Riverview/Apollo Beach
46
7
March 2021
Volume 19, Issue 3
Ph: 657-2418
CELEBRATING 19 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
EXPRESS OIL & TIRE
ENGINEERS IS FAMILY-OWNED
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. PARTNERS WITH PALS SOCKS FOR WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY By Libby Hopkins
By Brian Bokor
hopes to reach eight to 10 locations within five years from Riverview South to Naples. Persinger is also active with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation and has been on the board since 2008, chairing two fishing events as well as the marketing committee for the foundation. Since becoming a part of the organization, they have raised over $30 Million towards fighting Pediatric Cancer and have watched the survival rate go from three out of five kids to four out of five kids in that time frame. Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers is open six days a week (closed on Sundays) from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (5 p.m. on Saturdays), offering several online coupons at expressoil.com, along with daily $10 off oil change promotions on its Facebook page, such as Military Monday and Teenager Thursday as well as one free, randomly selected oil change recipient each week.
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Most business owners like to keep the secret to their success hidden, but not Jeremy Persinger, owner and operator of Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, located at 11690 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. When asked what makes his shop different from the rest, he quickly told me the secret was that there were no other operations that can complete a 10-minute oil change without having you get out of your car as well as handle any other mechanical needs on the spot when necessary. Not only is the shop is equipped with three independent oil change bays, but it also has six full-service bays along with 1,200 tires on the premises. As Persinger put it, “It’s a one-stop shop. Other than windshields and body work, we can fix it. We have the capacity to service any type of automobile, truck or van, with the exception of large commercial vehicles. We’ll even make you a cup of coffee if you ask.” In order to deliver a consistent customer experience every time, his advice is: “don’t do anything you don’t already do on a daily basis.” Persinger, a FishHawk resident, stressed the importance of customer service as one of the keys for developing and growing a successful family-run business. His daughter, Malea, works at the store part-time when not attending Newsome High and is one of 10-plus employees. The Riverview store is Persinger’s second location, opened in September 2020, with his first Express Oil having opened in Bradenton in 2018, as well as plans for a third in Parrish in the not-too-distant future. He
The Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287 turns 75 in March and it has nearly 600 members. Not all members are active members, but they all have volunteered, given back to their community or helped a fellow veteran. See Full Story on Page 9.
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is on Sunday, March 21. WDSD is a unique annual opportunity for the global Down syndrome community to connect with our community to share ideas, experiences and knowledge. It also empowers each of us to advocate for equal rights for people with Down syndrome and reach out to key stakeholders to bring about positive change. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is a local, volunteer-based, nonprofit that is committed to offering support to all special needs individuals and their families. It provides free year-round programs, public education and family and individual activities. “We are so excited to announce we have partnered with Pals Socks to help us celebrate World Down Syndrome Day,” said Ann Foyt, executive director of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. “We celebrate WDSD to raise awareness of what Down syndrome is, to voice our challenges as parents raising a child with special needs and to show the public that having Down syndrome is not the end of the world. Our children/adults can and do go to school, learn new skills, hold jobs, fall in love, get married, vote and are valued and productive citizens.” Pals Socks works with different organizations that have similar goals of making people’s daily existence happier, kinder and more peaceful. Pals Socks launched its Fundraising with Pals program in 2019. Instead of focusing on one issue, it wanted to be able to support many different ways of making the world a happier place. This led to it creating a platform for anyone who wants to do good and support a cause they are passionate about. Pals Socks helps organizations and schools raise the funds they need and get the socks they love. “As chromosomes look like socks, we encour-
age you to buy a pair and show them off,” Foyt said. “Don’t hide those socks. Start a conversation to raise awareness and promote inclusion. Get your family, coworkers and students involved to help you show off your Down syndrome pride, but also help us remind the community that we need their acceptance and support.” Foyt and her team want people to take pictures of their socks and post them on the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Facebook page (www. facebook.com/FRIENDSWESTFLORIDA). “Take pictures of yourself, your friends, family, coworkers and students wearing their socks and post them on our Facebook page,” Foyt said. “The picture with the most likes will receive a $50 gift certificate to the restaurant of your choice.” To learn more about F.R.I.E.N.D.S., visit www.friendsdownsyndrometampa.com. To learn more about Pals Socks, visit www. palssocks.com.
IN THIS ISSUE: WOMAN’S CLUB .................... PG 03 I-75 CONSTRUCTION........... PG 05 EYE ON BUSINESS ...................PGS 25-26 JUST AROUND THE CORNER PG 29
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 3
March 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
ENTREPRENEUR, ATHLETE, ADVOCATE, AMPUTEE AND INSPIRATION
By Amy Schechter
As a bilateral amputee, Vaughn DeBarr could choose to focus on the many things she cannot do any more, but if you know her, you know that there’s nothing that can stop her. Whether she’s powerlifting, running her catering business or championing the rights of people with disabilities, DeBarr approaches life with zest, positivity and a continual drive to achieve more. DeBarr is open about the struggles she faced. When she was a young girl, she was attacked by a dog, which damaged the growth plates in her left leg. Despite over 25 major surgeries from youth until she was 40, she became a below-the-knee amputee in 2013. During recovery, DeBarr lost over 130 pounds through powerlifting and Zumba, but again, she encountered another obstacle. The vascular damage returned, requiring further amputation of her left leg in 2017, and it spread to her right leg, ultimately culminating in a bilateral above the knee amputation in June 2019. Did that stop her? “Fitness is a big part of my life,” she said, and despite no longer having the use of either leg, she continued to compete in strongman competitions and exercise with assistive devices. At this point, one cannot help but imagine that nothing else could happen to DeBarr. She’s an absolute inspiration in her ability
to bounce back, but later in December 2019, she suffered a stroke that left her a paraplegic. “I have microprocessors in my prosthetic, but I am able to walk with the assistance of my prosthetics and a walker.” She and two other amputee friends started a consulting company, Disability Access Services, where they coach business owners to really make sure patrons can easily and independently navigate their establishments. Her newest venture is called Ability Eats, a catering company in Apollo Beach that will prepare family-style tray food. She wants to hire primarily people with special needs and people with disabilities. When Ability Eats opens, and I’m able to hire, my goal is to reach out to the community. We’re handi-capable. You are capable of doing everything that nondisabled persons do, just differently.” Once she launches the storefront, she has a food truck in the works called Wheelz and Mealz. All of these ideas grow from her desire to champion the needs of people with disabilities, both mental and physical. She said, “A lot of people don’t know that the statistics surrounding people with disabilities has increased 30 percent. There are more people having amputations for diabetes and more people diagnosed with cerebral palsy or autism, for example.” She wants these people to always have a purpose and a place in society, and the goal is to eventually become a nonprofit so they can fund scholarships for students with special needs to pursue their future goals. For more information on Disability Access Services, visit www.facebook.com/disabilityaccessservices. Websites are coming at AbilityEats.com and WheelzAndMealz.com. Contact DeBarr at 727-6870972 or at leglesslifter@gmail.com.
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APOLLO BEACH WOMAN’S CLUB HONORS MEMBERS
Staff Report
During the group’s where exciting, January luncheon, the age-appropriApollo Beach Woman’s ate interacClub (ABWC) usualtive programs ly recognizes memshowcase the bers who have been Tampa Bay Esactive in the club for tuary. The cen10, 15, 20 or more ter hopes to years. COVID-19 coninspire visitors cerns have prevented with experithe club from in-perences that will son meetings since lead to lifelong March 2020. Still, it support of fish is important to honor and wildlife the ladies who have c o n s e r vat i o n . been committed for For more inforso many years to the mation about club’s primary mis- Apollo Beach Woman’s Club (ABWC) 2021 Longev- the group’s sion of providing ity Award honorees. Members active 10, 15, 20 years mission, proor more (left to right): top row: Evelyn Gammon (10 scholarships for the years), Linda White (10 years) and Jeanne Bush (15 grams and the education and train- years); middle row: Sandy Dobratz (15 years), Dottie current sea ing of students who Myers (15 years) and Norma Woodward (20 years); life research, live in Apollo Beach bottom row: Ann Mastroianni (25 years) and Nancy please visit and the surrounding https://fyccn. Vance (25 years). The hibiscus is the club logo. The club’s primary mission is to provide scholarships areas with a demonorg/suncoast. strated financial for the education and training of students who live The deadneed. The club hopes in Apollo Beach and the surrounding areas with a line for apdemonstrated financial need. to be able to resume plications for meeting in person starting in April 2021 the ABWC Scholarship Program for coland the eight honorees will also be ac- lege-bound 2021 high school graduates knowledged. living in zip code 33572 and/or zoned to The club’s February Zoom program attend East Bay or Lennard High School was presented by Kathy Guindon, Ph.D., was on February 19. The scholarship comdirector of the Suncoast Youth Conser- mittee will be interviewing applicants in vation Center (SYCC), which is a part of March. Although 12 scholarships were the Florida Conservation and Technology awarded last year, the club has not deCenter on Dickman Rd., near the Manatee termined how many scholarships will be Viewing Center in Apollo Beach. Twenty awarded this year. (The ABWC is not club members and their guests enjoyed affiliated with the Riverview Gardening learning about SYCC, which is a public/ Club.) private partnership unique with TECO, To learn more, visit www.apollobeachThe Florida Aquarium and the Florida womansclub.com, or contact VP of MemFish and Wildlife Commission. SYCC is a bership Liz Pedersen at 777-8215 or kenworld-class sea research and youth center lizpedersen@msn.com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
CLEAR MASK CAMPAIGN RECEIVES GRANT TO CONTINUE WORK By Faith Miller and that allowed for us to read lips,” said Schwarz, “because a nurse years ago created one that was FDA-approved … but they are not available because they are for frontline health workers.” After hearing this, her colleagues then suggested the idea of her making the mask. She told them that she could, but did not have the funds to make it a reality since the cost of Eloise Schwarz (right) and Jacky Wyatt (left) modeling their homemade making them would be clear masks. so high. A friend then Since the beginning of the COVID-19 recommended to her pandemic, the new need for the use of the idea of applying for a grant to get the masks has impacted the deaf and hear- funds she needed. Since then, she has reing-impaired communities’ ability to com- ceived two grants courtesy of the Sun City municate due to their incapability to read Center Men’s Club and the Communication lips through masks. Foundation of Tampa Bay. Eloise Schwarz from the Hearing Loss “I was amazed,” said Schwarz. “I worked Association of America (HLAA) along with through the community to get some [peomany others have been determined to help ple] to help me and they all jumped on and with this issue to improve communication helped me work through different kinds of between everyone. After brainstorming masks.” multiple ideas with colleagues, she beDue to her sewing hobby, Schwarz was lieves she has come up with an answer able to begin making her masks along with that could help everyone: clear masks. her colleagues and recently reached 1,000 During her time as a nurse before re- masks last year. She continues to make tirement, Schwaz had experienced the and distribute them to those in need today. concept of ‘windowed masks’ in the workFor more information regarding the place, so when the issue arose during the HLAA, visit https://www.hla-fl.org. For pandemic of no longer being able to read more information on Schwarz and her lips, she saw an opportunity. story, visit her page at https://www. “As a nurse, we had masks years ago hla-fl.org/why-clear-masks-with-eloisewhere we had the window on the mask, schwarz/.
Volume 19, Issue 3
FREEDOM TO WALK FOUNDATION JUKEBOX BINGO FUNDRAISER
Staff Report
involved in lifting the front part Freedom to Walk of the foot necessary for people to Foundation was walk. It causes a person to either founded nine years drag the foot and toes or engage in ago to help improve a high-stepping walk called steppage the lives of children gait. It’s estimated that approxiand adults with foot mately 75,000 children and adults in drop, caused by upFlorida will suffer from foot drop and per motor neuron inover 1 million in the United States. Hazel Banks is one of jury such as multiple many patients who uses At the age of 3, Hazel Banks was sclerosis, cerebral the WalkAide to help them. diagnosed with cerebral palsy. palsy, stroke, incomThe Freedom to Walk “Hazel’s pregnancy and birth went plete spinal cord inFoundation is hosting a well, no complications,” said Shayna fundraiser to raise money jury and traumatic brain injury. The Riv- for WalkAides for people in Rae Banks, Hazel’s mom. “We were need. told that Hazel had torticollis at two erview-based, 501(c) months. As the months went by, (3) nonprofit helps educate, inspire, emit got worse and we started to notice it power and assist people experiencing foot drop who need funding for the purchase of affected her whole right side. Hazel has the WalkAide® System, a functional elec- come very far in her journey but still strugtrical stimulation device (FES) that helps gled staying on her feet. It seems on her bad days she would fall every other step. them to walk. On Thursday, April 29, American Dream Even with the diagnosis, Hazel pushed herHome Mortgage NMLS#222528 presents self to try to keep up with her big brothFreedom to Walk Foundation Jukebox Bin- er, Jackson. The WalkAide has made this go at The Venue, located at 11268 Boyette possible. With the Lord’s help, Hazel will Rd. in Riverview, from 6-9 p.m., promising move mountains, but now, because of the an evening of fun friends, food, raffles and WalkAide, life has become easier for our sweet Hazel.” more. Organizer Daisy Vega is seeking sponJukebox Bingo is a brand-new version of an old favorite—it’s bingo, but where tra- sors, raffle prizes and bingo players to be ditional numbers are replaced by popular part of making this a successful FUNdsongs, and you could win $50 gift cards as raiser. For more information, contact her bingo prizes. Masks are required and tem- at 546-2329 or Daisy.Vega@Freedomperatures are checked upon entry. There is ToWalkFoundation.com. For $20 tickets limited seating and tickets will not be sold and more, go to Eventbrite at bit.ly/jukebox-bingo. To learn more about the founat the door. Foot drop is a condition characterized dation, visit www.FreedomToWalkFounby weakness or paralysis of the muscles dation.org.
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
March 2021
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Construction Set To Start On Apollo Beach Blvd./I-75 Overpass By Brian Bokor
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Construction is expected to start soon on the Apollo Beach Blvd./I-75 overpass transportation capital improvement project.
The Apollo Beach Blvd./I-75 overpass transportation capital improvement project (Paseo Al Mar Blvd. - CIP 69643) discussed for more than three years will begin construction this month, according to the Hillsborough County newsroom. Paseo Al Mar Blvd. will be expanded to both the east and west over I-75 in order to create a four-lane divided highway linking U.S. 41 and the Waterset community to U.S. 301 and the Belmont community, as well as providing an alternative to Big Bend Rd. The project was designed to connect with the regional South Coast Greenway Trail for bicycle and pedestrian users and will be ADA (American with Disabilities Act) compliant. The total estimated cost for the project is $26.5 million. Funding for the project was provided through a $5.75 million FDOT CIGP grant, a $10.7 million developer contribution and $10 million from county financing. In addition to improving access for motorists, the project will also enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety by incorporating Vision Zero principles, such as upgraded bike lanes and ADA-compliant sidewalks.
According to Kris Carter, a public information officer for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), no entrance/ exit ramps were planned for this project. “There are difficulties with a full interchange at this location,” she explained. “All four quadrants have restrictions. On the west side, Waterset development is platting/building homes and has a proposed school site right up to the proposed overpass. On the east side of the interstate, the overpass goes through environmentally sensitive land which, if an interchange is proposed, would face a difficult federal approval process.” David Vogel, project manager of the I-75 flyover project, explained that any work impacting traffic on I-75 would be performed at night with both the county and FDOT providing advance notice to motorists. The project is expected to be completed before the end of 2022. Residents can visit http://hcflgov.net/HCEngage at any time during construction to learn more about the roadway construction project, view the project area map and request a project information meeting on behalf of their community.
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Page 6
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
RIVERVIEW RESIDENT SHARES HER JOURNEY WITH ADULT ADD
Volume 19, Issue 3
THE CHILDREN’S BOARD OFFERS SUMMER PASSPORT PROGRAM
By Deanna Izurieta
By Kathy L. Collins
Attention defiexplained that one of cit hyperactivity the indicators of adult disorder, or ADHD/ ADD is when perforADD, a neurological mance does not match condition characwith potential. That terized by impulsivexplanation seemed to ity and inattention click. Although a good most commonly student and a reasonassociated with hyably successful marperactive children, keting professional, but also affects she always felt like an adults. Some surunderachiever comveys suggest that pared to her peers. as many as 4.4 perShe changed jobs ofcent of American ten, got bored fast adults have ADHD and was not able to while 9.4 percent focus on a career path Riverview resident Deanna Izurieta was diof children in the agnosed with adult attention deficit disorder and follow it. United States have Another trait those without hyperactivity at the age of 49. an ADHD diagnosis with adult ADD exhib(https://www.additudemag.com/statis- ited as children was daydreaming. That tics-of-adhd/). also hit home with Izurieta. In elemenRiverview resident Deanna Izurie- tary school, teachers would comment ta was diagnosed with adult attention that she was a bright child but was a deficit disorder without hyperactivity daydreamer, always looking out the at the age of 49 and at first didn’t quite window, distracted and seemingly in her believe the diagnosis. During a routine own world. exam, she happened to mention to her This disorder can be treated with doctor that she was transposing letters medications, but the side effects are unand numbers and had trouble concen- pleasant. In Izurieta’s case, she felt like trating. Her doctor suggested she take there were more positives to just being an ADD test. The test consisted of a se- ‘herself ’ rather than feeling medicated. ries of behavioral questions regarding Being ‘different’ had made her more the inability to complete tasks, to keep well-rounded, creative and able to think still and the desire to interrupt during outside of the box and not be satisfied conversations, to name a few. with the status quo. Still not convinced that she exhibited She has found solace in the fact that all of the symptoms of a classic ADD she is not alone and has found a variety sufferer, she read more on the subject of support groups online for adults with and talked with her doctor again. He ADD.
For the third dren and families,” year, the Children’s added Parris. Board is funding “The Summer Passan opportunity for port Programs are residents in Hillssuccessful in providborough County to ing high-quality sumparticipate in their mer opportunities for Summer Passport youth and their famProgram. This proilies in Hillsborough gram is designed County. They make for children ages 6 This year, children who are members of the Chil- a significant impact to 14. The program dren’s Board Family Resource Centers can apply in children gaining allows children to to attend summer camp at one of eight locations knowledge and proin Tampa, including the Straz Center for Perapply for one to vide invaluable expeforming Arts, The Florida Aquarium and MOSI. riences that result in two weeks of camp at no cost to the families. Eligible children a fun and safe summer,” stated Parris. must be members of the Children’s Board The Summer Passport Program was Family Resource Centers. started after a board member, Andrew Registration begins on Saturday, March Mayts, identified a problem and present6 and takes place at the local Family Re- ed it to the Children’s Board. Families were source Center. In the Brandon area, the then surveyed regarding scholarship prefFamily Resource Center is located at 1271 erences for specialized summer programs. Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. Space is limitThe Children’s Board’s mission is to ined and availability is dependent upon the vest in quality programs and services to camp location. support the success of all children and This year, children can select to attend families in Hillsborough County. The Chilcamp at the Glazer Children’s Museum, dren’s Board invests in programs and reMOSI, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, The sources to ensure children are healthy and Florida Aquarium, Tampa Museum of Art, safe, developmentally on track, have family Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tam- support and are ready to learn prior to gopa Theatre and the Lightning/Vinik Sports ing to kindergarten. Group. Transportation is not provided. There are six Children’s Board Family Re“The Children’s Board Family Resources source Centers located throughout HillsCenters Summer Passport Program pro- borough County. They each offer programs vides members with wonderful opportuni- and services at no cost, such as vision and ties to prevent our children from regress- hearing screenings and mobile dental sering while out of school for the summer,” vices. said Kelley Parris, executive director of the To learn more about the Summer PassChildren’s Board of Hillsborough County. port Program and about the services “The Resource Centers are also a place to offered at the Children’s Board Family reinforce those informal supports that pro- Resource Centers, please visit www.famivide a connection to community for chil- lysupporthc.org.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
March 2021
REBATES
Page 7
LAND USE APPEALS BOARD
PROVIDES REVIEW OF ZONING DECISIONS
AVAILABLE FOR SMART WATER USE
By Brad Stager
By Brad Stager Making smart choices about how water is used in a home or business can mean a little extra money in a budget thanks to a water-saving program offered by Tampa Bay Water, its member governments and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Known as Tampa Bay Water Wise, the program offers customers a chance to qualify for rebates on improvements made to plumbing and irrigation systems. The utility also said that customer savings will continue through lower water use resulting from the upgrades. With about 30 percent of indoor home water use resulting from flushing toilets, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Tampa Bay Water is encouraging the use of high-efficiency toilets through a rebate program. The EPA puts potential savings in water costs for a family at about $140 per year by using high-efficiency toilets that meet the federal agency’s criteria for WaterSense certification. Rebates for residential properties include $100 for toilet replacements, and since irrigation is another big use of water, up to $250 is available for using smart irrigation controllers that help avoid things that are common in Florida, such as landscape watering during a
Consumers can receive rebates to help pay for plumbing improvements that save water through Tampa Bay Water’s Water Wise program.
thunderstorm. Shallow wells for outdoor irrigation are also eligible for rebates up to $1,000. Commercial customers of Tampa Bay Water are also eligible for rebates, ranging from $75 for switching to WaterSense toilets to $1,000 for a more efficient cooling tower. The food service industry also benefits, with $50 to $400 rebates available for using water-efficient dishwashers and spray valves. Tampa Bay Water is offering the rebates as part of an effort to achieve greater water conservation in the face of rapid population growth in the Tampa Bay area. The utility currently serves about 2.5 million customers in the region, which means widespread participation in the Water Wise program can add up to substantial savings. “Small individual changes can make a big impact,” said Amelia Brown, Tampa Bay Water’s demand management program manager. “Taking water-saving measures can positively impact our community now, and in the future. When we save water, we all win.” For more information, visit tampabaywaterwise.org or call 888-491-0033.
Hillsborough County Land Development mitted and the board will also determine Code sets forth the rules and requirements whether an individual or other entity has for properties within the county. When standing in an appeal. a property owner’s plans don’t match up Possible outcomes of a hearing before with existing land use rules, codes, laws the LUAB are that the board can uphold and neighborhood sentiments, the code also establishes procedures to resolve conflicts over things like permitted usage, fence heights or signage variances. Such conflicts often end with a determination by a Land Use Hearing Officer, but when a concerned party is not satisfied with that decision, the matter can go before what is known as the Land Use Appeals Board (LUAB). It is where appeals of decisions of the Land Use Hear- The rapid growth in Hillsborough County means its Land Use Appeals Board is kept busy as residents, businesses ing Officer on special exceptions and developers seek reviews of zoning and permitting and variances from zoning reguladecisions. tions, as well as special use permits, are heard. the hearing officer’s decision, send it back The seven members of the Land Use to the hearing officer with guidance from Appeals Board are local residents who the board or, under strict criteria, overturn are appointed by the Hillsborough County a decision. Board of Commissioners. They bring their “The key determination is whether the professional expertise in the areas of de- evidence in the record supports the decivelopment, business, construction, real es- sion made,” said Assistant County Attortate and law. ney Cameron Clark, prior to a recent meetSpecific professions represented by ing. members of the LUAB are: attorney, archiMeetings are held on the afternoon of tect or landscape architect, business own- the first Friday of each month, unless there er or operator, professional planner, civil or are no appeals to consider. Because of the environmental engineer, member of a civic pandemic, meetings are held in a hybrid or neighborhood organization and a devel- mode with those having a direct interest oper who is active in Hillsborough County in the hearing attending either remotely or a licensed general contractor. or online, while the general public can only As a board of appeal, the body can only attend virtually. consider the hearing officer’s decision and To learn how the LUAB operates or the existing official record of the original about serving on it, visit hillsboroughcounhearing pertaining to the topic of consider- ty.org or contact Citizens Boards Support ation. No new testimony or evidence is per- at 272-7181.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 3
FACTS AND LEGENDS FROM THE SHORES OF THE ALAFIA
By Charles Nelson
Every day, tens of thouners. To save the treasure, sands of residents cross the sailors buried the preover the Alafia River cious metals in the mud. If or one of its tributaries you’re feeling lucky, nothing without giving a single has been found…so far. thought to the role it Perhaps you’d prefer to has played in our history. locate the site of AmeriArguably, the Alafia River ca’s first moon launch. One is our single most domiaccount suggests that you nant geographic feature, look not towards Cape Caand it has produced a naveral but to the banks of treasure trove of historithe Alafia. In 1865, Jules cal facts and fiction. Verne published his science Humans first settled fiction novel From the 1900. First bridge across the Alafia River in along the Alafia River Earth to the Moon. In it, he Riverview. thousands of years ago. Men fishing on the Alafia River, near Riverview. describes that first moon Jules Verne’s Alafia River space”Source: Courtesy of Tampa-Hillsborough Remains of a sizeable naLegends surrounding the shot from the 1,800-foot ship to the Moon. Source: 1872 County Library System. tive town were found in Alafia River have added elbluffs overlooking the Alafia River, likely edition of From the Earth to the to Tampa and SarasoGibsonton, possibly beements of mystery to the near today’s Bell Shoals Nature Preserve. Moon. longing to the Mocoso tribe that lived at ta. Steamships carried story. Even the origins of its (By the way, Verne never visited Florida, the site during Hernando de Soto’s arrival wood, citrus, phosphate and, occasionally, name are a bit murky. The river’s first ref- so he was unaware that Florida’s highest in 1539. Further upstream, work and hunt- tourists along the Alafia, helping to grow a erence on an 1827 map indecisively labeled point is Britton Hill, in the Panhandle, at ing sites dotting the placid river have been thriving county economy. the steam as either “The Alaffia” or “Man- 365 feet.) While searching, you may hear The discovery of phosphate along the atee River.” Within a decade, the spelling of a large piece of the cannon being disfound and explored. These smaller sites provided ongoing shelter and sustenance Alafia’s watershed, along with its mines morphed through several variations, in- covered there, but, alas, it turned out to be and processing plants, brought both pros- cluding the Haffia, the Haffina, the Allaffi- the remains of a grist mill that once stood to precontact natives. The first settlers known to have per- perity and grief to the area. The industry ya, before finally settling on Alafia during on the site. manently settled in Eastern Hillsborough provided employment, population growth the Seminole War period of 1835-1842. So, the next time you cross either the County were Benjamin and Sarah Moody. and wealth. In later years, reclaimed land The name’s meaning is shrouded in mys- Alafia or one of its streams, recall that the They chose a site (later named Peru) on was donated to create beautiful parks, tery as well. Most storytellers today relate facts and legends surrounding the river are the south shore of the river near today’s such as the Alafia River State Park. The that ‘Alafia’ is a native word meaning ‘river also a significant part of our history, and U.S. 301. For Moody and other early set- mines also produced misery through nu- of fire,’ recalling that underwater pebble there’s more to explore. tlers, the river provided ample fishing and merous spills and discharges that nearly phosphate, under certain conditions, does game. It also served as a highway to Tam- destroyed the river. Severe pollution in the create a fiery glow on the river. CHARLES NELSON HOLDS A MA DEGREE IN pa, where these pioneers found markets, last half of the 20th century led the Florida What of buried treasure? One legend HISTORY FROM GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY Department of Health to declare that the might encourage you to search for lost bulsupplies and services. AND TAUGHT AS AN ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR AT HCC (DALE MABRY). HE IS ALSO AFFILIATED As the river population grew, steam- Alafia was a dead ‘industrial river’ unfit for lion on the banks of the Alafia. A Civil War WITH TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER AS A any life. Thankfully, due to both citizen and ships, like The Ancient City or the sternstory ‘recalls’ that a Confederate ship loadVOLUNTEER DOCENT, RESEARCHER AND state action, as well as improving company wheel steamer The Gopher, operated ed with a payroll of gold and silver escaped COMMUNITY LECTURER, WITH AN EMPHASIS regular shipping routes from Riverview awareness, the river has recovered. to the Alafia to avoid Union blockade runON SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HISTORY.
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Page 9
Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287 Helps Veterans Young And Old
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOLS KEEP PACE WITH POPULATION GROWTH
The VFW traces its roots back to 1899, preserving and defending world peace.” when veterans of the Spanish-American The post turns 75 in March and it has War and the Philippine Insurrection close to 600 members. Not all members founded local organizations to secure are active members, but they all have rights and benefits for their service. volunteered, given back to their commuMany arrived home wounded or sick. nity or helped a fellow veteran. “Our celThere was no medical care or veterans ebration will include a meal, cake and we pension for them and they were left to hope to focus on having new members care for themjoin our post,” selves. Barr said. “We Some of also pick a charthese veterity to give back ans banded to each year and together and this year we have formed orchosen the chariganizations ty Heroes on the with what Water, which is would become a charity that known as the offers wellness Veterans of programs for Foreign Wars veterans, active of the United The Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287 turns 75 in March duty military States. Af- and it has nearly 600 members. Not all members are active personnel, first ter chapters members, but they all have volunteered, given back to their responders and community or helped a fellow veteran. were formed their families.” in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the The primary proven therapy utilized movement quickly gained momentum. by Heroes on the Water is kayak fishBy 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by ing. Volunteer-led chapters around the 1936, membership was almost 200,000. United States hold events which are free Annually, the nearly 2 million members for our nation’s heroes. These experienof the VFW and its auxiliaries contribute tial programs incorporate structured more than 8.6 million hours of volunteer- activities proven to improve the lives of ism in the community. “As yesterday’s de- these men and women. Each experience fenders of freedom, we want to welcome reduces the impact of post-traumatic today’s military service members into our stress and traumatic brain injury while ranks to become part of our group,” said providing much-needed camaraderie and Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287 Post support. Commander Patrick Barr. “Our common To learn more about the Ruskin Mebond is the battlefield, whether it is ser- morial VFW Post 6287 or if you are a vice in the Persian Gulf, Korea and Koso- local veteran who would like to join the vo, the war on terrorism or peacekeeping post, visit www.vfw6287.org or call 645expeditionary campaigns. Your courage 2935. VFW Post 6287 is located at 5120 and sacrifice have made a difference in N. U.S. Hwy. 41 in Ruskin.
capacity, bringing total capacity to 2,581 students. The new building will also be home to Spoto’s Culinary Academy and its National Academy of Finance. The projected cost is $16,058,922. “The new addition to our school brings an abundance of excitement to the school and the community,” said Principal Dr. Haggins. “As we continue to experience an abundance of growth in Spoto’s boundaries, families can send their children to school with the assurance of apSchool construction is on the horizon to accomodate the propriate class sizes and seamless influx of families in Southeastern Hillsborough County. class-to-class transitions.” “Preparing students for life is our top A new PK-8 school is planned on priority,” said Hillsborough County School a 16.79-acre parcel near Waterset, located Superintendent Addison Davis. While this south of Paseo Al Mar Blvd. and west of goal is a noble one, the reality of Davis’ job, I-75, with a capacity of 1,800 students. Its which includes overseeing the daily opera- projected cost is $44,647,614. tions of the seventh largest school district in Plans are also in place for Collins Elementhe country, means Davis spends his days su- tary in Riverview to be converted into a PK-8 pervising school principals and district staff, school with a building addition at a cost of working with school board members and $15,894,846. managing fiscal operations. The construction projects will be paid for One of the many challenges he faces is in part by school impact fees, which are fees keeping pace with the tsunami of growth assessed by Hillsborough County for the imoccurring in Southern Hillsborough County. pact on schools that is created by new housEven with the opening of Sumner High School ing developments. In 2020, the Hillsborough in Riverview, built to relieve overcrowding at County Board of County Commissioners East Bay and Lennard High Schools, and Bel- increased the school impact fee to approximont Elementary in Sun City Center, explo- mately $8,000 per housing unit. sive and continued growth means boundary School construction is guided by Florida’s changes and new school openings for 2021 concurrency guidelines, which involves other and beyond. government agencies and is achieved when Wimauma Elementary will see an addition adequate school facilities are available to acto its current building and will add another commodate increases in student enrollment 306 students. The projected cost of the proj- resulting from new residential development. ect is $7,224,354. To view the school board’s five-year comPlans for an addition to Spoto High School prehensive plan for the School District of in Riverview are expected to be completed Hillsborough County, visit www.sdhc.k12. in August and will add 500 students to its fl.us.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 3
LOCAL HEALTHCARE WORKERS ATTEND SUPER BOWL By Kate Quesada The NFL found a very special way to heartwarming. of RRTs that have died of COVID during She had never attended an event like the thank many of the healthcare profession“We had lanyards we were to wear with the pandemic. I was able to find the names Super Bowl before, which made the expeals who risked their lives on the front lines a badge saying ‘Healthcare Hero’ so after of about 25 RRTs and I put their initials on rience even better for her. during 2020. In late January, 7,500 local the concert, as we went to find our seats the back of my shirt.” “The NFL went above and beyond for essential workers received free tickets to in the stadium, the employees would see us She then thought about adding some healthcare workers with pregame food Super Bowl LV where they were treated and clap and thank us,” she said. “I almost names of nurses that lost their lives and and beverages, the pregame show by to a first-class experiMiley Cyrus, a N95 ence at Tampa’s Raymask with LV and a mond James Stadium, healthcare symbol including free food to separate out the and drinks, tickets to healthcare workers the TikTok tailgate and free parking and featuring Miley Cyrus badges with lanand more. yards,” she said. Gibsonton resident Samantha ConcepChristy Atwell works cion is 29 years old as a registered respiand will be starting ratory therapist (RRT) nursing school in at Tampa General April. She has been Hospital and Manatee working in Tampa Memorial Hospital. In General Hospital’s her position at ManaSterile Processing tee Memorial, she saw Department as an many patients with analyst since 2018. COVID-19. Born in Puerto Rico, “COVID is a night- Christy Atwell wrote the initials of 25 people she now lives in RivGibsonton resident Christy Atwell was one of mare,” she said. “A who shared her profession and passed away erview. 7,500 local healthcare workers to attend the patient dies from from COVID-19 on the shirt she wore to the “Before living in Super Bowl thanks to tickets from the NFL. Riverview resident Brandi Johnson works COVID complications Florida and Texas, I Super Bowl. every single shift that felt embarrassed was shocked to at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists as a really did not underpodiatric surgeon. I work.” by the whole situation because I definitely find that upwards stand how football She was thrilled to win a ticket to the don’t feel like a hero most days.” of 1,500 nurses have succumbed to and Superbowl seemed to be like a religion Super Bowl after receiving her second As one of only 150,000 RRTs in the COVID-19. to some people,” she said. “After attending COVID-19 vaccination. country, Atwell decided she wanted to “So I decided to add stats to my shirt,” the Superbowl and tailgate events, I can “When I opened the email that I won, I honor those in her profession at the Super she explained. “1,500 nurses, 300 plus honestly say that I am sold. It was honestwas in shock,” she said. “This was literally Bowl. doctors and over 2,900 healthcare work- ly one of the best experiences, especially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I “Most people have no idea what a respi- ers have died while trying to care for with everything that has been going on will probably never get the chance to at- ratory therapist is, and rightfully so. We COVID-19 patients.” with COVID. It pretty much solidified that tend an event like this ever again.” were spread thin before the pandemic and Riverview resident Brandi Johnson all the hard work that has been put in by Atwell found the appreciation the now with this being a respiratory virus … works at Advanced Foot & Ankle Special- healthcare workers and first responders healthcare workers received at the event it’s busy,” she explained. “I went in search ists as a podiatric surgeon. has all be worth it.”
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Page 11
ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL-SOUTH COMPLETES THREE-YEAR, $130 MILLION EXPANSION Staff Report
St. Joseph’s Hospital-South NICU.
A new surgical suite at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South.
St. Joseph’s Hospital-South has completed a $130 million expansion that began three years ago, expanding its emergency department and building a 5-story patient tower to accommodate new services. With the expansion, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South now has 223 beds. When the hospital opened in 2015, it had 90 inpatient beds and 22 observation beds. The expansion is highlighted by the February 22 opening of an 11-bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The NICU is for babies born prematurely or with special health needs. The Level II NICU provides specialized around-the-clock care 24 hours a day, seven days a week for newborns and their mothers. The NICU is staffed by highly trained neonatologists, obstetric and pediatric hospitalists and board-certified maternal-fetal medicine physicians and certified nurses. Mothers will be able to stay in the baby’s room during their child’s NICU stay. St. Joseph’s Hospital-South can also transfer babies requiring higher care levels to the Level IV NICU at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in Tampa. Another part of the $130 million expansion was completed in October 2020 when
a new pediatric inpatient unit opened with 12 private rooms. The pediatric unit includes a dedicated treatment room with state-of-the-art medical equipment and technology. The treatment room is for simple procedures like IVs and blood draws. “The addition of the NICU and pediatric inpatient unit will augment and expand the services we provide for mothers and their children,” said Rita Templeton, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South director of patient care services. “We’re excited to be able to offer this level of NICU to the communities of Southern Hillsborough, the SouthShore and Northern Manatee County. The family-centered NICU will provide individualized care and a comforting environment for the whole family.” St. Joseph’s Hospital-South already operates a dedicated pediatric emergency center with a dedicated pediatric waiting room and specialized areas for the treatment of pediatric emergencies. Other expansion features include: In May 2020, a build-out of two additional medical/surgical floors was completed, adding 36 private rooms for medical/ surgical and 12 private rooms for progressive care and telemetry patients. Four new
The inpatient pediatric floor at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South.
surgical operating rooms were also opened in May 2020. The new operating rooms are used for inpatient and outpatient surgeries. With the expansion, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South now has 10 operating rooms, including two ORs for C-sections and one operating room dedicated for state-of-theart robotic surgeries. Types of surgeries/procedures performed at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South include: bariatric, cardiac catheterizations, ENT (ear, nose and throat), gastroenterology, general surgery, gynecology, interventional radiology, nephrology, neurosurgery (spine), obstetrics, orthopedic, pediatric orthopedic surgery, pulmonary, urological and vascular. The May 2020 phase also included added space for rehabilitation and respiratory therapy departments. Physical therapists, physical therapy assistants and speech pathologists primarily work with patients at their bedside, but the new space contains a stair training area and treatment table for patients doing therapy outside of their hospital rooms. The first phase of the expansion was completed in October 2019 and included a 25-bed emergency center expansion, bringing the total ER beds to 55. This emergen-
St. Joseph’s Hospital-South’s exterior.
cy area also includes CT, X-ray, ultrasound rooms and an 18-bed emergency center observation unit. “This expansion would not have been possible without the overwhelming support of our community,” said Phil Minden, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South president. “As a part of our evolution, we have made it a priority to meet the growing needs of our patients.” “As we have demonstrated by adding NICU services, BayCare is fulfilling their commitment to improving healthcare in this region of Southern Hillsborough and Northern Manatee Counties. Along with other services included in our latest expansion, the NICU will allow for families to stay closer to home, yet still have the clinical integration of St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital,” said Minden. “In five short years, St. Joe’s-South has doubled our bed capacity, expanded our ER and ORs to meet growing needs. We have this wonderful community and medical staff to thank,” he said. To learn more, visit https://baycare.org/ hospitals/st-josephs-hospital-south/patients-and-visitors.
Page 12
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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Volume 19, Issue 3
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March 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
LOCAL RESIDENT BATTLES CANCER DURING THE PANDEMIC By Libby Hopkins Stephanie Luke is ber one way to find a 38-year-old mothand prevent colorecer of two sons and a tal cancer is through screening colonoscofull-time ultrasound py.” tech who was diagAccording to the nosed with stage two American Cancer Socolorectal cancer this ciety, “colorectal canpast November. Becer is the third most fore her diagnosis, common cancer in the she was completely U.S. and the second healthy and had no most common cause family history of the of cancer deaths. disease. “I noticed While the rate of peobleeding after using ple being diagnosed the restroom and asStephanie Luke is a 38-year-old mother of with each year has sumed it was caused two sons and a full-time ultrasound tech dropped overall, the inby hemorrhoids, so I who was diagnosed with stage two colcidence rates in people wasn’t worried,” Luke orectal cancer this past November. Before younger than 55 have said. “But a month lat- her diagnosis, she was completely healthy increased in recent and had no family history of the disease. er, I still saw blood.” years.” Her gastroenterologist, Dr. Bhavtosh In 2020, colorectal cancer screenings Dedania of Gastroenterology Center of plummeted because of the COVID-19 Tampa Bay, recommended a colonoscopy. pandemic. Luckily, Luke was able to get What he saw projected from the minia- the treatments she needed to battle her ture scope camera worried him, and a cancer and her mom was able to go to pathology report confirmed his suspi- some of her doctor appointments with cions. “Many patients are asymptomatic her. “My family and friends have been or have minor signs that something may with me every step of the way,” Luke said. be wrong, like bloody stool or nonspecif- “They are my support system.” A friend of Luke’s has started a Goic abdominal pain,” Dr. Dedania said. “In FundMe page for her since she has not Stephanie’s case, she noticed something been able to work and her step-father is wasn’t right and made an appointment making and selling T-shirts to help raise with us to find the source of the problem. money for her as well. It’s absolutely critical for our communiIf you would like to donate to Luke’s ties to be informed of the risk factors and GoFundMe page, you can visit her page at signs of this disease, however small they www.gofund.me/357304d1. If you’d like may be. People with no symptoms should get screened starting at age 45. Those to purchase one of Luke’s T-shirts, you at high risk should talk to a gastroenter- can visit https://oldgloryapparelusa.com/ ologist about starting earlier. The num- collections/frontpage/products/not-today-colon-cancer.
Page 13
LOCAL TEEN SHARES HIS SUPER BOWL DANCING SKILLS By Libby Hopkins Best Buddies is the world’s largest or- he met the production team for the Suganization dedicated to ending the so- per Bowl Halftime Show. “They asked cial, physical and economic isolation of me if I could dance and I told them I the 200 million people with intellectual could,” Felder said. “I was asked to send and developmental disabilities (IDD). Its in a video of me dancing, so I sent them programs empower the special abilities one of my TikTok videos. I later found out of people with IDD by helping them form I made it and they sent me an email to meaningful friendships with their peers; sign up to be one of the dancers.” secure successful jobs; Felder was thrilled live independently; to have this experience improve public speakand loved dancing at ing, self-advocacy and the Super Bowl. “It communication skills; was amazing,” Felder and feel valued by sosaid. “I never in all my ciety. life thought I would be Joshua Felder of able to dance for The Tampa is a local Best Weeknd.” Buddies ambassador. Felder has since takHe was recently one en his ambassador and of the Tampa dancers dancing skills and put that joined performthem to good work. ing artist The Weeknd He recently taught a during his performance Joshua Felder of Tampa is a local Best dance class at Dancin the Super Bowl Buddies ambassador. He was recently ing for Donations in one of the Tampa dancers that joined Halftime Show. “I was Valrico. “I love that I performing artist The Weekend during born with high-funcwas asked to come and his performance in the Super Bowl tioning autism and a Halftime Show. He also taught a danc- show the students how photographic memory,” to dance at Dancing for ing class at Dancing for Donations in Felder said. “I’ve never Donations,” Felder said. Valrico. taken a dancing lesson “I also love being a in my life, so when it comes to dancing, I part of Best Buddies, which has become learned to dance by watching videos on a second family to me. I have learned so YouTube or TV, then I can memorize the much from Best Buddies and I love being steps. My three favorite performers are a member of the organization.” Michael Jackson, Chris Brown and UshTo learn more about Best Buddies, viser.” it www.bestbuddies.org. To learn more Since Felder is an ambassador for Best about Dancing for Donations, visit www. Buddies, he had the opportunity to at- dancing4donations.org. Dancing for Dotend an event at the Centre Club in Tam- nations is located at 1076 E. Brandon pa in December last year. At the event, Blvd., Ste. 101 in Valrico.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
MEALS ON WHEELS OF TAMPA TO EXPAND TO RIVERVIEW AND GIBSONTON THIS JUNE
By Kathy L. Collins
Meals On Wheels of Tampa (MOW of help. Specifically, MOW of Tampa has no fiTampa) is a community-funded organiza- nancial or citizenship requirements, and it tion that is expanding its services to resi- accepts residents of any age. No referral is dents of Riverview and Gibsonton this June. needed. Applications from residents who are in need MOW of Tampa uses a sliding scale in of meals will be taken in mid-May. Volun- determining if a recipient will pay for their teers (18 years and older) for drive routes meals. The cost is $5.50 per meal. However, and deliver meals will also be accepted. residents may, depending on their income/ B e c a u s e expenses, pay MOW of Tampa as little as is an indepen$.50 or nothdent organizaing. No one is tion and accepts ever turned no government away due to funding, it is able inability to pay. to accept any The intake resident, regardprocess takes less of age and approximately income. If you 15 to 20 minor a loved one utes, and, if encounter diffiapproved, serculties getting vices can begin out of the home Meals On Wheels of Tampa currently serves 800 homebound the next day. or preparing meals residents in Hillsborough County. It plans to expand its If a homebound due to mental or individual has services to Riverview and Gibsonton this June physical disability a pet, MOW of or age, MOW of Tampa can help. Tampa will refer them to the Humane SociThey provide chef-created hot meals ety of Tampa, and its mobile unit will come Monday through Friday with frozen meals out with food for the pet. delivered on Friday for the weekend. MOW Cindy Vann, senior director of mission of Tampa also delivers fresh fruit and vege- engagement, said, “MOW of Tampa allows tables on the third Saturday of the month. senior and other homebound residents to In May, a hurricane preparedness package, live independently in their homes with good, including five shelf-stable meals, is deliv- healthy, nutritious food and social contact ered along with shelter information. At almost every day.” Vann added, “We have Thanksgiving, recipients receive a treat bag, the most wonderful volunteers in the world. and in December, a great gift bag is given. They connect with people who are often Birthdays are celebrated with a card and a forgotten.” little something extra. For more information and to apply for MOW of Tampa is unique in that it fills meals or become a volunteer, visit www. in gaps where other agencies are unable to MOWTampa.org or call 238-8410.
Volume 19, Issue 3
CULVER’S
RESTAURANT COMES TO THE RIVERVIEW NEIGHBORHOOD
By Tatiana Ortiz
Treating peodoes not comprople feel like family mise on quality when visiting one and the food there of the 740-plus is cooked to order. Culver’s locations Gravely menacross the United tioned what makes States would be a Culver’s unique. principle that the “We place a lot True Blue Crew of emphasis on exemplifies. On making sure that February 1, a new the community Culver’s joined the gets taken care Riverview neighof,” Gravely said. borhood. Owner In regards to Andrew Gravely community, GraveOwner of Culver’s in Riverview Andrew Gravely and his team of ly also belongs to and his family. 65 look forward the Greater Riverto building relationships and serving the view Chamber of Commerce. For the last community one meal at a time. year he has been assisting with Teaching Gravely stated how he got involved in to Excellence, which creates awareness for becoming the owner of this specific Cul- businesses in the area to give back to the ver’s. teachers. Gravely took note of the numer“With it being a family-owned and op- ous challenges both students and teachers erated restaurant, I just fell in love with have faced with the pandemic. He decided the brand and what it stands for,” Gravely give a total of 15,000 Valentine cards to said. students that included a coupon for one The first Culver’s opened in Sauk City, free scoop of custard. Every staff member Wisconsin in 1984 by Craig Culver and Lea also received a free value basket meal. Culver as well as Craig’s parents, George Two day cares and 11 schools, such as RivCulver and Ruth Culver. It is known for erview High School, Newsome High School its Fresh Frozen Custard, ButterBurgers as well as other tasty items on the menu. and more, were gifted with these items. For more information, visit https:// For instance, each day Culver’s has a difwww.culvers.com/restaurants/riverferent flavor of the day with its Fresh Frozen Custard, which could be butter pecan, view-fl-boyette-rd. It is located at 11620 chocolate-covered strawberry and more. Boyette Rd. in Riverview. Open Monday In addition, the custard is made in small through Sunday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Call 252batches at the restaurant daily. Culver’s 8378.
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March 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
RIVERVIEW COUPLE HAS TRUE LOVE FOR THE TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING By Libby Hopkins
Jill and Dave Flanigan have hockey in their blood. Dave plays hockey with a local beer can league and Jill’s son and granddaughter both play hockey. The Flanigans are also huge fans of the Tampa Bay Lightning as well.
Jill and Dave Flanigan of Riverview have hockey in their blood. Dave plays hockey with a local beer can league and Jill’s son and granddaughter both play hockey. The Flanigans are huge fans of the Tampa Bay Lightning as well. “Blue is my favorite color,” Jill said. “When I was a kid, I always wanted a chocolate cake with blue icing for my birthday.” The couple has been together for 10 years and married for three. Hockey has always been a part of their relationship. “We are huge Lightning fans,” Jill said. “When we got married in 2018, we originally didn’t plan on having a Tampa Bay Lightning-themed wedding. It just kind of happened to work out that way.” Since blue is Jill’s favorite color and it’s also the color of the Lightning, having a Lightning-themed was meant to be when she found her blue wedding dress. “I’m glad the
Lightning’s color is blue because I couldn’t imagine walking down the aisle in some other team’s color,” Jill said. “When I found my dress, I was like, why don’t we have all our colors be blue?” Blue definitely was the perfect color for the Flanigans’ wedding. Their wedding guests and friends are also Lightning fans, so everyone who attended their wedding was dressed in blue with a hint of Lightning swag. On the day of their wedding back in 2018, the Lightning had a playoff game and the couple had arranged for the game to be playing on the TVs at their wedding reception. “When I thought they were cheering for me or him, it was actually that the Lightning scored. But that was fun,” Jill said. If you are wondering if the Tampa Bay Lightning knows about the Flanigans’ Lightning-themed wedding, they don’t, but the local Fox News affiliate, Fox 13 Tampa Bay, did, and the couple was recently featured on its nightly news broadcast. “My sister follows Fox 13’s Jen Epstein on social media and she was asking for Lightning season ticket holders to talk about their thoughts on not being able to attend the games,” Jill said. “My sister tagged me in the post and she also mentioned in the post that I wore a blue dress to my wedding, and I responded to the post that I did wear a blue dress for my wedding, and it kind of blew up from there. Next thing we knew, we were being interviewed for a news segment that aired on Fox 13.” The Flanigans were thrilled that the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup this year and the win makes them even happier about their decision to show their love for their favorite hockey team at their wedding.
Page 15
STALK & VINE ON 39 SUPPLIES WHOLESOME & HEALTHY PRODUCE TO THE COMMUNITY
By Hayley Fedor Not just your avup on the property erage farm; Stalk & during the season. Vine on 39 makes “They can come providing the comsee where their munity with all-natfood comes from, ural, chemical and they see how it’s preservative-free grown, they know produce its priorwhere it is and its ity. Situated on a coming directly to 10-acre, biointentheir house,” said sive farm, Stalk & Strickland. Vine on 39 is able As a veteran to grow crops in with a big heart a more condensed for helping others, space which allows Strickland said, Owner Patrick Strickland presenting some of the for larger harvests “giving back and huge harvests this season. in the long run. being able to make The farm is owned and operated by Pat- a living by giving people something that is rick Strickland, who is no stranger to the very beneficial” is a significant motivator farming game given that his family are for the work put into the farm. some of the biggest watermelon growers In addition, Stalk & Vine on 39 often in the nation. donates a portion of its harvest to local “We saw here, in the FishHawk area, food banks. the demand was so high for quality fruits Currently, there is an abundance of and vegetables,” said Strickland, and as a different produce in season at the farm, result, in 2019, he and his family decided ranging from romaine lettuce and kale to start expanding their small home gar- to broccoli and bok choy, all of which are dening project into a full-fledged farm to free of toxic chemicals and additives. serve the community. During the growing season, the StrickOne of the unique features of the farm lands plan to open Stalk & Vine on 39, lois that it is a community-supported agri- cated at 14923 S. County Rd. 39 in Lithia, culture program which allows individuals twice a month, every other Saturday, for in the community to become members of the community to visit and purchase the the farm and in turn receive a different products. box of vegetables every week for a small To find out more about the farm and weekly fee. The boxes are able to be deliv- the different ways to get involved, visit ered straight from the farm to the mem- https://www.facebook.com/Stalk-Vineber’s table or are available to be picked on-39-102846614740150.
Page 16
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
LOCAL TEEN RAISES MONEY TO BUY NEW SHOES
By Libby Hopkins
Mitchell Richiell’s mom. “I was son is a 14-year-old even more proud of Apollo Beach reshim when he said he ident who was inwanted to use the spired by his favormoney from his dog ite WWE star, Titus treat business to O’Neil, to help those buy new shoes for in need in his compeople.” munity. “I wanted to Mitchell and one start collecting doof his friends were nations of shoes to given a project in help people during fifth grade of crethe pandemic,” ating a local busiMitchell said. “My ness. They put their parents were laid off minds together and because of the pancome up with credemic, so I wanted ating a dog treat to help other people business. The projlike them.” ect later became a Mitchell watched reality and Richwell a video on YouTube Mitchell Richison is a 14-year-old Apollo Beach Dog Treats was on how to properly resident who was inspired by his favorite WWE born. “They creatstar, Titus O’Neil, to help those in need in his clean a pair of shoes ed their own logo, community. He created a dog treat business to so he could clean up Facebook page and raise money to buy shoes for those in need. a pair of his and dobusiness plan withnate them at an event that O’Neil was doing in a few hours,” Angie said. “They were to help those in the community. “I took the two very determined kids. Mitchell makes shoes with me to donate to Titus,” Mitch- most of his dog treats during the holiday ell said. “When I got to meet him and give and when he is not busy with school and him my shoes, he told me he wanted me to sports. He saved up his money from sales keep the shoes and give them to someone of the dog treats to buy the shoes.” To date, who needs them, but to also work on a way Mitchell has purchased more than 60 pairs to raise money to get new shoes for peo- of shoes and he has donated them to varple who needed them because getting new ious charities in the SouthShore area that things will have a bigger impact on them.” helps those in need. This chance meeting gave Mitchell an To learn more about Richwell Dog Treats idea to use the money he made from his or to purchase some dog treats to help dog treat business to buy new shoes and Mitchell raise more funds to buy more give them to those in need. “I was proud shoes, visit www.facebook.com/richwellof him when he cleaned up his old shoes to treats or email him at richwelltreats@ give to Titus,” said Angie Richison, Mitch- gmail.com.
Volume 19, Issue 3
GET YOUR SMARTPHONE FRIENDLY HEARING AIDS AT
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Owners of A+ Hearing Center in Sun through an app designated for that speCity Center Don Guiley and his wife, Chris cific hearing aid brand and model. For exGuiley, have been involved in the hearing ample, if the hearing aid is connected to business for more than 45 years combined. a person’s phone, then they could directly The Guileys bring much commitment to get a phone call through it. The Starkey educating people about how their hearing Livio Edge AI can translate languages, should be treated the same as their eye- has superior sound quality and includes sight since it other unique is one of our features built main contacts in. with the outA+ Hearside world. ing Center The Guileys administers strive to profree hearing duce solutions evaluations for each hearthrough an ing impaired appointment. individual Other services they serve. that it proA+ Hearing vides would Center offers be assisting an array of with listening specialty prodevices, digital cedures and and programinstrumentamable hearing tions. It also Owners of A+ Hearing Center in Sun City Center Don Guiley systems and carries hearing and his wife, Chris Guiley, have been involved in the hearing much more. A+ business for more than 45 years combined. aid products Hearing Center that can be used through a smartphone. does follow all of the CDC (Centers for Chris shared what she hopes people take Disease Control and Prevention) guideaway from their experience at A+ Hearing lines too. Center. “All in all, we want the community to “If you are our client, then you become know that our concentration is on your our client for life and we treat them like conversation because it is the music of friends,” Chris said. life,” Don said. With that in mind, A+ Hearing Center For more information, visit https:// sells the Starkey Livio Edge AI, the Wi- aplushearingsuncity.com. It is located at dex brand and more. Chris mentioned that 1647 Sun City Center Plaza Bldg., Ste. since the last two to three years, some of 203A in Sun City Center and is open on these hearing aids are compatible to be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 programmed with Androids and iPhones a.m.-2 p.m. Call 642-8200.
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
March 2021
Page 17
Poynter Institute’s Write Field FAMILY-OWNED REPTILE Program Looks To Expand To BUSINESS OFFERS UNIQUE ANIMALS By Faith Miller Hillsborough County By Lily Belcher In 2020, the Poynter Institute was looking to expand their Write Field Program, a program dedicated to helping young African American and Hispanic middle schoolers improve both their writing and their confidence in their schoolwork. The program is based in Pinellas County, but, prior to the coronavirus shutdown, Co-directors Ernest Hooper and Demorris Lee were working to expand the program to the St. Petersburg College campus in Ybor City. With the next year of the program set to begin accepting applicants in the fall, Hooper and Lee hope to resume the expansion efforts. To justify the expansion, Lee and Hooper must prove an expanded interest from middle school minority students who hope to improve their writing abilities and close the achievement gap in local schools. “This free, academic year-long program teaches African American and Hispanic middle schoolers how to be better writers, communicators and students,” according to the program’s website. “They will study hip-hop. They’ll meet a Tampa Bay Ray. With professional journalists as their mentors, they’ll even get better grades.” Students who participated this year had the opportunity to meet Rays out-
fielder and Pinellas County local Brett Phillips. “He provided some great insight to the students about life and working hard and continuing to remain committed to your studies,” said Lee. While the Write Field Program focuses on writing, their 30-40 annual participants learn to communicate and take their first steps to success in the professional world, as well as boasting higher grades in school. Additionally, Write Field graduates have a lower dropout rate and advance to the next school year more frequently than their peers. Participants will have the opportunity to sign up for the 10-month program in the fall of 2021 on the website. Students will meet once a month on a Saturday to discuss the lesson assigned to that month and will spend the time between the meetings working on a writing prompt. At the end of the 10 weeks, each participant will choose their favorite piece to have published in the Write Field Program’s end of the year book. To donate to the Write Field Program, contact Wendy Wallace at wwallace@ poynter.org. To apply for the program, email Andrew DeLong at writefield@ poynter.org. For more information, visit www.poynter.org.
Matzen’s Morphs, located in Lakeland, is a family-owned business that features snakes along with multiple different kinds of reptiles. It features several different types of reptiles, including snakes, geckos and blue tongue skinks. There are currently 40 reptiles available for sale and, due to the breeding season beginning soon, it will have many more available within the next six months. The business began when the owner, Rene Matzen, was convinced by her oldest daughter, Emma MatPhoto Courtesy of Emma Matzen Image of a anerythristic (anery) kenyan sand boa. zen, to get a pet snake. She and the geckos are fed every few days. described that after both of “Snakes are a lot easier than lots of other her daughters had one, she was “hooked.” “They are easy to care for, and the fact pets for the fact that they only need to be that there are so many different kinds, and fed once a week, and they don’t shed on the so many patterns and colors, is a lot of fun,” furniture,” said Rene. The business participates in six to seven said Rene. She later went on to describe and define reptile shows throughout Florida through what a morph was within the reptile world. Repticon, a reptile event hosting company. “I love breeding to produce certain Its next show will take place in Lakeland patterns and colors, which are known as at the RP Funding Center from Saturday to Sunday, March 27-28. morphs in the industry,” said Rene. “It is interesting to see how many people The way the reptiles are contained varies, depending on the type of species. Most of come to the shows. There are lots of reptiles the snakes are kept in ‘rack systems,’ which at the show, such as geckos, snakes, moniare tall, black enclosures that feature many tors and other lizards. There are even frogs, drawers that are equipped with heat tape spiders, guinea pigs, birds, fish, goats and rats for sale,” said Rene. to keep the snakes healthy. For more information regarding reptile The snakes that are in their own personal glass containers have heat lamps, and the care and ownership, please visit www.facebook.com/matzensmorphs or call 863-602geckos are kept in glass enclosures. The snakes are fed about once a week 0259.
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March 2021
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 3
Annual St. Anne’s Golf Tourna- Women Centered 4 Success ment Helps To Feed Hungry FamiSt. Anne’s Catholic Church is building its lies
Grace Market, Toy Train Show, Easter Of Hope & More ... Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com
Riverview Garden Club College Scholarship Application Deadline Soon
The Riverview Garden Club College Scholarship Program is now accepting applications from 2021 graduating high school seniors. The application period runs through March 12 and the RGC is offering $2,500 per award. The applicant must be enrolled at a college or university in studies of environmental horticulture, natural resources conservation, environmental sustainability, marine aquaculture or agricultural education. If you attend East Bay, Lennard, Riverview and Durant Hillsborough County High Schools, contact your College and Career Counselor for the application. If you do not attend those High schools and live in Brandon, Riverview or Apollo Beach area contact the RGC Scholarship Chair at apollobeach5@gmail.com.
Serving The Families Of Our Fallen Heroes
Attorney Ashley Ivanov recently spoke to American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. about estate planning and probate: the freedom to plan and the importance of such. Ivanov, whose family members served in the U.S. military, gives back to at least one in-need Gold Star family every year by offering a complimentary estate plan. “While Gold Star families may be given medals and honoring words, few may receive practical services that serve them,” commented Ivanov. “These families lost a loved one in active military service to our country, and they know freedom well—the benefits of such and the ultimate price that is paid to maintain and keep it. It is an honor to give back to these families.” If you are a professional and are interested in providing complimentary services to Gold Star families, please reach out to Ivanov on 436-0288 and she will put you in touch with members of the American Gold Star Mothers.
community outreach funds with its annual golf tournament. The event is being held on Saturday, April 10, at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club in Riverview. The entrance fee is $75 per player and includes prizes for Hole-in-one, Greatest Putt, Longest Drive, Most Accurate Drive, Closest to the pin and an awards luncheon with great food following the tournament at the golf club. All proceeds benefit St. Anne Catholic Church community and outreach programs, including the weekly food pantry and Catholic Charities’ Mobile Medical Bus ministering to the needs of rural poor in Southern Hillsborough County. Registration forms are available at the St. Anne Parish Office, Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m. to 4:00p.m. and Sunday 9:00a.m. to Noon. Registration forms are also available at Summerfield Crossings Golf Pro shop. For more information contact Bob Gounaud at bgounaud@verizon.net or John Barr at pioneertire@ yahoo.com.
St. Patrick’s Day Virtual Scavenger Hunt Could Win You Prizes
Enter the South Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce’s scavenger hunt for the chance to win prizes without leaving the comfort of your home. From March 17, 10:00a.m. through March 18 at noon, log onto the chamber’s website: www.southhillsboroughchamber.com, click on the business directory and look for all the four leaf clovers next to member business listings. Submit those names to the chamber and you will be entered for the chance to win prizes!
The Cottonseed Marketplace Introduces Its Airstream Mobile Marketplace
Carrie and Joe Perkins, owners of the Cottonseed Marketplace, invite you to tour their renovated 1973, 23 ft. Airstream RV, nicknamed Arrow, w h i c h showcases their wooden and leather, laser-engraved gifts and home decor. The Cottonseed Marketplace is a homegrown and handmade local small business based in Valrico that began in 2015 by selling items on Etsy. The grand opening will take place at the Bullfrog Creek Brewing Company’s Sunday Market on March 21 from 12 Noon until 4 p.m. The celebration will also include raffle prizes from local small businesses, giveaways and complimentary beer. Bullfrog Creek Brewing Company is located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.
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Local non-profit Women Centered 4 Success, partnered with a community of donors to feed hungry families in honor of Dr, Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy for social change via the 3 Annual MLK Day of Service, Pantry Project. In previous years it was able to organize a Student Food Pantry that opened the door for local high school students to participate in a community service project. Due to COVID it was not able to set up the Student Pantry Project in the schools, but through the help of community donors and volunteers it provided 60 pantry boxes to families and seniors. Women Centered 4 Success is a non-profit organization committed to bringing together a community of support to make life coaching accessible and affordable for all women who are seeking positive change in their lives.
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on Sunday, March 28, from 3:00p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The golf club is located at 13050 Summerfield Blvd. For tickets, info and more fun events join the FunTampa Facebook
Bloomingdale 5K To Be Held At Bloomingdale High School
The running of the Bulls 5k is happening in 2021! The event will be held on Saturday, May 5 at 8:00a.m. at Bloomingdale High School. The 5k will be conducyed within guidelines established by the CDC and spacial COVID safety precautions will be in place. Both runners and walkers are welcome and all the proceeds benefit Bloomingdale High School students. Register for the event online at https://fitniche.com/events.
Easter Of Hope Free Electronic Recycling Event Family Event The Lighthouse Gos- Benefiting Local Nonprofits
Pronesis Technolongy Group is partnering with local Tampa Bay business, Urban E Recycling, to offer its local community the opportunity to recycle their electronic equipment safely and securely for free. “We look forward to hosting this event every year, and with the rise in cyber use this year, it is even more important to protect your data and make sure you are not leaving business or personal information on your old devices,” said Jeff Sheffer of Pronesis Technology Group. While this is a free event, Pronesis Technology Group is asking that you bring a donation of nonSt. Patrick’s Day Fun perishable goods At Salty Shamrock for local comSt. Patrick’s day is a big munity heroes, deal at Apollo Beach’s Irish A Kid’s Place of Bar, Salty Shamrock and Tampa Bay and this year they will be celethe Angel Founbrating with two different dation. events. St. Puppy’s day is The event will March 14, from 2:00p.m. take place on to 4:00p.m. bring your dog Thursday, March to a variety of free to enter 18 from 10 a.m. competitions including best Just some of the 2,694 lbs. of e-waste collected to 2 p.m. at Prolast year. dressed and owner and dog nesis Technology look-a-like. Live entertainGroup on 1463 Oakfield Dr., Ste. 101 in Branment and vendors will also be on site. St. don. For more information, including a list of Patrick’s day itself is March 17 and will feaaccepted equipment and the top needs for ture live music all day including Blue Skyes the community groups, visit pronesisgrp. Bag Pipe and Drum band at 4:00p.m. Irish com/e-shred. fare will be available all day long and don’t forget to try the green beer. There will be a American Legion Giving Back $5 cover charge starting at 1:00p.m. The Salty Shamrock is located at 6186 US To The Community American Legion U.S.S. Tampa, FloriHwy. 41 N, Apollo Beach. Visit its website for more information at www.saltysham- da Auxiliary Unit 5 from District 15 came together to give back to the community rock.com. recently. They were able to make up homeFree Easter Egg Hunt At Sum- made Valentine’s Day cards and filled up goody snack bags for nurses who were admerfield Crossings Golf Club ministering the COVID-19 vaccine injections The Summerfield Crossings Golf Club at the James Haley VA Hospital in Tampa. will be holding its annual Easter egg hunt
pel Mission and Operation Hope are excited to present Easter of Hope on Saturday, March 27 at 11 a.m. The free family event will include an Easter egg hunt, games, giveaways, prizes, fellowship and more. The event will take place at the Lighthouse Freedom Center on 7211 S. 78th St. in Riverview. Visit www.lighthousegospelmission.org for more information.
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March 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 21
TYSON DONATES CHICKEN FOR HUNGRY FAMILIES
By Michelle Caceres
“Although everyone was excited to receive the chicken, it was extra speTyson Foods donated 55,000 pounds of chicken to Feeding cial when I loaded it into the back of Tampa Bay. a car or van and children peering over the backseat got excited about it,” he Football fans may have seen chicken wing said. “They recognized the Tyson logo from shortages leading up to Super Bowl LV, but their chicken nuggets.” the charity Feeding Tampa Bay saw an overInside each case was 96 drumsticks. abundance of chicken thanks to a donation “I imagine they’ll be eating Tyson chicken from Tyson Foods. for weeks now,” he joked. “Our company is committed to giving Ordway said the company has donated back,” said Tyson Foods Team Lead for Publix more food this past year to support commuand FishHawk Trails resident Kevin Ordway. nities in response to the need created by the “We upped our donation from the normal coronavirus pandemic. 33,000 pounds of frozen chicken to 55,000 “In addition to donating chicken, my team pounds since Super Bowl LV was in town.” also dedicates their time by volunteering at Two tractor trailers full of chicken containthe charity’s warehouse as well as other local ing more than 2,500 cases of chicken weighcharities, including Seeds of Hope, the Roning 21 pounds each, valued at $113,000, ald McDonald House, Denard Span Foundarolled into Feeding Tampa Bay’s Mega Pantry tion and Habitat for Humanity,” he said. at Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Ordway also started up a remote chapter Mabry Campus, located across the street of Tyson’s Veterans and Friends Resource from Raymond James Stadium. More than 2,000 families received a 21-pound box of Group, whose goal is to support veterans frozen chicken in addition to their normal and their families beyond cities where it has offices and plants and in communities where food boxes on February 6. “The donation was greatly appreciated,” remote team members live. Tyson also generously loaded an additional said Shannon Hannon-Oliviero, external af200 cases of product into the trucks, which fairs officer at Feeding Tampa Bay. “We were donated to Liberty Manor for Veterans, stand with Tyson Foods in the fight against an organization that assists disabled, honhunger,” she said. “It was magnificent to orably discharged veterans who have fallen launch thousands into a very special weekvictim to homelessness. end here in Tampa Bay, making it possible for For more information about Tyson Foods, families to celebrate Super Bowl LV with a visit www.tysonfoods.com. For more about protein-packed, nutritious meal.” Feeding Tampa Bay, visit www.feedingtamOrdway was on hand to assist with the pabay.org. For more information about Liberfood distribution and was touched by the rety Manor, visit www.libertymanor.org. action to his product.
You Are Invited FACIAL BEAUTY INFORMATIONAL SEMINAR Sun City Center Club Renaissance Thursday, March 18th @ 2pm 2121 S. Pebble Beach Blvd.
Page 22
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 3
WATERSET RAISES $18,000+ FOR SCHOOLS WITH VIRTUAL RUN Staff Report Runners and residents participated in a virtual Turkey Trot 5K hosted by Waterset by Newland, a local community, over last year’s Thanksgiving weekend. The 2020 race raised over $18,000 in proceeds, which benefit three public schools near the community: Doby Elementary, Eisenhower Middle and East Bay High School. Waterset is owned in a joint venture partnership between North America
5K participants were invited to complete their course anywhere, anytime over the 2020 Thanksgiving weekend in order to promote social distancing, with many taking advantage of the 12-mile trail system in the Waterset community. Young runners were also encouraged to participate in a 1-mile Fun Run with the same guidelines. In addition to residents and runners from the surrounding area, participants came
to use the funds as they wish. “I’m so grateful for the proceeds from the Turkey Trot,” said East Bay High School Principal Amy Stevens-Cox. “Now more than ever, schools and teachers need to know that they’re supported, and this generous donation definitely sends that message. We plan on using a portion of our funds for scholarships for seniors, and will use the remainder on campus
picnic tables used for outside classes and seating for breakfast and lunches. Our students have enjoyed the ability to sit outside to learn and spend time with each other because of these resources. We have also made vital technology upgrades. The
A virtual Turkey Trot 5K hosted by Waterset by Newland, a local community, over the 2020 Thanksgiving weekend raised over $18,000 in proceeds, which benefit three public schools near the community: Doby Elementary, Eisenhower Middle and East Bay High School.
Sekisui House, LLC (NASH), the U.S. business unit and a subsidiary of Sekisui House, LTD., Japan’s largest homebuilder and leading diversified developer, and Newland, the master developer of the community. The Waterset Turkey Trot has become a beloved tradition for residents of the community and the Greater SouthShore area. In 2020, the Turkey Trot garnered over 300 runners and walkers, despite a change in format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many local businesses also contributed to the race through sponsorships. The
from as far as Colorado, Wisconsin and New York. Lynda McMorrow, marketing manager at Waterset, presented checks, each for over $5,700, to the principals of East Bay High School, Eisenhower Middle School and Doby Elementary School. The FishHawk Road Runners, which assisted in organizing the race, received a $1,000 donation for the club’s annual scholarship fund. The school principals have discretion
beautification projects to ensure our students feel pride in their campus.” Robert Stingone, principal of Eisenhower Middle School, echoed that sentiment. “Eisenhower Middle School is proud to participate in the annual Turkey Trot at Waterset. We greatly appreciate the support Waterset has provided and the generous contributions to our local schools. Eisenhower has used this monetary support to purchase
Eisenhower Generals truly appreciate the outstanding support from our Waterset community partners and look forward to participating in the Turkey Trot event next year.” In addition to funds raised through the Turkey Trot, Waterset donates several iPads each quarter to deserving students at Eisenhower Middle and East Bay High School students and sponsors other school events throughout the year. To learn more about Waterset, visit www.watersetfl.com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 3
Celebrating 40 Years Serving our Community Thinking it’s time for a new roof? Do you think your roof may have wind damage? DO NOT REPLACE YOUR ROOF WITHOUT LETTING US TAKE A LOOK!
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Riverview/Apollo Beach
46
vidual’s or group’s personal protective interest or safety concerns. Concealed Carry and Home Defense Certification courses continue, and the next dates are Saturday, March 20 and April 17. For more information and details, please email BeSafe@ SimonSafetyTraining.com.
AR Workshop Under New Ownership
The popular boutique DIY studio AR Workshop now has new owners. Tiffany Gleason, Jennifer Beveridge and Dana Thornton are excited to own the business and move forward with their venture. It offers a wide range of project types, including wood framed or planked signs, wood porch signs, canvas wall hangings, totes, pillow covers plus centerpieces, picture frames, trays and lazy Susans. The workshops are perfect for birthdays, private parties, showers, team building events, date nights, you name it. You can order a DIY To-Go Kit The new owners of AR Workshop. local area farms and distribonline, pick up at the workshop’s doorutors. Our focus is on the step and craft at home if you would prefer that to a workshop. With hundreds of customer’s shopping experience.” Educadesigns to choose from, and more being tion about the produce, when and how to added, there is always something to do at buy something in season, how to prepare AR Workshop. it and healthy options will also be providVisit its website at www.arworkshop. ed. com/brandon for more information and Fields and Table is located at 11531 to view the workshop schedule, or call Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview. For 775-7109. more information, visit www.fieldsandtable.com.
Fields And Table Opening Soon
Mirna and Brent Skinner, the owners of new grocery store Fields and Table, located in Riverview, are on a mission to provide the community with quality, fresh and affordable produce, meats, dairy and baked goods. “We believe every household should have the opportunity to have fresh, healthy and delicious food options at their table,” said Mirna and Brent. “Our priority is to source seasonal items from
Jubilee Gymnastics Opens New Location Eight years after opening in Ruskin, Jubilee Gymnastics has grown significantly and expanded from working with preschool-aged children only to teaching and coaching infants to teenagers. The gym recently relocated to 353 30th St. NE. in Ruskin, a larger space that more
comfortably suits the needs of the Jubilee Gymnastics family. The new additional space also allows the gym staff to spread out the classes and activities on the property and even stagger class times to ensure safer procedures during the pandemic. For more information about Jubilee Gymnastics, visit www.jubileegym. com or email info@jubileegym.com.
Simon Firearms Adds Mini Training Classes To Its Courses
Simon Firearms & Family Safety Training is pleased to announce, in addition to its Concealed Carry & Home Defense Certification courses, the introduction of its Mini (Bite-Size) Training Classes. These programs include basic firearm fundamentals and safety, home, business and house of worship security plans. These classes are designed to focus on an indi-
Popular Cuban Restaurant La Septima Cafe Celebrates 26 Years
La Septima Cafe is celebrating 26 years in business. It is well known as a Brandon staple for its delicious and authentic Cuban fusion cuisine. Despite having to close the dining room due to COVID-19, the restaurant pivoted to serving family meals for four people that can be picked up and served at home. These have proven to be a success and are very popular, and a great deal at only $39.95. Another big reason to celebrate is that Kathy Jangraw, a popular employee, has been working at La Septima for 23 of those 26 years. Congratulations! La Septima Cafe is located at 702 W. Lumsden Rd. in the La Viva Plaza. For more information, visit www.laseptimacafe.com or call 685-0502.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED... Missy’s Ink Celebrates Four-Year Anniversary
Missy Duncan, owner of permanent makeup salon Missy’s Ink, is excited to be celebrating the four-year anniversary of her salon in Brandon. It specializes in brow, eye and lip makeup that will enhance your beauty. Missy knows that life is not always perfect, but she believes that your makeup can be. For more information, visit www.missyink.com, email missy@missyduncan.com or call 659-0648.
Enjoy A Perfect Pint Of Guinness At Strandhill Public
Brooks & Brooks Law Firm
Choose Brooks & Brooks Law Firm for your next legal dilemma, whether that is a car accident, medical malpractice, a slip and fall, contract dispute or a landlord tenant dispute. With a combined experience of over 49 years of practice, you will receive the best representation possible and get its commitment to providing the highest level of service. Brooks & Brooks Law Firm is located at 205 S. Hwy 41., Ste. A in Ruskin and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. After-hours appointments can also be made by calling the office on 906-6000. For more information, visit www.brooksbrookslaw.com or follow
Strandhill Public is a modern day Irish pub that celebrates traditional Irish culture through authentic dishes and craft beverages, including the perfect pint of Guinness. The restaurant serves a mixture of traditional Irish dishes, such as shepherd’s pie, Brian Giddings and Ben Crawford. an all-day Irish breakfast including black pudding as well the Brooks & Brooks Law Firm Facebook as some classic American dishes thrown page at https://www.facebook.com/Twoin. “We are here to celebrate and sustain LocationsTampaRuskin. the spirit of the traditional Irish pub with enthusiasm for artisan Irish food and liba- Giddings Crawford, Personal Intions, paying tribute to times past while jury Law Firm Opens Brian Giddings and Ben Crawford have representing modern culture,” said Owners partnered to create a new personal injury Rory Martin and Sharon Gaumond. Strandhill Public is located at 10288 law firm, Giddings Crawford, PLLC, locatCauseway Blvd. in Tampa and is open from ed in Brandon and focused on personal 11-1 a.m. daily. For more, visit www.strand- injury and wrongful death. Giddings grew up in the area and went to Bloomingdale hillpublic.com or call 442-7080. High School, and he has practiced per-
Volume 19, Issue 3
sonal injury law for the last 10 years. Crawford grew up in Lakeland and has lived in Valrico for the last 14 years, practicing personal injury law for that time. They opened Giddings Crawford, PLLC in Brandon to better serve the people of Western Hillsborough County where they are part of the community. They are dedicated to achieving the best results possible for your claim. The office is located at 510 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. 303 in Brandon. For more information, visit www.gclawpllc. com or call either 951-4033 or 863-8606951.
FishHawk Residents New Owners Of Magic Kinder Preschool
FishHawk residents, Tom and Chelsea Nestor are the new owners of Magic Kinder Preschool, located on FishHawk Blvd. It provides childcare for ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, including VPK and after-school care. “We are a family-owned preschool with a focus on learning through play. Safety is our number one priority for your children while in our care. We have amazing and caring teachers who make each child’s learning experience one full of love, care, fun and adventures,” said Tom and Chelsea. Magic Kinder Preschool is currently allowing in-person tours by appointment and would love for you to come and tour the facility to see if it is a good fit for your
family. It is also doing something amazing for our community and offering four weeks of free tuition for new families. For more information, visit www. magickinderkids.com, follow its Facebook page www.facebook.com/MagicKinderKids/ or call 436-0309.
The Peterson Academic Center Opens
The Peterson Academic Center recently opened in Valrico. It offers targeted, systematic academic support in science, math, reading, FSA and SAT/ACT test prep with a personalized approach tailored to the unique needs of each student. Dr. Eric Peterson along with his wife, Mrs. Amanda Peterson, have over 50 years of combined experience in the educational field. Both Dr. and Mrs. Peterson have dedicated their lives to the education of young people and believe that every student can succeed with the right tools and support. The Peterson Academic Center is located at 1806 Main St. in Valrico. For more info, visit www.petersonacademic. com, email tpacbrandon@gmail.com or call 703-2075.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 3
RAE’S ACCOUNTING, LLC LOCAL RESIDENT FULFILLS HIS DREAM OF OFFERS A FREE WORKSHOP ON PROFIT FIRST
By Tatiana Ortiz Huntley got her Profit First certifiAs a young kid around cation in October the age of 9, Robin Rae 2020. This will be her Huntley always had a first official workdesire to become an acshop with it. Rae’s countant. In 2016, she Accounting, LLC offulfilled that dream and fers a wide variety opened Rae’s Accountof services, such as ing, LLC, located in Apolbookkeeping, tax lo Beach. On Wednesday, preparation, planning March 17 at 12 Noon, join and much more. With Huntley at the Lakewood the pandemic, Rae’s Community Church of Accounting, LLC proGod in Brandon for a free vides a virtual option workshop on Profit First. where the client and Lunch will be provided. Robin Rae Huntley, owner of Rae’ s Accounting, Huntley can meet The workshop will be LLC in Apollo Beach. through GoToMeetconducted once a month ing to review taxes with a maximum of 20 people in attenline by line, or those who feel comfortable dance. can set up an in-office appointment. Huntley explained what this Profit First Huntley shared what she would like othWorkshop is about. “It retrains entrepreneurs on how to ers to know about Rae’s Accounting, LLC. “We are family-owned, and I like to help pay themselves first,” Huntley said. my clients pay the least amount of taxes Profit First is a method developed and legitimately as well as realize the profitdocumented by business, author and fiability,” Huntley said. nance expert Mike Michalowicz. It is To register, visit https://www. based on the idea that individuals need to eventbrite.com/e/profit-first-workallocate their income and prioritize their profit before paying expenses. His book shop-tickets-139480703539. For more became well known for showing how to information, check out https://www.raesystematically grow profits in any busi- saccounting.com. Rae’s Accounting, LLC is ness. In addition, Forbes wrote about located at 400 Frandorson Cir., Ste. 103 in Profit First, and it was also featured in Apollo Beach. It is open Monday through Accounting Today, along with other me- Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.dia sources. With that in mind, those who 4 p.m, and closed for lunch from 12 Noonattend this workshop will receive the core 1 p.m. Call 540-1040 or email Robin@ RaesAccounting.com. chapters of Profit First.
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OWNING HIS OWN BUSINESS
By Libby Hopkins
Clarence Loveless II is a military veteran This would allow them to keep more of who retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2018 their hard-earned profits from each delivafter serving for 20 years. He was stationed ery.” in Salt Lake City, Utah February 16 of this in 2018 when he made year marked two the decision to move to months that Order and Tampa after he retired. Run has been in op“I had only been to Floreration. “As with any ida a handful of times, new business, we are never more than two still getting our bearor three days,” Loveless ings, but look forward said. “I literally didn’t to building a lasting know much about Florrelationship with the ida except for the obvicommunity,” Loveless ous: Walt Disney World, said. “The feedback so South Beach and alligafar has been very postors. I settled in Tampa itive. Most customers due to the cost of living appreciate the commuand proximity to the nication throughout the ocean. All I can say is, delivery process. If Clarence Loveless II of Riverview is a military no regrets.” there are any delays veteran who retired from the U.S. Air Force in Loveless has no re- 2018 after serving for 20 years. He is the owner of at the restaurant or Order and Run, a meal delivery service. grets because living in menu changes, we call Riverview has given him the ability to make them and give an update so they are aware his lifelong dream of owning his own busi- and not left in the dark. They also receive a ness come true. He is the owner of Order text when we are three minutes from arand Run, a food delivery service. rival so they know to be on the lookout for “I was looking at different franchise their delivery.” opportunities but couldn’t find anything Loveless’ customers also like that they that really inspired me,” Loveless said. can talk to him if they have a question “One day, I was doing a Google search on about their order. “The number one thing hot business trends and came across an I have received compliments on is the fact article about the future of food delivery customers like the fact [that] when they services. I thought about my own experi- have a question, they can call and speak to ences utilizing these services and thought an actual person and get an immediate reto myself, ‘This is interesting.’ I also knew sponse,” Loveless said. I could maybe assist local restaurants with To learn more about Order and Run, visit providing a delivery option that wouldn’t www.orderandrun.com or call Loveless at charge a ridiculously high commission rate. 820-0070.
March 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
LOCAL BUSINESS WE TEACH PLANTS TAKES LEARNING ABOUT PLANTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL By Haley Fedor One of the special services available at We Teach Plants is a Kids Plant Club that takes place on Saturday mornings once a month. Through this club, kids are involved in planting sessions centered around a theme. By participating, kids can take home a new plant friend and lots of new knowledge about plants. Young guests present their creations from a We Teach Plants event. Other We Teach Plants activities include monthly DIY workshops held With a bit of interesting knowledge, mayon Saturday evenings, featuring events like be just a sprinkle of dirt and a lot of fun, We terrarium building and houseplants 101 that Teach Plants in Winthrop gets individuals are sure to bring out the green thumb in any engaging with plants on a whole new level. participant. The local, family-owned business is run by Beyond the monthly events offered, We FishHawk resident Lauren Felker, who not Teach Plants accommodates with custom only has a passion and love for plants but events as well that give customers the freealso a natural inclination for teaching. The dom of choice. Individuals can invite up to idea for We Teach Plants sprouted from the eight guests for a workshop of their choossuccess of a plant and home decor boutique ing on a reserved date. We Teach Plants owned by Felker’s mother that opened in works to turn plant dreams into reality. 2019. “Whether a baby shower, a birthday par“So many of our customers at the plant ty or a business function, we’ve got the pershop had questions about plant care that fect unique activity,” said Felker. “The possiwe decided to put our passions and skills bilities are endless.” together and offer plant workshops,” said The business mainly operates out of the Felker. Full Grown Girl plant shop located at 11292 We Teach Plants offers events and workSullivan St. in Riverview in Winthrop Town shops during which guests are able to get Centre, where workshops and other events hands-on with plants and learn about them are held; however, We Teach Plants also ofat the same time. fers mobile workshops that deliver the exFor the staff of We Teach Plants, the goal citement to you. is “to provoke a passion for houseplants in To find out more about the business and everyone, all while enjoying an unforgetany upcoming events, visit weteachplants. table eco experience at one of our unique com. events,” said Felker.
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By Brian Bokor, Founder www.facebook.com/bokorscorner Welcome to your March update of new developments and openings in the Greater Brandon/ Riverview area. Please check the respective Facebook pages for most recent information. On the retail side, several new shops and restaurants opened this year, including Culver’s on Boyette Rd. in Riverview, Brandon Vegan Deli in the Walmart Neighborhood market plaza on Lithia Pinecrest Rd. as well as three new stores in Bloomingdale Square (Bloomingdale Ave. and Bell Shoals Rd. ), including The Flip Flop Shop, Caribbean Mystique Spa and The UPS Store. Gasparilla Pizzeria & Growlers on Bloomingdale Ave. has its alcoholic beverage permit hearing on Monday, February 22 and is hoping to be able to serve beer as well as fill your ‘growlers’ soon after. Stores currently in the construction phase include a RaceTrac at the SE. corner of Lumsden Rd. and Kings Ave. with four new businesses slated for the parcels in front of the Bloomingdale Walmart Supercenter. The standalone building will become a Heartland Dental with the other, a TD Bank, on one side and two as-of-yet unnamed retailers on the other. The bank will be located on the corner lot nearest Wendy’s. Developments in the early stages include a Hydrologic Warehouse, Distri-
bution Center and Sales Showroom featuring plumbing and lighting and fans at its new location, just south of the TGH Ice Plex off of Falkenburg Rd. Apollo Beach will be welcoming a new restaurant in Finn’s Dockside Bar & Grill, to be located near Circles Waterfront Restaurant on Apollo Beach Blvd. In the Belmont area, new stores planned include a dental office, Dunkin’, Hungry Howie’s and BubbaQue’s on the SW. corner of Paseo Al Mar Blvd. and U.S. 301. On the multifamily residential side, a 66-unit townhome project off of Big Bend Rd. in Summerfield (Townes at Summerfield Creek) is in the presale stage, a gated 58-unit townhome community will be built off Krycul Ave. in Riverview, a 400unit apartment complex is already underway in Waterset and Belmont will see a new 160-unit townhome project behind the new Publix shopping plaza. Two separate, single-family subdivisions are set for the Simmons Loop area with 250 new homes planned southwest of Simmons Loop and another 48 planned just south of Simmons Loop off of Grace Sweat Rd. The area will also see construction begin on the I-75 flyover from U.S. 41 to U.S. 301, connecting Paseo Al Mar Blvd. in Apollo Beach with Balm Rd. in Wimauma (Waterset to Belmont).
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Page 30
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
GET THE DIRT:
SPRING GARDENING IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BY LYNN BARBER, FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING™ AGENT March is ready, set… garden month in Hillsborough County. We’re past the last chance of frost, and we can put plans and plants into place as we recycle and redesign our landscape beds. It’s a good time to shape and reduce the size of landscape plants. Don’t prune gardenias and azaleas until after they have bloomed. For ornamental grasses, cut the stems to 4-12 inches above the ground, depending on the size of the clump. Recycle your landscape clippings in your compost bin. If you’re raking oak leaves, compost or use them as mulch in a landscape bed. To learn about the dos and don’ts of composting, sign up for a composting workshop offered once a month, currently via Zoom, with us, the UF/ IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, from February through November. Check our calendar of events at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ hillsborough/upcoming-events/. It’s a great time to apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to your landscape beds. Move mulch away from the stems of your plants. It’s a great landscape addition because it adds nutrients to the soil when it decomposes, retains soil
moisture, regulates soil temperature and suppresses weed growth. Check the Central Florida Gardening Calendar at https://edis. ifas.ufl.edu/ep450 for what to plant and activities to do month by month. View the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide at http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021 for veggie planting info, soil preparation, fertilization, irrigation, pest management approaches and more. We will be planting beans, southern peas, peppers and tomatoes in March. If you like to grow your own herbs and spices, consider basil, lemon balm, mint, oregano and rosemary. Bulbs provide color, form and texture. Some beauties are Amazon lily, crinum and agapanthus. Let’s get outside and get our hands dirty. Be sure to take time for a nice glass of iced tea and a good book (gardening, of course) on your front porch, lanai or in your garden. Enjoy! Life’s too short not to garden. For assistance with horticultural questions, call 744-5519. More gardening information is available at https:// sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/. Remember to reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat. Hope to see you at a workshop soon.
Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Retail Employee Insurance Company (REICO) located at 10713 Navigation Dr. , in Hillsborough County, in the city of Riverview, FL 33579 intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida
Volume 19, Issue 3
LOCAL CHARITY RECOGNIZED BY SUPER BOWL COMMITTEE
Staff Report
survivors. “A sexual assault is one of the most traumatizing experiences a person can go through. As the certified rape crisis center in Hillsborough County, we know that anyone who comes through our doors is going to receive the compassion and support they need in that moment from our staff. Receiving something as simple Captain Fear, Lucile Malone from Rep. Fentrice Driskell’s office, as a new shirt in those hours Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Kemp, Tampa Mayor Jane after an assault can help aid in Castor, Crisis Center Board Chair Barbara Curts, Melissa Schiller from the NFL, Crisis Center CEO Clara Reynolds and Marcia Mejia the initial healing process for a from Rep. Kathy Castor’s office doing double-fives for Super Bowl LV. survivor. This donation from the NFL ensures that survivors have Ahead of Super Bowl LV, NFL staff collected brand-new clothing to be donated something brand-new and comfortable to to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s Sex- go home in following their exam, making a ual Assault Services department. Captain difficult situation that much easier,” said Fear, the team mascot, also attended to Clara Reynolds, president and CEO of the help deliver the significant donation with Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. The mission of the Crisis Center of Tamrepresentatives from the NFL. To show their support of the donation pa Bay is to ensure that no one in our commade to the county’s only certified rape munity has to face crisis alone. The organicrisis center, Mayor Jane Castor, Hillsbor- zation is the community’s gateway to help, ough County Commissioner Pat Kemp, a hope and healing, and is Tampa Bay’s elite member of Representative Kathy Castor’s provider of crisis and trauma services. team and a member of Representative Responding to over 170,000 requests for Fentrice Driskell’s team were in atten- help each year, the nonprofit agency ofdance as well. The Crisis Center’s Sexual fers a range of evidence-based programs Assault Services department serves in- designed to meet community needs: • Gateway Contact Center (2-1-1: suidividuals 13 years and older within Hillsborough County who have been assaulted. cide prevention, crisis counseling as well Whether the assault occurred last week- as information and referral services). • Corbett Trauma Center (trauma counend or 15 years ago, survivors receive confidential support and resources. The seling and sexual assault survivor serclothing donated by the NFL will be pro- vices). • TransCare (9-1-1 emergency and menvided to survivors whose own clothing is collected for evidence as part of their rape tal health ambulance services, medical van kit. These clothes ensure they have some- transportation). For more regarding the Crisis Center of thing comfortable to change into after the exam. The NFL also provided journals that Tampa Bay, please visit www.crisiscenter. are used as an emotional healing tool for com.
Karla Marie Carolan, J.D.
Dated at Valrico, Florida this 21st day of February 2021
As always, we are here for any legal support you may need and wish everyone good health.
March 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE VISITS THE FLORIDA RAILROAD MUSEUM By Tatiana Ortiz Ride along Thomas the Tank Engine during its Party Train Tour at the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish on select weekends in April. Dates include Saturday, April 17; Sunday, April 18; Saturday, April 24; and Sunday, April 25. Prices range from $19 to $23, depending on the time of day for peak and non-peak pricing. To add, anyone 24 months old and up will need a ticket to Thomas the Tank Engine enter. Ad- makes an appearance during its Party Train Tour at the vanced tickFlorida Railroad Museum. ets will be required. Florida Railroad Museum’s events director, Glenn Miley, mentioned how this event came into fruition. “Thomas the Tank Engine has been visiting the Florida Railroad Museum for 10 years and is coming back in April,” Miley said. While on board Thomas the Tank Engine, attendees will have a party pass to receive favors at numerous stops along the way. An array of activities that attendees could participate in would include crafts, checking out the party corner for lawn game fun and more. Those interested will also get an opportunity to say hello to Sir Topham Hatt or even visit the pop-up gift shop.
This event will be abiding by the local government guidelines with enhanced safety protocols in place. “There will be extra cleaning between trains. Sanitizer stations will also be placed around the grounds,” Miley said. Founded as the Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum, the Florida Railroad Museum, Inc. was established with the goal to preserve Florida’s railroad history that existed in the 1940s and 1950s. The museum itself consists of exhibits that individuals can ride. The Florida Railroad Museum operates on a 6-mile line between Parrish and Willow in rural Manatee County. As a side note, this specific railroad line was the first to be built in Manatee County. The trains are operated by the Florida Railroad Museum volunteers, and throughout the year, special weekend events such as this one will occur. For more information, visit http:// www.frrm.org. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.ticketweb.com/venue/florida-railroad-museum-parrish-fl/83825. It is located at 12210 83rd St. E. in Parrish and is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 941-776-0906.
Page 31
QUARANTINE ACTIVITY TURNS INTO SMALL BUSINESS
SELLING MUSHROOMS
By Samantha Trezevant The pandemic left many residents with downtime, which resulted in new hobbies, new experiments and new interests for many. One Hillsborough County local decided to spend his time fueling his new passion—growing mushrooms. Rhett Pennington and his wife unintentionally became very successful growing mushrooms of all kinds. Pennington is an entrepreneur who has been in business since 1982. Within this time, he has been involved in the printing industry, ministry and now does real estate fulltime with his wife. Furthermore, he and his wife buy, flip and sell houses. Although they keep themselves busy, COVID-19 caused them to slow down a bit. Over quarantine, the couple researched the way everyday food is produced and learned toxins that go into chicken and beef while they are processed. This resulted in them changing their diet to be vegan. Pennington figured he would experiment in growing vegetables to supplement their new lifestyle. Initially, he learned hydroponics, a method of growing vegetables without soil. After a lot of trial and error, Pennington decided this is not quite what he wanted to do. He continued to investigate ways to grow fresh produce for himself and his wife and he stumbled along the process of growing mushrooms. Fascinat-
ed, he decided to give it a try. He bought the necessary equipment, built a lab and learned the intricate steps of growing mushrooms the safe way. Pennington said, “You definitely have to have a little bit of scientist in you.” Because this is such a controlled process, the mushrooms are almost completely organic and 100 percent safe and sanitary. Pennington grows many different types of mushrooms ranging from a variety of oyster mushrooms to specialties, such as shiitake, reishi, bear’s head and many more. One of the most special mushrooms that he grows is the lion’s mane mushroom. This is the number one mushroom in the world as it contains amazing health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and helping to fight against cancer. These traits are common in many other mushrooms that Pennington grows as well. Pennington has seen great success in his new hobby. His official business name is Capital Mushrooms and he is a direct seller to the Tampa Hyatt and the new Fields and Table produce market opening this spring. For more information, call 625-6900. His produce is also available through Cypress Creek Co-Op.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
RELAY FOR LIFE GETS READY TO KICK OFF THEIR 2021 EVENTS
By Libby Hopkins
transition from traMany local and dition and rely more national nonprofheavily on virtual its are looking to platforms, volunteer 2021 to be a new efforts and commuyear of hope and nity connections. “It’s prosperity. 2020 not the walk, it’s the saw many of their why,” Schoonover yearly fundraisers said. “Why we relay get cancelled due is what is important to the COVID-19 and there are many pandemic, but the ways to support that American Cancer ‘why’ and the AmerSociety (ACS) is ican Cancer Society gearing up for a The American Cancer Society saw its Relay For Life events go unfulfilled in 2020, but the passion of its volunteers and mission.” great 2021. the focus on its mission never wavered. The Bloomingdale The American virtual Relay For Life event is being held Cancer Society saw its Relay For Life on Saturday, April 30, from 6-10 p.m. via events go unfulfilled in 2020, but the pasFacebook Live. The event will be very simision of its volunteers and the focus on lar to an in-person event and will still have its mission never wavered. ACS and its the same ceremonies, such as the opening Southeast Hillsborough County supportceremony, luminaria and closing ceremoers continued to fund efforts that saved nies. “ACS is very grateful for its many suplives, celebrated lives and moved us closer porters, donors and volunteers, and withto a world without cancer. “Cancer hasn’t out their tireless help, we cannot do what stopped and many of the Relay teams have we do,” Schoonover said.“We know they’ve already signed up and begun fundraising,” had their own challenges, and that makes said ACS Development Manager Tamtheir support even more remarkable.” my Schoonover. “However, in the Greater The details for this event are still beBrandon area, we have started out slow ing worked out, but for more information as collectively to date we have raised just about the Bloomingdale virtual Relay For over $4,100 versus $22,000 at this same Life, you can contact Event Lead Kerry time last year.” Heron at www.relayforlife.org/bloomingACS will continue to use guidelines from dalefl or Student Ambassador Esha Saini the CDC and other government municipalat eshasaini13@gmail.com. The website ities to determine the future of Relay For for registration is www.relayforlife.org/ Life events and other in-person events. bloomingdalefl. Relay events for the 2021 season will
Volume 19, Issue 3
CAREERSOURCE SEEKS TO HELP LOCAL YOUTH FIND SUMMER JOBS By Hayley Fedor Originally created in 2019 by Career- virtual career exploration for four weeks Source Tampa Bay, the Summer Job Con- centered around networking for the youth, nection program is in full swing heading having the ability to build connections into its third year running. Backed by the with employers as well as peers and reHillsborough Counceiving compensaty School District as tion while doing it. well as the HillsborThe last program ough Board of County available for appliCommissioners, the cants is a six-week program is able to community or reach more youth and leadership project make a greater imthat consists of pact with each passstrengthening proing year. fessional skills of The main goal of participants along the program is to help with the compleHillsborough County tion of a commuyouth ages 16 to 24 nity-based project. One of the many youth impacted by the get connected with From accounting Summer Job Connection program hard at work. employment during to visual arts, these the summer. By not only assisting youth are just some of the diverse selection of but encouraging them to explore employ- jobs that youth in the area will be exposed ment opportunities, CareerSource hopes to by participating in the Summer Job to be “starting the pipeline of the work- Connection program this year. force in the new generation,” said Doug “Sometimes the first job can give ideas Tobin, director of public relations and mar- for what they want to do for the rest of keting at CareerSource Tampa Bay. their lives,” said Tobin. Through the 2021 Summer Job ConCareerSource Tampa Bay looks to pronection opportunities, youth receive more vide around 1,000 Hillsborough County than just an internship or a job. “We also youth with employment opportunities this have a program here that teaches them summer through the program. life skills like how to budget,” said Tobin. The 2021 Summer Job Connection proThe structure of the 2021 Summer Job grams are set to take place from June to Connection is broken up into three differ- July. The deadline for applications is Frient programs that Hillsborough County day, March 12. youth are able to apply to. The first proFor more information on the Careergram is a part-time, paid work experience, Source 2021 Summer Job Connection and earning $12 an hour for eight weeks and to find the online application, visit http:// gaining hands-on, real-world experience in www.careersourcetampabay.com/sumthe workforce. The second opportunity is mer-job-connection/.
Saint Anne Catholic Church
EASTER
THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD
HOLY WEEK REMEMBRANCE Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter OF CHRIST’S PASSION Saturday, April 3rd at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 27 Vigil Mass 4:30 p.m. EASTER SUNDAY Palm Sunday, March 28 Mass 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. MASSES 12:00 p.m. (Español) April 4th Monday, March 29 Mass 8:00 a.m. 6:30 a.m. (Sunrise) • 8:00 a.m Tuesday, March 30 Mass 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. • 12:00 p.m. (Español) Wednesday, March 31 Mass 8:00 a.m., 7:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. EASTER TRIDUUM 8:00 a.m. Holy Thursday, April 1 Morning Prayer of the Liturgical Hours 7:00 p.m. Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper 12:00 p.m. Good Friday, April 2 Stations of the Cross (Fast & Abstinence) Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 3:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. Holy Saturday, April 3 Reconciliation 12:00 p.m. Blessing of Easter Food
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
March 2021
PRECIOUS COINS & GOLD
PROVIDES EDUCATION TO ITS CUSTOMERS ON THEIR VALUABLES
BELL CREEK ACADEMY STUDENTS
NATIONAL FINALISTS IN NASA’S ARTEMIS APP DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGE
By Tatiana Ortiz Apollo Beach residents and Owners of Gold is known for. Precious Coins and Gold in Sun City Cen“We are known for educating people ter Cono Liguori and his wife, Cecelia Li- on what they have and explain in a way guori, bring more than 35 years of exper- that makes them feel good when they tise in retail as they both managed large leave here,” Cono said. jewelry stores during their professional With the coins aspect, it can assist careers. Prior to people with destarting the busitermining the valness, the Liguoris ue on their coins had somewhat refrom either the tired, but started United States or getting into gold foreign ones. Any and silver items coins older than as a hobby due to 1964, along with an interest, which old and obsolete led them to openpaper currency ing their shop in older than 1934, 2013. Part of its are what Precious mission would Coins and Gold be to help peoseeks, for people ple manage their wanting to sell. assets and give “Overall, many them the best Owners Cecelia Liguori and her husband, Cono Liguori, of do not realize how Precious Coins and Gold in Sun City Center. deal available. much some of Precious Coins and Gold provides free their possessions are worth,” Cono said. consultations for those interested in “We pay a fair price and our clients beselling their gold and silver coins, invest- come not only friends, but also repeat ment silver and gold jewelry as well as clients as well,” he added. other items. Even if one cannot go to this For more information, please visit location for their consultation, the Ligu- http://www.preciouscoinsandgold.com. oris will come to them, whether it be at Precious Coins and Gold is located at their home or an assisted living facility, 1509 Sun City Center Plz., Ste. A in Sun just to name a couple. Precious Coins and City Center near the Bella Cucina Italian Gold chemically tests and weighs peo- Family Restaurant. It is open Monday ple’s metals too. It also offers the cash through Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and on Satvalue of the items up front. urday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 863-899-8048 Cono shared what Precious Coins and or 373-2802.
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By Samantha Trezevant
After weeks of hard work and dedication, a group of local students and teachers known as Team Pardus has developed an application to map the surface of the moon. The team from Bell Creek Academy (BCA) is one out of 10 groups to make it to the finals, and the only group from Florida. NASA encourages young students to be the next generation of explorers. One way it does this is through their App Development Challenge, according to NASA. com. Team Pardus consists of nine high school students and two teachers. The students, Jon Santmyer, Peter Cross, Amanda Schultz, Estaban Acebedo, Alejandro Acebedo, Giovanni Borras, Malakai Overstreet, Kristina O’Connor and Ryan Leung, were assisted by teachers Melissa DiCenzo and Samuel Zucker. The team participated in the coding challenge on September 20, 2020 and completed it less than two months later. Their mission was to create an app to
be used to explore the south pole of the moon. These developments will help NASA put its first woman on the moon. The team was recognised in a ceremony with Melissa Snively from the Hillsborough County School Board; Addison Davis, superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools; Commissioner Corcoran; Michael Strader, president of Charter School Associates; and more. Peter Cross, a senior at BCA, demonstrated the app and recited a speech about his own obstacles and the team’s challenges as well. He talked about how much time this project took, the effort and commitment of Team Pardus and the unexpected experience that he gained from this project. He said, “I learned that it takes time, effort and commitment to create a project so earth-shattering.” Another team lead, Amanda Schultz, gave a heartfelt speech about how proud she is of herself, her team, and the school. She gives credit to her supporters for allowing her to explore herself. “Personally, this experience continues to guide me to work hard for my future career path of space exploration and discovery,” said Schultz. Bell Creek Academy is located at 13221 Boyette Rd. in Riverview and can be reached at 793-6075.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
COUNTY WIDENS SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY FOR STUDENTS Staff Report education, not paying bills. This includes first-time students and students returning to school. The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or fouryear universities. Over the past five years, 295 scholarships have been awarded to deserving high Hillsborough County Social Services and the Community Action Board school and college students are partnering again this year to offer scholarships of up to $5,000 to across Hillsborough County, eligible students. totaling about $1.29 million. Applications for the 2021 COVID-19 has had profound impacts on scholarships will be accepted through the Hillsborough County community, and Wednesday, March 31. Recipients will be that includes the ability of many students notified in writing prior to the start of the to afford attending college. However, Hillfall semester. sborough County Social Services and the Applicants must meet these eligibility Community Action Board are partnering requirements to be awarded a scholaragain this year to offer scholarships of ship: be between the ages of 16 and 24, up to $5,000 to eligible students. In rehave a high school diploma or GED equivsponse to the impacts of COVID-19, the alent (16-year-olds may apply if they are program will feature expanded eligibility graduating seniors), reside in Hillsborough criteria this year. County, have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and The Community Action Board Scholhousehold income must fall within 200 arship program broadened its housepercent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. hold income eligibility from 125 percent The following criteria will also be used to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty to evaluate applicants: community serGuidelines and lowered the GPA requirevice and school involvement, application ment from 2.5 to 2.0. The changes to the program requirements aim to help and letters of recommendation, academic students who struggled academically be- record (transcript), essay response and cause of the pandemic’s unprecedented panel interview participation. Application materials can be downloadimpacts on schools as well as students ed on the county’s scholarship applicafrom households that saw a reduction in tion page at https://www.hillsboroughannual income. These changes will help county.org/en/residents/social-services/ many students overcome the impacts of COVID-19 and achieve their higher edu- education-and-training/action-folder/ apply-for-a-scholarship. Detailed instruccation dreams. The scholarships, worth up to $5,000, tions on how to apply can also be found are awarded to students to help alleviate on the page. Students may submit comsome of the financial burden of college tu- pleted applications online only. For quesition so they can focus on furthering their tions, call Irina White at 272-5074.
Volume 19, Issue 3
YMCA OFFERS FREE DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM TO MEDICARE PARTICIPANTS
Staff Report
Qualified Medicare participants can ing to the CDC. Prediabetes is a condition partake in the YMCAs of Tampa Bay’s in which a person’s blood glucose is eleevidence-based, CDC-approved Diabetes vated, but not high enough for a diabetes Prevention Program at no cost to them. diagnosis. Only 7 percent of those with The 12-month lifestyle modification pro- prediabetes know they have it, but with gram has been proven to reduce the risk awareness and simple actions, people of developing with prediabetes may type 2 diabetes prevent the onset of for those who are diabetes, a leading at risk. cause of heart disThe Y’s Diabeease, stroke, blindtes Prevention ness, kidney disease Program is ofand nerve disease. fered both in-per“Committed to imson and virtually proving the health at YMCAs across and well-being of Tampa Bay. A Tampa Bay, the Y trained lifestyle wants all community The YMCAs of Tampa Bay’s evidence-based, CDC-apcoach will provide proved Diabetes Prevention Program is available at members to underno cost to qualified residents. a supportive envistand their risk for ronment where participants learn how prediabetes and steps to take to avoid to incorporate healthy eating, physical developing type 2 diabetes,” said Tampa activity and behavior modification into Metropolitan Area YMCA Healthy Living their daily lives. Proven results show the Director Dawn Kita. “Developing type program can prevent or delay new cases 2 diabetes not only puts a tremendous of type 2 diabetes in adults by 58 percent strain on our healthcare system, but imand by as much as 71 percent in those pacts the lives of millions of people and over age 60. their families each year.” “365 days ago, I sat in a classroom at Many insurance providers offer this the YMCA and signed an agreement to program as a covered benefit for anyone join the Diabetes Prevention Program, go who has been diagnosed as having prediato meetings and follow their guidelines betes or who is at a high risk for developto be healthier and reduce my risk of de- ing type 2 diabetes. To qualify, Medicare veloping diabetes,” shared Cindy Reavis. recipients must have an A1C between “I’m thrilled to report success. To date, I have lost 87 pounds and lowered my A1C 5.7-6.4 or a fasting glucose of 110-125. from 5.8 to 5.5, which means I am no lon- Financial assistance and payment plans ger prediabetic. This program and my in- are available for other qualifying individuals based on household income. structors have literally changed my life.” For more information, email YDPP@ More than one in three Americans (88 million people) have prediabetes, accord- tampaymca.org.
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
March 2021
Page 35
N ZONE OFFERS YOUTH SPORTS FOR ALL By Bob Zoellner
N Zone Sports Southshore offers organized, noncontact flag football, soccer and cheerleading for those ages 5-15, as well as junior programs for 3 and 4-year-olds.
Many baby boomers have fond memories of backyard football games and pickup basketball games. Gen Xers and millennials began to experience more organized sporting activities in their childhoods, and now those of the Generation Z matrix get the refinement of all that previous experience. With so many traveling teams, leagues and affiliations available to provide the desired competition, it’s tough to stand out in the crowded field of youth sports. One such couple, though, is doing just that. Kenneth and Nora Greenwell of N Zone Sports Southshore are carving out a niche by offering organized, noncontact flag football, soccer and cheerleading for those ages 5-15, as well as junior programs for 3 and 4-year-olds. During the summer, indoor basketball and soccer are available for those 5-12 years old. The goal is to not only help kids athletically, but also mentally. “At N Zone Sports, we focus on building sportsmanship and teamwork in a supportive, safe and fun environment so that kids can play the sports they love,” Nora said. “Our programs allow children to strengthen sports fundamentals and develop their skills while also building character and confidence that will help them in future athletic endeavors and throughout their lives.” “We focus on the best elements of sports
programs while eliminating many typical drawbacks. This means that there are no tryouts, everyone gets to play and our sports are noncontact,” Nora added. The Greenwells, who purchased the business in May 2019, run one of approximately 50 franchises nationwide. Kenneth is the field and sports director, while Nora runs administration and operations. They use an extensive network of volunteers as coaches and assistants to make things work, hosting around 300 participants in an average season, Nora said. As customers with N Zone Sports Southshore since 2010, with all three of their sons playing flag football, Kenneth and Nora were well acquainted with how things worked. That made it easy to transition into running their own leagues, which use the field at 11525 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview (at South Shore United Methodist Church) for their games. “N Zone Sports Southshore was the very first N Zone league in its history,” Nora said. “The first season was hosted in April of 2008 by N Zone Sports of America President and Founder Tony Westbrock. Many local SouthShore children grew up in N Zone Sports and have gone on to play competitively in high school, national leagues and in college. Some have even come back to coach and officiate.” Registration is going on now for the spring season, which begins on Saturday, April 3. Find N Zone Sports Southshore at https://nzonesports.com/southshore/ events, or call 677-6826.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 3
HCSO SGT. BRIAN LAVIGNE
REMEMBERED AND HONORED BY BOCC By Brad Stager
Do you get to the course early and get warmed up before your round? In reality, the proper procedure for the day you play should start when your alarm clock goes off. Every day should start with some sort of stretching. Flexibility is paramount for a good golf swing. Proper leg, back and arm stretching is important. Plan to get to the course at least 30 minutes early and work through a routine. Start with grabbing two wedges and take slow swings while holding both clubs. This is the same concept as putting a donut weight on a baseball bat before you get up to the plate. The extra weight of the two clubs not only make it easier when you go to swing just one club, but it also causes you to overswing, in turn stretching out your back. Proper leg and torso stretching is a must since most of your power comes from your core. After your stretching at the course, you want to warm up your swing. You want to use your time on the range to evalu-
ate your swing that day and make small tweeks, not broad swing changes. Always start with a wedge and a half swing and work your way up to your driver, not hitting more than a dozen balls at the most for each club. Finish your range warm up by hitting the shot you will be hitting off the first tee. At Summerfield, the first hole is a short par 4 and many golfers will hit a 3-wood off the tee, so I would hit that 3-wood last during your warm up. Don’t forget to leave yourself at least five minutes to practice putting before you tee off. It is important to become aware of the green speed and work on distances of 5, 10 and 15 feet to get the feel you need before heading out. A good warm up will set you and your body up for an enjoyable round and scores you will be happy with. Fairways & Greens Jason Blanchard, General Manager, Summerfield Crossings Golf Club
The first order of of LaVigne’s wife, business for the FebCathleen LaVigne; ruary 3 meeting of the children, Caitlin and Hillsborough County Erin Liam LaVigne; Commission was to his mother, Carol recognize the ultiLaVigne; and siblings, mate sacrifice made Kevin LaVigne and by Sgt. Brian LaVigne Pamela Weyh, as well of the Hillsborough as colleagues and County Sheriff’s Offriends. fice (HCSO), who was “This board hopes killed in the line of they take solace in duty on January 11 the many cherished while responding to memories and posa disturbance call in itive impacts Sgt. Brandon. Brian was Hillsborough County Commissioners honored Sgt. Brian LaVigne made fatally injured when Brian LaVigne of HCSO for making the ultimate during his lifetime.” sacrifice while serving and protecting residents. the suspect allegedly Cathleen expressed rammed the deputy’s patrol car with his appreciation to the commissioners for own vehicle while fleeing the scene. honoring her late husband and to those “This is a very solemn day for us,” said in law enforcement who continue serving Commissioner Pat Kemp, who chaired the Hillsborough County residents. meeting. “Thank you to Sheriff Chad Chronister “All of our hearts are broken because and his team for their support,” she said. when we lose one of our first responders, “And to the men and women who put on it profoundly affects us all. This board of- the belt and vest and head out the door, fers its sincerest condolences to his col- we thank you.” leagues and family who are here today,” A special plaque honoring Brian will she said. be presented to his family, who attendA memoriam signed by all seven mem- ed the ceremony online. It reads in part, bers of the Board of County Commission- “Hillsborough County honors the memory ers (BOCC) was read and entered into of Sgt. Brian Roy LaVigne for his tireless the record. It highlights Brian’s devotion dedication to the safety and well-being of to his family, community and colleagues others and giving his life for the good of during his 31-year career with HCSO. his community as a member of the HillsBesides recognizing Brian’s professional borough County Sheriff’s Office.” achievements, such as Deputy of the Half Brian was honored as part of the counin 1992 and the Sheriff’s Office Life Sav- ty commission’s Fallen Heroes Program, ing Award in 2017, the memoriam spoke which allows for official ceremonial recof his learning to play the bagpipes and ognition by the BOCC of the sacrifice developing martial arts skills. made by first responders who died while The statement concludes with thoughts performing their duties.
March 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 37
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2020 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR WINNERS Staff Report On February 23, the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) officially announced the 2020 Business of the Year and 2020 Award Winners at the GRCC Virtual Monthly Investor Meeting. In 2020, GRCC received 92 nominations for the 2020 Business of the Year awards. These nominees were selected from criteria that includes accomplishments, community involvement, innovation and leadership in the Greater Riverview community. “The purpose of these awards Larry Brooks, A&A Mortgage FundMichelle Mosher, Southshore Insuring - 2020 Citizen of the Year. Tammy See, OEL Heating and Coolis to recognize locally operated Joe Eletto, CENTURY 21 Beggins ance Professionals - 2020 Volunteer 2020 Ambassador of the Year. ing - 2020 Shining Star. businesses that best represent en2015. Curof the Year. trepreneurship in the Greater Rivmal course,” said Doran. “Mosher erview area,” said Tanya Doran, executive St. Joseph’s Hospital - South - Organiza- rently, Eletto actively cultivates new leadership serves as the chair of the Military Affairs director of the Greater Riverview Chamber tions With Over 25 Employees for the GRCC and exemplifies this as a curSt. Joseph’s Hospital - South opened its Committee, actively participates in Taking of Commerce. rent ambassador. She contributes her time doors in February of 2015 and offers a Care of Business (TCOB) and serves on the The 2020 GRCC Business of the Year and thoughts to almost every event hosted variety of amenities for its guests. “Being Annual Golf Tournament Committee. This winners are: by the GRCC, including the Political Forum, Image360 - Tampa/Ybor City - Organi- South Hillsborough County’s first not-for- year will be his sixth time being awarded Taste of GRCC and TCOB.” Mosher curprofit hospital, their innovative facility is Ambassador of the Year. zations With 5 Or Less Employees rently serves as the chair of the Presidents Larry Brooks, A&A Mortgage Funding Founded in 2005, Image360 Tampa/ specially designed to make patients and Council, co-chair for the COVID-19 Task Ybor City is a part of a national network visitors as comfortable as possible,” said - 2020 Citizen of the Year Force and has been a dedicated member “Larry Brooks is involved with countless comprised of over 600 locations. “They Doran. “They just completed their latest to the GRCC board for eight years. believe that the possibilities of visual com- expansion with an 11-bed neonatal in- activities behind the scenes to support Tammy See, OEL Heating and Cooling munication are endless,” said Doran. “Their tensive care unit and Watson Health just the needs of so many in the community,” - 2020 Shining Star goal is to supply graphics that enhance, sig- ranked them within the 2020 Top 100 said Doran. “Brooks has been a dedicated Tammy See completely inserted herHospitals.” volunteer for Faces of Courage for many nage that works and displays that inform.” self within the first year of joining GRCC. The following are the 2020 Award Win- years and gives of his talent and monies to Canine Cabana - Organizations With See conducted a virtual educational weners: many more organizations as well. He even Up To 25 Employees binar with GRCC, volunteers time to put Joe Eletto, CENTURY 21 Beggins - awarded his own scholarship through the “Since they opened in May of 2008, Catogether the monthly newsletter, actively Riverview Woman’s Club.” Brooks is the nine Cabana understands the importance of 2020 Ambassador of the Year participates on the COVID-19 Task Force According to Doran, Joe Eletto was cho- first man to be a member of the Riverview happy, healthy pets,” said Doran. “The ownand TCOB and truly encompasses GRCC’s ers have over 30 years of animal care ex- sen as ambassador of the year because he Women’s Club. He was also previously core values. She is the co-chair of the Turpertise and they provide a safe, active and is an individual who truly embodies what named the 2011 Volunteer of the Year. boChatter NetworkNite committee, the Michelle Mosher, Southshore Insurhealthy recreational environment for your the purpose of being an ambassador is and co-chair of the Ambassador Team and a furry friends. Canine Cabana improves the leads other ambassadors and investors to ance Professionals - 2020 Volunteer of newly elected GRCC board member. the Year quality of life for both dogs and the owners be the best versions of themselves. To learn more about these businesses He served as the 2014 GRCC president “Michelle Mosher always seeks ways to who love them. They are your dog’s oasis and other GRCC members, visit www.rivand was awarded Citizen of the Year in connect with members outside of the norfrom home.” erviewchamber.com or call 234-5944.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
LENNARD FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM COMPETES IN NFL SUPER BOWL EXPERIENCE SHOWCASE By Nick Nahas The up-and-coming Lennard High School girls flag football program was one of four teams chosen by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation to participate in an exhibition showcase at the NFL Super Bowl Experience in Julian B. Lane Park during the week of Super Bowl LV. “It was such a fun time, and I got to experience and see a lot of new things,” said junior Lexi Mosley. “I will always remember the feeling of being one of the four teams in Hillsborough County to be picked to play at the NFL Experience.” The Longhorns received new equipment from Nike and the NFL as a part of the $5 million grant that will go towards girls flag football programs throughout the country. Nike equipped them with new uniforms, cleats, sports bras, gloves, compression shorts and headbands. According to Nike, one million more boys play high school sports than girls do. This campaign hopes to make girls flag football a varsity sport and spread it throughout the country, as it is one of the fastest-growing female sports. Currently, only six states have girls flag football programs at the high school level, including Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and New York. “It was a lot of fun. We faced adversity against Alonso, and our coaches helped us face it head on,” said junior Daija Fanning.
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“I will always remember us scoring and everyone on our team getting excited. What I will take from this is to work hard and never give up.” Along with Lennard, Robinson High School, Alonso High School and Newsome High School’s flag football programs all participated in the event. The Longhorns took on the back-to-back (2018 and 2019) 2A state champion Alonso Ravens. They came up a little short against the Ravens, losing 13-7, but will always remember the opportunity to compete in front of an electric crowd. “It’s really cool to showcase the game to people who haven’t seen it,” said second-year Head Coach Travis Combs. “It’s a really cool thing to be able to play in front of people that were from all over the country—that were from states that didn’t have flag football. The kids will probably never get to experience something like this again. The NFL, Nike and the Bucs do things the right way and they went above and beyond anything I ever thought possible, and we are truly humbled and grateful for that.” The Longhorns have high expectations for the 2021 season, with hopes of winning a state title. “My individual goal is to keep practicing and become a better player every day,” said senior Lizbeth Rubi. “My team goal is to push ourselves, work harder and strive to become state champs.”
Volume 19, Issue 3
GUIDED LIFE EDUCATION CENTER PROCTORS CERTIFICATION EXAMS DURING THE PANDEMIC By Libby Hopkins Taking professional Offering a variexams and certifications ety of exams was can be a stressful prosomething GLEC was cess, but one Riverview compelled to do for business is here to help. the community. “This Guided Life Education was started during Center (GLEC) is an auxthe pandemic and iliary unit within Guided has helped people Life Care Planning Sergrow personally and vices. It supports the professionally,” Toles organization’s strategic said. “People have efforts to ensure canbeen forced to reindidates’ success by advent themselves and ministering professional Guided Life Education Center (GLEC) believes start over. We unexams, certification, in delivering quality and reliability through its derstand because my examinations and certifications. licensure exams, numerwife and I have pivotous agencies, businesses and institutions. ed as well. I hail from an I.T. background, The organization believes in delivering and my wife social services..” quality and reliability through examinations AJ84 Holdings is GLEC’s parent compaand certifications that assure not only an ny, and through it GLEC was able to offer an individual’s growth but growth of an orga- abundance of different socially conscious nization too by having and retaining such services, such as care/case management, skilled employees. Candidates both student life care planning, vocational evaluations and professional alike may take advantage and notary services. “With our work we of GLEC’s 275 portfolios of exams. utilize all forms of communication,” Toles “We are [an] authorized testing center said. “We also have a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, 6 for BeingCert, Certiport, Kryterion, Na- Harmony Foundation Inc., which is utilized tional Center for Competency Testing and for the populations most in need. Test takPearson VUE,” said GLEC’s Anthony Toles ers have utilized our notary service on the Jr. “We are quickly approaching our 500th same day as testing, or we have been given proctored examination since its inception referrals from every area. The foot traffic back in July of 2020. This is big because from one line of business flows into anothwe are touching the community candidates er. Through our connections with AJ84 have traveled from all over Florida and Holdings and its affiliates, we are able to tested with our center. We test all types utilize our connections and resources with of various disciplines, including, but not several community partners.” limited to, healthcare, real estate, business, Visit www.guidedlifeeducationcenter. information technology and law enforce- com. The center is located at 6323 U.S. 301 ment.” in Riverview.
March 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 39
SOUTH COUNTY SPARTANS FOOTBALL AND CHEERLEADING PROGRAM MOVES TO FISHHAWK IN MERGER WITH FISHHAWK WOLVES By Nick Nahas roll and gives them rewards for doing so. The new facility has a room where the athletes can receive tutoring and participate in study hall. They also have academic advisors and scholarship funds to The South County Spartans Athletic Program (SCSAP), in its fourth year of existence, is merging with the TBYL FishHawk Wolves. The South County Spartans’ football and cheerleading facilities will now be based at the FishHawk Sports ComThe Spartans will have a new logo and colors. plex, and the program will change its name to the FishHawk help their students. Spartans. The move was agreed upon in The Spartans are looking for commumid-January and will give the Spartans nity sponsors as well as more volunteer a football complex that they didn’t have football coaches and cheerleading coachin SouthShore. The merger will benefit es, football players and cheerleaders. both sides and, hopefully, bring in new The league will have nine levels of footstudents. ball, ranging from 4 to 5 year olds (flag “We finally have a home with an actual football) and 6 to 14 year olds (ages 13 football field with a full facility where we and 14 will play together). They will start can be more involved with our commuconditioning and training at the end of nity,” said FishHawk Spartans President February. Christian Beiter. The FishHawk Spartans are looking Beiter said that before the move, they to have different community outreach rented a baseball field that didn’t have events for current students, as well as a concession stand, a press box, stands potential students to help spread their or storage for the equipment, and they name throughout their new community. weren’t allowed to hang banners. The merging of the South County The SCSAP wasn’t able to compete in Spartans Athletic Program page and the 2020 due to COVID-19. The players and TBYL FishHawk Wolves Facebook page coaches associated with the program is currently underway. If your child is inplayed and coached for another team terested in joining the program, or if you during that time. The program includwant to become a volunteer football or ed sports such as golf, wrestling, footcheerleading coach, or become a commuball and cheerleading, but none of those nity sponsor, visit SouthCountySpartans. sports were able to compete last year. org or reach out through Facebook. The Spartans place a big emphasis on Donations can be made on the South academics in the program. They have an County Spartans Athletic Program Facehonor roll program that provides extra book page as well as PayPal. Monthly or incentives to the students for having one-time donations can be made to the good grades. Every quarter the program program for budget needs. recognizes athletes who make the honor
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 3
March 2021
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 41
STILL TIME TO HIT THE TRAILS AND COMPLETE THE ANNUAL HIKING SPREE By Kathy L. Collins By Nitish S. Rele
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If you have not signed up for the an- cluding the Myron and Helen Gibbons Nanual Hiking Spree sponsored by Hillsbor- ture Preserve and the Trails of River Hills. ough County Parks & Recreation, never I plan to complete the Hiking Spree and fear, there is still time to do so. The Hik- get a patch or medallion. My fellow hiker, ing Spree ends on Wednesday, March 31. Katie Collins, said, “Who knew we had so For those many beautiful who have regparks and trails? istered and I want to visit all complete at of them.” least eight Dana McDonhikes from ald with Hillsthis year’s Hikborough Couning Spree trail ty said, “We list, you can want everyone choose to reto know that ceive a patch [there] is a fun or medallion. and easy way The annual Hiking Spree, sponsored by Hillsborough If you have to get outdoors County Parks & Recreation, is a great way to get out included your and explore new and see the natural habitat of Hillsborough County. four-legged trails right in Locations such as Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve in friend as a your own backPlant City are a great example. fellow hiker, yard. It is a great you can get a bandana. All of the prizes way to get out in nature and get exercise feature the green tree frog, which is the in your Hillsborough County parks.” designated animal for the 2021 Hiking McDonald added, “These parks are Spree. cared for by people who are dedicated So far, 5,128 residents have registered, to preserving nature and showing the along with 1,065 dogs. Approximate- community the importance of having ly 248 have submitted their completed these treasures so close. It is a great way forms. to see plants, trees or animals that you The annual Hiking Spree is fantastic might not see in your neighborhood.” way to get outside and explore all of the Hillsborough County Parks & Recregreat neighborhood parks, preserves and ation has been hosting the annual Hiking even a few state parks that are a part of Spree for five years. McDonald said, “We Hillsborough County. love showing people undiscovered gems. Since registering, I have visited Black- We plan on keeping the Hiking Spree and water Creek Nature Preserve in Plant City making it better each year.” and the Old Agrico Hiking Trail at Alafia To register for the Hiking Spree, please River State Park. I even discovered a few visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org and spots that are hidden in plain sight, in- click on Hiking Spree.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
WUSF CREATES
Volume 19, Issue 3
THE HOME DEPOT FOUNDATION
ARTS AXIS FLORIDA WUSF has recently created a new way for the community to stay connected to local arts organizations during the pandemic. Arts Axis Florida will provide the community with a way to see, listen to
portant now than ever. Arts Axis Florida is a free service that brings a welcome respite from the turmoil of our extraordinary year. It is a place where you can relax with incredible music and where you can find the intellectual stimulation of great performances.” Arts Axis Florida is a free service and will help bring attention to local organizations. WUSF encourages organizations to promote the site to their Arts Axis Florida is an arts hub that was created to connect the community to local arts organizations. Over 65 organizations are represented audiences who can share it to create and more are added each week. brand awareness. and enjoy all kinds of arts performances, WUSF creates a profile for each organiexhibitions and more. zation, keeps the website updated and JoAnn Urofsky, general manager for provides marketing materials. AdditionWUSF Public Media, said, “Early in the ally, WUSF is working with arts councils pandemic, we realized that our arts part- from each county to host webinar events ners in the community were being devas- in order to effectively train organizations tated by being shut down. Mid-March in on how to use the site. any year is jam-packed with performancArts Axis Florida is funded by the Comes of all kinds, fabulous art exhibits and munity Foundation of Tampa Bay. The endless cultural events. Arts Axis Florida funding will be used to provide more serwas born out of a need to help our com- vices, such as the launch of an Arts Axis munity by helping the nonprofit arts or- podcast, educational engagement and ganizations and performers stay in the alignment with good mental health. forefront and to provide them a space to Within the first two months of Arts share virtual and archive performances Axis Florida launching in mid-Novemand information. We wanted to bridge the ber, there were more than 25,000 page divide created by COVID-19 precautions views, 1,000 audio downloads and over and to help these organizations find new 2,000 email subscribers. Urofsky said, ways to reach their audiences and to find “Arts Axis Florida is here to stay. We have new audiences.” created an arts hub that will continue to Urofsky added, “WUSF has long appre- serve the community, to grow and to keep ciated the fortunate role we have in con- inspiring people.” necting people with the artistic treasures For more information and to sign up, of our state, and that mission is more im- please visit https://www.artsaxisfl.org.
HONORS BRYANT MARTINEZ Recently, local time, he works artist and educator tirelessly to Bryant Martinez collect items, was honored by The especially Home Depot Founduring the holidation for his work days, to give to with children and migrant famimigrant families. lies who live in The honor came as Wimauma and a result of a nomPlant City. ination by Debi Dolobach, Dolobach, custom- Bryant Martinez was recently honored with a grant a long-time from The Home Depot Foundation. He was nomier order specialist employee of for The Home De- nated by Debi Dolobach from The Home Depot store The Home De#6380 in Riverview. Shown here presenting the grant pot store #6380 to Martinez are (left to right) Jeremy Anderson, Debi pot, has known in Riverview (at Martinez for Dolobach, Bryant Martinez, Chris Gay and Gina the intersection of over 10 years Scrievers. Bloomingdale Ave. and U.S. Hwy. 301). and assisted in donations for area schools, Martinez was nominated by Dolobach for the underserved and organizations such as a grant through The Home Depot Founda- Winthrop Arts. Dolobach said of Martinez, tion’s Operation Surprise. A grant of $1,000 “I cannot believe all he does for people who was donated to Winthrop Arts in Martinez’s live in Wimauma and Plant City.” name. Gina Scrievers, manager of The Home DeThis year, Operation Surprise was re- pot store #6380, said, “We are grateful to imagined due to COVID-19. It was award- share this grant with you.” ed to veterans, first responders, healthcare Martinez said, “Debi is among a small workers and teachers. group of people who believed in what I was The campaign celebrates the selfless spir- doing. She has been a great advocate and it of those who serve. has helped me and countless others over Martinez served as a Navy corpsman with the years.” Martinez added, “This shows the 2nd United States Marines from 1990 that one person can truly make a differto 1994. He was honorably discharged in ence.” 1997. A Navy corpsman is an enlisted mediThe grant will be allocated to funding the cal specialist of the United States Navy who Winthrop Arts Mobile Art Factory program, may also serve in a United States Marine which provides free arts instruction to unCorps Unit. derserved children through partners such Martinez has worked as an educator since as Hispanic Services Council and Achieve 1999. He is currently the welding instruc- Plant City. tor for Pepin Academy and is the lead art For more information, please visit www. instructor for Winthrop Arts and the Win- winthroparts.org and www.homedepot. throp Arts Mobile Art Factory. In his spare com/foundation.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
March 2021
MARCH IS A LUCKY MONTH FOR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AT THE FIREHOUSE CULTURAL CENTER IN RUSKIN By Kathy L. Collins The month of March brings not only St. On Saturday, March 13, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and spring, but live come- Patrick’s Day with Mike Donahue and dy and music at the Firehouse Cultural Third Man Out at 7:30 p.m. Donahue will Center in Ruskin. Attendees to the ven- play guitar and provide lead vocals. Doue can rest assured that their health is a nahue has been playing Irish music since top priority while viewing great musicals 1993. and other acts live on Then, on Satstage. urday, March 22, Chris Bredbenner, come out and see executive director of James Suggs and the Firehouse CulturKen Franckling al Center, said, “With at 7:30 p.m. Jazz COVID-19 there is altrumpeter Suggs ways a risk at social was the featured gatherings that there soloist with the could be an exposure. Glenn Miller OrSince March we have chestra. He has been operating safealso played with ly by following and the Tommy Dorsupdating the plan we ey Orchestra. He have in place. Since will be joined by Spend some time enjoying live entertainment we are in a county at the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin. award-winning jazz owned building, we This month, James Suggs will bring his jazz journalist and photrumpet to the Firehouse Center Stage on have stringent guidetographer FranckSaturday, March 22. Suggs will be joined lines. We recently upling to put the by jazz journalist and photographer Ken dated our practices. selected music in Franckling. We were fortunate context. Franckling to obtain Cares Act funding through Hill- will also sign copies of his book, Jazz in sborough County. This provided for ad- the Key of Light, for purchasers. ditional upgrades. Our AC systems have All reservations are for advance tickionization units and we acquired three ets only. Not having day of show pricing UV/HEPA portable air scrubbers that can allows for reserve seating to maintain filter the air in the theater every 25 min- social distancing. Tickets are $23 for utes.” members and $28 for future members. The first show in March is comedy with Please call 645-7651 or go to www.fireLou Angelwolf on Friday, March 12 at houseculturalcenter.org for tickets and 7:30 p.m. Angelwolf’s voice on the radio reservations. Please note that all tickets has been heard by millions. His live stand- are nonrefundable. up performances span a dozen time zones The Firehouse Cultural Center is located and a widely scattered demographic area. at 101 1st Ave. NE. in Ruskin.
LOCAL MILITARY FOUNDATION HOSTS FIRST GOLF TOURNAMENT
By Libby Hopkins
The Stano Foundation and J. T. Morton have joined as partners for the eighth annual J.T. Morton Charity Concert and Golf Tournament which will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 26-27 at the Silverado Golf and Country Club in Zephyrhills.
The Stano Foundation is a local military nonprofit that sends care packages to our troops all over the world and helps local veterans that are transitioning out of homelessness. Since its start in 2015, the foundation has sent more than 4,700 care packages to the troops and it couldn’t have done it without the help of the community. “Our community partners and volunteers are the most amazing people,” said President Paula Stano. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have been able to send our care packages or help our veterans.” The foundation recently formed a community partnership with J.T. Morton, the host of the annual J.T. Morton Golf Tournament. “We met J.T. through another one of our community partners and we were thrilled that he wanted to help our foundation,” Stano said. “We [are] thrilled that he chose our foundation to be the recipient of the proceeds from his golf tournament.
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Our hope for this event to raise enough funds to support both of our programs [for] two quarters.” Morton has been hosting this event for eight years now and each year he picks a local charity to support with his tournament. “I started this event years ago when a woman I worked with had breast cancer,” Morton said. “We decided to host a golf tournament to help her and help pay some of her hospital bills. From there, it started to grow bigger and bigger each year.” Morton wanted to help The Stano Foundation because he was inspired by Stano and all the hard work her foundation did for our troops and veterans. “ Paula inspires us by what she puts into her foundation,” Morton said. Stano and Morton are looking to the Brandon community for golfers to participate in the tournament and local businesses to be local sponsors. “Even though this event is being held in Zephyrhills, we have had some great support from the Brandon community for our past events and we hope they will support us again with this event,” Stano said. The eighth annual J.T. Morton Charity Concert and Golf Tournament will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 26-27 at the Silverado Golf and Country Club in Zephyrhills. March 26 is the concert featuring the Jase Randall Band. The golf tournament is on March 27 from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. If you’d like to be a tournament sponsor or if you’d like to play in the tournament, visit The Stano Foundation’s website at www.stano.org/golf-tournament or call 1-888-789-4994.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 3
SIMMONS HAMMOCK: COUNTY’S EARLIEST SETTLEMENT GREW SLOWLY
By Charles Nelson
In 1824, Fort Brooke (later Tampa) was established at the Hillsborough River’s mouth to keep an eye on native Seminoles confined to an interior reservation by the Treaty of Moultrie Creek. Although there were few settlers, tensions between Seminoles and settlers sparked from time to time. Yet, even with the Fort’s protection, settlers did not rush into lands that would eventually become East Hillsborough County. A Seminole raid’s potential was a genuine possi- “Site of 1857 raid in Simmons Hammock.” Source: The Tambility and a significant imped- pa Tribune, April 23, 2006: HC Veterans Memorial Museum. ately. The three families escaped to Fort iment to rapid settlement until Brooke for protection. shortly before the Civil War. That warning was all too real. One of the earliest Hillsborough County On December 28, 1835, Major Francis settlers to test that danger was a Baptist minister, Rev. Daniel Simmons. In 1829, he Dade led his troops east from Tampa, insettled on lands known as Simmons Ham- tending to relieve Fort King near present mock that lay near today’s Seffner and Do- day Ocala. A war party of determined ver, along U.S. 92. His goal was to convert Seminoles attacked the column near presnearby Seminoles to the Christian faith. ent-day Dade City and killed all but three Over the next seven years, the Howard and of the 100-plus man unit. A few weeks later, Major General EdSanders families settled nearby. Simmons’ early relationships with the mond Gaines led 980 soldiers through Seminoles seemed peaceful, but federal Simmons Hammock to investigate the atIndian policy would soon disrupt Sim- tack. He found the three Simmons Hammons’ relationships. In 1835, tensions mock homesteads burned to the ground. reached a boiling point when the United Simmons was lucky to have survived. He States reneged on promises and insisted never returned to Simmons Hammock. the Seminoles vacate reserved land imme- The message was clear. As the seven-year Seminole War neared diately. Many Seminoles chose to ignore its end in 1842, the government encourthat order through armed resistance. A small group of Seminoles, friendly to aged settlement through the passage of Simmons, warned him that fighting was the Armed Occupation Act. White settlers imminent and urged him to flee immedi- could receive 160 acres of free land if
County. Native threats persisted, and those tensions occasionally resulted in minor skirmishes; although, one of those attacks was more significant. In May 1857, during the Third Seminole War, a wagon train supplying a military garrison on Moore’s Lake (on the eastern side of Simmons Hammock) was attacked by raiding Seminoles. Fatal casualties included Simmons Hammock farmer Levi Starling; his son, James; and a Mr. Roach. Once, a historical marker sat along U.S. 92, just east of Seffner, to commemorate the battle, but is now, sadly, missing. While this was the last Seminole action recorded in Hillsborough County, the potential for violence was felt until 1858, when the war was over. But, white settlers had already begun to leave the area. The dislocations of the Civil War continued the flight of farmers abandoning “William Hooker cattleman, settled in Simmons their homes. Filling that void after the Hammock in 1843.” Source: TampaPix.com. war, a growing number of newly freed black slaves moved into abandoned they agreed to establish a farm and help Simmons Hammock farms as racial viodiscourage any further Seminole trouble. lence escalated in surrounding counties in This act brought a small number of setthe 1870s and 1880s. tlers into Simmons Hammock, once again. The Simmons Hammock area remained However, the armed homesteaders did not sparsely populated until 1883, when Henaltogether remove the danger of Seminole ry Plant brought his railroad through the action. region and established his company headOne Simmons Hammock claimant was quarters in the new town of Seffner. William B. Hooker, later an important Tampa and Hillsborough County politician. CHARLES NELSON HOLDS A MA DEGREE IN He parlayed his 160 acres into a large catHISTORY FROM GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY tle ranch, becoming the second-largest AND TAUGHT AS AN ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR AT cattleman in Florida. (He sold his 4,500 HCC (DALE MABRY). HE IS ALSO AFFILIATED head of cattle to Jacob Summerlin in WITH TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER AS A VOLUNTEER DOCENT, RESEARCHER AND 1855.) Nevertheless, from 1842 to 1860, COMMUNITY LECTURER, WITH AN EMPHASIS only 50 families established farms in SimON SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HISTORY. mons Hammock and Eastern Hillsborough
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March 2021
Page 45
EAST BAY HIGH SCHOOL CHEER TEAM WINS STATE COMPETITION FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW By Samantha Trezevant East Bay High School has been working tirelessly to prepare for the 2020-21 competition season. This showed when its team won the FHSAA Competitive Cheerleading State Championships for the second year in a row. East Bay’s coed cheer team competed at the state’s competition on January 23. This is their second consecutive win, which was a goal for them this season. They were able to prove their talents and hardwork by winning states again. This team had intense three-hour practices five days a week in order to prepare. Here, they practiced their routine over and over again in order to memorize it and perfect it. These practices not only allowed the team to grow in skill but as a family as well. One thing that this team really values is each other; they value each and every person on the team, and this is shown with their continued success at competitions. Captain Lauren Linenberger proved this by saying, “We’re more than a team, we’re a family. The love and bond we share is what pushes us to perform with passion and enjoyment. There is no other team that I would rather go back to back with.”
One thing that this team has learned to do is create a goal b o a r d . They came up with six goals that they wanted to achieve throughout the year. They sat this list of goals in front of them each practice to remind themselves why they are pushing themselves so hard. The team was able to fulfill their biggest goal of winning states back to back. Winning states twice has transformed every athlete on this team. It gave them the confidence to score very high in each competition prior to states and to learn from the mistakes that they have made. Captain Florida Vildibill shows this to be true: “Each year we have progressed and worked harder to bring home a championship. Last year, we took our first state title in the school’s history, and holding onto that title for a second year in a row has an incredible feeling.” Head Coach Tracy Howard is proud of her team. “It was a joy to watch this team persevere through such a difficult and challenging year of athletics to win a back-to-back state championship. Their determination is extremely admirable and I am so proud to be their coach,” she said.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 3
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
March 2021
Page 47
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BASEBALL DAD PHOTOS
PRECIOUS COINS AND GOLD OWNER CREATES AND FUNDS 12U AAU TRAVEL TEAM FOR LESS PRIVILEGED CHILDREN
The Aces player makes contact with the ball.
The baserunner rounds third base to score a run.
Precious Coins and Gold Owner Cono Liguori and Bright Future Painting LLC Owner David Sidoti have partnered up to start a 12U AAU baseball travel team called the SouthShore Aces. This 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization covers tournament fees and provides free uniforms and equipment to players from Valrico, Ruskin, Riverview, Gibsonton, Wimauma, Apollo Beach and Tampa that otherwise may not be able to afford it. The pair pay for everything out of their own pockets. Liguori used to volunteer with another baseball organization, but felt like the players that could not afford to play were being left out of the equation because of the cost; therefore, he created the Aces. He is currently in charge of one team, but hopes to expand his organization to more teams ranging from the ages of 9-16 with the help of sponsors, donations and volunteers/coaches.
The Aces travel to local tournaments within 30-40 minutes in places such as Plant City, Sarasota, Bradenton, Clearwater and Largo, among others, to avoid hotel expenses. As of right now, the team travels and plays in weekend tournaments once every other week. Liguori and other coaches often give rides to players that don’t have transportation. They play twice on Saturdays and as many games as possible on Sundays if they advance deep in the tournament, and they play year-round. Partnering up with the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department, the Aces rent a practice field on Monday and Thursday nights from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Progress Village fields. The Aces currently have eight players and are forced to use guest players from other teams. They are in need of more players and have open tryouts during practice times. One of the bright spots about this
The Aces catcher jumps out his crouch to make a play.
program is that everybody gets to play— 11-year-old boys and girls are welcome to try out. Players can’t be over the age of 12 before the cutoff date of Friday, April 30. Liguori, who also manages the team, said that his 11-year-olds play against stacked teams with talented players that are often times a year older than his kids, giving him plenty of teaching opportunities about sports and life in general. “Sometimes we face really heavy-duty challenges, but the more you push the kids and enter challenges, it’s not only helping them play better baseball, it’s helping them learn how to become better people in life,” said Liguori. The 69-year-old Liguori enjoys teaching kids and watching them grow, whether they win or lose, and has worked with kids that have had trouble coping with a tough life. He has raised his 11-year-old grand-
The pitcher winds up to throw a fastball.
son, who also plays on the Aces. Liguori believes that playing the game helps give his players self-worth and confidence in themselves. “We want to enforce a positive attitude, and we want to get them to learn baseball, big league style,” said Liguori. “By teaching them discipline and functionality on the field, we feel that we are also teaching them to be good human beings, better people in the future and have good life skills so they can cope with failure. You have to be able to deal with situations in baseball which you also have to deal with in life.” If you would like to donate, sponsor and/ or volunteer with the SouthShore Aces, reach out to Liguori via email (SouthShoreAces1@gmail.com) or call 863-8998048. Donations and sponsorships are tax-deductible.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 19, Issue 3