottery with nosed in 2007,” Bruce said. “We began Parkinson’s or to buy a piece of Bruce’s offering it for sale to generate a few bucks pottery, visit and also to clear out our rapidly growing www.potterywithparkinsons.com or call inventory. We donate a percentage of him at 493-0856.

FL EC 13005767

January 2021

Page 41

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins

The Dali Museum Presents Van Gogh Alive The Dalí created by Van Museum in St. Gogh during his Petersburg has a most productive unique exhibit on and happiest time display called Van while he lived in Gogh Alive. I had the South of the opportunity to France. Van Gogh see the exhibit suffered from menfirsthand. It is one tal illness and was of the most beauticommitted to an ful that I have ever asylum. During this seen, and I highly time, he produced recommend a visit. Van Gogh Alive is an immersive, multisen- both tortured and sory art experience that harnesses techVan Gogh Alive is nology and music to open a new window peaceful landavailable now into the painter’s artistic genius. The spe- scapes. Van Gogh through Saturday, cial exhibit will be at the Dalí Museum now Alive ends with the through Saturday, April 11.

April 11. wide-open spaces Van Gogh Alive is an immersive, of Auvers-sur-Oise, Van Gogh’s multisensory art installation. The fasci- Wheatfield with Crows and a series of nating artwork of Vincent Van Gogh is self-portraits. projected on walls, floors and ceilings.

The exhibit features more than Captivating music such as “Clair de 3,000 images. Cinema-quality surlune” by Claude Debussy transports round sound amplifies the emotion you to Van Gogh’s birthplace, the generated by the artwork of this Netherlands; to the streets of Paris; beloved master. and to the tranquility of the South of The Dalí is the first North France. You will see many of his American venue to host this mesmerfamous works, including Starry Night izing version of Van Gogh Alive. It is a and his radiant Sunflowers. fitting location. “Dalí seems to intersect The exhibit is inspired by the in his interests and life with nearly changing landscapes and people that every significant cultural movement, Van Gogh painted. Van Gogh’s artistic event or person of the era—Van Gogh journey lasted a mere 10 years. Van is no exception,” said Dr. Hank Hine, Gogh, a Dutch post-impressionist executive director of the Dalí Museum. painter, is among the most famous “Dalí and Van Gogh shared a passion and influential artists in the history of for landscape and the portal it proWestern art. vides to a hidden world,” added Dr. Van Gogh Alive begins with selfHine. portraits. You then see the stylistically The Dalí Museum is located at 1 dark Dutch period. Suddenly, images Dali Blvd. in St. Petersburg. change and you then begin to see the Reservations are required, as are tembright energy of Paris during a period perature checks and face masks. For when Van Gogh discovered a new more information, please visit sense of beauty. Next, you see works www.thedali.org.

Firehouse Cultural Center Offers Music And Comedy To Kick Off 2021

Begin the new year up comedian. Barbee is with a bit of local entera co-host of The Double tainment at a local Special Show comedy venue. The Firehouse podcast on iTunes. She Cultural Center in has been a featured Ruskin offers music, comedian giving weekly comedy and more in its love advice on Sirius Firehouse Center Radio.

Stage. The Firehouse Next, on Saturday, Cultural Center is conJanuary 23 at 7:30 veniently located, and p.m., the Firehouse the entertainment they Center Stage Music The Firehouse Cultural Center in offer is great for anyRuskin is offering a great lineup of presents Jimmy one. In addition to see- local talent, including Victoria Ginty Griswold: Fast Fingers and her new band, this January in Rocking Blues. ing great local talent the Firehouse Center Stage. Book and having some fun, your tickets now as seating is limit- Griswold is a New ed. you will be supporting a England native now livvaluable arts non-profit. ing in Florida. He can regularly be found Chris Bredbenner, Executive Director playing guitar at venues of all sizes. for the Firehouse Cultural Center said, Griswold pays homage to any artist he “We are committed to maintaining and covers, whether it be the warm tones of expanding our impact with the growth of T-bone Walker and B.B. King, or the the Center Stage Music, Theatre, screaming sounds of Roy Buchanan, Comedy and Lecture Series and to proJeff Beck and Steve Ray Vaughan. viding a place where people and organiGriswold projects unparalleled energy zations can come to safely connect.” and feeling into his guitar playing.

First up is the Firehouse Center On Saturday, January 30 at 7:30 Stage Comedy featuring Chris Gorges p.m., the Victoria Ginty Band returns to with Tiffany Barbee on Saturday, January Firehouse Center Stage Music. Ginty is 9 at 7:30 p.m. Gorges is a high-energy an award-winning recording artist and comedian who has performed at the singer-songwriter. She lives locally in Firehouse previously.

Apollo Beach. Her new band includes He has been doing comedy for over Steve Arvey on guitar, Bill Kennedy on 25 years in many forms. Gorges is the bass, Oren Plous on keys and Brent host of the award-winning podcast The “Spoons” Winner on drums. Several Double Special Show on iTunes. He has members of the band will share vocals opened for Dave Chapelle, Pauly Shore with Ginty. and Bill Bellamy. His show is high energy, Tickets are $23 for members and honest and edgy which make for a great $28 for future members. Tickets must comedy experience. be booked in advance by calling 645Barbee is a sweet and quirky retired 7651 or online at www.firehouseculturalpageant kid turned national touring stand- center.org.

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Page 42

Volume 19, Issue 1

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Management District Answers Water Questions And Offers Data Access

Physical Therapist Cosi Belloso Is Educating, Informing And Empowering Amputees

Have you ever been features of the aquifer. interested in how much Staff collects geologic rain fell in your neighbordata from land surface to hood after a summer approximately 3,000 feet storm? Or how high the below using a coring rig water levels are at the and that data is collected lake where you launch from the core holes to your boat? The gain an understanding of Southwest Florida Water the aquifer’s characterisManagement District tics. Geologists study this (District) collects all that information and use it to data and more. And what construct wells to moniyou might not know is all tor each aquifer. District that data is easily availstaff also collect atmosable to the public. pheric data from rain Sandie Will is the Data District Data Collection Collection Bureau chief for the gauges and water level Southwest Florida Water Bureau Chief Sandie and water quality data Management District.

Will explained how data from groundwater and is collected and why it’s important. surface water sites, including lakes, Q: What types of data does the rivers, wells and springs.

District collect?

Q: How many data collection sites A: The District oversees, collects does the District monitor? and analyzes numerous data for longA: The District monitors water levels term monitoring trends and specific proj- at more than 1,600 well sites and more ects. Staff members collect data, includthan 800 surface water sites throughout ing water levels, water quality, atmosthe region. pheric, topographical survey, hydraulic The District staff monitor rainfall and geologic data, following applicable at 170 sites; collect water quality samstate and federal guidelines. District sciples from 82 spring sites, 226 surface entists conduct water quality analyses in water sites and 524 wells; and evalua certified laboratory and primarily test ate data collection at monitoring sites for chloride, sulfate and total dissolved every three years, and those sites that solids. are no longer needed are discontinued.

Q: How does the District collect Q: Can the public see the District’s data? data collection?

A: The District collects data from A: Yes, all of the data collected and monitor wells, springs, rain gauges and mapped is available for download from surface water bodies throughout the 16the District’s Data and Maps website county region. The District collects under the Resources tab on the District’s hydraulic data to understand specific main webpage at WaterMatters.org.

Eighteen years ago, tions that should have physical therapist and been answered by their now Brandon resident clinicians.”

Cosi Belloso was She posted live assigned the amputee videos to establish credirotation at Jackson bility and form connecMemorial Hospital in tions with the members of Miami because she “was online support groups, the low man on the totem which she transferred to pole and got stuck with her own website and the amputee rotation that Physical therapist Cosi Belloso Facebook page. is the founder and host of Cosi nobody wanted.” During “The mission of my Talks, a weekly show featuring her rotation, she met her amputees and doctors to help show is to educate, members of the limb loss mentor, Paul Kleponis, inform and empower,” community. the senior physical therasaid Belloso. “There’s so pist at Jackson Memorial Hospital. much out there that people need to learn “[He] was just an amazing mentor when they become an amputee and it’s and he just taught me everything I know,” very overwhelming.”

Belloso said when explaining her introOn each weekly Cosi Talks episode, duction to amputee physical therapy. “It’s Belloso features different aspects of being kind of hard not to [become passionate an amputee, such as rehabilitation, medabout helping amputees] when you are ications or prosthetics. being mentored by someone who is so While many of her guests are from passionate about what they do.” her local community, Belloso has featured After working at Tampa General athletes, such as the first WWE amputee Hospital and Fusion HealthCare, Belloso wrestler, Zachary Gowen, and two-time opened her own practice, Palanca PT, world champion bilateral amputee drag and created Cosi Talks, a website dedimotorcycle racer Reggie Showers. cated to educating patients and careVeterans and bomb survivors have also givers on prosthetics and exercises for made appearances on Cosi Talks, includnew amputees. ing Sergeant First Class Daniel Metzdorf, Belloso first attracted an online audiwho was a member of the Golden ence to Cosi Talks three years ago, Knights and the first above-the-knee where she hosts live shows with doctors amputee to return to active duty with the and patients to discuss issues amputees 82nd Airborne Division. face. She recognized a need for a physiVisit cositalks.com or watch Belloso’s cal therapist specializing in amputee live show every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. patients after visiting online support on her Facebook page. To contact groups on Facebook where “many Belloso, call 907-0430 or email amputees were asking very basic quescosi@cositalks.com.

Staff Report

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January 2021

Page 43

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Sports Connection Photos courtesy of The Citadel

657-2418

By Nick Nahas

www.ospreyobserver.com

Former Seffner Christian Basketball Star Forges Successful College Career; Pursues Medical Field season, which may be the best start in school history. Webster hopes to lead his team to a winning record in his last season because they haven’t had one since he joined the program.

The military is not in the cards for Webster after college, and the Citadel has no military service obligation like the service academies. He feels that medical school is his calling, The senior forward will attend Webster became a cadet when he Derek Webster earned a full-ride medical school after earning his and is still deciding which field Webster picked up basketball from joined the school to play basketball. scholarship to The Citadel. undergraduate degree. his father, Derek Webster, Sr. of medicine he wants to purFormer Seffner Christian Academy Webster had several sue. eral options for medical school depending basketball star Derek Webster has forged basketball scholarship offers, but chose Webster feels that being at the on how he does on his MCAT exam. an interesting college career path since the Citadel, which was his only Division I Citadel has been challenging, balancing The Biology major’s future is bright. graduating in 2017. full-ride scholarship offer. With the Citadel, being a D-I athlete along with his responHe has earned many academic honors in The Riverview resident had a a military school in South Carolina giving sibilities as a cadet and a full-time biology his four years in college.

Webster is a tremendous high school basketball career him the scholarship, he became commitstudent, but the experience has helped three-time Southern Conference Honor for the Crusaders, starting all four years ted to fulfilling duties as a cadet at the prepare him for his future. “I’ve always Roll honoree.

He has earned the while setting the career assist and school as well. While no one in Webster’s been told that nothing worth having Southern Conference Commissioner's rebound records, and scoring 1,000 immediate family served in the military, he comes easy,” said Webster. “The major Medal for the last two years and is a twocareer points. In 2017, Webster helped felt that he was up to the task of becomthing the school has taught me is to find a time Academic All-SoCon selection. lead the program to its first regional ing a cadet because he grew up in a disway.”

During the 2019-20 academic year, he championship in school history, along ciplined and structured household.

Webster will also take away the was named to the Chi Alpha Sigma with its first final four appearance.

The school not only offered him a many friendships he’s made along the National Scholar-Athlete Society, and in The power forward picked up basket- full-ride scholarship, they also have taken way. “Having those relationships and July he was named to the National ball from his father, Derek Webster, Sr., a vested interest in helping Webster friendships with the guys on my team, I Association of Basketball Coaches Honor who had a very successful career at reach his goal of going to medical school. will cherish those forever, and some of Court.

With a cumulative 3.82 GPA, he’s Florida A&M University from 1983-1986.

The Citadel introduced him to the those guys will be my good friends for the earned Gold Stars for five semesters.

His parents met there, and his sister curhead anesthesiologist at the University of rest of my life,” said Webster.

The Citadel is off to a 7-0 start this rently attends.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 1