Three Sections, 48 Pages of Community News
Brandon/Winthrop
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October 2018 Volume 13, Issue 10 Ph: 657-2418 1 6
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Old Kmart Plaza On S.R. 60 Announces BizTown Opens New JA Finance Park Lucky’s Market & Bealls Outlet Program For Eighth Grade Students By Kelly Wise Valdes
By Kate Quesada
Brandon area middle school students have a new, hands-on way to learn about finance. Junior Achievement (JA) of Tampa Bay opened the new JA Finance Park last month offering an innovative economic simulation program providing students with key concepts in Eighth grade students from Woodrow Wilson Middle School personal finance attended the opening of Junior Achievement Tampa Bay’s JA and budgeting. Finance Park, a Career Discovery Center, in Tampa last month. Presented by facility, located at the
Bill Poe Family Junior Achievement Campus in Tampa, adjacent to the successful JA BizTown, were more than $5 million. The Finance Park features 18 store fronts representing local businesses, including financial services, health care, credit, utilities and
SunTrust in collaboration with Hillsborough County Public Schools, the finance park expects to serve more than 13,000 local middle school students annually with the goal of building a foundation for solid financial decisions throughout their lives. “After two and a half years of development, we are so pleased to welcome students through the doors of the new JA Finance Park,” said President of JA Tampa Bay, Richard George. “It is our mission to ensure every child in our region has a fundamental understanding of our economic system and their role in it. JA Finance Park will do just this, but we also hope it will inspire their future careers and empower them to own their economic success.” Construction and start-up costs for the 18,000-sq.-ft., state-of-the-art
Continued on Page 7
In This Issue BATTLE OF THE BANDS ......................PG 3 BUNCO FOR MOFFITT........................PG 6 DANCING FOR DONATIONS .............PG 11 NOVEMBERFEST ..............................PG 12 EYE ON BUSINESS .....................PGS 21‐22 SPORTS CONNECTION......................PG 26 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ................PGS 27‐31 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 32 POLITICAL GUIDE ......................PGS 37‐44
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Pete and he goes there to pick up lunch and says their sandwiches are the best,” said Sierra Kahlich, a Wimauma resident. “I work in Brandon, so I can’t wait for Lucky’s to open over here. I like to buy organic produce and it’s great knowing that Lucky’s The Collection at Brandon Boulevard is a highly desirable retail produce is organic property with 231,595 sq. ft. space. Customers are particularity excited about the Lucky’s Market and Bealls Outlet that will be and affordable.” moving into the area previously occupied by the closed Kmart. Shoppers will not only find organic proOn an average day, more than duce and meats at low prices, but the 82,000 vehicles drive past the closed shopping experience is more than just Kmart that was located at 1602 W. your average trip to the grocery store. Brandon Blvd. Because of the high Shoppers sip on wine or the beer of the traffic flow and visibility, it is no surday, all for low prices, while pushing prise that it would quickly draw other their grocery carts down isles of affordretailers. The center is being rebrandable and organic food. The carts even ed as The Collection at Brandon have cup holders. Boulevard and boasts 231,595 sq. ft. Lucky’s also has a juice bar, cafe, of highly desirable retail property. ramen and sushi bar and ready-toLong-standing family favorite, make dinners for two as low as $9.99. Chuck-E-Cheese occupies more than There is also an apothecary section 25,000 sq. ft. of space. Kane’s where shoppers can make their own Furniture, occupies nearly 66,000 sq. ft. There is also a 28,000 sq. ft. Beall’s body scrub with essential oils and natural remedies. Outlet that is favored among Brandon There are several other retail shoppers. The excitement brewing about the spaces available at this time. Once fully occupied, this retail center will surely be new kid on the block, Lucky’s Market, a fun and diverse shopping and eating has people waiting in anticipation of destination to visit. its grand opening. The organic groThe Collection at Brandon cery chain that got its start in Boulevard is located at 1602 W. Colorado in 2003 officially opened its Brandon Blvd. and is owned and manfirst store in the Tampa Bay area in a aged by DDR, a fully integrated real bacon-cutting ceremony in June 2018 estate investment trust engaged in the at Tyrone Square Mall in St. business of developing, leasing and Petersburg. managing shopping centers. For more “My husband works near the information, visit www.ddr.com. Lucky’s Market that just opened in St.
• Grass-fed Beef • Jumbo Wings • Fresh-cut fries & More! See the Osprey Observer Who's Got Your Vote Election section on pages 37-45. Early voting begins on October 22 - November 4 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at select locations across Hillsborough County. Election Day is Tuesday, November 6 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.. Visit www.votehillsborough.org for more information.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 13, Issue 10
October 2018
Florida Strawberry Festival To Host New Local Battle Of The Bands
By Jennifer Morgan
The Florida Strawberry Festival is calling on all bands in the Central Florida area to compete at the 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Battle of the Bands. “Our theme says it all,” said President Paul Davis. “We hope this battle competition is a huge hit amongst our guests and a grand slam to those who wish to score big by participating.” Registration for the inaugural battle is already underway. All entrants must be at least 18 years of age or above to participate in the battle competition. If an entrant is not 18 years of age, a minor may participate with a parent or legal guardian’s permission and supervision. More information, rules, regulations and application can be found at www.flstrawberryfestival.com. Submission period ends Wednesday, October 31 at 5 p.m. In early November, after all submissions have been accepted, the Florida Strawberry Festival will announce no more than 20 of the bands to participate in an online fan voting preliminary. Through this process, the festival will solicit fans via social media to vote for the Top 9 bands of their choice to participate in additional preliminary rounds of battles which will take place in
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
the Publix Showcase Tent during the February 28– March 10 festival. The Top 9 bands, which will advance to the on-site battle rounds, will be announced via social media in late January. Bands will be evaluated by a select panel of qualified judges and fan ballots. By midnight on Thursday, March 8, the Florida Strawberry Festival will announce the three top vote getters. One honorable mention will be recognized as well as the two top front runners who will move on to the final battle competition which will take place on March 9, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. on the Wish Farms Sound Stage. “What a wonderful opportunity for local talent to step up to the plate and show us what they’ve got.” said Davis. “You could say this is our version of American Idol, only better, with a big league berry feel.” The first-place winner will receive $10,000 in prize money and a trophy. Additionally, the grand prize recipient will also receive 25 hours of recording time with Cue Recording South. The second runner up will also receive compensation of $5,000 and 10 hours of recording time as well. The honorable mention will receive a $1,000 check.
Hands In Motion Recording Studio Helps Aspiring Artists Jumpstart Music Careers
By Kathy L. Collins
For over 12 years, each and every client who Hands In Motion Music has let us join them in their Productions and journey. We sincerely care Marketing has been about who walks through making the dreams of our door. We have especialindependent artists ly had the pleasure of workcome true. In an indusing with inspiring Christian try that is tough and artists, including competitive, Hands In Contemporary Christian Motion is here to proSinger/Songwriter, Jennifer vide aspiring artists with music production/recording studio, marketing and publicity. “This industry can Jennifer Jimenez debut be so competitive. It Jimenez and Contemporary Contemporary Christian album, Spanish Christian Artist, breaks dreams faster Relentless, has reached numthan it makes them,” Steven Aubain.” Neysa ber 10 on the iTunes Christian/Gospel Chart. said Lannie Battistini, added, “We are only looking CEO, Owner and Lead Producer of to continue good work with good people. Hands In Motion. Battistini is a GRAMMY Our motto is and has always been ‘Your award-winning and Latin Grammy Dream. Our Passion.’ We take action with Nominated Pianist. He is a producer, this motto in mind.” arranger, composer and songwriter. Jennifer Jimenez is currently being “We are in the business of making considered for a GRAMMY Nomination. them. I love to see aspiring artists walk in “Not every artist gets to even be considthe door with such a lively passion for ered. It is a huge deal just getting them what they do,” added Battistini. on the GRAMMY ballot,” said Neysa. Hands In Motion is here to help anyIn addition to music production and one interested in boosting their brand, marketing, Hands In Motion offers a business and artistry. They are here to Music School for students who want to help anyone who needs help to jumpstart develop their talent in piano, drums, guitheir music career, brand their new busitar, bass and vocals. ness or tap into the digital marketplace. Visit www.HandsInMotion.com. If you It should be noted that Hands In are an aspiring artist and are interested in Motion does not accept songs with explic- learning more about how Hands In it, lewd or disrespectful lyrics. Motion can help you, please contact 573Neysa Battistini, COO and Lead 8290 or email music@handsinmotionmuMarketer said, “We are so grateful for sic.com.
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Page 4
Volume 13, Issue 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
All Children’s Receives $10,000 Donation As Part Of Camp Amazon STEM Camp
By Kate Quesada
ty to pursue their passions,” said Painter. The event was one of eight planned around the country as part of the Amazon Goes Gold program and was also attended by representatives from the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO). Amazon’s Ruskin “We are incredifulfillment center hosted bly honored to have some important visitors hosted children and last month. Children their families from battling cancer at Johns Johns Hopkins All Hopkins All Children’s Children’s Hospital Hospital and their famiand are truly thankful Children battling cancer at Johns lies visited the center for all they do to supHopkins All Children’s Hospital for Camp Amazon, a attended Camp Amazon last month port children in our hands-on robotics day and participated in STEM activities at community,” said Amazon’s Ruskin fulfillment center. camp, as part of Rob Packett, director Amazon’s month-long of operations at Amazon’s Ruskin fulfillnational campaign to raise awareness ment center. “With Camp Amazon, we about childhood cancer. hope to provide young people with the During the camp, the children particitools and resources they need to build, pated in hands-on science, technology, imagine and innovate.” engineering and math (STEM) activities According to the American Childhood including building and testing their own Cancer Organization, childhood cancer is robot cars. the leading cause of death by disease for “They were treated to a behind-thechildren in the United States, yet there’s a scenes tour of the center and watched disparity between the amount of federal how Amazon associates work along side funding for childhood cancer research robotics to pick, pack and ship customer and adult cancer research,” said Painter, orders,” said Media Representative who explained that Amazon wants to help Lauren Painter, who added that each rectify that. child also took home a small box of Amazon’s Tampa Fulfillment Center STEM toys. is located at 3350 Laurel Ridge Ave. in At the end of the camp, Amazon Ruskin. For more information on Johns made a donation of $10,000 to the pediHopkins All Children’s Hospital, visit atric oncology department at the hospital. www.hopkinsallchildrens.org. “So that every child will an opportuni-
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51st Annual Fall Craft Fair At St. Andrew’s UMC Saturday, October 27 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 3315 Bryan Rd., Brandon Call the church office at 689-6849 for info.
40th Annual BOPC Car Show And Swap Meet
Saturday, October 27; 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Downtown City Park, 119 W. Park St., Auburndale Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs, and Cadillacs. Free admission to spectators. Visit www.oldsclubofflorida.com.
Homeschool Day At Cracker Country
Friday, November 2; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Interpreters dressed in historic outfits will lead students through history, crafts and hands-on activities. $8 ages 4 & up, children 3 & younger free. Advance ticket purchase recommended. Visit: http://crackercountry.org/index.php/come-visit/when-to-visit/homeschool-day
11th Annual Holy Innocents’ Fall Whistle Stop Craft Show
Saturday, November 3 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 604 N. Valrico Rd., Valrico Over 70 vendors will be showcasing and selling unique arts & crafts, novelties and baked goods. Fun activities for the kids.
Lithia Church Outdoor Market - Grace Community UMC
Saturday, November 10 – 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Lithia Jewelry handcrafted home décor, furniture renovations, glitter cups, wood signs, candles, wreaths and handmade hair bows. Vendor deadline is Wednesday, November 7. Visit www.graceholidaymarket.com.
Social Security Benefits Seminar Hosted By Angeloni Tax Advisory Group
Thursday, October 25; Tuesday, November 6; Thursday, November 15 at 5:45 p.m HCC campus of The Regent, 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview Learn strategies and principles behind the proper timing of taking your Social Security benefits; perfect for ages 58-67. The HCC campus at the Regent, 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. Call 626-7575 to make reservations. Leave message after 4:30 p.m.
Riverview Garden Club Meets
Riverview Civic Center 1120 Park Dr.; Free Parking Wednesday, November 14; 10 a.m. Speaker Kris Porter – ‘Owl Nest Sanctuary’ Call 654-6987 for more info.
Made By Hand Brings Local Artisans Together
Saturday, November 17; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 1st Ave. NE, Ruskin Call Firehouse Cultural Center at 645-7651. Visit www.facebook.com/FirehouseCulturalCenter.
Regal Railways PresentsToy Train & Collectible Show
Saturday November 17; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Cost $5 adults; 12 & under free Hillsborough Fairgrounds, 215 Washer Rd., Dover Model trains, various hobbies, collectibles, die cast cars, greeting cards & more. Running train layout for the children to enjoy. Vendor interest - contact Joe at 727-244-1341, or visit www.regalrailways.com.
Knitted Knockers
Third Wednesday of Month; 5:30-7:30 p.m. BRH Classroom A, 262 S. Moon Ave., Brandon Interested in knitting? Help others by making special handmade breast prosthesis. For more info, call Lynette Sandrock at 300-1505. Visit www.knittedknockers.org.
The Riverview Hobby Club
Meets every Thursday; 9 a.m. Riverview Civic Center, 11020 Park Dr., Riverview Share interests in crocheting, knitting and other hobbies while enjoying coffee and one another's company. Call 505-7847 or 940-781-1946 for more info.
Tampa Bay Chief Petty Officers Meeting Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of CARE PERSONALIZED located at 7920 Moccasin Trail Drive in Hillsborough County, in the City of Riverview, Florida 33578 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Brandon, Florida, this 09th day of October 2018. Kangni Serge FOLLY-NOTSRON
Fourth Thursday each month; 6:30 p.m. Tampa Buffet, 3904 S. Dale Mabry, Britton Plaza, Tampa For information, call Chuck Peterman, President – 767-1569
Parkinson's Support Group At Savanna Court Of Brandon
Third Tuesday of the Month; 6 p.m. Savannah Court of Brandon, 824 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Call 643-6767 to RSVP with Rhonda Fournier, Executive Director.
Hawthorne Health & Rehab Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
October – Thursday, October 25; 2 p.m. November – Thursday, November 15; 2 p.m.; No Meeting in December 851 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon Monthly support group for Parkinson’s Disease & caregivers. For more information or to register, call 661-8998 - M-F 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Congregation Beth Shalom
Shabbat Services – Friday; 7 p.m. Oneg, nosh and mingle follows. All welcome. 706 Bryan Rd., Brandon. Call 681-6547.
SouthShore Steppers Club
Chicago Steppin' classes meet each Wednesday from 7-8:30 p.m. Call or text 516-7258 To register or for more info.
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Volume 13, Issue 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Osprey Observer Bunco Raises Funds For Miles For Moffitt Walk/Run Team
By Michelle Colesanti
Where can you get support the a night out with your research efforts of friends, meet new ones Miles for Moffitt. along the way, and get This year, we walk to play Bunco for a for friends, family good cause for only and even staff $25? The Osprey members who are Observer staff and its getting treatment at sponsors will the top research host a facility,” expressed Bunco editor Marie Enjoy a night out playing Night on Gilmore. “We are Bunco on Thursday, November 1 while supporting fortunate to have Thursday, cancer research. The November such a significant Osprey Observer’s 1 to raise source of research ‘MaKEITHappen’ team will be walking in the Miles for Moffitt Walk/Run in our community funds for the or Saturday, December 8. upcoming Miles for and hope that our Moffitt Walk/Run. Social hour (time to efforts can make a difference towards eat and check out all the great raffle finding a cure.” prizes) will begin at 6 p.m. and bunco “We are thankful to The Bridges play at 7 p.m. for donating space to host this event, Bunco will take place at The Lake Brandon Village and Brandon Bridges, located at 11202 Dewhurst Dr. South Chick-fil-A and Dynamic Painting in Riverview (across from Winthrop for their loyal support of our efforts both Town Center). now and in the past,” said Gilmore. There will be plenty of good food The Osprey Observer’s Team and wine, which is included in the price. ‘MaKEITHappen’ welcomes you to join Prizes will be given out to Bunco winus. You can sign up at ners. To help further the cause, a lot of http://support.moffitt.org/site/TR/Milesfor great prizes will be raffled, along with Moffitt/General?team_id=1623&pg=tea silent auction items. m&fr_id=1070. All of the money raised will go Bunco tickets are available at the toward the Miles for Moffitt Walk/Run Osprey Observer office located at 918 which will take place at a new location Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Tickets will be limitin Tampa at Amalie Arena's Ford ed so reserve yours quickly. If you Thunder Alley on Saturday, December would like tickets, please call the office 8. at 657-2418 or email michelle@ospreyThis year’s goal of the walk is to observer.com. Checks can be made out raise $2 million. to the Moffitt Cancer Center “The Osprey Observer is proud to Foundation.
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
JA Finance...Continued From Page 1 By Kate Quesada
manufacturing. Upon entering the center, the students receive a real life situation with a job, income, education and family scenario. Based on their adult personas, they visit businesses in the simulation to gather information to use in making financial decisions from managing a household budget to using banking services, making purchases and investment decisions. JA Tampa Bay works closely with the Hillsborough County Public Schools curriculum and students work in school on the subject matter
before and after visiting the center. “JA Tampa Bay has been a trusted partner with JA BizTown throughout the years, so when we learned about JA Finance Park, we knew the program would deliver on its goals and set up students to succeed,” said Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Eakins. “JA Finance Park aligns closely with the career exploration and life plans that are required in the eighth grade Florida State Standards, but it also provides students with real world situations that will make textbook lessons more real and relevant.” Finance Park is located at 13707 N. 22nd St. in Tampa. Visit www.jatampabay.org for more information.
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Page 8
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
HCSO Honors Deputy And Welcomes New K9 Morrell To The Team
By Kathi Hayes
What makes August 14, 2017. He K9 Morrell so joined the team in late special to the August and will conHillsborough tinue training to County Sheriff’s achieve his Florida Office (HCSO)? Department of Law It’s in the name! Enforcement (FDLE) Although K9 Certification at the Morrell is just a end of October. puppy, he has a Debbie Morrell, big role to fill on Deputy Morrell's team HCSO. widow and a third Not only is he grade teacher at the youngest FishHawk Creek patrol dog on the Elementary School, DUI team evenfell in love with K9 tually integrating with the Morrell the first time she met him. SWAT Team, but also this As she gave Master Deputy Pulido energetic puppy carries on a a hug and thanked him for honoring legacy as the namesake for her late husband, she said, “He was the beloved Deputy a hero to many people Larry Morrell. Deputy and he will always be Morrell, a Valrico resimy hero.” The young dent, lost his battle to puppy and Debbie pancreatic cancer in Morrell bonded instantly. June 2017. As she played with him, Master Deputy she laughed looking Brian Pulido and upward and said, “I think Deputy Morrell spent K-9 Morrell listens better eight years together on than Larry.” the DUI squad. Master “K9 Morrell is very Deputy Pulido proudly special to all of us at the said, “Sheriff Hillsborough County Chronister let me not Sheriff's Office. The late Debbie Morrell only choose a name Deputy Larry Morrell's meets K9 Morrell legacy lives on through for this K9, but also gave me the honor of this puppy that will quickselecting him. That is just ly grow into a consummate the close family environprotector of this great comment Sheriff Chronister cremunity. I'd like to think that ates in this department.” K9 Larry is smiling down on K9 Morrell and Master Deputy Morrell and will be watching Pulido are together 24/7 as he helps keep everyone training, getting to know safe," said Hillsborough each other and building County Sheriff Chad trust. “When comparing Chronister. similarities, Deputy Morrell For information about and K-9 Morrell both have a HCSO K9 Unit, visit big heart and commitment www.hcso.tampa.fl.us/A-Zto the service,” added Pulido. Directory/K/K9-Unit.aspx or follow K9 K9 Morrell is a Belgian Malinois born Morrell on twitter #K9Morrell.
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Volume 13, Issue 10
October 2018
Page 9
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
North Brandon YMCA Revitalizes Facility With New Gear & More
By Nick Nahas
The North gram at North Brandon YMCA is Brandon. That going through some program and the changes for the betfriendships I ter. They have made with my recently hired a new fellow Masters Center Executive Swim teammates are still precious Director, Eric to me. This past Stinehelfer, and a month, two of new Membership my friends from Experience Director, that original Rebecca Piatt. Photos courtesy of the North Brandon YMCA team and I travThe North Kids learning how to swim. eled to Belgium Brandon facility, built to participate in an international open in the 80s, is one of the older ones in water three-mile swim in Brugge. the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Swimming has been my godsend in association. Resources have been put recovery from surgeries.” into this facility to help revitalize it. The YMCA is a nonprofit charitaAccording to Stinehelfer, they recently ble organization, which means you put in a large equipment order, the carcan write off a donation to the Y. dio equipment was changed out, the According to Stinehelfer, the North gym floors were just redone, and they put efficient LED lightning in most of the Brandon location gave away about complex. The location is also just one of $70,000 worth of financial assistance in camp just this past summer. two in the Tampa area that has a fullThrough their annual giving camblown gymnastics center. paign, they give financial assistance “We’re trying to make changes to to people that need memberships, stay efficient as much as we can,” said and that are looking for program Stinehelfer. “We want to continue to assistance. They offer assistance in offer what we can offer for the commucamp membership programs as well. nity.” “That’s how we can give back to the North Brandon YMCA member community, from the generosity of our Laura Hovan is excited for the changes members and friends of the Y,” taking place, and has always had a Stinehelfer said. fondness for the facility. “My children The North Brandon YMCA is who are now grown young adults particlocated at 3097 S Kingsway Rd. in ipated in youth sports at North Brandon Seffner. For more information, call when we first arrived in Florida,” Hovan 685-5402 or visit the North Brandon said. “Years later I was welcomed into Family YMCA Facebook page. the Tampa YMCA Masters Swim pro-
Expires 12/31/18
Page 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 13, Issue 10
BSAC After-School Programs Kick Off New Clubs With Creative Fun
Staff Report
Students are now enjoying new experiences in robotics, culinary, art & crafts, dance, community outreach, and sports clubs at Brandon Sports & Aquatics (BSAC). BSAC recently kicked off six high-level after-school clubs at its main campus in addition to its five Hillsborough County School sites at Stowers Elementary, Lithia Springs Elementary, Kingswood Elementary, Mann Middle, and Barrington Middle Schools. Students experience enriching curriculum through clubs while engaging in teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity. “We aren’t offering more school,” said Morgan Szymanski, BSAC Director of Curriculum. “We’re offering educational reinforcement by planning fun, innovative, and collaborative activities.” BASE Director, Brandi Hooper loves the program. “BSAC is really taking the after-school experience to a whole new level.” After-School students have the
option to participate in extracurricular clubs all included in normal programming cost. All club curriculums are tied to the
Sunshine State Standards to help fill learning gaps while developing personal interests. “BSAC’s mission is to impact
families in the Brandon community,” said Shelby Johnson, Senior Director of Educational Programming. “In an effort to drive this mission, we’ve created engaging clubs for students so they can explore areas they are passionate about. These experiences are also bringing in community business partners which connect students not only to our community, but to current leaders in the Brandon area as well.” BSAC is a community based 501c3 non-profit organization that impacts lives daily by providing four main, mission-based pillars of service in afterschool care, youth drowning prevention, sports & recreation, and special needs education. To learn more, visit www.mybsac.org. For more information on the clubs, visit www.mybsac.org/wp content/uploads/2018/09/After-School-ClubsJPG.jpg.
October 2018
Page 11
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Individuals With All Kinds Of Abilities Can Join Dancing For Donations By Tatiana Ortiz Donations also provides adult Ballet and Tap classes. It costs $25 a month for one class, which meets once a week and $65 a month for unlimited classes. Dancing for Donations Dancing for Donations president and director Sara Battaglia poses in front also offers of her new studio. adaptations For those who have always had an interest in dancing or just want to give it a try, and might be experiencing an obstacle in life that makes it seem insurmountable, a nonprofit organization in Brandon called Dancing for Donations offers a variety of dance classes to the community. Its goal is making dance more accessible to all abilities and ages. In addition, it also gives back to a different charity each month by donatStudents at Dancing for Donations participating in the begining a certain dollar ner level Ballet class. amount. to accommodate children, teens and Sara Battaglia, president and adults with special needs; the studio director of Dancing for Donations, includes wheelchair accessibility also. knew the expense of dance classes “Overall, I am hoping that the stuand wanted to make it more afforddents who attend my classes gain able to parents, which led to the more knowledge of dance and create development of this program in May friendships,” Battaglia said. 2017. Battaglia has a background in Make sure to check out Dancing Vaganova, a style of ballet. She also for Donations grand opening event in trained in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern, celebration of its new studio on Lyrical and Partnering as well. November 3 from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Battaglia began teaching mostly For more information, visit Ballet and beginner combo classes at www.facebook.com/dancingfordonathe age of 16. tions. It is located at 1076 E. Brandon Dancing for Donations opened a Blvd. Suite #101 in Brandon. Open new 1,500 sq. ft. studio that features Monday 12 p.m.- 7:30 p.m., classes for both children and adults Wednesday 12 p.m.- 8:30 p.m., during specific days and times of the week. It offers classes such as Ballet, Thursday 4:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. and Friday 11 a.m.- 8:30 p.m. Email Tap and more for children, which starts at the age of three. Dancing for dance4donations@gmail.com.
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Page 12
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 13, Issue 10
Nativity’s Novemberfest Returns With Midway Merriment And Crowd Favorites
By Amanda Boston
The 49th annual Novemberfest will be held from Wednesday, November 14 through Sunday, November 18 on the grounds of Nativity Catholic Church. The event features Midway rides, games, food tents and live entertainment. “Novemberfest is an awesome example of how a local community comes together to put on a family-fun event for people of all ages,” said Alexis Redig, the Faith and Media Coordinator for Nativity Catholic Church. Redig continued, "From the support of local businesses through sponsorships to the countless hours our parish and school volunteers put in, all the way to the folks who travel near and far to enjoy the carnival—all of these pieces help to make Novemberfest such a successful event.” The festivities will take place on Wednesday and Thursday from 4-10 p.m.; Friday from 4 p.m.-12 Midnight; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 Midnight; and Sunday from 12 Noon to 8 p.m. Like in years past, the admission, parking and live entertainment are all free. Food and Midway ride armbands will be available for purchase on the premises. Unlimited ride armbands are available
for $23 at the fest, but discounted armbands can be pre-purchased for $17 from Nativity School students. In the evenings, music from ‘Center Stage’ will aid in the merrymaking as bands and local musical acts play free concerts. On Wednesday evening, Abby and Davis will host a youth ministry night filled with music and trivia. The next night, the band Classix will join the entertainment line-up. Also returning this year is the country rock band ‘Soul Circus Cowboy,’ whose lead singer, Billy McKnight, is an alumnus of Nativity Catholic School. The band will take the stage on Friday night. Saturday night will welcome back country music singer Daniel Sprouse, a Plant City native. “I look forward to going to Novemberfest every year and seeing my former classmates and teachers,” said Dana Burkholder, a Nativity alumnus. “I also enjoy seeing how much Novemberfest has grown since I graduated.” Nativity Catholic Church and School are located at 705 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon. Visit www.nativitycatholicchurch.org/novemberfest.
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October 2018
Page 13
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Bay Life Supports Missions Through Cars And Crafts By Amanda Boston Back in May, to support misBay Life Church sions.” canceled its 13th In addition Annual Car Show to the hundreds and Craft Fair due of cars on disto a tropical play, the event storm. The event hosts live perhas been formances from rescheduled for Bay Life’s Car Saturday, Show band, November 10, Legacy, which Bay Life is expecting more than 450 cars at this is composed of from 10 a.m. to 3 year’s car show. p.m. on its church musicians and grounds. The family-friendly event will artists from the church. The band feature more than 450 cars and trucks, assembles specifically for the car show local craft vendors, live music, raffles, and plays classic rock music and other refreshments and child tunes. Other entertainactivities. ment on site will The Bay Life Car include bounce houses Show has become a staand skits for the chilple in the community with dren, shopping and crowds reaching upward chances to win door of 3,000 guests. With an prizes. increasing number of attendees and disHe continued, “The youth will be out played vehicles, the car show is a far there doing a lot of the work like taking cry from its humble beginning of only 20 car registration, entertaining children cars. and selling food and raffle tickets.” All makes and models of cars are Participants may register their vehiwelcomed with more than 10 categories cles online at the Bay Life website or on receiving trophies. Although the show the day of the event. Last year, due to car registration is free, Bay Life is its popularity, some cars had to be requesting that car show participants turned away because of space restricmake a voluntary $10 donation to suptions. port missions. The proceeds will support To register a vehicle or sign up to mission trips to Washington, D.C., New be a vendor, please visit York, Honduras, Africa and Guatemala. www.baylife.org/carshow. For more “The car show supports our high information or questions, email misschool student and adult mission trips,” sions@baylife.org. Bay Life is located at said Steve Schumm, Bay Life’s Mission 1017 Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. Director. “This is our largest fundraiser
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Page 14
Volume 13, Issue 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Experience Partnership Redefined With Florida Risk Partners
By Amy Schechter
In the insurance agency. I think the insurworld, it is too easy to ance industry as a whole think you can pick up the has become a commodiphone and automatically tized shuffling of papers. For save between 15 and 20 our commercial clients, we percent. But, what haplook at total cost of risk and pens when that premium focus on all the things that cannot get any lower and don’t necessarily focus on your business is no longer insurance premiums—opergrowing and no longer ational inefficiencies that managing risk to its potenimpact the overall cost of tial? That is when David your risk, for example.” R. Carothers, CIC, CRM Their goal is to become a and Florida Risk Partners David R. Carothers, CIC, CRM part of your company’s culcan provide you with the team, technoloture, not just insurance salesmen, so you gy, and training to drive positive changes can move in the right direction. in your organization. Regardless of your company’s size, Carothers, owner and founder, grew Florida Risk Partners offers full access to up in the Brandon area attending Burns an array of tools and technology to help Middle and Bloomingdale High School, you solve your problems and grow. but it is not only his familiarity with our Beginning as a virtual agency, Florida area that makes him poised to help local Risk Partners has grown into a leader in businesses. Before his 15 years of expelocal business insurance solutions. From rience in the insurance industry, he man$600,000 in revenue in its first year, it is aged business units for two fortune 500 on track to manage $2 million in revenue companies where he had total P & L and and open another branch in Wesley human resource responsibility. This gives Chapel this October. Jobs are being crehim the unique perspective of a business ated in the community with nine employowner to help you explore how the opera- ees hired locally for the Bloomingdale tion of your business is impacting your location and another five needed at the risk management. “In addition, every Wesley Chapel branch. It offers business team member that joins Florida Risk insurance, bonds, workers compensation, Partners has the opportunity to earn equi- business property, commercial auto, and ty in the organization. If you want your much more. team to think and act like business ownFlorida Risk Partners services the ers, you have to give them an opportunity entire state of Florida as well as many to be a business owner”, Carothers other states. Call (888)-601-6660 or email states. We offer “Partnership Redefined.” info@floridariskpartners.com. It is located He explains, “We are different in that we at 1434 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. are not just an insurance placement Visit www.floridariskpartners.com.
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Valrico Sunday Market
The Valrico Sunday Market takes place every lesanti, helle Co ic M y b d m Sunday from 9:30 e o il c p r. rve Com preyobse s o a.m.-4 p.m. at T @ e ll miche Marie’s Fashion & Gifts Boutique, 3407 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. (just south of Bloomingdale). Bloomingdale Bulls Varsity Enjoy seasonal pet-friendly marBaseball 9th Annual Costume under grandfather oaks with 50 ket Fundraiser Baseball Game artisans, food court and live music. Please come join the Free face painting and balloons for Bloomingdale Bulls Varsity Baseball kids. Call 530-0922 or visit Team Saturday, October 27 at 10 a.m. www.ValricoSundayMarket.com. for a day of family baseball fun as the 2018 Bulls Baseball team concludes Fall Festival its fall season with the Featuring Car 9th Annual Costume Show And Game, one of the Business biggest fundraisers for Showcase the team. Tickets are Join family $10 which includes fun on Sunday, entry, lunch and chance 3 November drawing. This year the from 10 a.m.-2 team will be dressed in p.m. at the costumes and compete Moose Family in a unique 9 inning Center, located inner-squad game. It at 804 S. Miller will host different activiRd. in Valrico. ties each inning such as The Fall a Dizzy-bat contest, Festival will throwing contest and ball include a car in a bucket. Kids can show, food, join the team on the field entertainfor The National Anthem ment by and run the bases. The Music team will offer temporary tattoos, picShowcase and Dark Horse Music ture opportunities with the team and a Store, a live DJ provided by Event chance for everyone to have a great Heroes of Tampa Bay, bounce houstime while watching the on-field antics es, raffles and a sports memorabilia of this unique game experience. auction. The team hopes the community Car registration begins at 9 a.m. will join as it begins to prepare for the Pre-register your vehicle at 2019 regular season and the road www.fallfestivalvalrico.com/csr. Visit back to the State Finals! For Tickets www.fallfestivalvalrico.com, email or more information contact Shelly Admin@Bikes4Christ.com or call Wilson at cmshellywilson@gmail.com 533-9177. or call 335-8469 to order tickets.
Visit Bell Creek Academy’s Haunted House
Your room is waiting at the Insane Asylum as Bell Creek Academy, located at 13221 Boyette Rd. in Riverview presents a Haunted House Saturday, October 27
Page 15
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Summerfield Women’s Golf Association Begins New Season
The Summerfield Women’s Golf Association began play in October. New members are welcome to join. Membership open year round to women 18 years or older of amateur standing. The league consists of players at all
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Sip & Paint Party At The Brandon Senior Center
On Friday, October 26 at 1 p.m. enjoy Brandon’s Autumn Sip & Paint Party. Bring your own canvas and paint. Enjoy light refreshments. The Brandon Senior Center is located at 612 N. Parsons Post card showing Plant City State Farmer’s Market from the Ave. in Brandon. Call archives. 635-8066 for more information, email emessano@firstinformation. lighthomecare.com.
Charity Golf Tournament For The Brandon Blazers 9U The Brandon Blazers 9U travel baseball team is hosting a charity golf tournament Saturday November
Plant City’s Agriculture, Food Processing, And Supermarket Revolution Through Exhibits
The Plant City Photo Archives & History Center is displaying an exhibition, ‘Plant City and the Agriculture, Food Processing, and Supermarket Revolution 1939 – 1975,’ through Sunday, November 4 at the Plant City Car Show will be held at the Moose Family Center on Sunday, Photo Archives & November 3 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. History Center, located at 106 S. Evers St. in Plant 10 at The CLAW at USF, 13801 N City. 46th St. in Tampa. It is seeking fourThe exhibition tells the story of somes to sign up to play as well as Plant City’s role in the dramatic any businesses or individuals interchanges in farming, food processing, ested in being a sponsor. and the advent of the supermarket. Register and pay at www.payThe story will unfold as you enter pal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_sthe exhibition at the Photo Archives click&hosted_button_id=4CVMTXNand History Center. Exhibits include VLCLG6 or make checks payable to: Publix Super Markets, Hillsborough Brandon Blazers Baseball 9U and Future Farmers of America (FFA), mail to: Attention of Waylon Renfroe, Hillsborough Farm Bureau, Florida 310 Brandywine Dr., Valrico, FL Strawberry Growers Association, 33594. Florida Strawberry Festival, Wish For information, call Bill Renfroe Farms, Plant City State Farmers at 716-8376. Market, J. William Horsey Better Living For Seniors Meeting Corporation, Southland Frozen Foods Corp., and the Florida Citrus Hall of Better Living for Seniors Fame. Additional sponsors include Hillsborough (BLS) will host a meetthe Arts Council of Plant City and the ing on Friday, October 26 at 9:30 Plant City Rotary. a.m. at Brookdale Senior Living, Call 754-1578 for information or 13550 S. Village Dr. in Tampa for email those who work with seniors in every info@plantcityphotoarchives.org. capacity. BLS members give back to
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Page 16
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 13, Issue 10
th i a f r e t n I , N u t S a l e f a s t , Fa l l B re ak o w L u n c h Sh Fashion More… & y Michelle Colesanti,
Monday, Inaugural TBAEP/Central Florida November 18 Association of Environmental from 11 a.m.-1 Professionals Golf Tournament p.m. This is a held in June, which Graf helped nondenominaplan as one of four committee tional luncheon members. for all ladies. No memberLoss Of A Spouse Seminar b d m e ship required. o il c Grieving the death of a Comp observer. Cost is $15. @osprey e ll spouse? Find help through Grief e h ic m First time Share’s Loss of a Spouse guests $10. Seminar. This seminar was creatIt is held at Bell Shoals Baptist ed to help reach out to hurting Church in The Special Event individuals, to hear practical 35th Annual Nut Sale Center, 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in advice from others who have been The ladies of St. Francis Catholic Brandon. Call Lillie 740-0098 by there, what to expect in your grief, Church in Brandon are offering a variety Monday, November 5 for reservafind help and hope and more. The of nuts for holiday baking and gifting. tions or information. seminar is Monday, October 22 Shelled pecans, pecan pieces, ‘candied’ A $1,000 check is presented to Family Promise by the Tampa from 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. at pecans (amaretto, dark chocolate and 2018 Brandon Lions Club Bay Association of Environmental Professionals. FishHawk Fellowship Church white chocolate) all packed in one lb. Annual Luminaria Project attend ‘Cybercrime – The Crime of the located at 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. bags. Walnuts, pistachios and cashews The Brandon Lions Club is conduct21st Century’ held Thursday, November Please RSVP by October 18 (howalso offered. Prices range from $8 to $10. ing its Luminaria fundraising project pro8 from 11:30 a.m. -1p.m. Debbie Brown, ever, no person will be turned away) to Call Janet at viding the kits to Consumer Protection Investigator from Debbie Morrell at ldmorrell@verizon.net 655-5506, Flo at neighborhoods the Hillsborough County Consumer and or call 655-7431. The seminar is free and 651-0850 or and individuals Veterans Services, will bring the latest childcare available upon request. Evelyn at 657throughout the information on consumer 4309 by Sunday, area. fraud trends perpetrated Free Dental Day For Veterans November 4 Each kit conover the Internet. At Watts Dental tains 15 each of The workshop, held Watts Dental will offer cleanCongregation long burning at The Bridges, 11350 ings, extractions and fillings Beth Shalom votive candles, Bloomingdale Ave., taken care of for free for Upcoming Events candle holders, white bags, and a plastic Riverview, is free to Veterans on Saturday, Book Discussion - On Monday, bag of sand (to use in the base of each attend and includes November 10 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. November 19 at 6 p.m., Congregation bag) and retail for $6.50. Orders over 15 lunch. Call Janet at 413This is by appointment only. Beth Shalom presents ‘Page Turners’. kits will be delivered to your neighbor8900 to reserve your Please call 737-7370. Join in as Three Floors Up by Eshkol hood. seat. Watts Dental is located at Nevo is discussed. Light dinner served; 5605 Skytop Dr. in Lithia. Visit www.wattsBYOB. Go-Fer Girl Scout Fall Festival dentalfl.com. Interfaith Breakfast - Congregation The 32nd annual Go-Fer Girl Scout Beth Shalom will offer an interfaith clerFall Festival will be held on Saturday, Flight to Honor Mission #5 gy/lay leadership breakfast at October 27 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (rain or Announced Congregation Beth Shalom on shine) at Bay Life Church, 1017 Flight to Honor announces Mission Wednesday, November 14 at 10 a.m. to Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. Enjoy family #5 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, meet Rabbi Bryan Mann and to fun for all. There will be carnival style 2019. It will depart from and return to enhance efforts to become intricate games, Girl Scout sign up, garage sale, Lakeland International Airport for a one member of the interfaith community. vendors, bake sale and more. Proceeds day visit to Washington DC. Contact Jenny Allen, Administrative support the Go-Fer Girl Scouts. All veterans are eligible to apply Director, by November 5 at 681-6547 or for the mission provided cbs-admin@hotmail.com. Family Promise Receives You can now purchase they have not been on a Thanksgiving Fair & Food Drive Luminarias from the Brandon Donation previous Flight to Honor Lions Club through November Sunday November 18 from 10 a.m.-2 Scott D. Graf, Tampa 5. or Honor Flight p.m. A free outdoor event will be held at Environmental Department Mission. Guardians wishthe synagogue and will feature a wide Contact Joe Kuebler at Manager (L) and two-term ing to accompany vetervariety of vendors selling unique gift 263-2522 to place your order or complete President of the Tampa Bay ans are also encouraged items. Bring non-perishable food that will the Order Information Form online Association of Environmental to apply. Applications can be collected and distributed through the at www.brandonlions.org/luminary. Place Professionals (TBAEP) (R), be downloaded at http://polkveterlocal food bank. Enjoy food, music and orders by Monday, November 5. All recently presented a check for $1,000 to anscouncil.com. fun surprises for the entire family. orders are COD and can be picked Family Promise of Veteran and Guardian applications Congregation Beth Shalom is located up or delivered Saturday, Hillsborough are being accepted now. Donations at 706 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. Call 681December 15. County, a local toward the cost of the mission are also 6547. Tampa Bay organibeing accepted. Tax deductible contriProtect Yourself From zation which helps butions can be made to: GiveWell Fall Fashion Show Luncheon Hosted Cybercrime Presented At The homeless families Community Foundation, Flight to By BCWC Bridges build new lives. Honor, 1501 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, A Fashion Show will be held at The Cybercrime is the fastest growThis donation was FL 33803. Brandon Christian Women's Connection's ing area of crime. Learn how to raised during the ‘Count our Blessings’ Luncheon on avoid being a victim when you
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Page 17
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Seville Cleaners Offers Superb Value And Outstanding Service
By Caitlin Masessa
Dealing with work for myself and your dry cleaning is not someone else,” never a fun chore, he happily admits. especially when the While Seville cleaning service Cleaners uses the fails to put the cussame equipment as the leading estabtomer first. It is often lishments, that most dry cleanCummerow sees a ers put their focus large difference on themselves and between his dryplace the customer cleaning service on the back burner. and others. “It’s our If you are tired of value,” Cummerow paying more for less explains, “We clean service, it is time to at a better price switch to Seville and deliver the Cleaners located same quality.” in Brandon and The low price that Valrico. Mark Cummerow is the owner of Seville is offered is Opening its and he is proud of the $2.75 per item $2.75, a value first location in the Cleaners concept of his dry cleaning business. that stays consisBrandon/Valrico tent no matter the style of the garment area in 2007, the mission of Seville you may bring in. Cleaners has always been to provide The staff at Seville is aware that the quality and service their customers your time cannot afford to be wasted deserve at an affordable price. and they are prepared to have your When you walk into Seville order done the same day as long as it is Cleaners, it is highly likely that you will dropped off by 9 a.m. “It’s our value and see owner Mark Cummerow behind the customer service.” Cummerow iterates, counter. Cummerow has been a con“That’s why I think people should come stant presence ever since he took the to us.” mantle of owner and operator in early If you want to experience this 2009. Not only can he be seen greeting exceptional customer service first hand, his customers and taking their orders in visit Seville Cleaners at 3237 Lithia with a smile, he also enjoys doing the Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. To learn more dry cleaning himself. When it came to about Seville Cleaners, and its owner running his own business, it is the idea Mark Cummerow, visit www.sevillecleanof being his own boss that pushed him ers.com. to take on the challenge. “It’s a thrill to
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Page 18
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 13, Issue 10
Brandon Regional Hospital Patient Gives Thanks To Those Who Saved His Life
Cole Family Serves Polish Cabbage Rolls & More For 20 Years At Novemberfest
The words ed that he was havcode blue echoed ing a heart attack.” throughout the Besides that, Brandon other steps were Regional Hospital taken throughout emergency room Waters’ time at on September Brandon Regional 25, 2017, as the Hospital to get his medical staff rhythm back. Waters rushed towards did not display any Brandon resident symptoms, but knew Tommy Waters beforehand that he who had coldid not feel good Brandon heart attack success story Tommy and needed to see a lapsed in a chair Waters accepts a donation to Heart Walk. soon after checkdoctor. ing-in at the desk. Waters suffered a masAccording to the American Heart sive heart attack and was shocked a total Association, www.heart.org/of 18 times to . He originally came to the /media/dataemergency room complaining of abdomiimport/downloadables/heart-diseasenal pain. He survived and lives to tell his and-stroke-statistics-2018---at-a-glancestory. ucm_498848.pdf approximately every Brandon Regional Hospital held a 40 seconds an American will have a special event for Waters on September heart attack. In addition, it also states 13, to reunite him with the physicians and that heart disease remains the number nurses who took care of him last Sept. one cause of death in the United States. Nearly 75 individuals attended. During the Brandon Regional Hospital gave a reunion, some of the physicians and $2,500 donation to the American Heart nurses who helped Waters briefly spoke Association to go towards the associaabout their efforts to save him. tion’s Heart Walk. The Heart & Vascular For instance, Waters’ cardiologist at Center at Brandon Regional Hospital Brandon Regional Hospital, Dr. Ranchlod provides comprehensive cardiac servic(Ravi) Khant, M.D., F.A.C.C., shared how es to the Brandon, Tampa and Lakeland the team worked together once they got area. him to the table. “Overall, thank you to the tremen“The team began protocol by applydous staff here at Brandon Regional ing the cardiac monitor, which led to the Hospital because if it was not for them I discovery that Waters had abnormal would not be here today,” Waters said. rhythm and it required emergency shock For information, visit https://branto get him out of that,” Khant said. “To donhospital.com/home/, located at 119 add, an Electrocardiogram (EKG) indicat- Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. Call 681-5551.
Along with cooler ture of hamburger, weather, Nativity rice, and spices, which Catholic Church’s 49th you roll in the cabbage Annual Novemberfest leaves.” Even easier is is around the corner the sweet and sour running from sausage, which is kielNovember 14-18. basa baked in a brown Sherry Stewart, food sugar/vinegar sauce. It chairperson, knows it is amazing how sometakes a village to put thing so simple is such on an event like this, a crowd pleaser year but she wanted to after year. She easily highlight one very spemakes 500 rolls and cial volunteer who has 50 pans of sausage Stephen & Kelly Cole, Long-Time given her time for over yearly to sell at the Volunteers at Novemberfest. 20 years. “She’s such a event. great person, and she makes the very Her husband, Stephen Cole, and her best Polish foods you will not want to children, along with her nursing colmiss,” Stewart raves. leagues at Tampa General, have always Kelly Cole began running the Polish been a great support system and regufood booth with a friend when her adult larly volunteer with her. The entire comchildren were still in elementary school. munity deserves a chance to have a Cole’s mother was a first generation taste. Hungarian and her friend was Polish, Cole runs one of many food booths and they began to use family recipes that at Novemberfest, but that is not all that is still are sure to make your mouth water. offered. There are free nightly concerts, Through the years, volunteers have raffles, and carnival rides/games. changed, but Cole has kept going. Some Admission and parking are free. Eric people ask her why? Cole simply Imhoff rated the festival on Facebook answers, “It’s my parish, and I enjoy noting, “I thought the food and beer doing it. Plus, you get to see people you prices were in line with this type of festihave not seen for years.” val. I'll be back.” You may be able to get the exact Novemberfest runs November 14-18 recipe from Cole at Novemberfest, but at Nativity Catholic Church. For more she is best known for her cabbage rolls information, visit and sweet and sour homemade Polish www.facebook.com/NativityNovemberfes sausage. “It’s really easy,” she assures. t/ or nativitycatholicchurch.org/november“You boil the cabbage and take the fest. Nativity Catholic Church is located leaves apart carefully. The filling is a mix- at 705 E Brandon Blvd, Brandon, 33511.
By Tatiana Ortiz
By Amy Schechter
October 2018
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Page 19
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Volume 13, Issue 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
BRANDON’S BEST HOMES
Top Producer 2002 - 2017
MORE THAN $100 MILLION SOLD SO FAR IN 2018 ! G EWIN N T S LI
ONE OF A KIND CUSTOM HOME! Fall in love with this beautiful 5/4.5/3 + pool home sitting on a cul-de-sac backing to conservation! Coveted apartment above garage, wood floors, huge bedrooms & soaring ceilings are some of the features! Kitchen with white cabinets, granite & island! Unique home! $549,000 ! G EWIN N T S LI
BEAUTIFUL ONE OF A KIND HOME! 4/4full/2 half/2 + bonus + pool/spa home on 0.63 lush acres! This home is PERFECT! Fresh interior paint, crown, wainscoting, French doors, fireplace & so much more! Kitchen with on-trend white cabinets, island, granite & stainless appliances! $589,900
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FABULOUS SUNRISE HOME IN HILLSIDE! 4/3/3 + office + bonus + pool/spa home with wonderful curb appeal on oversized cul-de-sac lot! Gorgeous kitchen with staggered maple cabinets, granite & stainless appliances! Other features include cherry wood floors, plantation shutters, fireplace & more! $475,000
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0.46 WOODED ACRES IN WONDERFUL DOGWOOD HILLS! 4/3.5/2 + pool one of a kind home that features wood floors, crown, wood-burning fireplace, French doors & more! Remodeled kitchen with custom cabinets with pull-out drawers, quartz counters, double oven & Thermador range! $387,500
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BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE "KEY WEST II" HOME! 4/3/3 + office home sitting on oversized 0.31 acre lot! This beauty offers hardwood floors, French doors, neutral paint, crown, plantation shutters, volume ceilings & more! Wonderful kitchen feature wood cabinets, granite, island & stainless appliances! $399,000
IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE & WAITING FOR YOU! 4/4/3 + bonus home that shows like a dream! This beautiful home offers kitchen with 42" maple cabinets & NEW stainless appliances! Other features include neutral paint, wood floors, volume ceilings, arched entryways & spacious yard! $329,900
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DREAM WATERFRONT HOME! 3/2/2 home with upgrades throughout! NEW ROOF IN 2016! It does not stop there with fresh paint in June 2018 & 2018 new vinyl plank flooring, stainless appliances & carpet! Bright & open floor plan that shows great! This would make the perfect starter home! $200,000
OH WOW, YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS ONE! Adorable 3/1.5/1 home that shows immaculately! Pergo flooring, formal rooms & HUGE family room with beamed ceiling & brick accent wall! Updated kitchen with 42" maple cabinets & stainless appliances! Wonderful back yard! $185,900
0.29 ACRES IN GATED COMMUNITY! 5/3.5/3 + bonus + pool home with beautiful landscaping & 2014 NEW ROOF! Be in awe with neutral paint tones, separate formals, split floor plan & kitchen with 42" maple cabinets, island & TWO pantries! Pavered lanai with two story pool cage & large covered area! $385,000
office: (813) 655-5333 | direct: (813) 924-8677 | Brenda@BrendaWade.com www.BrendaWade.com
Brandon/Winthrop
October 2018
Volume 13, Issue 10
Ph: 657-2418
Pages 27-31 Explore Cruise Vacations At Local Events Offered By Cruise Planners
Sherry Leybovich with Cruise Planners is hosting free cruising events at The Venue, 11268 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. Tickets are required. Thursday, October 25 - Choose Fun and Come and Explore Your Next Vacation & Adventure aboard Carnival Cruise Line. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/choose-funwith-carnival-cruise-lines-tickets50358847669. Tuesday, November 13 - Explore Your Next Vacation & Adventure aboard Celebrity Cruises. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/explorethe-world-with-celebrity-cruises-tickets50355355223. Call 657-0844 or email sherry@planourvacationnow.com. Visit www.cruisesforu.com.
20/20 SoftWash & Window Cleaning New Logo And Name
20/20 SoftWash & Window Cleaning recently announced the launch of its new company logo as part of its ongoing expansion of the brand. The company will use the one single name for all its services and the new logo. The business has grown in many ways over the last 14 years and the new logo reflects those
changes. Call 863-644-4000 or visit www.20-20windowcleaning.com.
Physician Assistant Victoria Capezza who recently joined Southwest Florida Rheumatology.
FirstLight Is Trusted Home Care
There are many life events that can be overwhelming for families and where they may need some extra support to manage. FirstLight Home Care is a trusted in-home care and caregiver resource used by many families in Brandon, Lithia, Riverview, and surrounding Southern Hillsborough and Manatee County communities each day. FirstLight Home Care considers itself an extended family member, someone you can call on to help you face even the most difficult challenges, ready to provide guidance, companionship, peace of mind and compassionate care when it is most needed. Companion Care, Personal Care and transportation is provided. It is located at 10035 Water Works Lane in Riverview. Office hours are
Dr. Rich Castellano, Boardcertified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., but care is offered 24/7. Call 677-2047 or visit www.sohillsborough.firstlighthomecare.com.
Victoria Capezza From UF Has Joined Southwest Florida Rheumatology
Victoria Capezza joined Southwest Florida Rheumatology in November 2017. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and later graduated with Honors from Nova Southeastern University’s Physician Assistant program with a Master’s degree in Medical Sciences. She is licensed as a Certified Physician Assistant by the state of Florida. She is an active member of Florida Academy of Physician Assistants, American Academy of Physician Assistants, and Florida Society of Rheumatology.
Victoria worked for one year in the field of Neurology in Tallahassee and then moved back to central Florida. Victoria grew up in Plant City, and she likes to spend time with her parents whenever she gets the chance. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, writing, and exercising. Capezza has quickly fallen in love with rheumatology and is excited to be practicing medicine here and giving back to the community. Southwest Florida Rheumatology is located at 11954 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. Call 672-2243. Visit www.swflrheum.com.
Seminar Teaches How Image Lift Can Help You Refresh And Look Younger
Would you like to look younger, yet avoid surgery? Do you have a special event or are you just looking to invest in yourself? Dr. Rich Castellano, an artist and award-winning double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, is the #1 Bellafill facial filler injector in the United States. He has performed over 3,500 facelifts under local anesthesia. You are invited to a Facial Beauty Social Mixer Seminar on Wednesday, November 7 at 1 p.m. at River Hills Country Club, 3943 New River Hills Pkwy. in Valrico. Lunch will be served.
Continued on next page
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Volume 13, Issue 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Business Column Continued................... Call 888-875-3223 now as seating is limited. A Grand Prize drawing (up to $1200 value) will be held at the event. ImageLift is located at 3314 Henderson Blvd., Ste. 201 in Tampa. Hours are Monday to Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 463-9245. Visit www.ImageLift.com or Facebook.com/ImageLift.
doTERRA Wellness Advocate New Location
Kimberly Lee, Owner of Joyful Harvest Essential Oils, is happy to announce a new location at 1339 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. Lee is a doTERRA Wellness Advocate offering complimentary wellness consultations which include ITOVI scans and a sample of essential oil. Her team offers several free classes each month to educate clients on safe and effective uses of doTERRA essential oils and products. Lee also loves to mentor clients to understand the doTERRA compensation plan and teaches them how to have a successful doTERRA business. Call or text 453-2879. For more class information, compensation plan or to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
By Michelle Colesanti
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month by offering free online cybersecurity training to attendees of its ribbon cutting. “We are celebrating three years in business by giving back to the community. As the internet becomes more complicated, we owe it to ourselves to stay informed.” Thornton is passionate about helping small businesses avoid cybercrime. “I want to help you keep your money and your data out of the hands of cybercriminals. They operate in countries and locations that are unreachable by the FBI. The money that is generated
Pet Stylist Makes Your Pooch Stand Out
Jenn Bethune, owner of Jenn’s Pup ‘n Suds (JPS) is a Pet Stylist specializing in making all breeds look their best. She said, “In any groom that you do, the goal is to make the haircut look as natural as possible. This makes me a Pet Stylist.” She styles your dog to accentuate his or her best features. When you go to your hair stylist, you leave feeling confident and attractive. Here at JPS the same is done for your pooch. “We turn your dirty dog into a handsome hound,” she said. For info or an appointment, call 438-5537 or 849-3678 (cell). Visit jennspupnsuds.com.
Better Choice Network Solutions Offers Cybersecurity To Small Businesses A Better Choice Network Solutions CEO David Thornton kicked off
Accentuate your pooch’s best features at Jenn’s
is used to fund Pup ‘n Suds. some really nasty stuff like terrorism, sex trafficking and child pornography.” Thornton served 26 years in law enforcement prior to starting A Better Choice Network Solutions in 2015. Call 605-7251 or email dthornton@abcnetfl.com. Visit www.abcnetfl.com.
tive and continuing assistance. Home Helpers of East Tampa also offers Direct Link, its proprietary line of 24/7 medical alert systems, including a fall sensor with GPS locator and an automated medication dispenser. Home Helpers of East Tampa offers free in-home consultations and works with each client to create a flexible, affordable care plan based on a person’s individual needs. Slusher and Garbutt have soft launched the business by offering companion care services, like meal preparation, laundry, light housekeeping, transportation and companionship. Call 955-8909, email USlusher@HomeHelpersHomeCare.c om. For more information, visit ww.HomeHelpersHomeCare.com/East Tampa.
Tax Preparation Volunteers Sought
Local AARP Foundation coordinators are looking for volunteers to work in the annual Tax-Aide program. The program offers free tax preparation assistance to a wide range of taxpayMotherers with a focus on Daughter Team clients over 50. Launches Home AARP volunteers Helpers Of East receive free training Tampa and are IRS-certified each year. All volunWhen Ursella teers are required to Slusher realized attend class and she was her must pass a national mom’s last hope tax test for certificato launch her own caregiving busition. ness, Slusher quit Tax training is her high-profile done at the aerospace job Bloomingdale Library during January. Tax and moved to help is offered comTampa to become Ursella Slusher and her mom, Juanita her mom’s busiGarbutt recently announced the launch of pletely free at the ness partner. their new business, Home Helpers of East Seffner-Mango and Tampa. Now Slusher and Bloomingdale her mom, Juanita Garbutt, are excited Libraries from February until April to announce the launch of their new 15. business, Home Helpers of East To become a much needed volunTampa. teer in your community, log on Home Helpers is the nation’s lead- to www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaid and fill out the application. For more inforing franchise specializing in compremation, email local coordinator Lee hensive home care for seniors, new mothers, individuals needing recupera- Neal at lee45neal@gmail.com.
LAW OFFICE OF DEBRA R. BELL, P.A.
Lennar Building Townhomes And Single-Family Homes In Touchstone Community Near Brandon
Lennar is building single-family homes and townhomes in Touchstone, located near I-75 and the Lee Roy Selmon
Call for Pricing!
Expressway, north of Riverview and west of Brandon. It is near the Topgolf sports entertainment complex and Causeway Blvd. in Brandon. The community, which has three furnished home models that interested buyers can tour, is being developed by Lennar. It will have 998 homesites and a variety of floorplans of single-family homes and townhomes. It also has a wide range of familyfriendly amenities, such as a splash pad, resort-style pool, clubhouse, fitness center, several parks and green spaces. The homes in Touchstone are part of Lennar’s American Dream Series, which are designed to be energy efficient and a good value as part of Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” program. The homes are move-in ready with GE® appliances, LED lighting, and a high-efficiency heating and air conditioning system. Touchstone is located at 4223 Globe Thistle Dr. in Tampa. For more information, visit lennartampa.com.
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October 2018
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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Volume 13, Issue 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
A Sister’s Legacy Aims To Empower And Educate Others On Breast Health
Ancestry Tour/Vacation
By Tatiana Ortiz With it being she passed Breast Cancer away on April Awareness month, 8, 2013. the importance of In extenlearning the signs sion to A of abnormalities New You and becoming Pink knowledgeable in Boutique, to breast health can continue her be a life saver. sister’s legaWomen affected cy, Poole Owner Carol by breast cancer created Poole holds a porcan visit A New trait of her sister Lisa’s Pink You Pink Boutique Lisa Marie Sands-Minnifield who passed away and Petals of also founded A New You Pink Boutique in Brandon. Hope, a nonin Brandon to receive quality products and compassion- profit organization with a mission to serve ate care, which is essential to meet the needs of individuals and families women’s physical and psychosocial affected by breast cancer. Visit needs. www.Lisaspinkpetalofhope.org for more A New You Pink Boutique was found- information. ed in November 2011, by Carol Poole Poole shared that she’s most and sister Lisa Marie Sands-Minnifield touched when providing breast care items after Lisa had been diagnosed with triple and the ladies’ faces transition from bronegative breast cancer and found it diffikenness into a smile, tears of joy and light cult to understand the path one should whispers. “I feel whole again. It’s like I’m take as she traveled through the journey looking into the eyes of my sister again,” such as medical options, post-surgical said Poole. Poole is a Board Certified garment care after surgery, and how to Mastectomy Fitter/Advocate and works to recover with dignity to live a new life as a ensure every lady that she assists ‘survivor’. Poole stated they both felt that regains that perfect fit/look. something had to be done to make a difA New You Pink Boutique carries a ference and began the work to create a variety of items such as post-surgical camisoles, mastectomy bras, breast prosspecial place where newly diagnosed patients and survivors could come togeth- theses, pocketed swimwear, wigs, breast cancer apparel and more. It is located at er and share their experience, gain 106 W. Robertson St. in Brandon. Open knowledge and obtain the proper garTues - Thurs, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 9 ment care. a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday by appointAfter a year and half of inspiring ment. Call 661-7465. Visit www.faceladies at A New You Pink Boutique, book.com/ANewYouPinkBoutique. Sands-Minnifield’s cancer returned and
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October 2018
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Sixth Annual Gems & Jeans Ball To Benefit The Sylvia Thomas Center
By Kathy L. Collins
The Sylvia Thomas Kershaw said, “The Center, a local non-profit Sylvia Thomas Center is devoted to serving the thrilled to once again needs of adoptive and foshost its Annual Gems & ter families, is hosting its Jeans Ball as a kickoff Sixth Annual Gems & for National Jeans Ball. The event will Adoption be held on Friday, Month. For November 2 at The Barn at over two Winthrop located at 11349 decades, You can enjoy live Bloomingdale Ave. in National music by the band, Riverview. Adoption Smakk, enjoy good Month has been celeThe festivities begin at food, have fun and help the Sylvia Thomas Center. brated each November 7:30 p.m. Attendees will to help raise awareness about the thouenjoy an evening filled with delicious sands of children and youth in foster food and drinks, fabulous entertainment care who are awaiting their forever famiby the band, Smakk, and a fantastic lies.” silent auction. All attendees will be Kershaw added, “This event allows entered into the jewelry raffle. us the opportunity to raise awareness of Tickets to the Sixth Annual Gems & the services and support we have availJeans Ball are $40 for individuals and $75 for couples. Tickets can be able for adoptive families all purchased by visiting while having a great time.” www.eventbrite.com or by calling The Sylvia Thomas Center is the Sylvia Thomas Center at a supportive and guiding 651-3150. resource for adoptive children Pearl Chiarenza, Community and their families in Hillsborough Liason for the Sylvia Thomas County. Since its inception in Center said, “We are excited to once 2000, the Sylvia Thomas Center has again have The Barn at Winthrop as our been providing services. Thanks to sucgreat venue. The beautiful indoor-outcessful therapeutic and supportive servdoor setting allows for plenty of space ices, the Sylvia Thomas Center has a for dancing in your fancy jeans, dress greater than 99 percent success rate at and cowboy boots.” Chiarenza added, keeping forever families together. You can help them continue to pro“We are excited to announce that Daniel vide this important service by attending Crystal, The Trance Expert, will be on the Sixth Annual Gems & Jeans Ball on hand to entertain you with his hypnotic Friday, November 2. fun.” Please visit www.sylviathomascenMary Ann Kershaw, MPA, is the ter.org. CEO for the Sylvia Thomas Center.
It’s Hurricane and Flood Season
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Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Sports 657-2418 www.ospreyobserver.com
Volume 13, Issue 10
Connection By Nick Nahas and Photos Courtesy of Mikah Collins
Best Shredder Skateboard Tournament Heads To Brandon Park events. The fifth annual The Best Shredder series is run Skateboard by the Tournament is finishHillsborough ing the final leg of its County Parks competition at & Recreation Providence Skate Park Department in Brandon on and is sponSaturday, November sored by 17. The first two parts Friends of of the tournament the County began March 30 at Parks & Apollo Beach Skate Recreation. A Park, and later moved fourth park on to Jackson Springs might be Skate Park in Tampa added to the on August 15. series next The three-part year if the series showcases new skate each of Hillsborough park in County’s skateboard Skater grinds on the railing. Skater pops a wheelie. Skater makes a move on the halfpipe. Fishhawk parks. Participants will opens on time. compete in four age divisions: 8 and Recreation Program Supervisor Admission to the tournament is For more information, or if you under, 9-12, 13-15, 16 and up. First, for the Parks and Recreation free, and food will be provided to would like to donate towards the second and third place will be awardDepartment Mikah Collins said that people attending the event. competition prizes, you can contact ed in each division. Participants who he is looking forward to seeing new Registration starts at 4 p.m. and the Mikah Collins at compete in all three legs and have participants compete in the tournacontest starts at 5 p.m. Prize packs CollinsMH@HillsboroughCounty.org. the best overall score in their age ment, as well as the returning skaters Donations can be made up until the donated from local businesses will be division win best shredder for that that have participated in the previous awarded to first, second and third day of the event. age group. place winners.
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Favorite Things Sweepstakes Highlights Best Of Shop Local & Best Early Bird Prize Ever By Marie Gilmore
Favorite Things and we have gone to local businesses and asked them to give us ideas of a few of the top items available this holiday season. From now until midDecember, we will be collecting Our Favorite Things all throughout the communiings vorite Th bird will ty and putting a F e th me rly them togethr, the ea i took ho Wietreckd Prize! This yeanny FishHawk. ri a h S r a n e er in one giant e y ra -P t G s -a a s h L ke inc g from P Sweepsta gift basket that will be given Holiday a Big Green Eg win out in a Sweepstakes for our readers. “We have so many great For three years, Osprey items coming in and someone is Observer newspapers has been going to be very excited to partnering with local retailers to receive all of these great items publish the Holiday Favorite from the businesses in our comThings Sweepstakes and gift munity,” said Kerrie Hoening, guide and this year promises to be one of the best yet! This year, Advertising Sales Manager. “We have such great success we've partnered with our friends over the last two seasons and at Pinch-a-Penny FishHawk to we are excited to share some of offer an early bird prize of a Big this year's treasures from our Green Egg Grill! We are so excited to have such a great prize for local small businesses with our readers.” our readers! Bridget Jenkins Wilson, owner The campaign is called, the of Cardinal Roofing and a memOsprey Observer, A Few of Our
ber of the Valrico/FishHawk Chamber of Commerce said the Chamber is also focused on encouraging local shopping this holiday season, “Anything we can do to keep our local businesses in the spotlight is great for our community,” she said. “And, this is a great opportunity for Osprey Observer readers to have a chance to win an amazing
holiday gift.” To enter, email Sweepstakes to contest@ospreyobserver.com or fill out the entry form and send in by mail, fax or email. Last year, more than 500 local residents entered the campaign and 1 lucky winner walked away with a prize package worth more than $2,000. Good luck and thank you for shopping local!
i
Holiday Coins From Corbin’s, Spa Gifts From DayDreams And A Little Shine From McAuley Corbin’s Stamp & Coin Is Your Source For Treasured Family Heirlooms If you are looking for the perfect gift maybe for a family with a new baby or to celebrate a momentous occasion, a special coin may be the perfect keepsake? Start a new family tradition by commemorating the Christmas season each year. Gift Basket Item: Holiday coin Corbin’s Holiday collections Silver Coin are the perValue: fect way. Silver coins &29.95 are 1 troy oz. of .999 fine silver and are available for $29.95 in a gift box or also as an ornament that can be displayed. The coins measure 39mm in diameter and have a reeded edge. There are nine varieties this year: Baby's First Christmas, Bells with Season's Greetings, Santa with Merry Christmas, Angel with A Christmas Wish, Puppies with We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Farm/Tractor with Merry Christmas,
P
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas with Poinsettias, Manger scene with Oh Holy
Journey To Tranquility At DayDreams Day Spa With all the stress the holidays bring, what better gift for someone (or yourself) is to escape for a few hours to DayDreams Day Spa & Bath Shop which can be made possible with a gift card to Night and Daydreams. Train Station With many different types of spa with a train packages to choose from including and snow. All massage therapy, body, therapy, skin have the car therapy, nail and pedicure treatsame reverse: ments, waxings & brows, airbrush ‘Best Wishes tanning, maternity services, services For for men Peace and for And teens Joy This Holiday Season’ and and the date.The only ones with more, the date on the front are the there is Farm, the Train and Baby's someFirst Christmas. The coins thing come either in an Air-Tite for capsule with a gift box everyone. The shop in Gift Basket or in an ornament Daydreams also offers spa prodItem: holder. The ornament ucts which would also make DayDreams holder does not fit great gifts. Pevonia Skin Care Gift Certificate into the gift box. products are offered. Corbin’s Coins is Gift certificates are available Value: $ located at 209 N. Kings at the Spa, located at 658 Ave. in Brandon and is Oakfield Dr. in Brandon or online at open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. www.daydreamsdayspa.com. A secto 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to ond DayDreams location is in Lakeland at 1463 Town Center Dr. 1 p.m. Call 651-3266.
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By Michelle Colesanti Gift Basket Item: McAuley Piece Of Jewelry Value: $TBD
For more information on this location, call 863-686-5859.
McAuley Fine Jewelry Is A Gem In The Community This season design something uniquely ‘you’ to surprise your special someone. McAuley Fine Jewelry will help you plan your custom made piece of Jewelry. Jewelry repairs are also done on premises as well as repairs and restoration of old watches. McCauley Fine Jewelry is located on Oakfield Drive, in the Atlantic Village Plaza, Kings Ave. & Oakfield Dr. It is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Gift Of Music Showcase, Cooking Classes At Rolling Pin & Nothing Bundt Cakes Call 689-8124 or visit www.mcauleyfinejewelry.com.
A Few Of Your Favorite Things Can Be Found At Music Showcase Music is the international lanGift Basket guage that is understood and Item: enjoyed by all. Ukelele and $20 Share your love Gift Certificate of music by Total Value: offering voice or $50 instrument lessons to your favorite student. Instrument rentals start at $10 (if you don’t want to make a purchase). If you sign up online, the instrument will be delivered to your school. All of your music needs can be found at Music Showcase, which offers competitive pricing on sheet Gift Basket music and Item: Cooking books. There Classes plus is an in-house retail items repair shop, Value: $500 and private and group lessons are
offered. Is your child interested in musical theatre, acting, or maybe photography? Sign them up at the Florida Academy of Performing Arts at Music Showcase. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, call 685-5998 or visit MusicShowcaseOnline.com and FAOPA.org.
Great Gift Ideas and Classes Help Make Rolling Pin A Great Stop For Holiday Gift Needs If you are stuck coming up with creative gift ideas, make a visit to Rolling Pin to find something for every chef in your life. Rolling Pin offers cooking classes for all types of meals. Stop by and browse the gourmet retail store’s extensive collection of classic and unique kitchenware. You will find everything from barware, bakeware, aprons, towels & mitts, coffees & teas, cookware, electrics, gadgets,
gifts for entertaining, knives & cutting boards, outdoor cooking and more. Enjoy shopping in the specialty food and wine departments. There are many great reasons to attend Rolling Pin’s cooking classes whether you enjoy cooking – or just eating - from great date nights to learning about new foods, this is a great gift idea anyone would be excited to receive. It is also Brandon’s only Platinum Dealer for the Big Green Egg, the ultimate cooking experience. Rolling Pin Emporium is open for private events too. Gift cards are also available. Rolling Pin is located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Call 6532418 or visit http://rollingpinonline.com/ for more information.
Nothing Bundt Cakes Are Perfect Desserts To Add To Your Holiday Meals Nothing Bundt Cakes creates cakes using hand-crafted recipes that not only remind you of home, but
By Michelle Colesanti
also open you to a new world. At Nothing Bundt Cakes, you get real eggs, butter and cream cheese in every cake. Not only do these cakes look great, they taste even better. These are great holiday gifts to take to all of your holiday events. It is located at 11238 Sullivan Street in Winthrop Town Centre. Everything you need to make your party complete is available. The hardest part is choosing from the 10 delicious varieties including a ‘featured’ flavor. Hours are Monday to Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.,
Gift Basket Item: 3 Bundtlet Tower; plus gift card for one free bundlet per month for one year Value: $62.85
Something New At Mainstream Boutique, Make A Masterpiece At Pinot’s Palette By Michelle Colesanti Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com or call 409-2394 to place your order ahead of time.
Mainstream Boutique You can visit Mainstream Boutique, a retail clothing store, in Winthrop to get some great ideas on gifts as well as attire for the holiday season. Everything in the store is new. It carries clothing, jewelry, accessories and shoes. You can purchase head to toe. Enjoy new arrivals weekly. The exclusive brand of jeans called Mac and Me is available. They are the best jeans for all body types. It feels like you are wearing your pajamas. They fit in all the right places. Once a woman purchases one, they are back for more. Another popular brand in stock is Liverpool. All jewelry is handmade and
made in the USA. Some of the jewelry is from local and are one-of-akind pieces. Other services offered are One on One Style sessions, Ladies Night Out and shopping for a cause. Mainstream Boutique is located in Winthrop at 11231 Sullivan St. in Riverview. Hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 Noon4 p.m. Call 643-0090.
Pinot’s Palette Offers Creative Gift Ideas For those in your gift life that enjoy creativity, consider purchasing a gift card to Pinot’s Palette. It provides everything you need for an unforgettable evening of painting, fun, beer and wine for either a girls’ night out or a date night. Both seasoned painters and newbies will enjoy the experience of creating their own personal pieces of art. You may also want to consider
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gifting a piece of art you have specially created at Pinot’s Palette for that special person in your life. For more information, call 685-
Gift Basket Item: Sparkle At The Regent Pinot’s Palette The Regent is Gift Certificate a great place to And Art Piece host your corporate Total Value: $50 holiday party. Plan now to ‘wow’ your staff or clients by hosting
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Book The Regent & Suncoast RV Rental an event in this spectacular setting. The Regent is one of largest venues in the area, but it can also be a small, intimate and stylish one. It can accommodate intimate parties of 50 upwards to 600 seated. The Regent hosts many events including breathtaking wedding ceremonies and receptions, successful fundraisers, glamorous galas, tradeshows, corporate training and seminars, proms, homecomings, church services, and even sweet 16 parties. When planning your next event, consider The Regent. Hours are Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday by appointment only. It is closed on Monday. The Regent is located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. For more information, call 571-2494 or email info@experiencetheregent.com. Visit www.ExperienceTheRegent.com.
By Michelle Colesanti
football tailgating weekend, Suncoast RV Rental has an RV to suit most needs and budgets. Family-owned and operated since 2005, Suncoast is in the business of helping families make unforgettable memories. New model Class C and Class A RVs with TVs inside and out, automatic Gift Basket awnings and all of the comItem: forts of Gift Item home. Plan a TBA holiday trip this season or Value: surprise family, $TBD friends or a loved one with holiday gift certificates for
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One Lucky Winner Will Receive Big Green Egg From FishHawk Pinch A Penny Do you enjoy cooking and barbequing? If so, it is time for a new tradition and Pinch a Penny, through the Osprey Observer’s holiday sweepstakes, is offering one lucky reader the opportunity to win a Big Green Egg, which will be the ‘early bird’ holiday prize. That means that you need to get your entries in to the Osprey Observer early as the drawing will be held in mid-December. What is the Big Green Egg? It is a complete outdoor cooking system (the only outdoor cooker you will ever need). It blends ancient traditions and modern technology. It is strong and durable and provides better heat insulation than any other outdoor cooker on the market. The Big Green Egg stands alone as the most versatile barbecue and outdoor cooking product on the market. You can make everything from pizza to ribs, or holiday dinner and desserts. Whatever you choose, it
By Michelle Colesanti
will exceed all your expectations for culinary perfection. The drawing will be for a MiniMax style Big Green Egg. The value on this popular backyard addition is $800. It is an invaluable culinary tool for restaurant chefs, and the one that will be given away is designed with the height of a Mini yet all the volume capabilities of a Small. It has 133 sq. in. of cooking area. The MiniMax comes with an easy to grip Carrier, so it is perfect as a tableside cooker at your outdoor party or a traveling EGG for motor homes or tailgating. The MiniMax will come complete with the stand. Since pool season never really ends in Florida, it is also a great time to consider pool items or gift certificates for pool service as holiday gifts. Stop by to get some great ideas. The FishHawk Pinch-A-Penny located at 16715 FishHawk Blvd. in the Winn Dixie Plaza in Lithia. Call 6553700.
Page 32
Volume 13, Issue 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
With Arts & Entertainment Editor Kathy L. Collins
Brandon League Of Fine Arts Announces Winners Of Artworks 2018
Cabaret Series Coming To The Barn At Winthrop This November
On Thursday, Mogda for "Power." September 13, Shiver said of the piece, the Brandon "Undeniably strange League of Fine composition, with details Arts announced that only reveal themthe winners of selves in favorable light. Artworks 2018 at However, its strength Center Place in and movement are Brandon. Artworks immediately recognizais a juried show ble elements with over $500 in that cannot be cash awards. The denied." Center Place's Executive awards are fundThird place Director, Carole Stanton ed by Center went to Ron (L) and Brandon League of Fine Arts President, Place and the Hom for "32 Christopher Klein (R) Brandon League Willy." Shiver present the First place of Fine Arts. The said, "A crisp award to Eva Bejar. Greater Brandon Arts Council funds the and smart comMinette Webster Memorial Award. position that Sue Allen, on behalf of the Brandon captures all the elegance of the age and League of Fine Arts said, "Each year the the auto by focusing on a few simple Brandon League of Fine Arts joins details." Center Place Fine Arts and Civic The Minette Webster Memorial Association to produce an exhibition of Award was given to Marie Ortiz Hayes the very best art work done in our for "Smoke House." Shiver said, "Bold, Tampa Bay community. We always hope fun, descriptive, vignette, very desirable the show will be diverse in content and mosaic." include work done by artists from far and Two Honorable Mentions were wide. We are proud of this year's call." awarded. One went to Charles Steirlen This year's judge was local artist, for "Marco and His Trucks." Shiver said, Jason Shiver. "Captures the impetuousness of a fidgFirst place went to Eva Bejar for her ety youth, with flawless execution. Likely piece titled, "Calm Before the Storm." painted from a photo but has eliminated Shiver said of the work, "Impressive any of the flat spots that photos usually movement that captivates the viewer present." with a startling discovery that can be The other Honorable Mention went explored again and again." Bejar said of to Barbara Tudek for "Lightning on the her piece, "The deer in the wheat field Skyway." Shiver said, "Powerfully imagishows the fragile nature of our world as native with impressive capture of scale." gathering storm clouds warn us of the Please visit www.blfa.us; www.artdanger coming." stampabay.com; and www.centerplaceSecond place was awarded to Dorin brandon.org.
The Barn at Proceeds Winthrop will from the begin hosting a evening's series of Cabaret Cabaret event will events. The first benefit Winthrop one, featuring Arts, Inc, a local Roberto Ferrer's non-profit arts ‘The Music of organization Your Life,’ will be located in held on Friday, Riverview. November 9 at 7 Winthrop Arts The Barn at Winthrop will begin hosting a p.m. provides art Cabaret series this November. The first event, classes to the Tickets for set for Friday November 9, will feature Roberto the Cabaret community as Ferrer and his "The Music of Your Life." Proceeds from the Cabaret series will benefit well as a summer event are $45 Winthrop Arts, Inc. per person or art camp at the $60 for VIP seating. Reservations are Art Factory located at 11267 Winthrop required. To make reservations and to Main St. in Riverview. In addition, purchase tickets, please call 684-2276. Winthrop Arts hosts a yearly Arts Attendees will be treated to deliFestival in March. Winthrop Arts also cious appetizers, a delightful dinner runs an outreach program called the buffet and yummy desserts. A cash bar Winthrop Arts Mobile Art Factory. This will be available. program provides free art classes to Roberto Ferrer is the last breed of underserved children living in Cabaret style entertainers. He has per- Wimauma. formed in venues all over the world. "I Matthew Hamilton, President of the will create an elegant atmosphere as I Winthrop Arts Board of Visionaries entertain the audience," said Ferrer. said, "We are grateful to the Barn at "As I sing the songs, I will give a brief Winthrop for selecting Winthrop Arts as history of the composer and explain the beneficiary of their new Cabaret how the song was composed," added series. We could not provide art servicFerrer. es to the community without support Ferrer will perform standards from from local businesses such as The the 20's, 30's and 40's. Many of the Barn at Winthrop." songs he will perform will be familiar. Additional Cabaret events will be "Many of the songs have been brought held on Friday, December 21 and back to life thanks to Paul McCartney Friday, February 8, 2019. who purchased the rights to the songs. For more information, to make a Over the years, they have been sung reservation and to purchase tickets, by singers like Harry Connick, Jr. and please call The Barn at 684-2276. For become hits once again," added more information on Winthrop Arts, Ferrer. please visit www.winthroparts.org.
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Page 33
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Majik Touch Cleaners Celebrates 33rd Anniversary Of Top Quality Service
By Michelle Caceres
Waterset resident Day Pickup Promise every Steven Passik is so satisfied weekday and at all locations with Majik Touch Cleaners, except the Plant City and he is literally willing to go out Apollo Beach locations on of his way to put it on his Saturday. If items are route. dropped off before 9 a.m. orders will be ready for pick“I’m very particular up by 5 p.m. that same day. about my dry cleaning and “Our drivers make their when the new cleaners got it first pickup at 9 a.m. and wrong, I knew I needed to take everything to our main go back to driving my old processing facility in Valrico route so I could switch back where the ‘majik’ happens,” to Majik Touch,” said Majik Touch Cleaners quips Turner, who said the Plassik, who travels freemployee Shobhna Kardani quently for work and likes works behind the scenes at facility employees go to his shirts folded and bagged the company’s processing great lengths to ensure facility to quickly clean and so he can pull his shirts out press customers’ garments. every garment is cleaned correctly and efficiently. of his suitcase ready to “Our employees come in at 5 a.m. wear without needing to iron them. “I’ve lived in many large cities, includ- and by 11 a.m. things get really busy around here,” she said. ing New York, Nashville and Philadelphia Every item is sorted, stains are and every other cleaners I used got it right half the time,” said Passik, “but Majik inspected and pre-treated; clothing is washed or dry-cleaned, ironed, sorted Touch gets it right every time.” again and loaded into the vans that will Started in 1985 in North Tampa by take the orders back to their original dropPrativ and Jocelyn Patel, Majik Touch off point. Cleaners is celebrating 33 years in busiRiverview resident and customer ness this month. With 13 locations Richard Pryce said the ‘majik’ happens at throughout Hillsborough County, Majik the drop-off points. “The staff really know Touch Cleaners has built its business on their customers,” he said. “By the time I offering textile-friendly methods and propull up to the drive-thru bay they already cedures to ensure customers’ clothes have my order pulled and ready to hand look their best and last longer. to me.” Its services include corporate shirt Locations are open Monday to Friday laundry, wedding gown preservation, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. with varying hours on leather/suede cleaning, expert in-house alterations, complimentary button replace- Saturday depending on location. For more information about Majik ment and laundering of comforters. Touch Cleaners, visit www.majiktouchCustomer service manager Sheri cleaners.com. Turner said its stores also offer a Same
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Page 34
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Kim Smith Realizes Her Passions In Real Estate And Rehabilitation
By Amy Schechter
When you are in the market for real estate, whether buying or selling, you want someone who is an expert, someone who will go that extra mile no matter your situation. That is where Kim Smith with Yellowfin Realty will step in and get the job done right. With over 15 years of experience in everything from assisting realtors to managing properties to buying/selling real estate to obtaining her broker’s license, Smith knows the community and she can help meet your needs at every step of the process. “Anyone can do sales and listings for residential homes,” said Smith, who realizes the choices consumers have when it comes to real estate agents. “I’m confident I can help you buy or sell your home, but I’m also experienced in outside the box needs.” She prides herself on staying on top of the inventory in the area meeting regularly with new home builders and researching resale properties. Her knowledge of more unique needs, such as residential properties outside of HOA/CDD governed zones and rural areas, as well as business properties, make her the best choice.
An example of her familiarity with unique properties, Smith, a Florida native and lover of horses, also volunteers regularly and is currently assisting RVR Horse Rescue in relocating their facility to a new home where they will continue to save and rehabilitate abused and neglected horses. She is excited about the possibilities of their new facility as she is helping the organization to begin a new veteran’s outreach/therapy program where local veterans will have a safe space to work through any issues they may be facing upon reintegration into civilian life. Equine therapy can be so beneficial as horses mirror the emotions of their caretakers, which can help people to be more mindful of their mental states and work through emotions they may otherwise have buried. For more information, contact Kim Smith at 368-4568 or email gtrgrl2730@yahoo.com. You can also connect online by visiting www.yellowfinrealty.com/kim-smith/ or www.facebook.com/kimsmithyellowfin/. Yellowfin Realty is located at 801 W Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon, 33511. For more information on RVR Horse Rescue visit rvrhorserescue.org/.
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Volume 13, Issue 10
October 2018
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Center Place Presents Annual Christmas Card Lane And Holiday Paint Party
By Kathy L. Collins Center This is a Place will kick great opportunioff the holiday ty for businessseason with es, local nonChristmas Card profits, service Lane beginning groups and on Saturday, other organizaNovember 10 tions to highlight and running their business through the New or organization Year. Life-size by participating holiday cards, in Christmas created by area Center Place will once again host Christmas Card Card Lane. Lane this November. Life size cards will be businesses and To kick off displayed along South Parsons Ave. and can be Christmas Card organizations, viewed through the New Year. The kickoff off for will line the this exciting time of the year will be a Holiday Paint Lane, Center Party on Saturday, November 10. streets around Place will host a Center Place Holiday Paint (specifically along South Parsons Ave. Party on Saturday, November 10 from and around Clayton Lake). 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $20. This Lisa Rodriguez, Marketing Director event is good for everyone including chilfor Center Place said, "We received great dren six and older. Children must be feedback from last year's Christmas Card accompanied by a paid adult. Lane. Some people said things like 'Wow! "We will be painting a Winter What a great art project for the holidays' Snowman on canvas. Leading this paint or 'It gives our community a festive look.’" party will be one of Center Place's Rodriguez added, "This year we hope to instructors, Jennie Sikora-Muehl. Space have many more people participate. It is is limited so get your tickets early," said open to businesses, service clubs, organ- Rodriguez. "Everyone will go home with a izations, school groups and families." masterpiece," added Rodriguez. Rodriguez said, "It is a wonderful way to Center Place Fine Arts is a 501(c)(3) show your love of community and wish non-profit that has been serving the everyone a Happy Holiday." greater Brandon area since 1976. Center To create a card, please call Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Place at 685-8888 or visit www.centerBrandon. For more information on placebrandon.org. The entry fee is $25 Christmas Card Lane, the Holiday Paint per card. The deadline to enter is Party and other events happening at Monday, November 5. Delivery and set Center Place, please visit www.centerup is on either Thursday, November 8 or placebrandon.org or call 675-8888. Friday, November 9.
Page 35
Page 36
Volume 13, Issue 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
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Clip & Save: Twelve Ballot Amendments And What They Mean To Voters Registered voters who are voting by mail or at the polls for the upcoming General Election need to know that there are 12 Constitutional Amendment Proposals on this year's ballot. This is the longest list in decades. One amendment (8) was struck down by the Florida Supreme Court. Voters should carefully read each amendment. Some of the amendments (1-5) were proposed by the Legislature or by citizen initiative. The remaining (7, 913) come from the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC). which meets every 20 years and is allowed to bundle more than one issue into each proposed amendment. To be approved, a constitutional amendment must receive 60 percent of the vote. Summary of the amendments.
Amendment 1- Increased Homestead Property Tax Exemption
This would raise the portion of a home's value that can be exempted from non-school property taxes. The change would apply to the assessed value of a homestead property between $100,000 and $125,000. This would increase the maximum exemption to $75,000.
Amendment 2- Limitations On Property Tax Assessments
Essentially, this would make permanent a temporary cap of 10 percent on annual property value increases. This applies to non-homestead properties.
Amendment 3- Voter Control Of Gambling In Florida
This amendment would give voters the exclusive right to decide whether to authorize expansions of casino gambling. Currently, the authority rests with both the Legislature and voters.
Amendment 4- Voting Restoration For Individuals With Felony Convictions
California’s Marsy’s Law. It would raise the age for retirement of judges to 75, and it would bar judges from relying on administrative agencies’ interpretations of a law when ruling in cases.
Amendment 7- First Responder And Military Member Survivor Benefits; Public Colleges And Universities
This proposal would restore the right to vote to nearly 1.4 million Floridians who have served their sentences. This amendment does not apply to felony convictions for murder or sexual offenses. Florida is one of four states that continues to limit the rights of citizens to vote. The law dates back to the Civil War.
This is two items. The first would provide college tuition for the survivors of first responders and military members killed on duty. The second would require university trustees to agree by a two-thirds supermajority to raise college fees (not including tuition) and establish the state college system in the Constitution. Universities are in it, but state colleges (i.e., community colleges) are not.
Amendment 5- Increase To Two-Thirds Vote Needed In Legislature To Increase Taxes
Amendment 9- Prohibits Offshore Oil And Gas Drilling; Prohibits Vaping In Enclosed Indoor Workplaces
Currently, a simple majority is needed. This increase could affect the state in times of emergencies such as a hurricane or recession and could hamper the Legislature's ability to pass a reasonable budget which is their yearly mandate.
Amendment 6- Rights Of Crime Victims, Judges
This amendment is three items. It would add a list of rights for crime vicims which is modeled after
This calls for a ban on oil and gas drilling in state-owned waters and a proposal to add vaping to the ban on smoking indoors.
Amendment 10- State And Local Government Structure And Operation
This is four items. One is to have the legislative session start in January rather than March in even-numbered years (the legislature currently
By Kathy Collins
changes its dates by statute), two is to create a counter-terrorism office (FDLE is already the lead agency), three is to make the state veterans affairs department constitutionally required (there is a provision in the Constitution), and four requires that tax collector, property appraiser, supervisor of elections, sheriff and clerk of circuit court be elected. In Hillsborough, these are already elected.
Amendment 11- Property Rights; Removal Of Obsolete Provisions; Criminal Statutes
Repeals the state’s ability to prohibit noncitizens from buying, owning and selling property; deletes a provision that forces the state to prosecute criminal suspects under the law they were originally charged under, even if the Legislature changes that law; deletes obsolete language having to do with high-speed rail in Florida (voters repealed this section in 2004).
Amendment 12- Lobbying And Abuse Of Office By Public Officers
This expands the time from two years to six years that elected officials and government employees have to wait before they could lobby state government.
Amendment 13- Ban On Dog Racing
This proposal ends wagering on dog racing by 2020. Visit http://dos.myflorida.com/elections/.
Jack Gutman Has The Experience And Integrity To Be A County Court Judge, Group 8
Sheriff Chad Chronister Seeks Election As Hillsborough County Sheriff This November
Supreme Court as Jack Gutman a State Mediator. has practiced law for "In my work as a over 30 years and is mediator, I have running for County learned to facilitate Court Judge in resolution of Group 8. issues as opposed He won the to engaging in a August 28 primary way that causes decisively receiving excessive litigaover 46,000 more tion. votes than his runoff In addition to opponent, receiving Jack Gutman, shown here with his practicing law, 46.83% of the vote daughter, Samantha, son, Matthew and to his opponent’s wife, Carlene is seeking to continue his Gutman has 22.41%. long legal career and serve the communi- served on the "The three pillars ty as a County Court Judge. The election Board of Directors is on Tuesday, November 6. for the MacDonald of my campaign are Training Center, a non-profit that honesty and integrity; experience; and serves people with disabilities. community involvement," said Gutman has been endorsed by the Gutman. He has extensive experience West Central Police Benevolent in both civil and criminal law and has Association, the Tampa Police achieved an AV Preeminent Rating Department Benevolent Association, from the Martindale-Hubbell Peer the City of Tampa Fire Fighters Union, Review Ratings. five retired Circuit Court Judges, nine "Being a judge is the highest past presidents of the Hillsborough Bar honor a lawyer can achieve. To be entrusted with that authority is an awe- and two past Florida Bar presidents. Gutman has been married to some responsibility," said Gutman. "I Carlene for 25 years and has two chilwant to be a County Court Judge dren, Samantha and Matthew. because it is the people's court. This "I believe that I have the experimay be the first time a citizen encounence, temperament and high level of ters a judge. The judge needs to have ethics necessary to be a County Court the right temperament coupled with Judge. I would ask that you vote for extensive expertise in order to be me for County Court Judge on effective on the bench," said Gutman. Tuesday, November 6," said Gutman. Gutman has served as both a For more information, please visit prosecutor and defense attorney. In www.Gutmanforjudge.com. addition, he is certified by the Florida
Hillsborough changed hiring stanCounty Sheriff, Chad dards. He has worked Chronister, is running to be more inclusive in for election this hiring and is commitNovember in the ted to diversity in the General Election. department. Chronister was “My main goal is appointed by to have resources Governor Rick Scott in (personnel, tools and September 2017 when technology) to mainSheriff David Gee tain standards given retired. the growth in this Chronister runs a county. This is key to department of 3,500 reducing crime and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad employees. The Chronister with wife Nicole, is run- keeping families safe,” Hillsborough County said Chronister. ning for election in the General Election. He is a veteran law Sheriff’s Office proWhile Chronister enforcement officer appointed by tects over one million is tough on crime, he Governor Rick Scott in September residents. has worked to devel2017 to take over the duties of Sheriff when David Gee retired. “I want to continop an Adult Diversion ue as Hillsborough County Sheriff Program for first time offenders of misbecause we are expected to experidemeanor crimes such as drug offensence exponential growth in this county. es or shoplifting. Estimates are that the county’s popuIn addition to his official duties, lation will double in size by 2035. With Chronister voluntarily serves on two this type of growth, we need someone boards- The Boys and Girls Club and who has the qualifications and experiMetropolitan Ministries. Chronister ence that I have to continue to make said, “If we build strong children, then public safety a top priority,” said we will have a strong community,” said Chronister. Chronister. Chronister has worked to improve Chronister holds a Master’s the tools, resources and technologies Degree in Criminology from St. Leo that deputies have available to them to University. He is married to Nicole and keep residents of the county safe. In he has two sons. Chronister has been addition, Chronister has worked to with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s improve the hiring practices within the Office for 26 years and was one of department. Specifically, Chronister four Colonels prior to becoming has expanded recruitment and Sheriff. Visit www.chadchronister.com.
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L. Collins
Green Party Candidate, Kim O’Connor, Seeks Seat On County Commission
Jamey Moody Seeks The Opportunity To Serve As Circuit Court Judge, Group 25
Kim O’Connor is a O’Connor has served Green Party (GRE) canon the Ochlockonee didate who is running for River Soil and Water a seat on the Conservation District (in Hillsborough County Tallahassee) and most Board of County recently on the Commissioners in District Hillsborough Soil and 7. District 7 is a county Water Conservation wide seat. She would like District. She resigned your vote on Tuesday, from the Hillsborough Soil November 6. and Water Conservation O’Connor is a native District to run for the Floridian. She graduated County Commission seat. from the University of Kim O’Connor is a Florida native O’Connor is running as a who is seeking a seat on the South Florida with a B.A. candidate with Green degree in Philosophy. She Hillsborough County Board of Party County Commissioners. went on to earn her law “It was a difficult O’Connor is a member of the degree from the University Green Party (GRE) and would decision to resign as I like your vote November 6. of Florida. While at the was the only elected University of Florida, O’Connor was member of the Green Party in Florida. elected the first woman President of the However, as a County Commissioner, I Student John Marshall Bar Association. have a broader platform to express and O’Connor became interested in pol- enact policies that feature the Green itics and worked on several campaigns Party values of peace, justice, fairness including the Florida League of Women and ecological wisdom,” explained Voters’ effort to get the Equal Rights O’Connor. Amendment added to the Florida “To serve the citizens of Constitution in 1978. O’Connor has Hillsborough County as woman as they practiced law, worked with government have done would be an honor and a agencies (including a City Attorney’s privilege,” said O’Connor. Office, a County Attorney’s Office and “Your vote for me on Tuesday, the Department of Transportation), November 6 can elect a Green Party taught law in China and was a project environmentalist and activist to the coordinator for the Florida Bar. County Commission and give an opporWhile living in Key West, she tunity for a new, cooperative direction earned the nickname, “KLARC” for her for Hillsborough County,” said dancing ability. O’Connor.
Long time Plant siding over cases involving pro City resident, Jamey se litigants," added Moody. Moody is running for Moody is an ardent Hillsborough County believer in community service. Circuit Court Judge in He is the Secretary and board Group 25 on Tuesday, member of Plant City Main November 6. Moody Street, a board member of the has the requisite comPlant City Chamber of bination of experiCommerce, a committee ence, a spirit of volunmember of the Planning Board of Plant City, committee memteerism and profesber of South Florida Baptist sionalism to make him Hospital Foundation a fair, honest and Investment and a Rotary Club respected Circuit member. Court Judge. Circuit Court Judges hanMoody has practiced law for 15 years. dle thousands of cases each "My experience of liti- Jamey Moody, a third genera- year. As such, judges need to tion resident of Plant City, gating hundreds of be fair and impartial. "Despite shown here with his wife, Courtney and their two boys cases has prepared litigating in an adversarial sysDuncan and Jimmer (James tem, I always strive to be fair, me for the bench in Moody IV), is running for Circuit an enormous way," honest and professional in Court Judge in Group 25. advocating for my client as said Moody. "My pracwell as in my working relationships with tice as a civil litigator has enabled me to opposing attorneys," said Moody. If you handle cases from intake through multidoubt this, just look Moody's campaign day jury trials. I believe jury trial experiand endorsements. "The people I have ence is essential when seeking judicial worked against have signed up to be a office," said Moody. part of my campaign," said Moody. In addition to his practice, Moody "I believe I have shown the capability has worked as a volunteer attorney (pro bono) with Bay Area Legal Services. "My of handling a variety of matters both judipro bono legal work has helped me to ciously and efficiently. I will make deciunderstand and appreciate the vast dissions quickly but with careful forethought, connect between the need for legal repre- and look forward to serving he residents sentation and the financial ability to obtain of Hillsborough County with integrity, fairit," said Moody. "As a judge, I believe my ness and discipline," said Moody. pro bono experience will help enable me For information about Moody’s camto be an asset to the community in prepaign, visit www.votejametmoody.com.
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L. Collins
Robin Fuson Has Experience Needed To Serve As County Circuit Court Judge, Group 25
Greg Green County Judge’s Motto “Experience, Integrity And Committed To Service”, Group 2
For the past 25 a substitute teacher and years, Robin Fuson as a server in a restauhas spent nearly rant," explained Fuson. every day in court. "I This hard work included 10 years as a love everything that professional baseball goes on in court," said player and three years Fuson who is a candias a coach. "My basedate for Hillsborough ball career taught me a County Circuit Court lot about dealing with Judge in Group 25. different personalities Fuson added, "I knew and about teamwork," early on in my career said Fuson. that i wanted to serve Fuson is a as judge." Robin Fuson, shown here with his Hillsborough County In Fuson's long wife, Sally, his mother, Amelia, daughters, Tori and Lyndsey and native. He received his legal career, he has granddaughter, Amelia, is a candi- B.A, degree from USF represented both date for Hillsborough Circuit Court sides of the law havJudge in Group 25. He would like and his law degree you to cast your vote for him on from Stetson University ing worked as a prosTuesday, November 6. College of Law. He has ecutor for eight years. been married to Sally for 33 years and For the last 18 years, he has managed has two grown daughters and one and worked in his own practice, Robin granddaughter. He is a member of both Fuson, PA. the Greater Riverview Chamber of The experience of representing all Commerce and the Greater Brandon sides in both criminal and civil litigation Chamber of Commerce. has allowed Fuson to form an underFuson has been endorsed by standing of how he wants to see people Florida Attorney General, Pam Bondi, treated and issues resolved in court. "I the Hillsborough Tax Collector, the believe judges need to be seasoned Hillsborough County Property Appraiser professionals. They need experience in and the Mayor of Temple Terrace. both the law and in life," said Fuson. " Fuson said, "I have both the life Fuson has worked hard not only in experience and professional experience his legal career (having tried over 200 needed to be a fair and just jury trials and argued thousands of preHillsborough County Circuit Court trial and evidentiary motions) and in his judge.” life overall. "I have worked hard my For more information on Fuson, whole life in a variety of jobs including at a drug store, as a gas station attendant, please visit www.ElectFuson.com.
Attorney Greg our county as a proseGreen has dedicated cutor and assistant his life to serving the Attorney General where he worked tirelessly to people of Hillsborough ensure justice in our County. courts every day. He is a Green was born, business owner and raised and educated founding partner law of here in Hillsborough Green Law, P.A. County. He grew up in Outside of his proa community-service fession, Green also oriented family who serves the community taught him that servand our youth as a voling his community is unteer football coach at the highest honor that Robinson High School an individual can Greg Green’s motto and background and board member of achieve. of Former Prosecutor, Former Assistant Attorney General, AVVO The Crossing Church Green said, “I am Rated 10, Ten Best Family Lawyers Pastoral Care/Biblical very happy to by AFILA, Member of Hillsborough, announce that I won Florida & Family Law Section of the Counseling. Bar, gives him ample experience as Seven generations the August Primary, County Court Judge, Group 2. of his family have called receiving 82,672 Hillsborough County, home. In fact, votes and 43.5% of the vote. Let’s keep Green fondly refers to Hillsborough as his the momentum going and bring home ‘forever home’. Green is married and has another victory in November.” two young daughters, born and raised Green’s love for this community right here in Hillsborough County. came early in life. He attended Green chose to run for three reaChamberlain High School where he sons: (1) to ensure all litigants who worked hard as a student-athlete under appear in Court enjoy equal access and the Friday night lights of the Chiefs’ footreceive fair treatment under the law, (2) to ball team and as a basketball standout. There, he learned the value of teamwork, continue the family tradition of public service, and (3) to continue serving as a preparation and fairness providing him real and tangible role model for his chilwith important principles that guides him dren. Green has real experience, proven in the courtroom today. leadership and the right temperament to Green’s service to Hillsborough serve as your next County Court Judge, County continues through his professionGroup 2. al and personal involvement in the comVisit VoteGregGreen.com. munity. He is honored to have served in
By Kathy L .Collins
First Place in the Primary!
EXPERIENCE THAT COUNTS Robin Fuson has been an a!orney in Tampa for over 24 years. In addi"on to being a former Hillsborough County Assistant State A!orney and a former Adjunct Professor at the University of South Florida, he has been in private prac"ce for 16 years. His memberships include the Florida Bar, Florida Jus"ce Associa"on, Hillsborough County Bar Associa"on, Tampa Hispanic Bar Associa"on, Carrollwood Bar Associa"on, the Carrollwood Area Business Associa"on, Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, Plant City Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Bay Tiger Bay Club and the Hillsborough NAACP. Robin Fuson graduated from the University of South Florida and Stetson University College of Law. Prior to a!ending law school, he was a professional baseball player and played in the 1988 World Series for the Oakland Athle"cs. He has been married for 34 years, has two grown daughters, a granddaughter and a!ends Bell Shoals Bap"st Church. You can reach Robin Fuson by calling him directly at 8139674186 or via email at robinfuson@aol.com. Visit his website at www.ElectFuson.com and then cast your vote for him by mail, during early vo"ng, or on Elec"on Day Tuesday, November 6th.
Staff Report
Stacy White Seeks Re-Election To Hillsborough County Board Of County Commission, District 4
The Time Is Right For Michael Isaak's Run For County Judge, Group 8
Stacy White, Protection Program. a lifelong resi“I want to continue dent of to work on land use Hillsborough policy, growth manCounty, is runagement, road infraning for re-elecstructure and traffic tion to the issues,” said White. “I Hillsborough was part of a coalition County Board of that passed policy County which allowed us to Commissioners. allocate 800 million White is a candidollars toward transdate for District portation funding over 4. This district the next 10 years. We Stacy White, shown here with his family, is did this without raising covers much of running for re-election to the Hillsborough Eastern and County Board of County Commissioners. He taxes. We basically Southern changed the fee strucwould like your vote on Tuesday, November 6. Hillsborough ture that developers County. White would like your vote on pay, so that they pay more for roads,” Tuesday, November 6. added White. White, a Republican, has deep family If you do not know what the roots in Hillsborough County. He is a fifth Hillsborough County Board of County generation native of Hillsborough County Commissioners does, just think of them who lives and works in Valrico with his as the Board of Directors for our local wife and three children. He graduated government. There are four representafrom East Bay High School, earned a tives who are elected according to a geoDoctor of Pharmacy degree from the graphic area and three who are elected University of Florida and has practiced county wide. District 4, which White would pharmacy for 21 years. like to continue to represent, is a geoFrom 2010-2014, White served the graphic area. community by serving on the “I have a great deal of experience Hillsborough County School Board. Since both in government and professionally, I being a member of the Hillsborough have served on both the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, County School Board and the White has been an advocate for managHillsborough County Board of County ing growth, fixing our infrastructure, workCommissioners. This makes me the right ing on traffic issues as well as working on person to represent District 4 for the next the Environmental Lands Acquisition and four years,” said White.
Michael Isaak is added Isaak. uniquely qualified to When asked what serve as a County sets him apart from his Court Judge. Isaak is opponents, Isaak clearly stated, "Morals and valrunning for election in ues." Isaak further Group 8. He would like explained, "My parents your vote on Tuesday, came to this country November 6. from Israel. They had Isaak has signifinothing. They are the cant experience. He epitome of the American served as an Assistant Dream," said Isaak. His State Attorney for five mother went on to years and has been become the first female running his own sucMichael Isaak's extensive legal attorney at the Tampa cessful law firm for 20 career, work ethic and values he learned from his parents all make office of Holland & years. Isaak has tried him a great candidate for County Knight. 150 jury trials, argued Court Judge. He is running and "The people who thousands of motions Group 8 and would like your vote on Tuesday, November 6. influence the candidate and has written 300 for judge are a great tell appeals. of how the candidate will act and perform "From my first day of law school, I on the bench. I grew up with a great have always wanted to be a judge," said mother as a role model," said Isaak. Isaak. "After 26 years of successful prac"I have a great work ethic. My tice, I am in a position where I feel that I morals, values and lessons learned from can give back to the community and my parents reflect how I practice law and serve as a judge," added Isaak. how I will perform as a County Court "I believe that everyone deserves to Judge," said Isaak. be treated fairly in court. No one should Isaak is a member of several local ever walk away from the courthouse and Chambers of Commerce including feel that the law was not followed," said Brandon, Riverview, Valrico/FishHawk, Isaak. For me, in deciding to run for Plant City and Sun City Center. Isaak is judge, there was a defining moment married to Betsy, and they have two chilwhen the law was not followed and my dren, Sophia and Jackson. Isaak and his client was harmed. That day reaffirmed my belief that there is a need for fairness, family attend Idlewild Baptist Church. For more information and to see and I thought someday the timing will be Isaak's numerous endorsements, please right to make the move from practice to visit www,isaakforjudge.com. the bench. That day has come for me,"
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L .Collins
SUPPORT MICHAEL ISAAK Michael Isaak has a 25year legal career in private and public prac"ce. He is a former Assistant State Attorney and has maintained a successful Tampa law prac"ce for the past 20 years. He is a member of the Florida Bar, Hillsborough County Bar, Florida Jus"ce Associa"on, as well as the Na"onal, Florida and Hillsborough Associa"on of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a mul"year recipient of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Awards of Excellence (1993, 1994, 1995), the 18th Circuit State A#orney’s LongTerm Service Award, and was named the FADL Gladiator of the Year (2015). Mr. Isaak is a member of the Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, Valrico Fishhawk and Sun City Center Chambers of Commerce. He lives in Tampa with his wife Betsy, daughter Sophia and son Jackson and they attend Idlewild Baptist Church. You can call Michael Isaak at 8134435100, email him at IsaakForJudge@gmail.com, visit his website www.isaakforjudge.com, and vote for E. Michael Isaak by mail, during early vo"ng or on Elec"on day November 6th.
For the General Election (Tuesday, November 6), early Voting will take place from October 22 through November 4 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit www.votehillsborough.org/About-Voting/Three-Ways-toVote/Early-Voting for information regarding early voting and the locations to vote. Locally you can vote at Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, Valrico Recreational Center, 707 S. Miller Dr. in Valrico, Riverview Brandon Library, 10509 Riverview Dr. in Riverview, SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Dr. in Ruskin, Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St. in Plant City. You can request a Vote By Mail Ballot from the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Office by Wednesday, October 31 by visiting www.votehillsborough.org. No matter which method you choose to vote- By Mail, Early Voting or on Election Day, your vote counts.
United States Senator
Bill Nelson is a fifth-generation Floridian and an independent voice that always puts Florida first. His experience includes more than 40 years of public service, first in the Florida State Legislature, then Congress, then on Florida's Cabinet and, since 2001, the United States Senate. Since being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000, he has earned a reputation as a consensus builder and problem solver, while consistently being a moderate voice in an increasingly parBill Nelson (D) tisan environment. For more information, visit www.nelsonforsenate.com.
Rick Scott (R)
Rick Scott is Florida’s 45th governor, serving two terms in office. He is now seeking the open seat for Florida in the U.S. Senate. Governor Scott grew up in the Midwest with his father, a World War II Veteran and truck driver, and his mother, a store clerk. After Scott married his high school sweetheart, Ann, he joined the Navy. He used the G.I. Bill to attend college and eventually opened his first business- a donut shop so his mom could have a job. As a Senator, Scott wants to implement a limits, end wasteful spending, & more, visit https://rickscottforflorida.com.
Representative In Congress District 15 Kristen Carlson graduated from Stetson Law School in 1977 and has been fighting for the people of Florida since. She started out as a prosecutor and then went to work for the Department of Citrus fighting to ensure Florida's vital crop was protected. Her mother was a front-line Army surgical nurse during WWII and father was a career fighter pilot in the Air Force. She became a prosecutor after law school and then went on Kristen Carlson (D) to work for the Florida Department of Citrus as General Counsel. For more, visit www.kristencarlsonforcongress.com.
Ross Spano currently represents District 59 in the Florida House of Representatives and is a managing partner of Spano & Woody, P.A. in Riverview. He is also the Chairman of the Florida Human Trafficking Working Group and serves on the Federal Judicial Nominating Commission. As the Congressman for Florida’s 15th District, Ross will always fight to uphold the rule of law and protect the . He will prioritize protecting vulnerable populations, including victims Ross Spano (R) of human trafficking. And as a proven conservative leader, Ross will strive to protect the conservative values that are so important to him, visit www.rossspano.com.
Representative In Congress District 16 Vern Buchanon, incumbent to U.S. House District 16 and serving his sixth term, is co-chair of the bipartisan 29-member Florida congressional delegation and currently serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy, international trade, health care, welfare, Social Security and Medicare. Buchanan is chairman of the Tax Policy Subcommittee, a key panel that oversees the nation’s tax code. Vern Buchanan (R) He served six years in the Air National Guard and worked his way through college. Visit https://vernbuchanan.com.
David Shapiro has spent nearly 30 years serving citizens as a lawyer in Sarasota and Manatee counties. He was raised in the Tampa Bay area and is an alumnus of the University of Florida and has a law degree from Florida State University. He is a trustee member of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, served on the board of directors for the Sarasota Film Festival and served on the advisory board of West Coast David Shapiro (D) Black Theater Troupe. For more information, visit https://voteshapiro2018.com.
State Representative District 57
Mike Beltran (R)
Mike Beltran is a Harvard-educated lawyer currently residing in Tampa with his wife and two sons. He has a decade of experience serving the people of Central Florida and was also appointed by Rick Scott to the Judicial Nominating Committee. He describes himself as a pro-business, pro-life, pro-constitution, conservative lawyer. Issues Beltran is focusing on would be cutting government waste, lowering taxes, cutting the red tape for small business growth, putting more money into classrooms, enforcing immigration laws, protecting sanctity of life and protecting 2nd amendment rights. For more information, visit http://electmikebeltran.com.
Debbie Katt is an analytical software engineer by trade bringing a unique perspective to the legislature in Tallahassee. She has crafted solutions for over 20 years that integrate different components and deliver creative problemsolving results for all types of industries, from retail and manufacturing, to leisure and state governments. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M, she enjoyed working in the airline industry for Debbie Katt (D) five years, then attended North Carolina State University, where she received a Master’s in Applied Math and a minor in Statistics. She moved back to Florida in 2006 and resides in Valrico with her husband and daughter. For more information, visit www.debbiekatt.com.
State Representative District 59 Adam Hattersley was born in Massachusetts and raised mostly in Colorado, Hattersley graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2000 and 2001, respectively. While there, he was a member of the 1999 NCAA Champion men’s gymnastics team. He then served as a Nuclear Submarine officer in the US Navy for eight years, including time in the Pacific Fleet and on the ground with an Army unit in Adam Hattersley Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006-2007) for which he was (D) awarded a Bronze Star. He moved to Riverview in 2009 where he worked for Granite Services, International (a subsidiary of GE). For more information, visit www.adamhattersley.com.
Joe Wicker (R)
Joe Wicker is a proud veteran as he was called to active duty in 2001 with two deployments to Iraq. In 2003, he served as Tank Platoon Leader and in 2007 served as an advisor to the Iraqi Security Forces. Wicker completed his service and returned home in 2008. Upon returning home, he was recruited as a business manager for an International Paper Company where he currently manages over $20 million in supply chain. Wicker has also served as committee chairman in MiraBay community of Harbor Bay Development in Apollo Beach and is active in the Wounded Warrior Project and Operation Helping Hand. He is married to his wife, Amy, and they are both active members at The Crossing Church. Visit http://joewicker.com.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Sheriff Chronister is a veteran law enforcement officer who has served with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office since 1992. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminology from St. Leo University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 260th Session. Sheriff Chronister became the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County on September 30, 2017, upon his appointment by Governor Rick Scott. He was most recently the Colonel Chad Chronister in charge of the Department of Operational Support. For more information, visit http://chadchronister.com. (R)
Gary Pruitt is currently the Director of Security at the Westfield Citrus Park mall working for Professional Security Consultants. He spent 25 years as a law enforcement officer with the Tampa Police Department, retiring in September 2015. During his time with this agency, he spent all his time in the patrol districts where he served as a patrol officer and patrol supervisor as well as a plainclothes officer and supervisor. He was also a detective assigned to latent investigations. For more info, visit https://www.votegarypruitt.com.
Gary Pruitt (D)
Circuit Judge, 13th Judicial Circuit Group 25
Robin Fuson
Robin Fuson is a Florida Native who has been married for 33 years with two daughters and one grandchild. Robin pitched for ten years in the Minors and coached the Oakland A’s for three years before switching the baseball field for the legal field. He has now been in the legal field for 25 years. Fuson earned his Bachelor’s in Criminology from the University of South Florida and then his law degree from Stetson University College of Law in 1993. For more information, visit www.electfuson.com.
Jamey Moody has a long family history in the legal community. Three generations of the Moody family have taken the judicial oath of office here in Hillsborough County. Moody received his Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor from the UF’s Levin College of Law and has spent his entire career litigating cases in Circuit Court. He has also spent countless hours volunteering as a probono attorney through Bay Area Legal Services. For more information, visit http://votejameymoody.com.
Jamey Moody
County Court Judge Group 2
Lisa Allen
Lisa Allen is currently working at the Law Firm of Ansa Assurance, LLP. She is a civil litigator representing clients in a wide variety of matters for the past 17 years. From 2006-2009, Lisa served as a Federal Law Clerk for Honorable James S. Moody, Jr., U.S. District Court Judge for the middle district of Florida. Allen was born and raised in Jacksonville and currently resides in Tampa with her husband and three children. She graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Business Administration. For more, visit https://www.allinforlisaallen.com.
Greg Green is a Tampa native and graduate of Chamberlain High School. He was born and raised in Hillsborough County, which he considers his “forever home.” Green has served as a prosecutor and assistant Attorney General for the county. He also serves the community and the youth as the men and women’s football coach at Robinson High School. As a two-time legacy of the Tampa Police Department, he stands with the law enforcement. For more information, visit http://votegreggreen.com.
Greg Green
County Court Judge Group 8
Jack Gutman
Jack Gutman has 31 years of legal experience and is looking to further that as a County Court Judge. He has been a resident of Hillsborough County for the past 45 years. He grew up in South Tampa and is a graduate of Plant High School. He received his Bachelors’ degree from Tulane University and his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law. The first 14 years of his legal experience was spent as a state prosecutor and defense attorney, practicing criminal law. He also served as a Felony Division Chief with Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office. Visit www.gutmanforjudge.com.
E. Michael Isaak moved to Tampa at four years old and has called Hillsborough County home for 48 years. He is a graduate of Tampa Prep and earned his Bachelors’ in Economics from Rollins College and his law degree from Samford University in Alabama. Isaak has been practicing law for the past 25 years. He began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney with the 18th Judicial Court and spent more than 5 years E. Michael Isaak prosecuting criminals. Isaak is married to his wife, Betsy, and they have two children. Visit isaakforjudge.com.
Board Of County Commissioners District 4 As a child, Andrew Davis’ hobbies were karate, baseball, football, and fishing/crabbing. He enrolled in trade school to join the work force as an auto mechanic, but while in school, he learned his true calling was sales. As a salesman, Davis has won several awards and been promoted to supervisor roles, but the part he loves most is that he gets to solve genuine problems for people and businesses. Andrew is a member of the East Hillsborough County Andrew Davis Democratic Club, Plant City Area Democrats & more. For more information, visit https://votefordavis.com. (D)
Stacy White (R)
Stacy White is a fifth-generation native of East Hillsborough County. He grew up in our community and graduated from East Bay High School. He has always had a heart to help others and found his calling in pharmacy, attending the University of Florida to obtain his Doctor of Pharmacy degree. White has served as the County Commissioner for District 4 since 2014. Prior to that, he served as the District 4 member of the Hillsborough County School Board. For more, visit www.facebook.com/VoteStacyWhite.
Board Of County Commissioners District 5 Victor Crist is the current District 2 commissioner, seeking to serve the citizens of District 5. Prior to being on the County Commission, Crist represented parts of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties in the Florida House of Representatives. Visit Victor Crist (R) www.commissionervictorcrist.co m.
Joe Kotvas (NPA)
Thirty five years ago, Joe Kotvas was a County Commissioner representing the people of Hillsborough County. Now, he’s back to finish the job he started. Kotvas cares about this county and the people in it. For more information, visit https://joekotvascares.com.
Mariella Smith (D)
Mariella Smith is a long-time advocate for smart growth management, transportation and environmental protection. She is a fourth-generation Florida native and resident of South Hillsborough County. She earned her B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Tampa and her M.A. in Philosophy, majoring in Ethics from Florida State University. mariellasmith.com.
Board Of County Commissioners District 7 Todd Marks is a George Mason School of Law graduate, where he also graded on to the George Mason Law Review and served as its symposium editor. In 2006, He formed Westchase Law P.A., a civil law firm and real estate closing Kim ‘Klarc’ Todd Marks (R) company in Hillsborough Visit O’Connor (GRE) www.toddmarks.com.
Kim ‘Klarc’ O’Connor earned a B.A. in Philosophy from University of South Florida. Later she attended the University of Florida; College of Law. While at the UF Law school she was elected the first woman President of the Student John Marshall Bar Assoc.
Kimberly D. Overman (D)
Kimberly Overman is a 34-year resident and an active volunteer of the Tampa Bay Area. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park with a B.S. in Agricultural and Resource Economics. Overman is a certified Financial Planner and CEO of The Financial Well, Inc. Visit www.kimberlyoverman.com.
Hillsborough Voters To Decide Transportation Future In November
By Preston Rudie
All for Transportation, the citizen-led effort to support increased local funding for roads and transportation, has exceeded the 49,000 petition threshold required by law to secure a place on the November ballot, according to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections. “This is a historic moment. More than 70,000 thousand people in Hillsborough County have put a solution that funds transportation problems in front of their neighbors. We’ve waited far too long to solve a transportation crisis in Hillsborough County that is getting worse every day,” said Tyler Hudson, All for Transportation Chair. All for Transportation is a community led effort organized to fund a wide range of solutions to address our County’s greatest shortcoming – traffic congestion and lack of transit options – and allow us to invest in our community. “Without enough funding for transportation, the traffic where I live in Brandon continues to get worse. Plus, Hillsborough County’s population is expected to grow by more than 700,000 people over the next thirty years. That’s why my neighbors and thousands of people from all over Hillsborough County signed the petition,” said All for Transportation volunteer Rena Upshaw Frazier, “The people have made it clear
they won’t wait and they will be ready to vote ‘yes’ to fund transportation in November.” If approved by a majority of voters in November, the All for Transportation proposal would fund transportation improvements throughout Hillsborough County including Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace, Brandon, Town n’ Country, and Sun City. “Improvements would include improved roads and bridges, expanded public transit options, fixing potholes, enhanced bus service, relieving rush hour bottlenecks, improved intersections, and making walking and biking safer,” added Hudson. “All of these funds will be reviewed by an independent oversight committee and audited annually to make sure the funds are used as outlined in the plan that voters signed and will vote on in November.” “I’m happy to be one of the Hillsborough voters that signed. This gets us one step closer to funding that will make rush hour easier, provide us more transit options and make our streets safe,” said East Tampa resident Gwen Myers. “I believe people will vote yes in November, because the funding has clear oversight to make sure it’s spent on the community’s priorities.” To learn more about All for Transportation, visit AllforTransportation.com.
Making Sense Out Of The Half-Cent Education Tax Referendum
By Kathi Hayes
The Hillsborough who cannot have County Public School any connection with (HCPS) District is the district or benefit ‘Investing In Students’ financially from the by proposing a referenprojects. dum for a half-cent Alliance for sales surtax increase Public Schools, to generate funding to Melissa Erickson improve schools. says, “if tourists travVoters will see this proel the I-4 corridor, posed education tax Hillsborough County referendum on ballots is the only county November 6. you don’t pay sales HCPS currently only receives an eigth of If approved, the a penny, but state performance remains tax to support highest for overall score for 2017-18. estimated $131 million schools.” With in annual sales tax income over ten years HCPS currently receiving the lowest sales would be in effect January 1, 2019. of one eighth penny sales tax, it still has HCPS recently released a school-bythe highest overall performance score in school list of 1,785 projects to be funded 2017-18 State of Florida Accountability by the proposed half-cent sales tax with Report. an estimated $637 million earmarked for Superintendent Jeff Eakins is on a air conditioning systems. Other projects tour of town hall meetings to share inforinclude building and renovating school, mation about the state of the Hillsborough maintenance, security and technology. school district, opportunities for students, A typical family in Hillsborough and the $2 billion challenge the communiCounty would pay $63 a year. The ty faces because of inadequate state amount is based on IRS sales tax tables funding. for a typical household with the county's Upcoming community appearances median annual income of $51,681. include October 15, 7 p.m. at Middleton The tax would effect only purchases High School, 4801 N 22nd St. in Tampa on items like clothes and consumer and October 23, 7 p.m. at the Chapel at goods or big items such as a car or boat FishHawk, 6026 Churchside Dr. in Lithia. up to $5,000. It will not be used to eleviFor information about tax referenate the deficit . dum, visit https://sdhc.k12.fl.us/. For a list The Citizens Oversight Committee of of school improvements, visit seven members headed by former state https://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/docs/00/00/23/ education commissioner Betty Castor will 08/Education_Referendum_School_by_S be formed to include six private citizens chool_List_v2.pdf.
October 2018
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Smart Dental Care Tips For Canines
By Dr. Jennifer Challenger DVM, MPH
When I was a young child, my parents made sure I brushed and flossed my teeth twice daily and that I saw a dentist twice a year. Dental hygiene and oral health were considered extremely important in my family. However, we never thought twice about our pet's teeth. Foul breath and tooth loss were considered a natural and acceptable part of a pet's aging process. Times have certainly changed. As pets have evolved into more integral members of the family, veterinary medicine has become more sophisticated and knowledgeable in the specialized area of animal dentistry. We now recognize the significant pain and health risks our pets can potentially endure if they suffer from periodontal disease. Periodontal disease refers to a chronic bacterial infection in the mouth. As this disease advances, tartar builds up on the teeth, gums recede, abscesses and pockets of infection form, and ultimately bone infection and tooth loss occur. As the animal's gums become more inflamed, bacteria from the infection can enter the bloodstream. These ‘bacterial showers’ can affect the kidneys and/or heart valves of the animal. There is a strong genetic component to the development of periodontal disease. Some dogs and cats never develop the condition. However, most
will at some point in their lives. Daily brushing, chewing toys and rawhides, dental sprays and washes, and some foods help to slow the advance of dental disease. Still, even with all preventative measures, most animals require veterinary dental cleaning to maintain good oral health. Veterinary dental cleanings are outpatient procedures. Animals are admitted in the morning and can return home in the evening. Plaque is removed from the surface of the teeth with an ultrasonic dental scaler. A dental pick is used to remove tartar from between teeth and from below the gum line. Then the teeth are polished. The procedure is almost identical to the human dental cleaning. However, there is one significant difference: Animal dentistry is performed under general anesthesia, since our pets will not just lay still and open wide while dental procedures are being performed. Clients often express concern about the safety of anesthesia. Current anesthetic protocols are much safer today than they were when I was a child. Now that you know the facts about dental health, you can be on the alert if your pet breathes in your face and you're tempted to back away. Your canine companion may have a serious health problem. Don't hesitate-see your veterinarian.
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Page 45
Clients Find Satisfaction & Solutions At McGinnis Law Firm By Michelle Caceres
When a marriage relamany benefits to mediationship turns sour and tion, where a neutral third leaves a couple seeking party tries to bring about an end to the union, each an agreement on contestneed a qualified and capaed issues. ble law firm that can make “Mediation is certainly the entire experience less not for everyone but with it painful. In the Tampa Bay you retain a level of control area, that law firm is that you don’t have at trial, McGinnis Law Firm, repreit is cost-effective and senting clients with chalwhen parties can amicably Wendy McGinnis, Esq. has lenging divorce, child custo find mutucommunicate been a family law attorney in tody and alimony issues for the Tampa Bay area for more ally agreeable terms than 17 years. more than 17 years. everyone wins especially Located at 410 S. Ware Blvd., Suite when children are involved,” she said. 402, McGinnis Law Firm is owned by Mediators can help parties figure out Wendy McGinnis Esq., a Supreme-court options that they have not considered certified mediator, who has dedicated her and help them aid their outlook on the career to helping her clients receive the case. “Divorce is a compromise for both best possible outcome for their cases. parties because nobody gets everything Her approach is simple: don’t sugarthey want,” she said. coat the law. “I get a lot of compliments McGinnis offers free initial consultaabout how direct I am,” she said. tions that usually last about 30 minutes. If “Sometimes my clients have grandiose retained, she said she is upfront about ideas about how their case will go so I her fee. “If a divorce is uncontested explain the process and help them really sometimes I offer a flat-fee, but I am understand all the viable options based always very upfront about my initial on the law.” retainer and any possible future fees,” For Plant City resident Kelcie she said. Williams, McGinnis has been something McGinnis, the only attorney in her of a psychic. “She thought about issues firm, likes to keep overhead low. She that could arise in the future and tried to works without a paralegal, preferring include those in the original order,” she instead to charge a lower hourly rate to said. “She also told me upfront what the clients when she is doing the job of a law states so there were no surprises paralegal. going into the courtroom,” she said. “If you’re going through a divorce or A trial is not necessary in every child custody case I highly recommend instance, said McGinnis. Although she is using this firm,” said Williams. an experienced litigator and very comfortVisit www.BrandonDivorce.com or able in front of a judge, she said there are call 235-4650.
Page 46
Volume 13, Issue 10
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Great Ideas For Fall Family Fun With Pumpkins, Events & More Trick Or Treat At Hawthorne Village Of Brandon
All ages can have a great time at Hawthorne Village of Brandon’s Safe Trick or Treat Trail on Friday, October 26 from 68 p.m. Enjoy hot dogs, chips and a drin for $5. Pumpkin patch photos will be available. Hawthorne Village is located at 851 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 661-8998.
Wolf’s Family Halloween Hayrides
It’s Fall Y’all! At Wolf’s Produce. Bring the family and enjoy hayrides on select dates (Friday, October 12, 19 and 26, Saturday, October 13, 20 and 27 and Sunday, October 14, 21 and 28) from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The cost is $7 per rider. Wear a costume for free candy. Wolf’s Produce will also have a pumpkin patch with a huge selection of all shapes and sizes. You can also purchase your favorite Halloween décor, hay bales, corn stalks, carving kits, cider candy apples and more. The pumpkin patch is open through October from 8:30 a.m.-close. Wolf’s Produce is located at 6005 US Hwy. 301 S. in Riverivew (corner of 301 and Bloomingdale Ave.)
Sesame Street® Kids’ Weekends In October
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay welcomes back Sesame Street® Kids’
Weekends in October with Halloween fun each Saturday and Sunday in October. New this year, families can tune into the Not-Too-Spooky Howl-O-Ween Radio Show, debuting at the park on Saturday, October 6 starring Count von Count. Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends are included with daily admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Children are welcome to wear Halloween costumes and enjoy weekends jam-packed with fun fall activities. Enjoy interactive themed crafts each weekend: October 6&7 – Monsters & Fairies; October 13 & 14 – Super Grover, October 20 & 21 – Spooky Safari and October 27&28 – Rosita’s Halloween Fiesta. Enjoy Lunch with Elmo and Friends buffet every Saturday and Sunday during Halloween weekends. Reservations are required, space is limited. Book at https://buschgardens.com/tampa/events/ sesame-street-halloween-kids-weekends/.
Creatures of the Night Returns To ZooTampa Lowry Park
ZooTampa will transform into an eerie and immersive Halloween adventure with bigger and better events for ghouls and goblins of all ages. On Fridays and Saturdays from October 6-28, the Zoo stays open late and animals lurk in the
night until 10 p.m. with a widerange of Halloween-themed activities sure to have everyone howling at the moon. This is a family event so just fun frights; no haunted houses, but will debut a new scare zone experience ‘Whispering Woods’ for older kids, pre-teens and adults. ZooTampa Lowry Park is located at 1101 W Sligh Ave. in Tampa. Visit https://zootampa.org/events/creatures/.
Guppyween At The Florida Aquarium
Guppyween is the one time of year the Florida Aquarium lets wild animals, ghosts and princesses roam. Guests get to trick-or-treat among 8,000+ animals and plants native to Florida and around the world, making for the perfect familyfriendly and safe Halloween event. This year it will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 27 and 28 from 1-5 p.m. The cost for kids in costume is $10 (purchased at the Aquarium and regular admission price for adults. The Aquarium is located at 701 Channelside Ave. in Tampa and open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit www.flaquarium.org.
Pirate Water Taxi Haunted River Tours
Hop aboard the Pirate Water Taxi for a
Compiled by Michelle Colesanti
frighteningly good time on the water. On select nights in October join in for an entertaining evening with tales of ghosts along the Hillsborough River. Each 45-50 minute tour will be led by a dead-lightful docent. Upcoming dates include October 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 & 28. Cruises depart at 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center (Water Taxi Dock Stop #7). The cost is $25 for an adult and $15 for child plus tax. Call 390-3711 or visit www.piratewatertaxi.com/events/hauntedriver-tour.
Halloween Escape Room Comes To Parties And Companies
The unique mobile escape room that sets up for corporate team building and parties of any kind at almost any venue has added ‘Michael Jackson’s Halloween in the Green Room’ game for the fall holiday. The exciting adventure is a twist on Puzzle Room Escape’s regular ‘Green Room’ where stars hang out before a show. Up to 12 players compete to solve the clues, challenges and high tech devices to escape to win front row seats to the greatest concert ever. For Halloween, a bit scary and eccentric Michael Jackson stands in their way so he can have companionship 24/7. The game features music, costumes and special effects. Visit PuzzleRoomEscape.com or call 754-2523477.
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October 2018
Page 47
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Enjoy Family Friendly Fall Craft Fairs, Festivals And Trunk Or Treats
Staff Report
Treat on Wednesday, October 31 from 7-9 p.m. The free event is for the whole family and includes games, inflatables, refreshments, giveaways, prizes and of course, candy. Come at 6:30 p.m. dressed in your costumes and ready for a fun night. The church is located at 2909 John Moore Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call the church office at 689-7190.
Journey Church Of Brandon To Host ‘Electrified’ Trunk Or Treat
Vendors Sought for Fall Craft Fair At St. Andrew’s UMC
St. Andrew's United Methodist Church will hold its 51st Annual Fall Craft Fair on Saturday, October 27 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy many vendors, bake sale and Granny’s Attic rummage sale. The Pumpkin Patch is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and weekends from 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Preschools can sign up to visit the patch at www.signupgenius.com/go/508094da eac2eab9-20171. All proceeds benefit the Thrive Student Ministry at www.saumc.net/thrive. Trunk or Treat will be held on Sunday, October 28 from 46 p.m. Enjoy games, crafts, trick or treating at trunks, viewing of It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. Free family fun with allergy friendly treats.Register at SAUMC.NET/events. St. Andrew’s UMC is located at 3315 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call the church office at 689-6849.
On Wednesday, October 31 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Journey Church of Brandon invites the community to an evening of “electrified” fun with its annual Trunk or Treat. The free event will include candy, games, fun lighting, bounce houses, a live DJ and a free dinner, while supplies last. The church wants to provide the community with a fun and safe alternative to trick or treating while sharing the love of Jesus. Journey Church of Brandon is located at 1310 John Moore Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 699-8262 or email Johanna@journey7.com.
Pumpkin Patch And Festival At Limona Village Chapel
The pumpkins are coming; the pumpkins are coming on Sunday, October 14 to Limona Village Chapel, 408 Limona Rd. in Brandon. The patch will be open Sunday through Friday from 11 a.m. -7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. A Pumpkin Festival
and Trunk or Treat will be held on on Saturday October 27 from 6-8 p.m. All are welcome. Visit www.limonavillagechapel.com/.
Holy Innocents’ Fall Whistle Stop Craft Show
Pumpkin Patch And Fall Festival
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church is hosting its 11th annual Fall Whistle Stop Craft Show on Saturday, November 3 from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. More than 70 vendors will be showcasing and selling unique arts & crafts, novelties, and baked goods for the fall and winter seasons in Florida. There will also be fun activities for the kids. The event will be held on the church grounds at 604 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. Interested vendors can still register for a spot on our web site at www.hiepiscopal.org. Any questions, please contact the church during normal business hours at 689-3130.
Grace Baptist Church Hosts Trunk Or Treat
You are invited to Grace Baptist Church’s Trunk or
South Shore United Methodist Church has a Pumpkin Patch which is open daily through Wednesday, October 31 from 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Come and enjoy its Fall Festival, which will take place on Saturday, October 27 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free and you can take the kids Trunk or Treating. The Pumpkin Patch is a Youth Group fundraiser. South Shore United Methodist Church is located at 11525 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview.
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Page 48
Brandon/Winthrop Edition
Volume 13, Issue 10