Two Sections, 40 Pages of Community News
Valrico
C E L E B R A T I N G
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Y E A R S
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P U B L I S H I N G
Bloomingdale High School Makes Big Impact By Hosting Relay For Life
By Kate Quesada
the community, I think people are drawn to wanting to participate in the event,” said Klomparens. “Whether it is by starting a team, becoming a sponsor, volunteering to help with the planning and organizing, attending as a survivor or caregiver or just coming out to walk some laps and support the day of activities, there is truly a way for everyone in the community to get involved.” Bloomingdale HS will feature national holidays as its theme. One highlight of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony that typically starts at 9 p.m. and showcases luminaria bags lit in memory or in honor of loved ones. Bloomingdale’s event will take place at the school’s track, located at 1700 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, from Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m. through Saturday, April 27 at 6 a.m. Residents are encouraged to sign up to participate in either event at www.relayforlife.org, but the community is also encouraged to come out to support the fundraisers at the events, even if they are not part of a team. For more information, contact Klomparens at 616-551-4038 or visit the school’s Relay For Life website at www.RelayForLife.org/Bloomingdalefl.
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Bloomingdale High School is inviting community members to join them fighting cancer at their annual Relay For Life event next month. On Friday, April 26, students and community members will join 28 other teams at Bloomingdale High School to walk, camp overnight and participate in other activities to raise funds to meet their goal of $70,000 for the American Cancer Society (A.C.S.). “Relay For Life is crucial to the mission of ACS because the funds raised through our events help to support the programs, services and research efforts that we provide in our communities,” said Alexandra Klomparens, Senior Event Support Manager. “Without the incredible support we receive through Relay For Life, not only financially but in overall support and dedication from our volunteers, we would not have been able to make the impact we have in the fight against cancer.” “I think that Relay For Life sees such great participation because, sadly, nearly everyone is impacted by cancer,” said Klomparens. “Whether they are a survivor, caregiver or know someone who has been diagnosed, cancer touches almost everyone in some capacity.” The events are not traditional relays, although teams are asked to have one participant walking the track at all times, even through the night. When not walking, there are many events for participants to chose from to keep busy and raise important funds. “With Relay For Life offering so many opportunities and levels of involvement to
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March 2019 Volume 16, Issue 3 Ph: 657-2418
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P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Local Family Develops New Twist On Tooth Fairy With The Toothless Monster
By Amy Schechter
Most children your plushy to await are happy enough to the tooth fairy’s receive a monetary arrival that night. reward from a Before bed, you read famous fairy upon up to a certain point the loss of a tooth. in the book before However, what if tucking your little one your child was in. Overnight, ‘the adamant in discovertooth fairy’ will ing what the tooth exchange the real fairy does with all tooth for a prize and those baby teeth? you will secretly add Ryan and Jennifer a plastic tooth to Dean found themMonte or Meli to selves tackling this ‘earn’ a tooth. subject with their Children will awake three-year-old to find not only a gift daughter, Cooper, from the tooth fairy, who heard about the Local resident and dad Ryan Dean and but the surprise of magical entity that their monster’s new wife Jennifer developed a new Tooth would one day carry Fairy incentive book and toy called The tooth. Then, you can Toothless Monster. off her teeth. finish reading the An off-the-cuff response soon develstory to find out how excited and thankful oped into a really cool story about being their monster is to earn a tooth. It is an different and helping others. Ryan Dean amazing way to celebrate the loss of a said, “We came up with this by accident. I tooth and learn about how important it is told Cooper the tooth fairy gives them to to overcome challenges and help others creatures that don’t have teeth and need along the way. them.” While on vacation in Central To purchase your copy of The America driving through the rainforest, the Toothless Monster along with your plushy story took root and developed as Cooper and attachable teeth or learn more, visit asked more questions, and the Deans https://thetoothlessmonster.com or find it realized they had a great idea. The on Amazon. Email info@thetoothlessToothless Monster follows the story of monster.com. Monte who cannot participate in a yearly party to celebrate the ripening of a special fruit because he does not have any teeth. He meets the tooth fairy who agrees to help him if he is willing to earn what he is missing. In the process, he learns how to pay it forward to the other creatures in the 38 jungle. The Toothless Monster is a beautifulCRAWFISH FESTIVAL ..........................PG 4 ly illustrated hardcover book that comes with your choice of Monte, a blue plushy, RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL.....................PG 9 or his monster friend, Meli, a purple EYE ON BUSINESS .....................PGS 25‐26 plushy. It also comes with a set of 16 attachable teeth parents should keep hidCHALKLINES .....................................PG 28 den away and a tooth loss chart to record the date your child loses each tooth. READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE When your child loses a tooth, you place www.ospreyobserver.com their real tooth in a secret tooth pouch in
$5 OFF
Any Signature Cake (Excludes Pies, Petite Cakes & Cupcakes) 3426 Lithia Pinecrest Road • Valrico, FL 33596 Limit one per customer per visit. Valid only at this location, in store only. Not valid online. No cash value. Not valid with other offers or fundraisers or if copied, sold, auctioned, exchanged for payment. Expires 12/31/19 (PLU #7)
Look for our Summer Camp Guide in the second section of this edition. From baseball to swimming, theater to arts, there is something for every camper this summer. For the complete guide, see pages 29-35.
3426 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596 (813) 681-2223 (located behind Chili’s)
Page 2
Valrico Edition
Volume 16, Issue 3
March 2019
Page 3
Valrico Edition
Bloomingdale Hosts Bingo For Chorus To Fund New Sounds System
First Free Women's Rehabilitation Program Opens In Tampa Bay Area
The Doors will Bloomingdale open for the High School Bingo Night at 6 Chorus has a p.m. on Friday, fun night April 12 with the planned for the games starting community next at 6:30 p.m. month. The Game group’s Boosters cards are are helping to available host a Bingo for purThe Bloomingdale High School Chorus Night in the chase at Boosters are hosting a Bingo Night in the school’s cafete- school’s cafeteria on Friday, April 12 to raise funds the event and for a new sound system. ria on Friday, each attendee April 12 to raise funds for the program, will receive a free dopper with a card purespecially a much needed new portable chase. The winner of each game will sound system. have the choice of multiple prize baskets Approximately 180 students particidonated by local businesses, and addipate in the five choirs that make up the tional baskets will be raffled off at the school’s chorus program. According to event. Concessions food, including chips, Booster Board President Wendy Soto, candy, hot dogs and drinks, will be availmoney raised at the event will support the able for purchase. students with music and transportation to “We really want to have an event the multiple community performances, entire community can participate in,” said accompaniment and uniform accessories, Soto. “Bingo is fun for the whole family, in addition to the new equipment. from kids to retirees.” “This is a group of very talented stuThe Booster board, an official dents who deserve a new sound system 501(c)(3) non-profit, is currently accepting to enhance the quality of their performdonations for the raffle from local busiances and allow them to perform to the nesses and anyone wanting to help. best of their abilities,” said Soto, who “This group not only produces talentexplains that the Boosters purchase anyed singers, but also gives students lifething above and beyond the basics for long friends and skills they will use the group. throughout their lives,” said Gaertner. “The new system also includes two Bloomingdale High School is located speakers that point to the stage to help at 1700 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. For the students hear themselves which more information on the event or to allows them to improve their singing,” donate to the raffle, visit www.bloomingadded Shannon Gaertner, the group’s dalechorus.com or email bshschorussecretary and uniform chair. boosters@gmail.com.
The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Hillsborough County has opened its new women's program. Since 1950, the ARC has been providing a six to 12 month residential program to men who want to A rendering of the building that houses the new Salvation Army solve their alcohol women’s rehabilitation program in Tampa. and drug prob“Since December of last year, the lems. Now, with the construction of a ARC is able to help women in their separate residence, the ARC offers own safe environment. Just like the its 12-step, faith-based, long-term rest of our country, Tampa Bay is rehabilitation program to women. having to find solutions to the opioid The rehabilitation program is crisis and sex trafficking. Now The funded completely by the unwanted Salvation Army can provide hope to items people donate to get recycled women in our community who want in The Salvation Army Family Stores. to conquer these terrifying problems,” The ARC residents do not have any said Administrator Major John Reed. out-of-pocket costs or need any To support this much needed health insurance coverage. community service, people can The women's residence contains ten bedrooms; each bedroom houses schedule a free truck pickup of their three women. The facility includes an unwanted items by calling 1-800-SATRUCK or visiting SATRUCK.ORG. intake office, library/two classrooms, To get involved with the new offices/conference room, kitchen, dinwomen’s program, ing room, great room, recreation contact katherine.reed@uss.salvaroom, fitness room, laundry/hair cuttionarmy.org or 972-0471 ext. 59170. ting station, and two resident manThe ARC is looking for women sponagers’ bedrooms. The ARC also has sors, a women’s committee dealing a new chapel, seating 250 persons with recovery, and a special projects for both the men and women beneficiaries, and their families and friends. committee.
By Kate Quesada
By Richard Hodder
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Page 4
Valrico Edition
Volume 16, Issue 3
Enjoy Cajun Style Seafood Dinners At The 9th Annual Crawfish Festival
By Taylor Wells
The Rotary haps an obstacle Club of course. FishHawkPreorder Riverview is food tickets on proud to present the Crawfish the Ninth Annual Festival’s website Crawfish Festival. until Thursday, Come to the festiApril 25 by 2 p.m. val to enjoy fun A single crawfish times and all the dinner ticket is Cajun seafood You can enjoy lots of delicious Cajun crawfish $20 and includes and good times at the Ninth Annual Crawfish you can eat. This two pounds of Festival on Saturday, April 27. is an event you crawfish, corn do not want to miss. and potatoes. There is also “This year is going to the family pack ticket, be bigger and better,” said which is $50 and includes Rhonda McDaniel, the two crawfish meals, two organizer of the event. “We hot dogs or hamburgers, will have more vendors two sodas and two beers. with unique and original You can also preorder items and designs. We Crawfish Festival T-shirts. have new sponsorships this year, like It is $15 for small, medium, large and XL Ferman Mazda and Passion Organic T-shirts and $18 for 2XL and 3XL T-shirts. Farm, but last and not least, our title Admission into the festival and for sponsor, Christopher Ligori & Associates, children’s activities, raffles and entertainAttorneys at Law, presents the Ninth ment is free. Annual Crawfish Festival.” All proceeds made through the festiNew vendors at the event this year val will benefit sponsorship programs as include Gaia Donut with gluten, allergy, well as charities such as Rotary’s Camp dairy and nut-free donuts; Baby Bling Florida, the Head Start program, ECHO Bows with bling shirts, bags, skirts and (Emergency Care Help Organization), A more; Billy’s Original Grillscarf; RAZKid’s Place and CART (Coins for ZLEDAZZLE Barbershop; Moonshine Alzheimer’s Research Trust). Sunglasses; Everlasting Gifts Inc. with The Ninth Annual Crawfish Festival kitchen towels, ponchos and blankets; will be held from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on and Mainstream Boutique. These are just Saturday, April 27, rain or shine, at some of the vendors. Founders Square Park at Winthrop Town There will also be other activities for Centre, located at 11109 Winthrop Market all ages, such as music by Otis and the St. in Riverview. Visit https://www.luvcrawOld School Band, face painting and perfish.com/.
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March 2019
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Valrico Edition
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We Buy C ins We also buy Stamp Collections, Proof Sets, Postcards, and Foreign Coins
Strawberry Ridge Homeowners Spring Frolic Dance
Saturday, March 16; 7-10 p.m.; 3402 Activities Ln., Valrico. Dance to the Kaleidoscope. Open to the public.
Pet Vaccination Clinic At Kim’s Natural Pets
Saturday, April 6; 2-3 p.m. Kim’s Natural Foods – 2110 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico. EZ Pet Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic Call 684-3663 to confirm.
Master Gardener Library Program: Right Plant In The Right Place
Bloomingdale Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. Wednesday, April 3; 6:30-8 p.m. – Wonderful Begonias Learn about different varieties of begonias and how to use them in your yard. Discover the history of this wonderful plant and propagating strategies. Presentation from Master Gardener Susan Jewell Wednesday, May 1 – Edible Flowers Learn what types of flowers are edible. Take home some basic recipes that you can use to start cooking with flowers. Presentation from Master Gardeners Richard Seedroff and Barbara Glotzback Bring plant or other gardening item for fun Plant Swap. Email Richard@seedroff.com or call 303-638-3917 for more info.
Social Security Benefits Seminar Hosted By Angeloni Tax Advisory Group Thursday, March 21, Thursday, April 4 and Tuesday, April 16; 5:45 p.m. Learn strategies and principles behind the proper timing of taking your Social Security benefits; perfect for ages 58-67. The HCC campus at the Regent, 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. Call 626-7575 to make reservations. Leave message after 4:30 p.m.
Gardening Classes
Kerby’s Nursery and Landscaping, 2311 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner Saturday, March 30; 10 a.m. – Growing Roses in Florida Pick the right roses for your garden and learn all the tools of the trade to help you grow fresh, fragrant bouquets of gorgeous roses. Saturday, April 13; 10 a.m. - Butterfly Gardening If you want your garden to be filled with butterflies this year, come to this free seminar to learn about the best plants for attracting nature's little miracle.
2019 Bay Area Renaissance Festival At MOSI
Weekends through March 31; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Rain or Shine) Battle Axe Pub, Living Unicorn, Giant Puppet Troupe, Bow Blast, Armored Joust, Aerial Act. Discounted tickets are at Circle K and BayAreaRenFest.com.
Congregation Beth Shalom
Shabbat Services – Fridays; 7:30 p.m. at 706 Bryan Rd., Brandon Oneg, nosh and mingle follows. All welcome. Call 681-6547.
Master Gardener Plant Clinics
Riverview Library, 10509 Riverview Dr. Tuesday, April 2; 6:30 p.m. - Veggies in the Landscape Speaker: Harriet Gord-Noghani Incorporate vegetables in small and unique places in your garden. Learn what types grow best here. Tuesday, May 7; 6:30 p.m. – Open Forum with Master Gardeners A panel of Master Gardeners will be available to answer your landscape questions. Participants encouraged to bring samples and questions for group discussion. Call 273-3652 for more information.
Parkinson's Support Group At Savannah Court Of Brandon
Third Tuesday of the month; 6 p.m. Savannah Court of Brandon, 824 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Call 643-6767 to RSVP with Rhonda Fournier, Executive Director.
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Page 6
Volume 16, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
New Sunrise Homes’ Lake Toscana Model Opens Just In Time For Parade Of Homes
By Michelle Caceres
Luxury homeMarch 1, just in builder Sunrise time for the 2019 Homes has purParade of chased the Homes. Its physiremaining 91 cal address is homesites in the 5333 Lake Venice 512-acre commuDr. in Wimauma. nity of Lake Two sales Toscana on agents will be Saffold Rd., just serving this comoff U.S. Hwy. 301 munity: Ticha Sunrise Homes’ Monalto furnished model in Wimauma. Fender and Mark home will open in Lake Toscana on March 1. Davis. Nearly all homes will be situated on the communiFender said homebuyers need to ty’s internal waterways and homesites will visit and see all that the community has to range from half to one acre. offer. Sunrise Homes’ owner Ali Hasbini “You could put in your canoe or said the spacious lots, which are rare in kayak and take the Little Manatee River today’s market, will allow residents to all the way out to the bay,” she said. “This play, entertain and enjoy Florida’s incomcommunity allows you to enjoy Florida’s parable weather without feeling hemmed natural beauty.” in. In addition to Lake Toscana, Sunrise “We saw this as a phenomenal Homes also offers its portfolio of residenopportunity to provide our buyers with tial designs at Arbor Breeze in Valrico, affordable luxury homes,” he said. Britt’s Landing in Plant City and Sunrise Homes will offer executive Bridgewater Landing, Canterfield Farm and estate residences priced from the Estates and Hickory Breeze (also sold by mid-$300’s and ranging in size from Chancey), all in Riverview. 2,500 to more than 3,000 sq. ft. of living “It is an exciting time at Sunrise space. However, because Sunrise Homes,” said Hasbini. Homes is a custom builder, any floor plan “We can’t wait to share with our buycan be modified or expanded to a cusers, Lake Toscana…the most beautiful tomer’s specifications. conservation community in Central Community features include expanFlorida,” he said. sive nature areas and walking trails near For information, call 681-8419 or visit the Little Manatee River, a picnic pavilion www.Sunrisehomescorp.com. For more and a large playground. information about Lake Toscana or to The Monalto, a 3,003 sq. ft. decoratschedule an appointment, call Chancey ed model home, will officially open on at 294-3120 or Davis at 941-737-4127.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
• 6 Weeks Through 12 Years • Full & Part Time Options • Open: M-F 6am to 6:30pm • Creative Curriculum for Infants & Toddlers • ABC Mouse Computer Technology • Brainwaves Curriculum • APPLE Accreditation • CITA Approved Curriculum
• Security Code Access Entry • FREE Internet Viewing of Your Child’s Day • Outdoor Playgrounds with Water Park • Servicing the following schools, Grades K to 5 Stowers, Valrico Academy, FishHawk Creek, Bevis, Lithia Springs, Alafia, Cimino, and Foundation Christian • Nutritious Meals & Snacks: Low Salt & Sugar • Spanish & Music Included • Trained Professional Staff, Certified in First Aid & CPR • Extracurricular Programs
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4321 Lynx Paw Trail
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www.KRKValrico.com Lic # CHC431024
March 2019
Page 7
Valrico Edition
Local Y Group Welcomes New Members & Keeps Each Other In Stitches
By Michelle Colesanti
It is early on the Brandon a Monday mornRegional Hospital ing and the Baby Suites.” ladies start to New members trickle into the are always welcome conference room to join. Debbie at the Campo Y. Wieder, who faciliEach of them tates the informal walks in wearing group, said, “We tell a smile, and after you to bring your the welcomes yarn and hook from other group In honor of National Heart Month, members whether you are croof the Happy Stitchers group that meets members, they weekly at the Campo Y recently donated red cheting or knitting. begin stitching hats to Brandon Regional Hospital’s Baby There is always Suites. hats, blankets someone there to and other items, all while enjoying the help you get started. We try to talk to camaraderie of those around them. The everyone.” ladies belong to The Happy Stitchers and Sandy DiBurro has been with the truly enjoy their craft and the company. group for a year. She found herself alone The ladies love to give back to the and was looking for companionship, so community. In July, they donated she decided to join. “This group has Lapghans to the Veteran’s Hospital. become like a family to me. I’ve done a Lapghans are smaller than blankets and lot of sewing and alterations since I was a can be used by those in wheelchairs or kid.” for the elderly to help keep them warm. Currently, there are 18 members who They also donate Lapghans annually to attend. You do need to be a member of the Y’s Livestrong Program. the Y to belong to the group. Members Recently, the group knitted more than currently range in ages from the 30s on 150 hats and donated them to Brandon up. All skill levels are welcome and the Regional Hospital (BRH). The hospital members are glad to help you get started. partners with the American Heart You only need to bring your favorite color Association to provide red knitted hats to yarn and the tools to crochet or knit. all babies born during February. This is A few of the ladies are bilingual and the second year that the Happy Stitchers can help if Spanish is your first language. participated. The Happy Stitchers meet every Jill Lansky, Business Development Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Director in charge of the program at the Campo Family YMCA, 3414 Culbreath hospital said, “Thank you Campo YMCA Rd. in Valrico. For more information, call Happy Stitchers for making and donating Kavita Marbali at 684-1371 ext. 1606 or hand-knit hats for our newborn babies at visit the welcome center.
4/14/19
4/14/19
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
10% $5.00 $1.00 OFF ENTIRE
OFF ANY PURCHASE
ORDER
with purchase of $30 or more
Nekter Juice Bar
(813) 654-7300 tandoorbrandon.com 805 East Brandon Blvd Brandon, FL 33511
3482 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico (813) 409-2679 Not to be combined with any other coupons, discounts or offers. Expires 4/15/19
Liimit 1 coupon per person per visit. Expires 4/15/19
OFF
ANY ICE CREAM OR SMOOTHIE
Planet Smoothie Cold Stone Creamery 1923 W. Brandon Blvd. 3426 Lithia Pinecrest Rd Brandon, FL 33511 Valrico, FL 33596 (813) 653-9515 (813) 681-2223 (Only Smoothies Offered)
One coupon per person per visit. Expires 4/15/19
$2 $5.00 OFF OFF
WITH PURCHASE OF $10 OR MORE
TBD @ 301 3840 US Hwy 301 S Riverview
Not Valid with any other discounts, promotions or coupons. No Cash Value. Expires 4/15/19
ANY PURCHASE with purchase of $25 or more
Pho Viet - Brandon 1202 W. Brandon Blvd. 813-643-8888
1 redemption per table. Not good with any other coupons or offers. Expires 4/15/19
FREE 12”
CHEESE PIZZA
10% OFF ENTIRE
WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN 18” PIZZA
PURCHASE
Rosatis Located at the Shoppes of Lithia 813-643-1003
Sunflower Cafe - Valrico 813-65-SUSHI
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ONE FREE *
CUPCAKE
Only valid with regular menu. With this coupon. Must present before submitting payment. Before tax. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other offers.
Expires 4/15/19
FREE KIDS MEAL
with every hot beverage purchase
with purchase of adult meal
Petite Madelyn’s - Valrico (813) 681-CAKE (2253)
16144 Churchview Drive, Lithia In the Park Square in FishHawk Ranch
* Limited to selection/variety available at time of purchase. May not be combined with any other discount. Expires 4/15/19
813-324-8912
1 redemption per table. Not good with any other coupons or offers. Expires 4/15/19
Page 8
Volume 16, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
Golf , e l a S Yard Sport Clay er, s i a r d n ... Fu & mMoicrheelle Colesanti, ed by com Compil spreyobserver. o @ e ll miche
Annual Friends And Flea Event
The spring Friends and Flea event will be held on Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6 under the sprawling oak trees at the 10-acre Patterson Farm, located at 2706 Ranch Rd. (off Durant Rd.). There will be over 20 vendors with antiques, vintage, shabby chic, collectibles, furniture and other treasures. Smokin Gypsy BBQ will be open, along with baked goods and freshly squeezed lemonade. The gates will open promptly at 8:30 a.m. and close at 4 p.m.
Yard Sale Benefits Kappa Kappa
Kappa Kappa Chapter will be hosting the National Kappa Delta Phi Convention here in Brandon in June, 2020. In preparation for the 2020 KDP National Convention, it will be holding a multi-sorority sister yard sale on Saturday, March 16 at LifeCare of Brandon, located at 122 N. Moon Ave. from 7:30 a.m.-12 Noon.
HAMBINGO Night Benefits Kappa Kappa Chapter
Join the fun on Tuesday, March 19 at Hamburger Mary's Brandon, located at 2016 Town Center Blvd., for a night of HAMBINGO. This is a Kappa Kappa Chapter fundraiser benefiting local children's charities. Call ahead to 643-2110 for reservations.
Garage Sale Benefits Lions Club
The Brandon Lions Club is holding a Garage Sale on Saturday, March 23 from 8 a.m. to 12 Noon at its clubhouse, located at 610 Limona Rd. in Brandon. Proceeds from this sale will be used for Lions Club projects around the state and within the Brandon area. You just never know what ‘treasure’ you might find.
The Lions Club has been recognized as one of the very few organizations which donate 100percent of the money received from fundraising projects.
Women’s Successful Living RISE UP Retreat
The third annual Women’s Successful Living RISE UP Retreat will take place from Friday, April 5 to Sunday, April 7 with the option to spend an additional night of pampering, offering a variety of events from wine
and parking are free. Free coin grab bags for all children under 12. Food will be available on site. There are free appraisals and door prizes. ICG Grading Service will be in attendance and offering free verbal opinions and $10 slabbing. For more information, contact Jack Laci at 352-777-6073 or brandoncoinclub@yahoo.com.
Golf Tournament Benefits Foster Teens In Tampa Bay
tasting, meditation yoga, breakout sessions and insight from local and national inspirational speakers. The event is for women ages 25-50 looking to make changes in life. Speakers include Geneva Maresma, founder of Hearts and Heels Connection Networking Group for women; Angela Dileone, author of Secrets of a She Boss as well as owner of VIP Beauty Mobile Hair & Makeup; Tiffany Ann Beverlin, creator of Dreams Recycled; and Andrea Williams, CEO of Glow Girl Publication & Company, founder of the The Empress Magazine, founder of the International She Boss Movement and host of Glow Girl Diaries Podcast, a platform dedicated to queens building their empire. Tickets are available at https://riseretreat.eventbrite.com. More information is available at www.womenssuccessfulliving.com. Ticket includes entry to all activities, breakout sessions, lodging, food and drinks.
Coin Club Hosts Coin & Currency Show
The Brandon Coin Club Inc., a 501(C) (7) non-profit organization, is pleased to announce its next Coin & Currency Show on Saturday, March 30 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Brandon Elks Lodge #2383, located at 800 Centennial Lodge Dr. in Brandon. There will be 30 dealers/45 tables – Free American Silver Eagle. Admission
Grow Into You Foundation, Inc. (GIYF) will host its third annual golf tournament on Saturday, March 30. Help foster teens of Tampa Bay. Play your best so that they can have a chance to be their best. Registration and lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and play starts at 1 p.m. at Summerfield Crossings Golf and Country Club, located at 13050 Summerfield Blvd. in Riverview. It is also looking for donors as hole sponsors and to help provide goods and services for raffles. Entry fee includes lunch and dinner, snacks on the course, gift bags, chances to win raffles and contests and fun at every hole. Early bird registration is $125 per
golfer or $150 day of tournament. Early bird foursome is $400 or $600 day of tournament. Visit www.growintoyoufoundation.org/golf for more information and to purchase tickets.
25th Annual General H. Norman Schwarzkopf Memorial Sport Clays Classic
Children’s Home Network is hosting its 25th Annual General H. Norman Schwarzkopf Memorial Sporting Clays Classic on Saturday, March 23 at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays in Land O’ Lakes. The day includes breakfast, complimentary ammunition and shirt, a golf cart for four, a full round of clays and BBQ lunch including brews. Shooters and spectators will also have the opportunity to participate in the card
draw for a chance to win fabulous prizes including outdoor equipment, airline tickets and more. To learn more about the Children’s Home Network and the Sporting Clays Classic or to register, visit www.childrenshomenetwork.org/clays or contact Lauren Ruiz, Event and Community Engagement Manager, at 864-1537 or Lruiz@childrenshomenetwork.org.
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Valrico Edition
The Bay Area Renaissance Festival Celebrates 41 Years Of Family Entertainment First held in 1979 in Largo, The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is a tradition that has lasted 41 years. From its small beginnings, it has grown into one of Tampa’s favorite annual attractions. When it began, the Festival featured renaissance dancing, archery contests, jugglers, mimes and madrigals. Through the years, attendance grew and so did the Festival. Now more than 80,000 people visit annually. It is open weekends through Sunday, March 31 and will also open on Friday, March 29. Escape from the present and journey into a time when kings and queens rule and mermaids and fairies are a reality. This year’s features include Bow Blast where you can take a shot at your friends in an all new Robin Hood-style bow and arrow game. Run around the course firing at your friends, but do not get shot. Get your picture taken with an oversized jester, king or knight. Mead N Feed is an all new Daily Royal Event for ages 21+ featuring mead tasting from Superior Lakes mead, wine and cider paired with cheeses, breads, fruits and entertainment you do not want to miss. Have you ever wondered what it is like to ride a knight’s horse? Stick around after the Joust and have your turn at being a noble knight of Fittleworth. Become the biggest dill in all the
By Michelle Colesanti
land trying your luck at Pickle Jousting. Do not miss Pirates and Pets on March 2 and 3. Check out Ultimate Air Dogs Dock Diving Championship, Dog Demonstrations, Wiener Dog Races and Dog Costume Contest along with Pet Vendors/Rescues. Barbarian Brew Fest on March 9 and 10 includes a Beard and Archer Competition, Craft Beer Festival and Game of Thrones Costume Contest. Other weekend special events include Shamrocks & Shenanigans on March 16 and 17 and High Seas Adventure March 23 and 24. Do not miss the Free Beer Festival on Friday, March 29. Every ticket gets a free beer. USF students and staff with valid ID, military and first responders get a free ticket with valid ID. Ladies Shopping Day, School Day and the Masque Ball happens that night. The last weekend, March 30 and 31, will include the Florida State Belly Dancing Championships, Steampunk Invasion, Costume Contest and more. Admission at the gate is $21.95 for adults and $13.95 for children 512. Ages 4 and under are free. Discount tickets are available at participating Circle K and at www.BayAreaRenFest.com. Festival is located at 11315 N. 46th St. in Tampa (at MOSI).
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Page 10
Volume 16, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
Greatest Showman Inspired Venardos Big Top Circus Is Coming To Town
By Marie Gilmore
held every evening WednesdaySunday and matinees on weekends. Find more details at www.facebook.com/VenardosCircus/ An interactive pre-show party begins one hour before each show time with opportunities to meet the cast, snap selfies and play games. Classic circus treats including popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, sno cones, lemonade and more are avail-
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able to purchase. The main event is a 90minute show with short intermission. The tent will be set up on the grass lot on the Southwest corner of Bloomingdale Ave, and Watson Rd.11349 W Bloomingdale Ave, Riverview. General Admission seating is $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and younger. Preferred seating is available in rows 2 and 3 for $35 per person and Ringmaster VIP is $45 per person. Learn more and reserve tickets at VenardosCircus.com.
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Inspired by the success of the Greatest Showman and fueled with a passion to perform, former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos (veh-NARRdoes) has created a traveling circus with vintage-Americana theme and Broadwaystyle circus performers that is setting up under the Big Top in Riverview this month. The Venardos Circus offers a show filled with world-class human performers, huge thrills and endless laughs. Guests can expect to be transported back in time to the center ring of a centuries-old tradition, but one that has been reinvented for the next generation. With an amazing assortment of aerialists, acrobats, juggling, balancing, comedy, daredeviltry, magic, musical production and more, this amazing Circus experience will truly delight adults and kids of all ages. Tickets are available at www.liveyourcircusdream.com and the circus, which travels across the U.S., will be local in Riverview at the corner of Watson Rd. and Bloomingdale Ave. near Winthrop from March 13-24. Performances will be
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March 2019
Page 11
Valrico Edition
Feast On New Flavors And Enjoy Entertainment At Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival
Staff Report
Foreigner
Boyz II Men Tampa’s premier spring festival returns on Saturday, March 16 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Food & Wine Festival. With more than 35 delicious dishes to pair with over 100 wines, craft brews and cocktails, guests can explore a variety of flavors while enjoying a diverse concert line-up, including acts for all tastes. The Food & Wine Festival runs weekends from March 16 to April 28 and is included with admission to the park. In addition to returning fan favorites, this year’s menu boasts many daring new flavors inspired by cuisines around the country. Guests can begin their culinary road trip with grilled lamb chops featuring a 15year balsamic drizzle from northern California. Foodies cannot miss mouthwatering Tex-Mex classics like chorizo queso fundido with sweet onions and shishito peppers or grilled elote–the park’s spin on Mexican street corn, featuring cotija cheese and lime crema. Island delights feature flavors of paradise with Hawaiian-inspired delicacies, including a dreamy pineapple upside down cake or Kona-crusted filet mignon with Maui onion butter. Nostalgic guests can
Hunter Hayes even take a trip down memory lane with a visit to the 60th Anniversary cabin, featuring recipes inspired by
The Band Perry wine tastings. The best way to savor and save on everything the festival has to offer is with a Food & Wine Festival
You can enjoy fun foods with daring new flavors as well as great entertainment at Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival, which will run weekends from March 16 through April 28.
historical Busch Gardens’ treats and snacks from decades gone by. This year’s festival features five unique tastings, including returning favorites and new options. Guests can explore exotic spirits at signature vodka, bourbon, ice wine, tequila and sparkling
Sampler. Guests can purchase a 5, 8 or 12-item sampler lanyard to use at each festival cabin to explore samplesized dishes and drink offerings with ease. Pass Members can purchase an exclusive 15-item sampler for the same price as a 12-item sampler.
From country and rock to R&B, the Food & Wine Festival line-up reflects musical genres of all tastes. Fans can book the ultimate festival experience with one of two exclusive VIP packages available for each act, including reserved concert seating and a sampler lanyard. Concert headliners include: Saturday, March 16–Daughtry; Sunday, March 17–The Band Perry, Saturday, March 23–3 Doors Down, Sunday, March 24–Blue Rodeo, Kathleen Edwards and Fred Eaglesmith, featuring Tif Ginn; Saturday, March 30–Justin Moore; Sunday, March 31–El Gran Comb;, Saturday, April 06–TBA; Sunday, April 07–Josh Turner; Saturday, April 13, Mighty Mighty Bosstones; Sunday, April 14–Boyz II Men; Friday, April 19– Edwin McCain and Vertical Horizon; Saturday, April 20–Hunter Hayes and Levi Hummo;, Sunday, April 21–Mat Kearney; Saturday, April 27–Walk Off the Earth; and Sunday, April 28– Foreigner. For more information about tickets and complete schedule, visit BuschGardensTampa.com.
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Page 12
Valrico Edition
Seven Couples Renew Vows Together
By Kate Quesada
A group of and guests Valrico residents enjoyed a made a very special Valentine’s Daycommitment last themed reception month. In honor of with drinks, dinner Valentine’s Day, and dessert. seven couples from Married for 73 the Featherock manyears, Elvis and ufactured home Mary Lou have community renewed advice for couples their wedding vows who have not in the community’s been together for club house. as long. According to RJ “I think the Seven couples living in Valrico’s Featherock success of our Bruce, Associate Community renewed their wedding vows in with Reputation marriage is, he a joint ceremony last month. Partners Communications, the seven lets me be me and I let him be him,” couples had been married a combined said Mary Lou. “I knew when I was 10 343 years when they renewed their years old that he was the man I was vows. going to marry.” “The couples reaffirmed their comRobert and Carol, who celebrated mitment to one another, honored the their 50th anniversary with the renewal years of marriage they already shared also shared their secrets to marriage and raised a glass to their futures togeth- success. er,” said Bruce. “People ask us, ‘How do you stay The couples who participated were together that long?,’” said Carol. “He’s Robert and Margaret Hoinkis, who my best friend.” have been married for 58 years; “She’s right here and its the same Robert and Carol Zavacki, who celething the other way,” said Robert. brated their 50th anniversary the day “That’s the way it’s been for 50 years.” of the renewal; Elvis and Mary Lou Featherock is a 55 and older comWilson, who have been married for 73 munity with more than 900 residents. years; Samuel and Myrian Hernandez, Amenities include a clubhouse with bilwho have celebrated 21 years of marliards and a game room, a library, riage; Bernie and Amy Robart, who shuffleboard and tennis courts and a married 40 years ago; Horst and swimming pool. Gudrun Odparlik, who have been marThe community is located at 2200 ried for 63 years and Diane and Issac S.R. 60 E. in Valrico. For information, Yates, who are celebrating 38 years of visit www.mymhcommunity.com/commarriage. munities/Florida/Featherock or call After the ceremony, the couples 855-678-5694.
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Volume 16, Issue 3
Impact’s Got Talent Show & Program Offers Great Opportunities For Teens
By Amanda Boston
Mark your callifestyle choices. endar for Friday, Kagey continApril 12 for the fifth ued, “Last year, our annual Impact’s Summer Staff proGot Talent. gram reached over Impact’s fundraiser, 750 students and based off the 28 site locations in NBC’s television Hillsborough and show America’s Polk County over Got Talent, showthe summer at area cases singers, Boys & Girls Clubs, Pictured is last year’s grand prize winner dancers and musiYMCA's, Parks & Jennifer Manangan, a 9th grader at Wharton high school. cians and more. Recreation Centers The festivities will be held at and other community organizations.” Bloomingdale High School and will kick Impact lives up to its name as Nick off at 6:30 p.m. as students of all Lazaro, a senior at Newsome ages take the stage to vie for the High school explained, “Impact $250 grand prize. Additionally, has helped me personally first and second place trophies because it allowed me to will be awarded in each categobecome more confident in my ry. The event will also hold a ability to speak in public. 50/50 raffle along with its highly-anticipatThrough my time in the program, ed silent auction. I made lasting friendships and will never Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are forget my time being an Impact summer $10 per person and can be purchased staffer.” online at Eventbrite or at the door. All tickImpact receives its funding from the et sales benefit the Impact program. Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, Angie Kagey, the founder and execu- local pregnancy centers, individuals, tive director of the nonprofit explained its churches, businesses and fundraising mission, "Impact educates and empowers events. On Thursday, October 3, Impact teens to make healthy choices by avoidwill hold its annual Celebration Dinner at ing high-risk behavior." The Regent in Riverview. The nonprofit tackles tough subjects For more information on Impact, like drugs, alcohol and sex through clubs, visit www.whatisimpact.com or its classrooms, its Summer Staff program, Facebook page @whatisimpact. For furcamps and more. Impact’s Summer Staff ther questions or to become an event is eight-week program, where a group of sponsor, contact Angie Kagey at selected students perform comedic skits akagey@whatisimpact.com or 264-9368. that touch on powerful subjects and Bloomingdale High School is located at encourage abstinence and healthy 1700 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico.
March 2019
Page 13
Valrico Edition
Winthrop Arts To Host Silent Disco To Support The Arts This April
By Kathy L. Collins
Winthrop called the Winthrop Arts will hold its Arts Mobile Art first fundraising Factory. This is a event this April. program that proSilent Disco will vides free art classbe held on es to children who Saturday, April live in Wimauma 13 from 8 to 11 and Ruskin. What p.m. at The makes the Barn in Winthrop Arts Winthrop Arts will hold Silent Disco on Saturday, Mobile Art Factory Winthrop, April 13 at The Barn at Winthrop. located at unique is that art 11349 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. instruction is taken to the children. Tickets start at $30. Supply is limited. Currently, Winthrop Arts partners with Tickets to this 21 and older event can be Wimauma Elementary and Hispanic purchased at Eventbrite and through the Services Council in Wimauma to offer the Winthrop Arts website at free art classes. www.winthroparts.org. Hamilton said, “Winthrop Arts is a Silent Disco requires dancers to wear community-based arts organization that wireless headsets that pick up music has evolved over time from simply preinstead of a sound system. This allows senting an annual arts festival to a fully attendees to choose from three DJ stafunctioning community arts organization. tions at the switch of a button. Listeners We offer fine arts classes at the Art will only hear the music they selected Factory in Riverview for both adults and being played on their headset. This children. Each summer, we offer several makes for a personalized and fun experione-week summer camps. The Mobile Art ence. Factory is our outreach program, and of In addition to the music, there will be course we continue to present the signaa cash bar and food trucks. ture Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Matthew Hamilton, President of the Market.” Winthrop Arts Board of Visionaries said, The 11th Annual Winthrop Arts “In deciding on what should be our first Festival and Market will be held on fundraiser, we wanted to bring a fun Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March event that has been taking place in down- 31 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in Winthrop town Tampa out to East Hillsborough Common, located behind Boca and County.” Organizations such as the Ciccio’s in beautiful Winthrop in Tampa Museum of Art and the Florida Riverview. Aquarium have had similar events. For information on Silent Disco and Proceeds from Silent Disco will help all that Winthrop Arts has to offer, visit fund a Winthrop Arts outreach program www.winthroparts.org or call 758-5161.
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Page 14
Valrico Edition
Tandoor Indian Cuisine Brings Exotic Indian Culinary Delights To Brandon
By Libby Hopkins
It is often said rant has this dish, but that, “Behind the the way we make it, to success of every be honest, I do not small business, think I’ve had it anythere is a family.” where else,” Beulah This statement said. “The way we best describes make it here is so rich Tandoor Indian and creamy and full of Cuisine in flavor.” Brandon, a familyMany people who owned and operathave not tried Indian ed restaurant. “My food are often scared parents opened to because they think it Tandoor Indian Cuisine in Brandon is a is too spicy. Beulah and the restaurant in local, family-owned restaurant located at November of 2008 his family are aware of 805 E. Brandon Blvd. with no restaurant or business experithis, so they give their guests options for ence,” said Keziah Beulah, restaurant how spicy they can have their food. “If manager. “My mom has always loved to you have never tried Indian food because cook and would cook for friends and fami- you think it might be too spicy, we have ly. People would always tell my mom how many items on our menu that are not good of a cook she is, so my parents spicy at all,” Beulah said. “Most of our went forward with the idea to open a menu, you can choose the spice level restaurant to share their cooking.” that you would like (mild, medium, hot or Tandoor Indian Cuisine opened when Indian).” Beulah was a junior in high school. Buelah and his family are strong sup“When they had the idea of opening the porters of shopping local as well. “We restaurant more than 10 years ago, there know the struggle of being a local busiwere not any Indian restaurants in the ness and how much hard work needs to Brandon area,” Beulah said. be put in to survive,” Beulah said. “The Being a family-owned and operated amount of work my parents put in to the restaurant is what makes Tandoor Indian restaurant just reminds me that shopping Cuisine different from some of the other local is better for our community and it Indian restaurants in the area. “We ourcan also help out a lot of people.” selves eat there a lot and we want to Visit www.tandoorbrandon.com or make sure the food we eat is of the best call Buelah at 654-7300. It is located at quality,” Beulah said. “So, the products 805 E. Brandon Blvd. The hours of operathat we use for our guests are the same tion for lunch are Monday to Saturday we are using for ourselves.” from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner hours are Chicken Tikka Masala is their most Monday to Saturday 4–9 p.m. The popular dish. “Almost every Indian restau- restaurant is closed on Sundays.
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Volume 16, Issue 3
March 2019
Page 15
Valrico Edition
Community Gathers To Raise Funds, Awareness At Moving Day Tampa Bay, A Walk For Parkinson’s The Parkinson’s Foundation (PF) will host its annual Moving Day Tampa Bay, A Walk for Parkinson’s on Saturday, April 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 Noon at the University of South Florida campus in Tampa. It is one of more than 40 grassroots events taking place across the country this year. Funds raised through Moving Day will support cutting edge Team Tomahawk is hosting Pizza for research and commu- Parkinson’s at Bloomingdale Pizza. Stop in between March 25-28 and the team nity programs to will receive 10 percent back from your improve the lives of purchase. people with Parkinson’s disease and their families. Tampa Bay is a celebration of One million Americans are living movement featurwith Parkinson’s, with 60,000 people ing a kids’ area, a newly diagnosed each year. Moving caregivers’ relaxDay Tampa Bay is a fun and inspiring ation tent and a fundraising event that unites the community in the fight against Parkinson’s. special Movement Since 2011, Moving Day events across Pavilion with the country have raised more than $17 yoga, dance, Tai Chi, Pilates and million to improve care and advance other activities— research toward a cure. all proven to help “Moving Day is fun, it is great manage exercise and it’s educational,” said Parkinson’s sympMegan Willard, Community toms. Development Manager. “But mostly, Ed Robaczs of Valrico, who has the support of the community enables been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and us to continue to make meaningful improvements in the lives of those with is participating in this year’s walk, said, “It means the world to see my friends Parkinson’s.” More than just a walk, Moving Day and neighbors coming out to bring
attention to the Parkinson’s community. Living each day with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but better treatments, programs and research make all the difference. This event always gives me hope and reminds me I’m not alone.” Funds raised through Moving Day support the Parkinson’s Foundation national mission by delivering expert care to more than 100,000 people living with Parkinson’s; funding cutting edge research to advance toward a cure and providing free resources for people
living with Parkinson’s and their families. To register and to donate, visit www.movingdaytampabay.org for more details. If your company would like to sponsor or exhibit, contact
By Monique Levy
Megan Willard at 940-7246 or mwillard@parkinson.org Members from the surrounding Valrico/FishHawk community are doing their part to help raise money for the Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day Tampa Bay, hosting fundraising events during the month of March. On Thursday, March 7, Team Rock Steady Boxing of FishHawk Ranch is hosting a Charity Bingo Night at Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co., located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., beginning at 7 p.m. Donation to play Bingo for prizes is $20. There will be a food truck, raffles and of course beer. Contact Kathy at fishhawk@rsbaffliate.com. On Thursday, March 21, Team Move it for Phil is hosting Bingo & Brews at Leaven Brewing, located at 11238 Boyette Rd., beginning at 6:30 p.m. The donation to play Bingo for prizes is $15. Enjoy live music, food truck, raffles and local brews. For more information, contact Monique at Monique.monaco@addicted2events.com. From Monday to Thursday, March 25-28, Team Tomahawk is hosting Pizza for Parkinson’s at Bloomingdale Pizza, located at 4334 Bell Shoals Rd. in Valrico. Mention Team Tomahawk when you dine in or take out lunch or dinner between those days and 10 percent of your bill will be donated to Moving Day Tampa Bay. For more information, feel free to contact skrobaczs@yahoo.com.
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Page 16
Valrico Edition
Volume 16, Issue 3
March 2019
Page 17
Valrico Edition
ok o B , w o h S Comedy olf G , n o i s s Discu re… o M & t n e Tournam nti, e Colesa
Church.
Juanita Lolita Comedy Show To Benefit Shining Light Christian Teacher Award
Come on out to the Lakewood Community Church of God, located at 1628 Lakewood Dr. in Brandon on Saturday March 23 at 7 p.m. to see Golf Scramble And BBQ Hosted By the Juanita Lolita Comedy Show. The cost is $10 plus a love offering. Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church Register at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church Eventbrite: https://cbcbrandon.eventbri will hold its seventh Annual ‘Best Ball’ te.com or call Jorgie Franks-Bell at Golf Tournament and BBQ dinner at 239-4681. River Hills Country Club, on Saturday, Proceeds go to the Shining Light April 6. Tee off time is set for 1 p.m. Award to honor with dinner beginteachers in ning at 6 p.m. Christian schools in Prizes will be the Brandon area. awarded to the winVoted Tampa’s ning foursome as funniest female, well as for Longest Creative Loafing Drive and Closest Magazine’s ‘Best of to the Hole the Bay’ and a Contests. There finalist in the World are also Hole in Series of Comedy One Prizes and a in Las Vegas, Lolita Putting has been featured Competition. on CTN, ABC and During dinner, there several radio will be a silent aucshows. Her Latin tion, prize raffles flair and hillbilly and a 50/50 drawJuanita Lolita brings her clean comedy show to Lakewood Community Church of background have ing. God on Saturday, March 23. quickly become a For individual crowd and foursome registration as well as favorite. Lolita takes pride in the fact sponsorship opportunities, visit our that she can make you laugh hysteriwebsite at www.hiepiscopal.org. All cally without profanity. proceeds will benefit the mission and The event is sponsored by ministries of Holy Innocents Episcopal Christian Business Connections a hell d by Mic rver.com e il p m o C obse @osprey e ll e h ic m
local networking group. Get your tickets at www.eventbrite.com/o/christian-business-connections-brandon18772376181 for a fun evening of laughter that will help award educators in Christian Schools in the Brandon community.
Upcoming Events At Congregation Beth Shalom
Page Turners invite you to join in a lively discussion of Henna House, a novel by Nomi Eve about a young Yemini Jewess and her family living in the early 20th century on Monday, March 18 at 6 p.m. Light dinner is served. You are invited to Purim Spiel on Wednesday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m. Bring groggers and silence the name of Hamen for this year’s retelling of the Megillah. This year’s spiel, The Jews Brothers, was written by congregant Michael Lubin, adapting songs from The Blues Brothers film. Hamentashen to follow. A noisy, funfilled evening is anticipated. Congregation Beth Shalom is located at 706 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. Call 681-6547 for more information.
Hop On Over To Brandon Christian Women Connections Luncheon
‘A Bunny Hop’ will feature a fun jewelry exchange, so bring a nonfavorite piece of jewelry and exchange for something new to you. The Luncheon with entertainment will be on Monday, April 8 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in the Special Event Center, located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. The cost is $15 and first time guests pay $10. Please call Lillie at 740-0098 for reservation and more information.
Plant City Community Chorale Annual Spring Concert
The Plant City Community Chorale will present its annual spring concert, Set My Spirit Free, on Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will be performed at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church, located at 601 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. The Chorale, under the direction of Claudia Bolaño Becerra, will perform several gospel and spiritual favorites such as Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho, Take Me to the Water, as well as River in Judea and Wayfaring Stranger. One comedic song – a favorite of the singers – is designed to demonstrate the dynamics used in all modern music. The Women’s Ensemble will perform two songs bound to have you tapping your toes and feeling inspired by the spirit of the Chorale. Tickets are available at www.pccchorale.org, from any Chorale member or by calling 965-7213. Advanced tickets are $10. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12 and any student with a student ID.
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Page 18
Volume 16, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
ary r b i L , fety a S r e t Wa grams, Golf … ore Pro M & t men ichelle Colesanti, a n r u o T yM m rver.co piled b e Com reyobs e@osp ll e h ic m
offer the free Safety Around Water program in May and August of this year. The YMCA of the Suncoast, Dates and times vary based on YMCA location.
Brandon Regional Library Special Programs In March
Irish Music with Brendan Nolan Wednesday, March 20 at 7 p.m. Join singer/songwriter and recording Free Safety Around Water Swim artist Brendan Nolan as he sings original Program Offered By Y songs expressed through traditional The Safety Around Water program is Celtic/Irish styling. Born in Dublin, Nolan free and open to grew up in Ireland during a the entire comresurgence of interest in tradimunity, beginners tional Irish music. His own and nonswimcontemporary songs and mers, ages 3-12 arrangements reflect all of the years. During passion, pain, longing and trithe four-day umph of the old songs.The course, certified event is for all ages. It is fundinstructors teach ed by the Friends of the kids a sequenced Brandon Library. set of skills that Brendan Nolan will perform origiNutrition for Children nal songs in traditional Celtic/Irish will reduce the Monday, March 25 at 3 p.m. style at the Brandon Regional risk of drowning Library on Wednesday, March 20. The Florida Department and give them of Health is providing this proconfidence in and around water. gram to educate parents and children Classes take place Monday, March about healthy nutrition, portion sizes, 18-Thursday, March 21. Participants must reducing screen time, and more. This sixbe present on the first day of class and week class for students and caregivers bring their own swimsuit and (grades K-5) is designed to target the towel. A YMCA membership is not unique developmental eating habits of required; however, due to limited elementary-aged children. Learning segspace, preregistration is required at these ments will provide educational material locally participating Tampa Ys: Campo and physical activities for both students Family YMCA, North Brandon Family and their caregivers. Register as a family YMCA, Plant City Family YMCA and through the calendar feature Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend Rd. at HCPLC.org and plan for caregivers Register online at and children to attend all sessions. www.tampaymca.org/programs/swimBrandon Regional Library is located ming/water-safety/. The Tampa Y will also
at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon. Call 273-3652 for more information.
Students Pursuing Career Helping Seniors Encouraged To Apply For $1,000 Scholarship
The Better Living for Seniors Hillsborough Alliance (BLS Hillsborough) is now accepting applications for its $1,000 academic scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to a student in good standing who is enrolled in a formal, postsecondary program in preparation for a career that involves working with older adults. Applicants must reside in Hillsborough County. Interested students should complete and submit scholarship application and supporting essays by Monday, June 10 to be considered. Finalists will be notified by Monday, July
The scholarship monies will be awarded and applied toward tuition for the fall 2019 semester. For more information, please contact Patty Suarez at Senior Connection Center at 676-5616 or Patty.Suarez@sccmail.org.
Newsome Access Theatre Presents The Jungle Book
Newsome High School Theatre Department will present The Jungle Book, a play from ArtReach Children’s Theatre based on the classic novel by Rudyard Kipling and popularized in film by Disney, on Thursday, March 28 at 6:30 a.m. The event is free with the donation of a nonperishable food item, which will be given to a local food pantry. Access Theatre is a class at Newsome High School under the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) umbrella. Students participate in a daily theatre class taught by Dr. Chad Cornwell. The play is directed by senior theatre student Maddi Camilleri with help from other advanced theatre students and stage managed by junior Amber Johnson. In addition to learning performance skills, students also help create costumes and build sets. Students created individual characters, which includes designing, building and decorating individual masks for their characters. The Jungle Book will be presented by Newsome High School Access Theatre on The Access Theatre program was Thursday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. Access started three years ago with an idea Theatre is a class taught under the from then ESE specialist and current AP Exceptional Student Education umbrella. Kelly Simmons. Newsome High School is located at 15 and will be expected to participate in an interview conducted by a panel of BLS 16550 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. More members as part of the application information is available at www.newprocess. One winner will be selected and sometheatre.com or by emailing Chad will be presented scholarship at the Cornwell at August 23 BLS general membership chad.cornwell@sdhc.k12.fl.us. meeting.
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Estate Planning Wills & Trusts Powers of Attorney Guardianship Probate
March 2019
Page 19
Valrico Edition
Florida Prepaid Scholarships Announced For Hillsborough Schools Proposal Creates ‘Spark’ To Attract Teachers To Highest Needs Schools STEM & Kindergarten Registration Hillsborough Schools announces two new scholarships, worth a combined $9,000, in conjunction with the Florida Prepaid College Program. Visit http://bit.ly/EakinsScholarships for more information about the scholarships. Superintendent Jeff Eakins’ ‘Future of STEM Scholarship’ is a two-year Florida College Plan worth $8,000. It is designed to encourage new teachers in areas with critical shortages. The scholarship will be awarded to a junior or senior student attending Hillsborough Schools who writes a 500-word essay about why they wish to become a teacher in a STEM subject. Superintendent Jeff Eakins’ ‘Preparing Students For Life Scholarship’ is a Florida 529 Savings Plan worth $1,000. It aims to emphasize the importance of registering for school early. A parent or guardian who attends a Kindergarten Countdown event or begins the registration process to enter kindergarten by Yuesday, April 30 for the 2019-20 academic year is eligible. An eligible student’s name will be drawn at random. “We are grateful for these scholarships from the Florida Prepaid College Program,” Eakins said. “With one scholarship for a student preparing for college and one scholarship for a student about to begin their time in school, this is the perfect way to rec-
Staff Report
ognize the entire spectrum of work we do at Hillsborough Schools.” The Florida Prepaid College Program is providing these scholarships as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. “It is so exciting to have this new two-year scholarship for our future STEM teachers in Hillsborough County,” said Larry Plank, the district’s Director of K-12 STEM Education. “This is a valuable reward for one of our best and brightest students, who will inspire the top future students in these subjects.” The kindergarten scholarship is designed to emphasize the importance of getting registered early for school and to help a student entering their school years to be even more prepared for their future. “We’re delighted to have this opportunity for our incoming students,” said Lisa Black, the Kindergarten Supervisor for Hillsborough Schools. “This also just reinforces how important it is for parents to have their children registered for kindergarten before the April 30 deadline.” With a Florida Prepaid Plan, families can lock in future college costs and spread them out over many years. Families can spend less and their child’s college tuition will be waiting for them. Families can pick whichever Prepaid Plan makes sense for their budget.
5th Annual Impact’s Got Talent Friday, April 12, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. Bloomingdale High School
Staff Report
Hillsborough Certified are also Schools know the offered $4,500 per most important factor year, and $1,000 per contributing to student year is available for success is having a teachers through the great classroom ASPIRE program or teacher in front of our as a National Board children. Certified Teacher That is why mentor. Superintendent Jeff Teachers in Tier III Eakins and School schools will Board Members and receive free child care Hillsborough from the district’s Classroom Teachers before- and afterAssociation President school care HOST Rob Kriete stood sideprogram for their chilHillsborough County Schools by-side to dren in K-8th grade. Superintendent Jeff Eakins. propose ‘Spark’, a landmark teacher Teachers in Tier I and II will incentive initiative. The groundbreakreceive 50 percent off child care. ing initiative aims to recruit top talent Hillsborough Schools has approxwho are currently working in our disimately 200 classroom vacancies; the trict, and teachers from outside our majority in Achievement Schools. district, to teach in one of 50 high Superintendent Jeff Eakins and the needs Achievement Schools. It was School Board are making teacher recently approved by the School recruitment and retention a priority to Board. ensure every child has an effective ‘Spark’ is a teacher incentive initeacher leading their class. tiative that will provide substantial The funding for this incentive iniextra pay on top of teachers’ salaries, tiative comes from Title I and SAI along with other benefits. The goal is (Supplemental Academic Instruction) to not only create a spark to encourfunds, which must be used in high age teachers to answer the call in our needs schools. This initiative will put Achievement Schools, but also spark $17 million into the pockets of our the minds of the children they will teachers who work in Achievement influence in the classroom. Schools. This funding does not affect Teachers currently at the money that is used for overall Achievement Schools, and those who teacher salary negotiations, which choose to serve in Achievement comes from other sources. Schools, will be offered incentives Superintendent Jeff Eakins that the district and the teachers believes this will be an incentive for union believe will ultimately pay off many teachers. “We know we need to with greater student achievement out- make a major change that will bring comes. our most experienced teachers to the The incentives for the 2019-2020 children who need them the most. school year will include extra pay up Across the nation, teachers must be to $13,000 per year, $7,500 per year compensated for the incredible work in the highest needs Tier III schools, they do in the classroom. This is the $5,000 per year for Tier II schools first step our district is taking to and $3,600 per year for Tier I ensure teachers across the country schools. see Hillsborough County as the best Teachers who are National Board option for their careers.”
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Page 20
Volume 16, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
Tough Competition Leads To Winner For Annual Bloomingdale Idol Title
Local Author Launches First Book Easter The Bunny Just In Time
A Bloomingdale on the ukulele for High School sophoher first round, more won an excitDon’t Rain on My ing title last month. Parade for the secGabrielle ‘Brie’ Ray, ond round, where a 15-year-old the number of conBrandon resident, testants went from competed against nine to four, and an 17 other students Italian aria called and came away Se Tu, M’ami for the with the title of final. Bloomingdale Idol. “Going into it I According to the didn’t really expect school’s Director of to win since it was Brandon resident Gabrielle Ray was my first time and I Choral Activities, named Bloomingdale Idol 2019 last Jason Locker, this month. The other finalists were Thalia was really just there Diaz, Kylee Sutherland-Maxwell and for the experience,” year marked the Kaitlyn Whitt. 12th annual said Ray, who plays Bloomingdale Idol contest run by the the piano, ukulele and guitar and Bloomingdale Ambassadors group. often acts in school plays and The contest, which like American Community Theater. “But this experiIdol, is strictly for solo singers, is ence only furthers my passion for made up of three rounds judged by classical music and musical theater, music teachers from other local something I’d one day love to do for schools, including Andrea Peacock, a living.” the Burns Middle School choral direcThe second place award went to tor, Thomas Desmond from Braden Thalia Diaz with Kylee SutherlandRiver High School, Miguel Oquendo, Maxwell in third and Kaitlyn Whitt in director at Barrington Middle School fourth. and Joey Canessa from Strawberry The event also featured a return Crest High School. performance by 2018 Bloomingdale “The contest is completely stuIdol Natalia Ramos. dent-led,” said Locker. “There is a Bloomingdale High School is committee of Ambassador Officers located at 1700 Bloomingdale Ave. in that listen to auditions and select the Valrico and can be reached at 744contestants.” 8018. For more information on the The student’s musical selections event, contact Locker at Jason.lockcan be from any genre. Ray perer@sdhc.k12.fl.us or visit formed Hopelessly Devoted to You www.bloomingdalechorus.com.
Easter is just She hopes that chilaround the corner, and a dren will be motivated to colorful book about egglearn more about the hunting rabbits is just world, such as Easter the way to enrich the Island, through the story’s holiday for your kids. setting. “It’s an interesting This year, take a gander place, geographically. at Easter The Bunny, a Children can learn more children’s book written about the island and learn by local author Joni about the Rapa Nui culArlan. ture and celebrations and This delightful little things they have there. tale shares the fictional beginnings of Easter’s egg-hunting tradition at Easter Island. Easter, a bunny named after the Joni Arlan shares the wonderful tale of Easter The Bunny and island she was born on, plans to share more of Easter’s hops around cheerfully fun adventures through future with her brothers and sisbooks. ters while playing hide-and-seek until she Hopefully it’ll finds something strange—a chicken egg. spur an interest in Excited by her discovery, Easter decides geography.” Moreover, she wants her to share the joy of finding eggs with her readers to know that life is fun. siblings. But the joy of this story is best Arlan also wrote the book to give betfound through its vibrant pages and cute ter representation of strong women charartwork and story. acters since children’s books seem to The book was inspired by Arlan’s mostly have male protagonists, and she research into the Easter Bunny and does this through the titular Easter. Easter Island as well as by her youngest Arlan plans on making a series of granddaughter, who had passed away at Easter The Bunny books. She has the young age of 3 and a half. Despite already written the second one, Easter this tragedy, the joy her granddaughter and the Magical Bubbles, with illustration expressed and the photo of her Arlan car- still needing to be finished, and ideas are ries—featuring her granddaughter sitting forming for her third book. happily beside a big stuffed rabbit—is Make sure to search for Easter The what sprung forth the idea of this book, Bunny, written by Joni Arlan, at Amazon, and so Arlan is bringing joy to her readers Barnes & Noble, her booth at T Marie’s and showing them Easter Island through Valrico Sunday Market starting on March her story. 3 and other places where books are sold.
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Page 21
Valrico Edition
Have A Sweet Time At The Kandy Shoppe In Plant City
By Kathy L. Collins
You can get a litknow, “We are still a tle slice of chocolate family-owned business. heaven when you We continue to be visit The Kandy hands-on with the prodShoppe located at ucts and we offer per106 N. Drane St. in sonal, one-on-one historic downtown attention to all of our Plant City. The customers.” Kandy Shoppe is All of the chocolate family-owned and creations at The Kandy operated by Anthony Shoppe are made in and Mandy Keyes, house from the finest brother and sister. ingredients. Everything Mandy is the The Kandy Shoppe in Plant City is a is hand-dipped. The chocolate maker and destination for chocolate lovers. You lemons and strawberwill be transported to chocolate heav- ries are locally sourced. the face of the busien and be glad that you made the trip. ness. Mandy is The quality of the prodfriendly and knowledgeable about all uct is outstanding and everything is things chocolate. She is quite skilled at always fresh. Mandy said, “We turn the making the best chocolate in the area. product at least two times per week. That Virginia Cozy of Valrico said, “The is how quickly it sells.” caramel chocolate bark is the best I have The Kandy Shoppe offers specialty ever tried.” items during the holidays. They will have The Kandy Shoppe was formerly Easter baskets and different varieties of called Neumeister’s Candy Shoppe. chocolate along with the perennial When the former owners wanted to sell favorite chocolate bunnies. The Kandy the shop, they did not have to look far as Shoppe will take special orders. Just be Mandy was working for them. Mandy sure to give them plenty of notice (two to said, “They did not want to sell to somethree weeks). If you are planning a wedone who would take it commercial. They ding, they can create bride and groom wanted someone they could trust to carry and even cake figures from chocolate. on the business.” Mandy said, “I like inventing different Mandy and Anthony have since things for people to enjoy. This is my expanded the delicious products they favorite part of the job.” offer to include delectable treats such as If you have a craving for really good naughty bombs (an outrageous concocchocolate or want a special treat for tion of chocolate and peanut butter), milk someone or an event, then visit The and white chocolate oreos and lemon Kandy Shoppe. It is well worth the trip to cream truffles. downtown Plant City. You can like them Mandy wants the community to on Facebook@TheKandyShoppe.
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Page 22
Volume 16, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
New Owners Of Budget Blinds Offering Exceptional Service
Southern Eye Care Associates Welcomes New Doctor Of Optometry
It is not enough years giving amazing to meet customers’ service to her cusexpectations. For tomers in the Tampa Mike and Adriane area. She is truly an Wonderlin, the new asset to this team.” owners of Budget While customers Blinds of North are welcome to visit Tampa, Land O’ either showroom, Lakes and Brandon, most customers love the goal is to exceed the personal engageexpectations. ment with a design Mike and Adriane Wonderlin, the new consultant that will After working for owners of Budget Blinds of North Budget Blinds for come to your home. Tampa, Land O Lakes and Brandon, are excited to continue to offer more than 10 years, This complimentary exceptional customer service and a the couple purchased variety service allows the of window treatments to fit any the three Tampa-area customer to browse a home and any budget. franchises from the complete line of winprevious owners in June 2018. The dow coverings, including blinds, shades, Wonderlins moved to Florida in 2008 shutters, romans, cellular or woven when the original owners offered Mike a woods as well as drapery, cornices and job working for Budget Blinds. valances, all in the comfort of your home. “At that time, he had already been in The company’s motto, ‘A style and the window treatment industry for eight service for every budget,’ is something years and we were looking to get away that the Wonderlins appreciate and follow. from the cold winters in Illinois,” said Budget Blinds offers a wide variety of winAdriane. “He immediately took a design dow treatments to fit any home, at any consultant position in warm, sunny Tampa cost. Budget Blinds has more than 1,200 and continued to work for the previous locally-owned franchises serving 10,000 owners, the Trotters.” sites in the United States and Canada. As the business continued to grow, The showroom that serves the Mike was instrumental in hiring and trainBrandon area is located at 10437 ing new employees. Eventually expandGibsonton Dr. in Riverview. A second ing to 27 employees and two showrooms, showroom on Fletcher Ave. serves the the company had continued to put people New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas. first. Showroom hours are Monday-Friday “The majority of employees have from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from stayed with Budget Blinds for five plus 10 a.m.-3 p.m. To schedule a complimenyears,” said Adriane. “This includes tary appointment in home consultation, Derenda Burdette the administrative call 445-7121. Visit assistant who has spent the past 12 www.budgetblinds.com/northtampa/.
Sheree Wright, uling more time with O.D., has joined each patient to offer Southern Eye Care the best exam posAssociates as its sible. With an estinewest optometrist. mated one in four Wright, who joined school-age children the practice full-time in having some form February, graduated of a vision problem, from the University of early detection and California Riverside treatment can prowith a Bachelor of vide the best opporScience in Biology. tunity to help chilShe attended dren see clearly. Midwestern University Southern Eye College of Optometry, Care Associates’ Optometrist Sheree Wright, O.D. has where she earned a Dr. Branning Hollis, joined the staff of Southern Eye Care Associates in Valrico. Doctorate of O.D. said Wright’s Optometry with high honors. Afterwards, background in pediatrics is a great asset she completed a residency in vision therto the practice. “She is so friendly and apy and rehabilitation at The State understanding with our younger patients,” University of New York (SUNY) College of he said. Optometry. Located at 3307 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd. With a specialty in pediatrics, Wright in front of the Sprouts-anchored Valrico provides comprehensive eye exams, con- Center Shoppes, Southern Eye Care tact lens evaluations and medical eye Associates’ experienced eye doctors care for children. have been a leading provider of optomeShe makes her young patients feel try services and vision care products in comfortable in what can be an intimidatthe Valrico community since 2010. ing environment. “We are committed to our patients of “What drew me to this practice was all ages,” said Hollis. “Our goal is to that they make it a point to schedule increase quality of life through improved more time with each patient and this vision correction.” allows me to take my time with children Southern Eye Care Associates is and really address their needs,” she said. open Tuesday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and “With the kids I can take my time and Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. make the exams more fun and less Hollis recommends calling the office scary.” in advance to schedule an appointment Wright stresses the importance of with Wright. To schedule an appointment, eyes exams for children and the praccall 654-0220 or visit www.visionsourcetice’s ability to meet their needs by sched- valrico.com.
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March 2019
Page 23
Valrico Edition
Winthrop Arts Presents The 11th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival And Market This March
By Kathy L. Collins
The 11th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Market will be held on Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Winthrop Common located in beautiful Winthrop Town Centre in Riverview. The park is located at the corner of Hadley Commons and Winthrop Commerce Ave. (behind Boca and Ciccio’s). Several things are new this year. This includes partnerships with Tampa Bay Food Trucks and Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts (TBBCA). Tampa Bay Food Trucks will have four trucks on Saturday (Miss Vi’s Cookup, Vietnamese Food Truck, Tallulah’s Table by the Sea and Chief’s Chill out). On Sunday, there will be three trucks (Mr. C’s Grilled Cheese, Casablanca Fusion and Craving Donuts). TBBCA is sponsoring four chalk artists who will be creating original works of art on Saturday at the festival. Susana Weymouth, Executive Director for TBBCA, said, “TBBCA Chalk Walk is thrilled to support the special genre of skilled commissioned chalk artists and to bring free, fun, family-friendly, live art experience to the heart of the Winthrop Arts Festival and Market and the community.” The 11th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Market is a juried fine arts show with over $5,000 in prize money.
The show attracts fine artists and artisans from all over the country. This year, the show will be judged by three distin-
guished judges. The judges include John Costin, an award-winning artist who creates original etchings and watercolors; Kathy Durdin, a signature member of the Florida, Southern, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Tallahassee and Florida Suncoast Watercolor Societies; and Victoria Saunders, cofounder of MAKE Plant City, winner of the Rising Leader 2019 award and a watercolor and acrylics artist. Bryant Martinez, Lead Art Instructor at the Winthrop Arts Art Factory and Winthrop Town Artist said, “We are pleased to be partnering with Tampa Bay Food Trucks and TBBCA. This, in addition to live entertainment, the children’s activity area and all of the artists and artisans who are participating, will make this the best festival ever.” “The 11th Annual Winthrop Arts Festival and Market is a free event, and the community is invited to come out and enjoy a great day of art and family fun,” added Martinez. Winthrop Arts is accepting applications from artists, artisans and vendors or be a vendor. For information, please visit www.winthroparts.org or call Kathy at 758-5161.
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Page 24
Valrico Edition
Volume 16, Issue 3
Valrico 29-35
March 2019
TMS Of Central Florida Treats Depression With Noninvasive, Drug Free Treatment
Volume 16, Issue 3
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No more shopping at the TMS of Central Florida is store for cards. With over 16,000 Brandon’s exclusive TMS cards to choose from via your provider of NeuroStar computer or smartphone, you Advanced Therapy for noncan personalize each card for invasive, drug-free treatment less money than you can purfor depression in adult chase at the store. The cards patients. TMS is an ‘FDA are printed, stuffed, stamped Approved’ medical procedure and delivered for you. You can that delivers highly focused put in your own pictures and get MRI-strength magnetic pulsto say what you want to say. Stay In Touch online cards. TMS of Central es to noninvasively (without You also get to have your own Florida treats depresLaughter Yoga: Laugh surgery) stimulate the brain signature. sion in a noninvasive Dr. Tanya Gold, MD For The Health Of It and treat major depression. drug free way. A contact system called (relationTMS is performed in a psyLearn how therapeutic laughter ben- ships) can put special dates in and send Business Practice Leader. After 19 chiatrist’s office under their supervision efits our physical and mental well-being reminders to your e-mail. years with Enterprise Holdings, he will while the patient remains awake and by attending ‘Laughter Yoga: Laugh for If you own a business, you can set use his talents to provide commercial alert. Patients do not require anesthesia the Health of It!’ on Thursday, March up campaigns to reach your customers insurance and risk management soluor sedation and return to their daily rou28 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dr. Tanya Gold, a few times annually. Set up your card, tions to Hispanic-Owned businesses. By tine immediately after each treatment. MD, family physician and integrative and one card can go out to as many as using the already cutting edge technoloTMS of Central Florida is owned medical doctor who is also certified as a you want. Get a free card at stayinand operated by three prominent psychi- gy employed by FRP in conjunction with laughter yoga leader and registered touch.me. Then create your own userhis own life experiatrists, Charles DeVine, yoga instructor, will explain the many name/password and get your phone app ences, Duran will be M.D.; Kathleen Carroll, health benefits of laughter yoga such as and send cards out on your smart able to provide best in M.D.; and Troy Noonan, reducing stress, strengthening the phone. class services which M.D. To schedule an immune system, and lessening pain. For more information, visit has typically been an underserved marappointment, call Sandy Lopez, TMS This interactive workshop will show you StayInTouch.me, Stay In Touch on ket. While his talents will not be captive Coordinator, at 423-7037. how to laugh even if you don’t feel like it. Facebook or call Maureen Montavo at to Hispanic-Owned businesses only, that Choosing to laugh is a tool to add to 368-8850. will be his emphasis. New Hispanic-Owned Business your medical toolbox. Duran is located at 1434 Practice Leader At Florida Risk The workshop, held at The Bridges, MPact Services Inc. Offers Electronic Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. Call 888Partners 11350 Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview, is Recycling & Disposal 601-6660 (x 106) or visit www.florifree to attend. Space is limited. Call Rafael Duran has joined Florida Donna and Matt McCarty are the dariskpartners.com. Janet at 413-8900 to reserve your seat. Risk Partners as the Hispanic-Owned
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Page 26
Business Column Continued.............
By Michelle Colesanti
owners of MPact Services, Inc., a family-owned business, catering to small and large companies by providing a complimentary service to properly and safely dispose of end-of-life electronics. It accepts televisions, telephones, computer equipment, office equipment, audio/visual equipment, household electronics and appliances. It is located at 2632 Causeway Center Dr. in Tampa. Hours are 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. For more information, call 644-4996 or visit www.mpactservicesusa.com.
The Kyrie Center For Body, Mind & Spirit
The Kyrie Center, located at 101 S. St. Cloud Ave. in Valrico, is a new school and business geared toward those interested in personal growth. In addition to selling crystals, jewelry, motivational books and CD’s, doTerra essential oils and artwork, several disciplines are taught providing tools to students for use in everyday life to help them acquire a sense of clarity and to generate holistic growth. The Kyrie Center teaches Shihando, which means Way of the Master. A Grand Opening event will be held Friday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m. and will feature some of the county’s most successful business women. This free event will be hosted by Lynn Freeman, Reiki Master and Grandmaster of Shihando. Discover your potential by attending an evening of inspiration, motivation and insight into self-mastery. Reserve your space by calling 267-474-4717. Leave a message with your name and number and how many seats you would like to reserve. Your seating will be confirmed. Hours are Monday to Thursday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-9 p.m., Friday, 4-9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Simply Advocating Helps With Tough Decisions For Your Loved Ones
Are you having a difficult time finding the perfect living arrangements for your loved one? Do you need more guidance and resources? Simply
Volume 16, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
Advocating will help. With over 20 years of caring experience in the healthcare industry, it will help you and your loved one make the difficult decisions easier. Services include Facility Advisors, Patient Advocate Services and Mobile Notary Services. Please call Jessica McNeave at 373-3261 or Melanie Camp at 205-2799 for a free consultation.
Clearview Window Cleaning Service
ClearView Window Cleaning Services focus on superior cleaning of interior and exterior windows, including screens, for Residential and Commercial properties. Ted Manna, who is a proud veteran, moved to Ruskin from Central Pennsylvania five years ago after retiring from real estate. About three years ago he saw the need for a good full-service window cleaning business and ClearView was born. Manna truly believes keeping your windows and frames clean on a regular basis will prolong the life of your windows and brighten your view and attitude. He also enjoys meeting and becoming friends with new clients, many coming from all parts of the country and different walks of life. Continuing in a professional manner, he does free estimate, is licensed and insured, has year round scheduling. No contract is required. ClearView has become known for superior customer service, reliability and safety. You will notice the professional difference and attention that is given to detail every time ClearView is on the job. Call 814-207-7018or text for your free estimate.
Florida Orthopaedic Institute Announces New Orthopedic Surgeon
Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) announces the recent hiring of Dr. David M. Donohue to its practice of more than 40 fellowship-trained physicians. Dr. Donohue is an orthopedic surgeon who is fellowship trained in orthopedic trauma and adult reconstruction and arthritis. After his residency at the University of South Florida, Dr. Donohue went on to complete his Orthopedic Trauma
Surgery fellowship at Harborview Medical Center. He obtained his second fellowship in Adult Reconstruction and Arthritis Surgery upon returning to Tampa. “Florida Orthopaedic Institute is unique,” Dr. Donohue said. “This is because of our affiliation with the University of South Florida and our commitment to the education of medical students, residents and fellows. In addition to providing conscientious patient care, my goal is to further the academic pursuits of our group and the university in orthopedic trauma and adult reconstruction.” Dr. Donohue has contributed to several published chapters and peer-reviewed articles regarding topics such as treatment of infection, biomechanics, orthopedic trauma and computer navigated assistance. He has also given lectures nationally pertaining to orthopedic trauma repair. Among others, Dr. Donohue is a member of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the Foundation for Orthopaedic Trauma (FOT). Dr. Donohue began seeing
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Caring for a loved one with Dementia or Alzheimer’s? LIFE isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass... It’s about learning to dance in the rain. Assisted Living for Memory Care Day Stay & Respite Programs Support Groups for Caregivers Call today to visit our community. We can work together to give your loved one the best possible care.
A tip from our experts: Be sure to have eye contact when speaking to someone with dementia. Speak slowly and in short sentences then give them time to respond. Remember the word silent also spells listen both of which you must practice to be successful in communicating with someone with dementia. Assisted Living Facility #9739
March 2019
Page 27
Valrico Edition
JW Tree Service Helps Church
By Michelle Caceres
JW Tree Service flying debris during storms. owner Troy Alexander is Alexander said homepassionate about trees owners need to be on the and his faith. A member of lookout for the borer beetle, FishHawk Fellowship that is wreaking havoc on Church, Alexander had oak and pine trees. the opportunity for his two “When I moved here 20 passions to merge recentyears ago they weren’t a ly as he transformed the problem but I am seeing church’s new parking area more and more trees infested from a tangled web of with them at an alarming JW Tree Service owner trees and brush to a visurate,” he said. “I’m in Troy Alexander. ally appealing and clean expanse. FishHawk Trails every week helping FishHawk Fellowship’s operations homeowners with trees that are infested.” pastor Eddie Fabelo said about If homeowners notice bore dust Alexander that the final result was fantas- (what looks like sawdust) around trees tic. and exit holes in the timber that appear “Before Troy and his team completed round or oval in shape with sharp edges, the job you couldn’t see the church from a borer beetle infestation is possible. the parking because there was so many Alexander recommends Bora-Care to low-hanging trees and brush,” he said. treat the infestation, which can be pur“Now the new parking lot looks like it’s a chased through Amazon. Leaving the job part of our complex, it’s much more cohe- to a professional is also an option. sive.” JW Tree Service is licensed and Alexander brings his passion to each insured and ready to tackle any project of his customer’s projects, from pruning big or small. and beautifying to tree removal. If a permit is needed for the job, “Shaping trees and canopies is an art Alexander takes care of the necessary form,” he said. “It’s important to create paperwork with the appropriate governing something that is pleasing to the eye body, whether homeowners’ association without destroying the integrity of the or the county. tree.” JW Tree Service comes highly recSpringtime is a perfect time to prune ommended by its past customers. trees to remove dead, diseased and over“I absolutely recommend JW Tree grown branches. Pruning is especially Service,” said Fabelo. “Troy is a man of important for trees growing close to integrity and says what he does and he homes so they won’t adversely affect win- does what he says.” dows or roofs. With hurricane season For more information about JW Tree approaching, pruning helps to remove old Service or for a free estimate call 601and rotting branches that could become 7091.
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Page 28
Valrico Edition
f
Boe Ms. De
Ms. Kelley DeBoef
Pre-K tion Founda n Christia y Academ
Teacher Of The Month
a teacher? Why did you decide to become ool teacher for many years, sch pre t stan assi My mom was an r school durhelping her with the children afte d oye enj I and d By an working with the students Sponsore ing my high school years. I beg a volunteer and a sube r ndation Christian Academy as Fou u at t a n ig S when FCA needed a prestitute. I absolutely loved it, so n happy to step in and help. I Wade school teacher I was more tha school teacher and later shortly became certified as a pre h every job became VPK certified. Thoug g, I knew ptin ada of t oun requires a certain am perfect opportuimmediately that this was the nity for me. cher? What is a goal of yours as a tea ividual time ind nd My yearly goal is to spe m for the e par pre to t with each studen h student eac t tha e sur g kin ma kindergarten personal is as strong as they can be. My classes to and goal is to attend conference up with ing stay is be sure that our school g our nin rpe sha as l state standards as wel are ey Th m. tea ool skills as a presch g. We all always so much fun and inspirin love to attend.
Ms. DeB oef has b for 12 y een a teacher ears.
ething that would be surprisWhat is a hidden talent or som ing to your students? gate any litMy children and I love to investi I have a degree in animal health. lies, ladyterf but ed FCA. We have also rais es. tle creatures that we find around viti acti on ds han s really love all the bugs and baby chickens. The kid why? What is your favorite book and ment and e God's word for the encourage lov I le. Bib the is it Hands down on a daily bases. challenge that it brings to my life saying? What is your favorite quote or at all times. es lov nd Proverbs 17:17 A frie
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Volume 16, Issue 3
School Safety Is Rep. Beltran’s Top Priority As He Heads To Tallahassee In March
By Kathi Hayes
safely than will ever be exposed to gun violence. Just as we are spending money on hardening the school campuses, we need to spend money on busing to ensure kids are safe, as well as, reduce congestion. We are spending a lot of efforts on public transportation and school buses are also public transportation.” Newsome students Sydney Strickland and Mia Cafaro pose for a picture after they interviewed Rep. Beltran, School Board Vice Chair Melissa Snively, Principal Bruning and Deputy Alonso for the school newspaper.
As Rep. Michael Beltran, Hillsborough prepares for the legislative session beginning in early March in Tallahassee, he will focus his efforts on school safety, making it his top priority. Umbrellaed under school safety Rodgers Middle School Resource Officer comes single point access, discusses school safety issues with Rep. Beltran and School Board Vice Chair Melissa Snively. gates and security, bus transportation, safe roadways, safe Newsome’s Principal, Carla sidewalks and crosswalks, school Bruning, stated, “We are like a colresource officers and mental health. lege campus of over 3,050 students Hillsborough’s school board vice enrolled and approximately 760 stuchair Melissa Snively invited Rep. dents coming and going due to virtuBeltran to walk the campuses of al, dual enrollment at HCC and homeMarion S. Rodgers Middle schoolers.” Bruning School in Riverview and adds, “Before, the strict Joe E. Newsome High security was viewed as School in Lithia. “As we are an inconvenience to parupon the anniversary of the ents and students. Now, mass shooting at Marjory the district is behind our Stoneman Douglas High efforts and people can School, school safety is in see the big picture of the forefront of the district’s what school administrapriorities. Beltran will have tion has to deal with to his own kids entering the keep our students safe.” school district in a few As Beltran walked years, so education is Newsome’s campus, the important to him. Walking students demonstrated the campuses allows him to the hard corner in the see and experience it for event of a shooting. himself,” said Snively. “We Bruning explained that a are asking for additional funding to hard corner is an out of sight area fund resource officers on every where students cannot be seen from school campus. It costs almost $17 the door window. Newsome students million and the district falls short Mia Cafaro and Sydney Strickland about $7 million after the state funds explained some classrooms have $10 million.” extra safety steps put in place for preRep. Beltran discussed with ventive and protective measures. Rodgers Middle School’s Resource Knowing they have monthly safety Officer about his own driving experidrills at school to make them feel ence. “I was driving and kids were more safe, as well as, knowing the biking in the road and walking on the district is training teachers and guidshoulder and I had to look out for ance counselors to help students with them. I fear parents late for work or mental health brings the students late for school and the temptation to comfort. “I would definitely talk to one drive a little faster–it is dangerous.” of my teachers that I feel comfortable He sees the congestion, dangerwith if I ever felt the need,” said ous walkways and crosswalks in the Cafaro. mornings and afternoons in his own For more information about community of FishHawk Ranch. He school safety, please visit added, “We spend a lot of money in www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/departments/9/se terms of preventing shooting incicurity/about/. For more information dents, which is very important. Traffic about Rep. Beltran, please visit is also a safety issue and a lot more https://public.lobbytools.com/legislakids are exposed to getting to school tors/737.
2019 Summer Camps Offer Many Options To Keep Active & Engaged It’s that time of the year when parents are beginning to wonder how they will keep the kids busy during the dog days of summer. What can you do to keep the kids entertained? Where can they go to try new things, learn how to swim, meet new friends and have great fun? There are many options to choose from locally that will fit the bill. The staff at the Osprey Observer has collected the top recommendations for local summer camps and created this special pull out section. Maybe your kids would like to spend the summer ‘horsing around.’ R&R Ranch offers just that opportunity, and not just to learn to horseback ride, but also about the care of the horses. At Music Showcase, music and theatre take the stage and so can your child. Musicals such as Willy Wonka and Frozen Jr. will be offered, and your child can hold starring roles in these and other popular musicals offered from the Florida Academy of Performing Arts for children ages 5 and up. For your actor or musician, don’t forget to also check out Firehouse Cultural Center and Patel
Conservatory, which also offer fun and exciting ideas. The local YMCAs will offer many types of camps which mix fun along with great learning experiences. With plenty of choices, there is something for everyone. Mathnasium offers ways to keep your student’s math skills from getting rusty in a fun environment. Do you have a child interested in cooking? Check out Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium’s Cooking Camps for Kids through Teens. With weekly themes utilizing agespecific activities and field trips that make BSAC unique, your kids will enjoy every moment of summer camp. Specialty camps for Baseball (Ostingers), Legos (Bricks4Kidz), Art (Center Place) and Tennis (FishHawk Ranch Tennis Club) also offer great opportunities. For dates, prices and registration information on these and more, turn the page and enjoy this special section and have a great summer. Did we miss one? Let us know by emailing subject line ‘Summer Camp’ to michelle@ospreyobserver.com and we will be sure to add to our full listing online.
Spots Filling Fast For Outdoor Adventure At Tampa YMCA Summer Camp
Staff Report
This is the year to experience YMCA Summer Camp. Registration is now open for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA’s newly enhanced summer camp program. Y Summer Camp 2019 offers children a day camp curriculum full of fun, educational activities. Activity specialists will lead campers through various experiences each day including swimming, science, high ropes, outdoor education, nature encounters,
Enjoy Archery and many other activities this summer at YMCA Summer Camp. The camp offerings vary by location.
horseback riding, canoeing, visual arts and more. The fun and unique experiences give Y campers an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime. In Y Summer Camp, kids are in a welcoming environment where they can belong, build relationships, develop character and discover their potential. New for 2019, parents now have the option to add on before- and after-care activities which include swimming, horseback riding, sports and high ropes. There are also various specialty camps where campers will be immersed in their selected specialty in addition to enjoying traditional camp fun. Activities and specialty options vary by location.
Once again, Hillsborough County Public Schools has committed to providing free breakfast and lunch as part of the Summer Food Program. The program runs from Monday, June 3 – Friday, August 2 and is open to all kids in the community ages 18 and under, including Y campers. To find out the time frames when free breakfast and lunch are available, contact your local Y. Visit https://www.tampaymca.org/locations for locations. Spots are filling fast at 14 locations across Hillsborough and East Pasco counties, including four sites for the Y’s The First Tee of Tampa Bay program. (www.thefirstteetampabay.org/informationsummer-camps/). Experience summer camp locally at: Campo Family YMCA in Valrico (6841371), North Brandon Family YMCA (685-5402), Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend Rd. in Riverview (228-9622) and YMCA Camp Cristina in Riverview (6778400). To ensure your kids stay engaged socially, physically and academically throughout the summer, register today at www.tampaymca.org/letscamp.
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Registration Open For Patel Conservatory Summer Camps And Classes
By Leslie Farrell
tions will be held Thursday, March 28, Thursday, April 18 and Friday, May 17. Dancers age seven and older will attend placement classes to determine which classes are most appropriate. Those younger than seven are not required to attend a placement class. Registration for auditions is required by visiting www.strazcenter.org/auditions or by calling 222-1040. Nearly $200,000 in scholRegistration is arships will be awarded for now open for Patel Patel Conservatory camps Conservatory dance, and classes this summer. music and theater Scholarship applications are summer camps and available online at www.strazclasses, which begin center.org/financialaid; the prithe week of Monday, Patel Conservatory is now regis- ority deadline is June 3. tering for its summer camps and Monday, April 8. Nearly 70 camps classes. Some will require auditions. The accredited Patel and classes are Conservatory offers classes in dance, offered, most with performance opportunimusic and theater for students of all ages ties, for students of all ages and abilities. and experience levels. Each year, the Camps and classes vary from jazz dance Patel Conservatory and the Straz to jazz music, from Shakespeare to Annie Center’s arts education programs enrich to Comedy on Broadway, and from the lives of more than 50,000 students in Ukelele Camp to Youth Opera Camp. A our classrooms, on our stages and complete line up is online at www.patelthrough the community. conservatory.org. Events, days, dates, times and prices Some summer camps and classes, are subject to change without notice. which are held for all ages and abilities, Patel Conservatory is located at the require auditions. Music auditions will be Straz Center for the Performing Arts, held Saturday, March 30, Saturday, April 1010 N. W.C. Macinnes Pl. in Tampa. 13 and Tuesday, May 21. Theater audi-
KIDS
Summer Camps (Ages 6-11) 10:30am - 1:00pm
June 3-6 June 10-13 June 17-20 June 24-27 July 8-11 July 15-18 July 22-25 July 29-Aug 1 Aug 5-8
TWEEN’S & TEENS
Summer Camps (Ages 11-15) 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Brandon’s Big Green “EggQuarters”
Game Show Themes Add Up To Summer Camp Fun At 2019 Camp BSAC
Staff Report
BSAC offers a game show themed summer experience for campers this year.
BSAC Campers can once again look forward to exciting themed weeks of fun camp experiences. BSAC’s ‘Who’s Got Game’ theme is based around game shows. Have you always wanted to be a contestant in your favorite TV game show? Now you can. Each themed week runs from Monday to Friday (except week 5 when there is no camp on the 4th of July). Week 1: SURVIVOR - June 3 – June 7; Week 2: ESCAPE ROOM - June 10 – June 14; Week 3: THE AMAZING RACE - June 17 – June 21; Week 4: FEAR FACTOR - June 18 – June 22; Week 5: MINUTE TO WIN IT - July 1 – July 5 *Closed July 4th; Week 6: DOUBLE DARE - July 8 – July 12; Week 7: WIN, LOSE, DRAW - July 15 – July 19; Week
8: WIPE OUT - July 22 – July 26; Week 9: FAMILY FEUD - July 29 – August 2 and Week 10: THE REUNION SHOW - August 5 – August 9. Registration Fees are $45 per child or $85 per family. It includes one camp T-shirt and one backpack per camper. The cost for camp per child is $150 full a full day (7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.); $90 week for half day – either 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m.6:30 p.m. If you want to bring your child for drop in days, the cost is $40 for the day from 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Drop in days must be selected and paid in advance to reserve and are non-refundable. Field trips are offered throughout the season at extra cost and are optional. A Summer Camp Open House will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Get a preview of the summer experience: a day in the life of a camper. Be a contestant on your favorite TV game shows. You will tour BSAC, swim and play games in the pool, meet the summer camp mentors, have a family fun day with summer camp games and activities. There will be a DJ and vendors. BSA is located at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon. For more information, call 689-0908 or visit www.mybsacorg.
Enjoy The Summer Scene 2019 At The Florida Academy of Performing Arts
Full and half day camps are available for kids ages 5 and up at The Florida Academy of Performing Arts (FAOPA) at Music Showcase. Musical Theatre productions of Willy Wonka (June 3-14), Once Upon A Mattress (June 10-21), Frozen Jr. (June 17-28), The Wizard of Oz Jr. (July 8-19), Once on This Island (July 15-26), and The Lion King Jr. (July 22August 2) will all take place this summer for ages 5 and up. Campers will participate in various classes each day that are customized to fit their appropriate age groups and will experience, music, acting, singing, dance, creative art, rock camp and more. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, call 490-2787 or visit faopa.org.
Family-Friendly Summer Camp Expo The Family-Friendly Summer Camp Expo (Brandon Edition) will take place on Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hillsborough Community College, 10451 Nancy Watkins Dr. in Tampa. There will be fun for the entire family to learn about summer camps being offered in Brandon, Tampa, Riverview, Lithia/FishHawk, Valrico, Southshore and surrounding areas. Learn about VBS programs as well as STEM, Arts & Crafts, Dance, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Sports, Sewing & more. The first 250 families get a giveaway bag with goodies. There will be giveaways: free week of camps & more. Kids will enjoy bounce houses, face painting, free crafts, a dodge ball
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We specialize in horse experiences for Summer Camp the young child and beginner riders. Space is limited. • Daily Hay Rides Only $2 2 5 per wk. (Mon. thru Fri. 9am - 5pm) Ages 6-12 • Horse Education We Also Offer: Field Trips, Pony Parties, Play Groups & More 9805 Bryant Rd Lithia, FL 33547 Visit us on the web: rrranchlithia.com
For more info call 81 3-6 53-381 9
arena, princesses and superheroes. Enjoy Easter fun with a Scavenger Hunt, photos with the Easter Bunny and a petting zoo. Register for free tickets at https://familyfriendlytampabay.com/. Bricks 4 Kidz Offers LEGO® Summer Camps Bricks 4 Kidz is back with awesome LEGO® Summer Camps being offered all over the Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico areas. Join in for a different theme each week such as Fortnite, Pokemon, Star Wars, Minecraft and much more. Each week campers will be building signature Bricks 4 Kidz robotic LEGO® models, very popular LEGO® mosaics and 3D LEGO® sculptures, as well as playing fun games and creating arts and crafts projects they will get to take home. At the end of each week, every camper will get to take home their very own LEGO® minifigure. Each day and week will be a brand new LEGO®
adventure you won’t want to miss! The schedule for the camps being offered at nearby locations is as follows: We Rock The Spectrum Monday to Friday, June 10–14: LEGO® Gamer’s
World July 1 – July 5: LEGO® Summer Theme Mashup (Single Day Pricing: No July 4 Camp)
Monday to Friday, June 17– June 21: LEGO® Summer Theme Mashup Monday to Friday, August 5 August 9: Bricks 4 Girls LEGO® Camp with Girls With Confidence FishHawk Aquatic Center Monday to Friday, June 3 – June 7: LEGO® Gamer’s World Monday to Friday, July 8 – July 12: LEGO® STAR WARS/MINECRAFT Mashup Monday to Friday, August 5 August 9: LEGO® Summer Theme Mashup Sign up at www.bricks4kidz.com/florida-tampa or call 545-4282.
Center Place Fine Arts Offer Summer Art Camp To Brighten The Day
Monday to Thursday, July 15– July 18: LEGO® STAR WARS/MINECRAFT Mashup - (Four Day Pricing). The Venue In Riverview
Who knew that art could be so much fun? This summer, register your 7-13 year old to discover their love of painting, drawing, pottery and more. Classes are
offered Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include Art Mural, Animal Paintings, Pencil Drawings Cruise Around the World, West & Wild Canvases, Ceramic Sculpture, Recycled Art, Landscape Drawings, Paper
Sculptures, Space Art, Mixed Media and more. Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon. For more information or to register, visit www.centerplacebrandon.org or call 685-8888.
Spend The Summer At R&R Ranch Horsin’ Around
Summer Campers will enjoy riding and caring for horses at familyowned R&R Ranch. R&R Ranch specializes in safe horse experiences for the young
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child and for beginners. The name stands for ‘Rest" and "Relaxation’. Pony parties, field trips, trail riding lessons, horse boarding, playgroups and horse camps are all offered. Summer Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Monday to Friday. Early and late pickup can be arranged. Camp runs Monday, June 3 through Friday, August 9. Student’s ages 6 to 12 years are invited to attend. The cost is $225 per week. Campers will enjoy: a daily trail ride or lesson, pony painting, hay rides, lots of games, snowball fight, learning how to care for horses and farm animals, bounce castle, Lunch and disco in the air conditioned camp house. There is a petting zoo with baby bunnies, chicks, ducks and baby pigs. Kids will also get to enjoy arts and crafts and more. Safety helmets will be provided. R&R Ranch is located at 9805 Bryant Rd. in Lithia. Visit www.rrranchlithia.com.
Learn Baseball From The Pros At Ostingers Baseball Academy Summer Camp Ostingers Baseball Academy will hold its baseball camp this summer to give your child a better understanding of the game of baseball, through instruction, drills and games. Having a good time while learning the fundamentals will be the main focus of this camp. Ostingers staff is made up of all former professional players who instruct, teaching the game from the ground up. The camp is not a full day camp with video games and indoor activities. Jim Osting is a baseball instructor with 12 years of professional baseball playing experience including two years of Major League Experience (Padres and Brewers). Patrick Ryan is a baseball instructor with eight years professional pitching experience. Kris Wilken is the
Head Baseball Coach at Bloomingdale High School and has six years of professional playing experience. College and high school players trained by Ostingers Baseball Academy will assist your child throughout their camp experience. Additional help is provided from Ostinger players current and past to make the campers experience ‘one of a kind’. With the instructors and the staff, the ratio per camper is around 6:1. This ratio allows for added reps for each player and helps to break up the groups in age appropriate format. Camp weeks run Monday to Friday, June 3-7, July 8-12 and July 29August 2. Camps run half days from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Camps are held Monday to Wednesday at Ostingers Baseball Academy, 8711 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and Thursday and Friday at the FishHawk Sports Complex fields located at 16120 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia (for games and other activities). The cost is $180 (sibling discounts available). For more information or to register, call 737-3000 or visit www.OstingBaseball.com.
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium Is Cooking Up Some Summer Fun Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium’s Summer Camps are a great way to learn new skills in the kitchen, create tasty recipes, and meet lots of new friends. The only things you need to be prepared are closed toe shoes and a restraint for shoulder length hair. All of the ingredients, tools and even the fun are included. Students are taught how to properly use real kitchen tools, knives and appliances safely under adult supervision. Students come away with the confidence to prepare dishes that are age appropriate and tasty. The goal is to encourage your child to be a help in the kitchen and to have fun while building a lifetime of good skills. Cooking Camps for kids ages 6-11 will take place from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. daily and the tween’s and teen’s Summer Camps, ages 11-15) will take place from 2-4:00 p.m. Camps will take place weekly for four days and run from Monday, June 3 through Thursday, August 2. Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium is located at Brandon Crossroads, 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Call 6532418 or visit www.rollingpinonline.com.
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Hoop It Up At FishHawk Fellowship’s Basketball Camp Take your game to the next level. Develop your skills and have fun doing it. Work daily to improve every player’s technical abilities. Camp is suitable for everyone from beginners to elite players. FishHawk Fellowship Church is partnering with Alpha & Omega Sports, Inc. Its staff designs intense, fun training sessions. Camp will run Monday, June 24 to Friday, June 28 for grades 2-5 and Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26 for grades 612. Both camps will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at FishHawk Fellowship Church, 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. The cost is $100 per student. For more information, visit www.fishhawkfc.org/basketball.
Tennis Camp Weeks Offered In FishHawk FishHawk Ranch Tennis Club will offer camp this summer for ages 6 to 16. Camp is for beginning and intermediate skill levels Choose your weeks between Monday, June 3 and Friday, August 9. Full day camp available or half days from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. or 1:30-4 p.m. are available. Camp will be offered at 15921 Courtside View Dr. in Lithia. Register online at http://fishhawkranchtennisclub.com or call 681-4000. Musical Theater And Much More Offered At Firehouse Cultural Center The Firehouse Cultural Center will be offering Summer Camp through the summer. It is located at 101 1st Ave. NE in Ruskin. Week 1: June 3 – June 7 Musical Theater I; Week 2: June
10 – June 14; Musical Theater II Week 3: June 17 – June 21; Musical Theater III;
Week 4: June 24 – June 28; Musical Theater IV Week 5: July 1 - July 5 (No Camp on Thursday, July 4), Art Studio; Week 6: July 8 - July 12, Art Studio II; Week 7: July 15 – July 19, Cartooning & Animation; Week 8: July 22 – July 26, Robotics-Tech Fee for Robotics: $50; Week 9: July 29 – August 2, Robotics -Tech Fee for Robotics: $50. For more information, call 645-7651 or visit www.firehouseculturalcenter.org.
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Motorized LEGO® and LEGO® Art Projects
Full Week Camps Half Day and Full Day Options Ages 5-12
Camp locations all over Brandon • Riverview • Valrico Lithia • Fishhawk Early Bird Registration and Sibling Discounts To find out more and to register please visit
www.bricks4kidz.com/florida-tampa
or call us at 813-545-4282
Bricks 4 Kidz is back with awesome LEGO® Summer camps being offered all over the Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico areas! Join us for a different theme each week such as Fortnite®, Pokemon® Star Wars®, Minecraft®, and much more!
Combat Dreaded Summer Slide With Mathnasium Of Brandon Or Mathnasium @Home Kids can power up this summer with Mathnasium of Brandon or Mathnasium @home. The summer slide is real and students can lose over two months of mathematical skills every summer. Mathnasium can help prevent that with its Power Up summer programs. Summer is an ideal time for student's math ability to skyrocket. Without the pressure of school and extracurricular activities, students are able to focus and learn in a relaxed atmosphere, and they will love coming to Mathnasium as FUN is built in to the mathematical activities along with celebrating successes
Electronic Recycling & Reuse
Center Director at Mathnasium of Brandon and Mathnasium @home. Mathnasium's @home program is an additional benefit for students who would like to keep up their skills but are traveling. You can take Mathnasium anywhere with Mathnasium @home. Mathnasium will help parents choose a Summer Power Workout Plan, such as numerical fluency, fractions, multiplication fluency, problem solving, algebra readiness, geometry readiness, and so much more based on a diagnostic of the student. and fun prizes for outstanding attendance and growth. "Take advantage of the more relaxed environment of summer break which is a golden opportunity to improve math performance whether your student is struggling or just wanting to dig deeper into their math studies," suggests Becky McDaniels,
Experts say that the effects of a summer learning program, such as Mathnasium's, will make a positive difference for student's moving forward. Call 655-MATH (6284) or visit www.mathnasium.com/brandon/pr omotions to schedule your student's risk free diagnostic at your favorite neighborhood center or at home with the Mathnasium @home program and help your student to Power Up this summer. Mathnasium of Brandon is located at 1048 E Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico (Plaza Bella shopping center.)
SUMMER CAMP 2019
• Light & Heavy Equipment Removal • Project Management • Consulting Services • Data Security • Scrap Metal Removal & Recycling • Logistics & Transportation
JUNE 3 - AUGUST 2
www.mpactservicesusa.com | Office: 813.644.4996 | Cell: 813.601.6221
Making An “MPact” On Our Community!
Math Help
Math Enrichment
Test Prep
Summer Fun
Avoid The SUMMER SLIDE! Summer Topics
• Curing Finger Counting • Focusing on Fractions • Having Fun & Building • Confidence in Math
• Preparing for Middle School • Maximizing ACT/SAT Math Skills • Previewing or Reviewing • Algebra I & II or Geometry
Now Enrollin g for Summer
Mathnasium of Brandon has two options to serve you with an In-Center experience or an @home experience.
Beach Side, Cliff Side, or World Traveler; take Mathnasium@home anywhere!
813-655-MATH
Page 36
Valrico Edition
Volume 16, Issue 3
Bloomingdale Hosts Special Olympics “IncrediBull Games”
New Owners Of Budget Blinds Offering Exceptional Service
On February to help with the 15, event. Hart said Bloomingdale that there were High School about 15-20 difhosted its fourth ferent groups annual Special from the school Olympics field that helped out. day event called Every student the IncrediBull (called a buddy) Games. The is paired up with school hosted 15 an athlete, and schools from the Photos by Bloomingdale High School Yearbook Team they take them eastern side of around to comBloomingdale hosted its fourth annual Hillsborough pete in their IncrediBull Games. County. events. Several About 335 classes helped athletes competset up games ed in track and and activities in field and soccer the Olympic events. Donna Village where Hart, ESE athletes could teacher at hang out and Bloomingdale, have a fun time and Principal while they waited Sue Burkett were for their events. inspired by a According to In total, there were about 335 athletes that similar event Hart, about 450 competed. Athletes getting ready to compete in held at Gaither students from an event. High School and Bloomingdale wanted to do volunteered their something comtime this year to parable for the put this on for schools on the the athletes. The eastern side of next event will be the county to held at the same compete in as time next year. well. They start plan“It’s a great ning for the school-wide event at the very event, and a way beginning of the Students from Lennard High School were that everybody school year, and among the participants. comes together it takes about six to make everymonths to get thing happen for everything lined these athletes,” up and ready to said Hart. “It’s go. just a great “The event is experience.” a time where our Some of the special athletes schools that are able to be competed included in a include sporting event,” Newsome, said Hart. “It Armwood, Plant gives the athThe event included 15 schools from the eastern letes and the stuCity, Durant, side of Hillsborough County. Riverview, East dents at Bay, Lennard, Spoto, Brandon, Bloomingdale an opportunity to develop Strawberry Crest, Burns Middle School, friendships, it’s a big inclusion event. The Giunta Middle School, Willis Peters support that the partners and athletes Exceptional Center and Simmons show back and forth is probably the best Exceptional Center. thing of the school year for all of us. It’s Students from different sports teams something that everybody benefits from and clubs at Bloomingdale volunteered and looks forward to.”
It is not enough years giving amazing to meet customers’ service to her cusexpectations. For tomers in the Tampa Mike and Adriane area. She is truly an Wonderlin, the new asset to this team.” owners of Budget While customers Blinds of North are welcome to visit Tampa, Land O’ either showroom, Lakes and Brandon, most customers love the goal is to exceed the personal engageexpectations. ment with a design Mike and Adriane Wonderlin, the new consultant that will After working for owners of Budget Blinds of North Budget Blinds for come to your home. Tampa, Land O Lakes and Brandon, are excited to continue to offer more than 10 years, This complimentary exceptional customer service and a the couple purchased variety service allows the of window treatments to fit any the three Tampa-area customer to browse a home and any budget. franchises from the complete line of winprevious owners in June 2018. The dow coverings, including blinds, shades, Wonderlins moved to Florida in 2008 shutters, romans, cellular or woven when the original owners offered Mike a woods as well as drapery, cornices and job working for Budget Blinds. valances, all in the comfort of your home. “At that time, he had already been in The company’s motto, ‘A style and the window treatment industry for eight service for every budget,’ is something years and we were looking to get away that the Wonderlins appreciate and follow. from the cold winters in Illinois,” said Budget Blinds offers a wide variety of winAdriane. “He immediately took a design dow treatments to fit any home, at any consultant position in warm, sunny Tampa cost. Budget Blinds has more than 1,200 and continued to work for the previous locally-owned franchises serving 10,000 owners, The Trotters.” cites in the United State and Canada. As the business continued to grow, The showroom that serves the Mike was instrumental in hiring and trainBrandon area is located at 10437 ing new employees. Eventually expandGibsonton Dr. in Riverview. A second ing to 27 employees and two showrooms, showroom on Fletcher Ave. serves the the company had continued to put people New Tampa, Wesley Chapel area. first. Showroom hours are Monday-Friday “The majority of employees have from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from stayed with Budget Blinds for five plus 10 a.m.-3 p.m. To schedule a complimenyears,” said Adriane. “This includes tary appointment in home consultation, Derenda Burdette the administrative call 445-7121. Visit assistant who has spent the past 12 www.budgetblinds.com/northtampa/.
By Nick Nahas
Hours: 6am - 10pm South Brandon
Lake Brandon Village
(813) 571-0569
(813) 655-1237
2010 Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon 11325 Causeway Blvd, Brandon
www.chickfilabrandon.com
By Kelly Wise Valdes
March 2019
Valrico Edition
Page 37
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Valrico Edition
Volume 16, Issue 3
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
The East Hillsborough Art Guild Presents A Fabulous Fine Arts Show At The Florida Strawberry Festival
Whitney Worley's Eccentric And Psychedelic Artwork On Display At Bruton Memorial Library
The 2019 Florida The Strawberry Strawberry Festival Theme Award winner Fine Art Show, preis Karen Olszewski of sented by the East Plant City. Olszewski Hillsborough Art Guild received a ribbon and (EHAG), showcases a cash award of $100. the artwork of the talThe winner of the ented residents of the Suncoast Credit Union area. The show is Purchase Award is open to the public durLurline Tanner of Plant ing the Annual Florida City. The winner of this Strawberry Festival in category was chosen Plant City. by Derek Yates from Karen Crumley is the Plant City branch. the Chair, and The winning she said, “We piece will be on are very pleased display at the with the art that branch throughwas submitted, out the coming especially with year. Tanner also sculpture from received a cash both adults and prize of $500. In youth. We had explaining his such an amazing selection, Yates array of themes said, “The piece and materials.” represents the The judges history of for this year’s Florida.” show were Carol The youth Hughes and Lisa entries were outMcCarthy. standing this Hughes is the year. All youth Program Director prizes are sponat Arts Ensemble sored exclusively Education by Jarrett Scott Foundation and Ford of Plant leads the City. This year, the Best of Show Award at the Veterans Art In addition to Annual Florida Strawberry Festival Fine Arts Program Show went to Alan Metzger of Wesley Chapel the above for his piece “Wake Up Call.” (T). Other win- awards, area “Arts4Vets” and ners included two Business Leader Choice all Art in Public Awards selected by Winthrop Arts, Inc. (M) businesses Places programstepped up to be and the Osprey Observer (B). ming. a part of the McCarthy is the co-founder of Business Leader Choice Awards. Comm Creative, a digital and tradiAmong them were the Osprey tional marketing agency. She is also Observer and Winthrop Arts, Inc. the founder of Factory Mark Gallery, Crumley said, “So many more busia contemporary art gallery for nesses wanted to participate in the emerging and re-emerging artists show this year and pick their favorite where 100 percent of sales go entry. Usually we have 12 to 15 directly to the artist. businesses participate, this year The Best of Show award was there were 33 businesses.” awarded to Alan Metzger of Wesley For more information on this Chapel for “Wake Up Call. The Best year’s show and to get information of Show award is given along with a for next year, please visit cash prize of $300. www.ehagfinearts.com.
The March art eventually participate in art exhibit at the festivals. That would be Bruton Memorial my dream." Library in Plant City Angel House, Adult is a wonderfully Service Associate and the eclectic collection Coordinator of the Art of art created by Exhibits at the library said, Whitney Worley. "Worley had completely The Plant City resifilled the art wall with multident creates art ple pieces. They are super under both her fun and funky." name and that of Worley likes to work Plant City resident, Whitney Worley, is Bungee Monkey exhibiting her colorful art at the Bruton with watercolor. Worley Art. The art can be Memorial Library in Plant City during said, "I love painting with the month of March. seen now through watercolor because of the end of March during the library's northe different tones I get, the vivid colors, mal operating hours. and how I can add layers." Worley's artThere are 24 pieces in the exhibit. work is reflective of her personality. Some are big and some are small. Some Worley said, "I am eccentric and psycheare framed and others are on canvas. delic myself so I want my paintings to The exhibit is colorful, interesting and eye have a piece of me." catching. Each month the Bruton Memorial Worley said, "I started painting with Library hosts an art exhibit. The exhibit watercolor last year. I would try to paint space is open to area residents and presrealistic looking paintings and found ents a unique opportunity for artists to myself getting frustrated." Worley added, show their artwork in a public place. The " As a result, I decided to just start having exhibits stay up for one month. Interested fun with this." artists can obtain an application from the One of Worley's paintings in the front desk at the library. exhibit is a sea turtle. It is this painting The Bruton Memorial Library is locatthat she started with this new attitude. ed at 302 McLendon St. in downtown Worley said, "People could not believe Plant City. For more information on future that I had created it." Worley added, "My art exhibits or to apply, please call 757goal is to just keep getting better and 9215 or visit the front desk.
at Winthrop Common, located behind Boca in beautiful Winthrop (Riverview) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.winthroparts.org
Juried Fine Arts Show • Artists, Artisans and Vendors Food Trucks • Live Entertainment • Children's Activity Area
Chalk Walk Artists Creating Original Art on Saturday
Sponsored by Tampa Bay Businesses for the Culture and Arts
March 2019
Page 39
Valrico Edition
Sports 657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com
Connection By Nick Nahas and Photos courtesy of Bloomingdale Baseball
2019 Bloomingdale Bulls Baseball Team Looks To Defend Its District Title
Myles Caba winds up to pitch.
The Bloomingdale High School baseball team is looking to build off of a successful 2018 season in which they won their first ever district championship under 12-year Head Coach Kris Wilken. The Bulls (18-8) eventually lost to a very talented Plant team in the regional quarterfinals in an extra-inning thriller. According to Wilken, he has a special team this year. “This team seems really unique,” he said. “The players are all very hard-working kids with great grades, and the chemistry between them has been better than any team I’ve had. What I’m looking forward to most is seeing how much impact all of those factors will have on our overall success.”
With eight key starters The Bulls huddle up for a fall game against Riverview. returning Myles Caba (South Florida for the 2019 season, the Bulls look like a State College signee) and team that can repeat as 8A-District 6 senior Justin Mcallister will pitch the majorchamps and make some noise in the ity of innings. Dylan Martin will get some regional playoffs. The offense will be led crucial innings as well. by senior outfielder Bryce Hazzard (Nova “I’m looking forward to seeing what all Southeastern signee), junior Wake Forest this talent can do,” said Gonnella. “Our commit Brock Wilken, junior dual-sport team is filled with athleticism, and I’m lookathlete Dominic Gonnella, junior ing forward to seeing what all that hard infielder/outfielder Jackson Hobbs, last work is gonna produce. I’m thinking it season’s team MVP and South Florida could be something special.” State College signee Nico Saladino, and “Our goal as a team is simply to comsenior Presbyterian College signee Kyle Merkle. Ace of the pitching staff, senior
The Bulls dog-pile after winning the district championship last season.
pete and win every game no matter the opponent,” said Caba. “We also want to defend our district championship and make a run to the state championship.” Bloomingdale will host the Preseason Classic starting on February 19. The Bulls will play Armwood and King in the tournament. “We want to find our identity as early as possible and what our capabilities are,” said Wilken. “Once we know who we are and what we are capable of, it’s maximizing our capabilities and sticking to our identity every day.”
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Volume 16, Issue 3
Valrico Edition
VALRICO’S BEST HOMES
Top Producer 2002 - 2018
MORE THAN $120 MILLION SOLD IN 2018
! EW E N RIC P
HGTV DREAM HOME ON 5.51 ACRES! 3/2.5/2 + bonus home that welcomes you with private gate & fencing for the entire property! Neutral paint, luxury vinyl plank floors, volume ceilings, French doors & more! Gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances & new granite counters! Spectacular views from HUGE screened lanai! $574,900 ! G EWN N TI S LI
! G EWIN N T S LI
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COMMERCIAL BUILDING! **NEW FLOORS THROUGHOUT FEB 2019**Located just seconds to SR 60 & remodeled in 2016! All furnishings are stay! Secretary, executive & junior offices, full bath & 2 half baths! Kitchen with cabinets & exit onto the wooden deck! Luxury vinyl & tile floors, crown & stunning light fixtures! $350,000 ! G EWIN N T S LI
WATERFRONT LIVING ON 1,000 ACRE LAKE JULIANA! Appreciate the million dollar views with this 7/5.5/5 + pool home sitting on 0.8 acres! $100,000 in upgrades & new roof, new pier/boat dock & covered boat lifts! Water lovers will fall in love from the moment they arrive! Wonderful floor plan with 2 master suites! $625,000
POOL HOME IN RIVER HILLS! 5/3/2 + pool/spa home in prestigious guard-gated golf community! Bright & open floor plan with combination formals, diagonal tile throughout all living areas, split floor plan, Pergo flooring & roof that is only 5 YEARS OLD! Wonderful home in a highly sought after community! $339,900
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PERFECT LOT LOCATED ON QUIET DEAD-END STREET! Stunning 1.15 acre lot that is accessed by winding, tree-lined roads that lead you to this private enclave of homes in Plant City! There is a creek that also runs through the back portion of the property with even more land behind! Build a bridge and you could have a special place for picnics! $79,000
! G EWIN N T S LI
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office: (813) 655-5333 | direct: (813) 924-8677 | Brenda@BrendaWade.com www.BrendaWade.com