Osprey Observer Riverview/Apollo Beach October 2021 by Osprey Observer

Riverview/Apollo Beach

October 2021

Volume 19,

Issue 10

SEE PAGE 52

Ph: 657-2418

CELEBRATING 19 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS

COUNTY SEEKS INPUT ON COMMISSION REDISTRICTING AT PUBLIC MEETINGS By Kathy L. Collins federal and state level but also locally. This includes Hillsborough 2 County. Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together in a district for purposes of electing 3 a representative to the Hillsborough County Board of County 1 Commissioners. While the final map is decided by the vote of Hillsborough 4 County Board of County Commissioners, Hillsborough County welcomes the input and comments of its residents throughout the process. “It is my sincere hope that there is a great turnout for reHillsborough County, like the rest of the U.S., will undergo a districting hearings. We want redistricting process. This occurs every 10 years following the to be able to do what is best national census. Your voice can be heard on the matter. Be a for our residents so they feel part of the decision on where district lines are drawn. heard, represented and a part of Every 10 years, the United States con- the process. Redistricting impacts where ducts a constitutionally mandated federal county commission boundaries are set. It census. The census asks questions of peo- is of utmost importance that fair districts ple in homes and group living situations. keep neighborhoods together and provide The goal is to count everyone once, and the best leaders for our residents. Since only once, and in the right place. redistricting only happens after a U.S. cenData from the census is used for appor- sus is completed, this process will affect tionment, redistributing and allotment of elections for the next 10 years,” said Comfunds, programs and more. Apportion- missioner Kimberly Overman, who repment is the process of dividing the 435 resents District 7, a county-wide district. seats in the United States House of RepHillsborough County will hold hearings resentatives among the 50 states. Redis- and workshops to receive public input tricting is the redrawing of congressional on where district lines should be drawn. and state legislative districts. Hillsborough County has four specifically The results of the census help determine drawn districts that represent only perhow hundreds of billions of dollars in fed- sons living in those districts. There are eral funding, including grants and support two districts that represent residents of to states, counties and communities, are the entire county. spent every year for the next 10 years. The first public hearing will be held on The results of the census also determine Monday, November 8 at 6 p.m. The sechow funding is allocated to more than 100 ond public hearing will be held on Tuesday, programs, including Medicaid, Head Start, November 16 at 6 p.m. For those who canblock grant programs for community men- not attend the meeting in person, please tal health services and the Supplemental visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/govNutrition Assistance Program known as ernment/meeting-information/speak-atSNAP. a-virtual-meeting/speak-at-a-bocc-redisRedistricting is done not only on the tricting-meeting. RANGE 17 EAST

RANGE 18 EAST

Keystone

RANGE 19 EAST

RANGE 20 EAST

RANGE 21 EAST

RANGE 22 EAST

587

Lutz

597

New Tampa

GS RD

TARPO

Lake Keystone

589

BR IDG E RD

MO RR IS

BL VD

275

Knights

Lake Magdalene

Commissioner Districts

FLORIDA AVE

Thonotosassa

TEMPLE TERRACE

THONOTOSASSA RD

HWY

LINEBAUGH AVE

University of South Florida

MAN

Lake Carroll

AVE

NEBRASKA AVE

BAU

BUCH

FOWLER AVE

LINE

PAUL

Lake Thonotosassa

589

KNIGHTS GRIFFIN RD

FLETCHER AVE

Carrollwood

Antioch

BUSCH BLVD

580

301

WATERS AVE

N 56TH ST

MARTIN

ORIENT RD

MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD

R KING

COLUMBUS DR

Mango PARSONS AVE

Ybor City

Palm River

Valrico

Brandon

618

STATE ROAD 60

Davis Island

LUMSDEN RD

CAUSEWAY BLVD

ROAD 39

Harbour Island

Progress Village

685

EUCLID AVE

HI LIT

S COUNTY

Hyde Park

BAY TO BAY BLVD

Palma Ceia

275

50TH ST

FRA

301

LOIS AVE

NKL

ARD HOW

MACDILL AVE

IN BRID

Old Tampa Bay

WESTSHORE BLVD

275

Providence

BLOOMINGDALE AVE

South Tampa

ST RE

Hillsborough Bay

GANDY BLVD

Durant

MADISON AVE

DY BRID

AY 92 HIGHW

BLVD

LUTHE

TOWNSHIP 29 SOUTH

Seffner

Florida State Fairgrounds

lls

ARMENIA AVE

Tampa International Airport

Dover

DALE MABRY HWY

CSWY

E US

PLANT CITY

574

CITY OF TAMPA

580

Y CAMPBELL

COURTNE

SLIGH AVE

589

HILLSBOROUGH AVE

TURKEY CREEK RD

SHELDON RD

Town 'N Country

FORBES RD

580

COUNTY ROAD 579

TOWNSHIP 28 SOUTH

EHRLICH RD

Citrus Park

301

581

TOWNSHIP 28 SOUTH

GUNN HWY

582

Lake Magdalene

ANDERSON RD

Tampa Palms

DALE MABRY HWY

VAN DYKE RD

685

NORTH MOBLEY RD

TOWNSHIP 29 SOUTH

579

275

N SPRIN

TOWNSHIP 27 SOUTH

LUTZ LAKE FERN RD

Bloomingdale

TOWNSHIP 30 SOUTH

Riv

Riverview

Lithia

BOYETTE RD

LITHIA PINECREST RD

GIBSONTON DR

301

Tampa Bay Regional Reservoir

BIG BEND RD

Tampa Bay

Pinecrest

COUNTY ROAD 672

Apollo Beach

Balm

TOWNSHIP 31 SOUTH

US HIGHWA Y 301

US HIGHWAY 41

TOWNSHIP 31 SOUTH

Adamsville

Boyette

S COUNTY ROAD 39

Shadow Run

BOYETTE RD

Gibsonton

MacDill Air Force Base

Picnic

BALM WIMAUMA RD

672

19TH AVE NE

Sun City Center

Ruskin

COLLEGE AVE

TOWNSHIP 32 SOUTH

Little

Wimauma

STATE ROAD 674

Gulf City

674

nat

Fort Lonesome

674

301

579

Cockroach Bay

TOWNSHIP 32 SOUTH

TOWNSHIP 30 SOUTH

GAN

Sun City

Valroy

RANGE 18 EAST

RANGE 19 EAST

RANGE 20 EAST

RANGE 21 EAST

RANGE 22 EAST

Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596

By Kate Quesada

ed. These projects are in addition to others completed in the past to make the area safer. “Hillsborough County already has built new sidewalk for almost a half-mile along the north side of Tucker Rd. from McMullen Rd. to the school,” said Wilkerson. “The county also installed new crosswalks at Tucker A Hillsborough County project on McMullen Rd., near Riv- Rd. and McMullen Rd. with erview’s Rodgers Middle School, is expected to improve the pedestrian-activated flashroute many children walk every day. ing beacons. The new crosswalks allow for a crossing A safe route to school for students, esguard to work the intersection during pecially in local middle schools, has been high-traffic times of day.” a topic for conversation in Hillsborough The total cost of this phase of the project County for years, specifically since many is $1.23 million and should be complete in bus routes were cut in 2017. But a new mid-2022. project on McMullen Rd., near Riverview’s Visit www.hcflgov.net. The school is loRodgers Middle School, is expected to imcated at 11910 Tucker Rd. in Riverview and prove the route many children walk every can be reached at 671-5288. day. According to the county’s Chris Wilkerson, the project continues efforts to facilitate a safe route to school in the area. “The project will see the completion of sidewalks and a creation of a large waiting area where the students can gather to cross the busy street with the assistance of a crossing guard,” said Wilkerson. The project will fill in gaps in the existing sidewalk, adding 5,500 feet of sidewalk along the west side of McMullen Rd. from north of Fawn Dale Dr. to north of Leonard Ave. and will add an additional 200 feet of sidewalk in front of Pep Boys Auto Service & Tire on McMullen Rd. to close the existing gap located several hundred feet south of Boyette Rd. In addition, the county is providing a solution for the many students that cross a busy intersection to get to school. “To increase safety for students waiting to cross McMullen Rd. at Tucker Rd., a large landing area for staging the high volume of pedestrian traffic will be maintained on the northwest corner of the intersection,” said GOLF CART DONATION .......................PG 3 Wilkerson. TAX NOTICES .......................................... PG 9 To complete the project, existing paved or unpaved driveways will be paved from EYE ON BUSINESS ...................PGS 25-26 the road to the back of the new sidewalk, SPORTS ..........................................PGS 41-48 as well as extending cross drains as need-

IN THIS ISSUE:

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The Greater Riverview Chamber’s Trick or Treat Street will take place in person on Saturday, October 23 from 2-6 pm at Riverview High School. See Page 12 for the Full Story.

10 31 21 OO2021

Page 2

WWW.WOMENSCAREFL.COM

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 10

October 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

STEPHEN BAILEY OF APOLLO BEACH IS KELLOGG’S TOUCAN SAM & MORE ILLUSTRATOR

By Kathy L. Collins

Stephen Bailey is a well-known illustrator. He is shown here in his studio in Apollo Beach with his new design of Kellogg’s Fruit Loops.

If you’ve everseen a Kellogg’s cereal box in the grocery store, then you’ve likely seen Stephen Bailey’s artwork! Well, if you have ever walked through a grocery store, you most certainly have. Bailey is an illustrator, and he has illustrated the artwork featuring some of the most iconic characters, including Kellogg’s Tony the Tiger; Snap, Crackle and Pop; and more. Bailey, a resident of Apollo Beach, has been illustrating for over 25 years. He is a true artist. Each of his creations, whether it is for a cereal brand, clothing label or a Marvel character, is hand-drawn first with pencil. Bailey’s illustrations are best described as playful realism, energetic, happy and colorful, and he is a professional who has a high attention to detail. He pays special attention to character form and motion and creates eye-catching characters. Bailey graduated from the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus,

Ohio. He moved to Los Angeles, where he worked for several years. He started out as a screen printer and got his big break and started doing work in advertising. Eventually, a friend asked him to help work on a project for Kellogg’s. Today, he is the top illustrator for Kellogg’s. Over the years he has worked on three updates of Tony the Tiger. Currently, he is working on a redesign of Rice Krispies Treats characters for the Canada market. Most recently, he created an updated look for the Toucan Sam on the Froot Loops cereal box. Bailey said, “Creating these characters takes a lot of time. I am a part of a team that works for months for a new design to be approved.” Bailey added, “I love doing what I do. Art is a part of every aspect of everyone’s life.” Bailey’s advice to young, aspiring artists is, “Do not get discouraged. You have to take stepping-stones in life.” Bailey added, “Do not close doors or pigeonhole yourself. My first job was doing production in an art department. It might not have been exactly what I wanted to do, but I was still around art.” Bailey further said, “You have to make contact with people. That is hard because you are vulnerable, but it makes a better impression.” For more information on Bailey and to learn more about his art, please visit www.sbaileyillustration.com.

CAC1820162

Page 3

RUSKIN RESIDENT DONATES GOLF CARTS TO ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL-SOUTH

Staff Report

“I thought it was necessary,” said Munsinger, who is originally from Oklahoma but retired to Florida after spending 35 years in New York as a product manager. “I thought it would be nice and a good idea to take people back and forth from St. Joseph’s Hospital-South volunteer Roger Munsinger donated two golf carts to the parking lot. The parking lot the hospital. is a long way out St. Joseph’s Hospital-South volunteer there.” Roger Munsinger of Ruskin can often be “Roger is generous and has a good seen zipping around on the hospital’s camheart,” said Kim Wallace, St. Joseph Hospus on a golf cart transporting passenpital-South’s volunteer manager. “He’s gers. The passengers are hospital visitors always trying to figure out how to make or medical office building patients and visthings easier for people here. He started itors on campus for appointments. our golf cart service. He takes a lot of It wasn’t always that way. Three years pride in what he does.” ago, Munsinger saw a problem: there Wallace said Munsinger maintains the were no golf carts. People had a long carts in good condition and has added feawalk back and forth from the hospital’s tures like rear-view mirrors and side rails. expansive parking lots and buildings. So, “We appreciate Roger for what he’s Munsinger decided to fix the problem, and done,” Kim said. he graciously donated two golf carts to When asked if people ever put two and the hospital to shuttle passengers. He dotwo together when reading his hospital ID nated the carts in memory of his mother name badge and seeing his name on the and father; his parents’ names are on the golf carts, Munsinger said, “Occasionally, carts along with his name. but not often.” Munsinger, who has been an origiLearn more about St. Joseph’s Hospinal volunteer with the hospital since it tal-South at www.baycare.org/hospitals/ opened in 2015, got the idea for the golf st-josephs-hospital-south. The hospital is cart shuttles after seeing them being used located at 6901 Simmons Loop in Riverin a hospital in Oklahoma. view.

Page 4

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 10

VETERANS DAY PARADE RETURNS TO RUSKIN

LOCAL CHARITY BALL SUPPORTS LOCAL CHILDREN

A more than students from 40-year tradilocal schools. tion that had Campbell beto take a break lieves that one in 2020 due to of the highlights the pandemof the event will ic is back this be the parade’s year and will grand marshal. be better than “Our grand ever. The VFW marshal is a 6287 is hostMedal of Honor ing its annual recipient name VFW Veterans Robert O’MalDay Parade on ley,” said CampSaturday, Nobell. “He is a vember 13 at 11 Vietnam veteran a.m., and memwho saved the bers of the publives of several lic are encourmarines. One of aged to come these Marines out and attend. he saved is RobAccording ert (Bob) Field. to the VFW’s Bob is a member Tom Campbell, of our post here this will be the in Ruskin.” The 42nd VFW Veterans Day Parade will take place in 42nd time the Campbell Ruskin on Saturday, November 13 at 11 a.m. parade has takfeels this will be en place to honor U.S. veterans and their memorable for all who attend the parade. contribution to the community. “Having a Medal of Honor recipient as “We invite everyone to attend,” said your grand marshal is special enough, but Campbell. “There will be floats, bands, to have one with a personal connection is cheering and laughter.” really rare,” he said. The parade will start at U.S. Hwy. 41 The VFW Post 6287 is located at 5120 and 5th St. and will end on 11th St. at N. U.S. Hwy. 41 in Ruskin and can be Saint Anne Catholic Church. reached at 645-2935. “After the parade, there will be awards, For more information about the group, live music, local food trucks and much, which traces its roots back to 1899, when much more at the VFW Post,” said Camp- veterans of the Spanish-American War bell. and the Philippine Insurrection foundLocal students will also participate as ed local organizations to secure tights Buddy Poppy King and Queen, chosen and benefits for their service, visit www. based on patriotic essays submitted by vfw6287.org.

Are you ing the event looking for a in 2011, the way to have group has colfun for a lected $38,500 great cause in cash, 196 this holiday boxes of toys season? The and 95 bicy10th annucles. al Holiday This year, Charity Ball Savage and for Toys Frost hope to for Tots is collect more s c h e d u l e d The 10th annual Holiday Charity Ball for Toys for Tots is sched- than ever with to take the theme uled to take place on Thursday, December 9 at The Regent in Riverview. place on ‘Proud to be Th u r s d ay, an American.’ December 9 at The Frost came up with Regent in Riverthe idea for the event view, and tickets and 10 years ago and her sponsorship opporstudent, Savage, helped tunities are available her bring it to reality. now. “So many from the Organized by locommunity also pitched cal business owners in to volunteer,” said Tatyana Frost of The Frost. “Assistance that Way 2 Dance and Bob Savage of Savage is invaluable to our cause and to whom I Consulting, the gala is a high-class holiday am forever grateful. This year will be betevent raising toys and cash for Toys for ter than ever. We can’t wait to have you Tots and Metropolitan Ministries. join us.” According to Frost, who is the president Tickets to the event are $75 until the of The Way 2 Dance, the event will include end of October and $85 after that. a catered dinner, dancing, professional There are many sponsorship opportunientertainment and a silent auction in the ties available, from Star Diamond Sponbeautiful atmosphere of The Regent. sor at $2,500 to Bronze Sponsor at $150. “It is a fun event that helps two chariAttendees are asked to bring a new, unties,” she said. “This much-needed social wrapped toy, and attire is dressy jeans to event is sure to put a smile on the face of formal. everyone who is involved.” To learn more about the event and how Due to COVID-19, there was no gala last to purchase tickets, visit www.holidayyear, but the group was still able to do- charityballbrandon.com. Contact Frost nate 11 boxes of toys, 38 bikes and $7,000 at 966-4788 or Savage at 240-7772 to to Metropolitan Ministries. Since start- learn more about sponsorship.

By Kate Quesada

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

October 2021

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7 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, FL 33592 • (office) 657-2418 • (fax) 657-4469 MANAGING EDITOR

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Kate Quesada 657-2418

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Page 5

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS TO RECEIVE TRIM NOTICE

Staff Report

The office of Hillsborough County Property Appraiser (HCPA) Bob Henriquez is currently mailing the 2021 Notice of Proposed Property Taxes, also known as the ‘Truth in Millage’ (TRIM) notice, to all property owners in the county. The TRIM notice is mailed each August and includes important information about individual properties, such as the property’s assessed value as of January 1, 2021; exemptions, if any, applied to the property; the proposed taxes calculated using the taxing authorities’ proposed millage rates; and the dates, times and venues of budget hearings for each of the various taxing authorities. The TRIM notice is not a bill. Rather, it is an estimate of ad valorem taxes based on the proposed tax rates, a property’s value and exemptions. The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser (HCPA) does not set the tax rate, issue the bill or collect taxes. It only determines a property’s market value to be used by the taxing authorities for taxation purposes. “I encourage all property owners to carefully review their TRIM notice to make sure they are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to by law,” Henriquez said. “If you need any help understanding your notice, please do not hesitate to contact my office.” To help answer questions about the notices, Henriquez’s staff is available by telephone at 272-6100 from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., excluding holidays. Assistance is also available online via the HCPA’s website, www.hcpafl.org,

where property owners can use the new ‘live chat’ feature to have their questions answered by a representative from the property appraiser’s office. During these same hours, the HCPA also has three of its offices open for limited walk-in service utilizing current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. These locations include the first-floor lobby of the County Center in downtown Tampa (601 E. Kennedy Blvd.), the Plant City office (307 N. Michigan Ave., 2nd Floor) and the Southshore Regional Service Center in Ruskin (410 30th St. SE.). TRIM notices can also be reviewed on the HCPA website by visiting www.hcpafl.org and performing a property search. Once the property’s ‘parcel result’ page is located online, click on the ‘TRIM’ PDF icon at the top of the page to view the Notice of Proposed Taxes. To help property owners understand the information found on TRIM notices, the HCPA has created an online explanation page found at www.hcpafl.org/property-info/truth-in-millage. If a property owner disagrees with the value set by the HCPA or believes they should have qualified for an exemption but do not see it listed, they are encouraged to contact the HCPA at 272-6100 for an informal review. If the owner is not satisfied with the outcome or would prefer not to discuss the matter with the HCPA, they can file a formal petition with the county’s Value Adjustment Board (VAB).

Cammie Yick

300-5152

810-8106

mgershkoff@ospreyobserver.com

cyick@ospreyobserver.com

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 10

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY EXPLAINS PLANS FOR LOCAL ROAD IMPROVEMENTS

Staff Report

Two local high-traffic areas are under review by Hillsborough County for traffic improvements this month. Both Balm Riverview Rd. at Symmes Rd. and Progress Blvd. between Magnolia Park Blvd. and Valleydale Dr. are being looked at by the county for road improvements. According to the county’s Todd Pratt, a Project Development and Environment Study (PD&E) evaluating improvements that can be made to the Progress Blvd. corridor is underway for about a half-mile of the existing Progress Blvd., and the project includes improvements within the limited-access right-of-way for I-75. “The purpose of the project is to improve safety and mobility and reduce travel delays along Progress Boulevard,” said Pratt in a press release. “The improvements being evaluated in the study include widening the existing two-lane segment of Progress Boulevard to a four-lane divided roadway connecting to the adjacent four-lane segments of Progress Boulevard. The improvements also include 10-foot shared-use paths on both sides of the proposed roadway.” This PD&E study evaluates the proposed improvements along with a no-build alternative. The evaluation is based on environmental effects, right-of-way needs, project costs and engineering factors. The county is also designing an intersection improvement project that includes a roundabout for the intersection at Balm

Riverview Rd. at Symmes Rd. that should improve safety and reduce delays. According to Pratt, the intersection is currently unsignalized with a stop sign for motorists approaching the intersection from Symmes Rd. The current configuration creates long wait times for vehicles turning left from Symmes Rd. to go north on Balm Riverview Rd. Roundabouts also have been proven to provide safer accommodations for pedestrians, as compared to standard signalized intersections. They are designed to promote slower entry, circulating and exit speeds. Raised splitter islands slow and deflect approaching traffic, while also providing refuge for pedestrians. Crosswalks, sidewalks and ADA features are also included in the design. In order to construct the roundabout, Hillsborough County needs to acquire a property on the east side of Balm Riverview Rd., which provides the majority of right-ofway for the project. Design and land acquisition are anticipated to be complete by late 2022. Procurement for construction should start in early 2023, with construction beginning soon after. The construction is anticipated to begin in mid-2023 and end in early 2024. The county will conduct a virtual engagement using the Hillsborough Engagement Hub to collect feedback from the public. Public comment for this project is open until Sunday, October 10 at 11:59 p.m. Visit hcflgov.net/hcengage to participate.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

October 2021

Page 7

NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS NAMED

CALLING ALL GOLFERS!

By Michelle Caceres Effie Trinket’s famous statement in the each state. Hunger Games is, “may the odds be ever Local high school National Merit Scholin your favor,” but while winning the Hun- arship Semifinalists include Bell Creek ger Games lottery meant a trip to certain Academy senior Lucas Nardin and Newdeath, for selected academically talented some seniors Cody Basquill, Ayotuntosimi National Merit Semifinalists, the odds of Loye and Anika Shah. winning a college scholarship, about 50 Semifinalists advance to the finalist percent, are a reason standing in the competito shout for joy. tion by meeting high acaNational Merit demic performance stanScholarship Corporadards from grades 9-12, tion (NMSC) selected receiving a recommendanearly 16,000 semition from their high school finalists in the 67th principal and submitting a annual National Merit completed application. Scholarship Program. NMSC Executive DirecSelected seniors have tor of Public Affairs Eileen an opportunity to conArtemakis said her staff tinue in the competihear from scholarship winNational Merit Scholarship Cortion for approximately ners about the impact the poration (NMSC) has announced 7,500 National Merit scholarships have on their the 2022 National Merit Scholar Scholarships worth educational goals. Semifinalists. nearly $30 million that “We are thrilled to recwill be offered next spring. A not-for-prof- ognize and reward students who have it organization, NMSC’s goal is to honor excelled in high school and have positivethe nation’s scholastic champions and ly impacted their communities, and the encourage the pursuit of academic excel- world in high school inspires them to conlence. tinue to do so,” said Artemakis. High school juniors entered the comWhile it’s not easy to win a National petition by taking the 2020 Preliminary Merit Scholarship, it’s not impossible eiSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualify- ther. With study, practice and preparaing Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as tion, students can ace the test. “The recan initial screen of program entrants. Stu- ognition and chance to win a scholarship dents with the highest PSAT/NMSQT Se- is worth it,” said Artemakis. lection Index (calculated by doubling the National Merit Scholarship winners will sum of the reading, writing and language be announced beginning in April and conand math test scores) qualify for recog- clude in July. nition. Semifinalists, representing less For more information about the Nationthan one percent of high school seniors, al Merit Scholarship Program, visit www. includes the highest-scoring entrants in nationalmerit.org.

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Expiration 11/01/2021

Page 8

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

REDUCING WASTE CAN SAVE MONEY AND LANDFILL SPACE

By Brad Stager

Recycling household make a difference, for and industrial waste better or worse,” he said. is an established and Single-use items such popularly accepted as food containers and way to responsibly utensils, as well as disdispose of used goods posable cups and bottles, that can be processed are among the items Galso the material can be lagher cites as promoting used for another purlarge amounts of waste. pose. Adjustments that But if your recywaste industry experts cling bin is always full, suggest include businessthere’s a chance you es switching to a durable, could benefit by conreusable material instead sidering how reducing of disposable cardboard usage in the first place Single-use items offer convenience, but boxes for containers; or, they are also things that need to be and reusing materials for families, it could be disposed of. when possible can also using filtered tap water in fit into your waste management routine. reusable bottles instead of consuming palThat’s a message Hillsborough County lets of store-bought water. Finding anothwants residents to be aware of as part of er purpose for used items before properly a regional Reduce Your Use Tampa Bay discarding them is another waste-busting campaign to increase knowledge about tip. waste. Gallagher summarizes the approach as, The campaign is a collaborative effort “reduce, reuse, recycle.” And, if you do reby Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, cycle, “to know the rules to recycling.” Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, Pinellas CounAmong such rules is ensuring the suitty, the City of St. Petersburg and Keep Pi- ability of items for recycling. This avoids nellas Beautiful. One of the consortium’s problems that arise when recyclable colgoals is to encourage individuals, families lections are contaminated with just about and businesses to take steps that reduce anything from food to diapers, or when waste as well as the need to recycle. items such as clothing, hoses and even Reducing waste in the products and re- plastic bags become entangled in the sources used by families and businesses waste sorting equipment, stopping the can save money as well as space in land- process and possibly damaging equipfills. A little planning or minor changes can ment. help, and no effort is too small, according You can learn more about the Reduce to Hillsborough County Recycling & Waste Your Use Tampa Bay campaign, including Reduction Specialist Daniel Gallagher. event information, waste management “People don’t realize the impact they tips and business recognition opportunihave. Even at the individual level, you can ties, at reduceyourusetampabay.org.

Volume 19, Issue 10

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

Recorded Masses can be viewed on the St. Anne website (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and Facebook page. Reconciliation Tue. at 8:30am, Thurs. at 6pm, Sat. at 3:15pm and By Appointment.

For more information, please check the St. Anne website. Registration is now open for the 2021-2022 Faith Formation year. Please call the office for more information.

U.S. Hwy. 41 • 106 11th Ave NE • Ruskin SaintAnneRuskin.org • 813-645-1714

Karla Marie Carolan, J.D.

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October 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 9

TOWER RADIOLOGY OFFERS 3D FUN FALL EVENT RAISES FUNDS FOR DANCING FOR DONATIONS MAMMOGRAPHY By Kate Quesada Staff Report

Tower Radiolare there to help through ogy offers breast every step of the exam. tomosynthesis, Each breast is imaged usalso known as 3D ing a device that holds and mammography, at compresses the breast multiple locations and positions it so images throughout Hillscan be obtained at differborough, Pasco and ent angles. These imagPinellas Counties. es are then digitized and This advanced analyzed by a dedicated form of mammogwomen’s imaging subsperaphy takes multicialized radiologist. ple images of the “As the need for more breast to create advanced technology a 3D image that grows in the radiology incan better detect dustry, Tower continues breast cancer, reto be at the forefront by Tower Radiology offers breast tomosynduce unnecessary thesis, also known as 3D mammography, adopting new and exciting return visits for at multiple locations throughout Hillsbor- imaging methods as quickough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties. additional imagly as possible,” said Larry ing and be done in Smith, Tower Radiology conjunction with CEO. “As 3D Mammograa traditional 2D phy came to market, our mammogram. team worked hard to bring With traditional this technology to our cen2D mammography, ters. Today we are proud small masses can that now this innovative sometimes hide beservice is currently availhind normal tissue. able at nine Tower centers By performing 3D mammography, radiolo- with plans to continue to expand.” gists can see tissue from multiple angles, Tower Radiology is offering an Octoimproving cancer detection. Patients who ber-only special with $50 for screening benefit most from 3D mammography are mammograms. This includes both screenthose who have dense breasts, but women ing 2D and 3D Mammograms. A physician with nondense breasts can also benefit in prescription is required. the same ways. Schedule your exam online at www.tow3D mammography can be used as both erradiologycenters.com or call 489-5120 a screening or diagnostic tool and is per- for more information. formed much like a traditional 2D mamLocations include 427 S. Parsons Ave., mogram. During the exam, a patient can Ste. 100 in Brandon, 3862 Sun City Center expect a comfortable experience with the Blvd. in Sun City and 4719 N. Habana Ave. help of expert-trained technologists who in Tampa.

If your family is looking for a fun way to said Battaglia. “The first two hours the celebrate fall this month, mark your calen- spooky trail will be friendly for most ages dars for Satand the last hour will urday, October be a bit scarier for the 23, as Dancing older kids.” for Donations is The goal of the hosting its first event is to raise funds Fall Festival in for the nonprofit orRiverview from ganization to open 4-7 p.m. to raise a larger studio early funds for a new next year. studio. The mission for The event, Dancing for Donawhich will take tions, a 501(c)(3), is place at the Rivto make dance and erbend Retreat the arts available for in Riverview, the community. is open to the “We welcome kids general public with special needs and, like the and do not separate classes offered them from their by Dancing for peers,” explained Donations, is Battaglia. “We also friendly to kids have a free program with special for children in foster needs. care. We host events “We will have Dancing for Donations is hosting its first Fall Festival like this often in the all sorts of fun in Riverview on Saturday, October 23 from 4-7 p.m. to community to fundraise funds for a new studio. activities for the raise and give back.” whole family,” said Sara Battaglia, Dancing Students will also have the opportunity for Donations director, who explained that to perform at the event. in the past the organization has put togethTo learn more about Dancing for Donaer a Trunk or Treat in the fall. tions, which is located at 1076 E. Brandon The event will include face painting, Blvd. in Brandon and offers classes ranging games, bounce houses, life-sized chess, food from tap and ballet to jazz and hip-hop for (including s’mores), a spooky trail, costume students starting at 3 years old, visit www. contest, cake walk, raffle and silent auction, dancingfordonations.org or call 601-3009. mini golf, photo props, vendors and more. Follow the organization on Facebook to There is no cost to enter the festival, but learn more about the fall festival and othaccording to Battaglia, there will be fees for er local events and fundraisers. Riverbend some activities and food. Retreat is located at 10200 Elbow Bend Rd. “The event will be suitable for all ages,” in Riverview.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

THE BRIDGES SEEKS LOCAL VENDORS FOR ITS 9TH ANNUAL GIFTS & CRAFTS FAIR

By Tatiana Ortiz

With the holidays coming up, a local program at The Bridges Retirement Comretirement community is encouraging munity will also get an opportunity to sell residents to start their shopping a little items that they created over the past sevearly this year. On Saturday, November 13 eral months as vendors during the fair. at 10 a.m., The “The goal is to inBridges Retiretroduce and welcome ment Commupeople to The Bridges nity will host Retirement Communiits ninth annual ty,” Noah said. “It also Gifts & Crafts provides an opportuFair at its clubnity for the people of house in Riverall ages to enjoy shopview, offering a ping for the holiday wide variety of season.” arts and crafts The Bridges Retiremade by local ment Community is vendors and an active community even residents which offers many of The Bridges. opportunities for resJanet Noah, idents to participate The Bridges Retirement Community’s Gifts & Crafts director of in a variety of activiFair is back this year, taking place on Saturday, community ties, such as karaoke, November 13. relations and crafts and more. It event organizalso provides memory er, is pleased the care and assisted living. The annual fair can take Bridges Retirement Commuplace after a year nity is dedicated to providoff last year due to ing housing and health care COVID-19. for the elderly. “We are excited “The Gifts & Crafts Fair to be back hosting is just one of a number of our annual Gifts & events we hold at The BridgCrafts Fair,” Noah es Clubhouse, which is open said. to the community,” Noah Vendors, such as those selling holiday said. gifts, pottery, greeting cards, photogIf you are interested in becoming a venraphy, handmade jewelry and more, are dor or have questions, call The Bridges Reneeded for the event. To become a vendor, tirement Community at 413-8900 or send the cost is $30. The deadline to register an email to Noah at jnoah@bridgesretirewill be on Monday, November 1. ment.com. The facility is located at 5921 Residents involved in the arts and crafts Stockport St. in Riverview.

Volume 19, Issue 10

LOCAL CHEF WINS BIG ON GUY’S GROCERY GAMES By Michelle Caceres Riverview High Class of 2019 graduate Guy Fieri, Anthony Bourdain and Gordon and chef Jada Vidal showcased her tal- Ramsey. While in high school, she worked ent on national at Élevage at Tampa’s television and Epicurean Hotel. While won big. Vidal attending culinary was crowned school at Keiser Univerthe winner in the sity (she graduated this “Snack Attack” year), she worked at episode of Food Haven, formerly known Network’s Guy’s as SideBern’s. Grocery Games, “Working in those walking away restaurants taught me with $20,000 in so much about life and prize money. food,” she said. “Con“A few weeks necting with people before I competfrom different backed on the show, I Local chef Jada Vidal won the top prize on Guy’s grounds showed me was working as a that everyone has Grocery Games. line cook and feeltheir own story to tell ing burnt out,” said Vidal. “It’s not every through food.” day you win $20,000, and it put things in Vidal said she tells her story through perspective for me that anything is pos- dishes inspired by her Cuban and African sible.” American heritage. Hosted by chef Guy Fieri, Guy’s Grocery In September, she opened a pop-up Games pits four talented, up-and-coming restaurant for one night at Armature chefs against each other as they create Works, paying homage to her heritage dishes in 30 minutes made with ingredi- with a $75-per-plate, four-course fuents shopped for at the Flavortown Mar- sion dinner that included Cuban-inspired ket. A panel of judges evaluates and votes French terrine and oxtail gnocchi with on the winning dish. In this episode, chefs pickled okra. The meal included wine pairhad to incorporate different snack foods ings for each course and bread service. (cheese crackers, tangerines, fruit gumIt was so successful a second pop-up mies, potato chips and cookies) into their restaurant was held on October 3 at Hyde dishes. Her winning dishes were Korean House’s Test Kitchen in Hyde Park Village, fried chicken and filet mignon with polen- featuring a menu focusing on elevated Afta and mushrooms. rican American cuisine. “It was really challenging taking snack “This is only the beginning,” said Vidal. foods and using them to create dishes that “Right now, I have the opportunity to cook were high end and elevated,” she said. my own food and live my dream.” Instead of watching cartoons when For more information about Vidal or the she was a kid, Vidal was watching shows locations of Vidal’s pop-up restaurants, on Food Network. Her superheroes were visit her Instagram page @thejadavidal.

October 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

APOLLO BEACH WOMAN’S CLUB LEARNS AT MONTHLY MEETINGS

Staff Report

Last month, Friday prior to the Apollo each luncheon. Beach WomFor menu dean’s Club tails and res(ABWC) welervations, concomed new tact Barbara and returning DeOca at 892members to 1219 or abwits luncheon at club2020@ Apollo’s Bisgmail.com. To tro, located at keep everyone 6520 Richies safe, the club Way in Apol- The Apollo Beach Woman’s Club’s elected board for 2021-22 asks that only lo Beach. Lisa are (left to right) Beverley Brooks, secretary; Claudia Gassett, vaccinated ladies Novorska, vol- president; Shelia May, treasurer; Liz Pedersen, second vice attend its lununteer man- president of membership; Barbara De Oca, third vice presi- cheons for the ager from the dent of membership; and (not pictured) Jeanette Doyle, first time being. vp of programs, and Katherine Cintron, past president. Humane SociThe ABWC has ety Tampa Bay, was the guest speaker and been serving the community since 1959. Its shared information on their new facilities, primary objectives are to promote sociabilaffordable services, animal care and ways to ity among its members, work toward the help. All luncheons are led by ABWC Presi- advancement of womankind and provide dent Claudia Gassett and held on the second scholarships for education and training of Wednesday of every month from September students who live in Apollo Beach and the to May at Apollo’s Bistro, except for the De- surrounding areas with a demonstrated ficember holiday luncheon, which is held at nancial need. The club continues to help the Southshore Falls. local elementary schools with needed clothWith only one in-person luncheon during ing, Thanksgiving and Christmas gift cards the club’s 2020-21 season because of and holiday presents. The school counselors COVID-19 concerns, club members are look- will identify all the needs. Other community ing forward to having regular in-person lun- needs are addressed during the year as well. cheons during 2021-22. The guest speaker The ABWC welcomes new members. for the October 13 luncheon will be Christian Members are involved in scheduled enrichBaiter, CFP financial advisor, who will discuss ment activities with the ABWC Book Club, managing your affairs after life-changing Culture Club and Bridge and Other Games events. For November 10, the guest speak- Club. Starting this year, the club has a new er will be Sam Goodwin, who is a retired committee whose focus is on the “advanceArmy major, defense contractor and now ment of womankind.” More about the ABWC a local beekeeper. He will share his story of can be found at www.apollobeachwomansbecoming a beekeeper, removal of unwanted club.com or by contacting Second Vice Presswarms and supporting vital bees. Reserva- ident of Membership Liz Pedersen at 777tions and payments must be received by the 8215 or kenlizpedersen@msn.com.

Page 11

TWIN BROTHERS ASSIST EVERYDAY BLESSINGS, INC. WITH EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS

By Tatiana Ortiz

When 15-year“It also made me feel old twin brothers great because I know the Jack and Ben Spain children will benefit from learned about an the hammocks,” Jack said. agency in Lithia The planning phase of it called Everyday began at the end of 2020. Blessings, Inc. from This project finished over their mother, Lisa summer. Spain, who disPrior to the completion covered it through of it, Jack and Ben saved a fundraiser, the Jack Spain in his Eagle Scout uniform for up money and paid for the boys felt led to Boy Scout Troop 610 stands near the ham- supplies. create their Eagle “I am overall pleased mock lounge at Everyday Blessings, Inc. Scout project for with how hard they Boy Scout Troop worked planning and im610 there. plementing their project,” Everyday BlessLisa said. “It was also ings, Inc. cares for gratifying to see how hapup to 30 children py the children were.” in Lithia while they Kate Mansfield, develwait for permanent opment director at Everyplacement. The day Blessings, Inc., shared children in this prohow the children benefitgram range in age ted from the hammock from newborns lounge and life-size checkBen Spain in his Eagle Scout uniform for to 17 years old Boy Scout Troop 610 stands near the life- erboard. who have been re“These projects have size checkerboard. moved from their provided such wonderful previous homes due to neglect, abandon- areas for fun, relaxation, socialization and ment and abuse. team building for the foster children of Jack helped build a hammock lounge Everyday Blessings, Inc.,” Mansfield said. with around eight people from the troop, “In addition, we are fortunate to have and Ben assisted with constructing a life- been blessed by the Spain brothers’ ensize checkerboard with a team of nine thusiasm, hard work and dedication topeople from the troop. ward providing such meaningful spaces Ben and Jack stated how they felt on our campus.” about being able to participate in this For more information, about Everyday project. Blessings, Inc., visit www.everydayb“It made me feel good to give back to lessingsinc.org. To learn more about Boy these children and see how thankful they Scout Troop 610, visit https://troop610fl. were,” Ben said. weebly.com.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 10

RIVERVIEW CHAMBER INVITES COMMUNITY IN PERSON TO ANNUAL TRICK OR TREAT STREET AT RIVERVIEW HIGH SCHOOL

By Kate Quesada

Trick or Treat Street will take place on Saturday, October 23 from 2-6 pm at Riverview High School. Photography courtesy of Ed Booth, Huth and Booth Photography.

Grab your little ghosts, superheroes and princesses and mark your calendars, because one of Riverview’s favorite fall traditions is back. Trick or Treat Street will take place on Saturday, October 23 from 2-6 p.m. at Riverview High School, presented by the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (GRCC), Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation and Riverview High School. “Come and join us in the Spooktacular festivities at this year’s Trick or Treat Street event,” said Debbie Kirkland, GRCC director of investor relations. “This is a safe place for children of all ages to have fun and share in the tradition of Trick or Treating.” According to Kirkland, since 1988, approximately 100 chamber members including local businesses, churches, organizations, and volunteers, have been coming together to make this event possible. “Our event chair, Theresa Sharkey, Your Pie, and co-chairs for the event, Kristi

McCart, McCart & Te s m e r , P.A., and Michael Broussard, The Flying Locksmiths, want everyone to know this is a family-friendly event that provides fun and candy for all kids, regardless of attire or verbal ability,” she said. “This year, we are introducing Allergy Alley. Allergy Alley BOOooths will provide candy for children with allergies and sensitivities to many typical candies. This will ensure every child is able to have their candy and eat it too.” The event will follow the CDC’s recommendations regarding mask and distance policies. Organizations have the opportunity to sponsor a BOOooth inside the event. The

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BOOooth sponsors will have fun dressing up, decorating their BOOooths, distributing candy or small toys and providing many fun, free activities to the children of the Riverview community. Event admission is free. Parking costs a $5 donation per carload, which can be paid through cash or by using Cash App. There will be costume contests (with a small entry fee) for children ages 0-15 and even a contest for your adorable dogs sponsored by Canine Cabana. This year’s kids’ costume contest will also include a new category for duo and group costumes. Riverview High School clubs will have additional games and activities for a small fee and an assortment of food vendors plan to be on site, including C & J Specialty

with fun fair food, Papa John’s Pizza, the Rotary Club of FishHawk/Riverview with Southern comfort pulled pork BBQ and more. “We are thankful to have the return of our previous Monster Mash sponsor, Christopher Ligori & Associates,” said Kirkland. “Thanks to their generous sponsorship, wristbands for kids’ unlimited play on the exciting inflatable units within our designated kids’zone, normally $5, will be distributed for free (while supplies last). Be sure to stop by the Christopher Ligori BOOooth to claim your free wristband.” To get your business involved, visit www. riverviewchamber.com, check out the Trick or Treat Street Facebook page or stop by the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce office inside Winthrop Town Centre between 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, located at 6152 Delancey Station St., Ste. 205 in Riverview. Call the GRCC office by calling 234-5944 or emailing info@riverviewchamber.com.

October 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 13

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Black Cat Fun Run, Trunk or Treat, Crafts Fair & More... Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

First-Ever Black Cat Fun Run Supports A Kitten Place

Local cat rescue A Kitten Place invites you to take part in its inaugural Black Cat Fun Run to help offset some of the costs of its rescue work. During 2020, A Kitten Place rescued 419 cats and kittens, provided spay/neuter surgeries for over 50 feral/stray cats and kittens and spent $22,000 on food, litter and other supplies. The fun run will take place on Saturday, October 30 at 8:30 a.m. in the Twin Lakes neighborhood park in Brandon, and you can choose a 5K run or a family-friendly 1-mile walk. There will also be a costume contest and a 50/50 raffle. To register for the event, visit www.akittenplace5k.eventbrite.com. Registration includes a T-shirt, medal and snacks/refreshments. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please email Michelle Bass at akittenplace@gmail.com.

families looking to go trick-or-treating on Halloween from 5:30-7:30 p.m. It will have candy and treats. There will also be a costume contest for both adults and children.

Win A 2022 Club Car Onward Golf Cart

A Kid’s Place in Valrico is giving you the chance to win a 2022 Club Car Onward golf cart valued at $13,000, which includes rear underseat storage, premium tinted windshield, side mirror kit and rear cup holders. A donation of $50 enters you for a chance to win as well as helps to provide a safe, loving and nurturing home for brothers and sisters living at A Kid’s Place. For additional information, call 381-3839 or visit https://give.akidsplacetb.org/golfcart.

28th Annual St. Stephen Men’s Golf Scramble

The 28th annual St. Stephen Men’s Club Golf Scramble is scheduled on Saturday, November 6 at the Summerfield Crossing Golf Club in Riverview. Sign-in begins at 11:30 a.m., with a 1 p.m. tee time. The entry fee is $75 and includes range balls, lunch, dinner, beverages and a gift pack. A raffle and 50/50 will also be held at the event. To register, visit https:/ststephencatholic.org/mensclub.

South Bay Genealogy Society Meeting

On Tuesday, October 19, the South Bay Trunk Or Treat At South Hills Genealogical Society will meet at the UnitChurch ed Methodist Church, located at 1210 W. South Hills Church, located at 5505 SR 674 in Wimauma, is excited to provide a fun, safe environment for kids and their

Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City Center. Beginning at 10.30 a.m. is an optional round table discussion, followed by a sit-down

Volume 19, Issue 10 luncheon at noon, and then a presentation by a guest speaker at 1 p.m. For reservations and more details, call Dianna Loudermilk at 864607-1330.

St. Andrew’s Annual Fall Craft Fair

St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, located at 3315 S. Bryan Rd.in Brandon, will be holding its annual Fall Craft Fair on Saturday, October 30 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. A wide variety of handmade crafts and gift items will be available; you are sure to find something for everyone to enjoy.

Local Craft Fair Is Seeking Vendors

Vendors with unique gifts and crafts are invited to register for the annual Gifts and Crafts Fair, which will be held on Saturday, November 13 at The Bridges Retirement Community in Riverview. “We are excited to be back hosting this year. We have always received positive feedback from those attending and from the vendors participating,” said Janet Noah, director of community relations and event organizer. Interested vendors, please contact Janet at 413-8900 or jnoah@ bridgesretirement.com.

For further information, call Donna Fore on 582-0902.

Alafia Republican Club Monthly Meeting

The Alafia Republican Club meets on the third Monday of each month at O’Brien’s Irish Pub at 701 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon in the special event room. Social hour starts at 6 p.m., followed by a meeting that has interesting, well-informed guest speakers covering current issues. All conservative-thinking individuals are invited. For further information, please call or text Steve at 763-7505 or email Arlene at arlene@theloft-lounge.com.

Bingo Returns To St. Stephen Catholic Church

St. Stephen Catholic Church, located at 10118 St. Stephen Cir. in Riverview is pleased to announce the return of bingo to its Family Life Center. The event, held on the fourth Tuesday of every month starting on September 28, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and a concession stand is available for refreshments. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, and proceeds from the evening will support community families in need and church groups like St. Vincent de Paul.

My Warrior’s Place Mega Yard East Hillsborough Democratic Sale My Warrior’s Place will be holding a Club Annual Picnic The East Hillsborough Democratic Club will be holding its annual picnic for members, family and friends on Saturday, October 9 at Paul Sanders Park at 3319 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and drinks will be provided; guests are invited to bring a side dish or a dessert if they would like to.

Mega Yard Sale on Saturday, October 16 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. to raise funds for its nonprofit retreat center for veterans, law enforcement officers, fire fighters and others. The yard sale will take place at 101 22nd St. NW. in Ruskin. For additional information about My Warrior’s Place, visit mywarriorsplace.org.

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October 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

LOCAL NONPROFIT EXPERIENCED AUTISM ALLIANCE WORKS TO MAKE KIDS SAFE IN COMMUNITY By Libby Hopkins

Riverview resiinated scent articles and dent Tanya Hines on-scene scent collection is the founder and methods that increase loexecutive director cation success while reof Experienced Auducing the time it takes tism Alliance. to find a target. “I’m a native Flo“I kind of stumbled ridian, military wife across Scent Evidence and mother to three K9,” Hines said. “I was sons, ages 20, 18 scrolling through Faceand 16,” Hines said. book and came across “My youngest son, a story about a missing Avery, is nonverbal Experienced Autism Alliance and Scent Ev- child with autism beand has severe au- idence K9 recently formed a partnership to ing found with a scent tism. After years of make local families safer in our community. kit. The story naturally helping other famcaught my attention. I ilies with kids on the spectrum navigate started doing some research on the comthrough insurance, therapy and doctors, I pany and found out they have a communidecided to create a nonprofit organization ty partnership. I immediately knew I had along with my husband and my son’s for- to connect with them.” mer occupational therapist.” Hines feels this partnership will help Experienced Autism Alliance’s mission is many families in our community. to link families within the autism commuShe hopes this partnership will make a nity with the resources they need to en- huge impact not only in our community rich their lives. but throughout the Tampa Bay area and “We offer free workshops to parents beyond. “My hopes for the partnership and caregivers,” Hines said. “Each month with Scent Evidence K9 is that we can is a different topic with a guest speaker continue working together and eventually from one of the many wonderful therapy getting a bill pass to get all children and companies in Hillsborough County. Lastly, adults with autism in Hillsborough and all we have a grant program. Once a year, of Florida a Scent Kit for free through the we give a family a grant up to $1,500 to- state,” Hines said. “Until then, Experienced wards safety equipment not covered by Autism Alliance hopes to make our Autism insurance.” Home Again Drive an annual event giving Experienced Autism Alliance recently free Scent Kits to families with children partnered with Scent Evidence K9, which and adults with autism in Hillsborough is a company that has created the first County.” scientifically tested and proven Scent To learn more about Experienced AuPreservation Kit and ‘The SEKR’ Scent tism Alliance, visit www.ea-all.org. To Evidence Collection Vacuum to provide learn more about Scent Evidence K9, visit canine trailing responders with uncontam- www.scentevidencek9.com.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

FORMER ART TEACHER OFFERS CUSTOM ARTWORK TO SUPPORT FAMILY DURING TREATMENT

By Makenzie Atkins

Dakin Pascuqui, a canvases by first paintformer art teacher ing a coat of white paint at Rodgers Middle to clear the surface and School, is selling then creating her work her own artwork at on top. a local coffee shop “I’ve always been a husto support her tler, mover and shaker,” family after having said Pascuqui, “so when I to quit her job behad to give up teaching, I cause of her health. had to find something to In February of keep me busy, and paint2021, Pascuqui ing has always been my had to quit her job escape.” after being diagFollowing after her fanosed with stage ther, who was also an three anaplastic artist, Pascuqui went to astrocytoma in Dakin Pascuqui enjoys painting at home. It art school in Buffalo, New the left temporal gives her an escape from the real world and York. After many differlobe. In May, she allows her to focus her mind on something ent career attempts, she positive. had brain surgery, decided to move to Florleaving her with poor vision and months ida to become a teacher. First, Pascuqui of radiation ahead of her. With two chil- was a P.E. teacher, but when the oppordren, Pascuqui had to find some way to tunity arose to switch to art, she jumped financially support her family. at it. Teaching children something like A friend of hers, who is the owner of a art, which is a passion for her, was somefamily-run coffee shop in Tampa, asked thing she loved and truly misses. Pascuqui how she could help. Pascuqui’s Inspired by artists like Vincent Van first thought was for customers to be Gogh, Henri Matisse and other artist able to buy her art off the walls at 22nd from the 1960s and 1970s, she studies Street Coffee, and that’s just what they their styles and then creates her own did. work. Pascuqui mainly creates oil paintShe now has 15 pieces hanging in the ings and enjoys painting things like peocafe, all available for purchase. Not only ple, actors and buildings. You can supcan you buy her art there, but she can port Pascuqui and her family by finding also paint custom pieces for anyone her work in Tampa or connecting with who requests one. Her art styles range her to purchase a custom piece. from pop art to Fauvism, and all include For more information, contact Pasat least a little stroke of red. To make it cuqui at 494-3144 or visit https://22ndmore budget-friendly, she paints on used streetcoffee.com/ to find her artwork.

Volume 19, Issue 10

ZEN FOR KIDS WITH LOCAL YOGA CLASSES By Libby Hopkins Shirley Sullivan is a healing and certified in local nutritionist hochildren’s yoga. listic and wellness ed“When the pandemic ucator. She is founder hit, it made it impossiof Southshore Wellble to move forward ness and is gearing up with our Youth Wellto offer yoga classes ness Summer Camps for children. and Kidz Yoga,” SulliOwning her busivan said. “We tried to ness allows her to teach limited offerings integrate her love of of Kidz Yoga classes education and health during the pandemthrough personalized ic, with little success. programs. We were determined “I’ve been a teacher to stay with it for for most of my life,” the well-being of the Sullivan said. “I taught children. As COVID Shirley Sullivan is a local nutritionist holishigh school and tutored restrictions began to tic and wellness educator. She is founder of children of all ages. Southshore Wellness and recently started ease, it offered an opKids have always been portunity to continue offering children’s yoga classes. a passion of mine.” with the program.” When she had her son, she decided to Currently, classes are held on Sundays be a stay-at-home mom and enjoy all the from 10-11 a.m. at the Martial Arts Center things that being a mother had to offer. in Apollo Beach. “When our son was young, I started a “Kidz Yoga is a unique way to teach little family-owned business called Baby Earth- yogis mindfulness and relaxation through wear, which was something I could easily play, songs, stories and yoga poses,” Sulsqueeze into our family life,” Sullivan said. livan said. “All ages welcome, and parents “Our son has recently graduated from East and caregivers can join in for free. Starting Bay High School, and this has given me in October, classes will be $10 for walk-ins the opportunity to gravitate back towards and discounts provided when parents regmy other passion, which is nutrition and ister their little yogi for at least four classhealth education.” es, which does not have to be consecutive Southshore Wellness offers a wide range Sundays.” of local and virtual programs and services, To learn more about the services offrom individual counseling to wellness fered at SouthShore Wellness, visit www. workshops and cleanse programs that in- southshorewellness.net or contact Sullivan tegrate massage therapy and essential oils. at 580-0447 or flsouthshorewellness@ Sullivan has additional training in botanical gmail.com. SouthShore Wellness is located herbal remedies, clinical-level formulas and at Martial Arts Center in Apollo Beach in Heart-Centered Reiki. She is also certified the plaza behind the new Starbucks, locatin traditional Usui Reiki master energy ed at 6142-6144 U.S. Hwy. 41.

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

October 2021

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY IS IN NEED OF NEW FOSTER FAMILIES AS NEED RISES

Page 17

DAMON C. GLISSON, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW

By Makenzie Atkins Hillsborough ble for adoption. In County is in need fact, according to of new foster famWFFCS, 80 percent ilies, as the number of all foster care of children being children are reunitpulled from homes ed with their biologis increasing. ical families. The most com“The main goal of mon way children in foster care is reuniabusive families are fication and working noticed is through with the parents teachers. With to co-parent is trumost students being ly what is best for home last year due these children,” said to COVID-19, the Gray. Beth Gray shows off her ‘Buy One, Gift One number of families If you cannot be a T-shirt,’ which you can purchase on the West reported for abuse foster family, there Florida Foster Care Services website. went down. As chilare still plenty of dren are being sent back to school, the ways to get involved. West Florida Foster numbers have risen again. Care Services has opportunities to doBeth Gray, a foster mom in Valrico, told nate online. One fun way to help is to purus that being a foster parent is one of chase a ‘Buy One, Gift One T-Shirt’ that the greatest things a family can do. Even sends one T-shirt to a foster parent for though they were nervous, Beth and her each shirt you purchase. You can also dohusband decided to register as a foster nate to ‘Feed a Foster Family,’ this money family after doing research and prepar- is used to order a family dinner from a loing their family. cal restaurant. Along with these options, “Fostering has been something I have you can also donate any amount of monwanted to do for a long time,” said Gray, ey right through the website. “but it’s so out of my comfort zone I nevWest Florida Foster Care Services has er really thought it would happen.” two locations where you can drop off According to the West Florida Foster clothes, shoes, diapers and more. These Care Services (WFFCS), there are five locations are at Temple Terrance United steps to becoming a foster parent. These Methodist Church in Temple Terrace and steps include starting the conversation, South Tampa Fellowship Church on Davis registering for orientation, registering Island. You can check the ‘current donafor professional parent training, being tions needed’ list on the WFFCS website. assigned to a license specialist and placeFor more information, please contact ment of children. West Florida Foster Care Services at With foster care being temporary sit- 557-6063 or info@wffcs.org, or visit the uation for children, most are not eligi- website at https://wffcs.org.

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Page 19

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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813-672-2243 White-tailed deer are widely distributed and can be found almost anywhere throughout the state of Florida. Named for the contrasting white color on the underside of their brown tails, white-tailed deer are easily identifiable. Skittish and shy by nature, these creatures have great eyesight and hearing but mostly depend on their sense of smell to detect their surroundings and present danger. White-tailed deer are commonly observed when they are active at dusk and dawn and are usually concealed in dense vegetation or found browsing for food. Their preferred habitats include open woodlands or fields which contain an abundant source of food, water nearby as well as adequate cover from predators. Deer are grazers and feed primarily on low-growing vegetation such as leaves fruits, acorns, agricultural crops, shrubs and flowers. In Florida, this species stands approximately 36-42 inches tall and have average weights of around 120-175 pounds. Males and females differ in both size and appearance, with males being larger. The male deer, or bucks, can also be identified by their impressive, velvet, tissue-covered antlers which they shed annually, each unique and one of a kind, much like a hu-

man fingerprint. While these animals are abundant, they do have natural predators such as coyotes and bears; however, their biggest threat is man, with hunting and vehicle collisions accounting for a higher mortality rate. In the wild, deer average a lifespan of around 4 years but can live well past 10 years old. In Florida, white-tailed deer begin to breed in the fall. Gestation lasts an average of 200 days and fawning season begins in early spring, with most pregnancies yielding one to three fawns. At birth, fawns weigh anywhere between 4-6 pounds on average. An interesting fact about fawns, or a young deer in its first year, is that they produce little to no scent. This helps to protect the baby from predators. Mothers will typically hide their newborns in concealed vegetation and limit their time with them, typically only interacting to nurse. This is in an effort to prevent attracting any unwanted attention or predators to the fragile baby or babies. If you happen upon a fawn during fawning season and it is otherwise unharmed, rest assure that mom is most likely nearby and tending to her baby. Do not approach or intervene. Help keep Florida wildlife wild by observing from safe distances and remembering to never feed or harass wild animals.

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PREPARE YOURSELF FINANCIALLY FOR ILLNESS … JUST IN CASE All of us hope to live long, healthy lives, so we do what we can to take care of ourselves through proper diet, exercise and avoiding unhealthy activities. However, none of us can predict our future, so it pays to be prepared for anything – including a serious physical illness or the onset of some type of mental incapacity, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Of course, you may never face these infirmities, but you should be aware that they could upset your longterm financial strategy and place considerable stress on your loved ones. What steps can you take to head off these threats? First, make sure you know what your health insurance covers and how much you might have to pay out of pocket for treatment of illnesses such as cancer or kidney ailments. If you’re on Medicare (supplemented with Medigap) or Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C), you’ll want to know all about deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. However, if Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia is involved, Medicare may not cover the costs that could be incurred in an assisted living facility, so you may want to consult with a financial advisor, who can suggest ways of protecting yourself from long-term care costs, which can be quite high. Your next move is to make sure you have adequate liquidity. It’s hard to predict how many out-of-pocket costs you could incur when coping with a serious illness, but it’s a good idea to have enough cash readily available, rather than dipping into your 401(k) or other retirement accounts. So, if you’re retired, you might want to keep up to a year’s worth of living expenses in a liquid, low-risk account. Here’s another important step: Update your estate plan. Hopefully, if you have a serious illness, you’ll be

able to recover. But it’s still a good idea to review your estate plan to ensure everything is in order, such as your will and your living trust, if you’ve created one. If you’ve kept up your life insurance, you’ll also want to ensure your premiums are still being paid. And don’t forget to review your beneficiary designations on your 401(k), insurance policies and other financial documents, since these designations can supersede the instructions in your will. As part of your estate planning, you may want to include a durable power of attorney for finances, which allows you to name someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated, and a durable power of attorney for health care, which lets you name someone to make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to do so yourself. You may also create a health care directive or living will to express your wishes if you don’t have a power of attorney for health care, or the person named in a power of attorney for health care can’t be reached in an emergency. And since estate planning can be complex, you’ll certainly want to work with a legal professional, and possibly your tax and financial advisors, as well. You might think it’s somewhat grim to prepare yourself financially in case you become seriously ill or if your life is touched by Alzheimer’s or another mental infirmity. But it’s a positive move – you’re protecting yourself and your loved ones from whatever life may throw at you. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 21

LOCAL TEACHER WINS WATCH FOR VETERAN-OWNED POPS NATIONAL HERO AWARD MOBILE FRIOS GOURMET By Libby Hopkins Staff Report

Gloria Brooks, a and plants has been the kindergarten teachmost rewarding,” comer at SouthShore mented Brooks. Montessori School, In addition to educatrecently recieved ing and inspiring stuthe National Hardents to have a love for mony Hero award nature at an early age, for her Tampa Bay Brooks’ goal is to enMonarch Project. courage others to plant The Harmony milkweed, the main food Hero Award Prosource for monarch gram is part of butterflies, leading her EarthKind’s 2021 to often share tips and Year of the Monresources on social meGloria Brooks, a kindergarten teacher at arch national inidia to guide others in SouthShore Montessori School, recently tiative. Through a the right direction. Her rigorous nomina- received the National Harmony Hero award efforts have inspired for her Tampa Bay Monarch Project. tion and selection friends, family and process, the nation’s leading plant-based neighbors to create their own monarch pest prevention brand is recognizing one gardens at home. Brooks even received K-12 teacher across the country each a grant to plant monarch gardens in two month who is committed to implementing schools for children with special needs. eco education initiatives around monarch Each recognized Harmony Hero teachbutterflies into their curriculum while fo- er will receive complimentary in-service cusing on getting kids outdoors and con- training from an entomologist on integratnected to nature at an impressionable age. ed pest management practices for their Brooks, who teaches over 50 students school, helping them become safer, healthin the program, created the Tampa Bay ier places. They’ll also receive sustainable Monarch Project to educate her students product essentials for eco education and and her community on the threat to the outdoor adventures and will be considered monarch butterflies. Brooks has taught for the grand prize of sending one teacher her students to grow and nurture gardens, and three guests on an all-expense paid care for caterpillars and raise dozens of trip to Mexico in March 2022 to visit the monarchs in their milkweed gardens. Kingdom of the Monarchs habitat, where “The most important takeaway from they will witness the amazing migration of my monarch program is my students’ love millions of butterflies. and respect for nature. We’ve learned EarthKind has just published Gloria about influential conservationists, studied Brooks’ Harmony Hero video, which can be and observed the butterfly life cycle and found on YouTube by searching ‘Butterfly cared for our beautiful gardens and cater- Gardens Help Kids Learn About the Monpillars. But the children’s love for animals arch Migration.’

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A local family ingredients with found a delicious creamy, fruity, answer to being no-sugar-added, able to work togluten-free, dyegether after retirfree and vegan ing from the miliflavors, there is a tary. pop for everyone. Joe Birkhead “At first, we and his wife were thought the married for 20 brand seemed to years when they be too simple of Joe Birkhead and his family are the local franchise retired from the a concept,” said owners of Frios Gourmet Pops. military after servJoe. “Could a moing together for 16 bile Popsicle brand years. They decided to really be the answer? We put down roots in a local were pleasantly surprised community and wanted by the answer.” to find a way to work toFrios Gourmet Pops gether to do that. Enter works for the Birkheads Frios Gourmet Pops. for many reasons, but “Deployments proved there was one driving to be difficult, leaving us factor: it has allowed to uproot our family to them work together as a the next city followed by family. the next city,” said Joe. Owning their own fran“When we retired, we chise has been an enjoywanted to transition into able experience for the a career that wouldn’t whole Birkhead family. consume our lives, taking away important “We get to spend more time with our kids time from our children. In the past, we had and see them flourish,” Joe said. “Frios has missed big moments due to moving and uniquely brought out professional skills in deployment. I don’t want to miss another our children at a young age. It’s incredible birthday, another first day of school and to see them hone their interpersonal skills, other pivotal moments in their lives. But it’s whether they are explaining a product or not only the big moments, we wanted to be completing a transaction. I feel confident there for the little ones too. The brand was that with the help of Frios, our kids will one of the few to embody a core value of have no problem making a name for themfamily—not only saying it, but showing it.” selves.” Frios, which started in a garage in GadsTo learn more about Frios Gourmet Pops den, Alabama, has grown over the last four and invite it to your next events, follow its years to include more than 40 franchises Facebook page at www.facebook.com/frioaround the county. Using only the freshest sapollobeach.

Page 22

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

LOCAL SWIM SCHOOL REBRANDS YEAR-ROUND, INDOOR LOCATIONS By Libby Hopkins After many years of teachSeal wanted something unique ing the area’s youngest resiand fun with a fresh and exdents to swim, Seal Swim citing twist while maintaining School’s year-round, indoor the core values of the original locations in Lutz, Wesley brand. Chapel, South Tampa and “Watermelons are mostly Riverview have rebranded water, float and grow yearinto Watermelon Swim. The round, just like our Watermeloutdoor, seasonal on Swim locations,” locations are still Grundhoefer said. operating under The mission of the same name. Watermelon Swim is They have always to grow a communihad different ownty full of safer swimership and visions mers and reduce the for growth. risks while increas“Team Melon ing confidence in has a strong dedand around water. ication to water “Our dedicated, safety education hardworking, highly and will continue trained and child-apSeal Swim School’s year-round, indoor locations to grow our misproved team will recently rebranded and have become Watermelon sion to change the continue to be a Swim. statistics of childpart of Watermelhood drowning in our community,” said the on Swim,” Grundhoefer said. “Your child’s swim school’s marketing director, Tamera class day, time, teacher and level will not Grundhoefer. “Florida is rated number one be changing. You will get to enjoy a fresh for drowning of children ages 1-4 and Hill- new look to our year-round, indoor locasborough County is rated number one in tions, updated technology to better track Florida. Every year, part of our business your child’s progress and manage your plan is how to educate children and care- swim school account. We have updated givers. We want our community to know, policies and procedures to further our exeven with the name change, that we are traordinary customer service, a bright and still dedicated to that same water safety colorful logo and new branded retail to mission, including our free water safety get your family in the Watermelon Swim program that we offer to all child care cen- groove.” ters, moms’ groups, preschools and K-2nd To learn more about Watermelon Swim grade and looking to expand our program or to register your child for swimming lesin 2022 to include older children that may sons, visit www.watermelonswim.com or not have been exposed to water safety.” call 621-7946. Watermelon Swim RiverWith this new brand, Owner Micha view is located at 10459 Gibsonton Dr.

Volume 19, Issue 10

THE REYES FIRM HELPS ACCIDENT VICTIMS By Michelle Caceres April 23, 2020 is a tional pain and the logisday that Tampa-restical details of a damaged ident Mayte Sarquis vehicle, Reyes and his team will never forget. It handles the investigation, was the day she and settlement negotiation and her husband were litigation of the accident. involved in a car acciReyes, who owned a dent, being rear-endTampa health care clinic ed while sitting at a that treated personal inred light at the interjury and accident victims section of SR 60 and for 13 years, saw firsthand Miller Rd. the tactics insurance comThe seatbelt of panies use to reduce the her Mercedes vehiamount they have to pay cle locked quickly, collision victims. It was this and she immediately experience that inspired felt pain in her neck, him to become an attorarm and knee. While Edward J. Reyes of The Reyes Firm is ready ney and fight for victims’ to fight for accident victims. she and her husband rights. waited for emergency services to arrive at After graduating from Western Michigan the scene of the accident, she made another University Thomas M. Cooley Law School in phone call to Personal Injury Attorney Ed- 2017, he opened The Reyes Firm. ward J. Reyes. “I’ve handled so much personal injury and “I knew he was a personal injury attorney, am comfortable helping victims navigate this and contacting him was the best decision I very uncomfortable road,” he said. made,” said Sarquis. “From the start, he and Reyes and his staff also speak Spanish to his staff handled every single thing for me.” assist individuals who speak English as a Sarquis’ injuries required two surgeries on second language. “The details can be lost in her neck and right shoulder. While physically translation, so it’s important to speak to an she’s still not at 100 percent, she is feeling attorney who can understand all the pertibetter, and her case was settled to her abso- nent details of the case,” he said. lute satisfaction. Located at 4730 N. Habana Ave., Ste. “I would recommend The Reyes Firm to 201 in Tampa, The Reyes Firm is open Moneverybody,” she said. day-Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. but has a 24Reyes said it’s not unusual for clients to hour answering service, so Reyes is there contact him from the scene of an accident. when you need him. “It’s a stressful time and, in addition to In addition to personal injury, The Reyes offering peace of mind, it’s important to Firm also handles wrongful death, pedestriget the correct information at the accident an accident and spinal cord injury cases. scene,” said Reyes. For information, visit www.thereyesfirm. While victims attend to physical and emo- com. To speak to an attorney, call 421-3411.

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Top Producer 2002 - 2020

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 10

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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See Inside For More News Section 2 of 3 October 2021

Volume 19, Issue 10

Riverview/Apollo Beach

www.ospreyobserver.com

GIVE KIDS THE WORLD VILLAGE LAUNCHES SECOND NIGHT OF A MILLION LIGHTS Staff Report A dancing lights show, tram tours and unique behind-the-scenes experiences highlight an array of exciting additions guaranteed to make this year’s second annual Night of a Million Lights holiday lights spectacular another dazzling success. Scheduled to illuminate the Central Florida skyline from Friday, November 12, 2021 through Sunday, January 2, 2022, Night of a Million Lights will once again provide the public with a rare glimpse inside Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort that provides critically ill children and their families with magical, weeklong wish vacations at no cost. Tickets are on sale now at www.gktw. org/lights, enabling guests to immerse themselves in an exquisitely decorated fairy-tale neighborhood which wish families call home during their stays. Guests can explore a sparkling tree trail, view larger-than-life holiday displays, take photos at one-of-a-kind step-in frames and backdrops and enjoy a guided storytelling tour of 100 magnificently lit villas from the comfort of a tram, all included in the price of the ticket. The event will run from 5-10 p.m. daily, with staggered entry times to prevent crowding. What began as an inventive pandemic pivot for Give Kids The World has evolved into Central Florida’s most beloved new holiday tradition. More than 92,000 guests attended Night of a Million Lights in 2020, named No. 1 on USA Today’s list of the “Best Things to Do in December in Orlando.” With the return of wish families

to the Village, this year’s event promises to be brighter and more festive than ever while preserving the privacy and comfort of wish families during their visits. “Children with critical illnesses face countless appointments, treatments and hospital stays, and they are often told ‘no’ due to the limitations of their illness. We feel privileged to give wish children and their families a week of ‘yes’ where they can forget their worries, experience joy and spend precious time together,” said Give Kids The World President and CEO Pamela Landwirth. “We look forward to once again sharing some holiday joy with the community while raising the funds that will enable us to continue creating the happiness that inspires hope for these precious families.”

behind-the-scenes guided tours and premium dessert parties to special events and exclusive balcony experiences—providing a stunning setting for marriage proposals, vow renewals, birthday and anniversary celebrations and other special moments. Discounts are available for groups of 25 guests or more. To inquire about group discounts and special events, please contact events@ gktw.org. Proceeds from Night of a Million Lights will support Give Kids The World, rated four stars by Charity Navigator 15 years in a row. When wish-granting organizations receive a request from a critically ill child who wants to visit Central Florida, Give Kids The World Night of a Million Lights will once again provide the public with a fulfills the wish—providing rare glimpse inside Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre, whim- each child and his/her famsical nonprofit resort that provides critically ill children and their ily with an all-inclusive stay families with magical, weeklong wish vacations at no cost. that includes transportation, This year’s Night of a Million Lights’ accommodations in one of enhancements will include a 360-degree the Village’s 166 storybook residential vildancing lights show encompassing 21 fully las, all meals and snacks, donated theme programmed buildings set to music, with park tickets, nightly entertainment, daily six three-minute holiday vignettes playing gifts and priceless interactive experiences each hour. In addition, a holiday market- at the Village, featuring accessible rides place will offer upgraded food and beverage and attractions. Since 1986, Give Kids The experiences, festive holiday merchandise World has welcomed more than 176,000 and an opportunity for children to meet families from all 50 states and more than Santa in his elaborately designed Florida 76 countries. home. Also new this year, guests can make Give Kids The World Village is located their visits extra special by purchasing one at 210 S. Bass Rd. in Kissimmee. To learn of a variety of VIP packages, ranging from more, visit www.gktw.org.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

BARTOCK HELPS SENIORS NAVIGATE MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT By Michelle Caceres Think selecting a Camp found BarMedicare plan is simtock’s Facebook page ple? Think again. and gave her a call. With a couple differ“She answered all my ent ways to get Mediquestions, cleared up care coverage—Origany doubts I had and inal Medicare (Part A was truly very helpand Part B) or a Mediful,” she said. care Advantage Plan Camp signed up for (Part C)—as well as Humana Advantage additional coverage DSNP, or Dual Special such as Medicare drug Needs Plan, which coverage or Medicare works with Medicaid. Supplement Insurance She has already re(Medigap), it’s importferred her to several ant to compare coverneighbors. “I’d refer age options to coverage her to anyone,” said tailored to individual Camp. needs. Even if you’re not Michele Bartock, an new to Medicare, an Michele Bartock, a licensed insurance independent 2-15 and annual review of your agent, can help with Medicare open en2-20 licensed insur- rollment and reviewing coverage options. insurance is importance agent, can help ant because plans can with that. change. “Your health changes and what Medicare open enrollment, also known was a good plan in previous years might as Medicare’s annual election period, for not be best in your current health,” Bar2022 coverage starts on Friday, Octo- tock said. “If you have a hospital prefber 15 and continues through Tuesday, erence, I can make sure the plan you’re December 7. During this annual window, selecting covers care at that hospital.” Medicare plan enrollees can reevaluate In addition to Medicare Advantage their coverage and make changes or pur- and Supplement plans, Bartock can help chase new policies. with prescription drug plans, dental “I can walk new enrollees through plans, life insurance and final expense ineach step and help find the product and surance policies. price best for them,” she said. For more information about Bartock, For Bradenton resident Deborah Camp, visit www.medicareofflorida.com. To set who turned 65 on July 22, Bartock was up a meeting for a free consultation, call a lifesaver. “It was daunting turning 65 767-2878 or reach out to Bartock at mland I was going crazy looking into the bartock@gmail.com. You can also find different Medicare plans on my own,” she her on Facebook at https://fb.me/MLsaid. Bartock.

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Volume 19, Issue 10

BRANDON PAIR WIN STATE AWARD FOR SPECIAL NEEDS SOCCER PROGRAM

Staff Report

The Brandon At the award TOPSoccer proceremony, gram got its start Muzyk was in 1998 when a few quick to point soccer dads had out that the an idea. Their kids program was played recreation successful due and competitive to the many soccer and they volunteers who wanted to give kids contributed. with special needs This included the chance to play Pat Hendryx too. They put their and Tricia Caridea into action son, current and the first seaboard memson of TOPSoccer bers; Carlos The Brandon TOPSoccer program, with volunteers (The Outreach ProMontero, conPat Hendryx, Ken Muzyk, Fred Englehardt, Tricia gram for Soccer) in Carson and Carlos Montero, was recently honored by cessions; along the Florida Youth Soccer Association. Brandon was held with team that year with about 25 special needs coaches and high school students who boys and girls. Word spread quickly and assisted as ‘on-field buddies’ to the playthe number of players increased every ers. Thanks to donors and sponsors, playyear to over 150 athletes. This made pro- ers received uniforms, cleats, trophies gram among the largest in the state. and food free of charge. On August 7, The Florida Youth Soccer Gary Rach and Joanne Quinn of the Association (FYSA) honored two of the West Florida Flames allowed the use of founders at their annual meeting held their soccer fields and concession stand. at JW Marriott in Orlando. Ken Muzyk Muzyk said, “It’s been a wonderful proand Fred Englehardt were presented gram for the special needs community. with the FYSA TOPS Volunteers of the We couldn’t have done it without the Year award for their efforts in starting involvement of hundreds of volunteers and managing the program for 23 years. over the years.” While presenting the awards, FYSA comDue to the ongoing virus situation, mented, “Their hard work and organiza- continuing the program as in previous tion efforts for the TOPSoccer program years became unrealistic. shows every season when the athletes For this reason, the program has been take the field. The West Florida Flames modified and will now be managed diwill be forever thankful to these individu- rectly by the West Florida Flames organials for everything they have done for the zation. Those interested in more informaTOPSoccer program.” tion on the program can call 684-5948.

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October 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 10

HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS TEAM IMPACT WELCOMES NATIONAL BRANDON MAKES HEALTH SPEAKER & COMMUNITY TO DINNER By Kate Quesada INSURANCE EASYBy Amy Schechter right away. Whether you’ve suffered a lapse in coverage from the loss of a job or you just want to explore your options and find better coverage at a better rate, the Healthcare Solutions Team will be able to show you the best options, and you can avoid the hassle of comHealthcare Solutions Team Brandon offers medical, dental, vision, paring multiple companies, life, critical illness and accident insurance. benefits and rates on your own. HST also specializes in Your wellness and the health of your family is especially important now more than Medicare. With open enrollment for Mediever, and you deserve insurance that meets care approaching from Friday, October 15 your needs and your budget. Yet, shopping through Tuesday, December 7, it’s important around for insurance can quickly become to talk to an agent if you’re not happy with confusing and overwhelming. That’s where your benefits. If you are about to turn 65, Healthcare Solutions Team Brandon (HST) Ken suggests giving the team a call three to six months before you qualify for Medicare can help. The national marketing director and lead so you can run your options and have your in Brandon, Ken Bardales, and his team of products in order. That way you fully underagents are licensed nationwide. “We are a stand the coverage you have and can make full-access brokerage for health insurance,” sure it works for your lifestyle and finances. Finally, HST can help small business ownsaid Ken. “We accommodate people with A-rated companies such as Aetna, Cigna ers provide the best coverage to their emand United Healthcare, just to name a few, ployees at the best prices. They look at the and we make the process very simple. We rates businesses currently incur and, based take clients’ concerns, their wellness, their on census data, can tell whether existing family, their budget and we match them up coverage is working or is overpriced. Plus, with the right plan. We have access to all it’s always free to compare your rates. Go the carriers on the market, and it’s easy to see why so many individuals and business find the right coverage personalized to their owners are happy they called the Healthcare Solutions Team. situation.” Healthcare Solutions Team Brandon ofHST specializes in both marketplace and private carriers. They offer medical, dental, fers both electronic and face-to-face meetvision, life, critical illness and accident insur- ings. Walk-ins are welcome, but please call ance. Additionally, they can provide special 689-8800. Visit hst-brandon.com. You can protection coverages related to COVID-19. email Ken directly at kbardales@myhst.com They even have policies that can begin with- with questions or to connect. Healthcare in 24 hours for clients who need coverage Solutions Team Brandon is located at 1040 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon.

Families interested Community Pregnancy in learning more about Clinics, operating five IMPACT and helping clinics and two mobile the program raise funds clinics in Southwest should mark their calenFlorida and at the Unidars for Thursday, Octoversity of Florida and ber 14, which is when the serves as chairman of group will hold the Imthe board of Safe Hapact Celebration, its anven Baby Boxes and nual fundraising dinner. oversees the 24-hour A 501(c)(3) nonprofit Safe Haven Crisis hoorganization serving Hill- IMPACT is hosting the Impact Celebra- tline. sborough County, the IM- tion, its annual fundraising dinner, on “The purpose of the PACT program promotes Impact Celebration is Thursday, October 14. healthy lifestyles and reto create community lationships to teens through awareness and to raise the TEEN IMPACT, to parents necessary funds to support and to teachers and other our efforts in educating, youth leaders. equipping and empower“The Impact Celebration ing teens towards healthy is our annual fundraising relationships and to avoid event to share about the high-risk behaviors,” said IMPACT program and its Kagey. “Dinner is compliefforts in our community,” said Angie Kagey, mentary. There will be an appeal for finanthe group’s executive director. “It includes a cial support at the end of the evening.” complimentary dinner, guest speaker and The event will start with fellowship and testimonies.” seating at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the This year’s event will feature guest speak- program at 6:30 p.m. er Pam Stenzel, founder of Enlighten Com“This year, due to COVID-19, we will admunications, Inc., who received her mas- here to social distancing guidelines,” said ter’s in marriage and family therapy from Kagey. “The tables will be spread throughLiberty University in Liberty University. out the venue with six to eight guests seat“Pam tackles today’s tough issues of sex ed per table at the discretion of table hosts. with candor, insight, humor and the chal- Guests will be encouraged to wear a mask.” lenge for young people to make the healthTo register, visit www.whatisimpact. iest choice and save sex for marriage,” com/impact-celebration-rsvp. Sponsorship said Kagey. “Pam has traveled worldwide, opportunities are available. To learn more, speaking in person to over 500,000 young visit www.whatisimpact.com/events. people each year about issues of sexuality For more information on sponsorships, taand the importance of sexual integrity—her ble hosting and/or attending the event, convideos are viewed by millions worldwide.” tact Bill at bkagey@whatisimpact.com or According to Kagey, Stenzel also serves 600-9446, or contact Kagey at akagey@ as the senior regional clinic coordinator for whatisimpact.com or 264-9368.

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

October 2021

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BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY WITH O2B KIDS PRESCHOOL OPENS NEW BOYETTE ROAD LOCATION DAYLIGHT CONCEPTS By Amy Schechter

By Libby Hopkins

Natural lighting has yet there are many hidmany benefits, includden benefits.” In layman’s ing helping people be terms, he explained, “A happier, healthier, more proper ventilation system productive and calmer. in your attic space adds to Daylight Concepts offers the lifespan of your roof belighting and ventilation cause you are not cooking solutions for your home the plywood or the shingles and garage through infrom the inside as well.” novative Solatube techThe Florida sun can easily nology. create a convection oven Daylight Concepts is in your attic, and Solatubes the only premier Socan help alleviate the heat. latube dealer for the Furthermore, by lowering southwest coast of the temperature, you make Florida, including all of your air conditioner run Daylight Concepts elegantly brightens Hillsborough and Polk more efficiently, extending your day. Counties down to Nathe life of your unit, and ples. Fully licensed and insured, its facto- you prevent mold and mildew buildup. Of ry-trained installers and team of customer course, you also get the immediate comservice experts can help tailor solutions fort of cooling off a warmer room or gafor any space. Do you have a dark hallway, rage. laundry room or pantry? Do you have a Want to see how it works? Visit its bedroom or garage that becomes an abso- beautiful showroom, where you can see lute hotbox? Then call Daylight Concepts Solatubes in action and view real before for your free estimate. and after pictures. You’ll get a true idea of Rene Ayala, managing director, ex- what to expect and time to discuss your plained the process: “We have two dif- situation. Take advantage of its special ferent solutions for our customers. One is offer where if you bundle any daylighting a daylighting solution, which basically, if or ventilation systems, you receive free inthere is a dark area in the home, we can stallation on your third system. figure out a way to bring natural daylight For more information, call 522-6944 to to that space. The second one, which is speak to a Tampa consultant directly. The widely popular during summer, is our ven- Ayala family has been working together tilation solutions. We can design a prop- for nearly 35 years, and their focus is helper ventilation system for the entire attic ing you make the most of your home. Visit space or focus on one specific area like the Daylight Concepts online as well to schedgarage.” ule a consultation or installation or to find In only a few hours, you can have a ven- out more information at daylightconcepts. tilation and lighting solution with multiple com. The Daylight Concepts showroom is benefits. Ayala added, “The most immedi- located at 6710 Benjamin Rd., Ste. 100 in ate benefit is a drop in your electric bill, Tampa.

For over 23 tice, but at O2B Kids, years, O2B Kids we also teach kids has been a leadhow to think. That er in early childsounds fairly simple hood education. and easy yet is often With a loving and taken for granted. talented team of Many children do qualified teachers, not go to kindergarO2B Kids delivers ten ready to make quality instrucchoices and ask crittion through a ical questions. A part state-approved curof our curriculum is to riculum for infants to teach kids to be inquisikids 5 years of age, tive, leading to question or pre-K. asking that will help O2B Kids joined them learn. Other key the Riverview comareas for school-ready munity in early success are social skills, 2021. “O2B Kids was like learning how to founded in Gaines- O2B Kids is a new preschool that recently make friends, how to ville in 1998 and joined the Riverview community in early introduce themselves, now has 24 locations 2021. It is currently looking for teachers and learning to stand in line, staff to join them at its new location. across Florida and to share and to probGeorgia and is still growing,” said O2B lem-solve with their peers.” Kids’ marketing and branding director, O2B Kids’ goal is to prepare children for April Schroeder. “O2B’s preschool pro- kindergarten. “It’s more than just learning gram graduates hundreds of kindergar- letters, numbers and shapes, but as well ten-ready children each year. Every O2B as the social, emotional and cognitive Kids location is nationally accredited or skills that they will need to be successful,” in the process of becoming nationally ac- Schroeder said. credited.” O2B Kids is thrilled to be a part of O2B Kids knows local families want the Riverview community. “We recently their children to be academically ready to joined the Riverview Chamber of Comsucceed in school, socially ready to build merce because we feel being connected great friendships and emotionally ready to the community around us is extremely to face life challenges. These are the rea- important,” Schroeder said. “We are cursons it started its innovative, nationally rently looking to hire teachers and staff accredited programs over 21 years ago. for our new Riverview location.” “When it comes to early childhood eduTo learn more about O2B Kids, visit cation, we know that kids will learn their www.o2bkids.com or call 807-5437. O2B ABCs and 123s,” Schroeder said. “Part of Kids in Riverview is located at 11616 that is repetition, consistency and prac- Boyette Rd.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

TAMPA BAY SPEECH LANGUAGE & READING CLINIC KEEPS GROWING By Libby Hopkins Tampa Bay Speech Private practice has Language & Reading been my passion and Clinic has been proI opened this clinic viding speech, lanafter the birth of my guage, reading evalthird son, when, due uations and therapy to health complicaservices to infants, tions with my son, I toddlers, schoolwas unable to return age kids and adults to my hospital posiin the Brandon and tion full-time.” surrounding areas Kogut feels that since 2001. It also her staff has played provides physical Tampa Bay Speech Language & Reading Clinic an important role in therapy, handwriting has been providing speech, language, reading making her practice therapy and other evaluations and therapy services to infants, tod- grow and thrive. “My dlers, school-age kids and adults in the Brandon evaluations. team is an incredibly and surrounding areas since 2001. It recently The business is warm, passionate, caropened a new location in Apollo Beach. growing, as it reing group of women cently opened anothwho give every child er new location in Apollo their all,” Kogut said. “We Beach. all work together so well, “We opened it September and I attribute our success 7, 2021,” said Owner and Dirate for graduation to this rector Julie Kogut. “We are teamwork.” very excited about this locaKeeping things local is tion because we have been very important to Kogut helping many families in the and her team as well. “As a Apollo Beach area for years small business owner in the and this new location will Tampa area for 20 years, I give them the convenience know how important keepof something closer to home. The FishHawk ing things local is for the community,” Kogut office will remain open in the new location said. “My family and I have always supportand will continue to serve as it has been.” ed other small businesses and I believe that Kogut and her staff have a family-based makes our community the amazing place it approach which incorporates the family is to live.” into the therapy process and makes progTo learn more about the services offered ress a lot faster. at Tampa Bay Speech Language & Reading “We become very close with our families Clinic or to schedule an appointment, visit since we are working so closely with them,” www.tampabayspeech.com or call 368Kogut said. “I have been a speech-language 2485. Its new Apollo Beach office is located pathologist since 1994 and have had the at 417 Apollo Beach Blvd., Ste. 417 in the opportunity to work in a variety of settings. Harbor Suites.

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Volume 19, Issue 10

TRILOGY DIVE CENTER OFFERS SCUBA DIVING LESSONS LOCALLY By Libby Hopkins

There are many rea“Trilogy has been sons to learn how to training fire, law enforcescuba dive. For many it is ment and EMS personnel the love of the ocean, for for more than 10 years,” others it opens doors to Massaro said. “Along new adventures. Scuba with public safety diving, diving will provide endwe taught tactical medless opportunities to exicine, advanced life supplore an undersea world port courses and later that few see firsthand, started teaching diving and local residents now medicine.” have a convenient way to Last year, Massaro learn through Trilogy Dive decided to open his retail Center. scuba store and focus “Scuba is something more on recreational and that I always wanted technical scuba diving. to do since high school,” Mike Massaro is the owner of the recently “We have trained over said Mike Massaro. “After opened Trilogy Dive Center in Tampa 200 divers in the past graduating high school, I and loves that he gets to teach others the four months and have was focused on becoming importance of scuba safety both locally grown our staff of inand internationally. a diver and scuba instrucstructors to a total of tor. I enrolled in an EMT course six,” he said. “Five of the six are at HCC to give me a medical military veterans and the sixth background and found that I is a military spouse.” really liked EMS. After working If you ask Massaro what a year or so as an EMT, I joined makes Trilogy Dive different the military and put scuba on from other dive shops in the hold. I finally found time to get area, he’ll tell you it’s his staff. back into scuba and became a “Our instructors have backscuba instructor.” grounds in military diving, Massaro also had great opspecial operations, emergenportunities as the diving safety officer at cy medicine and hyperbaric medicine,” he Clearwater Marine Aquarium, working with said. “They were military divers, commercial Florida International University to teach sci- divers, military medics, and all have unique entific diving and supporting Aquarius, the skillsets. There isn’t anything our team is not only undersea research facility in the world, able to teach. Our dive medicine instructors which is used by the U.S. Navy and NASA’s have real, hands-on patient care experience. NEEMO program. We didn’t just learn medicine in a book and Massaro is the owner of the recently pump on a CPR dummy.” opened Trilogy Dive Center in Tampa and To learn more about Trilogy Dive, visit loves that he gets to teach others the impor- www.trilogyscuba.com or call Massaro at tance of scuba safety both locally and inter- 425-3500. The shop is located at 4501 E. nationally. Columbus Dr. in Tampa.

October 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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PROJECT CORREGIDOR OFFERS CHAMPA BAY FIRE ENGINE FINDS HOME IN BRANDON WARRIOR’S PLACE RETREATS By Michelle Caceres

By Kate Quesada

When Army veteran Karient programs that helped dad Ramis-Hartman, a lichange her mental state. censed mental health coun“She just brought life to me,” selor who worked for the Ramis-Hartman said. Veterans Administration Last year, Ramis-Hartman (VA), suffered a work injury participated in Project Corthat left her badly injured, regidor, which, while not a with neck and shoulder pain counseling service, is a threeand being unable to walk or night/three-day program ofuse her right arm, coupled fered quarterly at My WarProject Corregidor is a part of with a diagnosis of eventual rior’s Place for eight to 10 My Warrior’s Place in Ruskin. blindness, she found herself participants that provides in a bleak place. holistic therapy, grief education and peer “I lost my job because I couldn’t work mentoring designed to support and aid in and I became severely depressed and sui- the healing process from life tragedies. cidal,” she admitted. “With all my counseling “My favorite part of the program, besides knowledge, I still got lost.” the camaraderie with other veterans, was She was receiving counseling from the VA breaking a piece of wood I had written all until she moved to Ruskin and the drive to the things dragging me down on, setting it the Tampa proved too difficult. on fire and then walking on that fire,” said “I was despondent until my VA counselor Ramis-Hartman. “I could visually see all the told me about My Warrior’s Place, which is things coming out of my mind and it was right down the street from my house,” she just an incredible experience.” said. “I called and talked to Kelly, and she Program director of Project Corregidor was immediately like a beacon of light for and licensed mental health counselor Irene me.” Burkett is herself an Army veteran. “In addiA Warrior’s Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tion to the group setting of Project Corregifounded by Kelly Kowall—whose son, Corey, dor, we also offer Heroes Holistic Center for gave his life for this country—as a retreat individual sessions with a qualified holistic center for veterans, military service mem- therapist,” she said. “The list of people wantbers, law enforcement officers, firefighters ing to attend Project Corregidor reflected and Gold, Silver and Blue Star families. In the need for Heroes Holistic Center.” addition to Project Corregidor and Everyday For Ramis-Hartman, the lessons learned Heroes USA, it offers an MVP retreat center at My Warrior’s Place have been life-chang(complete with an office, several cottages, ing. three RV pads, a laundromat and other ame“When I’m having a tough day mentally, nities); boating expeditions; C.O.D.E. (Cour- I remember the lessons I’ve learned, and it age, Obligation, Determination, Endurance) gives me the courage to endure,” she said. Fitness, offering a variety of holistic modalA Warrior’s Place is located at 101 22nd ities and fitness activities to help heal the St. NW. in Ruskin. Its hours for the Heroes mind and body; and Heroes & Angels USA Holistic Center are Monday through Friday, (providing music concerts and more). 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on most days. Visit www.myKowall started connecting her to differ- warriorsplace.org or call 321-0880.

Champa Bay-themed fire truck is making its home at Hillsborough County Station 9 in Brandon.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue’s (HCFR) newest fire engine hit the streets of Brandon this month, and it is impossible to miss. The new engine, named ‘CHAMPABAY’s Fire Truck,’ has been professionally wrapped with sleek championship logos from the backto-back Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning, the Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays. The new engine will serve the residents of Hillsborough County from Station 9 in Brandon, one of the busiest stations in the county. Beaming with pride over the successes of Tampa Bay’s professional sports teams, HCFR’s CHAMPABAY’s Fire Truck was specially designed to recognize the accomplishments of the Bay area’s professional sports champions while retaining the reflective colors and other visual safety features of a traditional fire truck. The full length of the passenger’s side of CHAMPABAY’s Fire Truck is dedicated to the Lightning. The full driver’s side honors the Buccaneers, while the front and back of the truck celebrates the Rays. The new truck was professionally wrapped by FASTSIGNS Brandon and partially funded by HCFR part-

ner Ten-8 Fire and Safety and Pierce Manufacturing. The wrap cost HCFR less than $7,000, while the majority of the cost was carried by the partners. “We are very proud of the teams that represent our community,” said Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Dennis Jones. “And we know these teams also support the community in many ways, just as the first responders do, so we felt it was a natural connection.” CHAMPABAY’s Fire Truck is expected to be one of the most photographed fire engines in the nation. HCFR leadership hopes that the truck is a point of pride and morale boost for the more than 1,200 firefighters, paramedics and other members who have worked so hard for the past 18 months providing lifesaving services to the residents of Hillsborough County. “We mainly just want to recognize the great spirit of this community,” said Jones. “We’ve had some great success with our pro teams, and we just want to call that out with this brand-new fire truck.” To learn more about Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, visit www.hillsboroughcounty. org.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

HUMAN TRAFFICKING COMMISSION IS ONE OF THE BOARDS RESIDENTS CAN SERVE ON

THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL IS #1 FOR FUN

Staff Report

By Brad Stager

With miling victims. lions of vacaThere are 20 memtioners and bers on the commission just about who are appointed by as many the Hillsborough Board newcomers of County Commissionarriving in ers. Among those on an ongoing the board are residents movement of who represent governpeople, Flori- Sheriff Chad Chronister is shown here speaking to the ment, law enforcement da could well media about an anti-trafficking operation conducted by and judicial agencies, be called the as well as tourism and his deputies. Suitcase State. travel organizations, educational and reliWhile the flow of people through the area gious institutions and community advocacy helps support business and lifestyle oppor- groups. tunities that make the region an attractive The knowledge and experience the complace to live, it can also be conducive to hu- mission brings together helps it address man trafficking, a situation in which individ- problems such as how to support trafficking uals may not be free to come and go as they victims who may find themselves involved please. in the judicial system as a consequence of According to Florida law, human traffick- their exploitation. According to Hillsborough ing is “transporting, soliciting, recruiting, har- County School Board member Karen Perez, boring, providing, enticing, maintaining, pur- mental health considerations should always chasing, patronizing, procuring or obtaining be a high priority when dealing with exploitanother person for the purpose of exploita- ed individuals. tion of that person.” The National Human “We don’t want to retraumatize our vicTrafficking Hotline, an organization tracking tims as we try to make sure we address data on the issue, ranks Florida third in the their legal needs,” said Perez at the August country for human trafficking cases. 19 meeting. Human trafficking is a problem that exAppointments to the commission are for ists in neighborhoods, urban and suburban, terms of one or two years, depending on the as well as rural areas where agriculture and position, and members are not paid for serveven some manufacturing operations are the ing on the board. main industries. It encompasses sexual and Meetings are bimonthly, with dates and labor exploitation. times to be specified, and currently are conThe Hillsborough County Commission on ducted on a hybrid in-person quorum basis, Human Trafficking was created to address with participants convening in-person at the issue in the local community by promot- the county center and virtually. You can get ing awareness of human trafficking, working more details about the Hillsborough County with stakeholders to monitor the issue, sup- Commission on Human Trafficking by visiting porting local and state initiatives and assist- hcflgov.net.

Volume 19, Issue 10

The Florida Strawberry Festival, which will take place in Plant City in March 2022, released the theme for its 87th annual event last month, and it will be ‘#1 for FUN!’

One of area’s most beloved events recently announced its plans for 2022 and an exciting theme to go with it. The Florida Strawberry Festival, which will take place in Plant City in March 2022, released the theme for its 87th annual event last month, and it will be ‘#1 for FUN!’ “Our festival and the City of Plant City hold the strawberry in high regard,” said President Paul Davis. “We’re #1 for wholesome family fun and excitement.” A new theme is created for each year’s festival to offer patrons a glimpse of the experience they will have at the 11-day event. It also unifies vendors, FFA chapters, organizations, corporate partners and exhibi-

tors who create parade floats and displays throughout the event, said Davis. The festival’s strawberry character featured in each year’s theme artwork is an iconic part of the event’s branding and advertising efforts. In this theme’s artwork, he wears a festival cap, waves a foam finger and holds a plate of strawberries. “We feel like this is a theme other fairs and festivals, in our profession, can relate to,” said Davis. “Like most fairs and festivals, the Florida Strawberry Festival represents a piece of Americana, a time in American history when events like ours brought communities together to celebrate the harvest, and that’s #1 in our book.” The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day comm u n i t y event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, n e a r l y 500,000 visitors enjoy the festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its strawberry shortcakes. The 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival takes place March 3-13, 2022 in Plant City and will be ‘#1 for FUN!’ For more information, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (#berryfest22).

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

October 2021

Page 33

HILLSBOROUGH EDUCATION FOUNDATION HOSTED ANNUAL EMPOWERED LUNCHEON

Staff Report

BY JASON BLANCHARD

Summerfield Crossings Golf Club, a center of community activity in Riverview, has finished the process of major renovations of its 18-hole course and the clubhouse. “As always, our largest investment is in the improvement of the course,” said Jason Blanchard, co-owner and general manager. This past May, the groundskeeping staff at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club began preparing the greens and some tees for renovation by killing the existing grass. Drainage improvements were made by recontouring some of the greens. After almost 12 weeks, the greens were reopened on August 20. “During the time the grass is taking root, it was essential that precise amounts of water be applied to the greens regularly throughout the day,” said Blanchard. “We are happy with how the greens turned out and know that as time goes on, they will continue to get better and better,” he added. Other renovations to the course include repairing bridges over creeks and ponds as well as renovating some bunkers, the practice green and the chipping practice area. The clubhouse has had other renovations done as well. The interior colors and furnishings have been updated to better adapt to customers’ wishes to decorate the interior space in various themes for private parties. Also, the clubhouse can accommodate up to 90 people for weddings, retirement and birthday celebrations and community events, and 144 people for tournaments utilizing its new patio that was added last year.

The golf course and clubhouse remained open throughout the renovations. Temporary greens were made in front of the permanent greens. The temporary greens made the course about 50 yards shorter on each hole, providing a different playing experience for those who regularly play at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club. “For regular players and members, this was a great opportunity to practice some different types of approach shots,” said James Gottschalk, head golf professional and instructor at the golf club. “Because of the change in distance from tee to green, many players found themselves able to practice with clubs that they don’t often use,” he added. With the new greens and clubhouse renovations complete, Summerfield Crossings Golf Club will continue to “Renovate for the Future,” the new motto it has adopted as it realizes the golf industry, and the golf club will always be a thriving part of the Riverview business community for years to come. Doc’s Grille in the clubhouse is open for drinks and grab-and-go food from Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Happy hour, with drink and food specials, is from 5-8 p.m. on Fridays. An all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast is available on Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Summerfield Crossings is owned and operated by Brighton Golf Partners, LLC, a privately owned family company. The course is Ron Garl-designed with undulating greens and challenging waste bunkers.

Many of the most and overcoming chalimportant names in lenges. Hillsborough County “To be able to proeducation gathered vide ongoing care last month at Hillsand direction for stuborough Education dents inside and outFoundation’s (HEF) side the classroom, annual EmpowerED this is what HEF Luncheon in Tampa. does,” said Davis. “To The event, which be able to coordinate Plant City High School student Romello Jones was both held in those efforts to put senior and student in Hillsborough Education person at Armature Foundation’s Take Stock in Children mentoring individuals alongside Works and streamed our students of need program shared his story of success. online, focused on to give them that how the community can sense of hope. Romello’s together take the lesstory is so touching, and sons learned over the there are so many others past year and continue out there. It puts the power to emerge stronger to back to the community to deliver education for any extend our arms and help circumstance. our children have successful moments.” “Our most vulnerable students, the ones HEF was able to respond to the disrupwho are already behind academically, who tive changes in education from COVID-19 don’t have the same resources at home as by adding programs such as a Digital Equisome of their peers, have been impacted ty Initiative to provide internet access and the most. Closing the achievement gaps computers to students and virtual, rather that have widened during the pandemic than in-person, mentoring. and investing in students today helps en“We are so thankful for the support from sure a bright future for tomorrow’s work- the community and so many people attendforce and a thriving community for all of ing to hear our message of strengthening us,” said HEF CEO Kim Jowell. public education,” said Jowell. “It will take The event was emceed by Laura Diaz, all of us coming together to make these host of The Mix Morning Show on Mix changes and close achievement gaps so we 100.7, and featured speeches from Jowell, can ensure there’s equity of opportunity for Hillsborough County Public Schools Su- every student to have academic success.” perintendent Addison Davis, Tampa Mayor Established in 1987, HEF is a nonprofit Jane Castor and Plant City High School stu- focused on strengthening public education dent Romello Jones. by supporting teachers and empowering Jones, a senior, is a student in HEF’s Take students to achieve academic and personal Stock in Children mentoring program who success. Learn more at educationfoundashared his inspirational story of success tion.com.

Page 34

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 10

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

October 2021

BRANDON COIN CLUB OFFERS MONTHLY MEETINGS

By Kate Quesada

lector),” he explained. “In recent years, I have gotten involved with British coins from William the Conqueror up (1066 to date) and Imperial Roman coins from Julius Caesar to Constantine the Great (49 B.C. to about A.D. 330). I give a PowerPoint presentation The Brandon Coin Club meets monthly at St. Andrew’s United every month on a given Methodist Church. topic.” Do you have a coin enthusiast in your Member interests inhome? Or have you come across a rare clude U.S. and foreign coins, tokens, medals, coin, medal or token you would like to learn domestic and foreign currency and precious more about? Look no further that the Bran- metals. don Coin Club, which meets monthly off As an example of information share in a Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. meeting, Jones shared information about a According to the group’s treasurer and special coin, the 1792 half disme. second vice president in charge of education, “This was a very early forerunner of the Bill Jones, the nonprofit club was founded in modern nickel,” he said. “The first Secre2006 and has been meeting regularly ever tary of State, Thomas Jefferson, was given since. the responsibility for the first U.S. Mint in “We are a club for anyone who has an in- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After Congress terest in coins, tokens, medals or paper mon- passed and George Washington signed the ey,” said Jones. “Most of the members are first coinage act in 1792, Jefferson had $75 intermediate collectors who have had some of his own silver in coin form converted into years of experience. We have three young 1,500 of these pieces in July. He then went collectors at the moment who seem to be to his home, Monticello, in Virginia to spend entertained enough to come back to consec- the rest the of summer away from the heat utive meetings.” and disease of Philadelphia. He passed out Collectors of all levels are welcome at the these coins as tips along the way.” meetings, where members can exchange The dues for the group are $12 a year for information and ideas, learn about various senior members and $3 for junior members, aspects of collecting, participate in a raffle and the dues entitle members to receive a drawing and an educational program as well free coin-related book for a prescribed list. as buy, sell and trade collectors’ items. Each meeting has door prizes. Jones writes an essay most months for The club meets on the third Tuesday of the club newsletter and gives regular pre- each month at 6:30 p.m., apart from Desentations at the meetings. cember, at St. Andrew’s United Methodist “I have extensive knowledge about U.S. Church at 3315 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. Call coins, tokens and medals (60 years as a col- (813) 438-8889 for details.

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Page 35

SOUTHSHORE INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS OPENS NEW WINTHROP LOCATION By Amy Schechter Have your insurance have the opportunity to rates skyrocketed? Were meet face to face. Even you dropped by your though much business current carrier? Are you can be conducted virtujust shopping around to ally, she believes in dofind the best coverage ing all she can to serve and rates for your home, her community. business or automobile? Mosher’s service and Southshore Insurance passion for the comProfessionals wants to munity is evident. She help you get the most for served seven years your money, and with its on the board of the beautiful new location Chamber of Commerce. in Winthrop, it is conveCurrently, she is the niently poised to meet treasurer of the South your needs. County Spartans, a nonWith nearly 30 years of profit sports organizaexperience in insurance, tion that gives kids the Michelle Mosher, founder, owner Michelle Mosher, owner ability to be a part of and founder, and her team and agent at Southshore Insurance organized sports, includProfessionals, recently opened a of professionals specialing football, cheerleadWinthrop office. ize in personal and small ing and wrestling, when to medium-size commercial business. They their families may be unable to afford write with many national and regional fees. Plus, she is the president of Project carriers, and they make getting the most Lotus Restoring Dignity, an organization coverage at the best price simple. Mosher committed to providing feminine prodsaid, “We are personal shoppers for insur- ucts to women who may find themselves ance. You can make one phone call and homeless or facing challenging times. She get 20 quotes instead of making 20 calls.” is dedicated to helping her community be Beyond homeowners and automobile in- the best it can be, and she and her team surance, she can help you navigate more want to help you. niche products like flood insurance, motorSouthshore Insurance writes statewide, cycle/boat/recreational vehicle insurance, so it is convenient to all of Hillsborough renter’s insurance and even pet insurance. County and even neighboring counties to The Winthrop location is a dream come pop in or arrange a virtual appointment. true for Mosher, who opened Southshore For more information, call 448-7580 or Insurance locally in 2014 and considers text 517-8181. Riverview home. “We live in Riverview; evVisit online at southshoreins.com or find erything I do is in Riverview. It was always it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ my hope to be in Winthrop.” Mosher and southshoreinsuranceprofessionals. Southher team wanted to make sure individu- shore Insurance Professionals is located als, business owners and realtors/lenders at 11216 Winthrop Main St. in Brandon.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

ROB’S AUTO DETAILING ALSO OFFERS RV, BOATS & MORE By Amy Schechter Spending time like it just rolled off outside washing the lot by the time your car is exhausthe’s finished. Have a ing, and you’ll probweekend toy and enably miss a spot or joy camping or boattwo. If you go to one ing? Maintenance of those automated on RVs and boats stations, you run the extends beyond the risk of scratching mechanical. If you your paint. That’s want to preserve the where Rob’s Auto life of your RV, espeDetailing can help. cially the roof, reguRob’s Auto Detailing brings the clean to you. With professional lar detailing is needservice that comes ed. That goes double to your home or office, for your boat, which salt you cannot beat the conwater can do real damvenience or the outcome. age to if it is not regularly Rob Bickford and his combatted. Who wants team have been in busito be on top of an RV in ness since 2003, and you the Florida sun or take can trust they will make the time to properly wax your vehicle, RV or boat a boat? Rob’s Auto Delook like new. They have tailing has you covered, over 30 years of experiso you can keep enjoying ence detailing cars, and with that knowl- the outdoors and your property for years edge comes an understanding of the high- to come. est quality cleaning products, upholstery Rob’s Auto Detailing is fully licensed shampoos and waxes to clean and protect and insured. In addition, it details golf your investments. He and his team can carts and offers residential and commertravel all over Hillsborough and surround- cial pressure washing. See its website for ing counties. They really are an all-in-one stunning before and after pictures where service. Rob’s Auto Detailing said, “We years of dirt and grime simply wash away supply water, power and products.” All from roofs, siding and concrete. Gift cercustomers need to do is tell him where to tificates for friends and family are a great show up, and he takes it from there. idea for the upcoming holidays. Whether your car just needs a quick For more information on pricing, to wash for date night or it’s been through schedule a service or to purchase a gift a cross-country excursion and Cheerios certificate, visit robsautodetailing.com still hide deep between the seats, there’s or call 731-8634. It is open from Mona package that will fit your needs. Rob’s day-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and on Saturday Auto Detailing will have your car looking by appointment.

Volume 19, Issue 10

BRANDON LEAGUE OF FINE ARTS ARTWORKS RETURNS TO CENTER PLACE

By Kathy L. Collins

The Brandon two honorable League of Fine mentions given to Arts and Center Deborah BiasetPlace recently ti for James and presented ArtRon Malone for works 2021. An Rackleman Blue. artists’ reception A special award was held on Sepknown as the Mintember 9 at Cennette Webster ter Place in BranAward went to don. At that time, Leslie Jennings awards were for her fiber piece given to the top called America artists. the Beautiful. Terry Denson, Minnette Weba watercolor ster was a welland oil painter known local artist from St. Petersand past president burg, served as of the Brandon this year’s judge. Art League. She Denson is a pophad started an art ular teacher and Charles Stierlen of Brandon was the first place winner program for womwatercolor work- with his oil painting, The Dandelion, in the Brandon en in prison. When League of Fine Arts’ Artworks 2021. shop instructor. she passed away, She is also a past president of the Florida donations were given in lieu of flowers. Watercolor Society. Those donations have funded the Minnette Denson said of the show, “This is a very Webster Award, which had been given by strong show with a number of professional the Brandon Arts Council for several years. pieces. I was pleased with the number of Christopher Klein, president of the Branpieces with original points of view.” don League of Fine Arts, said of the show, Charles Stierlen of Brandon took first “It is really well done and extremely creplace with his oil painting titled The Dande- ative.” lion. Stierlen said of his piece, “It is a metaThe next show at Center Place will feaphor for things that are peaceful and good ture artwork of the artists of Studio Friday. but go unnoticed and appreciated.” The artists include Sue Allen, Betty FairDenson said of the piece, “It has a very banks, Doreen Donovan, Susan Weillbacher original viewpoint and stylized background.” and Roxanne Tobaison. They will host an Other winners included Sue Downes Al- artists’ reception on Thursday, October 7 at len, who took second place with The Tides Center Place. For more information on the Rush In. Donna Morrison was awarded third Brandon League of Fine Arts, please visit place for Young Cowboy. There were also www.blfa.us.

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

October 2021

THE FIREHOUSE CULTURAL CENTER IS A GREAT RESOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT During the months of October and No- performance will be reminiscent of the vember, the Firehouse Cultural Center golden era of American popular songs and will bring lots of great entertainment jazz standards. to its Center Stage Music, Comedy and On Saturday, October 23, come listen to Theater. The Firehouse Cultural Center is Synia Carroll with John Lamb at 7:30 p.m. conveniently located at 101 1st Ave. NE. in Carroll is a jazz vocalist who has a unique Ruskin. ability to use her First, on Friday, deep, silky-smooth October 15, you can voice to engage enjoy a fantastic with her audienccomedy show feaes. When you add turing James Yon at John Lamb, the for7:30 p.m. Yon was mer Duke Ellington the 2011 and 2012 bassist, you have an winner of the Orlanout-of-this-world do Improv’s ‘Clash performance you of the Comics.’ He will not want to spends his time miss. touring clubs and Then, in Novemcasinos all over the The Firehouse Cultural Center will team up with ber, the Firehouse country from Or- MacBeth & Cheese to present The Odd Couple this Cultural Center November. lando to Las Vegas will partner with bringing the funny. MacBeth & Cheese Next, on Saturto present Neil day, October 16, you Simon’s The Odd can enjoy the music Couple. The iconof the Taylor John ic play features Band at 7:30 p.m. a plot about two The Taylor John The Firehouse Cultural Center is a great place to see mismatched roomBand is a blues, soul comedy shows, musical acts and even live theater. mates: the neat, and groove ensemuptight Felix Ungar ble performing throughout Florida. The and the slovenly, easygoing Oscar Madithree founding members are Ken Budd on son. The Odd Couple will be presented on guitar, Taylor John on piano and vocals Friday, November 5 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, and Bob Nesbitt on drums. John has years November 6 at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and on Sunof experience playing in front of a live au- day, November 7 at 2 p.m. dience. Seats are limited for all shows. Tickets The Firehouse Cultural Center will of- are $23 for members and $28 for future fer a Sunday matinee on October 17 at 3 members. All tickets must be purchased in p.m. featuring Black Tie Optional starring advance. There is no day-of pricing, as the Kerst Lehmann. This European crooner is Firehouse Cultural Center is maintaining one you do not want to miss. Lehmann rep- socially distanced seating. resents the great entertainers of the past For more information and to get tickets, and present. His ability to interpret their please call 645-7651 or visit www.firemusic is beyond dispute. This memorable houseculturalcenter.org.

Page 37

TAMPA’S MOST HISTORIC MOVIE PALACE ANNOUNCES RETURN OF ITS POPULAR HALLOWEEN SERIES The Tampa Thequired. atre will present Also new this its very popular A year, the Tampa Nightmare on FrankTheatre will offer lin Street this month. ‘Mummy & Me’ The events will be screenings of family held from Saturday, favorites like Hocus October 16 through Pocus on Monday, Sunday, October October 18 and The 31. According to Nightmare Before Jill Witecki with Christmas on Monthe Tampa Theatre, day, October 25 at 3 “Now in its ninth p.m. Tickets are $10 A Nightmare On Franklin Street is back at the year, the series will for nonmembers or Tampa Theatre for 16 nights of fright from Saturfill Tampa’s most his- day, October 16 through Sunday, October 31. This $7 for Tampa Thetoric (and haunted) year’s event includes a new signature event called atre Members. Tickmovie palace with SpiritsFest: ‘Backstage’. You will not want to miss ets are free for kids all of your nightmare the ghostly fun at the historic movie palace located 12 and younger. in downtown Tampa. favorites, like clasYou will not want sic horror films and to miss SpiritsFest: creepy cult favor‘Backstage’ on Satites.” urday, October 30. There will be two Patrons can prowl screenings of The never-before-seen Rocky Horror Piccorners of the mature Show with a jestic movie palace live floor cast and as they are regaled audience participawith tales of Tamtion. The theater will offer ghost tours and pa’s dead by Phantasmagoria’s skillful stoLate-Night, Lights-Off Paranormal Inves- rytellers, each episode expertly paired with tigations. The elegantly gothic stylings of a creepy craft cocktail. Tickets are $100 Phantasmagoria will be back this year with ($90 for Tampa Theatre Members), and a Dark Carnival mainstage show. There will timed entry reservations will be available even be an evening of spooky campfire sto- between 5-8 p.m. Attendance is extremely ries under the theater’s star-lit sky. limited. New this year, the Tampa Theatre will The series culminates with a matinee kick off the series with a free screening of showing of the 1922 silent horror classic The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It at Nosferatu. Artist-in-residence Steven Ball 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 16. This is will provide live musical accompaniment on a first in a quarterly series of community Tampa Theatre’s original Mighty Wurlitzer screenings designed to showcase Tampa Theatre Organ. Bay area films, filmmakers, actors and loFor times and tickets, please visit www. cations. Attendees will get to meet two of tampatheatre.org/nightmare. The Tampa the film’s stars, Eugenie Bondurant and Paul Theatre is located at 711 N. Franklin St. in Wilson. Tickets are free, but RSVPs are re- the heart of downtown.

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Page 38

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

ALL ATTORNEYS BOARD CERTIFIED AT THE LAW OFFICES OF LAURIE E. OHALL

By Michelle Caceres

Ohall Law Attorney Dana for potential health and Kemper was recently reclong-term care needs; arognized by The Florida Bar ranging for and supporting Association as a board-cersubstitute decision-makers tified specialist in elder law, in case of serious illness or a distinction held by only 177 incapacity; and planning attorneys in the state. for the transfer of property “All attorneys in the practo loved ones with minimal tice are now board certified loss to transfer taxes or and vastly qualified in the long-term care expenses. specialty of elder law,” said “Most people think that partner Laurie Ohall. they don’t have to create Kemper, who has been an estate plan until they’re practicing law for 14 years, elderly, but this is a huge said it was a rigorous ap- All attorneys at the Law Offices of mistake since illness, displication process. Minimum Laurie E. Ohall are now board certi- ability, incapacity or death fied in elder law. standards for certification can strike at any time,” include: practice of law for at least five years said Ohall. “It’s never too early to plan, but if with substantial involvement in the specialty a tragedy happens, it can be too late.” of elder law, 60 hours of approved elder law When a Florida resident dies without havcertification continuing legal education, peer ing made a last will and testament, the inreview and a written examination. Kemper testacy succession laws found in the Florida spent countless hours studying for the exam Probate Code will dictate who inherits the that tested her knowledge of elder law, even deceased person’s probate estate. before she learned her application had been “The probate process can be lengthy and approved and the exam date scheduled. expensive,” said Ohall, who has been practicThree weeks before the test date, she was ing elder law for more than 23 years. dealt a personal blow when her father sudThe Law Offices of Laurie E. Ohall, located denly passed away. “In the midst of my grief, at 1464 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon, offers free I had to press forward because the exam 15-minute consultations, which can be comwas looming,” she said. pleted via Zoom. Prior to the consultation, Her hard work paid off. the client must complete intake forms that “I’m truly honored to receive board certi- give the attorneys information about their fication in elder law,” said Kemper, who, in unique situation. addition to her education, has personal expe“In 15 minutes, we can assess if we can rience with elder law that helps her relate to help you, and if we can, we will let you know her clients (her mother suffered with Alzhei- what documents you need and the cost to mer’s disease and a sister has special needs). prepare them,” she said. “Not everyone needs Elder law focuses on the legal, financial, a will or a trust, sometimes you just need a medical, social and family issues affecting durable power of attorney and health care seniors, people with disabilities and their surrogate designation.” families, including preserving resources in Visit www.ohalllaw.com. To schedule a retirement, estate and financial strategies free 15-minute consultation, call 438-8503.

Volume 19, Issue 10

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX KICKS OFF FALL WITH FLORIDA LOCAL SPECIAL

Staff Report

A special deal to help Florida residents cial ticketed event, and it is not valid on visit one of the state’s best attractions active rocket launch dates. kicked off again this month. Kennedy All coupons must be printed. SmartSpace Center Visitor Complex recently phones, PDFs or soft copies of the coupon launched local summer with its popular will not be accepted. Florida FourAs always, the Pack offer. health and safeFlorida resity of employees dents can save and guests are more than $60 the highest priorwith the Florida ities for Kennedy Four-Pack offer, Space Center Visavailable until itor Complex. In Friday, October accordance with 10. Four daily the Centers for admission tickDisease Control ets are just $159, and Prevention’s plus tax, for Flor(CDC) recommenida residents. dations, the visiProof of resi- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex recently launched tor complex condence, including local summer with its popular Florida Four-Pack offer. tinues to operate a valid Florida driver’s license or utility at a limited attendance, accommodating bill, as well as a printed coupon available social distancing, encouraging advance online, are required to purchase tickets. daily admission purchases and impleAll admission tickets are valid on the date menting increased frequency of sanitizaof purchase only. tion and disinfection. Due to the recent Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex increase of COVID-19 cases and the Delta brings to life the epic story of the U.S. variant, the visitor complex has updated space program, offering a full day or more its face mask policy. All guests, includof fun, inspiration and educational activi- ing those vaccinated against COVID-19, ties. Currently open with limited capacity are required to wear face coverings in due to COVID-19, included with admission all indoor locations. This includes all atare Heroes & Legends, featuring the U.S. tractions, attraction queues, show viewAstronaut Hall of Fame® presented by ing areas, restaurants and buses. Guests Boeing, Space Shuttle Atlantis®, Journey who have been fully vaccinated against to Mars: Explorers Wanted, space films, COVID-19 are not required to wear face the Rocket Garden, the all-new Planet coverings outdoors. Additional details are Play and the Apollo/Saturn V Center. available at www.kennedyspacecenter. This offer is valid for up to four admis- com/info/coronavirus. sions purchased in one transaction; there Visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com for is no cash value. The Florida Four-Pack is more information and necessary coupons not valid with any other discount or spe- to redeem this offer.

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October 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

EAT WELL, AGE WELL PROGRAM TEACHES SENIORS HOW TO PREPARE HEALTHIER DISHES

BOARDS AND COUNCILS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER By Brad Stager

By Tatiana Ortiz dition, Eat Well, Age Well keeps seniors engaged and active, and it stimulates their minds. Taylor said that with the recipes, it tries to keep them to around five ingredients or less, which includes items that people would have in their pantries. A couple of times, Eat Well, Age Well had some guest presenters that came Brian Taylor, Hillsborough County Aging Services registered dietician, on. For example, local hosting a segment of Eat Well, Age Well with special guest Michelle Faedo, award-winning chef owner of Michelle Faedo’s Tampeño Cuisine. Michelle Faedo made Individuals seeking to gain better ideas an appearance and on how to prepare healthier meals for demonstrated how to create her Tampa their household could tune in via Zoom Cuban sandwich and Spanish bean soup. or by phone to ‘Eat Well, Age Well.’ This She is known for her world-famous Cuban free monthly program is an online cooking sandwiches and Tampa cuisine. Also, Faeshow that became established in Novem- do owns Michelle Faedo’s Tampeño Cuisine ber of 2020 through Hillsborough County in Tampa. Aging Services, and it airs on the third Taylor stated what he considers his faFriday of every month at 11 a.m. Eat Well, vorite aspect of Eat Well, Age Well. Age Well is also open to residents who “Just to be able to talk about food in a may not be clients of Hillsborough County fun manner and encourage those to beAging Services. come motivated to cook would be what Brian Taylor, Hillsborough County Aging I consider my favorite aspect of this proServices registered dietician, shared the gram,” Taylor said. overall goal of Eat Well, Age Well: “Getting Do not miss out on the next Eat Well, people to think about health and nutrition, Age episode, which will occur on Friday, along with providing a way to reduce so- October 15 at 11 a.m. The topic on this special isolation coincides with the goal of Eat cific date will be about fun fall foods. Well, Age Well.” For more information, visit https://bit. It gives seniors an opportunity to create ly/3jJWdHi. If you’re interested in particsimple recipes, which can lead to improve- ipating or have questions, email Taylor at ment in their diet, health and more. In ad- taylorbr@hcflgov.net or call 272-5250.

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There are many opportunities for Hillsborough County residents to volunteer their skills and knowledge by serving on county boards and councils.

Hillsborough County residents from a wide variety of professional backgrounds or personal experiences and interests are needed to serve on advisory boards and councils that support county government programs and operations. The expertise among residents that the county needs for the advisory boards ranges from knowledge of real estate and zoning requirements to tourism. Some boards require experience in a particular technical field such as architecture or construction trade like plumbing. Licensing or certification of professional credentials may also be required, as well as financial disclosures and background checks in some instances. The volunteer advisory board and council positions are unpaid. Luann Finley, director of board services and board records for Hillsborough County, said there are some basic requirements for all applicants and that their community spirit is valued. “Citizens must be residents of and registered to vote in Hillsborough County. They also must meet the requirements of the

board they apply for,” Finley wrote in an email. “Hillsborough County greatly appreciates every citizen who applies to these boards and councils, as they are willing to provide an invaluable service to their community.” Openings and opportunities to serve on the various boards and councils periodically occur as vacancies arise through resignations or expiration of appointments. As we went to press, Hillsborough County was seeking volunteers for the following positions, with a Tuesday, September 21 close-of-business application deadline: the Cross Connection Backflow and Control Board; Building Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners; Child Care Licensing Hearing Officer; Electrical Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners; Health Care Advisory Board; Historic Resources Review Board; Land Use Appeals Board; Mechanical Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners; as well as Plumbing and Gas Board Of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners. Other boards and councils that frequently have openings for volunteers include the Agriculture Economic Development Council, Council on Aging, Emergency Medical Planning Council, Public Art Committee and the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board, among many others. You can find a complete list of boards and councils and which ones have current openings, as well as specific requirements, by visiting hcflgov.net and going to the boards and councils forms page.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 10

Riverview/Apollo Beach

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

October 2021

Page 41

41-48

SEE PAGE 52

Dove Interiors Celebrates 32 Years In Business September marks a significant milestone for Dove Interiors Carpet One Floor & Home, a milestone made especially poignant amidst 2020’s challenges. Its journey began in 1990, when Founder Joan Miller took a giant leap of faith: leaving her successful finance career behind to open the store at 2305 E. College Ave. in Ruskin. The rest, as they say, is history. Over the years, Miller and her family have overcome many struggles but have always emerged stronger. Through it all, Miller, who runs the business with her daughter, Kimberley Scott, has thrived, growing the business to what it is today. Dove Interiors continues to overcome obstacles and provide quality flooring, professional installation services, custom drapery, custom kitchens and bathrooms and so much more. Dove Interiors looks forward to seeing what the next 30 years will bring, and thanks all its loyal customers. For more information, visit www. doveinteriorscarpetone.com or call 642-

4369. Alluring Aesthetics And Wellness Celebrates Grand Opening Christine Cunning, MSN, APRN, FNP-C is a board-certified advanced practice nurse professionally trained in aesthetics and medically supervised weight loss. Her passion is helping men and women feel better about themselves and she recently opened her own spa, Alluring Aesthetics and Wellness. Alluring Aesthetics and Wellness is devoted to helping men and women feel better about themselves by tailoring aesthetic services to their needs. It offers aesthetic injections like Botox and Juvéderm dermal fillers. It is one of only two medical spas in Hillsborough County that offers the Virtue RF microneedling procedure, which improves skin texture, reduces acne scarring, smoothing and tightening skin. Medically supervised weight loss with prescription medications is also offered. Included in the consultation is a body fat analysis by InBody, which helps to allow

individuals to focus on fat loss, not just weight loss. Alluring Aesthetics and Wellness is located at 13134 Vail Ridge Dr. in Riverview. Additional information including details of grand opening specials can be found on its website at www.alluringaestheticsfl.com or call 753-9652. You can also follow it Facebook page @christinescunning. Celebrations Venue Opens In Brandon Are you looking for a venue to hold your event in the Brandon area? Celebration Venue, a 1,500-squarefoot event venue and meeting space, has a capacity of 87 and just opened. The event space is perfect for baby showers, bridal showers, anniversaries, corporate parties, networking events and intimate weddings. The room is beautiful

as it stands, or it can be transformed by talented event designers to reflect any theme or color scheme you desire. Celebrations Venue is located at 610 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon and is available for viewing by appointment. Please call 999-0868 or visit https://celebrationsvenue.com for more information. Concealed Carry And Home Defense Fundamentals Class Simon Firearm & Family Safety Training is offering a concealed carry and home defense fundamentals class on Saturday, November 13. It also offers a range of training classes, including children’s gun safety and countering the mass shooter threat. For additional information on training classes and to register for an event, contact James Simon at besafe@simonsafetytraining.com or call 363-7576.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED... New U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer In Riverview U-Haul is pleased to announce that Tires for Less has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Riverview community. Tires for Less, located at 9435 U.S. 301 S. in Riverview, will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes. The Paint Krewe Of Tampa Bay Offers Custom Painting The Paint Krewe of Tampa Bay is ready to transform the painted surfaces in your home. It offers custom painting services on cabinets, interiors, decorative walls, crown molding, furniture and anything else you would like painted. “Kitchen and bathrooms can be transformed by a few coats of paint, why re-cabinet when you can paint for much less?” said Owner Lauren Jensen. For a free quote and a 10 percent discount until Friday, December 31, call 368-1663. Pamper Yourself At Tranquility Facial Room Tra n q u i l i t y Facial Room in Apollo Beach is a five-star spa room experience offering state-of-the-art facials. It specializes

in hydro facials, cryotherapy facials and custom facials. For those on-the-go ladies, a customized express facial is offered, or if you have more time, why not treat yourself to a Tranquility Day? Whatever you decide, you will leave relaxed, pampered and beautiful with new, glowing skin. Tranquility Facial Room is located at 6617 Dolphin Cove Dr. in Apollo Beach. For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.tranquilityfacialroom.com, follow it on Facebook @tranquilityfacialroom or call 5980466.

Brandon Hospital Appreciation Gift Card Drive Surpasses Goal The Daniels Team at Coldwell Banker Realty is thanking the community for supporting its gift card drive for Brandon Hospital staff. It asked for $10 gift cards and handwritten thank-you notes. All donations and help were welcome. Its goal was to collect and distribute 250 gift cards and to date, more than 275 gift cards and donations have come in. Donations were dropped off at Coldwell Banker Realty, addressed to The Daniels Team, 213 W. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon.

Volume 19, Issue 10

RIVERVIEW NATIVE SERVING ABOARD U.S. NAVY SHIP FORGED FROM 9/11 STEEL By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach As the nation strength. observed the 20th “It is an honor and anniversary of the privilege to carry terrorist attacks on the legacy of the of September 11, selfless heroes and 2001, a Riverview unwilling victims of native is serving the 9/11 attacks,” in the U.S. Navy said Commanding aboard a ship built Officer of USS New using steel from the York Capt. Javier World Trade Center. Gonzalez. “Our ship On September embodies the fight11, 2001, Lt. Nick ing passion that Driscoll, was in united Americans, the seventh grade despite an inconwatching the towceivable tragedy, to ers fall on a roll-out defend our country’s TV in the library values and continue of Teague Middle Riverview resident Lt. Nick Driscoll is serving in the pursuit of freethe U.S. Navy aboard a ship built using steel from dom worldwide.” School. the World Trade Center. “I sat there with New York is dePhoto by Specialist 2nd Class Vanessa C. Behrend. 25 other 12-yearsigned to deliver olds, not knowing the world as we knew Marines and their equipment where they it would change forever,” said Driscoll. are needed to support a variety of mis“Similar to the motto of USS New York, sions ranging from beach assaults to hu‘Strength forged through sacrifice. Never manitarian relief efforts. Forget,’ we must never forget the brave Homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, USS men and women who lost their lives try- New York is longer than two football ing to rescue innocent people from cer- fields at 684 feet. The ship is 105 feet tain death inside the towers.” wide and weighs more than 24,000 tons. Driscoll joined the Navy 10 years ago. It has four diesel engines that can push “I joined the Navy to be a part of some- the ship through the water in excess of thing bigger than myself,” said Driscoll. 26 mph. “9/11 was and continues to be a motivatServing in the Navy means Driscoll is ing factor behind my service. Being able part of a world that is taking on new imto prevent another 9/11 in any way I can portance in America’s focus on rebuilding was the driving force behind my decision military readiness, strengthening alliancto join the Navy.” es and reforming business practices in According to Driscoll, a 2007 Riverview support of the National Defense Strategy. High School graduate and a 2011 United “Being that over 75 percent of the States Naval Academy graduate, the val- world’s trade travels by water, it is cruues required to succeed in the military are cial that the Navy maintains freedom of similar to those found in Riverview. the seas,” said Driscoll. “Not only do we “Riverview is full of hardworking indi- ensure waterways around the world stay viduals that understand nothing will be open for trade, but we provide power progiven to you, and to strive for excellence jection that helps deter aggression from in everything that you do,” said Driscoll. our enemies, hopefully preventing any “This work ethic has gotten me to where other attempts similar to 9/11.” I am in my career.” “I’m honored to be able to serve on USS USS New York’s bow is forged from New York,” added Driscoll. “The sacrifices steel salvaged from the wreckage of the made by the brave men and women of the 9/11 World Trade Center attack. Ac- NYPD, NYFD and NYPA inspire me on a cording to Navy officials, the Navy’s 9/11 daily basis.” namesake ships uphold the virtues of For more information about the Naservice, sacrifice and selflessness that vy’s commemoration of 9/11, please visit have always been the source of America’s www.history.navy.mil.

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October 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 10

ENJOY THE FALL SEASON IN THE RVR HORSE RESCUE INVITES ALL COUNTRY AT THE 10TH ANNUAL FOX TO BARN-O-WEEN BENEFIT SQUIRREL MAZE IN PLANT CITY By Amy Schechter

Are you looking for a fun, safe feeding and boarding the way to celebrate Halloween, and horses, buying hay/medicado you have the heart to give tions, making appointments back to an awesome cause? with veterinarians/farriers Then search no further than RVR and caring for the grounds/ Horse Rescue’s second annual equipment. And what RVR Barn-O-Ween event. is doing is working. Dennis For nearly 20 years, RVR Horse has seen one success stoRescue’s mission has been to harry after the next, and she ness the power of volunteers to knows personally what a rescue, rehabilitate and rehome wonderful nonprofit this horses that have suffered abuse, is. Her horse was a rescue neglect or injury. Julie Dennis, who overcame multiple the event chairperson, is passioninjuries in the six months ate about what they do: “RVR is he spent at RVR. She is so 100 percent donation driven. excited about one horse There is not one paid person. One in particular. Visitors will hundred percent of the money be able to meet one of its goes to the care of the animals. most popular horses, Mr. We take in horses that really Liliana and Gunner are T. After his owner passed need a rehabilitation program to ready to be adopted to lov- away, family members dising families. get them back up to where they covered him emaciated, livshould be. When they are cleared, then they ing off the grass and dew in his paddock. His are adopted out to loving homes.” Last year, organs were almost at the point of failure, during the peak of the pandemic, RVR Horse and the veterinarian who had been treatRescue put on a similar fundraising event ing him was doubtful he would survive. Fast with great turnout, and it is so excited to of- forward in time, and that very low-energy, fer a bigger and better event this year. low-key horse is now gaining weight, gaining With fewer neighborhoods comfortable strength and thriving. His bloodwork came participating in trick-or-treating, Dennis can- back perfect, and even the vet has never not wait for this spectacular alternative for seen such a turnaround. He’s looking forward a worthy cause. “This year, we’re going to to meeting and loving on all the children and have the horses and lots of decor. We have families. two barns where the kids will trick or treat Gates will open at 4:30 p.m., and there through to see horses and get candy. We will will be a cash-only $10 donation per carload. have areas for games and craft stations as There will also be snacks and merchandise well,” said Dennis. There will even be minia- available for purchase, cash or credit. The ture horse ambassadors walking around to event will end at 6:30 p.m. For more inforgreet children and families. There’s sure to be mation on how you can donate or volunteer, fun for the entire family, and, of course, lots visit https://rvrhorserescue.org. RVR Horse of candy. Rescue is located at 1710 W. SR 60 in Plant All the proceeds of the event will go to City.

By Kathy L. Collins

There is no beautiful better place to display of spend a glorious pumpkins autumn day than for your at the 10th anfall deconual Fox Squirrel rating.” Corn Maze hostFutch ed by the Futch added, family on their “The corn beautiful Single maze deR Ranch in Plant sign is City. The counsponsored try fun will take in part by place from SaturDriscoll’s. day, October 9 to We give Sunday, October You will not want to miss the 10th annual Fox Squir- s c h o l a r 24 from 10 a.m. to rel Corn Maze at the Futch family’s beautiful Single R ships or 5 p.m. Guests are Ranch in Plant City. There will be plenty of food, fun donations asked to exit the and cool beverages to enjoy. This annual fall event is to the perfect for the whole family. ranch by 6 p.m. Geomatic Futch Entertainment’s Fox Squirrel Student Association at the University of Corn Maze features a corn maze, pump- Florida. They are the ones that design it kins for sale, a sightseeing hayride, and lay it out.” games and an opportunity to enjoy the Admission to the Fox Squirrel Corn great outdoors. While at the Fox Squirrel Maze is $11 plus tax for adults 18 years Corn Maze, you can also enjoy refreshing and older and $10 plus tax for children 3 lemonade, tea or water from one of the to 17 years old. Children 2 years old and amazing vendors. If you time it correct- younger are admitted for free. Parking is ly, you might be able to listen to some free. toe-tapping bluegrass from the Duck The Admission Booth accepts Visa and Wallow Lane bluegrass band. MasterCard. Vendors only accept cash Next, get a snack from the Pioneer and there are no ATMs on site. Kitchen. You can then head over and The Single R Ranch is located at 3002 check out the yard games, which will Charlie Taylor Rd. in historic Plant City. include things such as corn hole, the gi- For more information on the 10th annugantic slingshot, Squirrel Chute, Dummy al Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, please visit Steer Ropin’, badminton or duck races. http://futchentertainment.com/the-foxJanet Futch said, “This is our 10th an- squirrel-corn-maze/. Make sure to follow nual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze. We offer it on Facebook @fscornmaze and Instagreat outdoor family fun. We also have a gram @foxsquirrelcornmaze.

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October 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

VETERANS PARK GETS FLAGS FOR HILLSBOROUGH HEROES

By Libby Hopkins

From Thursday to Satture an Honor Guard, urday, November 11-13, guest speakers, muthe Rotary Club of Tamsical entertainment, pa, in partnership with honored veterans and the Hillsborough County local officials,” Beckner government, the City of said. “The names of our Tampa, the Hillsborough heroes will be presentCounty Sheriff’s Office, ed as part of a reverent and other private and program that precedes not-for-profit organizathe Hillsborough Countions, will once again fill ty Veterans Day festivHillsborough Veterans ities. The exhibit will Memorial Park with a remain on view to the field of flags in patriotic public from November From Thursday to Saturday, Novemcelebration of our com11 until November 13.” ber 11-13, the Rotary Club of Tampa, munity’s heroes. Over 200 flags will in partnership with the Hillsborough “Heroes aren’t just our County government, the City of Tampa, the fill Veterans Memorial military or first respond- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and Park for three days in other organizations, will once again fill ers,” said former County November as a beauHillsborough Veterans Memorial Park with tiful tribute to the Commissioner and Roa field of flags. tarian Kevin Beckner. strength of our com“Each flag will be dedicated to a personal munity and to those who make a difference. hero nominated by a sponsor. These heroes Each 3x5 flag bears a medallion with the include teachers, first responders, family name of an honoree, their service informamembers, veterans, community leaders and tion and the sponsor’s name. The sponsor of more.” that flag chooses who it will honor and may The Rotary Club of Tampa was chartered keep or present the medallion to the honorin 1914 as the second Rotary Club in Florida. ee after the event as a keepsake. With 150 members across a broad demoProceeds raised from sponsorships and graphic and professional spectrum, the club flag honorees will benefit local causes that is active in civic and philanthropic leader- serve children and families in need in the ship. Since 2014, the Rotary Club of Tampa Tampa area as part of the annual communiFoundation has invested over $500,000 and ty support the Rotary Club of Tampa Founthousands of volunteer hours into programs dation provides. “Last year’s event raised that benefit children and families in the Bay nearly $25,000, and this year is anticipated area. to be even more successful,” Beckner said. Individuals are encouraged to sponsor a “Sponsorships from local businesses are flag for their personal heroes. For $100, a welcomed and encouraged.” 6-foot flag is planted in each hero’s honor, If you would like to learn more about Flags and the sponsor receives a commemorate for Hillsborough’s Heroes or if you would like tag as well. “Opening ceremonies at 9:00 to sponsor a flag, you can visit the event’s a.m. on Veterans Day, November 11, will fea- website at www.flagsforheroestampa.org.

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CHOICE/MAGNET APPLICATION WINDOW OPENING OCTOBER 29

By Superintendent Addison Davis

Long before becoming superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools, I served as a classroom teacher laser-focused on driving student achievement. Many things have changed over the years, but one remains the same: a student who is interested in the content will remain engaged and perform at a higher level not only in the classroom, but in life. This is one of the many reasons why it is crucial to offer our learners a multitude of dynamic programs that will prepare them for fulfilling careers. The district’s robust magnet and choice program options exemplify our dedication to finding every child’s passion and inspiration in the classroom. Beginning on Friday, October 29, the Magnet/Choice Application Window will open, allowing families to apply to our many tremendous magnet and choice programs to connect learners with their interests. These specialized offerings include exciting educational pathways such as STEM, performing arts, business and finance, environmental or medical science, International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International, a variety of Career Technical Education programs and much more. Families may choose to apply to two of the only National Demonstration Schools in the country, MacFarlane Park and Riverhills Elementary Magnet. Or,

they may wish to join one of our world-renowned IB high school programs at Alonso, Hillsborough, King, Robinson or Strawberry Crest. Our collegiate academies help students earn a high school diploma and a college degree upon graduation and our medical science programs at Dunbar, Sligh and Tampa Bay Tech prepare students for medical careers unlike any other in the state. Families can begin applying on October 29. These specialized offerings cultivate innovative experiences for our learners, providing them the opportunity to explore their interests in a diverse setting, making our programs an ideal destination for students throughout all of Tampa Bay. Students flourish when they are able to explore subjects or experiences that connect to their interests, and we are proud to offer families this opportunity to explore. The diverse opportunities found at our nationally recognized magnet schools and our choice programs span all grade levels for students throughout our county. In order to provide families the opportunity to discover which of these outstanding programs best fits the needs of their child, we will offer multiple events from October through December to explore the possibilities that magnet and choice programs provide. For more information on these programs, visit hillsboroughschools.org/choice.

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Page 46

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

2ND ANNUAL FALL PUMPKIN FESTIVAL AND HAUNTED FARM RETURNS TO RAPRAGER FAMILY FARMS LLC

By Tatiana Ortiz

With it almost festival unique. being that time “We incorpoof year again for rated a smoothpumpkins, hayrides er parking exand more, people perience, more can visit Raprager pumpkins to Family Farms LLC choose from, located in Odessa more activities, during its second places to hide annual Fall Pumpfrom the heat, kin Festival and more for the Haunted Farm. adults and The grand openeven more for ing of it was on the kids,” JusSeptember 25 tin said. and runs through An event Saturday, Octoof this sort ber 30. It costs came about as $12.50 per peran idea from son and children Justin and his under the age of wife, Amanda 2 will be free. Raprager, afThose who at- Attendees can go on hayrides at Raprager Family Farms ter they sold LLC’s second annual Fall Pumpkin Festival and tend will get an their previous Haunted Farm. opportunity to business. The participate in a wide variety of activities Rapragers sought to create a healthy way geared toward all ages, such as an 80’ in which their children could participate bounce pillow, 40’ hay chut slide, animal in a manner that would be healthy and petting experience, corn pit, 2,000 sq. wholesome for the entire family. ft. Fort Merlin and much more. To add, a “All in all, we have made so many im5,000 sq. ft. haunted barn as well as a provements and are excited to see how children’s 1,100 sq. ft., inflatable haunted satisfied people will be this year,” Justin house will also be present. said. “This will surely become a family traAttendees can also see live entertain- dition for many people,” he added. ment, which includes musicians and more. For more information, visit https:// People could also stop by the Sweet Shop rapragerfamilyfarms.com/pumpkin-fesand order gourmet, homemade fudge. The tival/. It is located at 16907 Boy Scout number of crafters and vendors that will Rd. in Odessa and is open Friday through be here this year doubled. Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., and on Sunday, Owner of Raprager Family Farms LLC 9 a.m.-7 p.m. For questions, email info@ Justin Raprager stated what makes this raprager.com or call 922-2799.

Volume 19, Issue 10

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY COOPERATIVE PRESENTS TAMPA BAY TEEN LIT FEST By Kathy L. Collins During the month of October, the Hills- Nikki Shaw. borough County Public Library CooperaOn Thursday, October 14, the panel will tive will present Tampa Bay Teen Lit Fest. discuss and explore ‘Myth and Magic.’ They All events will be will share stooffered online beries of various ginning at 6:30 cultures, where p.m. The festival each world is will kick off on filled with its own Friday, October unique twists. The 1 with keynote featured authors speakers Amie will include Rin Kaufman and Chupeco (WickMeagan Spooned As You Wish), er. Kaufman and Nafiza Azad (The Spooner are Wild Ones) and bestselling au- The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative Tara Sim (Scavthors who have will present Tampa Bay Teen Lit Fest this October. Teens enge the Stars). written several can join critically acclaimed authors during live panel The moderator discussions. Attendees can meet their favorite authors, books together, will be blogger ask questions and even win books. including The Lili. Other Side of the Sky, the Starbound series On Thursday, October 21, join authors and the Unearthed series. Thanhhà Lài (Butterfly Yellow), Debbie Other events will take place thereafter on Rigaud (Simone Breaks All the Rules) and every Thursday in October. Romina Garber (Lobizona) for a discussion Tampa Bay Teen Lit Fest is an event that of ‘Forging Your Own Path.’ This panel will brings critically acclaimed writers of young focus on teens struggling to come into their adult fiction to one virtual space. Attendees own, trying to do what is right for them will join the authors for live sessions where in the face of adversity, destiny and somethey will get to ask questions, hear stories times the most difficult of all—family. The and even win books from their favorite au- moderator will be blogger and librarian thors. Emma Carbone. The theme on Thursday, October 7 is Finally, on Thursday, October 28, the ‘Life’s Tricky Turns.’ Through books, teens closing keynote will focus on ‘Athletes and often find that they are not alone. The pan- Activism: Using the Podium to Speak Out.’ el will focus on the many real world issues This panel will feature co-authors Kimberly teens face throughout their lives. The fea- Jones and Gilly Segal, who have written I’m tured authors will be Dhonielle Clayton (The Not Dying With You Tonight and, most reBelles), Candice Iloh (Every Body Looking) cently, Why We Fly. and Francisco X. Stork (On the Hook). The For more information and to register, panel is moderated by blogger and librarian please visit www.hcplc.org.

October 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

ALL SHUTTERS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL Staff Report

Interior window shutfrom Hunter Douglas ters add enduring value to delivers a multicoat your home while complefinish that is far sumenting a full spectrum perior to the industry of decorating styles from standard. traditional to contempoShutters should rary and city to country. not only look good, In addition to enhancbut also be energy ing architectural details efficient and offer at the window, shutters UV ray protection. offer homeowners a numThere are three ratber of significant advanings which indicate tages—they help insulate performance: your home; they control - R-Value tells you light, view and air flow Dove Interiors offers tips on choosing shut- how well the shutters for your home. at the window or door; ter resists heat loss. and also provide signifi- The summer cant privacy. shading coefficient ratKimberly Scott of Dove ing shows the shutters’ Interiors explained, “Custom ability to reduce heat crafted wood shutters act as gain. fine furniture for windows, - The UV blockage adding significant value to a home. With rating reveals how much of the sun’s ultraviso many shutters on the market, knowing olet rays the shutter prevents from entering which to buy can be challenging.” the home. Scott offered some tips on what to look Quality shutter manufacturers will publish for when in the market for shutters. this type of efficiency information in their Shutters come in wood, plastic, foam and product brochures. Heritage shutters score various combinations. The time-honored ma- high points in all three ratings. terial is 100 percent solid wood. Real, natConcerning the cost of shutters, Scott said, ural wood possesses aesthetic qualities that “As with fine furniture, which you expect to make it the natural choice. last a long time, you get what you pay for.” It is important to look for a custom shutScott advised only dealing with profester with a dovetail construction, which in- sionals when ordering shutters because they terlocks panel components for the strongest provide custom attention from start to finbond and ensures that they won’t separate ish. Hunter Douglas allows only authorized over time and create light gaps. dealers and installers to work with its shutA high-quality wood finish is smooth, hard ters to ensure the best service. to the touch and lustrous and rich to the eye. For more information, contact Scott at It will not chip, crack or peel over time. A 645-8660 or visit www.doveinteriorscarpeproduct like Heritance hardwood shutters tone.com.

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STORMWATER PONDS SERVE IMPORTANT FUNCTION FOR RUNOFF

By Brad Stager

before it is discharged to the natural environment. According to Paula Staples, public education program coordinator with University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Hillsborough County, the man-made water bodies don’t take care Stormwater ponds are a common feature in residential and of themselves. commercial districts. “Just as your yard Waterfront living in Florida may conjure needs a scheduled mainup images of beachside condominiums or tenance plan, so do the ponds in your estates, but it can also mean residing in community,” she wrote in an email, adding a single-family home with a stormwater that what residents do to their own proppond view. erty has an effect on the aquatic health of Stormwater ponds are one of the most neighborhood ponds. common features of the local area, and “Preventing the chemicals applied to while a nicely designed waterscape can your yard from washing away will help be pleasing to look at, they serve practical keep community ponds healthier.” functions that help keep developed areas The Southwest Florida Water Manhabitable. agement District (SWFWMD) regulates This is done by providing a way to man- stormwater ponds in Hillsborough Counage excess amounts of rainwater and avoid ty, but responsibility for maintaining them flooding of roads and neighborhoods. generally rests with entities such as propThe ponds are especially important erty owners or community associations. because development typically involves Assistance with issues like water qualreplacing large areas of porous soil that ity or bank erosion is available commerwould normally allow for absorption of cially, but there are also resources such rain into the ground. as workshops through UF/IFAS and SWFThe loss of other terrain features such WMD as well as other organizations and as vegetation, creeks and natural ponds agencies. also affects what happens on the ground Hillsborough County even has an Adoptwhen the clouds open up and unleash A-Pond program to assist with stormwagreat volumes of rainwater. ter pond upkeep, though it has some reBesides managing the flow of excess strictions. water, the ponds also provide a way to You can learn more about stormwater filter pollutants such as pesticides and pe- ponds by visiting the SWFWMD website troleum products from the rainfall runoff at swfwmd.state.fl.us.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 10

COMMUNITY GARDENING BRINGS NEIGHBORS TOGETHER By Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent Community gardens can a tool shed, parking, possibe a great way to bring bly restrooms, have power neighbors together. Groups if needed for the water supshare in the work (mainply and a plan to manage tenance) and rewards, the debris. Site preparation, fruits (and vegetables) of fencing installation, staking their labor. Many types of plots/paths, soil amendof groups have become ments, raised beds built involved in community or purchased, soil testing gardening, such as homecompleted and irrigation owners associations, neighinstalled including the reborhood block groups, eduquired backflow prevention. cational institutions, social If you are interested in service agencies, creating a commucorrectional institunity garden, contions, corporations, tact our local UF/ religious organizaIFAS Extension tions and gardening Hillsborough Counclubs. ty office. We don’t These groups are provide the labor, interested in creatbut we do have ing and maintaining information and community garexperience to asdens because par- Community gardens can be a great way to bring sist you, including neighbors together. ticipation increases topics that range Photo courtesy of Jacqlyn Rivas. self-esteem and confrom horticulture fidence as well as encourages youth to to irrigation system design, food preserbecome involved. Groups create beauty, vation and nutrition. For more informagrow edibles, improve their nutrition and tion, please Google ‘ask IFAS’ followed fitness, reduce stress, are neighborly and by ‘Community Gardening.’ Also, contact promote healthier communities. the Coalition of Community Gardens Initial planning and communication are Tampa Bay. keys to successful community gardens. View our calendar of events and FlorSite selection is very important. A mini- ida-Friendly Landscaping™ Facebook mum of six hours of full sun is needed. The page on the internet at the Hillsborough site should have appropriate zoning and County Extension. For assistance with legal restrictions, enough space, access horticultural questions, call 744-5519, or to water, well-drained soil, be free from visit us at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillstree/large plant roots and have a ‘clean’ borough County at 5339 County Rd. 579 history (free from contaminants or other in Seffner. We hope to see you at an upenvironmental concerns). A shaded area coming workshop soon. Remember to reshould be available for resting, space for use, reduce, recycle and repeat.

DO NOT LET SCAMMERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOU By Kathy L. Collins It seems that each day up. Do not provide there are shocking news them with informastories about everyday cittion. izens experiencing fraud • Do not open or in one way or another. The click on attachments, elderly, unfortunately, are links or hyperlinked especially vulnerable to text in the body of a predators. message in unexpectDonna Moses, lead memed emails. Everyone, but especially the elderly, ber victim advocate in Sun• If you feel threatshould be aware that scammers are coast Credit Union’s Risk ened, talk to a trusted looking to defraud you. Institutions like Management Department Suncoast Credit Union offer programs to family member, law for nearly 40 years, said, enforcement or your help keep you safe from fraud. “Technology makes it easfinancial institution. ier for scammers to commit fraud through If you have been compromised in some channels such as text messages and emails. way, you should notify your bank, lock cards You have to remain on alert. If it sounds too online and call your credit card company. good to be true, it likely is.” In her 40 years on the job, Moses has seen Moses added, “Elderly people are often a lot. One example of something that many trusting, so they can be easy to convince. are unfamiliar with is called ‘money mule.’ Since they have nest eggs, and access to Moses explained, “According to the FBI, it is credit to obtain funds, scammers are more when criminals trick people into sending and likely to target them.” receiving funds to help unknowingly launder Moses suggested that there are three money.” things you should never do: Moses added, “Money mule scams are es• Never send or receive money from some- pecially dangerous because participating in one you have never met in person, even if you them is illegal and punishable even if you are ‘met’ them online. unaware. Money mule scams can damage • Do not give anyone access to your com- your credit, and it is possible that you could puter, credit cards or your financial institu- be responsible for paying back the victim.” tion’s online banking information, especially For residents of Florida, the elderly are over the phone or through text. often victims of fraud when their homes are • Never let someone convince you to do damaged by storms. Moses recommended, something you normally would not do, like “Do your homework and research companies mail or receive cash. before doing business with them.” Moreover, according to Moses, three Above all else, be vigilant and work with things you can do to be safe are: financial institutions that offer fraud protec• If you did not initiate a phone call, hang tion.

October 2021

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

ADVENTURE ISLAND STAYS OPEN YEAR-ROUND WITH HEATED POOLS Staff Report

new tropical oasis as they sip and savor seasonal small bites to fuel up for all-day fun. With surf-style bar seating overlooking white sand beaches, Hang Ten Tiki Bar features a mixologist-curated selection of signature drinks and island-inspired light bites that guests can only get at Adventure Island. Located right across the street from Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, Adventure Island features a combination of exhilarating water rides and tropical, tranquil surroundings. Adventure Island announced recently that the previously A fun-filled tropical atmosphere seasonal waterpark will now stay open all year round with awaits, with adventurous water slides including Solar Vortex, Vannew heaters to provide that endless summer vibe. Recently named one of the best outdoor ish Point™, Caribbean Corkscrew® waterparks in the country, Adventure Is- and Colossal Curl™; cascading waterfalls; land® announced the previously seasonal a 17,000-square-foot wave pool; children’s waterpark will now stay open all year round water playground called Fabian’s Funport®; with new heaters to provide that endless and other family attractions. Guests can also summer vibe. From relaxing in tropical pools dig their toes into the sand or relax in lounge and the lazy river to braving thrilling water chairs or a private cabana. slides, guests can enjoy comfortable water Adventure Island is launching another temperatures any time of year. Just in time annual theme park pass in Florida with bento celebrate, the new Hang Ten Tiki Bar of- efits ranging from no blockout dates, up to ficially opened last month with an all-new six free guest tickets and access to new, exmenu of tropical delights. clusive ride preview events. The Annual Pass As the waterpark’s first full-service bar, is organized in easy-to-use tiers and includes the laid-back vibes of Hang Ten Tiki Bar offer one-park, two-park Busch Gardens and Adan all-new wave of refreshment to guests as venture Island Pass and the popular Florida they splash between slides and waterways. four-park options, allowing guests to choose With handcrafted signature cocktails, fan-fa- the pass, benefits and the parks that are the vorite local brews and a regional and inter- best fit. For a full overview of the Annual national rum selection, Hang Ten Tiki Bar is Pass lineup, visit adventureisland.com/annuthe perfect island chill spot. Hang Ten also al-pass/. features multiple TVs so sports fans can tune For more park updates, including exciting in and cheer for their favorite teams when developments coming in 2022, waterpark taking a break from the park’s thrilling water fans are encouraged to follow Adventure slides and wave pool. Guests can enjoy this Island on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

CRAFT VENDORS AND FOOD TRUCKS NEEDED FOR FIRST ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET AT WINTER WONDERLAND By Kelly Wise Valdes Centerpoint Church is expanding its annual Winter Wonderland to bring even more joy to the local community. This year, it will offer a variety of amusements and attractions, including a first annual Holiday Market. Applications for vendors for the Holiday Market are now being accepted. “We welcome artisans of all kinds to apply,” said Angela Parker, director of communications for Centerpoint Church. “We want to highlight the talented artisans of our community. Most people attending a holiday market are looking for gifts, jewelry, decor or seasonal items and food items.” The Holiday Market will be held indoors at the Winter Wonderland event. Vendors may choose either a 6 ft. or 10 ft. space, with tables available for optional rental. Standalone vendors, such as food trucks or carts, are also welcome to apply for space at the outdoor venue. All vendors will benefit from extensive paid advertising and social media marketing of the event. This first annual Holiday Market was born from the need to help small businesses this season. “We know many small businesses and artisans have had a rough couple of years due to COVID, so this is an opportunity for us to support them while creating an experience that our entire

community can enjoy,” said Parker. “We are hoping to fill our entire auditorium with vendors, and we’d love a wide variety of wares.” Although this is the first year for the Holiday Market, it is the third year for Winter Wonderland, and it promises to the best one yet. “Each year, we add new attractions and expand our offerings, as it is our heart to create an experience our entire community can enjoy,” said Parker. “Last year, we had so many kids come out to ride our train and see Santa. It was a ton of fun.” Visitors to this free, family-friendly event will be entertained by a variety of amusements and attractions, as well as interactions with holiday characters and photo ops, free hot cocoa, lights and more. “We want all people, of all ages and demographics, to feel welcome to come and enjoy a holiday event with their families, neighbors and friends,” said Parker. Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Market are taking place on Saturday, December 18 from 4-8 p.m. To apply to be a vendor (craft or food truck), visit www. centerpointfl.org/holiday-market. Centerpoint Church is located at 1720 S. St. Cloud Ave. in Valrico. For more information, call the church office at 689-1906 or email HolidayMarket@centerpointfl.org.

Volume 19, Issue 10

THE SCORPIONS FLORIDA WRESTLING CLUB OFFERS FREE CLASSES IN SEPTEMBER

By Lily Belcher

The Scorpions FlorCase claimed first ida Wrestling Club, place and 73 pounds Florida’s newest wresas well as second place tling club, had its Gold and 69 pounds. Team and Black Team The Scorpions Florplace first and third, ida Wrestling Club respectively, at the hosted Scorp-tember 2021 USA Wrestling to bring in new memYouth Duals in Orlando bers. Throughout Sepat the end of August. tember, the coaches Now, it is working on were giving back to recruiting beginner their community by ofand advanced wres- The Scorpions Gold Team won first place fering kid wrestlers the in August during the 2021 USA Wrestling tlers from elementary opportunity to join the Youths Duals. school to high school. beginner and advanced “[It’s] always good lessons for free. to see all these young The beginner lesFlorida wrestlers sons are hosted on compete. Scorpions Monday and WednesFlorida Wrestling day nights from 5:30 Club took first place until 6:30 p.m. and among some great advanced classes are teams. We had sevhosted from 6:30 uneral wrestlers go until 8:30 p.m. On Friday defeated the whole nights, the Scorpions day,” said Coach Bret Florida Wrestling The Scorpions Black Team won third place Gustafson. Club is open to all in August during the 2021 USA Wrestling Bret is a former twokids in kindergarten Youth Duals. time state champion in through 12th grade NCAA D1 All-American Wrestling from throughout Tampa Bay from 6:30 until Brandon High School and now coaches the 8:30 p.m. young wrestlers of the Scorpions Florida The classes aim to develop “physical and Wrestling Club. mental toughness, self-confidence, disciThe undefeated wrestlers attending the pline and core strength” in its athletes. classes include Joey Ehrhart, Case GusFor more information, visit the club’s Intafson, Zane Gustafson and Mikey Jones. stagram page @flscorpions or Facebook “On September 13, Scorpions wres- page at facebook.com/Scorpionsfloridawtler Case Gustafson took on some of the restlingclub. The classes are located at toughest competition in the nation at the 9885 U.S. Hwy. 41 S. in Gibsonton near ‘STRIKE ZONE’ in Bettendorf, Iowa,” said Casey’s Closet Thrift Store. Tami Gustafson.

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

October 2021

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER DI VIRGILIO / SPORTS N SPOKES

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BUCCANEERS WHEELCHAIR FOOTBALL TEAM EXPANDS NEW ADAPTIVE SPORTS LEAGUE

The Bucs traveled to Phoenix, Arizona on the weekend of September 11-12 to play five games against other teams in NFL markets.

The Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department, through its signature Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports program, has introduced a new sport—wheelchair football. The Hillsborough County Buccaneers Wheelchair Football Team was selected as an expansion to the USA Wheelchair Football League (USAWFL). There are nine total teams in the league, most of which are located in NFL cities. On September 8, the team was introduced and given equipment and a pep talk from Bucs Super Bowl XXXVII MVP Dexter Jackson. They received official Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets as well as jerseys provided by Move United. The Bucs then traveled to Phoenix, Arizona on the weekend of September 11-12 to play five games against other teams in NFL markets. They had a successful weekend, winning four out of five games. They will play their next

The Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department, through its signature Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports program, has introduced wheelchair football.

tournament on the weekend of Halloween in Kansas City. Ryan Lindstrom, who plays center for the team, competes in several other adaptive sports, including wheelchair rugby, softball and, most notably, for the Tampa Bay Strong Dogs basketball team, was thrilled at the opportunity to try his hand at a new sport. The Riverview resident said that he and his teammates who play for the Strong Dogs had been interested in playing adaptive football for a long time. He stays very active, playing all of these sports at the same time during the season. He is most excited about learning a new sport and being involved in the inaugural season in Tampa. “It’s a lot of fun to get out there and play a sport that you watch on TV,” said Lindstrom. “When you get out there and are playing, it feels like you’re playing football and not playing an adaptive Residential • Commercial Exterior Repaint Specialists

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The adaptive sport is seven-on-seven, one-hand touch (on the body from the waist up) sport and is very physical with a lot of contact. It’s played on a hard-surface court that is 60 yards long and about 22 yards wide.

sport. It almost feels as close to football as it can possibly be.” Receiver Adryan Powell said that he had never played football before, coming from the Cayman Islands, where football isn’t the primary sport. The Brandon resident was a soccer goalkeeper before his injury. He also competes for the Tampa Bay Strong Dogs, after playing adaptive basketball in college at the University of Texas Arlington. After the football season, Powell plans on playing in an overseas wheelchair basketball league. He enjoys the camaraderie of playing football with his teammates. “It can get really competitive out there,” said Powell. “It’s a really fun sport, and I think once more people get into it and see it, they’ll love it.” Lindstrom said that the seven-on-seven, one-hand touch sport is very physical with a lot of contact. It’s played on a hard-surface court that is 60 yards long

and 22 yards wide. The team consists of 14 total players. They practice two to three days a week at All People’s Community Park and Life Center on Sligh Ave. Per the Hillsborough County website, this is the first wheelchair football team for Hillsborough County’s Adaptive Sports program, which promotes health, independence and personal growth through sports for people with physical disabilities. The USAWFL is a program of Move United, a nonprofit organization devoted to the promotion of parasports among youths and adults with physical disabilities. League expansion was made possible through the NFL Salute to Service Award and the Bob Woodruff Foundation. “The team that we have is pretty awesome, and I’m excited to see what we can do at the next tournament,” said Lindstrom.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 19, Issue 10