Bloomingdale/FishHawk
33
December 2021
Volume 20,
Issue 12
Ph: 657-2418
ENTRY FORM IN SECTION 3
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
RANDALL TEDXYOUTH SPEAKERS INCLUDE ASTRONAUT, AUTHOR & NINJA WARRIOR
BRENDA WADE & TEAM RAISE $37,600 FOR FOOD BANK & FOSTER CHARITIES By Kate Quesada
By Kate Quesada
The Brenda Wade Real Estate Team raised $37,600 to be split between A Kid’s Place and Bell Shoals Real Hope Food Pantry at its ninth Partners in Giving event.
The holiday season is a little easier for two local charities thanks to The Brenda Wade Real Estate Team. For the ninth year in a row, the team hosted a Partners in Giving event, which this year raised $37,600 to be split between A Kid’s Place and Bell Shoals Real Hope Food Pantry. Brenda Wade, who started the event as a way to bring people who want to help the community together, donated to the same charities nine years ago at the first Partners in Giving. “We work where we live and we want to give where we live,” said Wade, who has been selling real estate in Eastern Hillsborough County for 21 years. At the event, which was held at Xscape Theatre in Riverview so that attendees could spread out, the community members invited by Wade gave a donation and then had the opportunity to give a 15 to 20-minute presentation. This was the first year the event was held anywhere other than Wade’s Valrico office. According to Wade, the minimum donation from partners was $400 and the highest was $10,000. Donors included Rory Weiner with the law office of Rory Weiner, Michael Couture with Couture Painting, Brian Hodgers with Complete Choice Insurance, Joel Meek with Meek Insurance Group, Todd Martin with Guaranteed Rate, Patrick Latimer with United Mutual Funding, Jon Howard with The Home Loan
Expert, Bart Rice with The Rice Financial Group, Jeff Grove with Valley Bank, Cole Dickerson with Ribbon, Jay Grechika with CertaPro Painters, Steven Gonzalez with Gonzalez Roofing, Sue Luther and Rebecca Gullick with All American Title, Aaron Davis with Hillsborough Title Company, Cheryl Leiman with Executive Title Company, Mike Yeager with A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections, Matt McArty with Omni Home Inspections, Lisa Schalk with Toffee to Go, Matt Willums with Willums Home Services and Marie Gilmore with the Osprey Observer. “We win awards every year for being the number one team in Hillsborough County and have been recognized for many years as one of the top teams in the U.S. by The Wall Street Journal,” said Wade, “but our favorite reward is a happy customer, and we focus all of our attention on our customer and helping them accomplish their goals.” To learn more about The Brenda Wade Team, visit www.brendawade.com or call 655-5333.
IN THIS ISSUE: USED LAPTOP PROGRAM ..................PG 3 MOTORING TAMPA BAY ................... PG 5 EYE ON BUSINESS...................PGS 25-26 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ........... SECTION 3
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What do a NASA TED Talk in front of the rocket scientist turned 100-person audience. American Ninja War“The theme of the rior, a Bay News 9 anevent is ‘No Limits! Exchor and a Lithia middle cite. Empower. Ignite.’ school principal have in Which is so appropriate common? They will all be for our amazing Randall speakers at TEDxYouth community,” said Bradat Randall Middle School ner. on Thursday, March 10, Speakers already lined 2022, and local students up include Janet Ivey and community memwith Janet’s Planet, Erica bers also have opportuRiggins with Bay News nities to be involved. 9, Randall teacher and “We are so excitauthor Maria DeVivo, ed to announce that Randall Middle School Principal Claire author and motivational TEDxYouth has granted Mawhinney and AVID teacher Lori Beth speaker Kaplan Mobray, Randall Middle School a Bradner are excited to announce that Director and Producer license to host an event the school has been granted a license to Bill Fortune, NASA sciwith a live studio audi- hold a TEDxYouth event at the school on entist turned American Thursday, March 10, 2022. ence taping in Ninja Warrior our media cenKevin J. Deter,” said Randall Bruin and artAVID teacher ist Molly ForLori Beth Bradtune. ner, who filled “Dr. Bradner out an extensive has always application for found ways to the school to be bring the real considered for world to our the TEDxYouth license. school and give the kids experiences that TEDxYouth is a daylong event for middle will challenge them and help them become and high school students, with live speak- better adults,” said Randall Principal Claire ers and hands-on activities organized by Mawhinney, who will also speak at the the world-famous nonprofit TED. Since its event. “This opportunity will offer them inception in 1984 as a conference on tech- hands on experiences for what they can do nology, entertainment and design, TED has with their futures.” been devoted to spreading ideas in the Community members also have the form of short talks on almost all topics. chance to make an impact on this excitThe talks are now shared online and are ing, nonprofit event. Bradner is offering viewed by millions all over the world. residents, business owners and groups the “This is a really big deal and wonderful opportunity to sponsor seats for students opportunity for our students to have their with a donation to help cover the costs of voices heard as well as listen to the stories the event. of some amazing people from all over the For more information on how to get incountry,” said Bradner. volved, reach out to Bradner at lori.bradRandall students will be involved in the ner@hcps.net or 803-409-3478. To learn event from start to finish, even having the more about TEDxYouth, visit www.ted. opportunity to audition to do their own com.
11/30/2021
The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds is home to Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village with a million lights from entrance to exit. Enjoy a 2-MILE drive-thru immersive experience of continuous light features followed by a festive walking visit to Santa’s Village with holiday goodies and visits with SANTA!
12/31/2021
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 12
December 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
JASON TORRES STARTS PROGRAM TO DONATE USED LAPTOPS TO STUDENTS By Lily Belcher
At the end of ing to students. October, Jason Chromebooks that Torres, owner he cannot clean of Your Home and update will be Tech, started used for parts to the Chromebook improve the workProject, an initiaing ones he will tive to give redonate. paired laptops to “If I can get my young students. hands on more Torres plans to machines, I’d like collect donated to donate as many Chromebooks as possible, and and refurbish then help kids in and update them other schools,” before giving said Torres. “It them to students would be amazing at Turkey Creek if we can get a Elementary. He free Chromebook decided to recyinto the hands of cle Chromebooks every kid in need.” because they deElaine Ward, mand less powdirector of operaer and storage, tion for VirtaMed making them a Jason Torres will update and donate Chromebooks to in FishHawk, doTurkey Creek Elementary students. perfect for young nated six machines students. that Torres is working on repairing. “I chose Turkey Creek because my Torres is currently looking for laptops step-father, Henry Velez, works there under 10 years old and in good working in the classrooms with the children of and cosmetic shape (no cracks or bromigrant families, and it seemed like a ken screens) from the community. He is great fit,” explained Torres. “These kids also willing to pick up parts, especially need access to computers and hotspots batteries, and laptops in worse shape to stay competitive and rise above their that can be broken down for the parts circumstances.” he needs. Torres admitted that he started the “I genuinely feel like this is an experiprogram as a way to promote Your Home ment we’re all conducting together, and Tech since he is looking for new clients, it would be great if we could make a difbut he hopes to make a difference by ference in the lives of a few kids.” helping students gain access to technoloFor more information on how to dogy. Torres wants to collect Chromebooks nate, call or text Torres at 438-4115 or that are in good cosmetic and working email him at tampahometech@gmail. condition and fix them up before giv- com.
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TWO NEW THRILLS OPENING IN MARCH AT ADVENTURE ISLAND
Staff Report
will now glow and groove as riders zoom through over 600 feet of fun. “The all-new Rapids Racer and new enhancements to another fan-favorite attraction with Wahoo Remix will elevate the Adventure Island guest experience in an Adventure Island recently announced the opening of two new attractions unprecedented way next year. in 2022,” said Neal Adventure Island, voted one of the counThurman, park prestry’s top 10 waterparks by USA Today, is ident of Busch Gardens and Adventure Isracing into 2022 with two new thrills and land. “With recently announced year-round year-round operation. Opening just in time operations, it’s going to be a momentous for spring break, Rapids Racer and Wahoo year for water park fans, as our guests can Remix will make a splash at Adventure Is- now splash in the sun and take on thrills land next March. With new heaters and from January to December.” comfortable water temperatures, guests Refresh and Recharge can now enjoy the endless summer vibe and Rounding out Adventure Island’s revamp thrilling attractions all year long. is the recently opened Hang Ten Tiki Bar. On Rapids Racer, riders grab a two-person Centrally located between Rapids Racer raft before racing through nearly 600 feet of and Wahoo Remix, the park’s first full-serslide, complete with low walls to encounter vice bar is the prime spot to grab a drink your opponents throughout this side-by-side and recharge. With handcrafted signature experience. The thrill of the chase is ampli- cocktails, fan-favorite local brews and a refied as guests swirl through the world’s first gional and international rum selection, Hang dueling saucers in this exhilarating journey Ten serves refreshing concoctions that can full of high-speed tunnels, turns and more. be found only at Adventure Island. Visitors On Wahoo Remix, riders will enjoy waves can enjoy this new tropical oasis as they sip of water and sound as they splash to the and savor small seasonal bites to fuel up for beat of a remixed favorite attraction. For- all-day fun. merly Wahoo Run, Wahoo Remix will be Located right across the street from BusAdventure Island’s first waterslide to fea- ch Gardens® Tampa Bay, Adventure Isture synchronized light and sound elements, land® features a combination of exhilarating delivering an all-new, high-energy, family water rides and tropical, tranquil surroundraft ride experience with ultimate party ings. For more information, visit advenvibes. Enclosed tunnels that were once dark tureisland.com for more information.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 12
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
December 2021
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COMPACT MAZDA CX-30 A TOUGH RIVAL TO BEAT
When it deanalog speedombuted just last eter, tachometer, year, it received fuel/temp and a warm welcome driver informafrom the auto tion center. The journo world. 8.8-inch screen We all just loved for navigation, its sleek and phone and audio eye-catching deis easy to use sign. After all, via a commandwho wouldn’t er control knob CX-30 PREMIUM PLUS (AWD) enjoy a fun-to-drive and on the center console. Tires: 215/55/R18 energetic ride keeping in Our top-level PremiWheelbase: 104.4 inches mind the ‘Zoom-Zoom’ um Plus arrived with Length: 173 inches (emotion of motion standard dual auto AC, Height: 62.2 inches phrase) made so popular leather seats, shifter and Width: 70.7 inches by the Japanese carmaksteering column, power Weight: 3,505 pounds er? Best of all, the 2021 moonroof and liftgate, Fuel capacity: 12.7 gallons Mazda CX-30 didn’t repush-button start, heatCity: 22 mpg place any vehicle in the ed front seats, paddle Highway: 30 mpg lineup. Instead, the SUV shifters, metallic-finish Base price: $33,900 filled a slot between the trim, power driver’s seat, Price as tested: $36,995 subcompact CX-3 and Apple CarPlay and AnWebsite: www.mazdausa.com the bigger CX-5. droid Auto capabilities Seating five in comfort and a 12-speaker Bose and style, this sporty crossover is equipped sound system. Head and legroom is adewith a 2.5-liter, turbocharged, inline-four quate for adults, and best of all is the 60/40 cylinder engine cranking out 227 horse- split rear seat, which folds flat via a lever power at 5,000 rpm and 310 pounds-feet release in the trunk. of torque at 2,000 rpm while mated to a Included are dual front and side airsmooth six-speed auto gearbox. Whether bags, side curtain airbag, dynamic stability you choose front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and traction controls, four-wheel antilock the compact crossover is equipped with the brakes, hill launch assist, blind-spot monitor, direct-injection SKYACTIV-G, which uses a lane-keep assist and departure warning, torque boost via a high compression ratio to rear-cross traffic alert, front/rear parking increase fuel economy. Want to have some sensors/crumple zones and stabilizer bars, pleasure on the road? Just turn on the sport rearview camera, three-point safety belts mode and step on the pedal. for all, tire pressure monitoring system and Up front, a matte-finish grille with the daytime running lights. Mazda emblem is flanked by horizontal, Like its siblings in the CX fold, the CX-30 trapezoidal, eagle-eyed LED headlights and will surely carve a niche in the competitive daytime running lights. The well-crafted, compact crossover segment. It delivers a intelligently designed and simple cabin con- compelling performance, abundant cargo/ veys a classy and tailored look. Pleasing to passenger room, sportiness and worthy fuel the eye is a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster of mileage.
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Page 6
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
SUPERINTENDENT WRAPS UP FIRST SEMESTER
By Superintendent Addison Davis
As the first academic semester draws to a close, we must all reflect on the heroic work of our educators, support staff and school leaders as our community continues to navigate through a global health emergency. While we approach a new calendar year, Hillsborough County Public Schools will strengthen our resolve to ensure all learners are provided unrivaled educational opportunities. In order to offer premier instructional experiences throughout our district, we will continue to educate lawmakers in Tallahassee about our unique needs as the seventh largest school district in the nation. The district’s legislative priorities align with our vision to make certain all students graduate with the tools necessary to become successful both professionally and emotionally. I want to publicly thank the Hillsborough legislative delegation for their support and continued advocacy for the students and families in our district. The cornerstone of the school board’s 2022 legislative priorities will be focusing on an increase in the funding that school districts receive to provide the proper educational and emotional supports to our learners. Currently, Florida is ranked 43rd in the nation in per-pupil funding. It has perhaps never been more evident how critical these dollars are to the academic, social and emotional well-being of our youth as we grasp the impacts of a worldwide pandemic.
We will also lobby legislators to overhaul the 1973 Hazardous Walking Conditions law, which has not seen a change in the past 40 years. As we experience unprecedented growth in south county, you have undoubtedly seen an increase in traffic and crashes throughout the region. We will ask the state to revisit and study what constitutes unsafe conditions for our learners so we can better meet the needs of our community while keeping students safe on the way to school. Finally, we will be pushing lawmakers to allow our district to transition to a yearround funding model for Hillsborough Virtual K-12 to mirror that of Florida Virtual School. Currently, our district can only receive FTE funding for part-time students over the summer, which limits flexibility for our learners who aspire to choose our district’s virtual school and withholds much-needed FTE money from our district. Although these important topics are not the totality of our legislative priorities, I hope this provides added insight into our shared goals as we refocus on Accelerating Hillsborough for all learners. I encourage you to contact your local legislators to encourage them to support our legislative priorities which, if passed, will have enormous impacts on our community, and more importantly our students, for decades to come.
Volume 20, Issue 12
STUDENTS AT SUMNER CAN EARN BRIGHT FUTURE By Michelle Caceres At Sumner High the program in ninth School, there’s a secgrade and complete ond path to the covit by their junior eted Florida Academic year,” said Nelson. Scholars Award, part Since the school of the Bright Futures only opened last year, Scholarship program, he has students who that covers 100 perare cramming their cent of tuition and courses into a shorter applicable fees for stuperiod of time. dents attending a pub“Forty-four stulic institution of higher dents are on track to Students who earn the AICE diploma at Sumner earn the AICE diplolearning. Students who earn a High School and complete 100 community ma this year,” he said. Cambridge Advanced service hours also are awarded with a Bright In addition to the Futures Scholarship. International Certifischolarship, students cate of Education (AICE) diploma based on also earn college credit for the classes. The AICE exams, complete 100 hours of com- Florida Department of Education has estabmunity service and submit their Florida Fi- lished credit course equivalencies for the nancial Aid Applications by their high school AICE program at public state colleges. graduation date will earn the award. “This program is a game changer and an Sumner High, which opened last year, is opportunity for students to challenge themthe only high school that offers the AICE di- selves and be exposed to higher-level thinkploma. ing,” said Nelson. “It also saves parents and “It’s a big-ticket reward for our students students a lot of money and giving kids opat Sumner,” said Principal Robert Nelson. portunities that they didn’t think they could “When the complete the AICE program, the have.” SAT/ACT score and GPA requirements of Senior Joanna Milla started the program Bright Futures are waived.” last year as a junior and will earn the AICE The path is not a cakewalk. Students fol- diploma upon graduation. lowing the AICE curriculum for graduation “I’m really grateful for the benefits of this purposes have different requirements than program,” she said. “Even though it can be the standard 24-credit diploma require- a heavy workload sometimes, I’ve learned ments. It’s a rigorous, international, pre-uni- so much and will be able to pay for college versity curriculum and examination system now.” which requires that students complete a Milla has applied to The University of Tamminimum number of AICE-(college)-level pa and her dream school, the University of courses across a range of subjects. Comple- Miami. tion of the AICE curriculum requires stuFor more information about Sumner’s dents to complete a minimum of seven AICE AICE program, visit www.hillsboroughcourses and take (and pass) the exams for schools.org. For more information about the each. Bright Futures Scholarship program, visit “Our vision is that students will begin www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org.
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
December 2021
Page 7
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY ALLOCATES FEDERAL FUNDING TO LOCAL PROJECTS Staff Report
Hillsborough County has approved a list of projects to benefit infrastructure, affordable housing, fire rescue and food-insecure households to be funded by the American Rescue Plan Act - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (‘ARPA Funds’). The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, which approved the county’s general ARPA Funds investment plan, called the Hillsborough County ARP Investment Plan (the ‘Investment Plan’) on September 1, approved funding for six Investment Plan projects during its regular board meeting on November 3. The approved projects appropriate more than $103 million received from the federal program and targets long-term investments to promote community health and stability. A large portion of the funds will be allocated to essential infrastructure programs such as septic-to-sewer conversions, which protect groundwater in parts of the county that were developed before the county had wastewater services, and stormwater drainage programs. Other funding allocations will help the county address social issues such as food insecurity and homelessness, including the purchase of a 36-unit apartment building in the University Area to provide affordable housing opportunities for residents emerging from homelessness. Funding also has been allocated for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue to implement a new station alerting system to replace
outdated alerting and dispatching technology in the county’s 44 fire stations. The county projects must fit guidelines established by the federal government but will also address the County’s unique community needs and economic ecosystem characteristics and reflect the board of county commissioners’ collective values in addressing residents’ needs. The recently approved projects fall under four of the five categories set out in the Investment Plan: Water, Sewer and Broadband Infrastructure, which will provide necessary investments in projects that improve access to clean drinking water and improve wastewater and stormwater infrastructure systems; Public Health Response, which provides resources to meet and address the emergent public health needs; Negative Economic Impacts, which assists households or populations affected by the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency; and Revenue Replacement-Funded Government Services, which provides government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The county will continue to review and approve projects over the next three years until the entire $285 million that was received through the ARPA Funds is fully allocated, which must be done by December 2024. For more information, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org.
FINANCIAL FOCUS
DON’T AVOID ‘TABOO’ TOPICS WITH OLDER PARENTS
If your parents are getting close to retirement age, or are already retired, it may be time to talk with them about financial and aging issues, some of which may involve difficult conversations. For the sake of everyone in your family, don’t avoid these “taboo” topics. You’ll need to be careful about approaching these subjects with your parents. Mention ahead of time that you’d like to talk to them about their future plans and reassure them that you want to understand their wishes, so their affairs will be taken care of as they would like. If your parents are agreeable, choose a location comfortable for them and ask whom they might like to invite (or not invite). Then, think about how to open the conversation, preferably not with what they want to do with their money – this could be interpreted as your seeking information about your inheritance or being skeptical about their financial decisions. Instead, build a broad-based discussion about their vision for their aging years. A series of shorter conversations may allow you to cover topics more comfortably, one by one, rather than trying to solve everything at once. Try to address these areas: Health care – You’ll want to learn if your parents have established the appropriate health-related legal documents – a health care power of attorney, which gives someone the authority to make important decisions about their medical care if they become unable to do so themselves, and a living will, which spells out the extraordinary medical treatments they may or may not want. Independence – As people age, they may begin to lose their independence. Have your parents considered any options for long-term care, such as a nursing home stay, or the services of a home health aide? And
do they have plans in place? If they plan to receive support from family members, do their expectations match yours? Financial goals – Focusing on the personal and financial aspects of the legacy your parents want to leave can be a valuable conversation. Have your parents updated their will or other arrangements, such as a living trust? Have they named a financial power of attorney to make decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated? Do they have the proper beneficiary designations on their insurance policies and retirement plan accounts? If you can position these issues as being more about your parents’ control over their financial destiny, rather than “who will get what,” you’ll more likely have a productive conversation. Last wishes – You’ll want to find out if your parents have left instructions in their will about their funerals and last wishes. Express to them that you, or another close family member, should know who is responsible for making sure their wishes are met. Money, independence and aging can be sensitive topics. Don’t think you have to go it alone – you can enlist help from another close family member. Or, if you know your parents are working with a trusted advisor, such as an attorney or financial professional, you could see if they’d be willing to have this person participate in your talks. You might even be able to introduce them to one of your advisors. In any case, keep talking. These conversations can be challenging, but, if handled correctly, can be of great benefit to your parents and your entire family. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
edwardjones.com/adam-benabram
Apollo Beach resiShrimp will dent Michael Murphy, be the go-to environmental biolobait of choice, gist and charter capbut artificial tain, is starting a new baits work series of fishing colgreat this time umns for The Osprey of year as Observer. A fifth-genwell. Shrimp eration Florida boy, hooked on a Murphy takes a scien1/0 circle hook tific approach to fishshould yield ing with his charter good numboat, Fish This Inshore bers of trout Debbie and her boys on some nice flats fish. Charters. To learn more and redfish about his charters, call this time of him at 459-2521. year. Trout, reds The cold weather is and snook are on us now and with that holding well in comes the season of exthe residential tremely low tides. This canals around creates a great oppordocks and centunity to locate great ters of the channumbers of fish as they nels when the retreat to deep holes in tides are low. the backcountry waters You can rig them and creeks. Residential on a jig head by Kyia Unruh with a nice snook. canals will hold good threading them numbers of trout, snook and sheepshead. on backwards with the head hanging Find waters with good mudflats for bet- loose. Pull the tail off and remove some of ter results as these areas tend to warm the shell to make them a little easier for up faster and hold the heat to keep these the fish to eat and smell. You can also hook fish active. Deep water docks will also the shrimp on a 1/0 hook through the tail be your go-to places during these cold and add a small split shot weight to get front periods after they pass through. If them down to the fish. A popping cork is wadding is possible, this is a great time always fun for trout and works great on to hit those isolated water bodies as the the shallow flats. Hook a shrimp or even a fish will be concentrated in the areas. Be DOA plastic shrimp for great success. very stealthy in your approach and throw Be very careful when fishing falling shrimp or plastic jigs in these areas. Break tides as the water level will fall out and out those waders and find the holes and potentially leave you high and dry until channels. the next incoming tide.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
LAST DAVID WEEKLEY HOME CLOSES IN FISHHAWK FINISHING 20 YEAR LEGACY PROJECT
By Michelle Caceres
As they say Park, Payne in the movies, Park Village, “that’s a wrap”. Wate r s et , After more than Isles at Bay20 years, David View, CopeWeekley Homes, land Creek one of the naand Weststion’s largest hore Village. privately-owned Its Urban and homebuilders, Central Living has closed its Collections last home in Fishare being sold Hawk Ranch. It in South Tamhas also reached pa and St. Peanother signifi- David Weekley has sold its last home in FishHawk Ranch, the tersburg Lorenzo floorplan in the village of Encore. cant milestone, “ D a v i d closing on its 5,000th home since launch- Weekley Homes is continuing to build ing in the Tampa area in 1996. award-winning homes in stunning comThe final FishHawk home, the Loren- munities for today’s buyers in Tampa,” zo floorplan, was sold in FishHawk’s En- said Mike Foster, division president for core community, an age-restricted vil- David Weekley Homes. “We are also exlage designed for active adults featuring panding as far south as Venice and north low-maintenance, single story homes and to San Antonio.” a 5,000 square-foot amenity center. David Weekley Homes has built its David Weekley Homes sold its first home legacy on quality homebuilding and has in FishHawk Ranch in the first quarter of earned many accolades for its success. 1999. In total, it has sold 13% (1,054) It was the first builder in the United of the homes sold in the now closed-out States to be awarded the Triple Crown community of 7,947 homes. At the time, of American Home Building, an honor FishHawk Ranch was a trail-blazing com- which includes ‘America’s Best Builder,’ munity that focused on walkability, out- ‘National Housing Quality Award’ and ‘Nadoor spaces where residents could con- tional Builder of the Year.’ The company nect with one another and a system of has also appeared 15 times on FORTUNE greenspaces and paths that connected magazine’s ‘100 Best Companies to Work the neighborhood to educational facilities. For®’ list. Even though the opportunity to purFor more information about David chase a new David Weekley Home in Fish- Weekley Homes, visit the company’s webHawk Ranch is past, David Weekley contin- site at www.davidweekleyhomes.com. ues to sell new homes in the Tampa area. Homebuyers interested in learning more It is currently selling in the communities about David Weekley Homes in Tampa of Bexley, North River Ranch, Persimmon can contact 422-6100.
Volume 20, Issue 12
HILLSBOROUGH SCHOOLS RECEIVE FEDERAL GRANT By Michelle Caceres cused courses at Robinson High School. “Students in the elementary program will be getting 13 or 14 hours a week of a much more intensive Spanish language curriculum starting at a young age,” said District Supervisor of K-12 World Languages Melissa Morgado. The district is trying to meet Hillsborough County Publics Schools won a $1.7 million grant to the needs of the current and fuoffer Spanish language immersions classes at some schools. ture job market, as the demand The Department of Defense Education for bilingual employees continActivity (DoDEA) recently awarded a World ues to grow in this country. Language Advancement and Readiness “Our mission is to create a community of Grant worth $1.7 million to Hillsborough global learners equipped with the necesCounty Public Schools. The district was one sary skills and knowledge of languages and of nine districts in the nation to receive this cultures to communicate effectively in a award. The DoDEA awarded a total $47 21st-century, multilingual environment,” said million across 41 grants as part of its 2021 Morgado. program. Schools were selected based on the grant’s The grant will establish, improve and bol- criteria that selected schools needed a minster world language programs targeting stu- imum of a 10 percent student population dents in highly military-connected schools. from military families. Starting in August 2022, a Spanish language This new program is different than the disimmersion program will be offered at four trict’s Spanish dual language immersion inelementary schools: Dawson Elementary, struction, currently offered at Canella, Deer Lanier Elementary, Summerfield Crossings Park, Ruskin, Reddick, Westchase, Bellamy Elementary and West Shore Elementary. and Crestwood Elementary Schools. Hillsborough County Public Schools uses District officials are working this year to a 50/50, two-way, dual language immer- develop the rigorous curriculum and prosion model in which students receive math, vide training and personal development for science, social studies and language arts in- teachers selected for the program. struction in English 50 percent of the time “Our goal is to create a sustainable proand the other 50 percent in Spanish to devel- gram that can be replicated at any school in op proficiency in both languages. the District,” said Morgado. “By expanding World language instruction will also be our dual language program we are expandbolstered at the middle and high school lev- ing on the foundation of global citizenship.” el through the Bridge to Bi-Literacy project Visit www.dodea.edu. For more informawith the addition of Spanish career explora- tion about the district’s Dual Language Imtion courses at Barrington and Randall Mid- mersion Program, visit www.hillsboroughdle Schools and even deeper, higher-level fo- schools.org.
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
December 2021
WINTER VILLAGE AND ICE SKATING RETURN TO DOWNTOWN TAMPA FOR THE HOLIDAYS By Kathy L. Collins This year’s Winthat makes ter Village and a 10-minute outdoor ice skating loops around rink will be bigger the park during and better than the light show. ever. It is a great You must holiday activity for purchase and the whole family. reserve tickets The Winter Village for ice skatis located in Curtis ing in advance. Hixon Waterfront Area residents can get into the holiday spirit with a visit Tickets are Park at 600 N. to Tampa’s Winter Village, located in Curtis Hixon Wa- $17 and include Ashley Dr. in down- terfront Park in downtown Tampa. You can enjoy lights, skate rentals. Santa sightings, ice skating, shopping and more. town Tampa. The The Winter Winter Village is open through January Village is open seven days a week, with 2, 2022. the exception of Thanksgiving. It is also New to the holiday celebrations this subject to weather conditions. year is the Tampa Bay Lighting-themed “We are always looking for ways to 360-degree holiday light show with il- enhance the Winter Village experience, luminated trees synchronized to music. and this will be our most memorable Also new are the festivities that are ex- year yet,” said Shaun Drinkard, senior panding at Lykes Gaslight Square Park, director of public programming and opwith Sweet Street at The Square featur- erations at the Tampa Downtown Parting Sweet Mama’s Ice Cream shop along nership. “We are excited to partner with with beautiful lighting, local shops and the Tampa Bay Lightning this year. You activities every Sunday. will see a lot of new holiday decorations Back this year is the popular Win- in honor of our back-to-back Stanley ter Village Express. The family-friendly Cup Champions,” added Drinkard. excursion takes you from Downtown’s “We are growing the celebrations Whiting Station to Ybor and back on the throughout downtown Tampa and creTECO Line Streetcar. The one-hour trip ating a destination that everyone can features a holiday sing-along, holiday enjoy for the entire holiday season,” trivia, milk and cookies and added sur- said Lynda Remund, president and CEO prises along the way. The Winter Village of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. Express only runs on Sunday evenings. “We are also happy to support our small In addition to the 5,000-square-foot businesses, who can help you find the ice skating rink, the Winter Village fea- perfect gift for everyone on your list,” tures random Santa sightings, the Curtis added Remund. Hixon Choo Choo and shopping and beverFor information on hours and to reage options. The Curtis Hixon Choo Choo serve tickets for ice skating, please visit is a 12-seat, three-car, trackless train www.wintervillagetampa.com.
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Page 9
MARY & MARTHA HOUSE DEDICATES BUILDING TO FORMER DIRECTOR
By Kate Quesada
The SouthShore comBut Chini feels that munity lost one of its the biggest impact she most impactful citizens in made was on the lives September when Laurie that she changed, from Herring, executive directhe women and children tor of the Mary & Martha she helped to those she House in Ruskin, passed inspired to help others. away. But the staff and “She changed the board of directors have lives of so many,” he made sure that Herring’s said. “It’s nice to hear name will live on in the that, but actually think place where she changed about that, think about the lives of hundreds of actually changing someMary & Martha House Executive women. one’s life. It’s a very Director Laurie Herring passed away In October, one of the overwhelming thought, in September. In October, a shelter was shelters Mary & Marbut something Laurie named after her. tha House uses to house did on a regular basis. women and their children People like Laurie can’t be fleeing domestic violence duplicated, we can only be was named Laurie’s Magnolia thankful for the time we House in her honor. were able to learn from her According to Bill Chini, and do our best to carry on who stepped up as Mary & her legacy.” Martha’s executive director, As a way to continue the decision to name the shelter after Herring’s legacy, Mary & Martha House Herring was left up to the staff. Fashion and Home Goods Store will host “Laurie created the name Magnolia a retail sale event and market on the House, much from her love of flowers, second Saturday of each month, startnaming all the rooms in the house after ing from December 11 through April, in different flowers,” said Chini. “That is cooperation with Jen’s Market. The marLaurie’s house. That shelter would have ket will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at never happened if it wasn’t for Laurie. the store, which is located at 312 S. U.S. She built that house. It’s her house, and Hwy. 41 in Ruskin. now everyone will know that, forever.” “We are super excited to be partnering Herring, a Riverview resident, was 56 with Jen and her huge following,” said years old when she passed away on Sep- Chini. “She always brings something spetember 15. She touched many lives during cial to her markets. I think the exposure her time at Mary & Martha House, where for our store will be critical moving forshe aided women in becoming self-suffi- ward for our mission at Mary & Martha cient after escaping domestic violence. House.” “Next to the word ‘impact’ in the dicTo learn more about Mary & Martha tionary is a picture of Laurie,” said Chini. House, call 645-7874 or visit www.ma“She impacted everything she touched.” rymarthahouse.org.
Page 10
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 12
FISHHAWK LIONS CLUB HELPS PLANT CITY BOULEVARD HAS BEEN FOUR LOCAL FAMILIES THIS NAMED FLORIDA MAIN STREET OF HOLIDAY SEASONBy Kelly Wise Valdes THE MONTH Staff Report The Lions wonderful ChristClub first bemas. The club gan in 1917 had some funds with a mission left over from to empower its recent bingo volunteers fundraisers and and partners Christmas lumito improve nary sales, so it health and decided it wantwell-being. It ed to bless four also wanted families this holto strengthen iday. communities “We had about and support $800 leftover those in need This holiday season, the FishHawk Lions Club is looking for and we thought, through hu‘What else can we four local families to bless. manitarian do?’ So, we deservices and grants that cided at our last meeting that impact lives globally, while we would adopt to bless four encouraging peace and infamilies from our community,” ternational understanding. Roberson said. “We decided to Lions strive to be global start with $200 for each famleaders in community and ily, but then our new member, humanitarian services. Holly DiMemmo, has a Scent“The Lions Clubs are for sy business and she said she anyone who is service-mindwanted to host fundraisers for ed—basically for people who just want to the families. So, the club decided to partner help others but don’t know where to start,” with her to bump off the money for each said LaTonyia Roberson, membership coor- family. That fundraiser will be going on for dinator for the FishHawk Lions Club. “Lions the next month, but we are currently looking Clubs International is the world’s largest for the four families to bless. We did find one nonprofit service organization, made up of family, but we are working with local schools nearly 1.5 million men and women in over to find the other three families.” 200 countries. Since 1917, Lions Clubs have If you know of any families the FishHawk aided the blind and visually impaired and Lions Club could help this holiday season, made a strong commitment to community please contact the club at fishhawklionsservice and serving youth throughout the club@gmail.com. world. Its missions include diabetes, hunger, If you’d like to participate in its Scentsy environment and childhood cancer.” Fundraiser, you can go to the fundraiser’s This holiday season, the FishHawk Lions link on the club’s Facebook page at www. Club is helping four local families have a facebook.com/fishhawklionsclub.
Block Party. The block party featured live music, and food and drinks were offered at the participating businesses. Plant City Main Street used its ‘Topics on Tap’ events to recruit and educate existing and potential business owners about Photograph courtesy of Rob Yoho. Plant City Main Street was desig- opportunities in downtown, including grant pronated the November 2021 Florida Main Street of the Month. grams available through Last month, Secretary of State Laurel M. the City of Plant City. Matt Morrow, owner Lee announced that Plant City Main Street of The Tipsy Bookworm, summed up the was designated the November 2021 Florida impact of these efforts: “After I attended Main Street Program of the Month. ‘Topics on Tap’ and Plant City Main Street “Plant City Main Street’s revitalization ef- walked me through the city grants, it beforts are inspiring,” said Lee. “By supporting came clear that The Tipsy Bookworm betheir local businesses through community longs in downtown Plant City.” partnerships, special events, education and Florida Main Street is a program adminispromotion opportunities, Plant City Main tered by the Division of Historical ResourcStreet is helping to create a vibrant down- es under the Florida Department of State, town district for residents and visitors to which currently oversees 54 communities enjoy.” throughout the state. By implementing the Plant City Main Street was designated National Main Street Center’s Four-Point in 1985 as one of five pilot communities Approach, Florida Main Street encourages of the Florida Main Street program. Since economic development within the context its reorganization in 2018, Plant City Main of historic preservation through the revitalStreet has been effective in bringing people, ization of Florida’s downtowns—the combusinesses and jobs back to the downtown munity’s heart and soul. area. Since its reorganization, Plant City Plant City Main Street has seen a recent Main Street has reported approximately resurgence of business openings within its $1,044,782 in public and private reinvestdistrict. Referred to locally as the ‘Evers ments and welcomed 22 net new businessStreet Wave,’ the business recruitment es and 91 net new full-time and part-time efforts were spearheaded by Plant City jobs to the district. The organization has Main Street with support from community also reported 3,825 volunteer hours. partners. In May 2021, these revitalization Visit plantcitymainstreet.org or facebook. efforts and new businesses were highlight- com/PCMainStreet. Visit floridamainstreet. ed to the community with the Evers Street com or facebook.com/FloridaMainStreet.
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
December 2021
HOME MAKERS OF HOPE HELPS FAMILIES IN NEED MAKE THEIR HOUSES INTO HOMES
By Makenzie Atkins
unteers always pray to ask for blessings on the family and the home. The volunteers at Home Makers of Hope live by the verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:13). “Since everyone is 100 percent volunteer, Home Makers Home Makers of Hope has furnished over 1,000 homes with donations of Hope is the perfect ministry to dofrom generous members in the community. A local nonprofit organization, Home nate to if you want Makers of Hope, works with families and all of the money to go directly towards individuals who are struggling with pov- helping families,” said Pam McMenamy erty and cannot afford to furnish their Stamey, founder of Home Makers of homes. Hope. Home Makers of Hope provides for The organization is always accepting those in need by supplying linens and donations but is actively looking for dobeds, stocking kitchens and decorating nors to sponsor the purchases of matliving areas. After picking up furniture tresses, blankets and sheets. and other household items from donors Stamey first began helping furnish or purchasing items with money dona- homes in 2008. Originally being asked to tions, volunteers sort and organize it all help find more beds for a family of five, in the warehouse. Stamey quickly realized the family was A volunteer will then visit a home to in need of more than just beds. One week find out what is needed and go back to later, Stamey and some friends were the warehouse to select items to deliv- able to collect donations to provide beds, er to the home. Volunteers try to find a living room sofa, an entertainment cenpieces in the warehouse that represent ter, a television, a kitchen table and a the family’s style, picking superheroes, fully stocked kitchen and bathroom. dinosaurs or princesses for children in Now, Home Makers of Hope has helped the home. furnish over 1,000 homes in need. Once the volunteers get all of the For more information, please contact items to the house, the fun begins. The Stamey at pamstamey1@gmail.com or volunteers set up curtains, hang photos visit the website at www.homemakerand decorate. Most importantly, the vol- sofhope.com/.
Page 11
WESTFIELD BRANDON PROVIDES AN ARRAY OF SERVICES TO ITS GUESTS
By Tatiana Ortiz
ing about a certain store’s hours of operation and so forth during the mall’s hours. BNPL is another convenient way to shop for interest-free gifts at the destination’s most coveted retailers. For instance, Buckle is one of the numerous retailers that got involved A family being greeted at the Santa counter at Westfield Brandon. with the BNPL The holiday season is in full and curbside swing, and this year, Westfield services. BuckBrandon has a lot to offer. The le launched its mall recently partnered with company-wide Afterpay, which is a buy-now, BNPL service to pay-later (BNPL) service for all of its 400shoppers and has implemented plus stores. other programs to make shopAccording to ping easier this month as well Arvidson, shopas traditional events for the whole family, pers hit the mall early this year, seeking including Visit with Santa, Pet Photos and out the best deals on merchandise. In much more. fact, Cameron Morgan, a store manager at “This year, we are also making holiday Buckle, can attest to that. He also noticed shopping as convenient as possible by pro- people shopping a little bit early this year. viding services such as Buy Online, Pick Up “As the days become busier, our team in Store (BOPIS), Answers on the Spot, aims to continue adhering to Buckle’s miscurbside pickup services and more,” said sion statement, which is to create the most Dawn Arvidson, marketing director at enjoyable shopping experience possible for Westfield Brandon. our guests,” Morgan said. BOPIS is a convenient way to avoid any For more information, visit www.westunnecessary shipping delays with conve- field.com/brandon. The mall is located at nient local pickup, and Answers on the 459 Brandon Town Center Dr. in Brandon. Spot, also known as Ask an Elf, gives peo- For a list of extended hours, check out ple a chance to ask questions via texting to www.westfield.com/brandon/access or 537-3587. Questions may relate to inquir- call 661-6255.
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Page 12
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
SNAKE-CHARMING LOCAL RESIDENT OFFERS REPTILE REMOVAL SERVICES
By Libby Hopkins
Bryce Anderson of about my reptile reBrandon is a college moval and relocation student at Hillsborough services is that they Community College curare completely free rently pursuing a degree of charge. Tips are in biological sciences. happily accepted to At a young age, his facover transportation ther introduced him to and tools, as I am a the outdoors, where college student. I take he became enthralled pleasure in helping with the native wildout my community life of the San Diego and providing a safe region where he grew and humane alternaup. “One particular class tive to killing snakes. I of animals stood out try to be available as to me the most, and much as possible and Bryce Anderson of Brandon loves being I always make relocathat happened to be able to help local residents in their the reptiles,” Anderson tion calls my number reptile time of need and supporting local said. “More specifically, one priority.” businesses. snakes.” Anderson loves As Anderson grew oldbeing able to help er, he and his father would local residents in head out in the search of their reptile time of snakes and other reptiles. need and supporting “This hobby grew more local businesses. He and more as I aged and does this because over the past 10 years or he’s happy the comso I have dedicated much munity supports his of my life to studying the small reptile removnatural history of snakes al services. “I value and other reptiles—and getting involved and amphibians,” Anderson interacting with my said. “On top of local venlocal community tures, I also enjoy travelas much as possiing to other countries in ble,” Anderson said. the search for new species.” “When possible, I seek out mom-and-pop Around six years ago, Anderson start- shops and small businesses to shop at and ed offering reptile removal and relocation support.” within the Brandon community as a way If you should ever need a snake or other to help out in a field where he has experi- reptile removed from your home or propence. “I started off within a small commu- erty, you can contact Anderson by phone nity and eventually began expanding out at 1-760-908-9938 and by email at bryfarther,” Anderson said. “The best thing ceabusiness6135@gmail.com.
Volume 20, Issue 12
FAMILY PET TRAINED THROUGH PAWS FOR FRIENDSHIP PROGRAM By Michelle Caceres Hope, a 9-year-old 3-years-old, she pointer hound mix, was already led a busy life prior trained and to COVID-19. From well-mannered,” working with children said Paulette. who were learning “The evaluation to read to visiting seprocess was pretniors in assisted living, ty quick and painHope and her owners, less.” Robert and Paulette The Speirses Speirs, operated topay a $60 annual gether as a team to membership fee improve the lives of and are required Robert and Paulette Speirs and their pooch, Hope, put other people. to visit a facilismiles on people’s faces at local schools and assisted They visited Hawty of their choice living facilities. thorne Assisted Livat least once a ing every Tuesday and visited local schools, month. including BT Washington Elementary in While Hope has proved a blessing in their Tampa, a couple times a week. lives, it was divine providence that brought “Hope would walk around and let the as- her into their lives. sisted living residents pet her,” said Paulette. “My husband and I had decided we were “If they were singing, Hope would howl along through with owning dogs because we had with them and make them laugh.” just lost a boxer we had owned for 12 years,” Then COVID happened and the visits said Paulette. stopped, but the couple still found a way to A coworker who was a foster pet owner share their well-behaved pooch with others: told her about Hope, her current foster pet, they used Zoom to continue their visits on- and said she had to meet her. “My husband line, but less frequently. joked with me and said he’d only meet her if That changed last month when they were she was ceramic and could hold a television able to resume their visits to schools. remote control,” she said. “Everywhere we “We’ve missed it so much and are glad to went, we kept seeing signs that said ‘hope’ continue what we love,” said Paulette. and finally, after following a Metropolitan Hope was registered as a therapy pet Ministries truck that had ‘hope’ written in through Paws for Friendship, an organization big letters across it and hearing our minister that certifies and registers pets and their teach a lesson about hope, I knew someone owners to visit nursing homes, hospitals and was trying to tell us something.” schools. The Speirses took her for the weekend six Hope didn’t need much training. She al- years ago. “We are thankful for her and Paws ready had basic obedience skills and was a for Friendship and being able to do what we healthy and well-socialized pet with a good do,” said Paulette. disposition. For more about Paws for Friendship, visit “When we adopted her when she was www.pawsforfriendshipinc.org.
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December 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 13
Page 14
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
STRAWBERRY CREST STUDENTS STEP UP TO FEED FAMILIES
By Michelle Caceres
Crest) with a bag of nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food every Friday afternoon to be enjoyed throughout the weekend, which includes jars of peanut butter and jelly, a box of cereal, boxes of macaroni and cheese and a box of pasta. The food is placed in a bag and distributed discreteStrawberry Crest ESE teacher Shauna Kornegay and her class are coordi- ly. nating Seeds of Hope’s Backpacks of Hope program and providing food Seeds of Hope supplies for students attending Bailey Elementary. the funds to purchase The students in Shauna Kornegay’s excepthe food, provided by tional student education (ESE) class have community donors and grants. A regular or partnered with Seeds of Hope to continue International Baccalaureate (IB) students Backpacks of Hope, a club that was estab- does the shopping on Monday night and lished five years ago but is on the verge of brings the groceries to her classroom, where disbanding because the school administra- her students sort and package the food into tion couldn’t find a club sponsor. grocery bags. Kornegay, who has been teaching at “It’s teaching skills that would translate to Strawberry Crest High School for seven working in a grocery store,” said Kornegay. years, was excited to offer the service-learnOn Thursdays, she and her students walk ing opportunity to her students. Her stu- to Bailey Elementary and deliver the food dents already participate in Crest Buddies, a bags, where its staff repackages them into program that helps her students form friend- the kids’ backpacks. ships with other students at the school. She “This is a unifying project that all students even helped her students start a business can participate in,” she said. “This club has selling custom buttons that are made in the had such a positive impact not only on those classroom. we serve but our entire school.” But she wanted to do more. Seeds of Hope President Leda Eaton is “I’m always looking for opportunities to grateful for Kornegay and her students and help my students learn skills that will in- pleased the program is able to continue at crease their employability,” she said. “It’s Strawberry Crest. also important for them to learn social skills “We are so much more than food to peoby seeing how other students at the school ple,” said Eaton. “We see the value in prointeract with each other.” viding these service experiences to every The backpack program provides more student.” than 30 children at Bailey Elementary School For more information about Seeds of (located across the street from Strawberry Hope, visit www.sohopefl.org.
Volume 20, Issue 12
DECK THE HALLS WITH TACOS
Staff Report
Tampa Bay may not see restaurants gain new snow this holiday season, customers and keep but soon it’ll be raining tatheir doors open.” cos. To help local taquerias With a new book reand get people out into the leasing each year, the community, Taco Tours is 2022 Tampa Bay Taco filling stockings across the Tour book includes Bay area with a one-of-athree free tacos from kind experience: its first each restaurant. Books annual 2022 Tampa Bay can be purchased now Taco Tour book. Created by at www.getyourtacos. a Bloomingdale resident, com and passholders throughout all of 2022, this can claim their free tapocket-size book will guide cos between Saturday, passholders on their own January 1, 2022 and Deschedule to more than 20 cember 31, 2022. If free of the best locally owned Bloomingdale resident Ryan Brown tacos weren’t enough taquerias in the Tampa Bay recently published the first annual of an incentive, passarea, where they’ll receive 2022 Tampa Bay Taco Tour book. holders will also earn a free tacos from each one. chance to win cash and And because the inspiration prizes. for the book was to help loFrom Dunedin to Plant cal restaurants thrive after City, St. Petersburg to the challenges brought on Wesley Chapel and just by the pandemic, businesses about everywhere in beare not charged to be intween, Taco Tours has cluded in the book. partnered with more Perfect as stocking than 20 taquerias in stuffers or holiday gifts, an effort to get peothe 2022 Tampa Bay ple back out into the Taco Tour book tops the community exploring list for many Bay area and supporting local residents, and not just businesses. Taco lovbecause it’s filled with ers are encouraged free tacos. to follow Taco Tours With so many taco spots throughout on Facebook and Instagram @tacotourthe Tampa Bay area, this unique program stampabay for special promos and dishelps residents explore different areas counts. while sampling the goods along the way. Brown aims to use every book pur“It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” said chased to help make a difference in the Taco Tours Owner and Valrico resident community, which is why he is also doRyan Brown. “It’s great for the holidays nating a portion of the book proceeds to because it gives people a unique expe- local charities. For more information or rience they can enjoy all year, but it’s to learn how businesses can partner with great for the community because it helps Taco Tours, visit www.getyourtacos.com
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
December 2021
Page 15
SPRING FLOWS
YOUR WATER QUESTIONS ANSWERED
By Madison Trowbridge, Ph.D., SW Water Management District
Florida has the the Floridan aquifer. largest concentraOnce absorbed, the tion of springs in the limestone holds the world, with more water like a sponge than 200 springs and the water bewithin the boundarcomes part of our ies of the Southwest aquifer. The water Florida Water Manlevel in the aquifer is agement District. the driving force for These natural wonspring flow. As rain ders rely on rainfall to is absorbed into the replenish their water aquifer, it increassource, and Dr. Mades the water level ison Trowbridge exin the aquifer, and plained how the rainy creates greater and season provides big stronger flow in the benefits for Florida’s springs. springs. Q: What happens Q: What is spring to springs when flow? there is not ample A: Spring flow is Dr. Madison Trowbridge is the springs scientist rainfall? the amount of water A: Rainfall patand springs team lead for the Southwest that discharges from Florida Water Management District. She holds terns strongly influa spring vent, or in a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology from the ence the amount of most cases a collec- University of South Florida and her doctoral groundwater that research focused on subsurface microbial tion of spring vents, discharges from a ecology near Weeki Wachee. and is the primary spring, and rainfeature of a spring system. Spring flow fall has been generally lower since the creates and maintains the spring run. 1960s. Because of that, we have seen Without adequate flow, the ecology and a reduction in discharge in our springs human use potential of the spring run di- during the past 60 years. Discharge afminishes. There are five first-magnitude fects flow in a spring system, and flow springs in the district that collectively plays a significant role in maintaining the discharge more than one billion gallons ecological health of many springs. of water per day. Q: Where can I learn more about Q: What drives spring flow? springs? A: The amount of rainfall a region reA: You can learn more about the five ceives directly affects the amount of wa- first-magnitude spring groups in the dister that is discharged from the spring, trict, Rainbow River, Crystal River/Kings which is what we call flow. Rain falls Bay, Homosassa River, Chassahowitzka to the ground where it is absorbed by River and Weeki Wachee River, by visitFlorida’s limestone aquifer, known as ing watermatters.org/springs.
1095
$
Expires 12/31/21
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 12
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
December 2021
ELECTRIC CONSERVATION TIPS CAN SAVE MONEY AND THE ENVIRONMENT By Brad Stager Since Hillsborough and Lee Strobeck County was recognized of TECO, include for its environmental Hillsborough Sostewardship with a lar Co-op, which Platinum LEED (Leaderis geared toward ship in Energy and Envigroups of people ronmental Design) cer- Thermostat settings appropriate to the season are interested in inkey to achieving energy savings. tification from the U.S. stalling solar powGreen Building Council er on their proplast year, the county’s suserties. A financial benefit tainability team has contincomes from group pricing ued to build on that success available when neighbors by informing residents about collectively sign up for energy conservation through the program. The energy public outreach. cooperative is expected “Sustainability is someto reopen for signups in thing the county sees as very the spring of 2022. important,” said HillsborImproving the energy ough’s sustainability managefficiency and habitabilier, Sheila McNamara, who ty of homes is supported added that it should be of through loans that the importance to individual residents as well. county’s Department of Affordable Housing “The impact of personal habits is huge.” can help residents apply for. State of FlorDuring a recent public online webinar, ida weatherization and U.S. Department residents had a chance to learn about ways of Housing and Urban Development rehab to be more efficient in using electricity and funds are also available to homeowners. options for getting help in paying a utility Air cooling and water heating are major bill when circumstances make that neces- uses of energy by Hillsborough County ressary. idents, according to Strobeck, who works While the county’s LEED award reflects in TECO’s energy management services. in part major infrastructure efforts, such He recommends setting thermostats at 78 as installing solar power and LED lighting degrees or higher for cooling and 68 dein buildings, parking lots and parks, Eric grees or lower for heating, as well as using Pyzowski, Hillsborough County’s energy low-flow shower heads to save hot water. manager, said achieving significant energy Strobeck also encourages participating in a efficiency begins with small actions by indi- home energy audit and the utility’s energy viduals, such as adjusting thermostats and planner program that takes advantage of weatherizing buildings. lower nonpeak usage rates. “These little steps, adding up, will have an For more information, visit the sustainimpact,” he said. ability section of the county’s website at Resources presented in the webinar, hcflgov.net, and utility-related information which was hosted by McNamara, Pyzowski can be found at tampaelectric.com.
Expiration 01/01/2022
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STATE PARK HOLDS THIRD ANNUAL TREASURE HUNT
By Kate Quesada
done or completed. “Our events have been put on hold because of the pandemic, but we are now ready to bring these events back for the enjoyment of the public in our great outdoors at Little Manatee River State Park,” said Moore. The entry fee to the event is $25 per particiThe Friends of Little Manatee River State Park will host the third pant in advance or $30 on annual Treasure Hunt on Saturday, December 4. the day of the event. Are you looking for Each entry comes something different with lunch, a drink and to do in this beautiful dessert. Extra lunches December weather? are $8 for those just Then head out to the wanting to come and Little Manatee River enjoy the event. There State Park on Saturwill also be donkey day, December 4 for bingo and a silent the third annual Treaauction of numerous sure Hunt. interesting items doHeld by the Friends nated by local busiof Little Manatee Rivness and supporters. er State Park, a 501(c)(3) CI support or- All profits from the event stay in the park ganization for the park, the treasure hunt for park projects. will allow participants to follow a map on Gates will open at 8 a.m. and the event foot or horseback through the parks trails will take place from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. All to locate one or all 10 locations marked on keys must be returned by 1:30 p.m. and the map. deposited in the treasure chest with the Each location will have a bucket with corresponding number. The drawing for keys that will give participants a chance to winners will take place at 2 p.m. For tickwin a prize valued at $25 or more, such ets and information, visit www.friendsoftas camping trips, horseback riding trips, helittlemanatee.org or call 677-9291. If canoe or kayak trips, gift certificates and you wish to rent a horse for the event, call more. Wolfe’s Born to Ride at 941-812-1980 or Cathy Moore, with the Friends of Little email borntoride09@gmail.com. Manatee River State Park, explained that Little Manatee River State Park is lothe group puts on events in the park to cated at 215 Lightfoot Rd. in Wimauma, bring attention to the park and to help only 4 miles south of Sun City Center on fund projects that otherwise would not be U.S. 301.
Expiration 01/01/2022
Expiration 01/01/2022
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Chill Cawfee Hosts ‘Bored On Sundays?’ Games Day
FishHawk Blood Drive, Bingo Returns & More... Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com
Board games have been found to strengthen relationships, increase brain function, reduce stress and to create happiness, creativity and confidence. Chill Cawfee is happy to host ‘Bored on Sundays?’, a day to come in and play some of the games that it has on its shelves like scrabble, chess, Othello, boggle and many more, or bring your own game to play. Bored on Sundays? is ev-
FishHawk Ranch Blood Drive
FishHawk Ranch is holding a blood drive at the Osprey Club, located at 5721 Osprey Ridge Dr. in Lithia, on Saturday, December 18 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. All donators will receive a wellness check, a One Blood blanket and a $10 e-gift card. Online appointments are encouraged; to make an appointment to donate, please visit https:// donor.oneblood.org/donor/ s c h e d u l e s /d r i v e _ s c h e d ule/1053586.
Brandon League Of Fine Arts Competition.
Brandon League of Fine Arts is holding its Squares Off competition at Center Place, located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon. All entries must be square with a minimum size of 5 inches to a maximum of 24 inches, weighing no more than 5 lbs. Take-in day is on Friday, December 17 with a reception on Thursday, January 13, 2022, where prizes will be awarded. For full entry information, please contact the Brandon League of Fine Arts at blfa33511@ gmail.com.
Post 9/11 Corps Army-Navy Fundraiser At The Talking Pint
Post 9/11 Veterans Corp is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is holding a fundraiser. Come and watch the Army-Navy football game at The Talking Pint Bar & Bistro, located at 13418 Boyette Rd. in Riverview, on Saturday, December 11 from 2:30 p.m. Check in at the welcome table and purchase your event wristband to earn a 15 percent discount on food and beverages. Enjoy the game and good-natured rivalry while enjoying food and drink specials, 50/50 football pool and raffles. Come out and have a good time for a great cause. For more information on the Post 9/11 Veterans organization, visit its website at www.post911veterans.org.
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Bingo Returns To St. Stephen Catholic ery Sunday from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Chill Church Cawfee, located at 3407 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.
Black Cat 5K Was A Huge Success
The inaugural Black Cat 5K race organized by local cat charity A Kitten Place was a huge success and raised
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St. Stephen Catholic Church, located at 10118 St. Stephen Cir. in Riverview is pleased to announce the return of bingo to its Family Life Center. The event, held on the fourth Tuesday of every month, the next date is Tuesday, December 28, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
and a concession stand is available for refreshments. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, and proceeds from the evening will support community families in need and church groups like St. Vincent de Paul.
Congregation Beth S h a l o m Men’s Club Meeting
The Men’s Club of Congregation Beth Shalom will be meeting on Tuesday, December 14 at 7 p.m. at Jesse’s Steak and Seafood, located at 524 W. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon. You do not need to be a member of the congregation to join in the camaraderie. Visit its website at www. bethshalom-brandon.org for more information
East Hillsborough Democratic Club Meeting
The East Hillsborough Democratic Club will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 14 at 6:30 p.m. All like-minded individuals are invited to join them at Brandon Crossroads Bowl, located at 609 Crater Ln. in Tampa. For those uncomfortable meeting in person, you may join on Zoom by going to Mobilize to register. For more information, visit the website at www.easthillsboroughdems.org or call 677-8300 and leave a message.
No December Meeting For The Alafia Republican Club
The Alafia Republican club will not be holding a meeting in December. The January meeting will be held on Monday, January 17, 2022 at O’Brien’s Irish Pub, located at 701 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by a guest speaker at 7 p.m.
Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes
by Bay Area Clean Team
Time to review your plan!
over $15,000. A Kitten Place would like to thank all the sponsors and donors who helped make this such a successful event and especially the community of Twin Lakes for allowing them to hold the event there. A Kitten Place is a local cat charity that focuses its efforts on the most vulnerable in the county shelters. For more information, please visit its website at www.akittenplace. org.
Volume 20, Issue 12
www.medicareofflorida.com 813.767.2878
Not Affiliated with any Federal Agency
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of ADJUDICAKE located at 9221 Hidden Water Circle, 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 Valrico, FL this 1st Day of December, 2021
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
December 2021
Page 19
SENATOR RUBIO HOSTS VIETNAM UNDER ARMOR BRINGS FLAG FOOTBALL PROGRAM TO FISHHAWK COMMEMORATION EVENTS STATEWIDE By Kate Quesada
By Libby Hopkins
Do you have the en to 10 games, next Tom Brady in depending on the your household or is number of teams in your child interested each age group. in trying out a new The last week of sport? Flag football the season is the is one of the fastplayoffs, where est growing sports teams often play in this country and multiple games in FishHawk area resorder for one per idents have a great Sign-ups are now under way for Under the Lights age group to be option for young Flag football with FishHawk and Valrico leagues. named divisional players in their champion. backyard. “Divisional chamThe Under the pions in our league Lights league is the have the opportunity exclusive youth flag to register for our football partner of national and state Under Armor, Inc. tournaments,” said and offers boys Celerin, who addand girls of all skill ed that past venues levels the opporfor the national and tunity to play in a state tournaments competitive, confihave included USF, dence-building, noncontact league with IMG, UCLA, One Buc Place and Champiweekly games. onship Sports Plex of Tampa Bay. According to Josh Celerin, league comFishHawk resident Greg Monk has missioner for the FishHawk and Valrico coached teams in the Under the Lights areas, Under the Lights started in Valrico program for years. in 2018 and expanded to FishHawk in the “It is very organized, and we like the spring of 2021. level of competition the league offers,” “We are a league that prides ourselves said Monk. “The league also fosters a in teaching children how to compete,” great sense of community as many Fishsaid Celerin. Hawk families return play season after Players are broken up into teams by season and really enjoy the comradery grade level, and students in pre-K to 10th and team building that comes with maingrade are welcome to sign up. taining a team.” Sign-ups are currently underway for For more information or to sign your the winter season, which starts on Friday, player up, visit uaflag.com and search January 7, 2022 in FishHawk and Friday, for the FishHawk or the Valrico location. January 14, 2022 in Valrico. Games take Winter season games will be played at place on Friday nights for eight weeks, the FishHawk Sports Complex, located at with teams playing anywhere from sev- 16000 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia.
Florida is home public have a to nearly a half-milbetter underlion Vietnam-era standing and veterans. In order a p p re c i at i o n to honor and thank of the service our Vietnam vetour Vietnam erans who served veterans and our nation honorthe U.S. inably, Senator Marvolvement in co Rubio hosted a the Vietnam number of cereWar. monies recognizing The Vietnam Vietnam veterans War Commemthroughout Florida oration Oral during the week of History Project Veterans Day. collects and These events preserves vidwere held in Miami, eo-recorded Estero, Orlando and Senator Marco Rubio hosted a number of ceremonies interviews of Tampa. The Tam- recognizing Vietnam veterans throughout Florida during Vietnam veterpa event was held the week of Veterans Day. He met with WWII and Viet- ans and their nam Honor Flight Veterans in Miami. at the Dale Mabry family memHillsborough Community College campus. bers. Their stories provide the public with The events were held in partnership a clearer picture of military service and with the United States Vietnam War Com- the effect of that service on the people memoration, which Congress established waiting back home. It is an opportunity to in 2008. Rubio honored each Vietnam consider the individual experience of war veteran in attendance with a commem- and how Americans remember the war orative pin at the events. “As Veterans 50 years later. The range of experiences Day approached, these events inspired can also challenge conventional underus all to reflect on the tremendous sacri- standings of the war and the American fices our veterans and their families have serviceperson. made for our great country, said Ansley “The service paid by our nation’s vetBradwell, press secretary for Rubio. “Our erans cannot be overstated,” Bradwell rights and freedoms often come at great said. “Florida is home to the third-largest personal cost to those who serve, and we population of veterans in the nation, and must never forget to recognize and honor the senator was proud to meet with these those who paid the price on our behalf.” military heroes who live in the Sunshine The mission of the History and Legacy State.” Branch of the United States Vietnam War If you would like to learn more about Commemoration strives to provide histor- the Vietnam War Commemoration, you ically accurate material and an interactive can visit its website at www.vietnamexperience that will help the American war50th.com.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
FORGOTTEN ANGELS LAUNCHES RAFFLE TO WIN FORD RANGER AND HARLEY MOTORCYCLE By Kelly Wise Valdes and teaches them life skills, including the opportunity to build their own tiny home, open a bank account, build credit, get a job and transportation as well as experience love, care and guidance while being part of a family. All 17 residents have their own vehicles and sources of income, and some even put money aside for retirement. “As a foundation, we are Forgotten Angels will be raffling a new 2021 Ford Ranger blessed to have one of the Tremor with the full off-road package. All ticket sales will go to best communities in the world benefit Forgotten Angels. as supporters,” said Tyler. Forgotten Angels is a nonprofit that pro- “That would be the motorcycle community. vides resources and support to children that Through our motorcycle rallies, motorcycle have aged out of foster care and are strug- camp outs, sponsored rides and sponsors like gling to achieve housing, education and life Harley Davidson, we have been able to grow skills. Many children that lived in foster care faster than we ever anticipated.” until the age of 18 find themselves with no In order to continue funding and growing, home, no transportation and little hope for Forgotten Angels is raffling off a brand-new the future. That is where Forgotten Angels 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor with the full offsteps in. The organization purchased 12 road package. This incredible truck will be acres of land in Valrico several years ago and won on March 19, 2022. There will also be currently houses 17 residents in tiny homes a second-place raffle winner of a Low Rider built on the property. S Harley Davidson motorcycle. Raffle tick“We are proud to say that we are opening ets are $25 for one ticket and $100 for five new facilities in the near future in Atlanta, tickets. All the money donated to this raffle Georgia; St. Augustine, Florida; another fa- goes toward the Forgotten Angels children, cility in Valrico,” said David Tyler, executive building more tiny homes and expanding the director. “The hard work that goes into the circle of compassion. young men that come to us is paying off in In addition, on Saturday, December 18, spades. Every single resident of Forgotten Forgotten Angels is hosting a Christmas Angels is either working full time at great event for approximately 45-50 students companies like Hoppen Home Entertain- from Simmons Career Center in Plant City. ment, Smart Surfaces and, very soon, Tam- Last year, due to COVID-19, this event was pa Bay Fisheries, or attending Hillsborough canceled. Community College or taking online college To purchase a raffle ticket, visit https:// courses. We are also proud to have a grad- rafflecreator.com/pages/47938/ford-ranguating JRTC member at Newsome High er-raffle-fundraiser. Email david@forgotSchool, making us very proud.” tenangelsflorida.org, call 728-0461 or visForgotten Angels takes these children in it www.forgottenangelsflorida.org.
Performance Care to Maximize Your Athlete’s Abilities It’s common for us to have athletes come into our office to get an injury treated, but more often than not, a non-traumatic injury is the result of body mechanics not functioning appropriately. This means that if we were to just treat the injury itself and then send that athlete back to the sport that caused the injury in the first place, they would likely end up injured again. This is why in all of our treatment plans we perform a head to toe joint evaluation. From your neck down to literally how your big toe is functioning, we evaluate how that joint is performing when you run, pitch, jump, etc. Not only does this approach keep our athletes out of injury, but it can make them to pitch faster, run harder, and jump higher. Generalized training and conditioning with the team or even sport-specific with most trainers does not account for every athlete’s individualized anatomical abilities. They train for the sport requirements and not what that athlete may be able to safely perform, so ultimately, it ends up training compensation patterns that result in injury or decreased performance. Our physicians are trained in techniques that many professional athletes and teams utilize to keep their players performing at their highest ability, safely. You can find the same techniques and protocols in our office that are used throughout the MLB, NHL, NFL, and even at Westside Barbell, which produces arguably the strongest powerlifters in the world. Athletes we love to work with: runners, swimmers, pitchers, golfers, weightlifters, and all youth and high school athletes
CALL TODAY Dr. Robert Lutz
Volume 20, Issue 12
BOAT PARADE TO TAKE PLACE ON ALAFIA RIVER Staff Report the two viewing sites for a donation of $5; and entertainment outside at the Riverview Civic Center.” The group hopes to attract more than 1,500 people to this annual Riverview tradition. All proceeds will fund charitable activities of the Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview and Friends The Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview will hold the 37th of the County Parks. annual Alafia Lighted Boat Parade and Chili To-Go event on Since its inception, the Rotary Saturday, December 5. Club of FishHawk-Riverview has The Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview been involved in numerous service projects, is pleased to announce 37th annual Alafia including the College Scholarship Program Lighted Boat Parade and Chili To-Go event (over $58,000) awarded to date to financialto be held on Saturday, December 5. The ly needy students at Riverview, Spoto and celebration will take place at the Riverview Newsome High Schools; the Alafia Lighted Civic Center starting at 5 p.m. and in con- Boat Parade; High School Interact; Student junction with other sites located along the Dictionary Distribution (over 9,000 dictioAlafia River. First United Methodist Church naries to elementary school children since of Riverview has agreed to be a viewing site the program began); Rotary’s Camp Florida this year, and the boat parade winners will (camp for special needs children in Brandon); be announced at River’s Edge Bar and Grill. Group Study Exchange; Reading is Funda“Last year, our event featured many dec- mental (more than 900 orated boats, chili cook-off contestants and free books to Head Start students); S4TL refreshments,” said Christine D. Ans, public (Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders); Sylvia relations chair of the Rotary Club of Fish- Thomas Center; Brandon Outreach (over Hawk-Riverview. “Children received the op- $10,000 given); ECHO; and local YMCAs portunity to have their picture taken with (over $10,000 given). Santa Claus, heard Christmas music and saw Club members have separately given the bright holiday lights of the boats in the through dues and donations over $100,000 parade.” in the past 15 years to Polio Plus and The RoLast year, more than 30 boats participat- tary Foundation. ed. Rotary International is an organization “This year promises to be just as fun with of business and professional leaders united the added precautions that we need to take worldwide who provide humanitarian serin our county due to the COVID pandemic,” vice, encourage high ethical standards in all said Ans. “For instance, we will have Santa vocations and help build goodwill and peace on a boat greeting everyone as we go down in the world. the river; we are having Chili To-Go, sponContact Boat Parade Chairperson Kim Tysored by The Flying Locksmiths, available at son at hummingbird133@verizon.net.
December 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
WINDOW GENIE IS ONE-STOP SHOP FOR OUTDOOR HOME SERVICES FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
By Amy Schechter
and make it right. We guarantee our work. You can go to any Bob with a bucket pressure washer company, but who knows if they have insurance and knowledge?” Think about it. When you have individuals working on ladders and with chemicals, if something goes Mike and Mindy Barker are the owners of Window Genie of Southeast Tampa wrong, the cusBay. The company offers gutter cleaning, house washing, concrete/paver washtomer can be liaing and sealing and, of course, window washing and window tinting. ble. Window Genie It’s the perfect time of year. The holidays carries workers’ compensation insurance, are approaching, and the cooler weather in- so nothing ever becomes the customer’s vites families and friends outdoors. There’s problem. no better time to make sure your home and Plus, look no further for holiday lighting. outdoor spaces look their best. It offers professional installation and cusMike and Mindy Barker of Window Ge- tom light measurements. It helps design nie of Southeast Tampa Bay are your one- your holiday lighting vision, bring and instop shop for outdoor home services. Lo- stall all materials, maintain your lighting cally and veteran-owned, they specialize in during the season and take down and store gutter cleaning, house washing, concrete/ everything until next year. It’s hassle-free, paver washing and sealing and, of course, and there’s no more worrying about old window washing and window tinting. lights going out or using up garage space. Having lived in the areas for over 13 One phone call and they will come back out. years, they saw a need for a company you Window Genie serves all of Brandon, can trust. Have you ever paid for a job only Gibsonton, Lithia, Riverview, Apollo Beach, to have it half finished or been unable to Valrico, Fish Hawk, Bloomingdale and Progget in touch with a company when you ar- ress Village. To contact Window Genie to en’t happy? Window Genie stands by its schedule an appointment or free consulwork, and its professional team promises tation, call 906-5200 or visit www.winyou will be happy with the job. Mindy tells dowgenie.com/se-tampa. You can also find customers, “My husband and I are the own- the business on Facebook @Windowgeers. If you have an issue, we will come back nieofsetampabay.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 12
LOCAL ROAD DESIGNATED WALK THRU BETHLEHEM EVENT CELEBRATES 35 YEARS TO FALLEN OFFICER By Kate Quesada
nity until the very end of his life,” said Chronister. “Now when people drive down this stretch of roadway, they will be reminded of the legacy and impact left by Sergeant LaVigne.” LaVigne’s wife, Cathleen, also spoke at the ceremony and explained that in addition to being an officer, her husband was a loving father to his daughters, one of whom, Caitlin, is also a deputy with the Hillsborough County Sherrif’s Office. He received many proLaVigne’s wife, Cathleen, with children Caitlin-also a deputy with the Hillsborough County Sherrif’s Office and son Liam. fessional achievements A local hero will always be remembered by in his career, including being named Deputy Brandon drivers thanks to a ceremony that of the Half in 1992 and receiving the Sheriff’s took place last month. Office Life Saving Award in 2017. The 2021 Legislature of Florida designat“This designation is not for the way Sered SR 60 from Philip Lee Blvd. to I-75 as geant LaVigne died. This memorial is how Sergeant Brian LaVigne Rd. in honor of the he lived,” Learned said. “To the 29 years, 361 fallen sergeant who was killed in the line of days of his service to the people of Brandon.” duty on January 11, and last month, RepreThe dedication of the roadway was made sentative Andrew Learned, along with other possible thanks to a bill, SB 1716, signed members of the Florida Legislature, Hillsbor- by Gov. Ron DeSantis in June. The measure ough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and named sections of roadways for three fallen Hillsborough County Commissioner Kimber- officers, including LaVigne. ly Overman, honored the late Sergeant BriAt the time, DeSantis spoke about the an LaVigne during an unveiling of his road importance of the recognition the measure plaque. allowed. LaVigne, who was 54, had one more day of “What we do here today, I know, is not gowork before retiring after 30 years when a ing to unring the bells, but I do think that it’s fleeing suspect crashed into the driver’s side an appropriate recognition, and I think it’s a of his cruiser. signal to say we’re not going to forget their “Sergeant Brian LaVigne will never be sacrifices,” DeSantis said. “We’re not going forgotten, and this will serve as another re- to forget what they did to protect our comminder of his selfless service to his commu- munities.”
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By Kelly Wise Valdes
The City of Bethlecity last year.” hem will once again be Throughout the brought to life at Kings city are actors in Avenue Baptist Church time-period clothing, for its 35th annual Walk sets, scenery and Thru Bethlehem (WTB) animals. More than event. The church has 225 volunteers each been hosting this festive, evening transform Christmas tradition since to be the townspeo1986; it is an interactive, ple of Bethlehem, family-friendly holiday populated by Roman event that transports Guards, weavers, guests directly to the anblacksmiths, bakers, cient City of Bethlehem as carpenters, potters it existed during the time and shepherds. The of Jesus’ birth. Guests will tour concludes with feel like they have been Kings Avenue church will be hosting its 35th a visit to the manger transported to the actual annual Walk Thru Bethlehem. This is a free with Mary, Joseph and event, but registration is necessary. events of that time and baby Jesus. experience the miracle of Christmas. Tour groups consist of 15 people leaving This free community event normally the chapel every five minutes. The tour lasts draws more than 6,000 visitors each year. 45 minutes and ends with a petting zoo Registered guests are transported during a area, including a camel, various other ani30-minute guided tour through authentic mals and free hot chocolate. settings of the ancient City of Bethlehem, Many families have made WTB part of traversing through the town’s shops, smell- their family’s holiday traditions for years, ing the aromas and hearing the sounds of and Hoyt is excited to be able to bring the the hustle and bustle of Bethlehem’s citi- full event back to the community. zens. “My favorite part of the event is seeing Anyone wishing to attend this year will the faces of our visitors and listening to need to register in advance in order to visit their joy,” said Hoyt. “I love to hear how the recently expanded city. Registration can some families have made it a tradition and be completed online at www.walkthrubeth- come every year, and what new things they lehem.com. Chairman Tracy Hoyt is ex- discover.” cited to bring back the event this year, as Walk Thru Bethlehem takes place on last year’s event was greatly modified due Thursday, December 2 from 6:30-10 p.m., to COVID-19. “We added an hour to each Friday, December 3 from 6:30-10 p.m., Satweekend day to allow for more visitors,” urday, December 4 from 3-10 p.m. and Sunsaid Hoyt. “We have implemented COVID day, December 5 from 3-10 p.m. To make a precautions such as limited seating areas, reservation, visit www.walkthrubethlehem. increased distancing between groups and com or call the church at 684-9453. Kings actors and guests. We are very excited to Avenue Baptist Church is located at 2602 S bring it back this year after not having the Kings Ave. in Brandon.
December 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 12
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Christmas Offer From Hess Orthodontics
Hess Orthodontics is bringing the holiday cheer by offering $1,500 off full treatment for all new patients. This discount can be applied to a full, comprehensive treatment for either braces or Invisalign. Steve and Tawnie Manning from Master Garage Door So, no matter what Co. Steve is the new chair of the Leadership Brandon C h a m b e r . class of 2022. “Both organiyou decide, you will be zations do so able to take advantage of this awesome deal. The deal is limited to December 2021 much for our communities and have also only, so act soon; spots will fill up fast. given us the opportunity to meet other Call to get your complimentary consulta- business owners that care for our commution scheduled and get your smile journey nity immensely.” Steve and Tawnie have started during the most wonderful time of been through the Leadership Brandon program, which has given them a whole new the year. Additional information can be found on perspective of its website, www.hessorthodontics.com, our community and a behindor by calling 645-4377. the-scenes look Master Garage Door Co. Cele- at all it has to brates 24 Years And New Role In offer as well as areas/charities The Community that really need our help. It is Steve’s privMaster Garage Door Co. was estabilege to serve as chair for the Leadership lished in November of 1997 by Steve and Brandon class of 2022. “We look forward Tawnie Manning and is still family-owned to serving our community for years to and operated to this day. It offers only the come,” said Steve and Tawnie. highest-quality doors, openers, parts and Master Garage Door Co. Is located at service. “We love our community and its 2405 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. For more people,” said Steve and Tawnie. They are information, visit its website at www.masmembers of both the Brandon Chamber tergaragedoor.com or call 684-7744. You of Commerce and the Valrico FishHawk
Brown Comfort Systems Heating And Air Celebrates 16 Years In Business
can also follow it on Facebook @mastergaragedoor.
Satin & Lace Bridal Boutique Introduces New Manager
Satin & Lace Bridal Boutique, Riverview’s only intimate bridal boutique, recently held a ribbon-cutting to introduce its new manager, Jami. It offers a personalized shopping experience with private suites. “We pride ourselves on making our brides feel special and making your dress shopping an experience you will never forget,” said Owner Alison Farnan. Satin & Lace has dresses in every style and for every budget; accessories are also available, and a seamstress will make sure that the gown will fit perfectly. Satin & Lace is located at 11286 Sullivan St. in Riverview. To make a reservation or to find out more information, visit its web-
In 2005, Deforest Brown decided to start his own heating and air conditioning company as he did not like the way big box stores treated their customers and knew that he could do better by providing reliable and honest service. Sixteen years later, his vision is still the same as when he started: to give the consumer a fair price for awesome service and be committed to providing far greater value and service than any other air conditioning company used before. Brown Comfort Systems is located at 235 Apollo Beach Blvd., Ste. 230 in Apollo Beach. Additional information can be found at www.brownac.com or by calling 671-2555.
Apollo Beach Society Wine Bar Opens
Apollo Beach has been eagerly awaiting the opening of Apollo Beach Society Wine Bar, and it did not disappoint. It is a fun, educational wine bar with over 200 wines available by the bottle and glass, over 100 craft beers and small food plates to accompany these. Live music will also entertain guests. It is located at 238 Harbor Village Ln. in Apollo Beach, and opening hours are Monday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 12 Noon12 Midnight; and Sunday, 12 Noon-10
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED... p.m. Additional information can be found at www.apollobeachwinebar.com or by calling 331-3907. Follow it on Facebook and Twitter @apollobeachsocietywinebar.
Jade Health Opens In Riverview
Jade Health, located at 10730 Ketchum Valley Dr. in Riverview, aims to be a proponent for the health and well-being of the community. It offers services to help you look and feel your best, including IV nutrient therapy to help boost your immune system, infrared sauna, full-body cryotherapy, skin resurfacing as well as many others. Owner Amanda Kuhns, APRN said, “When we designed this business, we were trying to create someplace where we wanted to go but couldn’t quite find. We want you to walk in and feel like part of our family.” For additional information, visit www. jadetampa.com, follow it on Facebook @JadeHealthTampa or Instagram @jadehealth21 or call 7413234.
CZ’s Adventure Jumps Bounce House And Slide Rentals
CZ’s Adventure Jumps has the coolest bounce house rentals and water slide rentals. Its inflatables are brand-new and sure to wow your kids and guests. It is a family-owned party equipment rental service based in Ruskin that delivers to most of Hillsborough County. CZ’s Adventure Jumps can’t wait to make your party memorable with its selection of jumpers, inflatable water slides, combo inflatables, bounce castles and more. Visit its website at www.czsadventurejumps.com to book your rental today. Follow it on Facebook @czsadventurejumps.
The Flying Locksmiths Celebrate Five-Year Anniversary
Owner Michael Broussard recently gathered his team and family together to celebrate the five-year anniversary of The Flying Locksmiths at its new location at 6619 S. 78 St., Ste. 120 in Riverview. The Flying Locksmiths can protect your family and possessions as well as your business with security solutions for all. It combines experience, modern technology and business education to find the right fit for you. While defining its team as physical security specialists because they are extremely competent when it comes to rekeying your locks or installing door hardware. Its team will also implement full card access systems with security cameras and a complete, thorough security assessment of your home or building. For additional information, visit its website at www.flyinglocksmiths.com or call 716-5341.
100% Chiropractic Opens In Brandon
100% Chiropractic is a family of full-service wellness clinics that offer cutting-edge chiropractic care, massage therapy and a full line of quality nutritional supplements. Its newest office has just opened at 911 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. Its doctors, assistants and therapists care about you and your individual health goals and will work with you to make sure you turn those goals into a reality. At 100% Chiropractic, it won’t just treat your pain, it will work to educate, inspire, empower and provide lasting care for you to live life to the fullest. For more information, visit www.100percentchiropractic.com or call 662-4326. Follow it on Facebook @100chiropracticbrandonfl or Instagram @100chiropractic_brandonfl.
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Volume 20, Issue 12
December 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
THE REGENT WAS ONCE AGAIN SELECTED AS A SPECIAL DROP-OFF LOCATION FOR LETTERS TO SANTA
By Kathy L. Collins
With Halloween beletter—all while hind us and Thanksgivbeing safe.” ing fast approaching, Keil explained, we all know that means “We retrieve the just one thing—Christletters and my mas is almost here. For staff, partners children, this is an excitand community ing time of the year. One volunteers help age-old tradition that is Santa write letbeing kept alive is ‘Letters back with ters to Santa.’ a gift of a HapThe Regent, located at py Meal card or 6437 Watson Rd. in RivChick-fil-A ice erview, will once again cream/cookie serve as a special North card enclosed.” Pole drop-off location The Regent for Letters to Santa. A is the primary mailbox is located outsponsor of the side The Regent’s front event, but comdoors and will remain munity partners there through Christinclude Dustin Children of all ages can write a letter to Santa and mas. Portillo with drop it off at the special outpost of the North Pole Post Soon, a life-size Santa Caspers McDonOffice located at The Regent in Riverview. will appear at the door ald’s and Tammy closest to the mailbox so children can see Holmberg with Lake Brandon Chick-fil-A. him watching as they drop their letters in Keil said, “Both of these partners were willthe special leg of the North Pole Post Office. ing to help us last year when this program Letters received by Friday, December 17 was new and we were not sure of the rewill receive a specially drafted personal re- sponse. They are staples in our community sponse before Christmas. In addition to the and thought of as leaders with heart, as they response, children will receive a gift of a give often and do it with genuine love for Happy Meal card or Chick-fil-A ice cream/ their community.” cookie card. Keil added, “It is a safe, well-thoughtThis is the second year The Regent has through activity. I like that it brings a little served as a leg of the North Pole Post Office. bit of the Christmas magic back to kids, as According to Shannon Keil, chief executive so many things have been changed due to officer for The Regent, “We started last year, the pandemic and political climate. There knowing kids were at home needing some will be more decorations this year and lots activity. With COVID distance and gather- of holiday photo op spots starting the first ing guidelines in mind, the outside box gave week of December.” kids the opportunity to come and experience For more information about The Regent, a fun activity, with anticipation of a return please visit www.experiencetheregent.com.
Expires 12/31/2021
Volume 20, Issue 12
December 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 29
CONCERTS, COOKIES WITH SANTA, WINTER WONDERLAND AND MORE St. Stephen Catholic Church Hosts Hillsborough Community Band To Perform Christmas Classics
St. Stephen Catholic Church welcomes the Eastern Hillsborough Community Band on Thursday, December 9 at 7 p.m. Come hear all the favorites of the holidays, including songs for the young and youngat-heart. Joining this 70-piece band will be the St. Stephen Catholic Church Choir. Two additional concerts are planned— one on Thursday, December 16 at New Hope Methodist Church in Brandon, and Friday, December 17 at First United Methodist Church of Seffner. Donations are accepted at the door. St. Stephen Catholic Church is located at 10118 St. Stephen Cir. in Riverview. For more information, visit www.ststephencatholic.org.
The United Methodist Church At Sun City Center Presents The Sights And Sounds Of Christmas
On Wednesday, December 15 at 6 p.m., the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, located at 1210 Del Webb Blvd. W. will kick off this holiday season with the annual Sights and Sounds of Christmas. The event will be an exciting evening of music and drama created by talented and multigenerational ministries. The public is invited to come out for a holiday-filled evening. For more information, please call the church office at 634-2539.
Bell Shoals Christmas Worship Experience
Kick off your Christmas season with an amazing night of worship led by Bell Shoals Music. The evening will be filled with songs from the music ministry’s new Christmas album, Born Unto Us, as well as original arrangements of many Christmas favorites. The event will take place on Sunday, December 12 at 6 p.m. at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. No tickets are required. For more information, visit www.bellshoals.com or call 689-4229.
The Holiday Market At Winter Wonderland
Centerpoint Church is expanding their annual Winter Wonderland to bring even more joy to the local community. This year’s experience will offer a variety of amusements and attractions, such as a giant slide, rock climbing wall, axe throwing, visits with Santa and
a holiday market featuring local vendors and artisans. This event will be held indoors throughout the duration of the Winter Wonderland event. A wide variety of vendors will be participating, offering gifts, books, jewelry, home decor, sweets, holiday decorations, stationery, glass work, art prints, hot cocoa bombs, handmade soaps, candles and more. Girls Scouts will be on hand to provide free gift wrapping with donation. The holiday market is being held at Centerpoint Church, located at 1720 S. St. Cloud Rd. in Valrico, on Saturday, December 18 from 4-8 p.m.
By Kelly Wise Valdes
gift to donate to Christmas for Fosters. The event is on Friday, December 3 at Wellspring Community Church, located at 705 9th St. SE. in Ruskin. For registration, which is required, visit www.wellspringfl.com/ christmas. Lighthouse Gospel Mission And Operation Hope Presents Christmas Of Hope The annual Christmas of Hope presentation will take place on Friday, December 17 at 6 p.m. at the Lighthouse Freedom Center at 7211 78th St. in Riverview. The Christmas event will also provide guests with a delicious hot meal and food basket to take home. Toys from Santa will also be presented for children ages 2-10 that are attending the event. For more information, call 6775220 or visit www.lighthousegospelmission.org.
Cookie Decorating With Santa At Wellspring ComKick Off The Holiday Season At munity Church Enjoy a specially The 3rd Annual New Hope Christdesignated time with mas Tree Lighting Santa for photos and cookie decorating fun. Each 30-minute increment will only have a small number of children attending so that each child gets to spend a few minutes with Santa and get their picture taken with him. Please reserve a ticket for each child who will be visiting with Santa and decorating cookies; no need to reserve tickets for any adults who will be attending with the children. Also, this year, this event is partnering with Christmas for Fosters and its efforts to support foster families and children this Christmas. Each family is asked to bring one unwrapped
Mark your calendars for Friday, December 10 at 7 p.m. for a free, family-friendly Christmas tree lighting event hosted by New Hope Church. Enjoy live holiday music with the Eastern Hillsborough Community Band and the New Hope Worship team with a special performance by its very own children’s choir. Children of all ages will enjoy cookies and hot chocolate along with holiday crafts and more at this event. Help support the church’s mission partner, Family Promise, with a donation of gas cards for Thorntons, Wawa or RaceTrac. For more information, visit https://findnewhope.com/tree-lighting or contact mandy@findnewhope.com.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
A KID’S PLACE HOUSE PARENT WINS $50,000 LIGHTNING HERO GRANT By Tatiana Ortiz Norm mentioned that since his arrival at A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay, he tries to think outside the box and develop tools to work with the kids, which includes music. “I have put on at least 50 dances as well as play music all over campus and do house dance parties,” Norm said. Norm Cookson holding the $50,000 check which he received on October 19 Elizabeth Frafor being a Lightning Community Hero. zier, senior vice Norm Cookson had president and a humbling experience p h i l a n t h ro p y during the first periand communiod of the Tampa Bay ty initiatives Lightning game against executive dithe Florida Panthers rector of the on October 19. Jabil Lightning presented a $50,000 Fo u n d a t i o n , grant to Norm through shared how the Lightning FoundaNorm got setion and the Lightning lected. Community Heroes Pro“The comgram. The grant will benefit A Kid’s Place mittee reviewed hundreds of applicaof Tampa Bay. tions; Norm’s stood out as a finalist for A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay opened in the Lightning Community Hero through 2009 with a mission to provide a safe, his dedication to the kids at A Kid’s Place loving and nurturing home for foster of Tampa Bay,” Frazier said. children ranging from newborns through Jeff Vinik and his wife, Penny Vinik, the age of 18. This unique, state-of-the- established the Lightning Community art, 60-bed facility for abused, neglected Hero Program in 2011 to honor deserving or abandoned children has provided a heroes and funding to nonprofits within home to more than 1,500 children and the Tampa Bay community. The Viniks has assisted more than 675 families. pledged another $10 million dollars for Since 2012, Norm and his wife, Heidi the next five years to this program over Cookson, both have worked at A Kid’s the summer of this year. Place of Tampa Bay as House Parents. The deadline to apply for a grant is FriNorm, who was once a foster care child day, February 11, 2022. himself, had a desire to work with them. For more information, visit www.nhl. Norm has made a positive difference in com/lightning/community/communithe lives of the children with his efforts, ty-heroes. For more information about A such as gaining their trust and building Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay, visit https:// relationships. akidsplacetb.org.
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Volume 20, Issue 12
GET THE DIRT:
FALL IS A TIME FOR MANY CHANGES! BY LYNN BARBER & PAULA STAPLES, UF/IFAS EXTENSION HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Fall is a season of change. We may shut off our air conditioning or change it from cool to heat. We fall back an hour in time. As temperatures decrease, the opportunity to evaluate our in-ground irrigation system and water use creates yet another opportunity for change. Turfgrass normally loses some green leaf coloration as it prepares for the fall and winter seasons. As growth decreases during the fall and plants go dormant in winter, the need for water/irrigation decreases. This presents the opportunity in fall to reduce the number of minutes on our irrigation time clock by one-third. During the winter season, water once every 10-14 days. Remember, no fertilization is necessary until the spring. How will you know it is spring? When your grass blades start to green up on their own without fertilizer. Dividing clumping perennials is a great way to spread their beauty throughout your landscape. You can also ‘gift’ them to a special friend or neighbor. If your houseplants were outside for the summer and early fall, it’s time to consider bringing them inside your home before temperatures dip below 55 degrees F. Take cuttings of plants
that won’t survive the winter outdoors. This is a great way to start your spring plant collection in your home, on your lanai or porch, depending on the temperatures. Mulch retains soil moisture, regulates soil temperature and adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. It should be 2-3 inches deep after it settles. Melaleuca (punk tree) is an excellent mulch selection that is produced from an invasive, non-native plant. This mulch has high termite resistance, almost no settling in the first year and retains color in year one. Fall vegetables can be planted now. Check the internet at ‘Ask IFAS’ for the Central Florida Gardening Calendar, which provides month-by-month tips on what to do in your landscape. If you have questions on how to review or operate your irrigation timer, please contact our office at 744-5519. We can help you make the changes over the telephone. If you feel your water bill is excessive, we can review your irrigation settings. Save yourself some time, money and water! Hurrah for fall!
December 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
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GIFT OF HOPE PROVIDES TOYS AND HOLIDAY FOOD TO COMMUNITY By Kelly Wise Valdes For most peotakes cares of ple, the Christmas each other.” holidays are full Langston also of joyous celebramentioned that tions with family one of her favorite and friends; howthings to look forever, this isn’t ward to each year true for many lois the registration cal families who team. “We have are struggling to served together make ends meet (all from different during these difchurches) for at ficult times. One least 10 years,” out of every six Brandon Gift of Hope will be providing holiday gifts and said Langston. “I people in our area food to more than 600 families this Christmas season. look forward to are food-insecure, September every which means that may not year to planning ahead for have enough food or money the event and seeing the for their next meal. Increditeam.” bly, many food-insecure peoCurrently, greatest need ple are not homeless—more for this year’s event is toy than 94 percent that need donations and getting help either rent or own their own home. the community registered. Registration The Brandon Gift of Hope has provided is open from now until Friday, December Christmas gifts and meals to more than lo- 3. Registration is taking place at ECHO of cal 600 families each year since 2011. This Brandon at 507 N. Parson Ave. in Brandon is a multi-church community and has part- from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and on nered with many other local area church- Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. An additional regises to provide people with holiday toys and tration site is ECHO of Riverview, located food. Each year, registered people and fam- at 7807 Capitano St. in Riverview from ilies will find a hospitality area, a prayer Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Registrants chapel, a shopping area (where each guest must bring a picture ID, an original social selects gifts for their children they regis- security card and proof of address. tered for), a gift wrap area and a gift card The actual event is taking place from for a holiday meal. Wednesday, December 15 through Friday, Melanie Langston, the registration and December 17 at New Hope Church, located volunteer coordinator for this program, is at 213 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon. For more excited to be part of this meaningful out- information about volunteering, donations reach again this year. “I enjoy being part and people who would like to register to of a multi-church and business outreach for be recipients at this outreach, please visit the community around us,” said Langston. www.brandongiftofhope.com or call 485“I love being a part of a community that 5604.
SILVER SNEAKERS KEEPS SENIORS ACTIVE By Kathy L. Collins Everyone knows reservation. Simthat staying healthy ply show up at the and active can lead time listed on the to a happy and prowebsite or schedductive life. Staying ule that you would active is especially like to try and the important for seYMCA’s friendly niors. To help with and knowledgeable this, the Tampa instructors will be Metropolitan Area happy to help you YMCA began ofget set up. fering the Silver Fox said, “The Sneakers program purpose of Silver Campo Family YMCA offers many programs many years ago. Sneakers is to keep for area residents, including the Silver Sneakers Locally, seniors can program, which is designed to keep seniors over 65 older adults fit and participate in the healthy, active and provide a social support network. active while proSilver Sneakers viding a supportive program at the Campo Family YMCA. and fun social environment to do so.” Silver Noah Fox is the wellness director for Sneakers classes are approximately 55 minthe Campo Family YMCA. Fox said, “Silver utes. Sneakers helps participants work on carFox has been the wellness director at the diovascular health, strength and toning, and Campo Family YMCA for four months. He is balance for prevention of falls. Participating responsible for overseeing the wellness floor, in the group exercise format is a perfect way group exercise, senior fitness and personal to meet and make new friends maintaining a training operations at the Campo YMCA. social support system.” Fox said, “We have a great group of supFox added, “Anyone can join the classes, portive members and staff who would love but the typical age is 65 and older. Classes to welcome you in to the Campo YMCA famare included with a YMCA membership. For ily. There is a class or program for anyone some individuals 65 and over, their health in- from yoga and water aerobics, to pickleball surance company may offer a Silver Sneak- and personal training. Come in for a tour ers Membership. It is definitely worth it to anytime and we will be happy to show you call your insurance company to find out.” around and answer any questions you might The Silver Sneakers program has class op- have.” tions during Monday through Friday mornFor more information on the Silver Sneakings. There are also opportunities for Lunch ers program and to see the class schedule, and Learn and games and activities. please visit www.tampaymca.org/programs/ Silver Sneakers classes do not require a health-fitness/group-exercise-schedules.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 12
THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM HOSTS TOY DRIVE FOR CHILDREN
CONTROLLED BURNING SEASON STARTS AT RESERVOIR PROPERTY
For more than Guardian ad Litem 20 years, the trainer and toy drive Guardian ad Licoordinator. “One of tem Program, in my favorite mempartnership with ories from about Voices for Chilseven years ago is dren, has hosted of a 13-year-old boy an annual Christthat had asked for mas toy drive so a pair of Nike tennis Guardian ad Lishoes for Christmas. tem volunteers We were able to For more than 20 years, the Guardian ad Litem are able to choose Program, in partnership with Voices for Children, has find a donor to protoys for the chilvide them. When he hosted an annual Christmas toy drive. dren that they are opened the box, the serving. young man joyfully shout“More than 2,700 ed, ‘Wow, a real pair of Nichildren are representkes that weren’t someone ed by the Guardian ad else’s first.’ He had been in Litem Program curfoster care for about three rently and Santa would years and had not had a never want a child to not have a toy for new pair of shoes in his 13 years that he Christmas,” said Community Outreach Co- could remember.” ordinator for Guardian ad Litem Program The community is able to help with the 13th Circuit – Hillsborough Sharon Ben- toy drive by donating new gifts for all ages, ingfield. “Over the years, there have been like gift cards to stores, gift cards to fastthousands of children who have received food restaurants, art and craft items, ear gifts through the generosity of our com- buds and chargers, watches and hoodmunity. It takes a village to raise children ies. “While many people see gift cards and a whole community to keep the magic as impersonal, they actually give a child in Christmas.” a chance to make a choice of their own, The Guardian ad Litem Program is very maybe eat a meal they wouldn’t normally fortunate to have the support of Voices get to choose or join a friend for a snack for Children, a local nonprofit that assists after school when they might otherwise with bringing normalcy to children in fos- have to decline,” Beningfield said. “Those ter care. It has wonderful donors who go who would like to donate financially can above and beyond to make the holidays do so through Voices for Children at www. very special each and every year. vfcgal.org.” “This is just a story that motivates us to If you would like to learn more about the continue to reach out to the community Guardian ad Litem Program, you can visit for help in making the lives of the children its website at www.galtampa.org. It will we serve a little brighter and maybe feel a be collecting gifts through Friday, Decemlittle more normal,” said Sheila DelCastillo, ber 10.
Residents visitservation interests ing the Lithia and and safety of local Picnic communities residents. around the C.W. “Prescribed Bill Young Regional burns can reduce Reservoir may nothe risk from tice the fragrance wildfires to nearof burning vegetaby properties,” he tion and possibly wrote in an email. visible smoke from “Burns also help now through March to promote plant 2022. diversity, improve That’s because wildlife habitat the region’s dry seaand remove inson is not only the vasive plant spetime for wildfires cies and diseased to ignite but also plants, which benwhen Tampa Bay Controlled burns will be conducted on land surrounding efits our environthe C.W. Bill Young reservoir through March 2022. Water conducts ment.” prescribed, controlled burns on land it is The burns will be conducted intermitresponsible for to mitigate the risk of an tently and only when weather conditions out-of-control blaze. permit doing so. Effort will be made to The burns will be conducted on reser- minimize the impact to surrounding roads voir property east of Hobson Simmons and neighborhoods, but residents and Rd., south of Boyette Rd., southeast of drivers are encouraged to exercise cauBrowning Rd. and west of County Rd. 39. tion if they encounter smoke and reduced Protocols for prescribed burns require visibility. the presence of trained firefighting crews The reservoir, which has a storage cawearing protective clothing with emer- pacity of 15.5 billion gallons of water, is gency equipment on hand and ready to an important part of the utility’s operause if needed. tions in providing drinking water to 2.5 Removing nuisance and invasive plant million customers in the Tampa Bay area. species while promoting an environment During the West Central Florida region’s conducive to the growth of native species rainy season (May 25 to October 10, acare among the benefits cited, as is reduc- cording to the National Weather Service), ing overall potential wildfire severity by the reservoir stores water collected from removing excess amounts of flammable the Hillsborough and Alafia Rivers, as well vegetation. as the Tampa Bypass Canal. This water is According to Brandon Moore, public then available during the dryer months. communications manager for Tampa Bay You can find out more information Water, the ultimate goal of the burns is about Tampa Bay Water by visiting www. to preserve and protect the area’s con- tampabaywater.org online.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
December 2021
Page 33
CROSS BAY FERRY HAS RETURNED TO TAMPA BAY FOR SEASON OF SERVICE
By Kathy L. Collins
The Cross Bay Ferpa will be at 10:45 ry has returned to p.m. on Wednesdays service for the next and Thursdays, 11 several months. The p.m. on Fridays and ferry will provide Saturdays and 7:30 transportation bep.m. on Sundays. tween downtown Pricing for the Tampa and downCross Bay Ferry is town St. Petersburg. quite reasonable. This is the fifth The Cross Bay Ferry, a twin-hull aluminum One-way tickets are season for the Cross catamaran that can carry a maximum of $10 and $20 for round Bay Ferry. It is not 149 guests at an average speed of 30 mph, trips for adults. The only an extended returns to Tampa Bay now through May. cost is $8 for one way season with service and $16 for round trips running through May, for those 65 and older, but the service will also children 5-18, college offer an extended daily students and active and service, including later retired military. Children evening hours. The final 4 and under ride for free. departure from Tampa Residents in wheelchairs will be around 11 p.m. on can also ride for $5 one Friday and Saturday evenings. way and $10 round trip. “Thanks to a great partnership beThe Cross Bay Ferry is a regional coltween four local governments, one of laboration between Hillsborough County, the most exciting and reliable ways to Pinellas County, the City of Tampa and travel across Tampa Bay is back,” said the City of St. Petersburg. Beginning Matt Miller, president of HMS Ferries. this year, Hillsborough County becomes “The Cross Bay Ferry offers an incredibly the lead governmental sponsor, taking accessible and affordable transportation the reins from the City of St. Petersburg. option between two of the hottest spots “Hillsborough County is proud to take in downtown Tampa and downtown St. the lead on continuing this unique rePetersburg. What is more, passengers gional partnership,” said Hillsborough get treated to some amazing views of County Commissioner Pat Kemp. “We the bay and both cities,” added Miller. are glad to be expanding this popular The Cross Bay Ferry will depart from ferry service while also laying the founthe Tampa Convention Center in down- dation for permanent ferry service in town Tampa and from the dock at North Tampa Bay. Together, we are providing Straub Park near the Vinoy Marina in residents and visitors with a fast, fun downtown St. Petersburg. First depar- and affordable way to travel between tures from St. Petersburg will start at our communities,” added Commissioner 4:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thurs- Kemp. days, 10 a.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. You can view the schedule and pricing on Sundays. Final departures from Tam- by visiting www.thecrossbayferry.com.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 12
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
December 2021
Page 35
A RECORD FIVE BLOOMINGDALE BASEBALL PLAYERS SIGN TO PLAY COLLEGE BASEBALL
Chase Chappell signed with Santa Fe College.
The defending 6A state champion Bloomingdale Bulls have stayed busy this off-season with a record five players signing to play at the next level. On May 11, the program made history, winning its first state title. The Bulls defeated Fleming Island High School 5-1 in the FHSAA Class 6A State Championship at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. Now, they set a different record in terms of number of signees in a class. Shortstop Colby Shelton signed with the University of Alabama. He was a key player during the Bulls’ championship run, as the team’s best hitter in a stacked lineup, batting in the middle of the order. He led Bloomingdale with a .405 batting average, five home runs and 24 runs batted in. He plans on majoring in business. Shelton might have a tough decision to make if he gets selected in the upcoming MLB draft over the summer. “It’s a dream come true, just all the hard work that pays off over the long 12-year journey that it is when you start playing T-ball as a kid,” said Shelton. “It’s really exciting that I achieved my goal and I’m moving on to another chapter in life after high school.” The Bulls’ ace pitcher, Jack Owens, signed to play at Stetson University. Ow-
Drake Harman signed with Santa Fe College.
Jack Owens signed with Stetson University
ens led his team to a win in the state semifinal against Dwyer High School to reach the state championship. He led the Bulls with an 8-2 record and a 1.04 ERA. Owens liked Stetson because it’s a smaller school where he felt he could adapt better. He is undecided on his major as of right now. “It’s a huge feeling honestly. I didn’t really think I was really good at baseball probably until I was a freshman in high school—so at that stage, it’s kind of like ‘let’s get to work,’” said Owens. “It was a lot of hours, a lot of days at practice, and for me to just get to this place makes me really happy. It’s not just for me, but for the other four guys up on that stage that really worked hard.” Outfielder Drake Harman signed with Santa Fe College. He was a key cog in the
Colby Shelton signed with the University of Alabama.
lineup for the Bulls last season batting leadoff and playing great defense. He batted .402 with 37 hits, 12 runs batted in and a home run, with a .966 fielding percentage. He wants to major in sports management. It hasn’t always been easy for the senior outfielder. “It’s been an up-and-down road that started off a little rough,” said Harman. “I didn’t know where baseball was going to take me at first. I stuck to the sport, even through ups and downs, and it took me to where I am today. Just getting the relief off of my shoulders by signing to Santa Fe is amazing. My teammates and coaches always believed in me and helped me get to where I am today.” Plant transfer pitcher Stephen Montgomery signed with Iowa Western. He
Stephen Montgomery signed with Iowa Western University.
hopes to bring a boost to the Bulls’ pitching staff that lost a couple of key players due to graduation. He will not only pitch but also play right field and bat in the lineup as well. He plans on majoring either in sports management or sports marketing. His ultimate goal is to get drafted by a major league team. “Ever since my freshman year when I saw the seniors sign, it felt like it was such a long time away; within a blink of an eye, I’m here signing and it’s a great feeling.” Pitcher Chase Chappell signed to play at Santa Fe College. Chappell was one of many heroes in the 5-1 state championship win over Fleming Island High School. He was called upon in relief of senior Florida International University signee David Eckaus in the fourth inning, where he promptly got out of a jam with runners on first and second with no outs and an inherited 2-0 count. He recorded the last 12 outs to preserve his team’s victory. He plans on majoring in criminal justice, and he is happy to join fellow Bull Drake Harman at Santa Fe. “It’s really eye-opening, because I see all of our teammates, especially the five of us and everybody at Bloomingdale, put in all the hard work in everything that we do here to accomplish getting to that next level,” said Chappell.
Page 36
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 12
MOSAIC AND CENTER PLACE PARTNER KEEP HOLIDAY DELIVERIES SAFE FOR ART THERAPY PROGRAM FOR VETS WITH OPERATION PINCH-A-GRINCH By Libby Hopkins
By Brad Stager
contributes to the sustainable development of the communities where it operates. “The Veterans’ Art Therapy program is a great opportunity to provide a safe space for veterans in our community to gather, fellowship and share their experiences,” Johnson Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association and Mosaic have partnered said. “Community proon an art therapy program that will be free for all local veterans. The grams such as these are Veterans’ Art Therapy program began on November 3 of this year. It’s very important since they provide another offered at Center Place on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m.-12 Noon. valuable resource Mosaic and Center Place Fine Arts for veterans in & Civic Association have partnered our community. on an art therapy program that will Mosaic employs be free for all local veterans. many veterans, “Mosaic seeks to make meaningand we honor all ful investments that enhance our of those who have communities and positively impact served our counpeople’s lives,” said Mosaic’s senior try.” social responsibility specialist, ChristoCenter Place and Mosaic hope local vetpher Johnson. “Our sponsorship of the erans will be a part of this new art theraVeterans’ Art Therapy program provides py program designed especially for them. a great opportunity to support a resource “Our hope is that the veterans who parin our community that will benefit veter- ticipate in this new program will be able ans who have experienced trauma.” to express their feelings, move past their It is open to all veterans, and they don’t personal struggles and improve their abilneed to have any artistic skills. ity to communicate through art therapy,” “No cost to the veterans who attend- Johnson said. “Additionally, we hope to ed, no hidden agenda,” said art instructor provide the necessary support for Center Phyllis Alexandroff. “Vets could come in, Place to successfully host the Veterans’ check it out and do some art.” Art Therapy program for the next year.” Mosaic strives to be a thoughtful and If you would like to learn more about engaged neighbor, investing carefully and the Veterans’ Art Therapy program at generously as it seeks long-term partner- Center Place or if you’d like to attend, ships with organizations that are making you can visit Center Place’s new website a difference. Mosaic is dedicated to ad- at www.centerplacebrandon.com or call vancing the many ways that its business 685-8888.
Packages will be accepted on behalf of Hillsborough County residents only from the following online retailers: Amazon, FedEx, UPS and the United States Postal Service. Packages cannot weigh more than 50 pounds. Residents in the Osprey Observer distribution area can have their packages delivered to the District V office located about 1.5 miles north of Brandon Boulevard. HCSO requires packages be addressed to For the second consecutive year, HCSO’s Operation Pinch-A- the recipient in care of the HillsborGrinch will provide a way to keep holiday deliveries safe. ough County Sheriff’s Office. The address The supply chain for the District V offrom online retailers fice is 10128 Windto consumers usuhorst Rd. in Tampa. ally culminates with The HCSO District a timely delivery to III office in Northsomeone’s front door. If things go well, the intended recipients of western Hillsborough County is also particigoods, from Apple tech to zucchini bread, pating in Operation Pinch-A-Grinch. Recipients must show a valid, governwill take possession of their packages before criminals have a chance to steal them ment-issued, photographic identification card and order receipt, or proof of package in acts of porch piracy. Expensive gifts purchased online for shipment showing tracking information. home delivery during the Christmas holiday For child addressees, parents must provide shopping season are especially vulnerable proof of guardianship or child identification. “Operation Pinch-A-Grinch, which origas thieves keep an eye out for unattended deliveries. That’s why the Hillsborough inally launched in 2020 during the coroCounty Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is offering a navirus pandemic, safeguarded more than free way to ensure safe and secure delivery $10,000 worth of purchases,” said Chronisof online purchases for the second consec- ter, who contrasts that with documented thefts. utive year with Operation Pinch-A-Grinch. “Last year, we had more than 200 reports Online purchases can be shipped to two HCSO district offices for safekeeping and of package thefts in Hillsborough County, pickup from November 8 through Tuesday, which amounted to more than $130,000 December 21, but there will be no package in total losses.” Pickups can be made from pick-up on Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and November 25 or Black Friday on November 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sun26. No packages will be accepted after 8 day. You can find out more about Operation Pinch-A-Grinch at teamhcso.com. p.m. on Tuesday, December 21.
December 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
TAMPA ELECTRIC’S MANATEE CENTER OPEN & READY FOR TOURS
Staff Report
tage points. Visitors can also enjoy meeting the stingrays, critical animals that rely on a healthy Tampa Bay ecosystem—and even touch them gently as they glide past in the touch tank. Plus, guests can hike the nature trail and take in the vistas from the 50-foot observation tower. The manatees have gathered in the canal to find refTampa Electric’s award-winning Manatee Viewing Center opened uge from the cold since the earlier this month for the first season since the pandemic started. early 1970s. Each season, the After 19 months, Tampa Electric’s center draws nearly 400,000 visitors—for award-winning Manatee Viewing Center a total of more than 6 million. opened earlier this month for the first seaThe Manatee Viewing Center is the anson since the pandemic started. chor attraction for the Florida Conserva“For the hundreds of thousands of visitors tion and Technology Center (FCTC), which who come to the Manatee Viewing Center is a public-private partnership to showevery winter, we have missed you, and we case nature and technology. In addition to are so glad to welcome you back,” said Stan Tampa Electric, the partners include The Kroh, manager of Land and Stewardship Florida Aquarium and Florida Fish and Programs for Tampa Electric. Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Since the center closed in March 2020, Ultimately, the FCTC campus will include Tampa Electric undertook extensive reno- Tampa Electric’s Clean Energy Center, The vations and repairs of the education build- Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitaing to include new displays and interactive tion Center and Coral Care Complex and games. Construction is expected to be com- FWC’s Suncoast Youth Conservation Center plete by the end of the year. The center also and Marine Fisheries Enhancement Center. is taking extra safety precautions, such as Some buildings will open Monday, and other limiting the number of guests inside the buildings remain under construction. gift shop, requiring masks indoors, having Admission and parking at the Apollo enhanced cleaning procedures and getting Beach facility are free. additional hand sanitizer stations. The Manatee Viewing Center’s regular When the water temperature of Tampa hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day through Bay is 68 degrees or colder, manatees gath- April 15, except Thanksgiving, Christmas er in the clean, warm water discharge canal and Easter. (The facility closes at 3 p.m. on of Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station, Christmas Eve.) sometimes by the hundreds. Manatee ViewVisit the center online at www.tampaing Center visitors can see the mammals up electric.com/manatee or call 228-4289 for close from multiple boardwalks and van- more information.
Page 37
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING IS BACK AT CENTER PLACE
By Libby Hopkins
Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic made all community holiday events extremely difficult to host, especially for Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association in Brandon. “Center Place’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting has been a part of the Brandon community more many years,” said Center Place’s executive director, Libby Hopkins. “The tree lighting was one of Center Place’s biggest event of the holiday season, and it was attended by the entire community. Last year, we had to limit the attendees to just 50 guests. This was heartbreaking for Center Place and our community.” Center Place Executive Board member and local resident Mike Owen has graciously agreed to be the sponsor of this year’s Christmas Tree Lighting event that will take place at on Wednesday, December 8 at Center Place. “I wanted to sponsor this event because the tree lighting at Center Place meant a lot to me growing up in Brandon,” Owen said. “The tree in the lake always signaled to me that Christmas is here. I can remember like yesterday, playing baseball at Brandon Little League and seeing the tree lit up across the street. I want the kids growing up in our community to have the same experience I had, so I’m proud to sponsor this event.” The Christmas Tree Lighting at Center Place is a free community event, and the
center is working with local vendors like ABC Event Planning to help make this year’s event special. “The tree lighting in the lake is important to our community now more than ever,” Owen said. “Our community just went through a tough year. Our business community was turned upside down because of the pandemic. Now it’s time to get back to normalcy.” Owen and Hopkins hope this year’s event is attended by the community and bring back many fond memories of Christmas past. “I hope to have a large turnout from all parts of Hillsborough County,” Owen said. “Center Place is not just a Brandon community center, it’s for all of the residents of our county, and I believe that will be reflected by those who attend. The Christmas tree in the lake at Center Place is just as important to me as the tree in Rockefeller Center. As a matter of fact, it is better, and I will take our community at Christmas over any community in the world.” The Christmas Tree Lighting at Center Place is a free community event that will take place on December 8 from 6-9 p.m. at Center Place. Free light snacks and refreshments will be available to the first 100 guests. Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon next to the Brandon Library.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
WWW.WOMENSCAREFL.COM
Volume 20, Issue 12
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
December 2021
Page 39
Photos By By Kate Quesada
TEN NEWSOME STUDENT ATHLETES SIGN TO PLAY IN COLLEGE FOR SIGNING DAY
Evan Wainman will play baseball for Polk State College and is currently undecided on his major.
Lucas Phelps will play baseball for Florida Atlantic University and is considering majoring in exercise science with a minor in nutrition or construction management.
Newsome High School held its annual signing day on November 10. Student-athletes from several different sports inked on the dotted line to seal where they will go to school. A total of 10 athletes signed, including: Maya Bronson, lacrosse (University of Alabama-Huntsville); Sophia Torres, lacrosse (St. Bonaventure University); Izzy Fidhel, soccer (North Greenville University); Victoria Buggs, soccer (South Georgia State College); Luke Haley, lacrosse (University of Utah); James Bradley, golf (University of North Florida); Emily Waite, swim (UNC-Wilmington); Evan Wainman, baseball (Polk State College); Lucas Phelps, baseball (Florida Atlantic University); and Fulton Lockhart, baseball (University of South Florida). Evan Wainman will play baseball for Polk State College and is currently undecided on his major. “I was very excited to sign with Polk State College last Wednesday,” he said. “It was great to have my family and friends there with me. Polk State College has an excellent baseball program that feeds into many four-year programs. After all
Newsome High School held its annual signing day on November 10. Student-athletes from several different sports inked on the dotted line to seal where they will go to school.
these years of playing baseball, this is really a dream come true. Go Eagles.” Playing lacrosse for St. Bonaventure University, Sophia Torres will major in neuroscience. “The feeling was quite relieving,” she said. “Signing to play in college is something I have been dreaming of since I was 10 years old, so for it to finally come to fruition, it felt like a breath of fresh air. I felt I made a strong connection with my future coach, Jason Levesque, as soon as we spoke for the first time. Because of this, I discovered just how perfect St. Bonaventure is for me. The campus is beautiful, and it reminds me of Hogwarts from Harry Potter, and I love that so much. The area is also perfect for me because I have always wanted to go somewhere where I could experience all four seasons. On top of that, they have a wonderful academic program that I am so excited to be a part of.” Residential • Commercial Exterior Repaint Specialists
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Luke Haley will play lacrosse for the University of Utah and will major in business administration.
Lucas Phelps will play baseball for Florida Atlantic University and is considering majoring in exercise science with a minor in nutrition or construction management. “Signing is really exciting, and it solidifies a dream come true that I have had since I was a little kid,” he said. “It’s been a goal of mine since I was young to play Division I baseball and it’s super cool to see it come to fruition. It makes me want to continue to work harder and set new goals in baseball for myself. Choosing FAU was an easy decision. It seemed like they were the school that wanted me most and I really enjoyed talking with the coaches and seeing what their program is about, and I loved everything about it. I love the campus and area the school is in as well, so it just seemed like it was the right fit for me, and it was a place that I was going to enjoy being at.” Playing lacrosse for the University
Sophia Torres will play lacrosse for St. Bonaventure University and will major in neuroscience.
of Utah, Luke Haley will major in business administration. “For me, signing day was a feeling of excitement and hard work that has paid off,” he said. “Utah was the right fit for me because of the coaching staff, the players and the environment. My goals for college are to achieve First Team all-freshman for the ASUN conference and to go to Utah’s first NCAA tournament.” The athletes are excited for their opportunities and are thankful for the people that helped them achieve their goals along the way. “I want to thank my family for supporting me unconditionally both on and off the field,” said Torres. “I would be nowhere near where I am today if it wasn’t for everything they’ve done for me, from buying gear, flying me to tournaments and helping me create highlight film to pushing me to work harder and being there when it got tough. I especially want to thank my twin brother, Sam. This past year was very difficult for me both mentally and physically, but I was able to persevere because of his constant love and encouragement.”
Page 40
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 12
S. BRANDON LITTLE LEAGUE UNDEFEATED 1972 PEPSI TEAM CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY In 1968, after graduating from The Uniwas a questionable versity of Tampa, Dom Cassano moved to call by the umBrandon from Long Island, New York. Caspires, one may be sano was a baseball fanatic and an avid foloverzealous to the lower of the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1950s. point of getting He had the urge to start a baseball team at asked to watch the the local South Brandon Little League, but game from outside he needed help. He walked over to introduce the fence. When himself to his new next-door neighbor, Gene that happened, the Hink, to ask him to join him in his efforts. A other would make friendship of 50 years and a baseball bond sure he did not also for several years ensued, culminating in a Cassano and Hink had a strong team for several years, but their best club get ejected, beby far was the ’72 Pepsi-sponsored team that went undefeated and won cause they wanted District 13 championship. the District 13 title. to be sure that one Together, in 1970, they formed a team the draft taking place the following Monof them would alsponsored by Pepsi and built a dynasty that day evening in the league press box. Players ways be with the kids in the dugout.” reached its pinnacle in 1972 with an undeselected by each coach were then called at John said that Hink was loved by his playfeated team that won the District 13 title as home the following evening and advised of ers. He recalls Hink seemingly having the an underdog against powerhouse West Tamtheir selection. only swimming pool in Brandon at the time pa. Cassano, the coach, together with Hink, “I loved hearing the stories of my father and would always invite the players over for the manager and ‘master of pre-game fun- and Gene sitting side by side in that draft go,’ put together a core group of talent that room and licking their chops at the talent pizza and a swim after a game. “My dad and Mr. Cassano were very suhas gone unmatched since. still available to them after each coach’s se- perstitious about baseball, and they had fun Cassano’s two sons, John and Paul, were lection,” said John. “They both grew up with with the kids,” said Darrell. “My dad had an bat boys for the team. “I can remember at and truly loved the game and had a keen eye old pair of socks he would wear at the games the age of 7, along with my brother, Paul, for talent.” and told the kids they were for good luck. watching in astonishment as Gene gave preCassano and Hink would find any place to After he told them that, they would always game fungo warm-ups to the players,” said practice at least twice a week, whether it make sure he was wearing them at the game. John. “It was legendary, as coaches, players was an empty pasture, a vacant church lot For that season, maybe it helped—that and a and parents from other local little leagues or someone’s backyard, as long as the fun- team full of talented ball players.” would come out just to watch the precision damentals and players stayed sharp every John said that his father was hard on his week. of this team warming up.” players, and he demanded respect for the “Both were very passionate about the game, respect for teammates and commitTryouts for all players were always on a game,” said Hink’s son, Darrell. “When there ment to hard work. He can recall players Saturday morning in early February, with
coming up to him years later and telling him what an impact the two coaches had on their baseball careers. Cassano and Hink had a strong team for several years, but their best club by far was the ’72 Pepsi-sponsored team that went undefeated and won the District 13 title. “I distinctly recall driving home after the championship game in West Tampa with cars loaded with players, parents and coaches; banners waving; and kids screaming, only for the celebration to end when the car horns went dead,” said John. “It was a unique time to grow up in Brandon with a special group of players, parents and coaches.” Cassano was not only a pillar in the community as a baseball coach, but he was also the retail advertising manager for The Tampa Tribune for 25-plus years. He made an impact on many young lives, but his son, John, was his biggest fan of all. “There was a sign in front of the little league complex that commemorated the ’72 team with all the players’ and coaches’ names that stood for 30 years that is now gone,” said John. “It broke my heart when I moved back from New York to see it removed, as I drove by it 20 times a day always glancing over and smiling.” Cassano passed away in December 2019 and Hink recently passed away last month; however, their legacy will live on. February 2022 will mark the 50-year anniversary of the team.
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
December 2021
Page 41
AREA COMES ALIVE WITH TREE LIGHTINGS, PARADES & MORE By Kathy L. Collins
www.facebook.com/FishHawkTNR Found in every corner of the state, the osprey is both a migratory species and a year-round resident of Florida. These distinctive birds of prey are easily identified by their large size, white head with brown striping by their yellow eyes, white underbelly and brown feathers. Their impressive wingspan can average 2-4 feet in length. Ospreys are most commonly observed around bodies of water, both fresh and salt water, as over 90 percent of their diet primarily consists of live fish. These carnivorous birds can be seen gracefully diving feet first to depths up to 3 feet for their meals in shallow waters and then enjoying their catch atop a perch, a light post or a tree. Fish such as mullet, catfish, sunfish and spotted trout are common captures, though ospreys will eat a very wide variety of fish. This is also how the osprey has gained its nickname: the fish hawk, or the sea hawk. Their entire design and adaptations help them to be incredibly successful fishermen. Their eyes are adapted to be able to detect fish underwater from over 100 feet above. Ospreys can also close their nostrils when they dive, and they even have reversible outer toes equipped with small barbs which allow them to hang onto their slippery prey once caught. Another common place
to view an osprey is in one of their oversized, bulky, stick-based nests. Ospreys can reuse the same nest for decades and both the male and female will spend time rebuilding and renovating those nests together every year. Like many other species of birds, ospreys can mate for life and are typically monogamous. Females usually lay up to three eggs at a time, once a year, with both parents taking turns incubating the eggs. At around six weeks of age, the chicks have begun eating on their own, and at around seven weeks, they are learning how to fly. Ospreys fully fledge their nest at around eight weeks old. In Florida, ospreys have a generally healthy population today. This can be attributed to the ban on DDT and harmful chemical pesticides in the 70s and 80s. However, tomorrow is never promised for wildlife. Their future depends on our careful conservation and stewardship. Remember to reduce, reuse and recycle, and support climate change legislation to ensure a healthy and bright future for all of our treasured wildlife. Ali Holton is currently Director of FishHawk TNR, Inc. She has a Masters in Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystems and 20 years of experience specializing in animal behavior & conservation.
This holiday seawonderful tradison, you and your tion. family will have lots You can also exof opportunities to perience the magisee Christmas tree cal tree lighting in lightings, parades the community of and festive light disWinthrop in Rivplays. Here are just erview on Friday, a few. December 3. The Now through tree is located in Sunday, January 2, the courtyard near 2022, you can enCappy’s. The festivjoy lighted displays Kick off the holidays with a Christmas Tree Lighting, parade ities begin at sunalong Tampa’s Rivdown around 5:45 or festive lighting display located throughout the area. erwalk. Examples p.m. A holiday include a 35-foot movie will folfloating tree near low. Winthrop Curtis Hixon WaTown Centre is terfront Park and a located at the gingerbread lighted intersection of display floating near Bloomingdale Water Works Park Ave. and Provin downtown Tamidence Rd. in pa. These are courRiverview. tesy of the Friends On Saturday, of the Riverwalk. December 4, On Thursday, Decome to downcember 2, come to town Tampa historic downtown for the annual Plant City for the annual Lights of Love from parade, Santa Fest and the annual Christ5:30-8 p.m. This event includes a ceremoni- mas Tree Lighting. The parade begins at 1:30 ous lighting of a 24-foot Christmas tree in p.m. at Morgan St. and Madison St. It travMcCall Park, located at 100 N. Collins St. The els west from Madison St. to Ashley Dr. and lights on the tree are purchased by residents, ends at Ashley Dr. and Cass St. organizations and businesses in honor of After the parade, go to Curtis Hixon Wasomeone they have lost. terfront Park, located at 600 N. Ashley Dr., On Friday, December 3, you can return to for Santa Fest from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The tree Plant City for the annual Christmas Parade. lighting entertainment will take place from The parade begins at 7 p.m. at Alsobrook St., 5:30-6:25 p.m. Mayor Castor and Santa heads down Collins St. and ends up at the Claus will light the tree. The holiday movie, Plant City Courthouse on Michigan Ave. You The Grinch, will be shown following the tree can bring chairs and comfortably watch this lighting.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
THE VILLAGE PLAYERS PRESENT IF IT’S MONDAY, THIS MUST BE CHRISTMAS By Kathy L. Collins
The Village Players are happy to present If It’s Monday, This Must Be Christmas, a play set in the 1950s on Christmas Eve. If It’s Monday, This Must Be Christmas is directed by longtime veteran actor and Director Gail Pierce. If It’s Monday, This Must Be Christmas The Village Players welcome back everyone with a great comedy/mystery will be performed on as they perform If It’s Monday,This Must Be Christmas, a whodunit set in Friday, December 3 the 1950s on Christmas Eve. and 10, Saturday, Deing. Harry has only one day, cember 4 and 11 at Christmas Eve, to solve the 8 p.m. Matinees will be case. Multiple characters performed on Sunday, Deare suspects. Clues are hard cember 5 and 12 at 3 p.m. to find. As if that were not All performance will be bad enough, the local police held at the James McCabe lieutenant shows up, and the Theater, located at 506 N. audience gets a glimpse into 5th St. in Valrico. Harry’s past as he recalls his Regular admission tickfirst case that took place ets are $18. For students, when he was in the third seniors and military with grade. an ID, tickets are $15. To Pierce said, “What can a purchase tickets, please flatfoot do to stay free of the call 480-3147 (ask for Chris) or visit www.thevillageplayersvalrico. fuzz and find the felons? Wise cracks and plot twists fly faster than Santa’s sleigh in com. If It’s Monday, This Must Be Christmas this Yuletide whodunit.” If It’s Monday, This Must Be Christmas features Harry Monday, a down and out gumshoe who is short of cash as usual. He is also includes audience participation with down to walking dogs for a few bucks when Q&A. Pierce said, “In keeping of the Christmas Hartigan’s Department Store has its payroll stolen. Store Manager Loretta Mondello has spirit and bringing in the New Year, The Vilcomplete faith in Harry pulling this one off. lage Players opens in December with a comOf course, she does because she is his moth- edy/mystery set in the 1950s on Christmas Eve.” er. For more on The Village Players, please visNot only has the payroll been stolen, but the store’s St. Nick has also gone miss- it www.thevillageplayersvalrico.com.
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Volume 20, Issue 12
LIVE BALLET IS BACK WITH BRANDON BALLET’S PERFORMANCE OF THE NUTCRACKER The Brandon elmeyer. Her uncle Ballet is proud gives her the magito present three cal Nutcracker, and live performances suddenly her whole of Tchaikovsky’s night is changed.” holiday classic, In the 28th seaThe Nutcracker, son, Brandon Ballet on Saturday, Deis changing things cember 11 at 7:30 up and casting a fep.m. and Sunday, male in the role of December 12 at Herr Drosselmeyer. 2 and 5 p.m. This Townend said, “Say year’s venue is Rivhello to Frau Droserview High School selmeyer. Longtime Theatre, located at fans of Brandon Bal11311 Boyette Rd. let will recognize the in Riverview. dancer, Elisabeth Tickets are Martin, from the available online at 2018 production of www.brandonbalCinderella, for her let.org/events/ and mesmerizing ability can be purchased to bring to life theatBrandon Ballet is thrilled to be back with live until Friday, Derical characters such ballet. It will perform three live performances of cember 10. Adults The Nutcracker this December at Riverview High as Drosselmeyer.” School Theatre. are $35, children In addition to and seniors (55 and older) are $25 and the groundbreaking cast change, Florida homeschool groups and students are $15. native, Shawn Cusseaux is returning to Tickets at the door are $35 for everyone. Brandon. Cusseaux graduated from Park For discounted homeschool tickets, please Pointe University in May 2020. In just two contact dance@brandonballet.org. months, he rose through the ranks of Ballet Hannah Townend, administrative di- X in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one of the rector for Brandon Ballet, said, “Brandon top three ballet companies in the United Ballet is bringing back the magic of the States. holiday season. The critically acclaimed loTownend said, “One can definitely say cal company is returning to the traditional Cusseaux has seen his time on major stagtwo-act production and taking the fun and es. His short return to Florida also means magic of this timeless classic and adding being reunited with longtime dance partnew elements in costuming, choreography ner and current Brandon Ballet professionand, most notably, casting.” al Sarah Eisenbaum. The two have been Everyone knows the story of The Nut- known for years for the palpable conneccracker. Townend explained, “At a buzzing tion they have on stage.” Christmas Eve party, young Clara gets a For more information, please visit www. visitor, whom most know as Herr Dross- brandonballet.org.
December 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
ARTIST AND ART TEACHER MICHELE BORNE USING TALENTS TO INSPIRE STUDENTS Michele Borne is an in the district. Regardartist and an art teachless of all the changes, er with Hillsborough I have been blessed to County Public Schools. have a very supportive She currently teaches administration in every art at Pinecrest Eleschool. They realize mentary School in Lithhow important art is ia and Dover Elemenin the development of tary School in Dover. children.” Borne has a Bachelor The role of teacher of Fine Arts from Loudoes not leave much isiana State University. room for Borne to conHer major is in painting centrate on her own and drawing. She also art. However, she did has a master’s degree Michele Borne is the talented artist and create two murals. One in education with a art teacher at both Pinecrest Elementary was at a public library and Dover Elementary. This delightful major in international in Honduras, where she piece was created at Pinecrest Elementary. teaching. taught at an American Borne has been able to use her talent, school for several years. education and experience in sharing art The other is at Carver Exceptional with her students. School in Tampa. According to Borne, this Borne led her students in the creation one took over 50 hours to paint. Borne of a unique chalk art design that was on said, “Students at Carver have emotiondisplay at Pinecrest Elementary. Borne al and behavior disorders. The fact that explained, “At Pinecrest Elementary, we they were able to see me paint served as kick off our Start with Hello campaign a means for us to connect.” Borne addfrom the Sandy Hook Promise to bring ed, “The great thing about creating art students together by writing positive in public places is that everyone shares affirmations on our sidewalks. Our cam- the experience. That is precisely why I paign coincided with our Hispanic Heri- always make sure to display students’ tage celebration, so that is how I came artwork. I always make sure students are up with the idea of the chalk drawing aware that I am proud of their artistic (shown above).” abilities.” This is Borne’s fifth year of teaching Borne said, “The art room is a place for art in Hillsborough County. Borne said, exploration where everybody is success“In this short time, I have taught at six ful. We are all able to create something different schools since art is a shared beautiful out of nothing. Art is truly magposition and also since recent changes ical.”
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IT IS CHRISTMAS MOVIE TIME AT TAMPA THEATRE
enjoy a showing of Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. The festivities begin at 3 p.m. Then, It’s a Wonderful Life will be shown seven times beginning on Friday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. You can then see it on Saturday, December 18 and Sunday, December 19 at 3 and 7:30 p.m. It will then be shown at 7 p.m. from Monday through Celebrate the holiday season by bringing friends and your whole Thursday, December 20 to family to a movie screening of the Holiday Classics movie series 23. at the majestic, Tampa Theatre. You can see movies such as the The wonderful family-faheartwarming classic Elf. vorite Elf, starring everyOnce again, Tampa’s majestic movie one’s favorite elf, Buddy, will be shown on palace, Tampa Theatre, will celebrate the Sunday, December 26 at 3 p.m. holiday season with its Holiday Classics Tampa Theatre is also partnering with movie series. Jill Witecki with Tampa Thethe Junior League of Tampa this holiday atre said, “When you visit Tampa Theatre, season to help provide diapers to families you are not just coming for a movie, you in need. Guests attending Holiday Clasare coming for an experience.” sics film screenings can help by bringing Witecki added, “One of the brightest in disposable diapers of any type, size or and most beloved of those experiences is brand; wipes; and diaper cream, or by the tradition of sharing favorite holiday purchasing items off of the Junior League films on the big screen with family and of Tampa’s Amazon Wish List. friends, and singing along to Christmas Tickets for Sing-Along White Christmas carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre are $13 ($10 for Tampa Theatre memOrgan before the show.” bers). All other Holiday Classics movie seThis is something that you will not want ries are $10 ($7 for Tampa Theatre memto miss. There is nothing like seeing these bers). Tickets can be purchased online classic films on the big screen in a beauat www.tampatheatre.org or by visiting tifully restored treasure like Tampa Thethe theater’s box office, located at 711 N. atre. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. On Sunday, December 5, come sing For more information on the Holiday along with White Christmas. The show Classics movie series and all of the other begins at 3 p.m. movies and events offered by Tampa TheOn Sunday, December 12, attendees will atre, please visit www.TampaTheatre.org.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
BRANDON PAIR WIN STATE AWARD FOR SPECIAL NEEDS SOCCER PROGRAM
Staff Report
The Brandon At the award TOPSoccer proceremony, gram got its start Muzyk was in 1998 when a quick to point few soccer dads out that the had an idea. Their program was kids played recsuccessful due reation and comto the many petitive soccer volunteers who and they wanted contributed. to give kids with This included special needs the Pat Hendryx chance to play too. and Tricia CarThey put their idea son, current into action and board members; the first season of Carlos MonteTOPSoccer (The ro, concessions; The Brandon TOPSoccer program, with volunteers Pat Outreach Program Hendryx, Ken Muzyk, Fred Englehardt, Tricia Carson and along with for Soccer) in Carlos Montero, was recently honored by the Florida Youth team coaches Soccer Association. Brandon was held and high school that year with about 25 special needs students who assisted as ‘on-field budboys and girls. Word spread quickly and dies’ to the players. Thanks to donors the number of players increased every and sponsors, players received uniforms, year to over 150 athletes. This made cleats, trophies and food free of charge. program among the largest in the state. Gary Rach and Joanne Quinn of the On August 7, The Florida Youth Soccer West Florida Flames allowed the use of Association (FYSA) honored two of the their soccer fields and concession stand. founders at their annual meeting held Muzyk said, “It’s been a wonderful proat JW Marriott in Orlando. Ken Muzyk gram for the special needs community. and Fred Englehardt were presented We couldn’t have done it without the with the FYSA TOPS Volunteers of the involvement of hundreds of volunteers Year award for their efforts in starting over the years.” and managing the program for 23 years. Due to the ongoing virus situation, conWhile presenting the awards, FYSA com- tinuing the program as in previous years mented, “Their hard work and organiza- became unrealistic. For this reason, the tion efforts for the TOPSoccer program program has been modified and will now shows every season when the athletes be managed directly by the West Florida take the field. The West Florida Flames Flames organization. Those interested in will be forever thankful to these individ- more information on the program can uals for everything they have done for call 684-5948. the TOPSoccer program.”
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Volume 20, Issue 12
CENSUS DATA SHOWS SCHOOL DISTRICTS MUST BE REDRAWN
By Michelle Caceres
the need for reappropriation for equitability among board members. “I hope they feel like I have served them well over the last seven years, but I hate to lose constituents—that means I have to give up people and that makes me sad,” she said. It is important to note that redistricting does not impact Census data has shown that school board member districts must be redrawn school attendue to population disparities within the district. dance zones in Population increases don’t just affect any way and will individual school attendance boundaries, not affect which school students attend. it also has an impact on school board The school district’s Growth Managemember districts. ment Department is working with HillsFlorida Statute 1001.36 requires that borough County’s geographic information school board member districts be as system (GIS) team to assist with provid“equal in population as nearly as prac- ing the school board with maps for conticable” and may only be amended in sideration for the reapportionment of the odd-numbered years. single member districts. The 2020 census data, released in Au“The mapping criteria we are asking gust, indicates that school board member the county to incorporate includes comdistricts have grown disproportionately munity integrity (keeping neighborhoods over the past decade, thereby requir- together), population, maintaining miing redistricting (the process of drawing nority demographic balance and ethnicity electoral district boundaries) in 2021 to breakdown,” said Superintendent Addiachieve greater equality between dis- son Davis. tricts. Last month, the district held several While population increases occurred in Community Connection meetings to upeach of the five districts, the largest in- date constituents on the new 5-Year Stracreases were noted in District 2, which tegic Plan, discuss the academic state of experienced a 32 percent population the district and identify areas to improve increase from 247,195 to 327,197, and its practice. The final meeting will take District 5, school board member Melissa place at Middleton High School in Tampa Snively’s district, which increased in pop- on Thursday, December 9. ulation from 249,874 to 309,719. In addition to the in-person meetings, “Because I’ve been a school board the maps will also be posted on the dismember for seven years, the population trict website and allow for feedback or increase has been gradual and I haven’t comments online. really noticed an unmanageable workFor more information about redistrictload,” she said. ing or provide feedback, go to www.hillAlthough she hates to lose any of the sboroughschools.org and look under ‘Disconstituents she serves, she understands trict News.’
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December 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Page 45
UPCOMING HOLIDAY MARKETS AND EVENTS IN COMMUNITY
By Tatiana Ortiz
This holiday season, local vendors want to help you cross some items off your shopping list. Check out the upcoming holiday markets and events around the area for ideas for the whole family.
Holiday Craft Fair
Cloudberry Lodge at Brandon Assisted Living and Memory Care’s free upcoming Holiday Craft Fair will take place on Saturday, December 4 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. A wide array of vendors will be present such as a Color Street nail specialist, baked goods, jewelry decorations, homemade salsas, Christmas decorations and more. The main goal is to bring awareness to the location of its assisted living and memory care facility, bring the community together and help its vendors. For more information, contact Ashley Gaarder at 662-1535 or email marketing@cloudberrylodge.com. The market will take place at 3918 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon.
The Cottonseed Marketplace Christmas Sip And Shop Get a taste of a holiday cocktail while experiencing a unique shopping trip at The Cottonseed’s Marketplace Christmas Sip and Shop on Saturday, December 4 from 12-4 p.m. inside its 1973 renovated Airstream mobile boutique. The event will also highlight other local makers who were invited to showcase and sell their work. For instance, Wells Woodworking, owned by Jeremy and Megan Wells, will have solid woodcutting boards, cornhole game sets and more handcrafted wooden products. Bridge Bowtique will have a variety of bows for little girls. Wright Woodworks will have wooden stocking holders and more. KY Crafts by GAP will have signs and coat hangers made from whiskey barrel heads and more. Other
local makers will be present too. For more information, visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ events/355114573061433. It is located at 4456 Mohican Trail in Valrico.
S’mores And Stores Event
Come out to the Rivercrest community’s first S’mores and Stores event on Saturday, December 11 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. More than 40 local vendors will be there. It costs $35 to become a vendor. A food truck, DJ and Santa will be giving out s’mores. All of the proceeds will go towards Grow Into You Foundation. For more information on signing up to become a vendor, contact Events by KC (Kacey Folger) at 240-4107 or email eventsbykacey@gmail.com. It is located at 11560 Ramble Creek Dr. in Riverview.
The Forbes Family Christmas In The Park
Visit the Masonic Park and Youth Camp in Wimauma for the Forbes Family Christmas in the Park event from Wednesday, December 1 through Friday, December 31. Sunday through Thurs-
day, it runs from dark to 9 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from dark to 10 p.m. This is its annual Christmas Lights event with vendor opportunities. Jen’s Markets and Events also partnered up. It does not cost to attend, but donations are welcome. For more information, call 6341220, email Jennifer McCafferty at jennifer@jens-market.com or check out the Facebook page www.facebook. com/MasonicParkFlorida. It is located at 18050 S. U.S. Hwy. 301 in Wimauma.
Christmas Toy Train Show And Sale The Regal Railways will be presenting a Christmas Toy Train and Sale at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover. On Saturday, December 11 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., there will be a running train layout as well as vendors selling model trains, collectibles and die-cast cars. There is something for children of all ages to enjoy. For more information, visit www.regalrailways.com.
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
THE HILLSBOROUGH EDUCATION FOUNDATION HELPS CHILDREN IN NEED HAVE ACCESS TO ONLINE SCHOOL WORK
THE KNIGHTEN PROJECT PACKING WITH A PURPOSE DONATION DRIVE By Amy Schechter
By Makenzie Atkins
Hillsborough all their work Education Founeach day. The dation has been organization working hard to quickly reclose the ‘homealized that work gap’ by proa hotspot viding families in was not need with tools enough for like internet acthese chilcess and other redren and by sources. August the When schools foundation began to switch was working Francis Hernandez and her daughters use a Microsoft to virtual learning on securing Surface to complete homework, connect with teachers in early 2020, it funding to ofand access online programs that the schools require. started to become fer more than clear that many students had trouble just a hotspot. gaining access to online school. With some Many families feel the stress of helping students having to use smart phones to do their children succeed in the new learnhomework or leave their homes and sit ing environment that people around the somewhere with free Wi-Fi, Hillsborough world have been adapting to because of Education Foundation knew it had to step COVID-19. Francis Hernandez, a single in and help. mother of four children, gives an insight to The program provides students in need the pressures that families in our county, with a Microsoft Surface and one year and many others, are dealing with. of free internet access. As schools refer “There’s a lot of parents out there strugfamilies to the foundation, someone from gling; Wi-Fi is probably not a priority to a the team visits the homes to assess what lot of people,” said Hernandez. “Your light, the families need. Once provided with the your water, your utilities—you know, your tools, the families are then taught how to rent, that’s your priority. Cable and Wi-Fi, use the computer along with helping the that stuff is not cheap.” children learn how to use the online proHernandez’s children have improved grams needed for school. The team contin- since gaining access to reliable computers ues to provide resources for the families to and being able to connect with teachers help with using the computer or complet- online. She is grateful that the program is ing schoolwork. spreading through the state and is excited The organization first started helping for the younger generations to have acwith the divide in April 2020 by offering cess to a great education. families a hotspot for children to access To learn more, donate or volunteer with online programs. The district had distrib- Hillsborough Education Foundation, please uted laptops, but many families could not visit www.educationfoundation.com/iniafford Wi-Fi for their children to complete tiatives/digital-equity/.
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Volume 20, Issue 12
The Knighten Project packs brand-new suitcases filled with everyday essentials for teens aging out of foster care in Tampa.
What happens when a child ages out of foster care? Often these young men and women are thrust into adulthood and face instant homelessness. Many are still in high school and need jobs or transportation. Additionally, without the guidance of a forever family, they are more likely to develop chemical dependencies, become pregnant while young or turn to crime. Bernetta Knighten founded The Knighten Project in 2015 to restore hope and change these young peoples’ lives one dream and one action at a time. Knighten explained her passion: “Foster children are a forgotten population. I had friends in foster care growing up, and now it has come full circle with my own children’s friends. I wanted my kids to see us giving back.” The Knighten Project is a philanthropic organization whose sole purpose is to provide a brand-new suitcase filled with everyday essentials to young
adults transitioning out of the foster care system in the Tampa area. “While in foster care, they receive many hand-me-downs, and having something brand-new is so important,” Knighten added. “They often leave with their few belongings in plastic bags. Imagine going into adulthood with nothing, no frame of reference.” Last year, The Knighten Project had a goal to provide 25 suitcases but raised enough to provide 100. This year, the drive runs from October 15 through December 15 with the goal of matching or exceeding last year’s efforts. It hopes to bless as many foster teens this holiday season as possible with suitcases going to foster teens at the Grow Into You Foundation and Camelot. If you want to be a part of what it lovingly calls adult starter kits, please consider making a monetary donation or providing a brand-new suitcase. The Knighten Project also hopes to connect with local businesses interested in providing resources to local foster teens, both physical items, such as toiletries or clothing, as well as knowledge. With each kit, Knighten wants to provide a resource folder where foster teens can learn about local programs that can help them as they find a place to live, transportation and employment. Visit theknightenproject.org/packing-w-purpose-2021-donation-drive or email knightenproject@gmail.com.
December 2021
Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
PAT’S CORNER RETURNS TO CENTER PLACE FINE ARTS & CIVIC ASSOCIATION By Libby Hopkins Center Place Fine Creations, Afribera Arts & Civic AssociaShirts and Scented tion has been a part of Intensions Candle the Brandon community Company. “We are for more than 45 years. also working with One of the community’s ECHO of Brandon,” favorite parts of Center Hopkins said. “We Place was Pat’s Corner, are excited to offer which was the center’s ECHO’s adorable gift shop. shoulder bags and Pat’s Corner was mini bags made removed from Cenfrom clothes that ter Place and turned were donated for into storage and office Center Place recently reopened Pat’s Corner, ECHO.” space. This saddened which was the center’s gift shop. It’s coming Pat’s Corner gives back to Center Place as an artisans’ shop. many people from the local artist and makcommunity. ers a place to showcase their creative talWhen the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Cen- ents. “Keeping thing local and supporting ter Place was almost shuttered, which local is extremely important to me,” Hopmeant that Pat’s Corner would never re- kins said. “Pat’s Corner is doing two things: turn. “One of the things I wanted to bring it’s helping Center Place have another revback from Center Place’s past was the gift enue stream while making the local econshop or Pat’s Corner,” said Center Place’s omy stronger.” executive director, Libby Hopkins. Center Place’s executive board and HopPat’s Corner was name after Pat Odi- kins are currently working on Pat’s Corner orne, Center Place’s original executive di- operating hours. “We would like to have rector. “Pat made sure the gift shop was the store open Monday-Friday for a few stocked with art, jewelry, scarves and oth- hours a day,” Hopkins said. “We are looking er fun items,” said Hopkins. “I, too, want to the Brandon community for volunteers to make sure the gift shop is stocked with to help us run Pat’s Corner and we would new and unique gifts as well as art, but I love to have some more locally made prodwanted to take it a step further by having uct available in the shop.” only local artists’ works in the shop along If you are interested in volunteering at with locally made candles, clothing, purses Pat’s Corner during the week or if you’re and teas. We are still calling it Pat’s Cor- a local maker who would like to have your ner, but it will be considered a local artisan items available in the shop, please contact shop.” Hopkins at 658-8888. Center Place Fine Center Place is working with local cre- Arts & Civic Association is located at 619 ators Regalitea, Laura Elderberry, Hu- Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon, next to madorables by Susan, Hogan Made, DVR the Brandon Library.
Page 47
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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition
Volume 20, Issue 12
Decemer 2021
Holiday Gift Guide
Page 1
2021 HOLIDAY FAVORITE THINGS SWEEPSTAKES
Staff Report
For seven years, Osprey Observer Newspapers has been partnering with local retailers to publish the Shop Local Holiday Favorite Things Sweepstakes and Gift Guide, and this year promises to be one of the best yet, with prizes totaling over $3,000! For the 2021 Sweepstakes, we’ve partnered with our friends at Express Oil & Tire Engineers in Riverview to offer an amazing early bird prize: a brand-new set of four tires plus three oil changes, with a total prize value of over $1,000! Plus, our friends at McAuley Fine Jewelry are offering an exquisite 14K, two-tone, bezel-set, 1.28 ct. blue topaz ring valued at more than $600. In addition, we have (four) tickets to Busch Gardens, a $250 cruise voucher from Dream Vacations, a foursome of golf at River Hills Country Club worth $160, a
$25
Gift Card
$100-value sunset cruise with Latitudes Tours in Ruskin—and So. Much. More. And all from our amazing local businesses. Our campaign, the Osprey Observer, A Few of Our Favorite Things, is so important this year when families are continuing to struggle during a global pandemic and need some joy. We love partnering with our local businesses to help bring some
positivity in whatever small way we can. “The annual sweepstakes is so successful and just seems to get better each year. We have so many amazing prizes this year and are more excited than ever to share these finds with our readers,” said Assignment Editor Kate Quesada. So, from now until mid-December, we will be collecting Our Favorite Things all
throughout the community, and we will put them together in one giant gift basket that will be given out in our annual sweepstakes for our readers. To enter, email ‘Sweepstakes’ to contest@ospreyobserver. com or fill out the entry form in this section and send in by mail, fax or email. Last year, more than 1,500 local residents entered the campaign and ONE lucky winner walked away with a prize package worth more than $2,800. Prizes will be drawn just in time for Christmas. We will have two early bird prizes and the final grand prize, and we can’t wait to see who our lucky winners are. Good luck and thank you for shopping local and reading your Osprey Observer Community Newspaper! Your Managing Editor Marie Gilmore
Page 2
Holiday Gift Guide
Volume 20, Issue 12
Holiday Gift Guide
Decemer 2021
GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMBERSHIP WITH RIVER HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
By Kate Quesada
Are you looking Swezey. for a gift for someClub amenities one who has everyinclude an 18-hole thing? Then what championship golf about the gift of course designed by membership? RivJoe Lee, eight lighter Hills, a full-sered Har-Tru courts, a vice country club junior Olympic pool, located in Valrico, a fitness center with offers a variety of 24-hour access and membership levels social and dining opand options with portunities. something for every River Hills, a full-service country club located in Programs include member of the fam- Valrico, offers a variety of membership levels and a swim team, tennis options with something for every member of the leagues, year-round ily. family. According to Gentournament schederal Manager Bob ule, a golf practice Swezey, the club has complex, ladies’ nights, dedicated professional junior camps and clinics, managers in every deGals Golf, Men’s Weekly partment. Rumble, Ladies Nights, “The professional Kids’ Craft days, holiday team has over a cenevents and very large tury of experience in community events. club operations that Memberships levels have been recognized range to fit family needs locally, regionally and and budgets, and memnationally for excellence in areas of ser- bers do not have to live within the comvice, education and operational excellence munity to join. by the PGA of America, USTA, National “River Hills Country Club sets itself Golf Foundation and National Golf Course apart from other private clubs as it is truOwners Association,” said Swezey. ly a family-oriented culture that is built by Established in 1989 and renovated reg- the membership themselves and nurtured ularly, with a full clubhouse renovation by a team that cares personally to serve in 2019, River Hills Country Club is now professionally,” said Swezey. “The vision owned by the River Hills Master Associa- of the entire staff on a daily basis is to tion, the community HOA. be inviting, distinctive and dynamic for a “River Hills Country is truly the only wide spectrum of demographics.” family-centric private facility in the area To learn more, visit www.riverhillscounthat provides a safe haven from the hec- tryclub.com or find it on Facebook. For tic world outside the 24-hour guarded membership details, contact is Margie facility for all members of a family,” said Martin at 653-1554, ext. 232.
$250 Norwegian cruise voucher with gift basket Value: $350
Page 3
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES OFFERS PERFECT HOLIDAY TREATS FOR EVERY SEASON By Kate Quesada The holidays like pumpkin spice in are a great time November and pepto treat yourpermint chocolate self and your chip in December. friends, and Cakes and toppers Nothing Bundt are available for holCakes, located in iday parties in adWinthrop Town dition to birthdays, Centre, has the graduations and perfect way weddings. to satisfy your Nothing Bundt sweet tooth. Cakes offers onWith 10 deliline ordering and Nothing Bundt Cakes offers holiday treats for every cious flavors and third-party delivery, occasion. options rangmaking it easy for ing from single residents to enjoy serving Bundtinis while keeping safe to 10-inch cakes, during the pandemic. Nothing Bundt As Nothing Bundt Cakes has someCakes is very popular thing for everyfor gifts and holiday one, even those gatherings, Shuffield whose diet is recommends resirestricted to gludents to order online ten-free. in advance. Owner Rob The website also Shuffield, a Branoffers information on don High School graduate, grew up in the fundraising with Nothing Bundt Cakes and area and was thrilled to open the Winthrop the opportunity to sign up for the Nothing location three years ago. Bundt Cakes eClub, which offers a free “I love the Brandon community and am birthday treat. proud to offer the quality and flavors of “Stop by and try our products,” said Nothing Bundt Cakes through our store Shuffield. “Our general manager, Noelle, here,” said Shuffield. “Winthrop has been and the team would love to meet you.” such a great location for us, and we are so Nothing Bundt Cakes is located at 11238 thankful to John Sullivan for his vision for Sullivan St. in Riverview and can be reached such a great community center.” at 409-2394. To learn more or order onAccording to Shuffield, the most popular line, visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com. flavors at the location are chocolate choc- Its hours of operation are Monday-Friday, olate chip and red velvet, but he encour- 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and ages shoppers to look for seasonal choices Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Page 4
Holiday Gift Guide
Volume 20, Issue 12
A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR THE MUSIC LOVER AT MUSIC SHOWCASE Staff Report
DONOVAN’S MEATERY DELIVERS DELICIOUS DATE NIGHTS
Are you looking try out for free for a unique gift different infor a music lover struments and or a fun way to make a craft get into the holto take home. iday spirit? Then There are look no further also Parent’s than Brandon’s Night Out own Music Showevents. The case. next one is on Music ShowSaturday, Decase, a famicember 4 from ly-owned busi- Music Showcase is a one stop shop for music lovers this holi- 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ness open since called Santa’s day season 1995, has all Workshop. kinds of name-brand inChildren ages 5-12 will struments for purchase, inhave dinner, snacks, play cluding brass instruments, games, do crafts, watch drums, guitars, keyboards, a movie and more. orchestral instruments and If you are looking for woodwind instruments, plus a fun way to spend time various accessories. Music together as a family, Showcase offers a monthwhy not take in a perforto-month instrument rent-to-own pro- mance this holiday season? Shows include gram. You can even rent online and have Annie Jr. and All Together Now!. Beauty the instrument delivered to the school. Mu- and the Beast is Friday-Sunday, December sic Showcase has an in-house repair shop 10-12 and 17-19. You can also enjoy breakand sells used gear on consignment. fast with Belle and friends on Saturday, It is also a place of learning for all ages December 11 and Saturday, December 18. from 4 to senior and experience levels from Visitors will meet and greet the characbeginner to advanced. Lessons are provid- ters, have a photo op and get autographs, ed for singing as well as most instruments breakfast and a Beauty and the Beast stoMonday through Saturday. Students have rybook as keepsake. The rock band will opportunities to perform in recitals as well have its concert on Friday, December 3. as at community events. Also, students in middle and high school In addition to lessons, students can can still join the cast of Godspell. participate in many programs run by the Music Showcase is located at 402 OakFlorida Academy of the Performing Arts field Dr. in Brandon. To learn more about (FAOPA), located at Music Showcase. The Music Showcase and its gear, lessons and academy offers musical theater, acting more, visit www.musicshowcaseonline. classes, rock band and many more. One com. To learn more about FAOPA’s proprogram provided regularly is called Mu- grams, events, tickets and prices, visit fasic Makers, where children can come and opa.org.
Think you need to is live fire cooking drive to Tampa or St. within view of the Petersburg for upguests. scale dining? Think “There are only a again. Donovan’s Mehandful of restauatery, located converants in Tampa Bay niently in Winthrop that have open wood Town Centre in Rivfires cooking almost erview, is the perfect everything on the location for a funmenu,” she said. filled, food lover’s Its hip, stylish atnight on the town. mosphere is perfect The menu boasts to enjoy the comDonovan’s Meatery, located conveniently in elegant starters and Winthrop Town Centre in Riverview, is the perfect pany of friends and exceptional entrees location for a fun-filled, food lover’s night on the family. Plus, the vibe rivaling any steakcomplements the town. house. Start delicious food out with an aryou’ll be sure tisanal cheese to enjoy. Pull up board, duck a chair at the confit flatbread bar, dine inside or something or enjoy the refrom their raw bar. Pair it with a delicious freshing breeze on the patio. wine from its wine list, complete with reThe holidays are approaching quickly, serve wines for the most discerning con- and gift cards to Donovan’s make excellent noisseur, or an original cocktail. Then, stocking stuffers and presents for family Donovan’s takes your steak seriously. It and friends. Plus, it is conveniently availoffers a wide selection of certified angus able online. beef and American wagyu. Whether you’re To check out its entire menu, purchase craving a tomahawk ribeye, New York strip gift cards, make a reservation or order onor porterhouse, its cuts are aged to perfec- line, visit donovansmeatery.com. Check it tion and cooked over an open fire. Grab a out on Facebook, where the pictures of its salt-crusted, jumbo baked potato and car- food will solidify the location of your next amelized sweet corn, and your taste buds meal, at www.facebook.com/donovansmewill thank you. Plus, it has an impressive atery. You can also call the restaurant diselection of alternatives, such as the very rectly at 295-8445. popular wild game specials, brown sugar Donovan’s Meatery is located at 11206 and bourbon salmon and even boneless Sullivan St. in Riverview. It is open daily fried chicken. for lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with SunAccording to Suzanne Perry, owner of day-Thursday dinner from 5-9 p.m., and FriDatz Restaurant Group, Donovan’s parent day-Saturday dinner from 5-10 p.m. Happy company, the primary focus for Donovan’s hour runs daily from 3-5 p.m.
By Amy Schechter
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Decemer 2021
Holiday Gift Guide
Page 5
DATZ WINTHROP OFFERS COMFORT FOOD WITH A TWIST By Amy Schechter over a bed of potatoes, peas and pearl onions, never disappoints. There’s truly something for everyone, whether you are a vegetarian, prefer chicken or feel like fresh fish. Then, you’ll want to devour a dessert like the horse soldier bourbon chocolate cake. Plus, Datz has mastered every meal. Sundays are all about brunch, and no brunch is complete without a morning margarita or mimosa and a dive into its famous monkey bread, a pull-apart cluster Datz, located in Winthrop Town Centre, offers over-the-top of gooey cinnamon sugar bread drizzled in icing and caramel. Save American comfort food with a twist. room for a chicken George Bernard Shaw and waffle benedict, said, “There is no love shrimp and grits sincerer than the love of or the Cheesy Todd food.” Roger and Suzanne Breakfast, which is Perry can attest. Since a mac and cheese 2009, when they opened bun, two eggs and Dr. Datz, they have helped BBQ’s smoked brisreimagine Tampa’s food ket. Datz partnered scene, and the same comwith Ray Lampe to fort food-filled with fun, create Dr. BBQ in flair and flavor patrons St. Petersburg, and all its food-forward, cannot get enough of makes its home right smoke-basted meats come straight from here in Riverview in Winthrop Town Cenits smokehouse to your table. tre. With holidays approaching, a gift card Recently named Creative Loafing’s Best to Datz shows that you know about food of Brandon/Riverview, a reimagined Amerand care about your friends and family. It ican comfort food full of modern, decadent is conveniently available online. twists inspires Datz’s dishes and pairs with To check out its menu, make a reservathe perfect craft beer, bourbon, or cocktion, purchase a gift card or order ahead, tail. You’ll want to start with some sharevisit datztampa.com or give it a call at able Nom Noms or tobacco onion stack, 535-7952. Datz Riverview is located at although you may not want to share. And 6264 Winthrop Town Centre Ave. in Rivit doesn’t serve mom’s meatloaf; as seen on erview. It is open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.the Travel Channel, Barry C’s Stuff Meat9 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 8:30 a.m.-9 loaf, filled with jalapeno mac and cheese p.m., with an all-day brunch on Sunday.
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Page 6
Holiday Gift Guide
Volume 20, Issue 12
HOW TO MAKE THE HOLIDAYS LESS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & SANTA’S VILLAGE STRESSFUL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY OPENS AT COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS Family Features
Staff Report
Between changes greeting that feels in routine and visitmost comfortable ing family (or having in the moment. To them visit you), the lessen the presholidays can be emosure, make sure tionally overwhelmfamily members ing for children and and friends underadults alike, even in stand what you ‘normal times.’ Add and your children in inclement weathare comfortable er, the desire for a with. For example, perfect holiday and “It looks like Zazil Photo courtesy of Getty Images doesn’t want a hug parents still working, and you have a perfect cocktail for emotion- right now, Auntie Mei. Perhaps a high five al meltdowns. would be better.” “The key to enjoying whatever this holiday Give your children (and yourself) grace. season brings is to acknowledge the range Talk with your children about the range of of emotions the entire family may be feeling emotions you feel throughout the day. This and hold space for those feelings,” said Ariel can help them learn emotional literacy and Acosta from KinderCare’s Inclusion Services flexible thinking. It also normalizes feelings. team. “By working on a few key things now When a big feeling does happen, remember before the heightened expectations and to connect before you correct by labeling busyness set in, families can build a toolbox and validating your child’s emotions: “I can of skills that will help make the season less see that you’re really sad we have to leave stressful for everyone.” the party. Leaving makes me feel sad too. Consider these tips to help your family What would help you feel better?” prepare for a less stressful holiday season. If your child is engaged in unsafe behavFind ways to destress as a family. Throw iors, like hitting, wait until after everyone on some music and have a dance party. is calm before talking about what could be Incorporate some simple yoga moves or done differently next time. stretches into your day to create mindful “How you handle your mistakes can be a moments. Help your children create a list of powerful example for your children,” Acoscalm-down techniques to choose from when ta said. “Once you’re calm, explain what they start to become overwhelmed or as a happened to your children. Start by naming way to reset after an outburst, such as tak- your emotion, apologize if you didn’t handle ing a deep breath. your feelings well and let your children know Set expectations for greetings. Talk with what you plan to do differently next time. ‘I your children about your family’s expecta- was really mad you two were arguing and I tions around greetings and help them think yelled. I shouldn’t have done that. Next time, of and practice different ways to say hello, I’m going to try to remember to take some such as a hug, handshake, high five, wave or deep breaths to help me speak more kindly.’” verbal greeting. Giving your children options For more tips for social and emotional deahead of time allows them to choose the velopment, visit kindercare.com.
The Hillsborough munity holiday disCounty Fairgrounds play events, as the announces its alllighting design firm new holiday light to further elevate spectacular, openthe event. Led by Pat ing on ThanksgivBrandano, the team ing Day, Thursday, brings 45 years of November 25, and design experience to running through the event. Sunday, December “People who at26. Tampa Bay’s Festend this year will tival of Lights and feel as if they’ve been Santa’s Village will dipped in holiday envelop guests in an Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and Santa’s Vil- magic while createnchanting winter lage open this month at the Hillsborough County ing family memories. Fairgrounds. wonderland from With enchantment its entrance marked by a custom, signa- in mind, we have added brighter lights, ture light display on SR 60 to their exit jaw-dropping displays, new activities through twinkling trees as they leave the and music that combine to create an unfairgrounds. One million lights will blanket forgettable immersive experience,” said the entire site. Holcomb. “We are focused on the guest This year’s event boasts a nearly 2-mile journey from the time they enter the road drive-through of continuous light features leading to the gate to the moment they followed by a festive walking visit to San- leave Santa’s Village.” ta’s Village. Designed to appeal to all ages The immersion begins upon entrance, as and backgrounds, the elaborate light dis- vehicles travel through 80 themed display plays themed to Florida and traditional areas with more than 250 larger-thanwinter holidays are complemented by indi- life pieces. Convenient post-drive-through vidual presentations representing Christ- parking allows guests to easily walk to mas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Santa’s Santa’s Village, which will be fully decked Village is filled with activities and treats out in holiday decor and music, including that tempt the young and young-at-heart, more than 3,000 feet of lights on buildsuch as Santa’s barnyard, holiday movies, ings and 500 animated dripping lights on visits with Santa and plenty of social me- trees. dia-worthy photo opportunities. Planned displays will include Pirates of For the first time, the Hillsborough Coun- Tampa and Santa Driving an Airboat, and ty Fairgrounds Board of Directors named activities will range from Santa’s BarnFair Manager Suzanne Holcomb the event yard to holiday movies and shorts. producer, ensuring that the fairgrounds Tickets for this year’s event are on sale are wholly transformed into a spectacle now and cost $25/car. For more informaof holiday cheer. Holcomb hired Brandano tion and tickets, please visit www.hillsborDisplays Inc., nationally known for com- oughcountyfair.com.
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Page 7
BUSCH GARDENS CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS WITH CHRISTMAS TOWN Staff Report
Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town events start this month and offers something for everyone.
One of Tampa’s biggest and brightest holiday event opens earlier this year with millions of twinkling holiday lights throughout Busch Garden’s 335 acres, spectacular fireworks and a brand-new experience with Santa that will create merry memories for guests of all ages. Included in park admission, the award-winning holiday event features all-new activities for the whole family. Three new events this year add to the traditional experience. The new Holiday in the Sky Fireworks Show will let guests enjoy classic holiday tunes and watch festive bursts of Christmas colors as they cover the sky in a dazzling fireworks display. Holiday in the Sky is offered on the Festival Field every Saturday and select event nights beginning on November 13. There will also be a new Storytime with Mrs. Claus and the chance for guests to visit Santa in his workshop with Santa’s North Pole Experience. Other fan-favorite holiday entertainment returning to this year’s Florida-style winter wonderland includes Christmas on Ice, Busch Gardens’ longest running holiday show, in the Moroccan Palace Theater, and Elmo’s Christmas Wish, where guests can join Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover and Zoe as they help Elmo find his Christmas wish. Also, the Three Kings Journey, a musical tale of the famed journey to Bethlehem, is cele-
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brated in the round at the Stanleyville Theater, and guests have the chance to journey to Rudolph’s W i n t e r Wonderland to find the most famous reindeer of all. As guests dash through the night between iconic rollercoasters, they can explore the Christmas Town Village, a delicious destination filled with drinks and dishes from an indulgent holiday menu. These unique, limited-time options include new specialty cocktails like the Mistletoe Margarita and the Apple Brandy Hot Toddy. Complete the night with a signature Christmas Town Hot Chocolate featuring festive flavors like peppermint or gingerbread. Feel the spirit of the season in each bite with the new maple bourbon pecan pie or feast on holiday favorites like the smoked brisket totchos. Guests can purchase a Christmas Town Sampler Lanyard, starting at only $44.99 for an eightpunch lanyard. To be the first to know about event details and special offers, visit www. christmastown.com and follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Guests are encouraged to check the park’s website before visiting to learn which event components are available each date. Christmas Town runs daily with park-wide festive fun from Friday, November 12 through Sunday, January 2.
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Page 8
Holiday Gift Guide
Volume 20, Issue 12
LOCAL FUN HOLIDAY EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Compiled by Jenny Bennett and Kate Quesada
Brandon Lions Club 2021 Luminaria Project Each year, the Brandon Lions Club conducts its luminaria fundraising project providing the kits to neighborhoods and individuals throughout the Greater Brandon area. The Luminaria Kits are constructed with white paper bags weighed down with sand and illuminated from within by a candle. They are traditionally displayed on Christmas Eve. Each kit contains 15 long-burning votive candles, 15 candle holders, 15 white bags and a plastic bag of sand (to use in the base of each bag). Kits are still just $7. Orders over 15 kits can be delivered to your neighborhood. You may contact Joe Kuebler at 263-2522 to place your order or email brandonlionsclub@gmail.com. All orders are COD and can be picked up at our clubhouse located at 610 Limona Rd. in Brandon or delivered (orders of 15 kits or more) on Saturday, December 18. Proceeds benefit Brandon Lions Charities, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization supporting its eyesight and hearing programs, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Greater Tampa Lions Sight Fund, ECHO, Family Promise, The Outreach Clinic, Brandon High School Don Bishop Track Meet, and other local area needs since 1954.
Victorian Christmas Stroll At The Henry B. Plant Museum Experience the extravagance and grandeur of a Victorian Christmas at the former 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel during the Henry B. Plant Museum’s Victorian Christmas Stroll. Allowing visitors a glimpse of Christmas past, the event runs daily from Saturday, November 20 through Sunday, January 2 (Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). With a different theme in every exhibit room, there is sure to be something for everyone. Look closely in exhibit cases and you will find snow babies and tiny antique trees. Gaze in wonder at a 14’ tree bedecked in antique ornaments. Other decorations include a replica Plant System train, vintage fashions, antique toys, orchids, fruit, shells and fanciful ornaments. During the Victo-
rian Christmas Stroll, visitors will explore the museum transformed by Christmas trees ranging in height from a few inches to more than 14 feet, 40,000 lights and hundreds of feet of garland. Decorations include vintage fashions, antique toys, locally sourced items and fanciful ornaments. The Victorian Christmas Stroll celebrates the warmth and spirit of an old-fashioned holiday. Guests can enjoy live music on select dates. The Museum Store is a treasure trove of unique gifts, including elegant jewelry, artwork and beautiful holiday accessories. Enjoy shopping in a unique Victorian atmosphere; the Museum Store is open daily. The museum is located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa. Admissions: adults - $16, seniors - $14 and youth - $10. Last tickets are sold 30 minutes before closing. For more information, visit www.plantmuseum.com. Ybor Tree Lighting Scheduled It is never too early to mark your calendar and get into the holiday spirit. The Ybor Chamber is hosting its annual tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday, November 17. The event will kick off with live holiday entertainment from 6-7 p.m., and Mayor Castor will light the tree at 7 p.m. Photos with
Santa and Mrs. Claus will take place from 7-8 p.m. and there will be free hot chocolate and cookies for the kids. For more information, visit www.ybor.org/treelighting. Lakeland Christmas Parade Features Santa And Mrs. Claus The 2021 Lakeland Christmas Parade will be held on Thursday, December 2 from 7-9 p.m. Hosted by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland, the Lakeland Christmas Parade is held annually on the first Thursday in December. Recognized as one of Lakeland’s largest annual events, parade participants step off from the RP Funding Center to begin their 1.25-mile course winding through the city’s streets, around Lake Mirror and back down Lemon St. Parade participants deck out their floats to reflect each year’s theme, which in past years has included ‘The Giving City’ and ‘A Storybook Christmas.’ Each year, float participants compete to win special recognition in eight categories: most outstanding band, most original float, best professional float, best youth or educational float, best community float, best business float, best theme float and judge’s choice. The best, of course, is saved for last, as the parade wraps up with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Events Con’t...on next page
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Decemer 2021
By tradition, the city The event will start typically chose a disat the TSS clubtinguished Lakeland house, located at citizen to serve as the 1250 Apollo Beach parade’s honorary Blvd. in Apollo grand marshal. But, Beach. For more instarting in 2018, the formation, call 645Junior League took 8377 or visit www. a different approach sail-tss.org. aimed at encouraging The Tampa Lightliteracy with a Polk ed Boat Parade, County student essay which begins at the Photo by Matt Stroshane Convention contest, which quickly Cenbecame a new beloved This holiday season, Disney Springs at Walt Disney ter, travels to The World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., will transtradition. Heights and finform into a winter wonderland, full of sparkling To learn more, lights, enchanting décor and holiday surprises. ishes at Sparkman visit www.jlgl.org/ Wharf, will take eve n t s /202 1 - l a ke place on Saturday, December 18. land-christmas-paFor more information, visit www. rade. thetampariverwalk.com. Local Boat Parades Are Florida-Festive What better way is there to celebrate the holidays in Florida than with a festive boat parade? Many local communities are hosting boat parades this season. The Alafia Boat Parade, hosted by the Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview, will take place on Saturday, December 4 from 5-8 p.m. starting at Williams Park and ending at River’s Edge Bar and Grill. For more information, visit www.alafiaboatparade.com. The Apollo Beach Boat Parade, sponsored by Tampa Sailing Squadron (TSS), will take place on Saturday, December 11 at 6 p.m.
Walt Disney World Resort Making Plans For A Magical Holiday Season in 2021 Beginning on Friday, November 12, festive entertainment, whimsical decor, seasonal food and drinks, special merchandise and more will all be a part of the 2021 holiday season across Walt Disney World Resort. For a first look at the merrymaking to come this year as part of ‘The World’s Most Magical Celebration’ honoring the resort’s 50th anniversary, visit www.wdwresorts.com. Additional details about the 2021 holiday season will be announced in the future. For more on ‘The World’s Most Magical Celebration’ and the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, visit wdwnews. com.
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Page 10
Holiday Gift Guide
POP UP A CELEBRATORY SNACK FOR A HOLIDAY TREAT Family Features Popcorn lovers 3/4 cup chopped rejoice: October is toasted almonds, National Popcorn divided Poppin’ Month, a 6 tablespoons seasonal celebratoffee bits, divided tion of one of Amer6 ounces milk ica’s oldest and chocolate, melted most beloved snack 1 ounce dark foods. chocolate, melted As farmers head In large bowl, into the fields to toss popcorn, a harvest crops, fam1/2 cup of almonds ilies and friends and 4 tablespoons gather to enjoy this of toffee bits. Drizever-popular treat. Popcorn is a great dish to serve during the holdiays zle with melted and for every day! Whether it’s premilk chocolate; toss pared on the stovetop, in the microwave until well coated. or ready to eat from the bag, Americans Transfer to parchment paper-lined bakconsume 15 billion quarts of this whole ing sheet. Drizzle with dark chocolate, grain each year. and sprinkle with remaining almonds and Celebrated for its seed-to-snack sim- toffee bits. Refrigerate for about 30 minplicity, popcorn is also non-GMO, vegan, utes, or until set, then break into clusters. gluten-free, sugar-free and naturally low Substitution: Use dark chocolate for in fat and calories, which makes it an milk chocolate, if preferred. easy fit for dietary preferences—and it’s budget-friendly. Churro Popcorn Add in popcorn’s irresistible smell, Servings: 2-3 taste and versatility, and it’s easy to un2 tablespoons granulated sugar derstand its popularity. With so many 1 tablespoon powdered sugar different ways to eat it—plain, buttery 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or loaded with goodies like these tof2 tablespoons butter fee almond chocolate popcorn or churro 6 cups popped popcorn popcorn versions—popcorn fits many In small bowl, mix granulated sugar, moods and occasions. powdered sugar and cinnamon. Pop up a bowl and join the Popcorn In small saucepan, melt butter, then Poppin’ Month celebration with more stir in 1 tablespoon of cinnamon sugar. recipes at popcorn.org. In large bowl, toss popcorn with cinnamon butter until well coated. Sprinkle Toffee Almond Chocolate Popcorn evenly with remaining cinnamon sugar; Total time: 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes toss to coat well. chilling time Tips: For spicy variation, add 1 teaspoon Servings: 4 of spicy chipotle seasoning. Serve with 4 cups popped popcorn hot chocolate.
Star Wars Stormtrooper Silver Round Value $50
Volume 20, Issue 12
PLAN AHEAD FOR THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY VACATION Family Features Whether your famM a n a g e ily counts a holiday against the unvacation among your expected. Detreasured traditions spite all the or you’re anticipating advantages of a holiday getaway for planning ahead, the first time, getting it’s impossible to an early start on your predict unknown planning can help envariables like the sure your trip is filled weather when with good tidings and you make travel joy. arrangements Know what you months ahead of want to spend. If time. Travel inPhoto courtesy of Getty Images surance can help you’re planning to open your wallet a little wider for this trip protect the majority of your investment if than you have in the past, you’re not alone. you have to cancel your trip. Some policies A survey by American Express Travel found offer coverage for cancellation for any reamore than 60 percent of travelers are plan- son, so you’ll want to research exactly what ning to spend more on trips in 2021 since your policy allows, including weather and they missed out on travel in 2020. Setting pandemic-related cancellations. your budget now can help you make choicBook lodging early. With travel volume up es about things like accommodations and and availability for accommodations already activities while giving you some extra time trending downward for the holiday season, to save. Working off a budget from the start consider making reservations sooner than can also help you take advantage of book- later. now, pay-later options that may give you “We typically see December bookings added savings or incentives. peak in October and November, but families Be conscious of high-demand destinations. are locking in their holiday vacation plans Popular travel spots tend to fill up fast, so if much earlier than usual,” said Melanie Fish, you’re considering visiting a high-demand lo- Vrbo’s travel expert. “Vacation homes have cation, be aware of how crowds might affect been quickly scooped up during every popuyour plans for everything from wait times at lar travel season this year, so it’s no surprise attractions to rental cars and more. Accord- families are planning ahead to ensure they ing to vacation rental company Vrbo, prime have a great place to spend the holidays towarm-weather destinations where families gether.” can spend the holidays together are already Consider how the holidays will affect your facing lower availability for homes, including packing. Especially if you’re traveling with Florida and Hawaii beaches. Similarly, Maui, children; you’ll need to make space for beHawaii, has less than 20 percent of homes loved holiday traditions such as gifts or a available during Christmas week. Ski spots visit from a certain jolly old elf. also see a large share of holiday travel, so be For more inspiration for your holiday getprepared if you’re planning on a holiday hot away, visit vrbo.com. spot.
Decemer 2021
Holiday Gift Guide
BRANDON BALLET WILL HOST SUGAR PLUM FAIRY TEA PARTY IN NOVEMBER
By Kathy L. Collins
The Brandon Ballet will once again host its popular Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party on Sunday, November 21 at 3 p.m. The tea will be held at The Regent, located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. Tickets are $17.50 plus tax online and $20 plus tax at the door. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www. b r a n d o n b a l l e t . The Brandon Ballet is excited to invite the community org/events/. The Sugar Plum to their Sugar Plum Fairy Fairy Tea Party is Tea Party on Sunday, Noa family-friend- vember 21 at 3 p.m. at The Regent. ly event which is perfect for all generations to enjoy together. Attendees get to enjoy cupcakes from Sweetie’s Delights, finger foods and, of course, tea. Join the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara, and all of their friends from the Land of Sweets as they perform excerpts from The Nutcracker. Hannah Townend, administrative director for the Brandon Ballet, said, “We want everyone to know that even though the tea is returning to our season events, we are doing so with the health and well-being of every guest in mind. As such, all of our tea party guests, as well as the Sugar Plum Fairy herself, are required to wear masks for the duration of the event. Please note that we are limiting the number of tickets available this season in order to keep the indoor crowd to a
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minimum.” Townend added, “We held many of our performance outdoors last season. We made a point to prioritize live performances as we know that is what united the community the most. This season, though we will not have as many outdoor performances, we still believe in the magic of live ballet, and we seek to do so safely.” The Brandon Ballet, which was founded in 1993, is a nonprofit ballet company that provides aspiring preprofessional artists with an education in the art of dance. By offering a superior training program and three major performances each year, the Brandon Ballet helps serious dancers broaden their dance experiences. The Brandon Ballet serves the community by offering performances in public spaces so that the community can attend live ballet performances. All company dancers receive the highest caliber of professional training on a weekly basis and are provided the opportunity to learn standard classical repertoire. For more on the Brandon Ballet, please visit www.brandonballet.org.
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WINTER VILLAGE AND ICE SKATING
RETURN TO DOWNTOWN TAMPA FOR THE HOLIDAYS
By Kathy L. Collins
This year’s Wintrain that makes ter Village and a 10-minute outdoor ice skating loops around rink will be bigger the park during and better than the light show. ever. It is a great You must purholiday activity for chase and rethe whole family. serve tickets for The Winter Village ice skating in is located in Curtis advance. TickHixon Waterfront ets are $17 and Park at 600 N. include skate Area residents can get into the holiday spirit with a visit Ashley Dr. in down- to Tampa’s Winter Village, located in Curtis Hixon Wa- rentals. town Tampa. The terfront Park in downtown Tampa. You can enjoy lights, The Winter Winter Village is Village is open Santa sightings, ice skating, shopping and more. open through Janseven days a uary 2, 2022. week, with the exception of ThanksgivNew to the holiday celebrations this ing. It is also subject to weather condiyear is the Tampa Bay Lighting-themed tions. 360-degree holiday light show with il“We are always looking for ways to enluminated trees synchronized to music. hance the Winter Village experience, and Also new are the festivities that are ex- this will be our most memorable year panding at Lykes Gaslight Square Park, yet,” said Shaun Drinkard, senior director with Sweet Street at The Square featur- of public programming and operations at ing Sweet Mama’s Ice Cream shop along the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “We with beautiful lighting, local shops and are excited to partner with the Tampa activities every Sunday. Bay Lightning this year. You will see a Back this year is the popular Win- lot of new holiday decorations in honor ter Village Express. The family-friendly of our back-to-back Stanley Cup Chamexcursion takes you from Downtown’s pions,” added Drinkard. Whiting Station to Ybor and back on the “We are growing the celebrations TECO Line Streetcar. The one-hour trip throughout downtown Tampa and creatfeatures a holiday sing-along, holiday ing a destination that everyone can enjoy trivia, milk and cookies and added sur- for the entire holiday season,” said Lynda prises along the way. The Winter Village Remund, president and CEO of the TamExpress only runs on Sunday evenings. pa Downtown Partnership. “We are also In addition to the 5,000-square-foot happy to support our small businesses, ice skating rink, the Winter Village fea- who can help you find the perfect gift for tures random Santa sightings, the Cur- everyone on your list,” added Remund. tis Hixon Choo Choo and shopping and For information on hours and to rebeverage options. The Curtis Hixon Choo serve tickets for ice skating, please visit Choo is a 12-seat, three-car, trackless www.wintervillagetampa.com.
Page 12
Holiday Gift Guide
Volume 20, Issue 12