Two Sections, 36 Pages of Community News
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C E L E B R A T I N G
February 2018 Volume 15, Issue 2 Ph: 657-2418 1 6
Y E A R S
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P U B L I S H I N G
Seffner Christian Academy Student Crowned Florida Strawberry Festival Queen
By Lauren McNair
C O M M U N I T Y
By Kate Quesada
Valrico resident Jamie Ratcliff is realizing a dream this month as he gets ready to open the doors to Bullfrog Creek Brewing Company on Lithia PInecrest Rd. in midMarch. Ratcliff began his brewing journey last year and is very excited about sharing his craft with local beer lovers. The 3,000 sq. ft. brewery and tap room will be housed in Erindale Plaza, next to Car Wash on the Greens, in a space formerly occupied by the Erindale Market and gas station. “The location is a perfect fit for my vision because of the great bones and porch area where we can offer outdoor seating and an area for entertainment,” said Ratcliff, a veteran, born and raised in the Valrico area. Ratcliff, who works closely with the brewery’s production manager, Chanse Haas, recently brought brew master Matt Morrow to the team from Arches Brewery in Atlanta. They plan to offer 16 types of beer on tap with a variety of choices including IPAs, pilsners, porters and stouts. The brewery uses a nano-brewing, small-capacity system giving it the capability to brew many different types of beers and change out the recipes regularly. Bullfrog Creek will also offer guest taps with cider and other local beers and will have wine available to purchase. Plans include regularly scheduled food trucks on the weekends and partnerships with local restaurants who will deliver food to the brewery. “As a long time resident, I am so excited to bring craft beer to the Valrico community,” said Ratcliff. “We plan to host a lot of local events focusing on good beer and great service.” In addition to offering drinks and entertainment and a founder’s club
Postal Customer
Osprey Observer 918 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Brandon, FL 33511-6121
Valrico residents Manny and Chelsea Santos recently bought and renovated The New York Diner - Valrico, located off S.R. 60 near the intersection with Miller Rd. The couple has revamped the menu while keeping all the favorites too. Foodies and fitness enthusiasts and first responders with find something for everyone! See page 31 for full story.
N E W S
Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. To Open In Erindale Plaza Near Car Wash On The Greens
ECRWSS EDDM
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five facets of competition: a personal interview, on-stage speaking, casual wear, evening wear and an impromptu question. Throughout the year, the queen and court make over 80 appearances as they represent the Florida Strawberry Festival and the Plant City Ally Elizabeth Burt, recently crowned queen of the 83rd They can community. Florida Strawberry Festival, with her court. be seen at festival Ally Elizabeth Burt was crowned events throughout the grounds, on stage queen of the 83rd Florida Strawberry before each of the 24 headline entertainFestival at the annual pageant in Plant ment shows and at community events City. throughout the year. Burt was selected from a field of 28 “Our new queen and court seem like contestants who also voted her Miss a group of kind, poised, well-spoken Congeniality. Dallas young ladies,” said Baker was chosen first Florida Strawberry maid along with court Festival President Paul members Baylee Astin, Davis. “I have no doubt Selena Berrios and Zoe they will represent us Rasmussen. well this year.” “I want to serve with The Florida humility,” said Burt. “The Strawberry Festival is an spotlight won’t be on me; 11-day community event it will be on the festival.” celebrating the strawberBurt is the daughter ry harvest of Eastern of Royce and Raquel Hillsborough County. Burt. She is currently a Each year, over 500,000 senior at Seffner visitors enjoy the headChristian Academy and line entertainment, youth is dual enrolled at livestock shows, comHillsborough Community College. Burt merce exhibits, and of course, its strawserves as senior class president and berry shortcake. The 2018 Florida Student Government president. She Strawberry Festival, where we’re ‘Building plans to attend a Florida university to purNew Memories!,’ takes place from March sue a degree in biology. 1-11 in Plant City. For more, visit The Florida Strawberry Festival www.flstrawberryfestival.com, Facebook, Queen’s Competition is organized by the Instagram and Twitter (#berryfest18) and Plant City Lions Club and is composed of see full story on Page 14.
P O S I T I V E
See Article On Page 14
2028 State Rd. 60 E., Valrico • (813) 657-6363
Valrico residents Jamie Ratcliff and Chanse Haas plan to open the doors to Bullfrog Creek Brewing Company in mid-March.
opportunity, Ratcliff plans to schedule events where residents can come in and participate in the brewing. “It is such a cool process,” he said. “It starts out as grain and turns into a great beer......all right here in Valrico.” The brewery, located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., will be open every day from 12 Noon until 9 or 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends. For more information, call 703-8835 or visit www.bullfrogcreekbrewing.com.
In This Issue BRANDON BENEFIT RUN....................PG 3 FIREHOSE WALL ART..........................PG 4 HOA HOT TOPICS ...............................PG 7 HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR .....................PG 8 FLORIDA STATE FAIR ........................PG 10 EYE ON BUSINESS .......................PG 25‐26 COMMISSIONER KEMP ....................PG 30 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ..............PGS 34
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