Osprey Observer Riverview/Apollo Beach February 2021 by Osprey Observer

Riverview/Apollo Beach

February 2021

Volume 19, Issue 2

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a lot in Plant City with more than 8 acres of land. With about 120 days before their wedding, they hoped to come back from their honeymoon to a new dream home. In exactly 100 days, their home was complete—a little more than 2,000 square feet, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office and a front and back porch. Working together to help clients make their dream home a reality is someBrian and Mika Kleinschmidt are two of the newest stars on HGTV. Their show, 100 Day Dream Home, follows families in the Tampa Bay area as the thing Brian and Mika said they love doing. The pair duo helps them build their dream homes in 100 days. admitted that while some After attracting nearly 23 million viewers in their debut season, Riverview cou- married couples may have trouble spending ple Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt are back their days working together, they actually for season two of their hit show, 100 Day really enjoy it and have been working sideby-side for the last 10 years. Dream Home. The two met as teenagers at Riverview The show follows the couple as they work with Tampa Bay area homeowners High School, and while Brian has often said to build their dream homes in 100 days or he knew she was special even then, the two less. Many of their clients featured on the didn’t really begin dating until they reconshow are residents of Apollo Beach, River- nected in 2011. They married in October 2015. view, Valrico and Brandon. Now, as one of the newest stars on HGTV, After touring the site for the new home and getting an understanding of their cli- the couple continues to help clients with ents’ needs, the couple gets to work and getting the home of their dreams, and in the clock starts ticking. Brian is in charge this season, the duo will also share the realof the construction and ensuring proper ization of their dream home. Mika said that as exciting as finding your permits are pulled, building materials are ready and that everything is completed to dream home can be, it’s tough to devote specification. Mika is in charge of all things the time she would like with so many other design-related. She works with the clients, irons in the fire. “It has been a challenge working on our taking them on what she calls inspiration tours, walking through various homes to dream home this season only because we get ideas on what they want their new have been putting a lot of our other projects first,” she said. homes to look and feel like. “Cameras or no cameras, we love what On one recent episode from the new season, Brian and Mika worked with an we do and we love working with our clients engaged couple looking to get out of their to create something from a blank canvas,” cramped camper and build their dream Mika said. You can watch Brian and Mika on 100 home before the wedding day. The couple, both deputies with the Hills- Day Dream Home on HGTV and all HGTV borough County Sheriff’s Office, purchased digital platforms.

By Bob Zoellner

Library staff at the new Riverview Public Library, which opened January 13, 2021. Karen Johnson Slaton, Tammy Cutlip, Allison Wever, and Jason Steward.

In 1881, there were only a few public libraries in the world. As Andrew Carnegie decided to give away most of his wealth and promote the idea of free public libraries, the idea grew rapidly to now virtually every community having its own library. Riverview has the newest one. Opening in mid-January, the new 35,000-square-foot building at 9951 Balm Riverview Rd. opened its doors to provide curbside service to the Riverview, Gibsonton and Apollo Beach areas. The previous facility on Riverview Dr. closed, which was a much smaller library with only 8,000 square feet that served its patrons for over 40 years. That building now reverts back to Mosaic, which donated the use of the building while it was a library. Librarians had already seen 72 customers take advantage of its services by 4 p.m. on opening day, January 13, more than any other day at the previous location during the COVID-19 protocols, according to staff. “The new branch features a recording studio, makerspace, Early Learning Hive and an expanded children’s room,” said Chely Cantrell, the Library Brand Innovation officer for the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library system. Cantrell has spent 15 years working in libraries, including the last six with Tampa-Hillsborough County, focusing on community engagement, public relations and learning experiences. “Although not currently open to the public, the Riverview library is offering curbside pickup via appointment,” Cantrell said. “Customers can browse the library’s collections on HCPLC.org and place materials on hold.” “Once the items are ready for pickup they schedule an appointment and pick up their materials via a contact-free curbside option,” added Cantrell.

One of 27 libraries in the system, each one has different protocols in place, although none allow patrons to come in and linger with their materials. Some locations have a 25 percent occupancy, which is mainly to browse and for materials pickup or to use a computer for up to an hour. Others have curbside pickup only at the moment. With the uncertainty of COVID-19 still lingering, it is impossible to predict when each location will be full-service again, Cantrell said. The best way to see what is offered is to go onto the website at https://www.hcplc. org/locations and find the branch desired, including the Riverview Public Library. To reserve materials at the new Riverview location, call or text 955-4898 and provide your name and the last four digits of your library card.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2021

KIDS UNPLUGGED GETS KIDS MOVING AT CAMPO FAMILY YMCA

Page 3

LOCAL OWNERS TEAM UP WITH KIDS LIFT TO HOST VIRTUAL FOOD DRIVE

By Tatiana Ortiz

Youth playing outdoors.

First through fifth grade students enrolled in e-learning can take a break from their studies and join Kids Unplugged at Campo Family YMCA in Valrico. The new monthly fitness program is instructor-led as it offers an opportunity for those students to participate in a wide variety of activities, such as fitness classes, sports, team building, games and more, which begins in the first week of February and runs through the end of May. COVID-19 safety measures will also be implemented. Lauren Brun, senior aquatics director at Campo Family YMCA, explained how Kids Unplugged came into fruition. “We see and hear the need for our e-learning students to have some social interaction with kids their age and also to get them moving in a safe and clean environment,” Brun said. To allow proper social distancing, the program is limited to 12 participants. Every week, activities will change. Many of the activities will be conducted outside. Indoor rooms are available for activities

strictly designated to indoors or if there is inclement weather. Campo Family YMCA abides by the local and state guidelines through requiring masks to be worn in all common areas of its facility and doing frequent cleaning and sanitizing. Hand sanitizer can also be found throughout the facility. Kids Unplugged is for members only. It meets on Wednesday and Thursday from 2:45-3:45 p.m. Those interested can register their kids for once or twice a week. It costs $40 a month for one day a week and $60 a month for twice a week. Kaliegh Hincman, senior program director at Campo Family YMCA, stated how the participants will benefit with Kids Unplugged. “One of the missions of the YMCA is to support and serve the community,” Hincman said. “To add, they will be able to unplug from e-learning , play sports, get involved in different activities and socialize in person, all while practicing social distancing.” For more information, visit https:// www.tampaymca.org. Register online at https://bit.ly/38hrL1x or at the Welcome Center. Campo Family YMCA is located at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico. Call 6841371.

By Lily Belcher For the first three months of the year, local Premium Service Brands franchises and schools are hosting a virtual food drive through Amazon to donate food to families affected by the coronavirus. Premium Service Brands offers franchise opportunities and training through its home improvement companies, including 360° Painting, which specializes in interior and exterior painting with premium, high-quality paints. Premium Service Brands’ 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Kids Lift, has 360° Painting Production worked with eight Manager Elias Genao and of these home im- Franchise Owner Chrisprovement fran- topher Seufert help host a chises “to give local virtual food drive. back to vulnerable kids, their families and their schools” by addressing poverty and hunger in the communities with which it works. Chris Seufert, 360° Painting franchise owner, joined Kids Lift employees as one of the eight franchise owners to help organize the virtual food drive. Food purchased through his Amazon Wish List will be shipped directly to Sessums Elementary School to be distributed to students in need. “To donate, contributors simply view the Amazon List for the school they choose to donate to. From there, they can decide which items, and how many of each item, to contribute to the school’s virtual food drive. These donations are shipped directly to the school, where they

will be distributed to kids in need,” according to Kids Lift’s blog post about the initiative. Many parents have lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus and face financial struggles that prevent them from putting food on the table for their families. Furthermore, e-learning students now rely on their parents to supply meals they would have received if they were able to attend brick-and-mortar schools. “360° Painting and I believe in the culture of the organization and the reason why we wanted to support them and give back is because I am blessed enough to have money to do that, and there’s a lot of good people in this area that can do the same,” said Seufert. At the beginning of the food drive, Seufert began advertising and posting flyers around the community with his two kids but hopes that more families in Hillsborough County will donate food and money to Kids Lift. For more information, visit www.kidslift.org or contact Chris Seufert at 727430-9867 or cseufert@360painting. com. To donate food, visit the Kids Lift Amazon Wish List at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/XPIDFUJPDQ77.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

County Seeks Environmental Champion Nominees Staff Report Previous winners of the Hillsborough County Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award include Joe Guidry, Ann Paul and Dr. Brandt Henningsen.

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

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

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BRING SOME FUN TO VIRTUAL MEETINGS, PARTIES & EVENTS WITH ZOOMBALLYHOO By Libby Hopkins The year 2020 will be remembered as How ZoomBallyhoo works is you pick the year of the Zoom meetings thanks to your Ballyhoo, which is a clown, magician the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m sure we’ve or ringmaster. You then pick a date, time lost count on how many Zoom meetings and length of your Zoom call. Once your or calls we attended over the last year be- payment is received, you can enjoy your cause they all seemed to be the same, not ZoomBallyhoo. “Our clowns and magicians very lively or entertaining. seem to tie for our clients’ favorite,” Gorton ZoomBallyhoo is an Orlando-based com- said. “Both have humor at the heart of their pany that is on a misperformances. Some sion to make Zoom people just want to calls more fun and laugh and hear stoentertaining by havries of circus life from ing circus performers, our clowns and some clowns and magicians want to have magic perform during a happen before their Zoom call. eyes. In each case, our “ZoomBallyhoo 30-minute package was a creation from seems to fulfill their Odd-o-Ts’ Entertainquest for fun.” ment born during a Gorton hopes their time when live perentertainers can formance wasn’t safe one day go back to to engage in,” said performing live and ZoomBallyhoo’s Amy in-person, but until Gorton. “Our performthen, this gives them ers were all former ZoomBallyhoo is an Orlando-based company that an outlet for their circus artists who had is on a mission to make Zoom calls more fun and craft. “We look forentertaining by having circus performers, clowns been entertaining in ward to that day, but and magicians perform during a Zoom call. theme parks, theaters we feel that this exand tours since the Ringling Bros. Circus perience can live beyond that day,” Gorton closed. Once the pandemic hit, the found- said. “It will be a while for everyone to feel ers got together and decided to create a safe to venture out again and we know platform to keep those performers bring- that we can provide some joy and light ing the magic to audiences around the during these dark times. However, ulticountry virtually into their own homes.” mately we also think that this is a fun way Entertainment is one of the hardest hit for distant friends and family members to industries by the pandemic along with get together with a fun activity that can hospitality, travel and tourism. “Perform- extend beyond the stay-at-home time and ers are in the industry for more than just provide a different stage that we can cona paycheck,” Gorton said. “Connecting tinue to entertain.” with audiences is what feeds their creative To learn more about ZoomBallyhoo, visit souls and so it affects more than just their www.zoomballyhoo.com or call Gorton at income.” 310-578-9943.

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Volume 19, Issue 2

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2021

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Page 5

Practical Crafts At Cracker Country Museum Comes To Life

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Step back in time at the Cracker Country museum located on the Florida State Fairgrounds, which is Tampa’s only outdoor living history museum to get a glimpse of Florida’s pioneer past. On Saturday, February 20 at 10 a.m., individuals will get an opportunity to stroll through the museum grounds and learn about some of the practical craft skills that would have been familiar to those who settled here at the turn of the 20th century. Cracker Country museum’s director of museum operations, Cindy Horton, explained more about what guests could expect. “During practical crafts, our A demonstrator at Cracker Country using a spinning demonstrators and historical edwheel. ucators will be dressed in clothing not only have fun, but also of the period while feel safe and comfortable interacting with while at Cracker Country. guests to share In order to gain access, their knowledge advanced ticket purchase and skills,” Horton is required. For seniors and said. children ages 6-11, tickets Cracker Country cost $8. For adults, tickets consists of a colleccost $10. Children 5 and tion of 13 original under are free. To park, it buildings, which are will cost $8 per vehicle and from 1870-1912, $14 per RV or bus. Guests that were relocatmust enter the Florida ed from across this State Fairgrounds through state. A well-known building that can the U.S. Hwy. 301 entrance. be found here would be the Okahumpka “All in all, as Florida becomes more deTrain Depot. It was established with a veloped, our physical links to the past are purpose to preserve Florida’s rural heri- disappearing fast, so the tangible piectage. In addition, Cracker Country focuses of our history that are preserved at es on providing educational field trips for museums like Cracker Country become Florida elementary students. more dear each day,” Horton said. Practical crafts will feature an array For more information, visit http://www. of special demonstrations and displays, crackercountry.org/index.php/come-vissuch as quilting, candle making, black- it/when-to-visit/practical-crafts. smithing, leather craft and much more. Cracker Country is located at the FlorCOVID-19 health and safety measures ida State Fairgrounds at 4800 N. U.S. will be abided. Horton wants guests to Hwy. 301 in Tampa. Call 627-4225.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

HCA HEALTHCARE OFFERS ANTIBODY COOPERATION PART OF CODE ENFORCEMENT IN HILLSBOROUGH TREATMENTS AT BRANDON REGIONAL By Libby Hopkins By Brad Stager

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

Maintaining basic overall aesthetics while promoting health and safety within structures and the landscape outside of them is how Hillsborough County’s Code Enforcement Department serves the community. Besides ensuring buildings are properly maintained to guarantee structural integrity and that landscaping is appropriate to the property and surrounding environment, enforcing compliance with water restrictions, commercial signage rules (no emitting of smoke, vapors or sounds from signs allowed), overgrown grass limits, inoperable vehicle disposal and operating a business where zoning does not permit it are also part of a code enforcement officer’s routine. When a property owner gets a visit

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

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HCA Healthcare West Florida is now sickle cell disease, neurodevelopmental offering Bamlanivimab antibody infusions disorders and asthma are also among at Brandon Regional Hospital and three several additional considerations for eligiother local hospitals to nonhospitalized bility. “We’re committed to providing our patients who have patients, caregivers tested positive for and the communiCOVID-19 and have ties we serve with other high-risk facthe latest treattors. ments in the fight “This is an outagainst COVID-19 patient antibody and are excited to infusion that has bring this option to received emergenour four different cy use authorizageographic areas tion (EUA) from the along Florida’s west Food and Drug Adcoast,” said Dr. Larministration (FDA) ry Feinman, chief for nonhospitalmedical officer for ized patients, ages HCA West Florida. 12 and older, who “The four locations have tested positive will support all of for COVID-19, have our local hospitals mild to moderate in working closeCOVID-19 symply with physicians toms and are at high and other providers St. Petersburg General Hospital’s Kandice Williams, risk for developing RN (right) and Vinson Huynh, MD (left) successfully across the commusevere COVID-19,” performed HCA Healthcare West Florida’s first mono- nities we serve to said Debra McKell clonal antibody therapy on patient Harry for the early provide treatment treatment of COVID-19. of HCA West Florito patients who may da. benefit, per FDA guidelines.” The first patient received the treatment Patients with any of the following are on December 9, 2020 at St. Petersburg not to receive this treatment per the General Hospital. In addition to Brandon FDA EUA guidelines: hospitalized due to Regional Hospital, participating locations COVID-19, require oxygen therapy due to include Blake Medical Center in Manatee COVID-19 or require oxygen due to anCounty, St. Petersburg General Hospital other underlying medical condition. “We in Pinellas County, and Medical Center of encourage patients to discuss this treatTrinity in Pasco County. ment option with their physician,” McKell High-risk conditions that may be eli- said. “Also, Brandon Regional Hospital is gible for this treatment include obesity, providing the treatment for children ages chronic kidney disease, COPD, diabetes, 12 and older.” immunosuppressive disease and heart Patients may contact Brandon Regional disease. For children over the age of 12, Hospital at 916-1581.

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2021

SCOUTS HOST ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE FEB. 6

MEET FLORIDA HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE ANDREW LEARNED, SERVING DISTRICT 59

By Kathy L. Collins

Staff Report Boy Scout troops in the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council are preparing for the 2021 Scouting for Food event, a nonperishable food drive set to begin in late January. Scouting for Food calls on thousands of youth to collect essentials for local food banks across the region, from Feeding Tampa Bay to smaller local pantries. Scouts will distribute door hangers to homes in their community to let them know about the drive between Saturday, January 23 and Friday, February 5. On Saturday, February 6, Scouts will revisit those houses to pick up bags full of canned food, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, juice and other items, according to District Executive Kelsi Meliah. “Scouting for Food takes place in the first two months of every year, and its success depends on the support of our communities,” Meliah said. “Each year, we are overwhelmed by peoples’ willingness to help in this project.” Meliah said Scouting for Food took on special significance in 2020, as the Council held a record-breaking drive only weeks before COVID-19 was identified in the Tampa Bay Area. Scouts collected almost 37,000 pounds of food just in time to meet heightened demand caused by the pandemic and ensuing recession. Scouting professionals advised units that this year’s drive will be just as critical, but the safety of youth participants and their families remains a paramount concern. Masks are to be worn and social distancing practiced for both the hanger distribution and food collection.

Page 7

Scouts of Pack 61 with their haul from Scouting for Food 2020.

Eric Brown, a volunteer with Pack 61 in Brandon, said his unit is proud to participate every year. He explained they ensure this is a family event by meeting at a central location, dividing into dens and sweeping the surrounding neighborhoods to distribute the flyers. All food collected by Pack 61 benefits a food bank operated by their host organization, St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church. “I’ve had Scouts come up and thank us for opening their eyes to such a needy cause,” Brown said. “They feel good and proud that they are able to support the community with health meals.” To further incentivize participation, the council announced units participating in the food drive can qualify for year-round free camping on all Boy Scout properties in the area. According to Field Director Sharrod McCree, this project represents the kind of cheerful service Scouting wants to encourage and reward in young boys and girls. “After all, our Scouting for Food campaign is what Scouting is all about,” McCree said. “It is embedded in the Scout Oath, ‘I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country, and to help other people at all times.’” Contact Kyle Molldene at 955-0860.

Andrew Learned, Democrat, is the new Learned. Florida House Representative for District Additionally, Learned’s office can help 59. This district covers a large area com- with getting an Eagle Scout a proclamaprised of Brandon, Valrico, Riverview and tion or help an HOA get a county road Gibsonton. project. The state representative is there Learned is a longtime area resident. He to be the voice of the people of the disgraduated from the Unitrict. versity of Tampa, served Learned holds for 11 years as an officer monthly town hall in the U. S. Navy and is a meetings. Beginning local business owner. His in February, they will strong military and busibe held on the first ness background make Thursday of every him a great representamonth at 6:30 p.m. tive for the diverse area Currently, they are he represents. being held virtually. Florida House RepreThey are livestreamed sentatives are elected to on Facebook and can two-year terms. Learned be joined via Zoom. said, “I am a military When it is safe to do veteran from the area. so, Learned plans to The politics of the elechold the town hall Andrew Learned is the new Florida House tion are behind us. My meetings live. Representative serving District 59. primary and sole focus is Learned has two delivering constituent services and being aides. Morgan Rodgers is his legislative the best representative for everyone in aide and will travel to Tallahassee with District 59.” him during the legislative session, and Constituent services encompass a wide Valerie McDonald is the district secrearray of nonlegislative services, such as tary. helping someone navigate their unemLearned became married to Amanda ployment claim and assisting local busi- over the holidays and is a dad to 8-yearnesses with PPP (Paycheck Protection old twins Flynn and Lola. Program) assistance and forgiveness. His Learned’s district office is located at office can also assist with problems in- 6152 Delancey Station St., #205B in volving regulations like business licensing. Riverview (within Winthrop Town Cen“If you call our office and we do not tre). His office is open Monday through know the answer, we will help get you Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Currently, to the correct person. We are your local you are asked to make an appointment. resource. We are here to help you in any You can reach him or his office by calling way that we can. Please do not hesitate 657-7781 or emailing Andrew.Learned@ to reach out if you have a problem,” said myfloridahouse.gov.

Page 8

TECO Plans To Retire Another Coal Unit Nearly Two Decades Early

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

as the shift from power generation to solar continues, these investments will help insulate customers from fuel price volatility. Big Bend Unit 3 will retire in April 2023, which is 18 years early. It began operating as a coal unit in 1976; natural gas was added as a secondary fuel several years ago. The company accelerated its retirement to save customers money. Keeping the unit operating after 2023 would have Staff Report required additional capital-intensive improvements. This is the second Big Bend unit that is retiring: Unit 2 will retire in November 2021 as part of the $850 million Big Bend Modernization project. When complete in 2023, the project will have stateof-the-art, highly efficient, combined-cycle natural gas units, capaTampa Electric recently announced its plans to retire one of the Big Bend units ble of producing 1,090 in 2023. megawatts of electricity. Modernizing power As part of the utility’s strategy to become cleaner and greener, Tampa Electric plants improves fuel generation efficienhas achieved new sustainability mile- cy, which lowers fuel costs for customers stones, including completing enough solar and lowers emissions. Manatees in the Big Bend discharge energy to power 100,000 homes, with plans to power another 100,000 by 2023 canal will not be affected by these retireand plans to retire Big Bend Unit 3 in ments; the remaining Big Bend units will still produce plenty of warm water to pro2023, which is nearly two decades early. “These significant milestones are im- vide them refuge from the cold. These milestones are part of the comproving the land, water and air for all Tampa Electric customers,” said Nancy pany’s strategy to reduce its carbon footTower, president and chief executive offi- print, which started in 1999 with the recer of Tampa Electric. “We are saving our powering of the former coal-fired Gannon customers money while becoming cleaner Station to natural gas, and most recently included the modernization of Big Bend and greener in measurable ways.” Thanks to local solar projects, Tampa Unit 1. This is consistent with Tampa Electric has saved two billion gallons of Electric’s strategic focus of transitioning water that had previously irrigated agri- power generation to less carbon intensiculture or mining operations, which were ty while remaining affordable for its custhe land’s previous occupants. Long-term, tomers.

Volume 19, Issue 2

Southwest Florida Water Management District

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

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

February 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 9

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

By Taylor Wells

much money its previous raffles have raised, such as 2019’s donations totaling $220,450, and which causes the funds have supported. Overall, the raffles have raised a total of $1,536,000. Raffle tickets are now available for $5 each online and in person at Stingray’s dealership in Plant City until Friday, March 12 at 6 p.m. To get tickets online— available until March 12 at 3 p.m.—fill out the entry form at www.stingraychevrolet.com/ chevrolet-charity-raffle-enTickets to enter the raffle are $5 each and are available now try-form/. online and at Stingray Chevrolet’s dealership, as well as at the Tickets will also be available at Florida Strawberry Festival starting on Thursday, March 4. the Florida Strawberry Festival at Stingray’s vehicle display from The new year has only just begun, and Thursday, March 4 until Sunday, March 14 if you’re looking for a way to start it on at 4:30 p.m. a high note, a chance of winning a brandOnline ticket receipts will be sent to the new car for just $5 might be what you’re email address provided in the form withlooking for, and you can even help a local in 5 minutes after the order is processed. nonprofit raise funds at the same time. Note, however, that online tickets have a If that sounds good to you, then you’ll ‘one-time’ $2 processing fee, no matter want to enter Stingray Chevrolet’s 12th how many tickets are ordered—the limit annual Chevrolet Charity Raffle, where being 50 tickets per person. you’ll have the opportunity to win a 2021 The winning ticket will be drawn on Corvette Stingray, with 100 percent of the March 14 at 5 p.m. at the Florida Strawticket proceeds benefitting Unity in the berry Festival, and you do not need to be Community, Inc. present to win; you will be notified by Unity in the Community is a local 501(c) phone if your name is drawn. (3) nonprofit staffed by volunteers that Stingray Chevrolet’s dealership is at raises funds for a number of good caus2002 North Frontage Rd. in Plant City. es. In its mission statement, it states: “All To learn more about Stingray Chevrolet, actions taken by Unity in the Community the event or the 2021 Corvette Stingray, are done with the common goal of helping visit www.stingraychevrolet.com/chevroindividuals, or other charitable service organizations, to improve the lives of those in let-charity-raffle/. To learn more about Unity in the Comand around Plant City.” munity, visit www.unityinplantcity.org. Stingray Chevrolet’s website details how

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

SUPER BOWL LV HOSTED ROAD TO GAMEDAY RESTAURANT WEEK

By Hayley Fedor

Besides the accolades that come with hosting the most anticipated football game of the season, Super Bowl LV also brought some significant perks to the business side of the Tampa Bay area in the recent months. The Super Bowl LV Host Committee decided to create the Road to Gameday Restaurant Week with the intent of facilitating growth for local businesses. From December 4 through December 13 in 2020, the event drew NFL fans and followers to local restaurants in order to give businesses the opportunity to receive recognition by the community. The committee also formed a partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay that allowed for $1 from each Road to Gameday dinner sold to be donated to the charity. With the help of the Riverview Chamber of Commerce, multiple restaurants in the Riverview area were able to connect with the Super Bowl LV Host Committee and, as a result, participate in the Road to Gameday Restaurant Week. Local restaurant Donovan’s Modern American Meatery, located in in Winthrop Town Centre, participated in the Road to Gameday Restaurant Week. For the Restaurant Week, Donovan’s “decided to highlight our customers’ favorite items” on the menu, said Cristian Davila, director of public relations and content creation for Datz Restaurant Group. This included a signature affordable steak dish as well as a rich, comforting cheesecake created to draw in the crowds. Reflecting back on the impact of the Road to Gameday Restaurant Week, “we were grateful to have the extra exposure during this unprecedented time,” said Davila. A particularly rewarding aspect about being a part of the Restaurant Week for the community-minded staff at Donovan’s was being able to give back through Feeding Tampa Bay. For more in-

Eggs Up Grill featured its Good Morning Burger during Restaurant Week and it is still on the menu.

This meal wowed the crowds over at Donovan’s during Restaurant Week and each item is still available for purchase today.

formation on Donovan’s, visit donovansmeatery.com. Also located in Winthrop Town Centre, Datz Restaurant of Riverview hosted the Road to Gameday events as well. “This was naturally something that we wanted to take part in and we are extremely honored that the NFL invited us to take part,” said Mi-

chael Shaheen, social media and community relations manager for Datz Restaurant Group. “We really wanted to pick items that we felt were iconic for Datz to really give people who were just visiting for the game a taste of what we are known for,” said Shaheen. At Datz, being able to serve football fans during the event created an undeniably

positive and high spirited atmosphere in the restaurant. Many guests came to Datz during Restaurant Week wearing their favorite jerseys to support the NFL teams. Visit datztampa.com to find out more about the restaurant. For Kraftologee of Riverview, found on the corner of Bloomingdale Ave. and S. Gornto Lake Rd., being a part of the excitement of the Road to Gameday Restaurant Week helped “get a few new customers” through the door, said Restaurant Owner Martha Bermudez. When crafting the Road to Gameday menu, the team at Kraftologee made sure to incorporate a vegetarian option to offer a more accommodating selection for the attendees. To connect with the restaurant, call 570-7391. Another locally owned and operated restaurant, Eggs Up Grill, situated right off of U.S. Hwy. 301 in Riverview, jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the Restaurant Week. The Good Morning Burger is “now one of our more popular options that a lot of our guests are more aware of since offering it as a highlighted special with the Road to Gameday eats,” said Priscilla Conyers, one of the owners of Eggs Up Grill. As a result of being able to participate in the Road to Gameday Restaurant Week, the new budding restaurant received some name notoriety and built more relationships with members of the community. “It feels really good as one of the owners to be able to highlight our brand with the great service and food that we provide to the local residents in the community” through the Restaurant Week, said Conyers. To see more on Eggs Up Grill, visit eggsupgrill.com. Although the Road to Gameday Restaurant Week has ended, be sure to check out these local restaurants that are open daily and ready to serve the community.

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February 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

ALAFIA BREWING COMPANY BRINGING THE SHOW BACK TO SHOWTOWN

By Brian Bokor

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

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

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

Page 11

SANDRA MURMAN CONTINUES TO PUBLISH GOOD COMMUNITY NEWS NEWSLETTER

By Kathy L. Collins

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

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Page 12

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

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

SOL

97 Camelot Ridge Dr

OLD

303 Karppe Rd

D SOL

520 Winterside Dr

D SOL

521 Cottage Ln

D SOL

759 Caliente Dr

D SOL

909 Pyrite Ct

1030 Jameson Rd

D SOL

1041 Tracey Ann Loop

D SOL

1210 Tuxford Dr

D SOL

1621 Wakefield Dr

1705 Powder Ridge Dr

SOL

2302 Timbergrove Dr

SOL

2616 Bonterra Blvd

2827 Lantern Hill Ave

3024 Silva Wood Dr

3180 Jenna Mae Way

D SOL

3442 Ashling Dr

OLD

3723 Crystal Dew St

SOL

4203 Jade Ln

D SOL

4412 Ortona Ln

SOL

4703 Barn Owl Ct

5028 Sylvan Oaks Dr

3997 Medicci Ln

SOL

4433 Tevalo Dr

SOL

4717 Bloomingdale Ave

4719 Bloomingdale Ave

D SOL

5110 Shady Stone Pl

1206 Emerald Dunes Dr

D SOL

1319 Lorea Ln

5125 Fairway One Dr

1414 Emerald Hill Way

D SOL

SOL

2422 Stonehill Ave

SOL

2706 King Surrey Court

D SOL

2512 Arborwood Dr

SOL

D SOL

3305 Pleasant Willow Ct

D SOL

2727 Pankaw Ln

D SOL

2843 Timber Knoll Dr

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2910 N 11th St

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3336 Stonebridge Trl

D SOL

3520 Buckboard Ln

3406 W El Prado Blvd

D SOL

3528 Shadowood Dr

3531 Autumn Glen Dr

OLD

4002 W Bay to Bay Blvd

4006 Bangalow Palm Ct

4006 Woodland Retreat Blvd

D SOL

4227 Touchton Pl

D SOL

4501 Compass Oaks Dr

SOL

4732 Pond Ridge Dr

D SOL

5130 Fairway One Dr

4301 Bloomingdale Ave

D SOL

OLD

D SOL

4737 Barnstead Dr

D SOL

5202 Coto Pl

4524 Spring Rd

SOL

4806 Fox Hunt Dr

D SOL

1208 Letona Ln

D SOL

2744 Abbey Grove Dr

D SOL

2912 Copper Height Ct

D SOL

3406 W Granada St #3

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4007 Bayside Dr

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4530 W Swann Ave

SOL

4905 Pond Ridge Dr

D SOL

SOL

5208 Candler View Dr

5211 Pine Rocklands Ave

1210 Pelote Cemetery Rd

D SOL

1515 Brilliant Cut Way

D SOL

2230 Golf Manor Blvd

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2590 Lake Manor Dr

SOL

2914 Copper Height Ct

D SOL

3005 Drakes Landing Ct

D SOL

3407 Sylvan Shadow St

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3421 Pittwood Rd

D SOL

3603 Warmspring Way

OLD

3705 Barnhouse Pl

OLD

4108 Cromwell Dr

D SOL

4396 Turner Rd

D SOL

4111 Barletta Ct

D SOL

4405 Winding River Dr

D SOL

4630 Swindell Rd

4612 John Moore Rd

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4930 Willow Ridge Ter

SOL

5242 Villagebrook Dr

512 Hickory Lake Dr

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754 Spicewood Dr

D SOL

903 Grand Cresta Ave

SOL

1025 Seagrape Dr

D SOL

1210 Tiger Wood Ct

D SOL

1531 Berry Farm Rd

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2233 Golf Manor Blvd

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2611 Bayshore Blvd #1101

SOL

2821 Duncan Tree Cir

2780 Buckhorn Oaks Dr

D SOL

302 Red Elm Pl

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1025 Bal Harbour Dr

D SOL

2552 Winding Way

SOL

4350 Ortona Ln

D SOL

821 Telfair Rd

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2203 Heritage Crest Dr

SOL

3603 Madison Cypress Dr

OLD

D SOL

1445 Monte Lake Dr

D SOL

2525 Siena Way

SOL

4302 Southpark Dr

4503 Preston Woods Dr

SOL

2523 Centennial Falcon Dr

2720 Valencia Grove Dr

2843 Mossy Timber Trl

2008 Berry Lake Dr

SOL

730 Kingsfield Reserve Ave

1018 S Mount Carmel Rd

1443 Piney Branch Cir

D SOL

511 Clearfield Rd

D SOL

817 Starlifter Ln

D SOL

1206 Victoria St

D SOL

1908 Dierker Dr

SOL

D SOL

1003 Edison Park Ct

D SOL

1421 High Knoll Dr

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1813 Pine St

1809 Powder Ridge Dr

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4217 Fleewell Ct

D SOL

4430 Winding River Dr

SOL

D SOL

OLD

4208 Fleewell Ct

D SOL

1202 Savannah Landings Ave

D SOL

816 Viscount St

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1003 Cherwood Ln

D SOL

3512 Hillgrove Rd

3914 Buckingham Loop Dr

SOL

D SOL

3502 Starling Estates Ct

OLD

3257 Stonebridge Trl

937 Meadow Glade Dr

1123 NormandyTrace Rd #1123

2836 Conch Hollow Dr

D SOL

716 Kingston Ct

D SOL

SOL

212 Mystic Falls Dr

D SOL

508 Winterside Dr

D SOL

702 Eagle Ln

D SOL

815 42nd Ave N

808 Hunters Ct

D SOL

2704 Park Meadow Dr

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2829 52nd Ave S

D SOL

SOL

208 Elm View Ct

D SOL

508 Little Eagle Ct

D SOL

612 Spring Blossom Ct

SOL

D SOL

2323 Timbergrove Dr

SOL

2645 Grandbury Grove Rd

D SOL

1804 Milford Cir

SOL

2311 Dovewood Estates Ct

SOL

D SOL

504 Julie Ln

D SOL

SOL

132 29th Ave N

D SOL

1308 Lorea Ln

1229 Rainbrook Cir

D SOL

SOL

1118 43rd St S

D SOL

606 Winterside Dr

D SOL

919 Centerbrook Dr

SOL

118 Holly Tree Ln

501 39th St N

D SOL

805 Straw Lake Dr

D SOL

916 Centerbrook Dr

D SOL

530 Glenn Cross Dr

D SOL

SOL

111 3rd St S

500 36th Ave NE

D SOL

805 Flamingo Dr

D SOL

915 Tuscanny St

D SOL

524 Royal Ridge Street

D SOL

SOL

108 Locust Dr

436 Sand Ridge Dr

D SOL

803 Hunters Ct

D SOL

408 Timber Creek Dr

D SOL

SOL

103 Steven St

102 Locust Dr

D SOL

SOL

2822 Bellwood Dr

D SOL

3011 Mojave Oak Dr

SOL

3429 Cypress Landing Dr

SOL

3705 Southview Dr

SOL

4156 Yellowwood Dr

SOL

4410 Oak River Cir

D SOL

4650 S Lockwood Ridge Rd

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5005 Sandy Brook Cir

SOL

5304 Fishhawk Ridge Dr

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2021

Page 13

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

SOL

5308 Alafia Falls Dr

SOL

5724 Circa Fishhawk Blvd

5808 Heronview Crescent Dr

D SOL

OLD

6018 Hammock Hill Ave

6032 Audubon Manor Blvd

D SOL

6230 Kingbird Manor Dr

D SOL

8332 Bluevine Sky Dr

D SOL

5917 Tealwater Pl

OLD

6037 Florida Cir S

6312 Cocoa Ln

8410 Canterbury Lake Blvd

8904 Red Beechwood Ct

D SOL

10228 Celtic Ash Dr

D SOL

5821 Audubon Manor Blvd

D SOL

6327 Brevada Ln

6106 Kestrelpark Dr

6432 Bridgecrest Dr

8908 Bella Vita Cir

D SOL

9155 Loblolly Pine Pl

10447 Riverdale Rise Dr

10622 Lake Montauk Dr

10720 Carloway Hills Dr

10720 Chesham Hill Ct

D SOL

11006 Tortola Isle Way

11020 Holly Cone Dr

11162 Spring Point Cir

11204 Coventry Grove Cir

11205 Lark Landing Ct

OLD

11229 Hawks Fern Dr

D SOL

11711 Gilmerton Dr

OLD

11417 Estuary Preserve Dr

D SOL

11967 Brighton Knoll Loop

12020 Creek Preserve Dr

OLD

SOL

12733 Flatwood Creek Dr

SOL

13930 Natures Reserve Dr

D SOL

14015 Swallow Hill Dr

14908 Bassinger Ln

D SOL

12816 Bent Twig Dr

14127 Quarry Lake Rd

D SOL

15512 Avocetview Ct

15607 Sunset Run Ln

16105 Bridgedale Dr

OLD

16246 Bridgewalk Dr

16309 Bayberry View Dr

SOL

16917 Rolling Rock Dr

17115 Polo Trl

15102 Kestrelrise Dr

15909 Ternglade Dr

16319 Palmettoglen Ct

16328 Bridgelawn Ave

SOL

33217 Saint Joe Rd

34058 Kearsney Abbey Cir

14702 20th St E

D SOL

12309 Creek Edge Dr

OLD

13313 Orca Sound

SOL

14738 Heronglen Dr

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15931 Ternglade Dr

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16126 Bridgepark Dr

D SOL

16621 Goose Ribbon Pl

OLD

18516 Roseate Dr

15946 Cape Coral Dr

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16130 Alderman Turner Rd

16607 Goose Ribbon Pl

Lithia Pinecrest Rd Unit#0

D SOL

OLD

Fossil Point Dr

11612 Blue Woods Dr

15444 Santa Pola Dr

15929 Ternglade

D SOL

OLD

D SOL

18335 Lithia Towne Rd

OLD

15430 Osprey Glen Dr

16430 Kingletridge Ave

D SOL

11218 Hawks Fern Dr

14704 Fishhawk Preserve Dr

15209 Long Cypress Dr

16125 Diamond Bay Dr

D SOL

13204 Spindlewyck Cv

18531 Lithia Ranch Rd

8010 Linesider Dr

SOL

10203 Radcliffe Dr

D SOL

10827 Charmwood Dr

12304 Ballentrae Forest Dr

18105 Dorman Rd

D SOL

11211 Grand Park Ave

SOL

D SOL

16415 Dunlindale Dr

15928 Cobble Mill Dr

16119 Starling Crossing Dr

13123 Logan Captiva Ln

D SOL

SOL

17515 Bright Wheat Dr

D SOL

15923 Cape Coral Dr

SOL

17317 Boyette Rd

D SOL

15208 Merlinpark Pl

10799 Florence Ave

OLD

SOL

14609 Red Castle Ave

15105 Fishhawk Preserve Dr

D SOL

OLD

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Page 14

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

HELTON NAMED INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

By Michelle Caceres

were closed because of COVID-19, he and his staff transitioned from a traditional in-person breakfast and lunch program to a Grab-and-Go format. During one of his busiest weeks, he and his staff planned to distribute 750 bags of food (that’s 3,750 breakfasts and lunches) but ended up distributing more than 965 bags. “We were in massive scramble mode,” he said. He still runs a curbside pickup for the school’s e-learning students, but he is also feeding students learning in person at the school. “This year has been challenging in so many ways, but also very rewarding,” he said. Dawson Student Nutrition Services Manager Michael HelOther award winners included: Charton has been named 2021 Instructional Support Employee dae Duffy at Woodson PK-8 (Ida S. of the Year. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year) Hillsborough Education Foundation, in and Laura Meehan at Caminiti Exceptional partnership with Hillsborough County PubCenter (Teacher of the Year). lic Schools, announced Michael Helton as Hillsborough County Public Schools is the 2021 Instructional Support Employee America’s seventh-largest school district of the Year at its annual Excellence in Eduand the largest in Central Florida, with cation Awards ceremony. more than 240 public schools and more Helton is Dawson Elementary School’s than 220,000 students. Student Nutrition Services manager and Every day, more than 24,000 teachers was shocked when his name was anand staff in Hillsborough County Public nounced as the winner. Schools make a difference in students’ “It was not something I was expecting,” lives. “This past year has been unlike any he said. “There were so many other great other, and our teachers and school staff contenders for the award.” have triumphantly risen to the many chalInstead of representing his own personlenges they have faced navigating the al achievements, he said he felt like he was pandemic and e-learning. As we reflect on representing the more than a thousand the impact so many have made during this employees who work in Student Nutrition crisis, it makes the 2021 awards ceremony Services throughout the district. extra special,” said Hillsborough Education “It’s been quite a year for us with lots of changes to how we nourish our students,” Foundation CEO Kim Jowell. To learn more about the awards night, he said. visit www.EducationFoundation.com. Last spring and summer, when schools

Volume 19, Issue 2

TAX HAPPENS OFFERS SECURE, LOCAL TAX PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

By Amy Schechter

Theresa Turner and the team at Tax Happens is here to make doing your taxes easy and cost-effective.

Most people want to write off all of 2020. Although that’s not realistic, Theresa Turner and the team at Tax Happens are here to make doing your taxes easy and cost-effective. “We’re doing things a little differently this year,” Turner said, but as always, Tax Happens maintains its client-focused approach that won it the Tampa Bay Times 2020 Best of the Best Award. With nearly 20 years in her field, Turner is both a certified public accountant and holds a master’s degree in taxation. She continually seeks to empower her clients to make informed decisions during every step of the process. She understands

COVID-19 impacts her customers both financially and personally, and she and her team want to do everything they can to maximize your success. With the challenges that come from a pandemic, Tax Happens is prepared and personally available to assist individuals and businesses. Whether you want to meet in person, online or by phone, Turner can guarantee the same upfront pricing and clear deadlines to help save you money. This year, Turner keeps convenient call hours from Monday through Friday, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., where clients can request a call and expect their call returned within 24 hours during that window. Clients can make a specific appointment or just give the office a ring and expect to have questions answered shortly, no appointments needed. Customers also rave about TaxDome, the new, secure portal where you can complete tax organizers, share and sign documents as well as make payments online. You just cannot beat the ease and security of the new platform. For those who desire to meet in person, the office is open by appointment, allowing one customer at a time. For more information or to make an appointment, visit taxhappens.com or www. facebook.com/Taxhappensllc, call/text 603-2073 or email theresa@taxhappens. com. In addition to daily call hours listed above, its office is open Monday and Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tax Happens is located at 10018 Park Place Ave. in Riverview.

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2021

Apollo Beach Woman’s Club Is Offering Scholarships To

13 Local High School Seniors

By Sam Trezevant

The senior year of 1100 on the SAT. high school can be Applications must challenging at times, also include an especially when it essay and two letcomes to planning ters of recommenthe next step in your dation. The applieducation. For this cation deadline is reason, the Apollo Friday, February Beach Woman’s Club 19. (ABWC) is offering The most recent applicants of the Apollo Beach Woman’s These opportuClub scholarship. scholarships to atnities are made tendees of East Bay possible by the or Lennard High hard work of the School in order to members of the honor students’ acABWC and generademic success and ous donations by assist with college funds. Eileen Sengstock, Catherine Goodrich and In the year 2020, the ABWC was able the Estate of Betty Fay. to provide $18,000 in scholarships. Twelve Sharon Vasquez, the chairperson of the recipients received $1,500 for their four- scholarship committee, expressed her exyear college journey and one recipient re- citement for this year’s participants. “We ceived $700 for the two-year community are looking forward to interviewing stucollege they planned on attending. dents in March at the schools. It gives the Since 1959, the Apollo Beach Woman’s club great joy to help students who work Club has been continuously serving the so hard obtain further education,” said community. One service it takes pride in is Vasquez. “ providing scholarship funds and awarding A second scholarship generously being them to eligible students. An eligible stu- offered is from the Riverview Gardening dent must reside in the Apollo Beach area Club. Any high school senior who attends and/or be zoned to attend East Bay High Durant, Riverview, East Bay or Lennard School or Lennard High School. Further- high may apply. Applicants who meet the more, applicants should be accepted as criteria but do not attend the schools listen a full-time student to a two or four-year may contact Jeanette Doyle, RGC scholarcollege or university in the state of Florida. ship chair, at apollobeach5@gmail.com. Consideration for the scholarship will be The application deadline is Friday, March based on financial need, academic stand- 12, and the criteria and application can be ing, community service history and leader- found through your school’s college and ship roles within extracurricular activities. career counselor. For the application, visit Students must maintain a minimum 2.75 www.apollobeachwomansclub.com/scholGPA, scored a 24 or higher on the ACT, or arship-info.html.

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Page 16

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE By Libby Hopkins

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

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

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

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

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February 2021

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

LIVING IN COVID:

GETTING THE COVID-19 VACCINE By Libby Hopkins Dr. Pramjeet Ahluwalia is patient to get sick a local doctor who practicand/or infectious. es medicine at the InCare “The vaccine does medical clinic in the Rivernot consist of any view. Dr. Ahluwalia recently parts of the live received the COVID-19 vaccoronavirus,” Dr. cination and has been blogAhluwalia said. “The ging about it on his pracingenious design of tice’s website. this vaccine is that The doctor has seen more even if the corothan 800 COVID-19 panavirus mutates, tients last year and has done it still needs the significant research on both spike protein to the disease and the vaccine. enter the cell. So “I received the Moderna Dr. Pramjeet Ahluwalia is a local doctor who even with the revaccination on December practices medicine at the InCare medical clinic cent news indicatin the Riverview. Dr. Ahluwalia recently re28, one of the first doctors ing new versions ceived the COVID-19 vaccination and has been at Lakeland Regional Mediof the virus, this blogging about it on his practice’s website. cal Center to receive it as a vaccine should popre-release due to my frontline work with tentially still be effective as it targets the COVID patients,” Dr. Ahluwalia said. “The entry point of the virus.” Moderna vaccine was the vaccine our hosDr. Ahluwalia would definitely recompital received. It was a quick shot to the mend getting the COVID-19 vaccine to his arm, similar to a flu shot, with a 15-minute patients and to people who are leery of getobservation time period afterwards.” ting the vaccination. “I would recommend Two days after receiving the vaccine, he for my community to receive whichever experienced some mild side effects, such vaccine is available to them,” Dr. Ahulwalia as pain at the injection site, muscle aches, said. “The differences between the Modlow-grade fever (99 F), fatigue and general erna and Pfizer vaccines are minimal, so tiredness. “Overall just traditional discom- my recommendation would be to receive fort similar to other vaccines like the flu whichever one is available. The need for shot. I was not taking any pain relievers or taking both doses of the vaccine that the fever reducers, such as Tylenol,” Dr. Ahlu- patient is receiving is critical, since the perwalia said. “Having these side effects was centage efficacy that you see advertised is actually a positive thing because it told me based on receiving the full course of the that my body was mounting an immune vaccine. The greatest immunity achieved system response to the COVID-19 vaccine. is approximately 14 days after the second The vaccine does not include a live virus dose, The immune system needs time after but instead consists of an antibody to the exposure to develop antibodies to defeat spike protein.” the COVID-19 virus.” A protein spike is how the COVID-19 Visit www.incarenow.com/blog. InCare virus enters cells in order to infect the in- is located at 11922 Boyette Rd. in Riverdividual and replicate, which causes the view.

Volume 19, Issue 2

SPRING SEASON MEANS SHORTCAKE, MILKSHAKES AND EVEN STRAWBERRY PIZZAS ARE READY TO SERVE By Kathy L. Collins

Everyone who lives in or visits the area should take a trip to Balm and enjoy the freshly picked strawberries and other treats at Goodson Farms Strawberry Market.

Goodson Farms Strawberry Market, located at 12406 County Rd. 672 E. in Balm, opened on December 30 for the 2020 Strawberry Season. I recently visited the farm and market. The public can be assured that the market is strictly adhering to social distancing rules. Despite the times, the strawberries are here. They are superbly ripe, sweet and truly delicious. Strawberries, which are picked fresh daily, are offered in quarts and half flats. The strawberries are quite reasonably priced. The quarts are $3.50 while the half flats are $12. You can also get basic produce such as tomatoes, a variety of squash, potatoes, onions and peppers. A variety of jams, including strawberry rhubarb, strawberry butter and strawberry, can be picked up for $5. While the fresh strawberries are great treats to take home, as are the fresh produce, the thing that keeps bringing the crowds to Goodson Farms Strawberry Market is the cafe and its impressive offering of delectable treats. It offers sandwich-

es and desserts such as cake, strawberry milkshakes, strawberry pizza, sundae and strawberry shortcake. Ginny Cozy, a resident of Valrico, has visited Goodson Farms Strawberry Market. Cozy said, “I went with a group of my friends, and the desserts are delicious. It made for a very nice day out visiting the farm and mar-

ket.” Goodson Farms was established in 1979 by Don and Janet Goodson. Both Don and Janet have since passed away. Now, their sons, Mike and Ricky, own and operate the family farm and business. Goodson Farms consists of approximately 1,500 acres, which stretches over areas of Southern Hillsborough County and Northern Manatee County. The current market location was opened in 2006. Previously, the Goodsons operated a small roadside stand which was located at the intersection of Balm Riverview Rd. and County Rd. 672. Goodson Farms Strawberry Market is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The market is open seasonally until strawberry season is over in mid-March. The abundance of fresh strawberries that this region produces is a great reason for everyone to experience as many as they can. For more information, call 634-7790, and like Goodson Farms Strawberry Market on Facebook.

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February 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

LOCAL FAMILY TRAVELS CROSS COUNTRY IN RV By Libby Hopkins Bethune said. “Traveling and making our backyard different places everyday is amazing.” Living on the bus and traveling around the country gives their children a wonderful opportunity to Jenn Bethune, her husband Kyle, three children and four dogs all see the entire U.S. as well as see decided to move out of their home brick-and-mortar home to a different cultures. “Our kids love home on wheels. They remodeled a1983 Silver Eagle Bus from it,” Bethune said. “They get to meet front to back and hit the road this past August. So far, they have kids from all over the U.S. Also, been to 17 states and driven more than 5,500 miles. being a part of a full-timing comMany people dream of when they can munity is huge. There are over one retire, buy an RV and travel cross-country. million full-timers on the road today. The The thoughts of seeing the 50 states from kids love seeing new places, and wherever the comfort of your home on wheels are we are at, we try to do a little bit of histodaydream-worthy. ry lesson about the area, or if something Jenn Bethune, her husband Kyle, three historic happened in the area, we learn children and four dogs all decided to about it.” move out of their brick-and-mortar home Her children prefer learning on the road. to a home on wheels. “We remodeled “My oldest son, Ben, was not the biggest our 1983 Silver Eagle Bus from front to fan of traditional school,” Bethune said. back,” Bethune said. “It took us about nine “He loves homeschool. We do about two months to get completely done, and we to three hours of school a day and then moved on March 13, 2020. So far, we have we are able to go on adventures. We truly been to 17 states and driven over 5,500 learn about everything around us.” miles. We are a little bit crazy and a whole Bethune feels the best part of living on lot of fun. We aren’t really planners, so we the bus and traveling is that their faminever know where we’re going to end up. ly relationships have become stronger. We love showing you America through our “Our relationships are so much better,” lens with our YouTube channel, Red, White, Bethune said. “Our marriage is the best & Bethune.” it’s ever been. The relationship with our Bethune and her husband were born kids is phenomenal. The quality time that and raised in Brandon. Once the couple you don’t get otherwise is fantastic.” remodeled their bus, they realized they To learn more about the Bethune family never again wanted to live in a brick-and- and their cross-country adventures, visit mortar home. “We love being on the road,” www.redwhiteandbethune.com.

Page 21

ARTISAN AESTHETICS: EXPERIENCED PLASTIC SURGERY

By Michelle Caceres

There are many factors to consider tation, Dr. Castor takes the time to truly before choosing a plastic surgeon. They understand his patients’ aesthetic goals, should be professional, friendly, board-cer- unique anatomies, medical histories and tified and have years of experience put- lifestyles. ting their knowledge into The surgical procedures practice. available include fullDr. Stan Castor, ownbody mommy makeovers, er of Artisan Aesthetics, facelifts, breast augmenchecks all of those boxes. tations/lifts/reductions, He is board-certified Brazilian buttocks augin plastic surgery by the mentation and VASER American Board of Plasliposuction. Artisan Aestic Surgery and has more thetics is also one of just a than 20 years of expefew practices in the area rience helping patients offering the latest plastic achieve their aesthetic surgery technology, Renugoals. His office offers vion J-Plasma, which can the added benefit of an tighten skin on virtually in-office, state-accreditany area of the body. ed operating room suite Nonsurgical options are staffed by certified anesalso offered, including a thesia providers. full range of fillers and “I strive for the best neurotoxins, such as Bopossible results for my tox and Dysport for wrinpatients while keeping kle reduction and facial their safety, comfort and rejuvenation. well-being in mind at all Dr. Stan Castor of Artisan Aesthetics has Artisan Aesthetics is been helping patients achieve stunning time,” said Dr. Castor, located at 5383 Primrose and natural-looking results for more who considers himself Lake Cir. in Tampa. Its ofthan 20 years. a perfectionist, a good fice hours are Monday-Friquality to have in his line or work. day, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Financing options are Former patients sing him praises, saying available. “It was the best decision I could’ve made,” Dr. Castor and his team’s years of train“Thank you for giving me my confidence ing and experience, passion for aesthetics back” and “He’s a compassionate doctor and commitment to understanding each who gave me great results.” patient can help men and women achieve His cosmetic procedures are designed to stunning and natural-looking results. help patients reveal a more youthful apTo learn more about the team at Artipearance, address a physical feature they’d san Aesthetics or the services offered, visit like changed or accomplish other personal www.drcastor.com. To schedule a complicosmetic goals. mentary consultation in Dr. Castor’s office, At the initial complimentary consul- call 971-2000.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

NEW BOARD BRINGS CENTER PLACE OF BRANDON BACK TO LIFE

By Libby Hopkins

Center Place events that I Fine Arts & Civhold dear to ic Association my heart.” has been a part Bernadette of the Brandon Pello, founder community for of Livingstone more than 44 Academy, years and has wanted to be been known as a part of the the “heart and board because art” of the comshe feels it’s munity. a pillar of The communithe Brandon ty was shocked c o m m u n i ty. in March 2020 to learn that “Center Place is one of the Center Place was closing pillars in the Brandon comits doors for good. The panmunity and I am excited demic, yet again, took a loand honored to serve an cal landmark. organization that serves Many people came toour community in such a gether to save the heart unique way,” Pello said. and art of the community. Board members JoAnn “This is my mother’s legacy, Shea and Claudia Yake so why wouldn’t we keep it have strong ties to Cenalive?” said Tom Odiorne. ter Place. Shea was on the Patricia Odiorne was the board previously and Yake creator of Center Place. was a former director of Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association’s new board members, Tom Odiorne, Ryan Odiorne, Her sons, Tom and Ryan OdiCenter Place “I want help to orne, are just two of the board Todd Allen, J.J. Massaro, Mike Owens, Betty Jo Tompkins, Bernadette Pello, JoAnn Shea and Clau- create and experience the dia Yake have joined forces to bring the heart of the Brandon Community back to life. members who came on board feeling of community and felto breathe life back into Cenlowship that is so needed, esbecause he couldn’t imagine our com- the facility that became Center Place,” ter Place. “We’re here to make sure munity without it. “Center Place has al- Tompkins said. pecially in trying times,” Shea said. “I Center Place survives,” Board President ways held a special place in the heart of Local lawyer Mike Owens had fond wanted to be a part of the Center Place Ryan said. “We need to have this build- our community, so we needed to step in memories of Center Place from his child- board because I feel it is important for ing be here for future generations.” and save it.” hood, so that is why he wanted to be a Center Place to become an integral part Local realtor Todd Allen is also one of Betty Jo Tompkins is well known part of the board. “While I can clearly of our community again,” Yake said. the new board members. “Center Place throughout the Brandon community and say God did not bless me with artistic The board has been working with Hillbenefits our community and right now she is on the board because she wanted talent, I love the arts and what Center sborough County to secure an opening the community needs Center Place,” Al- to keep the history of Center Place alive. Place stands for,” Owens said. “I grew date, which should be released in the len said. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to up across the street at South Brandon coming weeks. Local business owner J.J. Massaro serve on the Center Place board be- Little League. We had our All-Star BanTo learn more about Center Place, viswanted to be a part of the new board cause [it was] instrumental in securing quets at Center Place and many other it www.centerplacebrandon.org.

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February 2021

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

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Tessera Of Brandon Offers Memory Loss Support Groups Tessera of Brandon is an active, contemporary-style assisted living facility located in the heart of Brandon. Along with providing care to its residents, it also supports its families and loved ones by offering Alzheimer’s and dementia support groups. These groups are currently being held via Zoom. Call Tessera of Brandon at 607-6880 for the link to the Zoom meeting and visit www.tesserabrandon.com for more information on its services. Rachel Markley Earns Military Relocation Professional Certification CENTURY 21 Beggins Enterprises is proud to announce that Rachel Markley, sales associate with the Apollo Beach office, recently added the Military Relocation Professional certification to her professional offerings. The Military Relocation Professional certification is for real estate professionals who work with current and former military service members and help them find the housing solutions that best suit their needs as well as take full advantage of available benefits and support. “By earning the certification, I have a better understanding of the processes and procedures involved in a military relocation and how these impact service members’ relocation and housing choices,” said Markley. Markley works with CENTURY 21 Beggins Enterprises and can be emailed at

rachelmarkley@21be.com or called at 645-8481. The office is located at 6542 N. U.S. Hwy. 41, Ste. 101 in Apollo Beach. Hess Annual Girl Scout Cookie Buy Event Returns Hess Orthodontics is proud to support its local Girl Scouts and announce the annual Girl Scout Cookie Buy event is back this year. Stop by any of its five office locations between Monday, February 1 and Wednesday, March 31 and it will buy up to

five boxes of Girl Scout cookies per scout. Girl Scouts must be present at the time of purchase. David Weekley Homes Celebrates Five Years In Encore At FishHawk Ranch Encore at FishHawk Ranch, the 55plus lifestyle division from David Weekley Homes, is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Located within the master-planned FishHawk Ranch, the community is closing out in all three sections, with a limited number of homes remaining. “We’ve been honored to create a unique, vibrant space for our 55-plus homeowners to call home over the last five years in Encore at Fish-

Hawk Ranch,” said Mike Foster, division president for David Weekley Homes in Tampa. “With the closeout of these final sections, we wrap up more than 22 years of building in FishHawk Ranch. I’m grateful to the nearly 1,000 David Weekley homeowners who have made this community such a special place.” Encore at FishHawk Ranch boasts a 5,000 sq. ft. amenity center, the Oasis Club, exclusively for Encore residents that features bocce and pickle ball courts, a high-end fitness room, resort style pool and entertainment room with a bar and catering space. A full-time lifestyle director maintains a calendar of events. Residents in the community also enjoy convenience to outdoor recreation, including parks and miles of hike and bike trails. For more information about David Weekley Homes in Encore at FishHawk Ranch, call 774-4155. Inflated Expressions Offers Balloons For All Occasions Inflated Expressions, based in Riverview, is an affordable balloon delivery service

that offers creative balloon designs for all occasions. No matter what size or budget, it has a package that suits your needs, and best of all, it brings the balloons to you. It offers creative balloon designs for parties, birthdays, gender reveals, baby showers, graduations, retirements, award banquets and other celebratory events. Visit its website at www. inflatedexpressions.com for additional information or call 417-3573. Hillsborough County Earns Six Sigma Accreditation Hillsborough County has earned Six Sigma Accreditation for its commitment to introduce and adopt insight-driven decision-making and process improvement throughout the county government. Six Sigma is a set of management techniques that uses data and metrics to improve the decision-making process. The goal is to make an organization more efficient and effective in identifying problems, identifying their cause and solving them. County staff trained in the Six Sigma curriculum will use that knowledge to make processes more effective and efficient within their departments and throughout the county. Hillsborough County earned the Six Sigma Accreditation after a rigorous process that took more than six months. To earn accreditation, each segment of the coun-

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED... ty’s Six Sigma training process, from curriculum to teachers, had to meet a strict set of standards. The county teaches Six Sigma techniques on an ongoing basis, training about 550 employees over the last three years. Dorothy Cares Assisted Living Facility Awarded Best Of Senior Living Award The SeniorAdvisor.com Best of Senior Living 2021 Awards, in partnership with A Place for Mom, recognizes senior living and home care providers who receive consistently high ratings and positive reviews from residents, families and visitors. This exclusive designation is awarded to less than 3 percent of providers nationwide. Dorothy Cares Assisted Living Facility in Riverview was just awarded this for the third consecutive year. Dorothy Cares offers assisted living 24/7, respite care and adult day care in smaller, home-like settings which many prefer for more of that one-to-one care. It offers assistance with activities of daily living, three meals along with two snacks per day, housekeeping, laundry, help setting up transportation to doctors appointments, medication supervision, exercise and social programs and more. It is the perfect facility for a loved one who is not ready for a nursing home or a large assisted living facility and still wants to feel independent in a place that they can call home. Dorothy Cares Assisted Living Facility has two homes in the Riverview area. For more information, visit www.dorothycaresalf. com, email dorothycaresalf@gmail.com or call 862-8871. Interactive Children’s Science Center Now Open In Brandon Galactic Playgrounds, an 8,500 sq. ft. interactive science center for children at 1041 W. Brandon Blvd. recently opened. Owner Greg Mondolia

described it as “a science center for all ages. We offer hands-on excitement with exhibits powered by children, so they get exercise, S.T.E.A.M learning and fun all at once.” The large variety of interactive science exhibits demonstrate magnetism, hydro forces, electric power, kinetic energy, stactic generators and gas plasma effects. Other exhibits include astronomy videos on a 14-foot-tall, planetarium-like screens and painting on Buddha Boards. The 8,500 sq. ft. space allows for easy social distancing and the center is equipped with a special new HVAC with five times more outside air. Galactic Playgrounds is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.galacticplaygrounds.com or call 315-9478. Visit on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Galactic-Playgrounds-185653645411415/. Local Odor Removal Company Eyes Expansion Local realtor and entrepreneur Sherri Southwell is a woman on a mission. She not only sells homes but rids them of odors as well. Using a proven removal process, which is both economical and nondestructive, customers’ homes and/or businesses are treated to eliminate odors resulting from pets, smoke, cooking, mold and mildew in addition to sanitizing AC ductwork and killing bacteria and viruses. While her business primarily caters to real estate agents, property managers and real estate investors, Southwell has noted that homeowners are also discovering the benefits of ozone. As a result of Creative balloon designs for:

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increased demand for odor removal and home sanitization services, Accurate Ozone Solutions of the Gulf Coast, based in Apollo Beach, is seeking to expand its service area into the surrounding counties. For more information on the services provided, visit www.stinkclean.com, email info@StinkClean.com or call 833-3578465. Fidelity National Title Opens In FishHawk Fidelity National Title recently opened in the FishHawk area, offering title and escrow services. Although it’s a new office, the team has over 40 years of combined experience. Manager Tiffiney Daniels described their purpose as: “The mission of Fidelity National Title is to advance, expand and protect the experience of property ownership. Our role in the real estate transaction is as the neutral third party, handling the paperwork on the transaction from contract to close.” Fidelity National Title is also the underwriter, providing the title policy and protecting your investment.

Volume 19, Issue 2 It works directly with real estate agents on purchase transactions, with lenders and mortgage brokers on refinance transactions and can handle a ‘For Sale By Owner’ directly with sellers. The new office is located at 13463 FishHawk Blvd. in Riverview and is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit tampa.fntic. com/offices/fishhawk or call 688-9316. 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 Financial Group serves all your financial planning and insurance needs, including retirement planning, estate planning, life insurance, medicare coverage, college planning and more. Its 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. in Brandon and can be contacted at 627-0872; it is currently providing virtual appointments. For more information, visit www.preservation1st.com.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

CUSTOM HAIR HELPS CUSTOMERS REGAIN CONFIDENCE DUE TO ALL CONDITIONS OF LOSS

By Michelle Caceres

Things often get ‘hairy’ at Custom Hair to the surgical-grade adhesive that holds Tampa Bay, but for this business that’s the hair in place for four to six weeks. precisely the goal. “Wake up every morning with hair,” Owned by Dan and Lori Younkman, said Lori. “Wash it, swim with it and just Custom Hair Tampa Bay offers non- live your life.” surgical solutions for men and women Her favorite part of the process is with hair loss as a result of male and when the hair system comes in and cusfemale-pattern baldness, chemothera- tomers see the total transformation. py, transplants and burn scars, alopecia, For Apollo Beach resident Jim Klein, autoimmune diseashis new hair has gives and other hair loss en him increased conditions. self-confidence. “I Located at 117 N. have the hair I used to Kings Ave. in Brandon, have and look so much solutions the Younkyounger,” he said. mans offer include 100 Brandon resident percent Remy human and longtime cushair wigs, toppers and tomer Susan Saylors, custom hair solutions whose hair started for men and women. thinning as a result Expert staff members of lupus, echoed Klein are available to assist about the increased clients in choosing self-confidence from from its selection of her hair replacement wigs or one of its hair system. systems. “Stylists at Custom Owned by Dan and Lori Younkman, Custom “We’re here to ad- Hair Tampa Bay offers nonsurgical solutions Hair have given me for men and women with hair loss. vise you every step of long hair, shorter hair, the way and walk you through the entire have changed the color,” said Saylors. process,” said Lori, who is not just the “What’s great is it’s such a high quality owner but also a customer. She under- that nobody knows it’s not my own hair stands exactly how a thick head of hair unless I tell them.” can restore confidence. Custom Hair Tampa Bay has been Customers meet with technicians in helping customers enjoy long, thick and private consultation rooms, where their healthy hair worthy of a Pantene comheads are measured, hair color and tex- mercial for more than 50 years. ture are matched and hair systems are Custom Hair Tampa Bay is open Tuescreated to make each person look their day-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, best. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hair replacement systems are lightFor more information, visit www.cusweight, breathable and secure, thanks tomhairtampabay.com or call 651-9484.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2021

TECO’S LAMB CAM IS BACK

By Libby Hopkins

triplets this year. Tampa Electric TECO’s Lamb Cam is back. TECO’s rented Katahdin sheep are flocking to TECO’s new solar fields at their Big doesn’t own the lambs; we just emBend Solar site in Apollo Beach to maintain the fields. ploy them. They are rented sheep Grazing sheep provide significant cost savings over tradi- that help us keep the grass short.” tional mechanical lawn mowers and they are better for The sheep have adequate food, the environment. water, shade and shelter. A team of When people can’t sleep, they tend to count sheep. Well, TECO wants its customers to get a good night’s sleep, so it brought back its Lamb Cam. “Lamb Cam debuted in 2019, and it was so popular—among our most popular posts ever—that some customers count sheep until it returns,” said TECO’s Cherie Jacobs. “And now it’s back.” TECO’s rented Katahdin sheep are flocking to TECO’s new solar fields at its Big Bend Solar site in Apollo Beach to maintain the fields. Grazing sheep provide significant cost savings over traditional mechanical lawn mowers and they are better for the environment. “This is the third year for Lamb Cam,” Jacobs said. “When we started, the sheep had been on-site for about a year and the team was excited to see the babies during lamb season. We thought our customers might enjoy seeing the baby lambs too.” Lamb Cam will feature footage of newborn lambs on Facebook Live from the Big Bend Solar site. “We have a few more babies this year, at least 50 so far,” Jacobs said. “Last year, we had about 40 babies. There seems to be a higher occurrence of

experts monitor their health several times a week. Tampa Electric has installed fencing to keep out most predators. This breed of sheep has hair, not wool, so they are better suited for Florida’s climate. “Our solar fields come in all shapes and sizes and all of them will benefit from our furry friends,” Jacobs said. “As of this month, Tampa Electric has about seven percent of its energy generated from the sun, which is the highest percentage of solar generation of any utility in the state.” Lamb Cam is extremely popular on TECO’s Facebook page. “Lamb Cam is very popular, among our most popular posts ever,” Jacobs said. “We have viewers from around the world, including some ‘super fans’ that count the days until Lamb Cam starts every year. In this crazy time we live in, who doesn’t need a moment of zen? Lamb Cam is a lovely, pastoral experience. You can listen to the lambs, the birds, the wind and even an occasional passing train. It is very calming.” If you would like to watch TECO’s Lamb Cam, you can visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tampaelectric.

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THE BRANDON BALLET TO PRESENT FOR THE LOVE OF AURORA THIS FEBRUARY

By Kathy L. Collins

After a successful first outdoor perfor- let was created completely from scratch. mance, the Brandon Ballet is ready to cel- With the original Sleeping Beauty in mind, ebrate Valentine’s Day with an elegant and Artistic Director Doricha Sales created allvirtuosic ballet perfornew choreography and mance. The Brandon an original storyline to Ballet will perform For present a ballet that the Love of Aurora on will serve as a precurSunday, February 14. sor to our premiere of The dancers of BranSleeping Beauty on don Ballet will perform Saturday, April 24.” an original, one-act For the Love of Auballet created by Arrora will be presented tistic Director Doricha outdoors at Overflow Sales, who has choChurch, located at reographed a fami4929 Bell Shoals Rd. in ly-friendly ballet based Valrico. The Brandon on the beloved story of Ballet will present two Sleeping Beauty, and shows on Sunday, Feblibrettos (text of an opruary 14 at 2:30 p.m. era) of Le Belle au Bois and 5 p.m. Attendees Dormant and Le Reveil need to bring their de Flore. own lawn chairs and In this fresh, imagi- This February, love is in the air. Celebrate blankets, as no chairs native take on the clas- Valentine’s Day by watching the Brandon will be provided. Ballet perform an original, one-act sic tale, the dancers All tickets are $20 ballet, For the Love of Aurora. The ballet will carry the audience will be performed outdoors at Overflow plus tax and can be through the celebrations obtained at www. Church in Valrico. and mishaps of Aurora’s brandonballet.org until 15th birthday party. The 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, audience will enjoy the merriment February 13. as her Court of Fairies present to The Brandon Ballet is a nonher the gifts of kindness, vitality, profit, pre-professional ballet grace and temperament. Then, you company that develops and procan watch in anticipation as the motes opportunities for aspiring evil fairy, Carabosse, begins to set young dancers. The Brandon her curse in action. As the perforBallet was founded in 1993. Each mance comes to a close, the audiyear, the Brandon Ballet presence will be delighted to rejoice in Aurora’s ents several unique and interesting ballet vision of her future husband, Prince Desire. performances. Hannah Townend, administrative direcFor more information, visit www.brantor for the Brandon Ballet, said, “This bal- donballet.org or call 684-4282.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

2020 COMMUNITY WATER-WISE AWARD WINNERS HAVE FRIENDLY LANDSCAPES By Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent The Community WaEach landscape had ter-Wise Awards, spongutter downspouts and sored by Tampa Bay roof runoff directed Water, a regional muonto mulched/planted nicipal water provider, areas, harvested rainrecognize individuals water and had minimal and businesses committo no turfgrass. Both ted to conserving our thrive mainly on rainfall water resources and and were aesthetically protecting the environpleasing, beautiful and ment by using Floriinviting. da-Friendly LandscapWe were excited ing™ (FFL) principles. about Shirley and AnThere are nine FFL prinnie’s commitment to ciples, which include: water and environright plant and right mental conservation, place, water efficiently, the use of native and fertilize appropriately, non-native adaptive mulch, attract wildlife, plants and their landmanage yard pests rescape designs—which sponsibly, recycle, rewere completely differduce stormwater runoff ent and amazing. and protect the waterAs you can see from front. Many of these the photos, these landprinciples are used as scapes are water-wise part of the landscape and fascinating. With evaluation process for 17 entries submitted this award program. this year, it was difI’m pleased to anficult selecting the nounce the winners for 2020 Community Wathe 2020 Community ter-Wise Award winWater-Wise Award Shirley McFarlane and Annie Ellis were ners. We hope each of Contest. For unincoryou reading this article recently named the 2020 Community porated Hillsborough will consider entering Water-Wise Award winners. County, the winner is the contest, which you the landscape of Shirley McFarlane. The can do any time at http://tampabaywaterCity of Tampa winner is Annie Ellis. wise.org. The deadline for entries is genThere are several elements of these erally June 30 each year, so you can comlandscapes that are positive examples plete an application now, submit it and get of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ wa- a head start on the 2021 contest. ter-wise practices. These include the For assistance with horticultural quesplanting of drought-tolerant trees and tions, call us at 744-5519. Hillsborough plants, self-mulching areas under trees County gardening information is available and plants selected that were appropriate at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/. for their site conditions. Plants with sim- View our calendar of events for upcomilar water and maintenance needs were ing educational opportunities and see our grouped together, organic and alternative Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ mulch was used, as well as pervious mate- HCFFL/. Remember to reduce, reuse, recyrials for paths, walkways and other areas. cle and repeat.

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SHEEPSHEAD: THE OTHER WHITE MEAT With snook, trout and redfish closed by the FWC, the go-to fish for table fare this time of year is sheepshead. This year, the sheepies have already showed up strong and signs of spawning have already occurred. Sheepshead can be caught in numerous locations, like mangroves, bridges, rock piles, artificial and natural reefs, pretty much any structure, but my favorite place is what I call the sheepshead hole. Located about half a mile off the shipping channel on the St. Pete side is an old rubble dump ground. It ranges around 9’-13’. When the water is clear, you can see all the rock and rubble. This area is a major spawning location for sheepshead; 50-plus fish days are not uncommon, once the spawning season kicks off. This past week, we had two children on our charter and they did a great job of hooking and landing these light-biting, hard-fighting fish. In addition to the sheepshead, they also caught some grouper, grunts, mangrove snappers and sharks, all in the same spot. The day before, they caught around 30 snook, trout and redfish amongst the mangroves. Both of these young men caught their first in-

shore slam (snook, trout and redfish). There are many ways to catch sheepshead. At my favorite spot, I simply use a jig head with shrimp. The size of the jig head is dependent on the tide (current). You need to get the bait down to the bottom, amongst the rocks. The key is feeling the nibble and setting the hook. It’s one of the few species of fish that I tell our clients that it’s OK to set the hook with braided line. They are notorious bait stealers, but once you get used to the technique of hooking them, it becomes fairly easy. When fishing in this area, bring plenty of leader line and jig heads, as you will get snagged in the rocks and end up with some break-offs. Although closed, winter trout season is in full swing. Trout are abundant and eager to bite both live and artificial bait. Oftentimes we’ll catch bonus fish in the same locations. This past week, while catching trout, we also caught pompano. 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. Tight lines.

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2021

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

THE FLORIDA MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS CALLS FOR LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS By Libby Hopkins The Florida Museum of Photographic March 2021. A self-guided window tour Arts (FMoPA) in downtown Tampa is look- will accompany the exhibition. FMoPA will ing to the Brandon community for entries produce a map of participating establishfor its Chef’s Special exhibition. Photogra- ments where the portraits will be shown phers of all ages and in the windows or skill levels are encouroutside dining areas. aged to submit por“Any style is accepted traits of the men and as long as the phowomen behind the tograph features the Brandon and Tampa chef or owner,” CarBay areas’ most loved rier said. “It could be eating and drinking a traditional portrait, establishments. a creative conceptual By hosting this oneallegory or everything of-a-kind community in between, as long as collaboration, FMoPA the subject is visible is expressing support and recognizable. We for local restaurants, accept both printed bars and coffee and digital entries. The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts shops that have suf- (FMoPA) in downtown Tampa is looking to I hope that people fered as a result of will learn more about the Brandon community for entries for its COVID-19. “With this FMoPA and what we Chef’s Special exhibition. exhibition, we want offer. We have classes, to celebrate two kinds of institutions, the workshops and a community gallery where restaurants and the arts, that have been we exhibit works of local photographers of crucial in getting us through the pandemic all ages and skill levels.” mentally and emotionally,” said the museIf you are a photographer, you are invitum’s executive director, Dr. Zora Carrier. ed to take a photo of your favorite chef, “Closed for indoor dining, our restaurants, barista, brewmaster or a restaurant/cafe cafes and breweries have been suffering owner and submit it to exhibitions@fmogreatly while doing so much for our every- pa.org. Any style is accepted. If you do not day happiness. All those takeout meals and personally know a chef or restaurant owncoffees to-go brightened our days during er, please contact FMoPA to be matched. the pandemic, lifted our spirits and offered If you are a restaurant owner and would glimpses of ‘normality’ amidst the chaos. like to have yourself (or your staff memArt institutions have immense power in bers) featured in the exhibition, please bringing communities together around im- contact FMoPA and it will match you with portant issues. Chef’s Special is our way of a professional photographer. saying thank you to the people behind our There is no participation fee. Visit www. favorite establishments who have kept us fmopa.org. Deadline for all submissions is sane.” Sunday, February 21. FMoPA is located at The Chef’s Special will be on display in 400 N. Ashley Dr. Cube 200 in Tampa.

Saint Anne Catholic Church ~Masses~ Vigil Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m., 10 a.m., & 5 p.m. (12 p.m. Spanish) Monday-Friday 8 a.m. Wednesday & Jueves 7 p.m.

Recorded masses can be viewed on the St. Anne website (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and Facebook page.

Page 31

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Page 32

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

LOCAL RESIDENT RECEIVES COVID-19 VACCINE By Libby Hopkins The long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine lenges making the appointment, due to has arrived and it has given all of us a the limited number of appointments belight at the end of the dark pandemic tun- ing available. “Given the problems early nel. It’s a welcome sign that our lives will on with the Hillsborough County website, eventually go back to normal. I was extremely grateful, and consider This new hope has come with a few myself lucky, that I got through online challenges, such as getting the vaccine. and was able to secure registration for On January 4, Hillsborough County, in my 90-year-old mother-in-law for the partnership with vaccine on the first the Florida Departday it was available,” ment of Health in Colesanti said. “It’s Hillsborough Counthe first step in alty, began to expand lowing her to safely its vaccination efsee friends and famforts to residents ily.” ages 65 and older. On January 5, in Hillsborough an effort to make plans to provide the vaccination aca total of 9,000 cessible for elderly doses of the residents, Governor COVID-19 vaccine Ron DeSantis anto the vulnerable nounced that the elder residents. Florida Division of Appointments Emergency ManValrico resident Helen Lepre was one of the first in the are mandatory for agement (FDEM) area to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through the county. senior residents to and Florida Departget the first of two vaccine injections, but ment of Health (FDOH) have partnered some residents had difficulty making ap- with Publix Supermarkets to establish pointments because spots filled up quick- COVID-19 vaccination sites. Governor ly. DeSantis made this announcement at the Helen Lepre, 90, of Valrico was able to first Publix vaccination site in Ocala. get an appointment with the help of her “As part of our ongoing efforts to indaughter-in-law, Michelle Colesanti, also crease vaccinations and put Florida’s seof Valrico. “I had my first vaccine shot at niors first, I’m pleased to announce this the Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds on innovative partnership with Publix,” said the first day they were given,” Lepre said. Governor DeSantis. “The staff was very well organized and Residents will need to make an appointpolite. I did not have to leave the car to ment to receive the vaccination at one of get the shot. I will return in three weeks the vaccination locations in the county. for the second shot. I’m thankful for the Visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/resgreat service I received.” idents/public-safety/emergency-manageColesanti knew Lepre would have chal- ment/covid-19-vaccine or call 272-5900.

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

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February 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

LOCAL GIRL SCOUT PLANS ECO EVENT FOR GOLD AWARD By Kate Quesada Nicosia has partnered with Dr. Kathryn Guindon at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center (SYCC) in Apollo Beach to host the event with the goal of teaching the community and the attending youth about key ideas in keeping the estuaries healthy. The event is free and is geared towards families. Attendees will be provided with SWAG bags at the door and artwork by local youth will be on Local Girl Scout Natalie Nicosia is hosting an eco event for the display. public next month as part of her Gold Award. “A huge part of the gold If you are interested in conservation, local Girl Scout Natalie Nicosia may be award is sustainability,” said Nicosia. “I plan to make this sustainable by teachworking on the perfect event for you. As part of her Gold Award, 17-year- ing the youth and teachers so they can old Nicosia is inviting the public to at- continue the knowledge.” Vendors at the event will also provide tend Eco Event 2021, where she plans to showcase the importance of keeping eco-friendly sustainable products that estuaries healthy and creating a better help the estuaries thrive. Due to COVID-19, everyone must wear ocean environment. The event will take place on Saturday, March 6 in Apollo a mask at all times while on the grounds and temperatures will be checked at the Beach. “I’ve always been really passionate door; if one person from a carpool has about conservation work and anything a symptomatic temperature, the entire revolving around the ocean,” said Nico- carpool will be sent home. Social distancsia, who currently attends Lennard High ing will be required and anyone who has School and has committed to studying come into contact with someone with marine biology at Florida Atlantic Uni- COVID-19 will be sent home regardless versity. “My event is based on the prob- of their own test results. Suncoast Youth Conservation Center is lem-solution aspect of human impacts on our local estuaries. I plan to have local located at 6650 Dickman Rd. in Apollo scientists come to speak, as well as many Beach. To reserve tickets or learn more vendors around the grounds promoting about the event, visit ecoevent.godaddysites.com. community outreach and involvement.”

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

TAKE A GUIDED TOUR OF THE J.C. NEWMAN CIGAR COMPANY IN YBOR CITY By Kathy L. Collins The J.C. Newman Cigar Company, located in Ybor City, is celebrating 125 years of making cigars. To commemorate this momentous event, J.C. Newman Cigar Company is offering guided tours of its family-owned and operated cigar company. The guided tours are 90 minutes and are offered on Monday, Thursday and Friday at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Reservations must be made online at www. jcnewman.com. Tours are limited and face masks and social distancing are enforced. The cost of the 90-minute guided tour is $15 per person. J.C. Newman Cigar Company is the oldest family-owned cigar company in the United States. The company was founded in 1895 by Julius Caeser Newman in Cleveland, Ohio. The company was moved to Tampa in 1954. The building that now houses the J.C. Newman Cigar Company was built in 1910 and was known as the Regensburg Factory, or ‘El Reloj.’ It was one of the last and largest cigar factories ever built in Tampa. The 3-story, 97,000 sq. ft. building has an iconic clock which rang for years. In 2002, the clock was restored by the Newman family. The new 90-minute guided tours are a birthday present to the City of Tampa and the residents of the area. On the tour, you get to see of a glimmer of the past and how cigars were made and are still made today. The tour takes you through the process of cigar-making both by hand and on antique cigar machines. Jeff Collins of Valrico visited the J.C. Newman Cigar Company and said, “Both the building and company are a part of the American history. It was fascinating to see how the cigars are made.”

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The tour is perfect for cigar aficionados, history buffs or anyone interested in manufacturing and technology. You can also pick up locally made items in the Factory Store such as shiny bangles from Bourbon and Boweties, culinary items from The Columbia and candles from Seventh Avenue Apothecary. The J.C. Newman Cigar Company is located at 2701 N. 16th St. in Ybor City. To schedule a tour and to get more information on private events, please visit www. jcnewman.com or call 248-2124.

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February 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 35

VORTEX SECURITY PROVIDES A VARIETY OF SERVICES TO HOME AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES By Tatiana Ortiz FishHawk resident Michael Brand, who alerts and remote control through its mois the senior vice president of sales at Vor- bile app. Even if the power goes out and tex Security, brings to his Tampa team of such, customers will always remain coneight more than 20 years of experience nected and protected. To add, it also proworking in this industry. Since his start vides a full suite of interactive services at Vortex Segeared toward curity in 2016, supporting Brand has imsmall and mediplemented the um-sized busiprinciples that nesses. he learned Vortex Sethroughout his curity also career as the consists of emcompany conployees who tinues to grow are involved in in the commuthe community, nity. such as Brand. Brand shared Principal Catherine Lennard (left) at Stowers Elementary He stated that what the numVortex Security School shakes hands with Vortex Security Senior Vice President of Sales Michael Brand (right). ber one goal is sponsors PTAs at Vortex Security. (Parent Teacher Associations) at various “Our number one goal is to create life- schools such as Newsome High School, long happy customers that want to remain Stowers Elementary School and more. customers,” Brand said. Vortex Security has also given back to othVortex Security became established in er local charities. 2014, with the headquarters located in JuThose interested in receiving a free piter, Florida. Since then, the company has quote can go onto the Vortex Security grown to more than 5,000 customers. The Florida-based security company serves website and fill out the form, or you could more than 12 counties. Within the Tampa reach out to Brand directly. The overall future of Vortex Security Bay area, it covers Hillsborough County, looks bright. Citrus County and more. It offers an array of security services “As time permits, we are working on to both home and commercial properties. continuing our customer base and poVortex Security specializes in video moni- tential expansion into other places in the toring systems, security systems and home state,” Brand said. automation. For instance, the Smart Home For more information, visit https:// Security System is structured with 24/7 vortexsecurityfl.com, call 523-8015 or access at one’s fingertips with real-time email mbrand@vortexsecurity.us.

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Page 36

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

AT THE RUSKIN WEATHER SERVICE OFFICE, MEDI-WEIGHTLOSS MOVES TO A BREEZE! TELEMEDICINE DURING THE PANDEMIC UNDERSTANDING THE WEATHER IS By Laura Tamayo By Libby Hopkins

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

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

teorologists, who use scientific models and technology to predict weather conditions; three are electronic technicians, who keep the office and field equipment running; one is an administrative assistant; and one is a regional facilities employee. Together, this group paints the smaller details surrounding West The staff at the National Weather Service office in Ruskin. Florida’s weather and In March of 1980, a vital part of our communicates them to national-level mancommunity was established: the Ruskin Naagement teams in order to protect natural tional Weather Service (NWS) office. With life and property. humble foundations and a two-employee The NWS has been imperative to warnstaff, our local NWS began slow and quiet; ing the public about incoming storms and however, as technology advanced, its role disasters. As part of the Integrated Warnin the community amplified accordingly. ing Team, the office prepares for, responds The Ruskin NWS office consists of the to and does its best to aid the recovery main operations building, an upper air infrom natural phenomena. flation shelter, a WSR-88D radar (used to With global warming more prominent help predict weather) and a small maintenance building. This office is responsible than ever, the Ruskin NWS’ reports have for covering weather across 15 counties detected many changes within our local in West and Southwest Florida, as well climate. “We have seen slowly rising sea as coastal waters up to 60 miles from the temperatures and sea levels. The largest shore. driver of warming is the emission of green“We observe the weather with geosta- house gases, the main contributor being tionary and polar orbiting environmental the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and satellites, weather radar, automated sur- gasoline,” said Noah. face observing systems, buoys, lightning The NWS encourages citizens to take detection networks and radiosondes,” said any step towards alleviating climate Warning Coordinator Meteorologist Daniel Noah. Don’t know what radiosondes are? change, whether it be volunteering with (Neither did I!) Noah explained by discreet- Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful or making sure all the lights are off when not being used. ly clarifying them as “water balloons.” To learn more about the Ruskin National Open 24/7, the staff rotates shifts, separating each day into two to three parts. Weather Service office, visit www.weathAmong the 24 total employees, 19 are me- er.gov/tbw/tampabayofficetour.

February 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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

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

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

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

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

Page 37

LOCALLY MADE TREATS FOR PETS AND THEIR OWNERSBy Libby Hopkins Servian Santos having finger is originally from foods on my Puerto Rico, but boards because now lives in RiverI really do think view. She moved it makes them to the area with much tastier her family in 1999 and fun,” Sanwhen she was just tos said. “One 6 years old. Afminute you are ter she graduated eating fancy high school, Santos cheese and realized that she cured meats Servian Santos is originally wanted to start her from Puerto Rico, but now and the next own business. “Like lives in Riverview. She is the you are eatmany successful peo- creative mind behind The ing pigs in a ple I know, I decided Seasoned Corner and The blanket or Pawcuterie Shop. that college wasn’t our famous for me,” Santos said. “I knew I wanted to vegan bufhave my own business since I was a little falo chicken dip.” girl working in my grandfather’s manufacThe Pawcuterie Shop started shortly afturing company in Puerto Rico. I just never ter Santos created The Seasoned Corner. knew exactly what because I wanted to “Somebody who is like a second mother to learn and experience it all.” me gave me this fabulous idea of creating By the time she was 18 years old, San- dog bowls full of dog treats,” Santos said. tos had the chance to experience a variety “At The Pawcuterie Shop, we sell Pawof companies and job roles in hospitality, cuterie Bowls and Pawcuterie Bags, both shipping, recycling, event planning and ca- filled with a variety of our homemade, tering. “After almost two years working in healthy dog treats. All of our treats are catering and event planning, I decided to made with local veggies, fruits, coconut quit my full-time job and focus on my two oil, oatmeal flour, King Arthur 100 percent new babies, The Seasoned Corner and The wheat flour and organic raw eggs. We Pawcuterie Shop,” Santos said. “I started have recently added Pupcakes too. Providmaking charcuterie boards at home for the ing tasty snacks to both humans and dogs family and then decided to pursue a char- [has] filled my heart with happiness and cuterie business since it has become such a excitement.” Santos also offers grain-free huge hit on social media. That’s where The dog treats. Seasoned Corner happened, and I couldn’t If you would like to learn more about be any happier to provide my services for The Seasoned Corner and The Pawcuterie other family and friends in the Tampa Bay Shop, follow Santos’ Facebook pages at area.” www.facebook.com/seasonedcorner and Santos created a theme board menu for www.facebook.com/thepawcuterieshop. The Seasoned Corner, which became pop- You can also email Santos at seasonedular with her customers. “I like to focus on corner@gmail.com.

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Page 38

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

Boyhood Dreams, A Never-Ending Passion For The Game

By Lily Belcher

As temperatures drop, you may notice faster greens, tighter fairways and shorter roughs. Most golfers understand that rain causes a course to be wet and soggy, but many golfers don’t realize how much cold temperatures can affect the condition of the course. As temperatures drop during the winter months, you will notice not just your home’s lawn start to yellow but your course’s grass will go dormant. All though it may look dead, the grass is perfectly healthy if just does most of its growth underground in its root system and the growth above ground slows dramatically. This decreased aboveground growth during the winter gives you much faster greens, fairways where golf balls run farther and rough where you can actually find your ball. Some courses will overseed their tees, greens or fairways. This is a way Florida courses can stay green year-round by

putting a cold grass seed on these areas during the fall. This grass seed is more cold-tolerant and thrives during our winter months. This may cause issues come the spring between the native Florida grass and the cold grass, so many courses object to this process. So next time you head to the course in a jacket, remember that the first putt may go way by the hole. Please email your golf questions to golfguyosprey@gmail.com and it may wind up in our next article. Fairways and Greens Jason Blanchard, PGA General Manager, Summerfield Crossings Golf Club

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Tampa (UT), playing on their schools’ respective baseball teams until their graduation from UT in 1991. While Graham pursued a career in education, Timmons signed his first baseball contract after being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the fifth round of the 1991 draft. Graham recalled Timmons’ optimism as early as Little League, which Ozzie Timmons will begin his fifth year as the Tampa Bay Rays’ first base has translated to his coach in February. Major League coaching. In 2017, four years removed from their Timmons said he keeps the Rays playlast playoff appearance, Rays Manager ers positive throughout the game by Kevin Cash selected an ebullient former “pump[ing] them up to keep them going.” outfielder to fill the void left by the loss of Timmons is known to spend time in First Base Coach Rocco Baldelli. Osborne ‘Ozzie’ Timmons was called up from his Tampa Bay schools, acting as a coach and coaching position with the Durham Bulls mentor. Durant was fortunate enough to to serve not only as a spirited coach, but be part of his off-season stops last year. as a friend and role model to the young Durant students had the opportunity to meet Timmons, who offered advice for team Cash had assembled. Before rejoining the Rays as a coach, he students, athletes and Major League played five years in the Majors, but, like hopefuls. His genuine and lighthearted personalmany, his baseball days began in the litity isn’t just reserved for the players on tle leagues, where he played with Durant the field. Before games, he walks down High School’s principal, Gary Graham. the line of fans, signing autographs and “[Playing with Timmons] was two occasionally playing catch with young things. Number one, it was a lot of fun because he was always a fun person to be fans, proving his approachable and good around, both on the field and especially nature. Timmons will return to the diamond off the field. … People gravitated towards him. But, the second thing that was the on February 27 as a first base coach and reason he was fun to play with on the assistant hitting coach when the Rays begin their spring training at Charlotte field, was that we won a lot.” Graham and Timmons attended Bran- Sports Park in Port Charlotte to defend don High School and the University of their American League Champion title.

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February 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 39

NATIONAL WOMEN IN ROOFING GROUP HELPS LOCAL CHARITY FORGOTTEN ANGELS By Libby Hopkins The Tampa Chapter of National Women in Roofing’s holiday service project last December was to provide a roof replacement for one of the buildings on local charity Forgotten Angels’ property. The building that received the new roof is just one of the buildings that will be used

still residents. We successfully provided over 15,000 meals to our youth and countless meals to the homeless through our support of the Good Samaritan Inn. Many of our youth have graduated high school. Many are working full-time and eight of them have vehicles. All are doing much better than when they arrived here. Money has been extremely tight, but we are so grateful to all those who donated, volunteered or supported our mission with their experience, trades or sweat equity.” The New Year holds many new goals for Forgotten Angels. “2021 will be not only a banner year for Forgotten Angels, we The Tampa Chapter of National Women in Roofing’s holiday service have already begun to grow in project this past December was to provide a roof replacement for one of size,” Tyler said. “April 2021 will the buildings on local charity Forgotten Angels’ property. see the opening of the Adderly to serve the many teens and young adults Home for Girls at Forgotten Angels, and we Forgotten Angels helps in the community. have already broken ground on our newest Forgotten Angels is a nonprofit focused facility in Valrico. This new property will on providing resources and support to the continue to house only young men, of which youth that are struggling to achieve hous- it will be the country’s first solar powered, ing, education and life skills. “I started this self-sustaining tiny home community for nonprofit for kids who have aged out of fos- aged-out youth. It will appropriately house ter care,” Founder Cindy Tilley said. “Some of both men and women. We look to partner the kids come from rough homes, or simply with either Teco Electric or Tesla.” need a helping hand. I strive to give these On Friday and Saturday, March 19 and 20, special individuals a place to feel like they Forgotten Angels will host their first event of belong, and to help them find their way.” the year on their property in Valrico, which Even though 2020 was a difficult year for will be a motorcycle rally. “Considering that all of us, this past year saw many successes COVID-19 is still very much a problem, we for Forgotten Angels. “When most organi- will take every precaution to make sure that zations are gauging success using dollars everyone is socially distanced, masked, have and cents, we use lives saved and lives personal bottles of sanitizer for everyone changed for the better as our benchmark,” and will be outdoors,” Tyler said. said Forgotten Angels’ executive director, For more information, visit www.forgotDavid Tyler. “That said, we were able to host tenangelsflorida.org or call Tilley at 728well over 30 young men on the property, all 0461. Forgotten Angels is located at 3604 for varying periods of time, many who are Little Stearns Rd. in Valrico.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2021

SECOND SEMESTER OF SCHOOL BEGINS FOR E-LEARNING AND BRICK-AND-MORTAR STUDENTS By Lily Belcher With the first semester of the 2020- from e-learning to brick-and-mortar 21 school year in Hillsborough County because they benefit from the more rigseeing the implementation of a number id structure of physical learning, such of Coronavirus protocols and proce- as Brandon High School junior Ethan dures that were new to both admin- Stretchberry. istrators and “ H o n e s t l y, students, Hills[e-learning] borough County was really hard. students began [It] seemed the second half easy at first, of the 2020-21 but as the seschool year on mester [continTuesday, Januued] I just fell ary 19. For many into my own lasemester one ziness and was brick-and-morso uninspired in tar students, my house alone. Addison Davis provided Hillsborough County families with a roadmap to inform families on the continuation of both they experiOverall, I got e-learning and brick-and-mortar schools during the second enced very few decent grades, semester. changes to daily but compared life at school. But those coming back to real school, very difficult,” said from four months of e-learning tran- Stretchberry. sitioned from doing math homework Students returning to schools will in their beds to being at a socially dis- also have the option of attending more tanced desk with a mask on. socially distanced extracurricular ac“This year, without a doubt, has been tivities, such as drama program perone to remember for both the challeng- formances, chorus concerts and other es it has brought and the opportunities student performances. Performers and it has provided,” Superintendent Addi- spectators will be required to wear son Davis said in a letter to parents and masks during both indoor and outdoor students of Hillsborough County. “I am performances and encouraged to use so proud of the hard work and flexibility hand sanitizer frequently. Athletic prodemonstrated by our students, families grams will continue to follow phase and district employees during the first three guidelines. The addition of these semester.” activities gives students an increasing The county schools will continue sense of normalcy and a chance to safeto follow updated CDC guidelines, in- ly spend time with their friends while cluding a new 10-day quarantine peri- supporting their classmates. od rather than 14 days, to ensure the For more information on second health of its students and staff. Many semester, please visit its website at students look forward to transferring https://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/.

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Marine Corps League Honors Local Veterans By Libby Hopkins The Marine Many memCorps League was bers of the founded in 1923 d et a c h m e n t by Major General/ served in the Commandant John Vietnam War LeJeune and charas well as othtered by an Act of er conflicts, Congress in 1937. including The league is WWII, Korea, The Marine Corps League was founded in 1923 by Major the only federally General/Commandant John LeJeune and chartered by an Act of Desert Storm, chartered, Marine Desert Shield, Congress in 1937. Corps-related veterans organization in the Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. “They country. Since its earliest days, the Marine all have interesting histories while serving, Corps League has enjoyed the support and as well as the other aspects of their lives,” encouragement of the active duty and Re- Farren said. “We take pride in providing serve establishments of the U.S. Marine Honor Guard Services for deceased Marines Corps. and veterans from all branches of the milToday, the league boasts a membership of itary. The families appreciate the recognimore than 76,000 men and women, officer tion and dignity of knowing that their loved and enlisted, active duty, Reserve Marines, ones’ brothers and sisters in arms have not honorably discharged Marine veterans and and will not forget their service and sacriqualified FMF corpsmen and FMF Navy fice. It is also immensely rewarding to see chaplains and is one of the few veterans or- first-hand the generosity and kindness of ganizations that experiences increases in its the people in the Tampa Bay area when we membership each year. are doing a fundraiser. The Marine Corps League of Riverview The detachment welcomes veterans from was formed in 2006, but renamed the Sgt. the community to join their group. “We cerWalter P. Ryan Detachment in 2017 in hon- tainly welcome any honorably discharged or of Walter P. Ryan, who was the serving Marine or Navy corpsman to join our ranks,” commandant at that time and who died Farren said. “Other veterans or others are while in that office. “We also have the Ma- welcome to join as ‘associate members.’ rine Corps League Auxiliary, in which the There is a small annual membership fee and spouses of Marine Veterans volunteer their we only ask members to do what you can, time and talents,” said member and Valrico when you can. As it turns out, Marines by lawyer Peter Farren. nature want to help and serve, so there are Farren is a Marine Veteran and the owner many hands, which makes the work light.” of Valrico Law Group, PLLC. I was introVisit www.facebook.com/mcl1226 or duced to the Marine Corps League by the email Farren at peter.farren@valricolawcurrent commandant, Ron Essick, in August group.com. Meets on the first Tuesday of of 2018,” Farren said. “I truly enjoy the ca- every month at 7 p.m. at the American Lemaraderie of continuing to serve the com- gion on 7240 U.S. Hwy. 301 at the intersecmunity with fellow Marines.” tion of Hannaway Dr. in Riverview.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

FIREHOUSE CULTURAL CENTER OFFERS ART CLASSES, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND MORE

Volume 19, Issue 2

A NEW MURAL WAS CREATED BY CHILDREN AND ARTIST AT REDDICK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN WIMAUMA By Kathy L. Collins

By Kathy L. Collins

Firehouse Cultural Center offers a variety of art classes. You can take Adult Clay, explore the Fundamentals of Drawing, learn Acrylic Expressions or experiment with Painting with Watercolors. Chris Bredbenner, executive director of the Firehouse Cultural Center, said, “We continue to hold small classes in big spaces.” Would-be poets can enter the inaugural Firehouse PoThe Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin is a great local cultural arts venue that offers live entertainment, art class- etry Contest. The contest is es, poetry contests and more. inspired by Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem, ‘The Hill We The Firehouse Cultural Center is your go-to spot for live entertainment and Climb.’ Poets are encouraged to write on more. The Firehouse Cultural Center is the theme of ‘My Hope For 2021.’ Poems located at 101 1st Ave. NE. in Ruskin. It may be formal or free verse (any style is accepted), but the poems must be under is a fantastic cultural nonprofit. If you are looking for something to do 50 lines. There are prizes in three categories of to get you into the Valentine’s Day spirit, why not attend a live show at the Fire- middle school, high school and adult. The house Center Stage? On Saturday, Feb- entry fee is $5 per poem. There are no ruary 13, the Firehouse Cultural Center limits on the number of poems you can will present James Suggs and Austin enter. The deadline for entering the conVickrey. Suggs is a local favorite and has test ends on Monday, March 1. The winners will be announced during performed numerous times at the Firehouse. Vickey is a jazz artist from St. Pe- National Poetry Month, April 2021. Please visit www.firehouseculturalcentersburg. The show will be held at 7:30 p.m. ter.org for the rules and the ways to subTickets are $23 for members and $28 mit your entry. The Firehouse Cultural Center is for future members. Tickets must be purchased in advance by either calling housed in a former firehouse on land 645-7651 or by visiting www.firehouse- first donated to Hillsborough County by culturalcenter.org. There are no same- the Ruskin Common Good Society, which day tickets available. This is to allow for founded Ruskin in 1908. For more information, please visit proper social distancing. In addition to live entertainment, the www.firehouseculturalcenter.org.

Winthrop Arts Mobile Art Factory and mindfulness. All of the children are Lead Instructor Bryant Martinez recent- from migrant families, and they are rely completed a mural called Bee Kind at ferred to us for being at risk.” Reddick EleMartinez, in mentary School creating the in Wimauma. mural, wanted The mural was to capture a created by nature garden Martinez in theme feacollaboration turing bees, with children sunflowers, who attend an little hands, after-school butterflies and program called d ra g o n f l i e s . Good After“I wanted to noon Friends i n c o r p o ra t e Bryant Martinez, the lead instructor for the Winthrop and Amigos led Arts Mobile Art Factory, created a mural called Bee Kind casitas for the by Mary Torres. at Reddick Elementary School. The mural was created in c o m m u n i t y Good After- collaboration with children who attend a program at the and hearts for noon Friends school called Good Afternoon Friends and Amigos led by love. The name Mary Torres. and Amigos ‘Bee Kind’ was provides children in Kindergarten to third a natural one and is a part of what Mary grade with after-school tutoring and teaches the children in the program.” homework support. The program is fundThe mural took about four weeks to ed by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough complete. Martinez drew the basic strucCounty and managed by Gulf Coast Jewish ture and the children helped to paint and Family and Community Services. Winthrop add their handprints. The mural is located Arts was given a stipend from the funding in the entry walkway at Reddick Elementato provide the materials and the artistic ry. It has been sealed and will add a sense components. of joy to the school, and it can be seen by According to Torres, “The idea for the everyone who visits the school. mural came about because we had reThe Winthrop Arts Mobile Art Factory is ceived funding to have family involvement a grant-funded program that provides free activities. However, due to COVID-19, we art classes to underserved children livwere not able to do this. Instead, we de- ing in Southern and Eastern Hillsborough cided to use the funds to create art that County. For more information on Winthrop focuses on what we teach the children in Arts, please visit www.winthroparts.org. the program and share it with the school.” For more on Good Afternoon Friends and Torres explained, “Good Afternoon Amigos and Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Friends and Amigos teaches social and Community Services, visit www.gulfcoastemotional learning. We incorporate yoga jewishfamilyandcommunityservices.org.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2021

Animal Charity, Boat Show, Tampa Bay Walk & More ... Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Rotary Club Of Brandon Open House The Rotary Club of Brandon invites the community to an open house to tour its beautiful building located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. The Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center is conveniently located just north of Bloomingdale Ave. and is perfect for various types of events with plenty of parking. The open houses will take place on Friday, February 12 from 4 to 7 p.m.; Sunday, February 14 from 12:15 to 4 p.m.; Friday, February 19 from 4 to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, February 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Girl Scout cookies will also be available to purchase and mask wearing will be required along with social distancing. For more information, call Larry Fassett at 767-5803.

Your Pie Wins Community Award And Makes Donation To Local Animal Charity Local pizza restaurant Your Pie was recently presented with Tampa Bay Walk To End Cothe Community Award lon Cancer for the franchise in recThe local Walk To End Colon ognition of all it does Cancer will take place virtually to support its commuon Saturday, February 27. Regnity. Last year, it orgaister online for free at ccallinized food donations ance.org/tampawalk to help and drove many miles fundraise, leading up to the to support the families walk and then walk locally with that it adopted. Your family or close friends. Pie regularly hosts school spirit nights; Cross Bay Ferry Changes Mintz Elementary, Dock Location Buckhorn Elementary, Spike and Scarlett, formerly Catniss The Cross Bay Ferry has Durant High and Win- and Peeta, are kittens adopted by temporarily changed its Tampa throp Charter are a Your Pie’s owners. docking location from the Tamfew schools that have pa Convention Center to Sparkman Wharf benefited from these. Local charities are through Wednesday, February 17. The temalso supported, and it did so during a spirporary new location is at 615 Channelside it night for local animal charity, A Kitten Place, when Your Pie OwnersTeresa and Dr. in Tampa and the nearest parking can Karen Sharkey found out about two kittens be found in the Garrison Lot or Channelside that were recovering from broken bones. Parking Garage. During this period, the ferCatniss and Peeta had been rescued sep- ry’s operations, including ticketing, will be arately but then became firm friends, and at the Sparkman Wharf location, the ferry they soon began looking for a home, pref- will continue to run Wednesday through erably together. Teresa and Karen couldn’t Sunday, with four departure times at both resist the cute pair and decided to adopt locations on Friday and Saturday. The full them. They have kept in touch with A Kit- schedule and additional information is ten Place Founder Michelle Bass, and when available online at www.TheCrossBayFerry. they were awarded $500 to donate to a com. The ferry staff strongly advises paslocal charity with the Community Award, sengers to arrive 15-30 minutes prior to it was decided that A Kitten Place would the scheduled departure. receive it. Your Pie is located at 125 E. Bloomingda- Hillsborough Community College le Ave. Visit www.yourpie.com or call 502- Awarded Entrepreneurship Education 6354 for more information. Information And Training Grant Hillsborough Community College has on A Kitten Place, including a wish list and been awarded a $100,000 Entrepreneuradoptable kittens, can be found at www. ship Education and Training (EET) grant akittenplace.org. from the Florida Department of Education. East Hillsborough Democratic Club This program seeks to fund innovative EET projects, cultivating entrepreneurial mindMeeting The East Hillsborough Democratic Club sets and capabilities in career and techwill hold a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, Feb- nical education students. “Hillsborough ruary 9 at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker will Community College (HCC) is dedicated to be Katie McGill, Executive Director of Dress developing a talent pipeline to help support for Success. All like-minded individuals are Tampa Bay’s flourishing entrepreneurship community,” HCC President Dr. Ken Atwelcome to attend. For more information, visit www.easthill- water said. “This grant combined with our robust program offerings will allow us to sboroughdems.org. equip individuals with the training they

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need to succeed.” In partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools, the grant seeks to spearhead a comprehensive EET program, Innovators in Action, to serve career and technical education educators and students of the Tampa Bay area. Set Sail At The Tampa Bay Boat Show The Tampa Bay Boat Show is coming to the Florida State Fairgrounds from Tuesday through Thursday, March 5-7. The Tampa Bay Boat Show is a grand event, showcasing area boat dealers/ manufacturers, the latest in boating and fishing supplies as well as great accessories too. Enjoy walking around millions of dollars of inventory, a great way to see and compare all available makes and models in one location. You won’t want to miss the Florida Fishing School Seminar Series on Saturday and Sunday. Take part in a series of presentations by the area’s top fishing guides and local experts for great tips, secrets and fun. Florida State Fairground is located at 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa. For more information, visit wwwtampabayboatshows. com. Admission is free. Sons Of The American Legion Car And Truck Show The Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 138 is holding a car and truck show on Saturday, February 13 from 12 Noon until 4 p.m. The event will take place at the American Legion pavilion area at 5535 W. Prescott St. in Tampa and will include music from the 50s and 60s, food for sale, raffle prizes and great trophies for the winners as well as beautiful cars and trucks of all descriptions. Entry registration fees are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the event and include a free meal, raffle ticket and a voting ballot. All proceeds benefit veterans’ and children’s charities. For additional information, call Larry Begy at 767-1197. Socially Distanced Strawberry U-Pick Keel Farms in Plant City is offering strawberry U-pick every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is a fun outdoor family activity and it is easy to maintain a 6-foot distance from other groups. Keel Farms Winery has grown to include a restaurant, winery and brewery. There is love music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, plus trivia every Tuesday. Keel Farms is located at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. in Plant City. For information or events, visit, www.keelfarms.com.

A Better Way Of Doing Business For Building Permits, Inspections & Other Services Hillsborough County Development Services recently launched HillsGovHub, a simplified, fully digital business services process. The online portal at HCFLGov. net/HillsGovHub will provide free, 24/7 access to such features as the ability to apply and pay for commercial and residential building permits online, schedule inspections, upload contractor licensing/ professional certification information, apply for tree removal permits and view a variety of records. Anyone can use the HillsGovHub portal, including homeowners who are undertaking projects themselves, commercial contractors, builders as well as repair and renovation professionals. In addition to streamlining processes for customers, the digital system will enable staff to perform multiple views concurrently and provide real-time access to permit and inspection information in the field, allowing a faster turnaround time. Dr. Earl Lennard Scholarship The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Riverview community are making the Dr. Earl Lennard Scholarships available again this year. Dr. Earl Lennard was a longtime educator who served as Hillsborough County’s superintendent of schools and as its supervisor of elections. He said his goal as a public servant was to leave things in better shape than when he arrived. If you would like to apply for the scholarships or make a contribution, visit www. riverviewchamber.com and use the Dr. Earl Lennard Scholarship Program link, or contact the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce office at 234-5944 for more information. Summerfield Crossing Golf Club Encouraging New Members To Visit Summerfield Crossing Golf Club in Riverview is encouraging those that may be interested in golf to visit and find out what the club is all about. It has a variety of memberships to suit anyone’s budget, some of which include perks like the use of its driving range, no initiation fees and 20 percent off the pro shop. It currently has a Players Club Card that includes $5 off every round, two free rounds of golf and eight-day advanced tee times for $99; it pays for itself. A variety of leagues and groups, for all experience and skill levels, also play at the club. For more information, visit www. summerfieldgc.com or call 671-3311.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

JAMES B. GIBSON, JR.: BUILDING A METROPOLIS ON THE ALAFIA RIVER

By Charles Nelson

Indeed, one of Gibsonton’s most fasci- Alafia to Hyde Park. nating historical characteristics is the large Yet, young Gibson’s dream was to create a number of carnival workers who called the ‘metropolis’ on his family’s “old homestead” town home. But the carnival folks didn’t cre- property. So, in 1923, he platted Gibsontonate ‘Gibtown,’ as they called it. Gibsonton by-the-Bay and began offering lots for sale got its start in 1923, when Tampa attorney James B. Gibson Jr. sought to turn his family’s “old homestead” into a thriving new community during Florida’s 1920s Great Land Boom. In 1884, James Barney Gibson Sr. moved his family to Hillsborough County from Alabama to start anew. He chose a homestead on the south bank of the sparsely settled Alafia River (west of today’s U.S. 41). Long ago, that locaHouse being built on Alice Ave. in Gibsonton; 1920s. Source: Tamtion seemed the site of a pa Tribune, Nov. 3, 2002. small, native village dating to around 800 A.D. (A large shell mound and a burial mound stood to potential builders and speculators alike. on Gibson Sr.’s homestead.) His family made Gibson advertised heavily in area newsa reasonable living in farming and in selling papers. He touted the area’s excellent citrus shell to pave roads in Hillsborough County. farming potential. He appealed to sportsYet, it was his son who became the father men by offering easy access to the finest of Gibsonton. hunting and fishing grounds anywhere in James B. Gibson Jr. was born in 1893 on Southwest Florida. Gibson sought to entice the family homestead. Homeschooled at a builder to construct a 100-room hotel, first, he later attended the Riverview school equal to the Bellaire resort in Clearwater. until the ninth grade and graduated from Perhaps foreshadowing the town’s penMulberry High School in 1911. In that same chant for the unusual, he displayed pictures year, he enrolled at the University of Florida of the world’s largest beet and the largest, and graduated in 1913 with a law degree. and only, olive tree in Florida to illustrate After marriage, Gibson opened a law office the town’s exceptional fertility, sure to lure in Tampa and moved his family from the potential buyers to at least take a look.

Early land sales in the new community weather the Bust and the Depression years. were brisk. That’s not surprising, considThe town grew slowly after the Depresering the land frenzy occurring all over sion years, but it did grow. As sales inFlorida. Unlike some other ‘Boom’ projects creased, Gibson added several additional where speculative sales were the only game sections to the original plat along the river in town, a fair numas far south as today’s ber of Gibsonton Gibsonton Dr. The town buyers constructed of Gibsonton survived. homes. Gibson himIn later decades, the self moved his famsmall village grew to inily from Hyde Park clude Gardenville, Garto Gibsonton after den City, Remlap and building a reasonably Adamsville, and today is good-sized, modern home to about 14,000 wood-framed buildpeople. ing along the main Gibson moved his highway. family back to Hyde By 1926, Gibson Park in the 1930s and boasted of making continued to practice over $100,000 in law until he died in commissions, equiv1965. He continued to alent to almost $1.5 be active in real estate million today. Yet, at sales involving his eponthe same time, his ymous town. dream began to fall He founded a church apart as the ‘Boom’ (the Practical Interturned to ‘Bust’ national Church and starting in that same served as its minister). “James R. Gibson as a young man.” Source: He was a chess master, year. Tampa Tribune, Nov. 3, 2002. Gibson began to a writer and—at his realize that much of death—was attempthis earnings were ing to create a Boys paper dollars. Sales contracts failed, and Club in Florida. James B. Gibson Jr., the “FaTampa area banks where Gibson stored his ther of Gibsonton,” was a remarkable man. money began to collapse. Fortunately, GibCHARLES NELSON BIO CHARLES NELSON HOLDS A MA DEGREE IN son had brokered the sale of a large plot of HISTORY FROM GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY land on the north side of the Alafia to U.S. AND TAUGHT AS AN ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR AT HCC (DALE MABRY). HE IS ALSO AFFILIATED Phosphoric, which opened its first plant WITH TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER AS A in 1924. That commission provided a sizeVOLUNTEER DOCENT, RESEARCHER AND able monetary cushion, allowing Gibson to COMMUNITY LECTURER, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HISTORY.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2021

PHOENIX HOUSE STILL HELPS THOSE IN NEED DURING THE PANDEMIC

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EMBARK ON A UNIQUE ADVENTURE WITH LATITUDES TOURS

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

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

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

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03/01/2021

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 2

February 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CANYON COUNTY SPUDS

APOLLO BEACH FAMILY BUYS EXPEDITION LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM LOCATED IN IDAHO Jeff Dobish has always dreamed of being a general manager of a baseball or hockey team. The former hockey play-by-play man did one better by purchasing the Canyon County Spuds in Idaho, becoming the owner of his very own baseball team. The Spuds were recently added as the 10th team in the Expedition League. The Expedition League is an elite summer collegiate wood-bat league that has teams in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Manitoba, Canada, Montana and now Idaho. The teams play a 64-game schedule over the summer. Jeff initially became familiar with the Expedition League when his adopted son, Daylon Dobish, played in the league with the Hastings Sodbusters for two years when he was attending Midland University in Nebraska. The Dobish clan can certainly be considered a baseball family. Jeff and Daylon have always bonded over baseball. Jeff is the PA announcer for the Bloomingdale High School baseball team, where Daylon played baseball. He recently retired and sold his insurance business in Apollo

Beach and wanted a fresh start at trying something new. “I was petrified because it’s a dream, and when dreams come true there’s that moment when you think to yourself, ‘Can I do this, is this really what I want to do?’,” said Jeff. “I think my wife and I are both driven by fear, the fear of failure, but that’s what’s exciting, that’s what gets you up out of bed every day.” Jeff recently bought a house in Idaho so that he and his family can live there during the three-month season and help out with organizational duties. His wife, Shaunessy, owns two successful businesses in Hillsborough County, Tin Roof Trading Co. and The White Oak Cottage. She, along with her daughter and Daylon, will have jobs with the Spuds. Daylon will be the vice president of operations and Shaunessy will be doing charity work for the team. Daylon is currently recruiting players to play for the Spuds, most of whom are from California. They have college players that range from D1 to the junior college and NAIA levels. “I’m most excited about our entire fami-

The Canyon County Spuds were recently added as the 10th team in the Expedition League. The Spuds will play a 64-game schedule during the three-month season.

ly being involved,” said Daylon. “I look forward to the everyday grind, being around people that share the love of the game with me.” The Dobish family wants to emulate the Tampa Bay Lightning and Owner Jeffery Vinik by being a big part of their new community. They plan on donating money to local children’s charities every home game. They have signed Pepsi, Budweiser and a local craft brewery called The 10 Barrel

Brewing Co. as sponsors. “The thing that really gets me the most excited is to be able to really blend with the city, making it a community team,” said Jeff. “That’s why we named them the Spuds; when you think of Idaho, you think french fries, you think of potatoes. For the most part, I think Shaunessy and I just wanted to get into Smalltown, USA and really make a community, feel-good team.”

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Volume 19, Issue 2