Valrico
27 C E L E B R A T I N G
August 2020 1 8
Y E A R S
O F
Volume 17, Issue 8 Ph: 657-2418
P U B L I S H I N G
P O S I T I V E
Free Admission For Veterans. See Page 9
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
A Kid’s Place Continues Operations Despite COVID-19 Worries
Opportunities For Building Local Youth Available Through Mentorship Program
Forever dedicatmore comfortable ed to serving chilwith engaging in dren in need, A Kid’s local businesses Place is transitioning while maintaining from its summer social distancing, quarantine practices local nonprofits like A to a fall, school-time Kid’s Place are seeschedule. But ing a return of overCOVID-19 has not all communal supmade that easy. port. “The pandemic has Recently, several affected us in a bunch of local businesses, such different ways,” said the as Kona Ice and Mission CEO of A Kid’s Place, BBQ, came together to Brad Gregory. provide the kids with A Kid’s Place has food and treats made seen its children isolated outside of the kitchen. to the campus exclusiveOver the last few Despite the pandemic, A Kid’s ly, with few options to months, the Hillsborough Place in Valrico is helping get local children ready for school venture away from the County Community this month. area, and only superBlock Grant has also vised visits to parks and open areas to allowed the home to spruce up its camensure social distancing. pus. According to Gregory, it has been For the community, Gregory sugchallenging for the team to convince gests everyone remain “smart and about 60 kids to stay inside and on-site. respectful” in maintaining safety stan“Keeping the children on-site excludards. He encourages residents to sively also creates a negative emotional spend at local businesses, where a impact,” Gregory said, adding that it crerecent charity contribution consisted of ates feelings of irritability and anxiety. community members buying meals at However, there is a plan for that. local restaurants and directing those As summer comes to a close and meals to A Kid’s Place. schools are looking at the reopening, A Despite recent economic struggles, Kid’s Place is looking at getting their kids including cancellations of several ready to move back to a school-year fundraising opportunities, A Kid’s Place, schedule. To combat the emotional strain Gregory said, is remaining open and that locked up children often get, ranging will continue to remain open with the from young children to teenagers, safety of its children kept in mind at the Gregory said school stands as a steady highest regard. “We’re not shutting consistency that helps them maintain a down.” healthy mentality; “a major emotional facTo learn more about A Kid’s Place tor is school.” and to help with donations of needed As the community moves towards items, visit www.akidsplacetb.org or call reopening and residents are becoming 381-3839.
The Hillsborough more and is entering her Education Foundation senior year at Durant (HEF) is offering resiHigh School. Lenegar dents a wonderful opporpreviously mentored tunity to change lives. Deisy’s sister, who is now The foundation is looking in college, and their for 100 adults to mentor cousin, who attends students, virtually or in Strawberry Crest High person, for the 2020-21 School. HEF mentor Jazheel Lenegar school year. “I was able to get an and her mentee, Deisy. Deisy “In the last quarter of amazing mentor. With her attends Durant High School. the 2019-20 school year, guidance and experience, the pandemic inspired HEF to develop I’ve been able to make good choices for creative ways to continue to support the myself,” Deisy said. “I get to talk to her, 359 students in its Take Stock in Children tell her about things that are on my mind. mentoring and scholarship program, one Just having her around and having someof the largest mentoring programs in one who is there and wants you to Tampa Bay,” said Kendra Oestreich, HEF achieve your goals is pretty amazing. I director of communications. “Lacking the just think it’s a great resource for everystructure school provides, students needone. There are people who want you to ed guidance from their mentors more succeed in life.” than ever. With HEF’s continued support, Take Stock in Children, funded by the 100 percent of the seniors in the mentorFlorida Department of Education, foundaing program graduated with a diploma.” tions and donors, was established in Mentors must be 18 years or older 1995 and is celebrating 25 years of sucand have a high school diploma. They cess this year. are asked to complete a 90-minute menFor information, visit educationfountor training and make a minimum of onedation.com/Mentoring or contact Anna school-year commitment. They must also Corman at acorman@educationfoundapass a criminal background check, follow tion.com or 463-4283. all Take Stock in Children policies and procedures and abide by all Hillsborough County Public Schools policies and procedures. In This Issue Students enter the program in eighth grade and, in addition to other criteria, must qualify for free or reduced-price ECHO BOUTIQUE...................... ........PG 3 school lunch or qualify based on income. RECYCLE COLLECTION.......................PG 5 Jazheel Lenegar, supervisor for academic programs at Hillsborough County ADOPT A TEACHER ...........................PG 7 Public Schools, has been a mentor with VENOM/BH3 WINS FOR BRADLEY..PG 10 HEF since 2015. “I go back to when I was a student LIVING IN COVID......................PGS 14‐15 and having those adults who showed an EYE ON BUSINESS....................PGS 17‐18 interest in me were my cheerleaders. It helps to have an extra person in their corMOSQUITO FISH.............................PG 21 ner and listening to them, giving them a HOPE FORE HER .............................PG 25 different perspective. It’s really great to share my life with [Deisy],” said Lenegar. READ MORE LOCAL NEWS ONLINE Deisy, one of Lenegar’s mentees, www.ospreyobserver.com joined the program in 2018 as a sopho-
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Valrico Edition
Volume 17, Issue 8
August 2020
Page 3
Valrico Edition
ECHO Boutique Leads The Charge As Only Source Of Vintage Clothing In Brandon
Durant High School Graduates Finally Receive Diplomas Via School Drive-Thru
ECHO (Emergency The boutique’s Care and Help racks are filled with all Organization) of Brandon is sorts of name-brand at it yet again with a new, gems for a fraction of inventive way of sustainably the price. But this is not caring for those in need where ECHO Executive within our community. Director Eleanor ECHO has established Saunders’ vision of itself as the place to go to “Purchase with a purfor those in need of food pose” ends. On top of and clothing. With locations upscale thrift in Brandon and Riverview, and handECHO is continuing to take made both food and clothing goods, the donations at this time. Canned goods, boutique is rice and peanut butter are always in ECHO Boutique sells upscale home to the clothing with all proceeds high demand, as well as used clothes only source going towards helping those in of vintage for all ages. These donations from the need in the community. community are given to families in need consignwithin both the Brandon and Riverview ment in Brandon. A large, looming rack areas. located at the forefront of the boutique is As a nonprofit which has been part of filled with dresses, jackets and T-shirts the community since 1987, ECHO has from past eras. With some garments datnow expanded its use of donated clothing ing back to as early as the 1960s, ECHO from being available to its clients to now Boutique’s vintage selection is perfect for also allowing its clothing to be purchased buyers who are looking to wear clothing by the public. that has a history. ECHO has joined the resourceful and Follow ECHO on Facebook and sustainable trend of upcycling and has Instagram for exclusive sneak peaks on found a way to make donated clothing selections and upcoming sales. into another source of revenue to fund its ECHO is accepting food and clothing mission to bridge the gap between crisis donation from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Mondayand stability with the opening of ECHO Friday, at both locations in Brandon at Boutique. 507 N. Parsons Ave. and in Riverview at The boutique’s slogan, “The best of 7807 Capitano St. For more information thrift,” takes an already established model on how donate or volunteer, visit of selling secondhand donated clothing www.ECHOfl.org. even further with an upscale approach. ECHO Boutique is located at 948 W. One hundred percent of the proBrandon Blvd. and is open Wednesdayceeds go directly back to ECHO. Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
These past few picture. The student months have been would then receive nothing short of hard their diploma and walk on 2020 graduates. over to the designated So, when it came time area where the princifor seniors to receive pal and a photographer their diplomas, they would be ready to snap were finally able to a picture, then return to breathe a sigh of their vehicle. relief. When asked about During the week the event, seniors were of July 13-17, Durant happy to respond. High School gave Mattie Powers is seniors the opportunigraduating with honors Durant High School senior Mattie ty to drive through the Powers participated in the school’s at Durant and was drive-through graduation last month. involved in many clubs school one last time and receive their diplomas. The students and participated in the photo option for were offered two days and options for picking up her diploma. how to receive their diplomas. The first She stated, “It feels amazing that I option was for the students to arrive dur- have finally received my diploma. ing their assigned time on July 13 and Considering what a crazy year 2020 has drive up to the school bus ramp to been, it was a nice relief to finally get it.” receive their diplomas while not having She also felt that, considering the to exit their vehicles. The second option fact the in-person graduation was cantook place on July 14, where each senceled, this was a “nice alternative” and ior was able to dress up in their cap and that the school did a good job making gown and take a photo with their school sure everyone stayed socially disprincipal, Gary Graham. tanced. While still implementing social disWhen asked about whether she tancing, seniors and their families were had any inspiring words for the class of requested to drive a designated route 2020, she commented that even though through the school parking lot to where this pandemic has been a struggle, she the senior would then receive instrucfeels it is a “blessing in disguise” and tions on when to exit their vehicle and has taught people to “appreciate what proceed to the pickup area. Once exiting we have and to not take it for granted.” the vehicle, the student would then folWhile this year has thrown many low the instructions of the school admincurveballs at the class of 2020, many istrators guiding them through the are appreciative to have finally received process from when they received their their diplomas and start the next chapter diploma to when it was time to take their in life.
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Volume 17, Issue 8
Valrico Edition
New Ice Facility; Thunderstruck Ice To Open In Gibsonton In September
By Nick Nahas
Ice hockey Vogt and her continues to husband wanted surge in popularito start ty in the local Thunderstruck area. A new facilIce because of ity/rink in the lack of ice Gibsonton, time available at Thunderstruck other rinks in the Ice, will likely area. The Vogts’ open in two oldest boys September. The have been playfinal touches on ing hockey for the construction about 13 years of the facility are and currently being made. play for the COVID-19 has Newsome hockslowed down the ey team. They Thunderstruck Ice plans to open in opening of the feel that they can September. facility, but it fulfill the need for should soon be in business. ice time in the area to help local playWhile Thunderstruck Ice, located ers improve and become the best at 10915 S. Hwy. 41, is not a full rink, that they can be. This rink will be the facility is about 2,000 square feet. open all day, every day of the week. It is one of the few ice facilities that Some local hockey clubs have uses synthetic ice, a solid polymer already expressed interest in renting material designed for skating using out the whole facility for practices normal metal-bladed ice skates. during certain times slots. According to the Thunderstruck Ice “Our main goal is to really help owner, Amanda Vogt, the ice is prothose that want to learn the sport, duced and manufactured in and to have a place that is reasonClearwater by a company based in ably priced for them to perfect their Canada. Synthetic ice is not cold— game,” said Vogt. “Our ultimate goal gloves are not required, students can is to develop great hockey players go on the ice wearing shorts and par- and teach more kids the game.” ents can walk out on the ice without The Vogts plan to have a ribbonskates to assist their beginning cutting ceremony and soft opening as skater. They will offer on-ice and offsoon as the facility is ready. For more ice training in the gym located in the information and to reserve ice time, facility as well. There also is a spevisit the website at cial goalie pad for goalies to train on. ThunderStruckIce.com.
Expiration: 8/31/2020
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As always, we are here for any legal support you may need and wish everyone good health.
Expiration: 8/31/2020
Expiration: 8/31/2020
August 2020
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Valrico Edition
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Recyclable Waste Collection Resumes At Reduced Frequency For Waste Connections Customers
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Scheduled collection of recyclable waste has returned on a reduced basis for South Hillsborough County residents whose service is provided by Waste Connections. The Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management Division has announced that residential recyclable waste will be picked up every other week on a temporary basis. Hillsborough County customers of Waste Weekly recycled waste pickConnections now have the recyclable collection up was temporarily disrupted in service restored to a reduced level of every-otherlate June because several drivers week pickups. for Waste Connections were Waste Division for Hillsborough County. unable to work due to COVID-19. The She says the county understands how collecting of recyclables is now occurring important collecting recyclables is to resievery other week to provide a reliable dents and it is a priority as the county and level of scheduled service. It reduces the Waste Connections deal with the unprelevel of recycled solid waste service from dictable impact that the coronavirus panthe regular schedule of weekly pickups demic is having on the solid waste collecthat existed prior to the shortage of drivtions workforce. ers. The reduction in recyclable collection “We’re not sure how long everyservice helps make it possible for Waste other-week recycling will be in place Connections to maintain twice-weekly because it’s such a fluid situation. Right pickup of regular trash. now it seems to be pretty stable,” said A web-based search tool is available, Byer. She added that maintaining twicewhich affected residents can use to deter- weekly garbage collection for residents is mine their scheduled pickup days by the top priority for the county and Waste entering their address. It can be accessed Connections. by visiting If a scheduled recycling or regular HCFLGov.net/WasteConnectionsRecycling. garbage pickup is missed, you can report According to Hillsborough County it by calling 272-5680. officials, the reduced level of service is Another option for residents who temporary and weekly collection of recywant to dispose of their recyclables is the clable waste will resume when Waste county’s Community Collection Center, Connections has a sufficient staffing of located at 13000 US 41 in Gibsonton. It is drivers. open Monday through Saturday from Kimberly Byer directs the Solid 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Valrico Edition
Volume 17, Issue 8
Metropolitan Ministries Open For New Referrals And Donations
Fourth-Generation FFA Member Wins Florida FFA State Secretary
As school and be at COVID-19’s risk of becoming drastic impact homeless (which on includes not havHillsborough ing a stable/perCounty permanent home). sists, Once the Metropolitan family applies, Metropolitan Ministries has a wide variety of staff Ministries has or is referred, members that help make the First Hug program happen. adapted to by going to ensure it can meet the rising needs of metromin.org/firsthug and filling out the the community. With its extremely effireferral form, case management services cient programs, the organization has typically last from three to six months. In been able to alleviate a significant order to attend to the maximum possible amount of stress around the county. number of in-need families, the family The ministry’s services target homereceiving the services cannot do so less and at-risk children and families; again for another year after their case offering food and board at its shelter, closing date. helping people get jobs in the area, Because of the effect of the coronsecuring education for any children and avirus, Metropolitan Ministries is now adolescents and more through multiple handling an astronomical amount of programs such as First Hug. For families cases and any help is extremely appreciwho are referred to or apply for First ated. Hug, case management services are “The response [to COVID-19] has applied, free of charge and it connects been incredible and the overwhelming with Family Advocates to develop plans need of the community is jaw-dropping that will best achieve success for them. because we’ve never seen anything like “We also provide referrals to servicthis,” said Billy Somerville, associate es beyond our case management, director of brand communications. according to family needs, to include To donate, you can either contribute school readiness referrals. The Family funds directly through the website or Advocates meet with the families weekly pass by its donation locations (which are to provide support and assistance in also listed on the Metropolitan Ministries reaching their goals,” explained website) Monday through Saturday from Supervisor of Family Advocates Sandra 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Gonzalez-Coronado. Gonzalez-Coronado would also like To qualify for this, families must meet to specify that the Brandon Team, coverthree requirements: they must reside in ing all of Eastern and Southern Hillsborough county, have (at least) one Hillsborough County, will have the availchild between the ages of 0 to middle ability to cover 30 new cases in August.
Local high school grade to carry on her famsenior Emma Poole has ily’s tradition of being a been involved in the part of the organization National FFA and to learn more about Organization (FFA), forthe leadership and agriculmerly the Future Farmers ture industry. of America, since the age “I knew that FFA could of 12 and was recently make me a better person elected Florida FFA State and leader and I was Secretary. excited to become part of Poole recently grad- Durant High School graduate this organization since an uated from Durant High Emma Poole was recently early age,” she explained. elected Florida FFA School where she held Poole was elected Secretary. She is a fourthseveral positions, includFlorida FFA State generation member of the ing Junior Chapter Vice Secretary on June 26 FFA. President in her freshafter a long application, man year, Senior Chapter Secretary in screening and election process. The her sophomore year, Senior Chapter process consisted of six separate interTreasurer in her junior year and Senior views from which candidates were choChapter President in her senior year. sen for the officers, secretary and presiShe was also involved in the school’s dent positions. She said that her FFA Sweetheart Pageant where she responsibilities will include corresponwon ‘First Maid’ (second place) in her ding with members, other officers and freshmen year and the title ‘Sweetheart’ stakeholders across the nation. She will (first place) in her sophomore year. She also be heavily involved throughout the also won the national championship for state, leading workshops and making extemporaneous speaking this past connections with members all over school year. Florida. When elected, she explained Poole is a fourth-generation memher feelings as “surreal” and that being ber of the FFA and the second in her able to make an impact on the thoufamily to hold a position as a state offisands of members involved in FFA is cer. Her great, great uncle, Gray Miley, more than she could ever ask for. was the first Florida FFA State Even though this year isn’t a norPresident elected back in 1929. mal one for Florida’s state officers due “I’m excited to carry on my family’s to the coronavirus, Poole said that she legacy in this organization and be able is confident that this will present them to experience some of the same things with many new opportunities that will be they did during their time in FFA,” she unique and fun. said. To learn more about the Florida Poole first joined FFA in the sixth FFA Association, visit www.flaffa.org.
By Laura Tamayo
By Faith Miller
August 2020
Valrico Edition
Page 7
Residents Adopt Teachers For Back To School Purchases Through Facebook Page
TGH’s Christmas In July Offers Toys And Supplies For Pediatric Patients
As teachers precation.” pared to go back to the Many teachers postclassroom last month, ed links to Amazon Wish Valrico resident Brooke Lists and within hours Elkins wanted to give residents had purchased them a helping hand. the much-needed supWhat started as a small plies. kindness quickly grew “It’s been a little overand within in a week whelming trying to think of more than 6,500 people all the things we need to were involved. make our classroom run Buckhorn Elementary School Elkins, who has successfully during these teacher Tiffany Schreffler taught at both Mintz and received unprecedented times,” items from her wish list Stowers elementary said Renee LaBarbera, as part of the Adopt a Hillsborough Teacher group on who teaches at Bevis schools, started the Facebook. Facebook group Adopt a Elementary School. “Even Hillsborough Teacher, which gives teachjust making the list made me feel better ers the opportunity to post items they and helped me to realize that I can make need for their classrooms and residents these tiny adjustments to help the school the chance to easily buy them. day be just a little bit safer for my stu“Our teachers are going through an dents and myself.” unprecedented time,” said Elkins. Teachers assigned to eLearning “Teachers are feeling frustrated and classes also requested items to help stuunsupported and I felt like this was a dents transition to the new style of learnsmall way the community could show ing. support.” “Teachers are working extremely Educators from all over Hillsborough hard to be better prepared for this unique County learned about the group and school year whether that be in the classstarted posting items from cleaning suproom or via Zoom,” said Randall Middle plies to voice magnifiers. School math teacher Chris Wikfors. “With “The start of this year is not like any so many unknowns, this is such a huge most of us have experienced before and help not only financially, but also for our we know there are very difficult decisions mindsets. Knowing we have the support being made by parents, teachers, admin of so many in our communities is a great and our leaders downtown,” said feeling as we head into uncharted Buckhorn Elementary School’s fifth grade waters.” ELA teacher, Tiffany Schreffler. “This proAnyone interested in sponsoring a gram helps serve as a reminder that givteacher can find the group on Facebook ing each child their best chance at learnby searching ‘Adopt a Hillsborough ing is still a top priority to all those in eduTeacher.’
“It becomes like in July drive this year a second home,” said much more instruDawn Harvey. mental. Mother to a freResidents have quent patient at been making this Tampa General Christmas in July Hospital (TGH), drive a success. Harvey knows very According to well the ins and outs Stevens, compared of the pediatric to previous years, floor: the hard work there has been a the nurses put in, tenfold increase in the ways kids can generous support get grumpy in the from the Tampa comhospital and even munity donating the overarching goods listed on its impact of the hospiAmazon Wish List. tal on the communiAnd so, even ty. She also knows with financial hardthe critical imporships striking comTampa General Hospital employees roll tance of making munities, Stevens in toys and games donated through its sure the kids get and Mike Masem, Christmas in July drive. their due fun, a goal TGH hopes to vice president of development at TGH, reach through its annual Christmas in said, “there’s a groundswell of support July drive. that we’ve been able to tap into and Christmas in July was started at was always there.” TGH as a way to help relieve patients For Harvey, it was extremely imporof the lack of toys and entertainment tant that TGH gets enough attention that they seem to find themselves in drawn to its drive, for she said the emohalfway through the year. After tional support for patients and their famChristmas, donated toys, books and ilies is of great importance. video games start to run stale or overToys and goodies from TGH’s used, making kids “get a little blue,” Amazon Wish List are critical to ensursaid Lindsey Stevens, senior director of ing it gets the resources it needs to not development at TGH. only keep its patients happy but to also Come COVID-19 and social dismake sure the hospital can stay runtancing measures, the sanitation efforts ning through the pandemic. Donate of the TGH team prevent patients from today by visiting the Tampa General overcrossing toys, something that Hospital website at www.tgh.org/christStevens said is making the Christmas mas-july.
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Page 8
Valrico Edition
Volume 17, Issue 8
LeAnne’s Cookies Sends Sweet Gifts Both Locally And Nationwide
Hillsborough County Board Of Education Meets During Teachers’ Protest
LeAnne Crabtree, “He emphatically stated, owner of LeAnne’s Cookies, ‘People are becoming too grew up baking cookies with health conscious and will no her grandmother in her longer eat cookies; therekitchen. Her grandmother fore, this business will not be and great-grandmother a success,’” Crabtree said. always baked. Ignoring her professor’s It wasn’t until Crabtree harsh criticism and her went off to college at UCF grade on her project, in 1986 that she would LeAnne’s Cookies has conmake baking cookies her tinued to prosper for more career. than 25 years. “I was a finance major at “I took the advice of one UCF and my professor gave of the professors on campus us a project to create a prodwho loved my cookies,” uct or service I wanted to sell,” Crabtree said. “She suggestCrabtree said. “I had no clue ed I look into the corporate what I wanted to do, so I gifting and at the time I didn’t called my dad and asked him. know what she was talking I had been home from school about, but when I did my the week before I called him research, I decided to give it a and I had showered my partry. It’s been great for us.” ent with cookies I baked. My In current times of the dad was eating one of my pandemic, most businesses cookies and laughed while are suffering or closing. we were on the phone. He LeAnne Crabtree has Crabtree’s business has been been in business for said, ‘LeAnne, you love to doing very well because all of more than 25 years. bake so why don’t you do her business is done contactsomething with cookies?’” less, as customers order online and the The cookie seed was planted, so to cookies are shipped. “Since our cookies speak. are wrapped individually, they are safe for Her cookies were an instant hit with our customers,” Crabtree said. “We have the college students, professors, neighbeen doing lots of graduation, thinking of bors and friends, who were anxious to you and sympathy cookie gifts since the buy all the cookies she could produce. pandemic started.” Her ‘cookie business’ immediately made To learn more about the different a profit and the overwhelming demand for cookies and cookie gifts LeAnne’s Crabtree’s cookies continued even after Cookies has to offer, visit its website at her professor gave her a ‘C’ on the projwww.leannescookies.com or contact ect. Crabtree at 651-0045.
In their first Sumner Academy, meeting since the echoed those conCOVID-19 shutdown, cerns. “My colleagues the Florida Board of and I believe that it is Education met to disnot safe right now for cuss how county teachers or kids to go schools would move back to school.” forward with the Superintendent 2020-2021 school Addison Davis underyear despite the stands that teachers increasing cases of want a concrete plan Yolanda Turner from Sumner the coronavirus in and students want to Academy with her message on the Florida. get back to normal car’s sign and her T-shirt. Superintendent Addison Davis and school but said that “we don’t have a Governor Ron DeSantis were among playbook for this.” After the board of those who attended the meeting at education meeting, Davis released a Strawberry Crest High School on July statement to Hillsborough County fami15 to create a plan for the upcoming lies. school year. “Based on ongoing medical conBefore the meeting, a group of con- sultations, I will be recommending to cerned parents and teachers rallied out- the school board that we delay the side Strawberry Crest to peacefully start of the 2020-2021 school year for protest and voice their concerns for the students by two weeks until August health of school staff, students and 24,” he said. families with signs that read “Listen to On July 23, the Hillsborough teachers” and “Face to face will be a County School Board unanimously disgrace.” Protesters called for a decivoted to delay the start of the school sion based on scientific evidence that year, following Davis’ recommendation. shows it is safe to return to the classThe decision came after approximately room, using #14DaysNoNewCases on half of Hillsborough County families their Facebook page. submitted their form of intent to send Many teachers, such as Scott and their students back to campuses Laura Hottenstein from Rodgers Middle despite an emotional argument against School, came to the protest to voice allowing these families to attend physitheir concerns for the mental health of cal school from teachers at the meettheir students and employees of the ing. The last step will be approval of district. For them, the request was simthe plan from the state of Florida. ple: decide on a plan and stop “putting For more information, visit the politics over their kids.” Hillsborough County Public Schools Yolanda Turner, a teacher at website at https://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/.
By Libby Hopkins
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Page 9
Valrico Edition
SeaWorld Offers Free Admission For U.S. Military Veterans And Their Families
Staff Report
U.S. military vetSeaWorld Orlando and erans and retirees San Antonio and Busch can visit Busch Gardens Tampa. Gardens and “It is an honor and a SeaWorld for free privilege for our between now and SeaWorld and Busch Wednesday, Gardens family to extend November 11. free park admission to Qualifying residents our country’s veterans U.S. military veterans and retirees can redeem their and their families and can visit Busch Gardens and complimentary sinSeaWorld for free between now and provide them with memWednesday, November 11. gle-day ticket for orable experiences that themselves and up to three friends or are not only fun, but more importantly family members online at safe,” said Marc Swanson, interim chief www.WavesofHonor.com. executive officer of SeaWorld Parks and In addition to enhancing the parks’ Entertainment. “Our long-standing comalready strict health and safety measures, mitment to members of the U.S. military capacity at each park is carefully limited through the Waves of Honor program is to create even more open space for our way of saying thank you to all of the guests to enjoy a fun and inspiring experi- brave individuals who serve and sacrifice ence while maintaining physical distancfor this country.” ing in a safe environment. As reservations The Waves of Honor program are required and limited for every visit, already provides complimentary admisguests are encouraged to make their sion for U.S. active duty military personreservations early. nel, activated or drilling reservists and Since its launch in 2005, more than National Guardsmen and up to three 10 million guests—active duty military dependents. Additional discounts and members, veterans and their families— offers are available for active military and have enjoyed the SeaWorld family of veterans through MWR and ITT offices parks for free through the Waves of on U.S. military bases and online at Honor program. This year, in addition to www.WavesofHonor.com. These offers the free offer, veterans have the option to are available year-round and may differ add up to four additional guest tickets for by park. 50 percent off to SeaWorld Orlando, For detailed information about the SeaWorld San Antonio or Busch Gardens safety measures that guests can expect Tampa. Veterans who take advantage of when visiting the resort, including key the ticket offer can also receive $10 off operational changes, visit https://seaAll-Day Dining and 50 percent off Quick worldentertainment.com/park- reopeningQueue Unlimited, the company’s front-ofand-safety/ or individual park pages for line access option, for attractions at parks that are currently open.
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Page 10
Volume 17, Issue 8
Valrico Edition
Photos courtesy of Patrick Horn
Venom/BH3 AAU Basketball Team Honors Late Teammate; Finishes Third At World Championships The Venom/BH3 15U (ninth grade) AAU basketball team, made up of players from Durant, Riverview and Newsome High Schools, played inspired basketball at the AAU World Championships at Disney in mid-July, earning third place overall. The club played to honor their teammate, James Bradley Hulett II, who passed away last December in a tragic shooting accident. Throughout the tournament, in which they went 5-1, Hulett’s number 3 jersey was draped over an empty chair at the end of the bench. Co-owner of the club Patrick Horn changed the name of his Venom Basketball Club to Venom/BH3 in honor of Hulett, who went by Bradley and joined the team in 2018 as their star player. Bradley’s father, James Bradley Hulett, who goes by Brad, is the other co-owner of the team and Bradley was a student at Newsome High School. coaches two of the five teams (10th grade and 10th grade varsity) in the coach/player relationship. He rememprogram called BH3 Foundation, a nonbers joking with Bradley on the bench profit organization. Venom/BH3 was and always being able to talk basketball able to go to the world championships with him. Horn recalls struggling as a because they were sponsored by Brad’s program in 2017 when the club first nonprofit foundation, started by a group started until Bradley and his father of his friends in honor of his son. joined in 2018. Horn credits the Huletts “To honor Bradley and his family, with helping change the culture of the the kids played with passion and like club. something was on the line,” said Horn. “When the accident happened, it According to Horn, his team won every was really hard on everyone, including game by 30 points or more leading into our players and coaches, and that’s one the semifinals, where they lost 76-70 to of the major reasons I decided that a team from North Carolina. “Everything everything we do from now on will be we have done this season has been a for Bradley, in his honor, because he dedication to Bradley. The kids play for deserves that. He was a special kid. Not a bigger purpose than just themselves.” only was he really, really good at basHorn and Bradley had a special
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Page 11
Valrico Edition
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Welcomes Tampa Bay Farm 2 School Into Its Fold
Staff Report
Since 1989, The addition of Keep Tampa Bay Farm 2 School, and Beautiful (KTBB), the its ‘Kids’ Kitchen’ environmental comprogram specifically, munity improvement will help to fulfill a nonprofit organizavision of fostering tion devoted to a healthy communities cleaner, greener and by showing young more beautiful gardeners how to Learning where our food comes from. use what they grow Tampa Bay, has formed partnerships with local governto make healthy food that tastes great. ments, corporations, schools and neighPlaces that Farm 2 School has borhood organizations to engage indiworked with in the past include the Boys viduals and provide opportunities to & Girls Club of Temple Terrace, Cork enhance the community through volunElementary School, Greco Middle teer participation. School, Muller Elementary School and Now, it has joined forces with Turner/Bartels K-8. Tampa Bay Farm 2 School, an organiElizabeth Leib, founder and director zation that empowers youth for health of Tampa Bay Farm 2 School, and success through hands-on agriculexplained, “It’s been my dream to tural and culinary experiences. expand Farm 2 School’s unique handsAccording to KTBB Executive on sustainable living education to more Director Debbie Evenson, “We are kids.” thrilled to add this component to our Evenson said of the union, “The existing programs of community timing of this merger comes as we are cleanups, environmental education and preparing to open our Environmental beautification to create a complete proEducation Center which will provide gram of community sustainability.” educational lessons including water Since 2013, Tampa Bay Farm 2 testing, watershed health and environSchool has provided volunteers and mental sustainability as well as serve as expertise to schools to establish student a community-based compost site with gardens and integrate nutrition and food hydroponic and pollinator gardens. sustainability education. Bringing Farm Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted 2 School under the umbrella of KTBB and it is safe to congregate, Keep will serve to further enhance KTBB’s Tampa Bay Beautiful will launch this hands-on sustainable living education exciting new chapter of our organization experiences to kids and families by and Farm 2 School will be an essential offering young minds a connection part of it as Kids’ Kitchen.” between plants that come from the To get involved, call 221-8733 or earth, and the food served at the table. visit keeptampabaybeautiful.org.
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Volume 17, Issue 8
Valrico Edition
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The GFWC Brandon Junior Woman’s Club is holding a Beach Breeze Virtual Bingo event on Sunday, August 16 from 4-5:30 p.m. Winners can choose between a selection of designer handbags/totes each round, including Kate Spade, Coach, Dooney and Bourke and more. Anyone 18 or older in the continental U.S. can participate and rewards will be shipped to the winners. Game tickets are $10 per card for three games of bingo and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bjwc-beachbreeze-virtual-bingo-tickets114529278154. For more information, contact BJWCinfo@gmail.com.
Valrico Sunday Market Returns At Chill Cawfee
Chill Cawfee is excited to relaunch the Sunday market under its new name, Valrico Artisan Faire. It is a twice-a-month event, every second Sunday and fourth Sunday under the grandfather oaks outside Chill Cawfee at 3704 Lithia Pinecrest
Rd. Have fun in the sun as you shop local artisans and enjoy a place for families and friends to bond. Jewelry, artwork, craft food, organic soaps, health and beauty products, crafts and pet products will all be available, with the spotlight on local talent and artists.
Registration Now Open For “Back2-School” Health Clinics
Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Back-2-School Coalition of Hillsborough County are joining forces again this year to provide free physicals and immunizations for students in a series of health fairs. This year’s Back-2-School Health Clinic will look different due to COVID-19, but it will still provide critical services for our families. To maintain CDC guidelines and safety protocols, there will be no exhibitors on hand or school supplies distributed. Additional precautions include: limited appointment times to avoid lines, face coverings required, temperature check upon arrival and a limit of one parent or guardian per child. To register for the clinics, visit www.back2schoolfair.org.
which will take place virtually. For more information, visit on Facebook at Advancing Modern Professionals or email AdvancingMP@gmail.com.
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Due to COVID-19, local animal rescue nonprofit A Kitten Place has had to cancel its in-person pet adoption events. If you are looking to add an adorable kitten or cat to your family please visit akittenplace.org/adoptable-kittens and look through the many kittens and cats that are now available in all descriptions. All kittens and cats will be spayed/neutered and vaccinated before being available for adoption. Adoption applications and additional information can be found at akittenplace.org.
Kitten Adoptions Go Online
The University of Florida invites Hillsborough County residents to attend a live, interactive online workshop about credit scores and consumer loans on Wednesday, August 26 at 12 Noon. During the webinar you will learn how to increase your credit score, deal with debts and get the best deals on loans. The information provided could save you money and ease your
Advancing Modern Professionals Hosting Introductory Meeting Online
Advancing Modern Professionals is a group of young professionals and entrepreneurs dedicated to the development and empowerment of like-minded individuals in the Tampa Bay area. If you are interested in developing and executing professional and entrepreneurial skills, you are invited to register for its first meeting on Tuesday, August 25 from 7-8 p.m.,
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August 2020
Page 13
Valrico Edition
eSmart Recycling Recycles And Donates Electronics To Community Groups
By Dominique Asher
In recent times, many of us have found ourselves more reliant than ever on technology. One local company is going out of its way to take donated computer parts and recycle them so they can be used by those in need. Founded in 2014, eSmart Recycling collects donated old technology and computer parts, which later are refurbished and revamped and go out into the community to nonprofits, schools and more that are in need of computers. The organization was kick-started when Tony Selvaggio, founder and CEO of eSmart Recycling, was approached by a nonprofit in need of ‘affordable computers.’ At that moment, Selvaggio only offered recycling services to IT companies and sold the refurbished computers. However, instead of selling computers to the nonprofit, Selvaggio and his team restored 10 computers picked up through the recycling services and donated them. “Since that moment, almost 2,000 computers have gone to over 50 organizations all around the world,” said Selvaggio. Residents can stop by and drop of their old technology at recycling drives in different parts of the Tampa Bay area; upcoming drives and information are always posted on the eSmart Recycling website. “Each drive is partnered with an local organization that has ties to the communi-
ty, in order to support the local residents and help with proper recycling,” said Selvaggio. Every type of electronic, with the exception of CRT TVs and monitors, is welcome to be dropped off as they can be sold, with the revenue going to funding the refurbish and deployment process. Although, old PC computers and laptops are especially helpful as they make up the most of the equipment getting refurbished and given to those who need it the most. When refurbishing the computers, workers either restore the recycled ones or source equipment from vendors or wholesalers in order to standardize it. In addition, only computers aging from three to five years old are refurbished. A new hard drive is installed in the computer, the latest version of Windows operating system is installed, then tests are ran and viola, it’s ready to be deployed to a new home. On July 25, a drive was held locally at FishHawk Storage. All sorts of technology was donated, which will go to kids and families unable to access electronics. The drive also had curbside and non-contact drop-off so that resident could stay in their vehicles. All hard drives are shredded in the warehouse, and certifications of data destruction are offered. For upcoming drives, go to https://esmartrecycling.com.
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Most COVID-19 sur“Forty-five minutes later, vivors living in Florida first my results were in and assume the congestion or they confirmed that I had runny nose they are COVID and pneumonia.” experiencing is due to Hayes’ girlfriend had allergies. That’s what purchased a pulse Kevin Hayes of Valrico oximetry to check Hayes’ thought when he started oxygen levels while he having symptoms on was home resting. When June 15 of this year. she checked his oxygen “I figured it was my level on June 27, his allergies until, on June level was at 87. “She 18, I developed a fever,” insisted I go to the hospiHayes said. “The next Kevin Hayes of Valrico started tal and I agreed to go,” having COVID-19 symptoms on Hayes said. “I was day, my fever shot up to June 15. 102 and I ended up at admitted within 15 minBaycare Urgent Care on Bloomingdale utes and about three hours later I was in Ave., where I was diagnosed with bacteri- ICU.” al infection in my respiratory system. I Hayes received excellent care while was given antibiotics and told to go home he was at the main campus of Tampa and rest. I asked for a COVID test but General Hospital. “The doctors and staff they wouldn’t give me one. The doctor were every attentive to my care, and me,” who saw me said, ‘I was too healthy to Hayes said. “While I was there, I was have COVID.’” given hot oxygen treatments to help The next day, Hayes’ temperature break up the sticky stuff in my lungs. I spiked and he was starting to have other was three steps away from being put on COVID-19-like symptoms. Since Hayes is a ventilator if I didn’t have this treatment.” a retired Navy SCPO/EB with 21 years of Hayes strongly feels that if it weren’t service, he decided to go to MacDill to for his girlfriend buying the pulse oximetry see if he could get a COVID-19 test done and checking his oxygen levels, he at the hospital on base. Sadly, Hayes was wouldn’t be here today. “If you have been turned away and not given a test. diagnosed with COVID-19, you need to “They refused to give me a test,” buy this $25 gadget because it’s what Hayes said. saved my life,” Hayes said. “Without seeOn June 24, Hayes was still not feeling how low my oxygen level was, I might ing any better, so he went to the Tampa have not gone to the hospital.” General Emergency Room in Brandon. Hayes came home from the hospital “They were absolutely wonderful and on July 7 and even though he is on oxygave me a COVID test,” Hayes said. gen in him home, he is improving daily.
Each day in the pricing with clients who news or on social want his cleaning servmedia, we hear ices. “This cleaning about more and process gives peace of more businesses mind to their customers closing or filing bankto know that the busiruptcy. The pandemness has taken steps to ic has hit our nation’s clean and economy unbelievsanitize,” ably hard and it may Smith said. Tampa Bay’s Finest take years to recov“We give Painting’s owner, Mark W. er. each busiSmith, offers Shockwave cleaning and disinfecting Mark W. Smith ness a services at a reasonable price. was born and raised plaque to put in the in Brandon. He currently lives in Valrico window of their business to say it has and is the owner of Tampa Bay’s Finest been cleaned by us and the date we Painting. “We are a family-owned and cleaned the business.” operated painting business that specialTampa Bay’s Finest Painting uses izes in commercial, residential and indusShockwave, which is an FDA-approved trial painting,” Smith said. “We offer a cleaning product to clean and disinfect wide variety of quality paints and finishes businesses once they have had an for homeowners, including interior and issue with COVID-19. “We spray everyexterior makeovers. We are licensed, thing and it dries without leaving any bonded and insured as well.” residue,” Smith said. “It can be sprayed When Smith started to see a lot of on any surface, including keyboards, businesses closing because an employee computer peripherals, high-touch tested positive for COVID-19, he saw this areas, carpets and furniture. It cannot as an opportunity to help these businessbe sprayed on any food products. es and create another revenue stream for Shockwave only needs about 10 to 15 his painting business. “We saw an oppor- minutes to dry. Once it dries, the busitunity to offer a full disinfectant service,” ness can open immediately.” Smith said. “We can go in and spray If you would like to learn more every surface in their facility, which will do about the various services offered at away with any and all viruses or bacteria, Tampa Bay’s Finest Painting or if you including COVID.” are interested in having Smith and his Smith’s services are reasonably team disinfect your business or home, priced and start at 10 cents per square you can visit his website at www.tbffoot. Prices will vary based on building painting.com or contact Smith at 381size, but Smith is willing to work on the 7654.
Coworkers Rally Around TECO Lineman During Covid Battle, #goffstrong
Wayne Goff is a supervisor for the Linemen Department at the Palm River TECO office and when he recently became infected with COVID-19, the linemen, his family and his church came together to pray for a full recovery.
Wayne Goff has been a loved and respected employee of TECO for more than 36 years. He is a supervisor for the Linemen Department at the Palm River TECO office and when he recently became infected with COVID-19, the linemen, his family and his church came together to pray for a full recovery. “Wayne loves his job and he is well respected by everyone,” said Tracie Goff, Wayne’s wife. “The linemen are like a brotherhood and they stick together. When Wayne got sick, our family never had to worry about needing anything because all of the linemen sent me flowers and food or they were calling to check on us to see if we needed anything.” When Wayne became ill on June 21, Tracie and their family turned to their family motto for strength. “Wayne has a tattoo that says #goffstrong and he had the tattoo done in
honor of his father who passed away,” Tracie said. “Every time we thought we were going to lose Wayne’s dad, he would bounce back. We would say ‘Goff Strong.’ It’s kind of our way to say ‘keep going’ or ‘keeping fighting.’” While Wayne was at South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City, his battle worsened with COVID-19 and he ended up in ICU on a ventilator. The Goff family was in fear of losing Wayne. On June 28, Wayne’s COVID-19 numbers spiked. He crashed twice and his kidneys were starting to shut down. “I called our pastor and asked him to let our congregation know that Wayne had COVID and to say his name and to ask for prayer for him during the church’s live streaming service,” Tracie said. “I told the nurses at the hospital to tell Wayne ‘Goff Strong’ so he would fight.” On Sunday
night, Wayne sat up in bed and began to remove his tubes and IVs. “Prayer is what made Wayne start to get better,” Tracie said. As word spread through TECO about Wayne fighting his COVID-19 battle, the linemen started putting #goffstrong on their bucket trucks in honor of Wayne. “The office Wayne works out of even posted a banner on the building that said ‘#goffstrong,’” Tracie said. “I took all the pictures the linemen sent me, the pictures of the
banner at the TECO office and made a little video. I sent it to Wayne so he could see how much everyone cares for him and how they are pulling together for him, so he continued to fight and get better.” Wayne came home from the hospital on July 11. He is getting stronger everyday and has a whole new outlook on life. “The power of prayer and #goffstrong is what made Wayne get better,” Tracie said. “All of this support has inspired all of our spirits.”
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Volume 17, Issue 8
Valrico Edition
Over 230 Homes SOLD in 2020! w Nerice P
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August 2020
Volume 17, Issue 8
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La Septima Cafe Offers Convenient And Delicious Family Meals
Zephyrhills, is a full-service dive center offering scuba training and certification, equipment sales and services One of Brandon’s favorite restauand diving trips. Trilogy also rants is making life easier and more provides group training for delicious for residents in the light of homeschoolers and other the pandemic. In addition to takeout groups. “We train you at your and delivery, La Septima is offering home and offer door-to-door family meals for $39.95. Diners can service, making it easy for you choose from any of the restaurant’s to get certified and to keep you signature dishes and each family diving,” said Massaro. meal comes with rice, the choice of Laura Brown, the new construction team leader at Delicious family meals, $39.95 from La Septima For more information, visit Yellowfin Realty. tossed salad or black beans, Cuban Cafe. www.trilogyscuba.com, call bread with olive butter and one 2-liter Brandon to SouthShore. Equally selection of antique, vintage, local 425-3500 or go to its Facebook page bottle of Coke, Diet Coke or Sprite. artisan and eclectic home décor comfortable in a hard hat or heels, @trilogyscuba. Each family meal serves four for items in nearly 2,000 sq. ft., you are her focus is always on the customer. $39.95 with the exception of the bissure to find something you will want Brown gained valuable experience tec milanesa (Cuban breaded steak), to take home with you. Local vendors Brandon Regional Hospital consulting with buyers in the home Receives Comprehensive Stroke which is $49.95. Orders can be made design center and she knows that will be on-site regularly to tell their Center Certification online at laseptimacafe.com or by stories and offer insight into their buying a new home can be overcalling 685-0502. La Septima is products. Stop in and toast a glass of DNV GL Healthcare is a certificawhelming, so bringing her into the located at 702 W. Lumsden Rd. in champagne with the new owners, tion body helping healthcare organiexperience brings assurance to all Brandon. Maxi and Chris Hall. zations achieve excellence by parties. Ragamuffin Outpost is open on improving quality. It recently awarded The Yellowfin Realty office is at Yellowfin Realty Announces Wednesday from 4-8 p.m., ThursdayBrandon Regional Hospital its 11256 Winthrop Main St. in Riverview New Team Leader Of New Saturday from 10 a.m.6 p.m., Comprehensive and can be contacted on 245-6186. Construction Sunday from 12 Noon-4 p.m. and Stroke Center Visit its website at www.yellowfinrealother times by appointment. More Certification. This Yellowfin Realty based in ty.com for more information. information can be found on award is based Winthrop Plaza recently www.ragamuffinoutpost.com, on standards set announced Laura Ragamuffin Outpost Facebook @RagamuffinOutpost or forth by the Brain Brown as its new team Now Open In Plaza by calling 654-2834. Attack Coalition leader of new construcBella and the American tion. A seasoned sales New store Trilogy Dive Center Brings Stroke associate, Brown has Ragamuffin Outpost had Diving Lessons To You Association and worked extensively in its grand opening in affirms that the the South Hillsborough Trilogy Dive Center, owned by Plaza Bella in Valrico. corridor from the hub of Mike Massaro and based in Offering a refreshing Continued on Next Page
BEAUTIFUL HOMES START WITH BEAUTIFUL FLOORS
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Business Column Continued................... medical center addresses the full spectrum of stroke care—diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education—and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes. “With stroke care, you must have the best clinicians and resources, but also the ability to act organizationally with extreme efficiency because of the time-critical nature of these events,” said Bland Eng, chief executive officer at Brandon Regional Hospital. “This certification from DNV GL validates all the effort we have put into this program and to ensuring the health and safety of our patients.”
Three Bulls Tavern Voted ‘Best Of The Best’
Local bar Three Bulls Tavern was recently voted Best Neighborhood Bar in the 2020 Tampa Bay Times ‘Best of the Best’ competition. Owners Jim and Tracy Mellody are thrilled to have won. “We have worked so hard to be your favorite neighborhood hangout. We hope to just keep on getting better and better,” they said. Three Bulls Tavern is located at 4330 Bell Shoals Rd. in Bloomingdale and can be contacted on 3813853. Additional information is available at www.ThreeBullsTavern.com or its Facebook page, Three Bulls Tavern.
SERVPRO Alerts Local Grill Masters To Fire Risks
The summer grilling season is here, and outdoor cooking and picnic gatherings are a welcome change for families eager to enjoy the weather. As families prepare for their next outdoor feast, Brian E. Jones of SERVPRO of Brandon/North Riverview, a local fire and disaster remediation specialist, urges property owners to keep some ‘grilling fire facts’ in mind. Gas grills are involved in an average of 8,900 home fires a year. Charcoal and other solid fuel grills contribute to another 1,300. An average of 19,700 patients each year visit emergency rooms because
Volume 17, Issue 8
Valrico Edition
of injuries involving grills. July is the peak month for grill fires. To help prevent a grill fire, there are several precautions that can be taken: Use your grill outdoors only. Place your grill away from your home or deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Never leave your grill unattended and keep pets and children at least 3 feet away. Keep your grill clean, remove fat or grease buildup. Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. SERVPRO specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services and repair services, helping to remediate damage for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO of Brandon/North Riverview, please contact Brian E. Jones at 741-3473 or bjones@servpro10822.com or visit www.servpro.com.
Sun Air Services Celebrates 32 Years In Business
Sun Air Services, a toprated and family-owned and operated air conditioning repair and service company, recently celebrated 32 years in business. Over that time it has grown to be able to provide a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week emergency service as well as regular services all over the Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Valrico and Apollo Beach areas. To contact Sun Air Services, call 694-8989 or visit www.sunairtampa.com.
Curry Law Group Awarded Best Of The Best For Family Law
The Best of the Best Attorneys has acknowledged the outstanding performance of Florida’s family law firm, Curry Law Group P.A., as a 2020 Best of the Best Top 10 Family Law Firm, which practices law at a higher standard. Selections are based on either nominations by peers, clients and/or the research team and the Best of the
Best award is reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in their practice with an exceptional relationship with his or her clients. You can contact Curry Law Group directly at 653-2000 or www.currylawgroup.com.
Your Pie Starts WE Wednesdays To Give Back To The Community Your Pie loves to be involved with its community and realizes that in these unconventional times many nonprofits are not seeing donations from their community partners as they normally would. In August, Your Pie will be dedicating each Wednesday to a specific organization where it will give a portion of its sales from 4-8 p.m. back to that organization. Pepin Academies was supported on August 8, Cub Scout Pack 79 will be supported on August 12 and Girl Scouts Caloosa Service Unit will be supported August 19. Enjoy delicious pizza and help support a good cause at the same time. Your Pie is located at 125 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. You can reach them at 502-6354 or tssharkey@yourpie.com.
Free #MyYoYoJuiceSummer Sweepstakes
#MyYoYoJuiceSummer is a free event sweepstakes where you could win free smoothies and/or Eddie Bull’s Cookie Dough for a year from YoYo
Juice Brandon and YoYo Juice Bloomingdale. There are also extra special saving deal days and rewards scheduled throughout the summer. Business owners Scott and Rose Laviano will be drawing all of the winners on their 25th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, September 2. There are multiple ways to enter; post a photo on social media using #MyYoYoJuiceSummer, sign up/check in on the YoYoJuice app and use the online menu at www.yoyojuice.com. YoYo Juice locations are 731 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon and 1044 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico.
Accurate Health Plans Opens In Riverview
Mark and Steve McDade recently opened Accurate Health Plans in Riverview (formerly Accurate Insurance) to help you navigate complex medical insurance systems. “We help people with any health coverage or medicare-related product available. We are knowledgeable about the plans we offer ourselves as well as competitors’ plans we do not carry. We always make sure you get the plan that is right, with us or another source,” said Mark. Accurate Health Plans can also assist you with dental, vision and life insurance plans. Accurate Health Plans is located at 10014 Kenda Dr. in Riverview and can be contacted on 310-0403. Visit www.accuratehealthplans.com or AccurateHealthPlans on Facebook to find out more.
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August 2020
Valrico Edition
Page 19
Artists Submissions Sought For Paint Plant City Project
Mother Of Local Hero Queena Releases A Memoir To Share Inspirational Journey
Plant City Main we started looking at what Street, in collaboration other cities were doing in with MAKE Plant City, has similar situations. This is issued a call to artists for how we found the a project it is calling Paint Lakeland Tapestry projPlant City. Artists are ect.” asked to submit designs Rumbarger added, for painted canvases that “The Tapestries Lakeland will be displayed on buildproject, organized by ings throughout downtown David Collins of The WA Plant City for one year. Studio, helped plant the Canvases must be idea for Paint Plant City. between 4’ (W) x 4’ (H) We customized the projPlant City Main Street, in and 12’ (W) x 9’ (H). The collaboration with MAKE Plant ect to make it reflect the City, is seeking art submissions art should be familyuniqueness of our downfor Paint Plant City. This friendly and cannot canvas, designed and created town.” by Angie Klein, is an example include political content, Arley Smude, coof the size and material that will religion, profanity, nudity founder of MAKE Plant be used in the project. All or obscenities. City, said, “In addition to themes and styles are welcome. Klein’s piece is Submissions will be adding splashes of art to currently on display at Krazy accepted on a rolling Kup, located at 101 E. J. Arden downtown, we hope that basis, but the deadline is the very public presence Mays Blvd. in Plant City. Wednesday, September of this project will inspire 30. people in the community to act on their According to Lizzette Sarria, design own ideas for downtown. Paint Plant City committee chair of Plant City Main Street, is happening because people in the com“All themes and styles are welcome. We munity are coming together to make it want all pockets of the community reprehappen.” sented in a way that best complements Smude added, “Public art is there for downtown Plant City.” everyone. It is free. You can view it alone The plan is to select 10-15 entries. or with a group, in the day or in the However, depending on funding, collaboevening. It gives the community a certain rators plan to install as many as possible. aesthetic and openness that we hope will Jerilyn Rumbarger, executive director make people want to visit our downtown of Plant City Main Street, explained, and view the beautiful artwork.” “When Plant City Main Street launched Submissions can be made by visiting Topics on Tap, there were four areas https://www.plantcitymainstreet.org/paintidentified as top things wanted in our plantcity. If you have questions, please downtown. One of them was to have email murals again. Due to the city ordinances, PaintPlantCity@PlantCityMainStreet.com.
Queena Phu may have read the whole be known as the book draft to Queena Bloomingdale Library and she’s very focused Attack Victim, but to and interested about all those of us in the the details in the book Brandon community, especially information Queena is a hero. She about her brain damis a vibrant, young lady age and coma as she that was affected by doesn’t really rememtraumatic brain injury at ber,” Nguyen said. the age of 18 in April of “From victim to sur2008. The injury left vivor, to revealing her her with many disabiliname, now she can’t ties and changed her wait for release a book life forever. about her story, which Queena’s mom, is a story of deep grief Vanna Nguyen is and darkness. She preparing to release a wants it to shine a light Vanna Nguyen, mother of memoir about her life, Queena Phu, the Bloomingdale into someone else’s faith and her amazing Library Attack Victim, will release dark place.” a memoir about her life, faith daughter, Queena. “I Nguyen hopes her and her amazing daughter, want to share my memoir will inspire peoQueena. struggles in life, including this heartple from around the world, “I am hopbreaking attack on Queena,” Nguyen ing to see the book can be published in said. “I want to share my life’s story to different languages so it can provide create a living testament to the notion hope to the downtrodden around the that faith, community, and the unendworld,” Nguyen said. “My wish is 100 ing grace of God, provide us with the percent of the book or any related propower to do things we never thought ceeds can support ongoing expenses possible. through Hope Heals The Brain, Inc. The book is called The Life She and Queena’s Medical Trust Fund. Once Knew: The Incredible True Story We’re glad God choose of Queena, The Bloomingdale Library Ambassador for publishing our book Attack Survivor. The book’s release and sharing our inspirational stories to date is 11/10/2020, but it is now availthe world. We are also working on a able through the publisher’s website movie adaptation, but we have not yet Ambassador International, Amazon chosen a production company. We are and Goodreads for preorder. still researching how to do a movie.” To It will soon be available for prepreorder a copy, search for the book order to all local book retailers. “We on Amazon or Goodreads.
By Kathy L. Collins
By Libby Hopkins
Page 20
Valrico Edition
Volume 17, Issue 8
Teen IMPACT Program Seeks Support In Relocating To Providential Office Space
Learn To Properly Install Car Seats At Free Inspection Classes
Much has IMPACT was then remained the launched as its own same and much 501(c)(3) by Choices, has changed Life Impact Network since the and Pregnancy Care IMPACT Center of Plant City.” Program, Inc. Another change, began over 20 due COVID-19, preyears ago. What vented in-person preremained sentations and necesthrough two sitated professional IMPACT students and staff stand in front of decades are the films to be made availthe LifeCare building, which is their new many dedicated able to youth organizaoffice space. people who continue to extend their suptions in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. port and the hundreds of teens’ lives that The most current change is in its have been positively influenced. office location. Since 2010, Jim and Perhaps most importantly, the vision Marilyn Hough of Hough Financial has remained unchanged: to serve the Services graciously provided office space. community in public and private middle Due to the potential growth and possible and high schools, churches and commuexpansion for Hough Financial Services, nity organizations in the area of sexual IMPACT moved out in January. It was risk avoidance. Through its Teen IMPACT, home-based then with equipment kept in Parent Program and Classroom storage until, as Kagey said, “God Education, teens are encouraged to say showed us our next steps.” That hap‘yes’ to healthy relationships and a posipened shortly as Choices providentially tive future by saying ‘no’ to premarital sex, moved to a new location, and the drugs, tobacco and alcohol. Choices space became available The changes include the name of the again…where it first began. It needs supprevention program initially established at porters to help raise $15,000 to cover LifeCare (now known as Choices). Angie relocation expenses. Kagey became the prevention service Kagey said, “We are so excited director in August 2000. Since that time, about the opportunity to ‘come home.’ I the prevention services department can’t begin to tell you what a joy it would became IMPACT. be to be back in the space that God has IMPACT was able to secure two used for many years, and we anticipate large, federally-funded grants. According will continue to be used for His purposes.” to Kagey, executive director of the nonConsider becoming a partner by profit organization, “In 2010, the funding making a contribution through the website stream from the federal grant was lost at www.whatisimpact.com or by contactdue to the change in political climate. ing Kagey at 264-9368.
“According to the sure to not use the mirNational Car Accident rors that attach to the Statistics, car acciheadrest so as to not dents are the leading become a potential procause of death in kids jectile in a car accident between 2 and 14,” keep parents engaged said Paula Pizarro, and prepared for the owner of Pregnancy, next car ride. Birth and Beyond. But car seats Car seats may aren’t the only hazseem like a no brainardous dangers for er to most people but Paula Pizarro, owner of babies that parents Pregnancy, Birth and Brandon resident should know about; Beyond. Pizarro is here to Pizarro teaches many remind parents and other classes, includcaretakers of the vital ing a two-hour child importance of proper and infant safety car seat installation. class. These classes Pregnancy, Birth and cover a wide array of Beyond is hosting free potential threats to a car seat inspection child and how to safeclasses by appointly handle and protect ment in the Brandon them from further danarea to ensure parger, such as ents can provide the utmost safety while “Poisoning, safe plants, choking, falls, their children are in the car. overheating, safe sleep, hair tourniAt first glance, buckles and straps quets, things kids swallow like magdon’t seem to be a difficult feat; howevnets and the dangers in your home,” er, there are a surprising amount of said Pizarro. problems that may arise. As the coronavirus is still necessi“If they have a seat belt and are not tating social distancing, the classes ready for it, they can suffer spinal are appointment only, one family at a injuries, internal injuries and so much time, with face masks and hand sanimore,” said Pizarro. tizer readily available. The consequences of improper car To book an appointment for a seat installations can seem frightening class or to find out more about baby or and overwhelming, but Pizarro has infant health, dangers to children or instructed many parents on the correct child seat safety, call 294-0990, email safety measures and included tips along pregnancy2020@outlook.com or visit the way. Helpful notes such as making www.pregnancy2020.org.
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August 2020
Valrico Edition
Page 21
County Offers Free Mosquito-Eating Fish For Community Ponds
Southern Bay Farms Got Creative With Family Education Tours During Pandemic
This sumhatchery, but mer, seven Mary Geesey, events across project coordiHillsborough nator of the County, organization, including has expressed South and its desire to Eastern begin its own Hillsborough sustainable County, are hatchery and being held by become a the county’s completely Mosquito sustainable Management operation by Services in which the end of 2020. anyone can pick The pickup up free fish that events will occur fight against moson Saturday, quito overpopulaAugust 8, August tion. 22, September 12 This program and September 26 has been successwith locations fully held each varying depending summer since on the date. These 2016, allowing for locations can be the residents of the found on area to secure an Hillsborough effective way to County website’s Hillsborough County is giving out free control the spread calendar. mosquito-eating fish at events scheduled of mosquitos and The fish will from August through September. the diseases they carry. be available from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon Mosquitofish are native to Florida each date and in order to receive them, and, due to their miniscule size, can residents must take a photo ID that conreach mosquito larvae in any region of firms Hillsborough residency. the pond, consuming up to 200 a day. Due to COVID-19, the usual “They are able to get into places activities that one might see at these where the bigger fish don’t tend to go, events have been cancelled and because they can’t access it,” explained social distancing guidelines are being Chris Wilkerson, senior media relations followed. strategist of Hillsborough County “Unfortunately, we have to miniMosquito Management. mize contact and be less interactive, Mosquitofish do not require much so this has become a drive-through,” special care, in exception to overall pro- detailed Geesey. tection from certain toxic chemicals like Make sure to pass by before chlorine. Each resident who picks up September 26 to get your free mosmosquitofish will receive a card that quitofish and wear a mask. explains the background of the mosquiFor more information, visit hillstofish and how to handle them. boroughcounty.org, head to the calenHillsborough County Mosquito dar, find a date mentioned above and Management Services currently click on the ‘Fight Mosquitoes with receives these fish from a local fish Free Fish’ event.
With Lithia’s goats and the bustling community breeding of goats. filled with shopping Customers are centers and restauable to visit with rants, it’s easy to goats in our postforget there’s anothlabor and delivery er way of life. stall and treat the Southern Bay Farm mamas and the is here to remind babies with locals of the farm-tosnacks,” said fresh wonders that Jennifer. come with living the Southern Bay Goats Tilly, Carmella and Nash peer farm life. During the Farm strives to through the fence at the camera. summer, Luis and Jennifer Gutierrez invit- teach its customers about the process ed Lithia locals to tour their dairy farm at dairy products go through to become their location in Keysville to experience household staples. the farmer’s day-to-day life and purchase “We enjoy teaching what ‘farmers’ their own product line of soaps and lotion do and how making sure you know specially crafted with goat milk. what is in the food or beverages you Developed from their son’s goats in intake are important, including how it’s 2018, the Gutierrezes have worked hard all raised,” said Jennifer. to create an animal and child friendly The Gutierrezes also incorporate environment on their farm. To ensure their fresh goat milk into their own line everyone’s safety during to the coronof skin products. Their goat milk lotion avirus pandemic, customers were expect- and soap makes the farm not just a ed to follow some protocols to stay safe. lifestyle but a business as well. Families were able to go through the farm “Our products on our website are one at a time and masks were required all organic. No chemicals. All made for adults and suggested for children. The from goat milk,” said Jennifer. Gutierrezes guaranteed the safety of the Southern Bay Farm has done a customers and workers while still giving magnificent job teaching the public families the most hands on experience. about dairy production while thoroughFamilies might expect to see goats, ly entertaining families looking for cows, chickens and other usual farm anisome wholesome, goat-filled fun. mals, but Southern Bay Farm wants the Although its summer tours are all customers to understand the full process booked, to find out more about of what owning animals on a dairy farm Southern Bay Farm, visit www.southmeans. ernbayfarm.com, call 505-9961 or find “The tour entails education on what it on Facebook, YouTube and we do here as a dairy farm, education on Instagram @southernbayfarm.
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Page 22
Volume 17, Issue 8
Valrico Edition
Creative Music Ability In Valrico Becomes Certified Ultimate Music Theory Instructor
How Card Churning Can Help Your Credit
By Steven Keys
By Gwen Rollings
Einstein, conof the orchestra, sidered one of the band and choir. most creative She explained, “My geniuses of the teachers at Clarion past century, reportUniversity were edly often turned to from Julliard music to help with School of Music, his creative many professors process. played in the Linda Lalonde, Boston Symphony owner of Creative and my voice Linda Lalonde posing with some of her Music Ability in teacher toured students at Creative Music Ability in Valrico with 40 plus Europe on a Valrico. years in music education and teaching, Fulbright Scholarship.” believes learning music theory should She received her master’s degree in also be fun. performance from the Dana School of Lalonde announced, “A most exciting Music at Youngstown State University in development and discovery! As a certiOhio and also earned a master’s in fied Ultimate Music Theory Elite Teacher, counseling. Lalonde went to Kent State I help students to maximize learning, University for PhD work in music educabuild confidence and [build] true music tion and has a consultant degree from reading and knowledge. Students develDetroit Trauma Institute. op a sharper creative mind; learn “I taught vocal music for 31 years in advanced music skills; lessons and conthe Youngstown City Schools. We did cepts are reinforced using the piano, two musicals per year with 250 students, whiteboard, sight and ear training activisoloists and dance line.” She developed ties…and more.” a Suzuki String and Piano program at The journey toward becoming certiHoyt Institute in New Castle, PA. fied as an Ultimate Music Theory Elite Lalonde currently offers piano, Teacher was no small achievement. organ, voice, violin, cello, mandolin and Lalonde became interested in music as a ukulele. She explained, “One of my spechild in Brookville, Pennsylvania learning cialties is work with all ages and special to play on her great grandmother’s old needs folks. My Ultimate Theory Club piano in the corner of the living room. Classes are in session as students maxiShe has come a long way since then. mize learning, build confidence and have Lalonde’s educational qualifications a blast.” Einstein would most certainly reinforce why she deserves the Elite approve. Teacher title. With a music education For more information, call 244-1625, degree (K-12), major in piano and minor email lindalalonde310@yahoo.com or in voice, Lalonde played all instruments visit http://www.creativemusicability.net.
pay the full statement balance every single month on all cards. And to avoid recurring annual fees, we just cancel each card before its account anniversary (or downgrade it to a fee-free version). I know what you're thinking, “wouldn’t that Steven Keys and his wife Lauren offer tips on how to destroy your credit improve your credit. score?” Ironically, it’s had the exact opposite effect for us. Since starting this crazy adventure, our credit scores have risen by nearly 100 points. Do you get a bunch of junk mail They now hover between 800 and 820, every day from banks trying to entice you according to Credit Karma. It turns out to sign up for their newest credit card? that consistently paying a bunch of bills “$300 cash bonus after you spend on time has more of a positive effect than $1,000 in the first 3 months!” Most peoall the credit inquiries and cancellations ple throw advertisements like these have a negative effect. straight in the garbage. My wife and I Now, all of this might sound nuts, or have been doing something a little differit might sound like a lot of fun, but either ent. way, don’t try it yourself until you've done At ages 29 and 30, we've now some research and carefully considered signed up for a total of 40 unique credit the risks. Your experience might not turn card accounts (basically a new card out exactly like ours. There are no guarevery two months). By choosing cards antees. with large sign-up bonuses strategically, You can read a more detailed guide meeting only the minimum requirements to credit card churning (and a ton of to get each bonus, and then quickly other money hacks) on our personal jumping to the next one, we racked up finance blog, TripOfALifestyle.com. over $20,000 in free money over the last Steven & Lauren Keys are graduseven years. This little hack is called ates of Newsome High School who grad‘credit card churning.’ uated college debt free, have taken sevMost cards with high sign-up bonuseral 8-month paid vacations, paid cash es also sport big annual fees and wicked for a house and are semi-retired by 29. high interest rates. But we don’t pay They share their lifestyle tips through them. To avoid interest, we religiously their blog, website and online.
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August 2020
Page 23
Valrico Edition
Sunset Grill, Hidden Paradise And Perfect Sunset View In Ruskin Backyard
Summer Is A Good Time To Create A Rain Garden
The Sunset Wackler said. “Currently, we are Grill at Little open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Harbor in Ruskin Sunday through Thursday and is one of 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday and SouthShore’s Saturday. We offer both dine-in best-kept on our patio and in our lounge secrets. “The area. We also offer online orderSunset Grill ing and to-go orders.” restaurant has Wackler and the entire staff been in business at the Sunset Grill believe for over 30 years strongly in supwith a few differporting local ent property owners,” said since they are a Sunset Grill’s assistant general local small busimanager, Courtney Wackler. “Sunset ness in Ruskin. Grill has open patio area, a tiki bar, A lot of its food lounge and restaurant with a banquet is sourced localarea all along the beach. We have an ly to help keep open view of Tampa Bay and the beautimoney in the ful sunset every night. We also have a local economy. The Sunset Grill at Little weddings and events department that “Keeping it Harbor in Ruskin is one of will plan and cater your special event on local helps build SouthShore’s best-kept secrets. the beach, by the pier or indoors as relationships well.” and creates a sense of community which Wackler is originally from Boston, but makes it familiar for everyone,” said she loved the Little Harbor area so much Wackler. “Keeping it local also brings on a that she decided to move to Florida. different kind of care and quality in our “I moved back up to Boston to take food and service because it is a direct care of my grandmother about four years reflection of us. We get fresh local ago. Once I got her all situated, we decid- seafood delivered every day from KX ed to move to Florida again since my kids Seafood and fresh produce through our did not enjoy the cold very much,” said food vendors when available.” Wackler. “I was invited in for an interview Wackler hopes Sunset Grill will conat Sunset Grill in 2018 and I fell in love tinue to thrive and offer the Ruskin comwith the place and haven’t left.” munity fresh local food and good times. The recent pandemic affected Sunset To learn more about the Sunset Grill, Grill’s business like most of the restaurant visit the Facebook page at www.faceindustry across the country. book.com/SunsetGrillAtLittleHarbor or call “We have taken a hit, as have many 607-2900. Sunset Grill is located at 602 businesses due to the pandemic,” Bahia Del Sol Dr. in Ruskin.
It’s that time ground utility of year again marking. Then, where we are design the shape generally fortunate of your rain garto receive rain freden by laying out quently. If you are a garden hose in looking for a way the manner you to capture rainfall desire. when it arrives, Information consider creating about construca rain garden in a tion is contained low area in your in the publication landscape or at cited below. the bottom of a Select plant downspout where Now is a great time to create a rain garden in materials after your yard. water puddles. you have deterThe purpose of a rain garden is to capmined the site conditions (sun, mature ture stormwater runoff from impervious height, spread). If you install a rain garsurfaces (roofs, driveways, sidewalks) den in sandy soil, it will only hold water and allow the captured runoff water to for a few hours, adding to your maintepercolate through the soil. nance duties: watering, weeding and Rain gardens are beneficial. They using sphagnum/peat moss to decrease decrease flooding and erosion and weed growth. Select plants that like wet attract wildlife and beneficial insects. feet and are drought-tolerant for times They filter runoff that would otherwise when rainfall is infrequent, such as: bald carry pollutants (grass clippings, pet cypress, river birch, beautyberry, dwarf waste, fertilizer) to storm drains and ultipalmetto, Walter’s viburnum, swamp mately into Tampa Bay, contributing to hibiscus, river oats, tickseed and muhly algae bloom and killing fish. grass. To create a rain garden, first, deterFor more information, please see mine the size and location. It should be Marina D’Abreau’s rain garden manual, at least 10 feet from your foundation, in https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/ an existing low area that drains quickly articles/rain-garden-manual-hillsborafter a heavy rain, in full sun, not within ough.pdf, from which this article was 25 feet of a septic system or well, away adapted. Have horticultural questions? from tree roots and within 30 feet of a Call 744-5519, or visit us at http://hillsborwater source. ough.ifas.ufl.edu and check out our calNext, and before you start digging, endar of events at be sure to call Sunshine 811, Sunshine https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcom State One-Call of Florida Inc., for undering-events/.
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Valrico Edition
Volume 17, Issue 8
Black Biscuit Roller Hockey Club From FishHawk Wins Second National Title
By Nick Nahas
Last month, for South Bay the Black Biscuit Hockey/FishHawk 10U roller hockey Hockey Wes Reid team from is optimistic that FishHawk won its the seasons for second TORHS both the recreNational ational league Championship in and travel prothe last three gram will start on years. The club time in also claimed the September. 2019 Beach On top of Bash (Lightning running the Made Hockey The Black Biscuit 10U roller hockey team won recreational its second TORHS National Championship in league and travChampionship) the last three years. Championship el program, Reid hosted by the Tampa Bay Lightning and has also started a 501(c) charity about a a 2019 regional championship. The coyear ago that outfits kids all over the ed travel team moved from A to AA last country with hockey equipment and year due to its recent success. Black keeps them involved in the sport by Biscuit, a hockey equipment and apparhelping pay their tuition. Reid’s goal is to el company from Minnesota, is their get as much participation in hockey in major sponsor. the Tampa area as possible. The sport The travel program’s spring season can be very expensive with equipment got cut short due to COVID-19, but they costs and fees. Reid feels that he is were able to take their 10U and 14U doing his part to help spread the sport teams to the nationals on short notice throughout Tampa by running this chariwith only two weeks of practice time, ty, amongst other things. He is starting thanks to a donation from their newest see a rise in hockey popularity in the sponsor, Youth Sports Review. The proarea. gram as a whole only competed in three “Once you get that bug, it takes tournaments all year, and they were over you,” said Reid. “The community only able to take two of their usual four and culture behind hockey is just getting teams to nationals because they didn’t real big down here, and so that’s what have enough notice to raise funds. They I’m trying to do—I’m trying to build that are now waiting to hear if the FishHawk culture that they have up north. I’m tryrink will open for the upcoming fall seaing to bring that down here for the kids son. that are really involved in hockey; giving The travel program is associated them opportunities is what all this stuff is with the recreational FishHawk Roller about.” Hockey League. The co-ed league is Reid has aspirations of starting a now allowing kids from outside of the hockey academy in the future that offers FishHawk area to join. The recreational skills programs/clinics. He would also league is based on skill level and also like to form an all-girls team at some introduces the sport of hockey to kids, point. For more information, visit preparing them for ice hockey and travel FishHawk Roller Hockey League on hockey if they are interested. The travel Facebook. If you would like to give a teams are formed through a tryout donation to the charity, contact Wes process. Director of Hockey Operations Reid at wes@FishHawkHockey.com.
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August 2020
Valrico Edition
Page 25
New Name, Same Mission: Hope For Her Opens Its Doors Once Again
Solar Co-Op Launches For Hillsborough County Residents To Learn About Options
As son behind more and the organimore zation’s organizaname tions return change is to business related to as usual, clarity. few have “In May been wel2019, the comed Women’s back in Resource such a way Center of as the nonprofTampa it Hope for embarked on Her, formerly a transformaknown as the The Women’s Resource Center recently reopened tional journey as Hope for Her. Women’s to clarify our Resource Center. story and more deeply connect with Since opening its doors in 2003, our families we serve,” said Hickman. Hope for Her has helped more than “Grounded in our research insights, 45,000 families in the community. we now have a new name, logo and According, www.hopeforher.org, website that puts Jesus Christ at the the group’s mission is to work onecenter of our mission and the women on-one with women to help restore we serve at the heart of our work.” their confidence and self-worth, Visit www.hopeforher.org to remove barriers to safety and surdonate, explore volunteer opportunivival and rebuild critical life skills to ties and much more or follow the thrive. group on the Hope for Her Facebook In 2019 alone, more than 300 page for weekly updates and stories. women were able to secure jobs Hope for Her is open Monday to through the center’s employment pro- Thursday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and is gram. located 140 Yarborough Rd. in While Hope for Her supplies food Brandon. and clothing for women in need, Hickman is very excited about Founder Cheryl Hickman and her reopening recently. “This first week, team of volunteers’ focus doesn’t being open again, has strengthened solely lie in the immediate but longour commitment to help women and term success of the women who children in our community that are come through their door. experiencing crisis and trauma,” she Hickman explained that the reasaid.
Nonprofit group bers can individually purSolar United chase panels and electric Neighbors (SUN) vehicle chargers based recently announced on the installer’s group the launch of the rate. Hillsborough County Partnering on the coSolar Co-Op to help op are: Hillsborough Tampa area residents County, League of go solar. Women Voters of The announceHillsborough County, ment came via a Environmental series of videos postProtection Commission Nonprofit group Solar United ed to SUN’s Florida of Hillsborough County, Neighbors (SUN) recently announced Southern Alliance for Facebook group. the launch of the Hillsborough Each video features County Solar Co-Op to help Tampa Clean Energy, Tampa area residents go solar. a local leader or Bay Sierra Club, Solar solar homeowner expressing support for and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) and the solar co-op and touting the benefits of Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. going solar. “Forty years from now, the sea level The co-op is free to join and open to here (in Tampa Bay) will be 40 inches homeowners and business owners in higher than it is now, and that is the modHillsborough County. Together, co-op erate projection,” said Kent Bailey, chair members will learn about solar energy of Sierra Club. “There’s something you and leverage their numbers to ensure can do about that. SUN is showing homecompetitive pricing and quality solar owners how to install affordable, resideninstallations. tial rooftop solar that pays for itself in just “The co-op will enable Hillsborough a few years.” County homeowners and business ownSUN has hosted 55 solar co-ops in ers to join the growing community of peo- Florida since 2015. According to its estiple saving money by harnessing solar mates, the 1,717 homes and businesses power,” said Julia Herbst, Gulf Coast prothat now have solar panels because of gram coordinator for Solar United co-ops represent 16,000 kW of solar Neighbors. “Together, we’re building a power, $36.8 million in local solar spendmovement to transform our electricity sys- ing and more than 551 million lbs. of lifetem into one that is cleaner, fairer and time carbon offsets. shares its benefits more broadly.” Those interested in going solar can After a competitive bidding process learn more and sign up for free at facilitated by SUN, co-op members will https://coops.solarunitedneighbors.org/co select a single solar company to comops/hillsborough-2020-solar-co-op/. plete the installations. By joining, memVisit www.solarunitedneighbors.org.
By Kye Saunders
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Page 26
Volume 17, Issue 8
Valrico Edition
Osprey Observer Summer Internships Go Virtual For Summer 2020
By Kye Saunders, Introduction by Kate Quesada
This summer has been different for students in many ways and the traditional Osprey Observer summer internships are no exception. As usual, the Osprey Observer welcomed a group of talented students as interns, but rather than shadowing reporters and team members in person, the majority of this year’s program Faith Miller took place virtually. But with weekly Zoom meetings and interviews that took place over the phone and through emails, the students from local high schools and colleges rose to the occasion and provided great content for the papers. We are so thankful they joined us!
Anjali Caliguiri
ship program, Asher responded, “I found out through the newspaper actually, when I saw an article about the previous interns.” Her favorite story during her time with the Osprey Observer was her very first assignment. Check out her story, titled ‘Randal Science Students Send Experiment To Space,’ about the team of Laura Tamayo Randall Middle School kids who participated in a SSEP competition and their science project/entry, ‘Spinach on the Station,’ which won the competition and is set to be launched into space later this year.
Lily Belcher
Jadon Khor
Faith Miller
Faith Miller is a recent graduate of Durant High School. She will be attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland Dominique Asher Jadon Khor as a freshman this fall with plans to major in communications with a concentration in journalism. Of all the stories be found on the front page of the July that Miller has covered during the course Bloomingdale and FishHawk editions, of her internship, her favorite one to write titled ‘Son’s Vision To Help Mom With was on Relay For Life, titled ‘Relay For Cancer Creates Award Winning Red Life Continues To Fundraise Despite Velvet Business.’ Pandemic.’ You can read Miller’s favorite story in our Riverview and Apollo Beach Lily Belcher editions, or if you missed it, simply hop on Lily Belcher is among the youngest our website at www.ospreyobserver.com. and brightest of our interns. Belcher will be a junior at Durant High School this fall, Anjali Caliguiri where she will step into her new role for Anjali Caliguiri will be attending Durant’s student newspaper, The Newsome High School as a senior this Pawprint, as editor-in-chief. Belcher disfall. She is a member of the Newsome covered the summer internship program High School Wolf Tracks newspaper staff when our very own publisher and editor, alongside her friend and now fellow Marie Gilmore, came to Durant’s newspaOsprey Observer intern, Jadon Khor. per class to share experiences as an ediWhen asked what drew her to becoming tor and journalist with the students. As an a summer intern, Caliguiri responded, “It avid sports fan, Belcher’s favorite story sounded like a really great opportunity that she has covered during her time with and I’m so glad Jadon and I got to work us is on the Rays’ 2020 season, titled together.” Her first and favorite story can ‘Team Continues Annual Rays Program
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To Encourage Summer Reading.’
Laura Tamayo
Laura Tamayo is a student at Newsome High School with a passion for reading and writing. She learned about the summer internship program through word of mouth. Tamayo has been covering stories on what makes our community unique with a knack for profiles. Her favorite story that she was had the chance to write for the Osprey Observer is set to come out in the next coming weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for Tamayo’s story on a secret take-one, give-one mini library right here in our community.
Dominique Asher
Dominique Asher will be a senior at Newsome High School this fall. When asked how she heard about the intern-
Jadon Khor will be attending Newsome High School as a senior this fall, where he will continue his work as editor for Newsome’s student-run newspaper, the Wolf Track. His favorite story that he has written for the Osprey Observer has to be his virtual library and Recreation story titled ‘Hillsborough Parks & Rec Moves Programs to Online Format to Maintain Summer Fun.’ “The library and recreational liaisons were super informative, and it made writing the article even more fun that I thought it would be,” said Khor.
Kye Saunders
Kye Saunders is a Florida State University graduate with a BA in creative writing. “I’ve always been interested in journalism and this internship has been an incredible opportunity to dip my toe in the water while simultaneously learning more about my own hometown,” said Saunders. Her favorite story that she was covered so far is titled ‘The Seeds Of Faith Community Garden Gives A Fresh Option For Feeding Families.’ Read more of Saunders’ pieces as well as any by of our other interns by visiting www.ospreyobserver.com.
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Page 27
Valrico Edition
The Tampa Bay Rays Kick Off A 60-Game Abbreviated Baseball Season
By Lily Belcher
The Tampa Bay this season.” The Rays are back on the Tampa Bay Rays diamond after a threeremain fully staffed as month coronavirus shutno one opted out of down sent players home. the season. After initially benching The Rays’ roster Spring Training midattended their first forMarch, league officials mal workout on July 3 and the Major League at Tropicana Field. Baseball Players’ Players followed CDC Association (MLBPA) guidelines by mainbegan talks on how an taining a safe disabbreviated season tance and wearing would look or if a season masks as well as would be played at all. complying with MLB’s The sometimes heaton-field restrictions. ed and public discussion “It went really dominated sports headwell,” sixth-year manlines across the country ager Kevin Cash said Hunter Renfroe, Rays as players, such as in a virtual press conoutfielder, catches fly balls hit ference after the first Rays pitcher Blake by teammates. Snell, boldly ranted on workout. “[It was] social media over salaries, rules and great to see the guys. You can tell schedules. Until just a few weeks most of the guys had been doing ago, the prospects of a 2020 season something to keep their bodies in looked bleak. shape.” On June 23, MLB and the MLBPA Spring training 2.0, as it’s being came to an agreement: baseball will called, will continue to Opening Day, return for an abbreviated 60-game scheduled for July 24. The Rays will season with pro-rated salaries. Fans face their divisional opponents, the were thrilled as many were growing Toronto Blue Jays, at The Trop for the weary of the back and forth and noth- first pitch of this unconventional seaing but the TV replays of the 2008 son. The 66-day season has the Rays pennant race. However, their excitefacing divisional challengers for 40 of ment was not reciprocated by popular the 60 games with another 20 games veterans, such as pitcher and exbeing against geographic counterRays player David Price, who has parts from the National League East. opted out of the season, saying it is For more information on the sea“in the best interest for my health and son, roster and schedule, visit my family’s health for me to not play www.mlb.com/rays.
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Page 28
Valrico Edition
Volume 17, Issue 8