Riverview/Apollo Beach
6 C E L E B R A T I N G
June 2020 Volume 18, Issue 6 Ph: 657-2418 1 8
Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Silver Ring Café Leads By Example To Provide Meals To Essential Workers & Foster Kids
Lennard Holds Drive-Thru Graduation For 25 Migrant Students, Donor Gives Laptops
Office and Moffitt, The Silver Ring to mention a few. If Café has been a the café got a call staple in the about needing Riverview area for food, Dana and more than 26 years her staff did their and recently it has very best to deliver been working to food to fill the make an even bigneed. ger difference in “My brother, the community. Attorney David Dana Neville Neville, and a and her mother, friend of his, Dr. Rosemarie Neville, Kevin Lee, bought are co-owners of 100 lunches for the shop and, like Silver Ring Café in Riverview delivered most business own- food to those in the community who were Pinellas Park P.D.,” fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Dana said. “I had a ers, the COVID-19 friend collect donations, we discounted pandemic affected their livelihood. “Our business was affected early on,” prices and we sent 75 bagged lunches to A Kid’s Place in Valrico. I am a huge Dana said. “Local businesses, Ring believer in shopping small and local. My Power, Boyette Animal Hospital and boyfriend of 11 years is also selfTampa Bay Water ordered large orders employed and we strive to support small from us in an attempt to keep us businesses.” alive. We talked about adjusting our Dana feels helping others is in her hours and then decided we could make a difference in the community; people need blood. “My maternal grandparents were to eat.” extremely involved in the betterment of Dana, her family and friends all their community and always giving pulled together to help each other out in back,” she said. “My grandmother on these difficult times. my dad’s side volunteered at a nursing “I had a few customers and friends home for years and was always reach out to me personally wanting to involved in her church. We were the support us by supporting front liners,” family that always had room at the dinDana said. “We ran with that. This was a ner table for one more during the holiway to keep my employees working and days.” feed the people. We discounted our To learn more about Silver Ring prices and we started accepting donaCafé in Riverview, visit its Facebook tions from family and friends first. We page at www.facebook.com/Silverwere posting all of our deliveries to our Ring-Riverview-145326312171334/ or Facebook page, then customers began contact Dana at 677-1487. The café is making donations.” The Silver Ring Café Riverview deliv- located at 7419 US Hwy. 301 in Riverview. The café’s hours of operaered food to Tampa General Hospital, Temple Terrace Fire Stations No. 1 and 2, tion are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and is closed on Sundays. Hillsborough County Medical Examiners
High school Commerce to hold graduation cerea ‘drive-thru’ gradumonies normally ation for these 25 take place all over students in place of the country this the Migrant time of the year, Graduate Banquet. but there was The last stop nothing normal was a surprise. about the graduaAccording to Davis, tion for 25 seniors “Students were at Lennard High handed gifts, School recently. including a laptop. Many of these Students celebrate their special graduation It was thanks to an day at Lennard High School. students are the (anonymous) first in their families to graduate from high neighbor’s donation of thousands of dolschool. They are part of the transient lars. She said she had four vacations migrant community who normally attend planned between January and July, and multiple schools during the year. they all got cancelled and she thought, Those students who manage to ‘You know what? I need to put this money graduate have overcome obstacles to good use.” deserving of special recognitions. “I’m just so in shock by everything Alejandra Chavez said, “Many peothat has happened. I’m very thankful for ple told my parents, ‘Oh, your daughter’s all the teachers that have supported us not going to be able to do something throughout all these years,” said Marisol because you came from a place where Neri-Baxcajay. Her twin sister, Rosal, you didn’t receive anything.’ The moment added, “It means everything because we I told my parents that I’m going to graduweren’t able to have the annual Migrant ate because I had all my requirements, Banquet. I didn’t even think this was posthey cried.” sible.” One special recognition tradition These graduates have proven that all began 12 years ago. Olga Perez, a certithings are possible…if you believe. fied Spanish teacher and the school district’s migrant advocate at Lennard High School, turned to the SouthShore In This Chamber of Commerce executive direcIssue tor, Melanie Davis, to help coordinate an event to honor the migrant graduates. LENNARD SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ....PG 3 That began the yearly Migrant Graduate Banquet. TIKI DOCKS...........................................PG 4 In past years, Davis and her staff NEW WATERING RULES.......................PG 5 have supplied a photographer to take cap and gown photos of the graduates. COUNTY COVID SURVEY......................PG 7 Donated shirts, ties and dresses were ABSOLUTE WELLNESS .......................PG 10 collected and seniors enjoyed a ‘shopping day’ at the Lennard library to select their EYE ON BUSINESS.....................PGS 2526 own graduation outfits. COMMUNITY ARTS. .........................PG 28 COVID-19 turned graduation traditions and ceremonies upside down this SPORTS.............................................PG 38 year, but the celebration was still firstclass. Davis collaborated with sponsors READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE the Lightning Foundation, the Community www.ospreyobserver.com Foundation of Tampa Bay, Enterprising Latinas and the SouthShore Chamber of
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 18, Issue 6
June 2020
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Riverview Chamber Announces The 2020 Dr. Earl Lennard Scholarship Winners
AB Woman’s Club Awards $18,700 In 2020 College Scholarships To 13 Recipients
Dr. Earl Lennard was a one high school senior of a longtime educator who served GRCC member. These scholas Hillsborough County's arship recipients are Allison superintendent of schools and Powers (Riverview High as its supervisor of elections. School), Chanel Campbell Last month, a group of local (Lennard High School), students received a head start Ashley Aagaard (East Bay in life in his memory. High School) and Willow Lennard became a Morgan (GRCC Family teacher in Hillsborough Member). schools in 1963, working his Allison Powers has a way up to the top post in 3.31 GPA and has been Former Superintendent 1996. He held that position accepted into FGCU. She of Schools and for nine years and was Supervisor of Elections has sights on becoming a Dr. Earl Lennard. appointed as supervisor of veterinarian. elections from 2009 to 2012. At the age of Chanel Campbell has a 3.9 GPA, 77, he passed away on December 23, has been accepted into USF as well as 2019. In honor of Lennard, this scholarFSU and wants to major in nursing. ship was created in hopes of helping high Ashley Aagaard has a GPA of 3.95 and is school students further their education. looking to attend either USF or UCF after The Dr. Earl Lennard Scholarship graduation, where she wants to major in was made possible by many supporters biomedical sciences. including Riverview Woman’s Club, the Willow Morgan, daughter of an Greater Riverview Community and GRCC member with Oops A Daisy Greater Riverview Chamber of Flowers and Gifts, has a 3.67 GPA, is Commerce (GRCC) members. looking to attend FAU after graduation Scholarship winners must have been and wants to major in social studies eduaccepted into a two or four-year cation. college/university or an accredited trade The GRCC and Riverview Woman’s school in the state of Florida. The applica- Club want to congratulate the 2020 Dr. tion also recommended having a good Earl Lennard Scholarship winners and academic standing, earning community wish them luck in their future endeavors. service hours and involvement in The GRCC partnered with Riverview extracurricular activities. Woman’s Club to create this scholarship Greater Riverview Chamber of to honor the late Dr. Earl Lennard. Commerce was able to reward four high The Greater Riverview community school seniors a $1,000 scholarship. will always remember him saying, “I just One student was chosen from hope that they remember that I worked Riverview High School, Lennard High hard to make a change and make a difSchool and East Bay High School and ference.”
The Apollo ses, are Ashley Beach Woman’s Aagard, Club (ABWC) University of awarded $18,700 in South Florida college scholar(biomedical sciships this year due ence); Gabriela to the hard work of Chitica, its members and University of donations from Florida (finance); Eileen Sengstock, Vivian Do, Catherine Goodrich University of and the Estate of South Florida The winners of the Apollo Beach Women’s Betty Fay. (accounting); Twelve recipi- Club’s annual scholarships from East Bay High Daniela School attended a virtual scholarship ents from East Bay Dominguez, ceremony. Not pictured is Gabriela Chitica. and Lennard High Hillsborough Schools who are attending a four-year Community College (child psychology); Florida university received $1,500 and Saphyra Dulcio, University of South one recipient who is obtaining a two-year Florida (psychiatry); Ada Liu, University of degree at a community college received Florida (OB-GYN), Aya Rahmani, $700. University of South Florida (biology “Normally, the students are presented research); and Madison Tuch, Florida the scholarships at ABWC’s May lunchState University (child psychology). eon,” said member Kimberley Alkins. The recipients from Lennard High “Due to the present circumstances, this School are Willow Morgan, Florida was not possible. Certificates were mailed Atlantic University (social studies to each recipient with a letter wishing teacher); Marisol Neri-Baxcajay, them much success in their college expe- University of South Florida (nursing); rience and career. They have all worked Rosalba Neri-Baxcajay, University of very hard and deserve this award.” South Florida (nursing); Kelsy Arteago, The scholarship awards are subject Florida State University (computer engito funds available. To be eligible, the neering); and Michael Antonio Lowery, scholarship applicant must be assigned to University of South Florida (political sciattend either East Bay or Lennard High ence). Schools, plan to attend a Florida college “Thank you to the ABWC Scholarship or university, and submit a complete Committee: Sharon Vasquez, chairperapplication by the deadline. son; Brenda Fricks; Brenda Harewood; The 2020 college scholarship recipiand Yolanda Sullivan,” said Alkins. To ents from East Bay High School, with learn more about the club, visit www.apoltheir intended college majors in parenthe- lobeachwomansclub.com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Tiki Docks River Bar & Grill
Riverview’s Landmark Destination On The Alafia River
By Brian Bokor
As vice wall and a large president of mural featuring brand developseven distinctly difment for 23 ferent Tiki icons Restaurant with each idol picServices, Tara tured on the outside Matheny was recreated as a 6 up for the chal1/2-foot statue lenge of creatinside the sprawling ing a landmark 3-story, 15,000 sq. riverfront expeft. complex. One of rience in the initial events to Riverview at its be held will be a Plans call for the Tiki Docks in Riverview to new Tiki Docks open its doors to the public sometime near the ‘Name the Seven end of July 2020. River Bar & Tikis Contest’ Grill, located at 10708 Palmetto St. on the where customers will get a chance to do south bank of the Alafia River just east of just that. US 301. As Matheny told me, “Our entire The menu will have hints of team is excited to develop a landmark in Polynesian flair blended with casual riverthe Riverview community that will result in front dining cuisine such as seafood, ribs, making many friends and driving tourists chicken, burgers and sandwiches along into the area as well.” with a traditional raw bar featuring two This project, however, would be types of oysters as well as daily offerings unlike any other that 23 Restaurant of fresh, local peel-and-eat shrimp. Services has attempted. Typically, the With capacity over 300, two-thirds of team utilized standing buildings and reno- the seating will be outside on a large deck vated, as evidenced by the Ford’s overlooking the Alafia River with the Garage in Brandon, but this time the remaining tables under air surrounding a development was from scratch on raw large central bar. The deck will have three riverfront land. areas: the Bamboo Room, the Main Deck Over 200 pilings would be driven into and the Lava Deck, and will be home to bedrock, flood mitigation performed to the two bar areas. Large parties and special land as well as road improvements need- gatherings will be welcome to reserve ed for the entrance and parking lot. With sections of the restaurant for private all structural details successfully completevents with valet parking available. Phase ed, plans call for the Tiki Docks to open two additions include boat-up docks, jet its doors to the public sometime near the ski rentals and a small bait shop. end of July 2020. Email marketing@23restaurants.com Customers will be greeted at the front visit page@tikidocksriverview or entrance by a two-sided, 19-foot water 23restaurants.com for more information.
Volume 18, Issue 6
Boaters Will Get Safe Storage And Customer Service At Riverview Marina
By Brad Stager
of boating on the With yearwater will begin round boating as soon as you access to the park your car at Gulf of Mexico Riverview and beyond as a Marina. popular feature “We pick you of living in the up in a golf cart fast-growing from your car and Riverview and The new Riverview Marina high and dry boat SouthShore storage will be located on the north bank of the take you and all Alafia River, just west of US 301. your stuff right areas, it is not down to your boat that’s all ready to go,” surprising that as the local waterways he said. “At most marinas you just roll in become more crowded, access to public boat ramps and rental slips is increasing- there and you’re just a slip number, they don’t really give customer service.” ly competitive. Richards added that To Mike Riverview Marina staff will Richards, the situalso take care of post-cruise ation is a chance cleanup and ensure proper to fulfill his dream storage of clients’ waterof owning a maricraft. na that caters to its clientele with a high Richards said boating and marina level of service. He is in the process of building Riverview Marina, an indoor, dry operations are among his life’s passions and Riverview Marina is the culmination boat storage facility that he envisions as of that interest. It has so far been a twobeing more than just a safe harbor. year endeavor that is about to break “It’s going to be very customer servground, with its opening expected in the ice-based, more of a yacht club kind of fall. He said about 50 of the 144 indoor feeling, so we’re going to have memberships for everybody who rents a slip from slips have already been reserved as of the middle of May. us,” said Richards, who along with busi“The demand is out there. My goal is ness partner Nick Gonzalez has been to have it full before we even open, and I developing the project. It will feature a think we can do it.” 17,640-square-foot high and dry marina Riverview Marina will be located at building that can protect boats from 10531 Moody Rd., just south of winds blowing up to 150 miles per hour. Riverview Dr. and west of US 301, on There will also be a small shop to the north bank of the Alafia River. To find sell essentials like sunscreen and bait, out more, visit online at Rivmarina.com as well as waterside food and beverage or call 1-833-DRY-DOCK (1-833-379service with outdoor seating. 3625). According to Richards, a great day
June 2020
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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County Announces New Water Restrictions Hillsborough County Public Utilities recently announced new irrigation hours for the south-central area of the county in an effort to conserve water and maintain water pressure during high demand periods. The temporary ordinance limits lawn watering to 8:30 a.m. to 12 Noon and 6 p.m. to 12 Midnight on allowable irrigation days. Watering the lawn at residential or commercial properties from 12 Midnight to 8 a.m. will not be permitted. The restriction on watering days is still in effect countywide. A full listing of irrigation restrictions is available on the county’s website at HCFLGov.net/WaterRestrictions. The lawn watering ordinance impacts residences and commercial properties in the south-central area of the county, which includes the communities of Apollo Beach and Sun City Center and properties located south of the Alafia River and west of Balm Riverview Rd. and SR 579. This ordinance doesn’t impact county residential or commercial properties outside of this area. The temporary ordinance expires on Tuesday, June 30 to coincide with the rainy season. The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance during a regular board hearing on May 6. Last
month, the Southwest Florida Water Management District reviewed and supported the county’s proposal to change the irrigation hours in the south-central area
of the county. The county’s South Central Water System serves the area, and it is experiencing low pressure during peak water use times. To offset the high demands that contribute to the lower water pressure, the county has set new irrigation times. If no actions were taken, extreme low pressure scenarios could result in Precautionary Boil Water Notices for customers in the south-central area of the county. It also could impact the water pressure at fire hydrants, which could affect the county’s ability to combat fires in the area. The county is in the process of designing and constructing a booster pump station to address the low pressure issues for this area of the distribution system. Construction is scheduled to be completed by October 2022. Visit HCFLGov.net/WaterRestrictions to view the county map showing the irrigation restriction area, review the permitted irrigation days for residential and commercial properties and learn water conservation tips.
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Volume 18, Issue 6
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Mental Health Resources Available During COVID-19 Crisis
By Michelle Caceres
Behavioral Health you are feeling. Outreach Director Tina Patients receiving Trimborn at HCA Healthcare mental health services can said that while hand-washing work with their providers to and avoiding large crowds develop a coping plan and and people who are ill are have alternative options important steps to mitigate prepared if care routine the physical risks caused by services are disrupted. the COVID-19 virus, it’s just These can include as important that we underteletherapy services, getstand and ease emotional ting prescription medicaThe following tips are stress caused by fear and tion or engaging in supplehelpful to reduce stress anxiety. mental mental wellness during the COVID-19 outbreak. Anxiety is a normal activities. response to a stressful situation and can Mark Cardillo, director of behavioral provide adaptive benefits, but when faced health services at Memorial Hospital of with mounting uncertainty, the brain can Tampa and Tampa General Hospital, go into an anxiety spiral that is no longer said that while there was a decrease in helpful. Atypical stress reactions may the number of behavioral health patients include: a persistent or excessive worry at the hospital during the safer-at-home that doesn’t help in life and keeps you order, there has been a significant from carrying out daily tasks; increased increase since it was lifted. drug or alcohol use; significant changes in He has also seen a switch to energy, eating or sleeping patterns; diffiteletherapy services, increasing accessiculty concentrating on normal tasks; probility to counseling and recovery serviclonged and overwhelming hopelessness; es. “Many of our outpatient therapists or thoughts of self-injury or suicide. have moved completely their services “It’s OK not to be OK and it’s imporonline because people prefer to receive tant to seek help when you need it,” counseling at home,” he said. Trimborn said. “Coping with stress will In addition to teletherapy, individuals make you, the people you care about and can call 2-1-1 at the Crisis Center of your community stronger.” Tampa Bay or talk to their primary care The CDC recommends the following doctor. ways to cope with stress: take deep Cardillo suspects things will get breaths, stretch and meditate, try to eat worse before they get better. “As people healthy and well-balanced meals, exerlose jobs and see their savings drained, cise regularly, get plenty of sleep, avoid fear will set in,” he said. “I’m not sure the alcohol and drugs and talk with people state of Florida is prepared to deal with you trust about your concerns and how the mental health crisis that is coming.”
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June 2020
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Hillsborough County Asks Residents To Complete COVID-19 Survey For The Good Of The Community Staff Report Hillsborough County wants to continue to improve its delivery of services and resources to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the county is seeking the public’s input to guide its mission. The county is asking residents to complete an anonymous survey to help staff learn how to better serve the public. The responses provided will help determine the best methods to communicate and offer COVID-19 resources, including testing and safety guidelines. It will also help the county develop strategies to communicate the latest local and federal updates. The survey is available in English and Spanish at HCFLGov.net/StaySafeInput. Residents can also take the survey by texting StaySafe to 73224 for English or texting StaySafeEspanol to 73224 for Spanish. The survey is for all county residents. However, a goal of the survey is to reach residents who may not be taking advantage of county government resources and aren’t accessing the COVID-19 assistance that the county provides. The county wants to reach out to residents to determine the communication barriers and learn about their needs in order to better serve them. The anonymous survey asks
respondents how seriously they are taking the COVID-19 pandemic and if they practice washing their hands, wearing a mask, social distancing and remaining indoors. The survey asks what prevents the respondent from getting tested for COVID-19, and what are their current concerns with COVID-19. The survey also seeks information residents think would be helpful to be better prepared, such as how to access and make food supplies last, the latest guidelines to stay safe and steps to take if someone in the household develops symptoms. The survey, which includes a telephonic component administered by HCP Associates, a firm that specializes in community engagement research and a partner in community survey efforts with Hillsborough County, will be conducted over eight weeks. The information gathered will help county officials develop data-driven strategies in the continued mitigation of COVID-19. Hillsborough County is providing COVID-19 testing for free at four county locations. The tests have been provided at Raymond James Stadium for several weeks, and testing has now expanded to sites in East Tampa, Plant City and Ruskin. Residents must contact the Hillsborough County call center at 2725900 for pre-screening and registration. Insurance is not required. The call center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Volume 18, Issue 6
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
elps H n o i g Le eed, N n I s Veteran Wise Info Water More & Jenny Bennett om ed by Compil preyobserver.c s o @ jbennett
The American Legion Steps Up To Help Veterans In Need
American Legion exists to honor the service and sacrifice of Legionnaires. Members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion comprise The American Legion Family, which has a combined membership of nearly 3 million people. The mission of Liberty Manor for Veterans Inc. is to promote the developmental and social needs of disabled and honorably discharged veterans who have fallen victim to homelessness by providing transitional, supported housing and establishing objectives designed to attribute to self-sufficiency. For anyone interested in assisting this meritorious initiative, please contact Connie Lindsay at 900-9422.
When we reflect on those that are on the front line during this COVID-19 pandemic, we don’t usually think of members from the Sons of The American Legion (SAL). SAL members of American Legion Post 148 in Riverview responded to a mass email that was posted Elks Lodge on Reopens Facebook The Ruskin and within Elks Lodge hours they recently received reopened on approval June 1 with from their Monday Night board and Bingo and is members to excited to be purchase William Camacho and David Ocasio from Liberty back involved Manor enjoying their new grill. and deliver in the commua grill, grill utensils and a new nity. The lodge’s famous, countyvacuum cleaner to Liberty Manor wide, best-ever spaghetti and for Veterans. When a vacuum sauce will be served on cleaner goes out and there are Wednesday and Friday nights seventeen veterans in a house, along with the return of fried or you can only imagine the crisis. baked fish dinners. Stop by and The veterans had no way of shop- see what else your community ping for a vacuum cleaner or grill Elks Lodge is up to at 1630 S. US due to a lack in transportation and 41 or call it on 645-2089. funding, so SAL members stepped up in a big way and put Hillsborough Community College their own health at risk during Announces Student Emergency these infectious times. Brave and Fund dedicated SAL members Mark As a reaction to the chalGetty and Carroll Weese did the lenges students are facing shopping and delivery—what a through these unprecedented commitment to veterans. The vet- times, the Hillsborough erans used the grill that very Community College Foundation evening and cooked the best established the HawkStrong chicken dinner they’d had in a Student Emergency Fund. These long time. funds will be provided to currently Founded in 1932, Sons of The enrolled students to cover costs
of housing, food, childcare and other immediate financial needs that could keep them from completing the semester. Many HCC students are already fighting to stay in school because of the economic disadvantage brought on by this pandemic; with assistance from the community, the college can make sure it doesn’t lose the fight. To find out more or to make a donation, visit www.hccfoundation.com/hawkstrong/.
Check HCPLC.org for the latest library information.
Community Water Wise Award Program Extension
In this difficult time, we could all use some support. Dr. Reba Haley, a therapist, and Jenise Griffin, a mental health advocate, will be hosting weekly Zoom meetings covering a variety of topics aimed towards women, including marriage, overcoming stress, coping techniques and other mental health issues. Zoom meetings will be held on Thursday evenings from 7:308:30 p.m. The meeting ID is 502 307 7085 and the password is 7C5UVJ.
Tampa Bay Water has extended the landscape application submission deadline to Monday, August 31 for the Community Water Wise Awards. The awards, sponsored by Tampa Bay Water, were created to recognize individuals and businesses committed to conserving water resources and protecting the environment by using Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles. Winning entries will receive a handmade mosaic stepping stone or a plaque option for businesses. If you have more questions regarding the Community Water Wise Award program, please visit www.tampabaywaterwise.org
Library Book Drops Reopen
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is working to restore library service to its customers in a gradual and safe manner. The first step is to open book drops to accept returns at locations, including Southshore Regional Public Library. Book drops will be Monday-Friday and you can return books there regardless of where you borrowed them from. Your returned items will be placed into quarantine and will still appear as ‘checked out’ on your account. They will be checked in when safety and staffing permit.
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Page 9
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Former Teacher Creates Pass-A-Book So Every Child Can Experience The Joy Of Reading
By Gwen Rollings
Heather who didn’t own a sinHindman, a Ruskin gle book so they resident and former would love and cherfirst and third grade ish the stories than language arts define childhood and teacher, began Passexcite their imaginaA-Book in 2017. tions. Since then, there The idea of how have been over 3,000 to get books to chilgently used children’s dren began with books distributed to Hindman donating Heather Hindman began Pass-A-Book. her own personal colindividuals, schools, teachers and nonprofit groups. lection of the many bins of books stored Hindman explained, “We must recog- at her home. The Pass-A-Book project nize that although children can read spread through social media and word of online, the experience of feeling the mouth as families and consignment weight of a book in your hands, the shops continue to donate their children’s sound of a turning page, the scent of books. Even seniors from Sun City aging paper, is irreplaceable.” Center contribute their nonfiction on the Consumer Insight Director Alison intermediate and middle school levels, David offers other benefits for book readincluding botany and travel. ing in her article, ‘How do we preserve Pass-A-Book is available to anyone the art of reading for pleasure?’ “Reading who asks and the books are delivered to for pleasure is the single biggest indicator schools, teachers, media centers and of a child’s success academically, more classroom libraries and are provided for a than social background or parents’ educa- local nonprofit tutoring program’s ‘graduation. Children who read for pleasure have tion.’ Hindman said the graduate and all increased concentration, memory, confichildren in the family are able to pick dence, greater self-esteem and general books to bring home because so many of knowledge. Reading builds empathy, their younger siblings want to read. improves imagination and language Hindman added, “Years after our development. These are important and Kindles break or our phones are relevant benefits, whether we live in a dig- replaced, and hence those words are lost ital or analogue world.” forever, we can always pick up a muchAlthough Hindman left teaching after loved book and start again from page her daughter was born, her language arts one—just for the pleasure of it.” training did not leave her. After her experiFor book donations or information on ence in working with children in lowobtaining a book, call 672-4084 or email socioeconomic areas, she wanted to get heather@bryanhindmanelectric.com to books into the hands of many children arrange for drop-off or pickup.
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Page 10
Volume 18, Issue 6
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
State Agencies Offer Tips To Avoid Local Wellness Center Aims To Help The Community Relieve Stress Current COVID-19 Scams By Brad Stager
A global pandemic is just the kind of opportunity to exploit other people that criminals are loath to waste. Fortunately, resources from local law enforcement to state agencies are available to help avoid getting scammed. A flow of money like the economic stimulus checks sent to individuals and businesses from the federal as well as some local governments is something that can attract criminals. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister says people should be careful of clicking on email links or responding to phone calls that claim to help process such payments, even if someone says they are from the IRS. “Remember, no government agency will ever ask you to pay money to get your stimulus check faster,” said Chronister in a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office press release. Chronister added that people should continue to be vigilant about personal information, like their social security number. “Following these tips will help keep you and your money safe.” Spending money in a time of crisis has its own perils, according to Florida Attorney General and Plant City native Ashley Moody. She said a lot of online companies are preying on peoples’
By Libby Hopkins
needs for things like personal protective equipment (PPE) and are not delivering the goods. “This is outright fraud. It’s criminal and we will not tolerate it in Florida,” said Moody in a press release. “Imposters are exploiting this crisis and scamming Floridians trying to purchase vital PPE to protect their health and stop the spread of COVID-19. Sadly, we have received reports of several of these fraudulent websites that purport to be associated with locations in Florida and are working with website domain hosts to have these sites removed and evidence preserved.” Moody recommends researching a company before buying online and taking advantage of consumer protections that credit cards offer over cash or debit transactions. If you are a victim of PPE fraud, you can contact the Florida Attorney General’s office by calling 1-866-9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com, where you can also report suspected price gouging by businesses. Other useful websites are coronavirus.gov, which has the latest information from the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and ftc.gov for consumer and business information from the Federal Trade Commission.
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Absolute are either in Wellness pain or come Center has in after an been a part of injury. We the Brandon educate our community for patients of more than 25 the imporyears. It has tance of taktwo offices ing care of available to their health serve the after we get Brandon and them out of surrounding pain. Absolute Wellness has been a part of the Brandon communities. community for more that 25 years. They have two Absolute Patients Wellness is offices available to serve the Brandon and surrounding communities. seeking treata familyment with Dr. owned and Kevan Kruse run business or Dr. Dennis that treats the O’Hara are staff as one assured of of the family. receiving the We pride ourbest quality care that includes the selves in delivering personalized latest cutting edge physical theraservice to the patients.” pies, modern chiropractic techniques Both Dr. O’Hara and Dr. Kruse and professionally trained massage love being a part of the Brandon therapists. “What makes the patients community as well as supporting the keep coming back to the office is the community. “We focus on referring staff and their genuine concern for to other local businesses as the your absolute wellbeing,” said Dr. opportunity arises with our patients,” O’Hara. Dr. O’Hara said. “Supporting the Dr. O’Hara joined the Absolute local businesses is very important to Wellness team in August 2016. us.” “Absolute Wellness has been in If you would like to learn about business in Brandon since 1995, the different services offered at owned and operated by Dr. Kevan Absolute Wellness Center, you can Kruse,” Dr. O’Hara said. “The pracvisit it online at www.absolutewelltice has been very successful and nesscenters.com or call 654-5413 after I joined the practice we began for the Brandon location or 488planning expansion in March of 6326 for the Riverview location. 2018.” The Brandon office is located in If you ask Dr. O’Hara what the Lumsden Executive Park at the makes Absolute Wellness different southeast corner of Kings Ave. and from other wellness centers in the Lumsden Rd. The Riverview office is area, he’ll tell you it’s the techniques located in the Big Bend Professional they use at the center as well as the Park and can be accessed from the family atmosphere. “We provide corner of Big Bend Rd. and Hwy. hands-on manual therapy, therapeu- 301. Both offices are currently open, tic exercises and stretching, along but due to the pandemic, office with chiropractic adjustments,” Dr. hours may be different than what is O’Hara said. “Most of our patients listed on the website.
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June 2020
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Chamber Members Rally Together To Give Back To The Community
Staff Report
The hard times Customers simply told brought on by the them what they needed, COVID-19 pandemic and Sam’s Club brought out the good in employees went in to many residents and shop for them and bring businesses. The it out to their car.” Greater Riverview Morford also Chamber of Commerce explained that in addi(GRCC) recently recogtion to these store connized some of its memcessions, Sam’s Club bers for going above #4801 (Riverview) also Greater Riverview Chamber of and beyond in the last donated $7,000 to Commerce member Sam’s Club few months. Riverview nonprofits, #4801 (Riverview) came together “The Greater to help the community during the provided pizzas to the recent tough times. Riverview Chamber of local fire department Commerce is overjoyed at all the ways and donated supplies and food to St. our members have found to give back to Joseph’s Hospital on multiple occasions. the community during this time of need. A few other generous GRCC memThroughout the last few weeks, we have bers took the time and money to give seen the Greater Riverview community back in an inspiring way. Janice Bayruns come together more than ever to support with FirstLight Home Care, secured Red each other through these challenging Carpet Carwash & Mobile Detailing Inc. times,” said Gabby Morford, the chamto clean healthcare (assisted living faciliber’s event coordinator. ties) employee’s vehicles to show their One member, Sam's Club #4801 appreciation. 3 C’s Catering LLC joined (Riverview), implemented various excluforces with other local vendors to give sive hours to provide special shopping away a free wedding to an essential opportunities to select groups. worker or frontline employee. Bryan and “On a few select Sundays, they Heather Hindman with Bryan Hindman allowed first responders and nurses to Electric, LLC built handwashing stations shop early as well as one day just for on all of their company trucks to keep teachers to come in early,” said Morford. their clients and employees safe. They “Because of that success, they started also started a ‘Congratulations 2020 allowing seniors and those with compliGraduates’ lawn sign project to recognize cated respiratory systems to shop with the high school seniors graduating withless crowds starting at 7 a.m. on out a conventional end-of-the-year cereTuesdays and Thursdays. Sam’s Club mony. #4801 (Riverview) even set up a The Greater Riverview Chamber of ‘concierge’ to shop for their members who Commerce can be reached at didn’t want to come in the club. info@riverviewchamber.com or 234-5944.
Page 11
Page 12
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Award-Winning Senior Living In One Of The Nation’s Top Retirement Destinations Sun City Center is a master-planned and selfcontained community that’s widely regarded as one of the nation’s premier destinations for seniors, and there in the center of it all are Aston Gardens At Sun City Center and Aston Gardens At The Courtyards, both multiaward winners for excellence in senior living. From sweeping, natural and golf course views to tranquil water features, spacious apartment homes and the amenity-rich Grande Clubhouses, Aston Gardens proudly provides a standard of living that’s the finest in Sun City Center and beyond. Perhaps best known for delectable, chef-prepared dining, Sunday and holiday brunches at Aston Gardens are never to be missed, but with scratch-made culinary creations served all day, every day, meals can always be special occasions shared among friends and loved ones. But dining isn’t all that sets Aston Gardens apart. Something very special can be seen, heard and felt across Aston Gardens each day. It’s in the hearty laughter among friends, a warm hug from the long-tenured team members and, of
Staff Report
course, the attentive, personalized care and service that’s found there 24/7. It’s a deeper level of commitment, compassion and dedication to care and service that’s unique to these communities. And even today, with travel and interactions impacted by COVID-19, Aston Gardens is leveraging nearly 30 years of prior experience and has industry-leading Enhanced Operational Procedures and Protocols—including COVID-19 testing—to ensure the safety of all residents and team members and prevent outside transmission of the virus. Indeed, life in and around Aston Gardens is quite rewarding, whether through enjoying the peace and privacy of Sun City Center or experiencing the many joyful adventures that await along Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast. Come experience the delightful brand of outdoor living that’s possible at Aston Gardens year-round and delight in the rare combination of luxury and affordability that makes Sun City Center the envy of countless other communities throughout Florida and the nation.
Volume 18, Issue 6
Image360 Offers Top Notch Graphic Communication Services To The Community By Libby Hopkins Image360 tomer service. Tampa-Ybor City is “Listening to our clients a veteran-owned needs is what sets us local business that apart,” Burmaster said. is also a solutions “We distinguish ourprovider in the area selves with open and of visual communihonest communication cations. Drawing right from the get-go. from more than 25 Image360 Tampa-Ybor City is a veteran- Transforming your owned local business. years of leaderideas into a reality ship and innovation in necessitates a collaborathe industry, tive relationship with Image360 is one of mutual respect. Whether the top business-toyou represent a Fortune business (B2B) solutions for graphic com- 500 company or a local business, we munication services. thrive on individual feedback and knowlBob Burmaster is the owner of edge of your overall goals. We cultivate Image360 Tampa-Ybor City. Previously, partnerships, not transactions. For us, this he served our country in the U.S. Army is not a one-and-done arrangement. At Special Forces and retired as a lieutenant Image360 Tampa-Ybor City, we want to colonel with experience in diverse and build a visual communications experience challenging organizations. This provided that inspires pride in every contributor.” him experience in strategy development, Keeping things local is also important leadership and building strong relationto Burmaster and his team. “Shop local is ships. “Image360 Tampa-Ybor City covmore important than ever to help our local ers the spectrum of signage and graphics businesses get back on their feet after the solutions, including indoor and outdoor COVID-19 pandemic,” Burmaster said. signage, LED truck advertising, environ“Particularly in the signage industry, it is mental and experimental graphics, possible to go online and buy products for wayfinding solutions, vehicle graphics, a cheaper price, which in almost every promotional displays, banners and much, case results in low quality, poor design much more,” Burmaster said. “Because and no relationship with the vendor. The our scope of knowledge encompasses ability to understand your business and the entire breadth of the visual communiyour needs results in better design, cations industry, we can take care of all of branding, quality and solution to help your signage needs at the same location.” grow your business.” If you ask Burmaster what makes Visit its website at www.tampayborciImage360 different from other graphic tyfl.image360.com or call 800-SIGN communication businesses, he’ll tell you (7446). Image360 Tampa-Ybor City is that his business is the best by far in cus- located at 3617-A E. 10th Ave. in Tampa.
June 2020
Page 13
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Taxation Is Certain And Locally-Owned Tax Happens Can Help
My HR Advisor Can Be Your Business’ Personnel Friend
The certainty of having the convenience that technolto annually calculate and ogy offers and have not had maybe pay more taxes is to change their routines underscored by the threemuch. month extension for filing “Most of what we do is them with the Internal paperless,” said Turner. Revenue Service this year. “Because we’ve been operatYou can delay the matter, ing that way for but the bill, or at least the years, it’s really paperwork, eventually paid off for us.” comes due to the governTurner added that ment. most of her comTheresa Turner helps individuals and small Between changes in munication with clients is constay on top of the tax laws that began last businesses ducted by telephone rather their taxes, no matter year and disruptions from what else is going on in than Skype, which is available the world. the coronavirus pandemic, to use as well. this year’s filing season may be a little As this year’s tax filing deadline of more challenging than usual for many Wednesday, July 15 gets closer, Turner is individuals and small business owners. hearing from more of her longtime clients Theresa Turner is a certified public who are getting a chance to focus on accountant whose business, Tax their tax obligations after dealing with the Happens, exists to ensure clients file a consequences of restrictions and manproper return and receive every consider- dates arising from the public health ation tax laws allow, whatever the compli- response to the pandemic. cations may be. Her guiding principle in “We are in full swing again, it’s startachieving that is straightforward: “I try to ing to pick back up,” said Turner, who do the right thing,” said Turner. added that she especially wants to hear Turner opened her Riverview office from any clients she has already estabsix years ago after working in corporate lished a relationship with who might be accounting firms for more than a decade. putting off getting their taxes done She specializes in small business and because of difficult situations they might individual accounting needs and has a find themselves in. Bachelor of Science in accounting from “So many of our clients are trying to Hofstra University and a Master of keep their businesses going,” said Turner. Science in taxation from St. John’s To learn more about how Tax University. Happens can provide accounting and tax As for providing excellent customer services to meet your needs, call 304service during a pandemic, Turner said 5569 or visit taxhappens.com. Tax she and her staff have been working Happens is located at 10018 Park Place remotely from clients for years because of Ave. in Riverview.
As businesses and getting them open their doors folonboarded.” lowing mandated cloResearching vensures from the public dors who provide things health response to the like insurance benefits COVID-19 pandemic, and payroll services to owners are encountercompanies are among ing new ways of dealthe tasks that My HR ing with their employAdvisor can help with, ees and customers. as well as interacting When a small busiwith those providers in ness doesn’t have an the course of daily busiHR staff, often the ness. Vong Keovongsa is the founder company founder or “A typical client is of My HR Advisor, a company president is the one providing subscription-based going to be a small HR support to businesses. writing and delivering business that may need policy changes to regular or occasional employees or adding a HR support and they poster to the break want to be able to turn room wall that the it over to an HR profesrecently passed sional,” said CARES Act requires. It Keovongsa. “We are is a situation that Vong here to save them Keovongsa says illusmoney and time and trates why he began become the external his own business, My HR department for HR Advisor, after more small businesses.” than two decades of While My HR Karen Madden is a senior-level working in the HR Advisor operates exterHR advisor who supports businesses in the Sarasota and nally, he and his team field. Bradenton area for My HR “Advisory and HR of certified HR profesAdvisor. support services in a sionals can work onsubscription-based site as well, something model is essentially that benefit and service what we provide for providers may not do, startups and small according to businesses,” he said. Keovongsa. “We’re helping our clients navi“They might field some quesgate the challenges they will be factions, but I’ve actually gone out with ing as a small business, as new legdonuts and met with employees.” islation has been rolled out regarding My HR Advisor supports compaemployment practice and leave polinies throughout the Tampa Bay area cies. That way the owner can focus (as well as beyond) and has added on growing the business.” Keovongsa Karen Madden, who has 25 years of added that easing the HR administra- HR experience, as a senior-level tive burden for a business owner is advisor to focus on the Sarasota and beneficial whether or not there is a Bradenton areas. pandemic or other major crisis to To learn more about how My HR deal with. Advisor can help you grow your busi“If you need to hire five people, ness, visit myhradvisor.com or call I'm the one calling the employees 866-469-4777.
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Page 14
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 18, Issue 6
Tampa Tongue-Tie Center Specializes In Laser Pediatric Treatment
EducationFoundation Donates 950 Wi-Fi Hotspots To Students
A tongue and/or frenectomies, so it was lip-tie is a physical an amazing learning condition where the experience. He was an use of the tongue or awesome teacher and lip is limited. These mentor, which has can cause issues with allowed me to continue eating, sleeping and helping families in my speaking and own practice.” increase the Utilizing a non-touch risk for caviCO2 laser, Dr. Lynn can ties. It is estirelease a tongue or lipDr. Casey Lynn treats patients at tie in under 20 seconds mated that 20 percent SmileLYNN Pediatric Dentistry in of newborns have with almost no bleeding, Apollo Beach and has recently some sort of tongueminor discomfort and launched his practice to include Tampa Tongue-Tie Center. tie. Sometimes the tie quick healing. After the can be ‘clipped’ in the hospital or pediatriprocedure, many parents notice that their cian office. Although this can help, there babies are not only gaining weight but may be an incomplete release and no also no longer have gas/colic and are post-op therapy guidance. This could lead sleeping more. to scarring, reattachment and difficulty According to Dr. Lynn, one of the with breastfeeding. In addition, there most important steps of the process is could be future issues, including probpost-release. Every baby treated at the lems with speech, sleeping and breathTampa Tongue-Tie Center has already ing. been evaluated by a lactation consultant Dr. Casey Lynn of SmileLYNN and usually a pediatrician. Pediatric Dentistry in Apollo Beach has Recently, the office has reopened recently launched Tampa Tongue-Tie and is strictly adhering to all of the latest Center to address the issues related to CDC guidelines. “Our office was focused tongue and lip-ties. “Performing tongue on longer appointment times, patient and lip-tie surgeries are some of the most safety and providing an amazing experirewarding procedures I do as a pediatric ence to all of our parents and patients dentist,” said Dr. Lynn. “I love to hear that prior to COVID,” said Dr. Lynn. “We have the procedure has been ‘life changing.’” streamlined all of our practice systems to “I became interested in tongue-ties decrease the need to contact in the office during my pediatric residency,” said Dr. (touchless forms, consents and payment Lynn. “After residency, I wanted to learn options).” more hands on, and luckily I worked as Visit www.tonguetietb.com or call an associate for Dr. Frank Sierra in 591-3052. SmileLYNN Pediatric Dentistry Tampa. He has been working with mothis located at 122 Harbor Village Ln. in ers and infants for years doing laser Apollo Beach.
COVID-19 continue to secure addichanged the way stutional hotspots, and dents learned and how once the needs are met teachers provided lesat Achievement sons for the last two Schools, will expand to months of the school other Hillsborough year. One of the chalCounty Title I schools. lenges that came to Without this technology, light during the shift to these students could eLearning was the easily fall behind and it drastic digital divide for may take years for the most vulnerable them to recover from The Hillsborough Education students in Foundation donated Wi-Fi hotspots the lack of learning and Hillsborough County. to families in Ruskin to help students learning loss.” with eLearning. Students at the area’s Established in highest needs schools were in jeopardy 1987, Hillsborough Education Foundation of falling behind in their studies because is a nonprofit focused on strengthening of a lack of adequate Wi-Fi preventing public education by supporting teachers them from accessing their learning platand empowering students to achieve acaforms. demic and personal success. HEF’s In response, Hillsborough Education resources and financial support enrich KFoundation (HEF) created a Digital Equity 12 educational experiences by providing Team to find solutions to bridge the digital opportunities for all students, regardless divide. With the generosity and support of of background or economic status. donors, including Amgen Foundation and “Our work to bridge the digital divide the PwC Charitable Foundation, HEF pur- is expected to continue in the coming chased 350 Wi-Fi hotspots to distribute to months to help prevent the ‘Summer students in need. An additional 650 Slide’ with our most vulnerable students hotspots were later ordered to continue to at risk of losing achievement gains made meet the growing demand. during the school year,” said Oestreich. In collaboration with Hillsborough “With the help of our incredible partners, County Public Schools, the foundation we’re living our core belief of ensuring identified students at the district’s 50 high- every student has access and opportunity est needs Achievement Schools to proto benefit from a high-quality education vide them with a hotspot of unlimited data and making a difference in the lives of for the remainder of this school year to students and families in our community.” help ensure academic success. For more about its COVID-19 “Our goal is to serve the needs of response, visit https://educationfoundastudents at all 50 Achievement Schools,” tion.com/covid-19/. To donation, visit said Kendra Oestreich with HEF. “We will https://educationfoundation.com/donate/.
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Staff Report
June 2020
Page 15
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Valdes Takes Zoom Meetings To A Whole New Level With Award-Worthy Costumes
By Kelly Wise Valdes
Kelly Valdes has been dressing up in costumes for her work video meetings for nearly four weeks, she’s also a contributor to the Osprey Observer and Christian Voice Monthly.
So, it happened. A few weeks after I was sent home to work remotely, my boss tells our team he wants us to participate in daily video meetings and the problem is, well, I didn’t want to. Most of the male coworkers didn’t have a problem with it because, after all, they can roll out of bed and throw on a ball cap. While working from home, I hadn’t put on makeup for weeks, I’d been wearing yoga outfits and my hair was always in a ponytail. What in the world was I going to do? I complained to my husband and he jokingly replied, “Why don’t you wear a costume?” And that’s when the ball started rolling. Luckily, we had a few old Halloween costumes in our closets, so I pulled out the costume for the first meeting—none other than the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,
Elvis Presley. When the camera came on the next day, my teammates seemed slightly amused by my costume. At least I hoped so. Apparently, it was unexpected to have Elvis attend the meeting. The next day was Janis Joplin, followed by Elton John. Now, the co-workers were zooming to see who would be at the meeting each day. I started getting text messages with suggestions of costumes and ideas. I kept thinking my boss would soon stop the daily meetings and maybe have a weekly meeting instead; however, it appeared he was continuing the meetings to see how long I could continue to find costumes. We are now entering week four and I’ve somehow managed to find a costume every day, mostly putting together things I can find around
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the house. My co-workers have now been in meetings with Richard Simmons, Hulk Hogan, Flo from Progressive, Audrey Hepburn, Bob Ross, Princess Leia and the Grinch, just to name a few. Quarantine can certainly stir creativity. But, dressing up in full-costume isn’t necessary to create comradery for a video meeting. After speaking to other people looking for fun things to do during this time of separation, I’ve seen people becoming creative in ways that just didn’t happen while in the office. Some examples of fun things to consider: Crazy socks day, funny coffee mug day, favorite sports team day, show-off-your-pet day, share a picture of your favorite vacation, funny hat day, concert t-shirt day and crazy hair day. I even heard that one team
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shared how many toilet paper rolls they had left in the house. Virtual team bonding increases employee motivation and collaboration. During this time of separation, having virtual fun activities makes employees feel connected and valued, and ultimately makes them highly dedicated to their organization. To quote author Steve Goodier from his book One Minute Can Change A Life, “Humor can make a serious difference. In the workplace, at home, in all areas of life – looking for a reason to laugh is necessary. A sense of humor helps us to get through the dull times, cope with the difficult times, enjoy the good times and manage the scary times.” If you are looking for some fun ideas, visit https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2020/03/16/.
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Volume 18, Issue 6
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Community Finds Unique Ways To Celebrate The Class Of 2020, Car Parades, Signs & More With the end of the 20192020 school year moved to eLearning and high school graduations postponed to July or possibly cancelled, the community has taken it into its own hands to celebrate the Class of 2020 in unique ways with parades, signs and more. “Our district’s graduates have so much to be proud of and to celebrate. Though it is not the end of their senior year that anyone could have predicted or wanted, their accomplishments and recognitions will shine far brighter than any national emergency,” said Hillsborough County Public Schools’ Tanya Arja. “More than 13,000 seniors in Hillsborough County Public Schools will obtain their high school diploma this year and continue their future plans in college, the military or directly into a rewarding career.” Arja added that the district is continuing to monitor CDC guidelines and recommendations from the Florida Department of Health. “Our district’s graduation committee was proactive, making alternate plans to ensure all seniors have the opportunity to experience the graduation ceremony they deserve,” she said. “Instead of graduation cere-
By Kate Quesada
Tuesday, July 14 at 4 p.m., whereas Lennard is planning to hold its ceremony on Saturday, July 18 at 4:30 p.m. and Spoto at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, July 20.
monies in May, our district’s tentative plan is to hold traditional ceremonies the week of July 13-26 at the Florida State Fairgrounds.” East Bay, Lennard And Spoto Celebrate With Car Parades Many of the 580 graduates from East Bay High School, 600 seniors from Lennard High School and 382 members of Spoto High School’s Class of 2020 celebrated finishing
the school year last month with a car parade attended by students, teachers and school staff. Graduating students decorated their cars and caps and held signs showing their pride for finishing high school. There were also opportunities to pose for pictures with friends and favorite teachers. East Bay is hoping to hold a traditional graduation ceremony at the Florida State Fairgrounds on
Bryan Hindman Electric Celebrates Graduates The team at Bryan Hindman Electric, LLC wanted to celebrate their son, a senior at East Bay High School, and other graduates in a safe way during the time of social distancing, so they decided to give out free lawn signs for members of the Class of 2020. “It is heartbreaking for the students who have lost the opportunity to participate in the things they were looking forward to this year,” said Heather Hindman. “For many, this may have been their first or only graduation.” According to Hindman, students and their parents from all over the county took advantage of the free signs from the company. “Lawn signs seemed like the perfect way to celebrate and give back to the community which has given so much to us,” said Hindman. To learn more about Bryan Hindman Electric, LLC, call 6724084.
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Page 17
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
America’s Next Great Film Colony, 1925, Destined To Fail: Sun City’s Hollywood Of The East
By Charles Nelson
In April 1925, could you have been tempted to buy land and possibly live right next door to ‘America’s Sweetheart,’ Mary Pickford? Land sale pitches like this one were used by cunning promoters to lure ‘starryeyed’ investors to a brand-new community to be built in Southern Hillsborough County. The community, south of 5. Mary Pic tudio, 192 the Little Manatee River, kford. Sun City S was to be called Sun City (not to be confused with today’s Sun City cycles have occurred several times in Center). Planned for a 400-acre site Florida’s past. Without question, the south of Ruskin on today’s US 41, the Great Land Boom/Bust of the 1920s town of Sun City was being built to was the most severe. Even the recent lure Hollywood into making 2004-2009 mortgage-fueled crisis, Hillsborough County its permanent while fresh in our minds, cannot comhome: a new ‘Hollywood of the East.’ pare to the frenzied real estate market Today, the only ghostly reminders of of the ’20s where only a few of the the once ballyhooed community are early investors made money before its street names (each designated in the ‘house of cards’ fell, leaving many honor of famous silent film stars and penniless. Tampa Bay was not studios of the era; one example: immune to land fever. In Southern Chaney Dr. in honor of Lon Chaney, Hillsborough County, land speculators ‘The Man of a Thousand Faces!’). By attempted to ‘cash in’ with potentially January 1926, a mere nine months lucrative land sale schemes. Some after its well-publicized announcewere successful. James B. Gibson ment, this ‘can’t miss’ investment developed ‘Gibsonton-on-the-Bay’ in opportunity was a completely failed 1923 as a fishing resort. Some were project. The developers quickly disap- not. Ruskin Heights, east of Ruskin, peared from Hillsborough County: sought sales through land auctions at broke, disillusioned and dishonored, variable prices with little long-term suffering the fate of many other quessuccess. In fact, throughout Florida, tionable developers in the ’20s. most planned developments failed in Speculative land boom and bust the 1920s. Locally, only a few, like
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It became clear that successful development depended on the movie industry coming to Sun City. To guarantee that relocation, Sun City developers erected a $300,000, stateof-the-art movie studio. However, the glittering studio wasn’t nearly enough to bring the industry to Sun City. Other than two, longforgotten comedy shorts, n u S the studio remained empty. f o erial view Today’s a City. In 1932, creditors forced the dismantling of the studio, netting a meager $1,500 against thousands Davis Islands and Temple Terrace, of dollars in debt. were examples of long-term success. Developers failed to lure Below the Little Manatee River, Sun Hollywood to make movies in Sun City was not particularly unique in tryCity and to build a community. A ing to ‘cash in’ on land sales during model home, built in 1925, was the the Florida Land Boom. At its heart, it only structure built, other than the stuwas a land sale scheme, like all the dio. (That model home still stands on others. To ensure a successful outChaney Dr. just off US 41.) But little come, however, Sun City developers else remains of this planned, ‘starused the film ‘hook’ to lure investors. studded’ community. After January Everything depended on the movie 1926, there was no mention of Sun industry deciding to come to City in local papers. The planned Hillsborough County and anchor the ‘Hollywood of the East’ had failed development. quickly. On March 21, 1925, Sun City developers announced the public sale of land contracts. Advertising hype in Charles Nelson Bio area newspapers fueled an early Charles Nelson holds a MA degree in History from George Mason University bandwagon reaction for the movie and taught as an adjunct instructor at colony’s speculative potential. In April HCC (Dale Mabry). He is also affiliated 1925, local speculators put down with Tampa Bay History Center as a volunteer docent, researcher and deposits but quickly sold those concommunity lecturer, with an emphasis on tracts, at a profit, to other speculators. South Hillsborough County history. Few intended to actually build homes.
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June 2020
Page 21
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Area Summer Camps Adjust Protocols For Maximizing CDC Guidelines
Staff Report
Every year, the Osprey Observer is excited to showcase some of the best camps our area has to offer. This year was no exception. Despite some unexpected obstacles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, your local camps are ready to operate with a goal to serve and entertain the children in our community— and keep them safe. Read on to see how many of them are updating procedures to support CDC guidelines.
Camp High 5 At BSAC
Camp High 5 at Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center (BSAC) is ready to help make your child’s summer memorable. From free registration to field trips and swim lessons, there is something for everyone. Be sure to check out camp details on the website at myBSAC.org. You can also find a link to a video on what BSAC is doing to keep your children healthy and safe.
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium is prepared to make your child’s experience both fun and safe while they learn new skills, make new friends, create tasty recipes. Camp staff will be enforcing social distancing measures and effective hand washing and sanitizing, utilizing touchless temperature at beginning of each session, students will bring own face protection and more. Learn more online at www.rollingpinonline.com.
YMCA
After providing 10 weeks of emergency relief care for essential workers, the Y has become experienced in keeping children and staff safe. Visit www.tampaymca.org/letscamp to learn how your Tampa area YMCA has made adjustments to ensure your children can safely attend camps, beginning on Monday, June 1. Your Tampa Y
offers 10 weeks of camp at 16 locations across the Tampa Bay area.
Firehouse Cultural Center
Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin has eight weeks of fun to choose from, and with camp options ranging from animation to theater to robotics, there is something for everyone. To ensure the safety and health of all, campers will be temperature scanned and required to hand sanitize before entering building. Additionally, social distancing will be maintained, contact surface areas will be sanitized, masks must be worn and many other steps following and beyond CDC guidelines will be used. Register today at www.firehouseculturalcenter.org or call 6457651 for more information.
TechPlayzone
TechPlayzone is ramping it up this summer and offering both virtual and in-person classes. Campers will be able to take part in engaging STEM opportunities with LEGO® robotics, coding, handson science and more. Check out the options on www.techplayzone.com and register today.
The Florida Academy Of Performing Arts The Florida Academy of Performing Arts located in Music Showcase is following CDC guidelines to ensure a safe camp experience. Register Online today at FAOPA.org.
TLC’s Gypsy Haven
For more information on horse camp at TLC’s Gypsy Haven, located in Lithia, call Tammi Catrett at 842-4236 or email at tlcs2867@aol.com. To sign up, visit the website at www.tlcsfarms.com.
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Experience the great outdoors, including ropes, horses, ziplining and more. Camp Osprey wants you to feel secure in knowing your child is safe at camp. It will be following CDC guidelines, such as monitoring camper and staff temperatures, masks being worn by counselors and adhering to smaller groups, including in cabins for overnight campers. You can register now. Camp starts on Sunday, June 14. Visit www.camposprey.com for details or email info@camposprey.com.
Impact Summer Camp
Impact Summer Camp is excited to welcome children ages 5-12 who love being active and having fun. The staff is prepared with precautionary measures in place that go beyond CDC guidelines, including an air puri-
fier installed and ozone machine for air treatment, temperture scanning twice daily and increased cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day. Please visit ImpactSummerCamps.com or call 952-8053 and register today.
Florida Hawks FC
The staff at Florida Hawks FC is offering a variety of soccer camps for various ages and skill levels. For more information and for details on enhanced safety measures such as smaller groups, bottled water, controlled exit and entry and more, visit www.floridahawksfc.com.
Mathnasium
Summer is under way at Mathnasium and it is ready to have students join in the STEM Camp fun. Planning for safety first, Mathnasium is following CDC guidelines like temperature checks when entering, maintaining capacity regulations and social
distancing, having masks be required, disinfecting surfaces regularly and putting sneeze guards in place where needed. Be sure to check out www.mathnasium.com/brandon for more information or call 655-MATH (6284) and register today.
Patel Conservatory At The Straz Center
Register today for summer classes in dance, theater and music at the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center by visiting patelconservatory.org or calling 2221040.
Sports Fun At The MAC!
The MAC Gym in Brandon is once again offering summer sports camps. Registration will be limited to assist in social distancing requirements. Procedures will be in effect as provided through Governor DeSantis’ Safe. Smart. Step by Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery and in accordance with CDC guidelines. Register today at themacgym.org.
R & R Ranch
For more information on camp registration for children 6-12 years old and updates on horse camp dates at R & R Ranch, call 653-3819.
Ostingers Baseball
Ostingers Baseball is offering three summer camp sessions (June 1519, July 13-17, July 27- 31) for children 7-14 years of age. Camps are from 8:30am-12:30pm (it does 1/2 day camps because it is a true baseball camp). Ostingers Staff is made up of all former Professional players, who instruct! We want to teach the game from the ground up. The camp will be held at the Ostingers Baseball Academy located at 8711 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia. For more information on camp registration, visit ostingbaseball.com or call 7373000.
Page 22
Volume 18, Issue 6
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
From The Tee Box With Jason Blanchard As the summer heats up and the rains move in, many people don’t realize how much the water can affect not only how the ball responds on the greens but how the mud and water can affect ball flight as well. The rain tends to soften up fairways and not only cause tee shots to not roll out as much but will often times make mud to stick to your golf ball. Mud will likely cause drastic changes in ball flight and distance for your next shot. The rule of thumb is that of opposites when it comes to dirt or mud on your ball. If the dirt is on the right side of the ball, it will cause the ball to move left, and vice versa. If the dirt is on the top of the ball, it will stay low, and if on the bottom it should go higher. If the grass or dirt is between the club face and the ball at impact, many times you will get what’s called a flyer, putting less spin on the ball and causing it to fly farther and roll more when it hits the ground. Another issue the rain causes is casual water on the fairways and greens. This is where the rules of golf are your friend. Rule
25 allows you to move your ball when either you are standing in water or your ball is sitting in water not inside a hazard. You may take free relief from this condition no closer to the hole. Just remember that when taking any type of free relief you must take complete relief. In the situation of the casual water, make sure your ball and your stance are completely out of the standing water when you take your relief. If you take time to know the rules, you will be surprised how much they can help you. Please feel free to reach out to me with any rule questions at golfguyosprey@gmail.com. Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC KORi1BixPjP_wCndPJ1ahA for some helpful tips ‘from the tee!’ Jason Blanchard, PGA manages the 18-hole Summerfield Crossings Golf Club as the COO/General Manager. The course opened in 1987 and was designed by Ron Garl. Visit https://summerfieldgc.com/
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June 2020
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 23
Neighborhoods And Businesses Get Creative To Thank Essential Workers
By Kate Quesada
BAYADA Home Health Care Employees Teach Themselves How To Sew Masks
Office employees at the BAYADA Assistive Care State Programs (BSP) office in Brandon of BAYADA Home Health Care (bayada.com), a leading nonprofit provider of inhome healthcare and support services, banded together to watch YouTube videos and teach themselves how to sew masks, making over 100 comfort masks for its staff members in need. These masks contribute to the many supplies BAYADA is currently in need of and is actively seeking donation from across the country. Donations can be made to the organization by visiting BAYADA.com/Care4Covid or texting CARE4COVID to 41444.
nationwide since 2009. Visit LimeadesforLearning.com to learn about future funding opportunities and explore public school teacher requests in need of support.
Free Counseling Services From Healing The Broken Heart
Employees at BAYADA Home Health Care recently made masks for staff members in need.
Bass Pro Shops Donated Masks
Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris personally donated one million FDA-approved ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Masks to healthcare workers and first responders working on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis across the United States. In Tampa, a total of 6,000 of these masks will be donated to two facilities— Brandon Regional Hospital and the Palm Gardens of Sun City Center Assisted Living Facility. Convoy of Hope is utilizing its national network of partners and volunteers to identify appropriate local hospitals and medical facilities and help distribute the masks based on areas’ needs and demands. The donation will provide thousands of hard-to-find masks to every local community with a Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s store, boat center, distribution center and White River Marine Group manufacturing facility—over 200 communities in total. To support their efforts, visit www.convoyofhope.org/10mm.
SONIC Thanks Teachers With Donations
To recognize the entrepreneurial spirit driving teachers to meet their students’ distance learning needs during this difficult time, SONIC® Drive-In matched all donations to
To show appreciation for local first responders, educators, healthcare providers and mothers, Healing The Broken Heart, LLC Counseling Services is offering three counseling sessions for free via telehealth. To learn more, email healingtheReddick Elementary kindergarten teacher brokenheartllc@gmail.com or call Karena Caputo received thanks for her 430-3113. Visit www.healingthebroschool in the shape of a sign for her yard. kenheartllc.com for more information on Healing The Broken Heart, LLC Counseling Services.
Local Teachers Receive Recognition
Masks were recently donated to Brandon Regional Hospital from Bass Pro Shops.
DonorsChoose on Teacher Appreciation Day, giving three Riverview teachers funds. Christine Schreck at Boyette Springs Elementary School, Amanda Bromen at Bridgeprep Academy of Riverview and Amanda Kovach at Lillian Symmes Elementary School all received money for projects through the program. Through Limeades for Learning®, SONIC donated $1 million to public school teacher requests across the country on Teacher Appreciation Day—Tuesday, May 5—supporting their endeavors to provide students with essential education resources. Conley at Independence Academy was among the exception-
Students and parents all over the country are more thankful than ever for their teachers after months to eLearning. The staff at Reddick Healthcare workers at Brandon Regional Hospital ate meals from Taco YOLO on Cinco de Mayo thanks to a Elementary in partnership between the restaurant at the Newsome Wimauma were Athletic Boosters. shown appreciation with signs in their al teachers whose project yard from grateful parreceived funding. ents. “Teachers across the Kindergarten country face new and teacher Karena Caputo complex challenges to proudly displayed her keep their students learnsign in her yard. ing right now,” said Christi Woodworth, vice president for public relations for SONIC. “As we continue to celebrate teachers this Teacher Appreciation Month, we sincerely thank educators like Samantha Conley who are creatively keeping their students learning even as schools are closed. With SONIC’s $1 million donation match, we were able to help teachers obtain resources for their students and will continue to empower them throughout the year.” SONIC is committed to helping teachers now in this time of need, and all year long. Through Limeades for Learning, SONIC has donated $16.6 million to public school teachers, helping more than 21,000 teachers and impacting more than 5.4 million students in public schools
Taco YOLO Donates Cinco De Mayo Meals
Despite having to work during a pandemic on one of the nation’s favorite holidays, employees at Brandon Regional Hospital enjoyed delicious food on Cinco de Mayo thanks to a local restaurant. Taco YOLO in FishHawk Ranch teamed up with the Newsome High School Athletic Boosters and donated meals on May 5. “We are honored to be a part of the community and were happy to donate to the brave men and women on the front lines of the pandemic helping members of our community,” said Taco YOLO’s Heath Hardin. To learn more about Taco YOLO, visit www.tacoyolo.com.
Page 24
Volume 18, Issue 6
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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June 2020
Volume 18, Issue 6
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Florida Dermatology And Skin Cancer Centers Continue To Provide Care
Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers continues to take extraordinary measures to ensure that access to essential dermatological care will continue without disruption during this unprecedented time. As it regularly monitors the COVID-19 outbreak, it would like to remind you that it remains open and as always, our employees, patients and community remain our top priority. While many patients continue to receive treatment in one of its dermatology office locations, it understands that others may be looking for a contactless alternative. FLDSCC is offering virtual visits through telemedicine. Due to that nature of cases it observes and treats, please note that a patient may be asked to schedule an in-office follow up appointment for further diagnosis and treatment if it is felt necessary. If you’d like to learn more about their telemedicine and virtual care program, have any questions, please contact them at 1-855-353-7546, info@fldscc.com or visit the website at www.fldscc.com.
Datz Opens In Winthrop
On Thursday, May 14, a few Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce
Graduation Supplies To Help You Celebrate
Discount Party Supply located near Stein & Vine on Datz is now open in Winthrop. Bloomingdale has all your graduation needs. (GRCC) members joined to cel-
ebrate Datz Restaurant Group Riverview Grand Opening with a virtual celebration. The virtual Ribbon Cutting was streamed on Facebook Live to members and the community. Angel Campos, General Manager of Datz Restaurant Group – Riverview showed off their brand-new location and introduced those in attendance to the Datz Restaurant Group - Riverview management team. With over 9,000 views for their virtual celebration, the new location was blown away with the community’s support and is absolutely thrilled to be opening in the Riverview area. They are currently operating at 25 percent capacity and have lots of outdoor seating for customers to enjoy their hand-crafted food and beverages! Datz Restaurant Group - Riverview is a craft beer oasis, a bourbon lover’s paradise, a foodie wonderland filled with bacon, cheese, and house-made breads. They offer an eclectic cocktail menu with
Volunteer of the Year Award winner Desh Bagley.
artisanal liquors found nowhere else in Riverview and boasts a seasonal menu change that reflects a growing community appetite for unique, new entrees. Datz is an awardwinning restaurant and has been featured on Good Morning America, Travel Channel, Food Network, Cooking Channel, and FYI. There was a proclamation delivered by 2020 Honorary Mayor of Riverview – Daniel Cyral. He recognized May 14, 2020 to be Datz Restaurant Group Riverview Day! And reminded all who were in attendance that at Datz Restaurant Group - Riverview they serve craveable, delectable, and eatable handcrafted munchies! Datz Restaurant Group - Riverview is located at 6264 Winthrop Town Centre Ave. in Riverview, within the Winthrop Town Centre right next to Winthrop Liquors. For more information, visit https://datztampa.com/riverview/ or call 535-7952.
Rob Angilella is excited to let you know that graduation supplies are in and on the shelves at his store, Discount Party Supply and customized High School supplies should be in soon. He is not going to let COVID19 put a damper on your festivities. Discount Party Supply is a family owned and operated, wedding and party supply superstore. It’s goal is to provide the best customer service and to engage with each and everyone one of it’s customers to contribute a little more happiness on your special day and to make it perfect just the way you want it. All this and having the lowest prices in town for all your party supply needs. Whether it’s a graduation, a child’s birthday party, baby shower or an adult’s milestone birthday they will put a smile on your face with their beautifully arranged centerpieces, bouquets and variety of balloons. Discount Party Supply is in Bloomingdale in the same plaza as Stein and Vine, temporary store hours are Thursday – Saturday 10a.m. - 6p.m. Visit their website www.discountedpartysupply.com or FB@Discount Party Supply to find out more. Telephone 513-4860.
Local Business Owner Wins Volunteer Of The Year Award Desh Bagley, TechPlayzone founder and owner was recently recognized as the 2020 Volunteer of the Year for
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Volume 18, Issue 6
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Business Column Continued................... FIRST® LEGO® League internationally. The league guides youth through STEM learning and exploration at an early age. From Discover, to Explore, and then to Challenge, students will understand the basics of STEM and apply their skills in an exciting competition while building habits of learning, confidence and teamwork skills along the way. TechPlayzone is a science and technology program that began in 2005, to find out more visit their website www.techplayzone.com.
Jack Daniels Bottle Engraving For Father's Day
Are you still looking for that special Father's Day gift? A. J's Fine Wine and Liquors is here to help. It will be hosting a Jack Daniels bottle engraving event on June 20, from 6p.m.-9p.m. Anything that can fit on the front or back of the bottle can be engraved. A variety of Jack Daniels styles and bottle sizes is available, pre-ordering is highly recommended and can be done by calling A.J. on 6546488.
MEDI Weightloss Is Open For New And Existing Clients
With the coronavirus sweeping across the nation, many people maybe struggling with ways to manage their stress, adhere to proper nutrition, and focus on their overall wellness. At MEDI Weightloss they are committed to the health and wellness of their patients. Did you know that obesity is a risk factor for covid-19? It now offers telemedicine appointments and curbside pickup as well as office visits. It has also updated and enhanced it’s safety and sanitation protocols. Medi Brandon has been serving the community for over 13 years, just read their reviews to see what patients say about them. Additional information is available at www.mediweightloss.com or call 6541110.
Beat The Heat Eco Tours
Latitudes Tours is very happy to be back on the water. It has added a new Breakfast Eco Tour with an early morning departure time of 8:00 to beat the summer heat and afternoon rain storms. It has also partnered with a local favorite, the Ruskin Diner, to offer five breakfast classics with your choice of drink to
By Jenny Bennett
enhance your cruise as an optional extra. Book online at latitudestours.com or call 641-1311.
Attorney D. Jean Ryan Esq. Offers Bankruptcy Services
Attorney D. Jean Ryan has a long career in bankruptcy services. She graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1984 and opened her own bankruptcy practice in 1989, concentrating primarily on consumer issues. In 1998, she merged her firm with a midsized firm and later was of counsel with the former Miami offices of Steel Hector & Davis LLP. In October of 2004, Ryan and Marcia T. Dunn, a chapter 7 trustee, opened Ryan and Dunn, P.A. In November 2010, Ryan continued with the bankruptcy practice as Dunn elected to return exclusively to her duties as a chapter 7 trustee. Ryan’s practice includes the representation of consumer debtors, business debtors, creditors and trustees in cases filed under chapters 7, 11, 12 and 13. To find out more, email jryan@ryanlawpa.com or call 651-2733.
Custom Facemasks Available For Your Company
Manatee Apparel Graphics is an established screen printing and embroidery company serving the Tampa Bay area for over 30 years. Manatee Apparel Graphics also stocks various styles of face masks at it’s location in Riverview, including KN-95 disposable masks, Tultex washable cotton masks and 100% polyester activity masks. If you prefer custom masks with your company’s logo MAG’s website offers the ability for you to design your own or you can call to place an order. Most orders will ship within 48 hours or you can pick up in store. For more information visit manateeapparel.com or call 866 413-8400.
Creative Junk Therapy
Creative Junk Therapy is a startup resource center located at 10236 Fisher Ave. East Tampa, their mission is to provide resources for enrichment through art and creation using salvaged materials. Owner Karen Koseck says “Our goal is to encourage artistic expression for future
generations while benefitting our environment by keeping reusable items from our landfills.” Creative Therapy will offer gently used items at reasonable costs, creative workshops, makers space as well as a space for studios, meetings or events. To learn more view their FB page Creative Junk Therapy or call 324-9777.
photography.com or call 766-3096.
Estate And Trust Planning During COVID-19
Heath Wealth Management recently presented a webinar on Estate and Trust Planning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was hosted by Mara Shaughnessy, Elijah Heath and presented by Dominic Jones. The presentation demonstrated the complications that COVID-19 has on your estate plan and the contingencies that need to be in place. Heath Wealth Management would like to thank everyone who attended the webinar and let you know that it strives to continue to offer more educational material to it’s audience during these hard times. For more information on financial planning, advice, webinars and other services visit Heathwealth.com Facebook.com/HeathWealthMGMT or .call 556-7171.
Greater Riverview Chamber Of Commerce Hosts Membership Meeting Via Zoom
The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce recently hosted their monthly membership meeting through Zoom, where more than seventy members tuned in from the comfort of their homes. President Mike Jones welcomed everyone who tuned in to watch the virtual meeting and touched on some of the positives coming from the current situation. He also recognized some of the businesses that have gotten creative in improving their business and motivated everyone to hang on a little longer as restrictions are being lifted. Dan Bender from South Bay Hospital then spoke on behalf of the healthcare system, letting viewers know about the challenges they have faced but how thankful they were with the outpouring of suppot from the community. The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce can be contacted via www.riverviewchamber.com or call 234-5944.
Canine Cabana Helps Out Local Resident
Recently, Canine Cabana had a call to action for helping one of its Riverview community customers. A woman had fallen in her home and did not want to call an ambulance until she knew her furry friends were taken care of. When they received the call, Owners Angie Pickren and Kendall Duncan immediately knew that they had to help and lodge the woman’s two dogs for however long it was needed. Canine Cabana is located at 9708 Carr Rd. in Riverview and is still open for doggy daycare. You can email it at info@caninecabana.biz or call it at 6729663. It is currently open Monday-Friday from 6:30a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Misty Jones Photography Receives Best Of Riverview Award
Misty Jones Photography has been selected for the 2020 Best of Riverview Award in the Photographer category by the Riverview Award Program. The Riverview Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Riverview area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Riverview area a great place to live, work and play. More information about Misty Jones can be found on her website, Mistyjones
Salt Athletics Is Coming To The Salt Grotto
The Salt Grotto is pleased to announce the addition of Salt Athletics to their wellness center. For many years The Salt Grotto has been offering their clients an amazing wellness center featuring halo therapy (dry salt inhalation), and Sheila Alba, manager of The Salt Grotto, said, “We are so excited to be adding Salt Athletics to our wellness services; it adds a dynamic, new, scientific wellness platform for our customers.” In each session, users will receive a combination of light therapy and salt inhalation therapy known to benefit several conditions. Visit www.thesaltgrotto.com for more information.
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June 2020
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 18, Issue 6
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Firehouse Cultural Center In Ruskin Reopens, Pub Opening Soon After it held stage in classiits last pub cal 19th-century event on March theatrical melo15, the drama. The funFirehouse filled show is full Cultural of laughs and Center’s audience particFirehouse Pub ipation. closed. Now, The after over two Firehouse months of being The Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin is slowly Cultural reopening and offering some programming in a closed, the Center’s execulimited capacity with safety at the forefront. The Firehouse tive director, center, like so many other cultural centers, was Cultural Center William (Chris) forced to close due to COVID-19. and its Bredbenner, Firehouse Pub are opening again. The said, “Our last public activity, a lightly Firehouse Pub officially opened on attended music pub, was on March 15. May 30 with TBone Hamilton and the It certainly has not been the same withBlues All Stars. out you. We have thoughtfully, but cauYou can listen to the music of Ona tiously, reopened the center. We are at the Firehouse Pub on Saturday, preparing to begin small classes and June 6 at 7:30 p.m. You will not want to programming soon.” miss the chance to listen to some great The Firehouse Cultural Center is Latin jazz. complying with CDC and federal, state The Firehouse Pub is getting ready and local authorities on cautiously for the return of Comedy Night on reopening safely. The center has partFriday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m. The show nered with Sysco to provide hand saniwill feature special guest BC Murphy. tizer stations with refills, disinfectant You can then come back on that is peroxide-based for quick cleanSaturday, June 20 and listen to the Tim ing and spray sanitizer. Bredbenner Costello Band and their rockin’ blues at said, “If you have cruised, you know 7:30 p.m. the drill—‘washy washy.’” In addition to music at the Advance tickets to the music and Firehouse Pub, the Firehouse Cultural comedy shows are $18 for members Center is offering Summer Family and $23 for nonmembers. Day-of tickTheatre. It will be presenting a special ets are $23 for members and $28 for show for children on Saturday, June 27 nonmembers. at 10:30 a.m. The first show is The The Firehouse Cultural Center is Fairy Tales of Grimm. You can see located at 101 1st Ave. NE. in Ruskin. tales such as the Bremen Town For more information and to get tickets, Musicians, Rapunzel, Hansel and please visit www.firehouseculturalcenGretel and Snow White come to the ter.org or call 645-7651.
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Local Author And Artist Kat Heckenbach Featured In New Anthology Author Kat one of the more humorHeckenbach of ous stories I have writValrico is the featured ten.” Heckenbach author in an antholoadded, “The form of gy published by speculative fiction used Havok Publishing. here is paranormal. The The newly released story world is our world, anthology is called but the character has Stories That Sing: an unusual characterisHavok Season Two. tic that is not found in All of the flash fiction the normal world.” stories in the antholoHeckenbach grew gy are inspired by up in Riverview, attendsongs from the 50s ed Hillsborough through the 90s and Community College are speculative ficand the University of tion. Heckenbach’s Tampa and she now young adult story is resides in Valrico with Kat Heckenbach is both an author her husband and called A Fly on the and an artist. Her artwork is the Wall. daughter. cover art for a new anthology called In addition to Heckenbach startStories That Sing: Havok Season Two, which also features being a featured ed writing in 2008 and Heckenbach’s young adult story author, Heckenbach began her writing called A Fly on the Wall. is an artist. The career with a short cover of Stories That Sing: Havok story called Willing Blood. This was a Season Two features one of horror story that won the Editor’s Heckenbach’s award-winning paintChoice for the July/August 2009 issue ings. The painting is of a phoenix. The of The Absent Willow Review, an 16” x 20” mixed media piece earned a online magazine. Her first published third place ribbon at the Florida State novel was Finding Angel, which was Fair Fine Arts Competition this past published in 2011. This was the first in February and won Best in Show at the a young adult fantasy trilogy called Tampa Sci-fi/Fantasy Convention, the Toch Island Chronicles. Necronomicon, in October 2019. Heckenbach’s most recent novel, Heckenbach took inspiration from Relent, which is about a paranormal the song Pretty Fly (for a White Guy) romance, was released in 2017. by The Offspring to write A Fly on the Heckenbach’s writings can be Walll. In the story, a teen boy has a found on Amazon.com. You can also secret crush on a girl he believes to find her artwork in her Etsy shop at be out of his league, and he has a JumpingRails and at secret he knows would scare her even FineArtAmerica.com. farther away. Heckenbach said, “The For more on Heckenbach, please story is not scary at all. It is actually visit www.katheckenbach.com.
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Saint Anne Catholic Church All public Masses and services are cancelled until further notice. The Church will be open weekdays for private prayer between 9 a.m.-1p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The Masses will be streamed behind closed doors and uploaded to the St. Anne website and Facebook page. Please check the St. Anne website and e-blasts for further information.
Hwy. 41 • 106 11th Ave NE • Ruskin SaintAnneRuskin.org • 813-645-1714
June 2020
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 29
ECHO In Brandon Establishes Its First Summer Youth Leadership Program
Facebook Restaurant Group Helps Restaurants And Attracts Thousands
Students ages pantry and clothing 15 to 21 who have an closet. The group also interest in developing provides free life leadership skills building programs through serving their such as GED community will get an (General Equivalency opportunity to accomDiploma) classes, plish that this summer financial counseling, with ECHO’s employment services (Emergency Care and much more. Help Organization) The 75 students new Youth in this program will Student volunteers assisting with Leadership Program. moving boxes of food from a food drive commit to one day a at ECHO’s warehouse. This nine-week proweek from 8:30 a.m.gram will begin on Monday, June 1 and 3 p.m. Several trainings will be provided end on Friday, July 31, offering students to teach students about core issues and the chance to earn community service lessons on generational poverty, what hours and learn about poverty. causes it, what ECHO does and more. During the quarantine months, Students will also work on team projects, ECHO shifted to an emergency food disassist with running the Back to School tribution plan in order to cater to the Community Bash and participate in a needs of the community while following team fundraising competition. social distancing recommendations. This There will be a competition consisting was especially important because, as a of five teams of 15 students. Each team full-service operation, the group relies on will be responsible for planning one a large number of volunteers, the majority fundraiser for ECHO during the latter part of which are over the age of 60. of the summer as a prize will be awarded The Youth Leadership Program was to the team with the most success of it. born in an effort to expose new volunCOVID-19 safety protocols will be impleteers to ECHO. mented throughout the program. According to ECHO’s executive “Overall, our goal is that when studirector, Eleanor Saunders, this summer dents finish the program they will be able season will likely be very busy for ECHO, to see how anyone could end up at our which offers a wide variety of assistance doors,” ECHO Development Coordinator and resources to people residing in Savanna Thompson said. “We are also Hillsborough County who suffered from a grateful for the outpouring of love and recent emergency. support from our community too.” Residents who come to ECHO for Visit https://echofl.org. ECHO is locatassistance are given 20 pounds of food, ed at 507 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. seven outfits and more with ECHO’s food Call 685-0935 to learn more.
Local realtor favorite dishes Brenda Wade and deals, memhad an idea last bers also started month that brightposting giveened the lives of aways and conthousands of tests and rallying quarantined residonations to prodents while helpvide food to ing restaurants essential workers through some and recognition hard times. of single parents Wade set up on Mother’s Day. the private But the best Facebook group thing for Wade ‘Restaurants in about the group Greater Brandon is how it has & Tampa Area brought the comFishHawk resident Rebecca Long was Offering Delivery recognized by the Restaurants in Greater munity together. & Take Out’ and “I have been Brandon & Tampa Area Offering Delivery & within days it had Take Out Facebook page on Mother’s Day. so impressed by thousands of followers and hundreds how positive everyone has been and of posts a week offering support to how they have rallied when they saw local restaurants. a need,” she said. “I feel we have “I eat out frequently and was still added value to some folks that needgrabbing takeout and noticed how ed us.” terribly slow the restaurants were,” Despite the fact that restaurants said Wade. “I just wanted to help. I are now starting to open with quaranhad a friend in Canada that had start- tine restrictions lifting, Wade feels ed a group and I felt we should try it there is still a role for the group. here.” “I see us continuing to support Wade started spreading the word them and using it to promote the about the group through her family independent food providers,” she and real estate contacts and it quickexplained. “We have lots of hidden ly gained momentum. gems in our community. There are “This community is close-knit and ones I didn’t know about and I think will rally for what they believe in,” she it’s important to support local.” said. “We all want our neighbors and Search for ‘Restaurants in friends to survive this black swan.” Greater Brandon & Tampa Area In addition to posts from resiOffering Delivery & Take Out’ on dents and restaurant owners about Facebook to learn more.
By Tatiana Ortiz
By Kate Quesada
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Volume 18, Issue 6
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Residents Shower High School Seniors Through Facebook Connection
By Karin Davis-Thompson
The onset of COVIDseniors in public, private, 19 has meant cancelled or charter schools request proms, graduation cereto join the page and post monies and celebrations a photo of themselves (or for high school seniors. multiple photos) along But local resident Elena with a detailed bio. Then, Dench refuses to let this potential sponsors join the year’s senior class end page, read about the stutheir high school career dents and choose a senior without a memorable way to sponsor. Once they to celebrate. choose a student, the parDench started a ent and sponsor talk Facebook group in late Megan Lee poses with about their senior in more April called ‘Lithia & her gift from her sponsor. detail and coordinate the Lee, senior of Riverview delivery of the student’s Riverview FL c/o 2020 High School, received a “Adopt A Senior”’ as a gift from her community gift. way to connect students So far, students from sponsor as a part of a with members of the com- senior Facebook page. at least 14 schools have munity willing to help students celeparticipated. Dench said reading brate their senior year with a special about the students has been an inspigift. So far, she has found sponsors ration. to ‘adopt’ nearly 150 seniors from the “I really enjoy reading about these Lithia, Riverview, Brandon and Plant kids,” said the mother of two. “So City areas. many of them have over a 4.0 GPA, Dench, a licensed practical nurse, admirable volunteer resumes and a said she first saw the concept when a set of twins even has a nonprofit they friend in Georgia with a graduating created to provide first aid kits to senior posted on Facebook with an underserved schools.” organization sponsoring the concept Dench said she encourages peofor students in the area. ple to take a look at the page regular“After I was seeing people posting ly as students are continuing to join their senior pictures to Facebook I and post. The 48-year-old also said a was thinking, that doesn’t really help teachers are even signing up to adopt show support for these kids,” she former students. said. “They are still supporting these But when she saw her friend’s kids, even if they were their second post on Facebook, she was inspired. grade teacher,” she said. “It has been “I just thought it was a terrific so sweet to see and shows just how idea,” she said. much teachers pour into and care The idea is simple, high school about their kids.”
Bikes For Christ Continues To Support Need Through COVID-19
Staff Report
While most businesses shut down during the month of April due to COVID-19, Bikes For Christ continued to be out in the field helping those in need. “Actually, very few of the organizations that we work with shut their doors, as the need for services only increased during this time,” said Bikes For Christ President and Founder Pat Simmons. Simmons founded Bikes For Christ in 2016 with the goal of helping those in need while also sharing the love of God. The organization now provides transportation across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and Pasco counties with the mission of one day being nationwide. In mid-May, Bikes For Christ worked with Dept. Footman of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in Ruskin to help a special lady. “Deputy Footman has been work-
ing with Shelia; who is homeless, living in a camp and also suffers from Cerebral Palsy,” said Simmons. “Because of her condition, she cannot ride a regular bike, so we were able to provide her with a three-wheeler. While presenting her with the bike, I was also able to tell her about the lights we get from Florida Department of Transportation and provide her with a copy of the Gospel of John furnished by the The Pocket Testament League. We pray that these gifts help her not only get on the road to success but also lead down a road to an eternal kingdom.” Simmons believes that he shows God’s love through providing bicycles for those in need and hopes that he is able to lead them to a life in His eternal kingdom. “We appreciate all the support we get from the community and it is needed now more than ever, with many suffering sever financial loss and now needing good, reliable transportation to get around,” he explained. To learn more about Bikes For Christ and how you can help, visit www.Bikes4Christ.com. Simmons can be reached at 533-9177 or admin@Bikes4Christ.com.
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813-488-6315 www.absolutewellnesscenters.com Disclaimer: the patient responsible for payment has the right to refuse to pay, cancel or be reimbursed for any service within 72 hours of first visit. Normal cost of servies ranges from $49-$99. Offer not valid for Medicare/Medicaid due to Federal Regulations
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June 2020
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
World Oceans Day Cleanup ‘Social Distancing Style’
Winthrop Arts Offers Online Art Gallery Initiative
Since 1992, with their families while on World Oceans on walks in their neighDay, people borhoods, we thought, around the planet maybe we could pull celebrate and this off after all.” honor our The result was an oceans, which idea to offer ‘no-contact connect us all. supply pickups’ This year, Keep and the coordinaTampa Bay tion of a World Beautiful (KTBB), Oceans Day a Keep America Cleanup, ‘Social Beautiful affiliate Distancing Style.’ Kayak volunteer Bob Luce. and the commuFor this year’s nity improvement 501(c)(3) nonprofit event, KTBB is encouraging individuals organization devoted to a cleaner, greenand families to participate while abiding er and more beautiful Tampa Bay, would by the social distancing standards set out normally be gearing up for a huge, water- by the Centers for Disease Control and based cleanup in and around the 14 Prevention and is calling all volunteers miles of rivers and shorelines in with kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and Hillsborough County. motorboats to help clean up our local It would be coordinating hundreds of waterways. If volunteers do not have a volunteers and providing supplies and water vessel, they can still participate by support for this annual event on Saturday, cleaning a local shoreline or neighborJune 6. But, this year, the staff at KTBB hood. had to be a little more creative when it “This plan allows individuals and famcame to planning. ilies to take action wherever they are “Last year, volunteers removed over instead of gathering in large groups. We 4,500 lbs. of litter and debris during this hope everyone will pledge to volunteer event alone and we became concerned and join Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful that stay-at-home restrictions and social remotely on Saturday, June 6, 2020 as distancing precautions would force Keep we celebrate World Oceans Day,” Tampa Bay Beautiful to put this large, encouraged Evenson. scheduled cleanup on hold,” explained Volunteers can sign up for a no-conKTBB Executive Director Debbie tact supply pickup for this event by going Evenson. to KeepTampaBayBeautiful.org and clickShe added, “Our volunteers are pasing on the ‘Events’ tab, or by using this sionate about keeping our community link: https://bit.ly/ktbbworldoceansday. trash-free and when they started contactTo get involved with KTBB, call 221ing us, asking if they could do cleanups 8733 or visit its website.
Winthrop Arts has portion of the prolaunched a new initiaceeds were going to tive called the support Winthrop Arts Winthrop Arts Online and all the wonderful Art Gallery. The things they are doing gallery was started to to enrich the arts in help support local our community.” artists, connect local Martinez said, “I patrons to the artists very much appreciate and provide a source the opportunity to of funding for the express creatively in artists and Winthrop Nancy Hempstead of Riverview was this new venue of the the first arts patron to purchase a work Online Art Gallery. I Arts. of art through the Winthrop Arts Online Paul Kaman, a want to thank everyArt Gallery. The endeavor seeks to member of the support local artists and programming one who supports the at Winthrop Arts. Winthrop Arts Board arts and Winthrop Arts of Visionaries, said, “The Winthrop Arts and allows us to continue to grow the Online Art Gallery is a new endeavor. We arts.” believe we have created a forum to beneIn addition to Martinez, local artist fit both local artists as well as Winthrop and Art Factory Instructor Vita Repina is Arts during this time of quarantine and exhibiting her work through the Online Art hopefully beyond. Interested artists can Gallery. Repina said, “Right now, it is an exhibit their art online under the commitimperative time to act for what you ment that a portion of their sale is donatbelieve. We believe in community and ed to Winthrop Arts.” expression. The creation and relation of Nancy Hempstead, a resident of arts is a way to communicate regardless Riverview, was the first patron to purof differences and unite as people and as chase a piece of art from local artist artists.” Bryant Martinez. Hempstead purchased New artists are being added to the ‘Hibiscus and Cranberry Hibiscus In Online Art Gallery. Artists who are interPurple Flat Vase.’ Hempstead said, ested in participating should contact “Every year I look forward to the Winthrop Kathy Collins at 758-5161 or Arts Festival and Market, and I really kathy@winthroparts.org. missed it this year.” The festival was canPatrons and lovers of art can view celled in March due to the Coronavirus the artwork by visiting outbreak. Hempstead added, “I was excit- www.winthroparts.org and clicking on ed when the Online Art Gallery opened ‘Online Art Gallery.’ up, and I was able to purchase a painting Winthrop Arts is a 501(c)(3) arts nonfrom one of my favorite artists, Bryant profit located at 11267 Winthrop Main St. Martinez. It was also great to know that a in Riverview.
Staff Report
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Page 32
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 18, Issue 6
District Story Time For Students Welcomes Guest Readers Including Sheriff Chronister
YMCA Receives $50,000 Assistance From United Way Suncoast
Many be found on the disyoung students trict’s YouTube page enjoy listening under the Storytime to an adult Online playlist. reading a book, “As a community, especially when we should be conthat adult cerned about the acaimmerses the demic frustration of listeners into our more vulnerable the pages and students,” said School characters in District Representative such a way that Tanya Arja. “That is they encourage why Hillsborough imagination, Tampa Bay Chamber President and CEO County Public Schools Bob Rohrlack read Whistle for Willie by creativity and has partnered with Ezra Jack Keats to students last month. fun. Hillsborough Unfortunately, not all children and youth Education Foundation, the Tampa Bay have books at their fingertips, especially Chamber and Scholastic in expanding during the safer-at-home order as part Storytime Online to include special ediof the global pandemic. tion episodes with business leaders to Hillsborough County Public School run through June 30.” (HCPS) Board member Dr. Stacy Hahn The program began last month developed Storytime Online, an early when Hillsborough Schools education literacy initiative that connects Superintendent Addison Davis, Dr. schools, families and the public to the Hahn and Hillsborough Education wonders of fiction books, provided by Foundation CEO Kim Jowell welcomed Capstone and launched in 2019. Each the first leader participant, Tampa Bay episode of Storytime Online features Chamber President and CEO Bob local dignitaries reading exciting books Rohrlack, who read Whistle for Willie by in which children can follow along from Ezra Jack Keats. the comfort of their own homes and Students and families will be able to access for free through myON.com. access the recorded Storytime Online Recent participants have included sessions through the district’s online Sheriff Chad Chronister, Mayor Jane learning platform (Clever) and on the Castor, WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil YouTube channels of both HCPS and and Dr. Hahn herself. Due to physical Hillsborough Education Foundation, as distancing orders, Dr. Hahn has been well as on the social media sites for reading one book every day for Hillsborough County Public Schools, Storytime Online on her Facebook page Hillsborough Education Foundation and at 11 a.m. Those special episodes can the Tampa Bay Chamber.
Committed At this crucial moment, to ensuring when our communities working families need us more than in Tampa Bay ever, we appreciate the have access to continued support of childcare, the community partners, Tampa like United Way Metropolitan Suncoast.” Area YMCA is The Tampa YMCA pleased to is using the funds to announce a offer all-day youth relief The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA $50,000 gift care at 11 centers for recently received a $50,000 gift from from United families who must conUnited Way Suncoast. Way Suncoast. The emergency funds are tinue to work during the COVID-19 crisis part of a more than $1.2 million of while their kids are out of school. The Y’s COVID-19 emergency assistance from youth relief care provides academic supthe United Way Suncoast’s COVID-19 port and structure to help children mainResponse and Recovery Fund being distain their learning while also enjoying tributed to human services agencies enriching activities. across the Florida Suncoast to support “It is our job to raise funds, awarehousing/shelter, food, childcare, financial ness of need and mobilize volunteers for stability and mental health services. the critical services needed during this cri“Schools play such a vital role in sis. United Way Suncoast is proud to keeping kids safe, engaged and nourpartner with Tampa YMCA. This funding ished. While school’s out, there is a huge is being put to work to support working gap in the community to provide those families in our community,” said Jessica services,” stated Tampa YMCA President Muroff, CEO of United Way Suncoast. and CEO Matt Mitchell. “Thanks to the “United Way Suncoast, our donors generous support of United Way and volunteers are working hard to serve Suncoast, the Y can provide a safe and our community at a time of greatest need. nurturing environment for the children of Our region’s business community and first responders, healthcare professionals many generous individuals have conand other essential workers who play tributed to our COVID-19 Response and important roles keeping us safe and Recovery Fund to ensure that we have healthy. This generous gift helps the Y the immediate resources to support the serve these critical needs at a very nomimost vulnerable in our community,” said nal fee for these individuals who are riskUnited Way CEO Jessica Muroff. ing a lot. We want to make sure, at least For more, visit www.unitedwaysunin this part of their life, they can have coast.org. To learn more about the some normalcy and not have any worry. YMCA, visit www.tampaymca.org.
Staff Report
Staff Report
June 2020
Page 33
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Missy’s Ink Owner Has Eye For Making Permanent Makeup Look Natural
BSAC Encourages Stronger Water Safety Message As Summer Approaches
Author Mark Twain Health Institute, Duncan has once said, “Why not go advanced in other areas of out on a limb? That’s permanent makeup. “I’ve where the fruit is.” attended advanced classes Missy Duncan of in eyeliner, brows, lip tinting Brandon would agree and most recently areola pigwith Twain, as she mentation,” Duncan said. “I decided to go out on a believe that continuing my limb and start a new education makes me better business after she and confident in my profesretired from photograsion.” phy. Areola pigmentation “I am a retired allows women, who have photographer of been affected by breast canalmost 20 years,” cer to have a three-dimenDuncan said. “God sional areola and nipple creblessed me with a talated. Duncan calls this servMissy Duncan, owner of ent that grew into a Missy’s Ink, recently became ice ”Pink, by Missy’s Ink.” successful business. In “Creating beautiful, certified in areola pigmentation. November of 2016, my three-dimensional areolas oldest daughter got married and my and nipples for client’s who have had a youngest daughter went to college. This mastectomy, breast augmentation or left me and my sweet husband of over want to renew the pigmentation of faded 25 years some time to rethink our life. I areola and nipples has been a tremendecided that although God had blessed dous blessing to me,” Duncan said. me so much, I was ready for a change. I “Replacing the areola and nipple can took a leap of faith and set out for a new restore a woman’s self-esteem. I can beginning with permanent makeup.” create the look of a three-dimensional After much prayer and courage, nipple on a completely flat surface.” Duncan went back to school to learn all Duncan’s goal is learn all she can she could about permanent makeup. about permanent makeup. “My goal for “Yes, at 44-years-old, I did it,” the future is to continue to learn, grow Duncan said. “I went to school at the and gain more confidence,” Duncan said. Beauty and Health Institute in Tampa. “Learning creates knowledge and knowlThere, I got my certification to perform edge creates confidence.” permanent makeup. I chose this school To learn more about Missy’s Ink and because they were the only school in the services she offers, visit her website Florida that teaches all three methods of at www.missysink.com or call 659-0648. permanent makeup application.” Missy’s Ink is located at 1104 N. Parsons Since attending the Beauty and Ave., Ste. B in Brandon.
day. Parents working from home can easily become distracted and forget to lock a door leading outside, and children are restless and love to explore. This combination can lead to a higher risk factor for children who don’t know how to swim, as bodies of water and pools are everywhere in Florida. Phase one of businesses reopening made it possible for BSAC is encouraging parents to take extra water safety facilities like BSAC to measures this summer as children spend more time at home reopen and offer swim and near water during quarantine precautions. lessons to the public. “Drowning is quick and silent. A Concerned parents have responded child can drown in less than one favorably to BSAC’s swimming prominute in as little as 1 inch of water. gram, which resumed on May 11 and There is usually no warning, such as began enrolling their children 3 years screams or splashing,” according to old and up. Drowning Prevention Foundation’s “One of the things I like about our website, drowningpreventionfoundaprogram is we are not just educating tion.com. the children, but we are educating the The BSAC Learn to Swim parents on how to keep their children Program is the most comprehensive safe, not just in the water but out of swim lesson program in the area. It the water and around the water,” said offers a progressive group lesson proAquatic Director Theresa Hickie. For gram as well as private lessons for more information on swim lessons at both children and adults, parent/tot BSAC, visit www.mybsac.org. classes and adaptive swim lessons. BSAC also provides information Hillsborough County is ranked as on the measures it is taking to address one of the highest in the state for the COVID-19 situation while children drownings of children 3 to 5 years old, are in its care. Here’s a link to a video and these numbers are sure to rise of what to expect: https://youtu.be/awith families self-isolating and more drlk-fNeI. children staying at home during the
By Libby Hopkins
Staff Report
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Page 34
Volume 18, Issue 6
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Great Time To Get Legal Affairs In Order At Tom Gallo Law
Rendee Hughes Continues To Succeed In Commercial Real Estate By Readjusting With Changing Times
“You can’t take it with trust is in place so assets you,” said Florida Attorney can more quickly go to Thomas J. Gallo, P.A. “And heirs.” when it comes to making Located at 2240 Lithia your wishes known about Center Ln. in Valrico, Gallo how you want your estate (all has more than 40 years of your earthly possessions) experience in managing divided, doing nothing is complex estate planning, often the wrong answer.” tax planning and asset proWriting out a will, making tection, guardianship, trust plans for end-of-life medical and estate administration, care and establishing trusts business structuring and (if you are using them) are succession planning for just some of the issues every Tom Gallo with Tom Gallo clients. Law says every individual individual should address, Business owners in needs an exit strategy sooner rather than later. particular want to make because you can’t take it “Everyone needs a will sure that their businesses with you. or a trust, whether your famiwill be protected, he said. ly is large or small, whether you are sin“Even if you just own one rental property gle, married, divorced or remarried,” he there are strategies to protect that asset said. “Everyone should make sure that that I can help with.” their assets go to the person or persons The first consultation with Gallo is they want them to go to.” complimentary. During that initial visit, In Florida, if you die without a will— Gallo will have a conversation with the called dying intestate—the courts, using client about what’s important to them. succession laws found in the Florida “By getting to know a client’s goals, Probate Code, will decide how your fears and hopes, I can make a better assets will be distributed to your heirs. assessment of what they have, what they That process is public and often messy if want to do and devise a plan to help would-be-heirs have competing priorities them accomplish those goals,” he said. and conflicting notions of what is rightfully “It’s goes beyond just filling out forms.” theirs. Tom Gallo Law’s office hours are Did a family member die without a Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and will or trust in place? Gallo says his firm Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. can represent individuals through the pro“Come in so we can talk or if you prebate process, but it tends to be costlier fer we can talk on the phone or via and take more time. Zoom,” said Gallo. “Probate can take from five or six For more information about Tom months to a year to complete,” he said. Gallo Law, visit www.tomgallolaw.com or “To avoid probate, make sure that a will or call 815-4LAW (815-4529).
Rendee Hughes, a world does business, “I commercial sales associate am a commercial with Turner Cole Company agent, and we were Real Estate Services, very busy with low would probably agree with inventory (prior to writer Mackenzi Lee’s COVID-19). After that, quote, “It is not a failure to the phone basically readjust my sails to fit the stopped ringing the first waters I find myself in.” few weeks. I am now She’s been successfully receiving a steady ‘readjusting’ most of her life. amount of calls but less Hughes graduated than half the traffic of from Western Illinois pre-COVID-19.” Rendee Hughes is a broker University in Macomb, Although safe associate with Turner Cole Illinois in 1986 with a minor Company Real Estate Services. social distancing and in finance and a major in marketing. It zoom technology is expected to help was in her junior year at Western Illinois minimize physical interactions, Hughes University that Hughes took her first real said that most commercial clients want to estate class and loved it. She went on to walk the property and see it live. Social complete a master’s degree in business distancing, masks and gloves have administration from Colorado Technical become the acceptable method of interUniversity in 2008. Because of these acting with clients and doing business. educational qualifications, she adapted Once again, Hughes continues to successfully in sales and marketing for adapt with technology such as Zoom as over 30 years. it becomes increasingly more essential in In 1994, Hughes left the Chicago her day-to-day business dealings. Her area and its brutal winter weather and ingenuity doesn’t stop with just advanced adapted easily to the beautiful winters in technology. “I am rolling out a residential the Riverview/FishHawk area. offering to the Hughes’ team and very Seven years ago, she modified her excited about it.,” she said. “We will conlifestyle again and became a realtor and tinue to provide superior consultative eventually a broker associate. “I became services to those trusting us with their a broker associate for increased knowlassignments.” Although the waters are edge. It helped me tremendously in the rough, Hughes continues to readjust the investment realm. I can clearly guide sails for success. investors to positive returns on their Contact Hughes at rendeehughinvestments anywhere from 7 to 15 peres@gmail.com or call 735-6181. Turner cent.” Cole Company is located at 333 N. Hughes acknowledged that COVIDFalkenburg Rd., Ste. B206 in Tampa. 19 will most likely change the way the
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June 2020
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Locally-Owned RCP America Develops Self-Sanitizing Coating
Staff Report
RCP America, who can visit your a Tampa-based location to apply the company, has self-sanitizing proddeveloped and prouct, or they offer a doduced a self-saniit-yourself option. tizing, spray-on Dan Sills, general coating called manager at Elder KOC-86 that kills Ford, is using KOCviruses, bacteria, 86 throughout its mold, fungi and show room and servother microorganices areas. Sills said isms 24 hours a Elder Ford is “comday, seven days a mitted to providing week for six our customers the Riverview resident Mike Lamb, pictured safest environment months. KOC-86 with Steve Imhoff and Mike Goodwine, is can be safely the CEO of RCP America, which recently under these current applied to all surreleased a new self-sanitizing, spray-on conditions.” coating called KOC-86. faces with a fogger Riverview resito evenly cover hard-to-reach areas. dent Mike Lamb, CEO of RCP America, Cleaning and safety standards have proudly explained, “Elder Ford is a faminever been more important than they ly business and very involved in the are right now. Every business, industry community. We wanted to partner with and individual is committed to protecting them to launch our KOC-86.” themselves, their staff and their cusTo prove to customers that surfaces tomers from spreading the COVID-19 really are sanitized, RCP America offers virus. With KOC-86, this protection can real-time testing with the world’s bestbe used indoors and outdoors in places selling ATP Sanitation Monitoring such as schools, gyms, playgrounds, System. In just 15 seconds, customers amusement parks and businesses of all won’t have to wonder whether surfaces kinds. are clean, they’ll know it’s clean. KOCThe self-sanitizing coating is activat- 86 is OSHA-approved and lab tested ed by UV light and titanium dioxide with no side effects to people or pets. If (TiO2), both of which have been sucyour business requires proof of sanitizacessfully used to disinfect drinking water tion compliance, RCP America provides for over 25 years. Areas that are comthe necessary documentation to you. mon touch-point areas, such as light To learn more about this self-sanitizswitches, door knobs and elevator buting, spray-on protective coating that tons, can now be free of diseaselasts six months, call or text 465-8794. spreading viruses with KOC-86. RCP You can visit the company online at America has a team of 200 technicians www.rcpamerica.com/koc86.
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Page 35
Page 36
Volume 18, Issue 6
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Congratulations To Area High School Valedictorians & Salutatorians
Compiled by Taylor Wells
Valedictorian Ethan Sisouphone
Valedictorian Miranda Holder
Valedictorian Sarah Hofman
Valedictorian Amy Lamas
Valedictorian Ashaunti Harvin
East Bay High School GPA 7.64 University of Florida
Riverview High School GPA 8.46 University of Florida
Lennard HS/Collegiate Academy
GPA 8.36 University of South Florida
Lennard High School GPA 7.45 University of South Florida
Spoto High School GPA 8.67 Dartmouth College, NH
Salutatorian Perla Gonzalez
Salutatorian Brantley Neer
Salutatorian Araceli Gonzalez-Rocha
Salutatorian Beri Gill
Salutatorian Shirleann Quinones
East Bay High School GPA 6.91 University of Central Florida
Riverview High School GPA 8.40 University of Florida
Lennard HS/Collegiate Academy
GPA 8.26 New York University, NY
Lennard High School GPA 6.44 University of West Florida
Spoto High School GPA 6.53 University of South Florida
“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela Congratulations are in order for this year’s area valedictorians and salutatorians from our area high school. These students have put in the hard work, the dedication and shown the drive to be the best of the best of their high school graduating class. And now, due to the pandemic and virtual classes ending the 2020 school year, they become the class high school seniors who gradated remotely. We wish these students the absolute best of luck in their college careers and in their future and know that they will never forget graduating during a worldwide coronavirus quarantine. As of today, the school district has released a tentative alternative graduation date and the county website lists the planned schedule. The first set would be held on July 13, with the last scheduled for July 21. The ceremonies would be held at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Please keep an eye on the district site for confirmation of dates and times. https://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/ Please join us in congratulating all of the Hillsborough County seniors and those who are the top of their class! Well done! -Marie Gilmore, Editor, Osprey Observer Newspapers
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Page 37
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Water Filter Warehouse Has New Technology To Promote Healthy Lifestyle
FINANCIAL FOCUS
By Michelle Caceres
Water Filter father work in the Warehouse owner industry. Dan Kelleher said he “When I grew up I his goal is to provide worked for every residents of the brand water company Tampa Bay area to learn from each one access to the highest of them,” he said. “I quality of water in started my own comorder to promote a pany and sell the best healthier lifestyle. products that these Located at 3110 companies offer.” Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Kelleher, who Valrico, adjacent to noted, between him Kim’s Natural Pet and his employees, Foods, Water Filter they have more than Water Filter Warehouse Owner Dan Warehouse offers a 200 years of experiKelleher said every home in Florida needs a water filtration system. variety of filtration ence in the industry, systems, from water coolers to drinking said Water Filter Warehouse is a top 1 water systems to whole house water filpercent dealer for all of its manufacturers. tration systems, that will remove impuri“We don’t get that distinction for not havties such as iron, sulfur, bacteria and ing knowledge about every product they other contaminants that can be harmful to have,” he said. health, ruin appliances and stain fixtures. One relatively new concept attracting It also sells shower filters, gravity pitchers, attention in recent years is electrolyzed straws that filter water and alkaline water. water, that is generated using water, salt With Florida’s shallow aquifer (which and electricity and is an eco-friendly prodis why basements aren’t an option here), uct perfect to use for food sanitation (like anything sprayed will permeate into the fruits and vegetables), water purification aquifer and eventually contaminate the and disinfecting surfaces. water system. Poor quality water can “This system creates water that mean white spots on glassware and fixbecomes a natural disinfectant and can tures, a white, scaly buildup on shower safely kill 99.99 percent of viruses and doors, dry hair or itchy skin or a funny bacteria,” said Kelleher. smell or taste to water. Water Filter Warehouse’s store hours Water Filter Warehouse can correct are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Inthese problems with any number of prod- home consultations, which are compliucts. “We sell anything and everything mentary, can be scheduled for Mondaywater,” said Kelleher, whose passion for Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Call 844-H20clean water started as a young child TEAM (420-8326) or go to www.thewagrowing up in Virginia and watching his terfilterwarehouse.com.
Adam M. benAbram
How Much Will Market Volatility Really Affect You? March 9, 2020
Financial Advisor
There’s no way to sugarcoat it: If you’re an investor, you haven’t liked what you’ve seen in the financial markets recently. The effects of the coronavirus triggered a market “correction” – a decline of 10 percent or more – and more volatility is almost certainly on the way. But instead of fretting over your investment statements, you could consider some more positive approaches to this situation. For one thing, ask yourself this: When do you really need the money from your investment accounts, such as your IRA and your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored plan? These are retirement accounts, so, depending on your age, you may not need to tap into them for 20, 30 or even 40 years. If so, your losses may be “paper” ones only for now and aren’t subjecting you to imminent financial jeopardy. This isn’t to minimize the effect this downturn will have on you, of course – it always takes time to recover lost ground, and there are no guarantees with investing. However, although past performance does not guarantee future results, it is useful to note that, over its long history, the U.S. stock market has typically trended in one direction – up – despite serious and sometimes lengthy declines such as we saw in the Great Depression and, to a lesser extent, the bursting of the “dot.com” bubble of the early 2000s and the financial crisis of 2008-09. Nonetheless, you may have shorter-term goals – a wedding, down payment on a home, overseas trip, etc. – for which you need to save. For these goals, though, you wouldn’t want to touch your IRA or 401(k), anyway, as you’d likely face taxes and penalties. Instead, you’ll want your money invested in liquid, low-risk accounts that will be minimally affected, if at all, by declines in the financial markets.
These vehicles might include Certificates of Deposit (CDs), money market accounts and even good old-fashioned U.S. Savings Bonds, all of which offer the protection of principal and can pay higher rates than traditional bank savings accounts. But you might also have longer-term goals that can be addressed through investments that may be somewhat or largely free of the effects of market volatility. For example, to supplement your retirement income, you might consider a fixed annuity, which can provide you with a guaranteed interest rate and, depending on how it’s structured, an income stream you can’t outlive. Apart from the issue of when you might need money from your investment accounts, you might want to ask yourself another question: Just how much of my net worth is tied up in my portfolio? If you’re like many people, you have other assets apart from your investments. If you’re a homeowner, consider your house: Has it dropped in value at all during the recent market decline? Probably not. Do you still have just as much equity in it as you did a month ago? You might have even more. In other words, the value of your investments may have dropped a certain percentage, but the decline in your overall net worth may well be significantly smaller. So, here’s the bottom line: Large drops in the financial markets aren’t much fun for investors – but that doesn’t mean the bottom has dropped out on your financial future. Keeping things in perspective is a good move in all of life’s endeavors – including investing.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.
Adam M. benAbram, Financial Advisor
10312 W. Bloomingdale Ave., Ste. 105 • Riverview, FL 33578 • 813-626-3052 www.edwardjones.com/adam-benabram adam.benabram@edwardjones.com
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Page 38
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 18, Issue 6
June 2020
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 39
Sports Connection
Photos courtesy of HaEast Bay High School Baseball Program
657-2418
www.ospreyobserver.com
By Nick Nahas
The FHSAA Announces Cancellation Of All Spring Sports; Abruptly Ending High School Careers The 2020 high school spring sports programs around the state were dealt a huge blow on April 20 as the Florida High School Athletic Association announced that all spring sports would be cancelled. The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) also announced that additional eligibility will not be given to the student-athletes. With this announcement came the realization of the abrupt end of many young careers. According to the April 20 statement by the FHSAA, “…it is with heavy hearts that the FHSAA has decided to cancel all FHSAA-affiliated events, inclusive of the state series and all championship events, for spring sports. The safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials and fans is our top priority. With the evolving threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we must ensure that we do not contribute to the spread of this illness. We are deeply saddened for our student-athletes who have seen their seasons and/or high school careers end so abruptly. Our association knows the impact and role high school athletics play in the lives of so many and will continue to work towards the betterment of high school sports. We know this is a trying time, but the health and safety
East Bay senior Aaron Jackson’s baseball career has likely ended.
of all is of utmost importance to this association.” “When they announced that the season was over, it didn't hit me until a couple days later,” said Bloomingdale senior softball player Trinity Howard. “It hurt when I realized I wouldn't be able to play with my teammates again, or play on the same field.” Howard’s career will continue at the next level, as she is committed to playing softball at Eastern Florida State College, where she will study law. The careers of many upperclassmen have been put in limbo because they didn’t have the
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Aaron Jackson will miss playing with his teammates.
opportunity to further prove themselves this high school season in front of scouts, and they may not have the opportunity this summer, either, with the AAU season in question. Durant baseball junior pitcher Alex Canney was in the midst of having his best high school season, having thrown 18.1 innings with a 0.76 ERA, 21 strikeouts and just one walk. He threw a complete game shutout against rival Newsome and threw six scoreless innings against Bloomingdale before the shutdown of the season. He had a lot riding on that season to prove himself, as he
has not yet committed to a college. This is the time where most players commit to their future schools, but the NCAA has closed all recruiting during the pandemic. The process has been halted because college coaches are not allowed to make contact with players as of right now. This will put added pressure on Canney to perform well in his next high school season to earn a scholarship. “Senior year is the year that every kid dreams of with his team,” said Canney. “I have grown up with all these kids and have played with them or against them my whole life. I’m lucky that I’m a junior and not a senior, and that it’s not over for me now. My heart goes out to those guys, it’s crazy to see.” A lot of seniors don’t have a scholarship, and may have played their last game ever. East Bay baseball player Aaron Jackson falls into the category. “Having my senior season end out of nowhere really hurt, because I’ve been playing this game my whole life, and now it’s gone forever,” said Jackson. “The thing I will miss most about baseball is the family you make while playing the sport. The guys you play with will be your friends forever and will always have your back.”
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 18, Issue 6