Osprey Observer Bloomingdale/FishHawk September 2024 by Osprey Observer

Bloomingdale/ FishHawk September

COMMUNITY WELCOMES ARMY SGT RUSSELL CARTER TO HIS LITHIA HOME

By Jane Owen

On August 10, Army SGT Russell ‘Rusty’ Carter was given the keys to his new, custom-built house in Lithia. He received a warm welcome from friends, family and community members after being personally escorted by veterans and ﬁrst responders to the Key Ceremony.

Carter’s house was built by Homes For Our Troops, a national nonproﬁt organization that builds new, specially adapted, custom-built homes for post-9/11 veterans.

On January 2, 2011, Carter’s vehicle in Afghanistan malfunctioned, causing it to go of the side of a bridge. Carter sustained a spinal cord injury and was left paralyzed from the neck down.

At the ceremony, Carter; his brother, Danny Carter; and Homes For Our Troops CEO and President retired General Tom Landwermeyer thanked everyone for all the support. Carter expressed his gratitude for becoming part of a great community.

“First of, today’s the day that this house behind me becomes a home, so I want to welcome everyone to my new home,” Carter said.

It’s been a long road home for Carter. He ﬁrst learned about Homes For Our Troops shortly after his paralyzing injury 13 years ago while he was at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa. His new home features major special

adaptations, including lifts in the ceilings, pull-down shelving in the kitchen and closets, lowered countertops and widened doorways.

“It is the ﬁrst fully safe and accessible home I have lived in 13 years, and I am hoping it is the only home I ever live in again,” Carter said.

Landwermeyer shared that Homes For Our Troops has been dedicated to veterans for 20 years and will continue to be personally dedicated to Carter.

Homes For Our Troops has completed 391 homes in 45 states and has 64 active projects, including 11 in the state of Florida.

Carter was escorted to the Key Ceremony by the FL Patriot Guard Riders, FL Military Vehicle Heritage Group, Tampa Mopar Society, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 20-17, Hillsborough County Sherif ’s Department and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. He was given a Quilt of Valor by the Florida Quilts of Valor Foundation. Hillsborough County Commissioner Donna Cameron spoke and welcomed Carter to the community. The Newsome High School Army JROTC Color Guard Presented the Colors and Cadet Captain Samantha Haro sang the national anthem and “God Bless America.”

To learn more about Homes For Our Troops and how you can support, visit www.hfotusa.org.

During the 2024-25 academic year, Colleen Lunsford Bevis Elementary School will celebrate 25 years of providing top-rated education to children and families in Lithia and the Greater Tampa Bay area. Join the celebration by customizing a brick to be installed on campus in its new courtyard.

The Bevis PTA is thrilled to invite you to be a part of something truly special. Choose the perfect brick size and personalization. Two brick sizes are available: 4 inches by 8 inches for $50 or 8 inches by 8 inches for $100 (plus an additional cost for clip art). They are for individuals and families. You can purchase online through the website, via the QR code shown here or by visiting Bevis Elementary to ﬁll out a paper form. All brick forms, either online or paper, must be received and paid for by Monday, September 30.

Spread the word. Share Bevis’ campaign with fellow alumni, friends and family. Visit the online platform at https://polarengraving.com/bevispta to order your personalized brick today.

Dr. Beverly Carbaugh and Tricia Simonsen, founding principal and assistant principal, respectively, along with 44 teachers and staf, opened Colleen Lunsford Bevis Elementary School in August of 2000. Dr. Carbaugh set high expectations for Bevis Elementary students and staf

“As the charter principal of Colleen Bevis Elementary, our goal was to build a school where teachers and staf created a ‘wonderful world’ leading each student to maximize their potential as students and young citizens. Every person on our campus worked tirelessly to create an en-

COLLEEN LUNSFORD BEVIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CELEBRATES ITS 25TH SILVER ANNIVERSARY

vironment that showcased the value of each student and each staf member. Laying this groundwork has fostered a school that 25 years later is still a beautiful place to learn and work. Colleen Bevis Elementary continues to reﬂect the spirit and goals of its namesake, the late Mrs. Colleen Bevis. I am honored to be a small part of its stellar history.”

Simonsen is excited to share in the celebration of the school’s 25th year.

“For 25 years, and still going strong, Colleen Bevis Elementary continues to receive accolades at the local, state, and national level! Broncos are known for ‘Blazing a Trail to Success!’ This holds true with students and alumni continuously demonstrating academic excellence, top-notch current and past faculty, highly supportive families and PTA. Keep showing those Bronco traits!”

Embrace the legacy: Colleen Lunsford Bevis Elementary School has a rich history of academic excellence, community spirit and unforgettable memories. Now, it has a unique opportunity to celebrate this legacy in a lasting and meaningful way.

Bevis Elementary is located at 5720 Osprey Ridge Dr. in Lithia. For more information, visit www.hillsboroughschools.org/ bevis or email 25thanniversary@bevispta. com. Staf Report

Photo courtesy of Vladimir Predestin.

On August 10, Army SGT Russell ‘Rusty’ Carter received a warm welcome from the community and the keys to his new home in Lithia from Homes For Our Troops.

Proud Supporters of ECHO

Board of Directors

A KID’S PLACE WILL CELEBRATE 15 YEARS OF PROVIDING A SAFE FOSTER HOME FOR CHILDREN

A Kid’s Place, located in Brandon, is a unique nonproﬁt organization which provides foster care and a loving home for abused, neglected and abandoned children. A Kid’s Place will celebrate its 15-year anniversary this spring. More information on speciﬁc events that will celebrate the anniversary will be announced.

The primary focus of A Kid’s Place is to keep sibling groups together in a safe, stable and nurturing environment until a more permanent placement can be provided.

Brad Gregory, who has been CEO of A Kid’s Place for seven years, said, “We continue to serve children, mostly siblings, in the foster care community and provide a safe, loving and nurturing home. While we are funded by the state, we still need to raise almost $2 million to maintain our level of care.”

Gregory explained, “We serve children that are removed from home through no fault of their own. We provide medical, dental, mental health and academic support to ensure each child is living their best life they can while they are living with us.”

Gregory has a long-term vision for A Kid’s Place. He said, “I want every child to have the right and opportunity to be successful and feel good about themselves. I

By Kathy L. Collins

also want A Kid’s Place to become less dependent on government funding.”

On average, A Kid’s Place is home to 5060 abandoned, abused and neglected children. The average length of stay has increased from six months to 19 months. The average age is 13 years old, much older compared to the average of 6 years old several years ago. These diferences are due to federal legislative changes.

Over the years, A Kid’s Place has grown and expanded. Gregory said, “We created and hired additional professionals that focus on mental health, academic and independent living services. We are also in the midst of a capital campaign that will pay for the construction of a 12,000-squarefoot activity center on recently purchased property.”

The community is always invited to help A Kid’s Place. Gregory said, “People can stop by so we can share the great work we are doing and how the dollars are being spent. We are about relationships and how one might ﬁt in via their time, treasure or talents.”

A Kid’s Place is located at 1715 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon. For more information, visit https://akidsplacetb.org.

LOCAL STUDENT PARTICIPATES IN WORLD-CLASS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM WITH

GENERAL TOMMY FRANKS

Four Star Leadership with General Tommy Franks is proud to announce Addison Heath of Lithia as one of 68 students worldwide who were selected to participate in this year’s leadership program, held July 7-12 in Edmond, Oklahoma, on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma. Heath attends Newsome High School.

Four Star Leadership is a free summer leadership program that provides students the opportunity to develop leadership skills through curriculum, speech and writing competitions and experiences with respected leaders. Students compete during the week for over $40,000 in scholarship dollars, which can be used at the student’s college of choice. The program curriculum is designed around the four core principles that led retired Gen Tommy Franks through his 38-year military career: character, common vision, communication and caring. The opportunity is valued at more than $4,000 per student and is ofered at no cost to selected students, including expenses, travel and programming.

Newsome High School student Addison Heath was one of just 68 students worldwide selected to participate in General Tommy Franks’ Four Star Leadership program.

“Our leadership program is dedicated to investing in the lives of tomorrow’s leaders and helping them appropriately develop the tools needed for growth in their personal lives and their communities,” said Franks. “It’s an honor to work with some of the top students from around the world and assist them in achieving their long-term goals.”

Staf Report

During the weeklong program, top high school students from around the world learn leadership techniques and skills from inﬂuential leaders in various ﬁelds.

“Four Star Leadership gave me the opportunity to hear from numerous guest speakers, like Eric Maddox, who was the lead interrogator during the hunt for Saddam Hussein; U.S. Senator James Lankford; and Manu Meel. It was an honor to listen to their inspirational stories,” said Heath.

Heath has also begun the process to create a chapter of BridgeUSA at Newsome after hearing Meel speak on the organization he founded.

“This organization really intrigued me, as its goal is to minimize political polarization through meaningful conversation,” she explained.

Since 2008, Four Star Leadership has welcomed more than 1,110 U.S. high school students from 49 diferent states and 62 international students. Heath’s experience was so rewarding that she hopes to return as a counselor next year.

“I also look forward to utilizing what I learned at the conference as I carry out the role of JROTC battalion commander at Newsome for the 2024-2025 school year,” said Heath.

For more information on Four Star Leadership, visit www.fourstarleader.com or call 580-726-5900.

Over 15 years ago, ground was broken on

A Kid’s Place in Brandon. A Kid’s Place has served many abused, abandoned and neglected children and will celebrate its 15-year anniversary this spring.

The Buddy Walk is an annual event that brings together families, friends and supporters to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome and special needs.

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

Organized by FRIENDS Down Syndrome Special Needs West Florida, this year’s walk on Saturday, October 19, at Carrollwood Village Park is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a day ﬁlled with joy, community and advocacy.

Individuals with Down syndrome are free to participate but must still complete the registration process. If registering online, adults are $20, children ages 13-17 are $15 and those under 12 are free. All participants will receive an ofcial 2024 commemorative FRIENDS Buddy Walk T-shirt when registered by Saturday, September 14. Guests can register on-site at the event, but prices will increase by $5, so preregistration is encouraged.

“This annual event not only fosters a sense of community among individuals with Down syndrome and special needs but also serves as a vital fundraiser in support of FRIENDS Down Syndrome Special Needs West FL’s mission,” said Ashley Odom, president and executive director of FRIENDS West Florida.

To get the most of your day, bring sunscreen, a tent and chairs, and be prepared to enjoy the festivities. Hydration stations will be available to keep everyone refreshed. For food purchases, both cash and credit cards are accepted; for opportunity drawings, cash, Venmo and PayPal are accepted.

The event features a range of entertainment, including face painting, a live DJ, carnival games and a sensory bus. Families can meet costumed characters from the 501st Star Wars Legion and Outer Rim Guilds, hang out with pirates from the Krewe of the South Shore Marauders and meet other fan-favorite characters, like Spider-Man. Plus, enjoy special performances by the One Elite Cheer Squad and renowned pianist Milosz Gasior.

Guests can check out a real ﬁre truck with the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue team, enter to win great prizes, hear inspiring stories from self-advocate speakers and have access to resources and information on community programs from local exhibitors.

Sponsors are key to making the Buddy Walk a success, and there are multiple sponsorship levels for the Buddy Walk, each with its own beneﬁts. Sponsorship not only supports a great cause but also shows your commitment to inclusion and advocacy.

Whether you’re walking, volunteering or sponsoring, your involvement helps create a day ﬁlled with love, pride and support for those with Down syndrome and special needs.

Carrollwood Village Park is located at 4680 W. Village Dr. in Tampa. If you’re interested in supporting this event, contact Ashley Odom at info@friendssupport. org or 813-245-8272. Learn more about the event at https://charity.pledgeit.org/ friendswestﬂ/.

FORMER FISHHAWK RESIDENT DANCER MAKES HIS DEBUT ON BROADWAY

Former FishHawk resident Jake Trammel made his Broadway debut this spring in the musical The Great Gatsby Jake studied dance at Center For Dance Arts (CFDA) and was part of its award-winning competition team from 2016 until he graduated high school in 2021.

“Jake was very dedicated with rehearsals and technique classes and would even rehearse on his own outside of classes,” said his mother, Kati Trammel, owner and director of CFDA.

Jake competed as many as 10 times per year at various competitions around Florida and would attend dance conventions. Although he won numerous awards, Jake never felt quite good enough to make it far and was ready to hang up his dancing shoes. Jake credits his CFDA teachers and teammates for encouraging him to stick with it.

In his senior year, he gave one ﬁnal efort at his last dance convention. The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) was holding an audition for high school juniors and seniors at that convention. Jake was one of several hundred who auditioned. He was stunned when AMDA awarded him its most prestigious award, its Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program worth $40,000 that includes two years in New York City and ﬁnishes with two years in Los Angeles.

Jake moved to New York City in the summer of 2021 to start his AMDA education early. After graduating from the New York City portion of his scholarship, he received an ofer to work in Boca Raton for the summer at The Wick Theatre, performing as an ensemble member in Anything Goes

The Wick ofered him a role in the ensemble and understudy to the lead in its next show, Damn Yankees While deciding whether to complete his dance education in Los Angeles or return to New York City to actively pursue a role on Broadway, Jake was ofered representation by Clear Talent Group. Auditions then led to Jake receiving three paid ofers for of-Broadway plays, choosing the role of an ensemble member in The Great Gatsby at Papermill Playhouse in New Jersey. The producers then took the play to Broadway and Jake was ofered a promotion to a swing role.

On March 29, both The Great Gatsby and Jake were ﬁrst previewed at the Broadway Theatre and have been ‘roaring on’ ever since. Jake performs in eight shows per week in his normal role and is also responsible for seven diferent roles, or ‘tracks.’ At any given performance, the audience might see Jake tapdancing, singing or acting as a cop. He was also in all ensemble songs on The Great Gatsby’s soundtrack album with Sony Masterworks Broadway. Jake’s journey from FishHawk to Broadway has been a source of immense pride for the entire CFDA community and his family, all of whom are excited to see where Jake’s talent and determination will take him next.

“My journey has been a long trip to Broadway, but hard work, patience and staying humble have gotten me here the way I needed to and will guide me to my future goals in life,” said Jake.

Follow Jake and his journey on Broadway on Instagram at @jaketrammel. Staf Report

Te Buddy Walk not only supports FRIENDS Down Syndrome Special Needs West Florida but also shows love and joy towards all those with Down syndrome and other special needs.

Jake Trammel, former FishHawk resident and Center For Dance Arts alumnus, made his Broadway debut this past spring in the new musical, Te Great Gatsby.

813-625-1527 khoening@ospreyobserver.com

BRANDON &

813-300-5152 mgershkoff@ospreyobserver.com

By Nitish Rele

Dated

Subaru has done it again. The Japanese carmaker has totally revamped its hot-seller Forester for 2025. The exterior and interior of the small SUV get a sleeker design, though mechanically the status quo has been maintained. Once again, the Forester is equipped with a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed, four-cylinder engine, albeit revised, putting out 180 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 178 pounds-feet of torque at 3,300 rpm. The improved continuous variable transmission with eight-speed manual-shift capabilities contributes to compelling performance while ensuring gas savings. Suspension is handled via a MacPherson strut front and a double wishbone rear. The electronic rack-and-pinion power assist steering has rightly been borrowed from Subaru’s WRX high-performance car.

FORESTER in all caps and a stainless-steel exhaust tip. Step into cozy and classy perforated leather seats with attractive blue stitches. A twin cockpit with electroluminescent analog gauge displays for speedometer, tachometer, fuel and coolant temperature give the cabin a precious feel. Our Limited trim came with a larger 11.6inch touch screen and circular knobs to control navigation, audio and phone and a fabulous-sounding 11-speaker, 576-watt Harman Kardon sound system. Cargo capacity is 27.6 with the rear seatback up and 69.1 cubic feet with the bench down. Other goodies are dual auto a/c, 60/40 power fold rear seat, rear-seat a/c outlets, overhead sunglass holder and panoramic power moon roof.

As is well known, the popular SUV can navigate and dodge even the toughest of terrain, especially of-road, with ground clearance at a commendable 8.7 inches. Modified transmission gear ratios and final drive can only boost the handling, balance and response. Partial credit, of course, goes to the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode with snow/dirt and deep snow/mud options. Additional sound-insulating materials isolate the occupants from road and engine noise. The tow capacity is nonetheless 1,500 pounds, while the fixed roof ladder-type rack touts a dynamic load capacity of 220 pounds and parked size at 800 pounds.

Ensconced on the unitized body structure is a redesigned front with gloss black bars that integrate into LED headlights while the bumper and side under guards are also black with dark gray inserts. The rear shows of a “symmetrical AWD” stamped strip, etched

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, a side curtain airbag for both rows, a driver knee airbag, fourwheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, vehicle dynamic control, a stability and traction system, auto emergency steering, a rearview camera, blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-trafc alert, a tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights. The EyeSight assist monitor, which features lane departure warning and active cruise control, ensures that the driver maintains a straight path, while the DriverFocus distraction mitigation system sounds a warning if its camera and facial recognition software ﬁnds tiredness signs or driver diversion.

Kudos to Subaru for revamping the Forester into an even finer-appearing and performing SUV that owners can confidently take of the beaten path or use as a daily ride. Besides significant cargo and passenger-hauling capabilities, it is priced just right.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fctitious name of ME ON A TEE located at 17908 BLEDSOE LOOP, in Hillsborough County, in the city of Lithia, Florida 33547 intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida Dated at Valrico, Florida this 15th day of April 2024

DRIVERS WILL SOON FACE HEFTY FINES FOR ILLEGALLY PASSING STOPPED SCHOOL BUSES

Driven to keep students safe as they walk on and of school buses, the Hillsborough County school district has partnered with BusPatrol, the technology provider that has installed stop-arm cameras on each of Hillsborough’s approximately 1,000 school buses.

Designed to detect drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses with stop arms deployed, camera footage is reviewed to determine ofenders, who in turn will be ticketed at a cost of $225 per infraction. No ﬁnes were to be incurred during the initial 30-day public awareness campaign, which started on August 12, the ﬁrst day of school.

School ofcials said ﬁnes collected go to the school district, which in turn will pay a percentage to BusPatrol, which installed the stop-arm cameras with no up-front charges. Also getting a cut is the Hillsborough County Sherif ’s Ofce, for issuing tickets based on footage review. The remaining funds go to the school district’s transportation department, driven to recruit and retain school bus drivers.

At King High School in Tampa on August 1, Superintendent Van Ayres said there was a shortage of about 100 drivers, even with the recent hiring of 150 drivers. The starting pay for school bus drivers is $18.65 per hour, with a guaranteed seven-hour day, and opportunities for summer

By Linda Chion

work and extra pay transporting students on ﬁeld trips.

With last year’s bus driver shortages, “we had students who were late to school because we had bus drivers doing double runs,” Ayres said. “It’s still an area of concern for us, but we are 150 bus drivers stronger this year, so we should see a tremendous diference, as far as students being late to school because the bus didn’t get there on time.”

School ofcials said bus drivers transport about 78,000 students to and from school, and that roughly three times per day motorists illegally pass a stopped school bus.

Carlos Hernandez, a safety training specialist with the school district’s transportation department, said he drove buses for 30 years, and for 10 years in Hillsborough County.

“The most dangerous time to pass a stopped school bus is when the driver opens the stop arms and checks to see that trafc has stopped,” Hernandez said. “That’s when the doors open and the kids come out, or the kids come in, and that’s when people pass you.”

Sherif Chad Chronister said. “In other communities, this program has led to a 30 percent reduction in violations year over year. That means more people are stopping for school buses, and children are safer.”

TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE PICKUP AND DROP-OFF LINES A SAFE PLACE FOR EVERYONE

Back-to-school time means back to the car line for a lot of Hillsborough County parents.

The streets of Hillsborough County got much busier in August as the school year restarted and children made their way to and from their schools on foot, on bicycles and in cars.

Now that the year is underway and people become more comfortable in their morning routines, it is critical for all Hillsborough County drivers to be extra aware while driving and utilizing car lines. Many school-age children are not even as tall as the front grill of a full-sized truck or SUV, and they are much less aware of personal safety than adults.

Drop-of and pickup times can be the most dangerous parts of the day, so here are some tips on how to make it safer:

1. Avoid showing up early for car lines if you can, to avoid hazardous car queuing.

2. Do not park in the roadway while waiting to pick up children. Blocking the roadway can cause other motorists to do illegal maneuvers to get around you and

cause dangerous conditions. This also can make it difcult for ﬁrst responders to maneuver in an emergency.

3. Do not park in bike lanes or on sidewalks. The county has developed infrastructure to improve safety for children to walk and bike to and from school. Features like bike lanes and sidewalks also are used by parents meeting their children at school to go home together. When those lanes are blocked, they force kids and parents to use the roadway to walk and bike, which can be unsafe.

4. Do not block driveways for residents or businesses. Businesses need customers to access parking areas during hours of operation, and blocking access or using their parking spaces can impact their business.

These simple safety tips can help reduce stress for parents and improve safety for schoolchildren and parents. For questions and rules regarding your speciﬁc school’s car line, don’t hesitate to reach out to your administration for clariﬁcation. Staf report

Superintendent Van Ayres, with school board member Patti Rendon, at King High School on Aug. 1.

Exercising patience and following your school’s guidelines is key to successfully navigating car line.

SAFETY IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOL ZONES: A GUIDE FOR CHILDREN AND DRIVERS

With the start of the school year underway, the safety of children in school zones remains a top priority in Hillsborough County. Eforts to protect students involve a combination of awareness, law enforcement and education. Hillsborough County Public Works, county ofcials, employees and community members work together and commit to creating safer streets. The safety of children in school zones is a shared responsibility. Together, residents can do their part so that every student in the county arrives at school and returns home safely each day.

As the school year begins, residents can do their part so that every student in the county arrives at school and returns home safely each day.

Staf Report

or playing games on mobile devices while walking.

• Use the buddy system: Walk with a friend or in a group whenever possible. There’s safety in numbers.

• Bright clothing: Wear bright, reﬂective clothing, especially during dawn and dusk hours when visibility is lower.

Safety tips for drivers:

• Obey speed limits: Follow posted speed limits in school zones, which are typically 15-20 mph during school hours.

Hillsborough County Public Schools is stepping up to make sure our students are safe, not just in school but on their way there and back too.

Recent studies show drivers illegally pass stopped school buses in Florida more than three times per bus per day. This is unacceptable. In Florida, it is illegal.

To help keep our stu dents safe, we are part nering with BusPatrol to install photo enforce ment cameras on all our school buses.

By Superintendent Van Ayres

Here are some tips for both children and drivers to ensure everyone stays safe during school commutes.

Safety tips for walking to school:

• Stay on the sidewalk. Always use sidewalks when walking to and from school. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing trafc as far to the left as possible.

• Cross at crosswalks: Cross streets at designated crosswalks and obey trafc signals. Never dart out into the street between parked cars.

• Look both ways: Before crossing, look left, right and left again to ensure the road is clear of vehicles.

• Stay alert: Avoid distractions such as texting, listening to music with headphones

• Be extra cautious: Slow down and be prepared to stop for children walking or biking to school, especially at intersections and crosswalks.

• No distractions: Avoid using mobile devices or other distractions while driving in school zones.

• Stop for school buses: Stop when school buses are picking up or dropping of children. It is illegal to pass a school bus with its stop arm extended.

• Yield to pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Children may not always follow pedestrian signals precisely.

• Watch for bicyclists: Be mindful of young cyclists and give them plenty of space when passing.

Remember, the safety of children traveling to and from school is a shared responsibility.

year. When do you need to stop for a school bus? c approaching from either direction must stop before reaching the bus either on a two-lane road or multilane road divided by a paved median. On a highway divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least 5 feet wide, drivers behind the bus must stop while vehicles moving in the opposite direction are asked to use caution but do not have to

So, what do these cameras do? Inside the bus, they help keep an eye on stu dent behavior so drivers can concen trate on driving safe ly. Outside, they’re on the lookout for any cars that illegally pass a stopped school bus when the stop arm is extended and red lights are ﬂashing.

These cameras catch drivers who are ignoring those signs, putting our children in danger. It also captures their license plate numbers, making it easier for law enforcement to take action if someone breaks the law.

In other communities that have BusPatrol cameras installed, they have seen a 30 percent reduction in violations each

A 30-day public awareness campaign and warning period began on August 12. The program will cially go live on Thursday, September 12. A first-time stoparm violation carries a fine of $225. Tickets will be issued by the Hillsborough County Sheri f ’s O f ce. Our focus is about changing driver behavior, rather than generating fines. We want to ensure our kids are safe on their way to and from school.

We’re committed to using the latest technology to protect our students and give parents peace of mind, knowing we’re doing everything we can to keep their children safe.

JURY DUTY EXEMPTION FOR NEW MOTHERS GOES IN EFFECT

Serving on a jury that passes judgment on civil and criminal cases is one of the civic obligations that comes with living in Hillsborough County.

The process of jury selection is designed to place as small a burden as possible on people who receive an o f cial notice to show up to a courthouse for possible service, so exemptions are allowed, including a new family-friendly one for women who have recently given birth.

The new exemption states that a woman can be excused from jury duty if she has given birth within six months before the reporting date on the summons. It became state law July 1 after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 461, which was passed in this year’s legislative session.

The new law is the latest measure enacted to ensure mothers and families receive support from the courts when they fulﬁ ll their civic duty to serve on a jury. Last year, lawmakers approved Senate Bill 144, which requires county courthouses to provide appropriate, separate and private lactation rooms, and it became a law January 1.

Similar family-related situations that will be considered for exemption from jury duty include expectant mothers and

By Brad Stager

parents who are not working full-time and have custody of children younger than 6 years of age.

An excusal from jury duty can also be requested by residents ages 70 and older, full-time law enforcement o f cers, full-time students ages 18-21 and people caring for a person who can’t take care of themselves.

If you receive a jury summons and appear at the courthouse for service, Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Cindy Stuart said her sta f are there to help residents fulﬁ ll their civic duty.

“If you are chosen to serve as a juror, our ofﬁ ce assures you that it is committed to keeping you comfortable and well informed,” she said in a public announcement. “We strive to provide excellent customer service while you wait for your jury service.”

Jury candidates are selected from a pool made up of persons at least 18 years of age and who possess a Florida driver’s license or identiﬁ cation card. Jurors must be U.S. citizens and residents of the state and county of the court issuing a summons. Complete information on excusals from jury duty can be found by visiting www.hillsclerk.com.

DEHYDRATION AND EXERCISE HEAT INJURY IN THE YOUTH ATHLETIC

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 recognize the warning signs if they are not.

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 functioning appropriately. This means that if we were to just treat the injury itself and then send that athlete back to the sport that caused the injury in the 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.

The beginning stages of exertional heat illness are exercise-associated muscle cramping, 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 suggested 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-exercise, to correct for losses. When fuid loss through sweat starts to exceed fuid intake, dehydration begins to settle in.

FOSTERING ANIMALS IS MUCH EASIER THAN YOU THINK

Have you ever wondered about the wonderful world of animal fostering? Do you want to save kittens and puppies in your community? Keep reading!

Florida is in a pet crisis, and Tampa Bay and Southeastern Hillsborough County are no exception. Locally, there is a rescue that has been serving the community for over a decade. FishHawk TNR Inc. Animal Rescue saves hundreds of local dogs and cats, puppies and kittens, every year. This is possible by activating local foster homes and with the support of our community.

This amazing 501(c) (3) nonproﬁ t organization is run entirely on volunteers and donations.

Over 45 incredible homes in the FishHawk Ranch and surrounding communities have already opened their homes to animals in need, and you can too. Fostering means providing temporary housing for homeless and in-need pets. It can be for a few days to a few months, but the impact is immediate and lifesaving. The rescue provides for all medical care, supplies and support. It also handles and coordinates all adoptions. Fostering can involve the entire family and will create lasting memories of helping animals in

By Ali Holton

need. Even your pets can get in on it. Contrary to popular belief, fostering does not have to require a lot of space or free time, simply a commitment to provide a safe and loving environment while animals wait for their lives to truly begin in their forever homes. The snuggles are free. Without foster homes, animals in our community risk euthanasia for space at county facilities or continue to have litters on the streets and in our neighborhoods. It happens every day, and it will take community action to create the change needed for our animals. You can be the di f erence between life and death for precious and deserving animals in our community. Even better, you can support saving lives by choosing adoption when looking for a new furry family member.

To learn more, you can fi nd the rescue via @fi shhawktnr on all social media channels, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Petfi nder. To inquire about fostering or adopting your next best friend, please email fi shhawktnr4@ gmail.com. And remember, a simple follow and a share can also change an animal’s life.

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

From your neck down to literally how your big toe is functioning, we evaluate how that joint is performing when you run, pitch, jump, etc. Not only does this approach keep our athletes out of injury, but it can make them to pitch faster, run harder, and jump higher.

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

If left untreated or unnoticed, dehydration and exercising in the heat can cause an elevated core body temperature, which leads to fainting, collapsing, dizziness, confusion, 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.

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 strongest powerlifters in the world.

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

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

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

Te sculpture ‘Veritas et Justitia,’ or ‘Truth and Justice,’ greets visitors to the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse in Tampa.

Fostering provides a safe space for animals to grow and get healthy while they wait for adoption.

VELMA

FISHHAWK RESIDENT ACHIEVES RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT FOR HELPING LOCAL NONPROFIT

FishHawk resident Cameron Campbell, a member of Boy Scout Troop 11, recently accomplished the highest rank in Scouts BSA — Eagle Scout. Campbell achieved this rank on July 11 for his Eagle Scout project of cleaning up a local foster home facility, A Kid’s Place.

Campbell said A Kid’s Place was a natural choice and felt it was a worthy organization to benefit from his project, having regularly volunteered at the nonprofit by working with first through fifth grade students and facility staf. For it, Campbell organized and led a team of Scouts and adults in April for a day of cleaning up the housing facility grounds; placing 10-plus pallets of mulch in the landscape beds; and cleaning, repainting and replanting the playground bench planters.

Donations were also solicited and received by Payne’s Environmental, Ripa & Associates and Campﬁre Management to help ofset the costs for the project. Overall, the project went smoothly and quickly, Campbell said.

Campbell joined local Cub Scout Pack 632 during his ﬁrst grade year and continued his Scouting journey through Boy Scout Troop 61 and then Troop 11. He enjoys the camaraderie and high adventure aspects of Scouting, especially the wilderness sur-

By Taylor Wells

vival campouts and water activities. As a Scout, Campbell said his longtime goal was to one day earn his place as an Eagle Scout, so he is proud to have ﬁnally attained it.

“It felt great,” Campbell said. “After all the work that I put in by being in Scouts since … I was 6, for it to ﬁnally all come together, that was amazing.”

As for what’s next for the new Eagle Scout, he will begin his senior year at Armwood High School as part of its collegiate academy. Upon graduation in the spring of 2025, he will receive his Associate of Arts degree. He plans to attend a Florida university — aiming for the University of Central Florida — to pursue a bachelor’s degree in ﬁnance and then a postgraduate MBA.

But before that, there is Campbell’s court of honor, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 21. It will be held at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, located at 3315 S. Bryan Rd. in Brandon.

“It’s been a really fun journey, and I’ve enjoyed sharing it with the people in either of my troops,” said Campbell.

If you’d like to learn more about Scouting troops, visit https://tampabayscouting. org/. To learn more about A Kid’s Place, located at 1715 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon, visit https://akidsplacetb.org/.

COMMUNITY FOR WOMEN CHANGING LIVES

The Community for Women of St. Stephen Catholic Church is a diverse group of women who gather for fun, fellowship, service and to lend a helping hand. Its mission is to assist priests and the parishioners of St. Stephen to serve others through social and spiritual events. It is truly a ministry supporting the fellowship of women.

One of its most rewarding corporal works of mercy is tending to the most vulnerable, the children. Did you know to some children, socks and underwear are a luxury? All children deserve to have this ‘luxury.’ For the past 22 years and into the future, the Community for Women has sponsored Underwear Sunday. It collects socks and underwear and gives them to local schools that are most in need. With the help of administrators in several impoverished elementary schools in Hillsborough County, it provides them with these items for those in most need. If you would like to help, please feel free to bring your donation of socks, underwear, Walmart/Target gift cards or monetary donations to the ofce of St. Stephen Catholic Church by Monday, September 30.

One of the biggest gatherings at St. Stephen’s is its ﬁsh fry during Lent. Along with other ministries, St. Stephen raises money for the parish to help with the purchase of

equipment or support other ministries that need assistance. Its ﬁsh fries are noted for their delicious ﬁsh dinners and awesome desserts. Join in on Fridays during Lent, meet new people and enjoy the evening with family and friends.

Another example of how the Community for Women sponsors a fundraising event is through the annual tea hosted by the St. Vincent de Paul committee. This year’s tea will be held on Saturday, September 14. Through fundraising, St. Vincent de Paul can provide monetary support to people in the community.

Do you love to play bingo? Join in on the fourth Tuesday of every month in the Family Life Center, located at 10136 St. Stephen Circle in Riverview. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Games begin at 6:30 p.m. Gather with your family and friends for a fun night and a chance to win cash prizes. All the proceeds of bingo provide support to the many ministries that are close to our hearts and impact the members, parish and surrounding communities in many ways.

St. Stephen Catholic Church is located at 10428 St. Stephen Circle in Riverview. If you would like more information about the Community for Women ministry, contact cfw@ststephencatholic.org.

Jennifer Greene & Clint Fletcher Owners of Complete Ketamine Tampa

Cameron Campbell (squatting down in the middle) with fellow Scouts from Troop 11, adults and the benefactor representative (kneeling lady wearing sunglasses) at A Kid’s Place after cleaning up the place for Campbell’s Eagle Scout project.

NEW PODCAST INFORMS RESIDENTS

By Brad Stager

THE AEROSPACE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE HOSTS GIRLS IN AVIATION DAY IN SEPTEMBER

By Lily Belcher

Podcasts have become the audio platform people tune into for exploring useful topics like career advice and technology trends, as well as superﬂuous matters such as medieval conspiracy theories.

For Hillsborough County residents, information for taking care of essential businesses, like severe weather preparation and recovery or discovering the recreational and cultural oferings of the area, is now available via a new podcast called Hello Hillsborough

New episodes will be released monthly, and the show is hosted by Hillsborough County communications and digital media team members Hilary Zalla and Tyler Adam, who use their talents to bring listeners the latest information about living here.

Besides their communication skills and expertise, the two hosts also reﬂect the perspectives and interests of newcomers and longtime residents. According to the county’s website, Zalla “is a Midwest girl living her dream Florida life,” and Adams “is born and raised in the Tampa Bay area.”

Hello Hillsborough reﬂects the county’s efort to communicate in a way that is effective and convenient, according to Terri Cordova-Hewitt, director of the county’s communications and digital media eforts.

“The podcast is a new way for us to

connect with our residents and for residents to learn about the resources, programs and activities available to them in Hillsborough County,” Cordova-Hewitt wrote in an email.

“The podcast dives into topics that residents will want to know in a fun, personable format that also introduces residents to the people who are passionate about our community. Our ﬁrst episode is with Chely, a librarian who talks about all things back-to-school and the best library resources for families,” said Cordova-Hewitt.

That ﬁrst episode of Hello Hillsborough is already available online at https://hcﬂ.gov/, where you can navigate to links providing access to the podcast via the Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartMedia and YouTube digital media platforms.

For civic-minded podcast enthusiasts who want to help solve murder investigations that have gone cold, the Hillsborough County Sherif ’s Ofce produces the Unﬁnished Business podcast, with episodes available at https://teamhcso.com/ as well as on popular digital audio content platforms.

According to Statista, an online data analysis company, a survey conducted this year showed that nearly half of the U.S. adult population, 47 percent, has listened to a podcast within the last month.

The Aerospace Center for Excellence is helping celebrate the 10th annual national Girls in Aviation Day through fun activities and community partnerships.

The free event will take place on Saturday, September 21, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Florida Air Museum.

While Girls in Aviation Day is sponsored by Women in Aviation International, it is the Lakeland chapter’s third year hosting an event locally.

Cathy Dal Colletto,

digital marketing coordinator for the Aerospace Center for Excellence, said she loves the message of Girls in Aviation Day.

“In partnering with the Aerospace Center for Excellence on this, their mission is to engage, educate and accelerate the next generation of aviation or aerospace professionals,” she said.

Each year, the event has hands-on activities, such as scavenger hunts and engineering activities, for girls 10-17 years old. The girls will also have a chance to see the Skylab Innovation Center, which is a collaborative workspace and interactive classroom. The center also has ﬂight simulators, a drone laboratory and its Science on a Sphere Laboratory.

Dal Colletto said the event will help connect girls to what the industry has to ofer, other STEM career ﬁelds and the programs at the Aerospace Center for Excellence.

“We have programs at the Aerospace Center for Excellence that go from the car-seat age all the way up until the end of high school,” she said.

“So, if they can at least kind of spark that interest, that’s where we want to lead them.”

Guests will also have the chance to enter into a drawing for a free discovery ﬂight at this year’s Girls in Aviation Day.

In order to make the event free to aspiring aviators, the Aerospace Center for Excellence has partnered with local businesses. In addition to the support from Women in Aviation International, the Lakeland Linder International Airport has supported the annual event.

To register for Girls in Aviation Day or for more information about the Aerospace Center for Excellence, visit https://aceedu. org/. The Aerospace Center for Excellence is located on the Lakeland Linder International Airport at 4075 James C. Ray Dr. in Lakeland.

Hillsborough County has released an ofcial podcast called Hello Hillsborough that informs and entertains residents

Girls in Aviation Day helps young girls learn about STEM felds and industry opportunities.

Fun activities help young girls learn about fying and the aviation feld in the annual Girls in Aviation Day event.

Chill Cawfee is supporting local K-9s and their ofcers by hosting Bark in the Park, starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 20. This community-focused event aims to raise awareness and funds to support Vested Interest in K9s.

Vested Interest in K9s is a nonproﬁt organization dedicated to providing protective vests and other essentials to K-9 dogs serving in law enforcement and related agencies across the U.S. Vested Interest in K9s works to ensure that every K-9 has access to the protection they need while performing their duties, signiﬁcantly enhancing their safety on the job. Made in the USA, these vests cost between $900 and $1,000 each. This is why the support from the community to help protect K-9 ofcers is so crucial.

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

Since 2009, Vested Interest in K9s has provided more than 5,707 K-9 ballistic vests, over $429,435 of K-9 medical insurance premiums, three Chevy Tahoes custom-ftted for a K-9 unit and so much more

To reach the goal of outﬁtting at least two K-9 dogs with these extraordinary vests and providing other essentials like toys, cages and training equipment, Chill Cawfee is organizing a local market that will feature businesses ofering a variety of products. During the event, CollaborPaint will be creating a special piece of artwork to be gifted to the local K-9 unit, and guests at the market will be able to contribute toward the artwork. Additionally, All American Dog Training Academy will be present to ofer advice on dog behavior

and training to be a valuable resource to those in our community during the event.

“We are so excited about this event. I feel it’s a deed that we as a community can give back to the ofcers that protect us daily,” said Lisa Henney, owner of Chill Cawfee.

“These K-9s’ loyalty, intelligence and strength is incredible and should be celebrated.”

Donations are being accepted at Chill Cawfee now, and the community is encouraged to contribute to this important initiative.

Several businesses in the community have already committed to donating to the cause. Businesses including Amani MedSpa, Stretch Zone, CollaborPaint by Erin and Gracie Brandon are donating rafe items for a silent auction, with proceeds going directly toward the cause. Chill Cawfee is still accepting sponsors for the event; sponsors will be featured on all ﬂyers, banners, T-shirts and other promotional items.

With music, food for purchase and various activities planned, Bark in the Park promises to be a fun, interactive day that fosters a stronger bond between the community and law enforcement. For more information, please contact Chill Cawfee at 813-324-9472 or visit Vested Interest in K9s’ website at https:// vik9s.org/.

Has the start of the school year caused back-to-school stress or anxiety? Without judgement, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is there for anyone who is struggling.

One of the center’s many services is to be a compassionate resource for everyone who is a part of Hillsborough County Public Schools. From students to parents to school staf, the beginning of the school year is a time of new commitments. It is an exciting time, but it can also cause extra anxiety.

The anxiousness can be felt for a variety of reasons, according to Crisis Center of Tampa Bay CEO Clara Reynolds. Students could be stressed about their schedule or worried about making friends in their classes. Parents may be overwhelmed with the ﬁnances of providing for the year or concerned about their child’s classroom teacher. Teachers could be struggling with planning for the range of abilities of their students and worried about their safety. When the feelings are heavy, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay can help.

Hillsborough County Public Schools Mental Health Team Supervisor Michael Kelleher said the district values the Crisis Center as a wonderful resource for everyone in the school system.

“We collaborate on many initiatives that

By Jane Owen

raise mental health awareness among students and families. Mental health is a critical component to student success, and identifying warning signs and concerning behaviors to provide early intervention is paramount. This partnership has distributed 211/988 cards to all students at the beginning of each school year so that students have easy access to resources and know a number to call if they are in need,” Kelleher said. Every student in the Hillsborough County school system receives a card with numbers to help: 211 for mental help resources and 988 for suicide and crisis. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is available to receive calls from students, parents, teachers and anyone else in the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Many people call us all throughout the year but particularly at back-to-school time. We encourage folks that the best thing they can do ﬁrst is recognize that being anxious is normal,” Reynolds said.

The Crisis Center also partners with schools one-on-one. It assists schools regularly with talking to students or teachers.

For more information about the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and all of the resources it provides the community throughout the year, visit www.crisiscenter.com.

Te Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and the Hillsborough County Public Schools Mental Health Team preparing mental health information for students.

MEET THE 2024 TEAM OF OSPREY OBSERVER INTERNS

By Alisa Gershman

The Osprey Observer is a popular source for local news in Southeastern Hillsborough County. Every summer, a handful of interns are selected to work with the team on writing articles or creating ads for their issues. The interns range from high school to college students who have journalistic ambitions for the future or just want a taste of writing for the summer. This year’s wonderful interns include Sara Kitchin, Jamie Lu, Solomon Bristow, Gunnar Wagner, Elise Rebhahn and Alisa Gershman.

Sara Kitchin

University of West Florida

Kitchin is a senior at the University of West Florida. She found out about the Osprey Observer through a recent family move to FishHawk.

“I have worked on diferent school papers for years, including the paper at my university,” she explained.

Reporting has always been a passion of hers and she knew she wanted to pursue it over the summer.

Her favorite piece was visiting and writing about the Wawa Summer Fun Days at Bok Tower Gardens. She plans on continuing her journalistic career past college and ﬁnding a paper to work with in the future.

Jamie Lu

Strawberry Crest High School

Lu will be a senior at Strawberry Crest High School. After ﬁnding out about the Osprey Observer, she knew it would be the perfect place for her to hold an internship throughout the summer.

Her favorite part has been hearing all the diferent stories from around the community and meeting new people, which she said

made her realize “how vibrant our community is.”

She also plans on continuing with journalism through her last year of high school and into college, hoping to ﬁnd her future career within that realm.

Elise Rebhahn

University of North Florida

Rebhahn is a junior attending the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. With a graphic design focus, she joined the team of interns for the Osprey Observer to gain more experience with designing and formatting ads for the paper as an extra level of expertise for her resume.

“My favorite part of the internship has been seeing the ﬁnal result of each ad be run in the paper. It makes me happy to know that each client I worked with feels that the ads

are ﬁt to have them represent their companies/brands,” she said.

Two ads in particular she enjoyed were for Sharkcon and A Child’s Haven.

Her plans are not set for after college, but she hopes to ﬁnd her place somewhere in the world of graphic design, working on branding or possibly package design.

Gunnar Wagner

University of Florida

Wagner is a senior at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in Plant City. He learned about the internship through one of his professors.

“My favorite part of this internship has been by far trying out the new roller coaster Phoenix Rising at Busch Gardens. That was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed it,” said Wag-

ner, having the chance to experience it before the ride was unveiled to the public. He is planning on enlisting in the Air Force after graduating and hoping to take up ﬁlmmaking down the line.

Alisa Gershman

Newsome High School

Gershman is a rising junior at Newsome High School. As online editor-in-chief of her school’s newspaper, she found out about the Osprey Observer internship through her journalism teacher. Wanting the experience of working on a real paper, she felt it would be the best ﬁt for her over the summer.

“I’ve loved getting to reach out to people from around the area and hear their stories, whether it’s an anniversary or how a business started,” she said. Her favorite piece was covering the 1Voice Academy Summer Camp, where she was also a volunteer and is an ofcer for the club at her school.

While journalism is a strong passion of hers, she plans on switching paths and hopes to attend the University of Florida to study biology and eventually going into publishing research on cancer cells.

Solomon Bristow

Newsome High School

Bristow is a rising senior at Newsome High School. Through word of mouth, he discovered this internship and decided to take it as a chance to experience “what it meant to be a journalist.”

The program provided him with material he wouldn’t normally think to write about, so he felt as though it broadened his horizons in a positive light. He plans to attend college with these journalistic aspirations in mind.

JAMIE LU

GUNNAR WAGNER

ELISE REBHAHN

SARA KITCHIN

ALISA GERSHMAN SOLOMON BRISTOW

HOWL-O-SCREAM’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY SHOWCASES 10 NEW REASONS TO SCREAM

The time is here for HowlO-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, celebrating its 25th anniversary. Taking place on select nights from Friday, September 6, through Saturday, November 2, this year’s event is slated to awaken guests’ innermost fears and make them scream to the extreme at this parkwide experience.

To mark this milestone, Howl-O-Scream will feature ﬁve haunted houses, including the enhanced Witch of the Woods: Rise of the Coven, ﬁve new scare zones and new entertainment oferings designed to make guests jump out of their seats.

New haunted houses and scare zones include:

Shadows of Wonderland: Step back into Wonderland, but not as you remember it. This warped dreamscape has come from years of torment under the Queen of Hearts’ reign of terror. Once-playful characters have become bitter shadows, their anger fueled by Alice’s abandonment.

Howl-O-Scream 25: Terror Through

Time: Enter the Architect’s twisted gallery of horror, where the past 25 years of Howl-OScream nightmares come to life.

Tree Lot Massacre: The once-festive Evergreen Acres Christmas Tree Farm hides a dark secret. Whispers tell of a Christmas Eve massacre, where disgruntled farmhand Silas Evergreen sought revenge.

Sawgrass Slaughter: Legend of the Skunk Ape: Venture into the depths of the Everglades, where decay and a pungent, musky odor ﬁll the air.

Little Nightmares: Trick or Treat: Years ago, on a Halloween night, a group of children vanished. Every Halloween they return, reliving their ﬁnal trick-or-treat.

Ragnar’s Wrath: The icy winds of Niﬂheim howl as you approach a charred Viking longhouse, its stench of death is a prelude to the

horrors within.

New sinister shows and entertainment include:

The Reckoning: In an innate battle of good and evil, seemingly innocent Lark awaits her ultimate judgement day when she meets the Gatekeeper in the ﬁery depths of Hell.

Scare-E-Oke: Fiend favorites Igor and Dr. Freakenstein return to host Scare-E-Oke, where guests can take a turn at the mic to sing Halloween favorites.

Staf Report

Cirque X-Scream: An electrifying and mesmerizing stunt show that will leave guests on the edge of their seats.

EERIE ENHANCEMENTS! Witch of the Woods: Rise of the Coven: Seraphina, fueled by vengeance and dark magic, has ﬁnally summoned her coven – Brand, the Fire Bringer, and Kael, the Storm Caller. Together, they have twisted the once-serene forest into a grotesque reﬂection of their power, leaving behind a trail of poisoned air, stagnant water, and withered life.

Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event, taking place on select nights after 7 p.m. Front Line Fear passes are the best way to access all ﬁve haunted houses. For extreme fans, a Front Line Fear Extreme pass provides access to all haunted houses in addition to providing front-of-the-line access to Busch Gardens’ 10 roller coasters. Front Line Fear passes start at $69.

The Howl-O-Scream Ultimate VIP Tour provides unlimited front-of-the-line access to haunted houses and rides, a complimentary meal at Dragon Fire Grill, private complimentary beverage locations and free preferred parking. This exclusive tour starts at $299.99 per person, for a minimum of two people.

Parental discretion is strongly advised as Howl-O-Scream contains graphic and mature content that may not be suitable for children. Costumes are not allowed. Visit https://buschgardens.com/tampa/.

Come scream through more than 10 new terrifying experiences, including haunted houses, sinister scare zones and unrelenting parkwide horrors, will be added to Tampa Bay’s most frightening adult Halloween event, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, celebrating its 25th anniversary.

VALRICO RESIDENT ANNOUNCES

INDEPENDENT

WRITE-IN CAMPAIGN FOR U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Valrico resident Iris Margarita Rojas has declared her candidacy as an independent write-in candidate for the 2024 United States presidential election. Rojas, a longtime Valrico resident, is well known in the community as a successful small business owner of Iris Tax & Financial Services LLC, a tax and fi nancial planning organization and an advocate for women in business. She offi cially announced her campaign in July and traveled to Tallahassee to formally confi rm her application. Rojas, 53, a fi rst-generation American with Dominican roots, emphasized that her decision to run stems from her deep dissatisfaction with the current state of American politics.

“We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history, where the voices of ordinary citizens are being drowned out by partisan bickering and special interest groups,” Rojas stated. “I’m running to give a voice to those who feel left behind, to those who believe that the government should work for all its people, not just the privileged few.”

Her platform focuses on two key issues: no more income tax on our labor and eliminating business and personal debt.

“I want to encourage people to start

By Marie Gilmore

a conversation and to make a di f erence,” said Rojas, who can be seen campaigning as Wonder Woman. “She saves the world, and if I can make a di f erence, I can also change the world for good.”

Although Rojas faces an uphill battle as a write-in candidate, she remains undeterred.

“I know the odds are against me, but this campaign is about more than just winning an election. It’s about sparking a conversation and pushing for real change,” she said.

Rojas has already begun organizing a grassroots campaign, with supporters canvassing neighborhoods across Florida, Maine and Nebraska and spreading her message online.

Rojas spends her personal time with her husband, Michael, and their six beautiful children and four grandchildren.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Rojas’ entry into the race adds an unexpected twist, reﬂ ecting the growing desire among many Americans for new voices and alternatives in the nation’s highest o f ce.

Rojas encourages people of all ages to sign up to join her campaign in Florida, Maine and Nebraska this November. To get involved, visit https://irisrojas.com/.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SUPPORTS CHILDREN IN KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 21 YEARS OLD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Exceptional student education (ESE) programs function in every public school throughout America. It is a program that is meant to o f er guidance, services and therapies to children with developmental delays and/or disabilities. In Hillsborough County, the ESE program operates in 250 public schools and serves about 30,000 students from kindergarten age through 21 years old.

Over 30,000 students are helped each year through the Hillsborough County Public School ESE program.

Early Steps and the Primary Exceptional Education Preschool Services provide therapy and services to children under 5 years old, but after 5 years old further services can be provided within the school system through this ESE program.

The Hillsborough County ESE website states of the program, “A continuum of services is provided in a variety of settings, which include general education classrooms, resource rooms, special classes, specialized day schools, and hospital homebound. Services for many [students with disabilities] can be provided at their neighborhood school. Eligible students are provided supports and/or services per their Individual Education Plan (IEP) which is based on each child’s unique needs. Supplemental services are provided in collaboration with discretionary projects such as Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System, Florida Inclusion Network, and the Multiagency Network for Students with

By Ashley Abene

Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (SEDNET).”

After the age of 21, there are transition services available for students with disabilities who need extra help. This transition could include a move from high school to postsecondary education, employment or even living independently. These services are based on each student’s needs.

Debbie Valdes, Parent and Family Services manager with the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS), stated, “FDLRS Parent and Family Services and ESE Parent Liaisons are available to support parents during their child’s educational journey. We are all parents of children who have received exceptional student education (ESE) services. If parents have any questions about ESE services for their child, we can help guide them with the next steps. We also o f er support at meetings and provide training on a wide variety of topics.”

For more information on the ESE program for kindergarten and older children in the Hillsborough County School System, contact FDLRS at fdlrsparentservices@hcps.net or via phone at 813837-7732 (English) or 813-837-7728 (Spanish), or visit the FDLRS website at https://hillsborough.fdlrs.org/. Another option is to speak to the child’s teacher to get more information on that school’s ESE o f erings.

Iris Margarita Rojas is an independent write-in candidate for president of the United States in this November’s election.

HEIDI KLUM GIVES 10-YEAR-OLD VALRICO SINGER GOLDEN BUZZER ON AMERICA’S GOT TALENT

Pranysqa Mishra is a young singing sensation from Valrico. The ﬁfthgrade student recently received the Golden Buzzer from Heidi Klum on the show America’s Got Talent Since Pranysqa was selected for the Golden Buzzer, she will advance directly to the live show.

Pranysqa sang “River Deep Mountain High,” by Tina Turner, because it is one of her favorite songs by one of her favorite artists.

According to Pranysqa’s mother, Priya Mishra, “She felt a strong connection to the song, as its style closely resembles her own singing style.”

By Kathy L. Collins

EXCITING LINEUP OF EVENTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2024 HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIR

as young as 3 years old, to perform on that world stage and in front of those incredible judges. Through this platform, she hopes to reach people’s hearts and make a diference, while also showcasing her talent, challenging herself and pursuing her dreams of reaching a wider audience.”

The 2024 Hillsborough County Fair, themed ‘Barn of the USA,’ opens on Thursday, October 31, and runs through Monday, November 11, for 12 days of food, fun and contests celebrating agriculture, entertainment and community.

From Halloween night to Heroes Weekend, fairgoers will experience 12 days of food, fun and youth competitions celebrating agriculture, entertainment and community.

Priya said, “Pranysqa was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude when Heidi Klum selected her for the Golden Buzzer. It was a dream come true, and she felt honored to receive such a prestigious recognition from someone she admires.” She added, “Judge Heidi Klum did not even give chance to other judges to speak about Pranysqa’s performance. She gave the Golden Buzzer right away, as she was super only with her performance.”

Priya said, “She is excited to continue competing and to see where this incredible opportunity will take her.” She explained, “She wanted to be on the show because it was always her dream, ever since she was

Pranysqa’s mentor, teacher and constant support throughout her musical journey is her dad. He not only helps her with every step of the way but also provides invaluable guidance, encouragement and practical support. In addition to his mentorship, she also works with a virtual vocal coach for warm-up exercises.

Priya said, “Pranysqa’s singing is her passion, and she pours her heart into every performance. She hopes to inspire others with her music and connect with people on an emotional level through her singing.”

Priya added, “The best part of the experience for Pranysqa was the opportunity to perform on such a grand stage and share her voice with a global audience. The Golden Buzzer moment with Heidi Klum was unforgettable, but she also cherishes the incredible experience she made and the immense support she received from her family and community.”

For the ﬁrst time, the opening weekend Special Grandstand Event is the IPRA National All Region Finals Rodeo, taking place from Friday through Sunday, November 1-3, in the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds Arena. The Special Grandstand Events on the Heroes Weekend — the second weekend of the Fair — include the all-new Hillsborough County Fair Truck & Tractor Pull on Friday and Saturday, November 8 and 9; a demolition derby on Sunday, November 10; and, making their Hillsborough County Fair debut, the Midget Wrestling Warriors on Monday, November 11. Special Grandstand Events require a ticket purchase in addition to fair admission.

Opening night falls on Halloween, so bring your kids dressed up in their favorite Halloween costumes and enjoy a safe night of trick-or-treating throughout the fair.

In addition to the Special Grandstand Events, the fair ofers an array of free entertainment throughout its run. From October 31 through November 1, fairgoers can experience the excitement of Cowboy Camp, followed by the all-new Cow-

boy Circus from Tuesday through Monday, November 5-11. Kids can dive into the world of agriculture at the Play with Giants Hands-on Agricultural Game Area. The sky will light up on Heroes Weekend with a spectacular, custom, 200-drone show on November 10.

Additional live entertainment includes the all-new Thrill Circus, the captivating Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show and the engaging, educational Fireﬁghter Show. Guests can also explore a fascinating camel display and meet the beloved fair mascot, Farmer Sydney.

The Hillsborough County Fair celebrates being one of the area’s largest agricultural fairs, highlighting youth participants and featuring livestock shows every day of the fair with 12 diferent livestock species. More than 1,000 young people from Hillsborough County show of their livestock projects in the livestock barns.

Daily tickets are on sale now, including a special ofer for advance online purchase of tickets for Special Grandstand Events. From now until opening day, ticketed arena events are $30 and include fair admission, a savings of $11 for adults.

The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds are located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover. Visit https://hillsboroughcountyfair.com/ for tickets, a schedule of events and more information.

Earlier this year, Pranysqa Mishra received a Golden Buzzer from Heidi Klum on America’s Got Talent. Te young singer advanced directly and will next appear on the live show.

ROTARY SPOTLIGHT: ACTIVITIES, MEETINGS & MORE

FishHawk-Riverview

Recently, the FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club Foundation awarded $45,000 to area organizations working to alleviate illiteracy, poverty, hunger and disease locally and abroad. Over the next few months, recipients will be guest speakers at the Monday meetings, held from 12 Noon-1 p.m. at JF Kicks, located at 3345 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Join in on Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m., at the Shrimp Boat in Valrico to network. For information, contact Betty Huth at betty@hbphoto.com.

If you or your family have been afected by Polio, email Gerry at gutenstein@ aol.com.

meeting link: https://zoom. us/j/7328811760). For information, contact Duane Williams at dsigma79@ aol.com.

Brandon

Join the Rotary Club of Brandon on Tuesdays from 12 Noon-1 p.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. For more information, contact Debbie Meegan at debbiemeeganrotary@ gmail.com.

Brandon ’86

Brandon Global Eco (Zoom)

As an e-club centered around ecology, the Rotary Club of Brandon Global Eco tackles big environmental problems with small inﬂuential steps. It focuses its eforts on smaller, personal events that involve the community around us — events that teach lessons and sustainable, environmentally friendly habits that everyone can practice at home. In October, the club will partner with Blue Sky Roofing for a beach cleanup. To learn more, please join in for its Zoom meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 12 Noon-1 p.m. The club is also seeking experts in eco-related matters to be guest speakers. For information, contact Katie Tyson at katietyson@icloud.com or 813-767-6748.

Rotary E-Club of Tampa South (RECTS)

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. in Brandon. For more information, contact Rotarian Malikita Harrison at 813-270-0620. Join in via Zoom on the ﬁrst and third Tuesdays of each month from 7-8 p.m. (Zoom

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 2, 11 a.m.-3 a.m., for the Brandon ’86 Rotary Club’s annual fundraiser, the Brandon Seafood Festival. Tickets are available now. In October, the club is planning a Pints for Polio event, supporting the eradication of polio worldwide. For more information, contact Chad Norgard at chad@norgardinsgrp. com.

Interact Club of Tampa Bay (High Schoolers)

The ﬁrst meeting for this school year will be on Monday, September 9, from 6-8 p.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. We welcome all area high schoolers interested in service, leadership, food and fun. Going forward, meetings will be on the ﬁrst Monday of each month. For information, contact Chad Norgard at chad@norgardinsgrp.com.

USF Rotaract (College Students)

Learn about USF Rotaract’s summer humanitarian trip to Ghana on Monday, September 16, at JF Kicks in Valrico during FishHawk-Riverview Rotary’s meeting at 12 Noon. Have a student at USF? Check out USF Rotaract on Instagram or https://bullsconnect.usf.edu/rotaract/.

ROTARY CLUBS PARTNER TO SUPPORT

BACKPACK HERO IN FEEDING OVER 1,100 STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

In a heartwarming display of community spirit and collaborative efort, the Rotary Clubs of Brandon and FishHawk-Riverview recently came together to support the Backpack Heroes events at two diferent locations. Over two consecutive Saturdays, Rotarians grilled hotdogs and served meals to over 1,100 students and their families. This generous efort was part of Backpack Hero’s two community outreach events where East Hillsborough community partners, churches and local businesses came together to provide backpacks, school supplies and other critical resources for school-aged children in need within the Eastern and Southern Hillsborough County area.

at Bay Life Church in Brandon. The meals served not only satisﬁed hungry bellies but also added a touch of joy to the event.

The success of the Backpack Hero event underscores the importance of community involvement and the positive impact that local organizations can have when they come together for a common cause. For many families, receiving a free backpack filled with school supplies represents a significant relief from the financial strain of preparing for the school year.

While helping a participant carry backpacks to her, a Rotarian listened as a mom expressed her gratitude: “I needed to catch up on rent. This is such a blessing.”

The Backpack Hero event, a much-anticipated annual occasion, aims to ease the burden on families as the new school year approaches. On both Saturdays, the Rotary teams set up an impressive grilling station, cooking hundreds of hotdogs and providing chips and drinks for the hungry crowd.

“I love feeding people,” remarked Rotarian Michael Broussard with a smile as he manned the grill with his wife, Tammy, and fellow Rotarian, Gerry ‘G-Dog’ Gutenstein.

The FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club fed participants at the August 3 event at the new AdventHealth Hospital in Riverview while the Rotary Club of Brandon spearheaded the food tent at the July 27 event

Rotary’s presence is a testament to the Rotary motto of “service above self,” demonstrating its commitment to making a diference in the lives of local students and their families. The Rotary Clubs of Brandon and FishHawk-Riverview are grateful for the opportunity and look forward to supporting similar initiatives in the future.

To learn more about the East Hillsborough collaborative Backpack Hero initiative started by the eforts of ECHO, Hope for Her and Bikes For Christ, visit www.bphero. org. For more information about your local Rotary clubs, contact Barbara Howard at bh6890rotary@gmail.com (FishHawk-Riverview) or Debbie Meegan at debbiemeeganrotary@gmail.com (Brandon).

UNIVERSALCLASS, AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM, IS BEING OFFERED BY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY COOPERATIVE

Often people looking to expand or continue their education struggle to ﬁnd the time. Fortunately, there is a program being ofered by Hillsborough County Public Libraries Cooperative (HCPLC) called UniversalClass that is host to more than 600 online courses which are totally self-paced, meaning you can do these courses on your own time, and you are not required to check in at a particular time or date.

By Gunnar Wagner

For example, you could take a course to learn more about subjects as varied as the Salem Witch Trials to learning legal terminology to acquire a better understanding of what words like ‘pro bono’ and ‘escrow’ mean.

Once you have completed a course(s), you can earn certiﬁcates and/or continuing education units (CEUs), which are often required in various ﬁelds of employment. Additionally, it will document how many CEUs you have earned and how much time you have spent working on the course(s), as well as immortalize your completion of the course(s). This will allow you to, if you want to, build your online portfolio and share your accomplishments with others, including employers or potential employers.

A course through UniversalClass is much like any other online course; there are lessons, assignments, exams, discussion boards

and assessments of your progress.

“UniversalClass is much like LinkedIn Learning in that it’s self-paced and the courses can be done on your own time.” said Marie Miller, a librarian working with HCPLC.

Miller also said that in order for one to access this program, all that is needed is a library card.

“It’s an outside program and database, and users can access it for free by using their library card,” she explained.

So, if you are one that ﬁnds yourself in a tight spot regarding time and want to do something online while learning more about subjects that interest you, then check out UniversalClass for a program that is truly extraordinary and quite a timesaver for those who might be in the same situation as you.

For more information about UniversalClass and what courses are available, visit https://hcplc.org/research/online-learning and click the UniversalClass link. Also, you can get a library card either by going to your local library or by visiting https://hcplc.org/ account/get-a-card. And ﬁnally, you can call HCPLC at 813-273-3652 or text 813-3521972 or its backup, 813-352-1603, to learn more about other services that are ofered by HCPLC.

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From September 1st until September 30th, Dawn Myers (Myers Law P.A.) and David Segui (iSmash Tampa), both dedicated community leaders, will be campaigning hard, raising funds for their chosen charities, and showcasing their vision for East Hillsborough.

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Visit www.valricofshhawk.org for more information about each candidate and their upcoming fundraising events. This is your chance to get involved and help raise funds for our next Honorary Mayor!

Tis is just one of many courses that are available on UniversalClass.

9TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT TO SUPPORT VETERANS IN NEED

Hillsborough County

Veterans Helping Veterans will host its ninth annual golf tournament on Saturday, September 28, in order to continue its fundraising eforts for helping veterans around the county who are in need.

According to Mike O’Dell, president of the organization, “The golf tournament will take place at Summerﬁeld Crossings Golf Club from 7 a.m., the time when preregistered golfers can check in, to 3 p.m., when the tournament ends.”

Lunch will be provided by East Coast Pizza at 1 p.m., and there will also be an award ceremony, along with a few auctions and even a few rafes. The awards will consist of ﬁrst place, second place, longest drive and closest to the pin.

“The goal for this year is to get $30,000 or more, all of which will go to helping our local veterans in need,” said O’Dell.

Tickets for a foursome are $500, while individual tickets are $125. The tournament is still looking for more sponsors, with sponsorship levels beginning at $250 for a hole sponsorship.

This year’s Medal of Honor sponsor is Pop a Beer Bar & Grill, a veteran-owned and operated restaurant in Tampa.

O’Dell said that the biggest challenge this year has been obtaining donations

By Gunnar Wagner

and sponsors to sponsor the diferent holes around the golf course.

The tournament is a signiﬁcant annual fundraiser for Veterans Helping Veterans, a nonproﬁt that encourages support of veterans in Hillsborough County and provides support for their basic needs.

According to its mission statement, “Veterans Helping Veterans provides timely, temporary emergency assistance to local Bay Area needy veterans as a last resort when no other resources are available while bridging the gap with federal, state and county veteran programs. Provide assistance with necessary utilities, transportation, food, shelter and clothing to meet a veteran’s basic needs. Support the mission of local veteran programs.”

The event is going to be held at 13050 Summerﬁeld Blvd. of Big Bend Road in Riverview. In order to support the event, golfers can preregister for the event, and companies or groups can procure one of its 12 sponsorship level options by visiting https://ezregister.com/events/39255/.

For more information, contact O’Dell at 813-765-2706 or mikehelpsvets@ gmail.com or the Veterans Helping Veterans website at www.hcveteranshelpingveterans.org.

HART OFFERS FREE RIDES TO SAFETY DURING EMERGENCIES

When the weather turns foul and emergency ofcials give the word to evacuate a neighborhood, some residents can ﬁnd themselves with the problem of having no way to leave.

One option is the emergency evacuation bus service operated by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART). The service provides transportation for people who don’t have a car or other method of getting out of harm’s way during severe weather conditions or other disasters. HART operates when an ofcial emergency evacuation order is issued and it is directed to support evacuation eforts.

According to the transit agency’s website, “Emergency bus service is free. For the safety of our bus operators, buses will operate during daylight hours only. Service will be suspended when the Emergency Operations Center advises HART to remove vehicles of the road or when sustained winds reach 35 miles per hour.”

HART’s emergency evacuation bus service is a vital public service designed to assist residents in evacuating safely and efciently during emergencies. Regular bus service will not operate when emergency evacuation services are being provided.

The evacuation buses running along emergency routes take riders to one of four transfer centers for further transpor-

By Brad Stager

tation to a county shelter. The four emergency route destinations are: the Netpark, Northwest and Yukon transfer centers and the University Area Transit Center. For example, Route 38, which runs through the middle of Brandon along Parsons Avenue, will deliver riders to the Netpark Transfer Center, as will Route 37, which departs from Brandon Exchange (formerly known as Brandon Mall). Not all routes operate during emergency operations, and riders need to stay informed about the most current weather conditions and how transportation is afected.

Beth Shields Middle School in Ruskin serves as a county evacuation shelter that may be activated if emergency ofcials decide it is necessary. It is served by HARTFlex South, and riders can call 813-254-HART (4278) anytime between 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Sunday, to plan ahead for emergency transportation needs.

Riders who count on HART to provide transportation service can keep track of service status during bad weather and, when it is a ﬁne day, by checking with the transit agency’s blog at https://gohart.blogspot.com/, as well as its Facebook and Twitter pages. You can also call the HART InfoLine at 813-254-4278 for the latest service information and visit www.gohart.org for maps, schedules and more information.

Hillsborough County Veterans Helping Veterans is hosting its ninth annual golf tournament near the end of September.

Te Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority operates its emergency evacuation bus service during ofcially declared emergencies.

jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Local Girl Scout Aims To Make Waves Against Plastic Pollution

Ava Boehmer, a member of local Girl Scout Troop 889, is working toward her Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. After spending time living in Hawaii, Boehmer felt compelled to educate her community about plastic pollution and its harmful impact on marine life.

To further her mission, Boehmer has launched her own website, https://avags23project.my.canva.site/, which serves as a valuable resource for ongoing education and information.

Community support is crucial for Boehmer’s project to thrive. Residents are encouraged to follow her journey on Facebook to stay updated on her initiatives and learn how they can contribute to her mission. Follow Boehmer on Facebook at www.facebook.com/proﬁle. php?id=61563488375819.

Let’s Talk Dementia

information or to RSVP, please contact CherylAnn at sandysdaughter@outlook. com or text 941-626-7447.

East Hillsborough Democratic Club Meetings

The East Hillsborough Democratic Club invites all like-minded individuals to the Tuesday, September 10, meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Brandon Crossroads Bowl, located at 609 Crater Ln. in Tampa. Please visit the calendar on the club website at www.easthillsboroughdems.org to register and check for updates, or call 813-646-6324.

Sandy’s Daughter LLC will be hosting informational Let’s Talk Dementia support group meetings for dementia care partners at three diferent locations. Hawthorne Inn and Estates, located at 859 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon, will host on Tuesday, September 3, at 10:30 a.m. Superior Residences of Brandon, located at 1819 Providence Ridge Blvd. in Brandon, will host on Tuesday, September 17, at 3 p.m. Savannah Court of Brandon, located at 824 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon, will host on Tuesday, September 24, at 5 p.m.

These sessions ofer support for care partners, dementia education and available local community resources and are designed to support those living with brain change and the care partners who help them. For more

The monthly meeting of the Democratic Women’s Club of Southeast Hillsborough County will be held at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, located at 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, on Thursday, September 5, at 6:30 p.m., with a meet and greet starting at 6 p.m. The speaker for the meeting will be a candidate for the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, Sean Shaw. For more information, please email sedwcinfo@ gmail.com or call 813 503 8639.

Christmas In Te Country At Cracker Country

At Christmas in the Country, families and friends will have the opportunity to experience a 19th-century Florida Christmas. This annual event celebrates the holiday traditions of 1890s rural Florida and ofers guests the chance to join in many of the featured lifestyle activities from the period. Christmas in the Country will be held at Cracker Country, located at the Florida State Fairgrounds at 4800 U.S. 301 N. in Tampa on December 14 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Advanced tickets are required and can be purchased at www. crackercountry.org/events/christmasdec14.

STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE PROVIDES ONLINE SAFETY TIPS FOR FAMILIES

As prosecutors, we unfortunately see many cases where predators gain access to children through the internet. As much as parents attempt to limit their child’s time on social media and other apps, the internet has become an essential tool for communicating, socializing and learning. As your student heads back to school, it’s an ideal time to engage in meaningful conversations together about staying safe online.

The state attorney’s o f ce will continue to hold online predators accountable. But if we can educate families about online safety tools, together we can try to prevent predators from victimizing children in the ﬁ rst place. Considering statistics show more than 50 percent of children have their own smartphone by the age of 11, it is never too early to begin talking to your kids about threats online.

Remind your child to only connect online with people they know and trust in real life. Take matters into your own hands by ensuring privacy settings are updated on your child’s social media accounts. This limits who can see their proﬁ le, as well as personal information like location and photos. Digital footprints are permanent, so this also protects them from oversharing online. Let them know that ‘sexting’ is not allowed and can carry serious legal consequences to both them and anyone they share

images with. Supervising your child’s online activity will also help to spot potential signs of abuse. If your child knows you are watching, they may be more open to talking to you about any potential threats. Oftentimes, victims will attempt to conceal their online activity, act withdrawn or even experience mood changes. If you ever suspect any sexual exploitation of a child online, you should immediately contact law enforcement.

Our o f ce’s Special Victims Unit is a talented team of nine attorneys who handle all sex crimes, which includes those that involve online predators. We will continue to ﬁ ght to ensure anyone who takes advantage of a child will face consequences. If we can work to educate our community about proactive steps we can take together, our children will be safer online and in life.

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.”

Girl Scout Ava Boehmer educating other Girl Scouts about plastic pollution and its harmful impact on marine life.

State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

State Attorney Suzy Lopez

FACES OF COURAGE — 20 YEARS OF HOPE AND FUN TO CANCER PATIENTS

The Faces of Courage (FOC) Foundation is a local nonproﬁt that was founded by Peggie Sherry in 2004.

FOC provides free day outings, educational workshops and medically supervised overnight camps for women, children and families who have been afected by all types of cancer and blood disorders. Celebrating 20 years of providing programs to participants at no cost is an achievement that Sherry is proud of.

By Kelly Wise Valdes

out an enormous marketing budget like some other charitable organizations.”

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY OFFERS SIX OPTIONS TO GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL

By Linda Chion

“For the past 20 years I have had the privilege and honor to work with the most amazing people. Some of our volunteers have been with me from the very beginning,” said Sherry. “When it comes to the cancer survivors we have served, you could ﬁll books with incredible stories of bravery, determination and hope.”

According to Sherry, running this organization brings many emotions to the table.

“This job is the best of the best and the worst of the worst jobs,” said Sherry. “We are constantly amazed by the campers and the joy they get from what most of us would think of as simple things. Facing your mortality much earlier than expected changes how you view everything.”

The programs and camps ofered for FOC depend greatly on the support of the community, including fundraising and volunteering. “Grassroots organizations rarely spend their funding on advertising and marketing,” said Sherry. “We choose to put our donors’ funding directly into programs. Therefore, you have the challenge of fundraising with-

FOC’s next event will be the Women’s Cancer Retreat held at Rotary’s Camp Florida from Friday, September 13, through Sunday, September 15. This camp will host 60 adult cancer survivors from around the nation, Canada and the islands. Then on Sunday, October 6, will be the ﬁfth annual Sail Away from Cancer event sponsored by Davis Island Yacht Club, where 300 survivors and guests will board 17 sailing yachts for a sunset sail, then return to a gourmet meal at the clubhouse. The ﬁrst weekend of December will be the annual Santa’s Workshop Weekend cancer camp for children ages 2-12 who have been diagnosed with any type of cancer or blood disorder and their well siblings.

“We are able to provide programs at no cost to participants through the generosity of corporate sponsors; civic, social and service organizations; individual donors; grants; fundraisers; and bequests,” said Sherry. “Individuals and corporations can help us by hosting outings, providing volunteers, sponsoring events and programs, cash donations, in-kind items or services, tickets to area sports and entertainment venues and gift cards to grocery stores and/or discount department stores.”

Faces of Courage is located at 10006 Cross Creek Blvd., Ste. 519 in Tampa. For more information, call 813-948-7478 or visit https://facesofcourage.org/.

Students seeking diplomas have a number of choices in the Hillsborough County school district, which is why parents and students, as the high school years approach and advance, have a lot to discuss at open house and conference meetings with educators and guidance counselors.

EAST BAY LENNARD

RIVERVIEW SUMNER

En route to graduation, seniors have a number of diploma options to pursue. It pays to learn early which option best suits each child’s needs.

In a late July interview, Christina ‘Christie’ Raburn, the district’s executive director of high school programs, reviewed the types of degrees ofered, giving numbers for the class of 2023. The numbers for the 2024 school year had not yet been ﬁnalized, as summer graduations had only recently been completed.

As for the class of 2023, Hillsborough County school ofcials awarded 13,766 diplomas, which amounted to an 86.2 percent graduation rate, Raburn said.

Options leading to standard diplomas include successful completion of the 24-credit option (including required and elective courses), the 18-credit Academically Challenging Curriculum to Enhance Learning (ACCEL) option (with fewer required electives), the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Also in play, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway.

Students in the 2023 graduating class from Jule F. Sumner High School in Balm/ Riverview were the ﬁrst to earn the AICE

diploma, and 79 students did just that. AICE prepares students for college at a more intensive pace than traditional coursework. AICE courses now are available at all traditional high schools.

Meanwhile, the IB program, a rigorous, preuniversity program for the highly motivated student, is ofered through magnet school studies at Alonso, Hillsborough, King, Robinson and Strawberry Crest high schools. In all, 356 students earned the IB diploma in 2023.

Obtaining either the IB or Cambridge AICE diploma, with the required community service hours, provides eligibility for Bright Futures scholarships without meeting the SAT/ACT score requirements.

Moreover, 591 graduating seniors in 2023 earned the General Educational Development (GED) credential, also known as a high school equivalency diploma. Typically earned by adult students, students as young as 16 can opt to earn the GED, Raburn said.

“Students deﬁnitely have options, and that’s a good thing,” Raburn said. “Come to school for open house or some other type of parent and community meeting and ask all those questions and see what’s available at your school, as it pertains to diploma choices, requirements and expectations. If a parent or student doesn’t attend, they might miss out on useful information.”

To learn more, visit the online website at www.hillsboroughschools.org.

basic soccer skills, teamwork, and a love for the game through age-appropriate activities and games. Join us and watch your little one thrive

Faces of Courage is a nonproft organization that has been providing free camps and workshops for cancer patients for 20 years.

Tat 1 Painter Tampa - Bradenton Brings Your Vision To Life

Locally woman owned business That 1 Painter Tampa - Bradenton is committed to providing exceptional services to homeowners and business. It specializes in delivering professional services, including interior and exterior paint, epoxy floors, cabinet refinishing, popcorn ceiling removal, stucco repair and more, that exceed expectations. Let That 1 Painter Tampa - Bradenton bring your vision to life and transform your space into something extraordinary. Visit https:// tampa-florida.that1painter.com/ or call 813413-1684 for more details and to schedule a quote.

Executive Home Care Expands To Tampa Bay Area

Executive Home Care, a nationally recognized leader of in-home care for seniors and disabled persons, proudly announces the opening of its newest franchise, Executive Home Care of South East Tampa. The Brandon location, locally owned and operated by Jason and Claudia Mirabella, brings personalized, high-quality care services to the community, including Brandon, Valrico, Lithia, Riverview, Sun City Center, Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Gibsonton and Wimauma.

Services ofered by Executive Home Care of South East Tampa will include personalized care plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each client; 24/7 support from trained caregivers who ofer round-the-clock assistance; specialized programs, including care for Alzheimer’s and dementia; and hospital-to-home transition assistance. Visit

https://executivehomecare.com/south-easttampa/ or call 813-688-0619.

Perspire Sauna Studio Celebrates

Opening With A Ribbon-cutting

Perspire Sauna Studio recently celebrated its opening of its Riverview location at 11212 Sullivan St. with a ribbon-cutting from the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce. The infrared studios use near, mid and far-infrared waves to heat your body from within and allow you to reap the beneﬁts of sweating. These waves are able to deeply penetrate the skin, muscles, joints and tissues to improve blood circulation and help to detoxify the body by removing impurities at the cellular level. The suites are private, and sessions are 40 minutes long. Visit www. perspiresaunastudio.com or call 813-6941399 for additional information.

Medicare Seminars

Medicare specialist Marcie Maisonet and Robyn Payant, president of Payant Insurance Solutions, are hosting several Medicare seminars at two locations. The Kings Point location at 1000 Kings Blvd. in Sun City Center

will host seminars on Wednesday and Thursday, October 2 and 17. Payant Wealth Management, located at Payant Financial Plaza at 1653 Sun City Center Plaza in Sun City Center, will host seminars on Tuesday and Friday, October 8 and 11. All seminars will begin at 10 a.m. For additional information, please call 813-634-7001 or visit www.payantwealthmanagementgroup.com.

HCA Partners With ECHO

HCA Florida Brandon Hospital has partnered with Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO) to provide clothing essentials to patients in need.

Brandon Hospital now has ECHO’s Closet located in the emergency department. It provides clothing of all sizes for men, women and children who may have had their clothing damaged in emergency care, are homeless and/or need support from the community.

Clothing donations can be dropped of at one of the ECHO Thrift locations in Brandon:

ECHO North at 424 W. Brandon Blvd. and ECHO South at 815 W. Bloomingdale Ave. Financial donations can be provided at https:// echoﬂ.org/give-today/.

First Baptist Church Concert

First Baptist Church of Gibsonton is hosting a concert on Saturday, September 8, at 6 p.m., featuring the groups Three Plus One Quartet and Gospel Truth.

Three Plus One Quartet is composed of three grandkids and ‘one old guy,’ Dixon Ayres. Ayres taught his grandkids Southern gospel songs in his car on the way to Sunday school. Ayres’ daughter Katherine, mother of grandkids Calvin and Patrick, added her talent on the piano, completing the group.

Gospel Truth was formed by Bruce Ayres with his daughters Kelli and Ginger and Bob Tiemann, and they sing the gospel songs we love.

First Baptist Church of Gibsonton is located at 9912 Indiana St, Gibsonton. For more information, call its ofce at 813-677-1301.

Perspire Sauna Studio celebrates its opening with a ribbon-cutting from the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce.

Jason and Claudia Mirabella, owners and operators of Executive Home Care of South East Tampa.

FORGOTTEN ANGELS GIVES HOPE TO YOUTHS AFTER FOSTER CARE

All can agree that no child should be left, in any situation, without a safe place to live. Ensuring that children grow up and are fostered in a safe and nurturing home is crucial to their development into later years. The problem with our foster system is that once these children ‘age out’ of their homes, they have nowhere to land their feet and start their lives on their own.

That is why the organization Forgotten Angels was started.

Founded by Cindy Tilley, a Valrico resident, her mission touches close to home. She grew up in a foster care setting and understands how tough the times are for the kids. Knowing the needs and wants of the children and teens from a personal perspective is what makes the organization so wonderful.

In August, Forgotten Angels will celebrate its 10th year of serving its community and children. The main goal is to make sure no kids who age out of foster care end up homeless and at risk. It ensures that they get their high school diplomas and other vital life skills to help them land on their feet, such as “getting a driver’s license,

By Alisa Gershman

[opening] a bank account and their credit,” said Tilley.

She mentioned as well that Forgotten Angels will even “take donated cars, which we pass on to our youth to help them become independent to get to school and work.”

The organization also ensures that holidays are a special time for the kids. It provides toys and presents for them under the Christmas tree, as well as stocking stufers, such as gift cards and candy. And some of the children who no longer live on the property come back around the holidays to join their family in the festivities.

Tilley aims to eventually open a Forgotten Angels location in every state, and she is currently working on opening one in Oregon.

Donations on its website are greatly appreciated, as are gift cards for the residents, which can be sent to the facility.

Forgotten Angels is located at 3604 Little Stearns Rd. in Valrico. For more information, visit www.forgottenangelsﬂ orida.org or call 813-812-0120.

KIWANIS CLUB OF BRANDON HOSTS 23RD ANNUAL TERRIFIC KIDS GOLF TOURNAMENT AT BUCKHORN SPRINGS

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon will host its 23rd annual Terriﬁc Kids Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 17, at Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club. Registration starts at 11 a.m. and tee of starts at 12:30 p.m. A foursome team costs $600 and hole sponsorships are available for $150 each.

“Our friends at Cardinal Roofing will be helping with the ball drop with one of their lift trucks at 11:55 a.m.,” said tournament director and Kiwanis member Dustie Amatangelo. “The lucky winner will receive $500 for the first ball in the hole at the putting green outside the clubhouse. Ball drop tickets are $10; you can purchase on our website, golfwithkiwanis.org. We are looking to have a full field and a beautiful day playing golf. We will have rafe prizes, food on the course and drinks throughout the day.”

The Kiwanis’ goal for this year’s tournament is to net $15K in proﬁt.

“Our club supports so many programs in the Brandon/Riverview area that this revenue will allow us to do more in our community,” Amatangelo said. “We are still looking for sponsors and volunteers from the community and we still have many sponsorship levels available.”

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon was established in May 1960 and continues today to serve the Greater Brandon

By Libby Hopkins

community, especially its children.

“The Brandon Kiwanis club has been serving our community for 53 years now,” Amatangelo said. “Our focus is service through leadership with our local schools. We teach our students what it means to be good leaders and how to give back to the community.”

The Terriﬁc Kids Golf Tournament is the only fundraiser for the Kiwanis this year.

“It supports 20 Terriﬁc Kids programs at our local elementary schools in Brandon and six Key Club programs at local high schools as well,” Amatangelo said. “The Kiwanis Club supports books for children in preschool through a partnership with Goodwill. Kiwanis Kicks is our shoe program that provides shoes for children in need and feeding food-insecure children through a partnership with Mosaic. We operate on volunteers, no paid positions, just a passion to make the world a better place through our children. We all love what we do.”

Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club is located at 2721 S. Miller Rd. in Valrico. If you would like to be a sponsor for the Kiwanis’ upcoming golf tournament, you can contact Amatangelo at adustie15@ gmail.com or call her at 813-294-0645. If you would like to learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon, you can visit its website at https://brandonkiwanis.org/.

Christmas is always loads of fun at Forgotten Angels, with visits from Santa and even the Grinch.

Cindy Tilley makes it a priority that all the children graduate with high school degrees, to set them up for success as they navigate life.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon will host its 23rd annual Terrifc Kids Golf Tournament on Tursday, October 17, at Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club in Valrico.

“Freedom

TAMPA BAY COFFEE AND ART FESTIVAL SET FOR OCTOBER 12

Cofee drinkers, do you consider yourself to be ‘craft curious’?

If so, make a note on your calendar for the second Saturday in October to attend the seventh annual Tampa Bay Cofee and Art Festival (TBCAF), a public event that features independent coffee roasters, artists and performers from around the Tampa Bay area and beyond.

Tis year’s Tampa Bay Cofee and Art Festival will be held Saturday, October 12, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Te Noise Box, located at 1310

Event organizer Thom Schultz said the festival ofers a convenient chance for people who are curious about craft cofee to sample what the local roasting scene ofers.

By Brad Stager

According to Schultz, the higher goals of the festival, as well as other events hosted by The Noise Box, go beyond the quest for a satisfying cup of cofee and intriguing art.

FLOORINGMASTER SHOWROOM IN THE HEART OF RIVERVIEW

By Sharon Still

— they’re seeking inspiration and a partner they can trust,” added Mejio. “We ofer a unique combination of stability, tailored services and efciency that resonates with our customers.”

“Part of ﬁnding a new at-home cofee is trying a bunch of diferent ones and seeing which one you like. At the Tampa Bay Cofee and Art Festival, you get the opportunity to come in and try anywhere from six to 10 diferent roasters, all in one day.”

The celebration of cofee and art has become a popular cultural event in the Greater Brandon area that also features performing musicians and craft vendors, as well as food trucks, to generate a festive atmosphere. There will also be a high school student art contest, and Disney animation team member Peter Raymundo will make an appearance to meet and greet fans of ﬁlms. He has worked on ﬁlms such as Lilo and Stitch, Mulan and Tarzan.

“The mission is to inform, inspire and empower creative individuals to use their passions for the good of others,” he said.

Schultz added that many artists who have shown their work at TBCAF beneﬁted from the exposure by receiving opportunities to display their eforts at area galleries.

The deadline for vendors and artists to apply is Saturday, September 28.

The 2024 Tampa Bay Cofee and Art Festival will be held Saturday, October 12, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Noise Box events venue, located at 1310 John Moore Rd. in Brandon. Early-bird tickets purchased online before Friday, September 13, are $12, with tickets then costing $15 until Friday, October 11, and $20 the day of the festival. Admission is free for kids 12 and younger when accompanied by an adult.

You can keep informed with the latest information about the Tampa Bay Cofee and Art Festival by visiting www.tampabaycofeeandartfestival.com, where there are links to event social media pages with the most up-to-date information.

Personalized service and high-quality ﬂooring solutions are the cornerstones of business for FlooringMaster, which has been serving Central Florida for nearly 20 years. The ﬁrst FlooringMaster store opened in Brandon in 2005, and in 2023 the company unveiled a showroom in the heart of the Riverview community.

“Riverview represents a growing community with a strong demand for quality home improvement services, making it an ideal location for our expansion,” said owner Camilo Mejio. “By opening a showroom here, we’re making it easier for Riverview homeowners to access our expert advice, extensive selection and top-notch installation services.”

Mejio explained that the company’s mission of providing exceptional ﬂooring solutions combined with outstanding customer service has remained the same as the company grew over the years to include showrooms in Riverview, Lutz, Orlando and Apopka.

“Our tailored services, expert consultations and ﬁve-year installation guarantee ensure that customers receive a higher-quality experience and long-term peace of mind,” commented Mejio.

When it comes to ﬂoor coverings, FlooringMaster has it all: carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, vinyl and specialty products such as bamboo and slate from manufacturers in North America and all over the world.

“We have a deep understanding that our customers aren’t just looking for ﬂooring

All of the top brands are available, including Bruce, Mohawk and Parkay, plus exclusive products that one cannot ﬁnd at big box stores, including specialized lines of eco-friendly ﬂooring and custom-order options.

Mejio said that luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring continues to be a popular choice due to its durability, afordability and ability to mimic the look of hardwood. He added that there has recently been a resurgence in the popularity of laminate flooring as with technological advancements, modern laminate floors are water resistant and a healthier choice for indoor air quality.

He refers to the showrooms as “inspiration centers” where customers can explore and visualize how diferent ﬂooring options will transform their spaces. Customers work one-on-one with a consultant who will visit their homes with samples.

“This focus on inspiration and local expertise is a cornerstone of our approach,” Mejio explained.

FlooringMaster is located at 11531 Balm Riverview Rd., at the corner of McMullen and Balm Riverview roads. Store hours are 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday. Please call 813-714-7232 or visit the website at www. ﬂooringmaster.com for more information.

Te team at FlooringMaster is ready to help area residents transform their living spaces with top-quality fooring options.

John Moore Rd. in Brandon.

ALIGN RIGHT REALTY CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF BEING THE COMMUNITY’S FULL-SERVICE BROKERAGE

Lisa Tackus is a real estate broker and the owner of Align Right Realty in Riverview and in Tampa.

“I am a native Floridian and have lived in the Riverview/SouthShore area for the past 25 years,” Tackus said. “I am a real estate broker and have owned Align Right Realty Riverview for more than ﬁve years and been in the real estate industry for more than 20 years.”

At Align Right Realty, Tackus and her staf believe their clients are deserving and capable of owning their own home.

Align Right Realty celebrated fve years of being the Riverview community’s full-service brokerage. Lisa Tackus is a real estate broker and the owner of Align Right Realty in Riverview and Tampa.

“Our goal at Align Right Realty is to educate and guide you as you realize your real estate dreams,” Tackus said. “To achieve this goal, we provide our brokers and agents industry-leading training, technology, marketing and branding tools paired with unmatched ofce support and culture, thus equipping our team to serve your residential and commercial real estate needs and provide an excellent experience. Whether you are buying or selling, your ﬁrst property or your last, we’re excited to make your real estate dreams come true.”

Align Right Realty is celebrating its ﬁveyear anniversary.

“Align Right Realty is a multistate franchise that began operating in 2019,” Tackus said. “The Riverview ofce is the ﬁrst franchisee, and currently there are more than 20 franchises in ﬁve diferent states and

By Libby Hopkins

growing. We pride ourselves on being a full-service brokerage where the broker is available to agents for 1:1 meetings, trainings, supports and events. We focus on residential and commercial real estate and assist in rentals as well. Our agents are provided quality training and support at the ofce as well as livestreamed trainings to meet all schedules. We are proud of the support and service we provide to our buyers and sellers. We utilize our community partners by having in-house and preferred vendors for lending, title, insurance, inspections and so much more.”

Tackus and her staf are excited about their upcoming anniversary celebration.

“We plan to have a ribbon-cutting and invite the local chamber of commerce and community partners to celebrate,” Tackus said. “Additionally, we will have a celebration with our agents and their families at a family event to highlight and recognize all of their hard work over the years, as our brokerage success could not have happened without them.”

If you would like to learn more about Align Right Realty and the services they ofer, you can visit their website at https:// alignrightriverview.com or call Tackus at 813-563-5995. Align Right Realty is located at 11962 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview.

‘WIDDLE’ KITTENS AWAIT FOREVER FAMILIES AT KITTEN CLUB

The Widdle Kitten Club animal rescue service, owned and run by Kristen Sterner, provides kittens with the medical attention and resources they need to lead a happy life. Sterner fosters for St. Francis Society Animal Rescue, which provides medical care and food for the kittens.

Sterner began fostering after the loss of her ﬁrst kitten due to a lack of availability of medical resources. Sterner was inspired to be certain that kittens could receive the medical attention and personal care needed to survive.

Widdle Kitten Club started as Sterner began fostering for St. Francis Society Animal Rescue two years ago. St. Francis Society Animal Rescue is a homebased foster, meaning that every kitten the Widdle Kitten Club takes in lives at Sterner’s house, where she is fully responsible for their care.

Widdle Kitten Club currently fosters 11 kittens. Four are adult cats, two are weaning kittens and ﬁve are neonatal kittens that are still being fully bottle-fed.

Widdle Kitten Club primarily fosters neonatal kittens because of the high risk they are often in at animal shelters. All kittens are microchipped, spayed or neutered and vetted before they are available

By Sara Kitchin

for adoption.

“I would really love everyone to know the importance of spaying and neutering,” said Sterner. “Not only their companion animals but the community animals as well. We are in an overpopulation crisis. Shelters are overloaded and full, so companion animals are being euthanized for space. Rescues can’t save everyone.”

Widdle Kitten Club got its name from a kitten that was rescued from the euthanasia list at a local shelter. Sterner rescued this kitten, which has chronic upper respiratory issue, and named him Widdle. Widdle developed this condition and a lip disﬁguration from being tossed out of a car as a young kitten. Widdle Kitten Club helps to foster kittens like Widdle through rehabilitation.

“We as a community need to come together and never buy from breeders or pet shops,” said Sterner. “Always adopt from rescues and your local shelter.”

Fostered kittens are promoted for adoption by Widdle Kitten club. Pictures and further information about the kittens are accessible through Instagram @widdlekittenclub. Visit Widdle Kitten Club’s link tree for donations and facts at https:// linktr.ee/widdlekittenclub.

Widdle became the namesake of Widdle Kitten Club after his successful rehabilitation.

CASEY DESANTIS IS KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT ALL PRO PASTOR’S BREAKFAST

More than 600 attendees are expected to gather together for breakfast, prayer, worship and fellowship at All Pro Pastors’ annual Central Florida Leadership Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, September 25.

This special event is organized by All Pro Pastors, a nonproﬁt organization founded in 2003 to provide a platform for pastors to come together, support each other and ﬁnd accountability. This is the fourth annual Prayer Breakfast and originated in order to minister to the community, church, civic, government and business leaders, bringing an inspirational message of hope.

Terri Parke is the prayer coordinator for All Pro Pastors. “Attendees can expect good food, fellowship, encouragement, inspiration and prayer,” said Parke. “They will be truly blessed for attending. Attendees will also have the chance to hear the gospel, so it’s a great opportunity to invite friends and family to hear the gospel message.”

The keynote speaker this year is Florida’s ﬁrst lady Casey DeSantis, and she will be bringing a message of encouragement and hope. DeSantis has been traveling the state, sharing her testimony and inspiring others to get out in the community and spread hope.

Pastor Paul K. Blair will be the other

By Kelly Wise Valdes

guest speaker bringing a life-impacting message to the attendees. As a former NFL player and college football star, he knows what it takes to be a great leader. Blair is currently a pastor in Oklahoma and founder of Liberty Pastors. His message will challenge and inspire everyone. Parke is excited about this year’s event.

“It is a coming together for the community,” said Parke. “We all need encouragement, support and get ‘our batteries recharged.’ I love knowing that people are being refreshed like a cool cup of water for the thirsty. You will leave the event ready to take on the world with a full stomach, a full heart and to walk boldly in your faith.”

The doors open at 6 a.m. and the event takes place from 6:30-9 a.m. Fred’s Market will provide a bufet-style breakfast. There are sponsorships available and tickets for purchase through the All Pro Pastors website. Sponsoring a table will help cover the event’s costs and have your organization/ church name recognized in the program. The breakfast is being held at the Florida Strawberry Festival Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center at 2508 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City. Parking is free. For more information on attending and table sponsorship, visit https://allpropastors.org/.

EVERYDAY BLESSINGS ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT SWING FOR SIBLINGS

For over 25 years, Everyday Blessings has been dedicated to serving children and families in foster care.

“As a local nonproﬁt, all the support we receive directly beneﬁts the children in our care,” said Everyday Blessings’ development coordinator, Kayla Nevadomski. “Since opening in 2010, our program has served 790 children and 329 sibling groups.”

What makes Everyday Blessings unique is how it strives to keep sibling groups together, allowing them to maintain their bonds and support one another during one of the most challenging times in their young lives.

As a residential child caring agency, its focus is to provide high-quality care in a homelike environment for these sibling groups through a live-in caregiver model.

“In addition, we provide services such as medical oversight, crisis intervention, case management, tutoring and developmental day care while working alongside guardians, case managers, placement agencies, government ofcials and the children’s families, with the ultimate goal of each child’s transition into a safe, stable and more permanent home,” Nevadomski said.

Everyday Blessings will be hosting its 12th annual golf tournament, Swing for Siblings, on Monday, December 2, at the River Hills Country Club in Valrico. The shotgun start is at 9 a.m., and the cost is $640 per foursome and $160 for individual players.

“Your participation in our tournament allows us to continue our mission of providing

By Libby Hopkins

the highest quality of care for children and youth in the foster care system,” Nevadomski said. “For the past 12 years, our annual fall golf tournament has had incredible support and participation from our community. We’ve listened to feedback from previous years and are working to make the event even more enjoyable for participants.”

Everyday Blessings is actively seeking sponsorships and volunteers for the tournament. Sponsorship levels range from $250-$10,000, ofering various beneﬁts such as branding opportunities, recognition at the event and social media and website exposure. More information on sponsorship levels can be found on the event’s website, https://givebutter.com/everydayblessings-golf-tournament.

“We’re also seeking ofcial in-kind sponsors,” Nevadomski said. “For us to make our fundraising event a success, we need to collect exciting items that will create impact and participation at the tournament’s silent auction and chance rafe program. In-kind contributions can be provided in many ways, such as physical merchandise, gift cards or certiﬁcates for products and/or services.” If you would like to learn more about Everyday Blessings or be a part of its upcoming golf tournament, you can visit its website at https://everydayblessingsinc.org/ or contact Nevadomski at knevadomski@ everydayblessingsinc.org or 813-982-9226, ext. 227.

Everyday Blessings is hosting its 12th annual golf tournament, Swing for Siblings, on Monday, December 2, at the River Hills Country Club in Valrico.

TAOIST TAI CHI CLASSES AIM TO IMPROVE THE MIND, BODY AND SOUL

The Taoist Tai Chi Society came to Brandon 34 years ago and continues today to o f er classes in strength, flexibility and stillness in an e f ort to help area residents improve their health and ﬁ nd energy, balance and joy. According to Wikipedia, Taoist tai chi arts grew from the Taoist tradition, which teaches that health comes when the body, mind and spirit are one.

By Sharon Still

practices for more than ﬁ ve decades and has seen ﬁ rsthand the benefits they have on people’s lives. He tells stories of

“The real aspect of Taoism we use and teach is one of experience and trying to improve ourselves,” explained the Greater Tampa branch leader and leader in training, Joe Amodei.

“One could even say someone in a 12step program or anger management classes is a practicing Taoist since they are trying to change and improve themselves,” he added.

Amodei said that even in a simple introductory class, participants learn to open their heart to others. The lessons in the tai chi sessions contain exercises, known as moving meditation, and are intended to extend to all aspects of life: physically, mentally and spiritually.

When it comes to health problems, such as chronic pain, stress, anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or the like, Taoist tai chi practices are said to improve one’s overall being.

Amodei has been involved with these

people going from a wheelchair to a cane or reversing the effects of a stroke after putting work into tai chi.

Participants are asked to register as members, and the organization is donation-based. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Locally, there are about 45 regular attendees, averaging around age 65, down from 250 attendees before the pandemic.

“Our goal in Brandon and Greater Tampa as a branch is the same as the International Taoist Tai Chi Society, to alleviate su f ering in the world, to make the Taoist tai chi arts available to all who wish to participate, to promote their health-improving qualities, to promote cultural exchange and to help others, whether through tai chi or other community charities and events,” Amodei stated.

For those interested in getting involved, introductory classes are held from 10-11 a.m. at Brandon Christian Church, located at 910 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. Retreats are o f ered through the international center, based in Dunedin. For information, visit www.taoisttaichi.org or call 877-398-1108.

BUCHANAN, BARRAGÁN INTRODUCE ALZHEIMER’S LAW ENFORCEMENT

EDUCATION ACT

Congressman Vern Buchanan, vice chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and chairman of the Health Subcommittee, announced that he has introduced the Alzheimer’s Law Enforcement Education Act with Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-CA). This legislation would establish a new training course for law enforcement ofcers responding to Alzheimer’s patients.

Bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Vern Buchanan and Congresswoman Nanette Barragán.

“I’m thrilled to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Congresswoman Barragán to ensure our nation’s law enforcement are better trained and equipped when dealing with delicate situations involving Alzheimer’s patients,” said Buchanan. “As someone who represents one of the oldest districts in the country, I believe it’s paramount that our nation’s law enforcement ofcers have the tools necessary to ensure folks with Alzheimer’s are treated with dignity and respect in emergency situations.”

“Without awareness and training on how to interact with individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia, situations involving law enforcement can often escalate. The Alzheimer’s Law Enforcement Education Act would prevent these misunderstandings in communities throughout the nation,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement president and Alzheimer’s Association chief public

policy ofcer. “Thank you to Reps. Vern Buchanan and Nanette Barragán for introducing this bipartisan legislation and for your steadfast dedication to the Alzheimer’s community.”

“Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease that affects millions of Americans and the families who care for them,” said Patrick Yoes, president of the Fraternal Order of Police. “The FOP is pleased to have worked with Representatives Buchanan and Barragan to develop legislation that directs the COPS Ofce and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop a training program that will better prepare our ofcers in recognizing and interacting with those sufering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia..”

Earlier this year, Buchanan was awarded the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement Humanitarian Award from the Alzheimer’s Association. This prestigious award is given to policymakers dedicated to ﬁghting Alzheimer’s disease in Congress.

Buchanan has had 33 legislative measures signed into law since taking ofce with four initiatives signed by former President George W. Bush, six by former President Barack Obama and 13 by former President Donald Trump. He has also seen 10 legislative proposals signed into law by President Joe Biden so far. For more information, visit https://buchanan.house.gov/.

Joe Amodei, local Brandon branch leader for the Taoist Tai Chi Society, leads classes like this special session that the organization hosted in February.

EIGHT GEOLOGICAL SITES ARE AVAILABLE TO VISIT FOR FLORIDIANS AND TOURISTS

All over the country, there are special places of signiﬁcance called state geological sites, places that hold an educational, social, conservative, natural and sometimes national importance to their particular state (e.g., Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon, etc.).

So, how does Florida determine what a state geological site actually is? Per Florida statute 377.075(4)(e):

“The State Geologist … shall designate areas as ‘state geological sites’ or ‘state invertebrate paleontological sites’ pursuant to the provisions of this section, which areas are determined to be of great and continuing signiﬁcance to the scientiﬁc study and public understanding of the geological history of this state.”

And, during the process, the state geologist uses the following criteria to make their classiﬁcation on the sites: educational value, geological signiﬁcance (natural value), geoheritage (social value) and conservation.

“There are currently eight state geological sites,” said Brian Humphreys, public information specialist with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. When asked about what the closest state geological site to Valrico is, Humphreys stated, “The most recently designated state geological site in 2024, and the one closest to Valrico, is Paynes Prairie Preserve

By Gunnar Wagner

State Park. Paynes Prairie sits on top of the Ocala Limestone, a signiﬁcant geological formation that plays a crucial role in Florida’s hydrogeology.

The Ocala Limestone is porous and permeable, allowing water to move rapidly through the rock, replenishing the upper Floridan aquifer that provides drinking water for millions of Floridians.”

There are also other features to Paynes Prairie, according to Humphreys, consisting of sinkholes, springs, disappearing streams and large shallow basins created by sinkhole activity called poljes (which is Slavic for ‘ﬁeld’).

The other seven state geological sites are Jennings Bluf Tract, Torreya State Park, Falling Waters State Park, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Florida Caverns State Park, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park and Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park.

So, if you are looking to explore Florida and see all of its natural beauties, make sure to visit these fascinating state geological sites for a unique and educational experience that you and your loved ones won’t forget.

For more information about these eight state geological sites and the respective locations, visit https://ﬂoridadep.gov/fgs/outreach-edu/content/state-geological-sites.

LOCAL STRAWBERRY CREST GRADUATE HEADS TO NYU TO BEGIN PRODUCTION ON FIRST FEATURE-LENGTH FILM

Since childhood, Strawberry Crest High School graduate Arnav Jadhao has been working hard to pursue his dream of becoming a film director. Today, at 18 years old, Jadhao is months away from beginning his freshman year at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts and is in the process of creating his first-ever feature-length film.

Last year, Jadhao’s short film Teen’s Guide to Marathi was chosen as a finalist in the international Student World Impact Film Festival, and Jadhao was awarded with a chance to have a feature-length film screened by Amazon Prime Video. Enter Project FTG. Working with fellow Strawberry Crest High School alumni Rasagna Avula (producer) and Adithi Simha (production assistant), along with various other local teens, Jadhao is directing a “black comedy [film] where a group of cash-strapped teenagers hatch a plan to fund their dream summer by pulling of the ultimate scam: creating a fake charity.” FTG stands for ‘For the Girls,’ a working title. This project is a dream come true for Jadhao and his team.

“Growing up in an Indian household, film is a really big part of culture and history,” said Avula. Avula and Simha’s interest in film began when Jadhao started their school’s film club during their sophomore year. Avula and Jadhao expressed how South Asia has a rich cinematic history and a culture that celebrates theater, cinema and storytelling.

“A lot of my previous ﬁlms dealt heavily with my culture, especially because for

By Jamie Lu

South Asians there’s not a lot of representation in the media,” said Jadhao. “Obviously, that’s starting to change, and I want that to be [at] the forefront of my work.”

Jadhao strives to achieve authentic representation in his films. He wants Project FTG to feature a diverse range of people and encourages anyone to audition if they fit within the specified age range, regardless of prior experience. In the words of Simha, “it’s always good to take the first step.”

The star of Project FTG, Ridhima Bhat, has acted in all of Jadhao’s ﬁlms since they were both children.

“I like to describe her as my muse,” Jadhao said. “I said [to her], if I make a feature ﬁlm one day, then I’m gonna have you as my lead. … She’s such a versatile actress.”

Jadhao and his team are currently seeking cast and behind-the-scenes members, as well as ﬁlming locations. Their project is entirely student-led, and they are looking for support via sponsorships and donations to a GoFundMe. To support Project FTG or learn more about it, Jadhao encouraged the community to follow the ﬁlm’s Instagram and TikTok pages, @project.ftg, to help them build a stronger online presence.

Jadhao and his team thanked the current casting crew, Bhat, his parents and the local community for supporting his work. Jadhao said, “It’s going to be a long road ahead,” but he feels excited and confident about his future in film. He plans to begin filming for FTG in August.

Opening Fall 2024

Whether you’re expecting a new baby, have a loved one who’s injured, or need advanced medical care, you want local health care expertise you can trust. With state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive specialty services, the highly trained team at our

hospital in Riverview will provide

with the compassion we’re known for, to help you feel whole.

Te environment at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

A creek at Jennings Bluf Tract.

Arnav Jadhao (far right), Rasagna Avula (middle) and Adithi Simha (left) pose for a selfe while planning for Project FTG.

COME SEE THE NEW EXHIBIT AT FLORIDA MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ART

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA) is a museum dedicated to exhibiting important photographic arts as central to contemporary life and culture. It is located in the beautiful Kress Building right in the heart of Ybor City. This setting is perfect for its newest exhibit,

Photo Ybor: Then and Now.

Photo Ybor: Then and Now chronicles the evolution of Ybor City from its founding in 1886 to the present day. Artist Chip Weiner skillfully and painstakingly took historic photos taken by the Burgert Brothers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and created new photos of the same locations. The historic and contemporary images are presented side by side. This offers a unique perspective on the city’s historical transformation. The exhibit also showcases additional photos taken by various artists. These reflect the broad range of people and businesses that makes Ybor City a great place.

Robin O’Dell, executive curator, said, “The Photo Ybor: Then and Now is a celebration of FMoPA’s move to Ybor City.” O’Dell added, “The exhibit has something to appeal to everyone, from lovers of photography, history buffs

By Kathy L. Collins

and the curious. It includes over 70 images of Ybor City from the late 19th century all the way to the present day.”

Photo Ybor: Then and Now runs through Sunday, November 17. FMoPA is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The hours on Thursday are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and on Sunday are 12 Noon-5 p.m.

FMoPA offers a lot of programming in addition to exhibitions. They will host several talks in conjunction with Photo Ybor: Then and Now , including Ybor City Show and Share on Saturday, August 17, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Gary Mormino Talk on the Immigrant World of Ybor City on Thursday, August 29, from 5:30-7 p.m.; and Paul Wilborn and Eugenie Bondurant Stories of Ybor City on Thursday, October 17, from 5:30-7 p.m.

O’Dell said, “FMoPA is delighted to be part of the artists community in Ybor City. If you have not been lately, come explore and see how it is changing daily with new shops and stores and places to check out.”

FMoPA is located at 1630 E. 7th Ave. in Ybor City. For more information, please visit www.fmopa.org.

FMoPA cut the ribbon on its new exhibit, Photo Ybor: Ten and Now, with the help of dignitaries, including City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. Te exhibit is now open through Sunday, November 17.

RESIDENTS 50-PLUS ARE ENCOURAGED TO JOIN IN COUNTY’S ACTIVE LIFE GAMES

By Kathy L. Collins

Each year, Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation hosts the Active Life Games. These games are designed for Hillsborough County Residents 50 years and older. The Active Life Games are set up as an Olympics-style competition. They help promote physical and mental ﬁtness for older adults.

Mikah Collins, community relations coordinator for Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation, said, “Active Life Games is designed for those 50 and older to participate in the games, for health, fun and socializing. Participants are encouraged to come out and join the fun. You can be a seasoned vet in your sport of choice or a beginner. Each age group has variously skilled participants who are all there to enjoy the games, meet new friends and connect with old friends.”

The Active Life Games began in the 1980s. They o f er a variety of contests for all skill and ﬁtness levels. This year’s Active Life Games will take place from Monday, September 30, until Friday, October 11. Events at the Active Life

Games include track and ﬁeld, shu f eboard, pickleball, billiards, horseshoes and more. Individual competitions are held over two weeks at a variety of locations throughout Hillsborough County. As the Active Life Games are just like the Olympics on a local level, there will be both an opening ceremony and a closing ceremony. The opening ceremony will be held on September 30 at 10 a.m. at David Barksdale Senior Center, located at 1801 N. Lincoln Ave. in Tampa. The closing ceremony will be held on October 11 at 11 a.m. at the University Area Community Complex, located at 14013 N. 22nd St. in Tampa.

Last year, the Active Life Games introduced lawn bowling and basketball shooting. These sports were highly demanded by prior participants and have proven to be very popular. The golf event this year will be held at Rogers Park Golf Course.

Registration is now open and continues through Friday, September 20. The cost for one event is $25. If you would like unlimited events, the cost is $30. There is also an additions $30 charge for those participating in the golf competition. This additional cost includes a cart. If you would like to register, the registration forms and a complete schedule of events can be found at www.hcﬂ.gov/ activelife.

MB INSURANCE SOLUTIONS OFFERS MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT HELP

Are you a senior citizen with questions about Medicare’s upcoming open enrollment? If so, look no further than Michele Bartock, owner of MB Insurance Solutions. Bartock has been a licensed insurance agent in property and casualty (home and auto) for 20 years. She launched MB Insurance Solutions in 2020 to help people select Medicare (Supplement/Medicare Advantage) and ACA/Marketplace/ Obamacare/under-65 plans. She also ofers solutions for supplemental insurance such as dental; cancer, heart and stroke; accident; indemnity; and life insurance.

“I love helping people navigate the system and choosing the best plan that covers their doctors and prescriptions,” said Bartock. “A lot of people just want the same plan as their spouse, friends or neighbors, but not everyone ﬁts into one plan; we all have individual needs. I do an analysis and get information and then look at all the available plans that I have in their area.”

Bartock also assists qualiﬁed people who have lower income apply for Medicaid or the Low-Income Subsidy, also known as Extra Help, which can pay part of all their Part B premiums, co-pays and prescriptions.

“If they don’t qualify and they still need help, I have other options that may help them,” said Bartock. “I was able to get my client a grant that is paying for their Part B premium, and that is a huge help for someone when money is tight. I also ofer Medicare Advantage plans with a giveback

By Kelly Wise Valdes

(money back toward Part B premium) if you don’t qualify for other assistance.”

Each year, there is an opportunity to review your plan during the annual enrollment period, and that is where Bartock can help.

“I can start now by getting your information so that when agents are allowed to discuss plans on October 1, I will be ready with options and set an appointment to discuss via phone or in person.”

Starting in 2025, Part D prescription drug coverage will have many changes. “There will be three phases instead of four and the coverage gap/doughnut hole is going away,” said Bartock. “Phase one: Deductible phase will have $0$590 annual deductible. Phase two: Initial coverage — client is responsible for 25 percent of drug costs until you reach an outof-pocket spending threshold of $2,000. Phase three: Catastrophic coverage — client pays nothing for covered drugs after reaching $2,000 the rest of the year.”

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has stated that people will have the most comprehensive beneﬁts since Part D program was launched in 2006.

Currently, MB Insurance Solutions represents 12 organizations which offer 91 products in the area. Contact www. medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800633-4227) or your local State Health Insurance Program. Visit https://medicareoforida.com/ or call 813-767-2878.

If you are 50 years and older and like to participate in sports, Hillsborough County Parks & Recreations’ Active Life Games are just for you. Te Olympics-style games will take place at various venues from Monday, September 30, through Friday, October 11.

Michele Bartock, owner of MB Insurance Solutions, helps seniors navigate Medicare open enrollment.

Preliminary review of sales data by the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Ofce reveals a notable slowdown in the local real estate market, with taxable property values rising by just 7.14 percent this year. This represents the lowest rate of increase in Hillsborough County in more than a decade.

‘Taxable values’ are property values after exemptions and agricultural classiﬁcations are considered. From 2018 to 2022, taxable property values in Hillsborough County rose between 9.84 percent to 14.72 percent. In 2023, the increase was 12.31 percent.

The 2024 Notice of Proposed Taxes will be mailed to all property owners in late August. County homeowners are encouraged to be vigilant in reviewing their notices.

“It’s important for property owners to carefully review their notices to ensure accuracy and understand how the changes in property values might afect their tax liabilities,” Henriquez advised. “I urge every homeowner to make sure that they are receiving all the property tax reductions aforded to them by state law, especially homestead exemption, which limits the annual increase in the assessed value of your primary residence to 3 percent.”

Homeowners can ﬁnd additional information about property tax exemptions at www. hcpafl.org/property-info/homestead-other-info.

Staf Report

Additionally, Henriquez said this year’s relatively modest increase in taxable values is signiﬁcant for local taxing authorities as they prepare their budgets for the upcoming ﬁscal year.

“The cooling of the local real estate market should be a key consideration for all taxing authorities in Hillsborough County,” Henriquez said. “With a lower rate of increase in property values this year, proposed budgets based on prior projections may require adjustment.”

Considering these ﬁndings, Henriquez encourages local taxing authorities to adopt a prudent and watchful approach in their ﬁscal planning. He said the slower growth rate suggests a stabilizing market, which could impact revenue projections derived from property taxes.

“As the property appraiser, my ofce’s responsibility is to assess property values based on market trends, not to create tax revenue targets,” Henriquez said. “Given what we are seeing in the current economic landscape, it’s crucial for all stakeholders to adopt a cautionary stance regarding property valuation.”

The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Ofce remains committed to providing transparent and accurate information to the public. For any questions or further assistance, property owners are encouraged to contact the ofce directly at 813-2726100 or at www.hcpaﬂ.org.

-Picadillo (2lbs)*

-Ropa Vieja (2 lbs)*

-Lechon Asado (2 lbs)*

-Pescado a la Rusa (4 fillets)

-Baked Chicken (4 leg quarters)

-Breaded Palomilla Steak (4 steaks)

-Bistec Milanesa

Dr. Bob Lutz of Motion Chiro Therapy in Paris, France at the Olympics!

Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez recently announced taxable property values rose by just 7.14 percent this year.

DAVENPORT’S DAILY DELIGHTS CELEBRATES 14TH ANNIVERSARY

AND STARTS OFFERING LUNCH BOX SPECIALS

By Ashley Abene

FELLOWSHIP CHURCH LAUNCHING NEW RIVERVIEW LOCATION

By Kelly Wise Valdes

food with a menu that changes week to week, served Monday through Thursday. She even ofers menu items that conform to most diets, such as Skinnytaste, Whole30 and keto.

Meals typically cost $24 for a half-size portion which feeds two people, or $48 to feed four people. There are two pickup locations, South Shore Boutique in Lithia and Pro Kitchen Hub in South Tampa. Delivery is also available for an additional $5 fee for most locations in the Tampa Bay area.

Peggy Davenport said of Davenport’s Daily Delights, “We started our business as a way to ofer delicious, afordable and healthy homemade meals to busy families in our community of FishHawk Ranch. Word quickly spread, and we started servicing Valrico and Brandon as well. We continued to branch out and did a test program in South Tampa. Since our launch into South Tampa, we moved to a centrally located kitchen commissary and are now able to deliver our homemade weeknight meals all over the greater bay area. We will continue to spread to other markets as long as the demand is there. And what family wouldn’t want their

own personal ‘chef’ [to] magically place these great dinners on your table?”

This school year Davenport’s Daily Delights decided to start ofering bento style lunch box meals for children as well. However, the process to order a bento lunch is diferent than normal food orders. It is a monthly subscription, with the purchase of two sets of reusable bento boxes. Weekly, it will ﬁll one week’s worth of bento lunch boxes, with delivery on Sundays. The only exception that can be made to the lunches will be to substitute for gluten free. Once the lunch box program matures, there may be more ﬂexibility.

Elisabeth Hodges, a speech therapist and mom who lives in FishHawk, stated how much she enjoys ordering from Davenport’s Daily Delights. “Peggy loves everyone so much, and you can taste that in her food. My kids love her food and think it’s amazing. The cost and even the delivery option make it so convenient for parents. I can’t wait to try the lunch box option for my kids, and myself.”

For more information on Davenport’s Daily Delights, visit its website at https:// davenportsdailydelights.com/ or call to place an order by phone at 813-8108513.

When Fellowship Church (originally named FishHawk Fellowship Church) launched in 1998, it knew that God had big plans for its ministry in the community and beyond. During the last 26 years, the church has grown to more than 2,000 attendees per week, and it continues to grow in ministry and outreach outside the FishHawk community.

On Sunday, September 8, at 10 a.m., Fellowship Church will ofcially launch its newest location at Collins PK-8 School. The pastor at this location is Steve Miller, who has been part of church planting for more than 20 years.

“We’re thrilled beyond words. This is why we left our home in South Florida a year ago and joined this team — for the opportunity to reach even more people with the good news of Jesus by planting a second location,” said Miller. “We can’t wait to bring the best of what Fellowship Church ofers to Riverview. We’re excited to ofer live preaching that is Jesus-centered and geared for life change, dynamic, spirit-led worship, a life-changing community and opportunities for everyone to use their gifts and make an eternal diference.”

There are more than 100 adults as part of the launch team and the church is preparing for two to three times that amount at the grand opening.

Fellowship Church’s communication director, Robin Lagrama, explained that the church is united with both locations.

“We will still be one church family uniting around the same beliefs, vision, mission and strategy, and being supported and strengthened by the same leadership, administration and processes that help us build the church,” said Lagrama. “Being in multiple locations also allows us to empower more people to serve and lead, while also being ﬂexible to build customized ministries for the needs of each speciﬁc location.”

Fellowship Church believes that opening locations in new communities is the best way to reach more people with the good news of Jesus.

“It was 26 years ago when people from Bell Shoals Church journeyed out to start a church in the neighborhood of FishHawk,” said Lagrama. “We are still beneﬁting from their step of faith. We want to do the same for others, believing God will use our faithfulness to reach people in other communities for generations to come.”

With so many families living and moving to Riverview, Fellowship Church is excited to not only host Sunday services but also to be a blessing to the community and a church where people can truly connect, build meaningful relationships and serve together to see the community ﬂourish.

For more information, visit https://fellowship.church/. Fellowship Church’s original location is 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia. The new location is at 12424 Summerﬁeld Blvd. in Riverview.

‘Peggy’s salad,’ which has been featured in multiple cookbooks.

Fellowship Church is launching a new location on Sunday, September 8, at 10 a.m. at Collins PK-8 School, located at 12424 Summerfeld Blvd. in Riverview. Te community is invited to the grand opening.

A Davenport’s Daily Delights Cuban sandwich.

OLD

Every child deserves a loving home, but the process of adopting a child can often be confusing and overwhelming.

This September, Old McMicky’s Farm is hosting its annual Child Adoption Education Day to help families better understand the adoption process and feel more equipped to welcome a child into their lives.

The ﬁrst Child Adoption Education Day in 2016 was attended by over 30 new prospective adoptive families — and this year, event coordinators expect to see even more growth. The event takes the mystery out of adoption by walking “people through the adoption process so they know how it works and what to anticipate,” according to Ralph Zuckerman, owner of Old McMicky’s Farm.

The event is being held in partnership with Family Support Services, the leading children’s agency for Pinellas and Pasco counties, and Children’s Network of Hillsborough, the leading children’s agency for Hillsborough County. Families will have a chance to hear presentations by local agencies about the adoption process as well as the ﬁrsthand accounts of ﬁve local adoptive families and their children about the impact adoption has had on their lives. Following the presentations, prospective adoptive parents can also meet with the agencies and the adoptive families to learn more about the process.

In addition to Child Adoption Education

By Jamie Lu

Day, the farm also hosts Child Adoption Match Days, in which children spend the day with prospective adoptive families and are then matched to their forever homes.

These events are important to the people at Old McMicky’s farm because “it is part of our farm’s mission to serve local children and families and our community,” said Zuckerman. “Actually, at our last match day a couple of months ago, three children were matched with their forever families. The Child Adoption Education Day’s goal is to help ﬁnd more prospective adoptive families.”

To support Child Adoption Education Day, community members can spread the word about the event or become a sponsor. Sponsors will be widely promoted and recognized in the community.

The event will take place on Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. All prospective families are welcome to join, no matter where they are in the adoptive process, and can attend by registering for free on the farm’s website at https://oldmcmickys.com/ child-adoption-education-day-3/. Sponsorship information can also be found at this link.

Through Child Adoption Education Day, Old McMicky’s Farm and local agencies will work to eliminate any obstacle that stands between a child and the “loving, safe, secure and encouraging family” that they deserve.

THE GOAT PLUMBING COMPANY UNCLOGS RESIDENTS’ WOES

By Sharon Still

The GOAT Plumbing Company will soon celebrate one year of serving the plumbing needs of Hillsborough County residents. Promising an unmatched customer service experience, owners Alexander Harrison and Travis and Heather Mershon are committed to providing the highest quality of plumbing solutions.

“The GOAT serves our community from the heart,” said Heather. “We will never put revenue above a customer or employee’s safety, and we strive to do the right thing even when no one is looking.”

While other companies may use scare tactics to sell services, at The Goat Plumbing Company, customers are given the power of choice and pricing is transparent.

“Our goal is to provide options, not ultimatums,” she commented. “There are no problems at The GOAT, only solutions.”

“We maintain honest and open communication from your ﬁrst phone call until your service is complete,” Heather added.

The GOAT Plumbing ofers full-service residential plumbing, including plumbing installation, drain cleaning, routine maintenance, excavation repairs and emergency services. Heather recommends that residents have a yearly routine plumbing inspection done to identify problems before they become emergencies.

She added that bad water quality is wide-

spread. “For those not conditioning their water, their plumbing system sufers major damage,” Heather said.

While The GOAT Plumbing Company may only be celebrating one year of business, Travis and Harrison, stepfather and stepson, both began plumbing at the age of 19 and ofer 38 years of combined plumbing experience.

“It’s the only career they’ve both ever known,” said wife and mom Heather, who serves as the company’s director of community afairs. “Each wanted a career that was recession-resistant.”

Being involved in the community they serve is important to the owners, and so the company is a member of Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce, Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce, Commerce Connections and the Riverview Woman’s Club.

Aside from the memorable name, which stands for ‘Greatest of All Time,’ The GOAT Plumbing Company’s technicians show up in an unmistakable hot-pink van with the GOAT logo, donning hot-pink T-shirts to match.

The GOAT Plumbing Company is located at 4029 Crescent Park Dr. in Riverview. Its ofce hours are Monday to Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 813859-5693 or visit www.thegoatplumbingcompany.com.

Te GOAT Plumbing Company team, engulfed in hot pink, can’t be missed.

Old McMicky’s Farm’s Child Adoption Education Days and Child Adoption Match Days help children fnd their forever homes.

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Grace Notes Blessings For Te Blesser

By Debora Coty

I recently heard an inspiring (true) story about a man who got stuck on the interstate in touch and go trafc. During one long interval of stagnation, Mark glanced at the cars around him. The older green model to his right was inhabited by two little white-haired ladies in their 70s. As the cars in Mark’s lane inched forward 10 yards or so, the green car would catch up as they played cat and mouse for 20 minutes. Mark couldn’t help but notice their ‘Jesus’ license plate and that all four tires were completely bald.

then the door to the house opened and the two ladies tottered back to the green death trap.

They were driving all over the city delivering food in that thing! Mark felt a Holy Spirit elbow jab to help, so he turned around, parked behind them and approached the car.

After introducing himself and brieﬂy explaining their unlikely ﬁrst meeting on the interstate, he said, “Ladies, you can’t be driving around with these dangerous tires one more day. I’d like to buy you a new set of tires. Will that be alright?”

One of the consistently most rewarding things in my life has been helping to facilitate ministry with men. It looks a little diferent at every church we serve, but consistently there is this sense of deep community, encouragement and mutual accountability.

In Tarboro, North Carolina, instead of small groups, we consistently ﬁll the long conference table and circle the wall too, and each week I meet with these guys I am full and inspired and encouraged in every way.

news to the poor, to tell prisoners that they are free, to tell the blind that they can see again, to free those who have been treated badly and to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness.”

Well, if it’s “time for the Lord to show his kindness,” then I think it’s fair to suggest that the rest of us should absolutely get on board too. These are not planks from political platforms. They are responses to God’s call on our lives.

He began to worry about them. They were somebody’s grandmas.

Then the trafc unsnarled, and the ladies turned of at the next exit. Mark lifted a prayer that the Almighty would protect them.

A few days later, Mark was driving through a residential area when, to his amazement, he noticed a familiar green car with bald tires parked in front of a house. As he passed by, he noticed a sign on the car he’d not seen before: “Uber Eats.” And

The women looked at each other and their eyes ﬁlled with tears. “Oh, my goodness! We can’t aford new tires and we’ve been praying that the Lord would somehow provide. And here you are! God bless you!”

And He did. According to Mark, the blesser received the bigger blessing than the blessed. Whom can you bless this week?

“Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Praise God in the Highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9 NLT).

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 other aspect is the sense of community here, reﬂecting not just our congregation but also the town, with men coming from several diferent churches.

What a joy to sit at one end of the room and have the privilege of encouraging Presbyterians, and Baptists, and Episcopalians, and Pentecostals, and Methodists and the unafliated in their walk with Jesus.

And these guys are a mixture Republicans and Democrats and independents and who knows what else. If we follow the way of Jesus, we may disagree on some details, but we are in sync when it comes to grace and peace and mercy and love and justice and reconciliation and hope.

Jesus was clear about his essential message when he spoke at his home synagogue, “He has chosen me to tell good

This town is more alive and ﬁlled with grace and promise because these men choose — are choosing — to follow Jesus. My dream is to see more men from more congregations join us as we encourage one another to follow the way of Jesus.

Because the gospel is, always, such very good news.

—

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.

BY NICK NAHAS

THE BULLS LOOK TO RELOAD UNDER SECOND-YEAR HEAD COACH PATRICK MURPHY

Bloomingdale High School head football coach Patrick Murphy looks to take the bull by the horns in his second season at the helm. He took the reins in 2023 after Bloomingdale had two consecutive losing seasons.

The program had a record 12 wins in 2020 and made it to the state semiﬁnals for their best season to date. The football team historically has struggled mightily in the past. Murphy believes that he has to change the culture again for them to be successful. He and his coaching staf are putting an emphasis on his players showing up every day to get better and focusing on the process, working on fundamentals and technique.

The Bulls’ major strength will be their defense, returning seven starters from last year. Murphy wants his defense to be fast and athletic, swarming to the ball. He likes the experience his secondary brings, along with his defensive front. Coach Bruce Giford joins the staf and brings a lot of experience as a former head coach. He will help out coach Shawn Council on defense.

Bloomingdale is going back to the basics, focusing on tackling and blocking. Murphy wants his team to get better in the running game this season to help set up the pass. Sophomore running back Preston Beckham is a young, talented player that will carry the rock. The ofense will be really young and inexperienced, bringing back one starter from 2023.

Key players include senior free safety/wide receiver Ethan Larson, who has great hands, is a reliable route runner and is the only ofensive returner from last year; junior cornerback/receiver Darion Thomas, who is an electrifying playmaker with the ball in his hands; and junior outside linebacker/tight end Jadon Svendseon,

who

a big physical presence

The Bulls will have to replace twoyear starting quarterback Dillon Rose-Bailey, who transferred to Wiregrass Ranch. Sophomore Kingston Johnson will start the year as signal caller. Murphy said that he’s a pocket passer and he knows and sets the tone for the ofense.

Murphy is putting a lot on his shoulders to make this program successful. He will call plays on ofense. He hopes that his team has a big buy-in and shows up to work every day. He believes in putting in the work, practicing with purpose, studying tape and preparing hard Monday through Thursday, and the rest will take care of itself on game day.

“For our team, I just want them to try and put everything on me,” he said. “If they are going to do it my way, I’ll always take the heat for those guys because that means that they’re practicing hard, they’re watching the ﬁlm like I’m asking them to do. I want them to put it all on me, that’s my job as the head coach.”

Murphy hopes to compete for a district title in 2024. The team was one game away from winning it last season, coming up a little bit short against

8/23 vs. Newsome 8/30 @ Blake 9/13

SCHEDULE ROSTER

NAME POS GR 0 De’Voun Kendrick So. 1 Simon Castillo

on the ﬁeld. Seniors Connor Crawley and Carson Mrazeck both bring leadership to the team.

THE WOLVES LOOK TO REBOUND UNDER FIRST-YEAR HEAD COACH JEFF TURNER

New head coach Jeff Turner is no stranger to Newsome High School football. He was an assistant under longtime head coach Ken Hiscock for 11 years. He was the offensive coordinator for East Bay High School for the previous five years and was the boys’ basketball coach for East Bay last season as well.

Turner was comfortable coaching in a community he lived in before he moved, officially starting the job on February 1. His kids graduated from Newsome High School. He inherited a good program from former head coach C.J. Yockey, who moved on after last season after six years at the helm. The Wolves uncharacteristically struggled the last two seasons, not making the postseason after three straight playoff runs, including a birth in the regional final in 2021.

The Wolves will be led by strong quarterback play. Senior Noah Guenther brings stability in his second season as signal caller, as he has been in the same system for his entire high school career. Turner said that Guenther does everything well. He’s got a strong arm, he’s deadly accurate and he’s very intelligent. Guenther is more of a prototypical drop-back and pass quarterback but will be asked to run the ball a little more this year. He will have a chance to play at the next level, with three current offers.

Turner is impressed with the depth of his skill position players on both sides of the ball at receiver and defensive back. He thinks that his defense will need to improve the most, giving up 31 points per game the last two seasons.

Senior tight end and Davidson Col-

lege commit Nate Hohlfeld will be a big target for Guenther in the passing game and senior Air Force commit Clayton Brown is another offensive weapon. Seniors Tariq Sapp and Malik Hassoun will be big factors in the special teams return game. Senior linebacker Jett Buzbee has an offer from Webber International University and will be a key player on defense. Newsome will start over on the offensive line, but Turner feels that they have some great prospects at those positions. The Wolves will return seven starters on defense and five on offense. They have an experienced roster with approximately 30 seniors, 26 juniors and eight sophomores.

Turner said that his team had a great offseason and worked hard in the weight room. The team’s motto is TPW, “tough people win.” He and his players hope to end the playoff drought this season.

“Let’s compete for a district title, get into the playoffs and get this ship righted and get back at it,” said Turner. “I think we have the group to do it. When you’re senior-loaded, that’s a good thing. It’s from player leadership, not coach leadership, so in my eyes when the players are leading, we are going to be all right.”

8/23 @ Bloomingdale

SCHEDULE ROSTER

Dax Johnsey SB, RB Jr.

Carson Gesacion CB, WR Sr.

vs. Strawberry Crest

CHEER AND DANCE CLASSES OFFERED AT PARKS

Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation is partnering with All American Youth Activities to ofer dance and cheerleading classes to young athletes.

While young cheerleaders and dancers will be taught new techniques and skills, All American Youth Activities’ goal is to teach self-esteem and self-conﬁdence through its programs. The classes will also foster friendships, promote physical ﬁtness and encourage young athletes to work with others.

& REC

LOCATIONS TRUTH CENTER CHURCH JOINS FORCES WITH

The cheerleading classes teach basic stunts and diferent style jumps through choreographed routines and techniques.

“Along with learning exciting crowd and popular cheers, chants and group work, children learn better coordination, ﬂexibility, cooperation with others and self-esteem,” according to All American Youth Activities’ website. “Shyness is very often overcome.”

Dance classes ofer a recreational hip-hop and modern jazz lessons that mimic a “music video style.”

“Our dance classes are taught in a fun, relaxed, musical atmosphere that will help to prepare students for future dance interests,” states the website.

At the end of each season, performers will participate in a competition to showcase the routines they’ve learned and practiced with

By Lily Belcher

All American Youth Activities. Classes typically have 20-25 students, which are commonly taught by college students who are members of their schools’ dance or cheer teams.

The pay-as-you-go design allows students to try out the classes with no obligatory contracts. Previous experience in dance and cheer is not required or necessary, but students are encouraged to bring a good attitude and high energy to each lesson.

Children from ages 5-15 can take evening classes after school for $8-$10 per week at various locations across Hillsborough County. Classes for both dance and cheer are broken up into three diferent age groups.

All American Youth Activities has nine locations in Hillsborough County, including the Brandon Park & Recreation Center, the Ruskin Park & Recreation Center and the Gardenville Park & Recreation Center in Gibsonton. These locations ofer both cheer and dance programs for students.

“Our goal is to provide ongoing top quality, youth-oriented outreach programs that are afordable for everyone,” according to the website.

For more information or to register for dance and cheer classes, visit All American Youth Activities’ website at www.allamericanyouth.org or call 813-885-AAYA (2292).

BRANDON

HIGH TO RELAUNCH INTO THE COMMUNITY

Truth Center Church is a small, local church that has a true passion for its community. Its vision is to proclaim the unadulterated truth that Jesus is the true God. Its mission is to preach and teach the true word of God, to welcome the presence of God through worship experiences and to encourage a lifestyle of continuous prayer.

“We create a community for everyone including the least, the lost and the left-out to restore their hearts back to God,” said Truth Center Church’s lead pastor, Zhivago ‘Vago’ Lightbourne. “The Holy Spirit is manifested through a variety of spiritual gifts to build and sanctify the church, demonstrate the validity of the resurrection and conﬁrm the power of the gospel. These gifts always operate in harmony with the Scriptures and should never be used in violation of biblical parameters.”

Truth Center Church is having its homecoming event on Sunday, September 15, starting at 10:30 a.m. It has partnered with Brandon High School’s community school for this event. “Brandon High School is our new location for our in-person Sunday service,” Lighbourne said. “We are thrilled to have our community join us for this special occasion as we launch our new home and celebrate with our community. This is more than just a service; it’s a grand celebration ﬁlled with joy, fellowship and excitement.”

Community schools are a whole child,

By Libby Hopkins

whole school improvement strategy where districts and their schools work closely with teachers, students and their families and partner with community agencies as well as their local government to align community resources behind improving student outcomes.

“Last year, we partnered with Footlocker and Brandon High School’s community school to give away 300 pairs of sneakers for children who needed them,” Lighbourne said. “So, this year we wanted to do something that makes more of an impact in our community. We are still partnering with Brandon High School, but we are doing it on a larger scale with our homecoming event.”

As part of the festivities, the church has planned special giveaways to ensure everyone who attends leaves with a smile.

“For the kids, there will be a variety of fun activities designed to keep them entertained and engaged,” Lighbourne. “We want the community to join us for a day of worship, connection and community spirit. We look forward to seeing new faces and welcoming back old friends as we embark on this new journey together.”

If you would like to learn more about Truth Center Church or if you’d like to register for its homecoming event, you can visit its website at www.mytcc.us.

Contact Lightbourne at 813-922-5857.

All American Youth Activities ofers weekly cheer classes that promote self-esteem and self-confdence.

Truth Center Church’s lead pastor, Zhivago ‘Vago’ Lightbourne, and frst lady, Kathleen.

BRANDON’S OWN TENNIS STAR SECURES SILVER MEDAL AT THE OLYMPICS

Olympic silver medalist Austin Krajicek grew up watching tennis. From seeing the legends of the game on VHS tapes to sitting on the sidelines while his dad played in local leagues, Krajicek was eager to start playing at the Brandon Swim and Tennis Club, known today as High 5 Inc.

Now, almost 30 years later, he has won his ﬁrst Olympic medal in the men’s doubles tournament in Paris. He had a dream of playing professionally, but he knew it was a goal that only a small handful of aspiring athletes achieved.

“Sometimes I think you have to be a little bit unrealistic to meet some of these higher goals,” Krajicek said. His father motivated him by instilling in him the belief that he could do whatever he wanted to do. So, he did.

After attending Alaﬁa Elementary School in Valrico, he started homeschooling in middle school so he could play travel tennis full time. As a teenager, he was traveling internationally to play tournaments and training with a private coach.

After high school at IMG Academy, a local preparatory boarding school for athletes, he signed on with Texas A&M University as a Division I athlete.

“I think even before college, I was like, ‘OK, I’m deﬁnitely going to give it a shot at the pro tour.’ And then in school, in college, I had some good results,” he

By Lily Belcher

said.

He won the NCAA doubles championship in his ﬁnal year of college before joining the ATP Tour in 2011.

A decade later, he became an Olympic athlete in the Tokyo games but faced the hardest loss of his career when he came in fourth.

Last year, he was ranked the number one duo in the world with his partner. This year, he ﬁnally became an Olympic medalist alongside Rajeev Ram, his partner and fellow U.S. tennis Olympian from Carmel, Indiana. Ram is a three-time Olympian, two-time Olympic medalist (two silvers) in tennis doubles, including France 2024 and Rio 2016.

“It’s hard to put into words,” Krajicek said. “It really is a pretty awesome event.”

“The outpouring of support was a little bit overwhelming,” he said. “It was really special to see how big of a deal it was and important. And I think that makes it ultra special and something that we’ll never forget.”

High 5 Inc. CEO Chuck Burgess couldn’t be more proud to know another Olympic athlete from the High 5, community.

“We are so proud of the caliber of athletes that got their start here, and we want to continue the legacy into the future. Congratulations, Austin, and know you continue to inspire your hometown athletes.”

Vote

Brandon native Austin Krajicek won a silver medal in tennis with his partner, Rajeev Ram.

Austin Krajicek won a silver medal in men’s tennis doubles in Paris in the beginning of August.

LAKELAND LINDER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FLIGHTS ARE EXPANDING

Hillsborough County residents will soon have more air travel choices as Avelo Airlines expands its operations at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL).

Avelo began providing service at Lakeland International earlier this year and is the only scheduled airline operating out of Polk County’s major airport, ﬁlling an air-service vacuum that existed there for about a decade. Avelo currently ﬂies to and from TweedNew Haven Airport in southern Connecticut. The airline serves more than 50 destinations throughout the continental United States and internationally, including stops at Cancun, Mexico, and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The new destinations announced by Avelo for Lakeland International are: Concord-Padgett Regional Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina, starting Thursday, October 24; Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport in Rochester, New York, starting Friday, October 25; Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, New Hampshire, starting October 25; Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Carolina, Puerto Rico, starting Saturday, October 26; Hartsﬁeld-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, starting Thursday, November 7; Wilmington Airport in New Castle, Delaware, starting November 7; and Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, starting Friday, November 8.

By Brad Stager

Trevor Yealy heads Avelo’s commercial operations, and he said the expansion at LAL reﬂects the airline’s success there so far.

“The customer response from Lakeland to New Haven has been tremendous,” Yealy said. He also said Avelo will open a base of operations at Lakeland International that will bring jobs to the area.

In terms of time and distance to travel to Lakeland International, it takes about 30 minutes to drive the 26.5 miles between the airport, located at 3900 Don Emerson Dr., and Brandon Exchange via highways I-75 and I-4. It is also the aviation home of NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters and an Amazon air cargo hub. The airport has served Avelo’s needs very well, says Yealy.

“The customer response and reaction to the wonderful facility here and the service has been nothing short of remarkable.”

Avelo began ﬂying passengers in 2021 and is considered a low-cost airline with its headquarters in Houston, Texas. Its destinations are mostly smaller airports, such as Lakeland International, but it also provides service at larger airports, such as Tampa International. The airline also provides seasonal service at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to accommodate snowbird passengers. To learn more about Avelo Airlines or to make reservations, visit www.aveloair. com.

TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE UNVEILS ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS FOR PUBLIX

SELF-SERVICE KIOSKS

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Ofce recently rolled out additional self-service registration renewal kiosks at three additional Publix locations in Hillsborough County. These new locations give customers expanded access and convenience to renew their vehicle registrations during weekends and after hours.

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Ofce was the ﬁrst in the state to introduce these self-service kiosks through a partnership with Intellectual Technology Inc. and Publix. The kiosks enable customers to renew their vehicle registration and decal in as little as two minutes without needing to visit a tax collector’s ofce. With easy-to-follow instructions and voice prompts available in both English and Spanish, using the kiosk is as straightforward as operating an ATM.

“Our team is committed to enhancing our residents’ experience and access through innovative options,” said Nancy Millan, Hillsborough County tax collector. “Being able to renew your registration while you’re picking up your groceries or prescriptions makes it very easy and convenient for customers. We are grateful for the continued partnership with Publix and look forward to opening additional locations in the future.”

Since 2023, there have been 150,000 registration renewals completed at the convenient kiosks located throughout the county.

In Southeast Hillsborough, the new Publix kiosk location is in Valrico at 1971 E. SR 60.

Existing Publix kiosk locations in Southeast Hillsborough are in Lake Brandon Plaza at 1255 Causeway Blvd. in Brandon and at Walden Woods at 2202 James L. Redman Parkway in Plant City.

The additional kiosks bring the total number of Publix tax collector kiosks to eight.

Kiosks are also available at many Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s ofces. For a complete list of kiosk locations, please visit www.hillstax.org/title-tag/registration-renewal-kiosk/.

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Ofce is responsible for collecting and distributing local property, tangible, business and tourist development taxes. In addition, as an agent for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, it provides motor vehicle, vessel and mobile home titles and registrations; issues disabled parking permits; issues driver’s licenses and ID cards; and administers written tests and road tests. Additionally, it partners with other state and local government agencies to issue certified copies of Florida birth certificates and to provide concealed weapons permits, vehicle-for-hire permits and hunting and fishing licenses. Visit its website at www.hillstax.org.

Te Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Ofce recently installed self-service registration renewal kiosks at three new Publix locations.

Avelo Airlines has announced an expansion in fight destinations from Lakeland Linder International Airport.

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA ADDS HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON AND ELF FILM CONCERTS, JIMMY BUFFETT TRIBUTE AND MORE

The Florida Orchestra (TFO) is adding two major film concerts, a Jimmy Buffett tribute and other exciting programs to the 2024- 25 season, the orchestra recently announced. The first concert of the season will be a special presentation of DreamWorks’ How To Train Your Dragon – In Concert, a family-friendly film about a young Viking who befriends a dragon, featuring John Powell’s Oscar-nominated score performed live to picture by TFO. There will be two performances on Saturday, September 14, at the Mahafey Theater, including a matinee.

This holiday season, CineConcerts and Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment will bring Elf in Concert to Tampa Bay. It will feature The Florida Orchestra performing every note from John Debney’s (The Passion of the Christ, Iron Man 2, The Jungle Book, Hocus Pocus) heartwarming score while the entire ﬁlm is projected on a 40-foot HD screen. Directed by Jon Favreau (The Lion King, The Mandalorian, Rudy, Iron Man, Iron Man 2) and starring Will Ferrell, the ﬁlm is considered by many to be one of the best holiday movies of all time. There will be two performances on Saturday, December 7, at the Straz Center, including a matinee.

In October, it’s ﬁns up, Tampa Bay! TFO will perform Parrots + Palms: The Songs

Staf Report

of Bufett & Fins, the ultimate celebration of Jimmy Buffett, Van Morrison, Bob Marley and other musical legends.

Escape to paradise and sing along with hits like Come Monday, Fins, It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere and Brown Eyed Girl, conducted by resident conductor Chelsea Gallo. It will be held for one night only, Friday, October 25, at the Mahafey Theater.

In September, TFO will add Landslide: A Tribute to the Music of Fleetwood Mac, a celebration of one of the most important bands of all time that captivates audiences with a blend of timeless melodies, iconic hits and powerful orchestration.

In October, TFO is bringing back its popular Haunted Halls Family Concert, a full-orchestra, Halloween-themed matinee of spooky music for patrons of all ages, conducted by Gallo. Adding to TFO’s festive holiday lineup in December, music director Michael Francis will conduct two performances of a traditional Classical Christmas — in addition to Elf in Concert and TFO’s most popular concerts of the year, Holiday Pops.

Tickets to all concerts go are now on sale, along with single tickets to the entire 2024-2025 season. Tickets are available at https://floridaorchestra.org/, at 727892-3337 and at The Florida Orchestra Ticket Center, located at 244 Second Ave. N. (first floor) in St. Petersburg.

Te Florida Orchestra recently added six new shows, including Elf in Concert, featuring TFO performing the entire heartwarming score while the flm plays.

FLORIDA BIRDING AND NATURE FESTIVAL SET FOR OCTOBER

This year’s Florida Birding and Nature Festival is being held from Thursday through Sunday, October 17-20. The event will feature ﬁeld trips, boat excursions, seminars by experts, nationally renowned keynote speakers and a free nature expo. It coincides with the peak of fall migration of birds through Central Florida.

The outings — led by knowledgeable guides and, in some cases, the managers of the nature habitats visited — include walking, boat and canoe trips and a bus tour of Central Florida birding hot spots. Some ﬁeld trips explore sites not normally open to the public.

A Thursday bus tour will explore the Circle B Bar Reserve and Saddle Creek Park, birding hot spots in nearby Lakeland. A sunset cruise on Thursday will take visitors to Cofee Pot Bayou Bird Island, where great egrets, roseate spoonbills and other water birds roost.

Most of the ﬁeld trips are scheduled for Friday through Sunday. Among the destinations: Egmont Key, the Cross Bar Ranch in Spring Hill, Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve, Blackwater Creek Preserve, Fort Desoto Park and the Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve. Last year’s popular trip to the Schultz Nature Preserve is on the agenda again, as is the fascinating session on bird banding.

Field trip space is limited, so early registration is advised.

Legendary environmental warrior Clay

Report

Henderson will present the Friday keynote address. Henderson had a long career as an environmental lawyer, educator and writer. He is the former president of the Florida Audubon Society and is the author of Forces of Nature.

World-renowned photographer and ornithologist Tim Laman will be the Saturday keynote speaker and will lead two Friday morning seminars. The National Geographic photographer will share his favorite bird photographs from more than 25 years in the ﬁeld.

The festival also will ofer two days of in-person and Zoom-broadcast seminars with experts who will explore fascinating nature topics, such as the mysteries of wildlife migration, the underappreciated virtues of the vulture, environmental threats to the mighty killer whale and the lessons of 50 years of research into Sarasota Bay’s dolphins.

The nature expo on Friday and Saturday at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center will feature displays from numerous environmental organizations, nature-related businesses and artists. Exhibitors will sell binoculars, artwork, bird boxes and native plants that attract birds and butterﬂies.

The festival will be headquartered at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, located at 6650 Dickman Rd. in Apollo Beach. For more information and registration, see www.ﬂoridabirdingandnaturefestival.org.

It’s that time of year again, when we receive rain frequently. If you are looking for a way to capture rainfall when it arrives, you may want to consider creating a rain garden in a particularly low area (shallow depression) in your landscape or at the bottom of a downspout where water puddles. The purpose of a rain/ bog garden is to capture stormwater runof from impervious surfaces — such as roofs, driveways and sidewalks — and allow the captured runof water to percolate through the soil.

Select plants that like wet feet and are drought-tolerant for those times when rainfall is infrequent. Some North, Central and South Florida selections — see exception — include African iris/butterﬂy iris, bald cypress, cinnamon fern, climbing aster, Florida gamagrass, muhly grass, river birch (North and Central Florida), salt grass, shrimp plant and wiregrass. Carnivorous plants are another option.

Rain gardens are beneficial because they decrease flooding and erosion while attracting wildlife and beneficial insects. Another advantage is filtering runof that would otherwise carry pollutants (grass clippings, pet waste, fertilizer, etc.) to storm drains and ultimately into Tampa Bay and other areas, contributing to algae bloom and killing fish.

To create a rain garden, ﬁrst determine the size and location. It should be at least 10 feet from your foundation, in an existing low area that drains quickly after a heavy rain, in full sun, not within 25 feet of a septic system or well, away from tree roots and within 30 feet of a water source. The larger the garden, the larger the plant diversity and the more maintenance that may be involved.

Next is the construction phase. Before you start digging, be sure to call 811, Sunshine State One Call of Florida Inc., for underground utility marking. After that, you can design the shape of your rain garden by laying out a garden hose in the manner you desire. Information about construction is contained in the publication noted below.

Select plant materials after you have determined the site conditions, which include sun, adequate space for mature height and spread and soil texture. If you install a rain garden in sandy soil, it will only hold water for a few hours. This will add to your maintenance duties, which include watering until plants are established (approximately 60 days); weeding; and using sphagnum or peat moss to decrease weed growth, regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.

For more information on creating a rain garden, type in ‘University of Florida Rain Gardens, a Manual for Central Florida Residents’ in your browser. You can read the entire publication created by Dr. Marina D’Abreau Denny. In Hillsborough County, contact us at 813-744-5519, or visit our website and calendar of events for upcoming educational programs at www. eventbrite.com/o/ufifas-hillsborough-extension-8606873308. To find your local County Extension ofce, go to https://sfyl.ifas.ufl. edu/find-your-local-ofce/.

Let’s get outside and garden … if there is no thunder, lightning or heavy rain. Be safe. Contact: labarber@uﬂ.edu.

It’s probably not on your calendar, but September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. And it’s indeed a pretty good idea to be aware of what life insurance can do for you.

Life insurance can help you in two main ways. First, life insurance policies ofer a death beneft that can assist your family if you’re no longer around. And second, some types of life insurance ofer the chance to build cash value, which can work for you during your lifetime.

Let’s look at the death beneft frst. If something were to happen to you, your life insurance proceeds could help your family meet at least three major needs:

• Paying a mortgage – The biggest expense many families face is their monthly mortgage. If you weren’t around, could your family continue paying the mortgage? Or would they have to move? With a sufcient life insurance death beneft, they could remain in their home, meeting the monthly mortgage payments, or perhaps pay of the loan entirely (although this might not be in their best fnancial interest).

• Paying for education – If you have young children, you may already be saving for their college education — because you know college is expensive. Without your income, would college, or some other form of post-secondary education or training, still be realistic? Again, the proceeds from an insurance policy could make the diference.

• Paying of debts – You might have a car loan, credit card debt or other fnancial obligations. If your surviving spouse is a joint account holder for these debts, they could still be liable for paying them of. But insurance proceeds could be used to retire the debts immediately, or over time.

All life insurance policies ofer a death beneft. But permanent insurance, unlike term insurance, also ofers the

chance to build cash value — which can be a valuable supplement to your IRA and 401(k) or other retirement accounts.

A cash value policy such as whole life also can provide fexibility for changing fnancial needs or emergencies in retirement. And here’s another key advantage: Because this type of policy provides fxed, guaranteed returns, it is not dependent on the performance of the fnancial markets and is thus insulated from the market downturns that can happen while you’re retired. So, taking money from the cash value of your whole life policy may help you avoid selling investments that have temporarily declined in value.

Keep in mind, though, that the premiums for a cash value policy will generally be substantially higher than those for term insurance. That’s why some people choose to “buy term and invest the diference” rather than purchase a permanent life policy with cash value. Whether this strategy is right for you depends on a few diferent factors, perhaps the most important of which is your ability and willingness to consistently invest the money you would have otherwise placed in a cash value policy. In any case, should you choose cash value insurance, you generally have three ways to get at the money: withdrawals, loans or surrender of the policy. You’ll want to weigh all the factors involved — including taxes and the efect on the policy’s death beneft — when deciding on how to access the cash value.

Life Insurance Awareness Month ends on Sept. 30. But your need for life insurance, and the potential benefts it provides, can last a lifetime.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Sept 2, 2024

Te Suncoast Youth Conservation Center boardwalk and fshing pier.

This September there are ﬁve Sundays. As such, you will have ﬁve chances to participate in Tampa Theatre’s September Sing-along Sundays. These events sell out, so if you want to attend, get your tickets now.

Jill Witecki with Tampa Theatre said, “It all started in February 2002 when Tampa Theatre participated in the national release of a sing-along version of The Sound of Music. With its little bags of props to wave and no-brainer costume options, the novel concept quickly became one of our patrons’ favorite things and sold out a two-week run.”

Witecki added, “In 2014, Tampa Theatre sold so many tickets during a weekend of Sing-along Mary Poppins that when we sent the box ofce report back to Disney, our contact there called to make sure it was not a typo.”

The ﬁrst movie in the 2024 series is Grease. This one has been a top winner in the Tampa Theatre’s Fans Pick the Classic polls. Sing-along Grease will take place on September 1. Then, come and sing along with The Greatest Showman on September 8. Just a few years ago, Singalong The Greatest Showman sold out six

By Kathy L. Collins

screenings. Witecki said, “This prompted the Tampa Theatre staf to pledge that they will keep showing it until the fervor wanes.”

On September 15, Tampa Theatre will ofer Quote-along Labyrinth. Then, come sing your heart out with Sing-along Bohemian Rhapsody on September 22. Finally, Sing-along Encanto ends Tampa Theatre’s September Sing-along Sundays on September 28.

All shows will be at 3 p.m. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $14.50, or $11.50 for Tampa Theatre members.

Witecki said, “There is something freeing about breaking the taboo of talking during a movie; something ebullient about raising your voice in unanimous — if not always on-key — song with hundreds of fellow ﬁlmgoers. And you have proven it time and time again as a moviegoing public, gobbling up tens of thousands of tickets over the years whenever Tampa Theatre puts lyrics on the screen.”

Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. Tickets can be purchased at the box ofce or online at https://tampatheatre.org/.

OPPORTUNITY

FOR ALTERNATIVE GIFT GIVING TO HELP END HUNGER

First Presbyterian Church of Brandon Heifer Living Gif Market

Sunday, October 13, 2024

AM untl 12:30

Would you like to be a part of helping people in need be free from hunger and have the chance to become self-reliant? If making a life-changing di f erence for someone in need is on your bucket list, then join in at the Heifer Living Gift Market on Sunday, October 13. This alternative gift-giving opportunity will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon’s Fellowship Hall, located at 121 Carver Ave. in Brandon, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

This ‘market’ will provide an opportunity to ‘purchase’ Heifer animals or shares of animals, like pigs, sheep, goats, cows, chicks or even water bu f alo. These animals will be distributed, along with education and training, to needy families around the world. This is not a handout but instead an actual opportunity for the recipients of these animals to become self-reliant. Heifer International (www.heifer.org) has a special approach to sustainable development wherein the animal recipients ‘pass on the gift’ by giving an o f spring of their animal along with education about its care to another family in need, who then does likewise.

This expands the network of hope around the globe.

The Heifer Living Gift Market is free to attend and open to the public. Visitors of all ages will enjoy interesting exhibits presented in fun and informative ways, special activities for the kids, a chance to bid on gift baskets, a silent auction and a simple meal. All donations will go to Heifer International.

For each animal or share of an animal ‘purchased,’ donors will receive a specially designed honor card that can be sent to a loved one as an alternative gift. (Chances are good that some of the folks on your Christmas list, that already have everything they need, would love to know that a gift given in their honor went toward making a life-changing difference for someone in need.)

Come join in on the fun, help people in need and make a lasting di f erence. Give the gift that truly keeps on giving.

For more information, please contact the church o f ce at 813-689-4597 or visit its website at https://fpcbrandon. org/event/heifer-living-gift-market/.

Grease is the frst show in Tampa Teatre’s September Sing-along Sundays. It has been voted as a top winner in Tampa Teatre’s Fans Pick the Classic polls.

Photo courtesy of Barb Kemp.