Osprey Observer Bloomingdale/FishHawk October 2024 by Osprey Observer

TRAVELING VIETNAM MEMORIAL WALL

REPLICA WILL COME TO FREEDOM PLAZA

An amazing opportunity to see the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall is coming to Sun City Center. The 360-foot replica is 80 percent the size of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washinton, D.C., and features tributes for every U.S.-involved conﬂict since WWI, as well as a special 9/11 memorial.

On Wednesday, October 30, organizers are hoping to have a parade to accompany the police escort of the wall as it travels from the Community Hall in Sun City Center to Freedom Plaza, where it will be displayed, ﬁttingly, on Freedom Plaza Circle throughout the weekend. Volunteers will be responsible for assembling and disassembling the wall.

“Freedom Plaza is honored to host this important event,” said Connie Lesko of the Retired Ofcers’ Corporation at Freedom Plaza.

All of this is made possible by a partnership with American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT). Chapters Health System Valor Program manager Clifton Pease said that Freedom Plaza is the perfect ﬁt for the traveling display, as it is an area with a rich history supporting veterans.

There will be an opening ceremony on Thursday, October 31, with a special program featuring guest speakers, the national anthem performed by Class Vee and

By Sharon Still

a presentation of colors. Veteran Chaplain Tom Campbell will lead the invocation, closing the ceremony with a blessing of the Vietnam Memorial.

The public is invited to view the Vietnam Memorial Wall replica on October 31 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, November 1, and Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, November 3, from 9 a.m.12 Noon.

On November 2, the Valor Tournament, a fun day of golf, food and prizes, will kick of with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. It will be a best-ball scramble format with closest-to-the-pin and putting contests. The entry fee is $50 per golfer and $200 per foursome, and proceeds will beneﬁt the Chapters Heath Valor Program of LifePath Hospice and its free specialized support programs for veterans and ﬁrst responders in the community. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

The Traveling Vietnam Tribute Wall will be located at 819 Freedom Plaza Circle in Sun City Center. Find out more at https://freedomplazaﬂ.com/, www.chaptershealth.org and www.americanveteranstravelingtribute.com. Information is also available on their social media sites.

For additional information about the golf tournament, contact Pease at 813956-9137.

Bell Shoals Academy, a ministry of Bell Shoals Church, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its academic oferings to include high school education. This exciting development marks a signiﬁcant milestone in the history of Bell Shoals Academy, which was established in 1965, shortly after the founding of Bell Shoals Church in 1961.

BELL SHOALS ACADEMY ANNOUNCES HIGH

For nearly six decades, Bell Shoals Academy has been a cornerstone of the Brandon community, providing an unrivaled Christ-centered education to student in kindergarten through eighth grade. The decision to expand into high school is driven by the increasing demand from families seeking to continue their children’s education in an environment that nurtures both academic excellence and spiritual growth.

“We are excited to extend our mission to inspire and equip the next generation by ofering a comprehensive education that is rooted in Christian values,” said Daniel Padron, head of school. “Our expansion into high school allows us to continue our commitment to providing a Christ-centered education that prepares students not just for college and career but for a life of purpose and service.”

Bell Shoals Academy has long been

recognized as one of the most established and respected educational institutions in the community. With the addition of high school grades, the academy is poised to further solidify its reputation as a leader in Christian education, ofering a robust curriculum, a passionate faculty and a supportive, faith-based environment.

The new high school program will begin enrolling students for the 2025-26 academic year, with plans to ofer a full range of academic courses, extracurricular activities and college preparatory programs designed to help students thrive in their postsecondary pursuits and beyond.

Bell Shoals Academy is located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. For more information about Bell Shoals Academy and its expansion, please visit www.bellshoalsacademy.com. Staf Report

Te Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall replica will be displayed in Freedom Plaza in Sun City Center from Tursday, October 31, through Saturday, November 2.

NEWSOME HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES OPEN PET FOOD COMPANY TO IMPROVE HEALTH OF PETS

Tatianna Farren and Barbara Del Rio are two friends who attended Newsome High School and Florida State University together. After graduation, Farren wanted to start her own business, so she decided to search for something that would be in line with her passion and knew it would be something in the pet industry since she loves her dogs.

Farren picked the Pet Wants franchise. Del Rio decided to join her on this adventure.

By Libby Hopkins

ANNUAL ICE THE DICE EVENT RAISES MONEY FOR HIGH 5 INC.

By Lily Belcher

High 5 Inc. is hosting its annual Ice the Dice Casino Night fundraiser to support the nonproﬁt’s programs and scholarships offered throughout the year.

“We researched over 10 diferent franchises and fell in love with the idea of pet nutrition,” Farren said. “Our goal is to eventually open two locations. Currently, we are a mobile business and do free deliveries in Tampa, Lithia, Riverview, Brandon and Valrico.”

Pet Wants South Tampa is a locally owned business that specializes in the health and wellness of our pets by providing high-quality food, chews, treats and SPAW products.

“I have always had a love for animals since I was a kid especially with my three fur babies, Romeo, Juliet and Rocky,” Farren said. “I became more aware of pet nutrition after seeing how my pets’ diets can severely afect their mood, skin/coat and overall well-being.”

Farren and Del Rio decided to become part of the Pet Wants family because they believed in their knowledge of proper pet nutrition and wanted to spread awareness to other pet lovers.

“I decided to pair up with Tatianna because I also share a love of animals, sparked [by] my dog, Enzo, who is an English cream golden retriever,” Del Rio said. “The match is organic, as both of us see the signiﬁcance of being highly qualiﬁed providers of the pet care industry. Pet Wants aligns with such core values like education, nutrition and wellness for all dogs and cats.”

Pet Wants’ food is prepared every 45 days.

“What makes us diferent is that the products are all high quality, cooked in slow small batches and made to order,” Farren said. “The food does not contain wheat, corn, sugar, soy, artiﬁcial products or any animal byproducts. It is made in the USA. All our spa products, the skin spray and mosquito sprays are 100 percent made at home with natural products and essential oils. All our chews and snacks are 100 percent natural as well.”

If you ask Farren and Del Rio what they like most about owning Pet Wants South Tampa, they will tell you it’s their customers.

“We enjoy meeting folks and talking about their furry babies and know that we can provide high-quality food and treats,” Farren said. “We want to become part of this community as a household name and to join forces with various rescues so we can help those animals that are abused and need a forever home.”

For more, visit www.petwantssouthtampa.com or call 813-559-0015.

High 5 Inc. is a local after-school program featuring aquatic, athletic and recreational programs for children, adults and those with special needs. Each year, the annual casino night fundraiser helps support the organization’s mission to better the community through its programs.

The Ice the Dice event will take place on Friday, November 22. The event will kick o f at 7 p.m. Guests can participate in a variety of casino games, including blackjack, poker and slot machines. There will also be a silent auction, rafﬂe opportunities, an open bar and food from local restaurants.

The event is the largest fundraiser of the year for High 5 Inc. This year, it is hoping to raise $100,000. Funds raised during the event will directly beneﬁt the organization’s ﬁve goals: youth drowning prevention, after-school care, sports and recreation, unique abilities education and community partnership.

“Ice the Dice is High 5’s annual fundraising event [beneﬁts] families in our community by providing them with scholarships for various programs,”

Jada Spano, vice president of operations, said. The funds raised will also beneﬁt swim lessons, special needs education, sports teams and the organization’s annual summer camps.

Tickets are on sale for $75 with an expected attendance of over 500 guests. Sponsorships of the event are also available.

Spano said she is looking forward to after everyone has arrived and ﬁlled the poker tables and dance ﬂoors.

“You can look around the room and see smiles everywhere,” she said. “It’s truly one of the best nights of the year, bringing the community together for such a fun experience to help raise funds for an incredible cause.”

High 5 Inc. serves over 15,000 people, including supporting after-school programs for nine local schools. Memberships are o f ered to people of all ages and all abilities. In addition to normal memberships, guests can choose a value-added membership, which o f ers exclusive invitations, special pricing and early registration.

The Ice the Dice Casino Night fundraiser will take place at The Regent, located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. For more on High 5 Inc. or for tickets or volunteer, visit https://high5inc.org/ event/ice-the-dice-casino-night/.

High 5 Inc.’s largest fundraiser of the year will support its after-school programs and scholarships.

Tatianna Farren and Barbara Del Rio, friends who attended Newsome High School and Florida State University together, recently opened a Pet Wants franchise in South Tampa.

A festive day of holiday cheer, local shopping, creative contests and exciting surprises is just around the corner as the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce presents its ninth annual Shop Local Holiday Expo.

Hosted at the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale on Saturday, November 2, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., this event brings the community together to support small businesses, enjoy unique gifts and contribute to a good cause.

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

market helps raise awareness and donations for those in need,” said Erica Jourdain, owner and ﬂoral creator of Flower Me Tampa Décor and Rentals. “Ultimately, the event brings social, economic and charitable beneﬁts, strengthening the community and promoting the spirit of giving.”

The Tampa Bay area has become one of the hottest real estate markets in the country and the region has high housing costs reﬂecting that status, but an innovative construction technology being tried out in Hillsborough County may help put a dent in the cost of building a home.

With over 50 vendors, a ﬂamingo-decorating contest and proceeds beneﬁting Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter and Sanctuary, it’s a celebration with something for everyone.

The Shop Local event is a holiday market that invites the community to come together and support local businesses. Attendees will have the opportunity to browse and purchase from over 50 vendors showcasing a wide array of handmade crafts, local food, jewelry, art, leather goods and other unique specialty gifts.

More than just a shopping experience, the Shop Local event also serves a greater purpose. This market will be beneﬁting the Raining Cats and Dogs organization, which works to support animals in need within the community. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go directly to this charity, making every purchase more meaningful.

“By partnering with local charities, the

This event also encourages the spirit of creativity through its flamingo-decorating contest. Vendors and attendees alike are invited to decorate flamingos in various categories, such as Grand Champion, Most Creative, Best Holiday Spirit, Most Floridian and more. One flamingo is included with each vendor’s booth registration, and vendors may purchase more for $10 each. Those who may want to participate but do not have a booth can also join in the fun by purchasing a flamingo to decorate.

The Shop Local event is more than just a market; it’s a festive celebration of the community’s creativity, generosity and local talent. Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts, participating in the ﬂamingo contest or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, this event promises a day of fun for everyone.

For more information, please visit https://business.valricoﬁshhawk.org/ events/details/shop-local-at-the-presbyterian-church-of-bloomingdale-7333.

While the idea of printing something as large as a building may seem more ambitious than practical at ﬁrst consideration, that is just what county and local housing ofcials put on display during a recent demonstration of how 3D printing can be used in home construction.

With the help of $500,000 from Hillsborough County, the nonproﬁt organization Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa (CDC of Tampa) purchased a 3D printer capable of being used to help build homes. During the demonstration of the printer, the machine’s ability to construct exterior concrete walls was on display, and CDC of Tampa ofcials are hoping to expand the use of 3D printing to as much of the construction process as possible. They also plan to use the technology to train operators for careers in 3D printing as part of the organization’s workforce development program.

Supporters of 3D printing construction technology cite beneﬁts such as reduced

By Brad Stager

time needed to build a home and less waste of materials.

Will Crawford, acquisitions and special projects manager for CDC of Tampa, said his organization is committed to using 3D printing construction technology to improve access to afordable housing.

“The technology is here to stay, and it is already evolving,” Crawford said in an email comment.

“As a builder, I expect the level of efciency in building 3D printed homes to sharply increase over the next couple of years.”

Hillsborough County Afordable Housing Services Director Brenda Brackins said supporting community initiatives that can improve residents’ access to housing requires investing in technology that can provide long-term beneﬁts, such as a 3D printer.

“Hillsborough County helped fund the 3D printer used by the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa in hopes the technology will prove to lower construction costs and provide additional savings by increasing a home’s energy efciency,” she said in an email.

The ﬁrst home that CDC of Tampa plans to build with 3D printing is currently in the permitting process, with expectations to start construction before the end of 2024.

A portion of the proceeds from the Shop Local Holiday Expo will go toward Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter and Sanctuary to support local animals in need.

KEEL FARMS TO HOST ANNUAL HARVEST DAYS THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

For families and fall lovers of all ages looking for an engaging harvest activity in Florida, look no further than Keel Farms. Keel Farms is excited to announce the return of its annual Harvest Days festival on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., starting on Saturday, October 5. The festival will take place every weekend in October at the 20-plus-acre Plant City farm.

OF OCTOBER

Harvest Days will include activities for the entire family, like hayrides, a corn maze, a petting zoo, pumpkin painting and a kid zone with bounce houses and games. Enjoy delicious food from local vendors and food trucks, as well as the full Keel Farms menu in the tasting room. Keel Farms will also ofer its limited-edition pumpkin cider, as well as various fall food and drink specials. Plus, enjoy walking around the beautiful, tranquil property, with photo opportunities around every corner.

“Harvest Days is one of our most beloved events of the year, and we are always happy to see families and friends of all ages enjoying the season’s festivities,” said Clay Keel, president of Keel Farms. “With a wide variety of events, food and drink specials, there is truly something

Staf Report

for everyone to enjoy.”

Admission to Harvest Days is free for all ages, with only $10 parking per car. The tasting room will be open, and no dining reservations are needed; it will be ﬁrst come, ﬁrst serve. Be sure to stop in and try some of its delicious pumpkin cider, unique appetizers and farm-fresh meals.

Plant City-based Keel Farms is home to Keel & Curley Winery and Keel Farms

Agrarian Ales and Ciders. Dedicated to handcrafting high-quality, locally grown fruit wines, Keel & Curley wines are available online, at Keel Farms and in select grocery stores statewide. Keel & Curley Winery was founded in 1984 and is family-owned and operated. Started with just 10 gallons of blueberry wine in 2003, Keel & Curley Winery now produces over 500,000 bottles of wine annually and ofers visitors lunch and dinner daily, as well as tastings, tours, events and more. The winery also produces Keel Farms Agrarian Ciders, a line of delicious hard ciders made using Florida fruits.

Keel Farms is located at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. in Plant City. Visit www.keelfarms.com for more information about Harvest Days and other exciting events.

The Thursday, October 10, Harvest awards luncheon breaks with tradition, having previously been held on the opening day of the Hillsborough County Fair. This year’s 12-day fair kicks of on Thursday, October 31.

Dennis Carlton Sr. receives this year’s Harvest Award for Lifetime Achievement, which previously went to 23 individuals and four couples. The most recent honorees are Doug Holmberg, Jemy Hinton and Helen Parke, age 99, matriarch of Parkesdale Farms and Parkesdale Market in Plant City, which is known for its strawberry shortcake.

Hinton Farms, run by Hinton family members, this year becomes the 23rd Farm Family of the Year, following most recently the Winfred Harrell family, Sam and Jef Busciglio and Glenn and Francis Williamson.

Keel Farms in Plant City is the fourth honoree to receive Urban Agriculturist recognition. Past recipients include Tampa Heights Community Garden, Seminole Heights Community Garden Project NOW, MOSI Partnership School and Lynn Barber of UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. Outstanding Agribusiness goes to Village Institute for Sustainable Technologies and Agriculture (VISTA) Gardens.

The Young Farmer/Rancher/Nurseryman is recognized this year as Next Generation Farmer. The award goes to Eric Davis of

By Linda Chion

Eric’s Land Management, grandson of legendary nurseryman Roy Davis, age 92. Recent past recipients are Joshua Grifn, Matt Parke (of Parkesdale Farms) and Dennis Carlton Jr., whose father was the ﬁrst-ever Young Farmer honoree.

Hired 41 years ago after an interview with former Hillsborough School Superintendent Earl Lennard, when he was supervisor for agricultural education, Karen Hamilton joins the ranks of Outstanding Women in Agriculture. As the 17th award designee, Hamilton follows Dee Dee Grooms, Michelle Williamson and Debbie Gill.

Set to present Hamilton’s award are Annabel, Missy and Jeremy Lennard, in honor of Earl Lennard, the Brandon High School graduate and Lennard High School namesake, who retired as superintendent of schools in 1993.

Hamilton teaches at Riverview High School, and before that at Eisenhower and Rodgers middle schools. Missy and Jeremy were among the thousands of children Hamilton has inﬂuenced over the years as a teacher, FFA sponsor and 4-H club leader.

Along with the Harvest Awards, ‘Friends of the Fair’ recognition this year goes to Parkesdale Farms, Charley Belcher (FOX 13), Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, Hillsborough County Public Schools, Hillsborough FFA and Hillsborough County 4-H and UF/IFAS Extension. Visit www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com.

Te Harvest Days festival returns to Keel Farms in October with activities for the whole family.

A collage of the 2024 Harvest Award winners, from top to bottom, left to right: Keel Farms, Dennis Carlton Sr., Karen Hamilton, Eric Davis, Hinton Farms and VISTA Gardens.

SCHOOL GRADES RELEASED, SCHOOL OFFICIALS REACT

Hillsborough County school o f cials said school grades released in July show “students met the challenge,” even with the bar raised for academic achievement.

“We couldn’t have done this without the Hillsborough County community, and all of our stakeholders who wrapped their arms around our schools, principals, teachers and students,” said Superintendent Van Ayres.

Highlights include four Tampa elementary schools that moved two letter grades in the right direction (DeSoto, Potter, Shaw and West Tampa); three middle schools that moved from a D to a C (Eisenhower, Shields and Sligh); two middle schools that moved from a B to an A (Progress Village and Liberty); and Webb Middle, which improved from a C to a B. Moreover, 18 high schools maintained or moved to an A. East Bay, Spoto, Hillsborough and Leto high schools moved from a C to a B.

As for the 66 schools in the Osprey Observer coverage area, 19 schools scored an A; 19 schools, a B; 22 schools, a C; and four schools, including McLane Middle and Pinecrest Elementary, a D.

Eighteen of the 66 schools are charter schools. They received four A’s (Bell Creek Academy, Valrico Lake Advantage Academy, Winthrop Charter School and Riverview Academy High School), seven B’s, ﬁve C’s and two D’s (BridgePrep Academy of Riverview and Kid’s Community College Riverview Southeast).

The area’s 11 traditional high schools registered two A’s (Bloomingdale and Newsome), ﬁve B’s (Durant, East Bay, Riverview, Spoto and Strawberry Crest) and three C’s (Armwood, Brandon, Lennard and Sumner). The area’s eight middle schools received two A’s (Barrington and Randall), two B’s (Burns and Mulrennan), three C’s (Eisenhower, Rodgers and Shields) and one D (McLane).

Name: Hillsborough County

ALAFIA ELEMENTARY

APOLLO BEACH ELEMENTARY

BARRINGTON MIDDLE

BELL CREEK ACADEMY

BEVIS ELEMENTARY

BLOOMINGDALE HIGH

BOYETTE SPRINGS ELEMENTARY

BROOKER ELEMENTARY

BUCKHORN ELEMENTARY

DOROTHY C YORK PK-8 MAGNET

FISHHAWK CREEK ELEMENTARY

LITHIA SPRINGS ELEMENTARY

NEWSOME HIGH

RANDALL MIDDLE

RIVERVIEW ACADEMY HIGH

STOWERS ELEMENTARY

VALRICO ELEMENTARY

VALRICO LAKE ADVANTAGE ACADEMY

For the 66 schools, consistency showed in the 13 schools that received an A grade three years in a row, including Bloomingdale and Newsome high schools; Randall Middle; and Apollo Beach, Bevis, Boyette Springs, FishHawk Creek, Lithia Springs, Stowers and Valrico elementa-

WINTHROP CHARTER

DEHYDRATION AND EXERCISE HEAT INJURY IN THE YOUTH ATHLETIC

By Linda Chion

ry schools. Charter schools doing so as well include Bell Creek Academy, Valrico Lake Advantage Academy and Winthrop Charter School. York Innovation Academy received an A for both its open years. Six schools received a B three years in a row; 11 schools, a C. Fifteen schools improved one letter grade; eight schools dropped one letter grade; and one school, Riverview Academy High School, jumped from a C to an A.

Twenty-seven of the 66 schools are designated Title I, which means they receive federal funding to support low-income students. Schools are Title I if at least 40 percent of their students qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch.

One of these 27 schools, Brooker Elementary, received an A. Those that earned a B are East Bay and Spoto high schools and Belmont, Mintz, Nelson and Riverview elementary schools. On the list as charter schools are SLAM Academy at Apollo Beach and RCMA Wimauma Community Academy.

Sixteen of the 22 schools with a C grade are Title I, including Armwood, Brandon and Lennard high schools; Eisenhower, Rodgers and Shields middle schools; and Corr, Frost, Gibsonton, Kingswood, Ruskin, Sessums and Symmes elementary schools. Add to the list Sports Leadership and Management Academy, a charter school. Pinecrest and McLane also are Title I.

Also among the 66 local schools, Brooker and Valrico elementary schools received A’s, while Belmont, Mintz, Nelson and Riverview received B’s, as did East Bay and Spoto high schools. Reportedly, 75-100 percent of the students at these six schools were classified as economically disadvantaged. In the same classification, scoring a C, are Armwood, Brandon, Lennard and Sumner high schools; Eisenhower, Rodger and Shields middle schools; and Corr, Frost, Gibsonton, Kingswood, Ruskin, Sessums, Summerfield, Summerfield Crossings and Symmes elementary schools.

To review state grades, and the factors that help decide them, visit www. ﬂdoe.org/core/ﬁleparse.php/18534/urlt/schoolgrades24.xlsx.

Plantar Fasciitis & Achilles Pain

Summer in Florida does not mean youth athletes get a break from sports. Temperatures climbing to 100 degrees plus unacclimated or under-hydrated middle and high school students, can be a recipe for disaster. It is important, as parents, to not only make sure your athlete is prepared to play in this environment, but to also recog nize the warning signs if they are not.

Performance Care to Maximize

Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy are two of the most over-diagnosed conditions for anyone with foot or ankle pain. If you’re experiencing pain on the underside of your foot or on the back of your ankle, just above your heel, it’s likely that you’ve irritated the fascia or tendon through over-use or improper biomechanics. It often goes mis-treated and becomes a chronic complaint. Some of the most effective treatments are rehab, strengthening the muscles of the foot, and therapy.

The beginning stages of exertional heat illness are exercise-associated muscle cramp ing, usually in the calf or hamstring. This indicates your child should be pulled from practice or a game to hydrate with water, electrolytes from a sports drink or salty snack, and rest. Gentle stretching and massage to the area can also be benefcial. As suggest ed by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, the recommended fuid intake should be 20f oz of water/sports drink 3 hours before exercise and up to 2 hours post-exer cise, to correct for losses. When fuid loss through sweat starts to exceed fuid intake, dehydration begins to settle in.

It’s common for us to have athletes come into our offce to get an injury treated, but more often than not, a non-traumatic injury is the result of body mechanics not func tioning 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 frst 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.

It is important to have your pain evaluated by a professional who understands the rehab necessary to correct it. It is not something that you want to attempt to self-diagnose or experiment with self-prescribed treatments such as kinesiotape and orthopedic braces that you are able to purchase over-the-counter. Long-term bracing can have detrimental effects on our biomechanics and can allow our muscles and surrounding tissues to get weak and become dependent on the brace for support, causing more issues. However, these tools can be effective under the care of a medical professional.

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.

Dehydration signs include thirst, irritability, headache, weakness, dizziness, and decreased performance.

WHAT IT ISN’T

Generalized training and conditioning with the team or even sport-specifc 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 per form, so ultimately, it ends up training compensation patterns that result in injury or decreased performance.

Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon pain can be frustrating to deal with due to its chronic nature and unresponsiveness to most other treatments. That doesn’t mean that you must live with the pain forever or even that it would take dozens of visits to correct. No matter how chronic the complaint, there is usually still improvement to be made, if not full resolution, however, the sooner you get a connective tissue problem like these evaluated and treated, the better the prognosis and the faster the recovery.

If left untreated or unnoticed, dehydration and exercising in the heat can cause an elevated core body temperature, which leads to fainting, collapsing, dizziness, confu sion, and vomiting. If core body temperature continues to climb, exertional heat injury or heat stroke can be a concern. Collapse, seizures, loss of consciousness, hot/wet skin, and severe muscle pain are common symptoms. This is now a medical emergency and 9-1-1 should be called.

WHAT IT IS

Our physicians are trained in techniques that many professional athletes and teams utilize to keep their players performing at their highest ability, safely.

Be aware of your youth athlete this summer and ask them these 5 important preventative questions:

1. How much water/sports drink are you drinking before, during, and after practice/games?

You can fnd the same techniques and protocols in our offce that are used throughout the MLB, NHL, NFL, and even at Westside Barbell, which produces arguably the stron gest powerlifters in the world.

2. When you notice that you’re excessively sweating, are you making a conscious ef drink more than usual?

3. How much sleep are you getting the night before?

Plantar fasciitis and Achilles pain are often mechanical in nature, meaning that it’s a result of how we move and use our body. Left alone to just “rest” or restricted to a splint or soft cast, the tendon and tissue will not be remodeled, will not heal on its own, and the pain will persist for long after the initial injury or incident. This is why seeking appropriate treatment is so important. At Motion ChiroTherapy, we tailor your rehab to restore full and pain-free ranges of motion and then strengthen the surrounding muscles and tissues to better tolerate load and stress.

Athletes we love to work with: runners, swimmers, pitchers, golfers, weightlifters, and all youth and high school athletes

4. Are you incorporating healthy carbs and salty snacks before and after practice/games?

5. Are you taking frequent breaks in the shade or cooler area?

Dr. Robert Lutz

Who says vehicles are pricey today? Not Buick; yes, that’s right. Check out the allnew Envista and you will drive away from the dealer lot with a grin on your face and just $23,495 lighter for a base model. And the compact ﬁve-seater SUV comes packed with tremendous luxury and tech-laden features boasting a splendid combination of style and power. Once in motion, the body-on-frame, 3,115-pound Envista accelerates energetically with impressive handling and no understeer noticeable even at tight corners and turns.

By Nitish Rele

again, it shares the Encore’s 19inch curved panel made up of an 11-inch infotainment display and an 8-inch driver cluster screen that sits atop the dashboard and behind the steering wheel. The ﬂat-bottomed steering wheel makes it efortless to turn the SUV at tight turns and corners. Opt for the $795 advanced safety package, which will fetch you rear cross-trafc alert, lanechange/blind-spot zone alerts, adaptive cruise control and heated exterior mirrors. Other typical amenities include eight-way power driver and four-way manual front passenger heated seats, a power lift gate, perforated leather seats, remote start, a manual tilt/telescopic steering column and Avenir embossed on the front seatbacks.

Under the hood resides a sole 1.3-liter inline-two turbocharged engine that doles out 137 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and churns out 162 pounds-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Power is routed through a smooth-shifting six-speed auto transmission. Available only as a front-wheel drive, suspension is driven by an able MacPherson strut front and Watt’s link rear. The electric power rack-and-pinion steering is instant, precise and direct. Lest we overlook Buick’s legendary QuietTuning, which insulates occupants from road and wind noise.

‘Swoopy’ is the word for its styling, especially the rooﬂine. In fact, the entire appearance is so non-Buick with a low proﬁle, forward-leaning hood and thin LEDs that appear eyebrow-like. Comparable to its smaller Encore sibling, the ride also portrays the new and centered tri-shield insignia atop the gloss-black mesh grille. This being a Buick, you are assured of an extravagant and generous cabin. Once

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, a side curtain airbag, stability and traction controls, auto emergency and four-wheel antilock brakes, a rearview camera, forward-collision alert, lane-keep/departure warning, rear park assist, remote start, keyless entry, daytime running lights and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The Envista is a warning shot to all automakers who have swelled vehicle prices up the roof. Our top-level Avenir came in at right around $30,000 with several creature comforts that are optional in other small SUVs. Bold looks, abundant performance, plenty of passenger space and creditable fuel mileage make this all-new Buick a tremendous buy in our eyes. Ignore this magniﬁcent ride at your own peril.

FORMER TAMPA BAY ROWDIES’ PLAYER AND LOCAL YOUTH COACH INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME

Local youth soccer club coach and former player Craig Fossett was inducted into the Florida Suncoast Soccer League Hall of Fame in August.

Fossett, a former Tampa Bay Rowdies athlete, was selected by the hall of fame for his time as a player, but he checked the boxes of giving back to the youth and inspiring upcoming athletes after his career.

Fossett was inducted into the hall of fame in its ﬁrst inaugural class of players. He said it was an honor to be inducted alongside the rest of the players in the class because of the respect he has for them.

Since retiring from the ﬁeld, Fossett has taken on a role as a coach at the Florida Hawks Futbol Club, coaching the 13U team.

“[I] got the opportunity to work with a lot of teams,” he said. “I’ve coached all around the country, whether it be camps or taking teams to tournaments, and I’ve had a lot of success doing di f erent things, just helping kids get better at the game.”

Peter Knight, hall of fame committee chair, said in a press release about

By Lily Belcher

the induction that one of the requirements of inductees was to serve as an inspiration to younger, upcoming players.

This year is Fossett’s ﬁrst season coaching in FishHawk. He’s working alongside several former co-workers and coaching one of his two sons.

“It’s not that di f cult for me,” he said, “mainly because I’ve been doing it for so long, and I had such a comfort level being on the ﬁeld. It comes naturally.”

He said one of the things that has helped him is his passion for the game and how it translates to his passion for coaching.

Fossett said this passion is driven by his faith, which helps him bring a positive attitude to coaching every day.

“Our goal is to help teach and train kids but not to get over the top of things that are maybe not quite as important,” he said.

For more information on the Florida Hawks Futbol Club or to register for its youth soccer leagues, visit www.ﬂoridahawksfc.com.

Craig Fossett was inducted into the inaugural Florida Suncoast Soccer League Hall of Fame in August.

PEPIN ACADEMIES HOSTS

Pepin Academies celebrated its 25th anniversary at the end of August, honoring its past and cutting the ribbon to the next 25 years of serving the community. With qualities such as specially designed classrooms, small class sizes and a transitional program for its graduates, Pepin Academies takes a unique approach to serving its ESE (exceptional student education) students.

By Lily Belcher

support the students.

Each campus has several mental health counselors, language pathologists and administration to help families

navigate the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process.

The ESE charter school, which opened its doors in 1999, kicked of the school year with a trio of ceremonies at local chambers of commerce. Pepin Academies’ Tampa campus was the ﬁrst to open, but this year’s celebration recognizes all three campuses, including the New Port Richey and Riverview campuses, that have hosted tremendous growth.

Pepin Academies started of with just 17 students and has grown to serve almost 1,200 local kids, teens and young adults.

“To me, it’s just remarkable growth for such a speciﬁc population of students,” Executive Director Jef Skowronek said.

What’s unique about Pepin Academies is that the school recognizes the speciﬁc needs of students and works with what they need throughout the school day. All its teachers are certiﬁed in the subjects they teach as well as in ESE education, equipping them to efectively teach and

To further help their students, teachers adapt their classrooms with modiﬁcations, such as diferent seating options and covered lights. Class sizes are smaller too, with roughly 15 students to every one teacher.

Pepin Academies boasts a 92 percent graduation rate, higher than the national average for ESE students, according to Skowronek. After graduating, Pepin Academies’ transitional program helps students gain experience in the ﬁeld they hope to work in through its partnerships with a variety of local companies.

“The longer you can stay at Pepin Academy [and] the earlier we can get our students here, the more of an impact we can have,” Skowronek said.

For more information on Pepin Academies or to support its mission through volunteering or making a ﬁnancial donation, visit https://pepinacademies.com/. Contact the school or apply to enroll on the website. Pepin Academies’ Riverview campus is located at 9304 Camden Field Parkway.

Photo Courtesy of Linda Chion.

Pepin Academies ofcials and supporters, with the proclamation read by Tammy See, chair of the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce.

Free Shred Event

Bring your old tax returns, bank statements, bills, credit card applications and any other financial or identifiable documents to the free yearly shred event at Focus Wealth Strategies. A professional service will be on-site to help you safely dispose of your documents. Focus Wealth Strategies will also be collecting unwanted electronics, including computers, laptops, keyboards, printers, etc., as well as nonperishable food items, to benefit Hope for Her. The shred event will take place on Saturday, October 26, from 9 a.m.-12 Noon. Focus Wealth Management is located at 3419 Brook Crossing Dr. in Brandon.

tured. The performance will take place at the Kings Point Veterans Theater, located at 1900 Clubhouse Dr. in Sun City Center, on Friday, October 4. Doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets are $6 (cash or check only)..

Billy ‘Elvis’ Lindsey Is Performing In Sun City Center

The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center (SCCUMC), located at 1971 Haverford Ave. Sun City Center, welcomes Billy ‘Elvis’ Lindsey back to the campus for a 7 p.m. concert on Friday, October 11, to beneﬁt the ﬁght against Alzheimer’s disease. Lindsey has been performing Elvis Presley tribute concerts for years and is the winner of numerous awards for his act. He is a past winner of the Elvis Extravaganza contest at the Florida State Fair. If you love great music or are a fan of Presley and his music, you will not want to miss this event.

T e Pelican Players Cabaret Singers Present ‘A Night At T e Movies’

The Pelican Players Cabaret Singers will perform ‘A Night at the Movies,’ featuring familiar tunes from well-known ﬁlms. Songs from movies such as Casablanca, Goldﬁnger, Pulp Fiction, Phantom of the Opera and many more will be fea-

Another act performing at SCCUMC in October is the group Sunday Drive, who will be performing their Breaking Boundaries Tour at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 25. The group provides a veteran entertainment and worship experience with a fresh and unique style that uplifts and encourages while taking the audience’s minds of everyday life struggles.

Tickets for all events are available online at www.sccumc.com and from the SCCUMC ofce and the Pages of Life Bookstore.

Plant City Chorale Fall Concert

Plant City Community Chorale enthusiastically announces its 2024 fall concert: ‘CURTAIN CALL: FAVORITES OF

THE STAGE & SCREEN.’ The program showcases songs of classic and modern performances from Broadway and movies. The Saturday, October 19, performance is sponsored by Roots Tap Room & Wine Bar, located at 101 S. Evers St. in Plant City. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at First United Methodist Church Plant City, located at 303 N. Evers St. in Plant City. Visit www.pccchorale. org for ticket information.

Bloomingdale

Fall Frenzy

Kick of the fall season on Sunday, October 27, at the Bloomingdale Fall Frenzy. Located at the Campo YMCA at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico, the event will include craft vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities and shopping. This event is perfect for children or just shopping with friends; there will be something for everyone. The event will run from 1-5 p.m.

Piecemakers Quilt Guild Of Brandon Yard Sale

Autumn Festival At T e Shops At Wiregrass

You are invited to celebrate the Autumn Festival at The Shops at Wiregrass, from Wednesday to Sunday, October 16-20. Join in for five days of funfilled activities, with music from Homegrown: The Zac Brown Band Experience, a charity pumpkin patch, a bustling farmers market and, as the grand finale, the Pasco County Community Day Business Expo and Touch a Truck event. This festival is perfect for families; it promises entertainment and enjoyment for all ages. The Shops at Wiregrass is located at 28211 Paseo Dr. in Wesley Chapel. Visit its website at www.theshopsatwiregrass.com for more information.

Are you looking for quilting, sewing or craft supplies? Come to the Piecemakers Quilt Guild of Brandon’s yard sale, where members will be selling their excess supplies and stash. You will ﬁnd a wide variety of items including fabric, thread, quilt patterns, rulers, cutting boards, machines and notions. There will also be completed crafted items for sale, including quilts and other crafted items. The yard sale will be held on Saturday, October 26, inside the social hall, located between the buildings at New Hope Church at 213 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon. To ﬁnd out more about the Piecemakers Quilt Guild of Brandon, visit its website at https://brandonquiltguild.com/.

JOIN THE 2024 WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S-SOUTHSHORE FAITH BUS OFFERS ROLLING GYM AND SPIRITUAL ENCOURAGEMENT

Since 1989, more than 600 communities nationwide have participated in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s — the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspirational event is open to participants of all ages and abilities to join the ﬁght against the disease.

It’s estimated that nearly 7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. In the last 20 years, deaths from Alzheimer’s have doubled. Alzheimer’s kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. In 2024, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the United States $360 billion.

For the 16th year, the SouthShore community will gather to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. The 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s - SouthShore will take place on Saturday, October 19, with the opening ceremony beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the walk beginning at 9 a.m. All funds raised will go toward the support, care and research eforts of the Alzheimer’s Association, a nonproﬁt 501(c)(3) organization where donations are tax-deductible.

Connie Lesko, sponsorship chairman, has been involved with the walk since its inception 16 years ago. “Both of my parents had Alzheimer’s for seven years,” said Lesko. “I ﬁrst became involved at the Byrd Institute, but when I learned that there was not a local fundraising efort in Sun City Center I reached out to the Alzheimer’s Association and asked if we could start a ‘walk.’”

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Lesko explained that there is no cure and there were even fewer options for medications and resources in 2008.

“I know that funding is the key to research,” said Lesko. “I felt led to do what I could. I worked at Freedom Plaza Senior Living (I still do), so I went to them and requested their support. They not only hosted it the ﬁrst year but have allowed me every year since to host concerts and fundraisers for our team.”

Last year, there were nearly 1,000 participants that raised $94,000. There is no minimum amount to be raised per person or per team, and there is no minimum number of people on a team. People are encouraged to register online and use their personal and social networks to raise funds by using the tools on the website or posting on their Facebook pages.

“The fact is that it’s small businesses, families, friends and neighbors who get involved,” said Lesko. “Although we need and welcome any corporate support, the backbone of our event is the smaller donations. Many attendees come with pictures of their loved ones pinned to their shirts. It is a day of celebration and hope. We sincerely believe that what we are doing makes a diference.”

The walk is being held at United Methodist Church at Sun City Center, located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center. For more information, call 727-270-9906, ext. 8761, or go to https://alz.org/southshorewalk. Visit the website to register.

The world’s first fitness bus is on the move in Valrico. It is a fully equipped mobile fitness center that focuses on holistic workouts for the mind, body and spirit. The Gym Bus is called ‘Faith,’ and it was started by Takara Fuller Doby, the CEO and founder of this nonprofit.

The Gym Bus is a mobile ﬁtness center. Each session is limited to 14 participants, so online registration is encouraged. Workouts are donation-based, as the Gym Bus is a nonproﬁt faith-based organization. Every session begins with prayer and is followed by exercise circuits inside the bus and outside in the fresh air. The bus travels to various locations throughout the community, and the exact location can be found on its website by looking at the calendar.

Doby said that Faith the Gym Bus “was born out of a deeply personal journey of redemption. After being involved in a domestic abuse relationship, working out became a sanctuary for me. It was a place where I could regain my strength and confidence. My passion for fitness was more than just physical; it was a way to reclaim my life. In the midst of this journey, God gave me a vision. It wasn’t just about fitness; it was

By Ashley Abene

about creating something that could inspire and uplift others. I owe all the glory to God for turning my pain into purpose and allowing me to help others ﬁnd their strength, both physically and spiritually.”

Because of Doby’s background with domestic violence, she tries to help others in the community who are in similar situations as she had once been. Her organization partners regularly with Hope for Her to help those women and children who have endured abuse, abandonment or being trafcked.

Doby asked of the community, “We are currently needing electrical outlets to be installed in the bus and a mobile fleet mechanic who can donate their time. We also welcome equipment donations, which we can either use for our workouts or pass on to fellow fitness members in need. Every bit of support helps us continue our mission of bringing fitness and faith to the community.”

For more information on Faith the Gym Bus, visit its website at www.gymbus. org or call 813-465-2092. Donations can be made at https://givebutter.com/ faiththeﬁtnessbus.

Te community is invited to participate in the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s - SouthShore on Saturday, October 19.

Te ftness bus travels to various locations throughout the community and provides all kinds of exercise routines.

HILLSBOROUGH AGING SERVICES WELCOMES VOLUNTEERS OF ALL AGES

Hillsborough County

o f ers a rich menu of services for people of all ages. One of those is Aging Services, which o f ers numerous services designed to enhance the lives of adults 50 and older. It is also a prime place for volunteer opportunities.

Dedicated volunteers support the 25 centers located throughout the county. Their time and talents make a positive impact in the lives of older adults. You can become a volunteer by completing an online application found at www.volgistics.com/ appform/1583617405.

Once you complete the application, you will need to complete a background check. Following a clear background check, you will attend an orientation where you will complete necessary paperwork, including acknowledgement forms, photo/talent releases and policies and procedures.

Volunteers hold a variety of job titles, such as activities leader, clerical support, food service and ﬁtness or art instructor.

Justin Lugo Gualteros, a junior at Spoto High School in Riverview, spent his summer volunteering at the Brandon Senior Center. Lugo Gualteros worked as an o f ce assistant. He earned 70-80 volunteer hours, which will help meet

By Kathy L. Collins

the requirements for a Bright Futures Scholarship.

Lugo Gualteros said, “It was a fulﬁlling experience. I learned a lot about myself and other people. Communicating and making bonds with people is what life is about.”

He added, “I learned how to work and interact with people. I will be more conﬁdent at job interviews because I learned more about myself and can describe myself better about working.”

Another volunteer at the Brandon Senior Center is Rosa Myles-Lester. She is a f ectionately known as Momma Rose. Years ago, Myles-Lester looked into the center for her mother. Upon entering the center and learning what it had to o f er, she quickly realized that it was exactly what she and her husband needed.

Myles-Lester has volunteered for nine years at the Brandon Senior Center, including thousands of hours in its food service, bingo, arts class, jewelry class and Bible study. Her main position is volunteering in bingo and food service.

Many seniors at the Brandon Senior Center love and appreciate Momma Rosa. She loves giving to the center. Volunteering at the Brandon Senior Center gives her purpose and keeps her active.

For more information, please visit https://hcﬂ.gov/departments/aging.

Volunteering with Hillsborough County Aging Services can be a rewarding experience for everyone who desires to share their time and talents, just like volunteers (from left to right) Justin Lugo Gualteros; his grandmother, Maria Idaly Sanchez, who attends the Brandon Senior Center; and Rosa Myles-Lester, known at the center as Momma Rosa.

BRANDON OUTREACH CLINIC WRAPS UP 35 YEARS OF COMPASSIONATE CARE

Ofcials with the Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center in Brandon, founded as the Brandon Outreach Clinic in 1989, closed its doors to patient care as of August 27.

“Please be reminded that the clinic did not fail, we succeeded in fulﬁlling our mission established 36 years ago, which was to help those in need of medical care who otherwise had none,” said Dr. Stephen D. Parks, a clinic founder and longest-serving volunteer.

According to Dr. Parks, “three major obstacles” forced the clinic’s closing in August. First, the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan, he said, “has made it much easier for patients to qualify and use the system, which has much more in the way of resources than the outreach clinic.”

Second, because the patient base had “dropped dramatically, from 3,000-plus patients to less than 30,” grant money dried up as well, and it would be “disingenuous to keep asking for donations as our patient population continued to shrink,” Dr. Parks said.

And third, “our expenses kept increasing and the county wanted to charge us rent,” Dr. Parks said. “We still pay for utilities, internet service, EMR, medical waste pickup, medications and the list goes on and on.” And because the clinic worked under state and sovereign immunity, seeing undocumented immigrants could create a major liability issue for doctors providing pro bono care.

Launched in a small storage space at

By Linda Chion

a church in Valrico in 1989, clinic doors opened one night a week to treat low-income workers who could not aford health insurance and care. Years later, at 517 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon, clinic hours spanned four days a week, according to a 2014 newsletter, which reported more than 200 appointments monthly and the donated time of close to 100 doctors, nurses, lab technicians and more.

At the time, 8,400 people were seen annually, with a budget of $230,000 that allowed for more than $2 million worth of services, factoring in donated time, volunteer hours, service organization support and more.

Voice messages for patients were to be answered until September 27, according to a sign posted September 11 on the clinic’s door. Current and returning patients, and patients who need copies of their medical records, have been instructed to contact and schedule appointments with the Judeo Christian Health Clinic in Tampa, at 4118 N. MacDill Ave.

Other available free clinics include, in Dover, the San Jose Mission Clinic (13571 San Juan Diego Way, 813-707-7376), and, in Tampa, the Calvary Community Clinic (3401 E. Louisiana Ave., 813-238-6000) and the Red Crescent Clinic (7328 E. Sligh Ave., 813-246-5006).

For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/outreachfreeclinic or https://theoutreachclinic.com, or call 813-654-1388.

A 2004 photo of Outreach team members.

ALL-NEW HALLOWEEN HARVEST DEBUTS AT BUSCH GARDENS

This fall, guests can create unforgettable memories at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s newest family-friendly event, Halloween Harvest, including Kandy’s Sweetacular Celebration at the Festival Walkway. Plus, guests can capture the perfect fall moment at an assortment of autumn-themed photo spots scattered throughout the park.

“Halloween Harvest brings the essence of fall right to Tampa Bay,” said Stewart Clark, park president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “The park will be decorated in fall colors, and the event is packed with exciting activities and experiences like Kandy’s Sweetacular Celebration, making it the perfect place for guests to create unforgettable memories together this fall.”

Halloween Harvest is inspired by some of Busch Gardens’ best-loved Halloween events and is included with park admission. This year, guests can look forward to frightfully delightful activities on select dates, including:

• Trick-or-treating: Dive into the Halloween spirit with festive trick-or-treat stations at Kandy’s Sweetacular Celebration.

• Sweetacular Costume Parade: Join the fun at the Sweetacular Costume Parade, where colorful costumes light up the catwalk.

• Jack-O-Lantern Scavenger Hunt: Join the Jack-O-Lantern Scavenger Hunt at Kandy’s Sweetacular Celebration and

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embark on a funﬁlled adventure to ﬁnd whimsical pumpkins hidden throughout the festival walkway.

• Tafy Twist’s Black Cat Dance Party: Get into the Halloween spirit at Tafy Twist’s Dance Party.

• Spooky Kooky Science: Professor Pufemintz is the never-predictable, anything-is-possible, sometimes-puzzled but always-positive Professor of Science.

• Storytime with Kandy: Nestled by Kandy’s enchanting pumpkin patch and bubbling cauldron, guests can join Kandy, the friendly young witch in training, for a magical reading of Room on the Broom, where everyone ﬁnds their place in the story.

• Sesame Street Safari of Fun Halloween: Enjoy even more Halloween fun with your favorite Sesame Street friends dressed in their Halloween costumes, a Sesame Street-themed Halloween show and dance party, Halloween Storytime, a batthemed scavenger hunt and festive photo opportunities.

• Fall Photo Spots: Discover charming fall photo spots around the park that ofer picturesque backdrops, perfect for capturing unforgettable memories to post and share.

Guests can enjoy a full year of fun at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with a 2025 Fun Card. For more information on Busch Gardens’ Halloween Harvest festivities and to purchase a 2025 Fun Card, guests can visit https://buschgardenstampa.com/.

PREVIEW EVENT

Hospital Opens Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Te all-new Halloween Harvest at Busch Gardens will feature family fun activities for all ages.

Hillsborough County Public Schools recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the district’s newest career center in Plant City. At the ceremony, remarks were given by Van Ayres, superintendent of schools; Scott Brooks, executive director of career and technical education; Patti Rendon, Hillsborough County School Board member; and Christopher Farkas, deputy superintendent of operations.

By Taylor Wells

is a signiﬁcant investment for the future of Hillsborough County Public Schools students and the broader Plant City community.

The new educational facility will be located at 1690 E. Park Rd. and will open in the fall of 2025. Students at the career center will have the opportunity to take instructional programs like industrial electricity, welding technology, building construction, HVAC and forklift certiﬁcation. These programs are designed to be completed in about a year, making it possible for our students to quickly transition into well-paying jobs.

“Our new career center is unique, combining the best aspects of adult learning centers and vocational high schools. In January of 2026, high school students will have the opportunity to dual-enroll, learning alongside adults and gaining real-world skills that will prepare them for the workforce,” said Ayres. “This approach is a ﬁrst for our district, and it reﬂects our commitment to providing innovative educational pathways.”

The new career center is not just a school; it’s a vision for how education can directly connect with the needs of our community and the workforce. It

“When this was a dream, we started talking about programmatic o f erings — what did we want to do, and what do the students and the citizens really need in this community,” said Brooks. “So, we worked with the mayor’s o f ce, the city, the EDC, but we quickly came to the understanding that really it was about the trades. … [Students] would be able to go out, get high-paying jobs, hopefully stay living here in our city, raise their families and then ultimately help to move the economic development of this community.”

“In order for us to maintain the industries and what we need for our communities moving forward, … a center like this career center is going to be a vital part of that. We are so excited to have di f erent industry o f erings,” said Rendon.

“And this is just the beginning,” said Ayres. “As we grow, we plan to expand — expand our course o f erings — continuing to meet the needs of our community and industry.”

“The community in Plant City has always embraced public schools. We want to embrace them back and make sure that we support you any way that we possibly can,” said Farkas.

For more information and updates, visit www.hillsboroughschools.org.

Every year on October 24, the world comes together to observe World Polio Day, a global event dedicated to raising awareness about polio and celebrating the achievements in the ongoing efort to eradicate it.

In 1988, Rotary International spearheaded the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) with the aim of completely wiping out the disease. UNICEF soon joined forces with Rotary, bringing its expertise in delivering vaccines to some of the most challenging regions. Together, these organizations have provided vaccinations to billions of children in over 120 countries, helping to reduce polio cases by more than 99 percent.

Polio, short for poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily afects children under the age of 5. It spreads through contaminated water and food and can lead to irreversible paralysis within hours of infection. In severe cases, it can even result in death due to breathing complications caused by paralyzed muscles.

Polio’s efects are devastating. In addition to paralysis, survivors often face lifelong physical disabilities, which severely limit their ability to work or go to school. Many also sufer from post-polio syndrome, which causes muscle weakness, pain and fatigue years after recovery.

One member of the FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club, Gerry Gutenstein, witnessed polio’s devastating efects ﬁrsthand when his aunt, Elaine Strauss,

contracted polio in 1945 at the age of 29, a wife and a mother of two children. After extensive medical care, it was evident she would have to face life in a wheelchair with only limited use of one arm and one hand.

“I watched her make the most out of her life while having the restrictions of this terrible illness. She wrote a book with the hope that it may help others who suddenly ﬁnd themselves facing the prospect of physical limitations while trying to retain an active mind,” said Gutenstein.

In My Heart I’m Still Dancing, by Strauss, was widely circulated at rehabilitation centers for polio patients.

World Polio Day is a time to celebrate the progress made but also to renew global commitment.

With continued support, we can ensure that polio is eradicated for good, leaving no child vulnerable to this preventable disease.

This year on Thursday, October 24, the Brandon ‘86 Rotary Club will host ‘Pints for Polio’ at Bootleggers Brewing Co. from 5:30-8 p.m. Area Rotary clubs and all those interested in eradicating polio are invited to attend. Bootleggers will donate a portion of the night’s proceeds to Rotary’s PolioPlus campaign. To make an online donation or learn more, visit www.endpolionow.org or your local Rotary club. For more information on Pints for Polio, contact Chad Norgard of the Brandon ’86 Rotary Club at chad@ norgardinsgrp.com.

Hillsborough County Public Schools ofcials at the groundbreaking ceremony of the district’s Plant City Career Center.

CENTRAL HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CHAMBER TO HOST HILLSBOROUGH HARVEST HOOPLA TRICK-OR-TREAT SPECTACULAR

It is ofcially fall, so that means it’s time for all the fun fall community events to start. The Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce’s Hillsborough Harvest Hoopla Trick-or-Treat Spectacular is a favorite of the Riverview community.

Central Hillsborough County Cham-

“Since 1988, the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce (CHCC), alongside local businesses, churches, organizations and volunteers, has hosted the much-anticipated Trick or Treat Street, a vibrant fall and Halloween celebration,” said the chamber’s branding and marketing director, Teri Perkins. “This cherished event attracted 3,000 to 5,000 attendees annually, ofering children a safe environment for trick-or-treating, themed booths, costume contests and a variety of delicious food from local vendors.”

After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the chamber is thrilled to announce the return of this beloved community tradition in response to numerous requests. “This year, CHCC is partnering with Bayside Community Church to host the event at a new location, Spoto High School in Riverview,” Perkins said. “In addition to the multiple member booths for trick-or-treating, there will be bounce houses, a pumpkin patch, produce market and an entertainment stage where there will be live performers, as well as a kids’ costume contest.”

The Harvest Hoopla Trick-or-Treat Spectacular takes place on Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event is free to attend and will feature local business-

By Libby Hopkins

es, vendors and food trucks.

“The vendors will set up booths along the Trick-or-Treat Trail to pass out candy and showcase their businesses,” Perkins said. “Their booths will be decorated, and many will be in costume to add to the spirit of Halloween for the event.”

CHCC is excited to bring back this fun family event and is thankful for the support of the Riverview community.

“The chamber is very excited and grateful for their partnership with Bayside Community Church, who was instrumental in helping us secure the location at Spoto High School and in the planning process,” Perkins said. “We are also grateful for the courtesy of Spoto High School for allowing us to hold this event on their school grounds.”

Perkins and her team are looking forward to this event and hope the community is too.

“We look forward to welcoming as many attendees as in past Trick or Treat Street events,” Perkins said. “The chamber aims to unite the community for a fun-ﬁlled day featuring seasonal treats, safe trick-or-treating and engaging activities for all ages. The event will showcase a wide range of attractions, highlight local businesses and foster a strong sense of community spirit.”

If you would like to learn more about CHCC’s Hillsborough Harvest Hoopla Trickor-Treat Spectacular or become a vendor at the event, you can contact Perkins at 813234-5944. Spoto High School is located at 8538 Eagle Palm Dr. in Riverview.

ber of Commerce’s Hillsborough Harvest Hoopla Trick-or-Treat Spectacular event takes place on Saturday, October 26, at Spoto High School in Riverview.

GROSSOLOGY IS OOZING, DRIPPING AND SQUISHING INTO MOSI

Explore what’s going on inside your body — and the fascinating things that ooze, drip and squish out of it — at ‘Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body,’ presented by Florida Blue. Now at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, Grossology takes you through the good, the bad and the yucky of runny noses, body odor and much more using sophisticated animatronics and imaginative handson exhibits.

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CENTER PLACE FINE ARTS & CIVIC ASSOCIATION TO HOST AMERICAN JUJITSU ASSOCIATION’S SELF-DEFENSE CLASS

By Libby Hopkins

Snif out diferent odors, play a life-size game of Operation and when you’re ready to check out the kidneys and bladder, ‘urine’ for a real treat. Thanks to support from presenting sponsor Florida Blue, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body is included with MOSI admission and will be on display for a limited time, with oferings where attendees can:

standing of how it all works. Characters from the bestselling book Grossology show of the mushy, scaly and smelly stuf inside us while adding fascinating facts and science knowledge.

“This is science in disguise. If we teach students in their own words, they’ll understand better and actually learn something,” said Sylvia Branzei, the author of Grossology

• Encounter Nigel Nose-It-All, a 9-foot-tall animatronic character obsessed with allergies, sinuses and snot.

• Climb a Human Skin Wall with warts, hairs, wounds and pimples that act as hand and footholds.

• Pump Burp Man full of soda from a 3-foot-tall can, then help him get gassy relief with a booming belch.

Stink, squish, sneeze and slime your way through the most fascinating parts of the human body — while getting a real under-

Branzei, a microbiologist and educator, collaborated on the design of the exhibition.

“This is stuf that not everybody is comfortable talking about, right? That’s the magic of MOSI. We take topics that you’re curious or unsure about and bring them to life in a fun way,” said MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith.

“Here, it’s what’s going on inside your body. Next, it could be drones or A.I. Working with partners who are experts in their ﬁelds — like Florida Blue and health care — MOSI is ready to break down the barriers so everyone can explore and learn something new together.”

The GROSSOLOGY exhibition was created and produced by Advanced Animations LLC, and the exhibition is based on Penguin Young Readers Group’s GROSSOLOGY Series.

MOSI is Tampa Bay’s center of science and innovation, and it is located in Tampa at 4801 E. Fowler Ave. Visit https://mosi.org/ for more information.

The American Jujitsu Association’s annual self-defense class is in its 26th year, and it returns to Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association on Saturday, October 26, from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

“If you are interested in self-defense for yourself or a loved one, come to this seminar,” said seminar host Dave Clark of Brandon. “All proceeds from the class go directly to Center Place to help with their many art programs.”

Te American Jujitsu Association’s annual self-defense class is in its 26th year, and it returns to Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association on Saturday, October 26, from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tis year’s self-defense class will have more senseis traveling to Tampa to be a part of this educational event.

Clark is the southern regional director for the American Jujitsu Association.

“I began regular exercise early in life and slowed down only for injuries,” Clark said. “After numerous sports endeavors, including surﬁng and barefoot waterskiing, self-defense and the martial arts came into view. Through extensive research, I sought the most efective forms of self-defense and landed on a mixture of boxing, three forms of karate and traditional ‘street-smart’ Japanese Jujitsu. The Koreans call it hapkido. The Chinese call it kung fu. I call it fascinating.”

This year’s self-defense class will have more senseis traveling to Tampa to be a part of Clark’s event.

“I reached to many senseis from around the U.S., and they are very excited about coming to Tampa to help teach our self-defense class,” Clark said.

After earning two black belts and a teaching certiﬁcate, Clark took his passion for teaching and opened a dojo in 2007.

“I taught two classes of 12 to 16 students per week,” Clark said. “That same year, I designed a class addressing the needs of college students and named it ‘The Art & Chaos of Self-defense.’ I quickly found this class also ﬁlled with bankers, law enforcement ofcers, housewives, FBI agents and parents learning along with their children.”

The self-defense class is an all-day event that features the art and chaos of self-defense, blocking and punching simultaneously, training vs. reality, multiple technique ﬂow, yawara, preservation arts and intensiﬁed jujitsu techniques.

“Because each presenter is teaching their strongest topic, this is an amazing opportunity for people to work directly with outstanding sensei who are sharing their most efective techniques,” Clark said.

Why learn self-defense? Why teach self-defense?

“Through many years, I have watched people enter class with long faces and leave class empowered,” Clark said. “Plain and simple, I ask you, what could be better?”

If you would like to learn more about the self-defense class ofered at Center Place, you can contact Clark at 813-6859118 or email him at pianoman2992@ gmail.com. Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B, in Brandon, inside the Brandon Regional Library.

Guests can pump Burp Man full of soda and watch the efects at one of the Grossology interactive exhibits on display now at MOSI.

The Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational won best amateur athletic event in the state this summer.

The tournament, which started in 2016, had eight teams. Now, in its ninth year, the tournament will host over 200 teams across 22 states.

Tournament founder and basketball coach Joe Cooper moved to the area 14 years ago, but noticed Florida was missing a big basketball tournament for young athletes.

“I noticed that there just wasn’t a lot going on from a basketball standpoint,” he said. “It just makes sense for something like that to be here. Why do we have to travel across the country to have something like this?”

So, the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational was born. With a couple partners, Cooper started the tournament through his nonproﬁt. He received a grant to help fund the tournament as it grew.

With this summer’s award, he was able to negotiate to increase the grant, helping to support the increasing costs of ofcials and running the event.

“We’re always trying to ﬁgure out bigger, better ways to do things,” Cooper said.

This year, the tournament will also host around 150 college coaches looking to

By Lily Belcher

scout the high school athletes.

The invitational is another opportunity to be seen and get scholarships.

Since the tournament is hosted around the holiday season, Cooper and his team try to bring in some time to celebrate.

One year, the tournament was over New Year’s, so they had a ﬁrework show. Other years, it has partnered with local companies to give athletes discounts at their businesses.

“We’re kind of outsidethe-box thinkers,” he said. “We’ll go big to add value to the tournament and the experience for the teams while they’re here.”

Cooper is still looking for sponsors to support the tournament. Supporters can visit the tournament’s website for information on the diferent levels of sponsorships, ranging from $1,000-$25,000.

This year’s tournament will have two sessions, with the ﬁrst running from Thursday, December 19, through Monday, December 23, and the second from Thursday, December 26, through Monday, December 30.

The Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus is hosting the event at its location, 3021 Sports Coast Way in Wesley Chapel.

For more information, visit https://tbchristmasinv.com/.

BIBLES AND BASKETBALL TO HOST ALL-ABILITIES CLINIC IN DECEMBER

Bibles and Basketball is teaming up with the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational to give its all-abilities team the opportunity to host a clinic during one of the biggest high school basketball tournaments.

Bibles and Basketball was founded in 2005 by Ed Treimanis to inspire local young athletes. Through the organization, he has partnered with the All-Abilities Clinic presented by former Harlem Globetrotter Larry ‘Shorty’ Coleman to give students of all abilities the opportunity to participate in his camp.

Treimanis got involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) All-Abilities after doing a camp with Coleman at Sefner Christian Academy. The school’s athletic director, Dee Franks, introduced Treimanis to the organization.

“These are children that maybe have autism, maybe they’re missing a leg or arm or [have] some type of physical handicap,” Treimanis said, “but we don’t call them handicaps, we call them all-abilities.”

He got support from several people at FCA to create an all-abilities clinic at the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational. Coleman helped support the initiative as well because he said he believes it is his way of serving the Lord.

“I give my best every day from the Bibles and Basketball camps, clinics [and]

By Lily Belcher

motivational speaking,” Coleman said.

Treimanis’ relationship with Coleman is more than just a business partnership; it’s a friendship. When Coleman had his leg amputated four years ago, Treimanis was the second person he called after his wife.

While he has never had personal experience with having a disability, the issue is near to Treimanis’ heart thanks to his friendship with Coleman and experience with FCA.

Bibles and Basketball will host the clinic on Thursday, December 26, from 6-8 p.m. at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus. The clinic is hosted during the two-weeklong Tampa Bay Christmas Invitation, which will host over 200 of the country’s best high school basketball teams.

Bibles and Basketball also hosts charity games, camps and clinics at schools, churches and organizations across the Tampa Bay area. The organization has short bible studies ahead of each basketball training session to create fellowship among the young athletes.

The Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus is located at 3021 Sports Coast Way in Wesley Chapel. For more information about Bibles and Basketball or to register for the clinic, visit https://biblesandbasketball.net/.

Tis year’s Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational will be at the end of December at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Compus in Wesley Chapel.

Bibles and Basketball will host an all-abilities clinic during the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus.

BRANDON FOOD TRUCK PARK OFFERS FLAVORFUL FUN ON WHEELS

If you are looking for a quick and easy but delicious meal for everyone in the family, the perfect destination is right here in the community.

Brandon Food Truck Park, located on the corner of Bell Shoals and Lithia Pinecrest roads, was created by a couple of passionate foodies who wanted to bring a permanent space for food trucks to operate daily, eliminating the need to chase down mobile vendors.

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

With 15 trucks now open, most are open Thursday through Sunday, though some trucks operate throughout the week. The best way to stay updated on operating hours is to check the park’s social media pages.

Brandon Food Truck Park stands out due to the diversity of food ofered by the trucks. From barbecue to vegan comfort food, the park has something for everyone.

Whigham Family Kitchen is a popular food truck at the park serving barbecue and desserts, run by a brother-sister duo. With an array of smoked meats, classic Southern comfort sides and tasty desserts, this truck has quickly gained a loyal following since its opening.

“I believe our park can grow into a can’t miss destination in the Tampa area,” said Ashlee Whigham, co-owner of The Whigham Family Kitchen. “We love that we are a part of that journey.”

Whigham Family Truck loves ofering the community an easy dinner option that is delicious and hearty and is proud to be a part of Brandon Food Truck Park.

The Whigham Family Kitchen is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., or until sold-out for the day.

Another standout at the park is The Green Table on Tour, a vegan food truck run by co-owners David Tipton and Jenna Bard. Serving up iconic vegan comfort foods, they’ve embraced the opportunity to dive into a business they are passionate about.

“We enjoy being able to get to know our customers and communicate with those here in the community,” said Tipton.

In addition to ofering a wide variety of delectable food, Brandon Food Truck Park regularly hosts community events that add to the atmosphere. These events, such as monthly markets and themed gatherings like the upcoming Asian Night Markets, provide fun and engaging experiences for visitors. Local vendors beyond the food trucks are often invited to participate, giving small businesses the chance to showcase their products and talents.

Brandon Food Truck Park is the perfect spot for families to stop by for lunch or dinner. With its relaxed outdoor seating and a wide variety of food options, it offers something for everyone.

For more information on Brandon Food Truck Park, visit https://brandonfoodtruckpark.com/.

Imagine a place where rejuvenation goes beyond the surface, blending science, wellness and beauty to help you feel as incredible as you look.

After Glow aesthetics & wellness, located at 330 S. Falkenburg Rd. in Tampa, is more than just a place for aesthetic treatments; it’s an oasis for those seeking a holistic approach to beauty and wellness.

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

At the heart of the business is a deep commitment to helping clients feel their best, both inside and out. The team at After Glow understands that every individual’s journey is unique and makes it their mission to provide personalized care, whether it’s enhancing outward appearance or addressing deeper wellness concerns.

“We pride ourselves on always doing what is right for the client, and sometimes that means saying no to unrealistic expectations or educating on treatment modalities and what they can achieve,” said Sunni Moreno, APRN, CRNA, owner of After Glow. “Our bodies are beautifully made, and if you know how to tap into the regenerative process you can create change naturally and efectively.”

The team’s passion for empowering clients shines through in every aspect of the practice. By continuously staying updated on industry advancements, After Glow is able to ofer cutting-edge treatments while ensuring clients are informed about the processes and results they can expect.

After Glow ofers many services, including medical-grade skin care, dermal ﬁllers, laser treatments, wrinkle relaxers, Sculptra, facial treatments, Ultherapy and weight management. The practice believes in complete price transparency, which is why you will ﬁnd all costs and treatment options listed on its website.

Every visit starts with a thorough consultation to identify each client’s speciﬁc needs. One of the most popular starting points for new clients looking for wellness services is a complete lab panel evaluation to assess internal health. After Glow takes pride in focusing on what’s optimal for each individual, ofering tailored solutions.

There is a common misconception that aesthetic treatments can lead to unnatural results, but at After Glow, the team delivers subtle enhancements that simply make clients look like a refreshed version of themselves.

Ultimately, After Glow is a place where clients can feel conﬁdent that their needs are heard, their concerns are addressed and their well-being is prioritized. From aesthetic services to wellness treatments, you can trust After Glow aesthetics & wellness to help you feel empowered in your own skin.

For more information, please visit https://glowwiththebest.com/ or contact the ofce at 813-344-5511.

Sunni Moreno loves empowering people to feel and look their best through a holistic approach and applying the best methods in the industry.

October 2024

The Haunted Woods is returning soon, coming back to Hillsborough River State Park for its third decade of frightful delights that families can enjoy on two days.

The ﬁrst day of the 30th annual Haunted Woods, to be held on Friday, October 18, is the introduction of the Scare Trail, which is exactly as the name suggests. For ages 12 and up, from 7-10 p.m., guests can experience a trip through the park woods under the cover of night.

Be prepared however, as even adults have been known to get terriﬁed by the monsters lurking in wait along the Scare Trail. If anyone gets too scared, they only need to tell a Haunted Woods attendant, then they’ll be taken from the trail safely.

The second day, on Saturday, October 19, is more magical, thanks to the children’s Enchanted Woods running from 2-6 p.m. There will also be a free kids’ costume party and trick-or-treating from 6-8 p.m. for classic Halloween fun. The Scare Trail returns as well, for the same ages and time as the previous night.

“There’ll be a lot of people there in costumes, especially for the kids’ area. They’re gonna have diferent stations, activities set up for the kids. I think last year they had seven diferent areas,” said Walt Williams, president of the Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society.

By Taylor Wells

He added, “On Saturday afternoon, at 6 o’clock after they close the kids’ area down, we’re gonna have stations set up out in the ballﬁeld out in front of the stage, where they can come around, get candy and have a costume contest and stuf like that.”

But the Haunted Woods still needs volunteers, so applicants are greatly appreciated. Volunteers will be able to earn service hours while having fun as they help out. All volunteers will be background-checked. These are cash-only events. Concessions will be available. The Scare Trail will cost $15 per person. The Enchanted Woods will cost $5, but kids under 3 years old enter for free. The regular park-entry fee applies during daylight hours.

All proceeds from this event will go toward the Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society, a volunteer-run nonproﬁt, citizen-support organization with the mission of enhancing and perpetuating the park.

Hillsborough River State Park is located at 15402 U.S. 301 N. in Thonotosassa. For more information, visit www.historyandnature.org or email historyandnature@gmail. com. For volunteering information and opportunities, please visit www.signupgenius. com/go/hauntedwoods24; the deadline to sign up is Friday, October 11.

ANGEL FOUNDATION INVITES ALL TO ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA

The community is invited to attend the annual Evening of Hope Gala on Friday, October 18, from 7-10 p.m. This 19th annual fundraising event is hosted by the Angel Foundation FL, and it will be ﬁlled with delicious food, cocktails and inspiring stories from families served by this amazing nonproﬁt organization.

The Angel Foundation FL helps families and individuals afected by life-threatening illnesses or catastrophic events, such as fires or floods. As part of its program, the foundation matches families with Angel Teams — local businesses and individuals with available resources to help meet practical needs. This can only happen thanks to active Angel Team volunteers consisting of caring community members, faith-based organizations and businesses with resources that include volunteer time, financial donations, goods and services.

In order to provide these much-needed resources, the foundation hosts its annual fundraising gala, which not only provides an evening of fun, food and entertainment but also highlights the work taking place in the community. This year’s fundraiser is expected to raise $50K and is vital to providing the much-needed resources.

This year, The Regent’s ballroom will be transformed into a ‘Night in Tuscany.’ The doors open at 7 p.m., with the ﬁrst hour devoted to music, mingling and delightful food. The formal portion begins when former ABC Action News icon Don Germaise takes the microphone as the emcee.

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Liz Brewer, executive director of the Angel Foundation FL, is excited about this year’s event and expects more than 300 people in attendance.

“We will have live music with Hot Tonic band, Italian themed dinner, open bar and silent auction,” said Brewer. “We will also hear inspiring stories shared from Angel families who have been served over the past year and we will recognize the many volunteers at our Angel Gift Shop at that assist us with our Angel program and Junior Angels program being honored for their service.”

Because the organization is 100 percent community-supported, this is its biggest fundraiser that is imperative to operate and bless Angel families with ﬁnancial support when needed.

“This is our 19th year hosting this community event and we bring together not only our Angel Foundation supporters but also community leaders who are also doing incredible things here in our community,” said Brewer. “It is truly about neighbors helping neighbors, and we are celebrating all the wonderful ways this community wraps its arms around families as they go through the worst of times.”

Tickets for the Evening of Hope Gala are $125 per person and tables for eight are $1,200. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://angelfoundationﬂ.com/, call 813-689-6889 or visit the Angel Foundation Florida Facebook page. The Regent is located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview.

Some volunteers will be wearing costumes as part of the Haunted Woods, and guests are welcome to wear costumes as well.

Te Angel Foundation FL is hosting its annual Evening of Hope Gala on Friday, October 18.

HALLOWEEN PARTY, HAUNTED WOODS, CORN MAZE & MORE

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Get your favorite costume ready and come and collect candies and treats while Magic Kingdom park thrills and chills you with eerie entertainment, delightful attractions and some beloved Disney characters in Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Watch three sinister sisters bewitch and bedazzle in the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, boogie down with friends from Disney Junior shows at Disney Moonlight Melodies and ﬁnish the evening watching Disney’s Not-So-Spooky-Spectacular, a wickedly wild ﬁreworks display hosted by Jack Skellington. This frightfully fun experience runs on select nights through Thursday, October 31. Tickets can be purchased at https://disneyworld. disney.go.com/; please review the dress code and costume guidelines before attending.

Howl-O-Scream

At Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream returns in full force, taking over the entire park with haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows and more. Unspeakable horror lives in every dark corner, including on Busch Gardens’ pulse-pounding thrill rides. HowlO-Scream is bringing fear to the next level, and once you’re in there’s nothing you can do about it. This event is intended for mature audiences and contains adult content; costumes are not allowed. Tickets can be purchased at https://buschgardenstampa.com/. The event runs on select nights until Thursday, October 31.

A

Kitten

Place’s

Black Cat 5K Fun Run

Local cat and kitten rescue

Creatures Of Te Night At ZooTampa

Join Tampa Bay’s number one family Halloween event, Creatures of the Night, at ZooTampa for a night of eerie family frights. Ghouls and goblins of all ages can enjoy howling outdoor experiences, spooky characters, creepy culinary treats and much more. This year’s event features the Testudians, a group of aliens who have disguised themselves as reptiles to live among us and transmit information about Earth for an extraterrestrial invasion. It’s up to you to help stop them before they take over the world. Tickets are available at https://zootampa.org/.

Riverwalk Trick Or Treat

The free Riverwalk Trick or Treat event returns for its eighth year on Saturday, October 26, from 4-7 p.m. Dress up in a costume and then trickor-treat along the Tampa Riverwalk and enjoy the family-friendly fun activities. There will be over 50 stations to enjoy throughout the route from Water Works Park to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

ed Woods event, which is full of magical surprises, including a Faerie Trail, Pirate’s Galleon Alley, Bella Luna’s Fortune Teller Camp and the Creatures of the Night Wildlife Trail. This event runs from 2-6 p.m. Please note that this is a cash-only event.

Tall Tales Of Old Florida

A Kitten Place is holding its annual Black Cat 5K Fun Run on Saturday, October 19, in the Twin Lakes neighborhood and is looking for vendors and corporate sponsors for the event. It is a fun family event; feel free to dress up in your Halloween costume. There will be a DJ, food, a costume contest, rafﬂe prizes, a silent auction and more. If you are interested, would like more information on the event or want to register, please email akittenplace@gmail.com or visit https://runsignup.com/race/ﬂ/valrico/blackcat5kwalk.

Haunted Woods Events At Hillsborough River State Park

Explore Tampa’s 19th-century living history museum, Cracker Country, by lantern at night in its Tall Tales of Old Florida event. Along the way, storytellers will spin wild yarns about Florida’s unexplained oddities, including skunk apes, misbehaving trains, cow-hunting giants and more. A little bit scary, a little bit funny and always family-friendly. After your tour, enjoy a festive snack and drink, which are included in your admission. Tall Tales of Old Florida will be held at Cracker Country on the Florida State Fairgrounds, located at 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa, on Saturday, October 19, from 7-10:30 p.m. Visit www.crackercountry.org to purchase your tickets in advance and select the start time of your tour, which will last about an hour. This event is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

Designer Handbag Boo Bash Bingo

Are you ready to face your worst nightmare? Haunted Woods at Hillsborough River State Park is where your nightmares become alive. As night falls, the woods come to life and turn into pure terror. Brave the Scare Trail along the river and explore historic buildings, each with its own dark dream. Haunted Woods is recommended for children over 12 years of age and will take place from 7-10 p.m. at Hillsborough River State Park, located at 15402 U.S. 301 in Thonotosassa. For a more family-friendly event, bring younger children to the Enchant-

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

guests can board the American Victory Ship for a haunted experience like no other. One of the most anticipated spooky events of the season, the UNDead in the Water haunted ship returns as Tampa’s premier authentic nautical haunted attraction.

The American Victory Ship is a 1945 WWII ship that served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

The ship is located behind The Florida Aquarium at 705 Channelside Dr. in Tampa. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.undeadinthewater.com.

This haunted experience is not recommended for children under the age of 11.

Fox Squirrel Corn Maze

The GFWC Brandon Junior Woman’s Club is hosting a Designer Handbag Boo Bash Bingo. The event will take place on Thursday, October 17, at 6 p.m. at New Hope Church, located at 213 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon. There will be 10 rounds of bingo, and winners can choose between a selection of designer handbags and totes from Kate Spade, Coach, Brahmin, Dooney & Bourke and more. Light bites and refreshments are also included in the ticket price. Tickets are available from www.gfwcbrandonjuniors.org and cost $40. This event is always extremely popular, so register early to make sure you are not disappointed. For more information, email bjwc.ﬂ@gmail.com. Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded.

Haunted Ship Returns

Now through Saturday, November 2,

If you are looking for somewhere that you can explore a corn maze, take a hayride, play cornhole, paint a pumpkin and make a ﬂower bouquet, then the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze is the place for you. Tickets give unlimited access to the 5-acre corn maze, which will challenge your tracking skills as you navigate its twists and turns. Also included is unlimited access to the hayride, jump pad and other games. Fall treats are also available, including caramel apples, kettle corn, apple cider and many more, along with fall-themed shopping. The Fox Squirrel Corn Maze is open on weekends until Sunday, October 27, and is located at 6151 Varn Rd. in Plant City. Please note that some vendors may be cash-only, and closedtoe shoes are advised.

Halloween Costume Contest At Hillsborough County Fair

The Hillsborough County Fair invites everyone to dress up in their favorite Halloween outﬁt and join in together on opening night, Thursday, October 31, for a fun-ﬁlled evening of trick-or-treating throughout the fair. There will also be a costume contest in four diferent age groups: 0-5 years, 6-12 years, 13-17 years and 18 years and over. To view contest rules and enter, visit its website at www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com. The fairground is located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover.

AEROSPACE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE OFFERS YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS FOR GRADE SCHOOL STUDENTS

The Aerospace Center for Excellence ofers several immersive educational programs to students throughout the year.

Through these programs, elementary and middle school students can experience the aerospace-infused STEM activities, experiments and challenges ofered by the center. With things like guest speakers, ﬁeld trips and science fairs, the Aerospace Center for Excellence reaches all young students with a variety of interests.

Cathy Dal Colletto, the center’s digital marketing coordinator, was one of the recipients of the Aerospace Center for Excellence’s scholarships. After working with the center for over a decade, she’s seen the growth and emphasis of community engagement through the opportunities it provides.

“They’ve constantly implemented more events year-round to engage the community and bring aviation to the forefront and provide more opportunities,” Dal Colletto said.

The Aerospace Center for Excellence ofers field trips, including visits to the Science on a Sphere Lab, Flight Simulation Lab and Drone or Engineering Labs. These field trips are free to fifth through eighth graders in public schools.

In September, the center is hosting its Girls in Aviation Day through a partner-

By Lily Belcher

ship with Women in Aviation. In October, the fairytale edition of Lifting Literacy will invite students to explore reading through a STEM lens, and a day of hands-on STEM activities during Wings n’ Things in November will ofer fun experiences for free.

Ahead of the holidays, the Aerospace Center for Excellence is hosting the Polar Express: Airmail Edition. Kids are invited to write letters to Santa, eat cookies and more. Tickets for the event will go on sale soon.

“Our education team has really [made] their curriculum and activities STEM-related and have tried to infuse as much aviation as they can,” Dal Colletto said.

In addition to its grade school programs, the Aerospace Center for Excellence announced its preschool program, STEM Sprouts, which is launching this year. Children ages 3-5 years old can join weekly classes to help them learn the basics through hands-on, skill-based learning and play.

The new program runs from September through May and ofers a 50 percent discount for parents who are Florida Air Museum members.

For more information on the programs that the Aerospace Center for Excellence ofers, visit https://aceedu.org/.

Te Aerospace Center for Excellence mixes hand-on activities with STEM education through its yearround programs.

STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE PROVIDES HELP WITH VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

In the two minutes it will take to read this article, statistics show that 48 people have fallen victim to domestic violence. More than 12 million men and women are impacted every year by this crime, and getting justice against an abuser can be a scary experience for survivors. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Hillsborough State Attorney’s O f ce wants victims of domestic violence to know there is help right here in our community. It begins with getting away from an abuser, and that can be a huge step to take when you feel like there is nowhere to turn.

When we think of domestic violence, most people imagine one partner physically hurting another. But domestic violence can also occur through sexual, emotional, economic or psychological means to control an intimate partner. It doesn’t matter how old you are, where you were raised or how much money you make. Anyone can become a victim of domestic violence. And every victim has somewhere to turn in Hillsborough County.

My o f ce has victim advocates ready to comfort survivors through the entirety of their court case. This means the moment you step through our doors at the state attorney’s o f ce, a friendly face will be there to explain the legal process and your case. Our victim advo-

By State Attorney Suzy Lopez

cates are also there for emotional support both inside and outside of the courtroom. We also work with The Spring of Tampa Bay to connect victims with services they need to heal. From relocation assistance to counseling, we collaborate with community partners to ensure victims feel safe and understood. Empowering survivors with these resources allows them to break free of abusers to take back control of their lives.

While my o f ce is dedicated to holding abusers accountable, we understand how di f cult it can be for victims to seek justice in the ﬁrst place. Victims must know they have a community ready to rally around them to rebuild their lives. We are in awe of the courage it takes to break the cycle and break free. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and needs immediate help, you can call or text the 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 813-247-SAFE (7233).

Te State Attorney’s Ofce of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City. Te ofce staf consists of approximately 320 dedicated public servants including 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim advocates and support staf Te ofce handles approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn more about the organization or apply to become part of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.

State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

HELP LIGHT THE PATH AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING AT SELAH FREEDOM’S FUNDRAISER

Selah Freedom is hosting its third annual fundraising event, Light the Path (LTP), which is a celebration of hope and a call to action to end sex trafcking. This year’s event will be held at two locations: Armature Works in Tampa on Tuesday, October 22, and The Westin Sarasota on Thursday, November 14.

Selah Freedom is a nonproﬁt, anti-human-trafcking organization with the mission to end sex trafcking and bring freedom to individuals who have been exploited. This organization tackles issues on both ends of the spectrum by helping support local victims and survivors through their recovery phases and preventing future young people from becoming victims while providing more awareness about human trafcking to the community.

In addition, Selah Freedom provides the communities of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee, Polk and Pasco counties with an exceptionally adept team of professionals who ofer free education and outreach to area schools, law enforcement agencies and partnering nonproﬁts.

The celebrity guest speaker this year will be Darryl Strawberry, four-time World Series champion, eight-time National League All-Star and two-time cancer survivor.

The goal for these events is to bring together supporters, advocates, survivors and community leaders to shine a light on the issue of human trafcking and raise crucial funds for Selah Freedom’s life-changing programs.

Stacey Efaw, executive director of Selah Freedom, is looking forward to this special event.

“The awareness that will be spread

By Kelly Wise Valdes

throughout the community as a result of this event will enable more people to ﬁnd a way to combat human trafcking,” said Efaw.

Guests will enjoy an evening of entertainment, including live music, an inspiring message from Strawberry and a silent and live auction. Delicious food and drinks will also be served throughout the evening, creating a festive atmosphere that encourages guests to mingle, connect and learn more about the work Selah Freedom is doing to ﬁght trafcking and restore survivors.

According to Andrea Martone, public relations coordinator for Selah Freedom, the organization expects around 265 attendees for the event.

“The ﬁrst year of LTP raised around $100K, and the second year (also the ﬁrst year the event was split to two nights, two cities) LTP raised close to $100K per event for $200K total, which was the goal. For this year, we hope to raise $100K per night as the goal.”

The silent auction will include various rafﬂe baskets, autographed memorabilia and some exciting vacation trip opportunities, including a chef’s tasting at Cafe Barbosso with Chef Joe DiMaggio, a two-night stay at Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound by Margaritaville, a two-week exclusive scuba camp, a three-day stay at the Laser Lounge Penthouse and more.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by VIP meet and greet, the silent auction and cocktails, then the dinner program begins at 7 p.m. To buy tickets to Light the Path, or for sponsorship opportunities, visit https:// support.selahfreedom.com/event/light-thepath-2024-south/e557229.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ NEWEST LITERACY RESOURCE IS

PAIGE THE LITERACY BUS

Instilling the love of reading and the ability to read at an early age is a goal of Hillsborough County Public Schools. In an efort to provide fair and equitable access to educational resources such as reading, Hillsborough County Public Schools have launched an Early Learning and Literacy Mobile Classroom known as Paige the Literacy Bus (Paige).

Hillsborough County Public Schools has launched the Early Learning and Literacy Mobile Classroom known as Paige. Te bus will visit private day cares, public school early learning classrooms and other sites throughout Hillsborough County.

The mission of Paige is to provide early access to resources and promote literacy beyond the classroom. Paige is geared toward young learners up to the age of 5. This initiative is a passion project for Dr. Stacy Hahn.

Dr. Hahn said, “As a school board member, I have been a steadfast advocate for literacy, and the Early Childhood Literacy Bus has been my passion project aimed at sparking a lifelong love of reading in children and ensuring families have equitable access to vital educational resources.”

Dr. Hahn added, “Collaborating with the school district on this initiative underscores our commitment to fostering a community where literacy is highly valued, empowering every child and family through the transformative power of literacy. I am so excited to launch the Early Childhood Literacy Bus in our community.”

Paige will visit private day care pro-

By Kathy L. Collins

viders, public school early learning classrooms and other school sites. In our area, Paige will visit Ippolito Elementary School’s STEM Night on Wednesday, October 16, at 3:30 p.m. and will be at Brandon High School on Saturday, November 16, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The bus is decorated with bright colors and features fun spaces, including an outside reading area. Inside, you will ﬁnd a mobile computer lab and comfy reading nooks. Hillsborough County Public Schools’ goal for the Early Learning and Literacy Mobile Classroom is to provide early access to resources and promote literacy beyond the classroom. It aims to inspire a lifelong passion for reading while extending the beneﬁts of early learning and literacy to every corner of Hillsborough County.

As this is the ﬁrst year of the program, it is important to note that the school district wants to impact kindergarten reading readiness throughout the district. This project is grant-funded, but the school district will be looking for community partners to help.

While there is not a dedicated website page yet, Paige does have an Instagram account where you can follow her progress and see upcoming events at @hcpspaigetheliteracybus.

Pro baseball legend Darryl Strawberry will be the guest speaker at the Selah Freedom event.

BESTSELLING, FAITH-FILLED FICTION AUTHOR FROM LITHIA SIGNS NEWEST BOOK IN OCTOBER

Jill Dewhurst, a celebrated Lithia author in the realm of inspirational Christian ﬁction, has once again captivated her audience with the release of her latest novel, Heidi’s Faith

This new book is the fourth installment in the beloved Rugged Cross Ranch series, which transports readers to the mid-1800s Oklahoma Territory.

Dewhurst’s novels are known for their portrayal of pioneer life, where the simplicity of the times often highlights the profound struggles faced by the characters. Through her storytelling, Dewhurst intricately weaves God’s promises into the narrative. Her books serve as a reminder of God’s unwavering love, even amidst life’s most challenging moments.

The Rugged Cross Ranch series is Dewhurst’s ﬁrst series. Heidi’s Faith, released on September 17, is the fourth novel in the series. The ﬁrst three novels are Julie’s Joy, Emily’s Hope and Laura’s Redemption. Two additional books are in the works to round out the series.

Dewhurst is no stranger to God’s special timing. From the active life of an Army brat to the serene pastures of rural Florida, Dewhurst has lived a life full of diverse experiences that have shaped her into the person she is today. Born in Kansas, she spent her early years moving between various Army posts until her father retired in Pensacola when she was 8 years old.

In 1994, she graduated summa cum laude from Pensacola Christian College with a

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Bachelor of Science in nursing. Three years later, she married her husband, who was then in his second year of medical school at the University of South Florida.

Today, the family resides on a 10-acre property in Lithia, afectionately named Rugged Cross Ranch, in honor of her book series. Their land is home to cattle, chickens and an English cream golden retriever, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The quiet, open spaces of their ranch ofer the perfect backdrop for her inspirational Christian ﬁction writing.

“When life’s challenges come, some reach for a nonfiction book about finding joy, rediscovering hope or increasing faith,” said Dewhurst. “Others, like me, gravitate toward a fictional story with relatable characters facing similar challenges.”

Her stories, deeply rooted in her own experiences, continue to inspire readers of all ages. Dewhurst is a three-time novelist with multiple ﬁve-star reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. Her dedication to her craft and her faith has earned her a loyal following. Her novels not only entertain but also inspire, offering a message of hope and resilience.

Dewhurst will be attending a book signing event at the St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church Fall Craft Fair on Saturday, October 26. The event will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 3315 S. Bryan Rd. in Brandon. Visit https://jilldewhurst.square.site/. For more information, visit www.jilldewhurst.com.

Lithia author Jill Dewhurst will be attending a book signing for her newest novel, Heidi’s Faith.

Horticulture therapy has been documented since the 1700s, noting improvements in physical and mental health.

In the 1800s, prison sta f trained inmates to garden due to a lack of available food sources. During WWI and WWII, 40 percent of the produce in the United States was grown by war gardens.

GET THE DIRT: GARDENING FOR THE HEALTH OF IT!

BY LYNN BARBER, URBAN HORTICULTURE AGENT

Gardening is exercise, and it includes productive activities — both mental and physical. Nearly every part of society can participate in gardening, including vegetables, ﬂowers, landscaping and more. There are programs conducted in nursing homes, senior centers, schools, community gardens, hospitals, homeless shelters, penitentiaries and UF/IFAS Extension o f ces throughout our state. Several restaurants have herb and vegetable rooftop gardens to grow their own produce.

According to Centers for Disease Control, exercise can improve your overall health and decrease the risk of high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression, obesity and more. Are you an adult involved in 2.5 hours of moderate to intensive activities each week? Are your children performing moderate to intensive activities for 60 minutes per day? Moderate to intensive activities are not as challenging as you may think. Consider gardening, walking, biking, dancing and cleaning your house (please, no!).

UF/IFAS Extension o f ces are involved in community and school gardens. In our West Central Florida area, there are approximately 70 community gardens. To ﬁnd one in your area, go to https://coalitionofcommunitygardens.weebly.com/ join-a-garden.html.

Community gardens provide many beneﬁts. They create a sense of community, provide education and teach skills

that can be utilized in di f erent opportunities. These gardens can help deter crime and illegal neighborhood activities. Community gardens are a great way to convert unproductive land into productive gardens.

School gardens provide excellent opportunities to teach youth about plants, seed identiﬁcation, water requirements, teamwork and attracting pollinators. Knowing how and when to plant, water, prune and harvest is important for success.

Have you experienced botanical gardens where you live? In our area, there are many: Fairchild, Harry P. Leu, Marie Selby, University of South Florida, many UF IFAS Extension ofﬁces and the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden at our o f ce in Se f ner. What a fun experience for adults and youth. Gardens are always an educational opportunity.

Gardening can relieve stress, anger and physical pain. It works well to improve concentration, memory and coping skills. Digging in the dirt can increase your self-conﬁdence and give some a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It’s still the No. 1 favorite exercise. We hope you will go outside and get your hands dirty. Gloves are not necessarily required!

References:

• “Health Beneﬁts of Gardening,” by Mia Wilchcombe.

• “Horticulture Therapy,” by Sydney Park Brown, Eva C. Worden, Theodora M. Frohne and Jessica Sullivan.

• “Horticulture Therapy: How can it make a di f erence in your everyday life?”, by Patricia Porchey.

For more information about gardening for your health, please contact Lynn Barber at labarber@uﬂ.edu.

ENJOY A LUSH AND LOVELY DAY AT METALS & NATURE’S SIP AND SPROUT

Metals & Nature, a family-owned business that makes ready-to-take-home and custom iron gates, decor and more, is hosting Sip and Sprout on Saturday, October 19, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Metals & Nature is located at 1501 SR 60 in Plant City.

Metals & Nature, owned by Arley and Victoria Smude, is situated on 2 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Arley said, “The idea for the event was sparked because customers often ask to buy plants because of the thousands planted in the garden. We o f er things that complement plants — ornamental and functional metal pieces, concrete statues and fountains and unique garden decor — but o f er very few plants. Working with local vendors to o f er plants, while someone can stroll through a whimsical, botanical paradise while sipping a Kona co f ee or glass of wine, seemed like a natural marriage.”

You can enjoy a lush and lively day at Metals & Nature’s Sip and Sprout plant event on Saturday, October 19. You can stroll through its 2-acre garden paradise, which features a diverse array of plants. Te event will also feature wine, iced cofee and tea.

There will be lots of vendors o f ering delicious drinks and treats as well as plants and accessories

Arley said, “We want the community to know that this event is more than a shopping experience. It is a day of nature and creativity. We have designed it

By Kathy L. Collins

so you can unwind, ﬁnd inspiration and immerse yourself in the beauty of outdoors and art. Whether you are a seasoned gardener, art lover or someone who simply loves being surrounded by nature, we are excited to share our garden with you.

Smude explained the business, “We make artistic iron designs in our shop at the garden. This includes arbors and trellises, garden gates, benches and bird baths, to name a few. We also import unique designs from around the world. A few weeks ago, we got life-size metal animal sculptures from Morocco.”

Smude explained, “In early 2023, my parents retired and passed the business on to us. Diego, my dad, grew up in Buenos Aires, which is a city of stunning wrought iron. Diego’s mother had an art gallery there. He later sold art in Israel before studying botany in the United States. You piece all that together and you see the story in the place my parents created, a garden ﬁlled with artistic wrought iron.”

The event and parking are free. For more information, please call 813737-1692 or visit www.metalsandnature.com.

Sweet Potatoes

Dr. Shawn Hollander and Sandy Kracov enjoy working in the garden.

Community garden harvests lots of fresh herbs used for cooking.

By Kathy L. Collins, Art & Entertainment Director

The Valrico Village Players will present Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses, beginning on Friday, October 11, at 8 p.m. Additional shows will be presented on Friday, October 18 and 25, and Saturday, October 12, 19 and 26, at 8 p.m. There will also be two matinees on Sunday, October 13 and 20, at 3 p.m. All shows will be held at the James McCabe Theater, located at 506 N. 5th St. in Valrico.

Tickets for Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses are $23 for general admission and $20 for students, seniors and military personnel. Tickets can be purchased by visiting https://thevillageplayersvalrico.com/ or calling the box ofce at 813-480-3147.

Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses was written by Florida resident Susan Parker. The Valrico Village Players has presented another of Parker’s shows before, Sex Please, We’re Sixty

Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses is directed by Sheilia Stacy-Taylor, a veteran of the Valrico Village Players. Stacy-Taylor said, “I have been with the Valrico Village Players for over 10 years. Currently, I am a member of the board as a fundraiser. As everyone does, I began as a volunteer, greeting patrons and assisting in productions as I could.”

Stacy-Taylor added, “This is the second

VILLAGE PLAYERS TO PRESENT SANDY TOES & SALTY KISSES

show I have directed for Valrico Village Players. Two years ago, I directed another comedy written by Susan Parker titled Sex Please, We’re Sixty I like Susan Parker plays because they are good, clean humor, with a hint of naughty. Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses is a family-friendly play with lots of laughs.”

Stacy-Taylor said, “Susan Parker, a Florida resident, has written more than a dozen comedies for stage. She is sharp, witty and her writing style appeals to every audience member. I think we can all identify with the characters Susan brings to life in her plays. We at the Village Players were honored when Susan was present for one of our performances of Sex Please, We’re Sixty When I learned that I would be directing this Susan Parker play, I reached out to Ms. Parker to tell her how excited I was to be directing another one of her plays. I asked if she would send my cast and crew a congratulatory note or letter. You can imagine how surprised I was when she responded to my inquiry by telling me she would be in the audience for the October 20 performance. In my book, that is class.”

For more information, visit https:// thevillageplayersvalrico.com/.

Community Arts &Events Community Arts &Events

STEVE ALTIER EXPERTLY WEAVES TALES FROM HIS PRIOR BOOK INTO HIS NEWEST BOOK

Local author, Steve Altier has written another book in the Lizardville Ghost Stories series called Old Man Smithers Altier’s books are traditionally published with 4 Horsemen Publications. The books are available in paperback, hardcover, e-book and audiobook. You can also buy signed copies through his website at www.stevealtier. com.

Altier said, “I grew up in a small town in central Pennsylvania, on Lizardville Road. The story unfolds in this region, though I have renamed the town Lizardville to suit the narrative better. My family lived in the dam keeper’s house, which stood beside what was left of the dam and the remnants of an old ax factory. This fueled my fascination with all things strange and spooky.”

cover, Altier envisioned a young male spirit watching Old Man Smithers’ house from behind the trees. According to Altier, the graphic artist did a great job bringing his vision to life with this cover.

About his new book, Altier explained, “ Old Man Smithers is a memorable character you ﬁrst meet in The Camping Trip , Book 1, in the Lizardville Ghost Story series. He is a grumpy old man who dislikes the youth in town. Due to popular demand from several readers eager to learn more about him, I decided to dive into his backstory. This new story begins

in 1961 and concludes in 1976, covering 15 years. It weaves his past with events from Book 1 and Book 2 of the Lizardville Ghost Story series.”

This is a young adult story written for ages 12 and up. However, as Altier said, “Many adults enjoy these stories because they remind them of their childhoods.”

Altier added, “This story is perfect for you if you are a book lover who craves spine-tingling suspense and edge-of-your-seat thrills. I love keeping readers guessing about what will happen next. Although this is the second book in the side story series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone read.”

Altier has several events lined up for the release of the book. He said, “I am kicking o f locally at Spookala Horror Fest at the Florida State Fairgrounds (October 4-6). I will be signing all three days. Then, I will be traveling for a bit, but I will be back in the area on Saturday, December 7, at the Barnes & Noble in the Regency Plaza to ﬁnish the year.” For more information, please visit www.stevealtier.com.

Te Valrico Village Players will present Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses this October. In the audience on October 20, they will welcome the playwright, Susan Parker, a Florida resident.

Steve Altier’s newest book is called Old Man Smithers. As one can tell from the

The Missing Piece Theatre, a local theater company, will present Little Shop of Horrors over two weekends in October. All shows are held at the Gem Theater, located at 118 NW 1st Ave. in Mulberry. The shows will be held on Friday, October 18 and 25, and Saturday, October 19 and 26, at 8 p.m. There will also be two Sunday matinees on October 20 and 27 at 2 p.m.

By Kathy L. Collins, Art & Entertainment Director By Kathy L. Collins, Art & Entertainment Director

Shop of Horrors, presented by Te Missing Piece Teatre this October. All shows will be performed at the Gem Teater in Mulberry.

Little Shop of Horrors is one of the longest-running of-Broadway shows. It has been produced all over the world to great success.

According to Steven Bucko, executive director of The Missing Piece Theatre, “Little Shop of Horrors is a deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-ﬁ smash musical. Little Shop of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatergoers for over 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast and Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world.”

Steven added, “This show is sure to leave you laughing, crying and in overall awe. It will also get you into the Hal-

loween spirit with this dark tale of a man-eating plant trying to take over the world. You will not want to miss our gigantic Audrey II puppet, which is over 7 feet tall, 5 feet wide and weighs over 250 lbs. This literal cast-eating puppet will amaze you.”

The cast and crew for Little Shop of Horrors is comprised of wellknown theater professionals from all over the area, including Kristen Bucko from Lithia, DeBreanna Petithomme from Brandon, Jackson Cyman from Valrico and stage manager Alaina Mendola from Brandon.

Steven said, “The Missing Piece Theatre just completed a completely sold-out run of our summer show, Newsies. The word is out that The Missing Piece Theatre is the place to see high-quality, exciting and fun live performances in your own backyard. Do not miss your chance and get your tickets today.”

Steven added, “We are so fortunate with our partnership with the City of Mulberry and the beautiful Gem Theater.”

For more information and to get tickets, please visit www.themissingpiecetheatre.org.

On September 13, Tampa Theatre announced its 12th annual A Nightmare on Franklin Street. The series will kick of with a Franklin Street Block Party on Friday, October 11, from 5-7 p.m. under the historic Tampa Theatre marquee.

The Franklin Street sidewalks will be lined with vendors, neighbors and community partners ofering tricks and treats. You will ﬁnd vendors, art, magic and freaky fare from Central Gourmet Food Truck and the Frozen Stifs Ice Cream Hearse. You can also visit adoptable beasts from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and experience ‘sidewalk scare-aoke,’ courtesy of Dave & Buster’s.

Then, enjoy a screening of Stephen King’s 1976 supernova Carrie at 7 p.m. and the 1980 slasher Prom Night at 10 p.m. The block party is free and open to the public. Film tickets are $10 and $7 for members.

During the spooky season, Tampa Theatre will ofer Ghosts of Tampa Theatre Tours on select dates and times. Tickets are $15, or free for members.

This year, you will have two opportunities to witness spooky stories told live on the Tampa Theatre’s historic stage. One, Phantasmagoria’s Grim and Grimmer Tales, will be on Sunday, October 20, at 2

Community Arts &Events Community Arts &Events

p.m., and the other, Campﬁre Stories, is on Monday, October 21, at 7 p.m.

Tampa Theatre will also ofer ‘Mummy & Me’ screenings with age-appropriate movies, including Coraline, Beetlejuice, The Ghost and Mr. Chicken and Hocus Pocus. The screenings are free for children under 12, $10 for adults and $7 for members.

There will be plenty for adults too. You can come see Nosferatu with Radiohead: A Silents Synced Film on Friday, October 18, at 7 p.m. Then, on Saturday, October 19, you can see The Rocky Horror Picture Show at 7 and 11 p.m. On Wednesday, October 23, come see a free screening of the new voodoo thriller Bitter Souls. Then, on Sunday, October 27, come see a silent suspense ﬁlm, Faust, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $14.50, or $11.50 for members.

Tampa Theatre will also have 50th anniversary screenings of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Young Frankenstein, The Birds, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? and The Masque of the Red Death. It will also have modern favorites like House of 1000 Corpses, Donnie Darko, Hellraiser and more.

For more information, please visit https://tampatheatre.org/nightmare/.

You will not want to miss the fantastic sci-f musical Little

PASSING DOWN YOUR PASSION: A LAWYER’S GUIDE TO LEAVING COLLECTIBLES

By Laurie E. Ohall, Florida Board-certifed Elder Law Attorney

4. Be Clear About Your Wishes

and

value. But when it comes to passing these treasures on to your heirs, the process can be more complex than transferring traditional assets.

The Unique Challenges of Inheriting Collectibles

Collectibles present several unique challenges in estate planning, including ﬂuctuating values, subjective appreciation, storage and maintenance requirements and the potential for family disputes. The following tips can help you more conﬁdently incorporate them as part of your estate plan:

1. Get Professional Appraisals

Understanding the current market value of your collection is crucial, and it is always a good idea to get a professional appraisal. This helps with fair distribution among heirs, accurate estate tax calculations and proper insurance coverage. Consider getting updated appraisals every few years, especially for rapidly changing markets.

2. Document Your Collection

Create a detailed inventory of your collectibles, including descriptions of each item, purchase dates and prices, current appraised values and any certiﬁcates of authenticity. This documentation will be invaluable to your heirs and executor.

3. Consider a Separate Trust

For valuable collections, consider creating a separate trust. This can provide speciﬁc instructions for the care and distribution of your collection, potentially reduce estate taxes and keep the details of your collection private.

Communicate with your heirs about your collection. Some may be passionate about continuing it, while others might prefer to sell. Being clear about your wishes can prevent future conﬂicts.

5. Plan for Taxes and Upkeep

Inheriting valuable collectibles can come with signiﬁcant tax implications. Work with your estate planning attorney and a tax professional to explore strategies for minimizing this burden on your heirs. If you’re leaving a collection that requires ongoing maintenance (like classic cars), consider setting aside funds speciﬁcally for this purpose.

6. Consider Charitable Donations

If your heirs aren’t interested in keeping the collection, consider donating it to a museum or charitable organization. This can provide tax beneﬁts and ensure your collection is appreciated.

The Role of an Estate Planning Attorney

Navigating the complexities of passing down collectibles requires knowledge in both estate law and the unique challenges of nontraditional assets. An estate planning attorney can help you structure your estate plan to accommodate your collection, understand and plan for potential tax implications, draft clear instructions for the care and distribution of your collectibles and mediate potential disputes among heirs.

Contact our ﬁrm at 813-438-8503 to schedule a consultation at our ofce.

Laurie Ohall is a Florida board-certifed elder law attorney practicing in Brandon, Florida. She has been practicing law for 30 years and her practice is focused on estate planning, elder law planning and probate. Ohall is licensed to practice law in Florida and Ohio.

WATER PROTECTION PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR GRANTS

The clean water that streams out of a faucet with a twist, tap or wave may rely on modern indoor plumbing to be accessible, but what happens at its natural source has a big impact on the quality and even availability of the water we drink. A grant program from Tampa Bay Water aims to protect local water sources through increased awareness and direct action.

Hillsborough County’s drinking water comes from di f erent sources, such as the area’s rivers, groundwater from wells that tap into the aquifer and even the salty waters of Tampa Bay through desalination.

The Water Conservation and Protection Mini-grant Program provides money to support community projects that protect and conserve drinking water sources. Grants range from $2,000$10,000 and can fund activities that are educational, such as holding workshops, improving signage around resources or creating public exhibits that improve awareness of water resources.

The grants also fund e f orts to reduce pollution in water bodies as well as the wetlands and coastal areas near them. Ideas that reduce the use of water are also considered for funding. A total of $50,000 is available to fund various projects.

By Brad Stager

The mini-grant program is one of several ways that Tampa Bay Water involves the public in protecting drinking water resources. The utility also o f ers rebates to individuals and businesses for installing water-efficient appliances, toilets or irrigation systems, and also promotes cultivation of Florida-friendly landscaping that uses less water. Educational institutions, nonproﬁt groups and community organizations can apply to the program. The application period for the 2025 grant cycle is open now and continues through Friday, November 22. Notiﬁcation of which projects will receive funding in 2025 will occur in December.

“There are many organizations ready and willing to do good things for our community and just need resources,” said Brandon Moore, public communications manager for Tampa Bay Water.

Tampa Bay Water provides drinking water to its multijurisdictional members that, in turn, supply water to more than 2.6 million residents of the Tampa Bay area.

Tampa Bay Water member governments include Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties and the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa. To learn more about the mini grants, visit www.tampabaywater.org.

Tampa Bay Water provides drinking water to the region’s 2.6 million residents. Te utility distributes water from sources such as its plant in Apollo Beach.

Hillsborough County Public Schools o f ers a wide array of magnet programs designed to provide students with unique, specialized learning experiences that align with their interests and career goals.

From elementary to high school, magnet programs are available at every level. Whether your child is passionate about the arts, STEM, medical sciences or international studies, there’s a magnet option that can help them explore their interests in depth while receiving a high-quality education.

By Superintendent Van Ayres

One of the greatest beneﬁts of these programs is the freedom of choice they provide to families. Magnet programs are open to students across the district, allowing families to select the school that best meets their child’s needs and interests, regardless of their residential zone.

of calling themselves National Magnet Award Winners for the 202324 school year. In fact, Hillsborough County Public Schools ﬁnished second in the state of Florida in total awards

The next application window for the 202425 school year is quickly approaching. Families can submit their applications between Tuesday, October 29, and Wednesday, December 18. It’s essential to act during this period, as spots in many popular magnet programs are limited. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to give your child a dynamic educational experience that

We are proud to say that 27 of our magnet schools have earned the honor

To explore all the magnet options available, we invite you to attend our upcoming High School Magnet Showcase on October 29 from 4-7 p.m. at MOSI and our Elementary and Middle Magnet Mingle on Monday, November 4, from 3-7 p.m. at ZooTampa Saunders Pavilion. Also visit www.hillsboroughschools.org/magnet.

MERCEDES ‘MERCI’ HERNANDEZ CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY WITH GFWC PINNING

Mercedes Hernandez, afectionately known by all who know her as Merci, turned 100 years old on August 21. Hernandez had many celebrations, and one of them was organized by her dear friends, the members of the GFWC Brandon Service League.

By Kathy L. Collins

Hernandez was born in Key West. Her family comes from Cuba. In fact, Hernandez was in Cuba on the day that Fidel Castro took over. She was able to secure passage out of the country on the last plane that left the island nation.

Hernandez trained as a chemist and worked as one in Cuba. She then obtained an education degree and became a teacher. She spent many years teaching science at Brandon High School. When she started, it was known as Brandon School. She then spent 10 years teaching at Hillsborough Community College. Hernandez joined the Brandon Junior League in the 1950s. When she aged out of the Juniors Club, she, along with Theresa Maxwell and Alice Storms, started the Women’s Service League of Brandon which is now known as the GFWC Brandon Service League.

was also active in GFWC District 8. During her birthday celebration with the members of the GFWC Brandon Service League, she enjoyed her favorite drink, root beer ﬂoats. She was also given her 65-year GFWC pin.

Mercedes Hernandez, known as Merci, celebrated her 100th birthday in August. Her many milestones were celebrated in the company of her friends from the GFWC Brandon Service League, a club of which she was a founding member.

Joanne Baxter, co-president of GFWC Brandon Service League, said, “Although her body has aged, her mind is sharp as a tack. At her celebration, she regaled us with stories from her teaching days.” Baxter added, “Merci has received many accolades in her life. The members of GFWC Brandon Service League, along with representatives from GFWC District 8, were thrilled to share in her milestone celebration.”

Hernandez was active in the GFWC Brandon Service League for 65 years. She

In addition to Hernandez’s professional life, she has travelled the world. In fact, Hernandez has visited 156 countries and has been to every time zone at least once. She recently chronicled her travels and life in a book called My 100-Year Journey: A Lifetime of Learning. It can be found on www.amazon.com.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has unveiled its next game-changing attraction, the all-new Wild Oasis realm, which will be North America’s most engaging and interactive adventure realm when it opens in spring 2025. Located within the Jungala area of the park, the all-new Wild Oasis is designed to ignite the imagination and engage all the senses, promising nonstop excitement for every member of the family. Prepare to be captivated by the sights and sounds of the rainforest, the rush of a newly reimagined drop tower featuring state-of-the-art digital and sound efects, an interactive water-play wonderland and a multilevel climbing canopy. Plus, discover an all-new, multispecies animal habitat for up-close encounters with some of the world’s most fascinating animals.

Staf Report

shade of the rainforest canopy.”

Guests who want to be the ﬁrst to explore the Wild Oasis can purchase a 2025 Busch Gardens Annual Pass, which includes exclusive access to the attraction before it opens to the public, plus the opportunity to enjoy the best beneﬁts ever, such as free parking, free guest tickets, exciting monthly rewards, in-park discounts and exclusive experiences.

What is a CT Heart Score?

If you are at risk for heart disease, this screening test can help detect the amount of calcium deposits, or plaque, in coronary arteries. It is an important tool to diagnose atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.

Who is a suitable candidate for the test?

diation exposure, similar to a typical mammogram.

What are the next steps if a higher level of calcium is found?

Your doctor may recommend the following:

• Medication.

• Changes to your diet and exercise routine.

• New weight-loss goals.

“It’s been ﬁve years since guests last stepped foot in the tucked away realm of Treetop Trails in the Jungala area of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and we are thrilled to breathe new life into this corner of the park with the development of this realm,” said Stewart Clark, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “The all-new Wild Oasis truly ofers something for everyone — whether you love the thrill of the ride or learning about animals, getting wet or climbing high, or just cooling of under the

With the launch of this engaging space, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay continues to innovate and expand its lineup of worldclass attractions, solidifying its status as a premier destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. The 2025 calendar is packed with the ultimate lineup of worldclass festivities and entertainment, featuring heart-pounding attractions, up-close encounters with animals, live shows and immersive experiences. Plus, guests can enjoy Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s newest coaster, Phoenix Rising, North America’s tallest and longest inverted family coaster. Guests can learn more about all the events, future announcements, and the unbeatable beneﬁts of being an Annual Pass Member by visiting https://buschgardenstampa.com/”. To be the ﬁrst to know about park updates, follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and TikTok.

According to the American Heart Association, patients with risk factors such as family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight, diabetes, being a smoker or living an inactive or stressful lifestyle should consider getting the test. Women ages 55 and older and men ages 45 and older may consider getting the test for heart disease as well.

• More tests.

The ER at Sun City Center is ofering a CT Heart Score Fall Special for $75*. About this special:

• Learn your heart disease risk.

• Appointments are available Monday through Friday.

• Call 941-745-7391, option 1.

*Credit card/debit card/cash payment only.

What is involved in getting a CT Heart Score?

The CT scan uses special X-ray equipment to produce pictures of the coronary arteries to determine evidence of plaque buildup. The test is painless and takes 1015 minutes to complete and is ofered as an outpatient. Risks are low because the scan is noninvasive, does not use contrast dyes and involves a very low dose of ra-

Physicians are on the medical staf of Manatee Memorial Hospital but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Manatee Memorial Hospital. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the hospital’s nondiscrimination notice, visit www.manateememorial.com.

or large company, you may soon be able to review your employee benefts package, as we are entering the open enrollment season. So, consider your options carefully, with an eye toward making changes appropriate for your needs. Here are some of the key areas to look at:

• Retirement plan – Depending on your employer, you could change your 401(k) or similar retirement plan at any time of the year, but you might want to use the open enrollment season to review your contribution amounts. If your salary has gone up over the past year, you might want to boost your pre-tax contributions (including catch-up contributions beginning at age 50). At a minimum, try to put in at least enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is ofered. At the same time, look over how your contributions are allocated among the various investment options in your plan. You’ll want your investment mix to refect your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

• Life insurance – If your employer ofers group life insurance at no cost as an employee beneft, you may want to take it – but be aware that it might not be enough to fully protect your family should anything happen to you. You may have heard that you need about seven to 10 times your annual income as a life insurance death beneft, but there’s really no one right answer for everyone. Instead, you should evaluate various factors — including your mortgage, your income, your spouse’s income (if applicable), your liabilities, the number of years until your retirement, number of children and their future educational needs — to determine how much insurance you need. If your employer’s group policy seems insufcient, you may want to consider adding some outside overage.

• Disability insurance – Your employer may ofer no-cost group disability insurance, but as is the case with life insurance, it might not be sufcient to adequately protect your income in case you become temporarily or permanently disabled. In fact, many employer-sponsored disability plans only cover a short period, such as fve years, so to gain longer coverage up to age 65, you may want to look for a separate personal policy. Disability policies vary widely in premium costs and benefts, so you’ll want to do some comparison shopping with several insurance companies.

• Flexible spending account – A fexible spending account (FSA) lets you contribute up to $3,200 pretax dollars to pay for some out-of-pocket medical costs, such as prescriptions and insurance copayments and deductibles. You decide how much you want to put into your FSA, up to the 2025 limit. You generally must use up the funds in your FSA by the end of the calendar year, but your employer may grant you an extension of 2½ months or allow you to carry over up to $640.

• Health savings account – Like an FSA, a health savings account (HSA) lets you use pre-tax dollars to pay out-of-pocket medical costs. Unlike an FSA, though, your unused HSA contributions will carry over to the next year. Also, an HSA allows you take withdrawals, though they may be assessed a 10% penalty. To contribute to an HSA, you need to participate in a high-deductible health insurance plan. Make the most of your benefts package — it can be a big part of your overall fnancial picture. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local

October 7, 2024

The Wild Oasis Realm, an immersive, kid-friendly adventure realm featuring captivating attractions, engaging animal exhibits and other interactive elements, is scheduled to open spring 2025.

AREA RESIDENT WANTS TO TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF HOME CLEANING PAYANT WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP MEETS FINANCIAL NEEDS UNDER ONE

Balancing work, family and life is often a constant challenge for area residents. Dionne Cona, mother of four, knows ﬁrsthand how hectic life can be and saw a need in the community for a reliable, high-quality cleaning service, which led to the birth of Maid Pure Cleaning Services.

Cona, a former teacher, decided at the end of the school year to dive into Maid Pure Cleaning Services full time. She commented, “I’m excited to now … focus all my energy on building this business and helping busy families ﬁnd more free time to enjoy life in a clean, stress-free home.”

Maid Pure Cleaning Service ofers residential cleaning with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Cona stressed that all cleaners are full-time employees, not contractors, allowing the company to invest in training to ensure consistency and reliability. She added that the company performs a background check on every employee to ensure she and her clients have peace of mind.

“I’m also proud to say we use eco-friendly cleaning products that are not only safe for the environment but pet-friendly too,” Cona added.

Contracts are not required, and services are ofered weekly, biweekly and monthly. For moving in or moving out, special occasions or just because, various

By Sharon Still

levels of one-time deep cleanings are available.

As a 30-year Brandon resident, community involvement is a way of life for Cona. While raising her four children with her husband, Gary, she has fulﬁlled roles as a coach and a Girl Scout leader, among other duties.

“This community is our heart, and it’s such a joy to serve the same people we’ve lived alongside for decades,” she said, noting that her focus is on building strong, meaningful relationships with clients in the area,

Another way that Cona gives back is by partnering with Cleaning for a Reason. Founded in 2006, Cleaning for a Reason provides free home cleaning to patients battling cancer. This cause is close to her heart, as she remembers her own family’s struggle when her grandmother was successfully battling breast cancer.

“It’s one of the most meaningful aspects of our work,” she said. “Helping people battling cancer by providing free cleanings allows us to give back in a real, tangible way.”

Maid Pure Cleaning Services currently serves Lithia, Brandon, Riverview, Valrico and the surrounding areas. For further details, contact Maid Pure Cleaning Services at 813-670-2004 or visit https://maidpurecleaningservices.com/.

Payant Wealth Management Group was founded in 1979 in Sun City Center. The vision of Thomas and Robyn Payant was to include financial services needed for retirees and pre-retirees all under the same roof. Now, 45 years later, it is a full-service finance management company. It o f ers a variety of services, all within the same 8,500-squarefoot building, including wealth management, tax services, insurance solutions and estate planning. As a registered investment advisor and fiduciary, Payant Wealth Management Group aims to put its clients’ interests and needs above its own.

ROOF

By Ashley Abene

Owners Robyn and Tom Payant founded Payant Wealth Management Group in 1979, and it is now a full-service fnance management company.

Payant Wealth Management Group builds custom retirement plans and investment strategies tailored to the individual. It adjusts investments based o f the current business cycle, which Payant Wealth tracks. It also facilitates asset transfers and investment management to clients’ loved ones when necessary.

According to Payant Wealth, “We are similar to a medical clinic, with experienced MDs (medical doctors) who can provide the most appropriate treatment to restore your ﬁnancial health. … Working together e f ciently as a team, the company’s sta f of specialized professionals — which includes two Certiﬁed Financial Planners — and a Chartered

Financial Analyst can help with your investment planning, retirement cash-ﬂow planning, tax planning, insurance planning (including life, health and long-term care) and estate planning.” Currently, Payant Wealth Management Group oversees ﬁnances for clients in approximately 40 states. Clients’ assets are held in one of the three oldest banks in America and one of the oldest in the world, the Bank of New York Mellon, in its Pershing division.

Payant Wealth Management Group’s website also states, “In a landscape where financial advice is abundant but expertise is scarce, Certified Financial Planners (CFP) stand out as elite professionals who have met stringent qualifications and adhere to rigorous ethical standards. [CFPS’] scarcity underscores the value of their expertise and the trustworthiness of their advice. As clients navigate complex financial decisions, partnering with a CFP o f ers assurance that their financial well-being is in capable hands.”

For more information on Payant Wealth Management Group, visit its website at www.payantwealthmanagementgroup.com or call 813-633-7333.

The Sun City Center o f ce is located at 1653 Sun City Center Plaza.

Maid Pure Cleaning Services owner Dionne Cona and associates Alyssa and Yenny are ready to tackle area residents’ home cleaning needs.

It’s

WHY CHOOSE US?

“Freedom

Tampa Bay Speech, Language &

Reading

Clinic Relocates To FishHawk West

Tampa Bay Speech, Language & Reading Clinic has been providing services to families in our local areas since 2001 and was, until recently, located in Park Square in FishHawk Ranch. It has now relocated to 5607 Skytop Dr. in Lithia, which is in FishHawk West. The clinic ofers quality assessment and remediation services for speech-language evaluation/therapy, reading/writing therapy, sensory feeding disorder, autism spectrum disorder, apraxia, voice disorder, ﬂuency, cleft lip/palate, hearing impairment, head injuries, strokes, ADHD, central auditory processing disorder and more. It prides itself on its family-centered approach to therapy. To ﬁnd out more, visit its website at https:// tampabayspeech.com/ or call 813-368-2485.

Easterseals School For Limitless Learning Opens

The Easterseals School for Limitless Learning recently celebrated its opening day as it welcomed its inaugural class. Located at the Bloomingdale BayCare HealthHub in Valrico, this new private school aims to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for young children who are neurodiverse or have related disabilities. Dr. Janine Stewart, the school’s director, said, “Our community of learners began their ofﬁcial ﬁrst day of school on September 4, and we loved watching the children explore their new learning environment and connect with

our teachers. Together, we are committed to embracing neurodiversity and creating a nurturing space where every child can thrive.” For more information about the Easterseals School for limitless Learning, visit www.easterseals.com/ﬂorida/programs-and-services/ children--families/school-for-limitless-learning.html, email limitlesslearning@ﬂ.easterseals.com or call 813-236-5589.

Last Call Payments

Last Call Payments recently celebrated joining the Valrico/ Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Last Call Payments helps local businesses process credit cards and delivers point-of-sales solutions.

Owner Justin Dupree said, “Last Call Payments is exactly that, the ‘last call’ you’ll ever need to make when it comes to ﬁnding who you trust to process the payments in your business.”

Company values include compassion, in-

• MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, bone density scans

Conveniently

tegrity and creative problem solving; they guide the business in providing unparalleled solutions for the clients. Visit www.lastcallpayments.com or call 727-475-6595 for more information.

Premier Pro Wash & Seal

Locally owned by Jeremy and Tifany Forrest, Premier Pro Wash & Seal provides pressure washing and soft washing services for house washing, driveway cleaning, paver cleaning, lanai or pool cage cleanings and vinyl fence cleanings, while specializing in paver sealing and restoration, in the Tampa Bay and Bradenton area. Visit its website at https://premierprowashandseal.com/ or call 813-335-2869 for additional information on the services provided and to get a quote. Mention Osprey2024 and receive a discount (cannot be combined with any other ofer and expires 30 days after publication date).

St. Joseph’s Hospital-South Now Ofering Outpatient Pelvic Floor Terapy

St. Joseph’s Hospital-South is ofering an outpatient pelvic floor therapy program. The program, which will be provided at the Riverview hospital, is by physician referral and includes one-on-one, individualized evaluations and treatment sessions with a pelvic-rehabilitation-certified practitioner. Candidates for the program include those with bladder and bowel dysfunction; pain with intercourse; incontinence; constipation; urinary problems; pain in the abdomen, pelvic and tailbone area; and those who have had gynecological surgery or hysterectomies. Pelvic floor therapy is also important during pregnancy and postpartum.

“Our growing community has been in need of these services for quite some time,” said Terrance Edwards, BayCare manager of rehabilitation services. “This is a highly spe-

Te Easterseals School for Limitless Learning staf are excited to start the school year.

Last Call Payments celebrates joining the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

EYE ON BUSINESS...CONTINUED

cialized service, one that is challenging to ﬁnd.” Call 813-302-8467 for further information on St. Joseph’s Hospital-South’s outpatient pelvic ﬂoor therapy program.

Te Florida Strawberry Festival Announces Teme For 2025

It’s always an exciting day for the Florida Strawberry Festival when it announces the theme which will unite the entire event and give guests a glimpse of what they can expect for the upcoming festival. The Florida Strawberry Festival has been busy setting a new stage for the 2025 performances, so its theme is ‘The Stage is Set.’ The annual festival will take place in Plant City from February 27 through March 9, 2025.

HCC Hosts Open House Events

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

iSmash Tampa Celebrates One-year Anniversary With A Ribbon-cutting

Hillsborough Community College (HCC) will host open house events at each of its five campuses during the month of October. Prospective students will have the opportunity to learn about HCC’s academic oferings, the admission process, advising, dual enrollment, disability and veteran services and financial aid options. The open house events are free, available to the public and will be held from 5-7 p.m. Visit www.hccfl.edu/admissions for more information and to RSVP.

Do you need to blow of some steam? iSmash Tampa, with its rage rooms, black-light splatter paint rooms and ax throwing, is the perfect place to go. The rage rooms ofer a mess-free, totally safe space where you can truly let loose without any consequences. Designed to provide an unforgettable experience, the rage rooms let you smash your way through stress with sessions ranging from 2050 minutes. Or maybe unleashing your creativity is more your thing?

Splatter painting is a liberating experience for all ages and creates a unique work of art that you get to take home. Lastly, unleash your inner lumberjack with ax-throwing sessions. Hosted in a vibrant, high-energy venue and guided by expert instructors, you’ll channel your inner champion as you aim for the bull’s-eye. To celebrate the one-year anniversary of its Brandon location at 863 E. Bloomingdale Ave., iSmash celebrated with a ribbon-cutting from the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce. Visit its website at https://ismashusa.com/locations/ﬂ-tampa/ or call 813-80-SMASH (813-807-6274) for more information.

Tropical Storm Debby toppled trees, cut power and damaged property. The storm came through Florida in August and caused destruction to many homes. Debby was not considered a powerful hurricane season storm by any means, but her impact is long-lasting due to a great horned owl named Charlie.

Charlie was living at the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay when Debby came through. His home was damaged by the storm, but he escaped. What ensued was an intensive search by the center staf and local community.

Before the storm, Charlie had been rescued by the center when he was weeks old. When he was an owlet, he was attacked in his nest by a cat and left halfblind, unable to ﬂy and hunt for prey.

While he couldn’t hunt, he captured the hearts of many. He became ambassador of education for the Raptor Center, often visiting elementary school classrooms, according to Raptor Center President Nancy Murrah.

Raptor Center members and volunteers worked relentlessly to ﬁnd Charlie, knowing that because he couldn’t hunt, he couldn’t eat. They put out 2,515 ﬂyers, knocked on over 500 doors, checked over

By Jane Owen

400 backyards and three news stations highlighted the search, according to Murrah. As search intensiﬁed, owls were rescued — numerous barred owls and three great horned owls. The three great horned owls became affectionately called, ‘Charlie’s Angels.’ They will be with the Raptor Center for four to six weeks before being released. Two weeks after Charlie left during Tropical Storm Debby, he was found — less than a mile away from home — and brought home. Bethany Mattacchione found Charlie in her backyard, in the Mason Oaks neighborhood. Tragically, with two weeks without sustenance, the Raptor’s Center’s life-saving measures couldn’t save Charlie. He died peacefully at home. There are many ways to support the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay. A delightful way to support is to attend the Wonders of Wildlife Festival at Edward Medard Conservation Park on Saturday, November 9. It welcomes volunteers and donations. For more information, visit www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org.

Charlie the great horned owl.

Charlie was an owlet when he came to the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay.

Know T e Key Dates And T e T ree Ways To Vote Ahead Of Florida’s Primary Election

This is going to be an exciting year for elections. Voting is a right, but with every right comes responsibilities. In order to vote, you must be informed.

There are important dates and times to keep in mind. The deadline to register/change your party afliation is Monday, October 7. Early voting will take place from Monday, October 21, to Sunday, November 3, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. You can vote in person or drop of your vote-by-mail ballot at any of the early voting locations during this time.

president, U.S. senator, U.S. Representative, state attorney, public defender, state senator, state representative, Supreme Court justice, district court of appeal and circuit judge, you can visit https://dos.ﬂ.gov/elections/.

The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Thursday, October 24, at 5 p.m. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, and polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

If you need information on the candidates, you can ﬁnd local candidates — including clerk of circuit court, sherif, prop-

erty appraiser, tax collector, supervisor of elections, county commission, school board, county court judge, soil and water conservation districts, community development districts and special taxing districts — by visiting www.votehillsborough.gov. For candidates for

In Florida, you have several ways to vote. Latimer said, “I encourage voters to plan their vote. You have three convenient options that include vote-by-mail, early voting and election day. So, there really is no excuse to miss an election. You will ﬁnd information about where, when and how you can vote at www.votehillsborough.gov. Starting about a month before each election, you can also look up your sample ballot to see who you can vote for.”

VOTE-BY-MAIL

Vote-by-mail is the most convenient method. You do not need an excuse to select this method. However, the Florida State Legislature has changed some of the rules surrounding voteby-mail.

By Kathy L. Collins

make your request is to go online to www.votehillsborough.gov or call 813-744-5900. You will need to give us your Florida driver license or the last four digits of your Social Security number for veriﬁcation.”

Using this method allows you to take your time making decisions about who to vote for. However, your vote-by-mail ballot must be received by the Hillsborough County supervisor of elections by 7 p.m. on election day.

EARLY VOTING

Early voting is just like voting on election day. You must bring one or two forms of identiﬁcation with your photo and signature. Examples of acceptable forms of ID include a Florida driver’s license issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, U.S. passport, military ID, student ID, public assistance ID and more. During early voting, you can go to a number of designated sites.

Latimer explained, “Because of new state law, vote-by-mail requests expire after every general election. As such, you will only get vote-by-mail ballots for the 2024 elections if you have submitted a new request. The quickest way to

ELECTION DAY VOTING

Polling places or precincts are noted on your voter registration card. They are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Election day is November 5. Whichever method you choose, remember that your vote counts.

Plan to Vote Early

This year, as voters head to the polls or send their ballots via U.S. Mail, they will be asked to approve or reject six Florida constitutional amendments. To be ap-

2024

Amendment 3: Adult Personal Use of Marijuana

tion to require school district board members to be elected in a partisan election instead of the nonpartisan elections we have now. In other words, this means that parties could nominate their own candidates for election and require that the candidate list their political a f liation on the ballot.

Amendment 2: Right Fish and Hunt

This amendment simply seeks to “preserve forever fishing and hunting” as a public right. You should note that there are no current bans on fishing or hunting. The amendment is preemptive. In other words, it seeks to limit what lawmakers could do in the future to limit fishing and hunting. The amendment does not limit the authority granted to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee under Section 9 of Article IV of the state constitution.

This amendment would make it legal for adults 21 years and older to have up to three (3) ounces of marijuana and up to ﬁve (5) grams of cannabis concentrate. Voting ‘yes’ would allow adults to possess, purchase and use marijuana without the need of medical marijuana card.

Amendment 4: Amendment To Limit Government Interference with Abortion

Simply put, a vote for ‘yes’ on Amendment 4 would protect a woman’s right to have an abortion before viability of the fetus (23-24 weeks) or when the patient’s health is at risk. The decision would then be between the patient and her health care provider and not the Florida Legislature. Today, there is a six-week ban on abortion with virtually no exceptions. Voting ‘yes’ on this amendment does not change the legislature’s constitutional authority to require notiﬁcation to a parent or guardian before a minor can have an abortion.

Amendment 5: Annual Adjustments to the Value of Certain Homestead

Exemptions

In Florida, homestead exemption gives homeowners two $25,000 exemptions for a total of $50,000 o f the taxable

value of a home. This amendment would create an inﬂation adjustment for the second $25,000. It would not a f ect the taxes that pay for schools. The measure would index assessments based on the percent change in the consumer price index. If the amendment fails, taxes will continue to rise as property values rise with inﬂation.

Amendment 6: Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement

Public campaign ﬁnancing gives some candidates running for statewide positions, such as governor and other state cabinet positions, a subsidy through the use of public money, provided they stick to certain restrictions on how much is spent. Voting ‘yes’ on this would repeal the provision that provides public funding to certain candidates running for statewide positions.

There will also be two local referendums to consider.

No. 1 Hillsborough County Referendum: Renewal of Community Investment Half-cent Sales Tax T rough December 31, 2041

This referendum asks voters whether to renew the half-percent sales tax or allow it to expire in late 2026. The Community Investment Tax funds cap-

By Kathy L. Collins

ital improvement projects and equipment in Hillsborough County and the cities of Plant City, Tampa and Temple Terrace.

This includes construction, renovation, replacement and expansion of existing facilities, as well as large equipment like police and ﬁre vehicles. Hillsborough County schools would receive ﬁve (5) percent of the proceeds.

The Community Investment Tax, if renewed by an a f rmative vote, would be renewed for 15 years, or until December 31, 2041.

No. 2 Hillsborough County Referendum: T e School Board of Hillsborough County Milage Election for Public School Students

This referendum asks voters to approve a property tax of $1 for every $1,000 in taxable property value. The property tax increase would ensure competitive salaries to retain and recruit high-quality teachers and sta f

The tax would be in e f ect for four (4) years from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029.

TRACK YOUR BALLOT

SUZY LOPEZ HILLSBOROUGH STATE ATTORNEY

Suzy Lopez, Hillsborough’s state attorney, is running for reelection. Lopez has been the state attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, which encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City, since August 2022.

She is the ﬁrst state attorney in over 20 years to litigate in a courtroom.

Lopez believes that building and maintaining a strong relationship with local law enforcement helps create a safer community.

“Our relationships with both our community partners and law enforcement is stronger than ever. That is something I am really proud of. Our relationships within our community are really the backbone of our agency. We couldn’t do any of this without our law enforcement partners,” Lopez said.

The state attorney’s ofce not only maintains a positive relationship with law enforcement, but also law enforcement stands with Lopez. Hillsborough County Sherif Chad Chronister endorses Lopez for reelection. In addition, she is endorsed by the Florida Police Benevolent Association, Tampa Police Benevolent Association and Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association.

A Tampa native, Lopez attended H.B. Plant

By Jane Owen

High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and her law degree from Suffolk University. She is an active member of her community, serving in many local organizations such as the Executive Council of Safe & Sound Hillsborough and The Junior League of Tampa. She is a member of Leadership Tampa class of 2020 and a lifelong member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Lopez is passionate about getting justice for victims and their families and giving them a voice. Her career has been built on serving the people of Hillsborough County. After law school, she worked as an attorney at the Second District Court of Appeal.

“I am a career prosecutor. I have spent the better part of my career advocating for victims and advocating on behalf of the people of Hillsborough County in this courthouse. I am the only person in the race who has done so,” Lopez said. Lopez believes it is a prosecutor’s job to enforce the laws and hold people accountable when they cause harm to the community by committing a crime. She is dedicated to serving the community.

For more information, please visit www. votesuzylopez.com.

STANDS WITH SUZY

CRAIG LATIMER COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

Elections are a complex challenge that require organization, experience, a strong and dependable team, a clear understanding of the law and an ability to plan for and adapt to the unexpected. I consider it a great honor, and a serious responsibility, to serve as the chief elections official in the community that has always been my home.

I started working in the elections office in 2009, after retiring as a major from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. My law enforcement background has served me well as supervisor of elections. I am methodical, thorough, community-focused, and I follow the law.

I’m extremely proud of my accomplishments while serving as your Supervisor of Elections. I’ve run 40 successful elections that have all been verified by postelection audits and certified by independent canvassing boards. I have served in leadership roles related to the conduct of safe and secure elections on

By Craig Latimer

a local, state and national level. And after earning the Governor’s Sterling Award, I met the state’s rigorous expectations by serving as a role model for other government offices.

This year, I earned national awards for excellence in training poll workers and communicating with voters. These are both important areas. Well-trained poll workers provide better customer service for those who vote in person. And effective communication with voters is critical in this age of misand disinformation.

I spend a lot of my time these days working to make sure our community has the facts about how our elections are run. And I’ll continue to do that. Many of my colleagues have been worn down by the challenging atmosphere we find ourselves in, but it has only strengthened my resolve. It is absolutely critical that we have the right people in these positions to ensure that our elections continue to be run with integrity. In Hillsborough County, I am that person, and I would appreciate your vote.

Conducted 40 successful elections, veriﬁed by post-election audits and certiﬁed by the State.

The ﬁrst Supervisor of Elections to earn the Governor’s Sterling Award for performance excellence.

Retired as a Major after 35 years in law enforcement in Hillsborough County, and then joined the elections ofﬁce in 2009.

My law enforcement background has served me well as Supervisor of Elections. I am methodical, thorough, communityfocused, and I follow the law.

KAREN BENDORF SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 7

Karen Bendorf, a Plant City resident and sixth grade teacher at Tomlin Middle School in Plant City, is running for a seat on the Hillsborough County School Board in District 7, a countywide seat.

By Kathy L. Collins

Bendorf is married to a community pastor and is mother to six boys who range in age from 23 to 10 years old. Bendorf received her bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University. She has been a teacher in Hillsborough County for 13 years.

“It is time to stand up and do better for our children,” said Bendorf, who wants to bring her experience as a teacher, her knowledge and her out-of-the-box thinking to the Hillsborough County School Board to help reform the county’s schools.

Bendorf articulated several issues that propelled her to run for the school board. First, Bendorf wants to reform the ways in which we teach our children to read.

“We are not teaching our students how to read. More than 50 percent of students are below the third grade proﬁciency level.” Bendorf added, “Every child should be able to read and all of them can learn to read. However, we have not been teaching them the basic skills.”

Second, according to Bendorf, there are discipline issues in schools that are not being addressed.

“The school board needs to set a high standard for student conduct in the classroom,” said Bendorf. “Teachers do not feel supported, and parents do not know what is happening in the classroom due to behavior issues,” she added.

Third, according to Bendorf, the Hillsborough County School Board needs to be more responsible with the budget and not request additional money through taxes or referendum.

Bendorf said, “There has not been an audit of the school budget. When you try to ﬁnd information about cost of programs, you cannot ﬁnd it. We need to know where the dollars are going and how it impacts students in the classroom.”

Bendorf said, “I am proud of the fact that I have raised boys to love the Lord, make good choices and go against the ﬂow. I want to see a generation of children who can read and make our community what it can be.”

For more information, please visit www. electkarenbendorf.com.

Chris Boles, a battalion chief with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and an executive ofcer in Hillsborough County Fire Fighters, has showcased his leadership and community service with over 28 years of service.

Boles has saved lives, engaged in legislative afairs and brings a unique perspective from his extensive experience as a ﬁreﬁghter and public servant. Serving on charity and credit union boards along with his real-life experiences and dedication make him a distinguished candidate for the countywide Hillsborough County Commission District 6 seat.

Working as a ﬁreﬁghter, Boles has helped make a diference in the lives of tens of thousands of people across Hillsborough County. He has worked hard to serve everyone equally, no matter where they come from, reaching individuals from all walks of life.

He believes, as a large diverse community, we deserve a commissioner who understands the needs of the whole county, not just their own neighborhood. Boles has observed the transformation of pastures and groves into residential areas, the worsening of trafc issues and, most of all, public safety not receiving the attention desperately needed.

Boles said, “It’s more important now

than ever to stop wasteful spending and unnecessary costs in Hillsborough County’s budget. I am committed to focusing on the essential core functions of government: ensuring adequate public safety, enhancing our roadways, developing infrastructure to support sustainable growth and maintaining ﬁscal responsibility with taxpayer funds.”

“We need to bring critical thinking and common sense back to our government,” Boles continued.

“Many of our elected ofcials have gotten distracted by the white noise that accompanies politics and that must change. We need leaders that will put service before self, who are dedicated to their jobs and who are willing to give more of themselves than they ask for in return.”

Boles is the only candidate to be endorsed by every ﬁrst responder organization in Hillsborough County, as well as the Tampa Police Benevolent Association and Sherif Chad Chronister. Boles is married to his beloved wife, Amber Boles, an experienced attorney in the Tampa Bay area. Together, they are proud parents to their daughter, whom they were blessed to adopt. Visit www.chrisboles.com for more information.

HOW TO GET A PROPERTY TAX BREAK FOR YOUR AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS

If you own agricultural land in Hillsborough County, you may be qualiﬁed for a signiﬁcant tax break.

Bob Henriquez and his team at the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s (HCPA) Ofﬁce are going to bat for farmers and agricultural landowners in the county by spreading the word about the Greenbelt laws that may o f er up to 90 percent tax relief.

“Since taking the o f ce of Hillsborough County Property Appraiser in 2013, Bob Henriquez has always made our agricultural properties a major priority,” explained Fred Montes, senior director of Greenbelt for the HCPA O f ce.

The Hillsborough County property appraiser doesn’t determine taxes or collect them. Their goal is to be accessible, accountable and transparent in assessing property values — and to ensure everyone gets the tax exemptions they deserve, as soon as possible.

So, what is ‘Greenbelt,’ and who qualiﬁes?

Greenbelt classiﬁcation means agricultural property owners are taxed on the income-earning potential of their land (use value), rather than at what a buyer would pay for the land (market value). This can save farmers huge amounts of money that they can then put back into their businesses, homes and local economy.

To qualify, your property must be primarily used for agriculture, and large enough to support commercial operation. Hobby and personal-use farms are not eligible; however, a wide range of

By Jane Owen

agricultural operations receive Greenbelt tax breaks, including pastureland, timberland, nurseries, sod production, croplands, citrus, strawberries and much more.

There is no minimum land size; however, property owners must manage their agricultural operations like any other business, said Montes. That means maintaining business records, reporting income and expenses and demonstrating an expectation of profitability.

“You must submit your Greenbelt application to the HCPA Office by March 1 of the year you are applying,” Montes explained. “Additionally, your commercial agricultural operation must have been active on the property by January 1 of that same year.”

The HCPA Office is also here to help you navigate the free application process.

Henriquez has ensured that applications are now available in Spanish as well as English, which he noted “has greatly benefited our taxpayers as we continue to become a more diverse community.”

Agribusiness is a huge driver for the economy, down to the smallest businesses, and as property appraiser, fifth-generation Floridian Henriquez has consistently advocated for the agricultural community.

For more information or to apply for your Greenbelt tax break online, visit https://hcpafl.org/. The office is also happy to take your call at 813-2726100.

LYNN GRAY SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 7

Lynn Gray is running for reelection to the Hillsborough County School Board for District 7, a countywide seat. She would like your vote on Tuesday, Nov 5 . Gray is one of seven members responsible for making policy decisions and overseeing a total budget of $4.2 billion for the seventh-largest school district in the nation and is the county’s largest employer with more than 24,000 employees.

Gray, a longtime teacher and instructional leader, was ﬁrst elected in 2016. She has served as the school board chair and is currently a member of the Hillsborough County Children’s Board.

When asked why she is seeking reelection, Gray said, “I would like to continue my districtwide monthly committee meetings which address the needs of our communities, students, parents and staf members. My districtwide committees which had been formed since 2016 reﬂect the needs of the county. This includes a growing Hispanic population (Hispanic Forum), the need for increased Black studies and cultural identity (African American Task Force) and the need for student mental-social-emotional well-being (the Hillsborough Healthy Schools Committee). There is a major challenge of social media abuse among our students with human trafckers involved in their social media platforms. The Human Trafcking and Student Online Safety committees are made

By Kathy L. Collins

up of the FBI, Hillsborough County Sherif ’s Ofce, City of Tampa Police, NoMore Foundation and other Florida agencies.”

Gray would also like to continue working on afordable housing for teachers with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and other developers in conjunction with unused schools and properties. Gray said, “Providing afordable housing is part of my concern and goal for the 2024-2025 school year.”

As to the issues, Gray explained that they include taking care of teachers and staf with pay that matches their dedicated service to children in the district.

Over her career as an educator, Gray has taught at every grade level, including college. “I am only serving for the well-being of the children,” she said. Gray was named Teacher of the Year two times in Hillsborough County and one time in Pasco County. Gray also understands what it takes to run a business. She previously owned a business called Take…The First Step. She was also president of a nonproﬁt children’s ﬁtness advocacy club called Take…The First Step Club.

Gray is an avid runner as well, having completed over 100 marathons, including 12 Boston Marathons. She has been married for 45 years and has one son and two grandchildren who attend Bevis Elementary School. www.votelynngray.com.

BOB HENRIQUEZ COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER

One of the ofces up for election this year is the Hillsborough County property appraiser.

Bob Henriquez is seeking reelection. Henriquez stands out as a candidate with a proven track record of ﬁscal responsibility, technological advancement and genuine concern for the county’s citizens.

Throughout his tenure, Henriquez has demonstrated a relentless drive to enhance the efciency of the Property Appraiser’s Ofce while minimizing the tax burden on residents. For the 2024-25 ﬁscal year, Henriquez has proposed a budget decrease of 1.09 percent from the previous year. Thanks to these and previous efciencies during his 12-year tenure as property appraiser, Henriquez’s ofce has returned nearly $3.2 million to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

Henriquez is a ﬁfth-generation resident of Hillsborough County and a former head football coach for his alma mater, Tampa Catholic High School. Henriquez graduated from Princeton University and played football there.

“As the son of a house painter who was the first in my family to attend college, I fully understand the financial pressures that our citizens are facing due to ongoing inflation,” said Henriquez.

“I have made it a priority to listen to our citizens’ concerns and ﬁnd ways to alleviate

By Kathy L. Collins

the tax burden many are feeling as property values rise,” added Henriquez.

A recent ﬁnancial report from the Florida Department of Revenue highlighted Henriquez’s ofce as operating with the lowest budget per capita among the state’s 67 county property appraiser ofces.

The primary duty of the Property Appraiser’s Ofce is to assess the full market value of the approximately 557,000 properties in Hillsborough County as of January 1 each year and issue property tax exemptions to all qualiﬁed owners. During his tenure, Henriquez has leveraged cutting-edge technologies to reduce his total number of employees from 133 when he ﬁrst took ofce in 2013 to its current level of 108.

Of all the property tax exemptions Henriquez’s ofce is responsible for, the most important is homestead exemption. This exemption is vital because it statutorily caps the taxed value of a property from increasing more than 3 percent per year, ofering signiﬁcant savings and stability for homeowners.

The property appraiser has no authority to raise or lower taxes. Henriquez strives to help citizens of the county understand the rate at which a property is taxed is set by elected ofcials at the city and county levels, as well as by other taxing authorities.

For more information, visit www.vote4coachbob.com.

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ROTARY SPOTLIGHT:

ACTIVITIES, MEETINGS & MORE

Area Rotary clubs as well as Rotary clubs in Hillsborough, Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties and additional helpers gathered on September 7 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. to clean Rotary’s Camp Florida, a local, 21-acre, ADA-compliant campsite that provides a safe, barrier-free space to learn, grow and play for groups whose members need supportive accommodations, including chemotherapy.

E-Club of Tampa South

Save the date! On Monday, November 11, starting at 7 a.m., the Rotary E-Club of Tampa South will be ‘Honoring Our Heroes’ with bagel sandwiches and refreshments at Einstein Bros. Bagels, located at 660 W. Brandon Blvd. #R60 in Brandon. For more information, contact Rotarian Malikita Harrison at 813-270-0620.

Join in with the club via Zoom on the ﬁrst and third Tuesdays of each month from 7-8 p.m. Zoom meeting link: https://zoom. us/j/7328811760. For additional information, contact Duane Williams at dsigma79@ aol.com or 813-541-6202.

Brandon ’86

Join the Brandon ’86 Rotary Club members at Bootleggers Brewing Co. on Thursday, October 24, at 5:30 p.m. for ‘Pints for Polio.’ They will meet on the back patio. Bootleggers will be donating a portion of its proceeds that evening to Rotary International’s PolioPlus campaign, funding the ﬁght against polio and other diseases. This event is open to the public and all Rotarians. Bootleggers Brewing Co. is located at 10256 Causeway Blvd. in Tampa (near the intersection of Causeway Boulevard and

Staf

Report

Falkenburg Road).

Mark your calendars as well for Saturday, November 2, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., for the 32nd annual Brandon Seafood Festival at Rotary’s Camp Florida — featuring all you can eat seafood. For more information, contact Chad Norgard at chad@norgardinsgrp.com.

Interact Club of Tampa Bay (High Schoolers)

The Interact Club of Tampa Bay’s October meeting will be on Monday, October 7, from 6-8 p.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. Dinner will be provided, and any student aged 14-18 is welcome. For more information, contact Chad Norgard at chad@ norgardinsgrp.com.

FishHawk-Riverview

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 7, 4-7 p.m., for the 40th annual Alaﬁa Lighted Boat Parade at Riverview Civic Center, presented by the FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club and title sponsor Chris Ligori & Associates, Injury Lawyers. The center is located at 11020 Park Dr. in Riverview. To learn more, register your boat or enter your chili in the Chili Cook-of, visit www.alaﬁaboatparade.com. To partner with the club for guaranteed exposure and recognition of your business, contact Elizabeth Vejar at trustevproperties@gmail.com.

Interested in making a diference? Join the club on Mondays from 12 Noon-1 p.m. at JF Kicks at 3345 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico, or on Thursdays from 5-6:30 p.m. at Shrimp Boat at 1020 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico.

NEW HORIZONS GROUP HOMES TO HOST 29TH ANNUAL BARBEQUE AND SILENT AUCTION

New Horizons Group Homes Inc. has been part of the Brandon community for more than two decades. It will be hosting its 29th annual Barbeque and Silent Auction on Saturday, November 2, at the Central Baptist Christian School gymnasium from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

“This is a great opportunity to learn more about New Horizons and its history that has brought us to where we are today,” said Brenda Watkins of New Horizons Group Homes. “The barbecue will be from BubbaQue’s, and we typically have over 100 items in the silent auction. This is the major fundraiser for New Horizons Group Homes.”

In 1992, several parents, teachers and friends of members of the Special Ministries Department of First Baptist Church Brandon identiﬁed a need for long-term living facilities for developmentally disabled men and women. A committee was formed to investigate the requirements to undertake this task. Out of this group, New Horizons Group Homes was born.

The mission of New Horizons Group Homes is to provide a family-oriented Christian group home living environment that supports adults with disabilities to help them achieve their highest potential for independence through a variety of services emphasizing faith, family, choice, independence, dignity and respect.

“It is amazing to look back to when New

By Libby Hopkins

Horizons was just an idea with a group of people wanting to make it into a reality,” Watkins said. “We all wanted a Christian home with a family atmosphere, and the most important thing to me is that it has remained just that.” Watkins and her team are currently looking to the Brandon community for sponsors to help with its upcoming barbecue, as well as silent auction items.

“We do need sponsorships,” Watkins said. “Any amount of sponsorship will be much appreciated, as this helps to defray the cost of the event and provide for the continuing operation and maintenance of the homes. All sponsors are recognized in writing at the event and in the newsletter following the event. We are hoping to raise at least $25,000 this year.”

New Horizons’ annual barbecue event is a favorite among its residents and staf

“I love the fellowship that we have with so many people who love our residents and support us,” Watkins said. “It is always a fun event that puts smiles on the faces of our residents, families and everyone who joins us for a fun afternoon. It is also fun to watch people bidding for the silent auction items and the joy of the winners.”

Central Baptist Christian School is located at 402 E. Windhorst Rd. in Brandon. Visit www.newhorizonshomes.org or contact Watkins at 813-571-2690.

URGENT APPOINTMENTS

New Horizons Group Homes will be hosting its 29th annual Barbeque and Silent AuctionNovember 2, at the Central Baptist Christian gymnasium.

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Grace Notes Lazarus, Come Forth

I recently took my little 8-pound rescue dog Yaz to the vet to have his teeth cleaned. An hour after I dropped him of, the vet called. His voice sounded oddly pinched.

“Mrs. Coty,” he said without any ado, “we lost Yaz.”

My hand ﬂew to my mouth.

“Right after we gave him anesthesia for his procedure, he quit breathing. Then his heart stopped. He died on the table.”

By Debora Coty

WHAT?!? I was so shocked, I couldn’t speak. My horror hung heavily in the air like choking smog. Then the voice continued.

“My tech started resuscitation measures right away and we were able to bring him back and get him stabilized. I’ve seen this happen before, and it doesn’t always end well. God was with that little dog today. Yaz is on oxygen and an IV, but he should be ﬁne.”

When I went in to pick up my dear, furry companion, Yaz licked my swollen, salty eyes. The vet retold the story of the “lucky little dog who came back from the dead.”

What the vet didn’t know was that there was no luck involved whatsoever. I’d had a dark, ominous feeling all the way there that morning that I was telling Yaz goodbye for the last time. It didn’t make sense, but I’ve learned not to ignore such Holy Spirit elbow jabs. So, I hadn’t stopped praying for him the whole time. He was covered with prayer. It was God’s grace that brought him back, not luck.

After I stupeﬁed Spouse with the incredible story of Yaz getting all the way to the doggie door in the pearly gates before being turned back, he said, “We’ve got to change his name to reﬂect God’s miracle. Let’s call him Lazarus. Instead of Yaz, he can be Laz.”

So it is. Like Saul turned into Paul, and Abram turned into Abraham, and Jacob turned into Israel, Yaz has turned into Laz, the resurrection dog. He answered to his new name with a passionate wag, and he did indeed come forth. Praise the Lord!

Debora M. Coty is an inspirational speaker and award-winning author of over 40 books, including the bestselling Too Blessed to be Stressed series. Visit with Debora anytime at www.DeboraCoty.com.

THE GRACE OF GENEROSITY

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms,” (1 Peter 4:10).

Generosity is a beautiful thing. I’ve been thinking about it a lot since we have been living in Eastern North Carolina. We are surrounded by the most genuine authentically generous folk. Giving comes naturally and they don’t seem to give it a second thought.

All our lives Rebekah and I have found ourselves around people who understand intuitively that their gifts and resources have simply been placed in trust, the understanding that what we have is not so much ours as an opportunity to bless others. What a privilege to be entrusted with so much that generosity is an option.

This makes me think of the ‘Time with Young Disciples’ Rebekah shared in church recently. She talked about Jesus making a point of inviting adults to be more like children. “You see the world with your hands and hearts wide open,” she told the kids, “ready to learn and to embrace and to share. The older people get the more they clench their hands into ﬁsts, either holding on tightly to what they have or ready to ﬁght.”

It’s a powerful image.

During our ongoing slow-motion move, one of my neighbors was sur-

prised to see me driving a massive Chevy Suburban all week. “Wow! You already know someone in Tarboro well enough they’re willing to loan you their SUV?” they said.

“I probably know twenty guys who would lend me their truck!” I said. “It’s not just a sense of community; it’s the grace of generosity that inﬁltrates everything.”

This is what Jesus was talking about with the children. He wants us to engage the world with hands and arms and hearts wide open.

When we talk about things like ‘Christian values,’ this is what comes to mind. Not political views, not culture wars issues, not pointing out other people’s sins, but selﬂess generosity, humility and “using whatever gifts we have received to serve others,” (1 Peter 4:10).

Hands and hearts wide open.

— DEREK

Derek Maul has written for many news outlets, including the Tampa Tribune, Te United Methodist News Service, All Pro Dad, FOCUS Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, Te Christian Science Monitor, Presbyterians Today, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many other publications. Read Derek Maul’s daily blog posts at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com.