Osprey Observer Brandon/Winthrop December 2023

Brandon/Winthrop

31

December 2023

Volume 18, Issue 12

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CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS

HOME DEPOT VOLUNTEERS HONOR PEARL

HARBOR DAY WITH HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PARK BEAUTIFICATION

HCC FOUNDATION CREATES HEALTH SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM WITH $50,000 HCA HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION GRANT

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Staff Report

Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596

HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund awarded a $50,000 grant to the Hillsborough Community College Foundation.

The Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Foundation received a $50,000 grant from the HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund to create a health science exploration cohort. Composed of 30 local high school juniors and seniors, this program will run for two semesters, with students participating in different courses and simulations offered by the College and community partners.

“We are delighted to be a partner with HCA Florida Healthcare and the HCA Healthcare Foundation in helping bring the Health Science Explorers (HSE) program to the region,” Garrett Weddle, HCC Foundation executive director, said. “Thanks to the generous financial support from the HCA Healthcare Foundation, the college is recruiting Hillsborough County high school students for the first cohort to learn more about a career in health care. This program will positively impact our community.”

In addition to students participating in round-robin activities that explore the health science field through a simulation experience, students will also receive a set of HSE scrubs, CPR kit and training, Stop the Bleed kit and training and a validated blood pressure monitor and training. Students will also have a shadowing experience in their area of interest at an HCA Florida Healthcare hospital, mentoring opportunity and exposure to an industry expert panel discussion event that includes leaders from HCA Florida Healthcare.

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 to be held in February 2024.

“The HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund grant was awarded to HCC in support of the HSE program to accelerate access to health care careers, a priority impact area of ours,” said Jyric Sims, president of HCA Healthcare’s West Florida Division. “HCA Healthcare is dedicated to creating healthier tomorrows, and this grant supports making careers in health care more accessible for our youth, which is important to our collaborative work to help address health care workforce shortages.”

“At HCA Healthcare, we believe partnerships are essential to advancing our mission to care for and improve human life,” said Joanne Pulles, vice president of community engagement at HCA Healthcare and president of the HCA Healthcare Foundation.

The Healthier Tomorrow Fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations in communities where HCA Healthcare has a presence. Since its launch in 2021, the Healthier Tomorrow Fund has committed more than $18.4 million and granted awards to 61 nonprofit organizations.

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In a salute to Vet“These are folks erans, volunteers who are here on from The Home Detheir time off and pot Foundation gathgiving back to a ered in remembrance community in which of Pearl Harbor Day they live and work with a beautification in, so they love makevent December 7 at ing impacts and Veterans Memorial Home Depot store manager Jennifer Taylor giving back. It’s (center) speaking before a gathering of Park & Rear Admijust ingrained in us,” ral LeRoy Collins, Jr. volunteers on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, said Jennifer Taylor, at Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral Veterans Museum, Home Depot store LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum. located at 3602 U.S. manager.

301 N. in Tampa.

Hillsborough The volunteer County is home to force, known as the largest veteran Team Depot, marked population in Florida the 82nd anniversaout of all 67 counry of the attack on ties.

Hillsborough U.S. forces at Pearl County Consumer Harbor with a proj& Veterans Services Volunteers preparing for landscaping at Vetect honoring fallen erans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy provides free, acheroes and military Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum on Pearl Harbor credited assistance veterans.

Armed to the county’s vetDay, December 7. with rakes, shovels and sweat equity, 90 erans and their survivors seeking access associates from The Home Depot stores to earned VA benefits and programs. across the Tampa Bay region lined up at “We just want to let them know that Veterans Memorial Park and the Veterans they’re not alone during this season, or Resource Center to re-mulch and spruce any season throughout the year,” said up high-traffic areas. The Home Depot Frank Strom, director of Consumer and Foundation is donating the time and ma- Veteran Services. “Services are always terials for the park improvement project. and readily available, and if anything, it’s In addition, five local World War II vet- just a place for them to come and reflect erans attended the event to recognize the on their time and service, and the tradivolunteers. tions and the history of what our nation “It’s an important part of what America stands for.” is all about to understand that lots of peoVeterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiple have given up their time, effort, and ral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum so forth to, first of all, recreate and then is home to more than 14 war memorials keep it running,” said U.S. Army WWII and tranquil green space along the scenic veteran Lloyd Gerable about the park and Tampa Bypass Canal. Free and open daily, its volunteers. the park’s hours are 7 a.m.-5 p.m. The muThe Home Depot Foundation, the non- seum’s hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. profit arm of The Home Depot, works to For more information about VA benimprove the lives of U.S. veterans, support efits assistance or Veterans Memorial communities impacted by natural disas- Park, visit www.hcflgov.net/veterans or ters and train skilled tradespeople. call 813-635-8316.

ZooTampa contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and offered to temporarily care for two manatees, Romeo and Juliet while The Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership helped transport them from Miami Seaquarium recently and will work to identify a permanent location.

ZooTampa invests nearly $1 million every year to manatee work.

Zoo Tampa is located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave. in Tampa. For more information, visit www.zootampa.org. Read the complete article on page 22.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 18, Issue 12

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

December 2023

Page 3

HCA FLORIDA BRANDON HOSPITAL COLLECTS 535 POUNDS OF FOOD TO BENEFIT HOPE FOR HER

SUTHERLAND HALL FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Fashion took the cengotten more connected ter stage in HCA Floriwith Hope for Her, our da Brandon Hospital’s Women’s Services and entry with a canned NICU team has learned food donation sculpmore ways we can give ture of a high heel, supback in our special way. porting Hope for Her, a Hope for Her reached nonprofit organization out to our team recentdedicated to helping ly because they were Five hundred and thirty-five pounds of women through diffiunable to find a speciffood were collected at the recent HCA Flor- ic formula for a mom cult times.

Brandon Hospital ida Brandon canned food drive to benefit in need. Our NICU staff local organization Hope for Her. hosted the HCA Healthimmediately was able care Food and Nutrition to track down the forDrive from November mula to make sure the 10-November 26. The baby had safe, healthy 2023 slogan for the nutrition immediately. food drive was “Healthy It’s special when we can meals are always in fashestablish these partnerion.” The hospital team ships that we know are was inspired by Hope for meaningful and make a Hers’ process to restore difference.” women’s confidence A canned food sculpture in the shape To build the canned of a stiletto illustrated the theme of through a new wardrobe good sculpture, upcycled (high heels included) and “Healthy Meals Are Always in Fashion”. materials and donated a healthy meal for their family. Other as- canned goods of various sizes were used sistance programs offered at Hope for Her to create the high-heel design. HCA Healthinclude access to support groups as well care-branded elements were added to the as its employment program and financial high heel once constructed, including orange coaching. velvet bows with a gold fringe and the ‘dia“We are so grateful for HCA Florida Bran- mond plus,’ part of the HCA logo. The diadon Hospital’s support. There are so many mond in the middle of the logo symbolizes families locally in need of additional food this patients, who are at the center of everything year. This is a blessing. We appreciate our HCA Healthcare does. partnership with Brandon Hospital,” said Brandon Hospital is thankful for the Cheryl Hickman, executive director of Hope canned good donations from caregivers, pafor Her. tients and visitors. Through the HCA Health“It is such an honor to support this or- care Food and Nutrition Drive, 535 pounds ganization that truly provides hope for of food was donated to Hope for Her. women in need in our community,” said Dr. HCA Florida Brandon Hospital is located Christine Van Cott, chief medical officer at at 119 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more inHCA Florida Brandon Hospital. “As we have formation, visit https://hcahealthcare.com/.

On November 14, ever met. And she the Hillsborough cared about the County School entire student and Board unanitheir well-being, mously approved well beyond the the naming of walls of our music Bloomingdale Sedepartment,” Sevnior High School’s er said. auditorium to the Supporters of the naming of Bloomingdale Senior Andrea Lange, High School’s Sutherland Hall for the Performing ‘Sutherland Hall Bloomingdale High Arts after the Hillsborough County School Board for Performing Schools’ fine arts voted on November 14.

Arts’ in memory of department head, Beverly ‘Bev’ Sutherland. and school board member Patti Rendon Sutherland was a teacher of music edu- also spoke at the meeting about the impact cation in Hillsborough County for almost 40 Sutherland had. years. She made Bloomingdale her home, Sue Burkett, Hillsborough County chief serving at Bloomingdale for 20 of those of schools, first met Sutherland when she years in various roles in the music depart- was the assistant principal of curriculum ment, including choir director, assistant at Bloomingdale High School. Burkett took band director, orchestra teacher and Crim- a position at another school and then reson Guard flag corps assistant. turned to Bloomingdale as principal while Principal Dr. Marcos Rodriguez request- Sutherland was there. ed the naming of the auditorium. He shared “Every student, every parent, every colthat the four best words to describe Suther- league became better just by our interland are: motivation, dedication, love and actions with Bev Sutherland. She taught inspiration. me how to be a better principal, and I am “She truly was an inspiration, so much so confident everyone who knew Bev became that we had over 1,600 signatures on our better somehow, someway by their mere petition within the first 48 hours,” Rodri- relationship with her. To say she left her guez said. “As the choir director, Bev’s pro- mark on our community, our children and grams at Bloomingdale were massive and our school is an understatement. There is second to none. She taught with ‘tough love,’ no better way, no better space to honor the and her personality and dedication to music service, dedication and impact of Bev than education was infectious to anyone that she to memorialize her at the Bloomingdale encountered.”

High School Sutherland Hall for the PerJon Sever, supervisor of secondary mu- forming Arts,” Burkett said. sic for Hillsborough County and former Upgrades are underway at BloomingdaBloomingdale High School director of bands, le’s auditorium. Once they are completed thanked the board for their support. (projected summer of 2024), a formal ded“Bev was a fantastic musician. She was a ication and ribbon-cutting for Sutherland clarinet major, but she ended up being one Hall for the Performing Arts will take place of the most amazing choral people I have in the fall.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 18, Issue 12

VALRICO ELEMENTARY FIFTH GRADERS WIN SCIENCE OLYMPICS PARTNERSHIP WITH FAMILY PROMISE WITH MARBLE ROLLER COASTER LIMONA VILLAGE CHAPEL CONCERT SUPPORTS FAMILIES THROUGH

By Lily Belcher

By Lily Belcher

Limona Village to the audience to Chapel United Methshare the organizaodist Church brought tion’s story, mission joy to local families and impact on the with the first annual community.

Sing in the Season Limona Village on December 10.

Chapel offers its The community space to house concert featured 10 homeless families local musical groups three to four times to raise $1,677 for Local music groups performed at Limona Vil- a year through its Family Promise, a lage Chapel to raise money to support Family partnership with nonprofit organiFamily Promise.

Promise. zation dedicated to Around 13 other loempowering homecal churches work less and low-income with the nonprofit families. to open their doors Pastor Bailey Schto these families reiner said he was exto give them a roof cited to produce a concert featuring local over their heads. artists to support the cause.

The church’s involvement with Family “It was out of that partnership with Promise helps fulfill the congregation’s Family Promise that we really saw a vision mission to show the love of Jesus by showfor bringing our community together to ing love for others through the community. raise money for a really great cause,” Sch“It was incredible to see our community reiner said. come together to support such an amazing Performers from Shades of Blue from cause,” Schreiner said. “…We know that afNewsome High School, St. Andrew’s Unit- fordable housing is a big issue in Hillsbored Methodist Church, Music Showcase and ough County. We are proud to throw open other groups sang holiday tunes during the the doors of the church and say, ‘Welcome Sunday afternoon concert. home! You belong here. You are loved!’”

“We’re really proud of all of our orgaFor more information on Family Promnizations that have said yes because it is ise’s mission to empower homeless famitheir yes that made this possible,” Schrein- lies with support from the community, visit er said. https://familypromise.org/.

Halfway through Sing in the Season, the To learn more about Limona Village audience of over 200 people was asked to Chapel, visit www.limonavillagechapel. donate to Family Promise and support lo- com or call 813-689-8385. The chapel is cal homeless families. Family Promise exec- located off U.S. Highway 60 at 408 Limoutive director Edwina Reddick also spoke na Rd. in Brandon.

Valrico Elementary derstanding that enSchool fifth graders ergy has the ability to Johan Bonachea and cause motion or creBrantly Smith won ate change,” accordfirst place at the Muing to Hillsborough seum of Science & County’s Science Industry (MOSI) SciOlympics Handbook, ence Olympics. which offers critical The fifth graders thinking worksheets competed with their and guidelines for marble roller coaster, each project. made from just tape, Bonachea and a cup, a plastic rubSmith were judged on ber strip and a marwhether their coastble. Their project was er met the hill, loop created after a class and tunnel requireFifth graders Johan Bonachea and Brant- ments; whether they challenge. ley Smith won the marble roller coaster Valrico Elementafollowed a blueprint; competition at the MOSI Science Olympics ry’s fifth graders comand how far the cup hosted in November. peted to see which traveled. roller coaster had the greatest velocity by “Dear Apprentice Engineers,” the chalseeing how far the cup would travel. Bo- lenge reads. “As ride engineers for the nachea and Smith were paired up by their most popular theme park in the world, teacher for the project and won the class we are counting on you! … Your team has challenge, sending them to the district been assigned the task of designing a rollcompetition at MOSI. er coaster that will attract visitors.”

“The biggest challenge was how big or The students participated in Valrico small the loop would be, so they had to Elementary’s competition in early fall try the loop a few times,” said Bonachea’s and advanced to the finals at MOSI on mother, Elisa Beltran.

November 4. Over 1,200 students from She said their cup went the farthest “by kindergarten through fifth grade competfar” in the district competition. ed in science and engineering challenges “As mothers, we were beyond proud of during the two weeks of finals in Tampa. our boys,” she said.

“Johan and Brantley are very interested The Science Olympics is an annual com- in other science projects,” Beltran said. petition for elementary school students to For more information about MOSI, the demonstrate their science, math and engi- Science Olympics and other events hostneering skills. ed at the museum, visit https://mosi.org/ “This engineering design challenge al- or call 813-987-6000. MOSI is located at lows students to demonstrate their un- 4801 E. Fowler Ave in Tampa.

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

December 2023

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2023 FORD MAVERICK PICKUP IS A RENEGADE OF SORTS! By Nitish Rele Last year, ish LED headlights the then-newflanking a black ly launched Ford mesh grille with Maverick sold dark surround/ 74,370 units in gray bars, door the United States. and tailgate hanAnd in 2023, the dles — and yes, compact pickup, boxlike windows also offered in hyfor excellent outbrid, has already ward vision. Ten MAVERICK XLT (FWD, 4X2) surpassed that figure and tie-down hooks in the Tires: P225/60R18 could well approach close to 4.5-foot-long bed can be Wheelbase: 121.1 inches Length: 199.7 inches 100,000 sales. useful. The 8-inch touch Width: 72.6 inches Of course, this should infotainment screen sits Height: 68.7 inches come as no surprise since atop the dashboard with Weight: 3,674 pounds most vehicles (pickups for simple knobs, cleverly Fuel capacity: 13.8 gallons sure) on the road cannot separated from temp City: 42 mpg beat the Maverick in value, controls by AC vents.

Highway: 33 mpg price and fuel economy. The A huge bin under the Base price: $24,170 first full-hybrid compact flip-up rear bench is a Website: www.ford.com pickup in the United States wise use of space. Other starts around $23K, seats five comfortably standard amenities include single-way AC, in a spacious cabin and, best of all, touts 42 manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel, sixmpg in city. The only problem? Well, Ford way manual driver and four-way front-pascannot produce enough Mavericks since senger cloth seats, cruise control, Apple the demand, understandably so, is relent- CarPlay, Android Auto and a rotary dial. less.

Standard safety features include dual The hybrid version is equipped with a front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder en- driver knee airbag, electronic stability and gine that puts out 162 horsepower at AdvanceTrac controls, regenerative brak5,600 rpm and 155 pounds-feet of torque ing, tire pressure monitoring system and at 4,000 rpm. Add a 94-kW electric mo- daytime running lights. Opt for the Co-Pilot tor to the mix for a boost in hp by 29. The 360 package, which will fetch you pre-colimpressive pickup is coupled with an im- lision assist with auto emergency brakes, a maculate electronic continuously variable blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert, transmission. An independent MacPherson lane keep assist, a rearview camera and strut front and a twist-beam rear suspen- auto high-beam headlamps. sion isolates occupants from road noise and Slotted under the Ranger, the Maverick rough bumps. The electric power steering is amazing value for the money. With gas is razor sharp with a consistent on-center prices still hovering over $3, it will lighten feel. You can effectively go well over 500 the burden on your wallet. And for a hybrid, miles in the Maverick, which offers normal, the truck moves quickly and quietly down eco, sport, slippery and tow/haul modes. the road with excellent ride and adequate Its tow capacity is good at 2,000 miles handling. with a standard payload of 1,500 pounds, So, the next time you are at the Ford affording 37 bags of 40-pound mulch. dealership and happen to come across this Boxy appears to be the theme with squar- renegade, snap it ASAP.

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Page 6

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 18, Issue 12

HCPS HOSTS RIBBON-CUTTING FOR NEW BRIGHTENING THE HOLIDAY SEASON SCHOOL BUILDING WITH A FIRST-OFFOR THE MILITARY COMMUNITY Staff Report ITS-KIND DESIGN IN THE STATE Staff Report Hillsborough County Public Schools is excited to officially open the new Dorothy Thomas Exceptional Center — a beautiful new facility that the builders and designers took meticulous time and detail to ensure student success.

Dorothy Thomas Exceptional Center was first opened in 1974. District leaders made the decision to modernize the school to better serve the student population.

The design is the first of its kind in the state and now a model for future Exceptional Student Centers in the district and across Florida.

Students have been learning in the new building since school began in August.

On November 28, leaders with Hillsborough County Public Schools hosted a ribbon-cutting and tour of the new facility.

The goal of the new design was to provide a space that meets the needs of students who learn best in a supportive and safe environment, free of auditory and visual distractions. The school’s principal, ESE specialist and teachers were instrumental in the design of the school, sharing what would best help students thrive with the architect.

“Our students now benefit from a therapeutic day school with a complete student service suite, a multisensory room with ambient lighting, and therapeutic play options for when they may become overstimulated or need to work through a difficult time. Our students that we serve in grades

Expires 12/31/2023

Expires 12/31/2023

K through 12 not only engage in rigorous standards-based instruction in all core curriculum areas, but they also participate in elective offerings, such as family and consumer science courses, a complete TV production studio, music courses, lab science courses and art courses,” explained Principal Kelly Simmons.

Guests were able to tour the facility, including the Family Consumer Science classroom, where students will be baking, and a classroom space that has color-changing lighting.

The design is organized as wings connected through ‘sensorial nodes,’ with special lighting and texture that helps sooth and calm students. On the west side, the new building is angled to follow the canopy of the existing trees. On the east side, the design is organized around a U-shaped courtyard with a sensory garden embracing additional existing trees but also creating a safe zone for students.

“I think it is so important that we meet the needs of our students and provide them with spaces that will encourage their growth, both emotionally and academically. This is one of the projects you can walk away from and say the students are in a better place because of this project,” said Chris Farkas, deputy superintendent of operations.

The Dorothy Thomas Exceptional Center is located at 3215 Nundy Rd. in Tampa.

(StatePoint) As it wherever they we enter the holare located. Other iday season and seasonal programAmericans across ming can include the country look tree decorating, forward to spendarts and crafts, ing time with family, h o l i d ay - t h e m e d thousands of service movie nights and members deployed ugly sweater comoverseas — many petitions. Through to the Middle East activities, (c) ipopba / iStock via Getty Images Plus these in response to the service members The holiday season can look very different for Israel-Hamas war service members and military families who must stationed far from celebrate while separated from loved ones and — will not have home can still make home in all corners of the world. that luxury and will holiday memories. be spending the holidays far away from 3. Connections to home: Staying conloved ones. nected to family during the holidays can Here is how USO Holidays programming be difficult for service members stationed delivers a piece of home to them, along overseas, particularly for those in or near with ideas for how you can get involved: regions in conflict, such as Eastern Europe 1. Care packages: A care package might or the Middle East. The USO Reading Proseem small in light of the challenges of de- gram enables deployed service members to ployment, but for many service members, record themselves reading a book to their they’re a reminder that they’re not forgot- child. Then, the recording and a copy of ten by Americans back home. Aside from the book are sent to that service member’s standard USO Care Packages, which con- family. tain snacks or toiletries, USO Holidays Care 4. Happy travels: As most people know, Packages have festive treats and goodies, holiday travel can be especially taxing. such as holiday candies, cozy socks and a Thousands of service members and trainees warm beanie, that help bridge the gap be- from military installations across the countween home and the front lines. This year, try participate in the Holiday Block Leave the USO will deliver 50,000 holiday pack- period, many traveling through some of the ages to over 250 locations globally. busiest airports in the United States to be 2. Holiday traditions: Giving up treasured with their families during the holidays. USO family traditions can be difficult. That’s airport centers can alleviate some of that why USO centers and USO mobile teams stress for service members and trainees by host holiday meals for service members providing a place to relax and unwind beand their families, complete with special fore the next leg of their journey, along with treats ranging from pumpkin and sweet po- all the comfort items they need. tato pie to hot cocoa bars. Each December, For ideas on how to reach out to the USO Holidays Cookie Week celebrates the military community to express your time-honored tradition of baking and dec- thanks during the holidays and throughorating cookies, putting service members out the year, visit www.uso.org/camand military families in the holiday spir- paign/holidays.

December 2023

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Page 7

FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED ABOUT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IN 2023 Staff Report

BONNET SPRINGS PARK…NOT JUST FOR KIDS

By Jeff Hoening

Opened in October beverages.

2022, Lakeland’s beauOnce outside, you tiful 168-acre Bonnet can exercise your way Springs Park is dethrough the park, by scribed as an ‘urban walking, running or cyoasis,’ the perfect green cling through the plethsanctuary for people of ora of paved pathways, all ages. There are plenstopping at the two staty of activities for kids, tionary exercise stations including a variety of to enhance your workCrenshaw Canopy Walk is a shaded path that allows visitors to walk multilevel playgrounds out. Or, for a more leiamong the treetops. and climbable trees, but surely experience, jump Bonnet Springs is also a aboard the free electric great place for adults to cart that whisks visitors enjoy a nice day outside. along a 1.8-mile path, Upon entering the stopping at key mustpark, you’ll be impressed sees along the way. with its aesthetic and Covered picnic areas cleanliness, as visitors and shaded benches alcan still smell the fresh low park-goers to relax, paint and feel the ‘new- Treks up the North Mountain brings eat and socialize with ness’ of everything offriends and family. There stunning views and breathtaking fered. Even the Givewell are even grass-covered sunsets.

Community Foundation Science Center, ‘mountains’ that allow you to ‘hike’ along boasting with exhibits and fun facts about concrete pathways, to the top, for a great Florida’s ecosystem, houses an incubator view. For a change in scenery, you can walk where cocoons are still growing future res- along the Lagoon Boardwalk or the elevatidents of Zoey’s Butterfly House. ed Crenshaw Canopy Walk set among the Begin at the visitor center and venture trees. upstairs to the Watson Clinic Gallery and End the day by watching the sunset over Museum to learn the history of the area the Western horizon while enjoying a draft and the pioneering public/private partner- beer and some tasty chicken wings, and ship that made Bonnet Springs Park a real- maybe an ice cream cone, from the Depot ity. Once you’ve visited the gift shop, com- Café’s rooftop, garden and bar. plete with branded apparel, you can enjoy Visit Bonnet Springs Park at 400 Bonnet a caffeinated beverage in the quaint, cozy Springs Blvd. in Lakeland. For information, coffee shop serving signature Starbucks visit https://bonnetspringspark.com/.

(StatePoint) cost-effective 2023 was option for a landmark identifying year for Alzthe disease. heimer’s disFirst-ever ease research, U.S. counincluding adty-level Alzvancements heimer ’s in treatment, prevalence risk factors estimates. and diagnosis.

T h e Here are five sigfirst-ever counnificant discoveries ty-level estimates made this year: of the prevalence • There are three of Alzheimer’s denew approved treatmentia — in all ments for Alzhei3,142 U.S. counties mer’s, with a fourth — were reported on the way. at AAIC 2023. For • In July, the U.S. counties with a (c) ipopba / iStock via Getty Images Plus population of more Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted traditional than 10,000 people ages 65 and older, approval for Leqembi for mild cognitive the highest Alzheimer’s prevalence rates impairment due to Alzheimer’s and mild are in: Alzheimer’s dementia. This treatment • Miami-Dade County (16.6 percent). slows cognitive decline and can help peo• Baltimore City, Maryland (16.6 perple with early Alzheimer’s maintain their cent). independence.

• Bronx County, New York (16.6 per• In June 2021, the FDA granted accel- cent). erated approval to Aduhelm for the same • Prince George’s County, Maryland purpose. At the Alzheimer’s Association (16.1 percent).

International Conference (AAIC) in July, • Hinds County, Mississippi (15.5 perLilly reported positive results for a third cent). similar treatment: donanemab. The comCertain characteristics of these counpany expects FDA action in early 2024. ties may explain the higher prevalence, in• In May, the FDA approved the first cluding older age and a higher percentage treatment for agitation in people with of Black and Hispanic residents, which are Alzheimer’s: brexpiprazole. communities disproportionately impacted Hearing aids could slow cognitive de- by Alzheimer’s disease. According to the cline for at-risk older adults.

Alzheimer’s Association, these statistics In the largest clinical trial to investigate can help officials determine the burden on whether a hearing loss treatment can re- the health care system and pinpoint areas duce risk of cognitive decline, researchers for culturally sensitive caregiver training. found that older adults with hearing loss Chronic constipation is associated with cut their cognitive decline in half by using poor cognitive function. hearing aids for three years.

Approximately 16 percent of the The intervention included hearing aids, world’s population struggles with cona hearing ‘toolkit’ and ongoing instruc- stipation. This year, researchers reporttion and counseling. Though the positive ed that less frequent bowel movements results were in a subgroup of the total were associated with significantly worse study population, they are encouraging cognitive function. and merit further investigation.

People in the study with bowel moveBlood tests for Alzheimer’s are com- ments every three days or more had worse ing soon. memory and thinking equal to three years Blood tests show promise for improving of cognitive aging. These results stress how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed. Advance- the importance of clinicians discussing ments reported for the first time at AAIC gut health with their older patients.

2023 demonstrate the simplicity and valTo learn more about Alzheimer’s and ue to doctors of blood-based markers for dementia research, plus available care Alzheimer’s. and support — and to join the cause or Blood tests are already being imple- make a donation — visit the Alzheimer’s mented in Alzheimer’s drug trials. And Association at www.alz.org. they are incorporated into proposed new While there is still much to learn about diagnostic criteria for the disease. Blood Alzheimer’s, 2023 was a year of discovery, tests — once verified and approved by giving researchers and families impacted the FDA — would offer a noninvasive and by the disease hope for the year ahead.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

TAMPA HILLSBOROUGH EXPRESSWAY AUTHORITY UNVEILS TWO NEW SLIP

RAMPS TO ENHANCE COMMUTER EXPERIENCE

Staff Report

The Tampa Hillsborough Ex p re s sway Authority (THEA) is proud to announce the opening of two new slip ramps along the reversible express lanes (REL), marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the transportation experience for Tampa Bay commuters.

Slip ramps are additional access points/ internal ramps within the expressway; they are the on-ramps and off-ramps from the Selmon Expressway to the REL. The new slip ramps allow westbound drivers to enter the REL near I-75 (avoiding congestion at Falkenburg Road and U.S. 301) and then exit the REL near IKEA and continue on the local lanes of the Selmon Expressway to destinations further west. This will reduce morning congestion on the westbound Selmon Expressway near I-75, avoid congestion near the I-4 Connector and reduce backup at the Twiggs Street and REL intersection.

“We are dedicated to improving the daily commute for our community,” said Greg Slater, THEA executive director and CEO. “These new slip ramps are a testament to our ongoing efforts to optimize traffic management and ensure that the Tampa Bay region thrives.”

The new slip ramps are part of THEA’s commitment to reinvesting toll revenue into the community, facilitating smoother traffic flow and a more efficient commute for Tampa Bay residents.

Slip Ramp Benefits: 1. Seamless Transition: The new slip ramps are strategically positioned along

the REL, allowing drivers to make a seamless transition from the express lanes to the local lanes.

2. Continuous Journey: REL drivers can now continue their journey while enjoying an uninterrupted drive all the way to Gandy Bridge without unnecessary exits and reentries.

3. Reduced Congestion: By eliminating the need to exit at Twiggs Street in downtown Tampa, these slip ramps contribute to reducing cut-through traffic and congestion on city streets.

“Time and time again our community leaders talk about our transportation challenges in the region and the potential for these challenges to negatively affect our growth and safety. All of us at THEA are proud to deliver a solution that addresses one of those challenges with congestion relief while addressing safety by reducing cutthrough traffic on neighborhood streets,” said THEA Board Chair Vince Cassidy.

About THEA THEA is an award-winning and dynamic transportation agency that owns, manages and operates the Selmon Expressway, Meridian Avenue, Brandon Parkway and the Selmon Greenway.

THEA processes 58 million toll transactions and serves almost 2 million customers annually, with an investment plan to deliver over $1.2 billion in capital improvements to the community over the next 10 years. Visit www.facebook. com/tampahillsboroughexpresswayauthority/.

Volume 18, Issue 12

PICKLEBALL GETS MORE

SUPPORT FROM COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION By Brad Stager Local pickleball enthusiasts are looking forward to planned improvements to county recreational facilities in Mango and Balm.

Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation announced plans to build eight pickleball courts at Mango Park and Recreation Center at 11717 Clay Pit Rd. in Seffner.

Besides the additional courts, features of the $600,000 upgrade include LED lighting, improvements to sidewalks and seating around the courts.

When completed, players will be able to access the pickleball courts from sunrise to 10 p.m.

The Mango Park and Recreation Center is already popular for features like its drone course, dog park, basketball courts, after-school programs, meeting rooms and event shelters. The prospect of adding eight pickleball courts found a lot of support from residents who weighed in on the project at Hillsborough County’s online Engagement & Education Hub, where input on public projects is solicited.

Of 150 residents responding to whether pickleball courts should be added, 97 percent said “Yes.” As for the number of courts, 83 percent of respondents indicated support for eight of them.

Residents also responded with comments about the courts and what else they would like to see at county facilities.

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BALM WIMAUMA ROAD

BALM PARK PICKLEBALL IMPROVEMENTS CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN 11-20-2023

CURRENT BALM PARK PROPERTY: 9.34 AC APPROX

Prepared by: Capital Programs Department Hillsborough County

Amanda Peterson weighed in online with her comment: “I am so excited for this project. Pickleball is a family activity that will help promote healthy living in our community. It would also be lovely to have the workout equipment available at Saladino Park. In the dog park area, a lot more people would use the park if there is a water feature for dogs to play in during the heat of summer. Heat exhaustion is becoming a bigger issue and the dogs need more than a water fountain in order to cool off.”

Hunter Morris wrote that he sees a demand for more pickleball facilities: “Please do this! This area is in need of more courts for a growing sport.”

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

December 2023

Page 9

By Jane Owen

TAMPA BECOMES A WINTER WONDERLAND, COMPLETE WITH ICE SKATING, WINTER VILLAGE, SILENT DISCO & MORE

utes long as they cycle through different parts. Maybe it goes on longer, or more students solo or even stop playing and chant the words to the rhythms. The challenging part is to keep their part going while the other parts come in. Teamwork is a must where the students have to look and communicate while playThe Alafia Drum Ensemble performed with the Alafia Gator ing to keep their part going,” Choir at the Alafia Elementary Veterans Day celebration on Hemphill November 9. said.

On NoAlafia Elementavember 9, ry School is showAlafia Elcasing talent with a ementary new drum ensemble hosted a this school year. The school Vetnew Alafia Drum erans Day Ensemble meets celebration. twice a week afThe Alafia ter school and feaDrum Entures 28 fifth grade students who auditioned to be part of the semble opened with “Wavin’ Flag.” They also group. Through practices and performanc- performed “Don’t Give Up On Me,” which es, they have drummed up both school and featured the new Gator Choir.

Hemphill said he created the choir to give community spirit.

The ensemble’s first performance was on more Alafia kids an opportunity to perform.

October 21 at the Winthrop Pop Up Market. In total, there were around 50 kids performFamily, friends and market attendees were ing songs for the school and veterans in atdrawn to their performance. They played tendance.

Alafia Principal Lisa Jackson is grateful two pieces: “Palo Palo,” a Hispanic heritage piece in honor of Hispanic Heritage month, for the benefits the ensemble provides the fifth graders. and “Wavin’ Flag.”

“I am so proud of our Alafia Drum EnsemAlafia music teacher James Hemphill said he created the ensemble to give students a ble. These fifth graders are extremely talentchance for expression through performance ed. We at Alafia are grateful to Mr. Hemphill as our music teacher for starting the drum and an outlet to build confidence.

Ensemble students play one of four types ensemble and giving our students this opof Tubano drums, and the rhythms are a portunity. It has been beautiful to see our combination of high and low sounds as well students celebrate one another, celebrate as claps, taps and movements. “The kids are and honor our diverse cultures and backhard workers and songs can last up to 12 min- grounds,” Jackson said.

Celebrate the park where riders holiday season this can enjoy the sights, year by visiting the lights and sounds of Winter Village and the Winter Village. its outdoor ice-skatBack this year is ing rink. It is a great the popular Winholiday activity for ter Village Express. the whole family.

The family-friendly The Winter Village excursion takes you is in Curtis Hixon A visit to the Winter Village, located along the from Whiting StaWaterfront Park, lo- beautiful Tampa Riverwalk at the Curtis Hixon tion in downtown to Waterfront Park, will surely get you into the cated at 600 N. AshYbor City and back holiday spirit. You can enjoy holidays sights ley Dr. in downtown on the TECO Line and sounds, ice skating, Silent Disco Fridays Tampa. The Winter Streetcar. The oneand a 360-degree light show this year Village is open now hour trip features a through January 1, holiday sing-along, 2024. holiday trivia, milk Located along and cookies and addthe Tampa Rivered surprises along walk, Curtis Hixon the way.

Waterfront Park is Also back this transformed each year is curling, year with the sights, which is available sounds and activiWednesday through ties of the holidays, Sunday on a firstwhich is great for come, first-serve children and adults alike. basis. Equipment will be Each year, a giant available in exchange for ice-skating rink is erected ID. Play is limited to 45 on the perimeter of the minutes. park. You must purchase There are several new and reserve tickets for ice and exciting additions to skating in advance. Tickets the Winter Village this are $17; the cost includes year. Silent Disco will be skate rentals. All hours are subject to offered every Friday from 7-9 p.m. Headweather and rink conditions. phones are available on a first-come, In addition to the 5,000-square-foot first-serve basis. Also, you can experience ice-skating rink, the Winter Village fea- a 360-degree light show powered by tures random Santa sightings, the Curtis TECO. The shows will take place nightly Hixon Choo Choo, shopping and snack and at 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m. beverage options. The Curtis Hixon Choo For more information, please visit Choo offers a five-minute ride through the https://wintervillagetampa.com/.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 18, Issue 12

BRENDA WADE TEAM HOSTS 11TH PARTNERS IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PRESENTS YOUTH GIVING EVENT TO BENEFIT A KID’S PLACE EXCELLENCE AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

By Marie Gilmore

The Brenda Wade team Partners in Giving event raised $23,500 for A Kid’s Place foster home this year.

For its 11th annual ‘Partners in Giving’ event, the Brenda Wade Real Estate Team and its community partners were able to come together and raise $23,500 for A Kid’s Place foster home in Brandon. The partner donations paired with a Giving Tuesday grant opportunity helped boost this year’s funding.

“It means the world to us that Brenda Wade supports and invests in her local homegrown organizations,” said Brad Gregory, CEO. “She has been a terrific partner to A Kid’s Place for several years and a great role model for the community! This gift will improve the lives of many foster children here at A Kid’s Place.”

Through the years, the Brenda Wade Team, the top real estate agents in Hillsborough County and one of the top 50 real estate teams in the USA, has donated more than $125,000 to local charities.

“Each year, I match the amount of money our partners donate,” said Brenda Wade, president and CEO of the team, “so we truly are partnering together. We help families, day in and day out, as they buy and sell homes, so this was a wonderful opportunity to come alongside of families in times of need.”

Wade is thankful to her business partners, who offered their support not only to her clients but to the community as well. This

year’s business partners include Joel Meek, Meek Insurance Group; Jeff Grove, DFCU Financial; Rebecca Gullick, All American Title; Jim Gaffney, Amerifirst Home Mortgage; Wayne Gonzalez Roofing Contractor Inc.; Patrick Latimer, United Mutual Funding Corp.; Matt Willums, Willums Home Services; Jim Klos, The Klos Appraiser Group; Brian Hodgers, Complete Choice Insurance; Jay Grechika, CertaPro Painters; Nicole Fielder, Lake Michigan Credit Union and Osprey Observer Newspapers “A Kid’s Place speaks to my heart. I was one of four growing up, my husband was one of eight. I can’t imagine being moved away from my parents for any reason, but I know being with my siblings would have made any trauma easier. I believe in families and home.

A Kid’s Place serves both of those passions with excellence and is right here in our community,” explained Wade. “It is privilege to be able to give for the most vulnerable in any season, but truly during the Holidays. I am grateful that it is so easy to get our business partners to join my teammates in giving.”

“When we work together, we can make a difference,” she said.

For information about A Kid’s Place, visit https://akidsplacetb.org/. For information about the Brenda Wade Real Estate Team, visit https://brendawade.com/.

By Kathy L. Collins On October 18, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners recognized six outstanding young people for their contributions to the community through leadership in academics, community service, athletics, performing arts, conservation and other areas. The 2023 Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards, also known as the YEA! Awards, were presented at the October 18 regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.

The YEA! Awards recognize three middle school and three high school students in Hillsborough County who display initiative, innovation and commitment to themselves and others while pursuing leadership excellence.

Specifically, the YEA! Awards categories include Success Despite Difficult Odds. Eligible students must show the ability to persevere through challenges to make a positive impact on others.

The second category is Leadership. Here, students must demonstrate 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity in how they lead others academically, in extracurricular programs or in service to the community.

The third category is Volunteer or Community Service. In this one, students who dedicate substantial time to serving their community are recognized.

This year’s YEA! Awards recipients in the Success Despite Difficult Odds are Gavin Shreeve from Randall Middle School and Caitlin Conrad from George M. Steinbrenner

High School.

In the Leadership category, the winners are Nathaniel Freeman from Williams Middle IB School and Hunter Anderson from Durant High School.

In the Volunteer or Community Service category, the recipients are Gabrielle Lee from Farnell Middle School and Jayen Patel from Hillsborough High School.

Shreeve, despite serious and significant health issues, has maintained excellent grades and uses his spare time to give back to the community. Specifically, Shreeve fundraises for the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. He was also named the 2024 Children’s Miracle Network Champion for John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for his efforts in an annual toy drive.

Shreeve said of the award, “I was surprised and very happy to learn that I would be receiving the YEA! Award.”

Anderson, a senior from Durant High School, was selected for his leadership skills in leading the school’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter. He is the consummate team player who collaborates with his peers and other organizations. He recently persuaded the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce to sponsor 44 students to be able to attend the FBLA’s conference in Orlando.

Anderson said of the award, “This is an honor to receive.”

The YEA! Awards were created in 2010.

For more information about the YEA! Awards, go to www.hcflgov.net/yea.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

December 2023

NEW MOBILE BUS PROVIDES FREE HEALTH CARE FOR LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS

By Kathy L. Collins Hillsborough prong in helping County’s Office of to minimize fiCommunity Imnancial barriers pact celebrated for patients that its grand opencan be long term ing of Housing and sustainable.

Is Healthcare, Cheryl Howell, which brings assistant county health care to administrator the doorstep of for the Office of those who need it Community Immost. The grand Hillsborough County officials, Office of Community Im- pact, said, “The opening was cel- pact staff, Affordable Housing Services staff and Tampa H i l l s b o r o u g h ebrated with a Family Health Centers staff attended the ribbon-cutting County Housing ceremony for Housing Is Healthcare. ribbon-cutting on Is Healthcare November 16 at initiative, in colKensington Garlaboration with dens, located at the Tampa Fami6008 Farmingly Health Center, ton Oaks Place in represents a pioRiverview. Housneering effort to ing Is Healthcare is a new mobile bus that intersect housing and health. By synergizing will bring free basic health care services to efforts to navigate health care systems and low-income neighborhoods. enhance built environments, the initiative Hillsborough County, in partnership with improves the access and knowledge of Tampa Family Health Centers, is planning healthy living.” for the Housing Is Healthcare mobile bus Howell added, “Through our partnership to visit affordable housing sites to reach with the Tampa Family Health Center, we residents who may not have access to af- leverage their expertise to empower comfordable health care services. The program munities in understanding and accessing will offer a holistic approach to health and health care resources. This collaboration not wellness services by providing residents only offers solutions to access health care with not only basic medical services but resources but also fosters enduring commualso behavioral health, chiropractic care and nity resilience. Together, we are advancing a dental care. holistic approach that can potentially transThe link between housing and health form the intersection of housing and health care has been extensively studied. Many care.” low-income residents suffer from chronic The schedule and locations for the Housdisease or disability and find it difficult, if ing Is Healthcare mobile bus will be annot impossible, to get the health care they nounced soon. For more information, please need. People face insurmountable challeng- visit the Housing Is Healthcare events page es in accessing care. A mobile medical bus found at www.hillsboroughcounty.org or such as Housing Is Healthcare could be the call 813-272-5074.

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Page 12

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

BAY LIFE INVITES YOU TO

PLANT SEEDS, GROW PRODUCE AND CREATE COMMUNITY

By Kelly Wise Valdes In recent years, comfrom 8-10 a.m., people munity gardens have of all ages come toincreased in popularity, gether help in the garas they provide opporden. The workdays for tunities to learn gar2024 begin on Janudening, grow your own ary 13 and run through healthy food and meet July 13. others in the commu“I did not know anynity. The Seeds of Faith thing about gardening Community Garden, and what it took to Bay Life Church invites the community sponsored by Bay Life to its Seeds of Faith Community Garden, maintain a garden,” Church, is an on-camsaid Armstrong. “With where growers can harvest their own pus garden created to produce as well as help give back to local volunteering, it is cool be a place for learning, to see how dedicated food banks. fellowship and providing food for local food some of them are and how much time they pantries. put into doing something they love.”

The garden was started by Bay Life Volunteers are needed to do anything Church in 2010 with seven volunteers and from harvesting, mulching, weeding and an empty plot of land. Throughout the last more. There’s a job for everyone and no 14 years, the ministry has faithfully grown sign-up is needed — just bring a water thousands of pounds of fresh produce for bottle and wear comfortable gardening families at ECHO and Hope for Her. clothes.

This community garden is unique beLast year, the garden yielded nearly cause it’s divided into two sections — with 3,800 pounds of produce, and this year’s individual grower beds and donation beds. harvest is similar. Some of the produce The individual grower beds can be rented grown are beans, carrots, cucumbers, radout to people who are interested growing ishes, Florida gold potatoes, collards, kale, their own produce, while the donation beds lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cabbage, beets, are run by volunteers to harvest produce eggplant and peppers. that is donated to local food banks.

It costs $35 to rent a bed, which requires Jordan Armstrong, Bay Life missions a 10-hour volunteer commitment per year, assistant, explained that the best way to or the cost is $60 without volunteering. serve at Seeds of Faith is to help at the gar- Students who work in the garden can earn den work days. community service hours.

“The community is involved with the garIf you are interested in renting a plot to den,” said Armstrong. “It is a great way for grow or volunteering, please email misthose who may not have the room to start sions@baylife.org or call 813-661-3696. their own garden but want to, so they now Check out the group’s Facebook page at have the option with the open beds that we www.facebook.com/seedsoffaithgarden. have in the garden.”

Bay Life Church is located at 1017 KingOn the second Saturday of each month, sway Rd. in Brandon.

Volume 18, Issue 12

RIVERVIEW RESIDENT IS ONE OF FEW LIVING WWII VETERANS

By Jane Owen Angelo C. Barnello thing he did in his life, Sr. is among the 1 perhe’s quick to answer: cent of Americans alive “Best thing I did? Got who served in World married!”

War II. Angelo served At 21, just after he four years in the Magot out of the service, rine Corps, from 1940Angelo married his 1944, all during WWII. high school sweetheart, Born on August 4, Gloria. He recalls plan1928, Angelo loves to ning to run away to share stories from his get married if Gloria’s 99 years. He is legally dad didn’t give them blind, but he has a clear his blessing. They were memory. Angelo readmarried from 1944 ily recalls choosing to Angelo C. Barnello Sr, 99, is among the 1 until Gloria passed enlist in the Marines at percent of Americans alive who served in away in 2012.

World War II. 17 years old.

Angelo lived on his “You don’t want to go to school no own until two years ago when he moved more? Get a job or go into the service. So, from New York to Florida to live with his I went into the service,” Angelo said. daughter, Angela Barnello. Angela said Joining the Marines at 17 required the her parents’ marriage and love of family signatures of his parents, who were immi- is inspiring. grants from Campobasso, Italy. His mom “They adored each other, and you could didn’t speak much English and he knew see it in their eyes,” Angela said. she didn’t understand what she was signAngelo and Gloria had six children, 15 ing. grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren “I was in boot camp when the war broke and three great grandchildren. out. It took them five minutes to ship me Angelo loves to spend time talking to out. I will never forget. We had a forma- people, and his granddaughter, Melanie tion, and the guy says, ‘We’re leaving for deVilliers, said spending time with him is overseas. They just bombed Pearl Harbor.’ a true pleasure.

I says, ‘Who’s Pearl Harbor?’ That’s how “We have looked to him for words of young I was,” Angelo said. wisdom, guidance and for approval. His Angelo has dedicated his life to his sacrifices and experiences are beyond infamily and serving others. He is a lifetime credible. He asks for very little and yet still member of American Legion Post #1650, appreciates routines. He is a simple man; where he was post commander several kind, with strong values such as being on times. After the service, he held several time, being present and for standing up jobs to support his family. He worked for for what he believes in,” deVilliers said. a sign company hanging neon signs for 17 “I led a good life. I like things that I years and then worked as an electrician did.” Angelo said. “I tell you the truth, I’d at a VA hospital in New York until he re- like to make it to 100. I don’t know if I will tired in 1983. If you ask Angelo the best or not, but I hope so. I feel alright.”

December 2023

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Page 13

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

CHILL CAWFEE SHOP OFFERS PERFECT SET FOR SHORT FILM GUARD MY HEART

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

A Tampa resCawfee. “Everyident who has one involved suploved living in the ported our coffee area for over six shop throughout years has poured the process and his passion back we are excited to into the commusee and share the nity. final movie with K a r e e m our customers Everison filmed and community.” his most recent From crew members playing roles to the writer, ed“It’s an incredshort film, Guard itor and owner of the local newspaper, the Osprey ible feeling makMy Heart, around ing a movie here,” Observer, everyone pitched in to make this film. the Tampa Bay Pictured here are Ashley Comstock, Marie Gilmore said Everison. and Haley Blair. area, most nota“I’ve been in some bly at Chill Cawmovies that were fee in Valrico. made here before The film follows but there is no security guard Devin better feeling than Williams as he puts making one of your a stop to burglars at own.” his close friend’s art Everison would gallery and leaps into like to thank all cast action to “guard her and crew, including heart.”

Judith Ricquel HarEverison wrote ris, Amanda JenGuard My Heart sen, Joshua Dupree, with Mike Mcclaskey, Alexia Rivera, someone he conAmanda Manez, (Left to right) Ace mover/burglar actor, pro siders a mentor. He Alvin C. Eberhardt, wrestler and music composer of Guard My also played the role Prestin Caine, Axel Heart Prestin Caine; ace mover/burglar of guard Devin WilAponte, Walter leader, actor and dancer Joshua Dupree; liams. Everison said Ashaad, Henry L. security guard Devin Williams, played by this film is important Kareem Everison; and ace mover/burglar Hill, Jude Bartheactor Michael Baker. to him because as a lemy, Misty Elliott, security guard and martial artist him- Haley Blair, Jim McDowell, Gordon Adself, he relates to the film. By leaning on ams, Alexis Baca, Mal Delgado, Rayfriends, family and community members mond Sostre, Christine Najera, Oscar to be a part of the film, Everison knows Najera, Blake Drivas, Cheyne Miles, that his heart is shown in the movie.

Marie Gilmore, Samantha Kasner, Jeff “In this movie, I got the opportunity Turner, Michael Baker, Jose A. Roldan to have the fight scenes choreographed Jr., Steven C. Wilson, Kylee Nicole Peck, by my brother, Alvin (Ace) Eberhardt, Joel Goldberg, Angelene Tzokas, Susan from The Nappy Ninjas stunt team,” said Chaves Anchia, Ashley Comstock and Everison, “as well to showcase some of Jocelyn Alfonso. my own original artwork.”

Once the film is ready, it can be seen at Because the film called for a few the premiere at the Cinema 6 theater in scenes that showed a coffee shop and Port Richey and will eventually be availmany that needed an art gallery envi- able on streaming platforms. For more ronment, Chill Cawfee was the perfect information, you can email Everison at local place. everisonchildofgod@gmail.com.

“Being part of this experience and Chill Cawfee is located in Valrico at helping local artists was truly an hon- 3407 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and in Riveror,” said Tom Quigley, owner of Chill view at 10528 Lake St. Charles Blvd.

Volume 18, Issue 12

SPECIAL FORECAST: LONGTIME METEOROLOGIST PREDICTS SMOOTH SAILING DURING RETIREMENT

By Kelly Wise Valdes If you have not heard worked closely with the news, the forecast Dan since that time,” is calling for a huge said LaMarre. “Dan is event at the end of Dean amazing meteorolocember: the retirement gist, trusted colleague of Daniel Noah from and friend, and the Nathe National Weather tional Weather Service Service (NWS) office has benefited greatly in Ruskin. Since 2002, from Dan’s experience Noah has been the at this office since his warning coordination arrival in 2002 as our meteorologist and his warning coordination NWS career has orimeteorologist.” gins back to 1989 at LaMarre and Noah the NWS office in Madhave shared many ison, Wisconsin. Noah memories over the has served as the liaiyears, such as working Riverview resident Daniel Noah is son between the local retiring after a long tenure of being the together on operationforecast office and the warning coordination meteorologist al forecast shifts, preat the National Weather Service in users of NWS products senting hurricane and Ruskin. and services. He led the severe weather safeeffort to insure their ty information across evaluation, adjustment and West Central and Southimprovement. west Florida, attending the Although a longtime RivFlorida Governor’s Hurrierview resident, Noah and cane Conference and shelhis wife Janet moved here tering in place at the NWS years ago after enduring Tampa office in Ruskin. some harsh winters up “Hurricane Irma in 2017 north. and Hurricane Ian, 2022, “The temperature at my last station are two memorable weather events in Bismarck, North Dakota was -46 de- when Dan and I worked together along grees one morning,” said Noah. “My wife with the amazing team here at the NWS and I looked at each other and said, ‘We office to ensure public safety was the are moving to Florida and never living number one priority and people had innorth of Interstate 4.’” formation to help make decisions,” addNoah has already become nostalgic, ed LaMarre. thinking back on his long history working Retirement won’t be just sitting with emergency managers, emergency around for the active Noah and his wife responders and public/elected officials. of 35 years, Janet.

“They embody service above self, es“The first month will be the month of pecially during COVID and after hurri- volunteering,” said Noah. “My wife and canes,” said Noah. “They plan ahead to I have a relationship with Metropolitan take care of their family, then leave to Ministries in Tampa, and I will approach protect the community and help survi- ECHO of Brandon.” vors recover.”

His tagline was “I am the only Noah in Chiming in on the impact Noah has NOAA.” And although there are several made in our local region, his supervisor, other people now at work with the first Brian LaMarre, is already feeling the name of Noah, there will always only be loss. one Daniel Noah.

“I have been in this position at the For more information, visit www.

NWS Tampa office since 2007 and have weather.gov/tampa.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

December 2023

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR FIVE BLOOMINGDALE ATHLETES ON NATIONAL SIGNING DAY

By Nick Nahas

The Bloominglife, a new begindale High School ning,” said De La gym was crowdRosa. “I get to see ed with anticipawhat God has in tion on November store for me and 8, National Signwhat baseball will ing Day, as five do for me in the athletes signed future. If baseball on the dotted line, doesn’t work out, taking the next I’ll always have an step toward their education. I want futures. to work hard for Baseball outevery opportunity.”

Five Bloomingdale athletes sign on National Signing Day. fielder Cooper Volleyball star Hinson signed with Marshall University and Madison Sofarelli signed with Division II pewill get the chance to play immediately for rennial power University of Tampa. The midhis team. He wants to help his team win and dle blocker said that she wanted to go to the build a successful program at his school. He University of Tampa since she was 12 years will major in political science. old and has been going to camps there for “It’s a dream come true,” said Hinson. “It’s that long. Sofarelli led the Bloomingdale voleverything I’ve ever dreamed of. It’s really leyball team to a state semifinal appearance surreal today to finally get this opportunity.” this season. She wants to major in either exHinson’s teammate, Pierce Collins, signed ercise science or physical therapy. with Drury University in Springfield, Missou“I love the community, the coach, all the ri. The third baseman said that the school is girls,” said Sofarelli. “I actually had a tryout the right fit for him because it has his com- when I went there for a visit. That all led to puter science program and he has a good my decision.” chance to play on the baseball team as a Josiah Davila-Richardson will play soccer freshman right away. for Wake Forest University. The striker said “I loved the surrounding of the school. It that Wake Forest was always his favorite of was really beautiful,” said Collins. “It’s super the five schools that were pursuing him. He exciting, I am really grateful for all the peo- likes the style of play and the culture of the ple that have helped me along the way.” program. He will major in either sports medThe duo’s teammate, Johnny De La Rosa, icine or business. The soccer star has high will be attending Saint Leo University. The hopes of making it past college and into the pitcher/outfielder said that the opportunity pros. to play for the school was an unexpected “I went on a visit and as soon as I left surprise and is thrilled to continue his base- the school, I made up my mind,” said Daviball career. He is currently undecided on his la-Richardson. “I had the best time of my major. life, and that’s when I knew I wanted to go “This celebration is a new chapter in my there. I didn’t wanna go anywhere else.”

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Page 16

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 18, Issue 12

BIKES FOR CHRIST

STRUGGLING TO KEEP UP WITH THE DEMAND IN MULTIPLE WAYS Staff Report Many individuals have At this time, Bikes For suffered this past year, Christ is asking the public finding themselves in sitfor donations of good, used uations they never could bicycles in ‘adult’ sizes. have imagined. Loss of a Simmons said 85 percent job, loss of affordable livof its partner organizaing — times are hard for tions’ orders are for men’s many right now. But a bibicycles, which are always cycle can be life-changing the most needed. Bikes do in many ways, so Bikes not have to be perfect but For Christ needs your help should be as close to ridethis Christmas season to able condition as possible continue to help those less Bikes For Christ was contacted by so repairs can be done McDonald Elementary School in quicker and the bikes can fortunate.

Bikes For Christ current- Seffner about a mother and her be in the hands and feet son who recently came from Cuba. ly partners with over 100 of those who need them She had no transportation and organizations in Tampa sooner. The other issue was surprised with sheer joy on Bay by supplying bicycles her face as she was presented with hampering productivity is as transportation to the the lack of a much larger a bike at her home. clients with whom these agencies work. Its facility. main focus is veterans trying to overcome “We have been working out of a 12x30 hardships, underprivileged children and any- metal building for the past five years and one in need and trying to climb out of the outgrew it four years ago,” Simmons stated. grips of poverty or the situation they are Bikes For Christ has plans for a new facilin. Along with every bike it gives out, it also ity that will be almost 10 times as large but provides a Gospel of John, as it wants peo- is waiting on the funding to do so. ple to know that Christ cares for and loves Just this year alone, Bikes For Christ has them. received several accolades, including the folFounder Pat Simmons stated, “Christmas lowing: is always the time of year when we reach • Community Service Award — Plant City out to the community for that extra bit of Chamber of Commerce. help we need. Plus, we always try to do • Honored as one of only five nonprofits in something special as well. The past three the region for their work with children and years, we have had the opportunity to send families by Casey DeSantis and presented bicycles to children in Africa by partnering with a $10,000 check from the Hope Florwith The Tampa Bay Area Liberian Commu- ida Fund. nity Association, and we have close to 25 • Nonprofit of the Year — The Community more on their way there this year. However, Roundtable of Brandon. the need continues to be great here at home For more information or to make monein our own community, so we are reaching tary or bicycle donations, visit www.bikeout to ask for more assistance.” s4christ.com.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

December 2023

VETERAN RALPH ABENANTE, 95, STARTS EVERYDAY WITH PICKLEBALL IN THE PARK

By Jane Owen Ralph Abenante will retiring as a chief wartell you over and over rant officer in 1975. He again that he has had a skirted death more than wonderful life. a few times in the milBorn in 1928, itary. He served in the Abenante learned the Korean War and Vietvalue of hard work earnam war. He was in the ly in life. His school days 2 percent of the Navy included a before-school selected to be an explojob peddling bread and sive ordnance disposal an after-school job as a (EOD) officer. With his clerk at a soda fountain.

EOD division, he travAbenante enlisted in the eled all over the eastern Navy at 18. hemisphere detecting, “When I die tomorrow Ralph Abenante, explosive ord- disarming and disposing nance disposal officer, 1961. or the day after, I have of explosive threats. He no regrets whatsoevwas on the diving team er. At 95, I don’t have that salvaged artifacts a pain in my body, I’m from Modern Greece, a healthy, I can do evscrew steamship used erything I want to do. during the Civil War. I have a good family,” He was on the recovery Abenante said. team after the Ohio RivAt 95 years young, er Silver Bridge collapse.

Abenante plays pickle- Ralph Abenante earned the UnitAbenante wrapped up ball every morning at ed States Secret Service Director’s his Navy career assigned Honor Award in 1973.

Bloomingdale East Park as Secret Service for and then works out at President Richard Nixon. the Campo Family YMCA. He was awarded the UnitHis day begins with cofed States Secret Service fee and exercise, stretchDirector’s Honor Award, ing and lifting weights the highest award given at home for half an hour. to a Secret Service memHe’ll listen to the news, ber, for saving the lives of have breakfast and work 11 Secret Service memon a crossword puzzle bers who were trapped in before heading to the a crashed helicopter. courts.

Abenante described “The thing is, if there himself as an adventurous is something that is why Ralph Abnante, age 95, plays type and said he has been pickleball at Bloomingdale I am why I am, it is bevery lucky. He strongly East Park daily. cause I exercise every sinbelieves that family and gle day. I have never ever stopped. I love relationships are important and being in it,” Abenante said. the present moment is the best way to Exercise has been part of Abenante’s live. entire life. He started playing tennis “If you live in the past, you will never when he was young and didn’t stop un- make it in the present,” Abenante said. til he was 90. He was champion in the “I am not the originator of that, but it over-40 division in the Navy. In his 70s, is very true. People have a tendency to he was the No. 2 ranked tennis player in say I wish it was this way or that way.

Florida.

If you live that way, you’re not going Abenante served 30 years in the Navy, to make it.”

Page 17

WE ARE HILLSBOROUGH STRONG

By Superintendent Van Ayres I am grateful that last our district’s strategic plan. month the school board A high school diploma opens unanimously approved my so many doors for students appointment as Superintenin life. Our graduation rate dent of Hillsborough County has steadily increased over Public Schools. I apprecithe past six years, and I am ate their confidence, and I committed to not just mainlook forward to continuing taining that trend but also to work with the amazing increasing it. team of educators we have It is also my job to overhere in Hillsborough County. see the fiscal and operationMy heart is, and always al responsibilities of the

has been, in Hillsborough district. Our budget is near County. This school district ly $4 billion, and we are the

is my second home. I grew largest employer in Hills6 !YRE up in Tampa and graduated borough County. I hold our from Jefferson High School. It was there staff accountable for every dollar spent I discovered my love for learning and to make the best use of our budget. I am science. In fact, when I graduated from proud of the recent negotiations with our the University of teachers and staff Tampa, I became a and ensuring they chemistry teacher. receive their raisMy parents, who es as early in the were both educayear as possible. tors in our district, Lastly, you may instilled my love have heard our for education. district motto this Now, to my priyear, which is Hillorities for this dissborough Strong. I trict, and for your am a big believer children. My priorities run the spectrum in culture. Strong culture, good teamwork from early childhood learning and litera- and a happy workplace are very importcy to graduation rates. Ensuring students ant to me. We have outstanding princiare in front of a high-quality teacher at a pals and administrators in our schools very young age is so important to their who make sure culture among staff is a education. Learning their letters and pho- top priority. I appreciate them for keepnics will get them ready for kindergarten ing culture at the forefront of their deciand put them on a path where they will sion-making. have the skills they need to be proficient We are Hillsborough Strong in this disby third grade. After third grade is when trict. Everybody matters, and every day kids go from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading matters. And that is how we are going to to learn.’ keep moving Hillsborough County Public Raising the graduation rate is also a Schools in the right direction as one of priority for my team and is a large part of the best school districts in this country.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 18, Issue 12

GET THE DIRT:

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR THE GARDENERS IN YOUR LIFE

BY LYNN BARBER, URBAN HORTICULTURE AGENT Florida is home to an abundant and diverse array of species. This is especially true for the number of unique bird species that we can encounter throughout the state. One of the most interesting and adorable birds you may observe is the killdeer.

Killdeer are fascinating birds because they are shorebirds that you can find thriving away from the ocean and within inland communities instead of strictly near the water. In fact, killdeer are one of the least water-associated of all the shorebirds. Similar to the snowy and piping plovers who are often found running around the beach, the killdeer are equally a joy to view. These year-round residents are widely distributed across North America and can be found throughout Florida.

A portion of the state’s population is also considered migratory.

Killdeer prefer habitats that are on open ground spaces with low vegetation, sand or gravel. When inland, they often choose to live around buildings, golf courses and in parking lots. They also frequent wetlands, mudflats, pastures and grasslands.

They are small white birds with brown, black and tan plumage. They have a round head and beady, black eyes encircled with a red hue. They are slender in shape with a short bill that is similar to other plovers.

They average a length of 8-11 inches long.

Killdeer are also identifiable by the double black bands around their neck. They have

short, fast-moving legs and take flight quickly with their wide wings when threatened or disturbed. Killdeer are very cautious, shy yet inquisitive animals.

They are opportunistic ground foragers and have a diet that consists almost entirely of insects and small crustaceans, but they will also eat berries and seeds.

After killdeer have mated, the pair will often scoop out a shallow nest on the ground made of rocks and sticks. The female killdeer will then lay an average of four to six eggs. Both parents participate in incubation of the eggs. Killdeer may have up to two broods together a year and can find new partners in the following year.

It is crucial to their survival that we are aware of ground-nesting and ground-dwelling species. Killdeer and their fondness to live in human-modified habitats make them vulnerable to suffering from habitat loss, degradation, traffic incidents and pesticide poisoning.

Remember to help keep Florida wild by respecting wildlife and keeping their habitats free of unnecessary chemicals that are a danger to our treasured biodiversity.

Ali Holton is currently director of FishHawk TNR Inc. She has a master’s in biodiversity, wildlife and ecosystems and 20 years of experience specializing in animal behavior and conservation. To reach her, email fishhawktnr4@gmail.com.

With Christmas and the new year right around the corner, it’s time to ponder what to give your gardening friends. The classic holiday plant gift is poinsettia. However, this article will focus on two other great holiday plants, such as Christmas/ holiday cactus and Rosemary.

Many grow holiday cacti (Thanksgiving/Christmas) inside their home. They provide colorful blooms of red, white, pink, purple and more during the holiday season. During fall and winter, days shorten and flower buds form. During the day, this plant should be in an area with bright, indirect light. If you allow artificial light after dark near your holiday cactus starting in October, it may not produce holiday blooms. Repotting every year works well, and be sure to use a well-drained potting medium. Bud growth is encouraged by pruning this plant throughout the year. Pruning in early fall encourages branch growth for holiday flowering. See: https://ffl.ifas. ufl.edu/resources/ffl-minute-radio/2020-archive/december-2020/christmas-cactus/.

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is easy to grow and works well in your landscape and kitchen. You can use it fresh or dried in dishes containing meats, breads and vegetables. It adds great flavor as a skewer for the barbeque. Not only is it attractive in the landscape, but it is also drought-tolerant and produces small pink, lavender or blue flowers in the winter and spring, depending on the cultivar. Rosemary thrives on welldrained soil and at least six hours of sun.

Don’t water it too often. See: https://gardeningsolutions. ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/ vegetables/rosemary.html.

The gardeners in your life may want nonplant gardening-related gifts. Consider giving items such as knee pads, a garden cart, a saw or pruner, gloves, seeds, bulbs, pots, mulch, potting soil, perlite, compost, plant hangers, a composting bin, composting worms, a microirrigation kit, a garden sculpture, garbage cans (I only have eight and could use more) or dozens of other items gardeners want or need.

The University of Florida IFAS Extension Bookstore, http://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/, has an amazing selection of gardening, health and nutrition, home maintenance, health and nutrition, natural resources, wildlife and so much more. Logo items include clothing, umbrellas, key chains, hats, children’s books, toys and more. What a place!

Offer your labor for a specific number of hours or tasks to perform for your friends who may not want or are not able to do them. Tasks could include weeding, planting, pruning, watering, propagating, fertilizing, mulching, relocating plants and more. Get outside and garden so you can check things off your list, enjoy the outdoors and frolic with nature.

Visit our website at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl. edu/hillsborough/, and check out our calendar of events at www.eventbrite.com/o/ ufifas-hillsborough-extension-8606873308.

Contact Barber at labarber@ufl.edu.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

December 2023

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

COMMISSIONERS SEEK APPLICATIONS FOR CITIZEN BOARDS AND COUNCILS Staff Report Hillsborough County commissioners are seeking residents to serve on several county citizen advisory boards and councils. Residents interested in seeking an appointment must reside in and be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions, and members serve without compensation. Applicants may apply to more than one board but may only serve on one board at a time unless specifically approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

All applicants must submit a completed Questionnaire for County Appointments and a Standards of Conduct form. Forms are available on the county’s website at www. hcflgov.net. To download a form, click on the following tabs/links: “Government,” “Boards and Committees Forms.”

All forms must be signed and dated, and all questions must be answered in entirety to be eligible. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you apply to a board that requires a background check, you will be provided with a link to complete the online background check process. A response within 48 hours is required, at which time the link will expire.

Applications are being accepted for: • Affordable Housing Board.

• Anti-bullying Advisory Committee.

• Building Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners.

• Code Enforcement Board.

• Code Enforcement Special Magistrate.

• Cross Connections and Backflow Control Board.

• Electrical Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners.

• Health Care Advisory Board.

• Health Council of West Central Florida Inc. • Hillsborough River Technical Advisory Council.

• Historic Preservation Challenge Grant Program Grant Review Committee.

• Historic Resources Review Board.

• Historical Advisory Council.

• Human Relations Board.

• Industrial Development Authority.

• Land Use Appeals Board.

• Mechanical Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners.

• Plumbing And Gas Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners.

• Public Art Committee.

• Public Library Board.

Detailed requirements for each board can be found at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/government/boards-and-committees.

The application is due by close of business on Thursday, December 28.

Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners in January or February 2024.

Forms can be: • Mailed to P.O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33601.

• Faxed to 813-239-3916.

• Emailed to rotgerg@hillsboroughcounty.org.

• Delivered to 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 2nd Floor, Tampa 33602.

For more information about citizens advisory boards and councils, please visit www.hcflgov.net.

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Page 20

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

School Board, Canned Food Drive & More...

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Hillsborough County School Board Elects Chair And Vice Chair

Hillsborough County School Board recently voted on a new chair and vice chair.

Karen Perez was unanimously voted in as school board chair and Jessica Vaughn was unanimously voted in as vice chair.

Perez was elected to the school board, representing countywide, in 2018 and reelected in 2022. She holds a master’s degree in social work and is a licensed clinical social worker. Vaughn was elected to the school board in 2020, representing District 3. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida, where she earned her degree in elementary education.

Hillsborough County Board Of Commissioners Appoint Positions On Boards

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) selected Ken Hagan to remain as chair and Commissioner Michael Owen as vice chair during its annual organizational meeting. After choosing leadership positions, members of the BOCC selected positions on the various boards, committees and councils on which they serve. A complete list was posted at www.hcflgov.net/bocc.

Pepin Academies To Host School Choice Open House

Pepin Academies is excited to announce a School Choice Open House event for prospective students, parents and the community. This event will provide an excellent opportunity for all attendees to tour the school, learn more information about what it does and learn more about its therapeutic environment for students with learning disabilities. The open house will be held simultaneously on each campus on January 25, 2024, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Please RSVP at www.pepinacademies.com or email communications@theacademies.us.

Immanuel Lutheran Church Youth Group Canned Food Drive

For the past eight years the Immanuel Lutheran Church Youth Group has held its annual ‘Canned Food Drive… Literally.’ What makes this charity drive unique is that, in addition to the usual canned food, the youth collect donations during the month of November, after which they shop with those funds for the specific needs of the two charities: ECHO and Everyday Blessings. This year, they raised over $1,800 and donated almost 800 lbs. of items.

The Rotary Club Of Brandon Celebrated Veterans Day With A Special Salute To Its Eight Military Veterans

The Rotary Club of Brandon honored each of them by showing a slideshow with pictures of their early military careers. The members had a lot of fun trying to guess which picture belonged to which veteran.

Some of the pictures were over 60 years old, so it was indeed challenging. Each veteran was then presented with a special Rotary Armed Forces Veteran Lapel Pin and was given a standing ovation in appreciation for their service to our country. The Rotary Club of Brandon is thankful for all who have served and is happy to be able to honor and celebrate its veterans.

The Rotary Club of Brandon is collecting new stuffed teddy bears for the Rough Riders to distribute to Bay-area children who are in the hospital. Collection boxes are located at the Rivard-Simmons Rota-

APOLLO BEACH RESIDENT WRITES BOOK AFTER DISCOVERING HER FAMILY HISTORY

By Kathy L. Collins Apollo Beach resident other genealogy sourcTheresa L. McGoldrick es. The book is infused is a descendant of John with news, local events Alden and his wife, and stories stretching Priscilla Mullins-Alden, over 100 years. It all of the Mayflower. She begins in the 1850s and learned about this hisfollows the lives of three torical connection in pioneer families and 2010, and this led Mctheir descendants after Goldrick to do in depth their arrival in the logresearch on her famging and lumber town of ily. It also led to the Stillwater, Minnesota. publishing of her book, McGoldrick said, “I Unspoken Words: A Denamed my book Unscendant of Stillwater spoken Words: A DePioneers Discovers Her scendant of Stillwater Ancestors.

Pioneers Discovers Her McGoldrick is an apAncestors because of An interesting historical fact took proved member of the the way the ancestral Theresa McGoldrick on a genealogy General Society of May- research trail and led her to writing records and very old flower Descendants. newspaper articles I her book, Unspoken Words: A She is also a member Descendant of Stillwater Pioneers found on microfilm, at of the Society of Maylibraries, historical soDiscovers Her Ancestors. flower Descendants in cieties or online had sithe State of Minnesota. When she moved lently spoke to me during my research to Florida in 2015, she became a member about my family, their acquaintances of the Society of Mayflower Descendants and the goings-on in their towns and our in the State of Florida. country throughout the centuries and McGoldrick explained, “Since I had so decades while they lived. That is why the much information on my ancestors, due designer of the cover put a background to several years of research, I decided to of a newspaper behind the picture of my begin writing my book. My book took on great-great grandfather.” a life of its own. It became more than As to genealogy and research, McGoljust an ancestry book due to the snippets drick said, “For those people who realof newspaper articles I incorporated. ly enjoy family history or history itself, Once I decided to write the book, I be- I would recommend it. If they are not lieve from start to finish it took about a interested in doing full on ancestry reone and a half years to write and pub- search, I found vintage newspaper artilish.” cles to be fascinating.”

Unspoken Words: A Descendant of You can find Unspoken Words: A DeStillwater Pioneers Discovers Her Ances- scendant of Stillwater Pioneers Discovtors is inspired by details found within ers Her Ancestors online at Barnes & newspaper articles, ancestry records and Noble and on Amazon.

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December 2023

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Page 21

SENIOR DOGS AND CATS FIND NEW ATTORNEY PUBLISHES HEARTWARMING MEMOIR, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LAW BEGINNINGS AT HILLSBOROUGH

By Kathy L. Collins COUNTY PET RESOURCE CENTER Staff Report

H i l l s b o ro u g h lovable ball of County Pet Refur will finally source Center stop growing.

(PRC) is making Most senior a heartfelt plea dogs end up in for residents to shelters through consider the ofno fault of their ten-overlooked own.

Reasons companionship can range from Mulan, a senior dog at the Pet Resource Center, of senior dogs the passing of smiles for the camera while standing in a kiddie and cats. While their owners to pool. the allure of families moving playful puppies and frisky kittens may be into spaces that don’t allow pets. These strong, the Pet Resource Center is shed- seasoned companions, often facing unding light on the unique benefits that foreseen life changes, deserve another come with adopting a mature canine or chance to experience the joy of a loving feline friend. home.

These seasoned pets, often in the twiAdopting a senior dog isn’t just about light years of their lives, have so much giving them a home; it’s about offering a love to offer and are patiently waiting for second chance for a fulfilling life. These a chance to make a home complete. The dogs, having spent years in the comfort shelter is currently housing dozens of se- of a home, find themselves in unfamiliar nior dogs, each with a story and a longing shelter settings. The transition can be for a warm, loving family. challenging, but with a little love and unOne of the key advantages of adopt- derstanding, they can flourish in a new ing a senior dog is their temperament. environment.

These mature companions generally need The Hillsborough County Pet Resource less exercise and exude a calm demeanor Center encourages potential adopters to throughout the day. This makes them an consider the rewards of bringing a senior ideal match for older owners or families dog or cat into their homes. No appointwith children. Forget the challenges of ments are necessary, and information the teething and chewing phase; most along with photos of dogs available for older dogs have already outgrown these adoption can be found on the PRC webbehaviors, and many have received some site at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/ level of obedience training. residents/animals-and-pets/pet-adopSenior dogs have settled into their per- tion/adopt-a-dog-or-cat. This holiday sonalities, allowing potential adopters season, consider making a difference in to more accurately gauge compatibility. the life of a deserving senior dog or cat Unlike the unpredictability of a growing by providing them with a new home and puppy, the size of a senior dog is fixed, a second chance to give back the love eliminating concerns about when that they’ve stored up over the years.

Paul Reed is a BranWhen asked why don attorney who was Reed wrote the book, born and raised in he stated, “I always Brandon. He has lived wanted to. My plan an eventful and sucwas to retire one day, cessful life. He recently go to a quiet little cabin published a memoir, in the woods and write co-authored with Crysthe book. Given the tal Crawford, called The world as we know it, Other Side of the Law, retiring to the woods, now available on Amaso to speak, was probzon. ably never going to Reed’s book is an inhappen, so I decided to Local attorney Paul Reed has published teresting one. The Othwrite the book now.” a book called The Other Side of the Law, er Side of the Law is the As to his co-author, which is available on outlets such as crazy, true story of how Reed explained, “CrysAmazon. someone became one tal is a friend of mine of the most successful who has prior writing lawyers in Tampa. In the experience. We started book, you will find stories writing the book in early about Reed, including how 2022 and it was published he got a black eye, was and ready to go November tossed from a cab and got 2022. On Fridays at 1:30 a kiss from a stranger all p.m., Crystal and I would in one night. Per the book, talk via Zoom. I would tell what happens at Mardi her the stories in the book, Gras stays at Mardi Gras, she would take notes, ask unless you write a book me questions, and that is about it. how it went.”

Another time, Reed got Reed added, “I have lived chased by cops through an here for 59 years. A lot of orange grove. The moral: cop cars do not the community knows me and can corrobodrive well in sand. Reed also lived in a trailer rate many of the stories. Even though I have park because as the book points out, it was been blessed by the Lord above, I am the safer than the murder apartment. same old kid in the book. Still down to earth, When asked if all of these things really so to speak.” happened to him, Reed said, “Yes. There are Reed is a partner in the Reed & Reed law pictures to prove it in the book.” According firm in Brandon with his son, Ryan, and to Reed, “The book is simply a tale of one daughter-in-law, Jacquelyn. Its main office boy growing up in a small town with a single is located at 101 E. Lumsden Rd. in Branmom, two brothers and making a success of don. Visit https://needreed.com/ to make himself but growing up like everyone else.” an appointment.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS HONORED AT THE TAMPA YMCA COMMUNITY IMPACT CELEBRATION

Staff Report

T h e in our comTa m p a munity.

MetropolG r e g itan Area Dooley YMCA hon— YMCA ored outC a m p standing Cristina . volunteers Dooley has at the Ancoached Faith Burriss — Greg Dooley — YMCA Andre Steadman nual Comevery sinSpurlino Family Camp Cristina.

— North Brandon munity gle season of soccer since 2021 YMCA. Family YMCA. Impact Celebration. The event, presented for the 5 to 6-year-old age group. He and

by Regions, was held on November 2 at the his family have been immersed in YMCA Tampa Theatre. An estimated 400 guests programs in the Riverview and Brandon enjoyed an evening showcasing the Tampa areas for years. He develops great relaYMCA’s robust impact on the community tionships with this young age group and as videos, testimonials and stories were demonstrates compassion 10-fold. shared. Gary Koch, Al Colby and 11 outThe Tampa YMCA presented Koch with standing Tampa YMCA volunteers received the 2023 Community Impact Award for awards. his dedication and positive impact on the The following local-area YMCA Center youth in the First Tee – Tampa Bay golf Volunteers of the Year were recognized for program. Koch’s list of accomplishments their unwavering commitment to helping is a story unto itself. He is a six-time PGA children, families and seniors reach their Tour winner, former ESPN/NBC Sports golf full potential. commentator and First Tee – Tampa Bay’s Andre Steadman — North Brandon board chair.

Family YMCA. Steadman has worked with Colby, a lawyer, lifelong friend and supthe youth on the wellness floor. He inspires porter of the YMCA, as well as former discipline and commitment and champi- board chair, was presented with the 2023 ons their mental health. An incredible Y Tampa YMCA Red Triangle Award. The ambassador, he consistently shares the Y Red Triangle Award is given to a volunteer message and mission in the community and whose leadership and service reflect the beyond and is always eager to welcome countless lives transformed through their new members. generous contributions.

Faith Burriss — Spurlino Family The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is YMCA. Burriss joined the Spurlino Board a cause-driven, four-star charity that has in 2022 and instantly made an impact by been strengthening the Hillsborough and creating collaborative opportunities in the East Pasco communities for over 130 years community, as well as working hard on the through youth development, healthy living board’s social responsibility committee. She and social responsibility. For information has been critical in helping guide the board on the YMCA and local area centers, visit in tackling some of the biggest social needs www.tampaymca.org.

Volume 18, Issue 12

MANATEES SUCCESSFULLY TRANSPORTED FROM MIAMI SEAQUARIUM TO ZOOTAMPA AND SEAWORLD

Staff Report

Under the disure to the loss of rection of the U.S. sea grass, red tide, Fish and Wildlife cold stress, disService (USFWS), ease, boat strikes, members of the crushing by flood Manatee Rescue gates or locks as & Rehabilitation well as entanglePartnership (MRP) ment or ingesting assisted in the of fishing gear. transport of three Members of the manatees from MRP that helped Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

Miami Seaquarium with this compliRomeo arriving to Zoo Tampa.

(MSQ) recently. cated transport The animals were successfully transport- effort include U.S. Fish and Wildlife Sered to facilities at SeaWorld Orlando and vice, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation ZooTampa, two of only three critical care Commission, SeaWorld Orlando, ZooTamcenters for manatees in the United States, pa, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Bishop where they are now undergoing thorough Museum of Science and Nature, University veterinary examinations. of Florida, Mote Marine Lab, Homosassa The manatees were each prepared for Springs Wildlife State Park, and Save the transport, loaded into specialized transport Manatee Club. vehicles and accompanied by an experiThe MRP is a cooperative group of nonenced team of veterinarians and animal profit, private, state and federal entities care specialists. Transport trucks for this that work together to advance manatee effort were provided by ZooTampa, Clear- conservation by partnering in manatee reswater Marine Aquarium and the Florida cue, rehabilitation, release and monitoring, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commis- research and education efforts. sion.

“We are grateful to all organizations inThe manatees transported from MSQ in- volved in this intricate operation, including clude Romeo, a male, and Juliet, a female law enforcement partners, for successfully weighing over 3,000 pounds. Both animals transporting Romeo and Juliet to ZooTamare over 65 years in age and have resided pa,” stated the zoo’s senior vice president of at MSQ since the late 1950s. The pair ar- animal health, education and conservation, rived at MSQ prior to the enactment of the Dr. Cynthia Stringfield.

Endangered Species Act and the Marine For nearly three decades, ZooTampa has Mammal Protection Act. After the call of been entrusted in emergency situations to MSQ to provide a better social group for intervene, triage and save critically injured, both Romeo and Juliet, ZooTampa contact- sick and orphaned manatees with the goal ed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and of returning each one to its native waters. offered to temporarily care for these two The zoo’s David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critmanatees while the MRP identifies a per- ical Care Center has three 16,500-gallon manent location for them. medical care pools with controlled floors Clarity is an adult female manatee that and two manatee recovery habitats conhas resided at MSQ since 2009 after she taining 200,000 gallons of water comwas rescued due to watercraft-related in- bined. juries. Through the Endangered Species The zoo invests nearly $1 million every Act and the Marine Mammal Protection year to manatee work. On average, it costs Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has approximately $300 a day to treat a manjurisdiction over Clarity, and the USFWS atee patient and approximately $3,000 a requested SeaWorld Orlando to assume month to feed each adult manatee. ZooTcare for her. She will reside at SeaWorld ampa has cared for more than 500 manOrlando until a group of MRP experts re- atees. Currently, there are 18 manatees at views her case and determines the best ZooTampa. placement for her at another facility.

Zoo Tampa is located at 1101 W. Sligh Florida manatees are at risk from natural Ave. in Tampa. For more information, visit and human-caused threats, including expo- www.zootampa.org.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 18, Issue 12

Brandon/Winthrop

December 2023, Vol. 18, Iss. 12

SEE SCHEDULE ON PAGE 30

Bay Beauty Aesthetics Celebrates Opening

Bay Beauty Aesthetics celebrated its opening with a Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting. Owned by Johanna Pedraza, Bay Beauty Aesthetics is a tight-knit team of skin and beauty experts providing an intentional approach to your aesthetic goals.

“We don’t offer extreme, unnatural or unattainable solutions but rather a graceful approach to reveal your innate beauty,” said Pedraza.

Services offered include Botox, dermal fillers, skin care, facials, microneedling and more. Bay Beauty Aesthetics is located at 3113 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. Call 813404-4098 or visit its website at www.baybeautyaesthetics. com for more information.

has recently opened a second location at 3834 U.S. 301 in Riverview. Along with the delicious chicken, it also offers a variety of other dishes, including the Cuenelli’s special, a palomilla steak served with rice, beans, a fried egg, fried yucca, plantains, salad and a quarter of dark meat chicken. Homemade desserts are also available and include flan, tres leches, milhojas and alfajores. Visit its website at www. cuenellis.com to view the menu.

Take-out orders can be placed on its website, with free delivery for orders above $30 within a 5-mile radius.

Gun Craft Inc. Fulfills All Your Firearm Needs

Gun Craft Inc. has been family-owned

Cuenelli’s Rotisserie Chicken & and operated for over 30 years. It has Grill Opens Second Location In a beautiful, multibay Riverview outdoor range in a Cuenelli’s Rotisserie Chicken & Grill is park-like setting and a family-owned restaurant specializing is the only profesin Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken that sional outdoor gun

fessionals goes above and beyond to ensure that customers receive the highest quality plumbing solutions.

Whether it’s a routine maintenance task or an The Riverview Woman’s Club assembled 50 emergency, The blessing bags for ECHO (Emergency Care Help GOAT Plumbrange in Hillsborough Organization) with donations secured from the Company County. It also offers community, providing a happy Thanksgiving for ing a retail shop with fire- those in need. For more information on the club, is dedicated to providing exarms, ammunition and visit www.riverviewwomansclub.org. ceptional seraccessories.

Classes and private lessons are also available, vice. It serves all of Hillsborough County. and it hosts several types of competitive Call 813-438-4628 or visit its website at shooting clubs each month. Gun Craft Inc. www.thegoatplumbingcompany.com for is located at 2102 24 St. SE in Ruskin. more information.

Additional information can be found on its website at https://guncraftinc.com/ Tommy’s Express Car Wash or by calling 813-645-3828.

Opens Valrico Location Built on a legacy The GOAT Plumbing of cutCompany t i n g e d ge According to Alex Hardesign and rison, owner of The GOAT operations, Plumbing Company, his To m m y ’ s residential business is “the greatest Express Car Wash leads the way in plumbing company of all time serving guest-friendly equipment, facilities and Hillsborough County.” It prides itself on operations.

The machinery automatically its service, honesty and reliability that sets it adjusts to every vehicle’s size and shape apart from the compe- to ensure that every surface receives a tition. The company’s thorough cleaning. Tommy’s Express Car team of skilled pro- Wash provides guests with a three-minute wash using modern technology and

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

EYE ON BUSINESS.....CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

By Jenny Bennett

Drama Kids Open House Grand Opening Extravaganza

Drama Kids International, a leading provider of after-school drama programs for children, is excited to announce the grand opening of its new location in Brandon. This expansion marks an exciting chapter in Drama Kids’ commitment to bringing the magic of drama education to more young minds in the local community. With a commitment to nurturing creativity and confidence in young minds, Drama Kids invites families to join the fun at the Open House Extravaganza on January 5, 2024, from 10 a.m.-12 Noon. Drama Kids is located at 772 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. For additional information, visit its website at www.dramakids.com/ fl6 or call 813-716-1797.

Are you finding the stresses of modern life a lot to deal with? Visit Ellie Mental Health and find a therapist who you can vibe with. Ellie Mental Health was founded on the principle of destigmatizing mental health and every year thousands of people have found relief due to its innovative approach to healthcare. Ellie Mental Health is known

COUNTY COOKING OIL, FAT & GREASE COLLECTION STATIONS SAVE DRAINS

Staff Report

detergents designed to keep you and your car looking fresh. Free vacuums and mat washers are also available. The new Valrico location is at 2940 E. SR 60 and is open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. everyday. To find out more about single washes and memberships, visit its website at https://tommys-express.com/.

Ellie Mental Health Is Open And Ready To Help

Volume 18, Issue 12

for its unique meditative environment and concierge-style services. For clients, that means better access to appointments, less insurance hassles and accessible mental health therapy with accommodating hours of operation, including some evenings and weekends. Ellie Mental Health is located at 109 N. Oakwood Dr. Ste. 105 in Brandon. Call 813819-8794 or visit its website at https://elliementalhealth.com/ locations/brandon-fl/ for additional information.

Strawberry Festival Concert Tickets On Sale Now

Concert and admission tickets for the 89th ‘Out of This World’ Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City are on sale now. The festival takes place from February 29 to March 10, 2024.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://flstrawberryfestival.com/, at the Amscot Main Ticket Office at 2209 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City or by phone at 813-7541996.

It’s the end of the the holidays. year, and the holiday There are steps to season is upon us. Famtake to properly colilies will come together lect the cooking oil to to celebrate and spend be recycled. Carefully time together. They’ll expour cooled cooking change gifts and share in oil into a large, sturdy delicious meals, includplastic or glass fooding fried turkeys. grade container with But once the festivities a lid. Do not use conare done, what do you do tainers that have held with the used cooking petroleum products, oil, fat or grease? such as motor oil. If Don’t pour the cooking the container is not full, oil, fat or grease down close the container and the drain, even if you store in a cool, safe loadd hot water or soap. cation. Don’t mix the oil Pouring these down with any other liquids or the drain can cause products. Once the cona serious problem for tainer is full, bring it to Hillsborough County has numerous home plumbing and convenient sites where used cooking oil a Hillsborough County Hillsborough County’s can be dropped off to be recycled. Visit Cooking Oil Recycling wastewater collection Effort (CORE) station or www.hcflgov.net/core for locations. system. Cooking oil, fat or grease that is to a household hazardous waste collecpoured down the drain gels and solidifies tion center. inside pipes, sewage lines and sewage lift Along with not pouring cooking oil, stations, constricting water flow. It can fat or grease down the drain, don’t flush back up home plumbing and cause equip- cooking oil or grease down the toilet, ment to malfunction, leading to sewage don’t put greasy foods down the garbage spills, overflows onto streets and foul disposal and don’t place used cooking oil odors in homes and neighborhoods. in the recycling cart.

The used oil can be collected and Additional steps that residents can take brought to a number of county collection to avoid clogging the pipes: stations to be recycled into renewable • Scrape leftover food into the trash beresources and environmentally friendly fore washing pots, pans and dishes. alternatives used in various industries.

• Use a fine-mesh strainer in the sink to There are 24 locations throughout the prevent debris from going down the drain.

County, including libraries, several county • Clean out leftover foods from the sink parks and recreation centers, solid waste and put it in the trash. transfer stations and a public utility serTo learn more about Cooking Oil Recyvice center. Used cooking oil, fat and cling Effort, visit www.hcflgov.net/core, grease are collected all year long at these email gotgrease@hcflgov.net or call 813locations. The program is not solely for 272-5977, ext. 43515.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

CAMP DOROTHY THOMAS TURNS 75

By Libby Hopkins

Camp Dorowas acquired in thy Thomas in 1946 and the Riverview offers first overnight more than 220 guests were in acres of beauti1948 after the ful campgrounds, official opening,” and with the Rogowski said. longest zip line “The property is in West Central Camp Dorothy Thomas in Riverview celebrated its 75th 220 acres with Florida, this camp 55 buildings and anniversary. The one-day celebration welcomed the is a great place community and encouraged them to share their stories a sleeping caof Camp Dorothy Thomas serving to honor the past, to take your Girl pacity of 192.”

Scout experience embrace the present and ignite the flames of inspiration Program amefor years to come. to new heights. nities include an In addition to archery area, a all the camp has pool, a volleyball to offer for a Girl court, a gaga Scout, the camp ball pit, two obcelebrated its servation decks, 75th anniversary a basketball this month. court, tetherball, “Girl Scout families [celebrated] 75 years campfire areas and an outdoor stage with of building girls’ outdoor skills at Girl Scouts seating. “There are more than two miles of of West Central Florida’s (GSWCF) iconic maintained hiking trails on the property,” Camp Dorothy Thomas at a free open camp Rogowski said. “The lodge has a seating event that was held on December 3,” said capacity of 208 and has a full-service comGSWCF’s chief marketing and communica- mercial kitchen. At the anniversary event, tions officer, Kristine Rogowski. “The cele- we unveiled the newly renovated retail area bratory event was open to families to enjoy located in the Ladybug building.” a tour of the camp, the viewing of a time Camp Dorothy Thomas has also earned a capsule, the grand opening of GSWCF’s ex- reputation as an animal sanctuary. panded Camp Dorothy Thomas Retail Shop, “Campers frequently view deer, gopher food trucks and refreshments, hayrides, tortoises, coyotes, bobcats and a large vamemorabilia and more.” Rogowski added riety of birds,” Rogowski said. “The camp that attendees also earned a free and exclu- annually serves more than 2,500 overnight sive Camp Dorothy Thomas 75th Anniversa- guests and nearly 3,000 day program parry patch. ticipants.”

The one-day celebration welcomed the If you’d like to learn more about Camp community and encouraged them to share Dorothy Thomas, you can visit the Girl their stories of Camp Dorothy Thomas serv- Scouts’ website at www.gswcf.org/en/foring to honor the past, embrace the present girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/camp-propand ignite the flames of inspiration for years erties/camp-dorothy-thomas.html. Camp to come.

Dorothy Thomas is located at 16119 Boyette “The Camp Dorothy Thomas property Rd. in Riverview.

Volume 18, Issue 12

THE GIFT OF GIVING THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

By Ashley Abene Inflation has made it diftoys during the Christmas ficult financially for many season. There are many families this year, making drop-off locations for toys, the need across the nabut exact locations can be tion staggering. Thankfulfound at https://tampa-fl. ly, there are many ways to toysfortots.org. help those in the communi- Metropolitan Ministries has For over 50 years, Metrobeen providing toys for kids in ty, as several organizations politan Ministries has been need every Christmas season. are hosting charity supporting families drives this Christmas in need throughout season. the year. This holiday ECHO (Emergency season, MetropoliCare Health Ortan Ministries is ganization) is a expected to suplocal organization port over 30,000 that supports families through families in crisis its various drives with emergency and holiday tents. food, clothing and Learn more about other resources. ECHO partners with local the ways to help at www.metromin.org/ churches every holiday season to provide holiday-central/ways-to-give/. toys and food through The Brandon Gift Meals on Wheels is an organization that of Hope. There are many ways to give to supports the homebound, elderly and disthis drive, such as monetary donations, abled within the community. Each Decemshopping for the wish list and volunteer- ber, Meals on Wheels delivers holiday gift ing. More information about how to par- bags to those within the program. Volunticipate can be found at https://echofl.org/ teers are needed to help deliver these gift holiday-assistance/. bags. More information can be found at Salvation Army’s Angel Tree is a way to https://mowtampa.org/programs/holiday/. donate a toy to a local child this ChristFinally, The Give Joy Collective is made mas. To participate, head to an Angel Tree up of local foster moms, who have a heart location, grab an angel off the tree, pur- for children in the foster care system. In chase gifts for that child and return with a combination effort of local churches and the unwrapped gifts. For a list of all Angel The Give Joy Collective, it hosts Christmas Tree locations, call 813-549-5303 or go for Fosters which helps foster children to https://salvationarmyflorida.org/holi- have a lovely Christmas. This year, 900 day-assistance/. foster children are expected to be sponToys for Tots, a U.S. Marine Corps Re- sored through this program. Christmas serve program that collects toy donations for Fosters needs monetary donations or for children of all ages, has been collecting sponsoring a foster child. More informadonations for the last 76 years. In 2022, tion on this program can be found at www.

Toys for Tots was able to distribute 131,855 christmasforfosters.com.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

December 2023

OVER 4,000 PARTICIPANTS SHOWED FOR THE 2023 YMCA TURKEY GOBBLE

Staff Report

More than ponent and our 4,000 particracers raised ipants came over $22,000 in together on donations this November 23, year, more than Thanksgiving doubling last morning, to run year’s fundraising and walk the amount,” said Kita. ninth annual Tur“We had many of key Gobble road The annual YMCA Turkey Gobble supports LIVES- our LIVESTRONG race, which was TRONG, a free program for those living beyond and participants atthe largest one tend and graduate through cancer. to date, raising over at the plaza before the $110,000. The event event and then use the was held by AMALIE strength they gained Arena and presented during their program

by AdventHealth. The to complete the race. race supported LIVESWatching one of our TRONG, a free health graduates who has a program for those livwalker cross the fining beyond and through ish line with her coach cancer. More than 150 cheering on her every volunteers were on step was incredible. hand to ensure the Becky Helmink from our North Brandon This is what this race YMCA crossing the finish line and being paves the way to make event ran seamlessly. congratulated by volunteers!

With almost 260 happen: people setting teams in attendance, many participants and achieving goals and supporting others showed up in fun costumes and turkey to do the same.” hats. The 5K and 1-mile fun run saw racSave the date for the 10th annual Turkey ers and walkers down Channelside Drive at Gobble road race next year: November 28, 7 a.m. The event also saw graduates from 2024, supporting the LIVESTRONG prothe LIVESTRONG program receive certif- gram. icates. Dawn Kita, race lead and its operThe Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is ations director of community health, was a cause-driven, four-star charity that has delighted with the turnout. been strengthening Hillsborough and East “The 2023 Tampa YMCA Turkey Gobble Pasco communities for over 130 years was our most impactful Turkey Gobble to through youth development, healthy living date because of the combined efforts of and social responsibility. The Tampa Y has our sponsors, YMCA staff and the incred- long-standing relationships and physical ible volunteers who came out the week of presence not just to promise but also to Thanksgiving to give back. Thank you all,” deliver lasting personal and social change.

Kita said.

Visit www.tampaymca.org for more “We focused on the fundraising com- information.

END OF THE YEAR BLOWOUT SALE! (Financing available)

Page 29

FIRST BAPTIST GIBSONTON’S MINISTRY IS GROWING THROUGH CHRISTIAN WORLD TV

By Jane Owen

The first services at “Services are livesFirst Baptist Church treamed on Sunday of Gibsonton were morning, Sunday held in 1930 under night and Wednesa tent on land that day night on Facewas donated for the book. Christan World church. The first TV shares Christian worship building was programming, inbuilt nine years later. cluding preachers From the very begin- Pastor Malcolm Clements in the studio of and teachers. We are ning, the church fo- First Baptist Church Gibsonton’s Christian going to launch kids World TV. cused on ministering programming, probato others while sharing the good news of bly in January,” Brady said. the Bible. Ninety-three years later, First Clements shared that Christian World Baptist Church of Gibsonton has ex- TV is a growing ministry. It has been panded its ministry beyond Hillsborough watched in 119 cities in America and County through the online programming other countries. There are 291 YouTube of its Christian station, Christian World subscribers, and streaming is watched TV. in around 300 homes. There are regular Pastor Malcolm Clements has been listeners, and local viewers have started pastor of First Baptist of Gibsonton for attending the church on-site.

48 years. He found that the COVID-19 “We are just starting. We are growpandemic challenged the church’s ability ing into this. But the potential of what to reach members and stay in contact we are doing is unlimited. For a midsize with them. church in South Hillsborough County to “I said, ‘What can we do?’ We had just be able to have a ministry that literally is finished a building program with remod- not only touching all of America but the eling here. I was by myself and the Lord world — it’s amazing,” Clements said. spoke to me and said, ‘What is your next The mission statement of Christian project?’ I hadn’t thought that far, but World TV is: “To fulfill the great commisGod was pushing me. Then, I had the vi- sion of reaching every person around the sion of the TV station,” Clements said. world with the gospel of Jesus Christ The church built a studio, hired and through social media and technology.” trained staff and invested in high-qualFor more information about Christian ity equipment, including Sony 4K cam- World TV, visit https://christianworldtv. eras, a PreSonus sound board, MacBook com/. Christian World TV videos can Pros and Mac minis. Christian World TV be found on YouTube at www.youtube. launched in May of 2022. com/@christianworldtvfbg. First BapSteve Brady is the internet director of tist Church of Gibsonton is located at Christian World TV. 9912 Indiana St. in Gibsonton.

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Page 30

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 18, Issue 12

STRAZ CENTER OFFERS WORLD-CLASS BLOOMINGDALE YOUTH SPORTS PERFORMANCES FOR ALL AUDIENCES ASSOCIATION PLAYERS COMPETE

By Kathy L. Collins The Straz Rouge! comes Center for the to town from Performing February 7-18, Arts (The Straz) 2024. is a venue locatA mesmered in downtown izing new proTampa. It sits duction of the on a beautiful iconic musical 9-acre parcel Jesus Christ right on the Superstar will banks of the celebrate its Get into the holiday spirit with a performance of The Hillsborough 50th anniverRiver.

With- Nutcracker by Next Generation Ballet at The Straz this sary with a run in The Straz, December. If you miss this show, be sure to check out all in Tampa from that The Straz has to offer. you have Carol March 5-10, Morsani Hall, Fer2024. Girl from guson Hall, Jaeb the North Country, Theater, the Hinks which features 20 and Elaine Shimberg legendary songs Playhouse and the from Bob Dylan, will TECO Theater. The be performed from Patel Conservatory, March 27-31, 2024. which provides arts training in dance, You will not want to miss everyone’s theatre and music, is also housed at The favorite Scottish nanny in Mrs. DoubtStraz. fire from April 2-7, 2024. After that, the December through June is an excit- musical comedy Book of Mormon will be ing time at The Straz and for anyone in Tampa from April 16-21, 2024. Folwho loves first-rate entertainment and lowing up will be the high-flying musical Broadway shows. There will be shows Peter Pan, which has been delighting aufeaturing The Florida Orchestra, ballet diences of all ages for close to 70 years. and numerous Broadway hits.

Peter Pan comes flying to town from On Saturday, December 23, you can April 30 through May 5, 2024. enjoy The Nutcracker courtesy of Next Next up is murder and mystery with Generation Ballet. The Nutcracker takes the musical Clue, which will be in Tampa audiences into a fantastical world of from May 28 through June 2, 2024. dazzling dancing sweets, sword-fighting And finally, you will not want to miss rodents and timeless ballet music.

Les Misérables, which will be on stage Company, a Broadway hit and winner from June 11-16, 2024. of five Tony Awards, will be performed For specific information on dates, from January 9-14, 2024. Then, pop the times and prices for tickets to each champagne and enjoy Moulin Rouge!, show, please visit www.strazcenter.org which won 10 Tony Awards. Moulin or call the box office at 229-7827.

DURING THE WORLD SERIES

By Jane Owen In July, the BloomingPHR program is the dale Youth Sports Asimportance of worksociation (BYSA) held ing towards goals. their first-ever Major “I learned that I League Baseball Pitch should always be conHit & Run event. Mafident in myself and jor League Baseball work hard for somePitch Hit & Run (PHR) thing I really want,” is a free event that Ooley said. provides boys and The PHR program girls an opportunity to created a memorable showcase their baseexperience for each ball and softball skills child at nationals. In while competing for a addition to getting chance to attend the to compete at the nanational finals at the tional stage level, the Major League Baseball Christian Gaines (12) and Madison Ooley trip included video (8) at the Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit interviews, photograWorld Series. & Run National Finals during the 2023 Two of Bloomingdaphers, unlimited arWorld Series. le’s PHR winners, Madcade time and tickets ison Ooley and Christian Gaines, made it to to attend game two of the World Series. the PHR National Finals that took place on “The best part was all of the fun events October 29. they had planned for us and that we got Ooley (age 8) won the 7/8 Softball Divi- treated like celebrity athletes,” Ooley sion team finals for the Miami Marlins on said.

August 26. Gaines (age 12) won the 11/12 BYSA President David Nolte is excited Baseball Division team finals on October 2 about the PHR event and success from for the Tampa Bay Rays. They both earned Bloomingdale. an all-expense paid trip to nationals in Tex“BYSA is extremely proud of both as for themselves and one guardian.

Christian and Madison and very excited Gaines won the 11/12 Division PHR Na- for their success. Two players who both tional Finals. He competed against players played at Bloomingdale and also qualifrom Canada, Puerto Rico, Arizona and Tex- fied for the MLB Pitch, Hit & Run event as. at our park,” Nolte said. “BYSA is also “I loved being able compete against play- excited to be hosting the MLB Pitch, Hit ers throughout North America. I learned & Run event again in 2024. We would the importance of putting in hard work. I love to see future players emulate the practiced for many hours to increase my success Madison and Christian achieved chances of winning,” Gaines said. this year.” For more information, visit Ooley said what she learned from the www.bysafl.com.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

December 2023

Page 31

39TH ANNUAL 2024 FLORIDA RV SUPERSHOW DRIVES INTO TOWN

By Sharon Still For nearly 40 equipment, bikes years, the Florida and anything else RV Trade Associayou have room tion (FRVTA) has for. And if you get hosted one of the tired of your view largest RV shows in or your neighbors, the country. Every all you have to do January, RV enthuis move on,” he said. siasts from near The SuperShow and far flock to the offers educational Florida State Fair- Every major RV manufacturer will be showcased opportunities and a grounds to check when the 2024 Florida RV SuperShow comes to way for newbies to town in January. out the latest and get their feet wet, greatest RV models from evwhile also offering seasoned ery major manufacturer, plus RVers a place to trade in hundreds of supplier booths their RV or take advantage showcasing camping accesof some of the best camping sories and more. opportunities found anyMark your calendars for where.

January 17-21, 2024, and, as Seminar topics include the event’s theme suggests, RVing to Alaska, guided RV “Rock on Down the Highvacations, generator mainteway!” to the 39th annual nance and fire safety, among 2024 Florida RV SuperShow. others.

“We will have more suppliAdmission to the Superers’ booths and every type, Show is $15 for adults, which size and style of RV on the includes free second-day adStrolling entertainers are a market,” said FRVTA execu- crowd favorite at the Florida mission. Children under 16 tive director David Kelly. are admitted for free.

RV SuperShow.

He added that there will be more enter“We’re also renewing the two-day pass so tainment and additional seminars offered the public will have two full days to see evthis year, as record crowds are expected. erything at the SuperShow at no additional Guests can expect to see strolling entertain- cost,” said Kelly. ers, such as clowns, unicycle riders, barber Event hours are Wednesday through Satshop quartets and bagpipe bands. urday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 According to Kelly, interest in RVing is at p.m., at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Sean all-time high and more younger people niors will receive $2 off admission from are embracing the lifestyle. He noted that Wednesday through Friday.

RVing is no longer just for older generations, The Florida RV Trade Association is loas others are discovering the opportunities cated at 10510 Gibsonton Dr. in Riverview. it affords.

For more information, contact the FRVTA at “You can bring your hunting gear, fishing 813-741-0488 or visit www.frvta.org.

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FINANCIAL FOCUS

such possibility is a donor-advised fund, which allows you to make an irrevocable charitable contribution and receive an immediate tax deduction. You can give cash, but if you donate appreciated assets, such as stocks, your tax deduction would be the fair market value of the assets, up to 30% of your adjusted gross income.

Plus, you would not incur the capital gains tax that would otherwise be due upon the sale of these assets.

Once you establish a donor-advised fund, you have the flexibility to make charitable gifts over time, and you can contribute to the fund as often as you like.

Another possible tax benefit from making charitable contributions could arrive when you start taking required minimum distributions, or RMDs, from some of your retirement accounts, such as your traditional IRA and 401(k). These RMDs could be sizable — and distributions are counted as taxable income. But by taking what’s called a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), you can move money from a traditional or Roth IRA to a qualified charitable organization, possibly satisfying your RMD, which then may be excluded from your taxable income. You must start taking RMDs at 73 but you can begin making QCDs of up to $100,000 per year as early as age 70½. (This amount will be indexed for inflation after 2023.)

Establishing a donor-advised fund and making qualified charitable distributions are significant moves, so you’ll need to consult with your tax advisor first.

But if they’re appropriate for your situation, they may help you expand your ability to support the charitable groups whose work you admire.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Article 11 – Nov. 27, 2023

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CAN YOU MAKE CHARITABLE GIVING LESS ‘TAXING’?

Once again, it’s the season of generosity. In addition to considering gifts for your loved ones, you might want to think about charitable gifts as well. But what should you know before making gifts to charities? And what impact might these gifts have on your financial and tax situation?

First, you may want to create a gift budget by deciding just how much you will give to charitable organizations over the rest of the year.

Next, look closely at the groups to whom you wish to contribute. You can find many reputable charities, but some others may be less worthy of your support.

One of the red flags of a questionable organization is the amount of money it spends on administrative costs versus the amount that goes to its stated purpose.

You can check on the spending patterns of charitable groups, and find other valuable information about them, on the well-regarded Charity Navigator website (charitynavigator.org).

Once you’ve established a gift budget and are comfortable with the groups you choose to support, you might turn your thoughts to another key issue connected with charitable giving: tax benefits. A few years ago, changes in the tax laws resulted in a large increase in the standard deduction, which meant that many taxpayers found it more favorable not to itemize — and lost the ability to take charitable deductions. But if you still do itemize, your charitable gifts or contributions to tax-exempt groups — those that qualify as 501(c) (3) organizations — can generally be deducted, up to 60% of your adjusted gross income, although lower limits may apply, depending on the nature of your gift and the organization to which you’re contributing.

Other, more long-term avenues also exist that combine charitable giving with potential tax benefits. One

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Page 32

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 18, Issue 12

SUPPORTIVE INDEPENDENT LIVING , A SSISTED LIVING , AND MEMORY CARE

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

December 2023

SOUTHSHORE CHARTER ACADEMY CELEBRATES SOCKTOBER BY COLLECTING 5,000 PAIRS

By Libby Hopkins

Socktober is confident and an annual event resourceful to celebrated in Occreate a bettober every year. ter world for It is a nationwide themselves and movement to others.

The collect socks for purpose of the people who are program is to currently experidesign educaencing homelesstional products Socktober is an annual event celebrated in October ness. Socks are every year. It is a nationwide movement to collect socks that change the most needed for people who are currently experiencing homelessness. youth’s lives by and least donat- Southshore Charter Academy recently held its Socktober helping them ed item to shel- event and collected 5,000 pairs of new socks for ECHO. become happiters. The holiday invites kids and grown- er, healthier and more confident. ups to start sock drives to benefit their “We have a lot of students whose parlocal homeless shelters. Since 2011, socks ents are military-related, so this program have been donated by participants on all is a perfect fit with our school’s mission,” seven continents.

Sams said.

Southshore Charter Academy recently ECHO was thrilled with the donation of held its Socktober event to benefit ECHO. socks from Southshore Charter Academy.

“Southshore Charter Academy’s An“Amy Sams, the principal of SouthShore chored for Life team organized a sock col- Charter Academy has been a loyal sponlection to support ECHO,” said Southshore sor of ECHO for a few years,” said ECHO’s Charter Academy’s principal, Amy Sams. development manager, Steven McKinnon.

“The annual event has students in each “She and her team of teachers, parents and homeroom bring in new socks to donate. In students held a Socktober sock collection exchange, students have the opportunity to drive for us that resulted in them collectwear ‘silly socks’ with their school uniform. ing some 5,000 pairs of much-needed kids’ This year, the school exceeded their goal socks. We can’t thank Amy and all involved and collected 5,000 pairs of new socks. enough with helping our neighbors in need Community outreach is an important part with these creative fun drives. We want to of the school’s mission and vision as stu- celebrate with Amy and her students who dents and staff strive for success in all en- just keep striving to make our community deavors. The students also got to celebrate a better place to live.” their success with an ice cream party.”

Southshore Charter Academy is locatThe school’s Anchored for Life program ed at 11667 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview. If is for children whose parents are in the you would like to help ECHO during the military. The mission of the program is to upcoming holiday season, you can visit its provide proven resources and strategies website at https://echofl.org/ for various to children so they can become resilient, opportunities.

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Page 33

FRAMEWORKS OF TAMPA BAY OFFERS TEENS IN ACTION

By Libby Hopkins

Frameworks of Tampa enriching both the comBay is a nonprofit orgamunity and themselves.” nization whose vision is Participating teens to be the local expert in can earn up to 36 comemotional intelligence for munity service hours youth, which is achieved that can be used toward through services includa Bright Futures Scholing school and district arship. Teens select a consultation, educator partnering service site and mentor professional in their field of interdevelopment, teacher est to volunteer at on a Teens in Action (TIA) is one of the coaching, parent and weekly basis and apply programs offered by Frameworks of community engagement Tampa Bay for local teens in the com- the emotional intellisessions as well as data munity. Teens in Action is a 10-month gence skills they learned and evaluation services. at monthly workshops. civic engagement and leadership Its mission is to em“Ultimately, participrogram grounded in emotional power educators, youth intelligence skills. TIA will be hosting its pants develop a deeper services professionals, annual Connection Networking Event level of empathy for othparents and guardians at Brandon High School on January 31, ers and leadership skills 2024, from 10-11 a.m. with training, coachto carry forward to coling and research-based resources to equip lege and beyond,” Zuloaga said. “In addition youth with emotional intelligence skills. to weekly community service at their site, “We support adults in helping children teens have optional but encouraged opporbuild the skills to identify and manage emo- tunities to provide additional, ongoing sertions in constructive ways, preparing them vice to the community and to support oneto succeed personally, academically and time events needing volunteers.” one day professionally,” said Frameworks of TIA will be hosting its annual Connection Tampa Bay’s senior community programs Networking Event at Brandon High School specialist, Miracle Zuloaga. on January 31, 2024, from 10-11 a.m.

Teens in Action (TIA) is one of the pro“We are looking for community leadgrams offered by Frameworks of Tampa Bay ers to volunteer an hour of their time to for local teens in the community. Teens in work with our Teens in Action students Action is a 10-month civic engagement and on their networking skills,” Zuloaga said. leadership program grounded in emotional “This workshop is dedicated to guide and intelligence skills. help students build upon their communi“Teens in Action’s ninth through 12th cation skills and confidence while also givgrade participants from schools across Hill- ing helpful feedback to the students at the sborough County engage in workshops with event.” insightful guest speakers to equip them with If you’d like to learn more about Teens the emotional intelligence skills necessary in Action or attend its annual Connection for personal, academic and professional suc- Networking Event, you can visit Framecess,” Zuloaga said. “The teens then apply works of Tampa Bay’s website at https:// these skills through weekly volunteerism, myframeworks.org/.

Page 34

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

BLOOMINGDALE HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL COACH LEADS TEAM TO STATE TOURNAMENT MONTHS AFTER HEART ATTACK

Staff Report

Anyone who atAfter the surgery, tends a girls’ volleyball Rovnanik’s wife, Lezgame at Bloomingdale lie, checked his phone Senior High School and was shocked to (BSHS) will comment find he had over 500 on the power of the text messages from game and the roar the community wishof the crowd. On the ing him well. sidelines, helping to During the next drive this dynamfew weeks, students ic team is assistant dropped off hunCoach Tim Rovnanik is grateful to be back with the Bloomingdale Senior High dreds of handwritten coach Tim Rovnanik.

School volleyball team after a recent After a recent heart notes to the BSHS heart attack. attack, Rovnanik feels office, delivered to grateful to be courtRovnanik’s home by side. “I wasn’t going to miss Principal Marcos Rodriguez. it. I’m here for the girls,” he Head coach Damian Goderich said. mowed Rovnanik’s lawn and Prior to his heart attack, checked in regularly. ‘Coach “life was pretty normal,” said Tim Strong’ T-shirts sold out Rovnanik. He was raising his quickly. A student-teacher grandchildren, substitute volleyball game and GoFundteaching and coaching at Me raised over $20,000.

BSHS. “I watched the GoFundAfter he arrived at HCA Florida Bran- Me account go up and up. I watched as don Hospital ER, cardiac surgeon Dr. students gave $2 and $5 donations and I Bradley Bufkin understood the immediate wanted to share how much it meant to us. need for Rovnanik to have open-heart sur- It really made such a big impact on our gery. lives,” said Lezlie.

Twenty-four hours after being admitRovnanik teaches his players how to ted, Rovnanik was wheeled into surgery. overcome adversity, and now he has had He couldn’t resist coaching the cardiac to push himself. He was supported by the care team and said they “have good cohe- Brandon Hospital care team, his BSHS sion as a team.” community and his family. Now, he is back “We did a coronary artery bypass sur- courtside, doing what he does best: coach. gery. We ended up doing four bypasses, Rovnanik and the Bloomingdale Bulls and then after that he went to our inten- made it all the way to the state volleyball sive care unit and recovered well,” said tournament. They lost in the state semiBufkin. “We are an ‘unending’ team within final in three sets to St. Thomas Aquinas Brandon Hospital. We identify the health but the girls “played their hearts out” for concern and transition excellent care from Rovnanik, and the team of caregivers at surgery to ICU to postoperative care.”

Brandon Hospital cheered them along too.

Volume 18, Issue 12

ABOUT 14 PERCENT OF TAMPA ELECTRIC’S ENERGY CAN COME FROM THE SUN Staff Report Four new Tampa Electric solar plants began producing electricity from the sun this month, completing the next phase of the company’s significant solar expansion.

Tampa Electric’s solar projects can now produce 1,252 megawatts of electricity, also called 1.25 gigawatts, enough to power more than 200,000 homes. This wave of solar construction includes Dover Solar in Hillsborough County, Juniper Solar in Pasco County and Alafia Solar and Lake Mabel Solar, both in Polk County.

“Thanks to our strategic investment in solar power, Tampa Electric customers have saved about $200 million in fuel costs in the past five years,” said Archie Collins, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. “We know how important these savings are for customers, and in coming years, we expect to generate even more power from the sun.”

Construction will begin in January 2024 for the next phase of solar power, with more planned by the end of 2026.

At that time, Tampa Electric will have more than 1,600 MW of solar, which will be able to serve 260,000 homes. When those projects are complete, Tampa Electric will have about 17 percent of its energy generated from the sun — the highest percentage of solar generation of any

utility in the state.

Tampa Electric’s investment in solar energy helps to: • Save fuel costs for customers and assist in reducing the impact of volatile natural gas prices. Since 2017, solar power has saved customers about $200 million in fuel costs.

• Conserve water. By repurposing former agricultural land for solar investments, Tampa Electric has saved more than 4.3 billion gallons of water in an area of Florida with critical concerns about water use.

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Tampa Electric is committed to a cleaner-energy future, and when complete these projects will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 2.35 million tons every year, which is roughly equal to removing 500,000 cars from the road.

Customers wanting more information about solar energy can visit Tampa Electric’s new webpage at www.tampaelectric.com/solarsolutions.

Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 830,000 customers in West Central Florida. Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

December 2023

Page 35

THOUGHTFUL HOLIDAY GIFTS BEYOND GADGETS: A GUIDE FOR TEENS AND COLLEGE KIDS

By Cameron Clark

As the holiday season apas headphones, a stylish water botCooking Class proaches, many find themtle, a cozy blanket or a gift card. selves pondering the perfect Avah Armour, a student athlete gifts for the hard-to-buy-for at the University of Central Floriteenagers and college studa, shared her perspective: “Socks dents in their lives. While tech used to be an annoying gift, but at gadgets are often at the top of this age, I could always use more wish lists, considering alternasocks in my drawer. I’m always tive options can add a personwearing mismatched socks. It all al touch to your holiday giving. makes sense now.”

From experiences to traditionTop Tech Gifts: Bonsai Class al presents, here’s a quick For those still interested in tech, guide to help you navigate the explore gadgets that go beyond the world of holiday gifts for the ordinary. Virtual reality experiencyounger generations. es, smart home devices (Alexa and Experiences Over Tech: Google Home paired with smart Instead of the latest tech lights) or even personalized tech gadget, consider giving the accessories can be both practical gift of experiences. There and exciting. Headphones go a long are many things in the state way in college, and some cheaper of Florida we take for grantoptions that get the job done are ed beyond theme parks. Find older AirPods, or you can Track Personal Rainbow River Apple’s some nearby museums of inopt for nicer ones like Bose QuiItems terest, take a tour of Kennedy etComfort 45 Wireless or Apple Space Center, take an EverAirPods Max. A very popular and glades swamp boat adventure, unique new tech gift is the Chrogo tubing down the Rainbow maComfort Bathroom Exhaust Fan River, explore the Florida with Sensonic Bluetooth Speaker Keys (not just Key West) or Think outside the box when shopping for your teen and always consider options tailored to their specific passions. A gift and LED lights. For forgetful teens, try swimming with manatees. consider Tile’s Bluetooth tracking of a unique experience for your teen (and maybe a friend) will create memories that last.

Concert tickets to see a favorplant or cactus for her dorm or bedroom, tools for the DIY enthusiast, an outdoor devices. ite performer are always a hit, so pay at- or maybe a class at an area nursery? For adventure like sky diving, a new gamIn the spirit of the holiday season, tention to whatever music your student the fashion-forward, a curated clothing ing chair or a subscription to a niche make your gifts more than just material is blasting in their room or shower. Surf- subscription or a unique piece of jewelry streaming service, personalized gifts possessions — make them expressions ing lessons, movie passes or even cook- might be the perfect fit. A Tiffany heart show that you’ve put thought into their of thoughtfulness and consideration. ing classes can all provide memorable necklace or the Prada tag necklace are dedicated interests. Inflatable loungers Whether it’s a memorable experience, a moments that last a lifetime. Offer to on the pricier side but meaningful and or hammocks are a fun option for a col- unique tech gadget or a traditional gift have a friend tag along for the fun too. timeless. Lots of college girls love cap- lege kid, and retro vinyl record players with a twist, show that you know and Experiences not only entertain but also turing the moment, so find a cheap digi- are also popular right now. And a lot of appreciate the recipient’s individuality. offer opportunities for personal growth tal camera or buy a few disposable cam- guys would also appreciate a nice chain This holiday season, let your gifts reflect and skill development. eras for some fun memories for her. or watch. the joy of giving with a personal and Top Girl Gifts: Top Guy Gifts: Traditional Presents with a Twist: unique touch.

Ditch the clichés and consider gifts Move beyond generic gifts for guys Put a creative spin on traditional gifts. that cater to individual passions. If she by focusing on their hobbies and prefer- Consider gifting classic holiday gifts, Clark is a Freshman student at the Uniloves plants, why not a beautiful little ences. Whether it’s a set of high-quality like socks paired with accessories such versity of Central Florida.

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The weather is changing, and the fish and their habitat are also changing.

The grass has receded, and the bait has shifted to the towers. Most of the target species we look for have shifted into the backwater areas and residential canals to escape the colder water temps. Our offshore species have moved into the 40 ft. ranges and are easier to get to on the calmer days.

Sheepshead should be moving into the reef areas inside Tampa Bay and will readily eat a live or dead shrimp.

Fiddler crabs are ideal but are sometimes hard to come by. Trout, redfish and snook will be in the seasonal haunts of canals and backwater areas. Artificial baits can be key to fishing this time of year. The waters get very low and the fish will school up in the deeper water bend areas. Try a little flyfishing in these areas

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 18, Issue 12

also. A green deceiver fly on an 8-weight setup is a great approach plan.

Nearshore fishing, with the fish moving in closer with the season, should be on fire. Do some homework and locate the drops and ledges on Google Maps, the Navionics app or something similar.

Pinfish, shrimp or greenies will be spot-on for these fish. Grouper are closed for the year, and coming months after, but there are many other types of fish to hook up with in the gulf. Snapper, grunts, porgy, hogfish and many others will avail themA recent charter brought in some nice selves for the fish on the line for kitchen tathese residents. ble. Inshore setups with a half to 1-ounce weight and a 1/0 hook will be the best bets.

Be wary of the low and falling tides this time of year in the inshore waters. You may get stuck for a while if you fail to pay attention.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

December 2023

Page 37

FLURRY OF FAMILY FUN AT THE NEWSOME HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS FLORIDA AQUARIUM’S SNOW DAYS FIRST ANNUAL BANANA BALL VS. Staff Report BREAST CANCER GAMES Who says you can’t ferences. Tickets for the have snow in Florida? A event are $10 per guest wintery wonderland is in and free for members. the forecast at The FlorVolunteers are still ida Aquarium’s Snow needed for the event to Days, a cherished annuhelp bring Snow Days to al holiday event. The icy life. Volunteer this year excitement runs every and have a ball as you weekend in December watch guests of all ages along with a full week Guests can grab a paintbrush and touch snow for the first show off their creative side with of fun from Tuesday to time, grin as they hit snow as their cool canvas.

Sunday, December 26-31. the targets at the snowGuests are encouraged ball slingshots, dance in to grab their gloves to the snowfall and so much immerse themselves in a more. For more informavariety of snow-packed tion about volunteering, activities. The ‘Sno Fly the event (including the Zone’ will feature a snowschedule of activities) and ball toss and the popular to purchase tickets, vissnowball slingshot. The it www.flaquarium.org/ young and young-at-heart events/attend-an-event/ can let their creative side snow-days/. The Florida shine through with snow Aquarium is located at Snowball cornhole provides painting — where the 701 Channelside Dr. in a new twist on a classic game. snow becomes their can- This is just one of many fami- Tampa. vas. There will be dashing ly-fun activities at The Florida The Florida Aquarium through the ‘snow’ maze, actively participates in Aquarium’s Snow Days. snowball cornhole, dancing on the rooftop and promotes stewardship of the natural terrace, live entertainment and more. environment as part of our mission of conSnow Days is included with membership servation. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit orand general admission, with advanced tick- ganization, The Florida Aquarium provides et purchase required. The days include: an opportunity to see thousands of aquatic • Saturday and Sunday, December 23- and terrestrial animals, explore complex 24, plus New Year’s Eve, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ecosystems, look for wild dolphins in Tam• Daily from Tuesday to Sunday, Decem- pa Bay, play at the Splash Pad and more. ber 26-30 with extended hours: 9:30 a.m.- More than a must-see attraction, The Flor7 p.m. ida Aquarium is focused on saving marine The aquarium will be hosting a senso- wildlife through conservation research and ry-friendly Snow Days event on Thursday, rescue efforts that help restore Florida’s December 21. Held between the hours of sea turtle and coral populations. To learn 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., lights and sounds more, please follow it on social media at will be adapted accordingly throughout @floridaaquarium and visit www.flaquarthe event for individuals with sensory dif- ium.org.

By Lily Belcher

Newsome High School faced East Bay High School in the first Banana Ball vs. Breast Cancer charity game in November.

Newsome High School head baseball coach Richard Rohrberg found out his wife, Anna, had breast cancer in July.

While meeting with other baseball teams, he was discussing the diagnosis with his fellow coaches and contemplated creating a tournament to raise money for breast cancer awareness.

Rohrberg and his team are fans of the Savannah Bananas, an exhibition baseball team with a focus on entertainment, fans and comedy from Georgia. Newsome’s coach turned to ‘Banana Ball’ for his fundraiser.

On November 11, Newsome High School hosted the first annual Banana Ball vs.

Breast Cancer games. East Bay, Durant and Sumner high schools participated in the Saturday morning charity event to support Rohrberg and his wife.

The event was especially important for Rohrberg’s wife, who was in attendance, because she was not able to see the team for two months after receiving her diagnosis.

“She’s going through radiation right now. She’s tired. … But she’s fighting through it. I try to do a lot of stuff to make her laugh,” Rohrberg said.

The Banana Ball games certainly gave

her something to laugh about. The teams participated in mid-inning dance battles, costumes and skits to bring a lighthearted and fun perspective on raising awareness.

“It was fun. … The idea was to make it fan-friendly,” Rohrberg said. “… This was good. It got people involved, dancing and singing, so it was fun.”

Rohrberg also said prompting the group of high school boys to talk about breast cancer and raise awareness was a successful part of the event.

Newsome infielder Leonardo Astacio, a cancer survivor, said the cause is especially important to him.

“It feels great to see cancer awareness being supported. It’s very important to me and my family,” he said. “And I was very proud of my team.”

Newsome helped Rohrberg raise around $2,500 for the donation through admissions costs, donations and the 50/50 raffle for fans. The proceeds benefited the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, where Anna is being treated.

Rohrberg also said he plans to make the charity Banana Ball game an annual event.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

SLAYING TAMPA BAY HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

By Kelly Wise Valdes The much-anticipated education to the real estate Slay the USA book series industry,” said Stinson. has launched in Tampa and Eventually, Stinson marfeatures several incredible ried an Air Force member, women making a difference embraced the opportunity in the Tampa Bay communito live in South Korea, and ty. Best-selling author Leigh travelled while learning M. Clark highlights the about the harsh realities personal lives of successful of generational poverty, women in her book, Slaying exploitation and lack of acTampa Bay, which is now cess. “This experience ignitavailable on Amazon and ed a deep passion for advoBarnes & Noble. cacy and a desire to make Several local women are feaSlaying Tampa Bay pays tured in the new book Slaying a difference in the lives of accolades to several ex- Tampa Bay. The book highlights women and families facing traordinary women who women who are inspirational adversity in resource-poor continually demonstrate and making a difference in our and developing countries,” their commitment to excelsaid Stinson. community, including Lithia resident Jennifer Stinson. lence. It highlights several This led Stinson to start Tampa women and their stories of success her own business in partnership with Noonand inspiration. day Collection, whose business model is a Clark and her team looked for women to vehicle for good, fair-trade fashion with a feature who were leaving their mark and commitment to social entrepreneurship. legacies in the Tampa Bay community, and Through her business, Stinson has created there was no shortage of incredible women a marketplace for more than 2,500 global here. artisan partners (71 percent women) where One woman chosen was Lithia resident she shares the powerful stories of impact Jennifer Stinson, a Noonday ambassador, behind the pieces in the fair-trade collecauthor and fair trade advocate. tions.

“I received an email from Leigh in the “Being a co-author of Slaying Tampa Bay spring asking for an interview for a proj- serves as a testament to my dedication to ect,” said Stinson. “I took a chance and the leading a life of purpose, passion and impact 15-minute Zoom interview turned into over and commitment to inspiring others,” said an hour and my ‘yes’ to becoming one of the Stinson. “It provides me with a platform to authors.” amplify my advocacy efforts, contributing to Stinson’s story involves a journey of the positive representation of Tampa Bay’s self-discovery and a commitment to making influential women I am among in the book. a positive impact on the world — “leading a I hope it inspires others, especially women, life of purpose, passion and impact.” who may read about my journey and find Her childhood dreams included becoming motivation to pursue their own passions a teacher and having a family. with purpose and meaning.”

“My life took unexpected turns, including For more information, visit www.jennifera shift from an initial dream of a career in stinson.co.

Volume 18, Issue 12

NUCYCLE ENERGY PRODUCTS KEEP WASTE OUT OF LANDFILLS

By Brad Stager Achieving better livprocesses that burn a ing through code enlot of fuel to produce forcement in Hillsborrequired amounts of ough County includes energy. conducting campaigns The partnership like the recently conwith Hillsborough cluded Sign Off Day County’s Sign Off Day Tampa Bay, which focampaign began last cuses on removing illeyear, and according Collected signs will be recycled into fuel gal road signs that are to Kyle Pukylo, NuCyunsightly and create cubes such as these, reducing landfill waste cle Energy’s director and providing a green energy choice. driving hazards. A loof sales and procurecal company is helping ment, their work to take that effort a step beautify and energize further by using the will continue. collected ‘snipe’/‘ban“It’s something we dit’ signs to create a plan on doing every source of green eneryear,” he said. gy.

Pukylo added that After any metal NuCycle has also made is removed from the an agreement with the signs, which advertise services such as city of Lakeland which will help turn more trash removal, they are then collected off waste into nonfossil energy. public rights-of-way for recycling, and the The cleanup was a cooperative effort by remaining material is turned into a non- local governments, with code officers repfossil energy source by NuCycle Energy. resenting Hillsborough County as well as The leftover scrapped signage is then the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and hauled to Plant City, home of NuCycle En- Plant City to remove illegal signs from loergy’s facility that will turn it into chunks cal streets. of alternative fuel which can generate enWhile some businesses posting the ergy for industrial uses like cement and signs may think of it as cheap advertising, lime manufacturing. they are prohibited by local ordinances The company produces what it calls if they are displayed on public property Enviro-Fuelcubes® out of waste materi- without a permit. al by using processes and technology it According to Pukylo, the reason to developed for the purpose of producing develop and use technology that keeps a nonfossil fuel source that can be used waste out of landfills, such as Enviro-Fuin any suspension burning combustion elcubes, is simple: “We stopped making boiler. According to the company web- land a long time ago.” site, the Enviro-Fuelcubes are designated You can learn more about NuCycle Enas capable of partially or completely re- ergy by visiting https://nucycleenergy. placing fossil fuels like coal for industrial com/ online.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

December 2023

Page 39

Celebrate The Holidays With A Good Meal And A GoodByMovie Kelly Wise Valdes Two of my favorite holiday traditions are watching Christmas movies with my family and cooking a delicious holiday meal. My mother always loved having my sister and I in the kitchen baking Christmas cookies for all our neighbors. Then we spent countless hours watching films like Frosty the Snowman, A Christmas Carol and Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town. I carried on this same tradition when I had children of my own. I have such fond memories of watching Elf, Home Alone and The Polar Express with my own children. However, I didn’t quite inherit the cooking/baking gene from my mother and always needed to refer to a good cookbook for help. If you are looking to start new holiday traditions with your family, below are some fun and inventive holiday cookbooks that are paired with some of the most popular and traditional holiday season movies. Complete with tips on entertaining and menu ideas for your merry gatherings, these cookbooks are the perfect companions to your holiday season.

The Christmas Movie Cookbook: Recipes From Your Favorite Holiday Films

By Julia Rutland

The Unofficial Home Alone Cookbook Zuzu Bailey’s It’s A Wonderful Life Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol:

By Bryton Taylor

By Karolyn Grimes & Franklin Dohanyos A Book-to-Table Classic Relive the magic of the iconic mo- Celebrating one of the most beloved By Charles Dickens

Bring the merry festivities from the mov- ments with these 75 recipes inspired Christmas films of all time, It’s a Wonderful Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Caries with The Christmas Movie Cookbook by the cult-classic holiday movie Home Life, this book is brimming with movie lore ol: A Book-to-Table Classic is a deluxe, through more than 65 fun recipes inspired Alone. Whether you’re fending off the and recipes meant to delight friends and full-color hardback edition of the enduring Christmas classic featuring a seby scenes from favorite Christmas films. Wet Bandits or just a hungry family families as well as entertain movie buffs - presented by the actress who played lection of recipes for your holiday table Do you ever yearn for roast turkey while trying to snag the coveted last slice star Jimmy Stewart’s youngest on-screen from Giada de Laurentiis, Ina Garten, watching National Lampoon’s Christmas of cheese pizza, this fun cookbook is daughter. From savory main courses to Martha Stewart and Trisha Yearwood.

Vacation? Or perhaps you want to try the here to keep hunger at bay. From apfestive desserts, this book contains 250 This clever edition of Charles Dickens’ A roast beast from How the Grinch Stole petizers and main dishes to refreshing recipes inspired by fictional Bedford Falls, Christmas Carol shares delicious recipes Christmas? ’Tis the season to recreate the drinks and holiday-worthy desserts, including Violet’s spicy chicken, Silver Bells from celebrity chefs. Plan your perfect dishes from your favorite holiday mov- this book is perfect for nostalgicHome Christmas cookies, Henry Potter pot pie, Christmas feast with a carefully curated ies with the help of The Christmas Movie Alone fans looking to recreate that “I fifty-cents-on-the-dollar chuck roast, Har- menu of holiday dishes from succulent Cookbook. This season, you can indulge made my family disappear!” magic. ry Bailey hero sandwich, Mrs. Martini’s baked ham to smashed root vegetables alongside Elf as you make special spaghet- The Unofficial Home Alone Cookbook creamy linguine and “Zuzu, my little ginger- and topped off with fruitcake cookies ti, or create the meatloaf from A Christmas has all the recipes you’ll need to make snap” cookies. As a bonus, the book con- and pecan pie. It includes the full, unStory, broccoli and cheese soup from Ru- a meal worthy of Kevin McCallister tains bits of trivia from the movie, behind- abridged text of A Christmas Carol, inthe-scenes anecdotes and reminiscences terspersed with recipes, food photogradolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer or hot choco- himself. phy and special food artwork. from the stars of the film. late from The Polar Express.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 18, Issue 12

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