Two Sections, 36 Pages of Community News
Brandon
& More Coming Pg. 24 C E L E B R A T I N G
September 2016 1 5
Y E A R S
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County To Build $1.8M Veterans Resource Center At Veterans Memorial Park
By Tamas Mondovics
Postal Customer
ECRWSS EDDM
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2397
tions, in-home visits and correspondence. Construction on the new center is expected to begin by the end of 2016, and to be completed in summer 2017. A rendition of the county’s future Veterans Resource Center to be The $1.8 million built at Veterans Memorial Park. project is being Hillsborough County officials funded by $300,000 in County Capital announced the plans to build a brand Improvement Program funds, and a new resource center to care for the $1.5 million grant from the Florida needs of local veterans. Department of Economic According to Hillsborough County Opportunity. Consumer and Veterans Services When complete, the new facility Director Frank Strom, the proposed will include a multi-purpose room for a 8,000 sq. ft., Veterans Resource number of uses such as training and Center is to be located at Veterans special events, but if funds become Memorial Park, 3602 N. U.S. Highway available future plans for the center 301, and will serve as the new home include a phased addition of 14,000 to for the County’s Consumer and 16,000 sq. ft. for educational use and Veterans Services. museum exhibits. “The location will serve as an allConstruction is anticipated to take in-one stop for our veterans,” Strom place on weekdays between 7 a.m.-5 said. “Following their visit at the cenp.m. Work will involve heavy equipter, they can enjoy the park, its memo- ment and excavation, it will generate rials and museums.” normal construction noise. The County's Veterans Services is Access to Veterans Memorial Park currently assisting local veterans and will be maintained throughout contheir families in accessing federal, struction, although in some areas, clostate and local benefits and supports sures within the park may be necesveteran's activities in the county as it sary. connects them to resources. For the safety of the workers, With more than 94,000 veterans, pedestrians and other motorists, are Hillsborough County is listed as the asked to observe all traffic control second largest veteran population in measures. All areas affected by the Florida. construction will be restored. Veterans Services assists an averFor more information about the age of 28,000 clients each year project, visit through personal and telephone interHCFLGov.net/CountyProjects under views, outreach, community presentathe County Building Projects link.
Osprey Observer 918 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Brandon, FL 33511-6121
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Volume 11, Issue 9 Ph: 657-2418
Photo Courtesy of Mark Ober
Hillsborough State Attorney Mark Ober, 64, (R) speaks to residents during a recent primary election forum held at the Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon. A Republican incumbent Ober has been Hillsborough state attorney since 2000 is now facing his Democratic contender Andrew Warren. Ober has not faced a challenger since 2008.
P O S I T I V E
C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Fair Shows Blue Ribbon Country Pride There is a lot more to this year’s Hillsborough County Fair, which opens its gates just east of Brandon on October 20, than the traditional midway rides and fried food. “The County Fair offers an opportunity for residents of all ages to enter and display their talents,” said Janet Aversa, Hillsborough County Fair Board Member. “From cooking to rug hooking, and baking to picture taking, from sewing to growing and animals large and small.” The fair, which is held at the county fair grounds on Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover, will be open October 20-23 and October 27-30 and boasts many events including talents shows, Battle of the Bands, a Harvest Queen Scholarship Contest, many livestock shows, baby pageants and contests in plants, photography, arts and more. “There will be lots of blue ribbons and eye catching entries to reflect the talents of the folks in Hillsborough County,” said Aversa, who adds that new this year is an expanded 7,000 sq. ft. air conditioned area to display family living, arts and crafts, fine arts and photography. “Early entries are encouraged and forms are available on the Website.” In addition to the livestock area, which features daily shows of youth and their animals, is an Agricultural Education Center that offers fair goers a chance to learn more about life on the farm and in the country. “From baby chicks to the ‘milkable’ cow or the new scavenger hunt in the livestock area, it is education mixed with entertainment,” said Aversa. Highlights of the paid Arena Events include Ranch Rodeos, truck, tractor and lawnmower pulls and a demolition derby in addition to the traditional midway rides, fair foods and livestock shows. Free entertainment in the midway includes Robinson’s Racing Pigs and Paddling’
By Kate Quesada
Hillsborough County Fair’s theme is Country Pride. Opens October 20.
Porkers, a fire fighter show and circus acts. New to the fair this year in the Entertainment Tent is a Gospel Jam on Sunday afternoons which, according to Aversa, offers a mix of oldtime hymns and contemporary music. The Entertainment Tent is also home to the Children’s Pageant, the Western Wear Contest and the County Fair Talent Showcase. Tickets to the fair, which cost $7 for adults, $5 for students and $4 for seniors go on sale October 1 and can also be purchased at the gate. Arena events are an additional $10 per person. For more information, visit www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com or call 737-FAIR. 215 Sydney Washer Rd., Dover.
In This Issue 105 YEAR OLD IVA .............................PG 3 PECAN SALE .......................................PG 5 TIBBY’S NEW ORLEAN’S OPENS .......PG 10 HOA HOT TOPICS .............................PG 17 CARDS FOR TROOPS ........................PG 25 SPORTS CONNECTION...............PGS 32‐33
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT...............PG 34
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