Riverview/Apollo Beach
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PGS 33-38
July 2017 Volume 15, Issue 7 Ph: 657-2418
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Residents Seek Answers For South County Transportation Woes At Meeting
By Tamas Mondovics
Osprey Observer 918 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Brandon, FL 33511-6121
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As expected, Southern Hillsborough County area residents came out in force to attend a recent town hall meeting seeking answers for the county’s ongoing and ever increasing transportation issues. Hillsborough County Commissioners Sandra Murman and Stacy The joint meetWhite, left, are joined by a panel of representatives from HART, ing hosted by FDOT, County Public Works and Engineering all facing a large Commissioners crowd of south county residents during a recent transportation town hall meeting at Lennard High School. Stacy White (District upcoming projects such as widening 19th 4), and Sandra Murman (District 1), held Ave., Big Bend Rd. and Apollo Beach on Monday, June 26 at Lennard High Blvd., Murman said things are getting betSchool in Ruskin gave a clear testimony ter, but as a whole the county is far from to all present of the magnitude of the being done. problem at hand even as officials are “Step one is better roads, step two is tasked with balancing population growth better transit,” Murman said, adding that with traffic, transportation and mobility the pressure is on, but that it is only the woes and a budget deficit. beginning. The panel of officials including Commissioner White agreed with the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit sentiment that South County is in need of (HART) Chief Executive Officer Katherine much more attention, when he said, “I am Eagan, Florida Department of on the record stating that South County is Transportation Planning and a red headed stepchild and we got to pay Environmental Administrator Ed better attention.” McKinney, Jacobs Engineering Planning White added that he is also on the and PD&E Group Director Scott Pringle, record to say that the community needs a County Administrator Mike Merrill and strong voice and he and Commissioner several members of the County Public Murman want to give ear to residents and Works and Transportation staff faced address these pressing transportation nearly 200 in attendance, all with serious issues. concerns and plenty to share. A major concern on the table—pend“We are glad to see a large crowd of ing public hearings and board review— folks many of whom feel disconnected HART is reportedly planning to roll out 34 and deserve to know what we are doing routes in October, down from the existing on their behalf,” Murman said. “South 41. County residents are dealing with gridEagan said, that some of the routes locks, congestions and delays that we will be new; some will stay as is while othcannot ignore.” While mentioning progress and Continued on Page 7
Photo By Tamas Mondovics
Members of the East Bay High School Chorus are hard at work during a recent car wash fundraiser on Big Bend Rd. in Riverview. Gearing up for the new season, the 160-member chorus led by director Brian Nesmith is raising money to support the department, the school’s art program and to help pay for upcoming trips and events.
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The Big Red Barn Brings Fresh Produce To The Riverview Community
By Tatiana Ortiz
While driving down Interstate 75 in Florida, one might notice a bright red building near Exit 250. That building houses the locally owned farmers market in Riverview called The Big Red Barn. When individuals come here, they will feel like they’re home. Under new ownership, The Big Red Barn reopened July 1. Foundation Coffee Co., Kona Ice and Rack City Ribz came during the opening. Owners Chris Phillips and his wife Courtney Phillips loved the building and knew they could use their experience in produce to bring the business to life. The square footage of this two story building equals 8,000 sq. ft. The first floor serves as the main shopping area and that would be 6,000 sq. ft. On the other hand, the total square footage of the second floor would be 2,000 sq. ft. People can sit inside or outside in picnic tables too. “We want this place to be a community and a destination for families to bring their children and connect with others,” Chris said. The Big Red Barn will carry more than 300 conventional and organic produce from local growers. Prices do vary and fresh produce does get delivered everyday, seven days a week. Individuals will discover a wide range of cheeses and Amish products too. People can also purchase milk, fresh bread and other locally sourced items as well such as Sunshine Canning. They can be found in Bradenton,
Florida and use fresh ingredients without any preservatives in their artisan jams and more. In the future, The Big Red Barn plans to service local restaurants or any other places here that would like fresh produce. This will also be a pickup for wholesale people too. Individuals can also place a special request and The Big Red Barn will order it for them. It will also act as an events space as well. For more information, visit www.bigredbarnflorida.com. Check out Facebook and search The Big Red Barn Florida. It is located at 10070 Fern Hill Dr. in Riverview. Open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Call 672-8888.
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AFGHANISTAN MEMORIAL ................PG 3 WATER RESTRICTIONS .......................PG 6 TEACHER BREAKFAST .........................PG 8 EYE ON BUSINESS. ...........................PG 25 CHALKLINES .....................................PG 28 APOLLO BEACH LIVING .............PGS 44‐46