Riverview/Apollo Beach
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April 2017 Volume 15, Issue 4 Ph: 657-2418
C E L E B R A T I N G
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Queena Gears Up To Host 6th Annual 5K4Q Run, Family Forms Non-Profit
“Queena’s attacker will spend life in prison, but my daughter also has her own life sentence that she did not choose,” Vanna said. Feeling less stressed and more peaceful, now that the ordeal of reliving the court process and the re-sentencing is over, the Voung family must refocus on the daily routine of taking care of Queena, a full-time job that gives Vanna little time to think about anything else. “Our average day, including the weekends, are very busy,” she said adding that the morning routine to “brush Queena’s teeth, her hair, wash her face, change her diaper, put on a new outfit for her, give her food, water, and medicine through her feeding tube, and lift her into the wheelchair takes a couple hours.” Then it’s time to go to all of Queena’s appointments for the day, either medical or therapy. “We are usually at out-patient therapies for three to four hours before we return home for more in-home therapy,” she said. “Sometimes she gets a special treat like yoga, facial, massage, or art and
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C O M M U N I T Y
N E W S
Riverview 14 GDX Now Open As Tampa's Destination Movie Theater
By Tamas Mondovics
When Goodrich Quality Theaters, (GQT) a Grand Rapids, Michiganbased company founded in 1930, chose Riverview to build its 30th location, a $20 million, state-ofthe-art multiplex in Florida, the objective was clear and nonnegotiable; open with no mistakes. “Our company Dubbed as Tampa's destination theater, Goodrich Quality culture is all about Theaters, (GQT) Riverview 14 GDX Theater is now open at the fanatical attention to southwest corner of I-75 and Gibsonton Drive directly east of detail,” said GQT Super Walmart (exit 250). Marketing Director, ner and a movie.” Kelly Nash. “This is our first multiplex outFollowing her visit on opening weekside the Midwest and we wanted to end, Riverview Honorary Mayor, Tammy ensure we opened without excuses or Holmberg, said, "This is not just the errors.” movies. Goodrich Riverview 14 is a game Based on Nash’s sentiments, and changer in the movie watching experijudging by opening weekend results, the ence.” 66,000 sq. ft., Riverview 14 GDX (Giant The lobby features box offices and Digital Experience), located at the southself-serve ticket kiosks as well as conceswest corner of I-75 and Gibsonton Drive sion stands coupled with self-serve soft directly east of the Super Walmart (exit drinks and $0.50 popcorn refills. 250), did not only meet its goals- but has Adding to the experience is far surpassed its best expectations. Continued on Page 11 The theater features 1,665 electronically reclining seats with snack trays and cup holders and all seats are reserved. “We opened our doors merely two hours after government approvals and sold 1,300 tickets within the first 120 minutes,” Nash said, adding that in its first weekend, more than 10,000 tickets were sold. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a giant contemporary lobby that proudly 26 includes Features, a first-of-its-kind, stand-alone restaurant, bar and GastroPub developed by Celebrity Chef Brian HOA HOT TOPICS ...............................PG 7 Duffy of Bar Rescue and drink specials EGG HUNTS........................................PG 8 crafted by mixologist Mike Tipps. The restaurant has its own entrance, and is PAINTING FROM THE HEART ...........PG 17 also accessible through the lobby and EYE ON BUSINESS ............................PG 25 offers a scratch kitchen perfect for lunch, dinner and late-night snacks, with nothing SOUTHSHORE LIVING ...............PGS 36‐37 on the menu over $12, which gives a SUMMER CAMPS.....PULL OUT SECTION 3 whole new meaning to the phrase, “din-
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The result of a recent re-sentencing hearing request is life in prison for convicted 25year-old violent rapist Kendrick Morris. For his victim, Queena Voung, her family, friends and countless supporters it is simply, justice served. “I am thankful that the judge heard and understood our pain,” said Voung’s mom Vanna. “I feel like justice has been served, but it still breaks my heart.” In 2011, Morris was sentenced to 65 years in prison by Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe three years after he was convicted of dragging Queena behind the Bloomingdale Regional Library, where he raped and brutally beat the then 18-year old high school senior leaving her for dead. Queena’s injuries left her brain damaged, paralyzed and blind and she remains in need of ongoing medical care. Morris was also found guilty for an attack and rape of an elderly woman at knifepoint ten months prior when he was 15 years old, in addition to the Bloomingdale incident. Morris requested the hearing after a Supreme Court ruling, which deemed lengthy prison sentences without a chance of parole for juvenile offenders unconstitutional. While the changes in federal laws allowed Morris to face Judge Tharpe once more. Now as an adult in hopes of a lighter sentence things did not go any better for Morris. Instead, Tharpe sentenced Morris—once more—to life in prison.
By Tamas Mondovics
P O S I T I V E
VISIT US IN RIVERVIEW! 10441 Big Bend Rd • 813.864.8006
Sixth grade Burns Middle School student, Dariya Bagley captured second place in the Intelligent Machines, Robotics, and Systems Software Category, during the 2016-17 Regional STEM Fair held last month at the Tampa Convention Center.