Riverview/Apollo Beach
3 Pg 2 C E L E B R A T I N G
November 2017 Volume 15, Issue 11 Ph: 657-2418 1 5
Y E A R S
O F
P U B L I S H I N G
34th Annual Alafia Boat Parade & Chili Cook-Off Benefits Rotary Water Project
By Sharon Still
Osprey Observer 918 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Brandon, FL 33511-6121
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For more of kicks off the than three holiday season decades, for us,” says boats Lisa Felice of adorned with Brandon who lights and brings her festive decograndkids rations have every year. paraded Presented down the by the Rotary Alafia River Club of for the comFishHawkmunity’s annuRiverview, proal holiday boat ceeds from the parade. This event will fund year, the 34th the charitable Annual Alafia activities of the Lighted Boat club including Parade and raising money Chili Cook-Off for the Clean will kick-off at Water and 5 p.m. on Sanitation Photo courtesy of Huth & Booth Photography Saturday, Project in December 2 at the Riverview Civic Honduras to provide water filtration Center on Park Rd. and latrine systems to the indigenous The parade of lighted boats will peoples of that country that do not start at the 301 bridge at 5:30 pm have safe drinking water or sanitaand will continue past the Civic tion. Proceeds also will be allotted to Center to "The Diddy” and then back local charitable activities. past the Civic Center ending at There are several levels of sponRiver’s Edge Bar and Grill where the sorship available and area boaters VIP after party and awards ceremony are encouraged to join the fun by for the best decorated boats will be decorating their boats and participatheld. ing in the parade. Those who want to Families are invited to the compete are asked to donate $25, Riverview Civic Center from 5-8 p.m. although boaters do not have to comto enjoy the parade, sample some pete to participate. chili and vote for your favorite at the If you are interested in participatChili Cook-Off and pose for photos ing in the Boat Parade this year, conwith Santa. There will be entertaintact Mike Broussard ment, a 50/50 raffle to benefit county at Michael.broussard@flyinglockparks, hot dogs, refreshments and smiths.com. For more information, fun for all. There is a $5 donation to contact Dr. Kim Tyson at hummingtaste the chili. bird133@verizon.net or visit “It is always a fun time and kind www.alafiaboatparade.com.
Photo by Tamas Mondovics
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Baballero leads deputies on a search for a missing person in Riverview. The agency’s K-9 Unit has been a vital part of its success. Please read the story of retired HCSO K-9 Master Deputy Charlotte Raschke in this edition.
P O S I T I V E
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C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
YMCA Breaks Ground On $16 Million Spurlino Family YMCA At Big Bend Road
By Tamas Mondovics
An artist rendition shows YMCA’s future indoor and outdoor facility at Big Bend Rd. The project is a partnership between the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners and a joint-use lease agreement with the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.
Community leaders including county commissioners, local business owners and close to 200 guests gathered last month for the groundbreaking of YMCA’s long anticipated facility in Gibsonton. The Spurlino Family YMCA at 9650 Old Big Bend Rd. in Gibsonton, a $16.4 million project, is the result of a long process and partnership between the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners and a jointuse lease agreement with the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. Special dignitaries in attendance included Hillsborough County Commissioners Sandra Murman and Ken Hagan, both major supporters of the Y. The new facility will be named after its lead donor, the Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend Rd. and will include approximately 32,500 sq. ft. of indoor space as well as an outdoor aquatic center, a much-welcomed addition to the growing SouthShore community to enjoy. Expressing support of the project, Murman emphasized that the new facility will serve the community for years to come. “I never dreamed that we can
have such a great facility here,” Murman said. “What a remarkable and outstanding thing we can do for the residents in South County by investing in this facility.” Murman added that every dollar put into the community will get much in return. “We’re going to get healthy living programs for our seniors and adults,”
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HOA HOT TOPICS ...............................PG 7 VETERANS MEMORIAL.......................PG 9 TINY HOMES ....................................PG 16 EYE ON BUSINESS ............................PG 25 SOUTHSHORE LIVING ...............PGS 38‐39 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE PULL OUT SECTION 3