Osprey Observer Brandon/Winthrop February 2024

ARMWOOD BASKETBALL CELEBRATES FORMER PLAYER ADAM SOLLAZZO IN NUMBER RETIREMENT

Armwood High School celebrated former standout basketball player Adam Sollazzo in a number retirement ceremony on January 24. The former 2008 Class 5A Player of the Year is the first Armwood basketball player to have his number retired and hung in the rafters. His number, 20, was ofcially retired in 2014, but he didn’t have a chance to attend a ceremony until now because he had been playing overseas for the last 11 years.

The former East Tennessee State University star went on to have an outstanding basketball career overseas, winning a championship with his Spanish league club, Rio Breogán, located in Lugo, Spain in 2021, while also being named finals MVP. He played 11 total seasons overseas in Romania, Germany, Italy, Argentina, France and Spain.

The 2008 District 13 Player of the Year celebrated with family, former high school teammates, former coaches and friends in the ceremony. His dad, Paul Sollazzo, who is an assistant coach for Bloomingdale High School, was able to attend because the celebration was scheduled for the Armwood vs. Bloomingdale basketball game.

“I was kind of speechless,” said Adam. “I started my speech of saying that I’ve probably played in front of 50-60,000 people at times, and this is probably one

BACK THE LINE CHARITY EVENTS RETURNS WITH NEW TOURNAMENTS TO SUPPORT INJURED LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

By

Brad Stager

By Nick Nahas

of the more nervous moments of my career, seeing all that hard work pay of. It was definitely life-changing and made me really feel special, and I am forever grateful for Armwood to hold me at such a high honor.”

The 2008 All-Western Conference Player of the Year played at Armwood from 2004-08. He averaged 22 points per game, 6.3 assists per game and 6.1 rebounds per game in his senior season. He also became a 2008 Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star that year.

Adam is now retired from basketball and has his real estate license in the area. The former guard hosts basketball camps once a month at Armwood High School to teach and encourage local youth basketball players.

“I don’t want people to look at that jersey in the rafters and just think about me and how good of a player I was,” said Adam. “I want it to be more of an inspiration and somewhat of a challenge to all the players in the county and all the kids who come to my basketball camps to see that jersey and think, ‘Hey, someone from this area made it to be a professional.’ I just hope that the next time I come in this gym 10 years from now that there are more jerseys hanging up there because someone took mine as a challenge to be better than me.”

Supporting the first responders who keep the community safe is the mission of Back the Line Charity Events and the purpose of the fundraising activities it organizes.

This year’s annual golf and cornhole tournaments are raising money to support the families of Corporal Carlos Brito and Deputy Manuel Santos of the Hillsborough County Sheri f ’s O f ce (HCSO). They were severely injured during a service call at the Brandon home of 28-year-old Ralph Bouzy in November 2023. Brito and his wife have three children and Santos is married with two children.

According to HCSO, Bouzy allegedly hit the o f cers with his car at high speed with the intention of injuring them while they were conducting an investigation.

Brito and Santos’ injuries landed them in the hospital. Both have since been released from the hospital and are continuing to recover.

The fourth annual Back the Line Charity Golf Tournament will take place at the Eagles Golf Club in Odessa on Saturday, April 6. According to organizers, all funds generated by this year’s event will benefit Brito and Santos’ families. Sponsorships are available from $200$5,000, and teams of four golfers cost $600 and include dinner. The shotgun start for the golf tournament is at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23, is the registration deadline.

On the same day, organizers are hosting the second annual cornhole tourna-

ment, with practice beginning at 8 a.m., also at the Eagles Golf Club. Tournament sponsorships range from $100-$1,000. The registration fee for teams of two players is $60. The day’s events also include ra f e drawings and a silent auction. Hosting a golf and a cornhole tournament on the same day expands the activities for the public to enjoy and support, but it also means a greater need for individuals and organizations to become event sponsors and donors of items for prizes, according to event host Heather Cropper.

“We are looking for teams for both golf and cornhole, sponsorships and raffle baskets and silent auction items,” she wrote in an email announcing the tournaments.

More information can be found on the Back the Line Charity Events Facebook page.

Donations can be mailed to the Firemen’s Benevolent Charity of Tampa at 720 E. Zack St., Tampa, FL. 33602, Attn: Aaron Hanson or Heather Cropper. Checks should be made out to the Firemen’s Benevolent Charity of Tampa.

Corporal Carlos Brito (left) and Deputy Manuel Santos of the Hillsborough County Sherif ’s Ofce were injured while on duty in

Photos courtesy of Dina Langston. 2008 District 13 Player of the Year Adam Sollazzo celebrated with family, former high school teammates, former coaches and friends at the ceremony.

Adam Sollazzo celebrates with his mom, Terry; his wife, Kari; and his dad, Paul.

WINTHROP CHARTER SCHOOL COMPLETES THE HAPPY MURAL PROJECT

Bright, painted sunflowers and a colorful lion’s head brought a pop of color to Winthrop Charter School.

At the beginning of January, the Winthrop community came together to complete a paint-bynumber mural designed by Happy Mural Project artist Alyssa Marie. The two-day project hosted students, parents, faculty and neighbors to fill in the mural.

“I started The Happy Mural Project in 2020 as an efort to just inspire more joy across the globe through larger-than-life sunflowers painted on walls,” Marie said.

PTC Mural Chair Randi Wagner, who participated in painting a mural when she was younger, brought the idea up a year and a half ago.

“I just loved what The Happy Mural Project stood for: inspiring others and just making beautiful art, something you can drive by that puts a smile on your face and it lasts a long time,” Wagner said.

Wagner still drives by the mural she helped paint and is reminded of the pride of contributing to the project she felt as a child. She wanted her daughter to have the same opportunity to leave her mark

By Lily Belcher

on the community through Winthrop Charter School.

Within the first hour of the project being open, Wagner said the wall was filled with community painters.

“It was hard to find room on the wall where you could kind of squeeze in to put some paint on it,” Wagner said.

Marie customized the mural to include a colorful lion’s head to represent Winthrop Charter’s mascot and a symbol found in the Winthrop community.

“With each brush stroke, Winthrop’s learning community embraced the arts and created an impactful experience,” Principal Terry Johnson said.

Marie had the opportunity to work with the children and tell her story as an artist.

Wagner said the students were inspired by her story and seeing the passion she has for The Happy Mural Project.

Sunflowers were included in each mural because Marie’s favorite color is yellow and sunflowers remind people of joy and beauty.

For more information on the Happy Mural Project or to submit your wall for a mural, visit www.thehappymuralproject.com.

HCA FLORIDA BRANDON HOSPITAL HOSTS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR A DAY OF HEALTH SCIENCE JOB MENTORING

Oftentimes, a student may have an interest in medicine but may not have an opportunity to get exposed to it. That’s what makes this new partnership with Hillsborough Community College (HCC) and HCA Florida Healthcare special. To kick of the Health Science Explorers (HSE) shadowing program at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, Leitha Johnson, division director of clinical education programs at the HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement, hosted a virtual orientation to this exciting program that gives high school students an opportunity to walk in the world of a caregiver. Students interested in pursuing a career in health care will shadow and be mentored by Brandon Hospital caregivers in multiple departments, including pediatrics, emergency care and surgery.

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Haynes, emergency room physician at Brandon Hospital.

The Hillsborough Community College Foundation created the Health Science Explorers (HSE) program with a $50,000 grant from the HCA Healthcare Foundation. High school students participate in round-robin activities that explore the health science field of their choice through this simulation experience. As a participant in the program, the students receive a set of HSE scrubs, a CPR kit and training, a Stop the Bleed kit and training and a validated blood pressure monitor and training. These students will also attend a panel discussion of industry experts, including leaders from HCA Florida Healthcare.

“We are excited to support local high school students interested in pursuing a rewarding role in the health sciences field. These students will learn about diferent specialties they are interested in from caregivers right here at Brandon Hospital. This is exactly the kind of journey I would have loved to have the opportunity to participate in when I was in high school. By providing mentoring, our caregivers can help students discover job roles that are a good fit for them,” said Dr. Michael

This program runs for two semesters. Students who complete all HSE program days will be put into a drawing for an HCC Foundation scholarship. Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded during the Spring Learn and Lunch event in February.

Accredited by The Joint Commission, HCA Florida Brandon Hospital is a 479bed acute care facility that is nationally ranked as a Top 100 Hospital by IBM Watson. It is located at 119 Oakfield Drive in Brandon.

For more information, visit www.hcafloridabrandonhospital.com.

Leitha Johnson, division director of clinical education programs at HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement during student virtual orientation.

Te Happy Mural Project mural included a lion’s head for Winthrop Charter School.

Winthrop Charter School students helped fll in Te Happy Mural Project’s paint-by-number mural.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CELEBRATES ITS 190TH BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday, Hillsborough County!

This thriving county on the west coast of Florida with a history as long and winding as the Hillsborough River turned 190 years old on January 25. Can you believe it? It’s even older than the state of Florida.

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Hillsborough’s population at that time was several hundred people. Today, the population is around 1.5 million, and on average an estimated 21,000 new residents move to Hillsborough County each year.

VINE VEGAN HOSTS EASY HOWTO WORKSHOPS ON BECOMING VEGAN-ISH

By Lily Belcher

Hillsborough County got its name from Wills Hill, who was the first British secretary of state for the Thirteen Colonies from 1768-72. On January 25, 1834, the U.S. Legislative Council for the Territory of Florida approved an act organizing Hillsborough as Florida’s 19th county. Florida was granted statehood in 1845.

“As the custodian of o f cial records in Hillsborough County, the Clerk’s o f ce holds 190 years’ worth of documents that we make available to everyone. The public can now view seven linen reproductions of original Hillsborough County plat maps inside the Pat Frank Courthouse Building,” said Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Cindy Stuart on a flyer.

Things have changed dramatically for Hillsborough County over its 190-year history.

When Hillsborough County was just a baby, it covered a larger area than today’s county borders. In the beginning, Hillsborough County was a sprawling area that included what is now Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands counties, most of Glades County and part of Lee County.

It isn’t your great, great, great, great, great, great, great-grandparents’ Hillsborough County, but as the years pass, Hillsborough County continues to be home. And that alone is reason to celebrate.

“Birthdays are a time for reflection and gratitude, and we are grateful for each member of the community. We look forward to years of continued initiatives that contribute to the betterment of Hillsborough County,” said Stuart.

The Pat Frank Courthouse’s display, which includes maps of Fort Brooke dating back to 1853 and Ybor City from 1886, is in room 140 of the courthouse, located at 419 Pierce St. in downtown Tampa. Its hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The display can also be viewed online at https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/.

To learn more about Hillsborough County’s history, including our county’s namesake and historical highlights from the last 2,000 years, such as the 1937 Antifascist Women’s March and early indigenous residents, visit https://hcfl.gov/ newsroom and search through the history category.

Happy Birthday, Hillsborough County, and here’s to many more!

Vine Vegan is hosting monthly workshops to show the community how they can incorporate a plant-based diet into their lives without stress or complications.

Owner Danielle Stevens and certified plant-based nutritionist Erin DeMarines hosted their first interactive session at Vine Vegan to introduce customers to eating vegan. With about 25 people attending, January’s ‘learning-focused’ workshop served as an introductory session.

At the end of February, Stevens and DeMarines will bring customers to Sprouts and o f er tips on creating a ‘well-rounded vegan shopping list.’

to o f er something to meet those needs,” Stevens said.

In March, Stevens plans to organize a hands-on cooking session at Vine Vegan. In future workshops, she plans to host guest speakers, such as a doctor who could advocate for a vegan diet.

“I think people want to know how to shop for themselves, how to eat out, how to make healthy food at home, how to make it fast, so we just want to kind of cover all those bases,” Stevens said.

Stevens shared insights from her own journey to eating vegan and practical tips for customers looking to do the same.

“People have aspirations to get healthier in the new year. And a lot of people struggle with allergies, making appropriate and delicious meal planning a challenge. All of those things together, I thought it might be the perfect time

The Vine Vegan owner encouraged those interested to attend one of her sessions. She said guests do not have to attend every month but can come in when there is a topic that interests them. Stevens hopes to o f er engaging workshops for customers and answer any questions they may have about what a vegan or vegan-ish lifestyle looks like.

The classes are free and are hosted from 5:30-7 p.m., and customers will have the opportunity to purchase and try some of Vine Vegan’s food for their dinner.

Vine Vegan will host the sessions at the end of each month in one of its private rooms. The restaurant is located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon o f Brandon Parkway and Providence Road.

For more information on Stevens’ story, what Vine Vegan o f ers or upcoming sessions, follow Vine Vegan on Facebook, visit https://vinevegan.com/ or call 813939-8463.

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Danielle Stevens created a workshop to help customers learn more about eating vegan.

Danielle Stevens and Erin DeMarines hosted around 25 people at Vine Vegan’s frst workshop in January.

ST. ANDREWS LAUNCHES VITALITY RESPITE CENTER MINISTRY TO SERVE THOSE WITH ALZHEIMER’S

Vitality Respite Center, a new ministry designed to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, is now open at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, located at 3315 S. Bryan Rd. in Brandon.

Initially, Vitality Respite Center will be open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and provide a fun, engaging environment for participants to enjoy social, recreational and enrichment activities while their caregivers get a four-hour break. The program is limited to 10 participants a day. In the event the enrollment increases, the program will expand to Fridays as well.

“We’ve been preparing for several months to get to this day, and we are so excited that it’s time to begin this much-needed ministry to support our friends and their caregivers,” Pastor Gary Rideout said.

O fce Hours: Mon - Thur 10am- 3pm

www.Mtzionriverview.com

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Mt Zion AME Church Riverview

Understanding that Alzheimer’s and dementia diseases are progressive conditions, the participants who would most likely benefit from the program are those who can sit in group settings for a long period and are able to feed themselves and move around.

Heath added, “This is not just for our own church members but for others in the area living with a dementia-related disease who would benefit from these social and relational activities.”

Vitality Respite Center is part of a larger network of respite ministries adopting a successful volunteer-based model of care promoted by the Respite for All Foundation to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, as well as their caregivers.

Church Services 10am Sunday

Christian

Youth & Teens Church School 9:00 a.m.

Kingdom Builders 10:00 a.m. (Children’s Church ages 2-10)

Bible Study 7pm Tuesday (adults) Via Zoom

Wednesday Prayer Via Zoom 7 pm Tuesday (teens) Via Zoom

Community Food Pantry 2nd & 4th Tursday 11:00 -2:00 Monthly

Second Chances Job Training Mon.-Fri.

Karen

Vitality Respite Center program director Ginger Heath and over 30 volunteers completed training sessions o f ered by the Respite for All Foundation (RFA).

“We didn’t have to reinvent the wheel but are able to apply best practices that have already proven successful at other ministries,” Heath said. “We have a great schedule of enrichment activities ready to go, and I know our participants are going to see right away that the environment is less like caregiving and more like a thriving socialization and activity center. Having personally been a caregiver, I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing program that can transform lives of both guests and caregivers in such an exciting way.”

The low-cost, high-engagement RFA programs are run by a one or two-person sta f together with trained volunteers and are typically sponsored by a church or other community organization. Because the model is a social program, no medical training is required. From one to four days a week, participants are led through recreational and enrichment activities that fill a need for relationships and interaction. At the same time, caregivers get a much-needed break when they are able to leave their loved ones with trusted volunteers for four hours. For more information about enrolling someone in the program or joining the volunteer team, please contact Heath at 813-204-0014 or gingerheath.vitality@ yahoo.com.

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is pleased to announce the high school graduation rates for the 202223 academic year.

East Bay High School was one of many south county schools that showed an increase in graduation rates for the 2022-23 academic year.

While the HCPS graduation rate experienced a slight decrease of 1.7 percentage points to 86.2 percent from last year, it aligns with the prepandemic graduation rate in 2018-19. Notably, the 2022-23 graduation rate represents the second highest in the district’s history, following the exceptional years of 2019-20 and 2020-21, when classes were exempt from statewide standardized assessment requirements due to the pandemic. This demonstrates that there was no sustained learning loss for students in our district due to the pandemic.

“This year’s graduation cohort faced unique challenges, having entered ninth grade during the 2019-20 school year, which was significantly impacted by COVID-19 closures,” said Van Ayres, Hillsborough County Public Schools superintendent. “The resilience and perseverance of our students, supported by the unwavering dedication of our teachers, administrators and school and district support staf, have been instrumental in achieving these commendable results.”

Congratulations to the following local area schools for their remarkable achievements in increasing their graduation rates:

• Brandon High School: +1.1 percent.

• South County Career Acceleration

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Academy: +2.2 percent.

• Sumner High School: +2.7 percent.

• East Bay High School: +2.8 percent.

• Brandon Epic3: +6.2 percent.

Additionally, the following local schools maintained an impressive graduation rate above 95 percent, including Newsome High School with the highest graduation rate in the county.

• Riverview High School: 95 percent.

• Strawberry Crest High School: 95.1 percent.

• Newsome High School: 98.9 percent.

To view graduation rates data, visit https://fldoe.org/accountability/accountability-reporting/school-grades/.

HCPS is the seventh-largest school district in the nation with more than 220,000 students in its public schools. There are more than 274 school sites, including 137 K-5 elementary schools, 45 middle schools, 28 high schools, nine K-8 schools, four career centers, four technical colleges and 54 charter schools. It is also the largest employer in Hillsborough County with more than 24,000 employees. Many district programs provide students with unique learning opportunities, including magnet, International Baccalaureate, career and technical education and advanced academics, such as Advanced Placement, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) and dual enrollment courses.

For more information, visit www.hillsboroughschools.org.

Newsome High School achieved the highest graduation rate in the county, with 98.9 percent.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA EXPANDS FREE TEACH PROGRAM TO INCLUDE BLACK HISTORY MONTH CURRICULUM FOR EDUCATORS

National nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA), as part of its yearlong mission to “Remember, Honor, Teach,” recently announced free access for educators with lesson plans highlighting Black History Month (February) curriculums.

The WAA TEACH Program, spearheaded by retired educator, Gold Star Mother and WAA curriculum developer Cindy Tatum, aims to equip educators with a service-based curriculum to instill the values of freedom and honor in students across the nation.

In 1976, President Gerald Ford o fcially recognized Black History Month, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” In honor of Black History Month, the Wreaths Across America TEACH Program has developed lesson plans that honor the contributions and lasting legacies of Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Sojourner Truth, Ruby Bridges, the Bu f alo Soldiers and many others.

“Our lesson plans o f er a comprehensive curriculum designed to engage students of all ages in stories of courage

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and character,” said Tatum. “As with all of our free lesson plans, we focus on character development and service projects, and the curriculum is tailored for kindergarten through high school, catering to diverse learning abilities.”

Lesson plans are available for free download at www. wreathsacrossamerica.org/teach and accessible on Teachers Pay Teachers. Educators and homeschoolers are encouraged to explore and incorporate the materials into their lesson plans for Black History Month and beyond.

The TEACH Program encompasses materials from philanthropic and patriotic organizations, including the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

For more information about Wreaths Across America and how to participate in National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 14, visit www. wreathsacrossamerica.org.

To learn more about the Wreaths Across America TEACH Program, please read the blog post at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/home/news/1085.

Retired educator, Gold Star Mother and Wreaths Across America’s curriculum developer Cindy Tatum, who spearheads the Wreaths Across America TEACH Program.

ROTARY SPOTLIGHT: ACTIVITIES, MEETINGS & MORE

Interact Club Of Tampa Bay (High School Students)

The Interact Club of Tampa Bay meets on the first Monday of each month. The March meeting will be on March 4, 6-8 p.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. All area high school students are invited, and food will be provided. Come learn about the ‘Create Hope in the World’ Speech Contest on Friday, February 23. Contact: Chad Norgard, chad@norgardinsgrp.com.

USF Rotaract (College Students)

For any Rotary Club or company wanting to sponsor a birdhouse at any of the USF Rotaract community gardens, please reach out via social media. All details and club updates will be on the Instagram page @ usf_rotaract. For those with students at the University of South Florida, check out BullsConnect for opportunities or visit its social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.

Brandon

The Rotary Club of Brandon’s annual Wild Game Dinner is Friday, March 1, at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. Tickets and sponsorships are available by contacting Joe Campoamor at 813-748-2076 or jcampoamor@integrityft.com. If you’re interested in serving our community and doing

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

Brandon ’86

The Brandon ’86 Rotary Club will be hosting the 2023-24 ‘Create Hope in the World’ Speech Contest for members of the Interact Club of Tampa Bay on Friday, February 23. Meetings are held weekly on Fridays from 8-9 a.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon.

Brandon Global Eco (Meets On Zoom)

Are you passionate about the environment? Join Brandon Global Eco on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 6-7 p.m. on Zoom. The focus of the club is environmental education and ecological friendly projects. To join the email list for meeting information, contact Bruno Kazenas at bkazenas@comcast.net.

FishHawk-Riverview

Save the date for the 14th annual Crawfish Festival presented by Christopher Ligori & Associates on Saturday, April 13. To sponsor, volunteer (including students) or be a vendor, visit www.fishhawkriverviewrotary.org or www.luvcrawfish.com.

In 2023, roughly 1.9 million new cancer cases and 609,820 deaths from cancer were expected to occur in the United States, with more than 162,000 new cases expected to occur here in Florida. Cancer continues to be the second most common cause of death among Americans, after heart disease. To help end cancer as we know it for everyone, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Tampa Bay will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 2-3, at Raymond James Stadium. The event begins at 3 p.m. on March 2, and participants will walk through the night because cancer doesn’t stop.

near the pirate ship.

Relay For Life is more than just a walk. It is a volunteer-led movement that unites communities to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and raise funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families.

“There are too many cancer stories, and I want to do my part to eradicate cancer. I’m not an M.D. or a researcher, but I can help raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society,” said event colead and cancer survivor Kristina Chowning.

This year’s event provides a unique opportunity for participants to set up their campsites directly on the field at Raymond James Stadium. Additionally, there will be two walking tracks for participants — one on the field and one along the lower concourse. To recognize our survivors and thrivers, the American Cancer Society will host a reception on the lower concourse,

“Team UMA has supported the American Cancer Society for over a decade, and we’re excited to continue our involvement by sponsoring Relay For Life. Celebrating survivors and honoring our loved ones who have been affected by cancer is a very personal priority for many UMA team members, learners and graduates. It aligns with our mission in health care education by increasing awareness and support around one of our nation’s biggest health threats. At UMA, we believe in a ripple efect of care that starts with each one of us, and we’re honored to collaborate with the American Cancer Society,” said Bridget Hyde, vice president of research and development for Ultimate Medical Academy.

Founded by Dr. Gordon ‘Gordy’ Klatt in Tacoma, Washington, in 1985, Relay For Life unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost and take action for lifesaving change. Since 1985, Relay For Life has raised $6.8 billion to help save lives from cancer.

Dollars raised each year by more than 250,000 Relay participants across the country help support the American Cancer Society’s mission in countless ways, including funding and conducting breakthrough research, providing education and advocating for the needs of cancer patients and their families and providing essential services throughout their cancer journey.

To learn more about Relay For Life, visit https://relayforlife.org/tampabayfl.

STRANDHILL PUBLIC BRINGS AUTHENTIC IRISH CUISINE TO TAMPA BAY

Strandhill Public, located in the heart of Brandon, meshes the rich history of Irish tradition with modern hospitality.

Founded and coowned by Sharon Gaumond and Rory Martin, who shared a vision while bartending together in New York City, dreamed of taking the essence of a contemporary Irish pub and bringing it to our community.

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

munity to feel about Strandhill Public.

The journey began with the opening of the Brandon location in August 2019, followed by a second establishment in Tampa Heights in March 2020. Both locations celebrate the spirit of the traditional Irish pub while embracing the evolving tastes of today’s culture.

Named after the quaint coastal town in Ireland where Martin grew up, Strandhill Public resonates authenticity and warmth. With Martin watching his father run an Irish pub in Strandhill, Ireland, it was easy for him to develop the ambiance of a local gathering spot similar to the ones in his hometown. Strandhill Public welcomes everyone in as family and strangers quickly become part of the crew.

“We wanted to create an elevated casual dining experience that is comfortable and airy,” said Gaumond. “It’s a place that many call home.”

Gaumond and Martin take pride in ofering a place where people can come together and enjoy a meal, and maybe even an Irish beer. The two always look back to a quote from W.B. Yeats, “There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t yet met,” to remind themselves of how they want the com-

Some of the signature dishes at Strandhill Public include fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and its award-winning whiskey burger. All of these pay homage to traditional Irish eats, while innovative twists like the Irish egg appetizer reflect a fusion of old and new.

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the festivities at Strandhill Public promise an unforgettable experience for all ages. The restaurant will have live music on St. Patrick’s Day, with specialty events leading up to the big day. On Thursday, March 14, the Brandon location will be ofering a hands-on experience where you not only get to learn the history behind Guinness and have the opportunity to pour your own pint too. At the Tampa Heights location, register for the paired dinner on Tuesday, March 12, where you will enjoy a four-course food and pairing with Redbreast Irish whiskey.

At Strandhill Public, the devotion to Irish heritage is evident in every detail. From the meticulously poured pints of Guinness to the largest selection of Irish whiskey in the Tampa Bay area, the commitment to quality is unwavering. Next time you are looking for a delicious brunch, a delectable dinner or want to catch the latest game, stop by Strandhill Public for a good time and an authentic Irish meal.

To learn more, visit https://strandhillpublic.com/. Call the Brandon Strandhill Public, located at 10288 Causeway Blvd., at 813442-7080. For the Tampa Heights location at 309 W. Palm Ave., call 813-769-9234.

NEW OWNERSHIP BRINGS FRESH VISION TO THE DANCE CENTER

The Dance Center (TDC), a venerable dance institution that has been serving the Brandon community for over 30 years, is now under the ownership of Brentwood and Hannah Townend. The Dance Center, previously owned by Alice and Roger Bock, is the home of the nonprofit company Brandon Ballet.

Brentwood and Hannah Townend have taken over ownership of Te Dance Center, the home of Brandon Ballet. Te Townends have a love of dance, value faith and family and aim to create a warm, supportive environment at Te Dance Center.

Brentwood and Hannah are both graduates of the University of South Florida’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Dance program.

Hannah said, “We met while attending the B.F.A. dance program at the University of South Florida.” She added, “Through our dating, engagement and beginning of marriage, we always held the dream of having a dance company named Mahogany Blue Dance together ‘one day.’ That dream was realized in a way we never expected. The name of TDC is not changing, but our dreams of building up the next generation of dancers who know excellence of both character and artistry is beautifully unfolding before us.”

Hannah explained, “We like to say that we do not run a dance studio; we run a leadership and character development program that happens to use dance as the delivery method. We recognize that only a small percentage of our students will become professional artists, but all of them are becoming professional people. We want to provide every student with the tools to grow into the best they can be,

By Kathy L. Collins

both artistically and personally. As owners, we will strive to provide students with the most comprehensive dance training to prepare them for a wide range of vocational and artistic endeavors.”

The Townends have established a leadership program. Each month, teachers emphasize a specific leadership skill within their lessons, bringing attention to how dance builds responsible, compassionate and humble dancers. At the end of each month, students are nominated for their expression of these character traits and rewarded for their diligence in and outside the dance studio.

In addition, they have started an adult dance program.

Hannah said, “Our adult program includes a beginner and an intermediate ballet class in addition to an adult contemporary/modern class. It is such a treat getting to see adults who have always dreamed of dancing realize their passion with such confidence.”

Hannah added, “Alice Bock did a phenomenal job at building the reputation of The Dance Center, making sure the community knows this is where you get real and true classical dance training. We seek to uphold that tradition and will always be the hub for classical training in Brandon.”

For more information, please visit https://brandondance.com/.

ABOUT OUR CAMPS

Summer Camp starts May 28th!

Strandhill Public has the largest selection of Irish whiskey in all of Tampa Bay and updates its cocktail list seasonally.

While most of the education industry might be moving towards digital learning, one program is continuing to focus on hands-on creativity and has made its way to the Hillsborough community.

Challenge Island, an educational program that promotes creativity and critical thinking, was founded in 2003. The local South Hillsborough location began serving our community 20 years later in 2023.

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

nation and teamwork while allowing students to find creative solutions and increase their problem-solving skills. Along with STEAM knowledge, Challenge Island helps students establish healthy relationships and build confidence.

Through on-site field trips, after-school care, churches, libraries and more, the program allows children to get engaged with their learning and gives students something to be excited about. Challenge Island has developed many learning plans and is able to provide the supplies and tools necessary to implement the program in diferent settings.

It strives to give all children access to its educational tools and is able to work with organizations and schools to build programs that work within diferent types of budgets.

“We wanted to provide an innovative and engaging educational platform for children,” said Rod Recine, owner of the local Challenge Island. “Challenge Island fosters creativity, teamwork and critical thinking through STEAM activities.”

This program ofers a unique educational experience through science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) learning. The goal is to encourage imagi-

The benefits extend beyond traditional classroom settings, and with no screens or digital platforms, Challenge Island provides a learning environment that inspires passion for STEAM subjects and fosters an environment where students feel comfortable to be whimsical in their learning. Through the interactive and imaginative challenges, students gain skills that are needed in the 21st century.

Challenge Island empowers young minds to explore and appreciate the hands-on experience of learning. “It promotes creativity, ofering a tangible and experiential educational experience for children,” said Recine.

This program has served as a catalyst for compelling and dynamic educational experiences in all kinds of ways. From Girl Scouts workshops to after-school camps to birthday parties to family engagement programs, Challenge Island is able to deliver a hands-on, educational experience however it fits best.

For more information, please contact Recine at rrecine@challenge-island.com or visit www.challenge-island.com/south-hillsborough-county.

Karen Schotanes and her mother, Marilyn Schotanes, bought Bloomingdale Florist in 1998 to share their finest floral arrangements with the community.

For Karen, who has worked in the industry for over 35 years, making bouquets is a way to create designs and bring joy to her customers. When she moved to Florida from New Jersey, she wanted to run a business with her mother, and Bloomingdale Florist allowed her to do just that.

The family-owned and operated flower shop ofers seasonal, holiday and ‘just because’ arrangements with long-lasting flowers throughout the year. Bloomingdale Florist’s bouquets showcase a variety of flowers, colors and sizes for various prices.

Marilyn, who has a background in business management, has helped her daughter run the company and continue to brighten their customers’ days with their designs.

“Quality and making sure the customer is always happy [has allowed the business to grow]. … Most of our customers have their arrangements anywhere from two to three weeks, and that’s a really long time to have a fresh arrangement last,” Karen said.

Bloomingdale Florist uses premium products to keep its fresh blossoms vibrant and eye-catching. It purchases quality flow-

Maybe not — and here’s why:

•

The more money you invest in

accounts, and the longer you keep it invested, the more you’ll probably have when you need it most — when you’re retired. Consequently, taking out sizable amounts from these accounts before you retire could be costly, as it would disrupt the benefts of compounding that can be achieved by holding investments for the long term.

• Possible bump into higher tax bracket – The money you take out from your traditional IRA and 401(k) is taxable in the year of withdrawal. So, if you withdraw a signifcant amount of money at once from your traditional IRA or 401(k), you could be pushed into a higher tax bracket, at least for one year.

• Tax penalties – If you take money out of a 401(k) or traditional IRA before you turn 59½, you could face a 10% tax penalty, although some exceptions exist. Penalty-free withdrawals can be made for several reasons, including for education and medical expenses, frst-time purchase of a home (up to $10,000), after the birth or adoption of a child (up to $5,000) and more (see irs.gov/taxtopics/tc557). With a Roth IRA, which is funded with after-tax dollars, you can withdraw contributions — but not earnings — at any time, for any purpose, without incurring penalties.

By Lily Belcher

ers mainly from South America and other countries to ensure the arrangements are long-lasting.

Since purchasing the company, Karen and Marilyn have hired several additional employees and opened another location to store flowers and manage delivery orders.

The delivery service allows Bloomingdale Florist’s arrangements to reach customers across Hillsborough County. However, recent increases in gas prices have challenged Karen and Marilyn in ofering quality products at an afordable price.

Still, Bloomingdale Florist has managed to not raise its prices too much for its customers. It still delivers across Hillsborough County and even out of state.

Karen said receiving compliments from customers about the arrangements and hearing how customers look forward to their next bouquet is the best part of serving the community.

“That’s mostly what we’re doing: just trying to make people happy,” Karen said.

Bloomingdale Florist is located at Bloomingdale Square at 827 E. Bloomingdale Ave. For more information on the company or to purchase a bouquet, call 813-654-7304 or visit www.bloomingdaleflowers.com.

Given these issues, how can you avoid dipping into your retirement accounts when you’re faced with a fnancial need?

One possibility is to take out a loan from your 401(k). Unlike a 401(k) withdrawal, a loan is neither taxable nor subject to tax penalties. Also, the interest you pay on a 401(k) loan goes back into your account.

Still, a 401(k) loan has its drawbacks. If you leave your job, you’ll likely have to repay the loan in a short period of time and if you don’t have all the money to repay it, the loan will be considered in default, so you’ll owe taxes and the 10% penalty if you’re younger than 59½. But even if you don’t leave your job and you do repay the loan, you’ll still have taken away money that could have potentially kept growing within your tax-deferred account. As mentioned above, as your money compounds, you’ll want to minimize disruptions.

Building an emergency fund is another way to gain access to cash. Such a fund should contain at least six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. It can take time to build a fund of this size, so it’s never too soon to start putting away money for it. To avoid the temptation of dipping into your emergency fund, you’d ideally keep this fund separate from your daily spending accounts. Explore all your options before tapping into your IRA or 401(k) early. Keeping these accounts intact as long as possible is one of the best moves you can make to help build your future retirement income.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Article 14 – Dec. 18, 2023

Marilyn and Karen Schotanes create beautiful foral arrangements.

THE WORDS OF A LEGENDARY 101-YEAR-OLD WWII VETERAN

By Taylor Wells

I had the great honor of joining a presentation featuring legendary 101-yearold WWII veteran Roy Caldwood — the last of the renowned Bufalo Soldiers in the state of Florida — as the keynote speaker, who shared his storied life with an assembly at Saint Leo University (SLU). It was exciting to hear about Caldwood’s experiences from the man himself.

Saint Leo is a “university who has deep ties to our military brothers and sisters, with over 50 years of educating our nation’s military personnel,” stated SLU President Dr. Edward Dadez, who said it was an honor and a privilege to welcome the attendees to an event featuring such a

distinguished guest. Caldwood served our country in Italy from 194345 during World War II in the 92nd Infantry Division Reconnaissance Troop 2nd Platoon of the U.S. Army, who were named the Bufalo Soldiers after the 19th-century African American cavalrymen. On April 5, 2023, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor proclaimed that day to be Roy Caldwood Day. Additionally, he’s a recipient of the New York City Department of Corrections Medal of Honor and the U.S. Army Bronze Star.

At the presentation, Caldwood, joined by his daughter, Diane Royer, and other family members, began with how he felt about getting drafted: “So, I thought about it, and I said, ‘Would I be better of if Hitler and Mussolini’ — they called them the Axis back in those days — ‘if they won the war?’ … I said, ‘Hell no. … I’m putting my bet on this country, and I’ll do what I can to help,’ so I went into the Army.”

“I was a premed student, so they took me and 12 others and they put us in what they call a medical sanitation outfit,” said Caldwood.

He was first sent to Henry Patrick, Virginia. He was disappointed, as there was no training to fight in the war there, but he got his chance to do more with the Army when he saw a recruitment ad for the Bufalo Soldiers in the Stars and Stripes military newspaper. He signed up immediately.

“What attracted me was that they’re the Bufalos, guys who are going to be really trained to be real soldiers, and it was an outfit that anyone looked up to,” said Caldwood. “I mean, just the thought of joining the Bufalos really lifted our spirits.”

He told of times where he faced racial prejudice in Henry Patrick, like being forced to move to the last row of a theater by military police, despite his and others’ complaints, and getting put in train seats next to a smoke-filled engine on the way to training in Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

“It was pretty bad. But we didn’t care,” said Caldwood, “because we knew we were going to have a much better life.”

His determination was so great that not even having diarrhea and being stuck in a hospital stopped him from getting out and passing the fitness test to join the 92nd Infantry Division.

When stationed overseas in Italy, was assigned to a reconnaissance troop to track down a batch of Germans. Among

Caldwood’s most memorable experiences involved the ‘Purple Heart Stretch,’ where German soldiers hid in the mountains and killed Americans who passed through. When he, two other soldiers, and local women were forced to travel this route for food, they came under fire by mortars. The first mortar missed, but Caldwood assumed the next ones meant death — then the situation became incredible. The next 30-40 mortars all strangely missed, and he realized they were missing on purpose. Their attackers, it turned out, were telling Caldwood’s group they wanted to surrender.

“And about a couple hours later, that last batch of Germans did peacefully surrender to our platoon,” he said.

He has lived a storied life, one where the excitement didn’t end after the war, such as his time at the New York City Department of Corrections on Rikers Island as an assistant deputy warden and program director from 1955-76 — during which he survived a hostage situation by the Black Panthers. At 101 years old, he’s still physically active, doing things like dancing on a yacht and helping train his grandson in 2023. And he’s not done yet.

If you’d like to learn more about this hero, check out his book, Making the Right Moves: Rikers Island & NYC Corrections.

Photo by A.J. Colson, Saint Leo University. Dr. Janis Prince, associate professor of sociology and chair of the Department of Social Sciences, celebrates the resiliency and valor of Roy Caldwood during his speech at Saint Leo University.

RUNNING OF THE BULLS 5K RAISES OVER $15,000 FOR BLOOMINGDALE HIGH SCHOOL

The seventh annual Running of the Bulls 5K drew in around 400 people to Bloomingdale High School on January 13 and raised just over $15,000 for the high school and band. New this year, the 5K is providing two scholarships to Bloomingdale High School seniors, which will be presented at the Senior Awards Banquet in May.

Malik Millet won the 5K with a time of 16:41. Makenna Mach, a Bloomingdale High School senior, was the overall female winner with a time of 21:28. Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayers and Bloomingdale High School Principal Dr. Marcos Rodriguez ran the 5K. It was Ayers’ second time participating.

“I loved the atmosphere of the race and the way the community came together to support Bloomingdale High. This is my second year taking part in Running of the Bulls 5K, and I plan on always making it part of my racing calendar. The race brought together students, staf and families and was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning,” Ayers said.

The 5K is put on by the Bloomingdale Band Boosters and is made possible by local business sponsorships, such as title sponsors Acropolis Greek Taverna in Riverview, The Jeep Depot, Hungry Howies and Reed &

By Jane Owen

Reed.. Participants included runners and walkers from all over the area, along with current students and Bloomingdale High School alumni. In addition to the 5K, which utilizes pavement throughout the campus, there was a half-mile run/ walk around the track. Participants of both events received finisher medals, and 5K participants received Dri-FIT shirts.

Bloomingdale band director Jordan Fraze is extremely grateful for the support the 5K provides the band.

“Seeing the community come out in droves to support the band through the Running of the Bulls 5K was incredible. This event is one of our largest fundraisers, and it goes towards helping the band program purchase instruments, equipment, sheet music and so many more things that are required to keep our program functioning at the level of excellence that is has for so many years.

I’d like to personally thank our local running community for making our 2024 Running of the Bulls a success,” Fraze said.

To find out other ways to give to Bloomingdale’s Rajun’ Bull Band, please contact jordan.fraze@hcps.net. For more information about the Running of the Bulls 5K or to find out about next year’s event, email bloomingdalebulls5k@gmail.com.

Superintendent Van Ayers running the 2024 Running of the Bulls 5K.

Te 2024 Running of the Bulls 5K starting line.

Enrolling your child in kindergarten is an important and emotional milestone for many par ents. But don’t worry, Hillsborough County Public Schools is here to make the process smooth and enjoyable for both you and your child.

Schools across the district will host Kin dergarten Ready Open Houses starting at the end of February. To en roll in kindergarten and to attend an open house, your child must turn 5 on or before September 1, 2024.

COUNTDOWN:

By Superintendent Van Ayres

Here’s how you can prepare for kinder garten enrollment:

• Find Your School. nient school locator tool on the district website — www.hillsboroughschools. org — to find your assigned school. You can also explore options for our magnet schools at www.hillsboroughschools.org/ magnet.

• Attend Open House. These events are invaluable for getting acquainted with the school environment. You’ll learn about the school, possibly tour the facilities and meet the principal. It’s also a great opportunity to ask any specific questions you might have.

quite a bit of paperwork involved in registering a child for kindergarten. Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. Check the list of required documents at www.hillsboroughschools.org/enrollment. Please note, your child’s registration is not complete until all documentation is submitted.

Many parents wonder if their child is ready to start kindergarten. The answer, I can assure you, is most likely yes.

There are resources available that can help ease this transition. The Florida Department of Education and the Early Learning Coalition of er practical tips for preparing your child for kindergarten, book recommendations and guidelines on what your child should know before starting school. These resources are available on their respective websites at Prek Standards 12.27 (search on www. fldoe.org) and www.elchc.org.

• Gather Documentation. There’s

Remember, enrolling your child in kindergarten is a big step, but with these resources and preparations, you’ll be well-equipped for this new journey. Get ready for an emotional yet exciting milestone, and don’t forget to bring your Kleenex.

LOCAL DINNER & DATE NIGHT IDEAS FOR AROUND TOWN FUN

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

Don’t want to drive all the way to Tampa? Here are 12 local date ideas for weekend adventures or date night fun.

The Florida Strawberry Festival is back starting Thursday, February 29, and will be serving up fun until Sunday, March 10. There are some great musicians performing this year, including the Black Eyed Peas, Parker McCollum, ZZ Top and many more from every genre. On top of all the great musical performances, get your adrenaline rush at the 80 carnival rides and games, make a stop at the livestock show or dig into tasty treats. Take a stroll through the Neighborhood Village, which is dedicated to homemade items handcrafted by people in the community. The festival is open every day from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and entry is only $15 per adult. To learn more or buy tickets to one of the performances, visit https://flstrawberryfestival.com/.

If you’re looking for something to do outside, visit Alafia River State Park to enjoy some of its many activities. Alafia River State Park has a full-service bike shop that ofers rentals, repair services and lessons at the park. With bike trails for beginners and advanced riders, everyone can try of-road bicycling. You can also hike, bird-watch, fish, geo-seek or canoe in the river. Alafia River State Park also ofers glamping rentals with queen-size beds, solar power, games and a cooking station. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. until sundown, and entry is $5 per vehicle.

Take a trip to the Parkesdale Market, where you can enjoy delectable strawberry treats and even pick your own fresh strawberries. From January until mid-April, Parkesdale has an extensive strawberry menu, including things like strawberry shortcake with ice cream, a strawberry milkshake and a big bowl of sweetened berries. Parkesdale also has a shop where you can purchase fruits, home decor, salsa and sauces, seasonings, nut butters, plants and more. From now until April, stop by and pick a bucket of freshgrown strawberries starting at just $4. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also reserve a u-pick time online. To reserve a spot, visit https://parkesdale.com/.

If you’re looking for something a little diferent, enjoy dinner at Sunflower Cafe and then make a stop at iSmash to let out some tension. Sunflower Cafe is located on Lithia Pinecrest Road in Valrico and serves authentic Japanese cuisine. Specializing in sushi and hibachi, Sunflower Cafe has a menu that is bound to impress. Afterward, head over to iSmash where you can hammer and smash glass bottles, electronics and

tock.com/keel-farms/.

Enjoy the beautiful Florida weather before the summer heat with dinner and a drive-in movie. Stop for dinner at La Septima Cafe and enjoy a classic taste of old Ybor with Spanish rice and beans, ropa vieja or a Cuban sandwich and enjoy a slice of flan or guava cheesecake. Next, get down to the Ruskin Family DriveIn Theatre for a 7:30 p.m. or 10:10 p.m. movie showing. Entry is $7 per person, and classic movie treats can be purchased at the snack bar. Check the website at www.ruskinfamilydrivein.com for current movies.

even car windshields. iSmash provides all the safety gear you will need during your session; sessions start at $39 and can be reserved online. iSmash also ofers ‘splatter paint’ sessions where you can spend up to 50 minutes splattering paint on a canvas that you get to take home. You can also spend the evening axe throwing, starting at just $20. To book your night at iSmash visit https://ismashusa.com/.

Clean out your closet, stop by ECHO Thrift on Bloomingdale Avenue and donate your old clothes. This thrift store supports the eforts of ECHO to supply clothing or food as well as job coaching, financial counseling and more to neighbors in need in our community. Every $10 spent at the thrift store provides a meal for a family of five. Afterwards, walk over to bin + board for a predinner snack and a glass of wine, then head to The Stein & Vine, where you can enjoy an amazing dinner. The Stein & Vine ofers a unique menu with items like Korean hogfish tacos and a Dubai camel burger.

Take a drive to Keel Farms and enjoy a delicious glass of wine or beer while relaxing in the sunshine. Enjoy live music every weekend, trivia on Tuesdays, Pilates in the garden and all types of other events. You can also roam the 25-acre farm and visit animals, learn about operations or take a look at the blueberry fields. Buy tickets now to Valentine’s in the Vines for a Valentine’s Day dinner and cozy up with a free drink, a three-course meal and a dessert bar. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased online at www.explore-

Take a romantic sunset eco cruise with Latitudes Tours in Ruskin and then enjoy dinner and drinks from the Salty Shamrock. The sunset cruise starts about an hour and a half before sunset and travels down the Little Manatee River. Learn about the local history while catching a glimpse of wildlife. Once the cruise is over, stop by the Salty Shamrock and have a traditional Irish meal

and beer while enjoying live music.

Make Tuesday night fun with Fuzzy’s Taco Shop and Topgolf. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop offers a big menu with everyone’s favorite Mexican classics. Whether you like nachos, tacos or enchiladas, there is something you will definitely love. Then, challenge your partner to a friendly game at Topgolf with 50 percent of Tuesday games. Play a traditional game or choose one of the diferent game styles on the screen. Enjoy a drive out to downtown Plant City and try a new restaurant,

shop at some of the local stores or plan your date for one of the awesome events. With 20 places to eat and drink at and over 40 shops, spending an entire evening in downtown Plant City is very easy. Come out on the last Friday of every month and shop for handmade and local vendors, listen to live music in McCall Park, stop by the Main Street Kids zone and more. Visit www.plantcitymainstreet.org for more information.

If you love a classic night, enjoy dinner and bowling right here in Brandon. Start the evening with dinner at Strandhill Public for drunken mussels, an Irish whiskey burger or classic fish and chips. Strandhill Public also has some great traditional Irish beers and whiskey options. After dinner, visit Pin Chasers and compete in a game or two of bowling. Each game is as little as $9.99 per person, or play by the hour for $15.99. Visit https:// pinchasers.net/ to reserve a lane.

Get crafty at Board & Brush in Apollo Beach and buy tickets to one of the crafting events. Workshops are an exciting two hours of building and crafting while sipping on a complimentary glass of wine or beer. Crafters can choose from one of over 400 custom designs to make, and all the supplies are provided. The instructor leads you through the process and teaches you how to sand, stain, stencil and complete each wooden project. Whether you are a beginner DIY-er or a seasoned crafter, everyone can enjoy a night at Board & Brush. Buy tickets to a workshop at https://boardandbrush. com/apollobeach/.

From outdoor adventures to relaxing at the winery,

there are so many great local options for date nights. Exploring the community and finding new and exciting things to do right in your backyard is a great way to get out and enjoy some time with that special someone. Did we miss something fun, email editor@ospreyobserver.com.

Learn how to craft amazing designs at Board & Brush in Apollo Beach.

Donate unused clothes to ECHO who helps families in need.

Stroll through Downtown Plant City for dinner and shopping.

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS!

Do not be caught off guard

As if you did not already have enough to report, a new reporting requirement has been created by the Federal Government. It is called the Beneficial Ownership Reporting Rule. This rule is the result of congressional legislation titled “Corporate Transparency Act”.

The act requires data on all business owners owning 25% or more. It also requires data on individuals who exercise “ Substantial Control” over a company. The deadline for this report is January 1, 2025 for entities existing before January 1, 2024. For entities formed in 2024 the deadline to file is within 90 days of formation.

Penalties for failure to report is $500.00 per day and/or up to two years in prison.

The report is to be filed with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN) under the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Information about the Reporting Rule is available at www.fincen.gov/boi.

Get Educated. Get Engaged.

We view this as an egregious burden on small businesses. Contact your tax professional and your congress representative .

May the odds be ever in your favor. Good Luck.

Yoga, Golf Tournament, Silent Disco & More...

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

ZooTampa’s David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center Nominated For USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award

USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards has selected ZooTampa’s David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center as a nominee for ‘Best Zoo Exhibit’ in the country. As Florida’s most-visited cultural

attraction, ZooTampa’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals, as well as create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways. The David A. Straz Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center has helped with the rescue, rehabilitation and release of more than 500 sick, injured and orphaned manatees. The public has until Monday, March 4, to vote for it online at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-zoo-exhibit-2024/david-a-straz-jr-manatee-critical-care-center-tampa-florida/.

Protect Yourself From Identity Teft At ShredFest 2024

Identity theft can easily occur when criminals uncover sensitive information from the trash or old computer devices. As a public service to help residents avoid becoming victims of identity theft, Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services will host ShredFest 2024 on Sat-

Process

urday, March 2, from 9-11

a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 3602 U.S. Hwy. 301 N. in Tampa. Attendees should remain in their vehicles to enjoy convenient, drive-through drop-ofs. For more information about ShredFest 2024, call 813-635-8316 or visit https://hcfl.gov/consumer.

HCC Spring Flex Start Registration Open

Registration for Hillsborough Community College’s (HCC) spring flex start semester is underway. HCC is ofering over 1,000 flex start classes this spring.

HCC’s flex start schedule ofers a variety of start dates, times and modalities, including on campus, online and live online to ensure that students have the flexibility they need for their busy lives. Students can earn credits applicable to any of HCC’s Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees, college credit and postsecondary adult vocational credits. Tuition assistance is also available.

Flex start semester dates for spring are:

• Tuesday, March 5: eight-week classes.

• Tuesday, March 26: five-week classes. Visit www.hccfl.edu/flexstart for more information.

Hillsborough Community College serves more than 43,000 students annually at its five campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. For more information, visit www.hccfl.edu.

Easter Bunny Bash Event At Centerpoint Church

This Easter, guests are invited to enjoy a carnival-style event with games and attractions designed for children to enjoy with grown-ups at Centerpoint Church’s Bunny Bash. The Easter Bunny will be at the event, greeting children, ofering parents a free digital portrait to enjoy and inviting everyone to grab a map and hop along his bunny trail, where children can visit spring-themed locations to collect Easter eggs and fill their baskets. With attractions like a rock-climbing wall and slide, a petting zoo, inflatable games and bounce houses, entertainment from local dance groups, a children’s craft area and

more, this is an event not to be missed. The Bunny Bash will be held at Centerpoint Church, located at 1720 St. Cloud Ave. in Valrico, on Saturday, March 23, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. it is open to the community with free admission and does not require a ticket.

Yoga & Brunch At Center Place

Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association is ofering a Yoga & Brunch experience on Saturday, March 9, from 10 a.m.12 Noon at its location: 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B. in Brandon. This is a gentle and restorative yoga class suitable for all levels. Please bring your own mat, blanket and pillow. Tickets for the event are $25. To purchase, call 813-685-8888 or visit https://centerplacebrandon.com/.

Ye Royal Krewe Of Charlotte De Berry Golf Tournament

The all-female Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte de Berry will be holding its annual golf tournament on Sunday, March 24, at the Bay Palms Golf Complex at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. It will be a four-person scramble format costing $460 per foursome or $125 per person; this covers green fees, cart fees, range

balls and a dinner after the event. There will be many ways to win prizes, including closest to the pin, longest drive, etc., as well as rafe prizes and awards. To find out more and to register for the event, visit its website at www.kreweofcharlottedeberry.com. All proceeds from the event will benefit local high school female athletes who plan to enter career and technical fields.

Luck Of Te Irish Silent Disco Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a silent disco. Join in on Friday, March 15, from 6-9 p.m. for an evening filled with fun and shenanigans for those over 18. Tickets are available for the event by calling 813-685-8888 or visiting https:// centerplacebrandon.com/ and are priced at $10. Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

LIVE: King For A Day

The grr-ific musical for little tigers and grown-ups alike is back at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts at the Mahafey Theater on Wednesday, March 20, at 6:30 p.m. In Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE: King for a Day, Daniel and all his friends invite you for a brand-new adventure in

Neighborhood of Make-Believe where Daniel learns just what it takes to be king. It is an event filled with tiger-tastic fun, teaching the valuable lessons of kindness, helping others and being a friend. Tickets are on sale now at https://themahafey. com/ and www.danieltigerlive.com.

ADORABLE ANKLE BITERS BED AND BISCUIT OFFERS PETS THEIR OWN PAMPERED RETREAT

While no family trip is complete without the company of your furry friend, sometimes it is just not possible for your pet to tag along.

So, if you are looking to treat your pet to their own vacation, or even just send them away for a day of rest and relaxation, Adorable Ankle Biters Bed and Biscuit has them covered.

Dena Craig, owner of the Adorable Pets by Dena grooming facility in the adjacent storefront for 15 years now, founded Adorable Ankle Biters in April 2023. Adorable Ankle Biters is a boarding house and day care that specializes in catering to each guest’s individual needs. The boarding house only serves dogs who are at or below 16 inches at the shoulder and cats.

To ease lodgers during their stay, Adorable Ankle Biters ofers several diferent room options based on the character and activity level of each pet. ‘Raise the Woof Suites’ are designed for the more social and playful pets; ‘Bark Avenue Suites’ are for the more reserved; the ‘Old Barks Room’ is for the older pets and/or guests who prefer a more secluded environment; and ‘Kool Katz Condos’ are for the feline visitors.

To maximize their time spent here, the boarding house ofers additional amenities in select suites, such as TVs and the option to be tucked in with a bedtime story.

“And we ofer diferent treats and stuf the parents can do,” said Craig. “You know, like ice cream treats. We have bone broth

By Madeline Gardner

pupsicles. They can get biscuits and gravy in the morning, or scrambled eggs and bacon.”

Pet self-care is also prioritized here. Owners have the option to indulge and pamper their pooch with a spa day, complete with a 20-minute body massage, the use of paw balm, a pedicure, a blueberry facial and time to decompress in the jacuzzi tub before being brushed and blow-dried. So, while owners unwind on their own getaways, pets can too.

Regarding daytime play for both boarders and day care attendees, the facility is complete with an indoor park. Designed by K9Grass, it features astroturf and a flushing system underneath the space, eliminating the chances of any play being spoiled by inclement weather. Furthermore, the business’ ‘pawtivities director’ sorts each pet into a six-member play group to maximize compatibility.

While Adorable Ankle Biters understands it can be difcult to leave your companion behind, Craig ensures all pets spending the day or even a few nights there will enjoy their own holiday.

Visit https://adorableanklebiters.com/ or call 813-324-9400. Adorable Ankle Biters is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.7 p.m., and tours of the space are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Adorable Ankle

Lithia

Biters is located at 3220

Pinecrest Rd., Ste. 103 in Valrico.

With amenities like spa days, sweet treats and more, Adorable Ankle Biters ensures pets enjoy their stay.

UNITED WAY SUNCOAST KICKS OFF CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AT TAMPA CITY HALL

Founded a century ago, United Way Suncoast began serving Tampa with the creation of the Tampa Welfare League and Community Chest on January 10, 1924. During the last 100 years, it has elevated community cohesion, early learning, literacy and financial success within the five counties it serves in the Tampa Bay area.

On January 10, United Way Suncoast kicked of a centennial 18-month celebration at Tampa City Hall. The year-and-a-half celebration includes a series of events for the Tampa Bay community to commemorate the 100-year milestone. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor started the ceremony with a proclamation declaring January 10 as United Way Suncoast Day.

United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Murof addressed the crowd during the Centennial Celebration Kickof

“At United Way Suncoast, we often speak about giving families and community members the ‘freedom to rise,’” Murof said. “Giving people the ‘freedom to rise’ means providing community members platforms to enhance their place in this world.”

Murof shared that United Way Suncoast’s success stories stem from a collaborative efort involving corporate contributors, individual donors, volunteers and nonprofit partners. Members of these nonprofit part-

By Jane Owen

ners attended the kickof celebration: the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, the American Red Cross, the YMCA and the Tampa Urban League.

The kickof ceremony concluded with the raising of the United Way Suncoast flag over Tampa City Hall with chief communications ofcer Ernest Hooper leading the crowd expressing the United Say Suncoast mantra, “United We Rise, United We Win.”

Hooper shared that Unity Way Suncoast engaged with half a million community members in their five-county region in 2023 and that engagement reached more than 50,000 people in East Hillsborough County. He said their mission work concentrates on elevating early learning and literacy, energizing middle school and high school students to put them on a path to postsecondary success and empowering community members and families through financial stability.

In 2024, Suncoast United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will provide free tax assistance to any household that earns $79,000 or less, Hooper said. For assistance locations or to learn more about the VITA program, visit https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/what-we-do/income/ free-tax-help/. For information, visit https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/centennial/.

CARDINAL ROOFING HOSTS 10TH ANNUAL CLAY SHOOT FUNDRAISER FOR WE ARE THE ESSENTIALS

Cardinal Roofing is hosting its 10th annual Clay Shoot Fundraiser on Friday, March 22 with sign-in beginning at 11 a.m. and shooting at 12 Noon. Participants will enjoy a fun day of shooting sporting clay for a great cause. The clay shoot is raising money for We Are The Essentials, a nonprofit agency that investigates and locates missing persons.

By Kelly Wise Valdes

“We picked this nonprofit because it is a group of veterans, former first responders and community members who are dedicating their time, money and talents to bring home missing individuals to their families.,” explained Bridget Wilson, president of Cardinal Roofing.

According to Wilson, giving back to the community is a priority for Cardinal Roofing. This year’s clay shoot is hoping to raise $20K for We Are The Essentials.

The event will also include rafes, an auction and great food. There are many local sponsors for the event, including Chick-fil-A Bloomingdale/Lake Brandon Village, which is the 10-year breakfast sponsor. Jenifer Breaux with Dream Vacations is the lunch sponsor and JF Kicks is the drink sponsor.

“This year, we are ofering 10 vendor spots at $225 each for local businesses

to come out and advertise to our attendees,” said Wilson. “We are also doing a ‘Fund the List’ for We Are The Essentials — funding the items they need to help with their mission of finding our community’s loved ones.”

Wilson is always thankful for the camaraderie at the clay shoot as well as the support of the roofing community.

“Roofers have the biggest hearts, and I love when our industry comes together with our community and local businesses to benefit such a worthy nonprofit.”

All donations are welcome for the raffles and can be dropped of at the Cardinal Roofing ofce at 1312 Orangewalk Dr. in Brandon.

“No donation is too small, and we appreciate the amount of support we have received through the years, and we look forward to doing it again for the 10th time,” said Wilson.

For ticket pricing, registration and sponsorship opportunities, call 813-689-7663 (ROOF) or visit www.girlroofer.com. The event is taking place at FishHawk Sporting Clays, located at 13505 Hobson Simmons Rd. in Lithia. For more information on We Are The Essentials, visit www.wearetheessentials.com.

Te United Way Suncoast team at the Centennial Celebration Kickof on January 10.

Cardinal Roofng is hosting a fun day of clay shooting, rafes, auctioning and lunch to raise money for We Are Te Essentials, a nonproft organization dedicated to fnding missing people in our community.

United Way CEO Jessica Murof presenting a shirt to Tampa Mayor Jane Castro.

DURANT STUDENT CROWNED QUEEN AND JUNIOR ROYALTY WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL PAGEANT

Annistyn Grifn was crowned queen of the 89th Florida Strawberry Festival in the annual pageant held at the festival grounds on January 20.

Annistyn was selected from a field of 17 contestants. Taylor Gregory was chosen as first maid along with court members Zion Keese, SaraGrace Sparkman and Abigail Spivey.

“I’m so honored and ready to give this next year of my life to Plant City,” said Annistyn. “I’m looking forward to interacting with every single guest that walks through the festival gates and leave an impact like they did for me.”

Annistyn is the daughter of Artis and Jennifer Griffin. She is currently a junior at Durant High School and dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College. She serves as a member of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Junior Class Council, Student Government Association and the Durant Senior FFA. She plans to pursue a career in medical sonography to specialize in neurosonography.

The Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Competition is organized by the Plant City Lions Club and is composed of five facets of competition: a personal interview, onstage speaking, casual wear, evening wear and an impromptu question.

“We especially would like to thank the Plant City Lions Club for sponsoring this

contest and for all the time and hard work they put into making this a successful event,” said Florida Strawberry Festival Chairman Danny Coton. “I want to congratulate all the contestants. They put in so much time and efort in preparing for tonight, and it is our hope that no matter the outcome, they have all had fun, made some new friends and enjoyed their participation in this event.”

Also crowned were the winners of the annual Junior Royalty Pageant. One hundred and twenty-one registered contestants from 5-15 years old competed in four categories according to their ages: baroness, duchess, princess and queen. From the top five finalists in each category, a first maid and a winner were chosen.

Brooke Browning was selected as Junior Royalty Queen; Ava Bikowski was chosen as Junior Royalty Princess; Kezley Salinas was chosen as Junior Royalty Duchess; and Reagan Causey was chosen as Junior Royalty Baroness.

The queen and court make over 80 appearances representing the Florida Strawberry Festival and the Plant City community throughout the year. The Junior Royalty winners will also represent at events and festivals throughout the year.

For more information, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

Annistyn Grifn, who was crowned queen of the 89th Florida Strawberry Festival.

Back, left to right: Ava Bikowski, Junior Royalty Princess, and Brooke Browning, Junior Royalty Queen. Front, left to right: Reagan Causey, Junior Royalty Baroness, and Kezley Salinas Junior Royalty Duchess.

Hillsborough County Tax Collector Introduces Online Application For Motor Vehicle And Vessel Title Transactions

The Hillsborough County tax collector is making it faster and more convenient for residents to receive motor vehicle and vessel titles and has expanded their Express Lane service options to include e-title printing where customers will be able to complete their request for a printed electronic title online and pick it up on the same day in the ofce of their choice. Previously, Express Lane pickup was only available for registration renewals and specialty license plate orders.

Jet Ventilation

Now At HCA Florida Brandon Hospital NICU

PAINT CORPS Of Tampa

The e-title printing Express Lane option eliminates the need for customers to wait in line or make an appointment for this service. Simply apply and pay for an e-title online by 3:30 p.m. and pick it up on the same day. Customers will receive a notification once their application is processed and ready for pickup.

To take advantage of the tax collector’s Express Lane services, visit www.hillstax.org.

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED CARE

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital has made a major step to the highest level of care for respiratory distress in preterm babies. The NICU now utilizes jet ventilation, which provides the most advanced and gentle care compared to a traditional ventilator, for the youngest patients in the level III NICU. Neonatologists say babies born between approximately 500-1250 grams (1-3 pounds) with lung disease due to prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or a lung collapse benefit from jet ventila-

tion. Brandon Hospital’s NICU patients now have access to this advanced care technology, which eliminates the need for the youngest patients to face the risks associated with a transfer to another facility. This gentle ventilation helps support the lungs of preterm babies so they can grow and develop in Brandon Hospital’s level III NICU. The hospital is located at 119 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, visit www.hcafloridabrandonhospital.com.

Full Flow Lavish Loos, Te Ultimate Luxury Restroom Rentals

Full Flow Lavish Loos, based in Ruskin, is Tampa’s ultimate destination for luxury restroom rentals. The lavishly designed portable restrooms redefine outdoor comfort. The modern, spacious, air-conditioned and impeccably clean restrooms not only ofer essential conveniences but also exquisite bathroom accessories and designs. They can be transported across the Tampa Bay area, from St. Petersburg and Clearwater

GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH

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We know the heart. We’ve mapped it, repaired it and researched it. We’ve strengthened it and saved it. Every heart is unique, and our heart experts are here to care for each one and to celebrate the triumphs of recovery. We know your heart, and we know there is an unstoppable human spirit at the center of it.

Schedule an appointment today. Visit AdventHealthCardiovascularInstitute.com

PAINT CORPS of Tampa is a veteran-owned and operated business based in Wimauma. It provides high-quality interior and exterior painting services to residential and commercial clients in the Tampa Bay area and ofers cabinet painting and resurfacing. You can expect the PAINT CORPS team to apply core military principles like service, integrity and pride to your job, regardless of how big or small it is. For more information, visit its website at www.paintcorps. com/tampa-fl/ or call 813-520-6096.

La Septima Celebrating 29 Years Of Serving Delicious Food

Popular family-owned restaurant, La Septima first started in February 1995 and is now celebrating its 29-year anniversary. Owned by the Fernandez family, the unfussy restaurant has become a staple in the community for serving its delicious Cuban-fusion cuisine and recently for its amazing $39.95 family meals. La Septima is located at 702 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon in the La Viva Plaza. Visit its website at www.laseptimacafe.com or

CARE CLOSE TO HOME

Burgess and Michelle Perry, owners of PAINT CORPS of Tampa.

call 813-685-0502 for additional details.

New

Menu And Wine List At Clásico Chophouse And Taproom

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

Clásico Chophouse and Taproom, one of Tampa Bay’s premier dining destinations, has unveiled a variety of new menu items that will pair nicely with its newly introduced wine list, and they are sure to please all guests.

“We are thrilled to introduce our new menu and wine list, a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing our guests with a dining experience that goes beyond expectations,” said Clásico Chophouse and Taproom general manager Matt Kaess. “Each dish has been thoughtfully crafted, and our wine list is filled with fine wines that will delight even the most discerning connoisseurs.”

Clásico Chophouse and Taproom is located at 775 Brandon Town Center Dr. in Brandon. Visit its website at www.clasicobrandon. com for more information or call 813444-5188.

Preservation 1st Financial Group Celebrates Anniversary

Father and son Christian Beiter, CFP®, and Michael Beiter Sr. are celebrating 19 years of serving the community at Preservation 1st Financial Group. Preservation 1st Financial Group specializes in helping individuals reach their dreams. Whether you are looking for comprehensive financial planning, insurance planning, college planning or retirement planning, it has the knowledge and expertise to guide you toward your financial goals. Its ofce is located at 912 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon. Call 813627-0872 or visit its website at www. preservation1st.com to make an appointment.

New Community-based Assisted Living Facility Accepting Residents

T&T Estate Sales Launches In SE Hillsborough

After much personal experience with estate liquidation and relocating to the state of Florida, the Oraefo family has launched T&T Estate Sales LLC. T&T Estate Sales is a family-owned and operated business that prides itself on being honest, trustworthy and compassionate. T&T will clean and remove junk when required prior to liquidation, stage the sale and leave the property ‘broom clean’ when done. What sets T&T Estate Sales apart from the larger franchise companies is its collective knowledge of the estate sale process from beginning to end with a personal touch. Call 813-668-6520 or visit its Facebook page at T&T Estate Sales Brandon for more information.

Brisas del Caribe ALF III, a brand-new, community-based assisted living facility located in a quiet residential neighborhood, is family-owned and operated by Brandon residents Jose and Millie Carreno. It provides comfortable retirement living to elderly individuals in a worry-free way of life.

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE PRESENTS A FREE AIR SHOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Every other year, thousands of people flock to MacDill Air Force Base (MacDill AFB) for its biennial air show, Tampa Bay AirFest. On Easter weekend, Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30, an air show of epic proportions will be coming back to MacDill AFB, located in South Tampa. General admission is free to the public.

Each day is full of exciting performances and displays featuring the U.S. Air Force’s own Thunderbirds, U.S. Special Operation Command’s (SOCOM) Para-Commandos, C-17 Demo Team, KC135 Stratotanker, Warbird Thunder Airshows, A-10 Demo Team and F-18 Demo Team, in addition to five to six civilian pilots.

The Air Force Thunderbirds’ website states, “The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.”

SOCOM’s Para-Commandos are the foremost parachute demonstration team and will be performing their advanced tactical maneuvers for the crowd.

According to the AirFest website, “The Para-Commandos tailor each per-

Brisas del Caribe ALF is a clean, sixbed modern facility that keeps residents cozy and comfortable. Three daily warm meals are ofered, as well as housekeeping and laundry service daily. Some amenities include scheduled activities; weekly, inhome doctor’s visits; a safe environment with smoke and heat detectors; private and semiprivate rooms; competitive monthly rates; 24 hours of qualified caring staf; and free wireless internet.

Brisas del Caribe ALF is located at 1209 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon and is celebrating its grand opening on Friday, March 1. For more information, call Millie at 813-454-5891.

By Ashley Abene

formance to the individual venue and can perform from as low as 2,000 feet above ground level to as high as 13,500 feet above ground level. Depending on the venue and time of day, the Para-Commandos may jump flags, smoke, sparklers or a combination of each into the event.”

There will be displays and tours of all kinds of aircraft, including C17s, fighter jets (A-10s, F-16, F-22, F-35s, etc.), Black Hawk helicopters, Chinook helicopters and so on. Spectators can even talk to the pilots and crew and take pictures in the pilot’s seat.

Make sure to check out the booster tables for food and souvenirs. The proceeds help fund local morale events for service members.

MacDill Air Force Base is located at 6901 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa. The entrance for the public can be found at the Dale Mabry, MacDill Avenue and Tanker Way gates. Department of Defense ID cardholders should enter through the Bayshore Gate only. Gates open at 8 a.m.

MacDill AFB encourages guests to bring ear protection, sunglasses and chairs to sit in, as there will be no seats out for the public.

For more information about the Tampa Bay AirFest, please visit its website at www.tampabayairfest.com or by calling 813-725-1795.

Tunderbirds performing one of their stunts as part of an air show in an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

MAGRUDER AGENCY IS EMPOWERING LIVES — ONE POLICY AT A TIME

SERENITY MEADOWS FUNERAL HOME IS EXPANDING AND MODERNIZING

One way people navigate this complexi-

is by talking to a

Fortunately, Magruder Agency has been successfully helping people traverse this seemingly daunting task for more than 30 years.

Owner Patricia ‘Pat’

Magruder said that Magruder Agency owes its success to focusing on building relationships with clients based on service and dependability, rather than rapid growth built on pricing. She loves meeting new people and learning about their stories.

“Our goal has always been to do the best we can for the clients,” said Magruder. “Everyone’s situation is diferent, and sometimes we don’t have the best answer. We try to be up front and honest with the clients so they can make the choices that are best for them.”

As many Floridians know, homeowner’s insurance is a hot issue right now. Magruder explained that it’s a difcult market to find new policies and many of the insurance companies are short-stafed, which delays processing for all types of insurance.

“We are also seeing challenges in all

By Kelly Wise Valdes

the business lines, such as auto and commercial,” said Magruder. “I imagine all insurance agents are facing the same challenges to meet the increased demand for quotes and policies.”

Magruder also explained that the way insurance companies determine pricing and eligibility has evolved into a much more complicated algorithm.

“When our agency

first opened, it was possible to produce a quote using a single printed manual,” said Magruder. “Now, there is so much more information needed and details to be considered; it takes longer to develop a viable quote that can be turned into a policy.”

But this makes Magruder even more determined to provide the very best service possible to her clients.

“This is a difcult time for insurance on all lines of business,” said Magruder. “Rates are going up, companies are canceling policies and the rules are constantly changing. We do our best to help clients navigate the insurance landscape and find a product that will work.”

For more information on how the Magruder Agency can help you meet your insurance needs, visit www.magruderagency.com or call 813-654-3100. Magruder Agency is located at 655 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon.

Planning a funeral for a loved one is difcult. Not only because of the emotional weight of it all, but because it can be a complicated and overwhelming process. However, with a funeral home like Serenity Meadows, the process can become far less confusing and daunting.

By Ashley Abene

with families prior to a death and answer any questions family may have in advance. However, it also serves families who have no prearrangements in place.

Located in Riverview, Serenity Meadows opened its doors 26 years ago. It ofers a wide range of funeral services to the community and is part of the Everstory family of funeral homes and cemeteries.

But Serenity Meadows isn’t just a community funeral home. It serves everyone of all religious and cultural backgrounds, as well as anyone from out of town.

Bridgette Soto, general manager of Serenity Meadows, said, “Serenity Meadows is unique in that we have an excellent reputation in the community, a staf that treats you like family, a beautiful and easy-to-navigate cemetery and we can care for our families completely on-site. What this means is your loved one isn’t transferred from one building to the next depending on the need. We have our embalming and preparation center on-site, as well as our crematory, event center and cemetery all in one place.”

Staf from this funeral home can work

Soto also stated, “If a death occurs, we simply require a phone call from the health care professional or police ofcer, then we will transfer a loved one into our care and follow up with a funeral arrangement conference within the next day or two. During the arrangement, we gather clothing, photos and answer any questions. We help guide families to plan the perfect event for their loved one.”

Development is also coming to Serenity Meadows. It is completing a rather large expansion and will be ofering brand-new mausoleum spaces (available in January 2025). The funeral home will be adding new cremation niches, as well as community burial gardens. It is also being updated to ofer more modern services for families, in addition to the typical traditional services.

Serenity Meadows welcomes all to come take a tour to see current and developing facilities. More information about this funeral home can be found by going to its website at www.serenitymeadows. com or calling 813-677-9494.

Pat Magruder (right) and Stephanie Van Slyck at Magruder Agency are committed to working with their customers to get them the best insurance at the best price.

Serenity Meadows has a beautiful burial ground on its property.

THE MISSING PIECE THEATRE COMPANY TO

The Missing Piece Theatre Company, which features a local cast and crew, will put on the first show in its second season this March. The Missing Piece Theatre will present Play On! at the Gem Theater, located at 118 NW 1st Ave. in Mulberry. The shows will be held on Friday, March 1 and 8, and Saturday, March 2 and 9, at 8 p.m. Two Sunday matinees will be held on March 3 and 10 at 2 p.m.

Te Missing Piece Teatre is an all-volunteer theater group. It will present Play On! this March at the Gem Teater in Mulberry.

By Kathy L. Collins

Bucko added, “Get ready to laugh as you get a behind-thescenes look at what goes into putting on play. This all-star, comedic cast will delight as they do such a great job showing you their ‘bad’ acting.”

NEW AIRLINE PREPARING TO TAKE OFF FROM LAKELAND LINDER AIRPORT

By Brad Stager

The Missing Piece Theatre Company is a completely volunteer-run organization. Steven Bucko is the executive director of The Missing Piece Theatre, as well as the director of Play On!

According to Bucko, “Play On! tells the story of a theater company trying — and failing hilariously — to put on their next show, Murder Most Foul. Act 1 shows us a bad rehearsal. Act 2 shows a dress rehearsal that goes even worse. Act 3 is opening night, where everything that can possibly go wrong, does. The cast and crew try their best to deal with constant changes from the playwright, but even their best eforts come up short.”

The cast includes many talented local actors. These include Maren Fernandez, Jennifer Grof and Brittany Thomas from Riverview; Kayla Kopeck and Joshua Mange from Brandon; and two residents who live in Valrico, Kathyanne Bishop and Maisy Middleton.

“We are so fortunate with our partnership with the City of Mulberry and the beautiful Gem Theater. Our audience sizes continue to grow, so make sure you get your tickets early,” Bucko said.

The Missing Piece Theatre’s second season will include Newsies, which is set for July. You can then enjoy a fun Halloween season with Little Shop of Horrors in October. Finally, get into the holiday season with The Gift of the Magi set to take place in December.

Tickets are just $15. You can get tickets to Play On! by visiting www.themissingpiecetheatre.org.

Whether your destination is Kalispell, Montana or San Juan, Puerto Rico, you’ll soon be able to consider flights from another Tampa Bay area airport to meet your travel needs.

A new option for Tampa Bay travelers is on the horizon as Avelo Airlines prepares for passenger service at Lakeland Linder International Airport.

Agreements between Avelo Airlines, Visit Central Florida and the airport were approved by the Lakeland City Commission in December 2023, clearing the way for the budget air carrier to begin operations there. According to Avelo’s website, the airline currently operates out of 43 airports with regular and seasonal schedules.

Avelo is establishing itself as an airline flying in and out of smaller airports that can provide convenience to travelers living farther away from major air hubs. Besides the aforementioned Big Sky Country and La Isla del Encanto destinations, other locations serviced by Avelo include airports in Eugene, Oregon; Dubuque, Iowa; and Rochester, New York, among others. Besides smaller, local airports, Avelo also flies in and out of larger ones, such as Tampa International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

As for when Avelo begins operations at Lakeland Linder, there is no announced

date or flight schedule as of our press time.

According to a Facebook post by Lakeland Linder International Airport, “There are several improvement projects needed for passenger operations to commence at LAL. Once those projects are on track, Avelo Airlines will start providing additional details to include a start date, routes and service frequency.”

Those improvements are covered in the Airline Operating Agreement, Airline Facilities Construction and Lease Agreement and an Air Carrier Incentive Program that the Lakeland City Commission approved.

The new passenger service is expected to contribute to Lakeland’s profile as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and ofcials are pleased.

Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse said, “We are excited to partner with Avelo Airlines to provide passenger services in and out of our Lakeland Linder International Airport. This relationship will further diversify the tremendous economic benefits and services that our community receives from our airport. We are confident that Lakeland will assist Avelo in advancing their founding purpose, ‘To Inspire Travel,’ and welcome the many visitors that will come to know Lakeland because of the travel options Avelo and the City of Lakeland will provide.”

Avelo Airlines is preparing to begin operations at Lakeland Linder International Airport.

BRAD GARCIA LOOKS TO TURN AROUND BLOOMINGDALE LACROSSE PROGRAM

Brad Garcia has always had a love for the game of lacrosse. He was a standout lacrosse player in the state of New York at Lakeland High School. He made the All-Empire State Defense team in 1995 and made the U19 USA Lacrosse team in 1995 as well. In the same year, he also went to the Australian championship with Team USA.

He had ofers from Syracuse, Delaware and Hartford to continue his lacrosse career after high school but decided to put the game aside after he was burnt out. He later found his love for the game again as a coach when his two sons, Austin (15) and Brooks (13), began playing recreational lacrosse.

Garcia was hesitant at first to coach his sons because he had a bad experience as a child getting ‘overcoached,’ but after Garcia had a few years of watching on the sidelines, Austin embraced the opportunity to be coached by his father. Garcia said that Austin, who attends Bloomingdale High School, is also on the varsity cross-country team and is very coachable. He added that they often watch tapes together. He would love to see his two sons playing together in high school in a couple of years.

“He’s reignited my love for the game, which is exciting,” said Garcia. “I thought that life was behind me, but life works in mysterious ways and here I am, back in the mix of things.”

He coached youth recreational lacrosse for three seasons with the FishHawk Coy-

By Nick Nahas

otes, a club high school team, in fall 2023 and coached the Tampa Bay Hawks youth club lacrosse team in the winter season of 2023.

The former lacrosse standout was hired as head coach by Bloomingdale High School in August 2023 to help rebuild a struggling program that went 4-12 the previous season.

“The stars just aligned,” said Garcia. “I went and watched several of their games last year and told my wife that I’d love this opportunity to have a chance to coach a high school team around here with all the knowledge and experience and the people I know. I know I can bring it down here and change the culture of the Bloomingdale program.”

The high school lacrosse season starts in February. The team has partnered with Heroes Paradise in Brandon for conditioning and practice. Garcia’s goal for the first season is to finish .500 or better. His shortterm goal is to win a district title in a couple of years, and ultimately compete for a state title. Interest in the program has grown exponentially since Garcia took over. He said that about 74 kids attended tryouts in late January.

“I just love the game,” said Garcia. “Any time I step out onto that field, whether or not it’s coaching or playing, my heart starts racing. I just get really excited, and it brings me back to when I was in high school playing. And it’s also really nice to be a part of the community.”

Brad Garcia said that about 74 kids attended tryouts in late January.

TAKE PART IN YBOR CITY MUSEUM SOCIETY’S ANNUAL BUILDINGS ALIVE! EVENT

The Ybor City Museum Society will host its 12th annual Buildings Alive! Architecture Hop on Thursday, February 29, from 5-9:30 p.m. Buildings Alive! is an all-inclusive evening of insider tours of some of Ybor City’s most beautiful historic buildings. Attendees will also be ofered a sampling of light bites along the way.

By Kathy L. Collins

Attendees will be transported from stop to stop on a rubber-wheel Jolley Trolley that runs on a continuous loop. The adventure begins at the J.C. Newman Cigar Company Send-of Party. J.C. Newman Cigar Company is located at 2701 N. 16th St. in Tampa. There you will enjoy a delicious treat and upbeat music before you embark on an evening of fun and Ybor City hospitality.

The 2024 lineup of buildings include Centro Asturiano de Tampa, EMPAD Architecture + Design, the Italian Club and more. You can see all six buildings or enjoy the hop at your leisure by hopping of the trolley at those that pique your curiosity.

Arminda Mata, president and CEO of the Ybor City Museum Society, said, “Buildings Alive! Architecture Hop helps bring awareness to the historical preservation that is being completed in Ybor

City. Many of the businesses and/or people who participate in the event have deep ties to the early immigrants who helped build our city and want to show the community that Ybor City is still a safe and family-friendly community. In addition to the fun that our hoppers have throughout the evening, this event also provides behind-the-scene tours to some of the communities most historic locations.”

Mata added, “The Ybor City Museum Society is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Ybor City for future generations. In addition to special events like Buildings Alive! that celebrate the unique history of our community, our organization has developed a mobile museum in which our staf provides on-site presentations and artifacts to a variety of locations, educating the surrounding communities on the history, culture and unique locations of Ybor City. We also provide over 135 years of baseball history in Tampa through our ownership of the Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al Lopez House.”

Tickets to the 12th annual Buildings Alive! are $55 for one or $100 for a pair. Please visit www.ybormuseum.org to get tickets while they last.

TAMPA THEATRE OFFERS BALCONY TO BACKSTAGE TOURS

If you have ever visited the Tampa Theatre, have you ever wondered where the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ goes when the movie starts? What about stufed peacock perched near the proscenium (the part of the theater stage in front of the curtain)?

If you have ever wondered about this and more, then you should take part in the Tampa Theatre’s Balcony to Backstage Tours.

You can learn the theater’s secrets, stories, art and architecture and witness its historic restoration eforts with a Balcony to Backstage Tour of Tampa’s majestic movie palace. The 90-minute tours will kick of in the lobby and include a demonstration of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ.

The tours are ofered monthly. The next tours will be ofered on Saturday, February 10, at 11:30 a.m. and Wednesday, February 21, at 11:30 a.m. The cost to attend is $10 for adults, $8 for children 2-12 years old and free for Tampa Theatre members.

The Tampa Theatre has been hosting tours for at least 20 years.

Jill Witecki with the Tampa Theatre said, “As beautiful as Tampa Theatre is, we often have people stop by the box of-

By Kathy L. Collins

fice and ask if they can just ‘come inside and look around a little bit.’ Hosting these public tours twice a month means we always have a date coming up within the next couple of weeks that we can direct people to. Once they are inside, our Balcony to Backstage Tours give us an opportunity to share the theater’s story. We can explain why it is so ornate, why it is still here when so many others of its era have been demolished and why — 97 years later — it is still as relevant and vibrant of an experience as it was on opening night in 1926.”

Witecki added, “Once people fall in love with the building, it is an easy next step to encourage them to buy a ticket to a film or concert, or to consider becoming a member. As a nonprofit, Tampa Theatre thrives with community support, and earning that support begins with a proper introduction to who we are and what we do.”

The Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N. Franklin St. in Tampa. For more information on the Tampa Theatre and to get tickets to the Balcony to Backstage Tours or for any other event hosted by the Tampa Theatre, please visit https://tampatheatre.org/ or call 813-274-8981.

TURNING 65

Te Tampa Teatre ofers the community the opportunity to learn all about its secrets, architecture and history by participating in its Balcony to Backstage Tours, which are ofered several times a month.

29 Years in Brandon!

Ybor City Museum Society’s annual Buildings Alive! Architecture Hop is a fun way to see and visit multiple historical and architecturally interesting buildings in Ybor City, which is an important area of Tampa that all residents should visit and cherish.

Community Arts &Events Community Arts &Events

By Kathy L. Collins, Art & Entertainment Director

By Kathy L. Collins, Art & Entertainment Director

DON’T MISS THE 53RD ANNUAL RAYMOND JAMES GASPARILLA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS THIS MARCH

The 53rd annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts will be held on Saturday, March 2, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and on Sunday, March 3, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The festival will be held on the banks of the Hillsborough River at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, located at 1001 N. Blvd. in downtown Tampa. The event is free and the community is invited.

of the Gasparilla season.”

Te annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts supports a showcase of the country’s most accomplished artists and rising stars. Te festival’s featured image this year is called Ride Your Way, by Katrin Llergo. Te festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 2-3, at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in downtown Tampa.

Each year, artists and art lovers come from all over the United States to enjoy the featured artwork, live entertainment and activities. In addition to supporting working artists and making art more accessible in our community, the festival organization also supports youth artists with scholarships as part of the program for high school students.

Karen Price, president of the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, said, “Each year, we welcome 30,000-plus collectors, sponsors and festivalgoers to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that blends all the arts from fine art, performing arts to culinary arts and more. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience and a highlight

For half a century, artists and art lovers have flocked to Tampa for the annual art festival. It is considered to be among the top open-juried arts festivals in the country. Over the years, the festival has changed and evolved. The categories have been expanded and now include the Emerging Artists Program. The number of applications has expanded from 140 to over 1,000. Similarly, the prize has greatly expanded over the years. It includes prize money, scholarship money and the coveted Raymond James Best of Show Award, which provides $15,000 to the winning artist.

While many aspects of the festival have changed, the history of the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is rich, and the traditions are timeless. The festival is a vital cultural asset with a well-established presence in Hillsborough County. It is a fun outing for the entire family and something not to be missed.

For more information, please visit https://gasparillaarts.com/.

TAMPA THEATRE PRESENTS THE 25TH ANNUAL HOLLYWOOD AWARDS NIGHT

Tampa Theatre is proud to present Tampa’s longest-running Oscars® watch party on Sunday, March 10. Bay-area film fans are invited to come toast the nominees and celebrate the winners together at Tampa Theatre’s 25th annual Hollywood Awards Night, presented by Amalie Oil Co. The fun begins 5:30 p.m.

You can be treated like a star at Tampa’s longest-running Oscars® watch party on Sunday, March 10, at Tampa Teatre. Guests are encouraged to dress up in their most glamorous outfts or in a movie-themed costume.

The red-carpet reception takes on a whole new hue this year under the historic Franklin Street marquee. Jill Witecki with Tampa Theatre said, “After a limo ride around the block courtesy of longtime event sponsor Skyline Limousine, our superstar guests will walk the carpet past adoring fans and paparazzi and chat about who they’re wearing with costumed characters representing some of this year’s biggest movie stars … and Ken.”

Inside the historic theater, there will be games, prizes, free popcorn and soda, and you can see the preshow on the big screen, as well as a cash bar. Live coverage of the 96th annual Academy Awards® begins at 7 p.m.

Tampa Theatre’s Hollywood Awards Night 2024 ofers three levels of watch-party experiences. This year, the newest option is the Premium Orchestra Ticket, which you can get for $99. This top-tier ticket includes all the preshow activities on Franklin Street

and open seating on the orchestra level to watch the awards broadcast. Premium ticket holders also enjoy an exclusive open bar with beer, wine and a signature cocktail, plus appetizers, desserts and unlimited popcorn.

The Mezzanine Ticket is $55. This option gets you all preshow activities, a reserved seat in the mezzanine, two complimentary drink tickets redeemable for beer or wine and concierge drink service to your seat, plus free popcorn, soda and water.

For just $25 you can get the Balcony Ticket. This allows you to enjoy all preshow activities. You can watch the live broadcast from the balcony with free popcorn, soda and water.

Guests who stay until the best picture is announced at the end of the telecast will also enjoy doughnuts and cofee in the lobby.

Attendees are encouraged to show of their star status with a movie-themed costume or let the glamour of Hollywood inspire an outfit. This event is not sponsored by or afliated with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

You can get tickets at the historic Franklin Street Box Ofce, located at 711 N. Franklin St. in Tampa or online at https:// tampatheatre.org/.