Valrico
11 C E L E B R A T I N G
May 2020 Volume 17 Issue 5 Ph: 657-2418 1 8
Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Local Photographer Supports ECHO Food Bank With Front Porch Photo Sessions
River Hills Members Support Local Restaurants To Provide Front Line Workers With Meals
rate career in Bishop November 2018 to Desmond Tutu do my full-time photo once said, “You business and have don’t choose been so in love with your family. They are what I’m doing.” a gift from God, as With the recent you are to them.” COVID-19 pandemic, Tina Cardoso would Cardoso wanted to agree with Bishop use her photography Tutu because her skills to give grandfather, Howard back to the McPike, was a gift to community. her. Cardoso is a After much photographer and Howie Mac Photo in Riverview is debate, she the owner of Howie offering porch photo sessions with a to do porch decided Mac Photo in portion of the proceeds being donated photo sessions and Riverview. “Howie to ECHO. donate a portion of the proceeds from the Mac Photo is named after my grandfather, Howard McPike,” Cardoso said. “My sessions to ECHO. “Honestly, I wasn’t going to do the porch sessions because father passed when I was one and my of the stay-at-home order, but I’ve had so mom moved us here to Brandon to live many requests for them,” Cardoso said. “I two doors down from my grandparents. know that ECHO is working really hard to My grandfather had a big impact in raissupport families in our community by proing me, including my creative side. He viding food to them. Their demand has was a retired Navy captain who was painting with Bob Ross and making beau- increased dramatically with people losing tiful artwork for his home. Our motto, ‘See their jobs and I want to do whatever I can to help. So, I decided to go ahead and all things with your heart, not just your move forward with them—taking all of the eyes,’ came from a time when my grandsafety precautions and respecting the father taught me that I can paint the sun social distancing guidelines.” however I see it.” If you would like to have a porch In 2005, Cardoso began taking care photo session done by Howie Mac Photo, of her grandfather. “I stopped working to help him, and during that time I went back you can visit its website at https://www.howiemacphoto.com/distancto school for photography,” Cardoso said. ing-sessions to purchase a session. “I was blessed to be able to spend that The cost is $50 for a 10-minute sesspecial time with him, and also to photosion and three digitals you can choose. graph him during that time. In 2010, Clients can upgrade the session for $100, shortly after my daughter was born, I which will give them all of the final digital decided to open my photo company and images (six+ images) and the extra $50 name it after my grandfather, using his will be donated to ECHO. Navy nicknames—Howie and Mac. It’s a Howie Mac Photo is located at 11292 special reminder to me to see all things Sullivan St. in Winthrop Town Centre in with my heart and not just my eyes. Riverview. That’s how I photograph. I left my corpo-
“The best include them. part of the Swezey deliveries is explained, “We seeing their contact a restaueyes light up rant and buy $500 because we worth of meals know they are from them, and smiling in gratithen we deliver tude and with $500 worth of thanks for meals on behalf of thinking of the club at RHCC them.” Bob and the restauSwezey, generrant.” al manager of Presently, River Hills Brandon Regional Masked hospital staff are recognized for all Country Club Hospital and they do by donated meals from RHCC and (RHCC) in Tampa General local restaurants. Valrico, said this about hundreds of Hospital/Brandon Healthplex receive mask-wearing healthcare and hospital deliveries. Ten deliveries a day on 10 staff as they receive meals delivered to days each month means 100 heroes them from a generous local initiative. on the home front will receive a deliAfter reading an article discussing cious meal on those days. Swezey the intensified personal and profession- said if donations increased, more al pressures on healthcare-connected meals and additional locations can be workers during the COVID-19 pandem- added to support the nurses, doctors, ic, Swezey wanted to do something for administration, engineering, sanitation those in the community who are on the and all departments that risk their lives front lines in this war. That ‘something’ to support us. Swezey welcomes all became a collaboration with the memsurrounding residents who want to bership at RHCC: preparation of meals donate toward meals to contact Margie by RHCC Sawgrass Grill and local Martin at 653-1554 or mmartin@riverrestaurants. hillscountryclub.com. Swezey said, “We are blessed because our membership has funded this effort 100 percent. These donaInThis Issue tions are used to prepare meals by both our club and selected restaurants.” Of the over $9,000 in donation DAKIN DAIRY POP ‐UP .......................PG 3 commitments received so far, 50 perFRONT YARD CONCERT .......................... 4 cent of those funds go to meals prepared by Sawgrass Grill and 50 perBUY A STEER ......................................PG 5 cent is shared with family-owned HISTORY‐BLOOMINGDALE SCHOOL...PG 6 restaurants like The Landing, Sunflower Grill and Café Cuba to OSCAR MAYER HOTDOGGER .............PG 9 finance its preparation of the meals. EYE ON BUSINESS...........................PG 22 Although it was possible for Sawgrass Grill to prepare all the meals CIGAR PURSES ................................PG 23 and retain the funds in its club, that BRENDA WADE...............................PG 24 was not the spirit of its efforts. Aware that survival of many small eating READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE establishments frequented by RHCC www.ospreyobserver.com membership is in jeopardy due to COVID-19, RHCC reached out to
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
Postal Customer
ECRWSS EDDM
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2397
By Libby Hopkins
By Gwen Rollings
We are OPEN! Visit our website at
www.JFKicksRestaurant.com To Go • Curbside • Delivery
We are following the Governor’s strict guidelines. Summer will be here before you know it and you can’t think about the Fourth of July without fireworks, watermelons and parades coming to mind. This year, the Community Roundtable will host the Brandon Fourth of July Parade for the 63rd year. See Full Story On Page 3
Mon-Thurs 4 pm-12 am • Fri-Sat 11 am-2 am • Sun 11 am-12 am 3345 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. • Located in the Sprouts Plaza
813-643-7777
Page 2
Valrico Edition
Volume 17, Issue 5
May 2020
Page 3
Valrico Edition
Roundtable Continues Plans For 63rd Annual Community Fourth Of July Parade
Dakin Dairy Farms Gets Creative With Local Pop-Up Markets To Reach Customers
Summer will held. be here before In the early you know it and days of the parade you can’t think a family/couple about the Fourth driving down SR 60 of July without on the Fourth of fireworks, waterJuly would get melons and ‘arrested’ and were parades coming asked to participate to mind. This in the parade as year, the special guests of The Community Roundtable will host the Community the Community Brandon Fourth of July Parade for the 63rd year this summer. Roundtable will Roundtable. “Prior host the Brandon Fourth of July Parade to the parade, the ‘prisoners’ were treated for the 63rd year. to a complimentary pancake breakfast,” The parade will start at 10 a.m. at the said Nickerson. “After driving the parade corner of Parsons Ave. and Lumsden route, they were released and sent on Rd., heading north on Parsons Ave., turn- their way. It was unsophisticated, but ing on Robertson St. and ending at that’s what made it Brandon!” Buckingham Pl. near the roller skating These days, one of the highlights is rink. Typically, 100 groups participate the naming of Brandon’s Honorary Mayor. making this one of the larger events in The Honorary Mayor of Brandon! race our area. Organizations that wish to parconsists of community members declarticipate may register and pay the $75 reg- ing their candidacy and fundraising for istration fee online at www.thecommunity- local charities during the month leading roundtable.org. up to the parade. Every dollar raised is The Community Roundtable has donated to Brandon area nonprofits. sponsored the parade since 1957 Whoever earns the most money for their (although the parade has been around designated charities earns the title. But, in longer than that). The roundtable organireality, the charities are the real winners. zation is made up solely of volunteers. It takes a lot of work to put on a large Many of the members, such as President event like this, so if you are looking for a Janine Nickerson, have been involved for way to get involved in the community or years and have some entertaining memo- to earn service hours, here is your opporries of earlier parades. Nickerson recalls tunity. It takes about 40 volunteers to prowhen the parade used to start on SR 60 duce the parade, and right now it has and end at the Sadie St. park, where between 10 and-15 people. If you would annual events such as the Diaper Derby, like to volunteer, please contact Janine Little Miss Firecracker Pageant and a Nickerson at 661-4350 or email her at Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest were info@thecommunityroundtable.org
There isn’t and to make it easmuch better ier for residents to than farm fresh purchase fresh milk, and Dakin milk. Dakin providDairy Farms, ed Osterling with a located in milk maid truck and Myakka City, scheduled pop-up used the tough sales at small busitimes during the nesses throughout COVID-19 panthe area. demic to bring During milk to Brandon the poparea residents in ups, cusa creative way. tomers are Jennifer Osterling, also known Like many able to puras the Dakin Milk Maid, visited other businesschase fresh small businesses throughout es, Dakin Dairy the area last month with her milk truck, selling whole, two percent, farm fresh milk to residents. Farms felt the one percent and effects of the pandemic and had to adapt fat-free milk for $2.50 a gallon, chocolate its business model. milk for $6 a gallon and much more. The According to Owner Jerry Dakin, the milk maid truck operates from Tuesday low point of the last few months was through Saturday at various locations and when the farm had to dump 6,000 gallons accepts cash, debit and credit cards. To per tanker of raw milk a week because learn more about the pop-up times and the cost to produce without demand for locations, check out the Dakin Family purchase was too high. This hardship led Farms Facebook page. to Dakin Dairy Farms implementing new Residents are also invited to visit the ways to get their products into more Farm Market, where they can buy milk, homes in different communities. cheese and more. Cream is also avail“We are a family-owned farm comable in gallons for $5. mitted to providing consumers with the “We are proud to have the Dakin Milk freshest, grass-fed, local milk at the highMaid on our team and feel grateful for all est quality as the cows remain here onof the community’s support,” Dakin said. site,” Dakin said. For more information, visit Last month, Dakin Dairy Farms https://dakindairyfarms.com. The dairy is employee Jennifer Osterling, also known located at 30771 Betts Rd. in Myakka as the Dakin Milk Maid, presented Dakin City. Hours of operation for the Farm with the idea of setting up pop-up milk Market are Monday through Friday, 9 shops throughout the area. Her goal was a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to unite small businesses and farmers Call 941-322-2802 to learn more.
By Stacie Miller
Re-Opening Soon!
By Tatiana Ortiz
Marital and Family Law WENDY K. MCGINNIS, ESQUIRE ATTORNEY-AT-LAW & CERTIFIED FAMILY MEDIATOR
You put your family first. So do we.
B
Internationally Trained Staff
Boulevard SALON
210 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon
813.571.5800
boulevardsalon210.com Experience the Difference! boulevardsalon210 #MM27421 / #MA29471
Color Specialists Straightening Systems Complete Nail & Pedicure Services Advanced Skin Care (Microblading, Microneedling, Micro-derm, Peels, 4 Layer Facelift) Body Waxing Massage Therapy Permanent Make-up Farm House Fresh Boutique Items
DIVORCE, PARENTING PLANS & TIME-SHARING, CHILD SUPPORT & ALIMONY, PATERNITY, ADOPTIONS, RELOCATIONS, MODIFICATIONS, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, NAME CHANGES, MEDIATION
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION Practicing marital and family law exclusively since 2001
(813) 235-4650 1211 TECH BLVD., SUITE 138, TAMPA, FL 33619 (NEAR US HWY 75 AND ROUTE 60)
WWW.BRANDONDIVORCE.COM The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask the lawyer to send you free written information about her qualifications and experience.
Page 4
Volume 17, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
Local Bloomingdale Teen Entertains Neighbors With Front Yard Cello Concerts By Libby Hopkins
The COVID-19 Orchestra as well. He pandemic and the seems to excel at mandatory stay-ateverything he does.” home order has Jordan has hosted three turned most high cello concerts in his school students’ lives front yard since March. upside down. Jordan The last concert he Hierholzer of hosted was on April 19 Bloomingdale is and his cello instructor, using his mandatory Diego Villa, accompastay-at-home time to nied him. “I have been lift the spirits of his taking lessons with Mr. neighbors. Jordan Villa for the last four Photo credit to Jane Anne Owen of the has been hosting Bloomingdale Gazette years and when we told cello concerts in his Jordan Hierholzer of Bloomingdale is him what I was doing, using his mandatory stay-at-home he asked if he could join front yard on the time to lift the spirits of his neighbors. weekends for his me,” Jordan said. “I Jordan has been hosting cello Fairway Manor neighplayed the Concerto No. concerts in his front yard neighborhood in Bloomingdale. borhood in 1 in C Minor by Joseph Bloomingdale. “My mom and dad gave Haydn. It was really a nice piece.” me the idea to do it,” Jordan said. “I did it Villa and Jordan rehearsed the piece because it’s the right thing to do right together for 20 minutes via FaceTime and now. I want people who need to listen to then performed the concert in Jordan’s music to come out and listen to it. I want front yard, six-feet apart from each other. them to be joyful and feel joyful about the “People who were driving in their cars music.” stopped to listen,” Laura said. “People Jordan is 17 years old and in 10th walking by stopped to listen as well.” grade at Bloomingdale High School. He is Laura is unbelievably proud of her also on the autism spectrum, but his parson for what he is doing for their neighents have worked hard with him since he borhood. “I’m so proud of him and he is was in kindergarten to get him mainso inspiring,” Laura said while tearing up streamed. “Today, Jordan is in honor a bit. “Jordan has always had a knack for classes at his high school, on the varsity bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. To track and cross county team and has see him play in our front yard for people been on the varsity team since his freshis overwhelming and amazing.” man year,” said Laura Hierholzer, Jordan plans on hosting more front Jordan’s mom. “He has been playing the yard concerts in the near future. “I plan on cello and piano for the last four years. He doing more concerts soon,” Jordan said. is in the orchestra at Bloomingdale and “I’ve been trying to do them every other he is in the Tampa Metropolitan Youth weekend, weather permitting.”
KIDS
Summer Camps (Ages 6-11) 10:30am - 1:00pm
June 1 - 4 June 8 - 11 June 15 - 18 June 22 - 25 June 29 - July 2 July 6 - 10 July 13 - 16 July 20 - 23 July 27 - 30 August 3-6
TWEEN’S & TEENS
Summer Camps (Ages 11-15) 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Brandon’s Big Green “EggQuarters”
May 2020
Valrico Edition
W W W
.
O S P R E Y O B S E R V E R
.
C O M
7
WE’VE MOVED TO VALRICO!
ASSOCIATED WITH OSPREY OBSERVER
ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
Kate Quesada
Marie Gilmore
657-2418
657-2418
editor@ospreyobserver.com
kquesada@ospreyobserver.com
MARKETING & LAYOUT DIRECTOR
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Kathi Hayes
Kathy Collins
khayes@ospreyobserver.com
kcollins@ospreyobserver.com
657-2418
657-2418
DELIVERY MANAGER
BILLING MANAGER
Terry Vassalotti
Chuck Hoening 657-2418
657-2418
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
GRAPHICS MANAGER
terry@ospreyobserver.com
chuck@ospreyobserver.com
Jennifer Hurst
Denise Graf
657-2418
657-2418
CUSTOMER SERVICE
NEWS REPORTER
jhurst@ospreyobserver.com
denise@ospreyobserver.com
Jenny Bennett
Taylor Wells
657-2418
jbennettt@ospreyobserver.com
657-2418
twells@ospreyobserver.com
CUSTOMER SERVICE
FOLLOW US:
Danielle Waymire 657-2418
dwaymire@ospreyobserver.com
FISHHAWK/BLOOMINGDALE & VALRICO ADVERTISING
RIVERVIEW, APOLLO BEACH, & SOUTHSHORE ADVERTISING
Kerrie Hoening
Melissa Hartmann
kerrie@ospreyobserver.com
mhartmann@ospreyobserver.com
BRANDON & WINTHROP ADVERTISING
CHRISTIAN VOICE ADVERTISING
625-1527
Buy A Steer For Quality Beef In Bulk From Local Farm Wilkinson Cattle Co. By Taylor Wells
2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, FL 33592 • (office) 657-2418 • (fax) 657-4469 MANAGING EDITOR
Page 5
833-7470
Anyone wanting from. to get their beef in “I’m very much bulk and help out about the humane life local businesses in of these animals as this trying time of well as the processquarantine should ing. From the take a look at moment they’re in my Wilkinson Cattle Co., hands and then the which sells live steers moment they’re that are processed handed off to the for high-quality beef processor, I want after the purchase. them to be handled The farm prides in the correct way,” A calf at Wilkinson Cattle Co. itself on raising its said Charlotte cattle humanely and naturally as well as Wilkinson. providing buyers with custom purchases, She cares a lot for her animals, so meaning they can purchase a steer in she earned a Beef Quality Assurance cerportions as small as a quarter and decide tification and took classes at the how their portions are processed. University of Florida, Institute of Food and Wilkinson Cattle Co.’s standards of Agricultural Sciences to ensure that she’s steer readiness and raising are such that, doing everything she can to raise them to if, for instance, a steer hasn’t reached its the best of her ability. It’s important to her weight goal, the farm will put that steer on that the steers are happy, healthy and hold until it’s ready. All the steers are naturally raised, so things like growth horraised at its farm and most of the steers mones aren’t used. are born there, so it knows everything As steers need time to grow to the about them. farm’s standards, customers must contact All that combined means quality beef the farm and get their names on steers is assured and a priority. Also, those purahead of time. The prices for a quarter of chasing a steer will not see a picture of a steer and half of one depend on the that steer, since many don’t want to. Of weight of it and includes processing the course, people are welcome to visit the steer, so contact Wilkinson Cattle Co. to farm, see the animals and learn about the find out how much your steer portion and whole process. processing will cost. What’s more, Wilkinson Cattle Co. is For more information, see updates based in Plant City and it processes its and to get your name on a steer to fill steers through a local, USDA-inspected your freezer, contact Wilkinson Cattle Co. butcher, so the entire operation is local, through its Facebook page at customers will be helping two businesses facebook.com/Wilkinson-Cattle-Coand they’ll know where the beef comes 102938997956253.
Cammie Yick
Melody Gershkoff 300-5152
810-8106
mgershkoff@ospreyobserver.com
cyick@ospreyobserver.com
If you have an
Ad, Story or Press Release that you would like in the next
Valrico edition
please contact Osprey Observer 657-2418.
Deadline for next Valrico edition is 1st of month.
"Turning The Key To The American Dream"
KarynScechHomes.com 813-376-0269 |11256 Winthrop Main St | Riverview, FL 33578
Curb appeal is crucial for first impressions. Sweep the walk way, freshen up the paint and make your entrance shine!
LD SO
Karyn Scech
RSPS, PSA, SRES, GRI REALTOR®
3414 Blowing Oak Street, Valrico 3 bedroom 2 bath • Pool home NO HOA
HOME SELLER TIP
3005 S Miller Road Valrico 1.43 Acre Wooded Lot
Page 6
Volume 17, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
The Bloomingdale School, First Teacher Training Site In Hillsborough County If you were pressed to name the location of the first teacher training school in Hillsborough County, would you answer: Bloomingdale? The Bloomingdale School, for the primary grades, opened its doors in 1884 thanks to the efforts of Ludwig W. Buchholz. Buchholz completed his formal education in his native country, Germany, and continued his education in France and Italy. By 1880, his health began to fail, and he immigrated to Tampa after his doctors recommended a warmer climate. Buchholz intended to make his living by cultivating orange groves. However, he found Tampa town land unsuitable for citrus farming and moved to Bloomingdale. There he bought an 80acre plot of land from the John Carney family for his groves. (John Carney, another famed Bloomingdale resident, was ambushed and killed by Seminoles on this farm in 1856 during the Third Seminole War.) In 1883, Buchholz began urging Bloomingdale area residents to build a school for their children. The community responded enthusiastically by collecting sufficient money for building materials and educational supplies, and the Bloomingdale School accepted its first students in September 1884. Buchholz was named its first teacher and taught students there until 1886. The wood framed, one-room building was located about one mile north of today’s intersection of Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and Bloomingdale Ave. on Pearson Rd. It was the second school building constructed in Hillsborough County and the first built outside of the City of Tampa. (In 1876, the first Hillsborough County
school was constructed in downtown Tampa. Beginning in 1885, that building served as Hillsborough High School’s first home.) In 1887, Buchholz was named superintendent of public instruction for all of Hillsborough County. Before he took the job, Buchholz extracted a promise from the County to provide better teachers. He believed that the same kind of rigorous training he had received in Germany should apply to educators teaching Florida’s children. While college-trained teachers did hold jobs in some Florida towns, there were not enough trained teachers to meet demand. That shortage was particularly acute in rural schools, where teachers were often appointed, with no real experience or training, simply because they agreed to do the job. His answer was to create the state's first county ‘normal school’ for teacher training at the Bloomingdale School. ‘Normal school’ is the historical term for an institution created to train primary grade teachers how to teach. His school for teachers operated at the Bloomingdale School house for its first
Expiration: 5/31/2020
two months with 22 students enrolled from as far away as Gainesville and Dade County. Classes were held after the local children left for the day and taught by Buchholz himself, but space was limited in the small school. Buchholz was forced to move the normal school to the nearby Presbyterian Church. Attendance averaged 54 students, and by 1893 that location was also bursting at the seams, so Buchholz moved the normal school to Plant City for more room and again in 1901 to St. Petersburg. The normal school merged with the University
By Charles Nelson
of Florida in 1905. Buchholz went on to serve as an instructor and dean at both Florida State and the University of Florida before returning to Hillsborough County to serve as superintendent of schools. The Bloomingdale School served students until it was closed in 1920. At that time, students were sent to Brandon for schooling, and the building was converted into a private residence. Charles Nelson Bio Charles Nelson holds a MA degree in History from George Mason University and taught as an adjunct instructor at HCC (Dale Mabry). He is also affiliated with Tampa Bay History Center as a volunteer docent, researcher and community lecturer, with an emphasis on South Hillsborough County history.
The Perfect Combination of
SWEET & TROPICAL
PASSIONFRUIT, Chick-fil-A® Lemonade and Freshly Brewed Unsweetened Ice Tea!
South Brandon 2010 Bloomingdale Ave • Brandon (813) 571-0569
Expiration: 5/31/2020
Lake Brandon Village 11325 Causeway Blvd • Brandon (813) 655-1237 Hours: 6am - 10pm
Expiration: 5/31/2020
May 2020
Page 7
Valrico Edition
Christmas Cheer Comes Early For One Neighborhood Spreading Joy With Decor
By Libby Hopkins
Author Gladys Mike and the rest Taber once said, of the neighbor“Being a good hood putting up neighbor is an art the Christmas which makes life lights gives the richer.” Mike Pitzer families in St. and Emily Kirby Andrew somewould agree with thing to look forGladys because ward to each what they have night.” done for their neighPitzer’s bors in the St. Christmas lights The St. Andrew neighborhood in the River Hills subdivision is known for Andrew neighbordisplay has been decorating during the holidays. Residents hood in River Hills of St. Andrew wanted to bring some joy voted best display has enriched the to the families in the community as they by the neighborare dealing with issues from the COVID- hood for the last lives of their neigh19 pandemic, so they decided to put up bors. They have Christmas lights for families to enjoy at few years and he created Christmas wanted to use his night. in April for the St. Andrew neighborChristmas lights to put a smile on kids’ hood. faces and give the parents something “My neighbor, Mike Pitzer, is the to do with their kids. “I just felt like, why one who initiated the whole thing,” not bring some kind of joy back to the Kirby said. “He put up his Christmas neighborhood,” Pitzer said. “It’s been decorations and they look amazing. nice with the nightly, non-stop traffic Once he did it, the rest of the neighsince we put up the lights in the neighborhood followed his lead.” borhood.” The St. Andrew neighborhood is Ten families in the neighborhood known for holiday decorations. With decorated homes with Christmas the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the lights. Pitzer received a lot of positive subdivision stepped up to make life feedback on his Facebook page after more enjoyable for the children who sharing the pictures of the homes declive in all of the neighborhoods of orated in St. Andrew. River Hills. Both Pitzer and Kirby feel that their “There is a children’s book called community has come together to help We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and the each other get through these challengneighborhood associations asked all ing pandemic times. “Everyone has of us to put little bears in our windows something they are going through right or in our trees for the children to look now,” Pitzer said. “I’m glad we could do for while they were out for a walk or something that is bringing joy to famiriding their bikes,” Kirby said. “I think lies in our community.”
• Human Hair & Synthetic Hair Wigs • Permanent, Non-Surgical Options • Chemotherapy & Alopecia Specialists • Largest selection in Tampa Bay • Also offering sales & service of all MEN’S hair systems APPOINTMENTS ONLY. PLEASE CALL.
Karla Marie Carolan, J.D. Jacqueline O. Ellett, J.D., LL.M.
As always, we are here for any legal support you may need and wish everyone good health.
Page 8
Volume 17, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
ICE O H C L SCHOOOW STILL WIND & MORE AVAIL y Jenny Bennett
Greco is an IB candidate school that also houses a STEM academy with academically rigorous courses and high school credit options. High school: • Jefferson High: Jefferson om ed b Compil preyobserver.c is home to several magnet @os jbennett academies to fit a number of student interests. They include a business and finance leadership academy, culinary arts, maritime, law and criminal justice leadership School District Opens Second Choice academies. Window • Freedom High: Students can parStudents in Hillsborough County are ticipate in New Tampa Digital Academy, now able to apply to an array of magnet where they can prepare for careers in schools and Choice Attractor Programs web design, game design and 3D aniwith specialized themes and new, innomation. vative programs as the district’s second • Chamberlain High: Chamberlain is Choice Application window opens. The introducing a new 3DE program, which original April window was cancelled due partners students with the local business to school closures. community. Students are provided releThe second Choice Application winvant case studies geared toward entredow opened on May 8 and will remain preneurial thinking and authentic workopen through Friday, May 17 at 11:59 place experiences. p.m. Families can fill out an online appliAfter applying for one of dozens of cation for a potential offer to the school options, families will be notified between of their choice at Friday, May 29 and Monday, June 8 via hillsboroughschools.org/choice. email to view potential offers. There is Magnet School and Choice Attractor limited space in these programs, but Program themes include everything from more is still available. To learn more medical and environmental sciences to about all options provided by IB and Cambridge/AICE programs. Hillsborough Schools, visit hillsboroughThese innovative programs give families schools.org/choice. multiple options outside of their zoned school to find the specialized theme that Hillsborough Community College best fits their child’s interests. Students Announces Student Emergency Fund from any area can attend any of the As a reaction to the challenges stuschools, it is not geographically specific. dents are facing through these unpreceSome of the programs include: dented times, the Hillsborough Elementary school: Community College Foundation estab• Lomax Elementary Magnet: Lomax lished the HawkStrong Student is a gifted and talent development acadEmergency Fund. These funds will be emy with activities such as LEGO® and provided to currently enrolled students to VEX Robotics, along with enrichment cover costs of housing, food, childcare classes like World Drumming, Violin and and other immediate financial needs that Little Kids Rock band. could keep them from completing the • Riverwalk STEM Academy at Just semester. Many HCC students are Elementary: Students are immersed in a already fighting to stay in school science, technology, engineering and because of the economic disadvantage math curriculum with exciting options like brought on by this pandemic; with assisEV3 Robotics and coding, along with tance from the community, the college family STEM nights. can make sure it doesn’t lose the fight. Middle school: To find out more or to make a dona• South Tampa Academy at Monroe tion visit www.hccfoundation.com/hawkMagnet: Incoming sixth grade students strong/. will be the first class to take part in one of the district’s newest IB programs. GFWC Brandon Service League South Tampa Academy is an IB candiExtends Deadline For Scholarship date school that aims to develop active Applications and internationally-minded learners. The GFWC Brandon Service • Dowdell Middle Magnet: Students League has extended the deadline to focus on an environmental studies curapply for its scholarship opportunities riculum with outdoor learning centers until Monday, June 1. The GFWC along with hydroponics and aquaponics Brandon Service League offers two labs. $1,000 scholarships to high school sen• Greco Middle Magnet: Also one of iors who wish to pursue a degree in the the newest IB programs in the district, arts or education. The GFWC Brandon
813.433.4047
www.ajwestfallco.com licensed bonded insured In Business Over 20 Years
FULL SERVICE CLEANING COMPANY
Residential Commercial Moving/Home Sale Presentation Tenant Turnover
Service League also offers a $1,000 for women who are post-high school age but are returning to school to get training for a new career. Please visit gfwcbrandonserviceleague.org for rules and to download the application. Send the completed application to Judy Darsey, 12750 Balm Boyette Rd., Riverview, FL 33579.
Relief For Special Needs Families
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone’s lives, especially those of families that have children and young adults with autism. Part of Experienced Autism Alliance’s mission is to assist families, this is why it has created the Special Need Family Relief Program. Its goal is to help provide relief during this time of need. Donations can be dropped at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit on 10463 Gibsonton Dr. in Riverview between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please contact Experienced Autism Alliance at www.ea-all.org.
Grace Spring Market Rescheduled
Grace Community Methodist Church at 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia has rescheduled its Spring Market for Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Come out for a fun experience and to buy local. For more details and vendor information, please visit its website, www.gracecommunitymarket.com, or contact Susan Ferrano on 3611724.
YMCA And OneBlood Host More Blood Drives
To address the severe blood shortage due to closures and cancellations caused by the coronavirus, the YMCAs of the Tampa Bay will continue to host more blood drives. On Thursday, May 21 from 11
a.m.-5 p.m., the Spurlino Family YMCA at 9650 Big Bend Rd. in Gibsonton and the Campo Family YMCA at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico will host a donation drive in partnership with OneBlood to ensure a ready blood supply for the community. For more information, call 1-888936-6283.
The St. Vincent Food Pantry At St. Stephen Church Is Open
The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry is open to people in our area that are in need or may have recently lost their jobs. The pantry operates at St. Stephen Catholic Church, located at 10118 St. Stephen Rd. in Riverview off of Boyette Rd. Pantry hours are Fridays from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The pantry is currently operating as a drive-thru in front of the church’s Family Life Center. Visitors will stay in their car and voluteers wearing face masks and gloves will load the food directly into the car so there is no contact between people. Donations of food and/or money are also accepted on Friday mornings between 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon. Drop-offs can be made at the drivethru in front of the Family Life Center. Checks should be made out to SvdP.
Virtual Women’s Support Group
In this difficult time, we could all use some support. Dr. Reba Haley, a therapist, and Jenise Griffin, a mental health advocate, will be hosting weekly Zoom meetings covering a variety of topics aimed towards women, including marriage, overcoming stress, coping techniques and other mental health issues. Zoom meetings will be held on Thursday evenings from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The meeting ID is 502 307 7085 and the password is 7C5UVJ.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RHEUMATOLOGY Specializing in treatment of:
Rheumatoid Arthritis • Psoriatic Arthritis • Osteoporosis Gout • Osteoarthritis • Lupus Accepting New Patients most insurance accepted
Dr. Priya Reddy M.D. FACR
Board Certified Rheumatologist
Dr. Gina Prakash M.D.
On Site:
Infusion • Lab • Ultrasound 813-672-2243 11954 Boyette Rd., Riverview
www.S WFLRHEUM.com
Board Certified Rheumatologist
May 2020
Page 9
Valrico Edition
Local Resident Loves Being A Hotdogger During Year Of Driving Wienermobile
By Libby Hopkins
Chinese philosopher types of interviews,” Confucius once said, Peterson said. “The “Choose a job you love and Wienermobile oftentimes you will never have to work sets up outside of groa day in your life.” cery stores and surprises FishHawk resident Tyler shoppers with a rare Peterson would agree with chance to see a giant Confucius because he has drivable hotdog. We also the fun and very cool job of love participating in fairs, being a hotdogger for Oscar festivals and local Mayer, and one of his job parades.” perks is that he gets to Wherever Peterson drive their goes in the Wienermobile. Wienermobile, “I love being he loves the goofy and makreaction he ing people gets from smile, so when I people he saw that they passes on the were looking for road while hotdoggers to driving or drive the when the Wienermobile, I Tyler Peterson grew up in the FishHawk area and Wienermobile graduated from the University of Florida with a jumped at the Master of Science in management this past spring. is parked at opportunity,” Peterson said. “I applied an event. “Everyone goes crazy when my last semester of grad school and they see a giant, 27-foot-long hotdog on was fortunate enough to have ‘cut the wheels,” Peterson said. “We get lots of mustard.’ The hotdogger position is cars honking their horns, waves and extremely competitive with thousands of smiles. How can you not be excited to people screened each year and only 12 see the Wienermobile?” people selected. You really have to If you ask Peterson what he likes have an appetite for adventure and a most about being a hotdogger and drivpassion for people in order to get the ing the Wienermobile, he will tell you it’s job.” the magic he creates while working. “I As a professional hotdogger, definitely love the fact that I get to make Peterson is responsible for driving the magic every day and spread smiles all Wienermobile all across the country and across the country,” Peterson said. “It is setting up fun events. my absolute favorite part of the job.” “I also act as a brand spokesperson Being a hotdogger does have its privion behalf of Oscar Mayer in all different leges.
Locally-Owned Complete Eye Exams Designer Frames Contact Lenses
BREAST AUGMENTATION BREAST LIFT TUMMY TUCK EYELID SURGERY/BROWLIFT SKIN TIGHTENING LASER HAIR REMOVAL BOTOX/DYSPORT
MOMMY MAKEOVER LIPOSUCTION BUTTOCKS LIFT FACELIFT DERMAL FILLERS CELLFINA CELLULITE REDUCTION RENUVION SKIN TIGHTENING
Buy any laser treatment, get one treatment
FREE for Mom for
Mother’s Day
Offer expires May 31, 2020
IPL: Intense pulsed light for pigmentation, redness, minimizing pore size and rejuvenation. Pixel : Fractionated Erbium laser for scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and tighter skin. Accent: Skin tightening using RF to increase collagen, and tighten lax, loose skin. Laser Hair Removal : Treat unwanted hair on almost any part of the body, including the bikini, legs, arms, neck, back and more. Equal or lesser value. Restrictions apply.
RD EST ECR PIN HIA LIT
MIL S. LER RD
Dr. Sheree Wright, O.D. • Dr. Branning Hollis, O.D. • Dr. Mona Kardani, O.D. FAAO
BLOOMINGDALE AVE
We accept VSP, Eyemed, Cigna, Aetna, Tricare, United Healthcare, Davis Vision, and more. *see store for details
813-654-0220
3307 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico (In Front of Sprouts)
www.myfloridaeyecare.com HOURS
T U E S - F R I 9 A M - 6 P M , S AT 9 A M - 2 P M
Stanley A. Castor, M.D., FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Certified American Board of Plastic Surgery
813.971.2000 www.DrCastor.com
Page 10
Valrico Edition
Volume 17, Issue 5
Girls With Confidence To Open New Location For Classes, Seminars, Events
By Amy Schechter
ues such as true friendship, acceptance, kindness and self-confidence. I love that it is a drama-free environment filled with great conversations, crafts, games, learnThe inaugural class of the GWC Young Women’s Leadership ing and love. It’s Council. truly a safe place In such a connected culture, it has filled with friendly faces and open hearts.” never been more important for young Instructor Kristy Hendricks said, girls to develop a strong sense of positive “GWC gives girls a safe space to share self-esteem. Nancy Lemon, founder and their stories, thoughts and fears. It allows CEO of Girls with Confidence (GWC), them to connect with other girls in their recognized the need for programs that school or community that they otherwise helped girls navigate the challenging periwould not have the chance to know. od of adolescence where peer-pressure, Forever friendships are being formed at body image, and decision-making cause every workshop, camp or event.” stress. Lemon is especially excited for her Since its inception in 2011, GWC has high school girls: “We just this year estabgrown to a staff of 15 with chapters all lished a program for high school girls over the Tampa Bay area, as well as called Young Women’s Leadership Pittsburg, Pensacola and even Uganda. Council—a mentorship program.” Furthermore. Lemon is thrilled to Lucey Gagner, another instructor, announce the opening of its very own added, “GWC brings together groups of center later this year, which will make its girls with positive women role models programming even more accessible and where they can openly discuss these exciting for the community. challenges, build an excellent support The new center is located at the group, learn to build each other up and intersection of Lithia Pinecrest and proudly express themselves.” Browning Rd. behind the fire station in In November 2019, Lemon what they lovingly call “The Barn.” Slated announced the creation of her 501(c)(3) to open this summer, this new space will nonprofit, the Confidence & Leadership allow for more classes, events for mothFoundation. For more info, pricing, scholers and daughters, ladies’ nights out and arship opportunities, visit www.girlswithbirthday parties. confidence.com/index.html. Girls with Dantys Bohan, mother of twin girls, Confidence will soon be located at 10540 explained the need for GWC: “They Browning Rd. in Lithia. spend time learning about important val-
Follow us on at Nekter Juice Bar Valrico and @nektertampabay for up-to-date information regarding our hours & operations
3482 LITHIA PINECREST ROAD, VALRICO, FL 33596
B We
rin g
Life
AJ’s Fine Wines & Liquor ur Spirits In Yo
Craft Beers
3443 Lithia Pinecrest Road
at the corner of Lithia-Pinecrest & Bloomingdale in the Publix Plaza
813-654-6488
BUY HERE / SMOKE HERE
Neighborhood Liquor Store with Cigars
HAVE A DRINK ON OUR PATIO BAR
FINE WINES Plumpjack Cakebread Cade Nickel & Nickel and MORE!
• Self-serve Bar • Walk-in Humidor • Walk-in Beer Cooler • Craft Beers • Gluten Free Beers • Organic Beers • Variety of IPA’s • Stouts • Non-alcholic Beers Available • Specializing in Fine Wines • Special Orders Upon Request • Call About Delivery
We
Thank You
for your business the past 16 years & look forward to your continued support of our small business. Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 10am - 10pm Fri. - Sat. 10am - 11pm Sun. 11am - 8pm
SPRING SAVINGS FREE INSTALLATION Free Installation On All Orders Placed in May Ask Us About Our 18 Month Interest Free Financing
Offer valid May 1st through May 31st 2020. May not be combined with any other offer. Offer good at time of initial estimate only. Each franchise is individually owned and operated. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds LLC©2020.
May 2020
Valrico Edition
Page 11
Curry Law Group To Pursue COVID-19 Claims For Area Businesses
Staff Report
Curry Law Group is helping small businesses with their COVID-19 Business Insurance Claims.
Brandon’s Curry Law Group is now representing local businesses and restaurants with coronavirus-related claims against insurance companies. After being denied her business interruption insurance claim losses from COVID-19, Jeannie Pierola, chef-owner of Tampa staple restaurants Counter Culture, Edison and Swigamajig, is working with Curry Law Group to pursue her claim. Pierola was forced to close all three restaurants on March 18, but reservations started going down in early March due to the pandemic. The restaurants started a pop-up from the Counter Culture location in mid-April, but it is a far cry from her regular revenue. She made her business interruption claim around April 2—and was quickly denied. Her insurance company claims viruses aren’t covered in her policy. Other insurance companies are saying that losses due to COVID-19 are not covered because there is no “physical damage,” such as a fire or flooding. Curry Law Group does not agree with the insurance companies. The claims they’re preparing contend
that businesses can make a claim on their commercial liability. Curry Law Group is stating that COVID-19 causes physical property damage and business income loss due to the virus’ proclivity to attach to surfaces for prolonged periods of time, thereby creating a dangerous physical condition on business premises. Federal government leaders, both at the White House and in Congress, have also said they believe insurance companies should be honoring their policies. Clif Curry, owner and founder of Curry Law Group, learned about this issue after speaking with Pierola and other business owners and wanted to help. Curry Law Group has represented clients in Brandon and throughout Hillsborough county for over 30 years. It has been retained to represent clients all over the Tampa Bay area in complex litigation of all types. Curry has been awarded the prestigious ‘AV’ rating by Martindale-Hubbel for attorneys that have been voted by judges and lawyers to have the top rating in both legal ability and ethics. To learn more, visit www.currylawgroup.com or call 653-2500.
Savannah Court is an elegant yet comfortable community offering 24-hour access to a well trained and friendly staff. The private or semi-private spacious suites offer sun-filled windows, kitchenettes and full private baths. • Restaurant Style Dining Experience • Housekeeping, Laundry and Maintenance Services • Vibrant Activities Program • Transportation for Outings and Medical Appointments • Cable is included in the monthly rental fee • Secured exterior doors and emergency call system for added safety • Day Service and Short Term Respite Program
For Aesthetic Appointments Call 813-514-4711 FAMILY OWNED
Who knows more about skin than dermatologists?
Serving the Tampa Bay Area since 1988
Medical Services
Ac nic Keratosis Basal Cell Carcinoma Hair Loss Treatment (Harklinikken)
Laser: Laser Hair Removal IPL Subla ve Sublime Ultherapy
Malignant Melanoma Research Studies Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Aesthe c Services Injectables: Botox/Dysport Sculptra Dermal Fillers Kybella Radiesse PDO Thread Li Sclerotherapy Platelet Rich Plasma
Spas: Facial Chemical Peel Microneedling Microdermabrasion
WE ARE OPEN!
6/14/2020
We’ve been serving our communi es for over 30 years and we will con nue to do so. VALRICO
2438 Bloomingdale Ave.
813 440 5544
RIVERVIEW
6901 Simmons Loop, Suite 207
813 868 3052
NEW! PLANT
6/14/2020
CITY
1503 W. Reynolds St.
813 514 4688
AcademicAllDerm.com
6/14/2020
Page 12
Volume 17, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
Hope Children’s Home Receives $10,000 Donation From Area Mormon Church
Moreno’s Bakery Delivers Sweet Surprise To Bridges Resident With Craving
At Hope Children’s well.” Home, faith is exerHope Children’s cised every day as the Home is nestled on 55 group of staff, volunwooded acres in teers and children pray Northwest Tampa, for their needs and tucked away from the then stand back and busy streets of the city. watch God’s hand It was founded in 1968 work miracles. One of and has rescued nearly its most recent mira5,000 children from situcles was a $10,000 ations of abuse, abanA $10,000 check was presented to donment and neglect donation by The Hope Children’s Home Executive Church of Jesus Christ Director Dr. Mike Higgins by The and provides them with of Latter-day Saints. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- a stable, loving, Christday Saints’ Brandon stake Executive Director centered environment. president, Robert Howell. Dr. Mike Higgins said When possible, it builds donations are important because they the bridge between home, parent and don’t accept any state or federal funds. child. At the present time, approximately “It’s only through the generosity of the 85 children from infants to high school community that we are able to undertake age live on its campus, which also housthis enormous yet greatly needed respon- es Hope Children’s School. sibility,” he said. While the check was an answer to When The Church of Jesus Christ of prayer, Hope Children’s Home regularly Latter-day Saints’ Brandon stake presineeds donations to help it achieve its misdent, Robert Howell, was tasked with sion. Immediate needs, which are listed finding an organization negatively affected on its website, include eggs, butter, by COVID-19 that could benefit from the cheese, 4T/5T pull-ups, baby wipes, disdonation, inspiration led him to Hope posable cups and toilet paper. Donations Children’s Home, which had seen a can be mailed or dropped off at 11415 decline in donations due to a faltering Hope International Dr. in Tampa. Drop off economy and Florida’s social distancing hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 guidelines. p.m. Higgins had been praying for God’s “The rewards of our labor are the grace to provide for their needs. thousands of young people who are now “Our church was thrilled to discover productive adults raising their own chilHope Children’s Home and to make a dren in the nurture and admonition of the contribution to help support its mission,” Lord,” said Higgins. For more information said Howell. “The help they provide to the about Hope Children’s Home or to make children they serve will change their lives a donation, visit www.hopechildrenfor the better and improve our society as shome.org or call 961-1214.
One of Wanda Moreno’s Bakery to Everly’s joys in life is make a delivery,” shopping. Everly is a Noah said. “Susan resident at The Moreno then Bridges in Brandon, reached out to me and with the recent for specific instrucCOVID-19 pandemtions on the delivery ic, she is unable to leave her residency to shop and get Wanda and Bob Everly are another one of her residents at The Bridges in life’s joys…carrot Riverview. Wanda recently wanted cake. So, a local carrot cake. Since she was unable bakery worked hard to get her beloved carrot cake, her daughter and members of the to bring carrot cake community came together to get a to her. protocol. During this Moreno’s Bakery carrot cake. “About two weeks ago, my mom time, we are very careful to sanitize items called me and said, ‘Laura, you’ve got to coming into our building. Obviously, with go Publix and get me carrot cake,’” said food items, we only disinfect the outside Laura Brundage, Everly’s daughter. “I told packaging. Susan personally delivered my mom that I wasn’t leaving the house that cake to me in a box wrapped in a to go to Publix and that if I did, I couldn’t plastic bag. I had the pleasure of deliverbring her the carrot cake because The ing it to Wanda and her husband, Bob.” Bridges wasn’t allowing visitors because Moreno was thrilled that she was of the virus.” able to help Brundage. Brundage told a close friend of hers, “I have not been able to spend any who lives in Maine, and after searching time with my own parents because of online for bakeries in the their age and health and I think it’s imporBrandon/Riverview area that were still tant for us to do nice things for people open and doing deliveries, she found right now,” Moreno said. Moreno’s Bakery in Brandon and emailed Brundage was deeply moved by it. everyone’s kindness and help in getting Susan Moreno, owner of Moreno’s her mother and step-dad the carrot cake. Bakery, was initially told that she could “Susan Moreno and Janet Noah are the not bring a cake to The Bridges because true heroes in this cake caper,” Brundage of the quarantine restrictions, but she said. asked Brundage Janet Noah, director of To learn more about The Bridges and community relations at The Bridges, to the services it offers, visit www.bridgesresee if there was anything she could do. tirement.com. For Moreno’s Bakery, visit “I told her that it would be fine for www.morenobakery.com.
By Michelle Caceres
By Libby Hopkins
CIRCA FISHHAWK 813 654 7000
5815 Kids Crossing Drive
(Located next to Stowers Elementary and Mosaic)
www.KRKCirca.com Lic # CHC432384
VALRICO 813 657 6200
4321 Lynx Paw Trail
(Located across fromLithia Springs Elementary)
www.KRKValrico.com Lic # CHC431024
May 2020
Page 13
Valrico Edition
Assisted Living
ECHO Faces New Demand And ‘Miracles In The Making’ As COVID-19 Makes Its Mark
By Linda Chion Kenney
Unprecedented navirus pandemic. In conneed and just-in-time trast, ECHO in its latest miracles mark the full-year report served work of the 33-year10,452 individuals. old Emergency Care Stepping up to help Help Organization are houses of worship, (ECHO) in Brandon service clubs, businessand Riverview, as es, individuals, nonprofits the wave of people and families, McKinnon continues to grow in said, “including the Steele the wake of the corofamily, which drove up navirus shutdown. with 365 pounds of food ECHO in April, collected by their 8-yearcollectively at both its old son in their Triple Rotarian Debbie Meegan’s Brandon and Creek neighborhood.” grandchildren (left to right), Riverview locations, The list of Good Savanna, Blake and Matthew, served 3,168 individ- donate food to the Rotary Club of Samaritans includes Brandon’s ECHO food drive in April. BSAC, Centerpoint uals, a dramatic increase from the year before, when it Church, The Crossing Church, Next served 767 people the entire month. In Level Church, The Mission Continues, March, the numbers were 1,204 and the Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview 604, respectively. and the Rotary Club of Brandon. While COVID-19 is a major factor in During the coronavirus shutdown, the 319 percent increase in demand, it ECHO is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on also accounts for the cancellation of Wednesdays and Fridays, both for food ECHO’s major annual fundraiser donations and distributions, in Riverview (Empower ECHO Breakfast) and the two at 7807 Capitano St. and in Brandon at major food drives it depends on annually, 507 N. Parsons Ave. Feeding the Bay and the Letter Carriers’ As for food, ECHO is in need of Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive. such things as baking items, canned “The giving of the community, it’s just fruits, cereals, condiments, vegetables, miracles in the making,” McKinnon said. beans and meats, as well as dry pasta “Miracles keep happening and it enables and rice. Jelly is a big need, McKinnon us to help our neighbors.” added, to go along with peanut butter. To further illustrate the need, Bread with a short shelf life is picked McKinnon said this year through April, up daily from Costco, Publix and ECHO served 13,352 individuals, with Sprouts. the majority of the increase occurring in a For updates and more, visit six-week period when service days were www.echofl.org. Call for Brandon at 685cut from five to two because of the coro0935 and for Riverview at 540-9880.
Plans Start at
$70 per month
“Tessera Brandon… Living your lifestyle.”
• Active contemporary style living • Spacious apartments • All day dining from 7am to 7pm Providing with a bountiful variety of choices exceptional care and fun activities during • Pet friendly this time and • Educational and social opportunities always. • Cable and Wi-Fi included • Live entertainment from Bach to Big Band • “Wine down” Wednesdays Assisted Living Facility #AL13150
Memory Care
“Living the present… cherishing the past.”
Located in the heart of Brandon close to I75, Hwy 60 and Hwy 301
1320 Oakfield Dr., Brandon, FL 33511 (813) 607-6880
tesserabrandon.com NEWLY RENOVATED
10 % OFF
entire purchase Sunflower Cafe
3 4 5 2 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico 8 13 -6 5 -SUSHI Only valid with regular menu.
With this coupon. Must present before submitting payment. Before tax. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other offers Offer expires 5/31/2020
3452 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico (Located in the SteinMart Plaza)
813-65-SUSHI
Mon - Fri 11:30-2:30 & 5-9 | Sat 12-9 Sundays 12-8:30 (Serving lunch until 3 p.m.)
CONGRATULATIONS Jayden Latocki Our carrier plans cover COVID-19 testing and treatments. Protect yourself and your loved ones with the right health insurance coverage.
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE!
813-689-8800
www.hst-brandon.com
Alafia Elementary Graduating 5th Grade
Jayden, you’re such a strong young man. Even with obstacles, you push forward. You have a big and caring heart. We look forward to watching you continue to grow. Strive to be your best in all that you do. You are your only limit. ~Love, Mom, Dad and Autumn
Page 14
Valrico Edition
Volume 17, Issue 5
Neighborhoods And Businesses Get Creative To Thank Essential Workers
By Kate Quesada
Local business and residents have become creative recently showing their thanks to essential workers.
to-find masks to every local community with a Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s store, boat center, distribution center and White River Marine Group manufacturing facility—over 200 communities in total. To support their efforts, visit www.convoyofhope.org/10mm.
Schools Thank Nutrition Services Workers
Earlier this month, schools throughout Hillsborough County found unique ways to thank the Nutrition Services employees who have worked tirelessly feeding children despite the schools being closed. Lithia Springs Elementary School in Valrico thanked their workers with a sign in front of the school.
An anonymous resident sent pizza to FishHawk’s Fire Station #44 last month.
Free Counseling Services From Healing The Broken Heart
To show appreciation for local first responders, educators, healthcare providers and mothers, Healing The Broken Heart, LLC Counseling Services is offering three counseling sessions for free via telehealth. To learn more, email healingthebrokenheartllc@gmail.com or call 4303113. Visit www.healingthebrokenheartllc.com for more information on Healing The Broken Heart, LLC Counseling Services.
Residents in FishHawk Ranch’s Avocet village decorated their mail boxes to thank postal workers.
Waterset Holds Contactless Food Drive
sequestered, the women of Hacienda Heights completed the first batch of masks. Their efforts did not stop there, as they continue making masks for the residents of Rice Creek and Hacienda Heights who need them to go shopping. To learn more, contact Farrell at 252-8622 or hhhoasecretary@gmail.com.
Residents Make And Distribute Masks
McDonald’s Offered Free Thank You Meals
When America ordered all senior citizens to self-quarantine themselves in order to curb the COVID19 pandemic, an appeal was made to replace the recycled PPE masks for the nurses working in local living centers. Upon hearing about those in need, Roberta Enterline found kits for making masks and distributed them to Pat Sendzik, Janet Monte, Jane Keyes, Lori Neely, Sheryl Rausch, Tonda Parish and Susan Duffy. Alan Nash, the Wilder Corporation general manager, and William Farrell, president of Hacienda Heights HOA, donated funds to purchase the needed materials. Within days of being
The Henzler Real Estate Team recently surprised workers at Brandon Regional Hospital’s Riverview Emergency Room with food and cupcakes from Sweetie’s Delights.
In appreciation for the healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters and paramedics who are committed to health and safety, McDonald’s offered free Thank You meals last month as a token of appreciation for their selfless service. Each Thank You meal was available at no charge via drivethru or carry-out at participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide and was served in its iconic Happy Meal box in hopes of bringing a smile along with delicious food. Ninety-five percent of the 14,000 U.S. McDonald’s restaurants are owned and operated by independent, local business own-
Welcome to Our Family Owned & Operated
FREE
Full Service Car Wash with Oil Change.
5 OFF
$ 00
Hole In One
Includes Filter & 5 qts Oil*
Brushless Car Wash, Lube & Detail Center
Everyday Low Price: $34.95 Expires 06/15/2020
Expires 06/15/2020
657-6500 • 3618 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Hours: 8am - 5pm Monday - Saturday Visa • MasterCard • American Express • Discover
Throughout the month of April, HiTech Automotive in Brandon offered free oil changes to medical professionals. This month, the business is giving customers the opportunity buy an oil change and give an oil change, either to a medical provider or a friend/family member. To learn more, call 684-1556 or visit www.hitechautomotiveofbrandon.com.
Brooks Pressure Washing Offers Sanitization
The Parkside Village neighborhood in FishHawk Ranch recently set out signs for essential workers thanking them for all they are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Waterset, a local masterplanned community by Newland, held a contactless food drive benefitting Feeding Tampa Bay. Waterset’s mascot, Manny the Manatee, drove through the neighborhood to collect nonperishable donations from residents’ driveways while spreading a safer-athome cheer to all ages. During this one-day food drive, Waterset’s residents raised nearly 1,000 meals for those in need in the Tampa Bay area.
HiTech Automotive Donates Oil Changes
Masks were recently donated to Brandon Regional Hospital from Bass Pro Shops.
ers. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com or follow it on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.
Bass Pro Shops Donated Masks
Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris personally donated one million FDA-approved ASTM Level 1 Procedure Face Masks to healthcare workers and first responders working on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis across the United States. In Tampa, a total of 6,000 of these masks will be donated to two facilities—Brandon Regional Hospital and the Palm Gardens of Sun City Center Assisted Living Facility. Convoy of Hope is utilizing its national network of partners and volunteers to identify appropriate local hospitals and medical facilities and help distribute the masks based on area needs and demands. The donation will provide thousands of hard-
In light of COVID-19, Brook Pressure Washing Inc. wants to help the community. The business is offering cleaning and sanitizing of playground equipment at local parks, churches, preschools and/or schools. “We make no claims or guarantees of making this virus go away,” said the owner. “That would be completely irresponsible for anyone to do. Right now we are able to take on one to two projects per week.” To sign up, complete the form at https://forms.gle/ZhA13Mw8Xc8nSd2 a7. To learn more about the business, visit brookpressurewashing.com, call 6105251 or email info@brookpressurewashing.com.
Harbor Freight Donates Masks To Healthcare Workers
Harbor Freight recently decided to donate its entire supply of personal protective equipment items, including N95 masks, face shields and 5 and 7-mil nitrile gloves, to frontline hospitals with 24-hour emergency rooms in the communities served by its stores. Workers in need are asked to email hospitalhelp@harborfreight.com and identify the hospital’s city and state in the subject line.
Complete Cleaning Service Solutions, LLC Offers Discount To Workers
Uzziel Lay, owner of a local cleaning company Complete Cleaning Service Solutions, LLC, is honoring first responders and healthcare professionals by offering 25 percent off on all carpets, tiles and grout cleaning. For more information, call 5629867 or email ccssolutions.team@gmail.com.
May 2020
Page 15
Valrico Edition
Osprey Observer Receives Grant From Facebook For COVID-19 Coverage
By Kate Quesada
selected by The Facebook the Facebook Journalism Project Journalism (FJP) recently Project to awarded receive a Community newsroom Network grants to grant to con400 North tinue our covAmerican local erage of news rooms to COVID-19 support coronand stories of avirus reporting. hope in our The Osprey community,” Observer team said Managing was thrilled to be Editor Marie among them. Gilmore. "Local journalThis ism is vital now is the more than ever The Osprey Observer team, which now holds staff meetings virtually, was second and we hope that recently awarded a grant from the round of this investment Facebook Journalism Program to aid grants can assist The in COVID-19 coverage. from the Osprey Observer FJP. newsroom with Fifty recipients reporting accurate were announced in information for late March and Florida communiFJP doubled the ties,” said Josh total grant pool to Mabry, Local $2 million after News more than 200 publishers applied in the Partnerships lead at Facebook. “The first 48 hours after the application Facebook Journalism Project is pleased launched. to offer a small grant to support their The grants will help fulfill needs such reporting during these challenging times.” as remote work, increased frequency of Each of the newsrooms, which are publishing, combating misinformation and located in 48 U.S. states, Washington serving vulnerable and at-risk groups. D.C., Puerto Rico and several provinces Facebook also recently announced a and territories in Canada, will receive $5,000 to cover unexpected costs associ- separate $1 million in grants to support fact checkers and $25 million in relief ated with reporting on the crisis in their grants with the goal of helping fulfill immecommunities. The Osprey Observer was diate needs such as increasing frequency one of eight in Florida, including WEDU of publishing, tools to work remotely, Tampa and The Tampa Bay Times. combating misinformation and serving The program is run in partnership vulnerable and at-risk groups. with the Lenfest Institute for Journalism To learn more about the Facebook and the Local Media Association (LMA) in Journalism Program, search for the group the U.S., News Media Canada and The Independent News Challenge in Canada. on Facebook. Visit www.OspreyObserver.com to see updat“The Osprey Observer was so honed coverage of local news. ored to receive notification that we were
Air Conditioning & Heating
Celebrating 3 2 years in business!
Up to $1700 in Rebates! Sunairtampa.com | 813-684-9919
CAC044863
Family Owned and Operated for 32 Years
FREE
UV LIGHT with New Install
...because he’s special too! Father’s Day June 21st Find us on Facebook
and enter into a random drawing each month for a chance to win a featured piece of jewelry.
c M Auley Fine Jewelry Open Tuesday-Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-4
813-689-8124 Oakfield Drive, Brandon
(Located in the Atlantic Village Plaza, Kings Avenue & Oakfield Drive)
Watchmaker and Jewelers On Site • We Buy Gold!
Page 16
Valrico Edition
Volume 17, Issue 5
Sports Connection
Photos courtesy of Haley Oles Erick Runyon/ePhotographic Group
657-2418
www.ospreyobserver.com
By Nick Nahas
The FHSAA Announces Cancellation Of All Spring Sports; Abruptly Ending High School Careers The 2020 high school spring sports programs around the state were dealt a huge blow on April 20 as the Florida High School Athletic Association announced that all spring sports would be cancelled. The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) also announced that additional eligibility will not be Bloomingdale senior Trinity Howard will continue her softball Alex Canney will have a chance to play given to the student-athletes. career next season at Eastern Florida State College. his senior season next year. With this announcement came will continue to work towards the betterthis high school season in front of scouts, the realization of the abrupt end of many ment of high school sports. We know this and they may not have the opportunity young careers. is a trying time, but the health and safety this summer, either, with the AAU season According to the April 20 statement of all is of utmost importance to this assoin question. by the FHSAA, “…it is with heavy hearts ciation.” Durant baseball junior pitcher Alex that the FHSAA has decided to cancel all “When they announced that the seaCanney was in the midst of having his FHSAA-affiliated events, inclusive of the son was over, it didn't hit me until a coubest high school season, having state series and all championship events, ple days later,” said Bloomingdale senior thrown 18.1 innings with a 0.76 ERA, for spring sports. The safety of our stusoftball player Trinity Howard. “It hurt 21 strikeouts and just one walk. He dent-athletes, coaches, officials and fans when I realized I wouldn't be able to play threw a complete game shutout is our top priority. With the evolving threat with my teammates again, or play on the against rival Newsome and threw six of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we must same field.” scoreless innings against ensure that we do not contribute to the Howard’s career will continue at the Bloomingdale before the shutdown of spread of this illness. We are deeply sad- next level, as she is committed to playing the season. He had a lot riding on that dened for our student-athletes who have softball at Eastern Florida State College, season to prove himself, as he has seen their seasons and/or high school where she will study law. The careers of not yet committed to a college. This is careers end so abruptly. Our association many upperclassmen have been put in the time where most players commit knows the impact and role high school limbo because they didn’t have the to their future schools, but the NCAA athletics play in the lives of so many and opportunity to further prove themselves
has closed all recruiting during the pandemic. The process has been halted because college coaches are not allowed to make contact with players as of right now. This will put added pressure on Canney to perform well in his next high school season to earn a scholarship. “Senior year is the year that every kid dreams of with his team,” said Canney. “I have grown up with all these kids and have played with them or against them my whole life. I’m lucky that I’m a junior and not a senior, and that it’s not over for me now. My heart goes out to those guys, it’s crazy to see.” A lot of seniors don’t have a scholarship, and may have played their last game ever. East Bay baseball player Aaron Jackson falls into the category. “Having my senior season end out of nowhere really hurt, because I’ve been playing this game my whole life, and now it’s gone forever,” said Jackson. “The thing I will miss most about baseball is the family you make while playing the sport. The guys you play with will be your friends forever and will always have your back.”
May 2020
Page 17
Valrico Edition
Local Businesses Adjust & Adapt With New Drive-Thru & Delivery Options Canine Cabana Offers Essential Workers Discount
Canine Cabana’s mission is to provide a safe, active and healthy recreational environment that meets canine physical and behavioral needs while improving the quality of life for both dogs and the owners who love them. Although the dog daycare, lodging and private training location in Riverview remains open for all, it is offering 20 percent off on services for any essential business workers, including nurses, first responders, pharmacists, grocery workers, childcare workers, delivery workers and postal workers. Call 672-9663 today.
Local Mathnasium Locations Offer Mathnasium@home
For parents with children at home, Mathnasium’s new service, Mathnasium@home, allows students to continue the same face-to-face Mathnasium instruction from anywhere with an internet connection. Mathnasium@home was developed over three years for customers who had difficulty bringing their children into centers, and thousands of students have found it to be as effective as in-center learning. Current concerns about public health have prompted the business to make it available to customers now. There are three local Mathnasium locations. Mathnasium of Riverview is located at 11446 US Hwy. 301 and can be reached at 844-684-3265, Mathnasium of West Brandon is at 10268 Causeway Blvd. and can be reached at 333-6676 and Mathnasium of Brandon is located at 1048 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico and can be reached at 655-MATH (6284). For more information, visit www.mathnasium.com.
Full Grown Girl Offers Plants And More
After recently moving to a new location in the Winthrop Town Center, Full Grown Girl, which offers home decor, plants and gift items, had to quickly adapt when the pandemic hit. Owner Cynthia Atkins began letting customers shop online and offers Purple Bench Pickup, which allows for no-contact shopping. Hot purchases have been house plants, which are popular as gifts and to help freshen up air the home, and succulents. To see all the items and make purchases, go to Fullgrowngirl.com or follow the store on Instagram @fullgrowngirl and Facebook at Full Grown Girl. To reach the store, call 629-1124.
Phoenix House Moves Outpatient To Zoom
In order to continue to provide high quality service to its patients, Pheonix House fully transitioned its outpatient program to Zoom for telehealth; every group and clinical assessment offered prior to COVID-19 is now being offered virtually.
Phoenix House Florida strongly believes that nothing should get in the way of a person seeking substance use treatment. Too often, addiction sufferers forgo potentially life-saving treatment thinking that it’s outside of their grasp. Residents are encouraged to reach out today to find help. Call 881-1000, option 1. Financial assistance programs are available.
Motion Chirotherapy Adds Telehealth
The team at Motion Chirotherapy in Lithia is now offering consultations via video. Through these appointments, Dr. Robert Lutz, chiropractic physician, is able to assess, come up with a proper treatment plan and tell patients how to move correctly to decrease symptoms. The team is using telehealth for both new and existing patients who are practicing social distancing and do not want to come into the office. The appointment is done through Doxy.me, which is similar to Zoom but is HIPAA compliant. Appointments can be made at www.motionchirotherapy.com or by calling 793-7791. Motion Chirotherapy is located in Lithia at 16765 Fishhawk Blvd. in the Winn Dixie Plaza.
Music Showcase Offers Virtual Lessons And Curbside Pickup
Music Showcase of Brandon is open and offering repair work and sales of strings, music, reeds, equipment and more with curbside pickup. Private lessons and classes are offered virtually. To learn more, call 685-5998 or visit www.musicshowcaseonline.com. The store is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.
Therapist Offers Speech Therapy Online
Julie Samec Kogut, MA, CCC-SLP, speech-language pathologist and director/owner at Tampa Bay Speech, Language & Reading Clinic, is working online with patients for articulation, language, reading and writing. Tampa Bay Speech, Language & Reading Clinic is located at 16132 Churchview Dr., Ste. 205 in Lithia. For more information, call 368-2485 or visit www.tampabayspeech.com.
Walker Hill Designs Launches eDesign Service
The team at Walker Hill Designs is excited to announce its new eDesign service to help clients virtually. Visit www.walkerhilldesigns.com or follow the business on Facebook and Instagram to learn more.
Comprehensive Center Offers Teledermatology
In an effort to continue caring for patients during the coronavirus pandemic, the Comprehensive Center for Dermatology recently launched a teledermatology platform so that patients can get medical advice from the comfort of their own homes. The office, led by board-certified Dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Conde, will remain open to assist with urgent or emergent dermatological needs. To learn more, call 530-6511 or visit www.ccdermatology.com. The Comprehensive Center for Dermatology is located at 5607 Skytop Dr. in Lithia.
Sage Cleaners Offers On-Demand Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service
Sage Cleaners, Eastern Hillsborough’s largest dry cleaning and laundry business with 12 locations from Seffner to Apollo Beach, is now the area’s first on-demand dry cleaning and laundry service. Customers can download Sage’s app and select a pickup and delivery day. Representatives will come by and pick up and return items in as little as 48 hours. “We are waiving all fees associated with the service through at least April 30 to encourage anyone with interest in social distancing and minimizing the COVID-19 spread to give us a try,” said Owner and CEO Cohen Wills. “We will pick it up on your porch and leave it hanging on a clothes hanger on your door on delivery so that you won’t have to interact with our drivers at all if you prefer to practice social distancing.” Visit www.sagecleaners.com to learn more.
Rolling Pin Suspends Classes, Offers Gift Cards And Curbside Delivery
For the health and safety of customers and employees, the Rolling Pin Cooking Emporium recently suspended cooking classes and events. However, for as long as possible, the retail store will remain open and orders can be placed over the phone and will be brought to the curbside. Gift certificates for the store and for future classes can be purchases at www.rollingpinonline. To learn more, call 653-2418 or email dwest@rollingpinonline.com.
Grade A Spanish Tutors Goes Virtual
Looking for some help with learning Spanish while school is virtual? The employees of Grade A Spanish Tutors can lend a hand. The new business is offering virtual classes for children and adults struggling to learn the language. According to Owner Kevin Kemp, a Lithia resident, the business’ tutor has more than 40 years of teaching and tutoring experience. To learn more, call 763-5435 or visit www.GradeASpanishTutors.com.
By Kate Quesada Summerfield Crossings Golf Club Hosts Food Trucks In response to everyone being at home, Summerfield Crossings Golf Club thought it would be easier and safer to bring the food to residents. Every Friday from 4:30-8:30 p.m., the club will have two food trucks plus a bar to order from. All orders must be placed ahead online, including drinks. Visit Summerfield Crossings’ Facebook page for weekly trucks and more information.
Little Greek Starts Home Delivery
Delicious Greek food is now just a click away. Residents can now order from Little Greek online at https://littlegreekfreshgrill.com/ or by calling 5708162, but delivery will be offered in a limited area. Call to find out more.
No-Cost HR Advice
My HR Advisor invites small business owners impacted by the coronavirus to reach out to speak with an HR advisor at no cost. HR advisors are able to assist with answering general HRrelated questions or help point you in the right direction. It is here to help. Sign up for a basic free member account at www.myhradvisor.com to get started or submit a contact request form. My HR Advisor will get back to you to assist in any way it can.
Hypnotic Engagements Reduces Stress
Hypnotic Engagements wants to help residents reduce stress by engaging their minds.The company is offering a free session for anyone with the coronavirus. Hypnosis is offered for people dealing with cancer, pain, dementia, migraines and more. To learn more, call Daniel at 248-941-4246 or visit www.HypnoticEngagements.com.
Gecko Floor Care
If you have asthma, bad allergies or just want to make sure your house is as clean as possible, Gecko Floor Care can help. Service technicians take precautions that include wearing masks, gloves and sanitizing equipment after every job. Vvisit geckofloorcare.com or call Dennis Napoli at 924-7344.
Rae’s Accounting Can Explain Tax Changes
Rae’s Accounting in Apollo Beach has all the information you need to deal with the IRS filing, payment delays and tax credits due to coronavirus concerns. With a lot of misinformation out there, the staff at Rae’s Accounting is keeping up to date and can help with all tax questions from who needs to file when to who is eligible for tax credits and payments. To learn more, contact Rae’s Accounting at 540-1040, email Robin@RaesAccounting.com or visit www.raesaccounting.com. Rae’s Accounting is located at 400 Frandorson Cir., Ste. 103 in Apollo Beach.
NEW, EXCITING TERMITE PRODUCTS!
Termidor 10 Year Guarantee
BRANDON TERMITE AND PEST CONTROL
Against Subterranean Termites
MEMBER WEST FLORIDA
Existing customers may purchase Termidor at an additional cost. Call Brandon Exterminating for free estimate 685-7711
#1 Bug Muggers Since 1973
Brandon Pest Control, Inc.
Main Office: 108 S. St. Cloud Ave. • Valrico • Fax 685-3607 • 6am-6pm Clearwater-Lakeland-Orlando-Plant City- Carterville GA- Warner Robins, GA
Page 18
Volume 17, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
HART Essential Employees Receive Hand Sanitizer Donation From Local Brewery
Staff Report
The Hillsborough Area Regional largest owned breweries in the state of Transit Authority (HART) motormen, bus Florida, began bottling hand sanitizer in operators and response to paratransit COVID-19. operators are “HART offers essential thanks to this comemployees munity partner for who provide a the company’s gencritical service erosity,” said to the commuCarolyn House nity like medStewart, interim ical personnel, chief executive offifirst responcer of HART. “The ders, pharmadonation comes at cists and groa crucial time when HART employees received a generous cery store supplies are limited. donation of hand sanitizer from 3 Daughters employees. The agency appreciBrewing. Recently, ates our dedicated HART employees, who received a now operate a huge ‘thank Sunday schedule you’ from 3 on all routes, thus Daughters fulfilling our transit Brewing. mission to the pubThe local lic.” brewery donat“We continue to ed a generous wish health and supply of hand safety for all and sanitizer for HART’s frontline employees, are increasingly thankful for the people who are professionals committed to who are putting their lives on the line to keeping transportation options available protect the health of others. We thank for essential trips in Hillsborough County. you and your organization for being a “They graciously donated 10 gallons Florida Hero,” said Brian Horne, vice of their sanitizer for our operators and president of sales and marketing at 3 motormen,” said HART Bus Daughters Brewing. Transportation Manager Brian Abrams, HART made the donated hand saniwho reached out to 3 Daughters tizer immediately available to all operaBrewing after he spotted a social media tors. post. Visit www.goHART.org for the latest 3 Daughters Brewing, one of the HART service information.
Seville 2 99 CLEANERS STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY Same Day Service • In By 9am - Out by 4pm (dry clean only)
Any Garment
$2.75 Pre-Paid - No Limit Seville Cleaners Expires 6/1/2020
3237 Lithia Pinecrest Valrico (@ Miller Rd., North of Bloomingdale)
813.661.5494
Hours: Mon - Sat 7am - 7pm All Items Prepaid - No Leather/Formals
Quality Service at a Great Price - No Extra Charges Ever!
To all of the medical providers, shelf stockers, cashiers, truck delivery drivers, law enforcement, mail carriers, and volunteers, who are bravely helping us through this difficult time... We thank you!
2240 LITHIA CENTER LANE VALRICO 33596 THOMAS@TOMGALLOLAW.COM
813-815-4529
May 2020
Page 19
Valrico Edition
Moms RUN This Town Free Community Running Club Connects Women “When I first started running, I didn’t have a single friend to run with. All my runs were by myself, no one to race with, no one to motivate me to get out there, just me and the road. And it was boring,” said Pam Burrus. In 2010, Burrus started Moms RUN This Town/She RUNS This Town (MRTT/SRTT) with the goal of connecting with other moms, and from a small group of friends and a fun play on words, the free running club for women has grown into hundreds of chapters worldwide, with one special chapter connecting women in the FishHawk area even during the current health crisis. Vanessa Russell and Melissa Ortiz, two founders of the FishHawk group, are amazed at how their group has grown from about 10 women to over 500 since 2017. Russell can attest to the importance of having a tribe of women to motivate and push you: “It has become a safe place to come together, both physically and over Facebook, to encourage, support and share information with women who all share a common love.” Russell added, “[It’s about] getting to know someone new, having someone push you in ways you would never do on your own and putting yourself out there. Community is so important; what better way to get to know your neighbors than on a run doing something for yourself but
Family Owned & Operated
By Amy Schechter
also being there for someone else?” Ortiz even ran her first marathon because of the group support. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or are just getting started, there’s a person with a pace out there ready to run at your level. Whether your goal is your first mile or your first ultra, there’s a friend who will help you finish. The online community has been a means of staying connected despite the social distancing through individuals posting pictures, offering others motivation and participating in virtual runs/challenges. Russell knows “We can’t control this process or the outcome, but what we can control is our mindset and perspective. We can’t make this situation go away, but with community and inspiration we can get through this together. Although exercise isn’t the cureall, this group is much more than just running.” The Fishhawk chapter of MRTT/SRTT is not open to just FishHawk, it’s open to all women who want to run with them. The best part is that it’s totally free, and now is the perfect time to virtually connect. There will be plenty of time for meetups and sweaty high fives in the future. For more information on the FishHawk chapter, visit facebook.com/groups/109836793199318. You can also explore momsrunthistown.com to find other chapters near you.
$25 OFF Repair One use per household. Cannot be combined with other offers. Cannot be used on previously performed services. Expires 6/30/2020
Low Cost Vaccination /Preventative Shot Clinic
Sat. June 6th 11am - 12noon
Visit our store for free & helpful advice on the nutrition and health of your pets.
We want to make YOU and YOUR PET comfortable! OR
You are welcome to visit us inside our store.
We can bring your pet’s nutritional products to your car.
YOU Decide!
3110 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico 813-684-3663 www.kimsnaturalpetfoods.com
◀ Michele Urbanowski (732) 757-5816 • www.FLhomesbymichele.com Shelly Valdez ▶ (813) 401-9489 • www.Shellysuperagent.com
Looking to Buy or Sell a Home? We are your neighborhood expert Realtors.
Offering 100% VIRTUAL Home Buying & Selling Services Let the experience and services of Team ShellTown exceed your expectations! We pride ourselves in educating our clients in the art of real estate and will provide solid guidance for you every step of the way.
Contact us today for your personalized home analysis. Each Century 21 office is independently owned and operated.
$250 OFF New System
Ask your Comfort Advisor for Qualifying Systems One use per household. Cannot be combined with other offers. Cannot be used on previously performed services. Expires 6/30/2020
(813)689-0817 1702 Marlin James Dr CAC056868
Page 20
Valrico Edition
Tampa Theatre Offers Virtual Movie School
By Kathy L. Collins
The Tampa er,” said Kara Windish, Theatre is now offering a veteran classroom Tampa Theatre Movie teacher and Tampa School. This free online Theatre’s education resource provides stancoordinator. “Children dards-based guidelines are not experiencing for interactive, filmthe teamwork they are based family learning. used to at school right So, if you are looking now, and that is hard for new ways to enterfor them. But they can The Tampa Theatre Movie School tain, educate and still watch, learn from offers streaming suggestions, project guides and much more to and hopefully be enlighten your family, and enlighten inspired by or take this is a fun and interac- entertain, educate audiences. tive way to spend time something away from together, learn a little and laugh the characters they are seeing a lot. on the screen,” added Windish. Tampa Theatre Movie Jill Witecki with the Tampa School is a new, online edutainTheatre said, “Tampa Movie ment initiative designed for parSchool is the latest in a series of ents with children of all ages to virtual initiatives we have introuse movies as the basis for duced to engage with our guided learning. On the Movie patrons, following the success Suggestions page, classic titles of our Social Streaming suggesare divided into categories of tions, our Friday Movie Trivia feel-good comedies, fantastical program and our Tampa journeys, family-friendly frights, actionTheatre Virtual Cinema initiative.” Witecki packed adventures and uplifting stories of added, “This is the first of the initiatives, teamwork and friendship. All of the films though, specifically developed with chilare available to stream on many common dren and families in mind. We have a few platforms like YouTube and Google Play more ideas for elements that can be or are included with popular subscription added to the Movie School platform, and services like Netflix and Disney+. we hope to get them pulled together and On the Project Guide page, families added to the page in the coming weeks.” will find research questions, discussion The initial collection of Tampa prompts, art projects, ideas for dramatic Theatre Movie School resources can be play and printable resources to help build found on the theater’s website at an educational experience around the https://tampatheatre.org/tampa-theatrechosen movie. movie-school/. It plans to add even more “Great films promote great discuseducational content under the Movie sions, and during this time of family School banner soon. togetherness, it is the perfect time to For more information, please visit delve into some of those themes togethwww.tampatheatre.org.
ROOFING
Palm Tree Roofing
A trusted local professional
• ROOFING • FASCIA • SOFFIT • GUTTERS FAST, FREE, FRIENDLY ESTIMATES
ALTERATIONS
Inna’s
ble Flexiurs Ho
ALTERATIONS and REPAIRS Ladies, Gentlemen, & Children
SALE
Prom & Evening Dresses Bloomingdale Professional Center
Call 813-333-6320
1514 Bloomingdale Ave E., Valrico
Frank Shaft Licensed Contractor
(near Bloomingdale High School)
#CCC1327713
(813) 651 4416
PAINTING
LAWN SERVICE
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER REPAIRS
Warner’s Nursery 813-689-5081 (cell) 813-817-6826
(office)
Lic# RX0058177
WINDOW CLEANING
PEST CONTROL
YOUR TERMITE AND PEST SOLUTION FROM YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD PROFESSIONAL
Call for FREE Estimate today!
814-207-7018 Veteran Owned
Experienced,Reliable & Reasonable Licensed & Insured
RESIDENTIAL . COMMERCIAL FREE ESTIMATES CALL OUR TRAINED EXPERTS 24 HOURS A DAY
813-915-4080
4306 NORTH 56 STREET • TAMPA, FL 33610
Volume 17, Issue 5
Sons Of AMVETS Connect To Help Those In Need In The Community
By Libby Hopkins
“We don’t Crossroads and know them all, Liberty Manor for but we owe Veterans. We do this them all.” No with donations and other words are fundraising events.” ever so true The Sons of when it comes AMVETS Post 44 is to the men and accepting new memwomen who bers. The Sons of AMVETS, as its have served in Prospective name implies, is a nationwide our military. members organization comprised of the sons of American veterans Veterans must have a who are members of AMVETS deserve the tie to a vetermost respect and appreciation for all they an to gain have done for our country. membership. Bob Oliveri’s dad is a 20-year retired “You need Air Force veteran. Oliveri wanted to give either your mom or dad, grandmother or back to his community and to the vetergrandfather or sibling to be in the milians who live in it. He and his wife, Marci, tary,” Oliveri said. “This group is a family, joined the Sons of AMVETS Post 44 in and this is a big family that cares and Plant City. supports veterans.” “My wife and I joined AMVETS Post Oliveri hopes the Sons of AMVETS 44 about five years ago,” Oliveri said. Post 44 continues to support its commu“We were looking to donate our time to nity and its veterans. “My hopes are help local veterans since my dad is a 20- always to be respectful and successful year retired Air Force veteran.” for helping our veterans and never forThe Sons of AMVETS, as its name getting the sacrifices they endured to implies, is a nationwide organization protect us and our freedoms,” Oliveri comprised of the sons of American veter- said. “Every Friday night, we have differans who are members of AMVETS. The ent dinners that we open up our post to Sons play an active role in promoting the community to come down and enjoy AMVETS’ legislative agenda, providing a meal and have some good conversaservices to hospitalized veterans and tions and know your neighbors. We are supporting charitable initiatives. always looking for new members to “We, as Sons, have been helping come and be part of the AMVET family.” our local community and helping veterTo learn more about the Sons of ans besides supporting our post,” Oliveri AMVETS Post 44 or to become a memsaid. “We donate our time and money to ber, visit www.Amvetspost44.org. the James Haley VA; we also donate to AMVETS Post 44 is located at 5521 SR the Athena House in Tampa, Tampa 60 E. in Plant City.
May 2020
Valrico Edition
Page 21
Valrico
May 2020
Volume 17, Issue 5
At Last Chiropractic Celebrates Its One-Year Anniversary
Ph: 657-2418
The At Last chiropractic office in Lithia has just celebrated its one-year anniversary. It believes that the majority of people who are suffering from a disease, illCouture Designs Studio is ready to help homeowners update cabinets. ness or chronic pain are not an amazing satisfied with simple, shortwww.fullwellness center featuring halo therapy term fixes. Its mission is to house(dry salt inhalation), and Sheila Alba, stay committed to the health babyproofmanager of The Salt Grotto, said, “We The At Last Chiropractic office celebrating ing.com or of the community through are so excited to be adding Salt Athletics its first anniversary. compassion, honesty, educahis Facebook to our wellness services; it adds a tion and neurological-based chiropractic page at www.facebook.com/fhbproofing. dynamic, new, scientific wellness platform care. He can also be contacted on 693-2270. for our customers.” For more information, visit its webIn each session, site, www.atlastchiropractic.com. Local Swim School Offers Water users will receive a Safety Tips combination of light Let Couture Designs Studio Located in Valrico, therapy and salt Update Your Kitchen Cabinets Angelfish Swim School inhalation therapy Are you thinking about painting offers private and known to benefit your cabinets throughout the house semi-private lessons several conditions. to avoid the overwhelming cost of for all ages in a fun, Visit www.thesaltgrotto.com for more cabinet replacement? You owe it to safe and family-friendly information. yourself to text or message Mike at environment. With the Couture Designs Studio. “We have recent spike in drownCanine Cabana Helps Out Local worked hard to perfect this process. ings this year, Resident If your cabinets are in good condiAngelfish Swim School Recently, Canine Cabana had a call tion, this is an excellent alternative. We is warning parents of the to action for helping one of its Riverview want to give you stunning cabinets at an dangers when using arm community customers. A woman had fallaffordable price using a proven floats and other flotation en in her home and did not want to call Benjamin Moore product that will devices that restrict arm an ambulance until she knew her furry last,” said Mike. movement. Marcia Davis, owner of friends were taken care of. When they Couture Designs Studio is located in Angelfish Swim School, said that parents received the call, Owners Angie Pickren the Erindale Plaza at 3644 Lithia need to know all the following dangers and Kendall Duncan immediately knew Pinecrest Rd. and is available to you by and risks: that they had to help and lodge the appointment. Here, you can mix and Those devices give children and parwoman’s two dogs for however long it match wall colors with cabinet colors to ents a false sense of security. A young was needed. find your perfect color combination, then child does not fully understand that the Canine Cabana is located at 9708 take home actual cabinet doors in differflotation device is the reason they feel Carr Rd. in Riverview and is still open for ent colors. “We believe this should be a safe in the water and this can lead to doggy daycare. You can fun, stress-free process, and Couture accidents. email it at info@caninacaDesigns strives to make it just that.” Call Those devices keep children vertical bana.biz or call them at Mike at 244-0787 and view his Facebook in the water, children need to practice the 672-9663. They are curpage, Couture Designs @paintyourcabicorrect swimming position, which is horirently open Mondaynets. zontal. Friday from 6:30a.m.-6:30 Those devices restrict arm movep.m. Full House Babyproofing Opens ment, which prevents children from practicing and learning to swim. Tampa Bay’s only professional childAll Family Law Group Davis explains more on this topic in a proofing service recently opened. Owner Selected Into Top 10 video at yourswimbuddy.com/safety-alert. Daniel Leeds will give you peace of mind Best Law Firms For Client Satisfaction by carrying out a home safety evaluation The American Institute of Family Law and professionally installing only top-qual- Salt Athletics Is Coming To The Salt Attorneys has recognized the exceptional Grotto ity items in your home. Providing custom performance of All Family Law Group, baby gates, pool safety fencing and furniThe Salt Grotto is pleased to P.A. and its owner and managing attorture anchoring are just some of the servannounce the addition of Salt Athletics to ney, Family Law Attorney Lynette Silonices he provides. their wellness center. For many years The Laguna, as the 2020 Best Family Law To learn more, visit his website at Salt Grotto has been offering their clients Firm and Best Family Law Attorney for
Client Satisfaction. The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys is a third party attorneyrating organization that publishes an annual list of the top 10 family law attorneys in each state. One of the most significant aspects of the selection process involves attorneys’ relationships and reputation among their clients. AIOFLA places the utmost emphasis on selecting lawyers who have achieved significant success in the field of family law without sacrificing the service and support they provide. For more information, please view All Family Law Group’s website at www.familymaritallaw.com or call 6721900.
Free Consultation With Missy’s Ink
Are you considering permanent makeup? Why not schedule a free FaceTime or Zoom consultation with Missy while you have the time? She will discuss the different options, colors and more. Anyone who schedules a consultation before Sunday, May 31 will receive $50 off when you reserve your new client procedure. What better time than now, from your own home, to learn about how you can wake up to make up with no effort? Contact Missy via her website www.missysink.com or call 659-0648.
Creative Junk Therapy
Creative Junk Therapy is a startup resource center located at 10236 Fisher Ave. in Tampa, and its mission is to provide resources for enrichment through art and creation using salvaged materials. Owner Karen Koseck said, “Our goal is to encourage artistic expression for future generations while benefitting our environment by keeping reusable items from our landfills.” Creative Junk Therapy offers gently used items at reasonable costs, creative workshops, makerspaces as well as a space for studios, meetings or events. To learn more, view its Facebook page, Creative Junk Therapy, or call 3249777.
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.
Make sure to talk to the doctor if your loved one is suddenly combative or gets agitated easily, it could be that they are experiencing some kind of pain that they simply can't explain. Assisted Living Facility #9739
May 2020
Page 23
Valrico Edition
Local Resident Creates Unique, Wearable Cigar Box Purses & Valets
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN BRANDON!
By Libby Hopkins
Dr. Maya Angelou All of the cigar once said, “You can’t box purses are lined use up creativity. The and finished. Most more you use it, the have beaded hanmore you have.” Susan dles, tassels and are Jordan of Valrico would adorned with recyagree with Dr. Angelou cled brooches and or because she uses her paper mache creativity to create images. “I do lots of beautiful purses made custom designs for out of cigar boxes, my clients, and the which she calls sky’s the limit,” ‘Humadorables.’ Jordan said. “The “I’ve always loved cigar boxes are handbags and jewelry found locally and the and had quite an job of finding the Susan Jordan of Valrico makes wearable art. extensive handbag colboxes is one of her lection before I started making my favorite parts of the job. I’m enamored Humadorables,” Jordan said. “I was at by cigar boxes and some of them are a party one night and there was a gorgeous before I ever get my hands friend at my table that had a stunning on them.” cigar box purse. I went home and Her inspiration comes from fashdreamt about it and couldn’t stop ion, jewelry and whatever beauty she thinking about it. My husband, Robert, finds in everyday life. She dreams said, ‘Why don’t you just make one,’ about what kind of cigar bags she’ll do so I made 10, then 20, then 100 cigar next and has a long list of ideas and box purses, and at that point decided gets great ideas from her clients as to start selling them. A common reacwell. tion to these darling little cigar box Jordan believes strongly in shoppurses was, ‘That’s adorable!’ So, I ping local and keeping things local. named my business Humadorables by “The importance of shopping small Susan.” and local is a big deal to me and I try She recently expanded her busito buy from local artists and local business to offer men’s products as well. “I nesses,” Jordan said. “Artists and now make cigar box valets for the friends helping each other out is never guys too,” Jordan said. “They have a bad thing.” ornate feet, knobs and are lined in To learn more about black velvet. These are perfect for a Humadorables by Susan or to purdresser, desk, bookcase or bar and chase one of her purses, visit her webmake great groomsman gifts and guy site at gifts in general.” www.humadorablesbysusan.com.
WE ARE OPEN FOR YOU!! 11:00 am - 8:00 pm | Pick up and Delivery Bottled Wine Available with Pick Up orders!
702 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon • 813-685-0502 • www.laseptimacafe.com Mon. - Sat. 11am. - 9pm. • Closed Sunday
Page 24
Volume 17, Issue 5
Valrico Edition
EXPERIENCE MATTERS Now Is The Time To Call Brenda! 813-924-8677
What Our Customers Are Saying... “Seamless process with people who were professional and knowledgeable in the area they were responsible for. Frequent communication was very helpful. Brenda's suggestions for staging was impressive. We followed them all and our house looked beautiful in the pictures and video.” Darlene & Bob M. “The communications received from the Brenda Wade Team was excellent. Perfection is hard to improve on! Fantastic!” Leonard G. “Good communication, loved customer service. Impressed by knowledge and efficiency. We appreciate your prompt and friendly response. You all made it very pleasant.” Julia & Tod H. W G! NE TIN S I L
W ! NE ICE PR
STUNNING EXECUTIVE HOME IN THE HEART OF VALRICO! Fall in love with this 4/4.5/3 + office + bonus + pool/spa home with all the bells & whistles including outdoor resort-like area! $899,000
W ! NE ICE PR
WONDERFUL VALRICO FOREST! Perfect 4/3/3 home WITH NEW ROOF & FRESH PAINT 2019! Fantastic location! $375,000
250 FEET OF GOLF COURSE FRONTAGE IN RIVER HILLS! **HUGE PRICE REDUCTION** Impressive 5/4.5/4 + office + bonus + pool home! $750,000
ENORMOUS 8.46 ACRE LOT IN PRIME LOCATION! Close to the Lithia/Bloomingdale intersection! $1,100,000
GORGEOUS WATERFRONT HOME ON LITTLE MANATEE RIVER! Be in awe of this 4/3/2 home with private dock & lift that will have you feeling like you are on permanent vacation! $689,000
5.5 ACRES & OVER 280 FT OF WATERFRONT! Rare opportunity to own this 4/4/2 + office + Florida room home with private gated entry! Million dollar views! $619,000
STUNNING HOME WITH GORGEOUS CURB APPEAL! You will not be disappointed with this 4/3/2 + pool home that is adorable both inside & out! $300,000
DAVID WEEKLEY "SOUTHTON" HOME ON 0.32 GATED ACRES! This beautiful 3/2/2 + bonus + pool/spa home sitting on a cul-de-sac offers NEW ROOF IN 2019! $350,000
COUNTRY ESTATE LIVING ON 10 ACRES! Private gate leads you to this unique 4 bedroom, 2 bath home! You won't find another like it! $499,000
W G! NE TIN S I L
GATED THE PRESERVE AT BULLFROG CREEK! Nearly new 4/2/2 home that is as good as new! Neutral paint, tile floors in living areas & more! $235,000
(813) 655-5333 Brenda@BrendaWade.com
Top Producer 2002 - 2019
www.BrendaWade.com