Osprey Observer Riverview/Apollo Beach February 2024 by Osprey Observer

Riverview/Apollo Beach

Article on Page 37

February 2024

Volume 22, Issue 2

Ph: 813-657-2418

February 29-March 10

See Ad On Page 35

CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS

WINTHROP CHARTER SCHOOL COMPLETES SPRING EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY THE HAPPY MURAL PROJECT AT THE FLORIDA RAILROAD MUSEUM Bright, painted on the communisunflowers and ty through Wina colorful lion’s throp Charter head brought a School. pop of color to Within the Winthrop Charfirst hour of the ter School. project being At the beginopen, Wagner ning of January, said the wall was the Winthrop filled with comcommunity came munity painters. The Happy Mural Project mural included a lion’s together to com“It was hard head for Winthrop Charter School. plete a paint-byto find room on number mural the wall where designed by Hapyou could kind of py Mural Project squeeze in to put artist Alyssa Masome paint on rie. The two-day it,” Wagner said. project hosted Marie customstudents, parents, ized the mural faculty and neighto include a colbors to fill in the orful lion’s head mural. to represent “I started The Winthrop CharHappy Mural ter’s mascot and Project in 2020 Winthrop Charter School students helped fill in The a symbol found as an effort to in the Winthrop Happy Mural Project’s paint-by-number mural. just inspire more joy community. across the globe through “With each brush larger-than-life sunflowstroke, Winthrop’s ers painted on walls,” learning community emMarie said. braced the arts and crePTC Mural Chair Ranated an impactful expedi Wagner, who particirience,” Principal Terry pated in painting a mural when she was Johnson said. younger, brought the idea up a year and Marie had the opportunity to work a half ago. with the children and tell her story as an “I just loved what The Happy Mural artist. Wagner said the students were Project stood for: inspiring others and inspired by her story and seeing the pasjust making beautiful art, something you sion she has for The Happy Mural Project. can drive by that puts a smile on your Sunflowers were included in each muface and it lasts a long time,” Wagner ral because Marie’s favorite color is yelsaid. low and sunflowers remind people of joy Wagner still drives by the mural she and beauty. helped paint and is reminded of the pride For more information on the Happy of contributing to the project she felt as Mural Project or to submit your wall for a child. She wanted her daughter to have a mural, visit www.thehappymuralprojthe same opportunity to leave her mark ect.com.

The Florida Cotton Tail Railroad MuseSpecial — Frium has an exday and Saturciting lineup of day, March 29events for the 30 spring. Take a The Cotton look at its schedTail Special is ule, take the departing for the family and enmuseum’s annual joy outings you Easter egg hunt. won’t find any- The Florida Railroad Museum has a full calendar of Enjoy a 30-minwhere else. ute train ride to events for the whole family this spring. Va l e n t i n e s Willow, where Celebration — Thurslots of fun activities are day to Sunday, February planned for children of 15-17 all ages. Approximately The Florida Railroad 1.5 hours will be spent Museum is pleased to at Willow enjoying the host its first-ever Valenactivities, followed by a tine’s Day event in 2024. 30-minute return train If you love trains, have ride to Parrish. a valentine (or a standFood and beverages in), love good food and are available for purcan bust a move, join in chase on board the train this February 15, 16 or and while at the egg 17 aboard the Valentine hunt. Limited. Experience an Old Guests will enjoy a West Train Robbery — 30-minute train ride to WilSaturday and Sunday, April low. Upon arrival, everyone 13-14 will disembark for a deliRumors say a valuable cious buffet dinner complete shipment will be on board with a carving station and your train. Passengers are vegetarian options. A DJ assured the situation will be will be taking requests all fully secure in the hands of evening, so bring your list of the United States Marshal favorite songs and dancing shoes. Service. Surely the Hole-in-the-Head Get your tickets today at www.frrm. Gang will not attempt to stop a train unorg/train-rides/valentine-limited/. der Marshal protection. … Will they? Join A Day Out With Thomas — Friday to in for a fun train ride that will let you exSunday, March 15-17, and Saturday and perience an Old West-style train robbery. Sunday, March 23-24 The Florida Railroad Museum is locat‘Pop’ on board a train ride adventure ed at 12210 83rd St. E. in Parrish. For with Thomas the Tank Engine. A Day Out more information about the museum and With Thomas: Bubble Tour is heading its events and to purchase tickets, visit to heritage railways across the coun- www.frrm.org. try with loads of bubble-themed games and activities. Enjoy live entertainment, the exclusive gift shop, photo ops, lawn TECO FAMILY BBQ .............................PG 3 games and so much more. Take a real train ride with Thomas and spend the MOTORING TAMPA BAY .................PG 5 day creating memories for the whole CHALLENGE ISLAND.......................PG 11 family. EYE ON BUSINESS ................PGS 25-26 Get your tickets today at www.frrm. A KID’S PLACE GALA.....................PG 30 org/day-out-with-thomas/.

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Are you looking for some good books to read for yourself or to give someone as a gift? Check out the Hooked On Books article on page 41.

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Page 2

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 22, Issue 2

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Page 3

TECO FAMILY BBQ COOK-OFF FOR Staff Report CHARITY RETURNS FOR 13TH YEAR

ABWC CELEBRATES LONGEVITY AWARDS AND PROMOTES SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

On January 10, for June through the Apollo Beach August) and cost Woman’s Club $22; reservations (ABWC) honored and payments five ladies, Judith must be received Pieper, Jennifer by the Wednesday Stendahl, Joan before each lunKelly, Katherine cheon. For menu Apollo Beach Woman’s Club recipients honored Cintron and Nancy at the January 10 membership luncheon. From left details and reserGrubb, who have to right: Judith Pieper (club member for 10 years), vations, contact been members Jennifer Stendahl (10 years), Joan Kelly (10 years), Claudia Gassett at Katherine Cintron (10 years), Nancy Grubb (10 for 10 years, and 352-258-4580 or years) and Janet Pizzichetti (40 years). Janet Pizzichetti, claudiagassett@ who has been a member for 40 years, at its me.com. A prospective member can attend Longevity Awards luncheon. Each lady was two business luncheons before paying dues. gifted a crystal paperweight engraved with Another important objective of ABWC the ABWC’s flower, the hibiscus, and words is to provide scholarships for the education commemorating their years in the club. The and training of students who live in Apolrecipients were asked questions about why lo Beach and surrounding areas and have they joined the club, with most stating they demonstrated financial need. College scholjoined for social interaction because they arships are now available for 2024 graduwere new to Apollo Beach. Promoting so- ating high school seniors who live in Apollo ciability among members is one of the club’s Beach (33572) and attend or are zoned to primary objectives. The friendships the re- attend East Bay or Lennard High School. cipients made throughout the years and the The scholarship amounts are $700 for Hillclub activities keep them coming back. sborough Community College (two-year deThe club promotes sociability through gree) and $1,500 for a four-year accredited monthly luncheons, the garden/craft club, Florida college or university. The scholarship the book club, and the culture club. The next application and criteria are on the ABWC ABWC luncheon is on Wednesday, February website at www.apollobeachwomansclub. 14. The presenter will be ABWC member com/scholarships.html. If students attend Nina Tross, MBA, EA, National Society of East Bay or Lennard High School, completed Tax Professionals liaison for tax and advoca- applications are due to their guidance councy, who will discuss various items regarding selor by Friday, February 15. For students Federal tax returns. On Wednesday, March meeting the residency requirements and 13, the club will welcome Dr. Brook Hansen attending a different school, your completfrom the University of South Florida, who ed application with attachments must be will discuss developing sustainable commu- emailed or postmarked by February 15 (see nities and addressing food insecurities with application for the address). regenerative agriculture. Luncheons are Visit www.apollobeachwomansclub.com held at Ruskin Moose Lodge #813, located or contact the second vice president of at 1212 E. Shell Point Rd. in Ruskin, on the membership, Liz Pedersen, at 813-777-8215 second Wednesday of every month (except or kenlizpedersen@msn.com.

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The TECO Family Girls of the BBQ Cook-off for World is a mentorCharity has returned ship program for and is ready for anyoung girls, providother year of good ing them with life food, good company skills and unique and supporting the experiences to help community. develop positive The annual barself-worth. Through becue was founded weekly educational and is run by current sessions, the girls Enjoy delicious barbecue and fun activities and former Tampa are given a safe while supporting two great organizations that Electric Company space to ask queshelp neighbors in our community (TECO) employees, tions, explore and and the group is gearing up for its 13th learn. To learn more about Girls of the annual event on Saturday, February 24, at World, visit https://girlsoftheworldinc. the International Independent Showmen’s com/. Association in Riverview. The gates will Pasco Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation is open at 10 a.m., and tickets are $15 for dedicated to offering sports and activities ages 11 and up and free for children 10 for everyone. The program offers things and under. like inclusive day camps, workshops, field This family event started in 2009 as trips, fishing, cultural events and more. To a friendly barbecue competition among learn more, visit www.pascocountyfl.net. friends and has evolved over the years This year’s TECO Family BBQ promises a into a significant community initiative. wide range of activities for everyone. From This year, the event will support Girls of a car, bike and Polaris Slingshot show to the World Inc. and Pasco Adaptive & In- engaging activities for kids of all ages, the clusive Recreation (PAIR). event aims to create an enjoyable experi“It’s all about Tampa Electric Compa- ence for the entire community. On top of ny team members coming together to all the fun activities, all guests get to enjoy help the community we serve,” said Sam free samples from all those participating Nowakowski, the TECO Family BBQ presi- in the BBQ competition. dent. “Our team members put their heart This family-friendly event has become a and soul into this event to make our com- staple in the community, bringing people munity [a] better place for all.” together for a day of fun, food and philanThose who support the TECO Family thropy. BBQ are proud of its commitment to givThe International Independent Showing back to the community. The organizers men’s Association is located at 6915 Rivare driven by a sense of social responsibil- erview Dr. in Riverview. For more informaity and seek to use this gathering to make tion on the event, please contact Natalie a meaningful contribution to these two J. Ashmore with the TECO Family BBQ at deserving causes. njashmore@tecoenergy.com.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

FREEDOM PLAZA RECOGNIZED WITH

HIGHEST POSSIBLE RATING FROM THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES Staff Report Freedom Plasaid Sharon za, a renowned Roth Maguretirement ire, senior vice c o m m u n i t y, president, chief received a fiveof health and star rating from wellness and the Centers of resident expeMedicare & rience officer at Medicaid Ser- Freedom Plaza, located in Sun City Center, recently earned Life Care Sera five-star rating. vices (CMS). vices. “These This recognition is the ratings also bring highest possible rating well-deserved attention CMS awards to nursing to the dedication and home health centers expertise of our health based on their perforcare professionals and mance in health inspeccare teams, and to the tions, staffing levels and quality measures. value Life Care Services brings to the comTo determine ratings, CMS uses publicly munities we serve.” available Medicare data to evaluate qualiThis five-star rating from CMS further soty information across five care categories, lidifies Freedom Plaza’s position as a leader including mortality, safety of care, read- in the retirement community industry. The mission, patient experience and timely and recognition serves as a testament to the effective care. Only the top 10 percent of community’s dedication to maintaining the nursing homes nationwide achieve the dis- highest standards of care and providing an tinction of a five-star rating. exceptional living experience for its resi“We take great joy and pride in being dents. acknowledged among the top 10 percent Freedom Plaza is a vibrant life care comof nursing homes throughout the nation,” munity in Sun City Center set on 140 acres said Freedom Plaza executive director An- of landscaped grounds. It features a private gie Roher. “This acknowledgment reflects lake, walking trails and an 18-hole executive the commitment and tireless efforts of our golf course and putting green. Just minutes staff, who consistently exceed expectations from both Tampa and Sarasota, residents in delivering the utmost quality of care to enjoy a maintenance-free retirement lifeour residents.” style with resort-inspired services and ameLife Care Services, Freedom Plaza’s man- nities. Freedom Plaza’s pet-friendly commuagement company, announced that 36 other nity features over 400 independent living communities it manages also received this residences ranging from studio to one and prestigious recognition. two-bedroom apartment residences. It also “We are thrilled to see each of these com- offers assisted living residences; skilled nursmunities receive this recognition from CMS, ing, including private rehabilitation suites; as it reflects our commitment to providing and memory care. For more information, visthe highest quality care for our residents,” it https://freedomplaza.com/.

Volume 22, Issue 2

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES CAN HELP WITH FINDING A HOME

By Brad Stager

Affording a housing options place to live in that are approprian area that is ate for individuals attracting lots with disabilities of new residents or special needs. from all over the In Hillsborough world, such as HillCounty, the Houssborough County, ing Finance AuThe Landon Preserve Apartments community in can be difficult, thority supports Brandon is an example of a multifamily housing but there are state the housing needs project partially funded by resources from the Florida and local agencies of local residents, Housing Finance Corporation. with programs much like the that can help. FHFC does stateThe Florida wide. Housing Finance The HFA was Corporation established in (FHFC) was estab1985 to address lished in 1980 by many of the same the Florida Legisissues of housing lature to manage availability and and develop programs to ensure a variety its cost that exist today. The authority does of housing is available to meet the needs of so by offering incentives to private developSunshine State residents. The agency’s work ers and working with lenders who agree to involves spending state and federal tax dol- build affordable housing or facilitate financlars. ing. There are also programs to assist firstOne of the main functions of the FHFC is time homebuyers and renters. to manage and distribute money the Florida Mark Hendrickson is the executive direcLegislature has allocated for various housing tor of the HFA, and in an email he provided programs. an example of what the agency can do to For example, funding available through the help residents looking for a place to live. Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program “We have an ongoing program for firstprovides down payment and closing cost as- time homebuyers which has (currently) sistance to first-time homebuyers, especial- a 6.625% 30-year fixed mortgage rate, ly educators and first responders, employed $25,000 of down payment assistance, and full-time with a Florida-based employer. The a federal tax credit equal to 20% of the inFHFC also has programs to work directly terest paid each year,” he wrote. with developers to build workforce housThere are seven members who are aping. One affordable housing project featured pointed by the Board of County Commison FHFC social media is the $6.5 million in sioners serving on the HFA. funding resources provided for the recently You can find out more about the FHFC by opened Landon Preserve Apartments com- visiting www.floridahousing.org. More inforplex in Brandon. There are also programs mation about the HFA and its programs can which assist renters and families looking for be found at www.hillsboroughcounty.org.

PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY This year, only the Republican Party is holding a Presidential Preference Primary in Florida.

Vote By Mail: Due by 7 p.m. March 19 Early Voting: March 4-17 Election Day: March 19

Visit VoteHillsborough.gov to make sure you are #VoteReady for the Presidential Preference Primary Election. Register to vote, update your information, request Vote By Mail and more. The deadline to register to vote or change your party aﬃliation for this election is February 20.

Three Ways To Vote Vote By Mail

Mark your ballot at home, then mail it back or drop it off. You can drop your ballot off at any Early Voting site or any of our offices when they are open. Request your ballot online or by calling our office. Vote By Mail ballots must be in one of our offices no later than 7 p.m. Election Day.

Vote in person at any of 27 diﬀerent locations in Hillsborough

Early Voting County, open March 4-17, including weekends.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2024

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CHRYSLER PACIFICA HYBRID A COMFY FAMILY HAULER, GAS SIPPER

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Leave it to passenger-side Chrysler to come power-sliding up with a first. doors for easy A pioneer of the ingress/egress. minivan segment And, of course, more than four destorage comcades ago with the partments thrive Dodge Grand Carin the Pacifica, avan and Chrysler offering 140.5 Town & Country, cubic feet with PACIFICA HYBRID (PINNACLE) Tires: P235/60R18 the automaker debuted in both rear rows folded Wheelbase: 121.6 inches 2017 with the Chrysler Paand 32.3 cubic feet beLength: 204.3 inches cifica — the world’s first hind the last row. During Width: 79.6 inches gasoline plug-in hybrid minlong family trips, tiny Height: 69.9 inches ivan. The result has been a Suspension: MacPherson strut tots in the rear seat can front, twist-blade rear big seller from day one. be entertained via two A 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar Steering: electric rack and pinion 10.1-inch touch screens Weight: 5,010 pounds gas engine is coupled to (plus a FamCam that Fuel capacity: 16.5 gallons two electric motors, one of offers a bird’s eye view Gas only: 30 mpg combined which serves as a generatoo). Other goodies inGas and electricity: 82 MPGe combo tor and the other delivers clude tri-zone auto AC, Price as tested: $62,435 torque. The rechargeable eight-way power front Website: www.stellantis.com 16-kWh lithium-ion battery heated/cooled seats, in the second-row floor enpower lift gate, quilted ables the Pacifica to go about 32 miles on caramel Nappa leather seats, 10.1-inch pure electric. Pumping up the battery via a Uconnect for infotainment, suede headlin240-volt charger takes just two hours. On er, dual panoramic sunroof, integrated and a full battery and gas tank, you can go well flowing floor console and a tilt/telescopic over 500 miles. All in all, its total horse- leather steering column. power is 260, plenty to cruise the highway Dual front and side airbags, side curor speed up in rush-hour traffic. The elec- tain airbag for all three rows, front knee trically variable transmission in the front- airbags and active head restraints, lane wheel-drive minivan is up to the job. departure/forward collision warnings, Our high-end Pinnacle model showed electronic stability/traction control with off a black-front, 3D-diamond-styled grille brake assist, four-wheel antilock brakes, with platinum chrome surround, flanked blind-spot monitor with rear-cross detecby bifunctional LED projector headlights, tion, 360-degree camera, front/rear and daytime running lights and fog lamps. But hill-start assists, adaptive cruise control, it is for interior amenities that people will pedestrian emergency brakes, daytime buy this minivan. Forget Stow ’N Go for the running lights and tire pressure monitorsecond row (though the captain’s chairs ing system are standard. easily slide), but the third-row bench While by no means a bargain at a steep does power-fold into the floor. For extra $60,345, the Pacifica plug-in hybrid gas savings, keep a close eye on the digi- should attract families looking for a safe tal information display of battery charge, and solid ride, people- and cargo-hauling engine power and fuel gauge readings. capability and mainly substantial fuel savLaudable are the convenient driver and ings at the pump.

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Page 6

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 22, Issue 2

KINDERGARTEN COUNTDOWN: HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC YOUR CHILD IS READY … BUT ARE YOU? By Superintendent Van Ayres Enrolling your child in quite a bit of paperwork kindergarten is an iminvolved in registering a portant and emotional child for kindergarten. milestone for many parMake sure you have all ents. But don’t worry, the necessary documents Hillsborough County ready. Check the list Public Schools is here to of required documents make the process smooth at www.hillsboroughand enjoyable for both schools.org/enrollment. you and your child. Please note, your child’s Schools across the registration is not comdistrict will host Kinplete until all documendergarten Ready Open tation is submitted. Houses starting at the Many parents wonder end of February. To enif their child is ready to roll in kindergarten and start kindergarten. The to attend an open house, answer, I can assure your child must turn 5 you, is most likely yes. 6 !YRE on or before September There are resources 1, 2024. available that can help ease this transiHere’s how you can prepare for kinder- tion. The Florida Department of Educagarten enrollment: tion and the Early Learning Coalition of • Find Your School. Use the conve- Tampa Bay offer practical tips for prenient school locator tool on the district paring your child for kindergarten, book website — www.hillsboroughschools. recommendations and guidelines on what org — to find your assigned school. You your child should know before starting can also explore options for our magnet school. These resources are available schools at www.hillsboroughschools.org/ on their respective websites at Prek magnet. Standards 12.27 • Attend Open (search on www. House. These fldoe.org) and events are invaluwww.elchc.org. able for getting Remember, enacquainted with rolling your child the school enviin kindergarten ronment. You’ll is a big step, learn about the but with these school, possibly resources and tour the facilities and meet the principal. preparations, you’ll be well-equipped for It’s also a great opportunity to ask any this new journey. Get ready for an emospecific questions you might have. tional yet exciting milestone, and don’t • Gather Documentation. There’s forget to bring your Kleenex.

SCHOOLS HOSTS JOB FAIR FOR POTENTIAL BUS DRIVERS

By Lily Belcher

Hillsborough Coundriving history. Hill ty Public Schools’ also said one of the transportation demost important repartment is hosting quirements is being job fairs to support able to show they its search for school love children and bus drivers. have a passion for Since the coronagiving back to the virus, the transporcommunity. tation department To help prospechas seen a decrease tive drivers meet the Hillsborough County Public Schools is looking in drivers to take requirements, the for over 200 additional bus drivers. students to and from transportation deschools. To attract partment offers paid more drivers, the distraining as applicants trict raised salaries from get their CDL. It also will $16.04 to $18.65 an help drivers fill out their hour in October 2023, in applications at job fairs. addition to benefits. Hillsborough County “The district has been Public Schools is hoping very proactive in trying to hire over 200 drivers. to get qualified people Right now, the county behind the wheel,” said has 607 active routes, Laura Hill, manager of but it is still not enough transportation. to efficiently transport Bus drivers receive Bus drivers should have a passion and all students. Students love for kids. paid holidays, flexible are having to wait at schedules, paid trainings and guaranteed school while drivers make two trips or cram hours, among other benefits. Drivers will into one bus. also have the opportunity to gain additional Hillsborough County Public Schools is hours by transporting students to field trips hosting a job fair at its transportation ofand other school events. fice in Thonotosassa on Saturday, February “This is a wonderful job for families be- 3, from 8 a.m.-12 Noon and at Sumner High cause they would actually be off during the School on Thursday, February 8, from 4-7 summer time, be off during spring break and p.m. Future job fairs will be listed at www. all the times when their kids aren’t at school. hillsboroughschools.org/drive. They would be able to spend time with their If prospective bus drivers cannot make families,” she said. either job fair, they can stop by the HillsborDrivers must be CPR-certified, have their ough County Public Schools transportation commercial driver’s license (CDL), school office. For more information and to apply, bus passenger endorsement and a clean visit www.hillsboroughschools.org/drive.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2024

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SEEK APPLICATIONS FOR THE VETERAN’S ADVISORY BOARD

Staff Report

Hillsborough County commissioners are seeking residents to serve on the newly created Hillsborough County Veteran’s Advisory Board (HCVAB). 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. 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’ and ‘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. The application is due by close of business on Thursday, February 8. Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) in March or April. 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, FL 33602. The purpose and scope of the activities of the Hillsborough County Veteran’s Advisory Board shall be the following: A) To serve in an advisory capacity to the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners, Hillsborough County Consumer & Veteran’s Services Department and the Conservation & Environmental Lands Management Department to effectuate

development of the Veterans Resource Center’s additional phases, the memorials and grounds of Hillsborough County Veterans Memorial Park and revitalization of the museum as outlined in the most current master plan created by the University of South Florida and adopted by the board in November 2022. B) To serve as a convener of community groups whose interest is in the provision of resources to the veterans, their spouses and the family members of veterans who reside in Hillsborough County. C) To deliver an annual report to the BOCC detailing priorities, goals and issues pertaining to veterans and their families. D) The HVCAB will serve as an ad hoc board with a delineation date of December 2027, at which time an evaluation to determine the need of continuance will be conducted. Seven new positions have been created. Terms are for two years. There shall be at least one member from each commission district. Applicants should meet the following criteria: 1) Served in the Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge with a minimum of six years’ service (preference given to those who have retired by years of service or medically retired from active service). 2) Resume of veteran-related community service. 3) Educational background and work experience that would significantly contribute to the board when serving as a member. 4) Identify all memberships in professional organizations. For more information, please visit www. hcflgov.net.

Page 7

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS HONORED AS NATIONAL MAGNET AWARD WINNERS

Staff Report

Leaders with Hillsborough grams to students. Our magnet County Public Schools (HCPS) student enrollment numbers are proud to announce that have grown every year. By 27 of our district’s magnet next year, we will have nearly schools have been named Na20,000 students enrolled in tional Magnet Award winners. our magnet schools.” Magnet Schools of AmerRight now, students are acica released the results to- Magnet School of Excel- cepting their offers for HCPS lence Award winners: day, honoring schools with magnet schools for the 2024Spoto High School National Merit 25 school year. The Awards of Excelwindow to accept lence and National offers for the first Merit Awards of application window Distinction. has ended, but the The 27 schools next choice/magnet represent the highapplication window est number of winwill be announced ners in our district’s soon and will likely history. Only four open in mid-Februother school disary. HCPS is excittricts in the United to welcome even ed States earned more students into more awards than its magnet proHillsborough Coungrams. ty Public Schools. Here is a list of Magnet School of Distinction Award winners: HCPS finished local area schools Armwood Collegiate Academy, Lennard High second in the that earned Schoo, Progress Village Middle Magnet School of state of Florida awards: the Arts and Rodgers Middle Magnet School. in total awards earned, total exMagnet School cellence awards of Excellence earned and total Award winners: distinction awards earned. • Spoto High School “This is an incredible achievement for so Magnet School of Distinction Award many of our magnet schools. Every year, students and their parents rush to apply winners: for our magnet programs,” said Hillsbor- • Armwood Collegiate Academy ough County Public Schools Superinten- • Lennard High School dent Van Ayres. “Our teachers, adminis- • Progress Village Middle Magnet trators, school and district support staff School of the Arts work tirelessly to bring innovative pro• Rodgers Middle Magnet School

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 22, Issue 2

LOCAL DINNER & DATE NIGHT IDEAS FOR AROUND TOWN FUN

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

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

Don’t want to drive all the way to Tampa? Here are 12 local date ideas for weekend adventures or date night fun. The Florida Strawberry Festival is back starting Thursday, February 29, and will be serving up fun until Sunday, March 10. There are some great musicians performing this year, including the Black Eyed Peas, Parker McCollum, ZZ Top and many more from every genre. On top of all the great musical performances, get your adrenaline rush at the 80 carnival rides and games, make a stop at the livestock show or dig into tasty treats. Take a stroll through the Neighborhood Village, which is dedicated to homemade items handcrafted by people in the community. The festival is open every day from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and entry is only $15 per adult. To learn more or buy tickets to one of the performances, visit https://flstrawberryfestival.com/. If you’re looking for something to do outside, visit Alafia River State Park to enjoy some of its many activities. Alafia River State Park has a full-service bike shop that offers rentals, repair services and lessons at the park. With bike trails for beginners and advanced riders, everyone can try off-road bicycling. You can also hike, bird-watch, fish, geo-seek or canoe in the river. Alafia River State Park also offers glamping rentals with queen-size beds, solar power, games and a cooking station. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. until sundown, and entry is $5 per vehicle. Take a trip to the Parkesdale Market, where you can enjoy delectable strawberry treats and even pick your own fresh strawberries. From January until mid-April, Parkesdale has an extensive strawberry menu, including things like strawberry shortcake with ice cream, a strawberry milkshake and a big bowl of sweetened berries. Parkesdale also has a shop where you can purchase fruits, home decor, salsa and sauces, seasonings, nut butters, plants and more. From now until April, stop by and pick a bucket of freshgrown strawberries starting at just $4. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also reserve a u-pick time online. To reserve a spot, visit https://parkesdale.com/.

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

tock.com/keel-farms/. Enjoy the beautiful Florida weather before the summer heat with dinner and a drive-in movie. Stop for dinner at La Septima Cafe and enjoy a classic taste of old Ybor with Spanish rice and beans, ropa vieja or a Cuban sandwich and enjoy a slice of flan or guava cheesecake. Next, get down to the Ruskin Family DriveIn Theatre for a 7:30 p.m. or 10:10 p.m. movie showing. Entry is $7 per person, and classic movie treats can be purchased at the snack bar. Check the website at www.ruskinfamilydrivein.com for current movies. Take a romantic sunset eco cruise with Latitudes Tours in Ruskin and then enjoy dinner and drinks from the Salty Shamrock. The sunset cruise starts about an hour and a half before sunset and travels down the Little Manatee River. Learn about the local history while catching a glimpse of wildlife. Once the cruise is over, stop by the Salty Shamrock and have a traditional Irish meal

shop at some of the local stores or plan your date for one of the awesome events. With 20 places to eat and drink at and over 40 shops, spending an entire evening in downtown Plant City is very easy. Come out on the last Friday of every month and shop for handmade and local vendors, listen to live music in McCall Park, stop by the Main Street Kids zone and more. Visit www.plantcitymainstreet.org for more information. If you love a classic night, enjoy dinner and bowling right here in Brandon. Start the evening with dinner at Strandhill Public for drunken mussels, an Irish whiskey burger or classic fish and chips. Strandhill Public also has some great traditional Irish beers and whiskey options. After dinner, visit Pin Chasers and compete in a game or two of bowling. Each game is as little as $9.99 per person, or play by the hour for $15.99. Visit https:// pinchasers.net/ to reserve a lane. Get crafty at Board & Brush in Apollo Beach and buy tickets to one of the crafting events. Workshops are an exciting two hours of building and crafting while sipping on a complimentary glass of wine or beer. Crafters can choose from one of over 400 custom designs to make, and all the supplies are provided. The instructor leads you through the process and teaches you how to sand, stain, stencil and complete each wooden project. Whether you are a beginner DIY-er or a seasoned crafter, everyone can enjoy a night at Board & Brush. Buy tickets to a workshop at https://boardandbrush. com/apollobeach/. From outdoor adventures Stroll through Downtown Plant City for dinner to relaxing at the winery,

even car windshields. iSmash provides all the safety gear you will need during your session; sessions start at $39 and can be reserved online. iSmash also offers ‘splatter paint’ sessions where Donate unused clothes to ECHO who helps families in need. you can spend up to 50 minutes splattering paint on a and beer canvas that you get to take home. You while encan also spend the evening axe throwing, joying live starting at just $20. To book your night at music. iSmash visit https://ismashusa.com/. M a k e Clean out your closet, stop by ECHO T u e s d a y Thrift on Bloomingdale Avenue and do- n i g h t nate your old clothes. This thrift store fun with supports the efforts of ECHO to supply F u z z y ’ s and shopping. clothing or food as well as job coaching, Taco Shop financial counseling and more to neigh- and Topgolf. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop ofbors in need in our community. Every $10 fers a big menu with everyone’s faspent at the thrift store provides a meal vorite Mexican classics. Whether for a family of five. Afterwards, walk over you like nachos, tacos or enchiladas, to bin + board for a predinner snack and there is something you will definitely a glass of wine, then head to The Stein love. Then, challenge your partner to & Vine, where you can enjoy an amazing a friendly game at Topgolf with 50 dinner. The Stein & Vine offers a unique percent off Tuesday games. Play a menu with items like Korean hogfish tacos traditional game or choose one of the and a Dubai camel burger. different game styles on the screen. Take a drive to Keel Farms and enjoy a Enjoy a drive out to downtown delicious glass of wine or beer while relax- Plant City and try a new restaurant, ing in the sunshine. Enjoy live music every weekend, trivia on Tuesdays, Pilates in the garden and all types of other events. You can also roam the 25-acre farm and visit animals, learn about operations or take a look at the blueberry fields. Buy tickets now to Valentine’s in the Vines for a Valentine’s Day dinner and cozy up with a free drink, a three-course meal and a dessert bar. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased online at www.explore-

Enjoy a delicious drink while relaxing in the sunshine at Keel Farms.

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

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

VETERANS EDUCATION & CULTURAL CENTER UNDER CONSTRUCTION By Sharon B. Still Veterans and District 4 County their families will Commissioner Mifind a plethora of chael Owen noted new opportunities that there are more as phase two of 96,000 veterans in development of the Hillsborough CounHillsborough County ty, more than any Veterans Resource other area of FlorCenter is underway, ida and a majority bringing the new of those veterans Veterans Education reside in District 4, & Cultural Center to which encompasses With gold shovels in hand, local veterans and the site. dignitaries celebrated the groundbreaking of the most of Riverview, A groundbreakFishHawk, Apollo new Veterans Education & Cultural Center. ing ceremony Beach and Sun in mid-January, City Center. featuring local “This is using veterans and digour tax dollars nitaries, kicked wisely,” reoff construction, marked Owen. which is expected Frank Strom, to be complete by Consumer and August. Veterans SerPhase two of vices director, development, noted that other made possible by a $1.6 million grant from projects are in the works at the Veterans Governor Ron DeSantis and the State of Resource Center to bring it to the next level. Florida, will add the 4,000 sq. ft. Veterans Plans include revamping the museum, buildEducation & Cultural Center, featuring a ing a meditation garden and erecting a 150 theater-style classroom and state-of-the-art ft. flagpole. displays connecting visitors to Hillsborough Veterans Council representative Tom County’s distinct participation in our nation’s Fletcher looks forward to opening the doors military. to educate present and future generations. “This truly is a collaborative effort,” stat“It is amazing what can be done when the ed Deputy County Administrator Greg Hor- community works together,” he said. wedel as he recognized county commissionThe Veterans Resource Center is located ers and government officials in attendance. on the grounds of Veterans Memorial Park The Veterans Resource Center, open since and the Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Vet2017, is already known as a one-stop shop erans Museum at 3602 U.S. 301 N. Its hours serving veterans, their dependents and their are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Frisurvivors in accessing federal, state and lo- day. Park hours are 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Vetcal benefits at no charge. erans may call 813-635-8316 for assistance.

Volume 22, Issue 2

TAMPA ELECTRIC’S MANATEE VIEWING CENTER CELEBRATES INCREDIBLE NEW RECORD Staff Report T a m p a from multiple Electric’s boardwalks award-winning and vantage Manatee Viewpoints. They ing Center has also can meet set an amazing the rays, critnew record: The ical animals center hosted that rely on a 1,100 manatees healthy Tampa at one time, Bay ecosystem, Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center set a new which dwarfs and even touch record with 1,100 manatees at one time seeking warmth the previous rethem gently as in the waters of the Big Bend Power Station. cord of 850 set they glide past last winter. in the touch “This season has tank. Additionally, been consistently visitors can hike the chilly, which has alnature trail and take lowed us to see more in the vistas from the manatees at one time 50-foot observation than ever before,” said Stan Kroh, manag- tower. er of Land and Stewardship Programs for Admission and parking at the Apollo Tampa Electric. “This makes for an even Beach facility are free. And the center’s better experience for our visitors. We’re boardwalks comply with the Americans proud to be such a coveted destination — with Disabilities Act for our guests’ conand a showcase for Tampa Electric’s com- venience. TripAdvisor has repeatedly mitment to environmental stewardship.” awarded the center a Certificate of ExcelThe manatees have gathered in the ca- lence, and it was selected as one of the nal since the early 1970s. When the wa- USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel ter temperature of Tampa Bay is 68 de- Awards for best free attractions. grees or colder, the mammals gather in The Manatee Viewing Center’s regular the clean, warm water discharge canal of hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day from Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station, November 1 through April 15, except sometimes by the hundreds, and repeat- Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. The edly over a thousand this year. facility closes at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Each season, the 50-acre Mana- Comfortable shoes and clothing are rectee Viewing Center draws hundreds of ommended. Please note that no pets are thousands of human visitors — near- allowed at the center, only trained service ly 500,000 in 2023. Since the center animals. opened in 1986, 7.4 million people have Visit the center online at www.tampavisited. electric.com/mvc or call 813-228-4289 Guests can see the mammals up close for more information.

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CHALLENGE ISLAND OFFERS

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STEAM LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIENCES AND CREATIVITY By Makenzie Atkins Noel

While most of the ednation and teamwork ucation industry might while allowing stube moving towards digdents to find creative ital learning, one prosolutions and increase gram is continuing to their problem-solvfocus on hands-on creing skills. Along with ativity and has made its STEAM knowledge, way to the Hillsborough Challenge Island helps community. students establish Challenge Island, an healthy relationships educational program and build confidence. that promotes creativiThe benefits extend ty and critical thinking, The experience of Challenge Island is what beyond traditional was founded in 2003. sets it apart from other educational tools. classroom settings, The local South Hillsand with no screens By being hands-on, students are able to borough location began connect with the things they are learning. or digital platforms, serving our community 20 years later in Challenge Island provides a learning envi2023. ronment that inspires passion for STEAM Through on-site field trips, after-school subjects and fosters an environment where care, churches, libraries and more, the pro- students feel comfortable to be whimsical in gram allows children to get engaged with their learning. Through the interactive and their learning and gives students something imaginative challenges, students gain skills to be excited about. Challenge Island has de- that are needed in the 21st century. veloped many learning plans and is able to Challenge Island empowers young minds provide the supplies and tools necessary to to explore and appreciate the hands-on eximplement the program in different settings. perience of learning. “It promotes creativity, It strives to give all children access to its offering a tangible and experiential educaeducational tools and is able to work with tional experience for children,” said Recine. organizations and schools to build programs This program has served as a catalyst for that work within different types of budgets. compelling and dynamic educational experi“We wanted to provide an innovative ences in all kinds of ways. From Girl Scouts and engaging educational platform for chil- workshops to after-school camps to birthdren,” said Rod Recine, owner of the local day parties to family engagement programs, Challenge Island. “Challenge Island fosters Challenge Island is able to deliver a handscreativity, teamwork and critical thinking on, educational experience however it fits through STEAM activities.” best. This program offers a unique educational For more information, please contact experience through science, technology, en- Recine at rrecine@challenge-island.com or gineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) visit www.challenge-island.com/south-hillslearning. The goal is to encourage imagi- borough-county.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 22, Issue 2

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

LEARN SOMETHING NEW AT CLASSES OFFERED AT CENTER 4LIFE LEARNING By Kathy L. Collins The United Methcalled Befriending odist Church of Sun the Ending Part 1City Center offers a An Intro to Advance fun way for adults Care Planning and to engage in a nonBefriending the Endaccredited adult ing Part 2- Advanced education outreach Care Planning. These program. The Center classes are offered on 4Life Learning serves Tuesdays. the entire community. Sue Holter, manBegin your new year with a change in Classes are provided ager of the Center pace. Be informed, entertained and Monday through Fri- inspired with intellectual stimulation by 4Life Learning, said, day. There are a mul“Center 4Life Learnattending classes offered at the Center titude of classes in a ing is a nonaccred4Life Learning at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center. variety of interesting ited adult education subjects. school. Classes are The winter semester curheld in person on the camriculum offers a wide array pus of the United Methodof classes. There are approxiist Church of Sun Center mately 28 classes. during the day. One does A sampling of the classes not need to be a member includes Sign Language on of the United Methodist Mondays, Intro to Modern Church of Sun City Center Calligraphy on Tuesdays, and to participate. Our regular U.S. History on Wednesdays. There are courses consist of six 90-minute classes. two Chinese Brush Painting classes being … All courses/classes are led by qualified offered (Chinese Brush Painting - Friends instructors.” of Works and Chinese Brush Painting Holter added, “We also offer day trips Working on Silk). Both of these classes from our church campus. We are taking are offered on Thursdays. You might be reservations for the following trips: Edinterested in World Religions, and if so, a ison and Ford Winter Estates Tour, Fort class is offered on Fridays. Myers on April 9; Kiss Me, Kate at the The Center 4Life Learning also of- Manatee Performing Arts Center, Brafers very practical classes. A sample of denton, on April 25; South Pacific, Sunthis type include Android Smart Phone coast Broadway Dinner Theatre, Hudson, workshops on Fridays. They will also of- on May 4; and StarLite Sapphire luncheon fer a class called, What Would Happen cruise, South Pasadena, on May 23.” If You Got Hit By A Bus? Preparing for Please visit www.sccumc.com/4lifeLife Changing Events. This class is offered learning or call 813-634-8607 for more on Thursdays. Another practical class is information.

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THIRD GENERATION MARLIN JAMES AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING VALUES SERVICE & RELATIONSHIPS By Lily Belcher Thirty years ago, a fahistory, share stories ther-son team opened and give thanks for the Marlin James Air Consuccess of the compaditioning & Heating to ny. prioritize service and “We firmly believe in customer satisfaction. building relationships. Marlin James’ em… Marlin James is built ployees follow the on relationships. It has ‘What would Red do?’ been since day one. program, called ‘Red’s We’re blessed to still Club,’ which was modserve many customers eled after James ‘Red’ that we took care of Griffin’s servant’s heart. in the very first year “[The club’s goal is] to of being in business,” plant seeds Clark said about the of faith, resuccess. spect, kindClark and his team Scott and Glenda ness and strive to employ workClark are the proud ers who will engage in courage owners of Marlin that are the ‘What would Red James Air Conditionh a r ve ste d do?’ model and reping & Heating. into a relaresent the company’s tionship as we serve the company,” Marlin foundation well. Clark Sr. said. In addition to keeping homes at the perGriffin set the example for the company fect temperature, Marlin James serves the on how to serve through his dedication to community through supporting local charihis customers and quality work. His ser- ties and youth sports. This year, it will partvant’s heart extended to how he treated his ner with Forgotten Angels, a nonprofit orgaemployees and created a family within the nization dedicated to helping youth who are company as well. aging out of foster care. Clark, Griffin’s son, had worked in air con“We’ve been blessed and we love to be ditioning for 15 years before proposing to able to pass that on back to the community,” open his own company with his father. Clark said. Now, Marlin James is on its third generMarlin James can service all makes and ation of family owners, passing down the models of air conditioning and heating units Christian foundation for loyalty, integrity and are a Lennox Premier Dealer. It is open and serving others. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Mar- but does have emergency service available. lin James in January, the company closed For more or to schedule, visit www.marearly for one day to reflect on the company’s linjames.com or call 813-689-0817.

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2024

Page 15

NUESTRA REINA HILLSBOROUGH AUTHOR SHARES CONTRACT LATINA SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT NEGOTIATING SKILLS INByBOOK Libby Hopkins By Libby Hopkins

Joe Zuniga, a true want to do everything Renaissance man. Not we can to make that only is he an esteemed possible. This is the Latin recording artpageant’s second year ist, but he also wears in existence, but with many other hats in the growth that we his tireless pursuit of have seen, we expect making a difference. it to last for years to An honorary mayor, an come.” author, an activist and In the spirit of a motivational speaker, the traditional but to the Padrinos, a Quinceañera fashion, group of Hillsborough local business ownCounty leaders, he is ers play a vital role in simply Joe, a man who sponsoring the parembodies dedication ticipants. However, it and devotion. is not just a financial Despite Zuniga’s in- The Nuestra Reina Hillsborough scholar- exchange. The young credible success and ship pageant started as an idea between women must earn four friends who are successful local jam-packed schedule, their support by volLatino leaders. he always finds the unteering in the comtime to give back. One of his most signif- munity and developing valuable leadership icant contributions is his instrumental skills such as public speaking, communicainvolvement with the Padrinos in produc- tion, fiscal responsibility and organization. ing the Nuestra Reina Hillsborough Latina In return, the businesses assist in providing Scholarship Pageant. Last year, this event dresses, items for the pageant and transdrew a crowd of more than 350 attendees, portation to rehearsals and classes. “It is with the winner receiving a $2500 scholar- a beautiful partnership that fosters collabship. “The Nuestra Reina Hillsborough schol- oration and support,” Zuniga said. “What arship pageant started as an idea between sets Nuestra Reina apart is its commitfour friends who are successful local Latino ment to empowering young Latina women leaders with migrant backgrounds from and encouraging them to be catalysts for disadvantaged communities that wanted to positive change. The pageant showcases a create something that would give back and comprehensive program that goes beyond make a difference in those same communi- the traditional pageantry elements of eveties,” Zuniga said. “We wanted this yearly ning gowns and talent competitions.” event to emulate how Quinceñeras, Bodas The Nuestra Reina Hillsborough Scholarand Bautismos get organized and funded ship Pageant takes place on Sunday, Febby Padrinos (local business and individual ruary 18 at 4:00 p.m. at The Regent. For sponsors) but instead of just a day of cel- more information or to purchase tickets, ebration, we geared it towards education. visit their website at www.nuestrareinWe believe that education is key in helping ahillsborough.com. The Regent is located at our communities overcome adversity and 6437 Watson Road in Riverview.

Kit Werremeyer is a Rivand even internationally.” erview resident and author. Werremeyer is happy He recently released his that his books have helped second book, Understanding many local, small construcand Negotiating Construction companies in the area. tion Contracts. “Currently, both editions “My book was written of the book have sold a tospecifically for small to tal of approximately 5,000 medium-sized construccopies,” Werremeyer said. tion companies who are “The book’s content is also the backbone of the entire the basis for my two-day U.S. construction business,” in-person course of the Kit Werremeyer recently Werremeyer said. “My first same name. I have providedition was out in 2006, released his second book, ed this two-day course 55 Understanding and and the second edition came Negotiating Construction times to small and mediout this past September of um-sized construction conContracts. 2023.” tractors in the U.S., Mexico Werremeyer wrote his and Canada. I travel to the books because he wanted client’s location to present to share his long-term U.S. the course as well.” and international experiWerremeyer’s books are ence, which is more than currently available on mul40 years of successfully netiple websites, including gotiating fair and balanced www.amazon.com, www. commercial terms and conabebooks.com, www.widitions in construction conley.com and https://books. tracts. google.com/ in both soft“Both editions of the cover and Kindle. book review typical comHe hopes local, small mercial terms and conditions found in contractors will want to read his book. construction contracts and provide guid“My hopes are that small to mediance on how to lower or eliminate the um-sized construction contractors and risk they pose,” Werremeyer said. “Both subcontractors will use the guidance in editions are designed specifically for my book to be better able to negotiate those small to medium-sized construc- less risky, fairer and balanced commertion contractors, typically called subcon- cial terms and conditions in their contractors, who are continually faced with struction contracts with clients,” Werrisky and unfair commercial terms and remeyer said. “There’s no real financial conditions demanded by owners, large interest for me. My real interest, always general contractors and large EPC con- has been and continues to be, is to help tractors. Small and medium-sized con- small to medium-sized construction comstruction contractors are the backbone panies achieve more fair and balanced of the construction industry in the U.S., contracts.”

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Page 16

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 22, Issue 2

LENNARD LEGACY CONTINUES WITH NEW ROLE FOR FORMER MINTZ, STOWERS AND YORK PRINCIPAL

By Linda Chion

As a newly schools. The youngnamed regional er Ayres graduatsuperintendent, ed from Jefferson Catherine ‘Missy’ High, where he latLennard brings to er served as princithe job her lifelong pal. experiences with “I have a ton of Hillsborough Counrespect for Van and ty Public Schools his family and their as the daughter time in our schools, of Earl Lennard, a and I believe Van much-beloved suAyres is the perperintendent and fect person to lead Brandon High gradus into rebuilding Catherine ‘Missy’ Lennard, at the construction uate, and the nameour culture,” Missy site for York Innovation Academy, is now a sake of Lennard regional superintendent for the Hillsborough said. High in Ruskin. Ayres was apCounty School District. A graduate of East Bay High in Gib- pointed superintendent in 2023 following sonton, Missy said her “amazing experi- the departure of Addison Davis, whose ences” as a teacher and reading resource last day on the job came 41 months after teacher, at Cypress Creek and Gibsonton the school board in 2020 approved his elementary schools, respectively, pre- appointment to replace outgoing Superpared her for her principal duties. intendent Jeff Eakins, a longtime district With a career spanning more than 20 employee. Davis hailed from Clay County years, Missy was the first-ever assis- and was the first superintendent hired tant principal at Symmes Elementary from outside the district in more than 50 in Riverview. Next, she was principal at years. Mintz Elementary in Brandon. She said Now, it’s back to tradition for school she left Mintz “five years to the day” she district leadership, and Missy said she is was hired to open Stowers Elementary all in to support Ayres and his goals for in Lithia in 2009, and then to open the the district. Missy is one of 12 regional pre-K to grade eight York Innovation superintendents, a cabinet position that Academy in Apollo Beach in 2022. requires oversight for about 21 North In her new position, Missy is informed Tampa/New Tampa schools. by the wisdom she gained as the child “I’m very excited to have the opporof a career educator, who her current tunity for the next phase of my career, boss, Superintendent Van Ayres, admires and to be able to support principals in greatly. schools,” Missy said. “I share Superin“The commitment for him was always tendent Ayres’ vision of ‘Hillsborough to our county,” Missy said about her fa- Strong,’ in which he says every single ther, who was superintendent from 1996 person in a school matters. Coming toto 2005. gether is what makes a difference for all “Coaching and leading with kindness our children. It is an honor to work for and making decisions that are best for all someone who is aligned with that vision.” students, that’s what it was like back unWith the new comes a bittersweet der Earl’s leadership,” Ayres said. “We all goodbye. knew that number one, Earl cared about “Leaving York was a very difficult deus as individuals, and that’s what made cision,” Missy said. “I had built relationus better workers.” ships with the students and their families Missy is no stranger to the Ayres and I loved being a part of the amazing family, and vice versa, as their connec- trajectory that we had set in motion.” tion through education is deeply rootBut the school is left in good hands, ed. Missy’s father entered the Hillsbor- Missy added, noting that her successor, ough school system as a first grader at Dustin Robinson, is more than qualified Palm River Elementary and ‘graduated’ to help York succeed in its candidacy to as superintendent in 2005 after rising become an International Baccalaureate through the ranks from teacher through (IB) school. administration. He died in 2019 at age 77. “I hired Dustin as a brand-new teacher Ayres’ parents, Nuri and Van, graduat- at Stowers Elementary before he worked ed from Hillsborough High and spent their his way up to assistant principal, and careers in Hillsborough County schools. then hired him to help open York as asAyres’ father taught career education sistant principal,” Missy said. “Dustin is for 33 years at Leto High; his mother was very excited to be leading York, and he principal at both King and Sickles high will do an amazing job.”

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 17

LEGISLATION AND PROGRAMS AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR KEEP LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER LOW-INCOME SENIORS COMING INTERACTIONS SAFE TO EASTERN HILLSBOROUGH By Brad Stager

By Brian Bokor

Among the most interact with the outunpredictable, as side world in unprewell as dangerous, dictable ways. situations sheriff’s “These registries deputies and police will provide some officers face is when peace of mind for they are dealing with caregivers and an exsomeone in a state of tra level of protection mental distress that’s for those impacted associated with a The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s by Alzheimer’s and Project Safe Encounter program is an chronic disability or other dementia,” said example of a registry created to improve condition that affects Alex Anderson, vice safety when law enforcement officers their judgment and interact with someone who has cognitive, president of public actions. physical or behavioral characteristics they policy at the AlzheiA state law that mer’s Association may find alarming. went into effect on January 1 is intended Florida chapters. “This is an excellent first to reduce the risks to law enforcers and step to a larger push for law enforcement the people they interact with by allowing agencies to have the tools and resources local officials to establish a database of to better support the more than 580,000 individuals with conditions that may af- Floridians living with Alzheimer’s and fect their behavior. 827,000 family caregivers.” The intention is that making informaThe Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office tion such as names of people with rele- provides a way for residents to be regisvant medical conditions and emergency tered through its Project Safe Encouncontact information available can help ter program. Conditions that may make first responders better understand who registration appropriate include Alzheithey are dealing with and what kinds of mer’s, blindness, autism, Down syndrome, behaviors and situations they may be able deafness and other disabilities that could to prepare for. affect how people interact with law enKnown as the ‘Protect Our Loved Ones forcement officers. You can learn more Act,’ the new law makes it legal for local about the registry at www.teamhcso. jurisdictions to maintain registries of peo- com. ple who suffer from psychological or cogThe legislation permitting registries nitive conditions such as schizophrenia or was passed during the last legislative Alzheimer’s disease. session, and related bills are being conAccording to the Alzheimer’s Associ- sidered this year. The Alzheimer’s Disease ation, legislation like this in Florida and and Related Dementia Training for Law other states can have a positive impact Enforcement Officers bill is making its and save lives because about 60 percent way through the Florida House of Repreof those afflicted with Alzheimer’s will sentatives as HB 801 and Florida Senate wander away from their home base and as SB 208.

A groundare a solid breaking cerstep towards emony was reaching that held on Degoal. When cember 19, it was time 2023, for the to find a deCasa di Franveloper who cesco hous- Casa di Francesco affordable housing breaks ground in Seffner. could make ing complex this dream at 4450 Mango Rd. a reality, we began in Seffner, adjacent meeting with various to St. Francis of Ascompanies and decidsisi Catholic Church. ed upon Mr. Shawn When completed, the [Wilson] and Blue Sky $42M 4-story projCommunities.” ect will contain 140 Developed by Blue rental apartment homes featuring 100 Sky Communities, a leading affordable one-bedroom units and 40 two-bedroom housing development company commitunits designed exclusively for seniors 62 ted to creating safe, quality communities years old and older. Hillsborough County for its residents, the project is expected Commissioners Ken Hagan, Harry Cohen to be completed by early 2025. Hillsborand Gwen Myers all attended the presti- ough County helped provide $6.1 million gious event. in funding for the project. The project also Amenities will include a clubhouse with received $4.3 million from the recently enan exercise room, library, walking trail, craft acted Florida affordable housing legislation room, community garden and picnic area. dubbed the Live Local Act and is thought Units will be first come, first served, and to be one of the first projects in Hillsbora waiting list is live on the development’s ough County to receive funding from the website. No application or rental informa- act. Blue Sky currently has 31 affordable tion will be available before fall 2024. housing projects in Florida with eight of Since taking over as pastor in 2017, the these in Hillsborough County. Rev. Edison Bernavas noticed the need for “We have two other affordable housing affordable housing during his time spent projects coming to the area, one is named with the elderly. Through discussions with The Loop and will have 77 units available parishioners, Bernavas learned he shared and the other Lake Bluetail which will have the same desire to develop senior housing 120 units” said Shawn Wilson, President on part of the sprawling 20-arce parcel and CEO of Blue Sky Communities. owned by the church, as did the church’s The Loop, on the northwest corner of founding pastor, Christopher Fitzgerald. Town Center Boulevard and Gornto Lake Bernavas explored many options before Road near the Westfield Brandon mall, has deciding to work with Blue Sky Communi- received an award of HOPE funds from ties, which had been discussing affordable Hillsborough County. Plans show a mix of housing options on church property with units with 39 one-bed one-bath, 26 twothe diocese. The agreement to build the bed two-bath and 12 three-bed two-bath project on church land was decided upon units. The 120-unit Lake Bluetail project just prior to the pandemic. on Bloomingdale Avenue will be located Bernavas told the large crowd in atten- west of Providence Road, adjacent to the dance, “Having worked hard all of their currently under-construction 352-unit lives, [many] still don’t have access to de- Summerall Luxury Apartments complex cent housing, so I think it is our Christian by Blue Sky’s sister company, 2nd Wave duty to take care of our elderly. It is our Development. Amenities planned for Lake commitment as a parish to help seniors to Bluetail include a clubhouse with a pool, decent housing, and these 140 apartments child’s play area and pickleball court.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 22, Issue 2

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Golf, Tea, Music, Prehistoric Exhibit & More...

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

lines to receive food at Our Lady’s Pantry are getting longer every week, and in a typical week it gives out an estimated 34,000 pounds of food. To help with this, the hours have been adjusted. The pantry remains open until 10:30 a.m., as it has for many years, but you must now be in line by 10 a.m. to get food by 10:30 a.m. To learn more about Our Lady’s Pantry, including how to donate, volunteer or receive food, visit www.ourladyspantry.com.

Nominations Sought For Hills- Ye Royal Krewe Of Charlotte De borough County Environmental Berry Golf Tournament The all-female Ye Royal Krewe of CharChampion Hillsborough County is asking for residents’ help in honoring those who have worked to protect the environment. Nominations are now being accepted for Hillsborough County’s Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award. The honor is given annually to an individual or group who exemplifies dedication to preserving the county’s natural resources. Nominees must live or work in Hillsborough County or have lived/worked in Hillsborough County during the time of their achievements. The deadline for nominations is Thursday, February 29. Apply online at https://hcflgov.formstack.com/forms/theodore_roosevelt_hillsborough_forever_conservation_award.

lotte de Berry will be holding its annual golf tournament on Sunday, March 24, at the Bay Palms Golf Complex at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. It will be a four-person scramble format costing $460 per foursome or $125 per person; this covers green fees, cart fees, range balls and a dinner after the event. There will be many ways to win prizes, including closest to the pin, longest drive, etc., as well as raffle prizes and awards. To find out more and to register for the event, visit its website at www.kreweofcharlottedeberry.com. All proceeds from the event will benefit local high school female athletes who plan to enter career and technical fields.

Impact Galentine’s Tea Fundraiser

HCC Spring Flex Start RegistraThe Impact Program will be hosting its Impact tion Open Registration for Hillsborough Community College’s (HCC) spring flex start semester is underway. HCC is offering over 1,000 flex start classes this spring. HCC’s flex start schedule offers a variety of start dates, times and modalities, including on campus, online and live online to ensure that students have the flexibility they need for their busy lives. Students can earn credits applicable to any of HCC’s Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees, college credit and postsecondary adult vocational credits. Tuition assistance is also available. Flex start semester dates for spring are: • Tuesday, February 13: 10-week classes and five-week classes. • Tuesday, March 5: eight-week classes. • Tuesday, March 26: five-week classes. Visit www.hccfl.edu/flexstart for more information. Hillsborough Community College serves more than 43,000 students annually at its five campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. For more information, visit www.hccfl. edu.

Our Lady’s Pantry Adjusts Hours

According to director Tom Bullaro, the

Galentine’s Tea fundraiser at New Hope Methodist Church, located at 213 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon, on Saturday, February 10 from 10 a.m.-12 Noon. Along with tea, there will also be a fashion show, raffle prizes and a silent auction. Impact promotes healthy lifestyles and relationships, and its vision is to educate, equip, empower and support students, parents and teachers in the areas of sexual risk avoidance and healthy relationships. To purchase tickets for the event and find out more about Impact, visit www.whatisimpact.com.

donated by current members. The main office is at 201 W. Shell Point Rd. in Ruskin. To access the new member application, visit www.southshorechamberofcommerce.org/ member/newmemberapp/.

The East Hillsborough Democratic Club Meeting

The East Hillsborough Democratic Club will be holding its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13, at Brandon Crossroads Bowl, located at 609 Crater Lane in Tampa. All like-minded individuals are welcome to come, enjoy food and enjoy the discussion. If you prefer the comfort of your own home, you may join the meeting via Zoom. Go to www.easthillsboroughdems.org to register and check for updates an hour before the meeting.

Dementia Care Partner Support Group

Superior Residences of Brandon will be holding a monthly support group for family and friends of people living with dementia. The group will take place on the second Monday of each month from 6-8 p.m. The group will be led by CherylAnn Haley, she is a Positive Approach to Care-certified coach and will share Positive Approach to Care skills that will explain some behaviors and show care partners how to support their loved ones. Please call 813657-8587 or email tburnett@ superiorbrandon.com to reserve a space. Superior Residences of Brandon is located at 1819 Providence Ridge Blvd. in Brandon.

Commerce kicked off its first membership drive recently, the challenge for the 27-member Ambassador Team is to bring in 29 new members before Thursday, February 29. The Greater SouthShore Chamber was formed in November 2023, when the SouthShore and South Hillsborough County Chambers officially merged. New members who join during this drive will each receive a welcome package full of valuable goodies

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The Kappa Kappa chapter of Kappa Delta Phi are hosting a bingo fundraiser at Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. on Tuesday, February 13. This will be a first-come, first-served event, so come early to secure a table for you and your friends. Bingo cards will be sold from 6:30 p.m. onward and bingo will begin promptly at 7 p.m. There will also be silent auction items available to bid on and a 50/50 drawing. Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. is located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.

The Real Music Series, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s longest-running concert series, runs now through Sunday, February 25. Ranging from classic rock to pop soul to folk rock, live performances will hit the stage at the Stanleyville Theater for seamless artistic renditions of artists and bands, such as Chicago, the Eagles, Elvis Presley and more. For a limited time, guests who purchase a 2024 Busch Gardens Fun

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Bonnie Doll, vice president and Victim Services chair of Campaign Against Human Trafficking-Southshore, accepted an $800 donation from Norma Ebner, representing the Kings Point Michigan Club. The donation will support the Victim Services Team as they prepare and distribute rescue backpacks to shelters for victims of human trafficking, the police and other organizations who rescue victims while arresting/prosecuting the perpetrators of human trafficking.

ZooTampa At Lowry Park Goes Prehistoric With Larger-than-life Kappa Delta Phi Bingo Exhibit ZooTampa at Lowry Park kicks off the Fundraiser ‘Year of More’ with Prehistoric Predators,

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February 2024

EXPERIENCE NEW ORLEANS STYLE MARDI GRAS AT BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA Staff Report Captipler lanyard. Marvated by di Gras sampler the lively lanyards start at hues and $40. Food and delicious beverage event tastes of New Orlocations are leans’ grandest open on Fridays, celebration, MarSaturdays and di Gras at Busch Sundays starting Gardens Tampa at 12 Noon. Bay will whisk Also currently Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay runs visitors away to at Busch Gardens select dates now through Sunday, March 3. a lively world of is the Real Music bayou-inspired revelry. This immersive Series, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s lonexperience includes delectable Cajun-in- gest-running concert series, now through spired culinary treats, an energetic parade Sunday, February 25. showcasing festive characters, a cascade Ranging from classic rock to pop soul of multicolored beads, a live and authentic to folk rock, live performances will hit brass band and a range of spirited enter- the stage at the Stanleyville Theater for tainment options suitable for the whole seamless artistic renditions of artists and family. bands, such as Chicago, the Eagles, Elvis Mardi Gras returns to Busch Gardens Presley and more. Tampa Bay on select dates now through Visit https://buschgardens.com/tampa/ Sunday, March 3. Guests will have the events/real-music/ for show schedules chance to enjoy a festive parade, catch and times. beads along the way and march to the Mardi Gras and the Real Music Series beat of live music from the brass band. are included with daily park admission, Parkgoers can also get a taste of Bour- annual passes and Fun Cards. bon Street at the popular event, which For a limited time, guests who purchase features a new crepes station and foodie a 2024 Busch Gardens Fun Card can unfavorites, such as gumbo, jambalaya, an- lock free access to Adventure Island douille sausage po’ boys and beignets. Tra- through Tuesday, December 31. With allditional New Orleans cocktails such as the new seasonal events and attractions, inhurricane plus signature mocktails, beers cluding Phoenix Rising at Busch Gardens and wine will also be available for guests. Tampa Bay or Castaway Falls at AdvenAll of the Mardi Gras treats and Cajun ture Island, a Fun Card is the perfect way eats can be best enjoyed by purchasing a to experience the best of both Tampa Bay Mardi Gras sampler lanyard, available in parks. quantities of five and 10. Pass members To learn more guests can visit https:// can purchase an exclusive 12-item sam- buschgardenstampa.com/.

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Volume 22, Issue 2

NEW AIRLINE PREPARING TO TAKE OFF CARDINAL ROOFING HOSTS 10TH FROM LAKELAND LINDER AIPPORT ANNUAL CLAY SHOOT FUNDRAISER By Brad Stager

FOR WE ARE THE ESSENTIALS

By Kelly Wise Valdes

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

Whether your destination is Kalispell, Montana or San Juan, Puerto Rico, you’ll soon be able to consider flights from another Tampa Bay area airport to meet your travel needs. A new option for Tampa Bay travelers is on the horizon as Avelo Airlines prepares for passenger service at Lakeland Linder International Airport. Agreements between Avelo Airlines, Visit Central Florida and the airport were approved by the Lakeland City Commission in December 2023, clearing the way for the budget air carrier to begin operations there. According to Avelo’s website, the airline currently operates out of 43 airports with regular and seasonal schedules. Avelo is establishing itself as an airline flying in and out of smaller airports that can provide convenience to travelers living farther away from major air hubs. Besides the aforementioned Big Sky Country and La Isla del Encanto destinations, other locations serviced by Avelo include airports in Eugene, Oregon; Dubuque, Iowa; and Rochester, New York, among others. Besides smaller, local airports, Avelo also flies in and out of larger ones, such as Tampa International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. As for when Avelo begins operations at Lakeland Linder, there is no an-

nounced date or flight schedule as of our press time. According to a Facebook post by Lakeland Linder International Airport, “There are several improvement projects needed for passenger operations to commence at LAL. Once those projects are on track, Avelo Airlines will start providing additional details to include a start date, routes and service frequency.” Those improvements are covered in the Airline Operating Agreement, Airline Facilities Construction and Lease Agreement and an Air Carrier Incentive Program that the Lakeland City Commission approved. The new passenger service is expected to contribute to Lakeland’s profile as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and officials are pleased. Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse said, “We are excited to partner with Avelo Airlines to provide passenger services in and out of our Lakeland Linder International Airport. This relationship will further diversify the tremendous economic benefits and services that our community receives from our airport. We are confident that Lakeland will assist Avelo in advancing their founding purpose, ‘To Inspire Travel,’ and welcome the many visitors that will come to know Lakeland because of the travel options Avelo and the City of Lakeland will provide.”

Locally Owned and Operated. Servicing Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties

Cardinal Roofto come out and ing is hosting its advertise to our 10th annual Clay attendees,” said Shoot Fundraiser Wilson. “We are on Friday, March also doing a ‘Fund 22 with sign-in bethe List’ for We ginning at 11 a.m. Are The Essenand shooting at tials — funding 12 Noon. Particithe items they pants will enjoy a need to help with fun day of shoottheir mission of ing sporting clay finding our comCardinal Roofing is hosting a fun day of clay shootfor a great cause. munity’s loved ing, raffles, auctioning and lunch to raise money The clay shoot is for We Are The Essentials, a nonprofit organization ones.” raising money for Wilson is aldedicated to finding missing people in our We Are The Esways thankful for community. sentials, a nonprofit agency the camaraderie at the clay that investigates and loshoot as well as the support cates missing persons. of the roofing community. “We picked this nonprofit “Roofers have the biggest because it is a group of vethearts, and I love when our erans, former first respondindustry comes together ers and community members who are with our community and local businesses dedicating their time, money and talents to benefit such a worthy nonprofit.” to bring home missing individuals to their All donations are welcome for the raffamilies.,” explained Bridget Wilson, presi- fles and can be dropped off at the Cardinal dent of Cardinal Roofing. Roofing office at 1312 Orangewalk Dr. in According to Wilson, giving back to Brandon. the community is a priority for Cardinal “No donation is too small, and we apRoofing. This year’s clay shoot is hoping to preciate the amount of support we have raise $20K for We Are The Essentials. received through the years, and we look The event will also include raffles, an forward to doing it again for the 10th auction and great food. There are many time,” said Wilson. local sponsors for the event, including For ticket pricing, registration and sponChick-fil-A Bloomingdale/Lake Brandon sorship opportunities, call 813-689-7663 Village, which is the 10-year breakfast (ROOF) or visit www.girlroofer.com. The sponsor. Jenifer Breaux with Dream Vaca- event is taking place at FishHawk Sporting tions is the lunch sponsor and JF Kicks is Clays, located at 13505 Hobson Simmons the drink sponsor. Rd. in Lithia. For more information on We “This year, we are offering 10 vendor Are The Essentials, visit www.wearetheesspots at $225 each for local businesses sentials.com.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

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Volume 22, Issue 2

Riverview/Apollo Beach

February 2024, Vol. 22, Iss. 2

SEE PAGEFestival 40 The Bay AD Area ON Renaissance celebrates 45 years of adventure!

Full Flow Lavish Loos, The Ultimate Luxury Restroom Rentals

Full Flow Lavish Loos, based in Ruskin, is Tampa’s ultimate destination for luxury restroom rentals. The lavishly designed portable restrooms redefine outdoor unfussy restaurant has comfort. The modern, spabecome a staple in the cious, air-conditioned and community for serving impeccably clean restrooms its delicious Cuban-funot only offer essential consion cuisine and recently veniences but also exquisite for its amazing $39.95 bathroom accessories and family meals. La Septidesigns. They can be transBurgess and Michelle Perry, owners of PAINT ma is located at 702 W. ported across the Tampa Bay CORPS of Tampa. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon area, from St. Petersburg PAINT CORPS Of Tampa in the La Viva Plaza. Visit its website at and Clearwater to Bradenton. For additionPAINT CORPS of Tampa is a veterwww.laseptimacafe.com or call 813-685al information, visit its website at www. an-owned and operated business based in 0502 for additional details. fullflowlavishloos.com. Wimauma. It provides high-quality interior and exterior painting services to residenApollo Beach Family Eye Care tial and commercial clients in the Tampa T&T Estate Sales Launches In Provides A Full Range Of Services Bay area and offers cabinet painting and SE Hillsborough After much personal experience Apollo Beach Family Eye Care offers resurfacing. You can expect the PAINT a full range of health care services to cli- CORPS team to apply core military princi- with estate liquidation and relocating ents of all ages, from children’s eye care to ples like service, integrity and pride to your to the state of Florida, the Oraefo famgeriatric eye care. With a complete array job, regardless of how big or small it is. For ily has launched T&T Estate Sales LLC. of family eye care services, Dr. Stephen more information, visit its website at www. T&T Estate Sales is a family-owned Abrams is dedicated to helping you enjoy paintcorps.com/tampa-fl/ or call 813-520- and operated business that prides itself on being honest, trustworthy healthy eyes and sharp vision. Whether you 6096. and compassionate. T&T will clean and reneed a new pair of glasses or advanced eye move junk when required prior to liquidacare for eye disease, the optometric team La Septima Celebrating 29 Years tion, stage the sale and leave the property provides cutting-edge eye and vision care. ‘broom clean’ when done. What sets T&T Apollo Beach Family Eye Care is located Of Serving Delicious Food Popular family-owned restaurant, La Estate Sales apart from the larger franat 6152 N. U.S. 41. in Apollo Beach. Visit its website at www.apollobeachfamily- Septima first started in February 1995 chise companies is its collective knowledge eyecare.com for more information and to and is now celebrating its 29-year anniver- of the estate sale process from beginning sary. Owned by the Fernandez family, the to end with a personal touch. Call 813make an appointment.

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Are you curious about embracing a plant-based lifestyle but not sure where to begin? Whether you’re all in or just want to incorporate some changes slowly, this workshop is for you. Join others for an insightful and friendly session hosted by Vine Vegan owner Danielle Stevens. While Danielle isn’t a nutritionist, she’s someone who has successfully navigated the transition to veganism and is eager to share her experiences. Topics covered will include grocery store guidance, learning the essentials for a well-rounded vegan shopping list, quick and simple meals, exploring time-saving and tasty vegan meal ideas for your busy schedule, eating out with ease and tips on navigating restaurant menus. The workshops will be held on the last Tuesday of every month at Vine Vegan, located at 2080 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Sessions will start at 5:30 p.m.

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Page 26

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

EYE ON BUSINESS...CONTINUED

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

Preservation 1st Financial Group Celebrates Anniversary

formation, visit https:// www.taoisttaichi.org/ or call 877398-1108.

Father and son Christian Beiter, CFP®, and MiH i l l s chael Beiter Sr. borough are celebrating County 19 years of servFather and son Michael & Christian Beiter at PreserTax Coling the commuvation 1st Financial Group. nity at Preservalector Intion 1st Financial troduces Group. PreservaOnline Aption 1st Financial plication Group specializes For Motor in helping individuals reach their Vehicle dreams. Whether you And Vessel are looking for compreTitle Transachensive financial plantions ning, insurance planThe Hillsborning, college planning ough County tax or retirement planning, collector is makit has the knowledge ing it faster and and expertise to guide more convenient you toward your finanfor residents to cial goals. Its office is receive motor located at 912 Lithia vehicle and vesPinecrest Rd. in Bransel titles and has don. Call 813-627-0872 expanded their or visit its website at Express Lane service opwww.preservation1st.com tions to include e-title to make an appointment. printing where customers will be able to complete Introductory Tai Chi their request for a printSessions ed electronic title online The Taoist Tai Chi Society and pick it up on the same of the USA is a nonprofit day in the office of their organization managed by choice. Previously, Exvolunteers. Among the press Lane pickup was precious benefits of Taoonly available for regist training is the practical istration renewals and way it helps reduce pain specialty license plate and improve health and orders. vitality. Taoist Tai Chi® The e-title printing arts can help people with Express Lane option chronic, serious or mild eliminates the need pain, whether physical, for customers to wait mental or spiritual. Taoist in line or make an Tai Chi practice is also a appointment for this form of meditation that ESTATE SALES service. Simply apply has a profoundly calmand pay for an e-title ing effect on the nervous online by 3:30 p.m. system and the brain. • Clean Up And Junk Removal and pick it up on the Experience Taoist Tai Chi • Professional Staging same day. Customers locally with introduc- • Research To Ensure Fair Market Value will receive a notifitory sessions, starting • We Handle All Transactions For You cation once their apnow at Brandon Chrisplication is processed tian Church on Tuesdays and ready for pickup. from 10-11 a.m., New To take advantage Hope Church on Thursof the tax collector’s Family Owned & Operated days from 7-8 p.m. and Express Lane serJulestarz Academy on vices, visit www.hillThursdays from 11 a.m.Like & Follow on Facebook at stax.org. 12 Noon. For more inT&T Estate Sales LLC

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Volume 22, Issue 2

MANUFACTURED HOMEBUYERS SEE BRIGHT FUTURE WITH SUNNY DAYS MANUFACTURED & MOBILE HOME BROKERS

By Kelly Wise Valdes

With the rising costs of At that point, a light single-family homes coubulb went on, and Darpled with an increasingly lene asked herself, “Why older population, mancan’t I, and what can I ufactured homes have do to become a mobile caught the eyes of many home broker?” In Sepretirees in Florida. Actember 2023, Darlene cording to the Manufacreceived her broker’s tured Housing Institute, license with the DMV more than 22 million and Sunny Days ManuAmericans live in manufactured & Mobile Home factured homes. Brokers was born. CurWhen Darlene and rently, Sunny Days’ main Darlene Colombo Michael Columbo focus is age 55-plus recently founded Sunny communities in the Tammoved from Detroit Days Manufactured in 2018, they decidpa Bay area; however, & Mobile Home Brokers, which ed to embrace the 55Darlene and her husband specializes in buying and selling plus community lifestyle manufactured homes in age 55-plus have future plans to exin Southern Hillsborough pand to other surroundcommunities in Tampa Bay. County. Darlene worked ing areas. for many years as a manufactured home “I thoroughly enjoy real estate and I love dealer sales agent. She is well known in what I do,” said Darlene. “I am by heart a the community for her integrity in the ev- go-getter, passionate and committed to my er-changing real estate market with Align clients and their needs, and now that I’m a Right Realty. mobile home broker. In a way, it’s a perfect According to Darlene, there is a huge de- fit because I am able to offer services in mand for affordable housing, such as man- both real estate markets, which is a great ufactured and mobile homes. advantage.” “The prices and locations of real estate Sunny Days is a family-owned and ophomes are constantly rising, and some erated business dedicated to cultivating people can’t afford the average stick-built trust, honesty and integrity with both buyhomes,” said Darlene. “Manufactured ers and sellers. homes can offer quality and affordability. “Our commitment to delivering profesThe increased demand means that manu- sional, personalized services ensures relifactured home prices are more likely to ap- ability, open communication, straightforpreciate than depreciate over time, making ward transactions and, most importantly, them an excellent long-term investment.” tangible results,” said Darlene. Because she lives in a 55-plus manufacFor more information on Sunny Days, vistured home community, Darlene’s neigh- it https://sunnydaysmobilehomes.com/ or bors would often ask if she could sell their email sunnydaysmobilehomes@gmail.com. home, and she had to tell them no because It can also be reached via phone at 813they don’t own the land. 296-1666.

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2024

Does An Injury Have You Sidelined? Whether you’re injured on or off the court, we have the imaging services you need to get you back to the game you love. ER at Sun City Center, an extension of Manatee Memorial Hospital, is a full-service emergency department that provides care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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16504 US 301, Wimauma, FL 33598 813-642-1000 In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. This emergency department is part of Manatee Memorial Hospital. This is not an urgent care center. Its services and care are billed at hospital emergency department rates. Physicians are on the medical staff of Manatee Memorial Hospital, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Manatee Memorial Hospital. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 242042602-2150467 12/23

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 22, Issue 2

BOXING LEGEND SUGAR RAY LEONARD TO HEADLINE HCC’S NATIONAL BLACK, BROWN AND COLLEGE BOUND SUMMIT The 17th annual National Black, Brown and College Bound (BBCB) Summit, hosted by Hillsborough Community College (HCC), will be held from Wednesday through Saturday, March 6-9 at the Tampa Convention Center, located at 333 S. Franklin St. in Tampa. The event’s presenting sponsor is Wells Fargo. Legendary boxing icon Sugar Ray Leonard will keynote the highly anticipated Dr. Sylvia Marion Carley Luncheon on Friday, March 8. Leonard has championship titles in five weight divisions and is an Olympic gold medalist, Hall of Famer, bestselling author, television personality, ringside analyst, philanthropist and founder of the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation. Additional speakers will include award-winning actor, musician and spoken word artist Omari Hardwick as well as actor and producer Luis Guzmán. “Over the years, BBCB has been a national event for young men of color to come together and discuss the unique issues they face in this country and in their community,” said Dr. Ken Atwater, president of HCC. “The summit is open to all students, allowing a space to network and connect with others who have surpassed the obstacles and become successful. The path to that success beginning with completing a college degree.” Black and Latino males remain historically underrepresented throughout higher education, and their persistence

UPCOMING EVENTS

Staff Report

and retention rates are significantly lower than other student populations. To address the disparities, HCC founded the BBCB Summit in 2006. Today, BBCB has established itself as the preeminent forum addressing the unique barriers that impede the success of this student population, bringing together national leaders and scholars in economics, business, education and social culture. “We look forward to hosting the National BBCB Summit with our corporate and community sponsors,” said Annazette Houston, HCC’s chief diversity officer. “I am so pleased to be associated with an effort designed to change the educational outcomes for students.” The BBCB Summit has seen more than 5,000 participants since 2006, including students from almost two dozen different states. For more information and to register for the event, visit bbcbsummit. org. Additional questions should be directed to summitregistration@hccfl.edu. Hillsborough Community College serves more than 43,000 students annually at its five campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. For more information, visit www.hccfl.edu. Hillsborough Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Hillsborough Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Visit www.hccfl. edu/accreditation for more information.

WINGnSly Dine in O

FINANCIAL FOCUS

AVOID TAPPING INTO RETIREMENT SAVINGS EARLY If you want to make a big purchase, such as a new car or a piece of property, or you were faced with a large, unexpected expense, such as a major home or auto repair, would you have the funds readily available? If not, you might look at what may be your biggest pool of money — your 401(k) or IRA. But should you tap into these accounts well before you retire? Maybe not — and here’s why: • Less money in retirement – The more money you invest in your retirement accounts, and the longer you keep it invested, the more you’ll probably have when you need it most — when you’re retired. Consequently, taking out sizable amounts from these accounts before you retire could be costly, as it would disrupt the benefits of compounding that can be achieved by holding investments for the long term. • Possible bump into higher tax bracket – The money you take out from your traditional IRA and 401(k) is taxable in the year of withdrawal. So, if you withdraw a significant amount of money at once from your traditional IRA or 401(k), you could be pushed into a higher tax bracket, at least for one year. • Tax penalties – If you take money out of a 401(k) or traditional IRA before you turn 59½, you could face a 10% tax penalty, although some exceptions exist. Penalty-free withdrawals can be made for several reasons, including for education and medical expenses, first-time purchase of a home (up to $10,000), after the birth or adoption of a child (up to $5,000) and more (see irs.gov/taxtopics/tc557). With a Roth IRA, which is funded with after-tax dollars, you can withdraw contributions — but not earnings — at any time, for any purpose, without incurring penalties.

Given these issues, how can you avoid dipping into your retirement accounts when you’re faced with a financial need? One possibility is to take out a loan from your 401(k). Unlike a 401(k) withdrawal, a loan is neither taxable nor subject to tax penalties. Also, the interest you pay on a 401(k) loan goes back into your account. Still, a 401(k) loan has its drawbacks. If you leave your job, you’ll likely have to repay the loan in a short period of time and if you don’t have all the money to repay it, the loan will be considered in default, so you’ll owe taxes and the 10% penalty if you’re younger than 59½. But even if you don’t leave your job and you do repay the loan, you’ll still have taken away money that could have potentially kept growing within your tax-deferred account. As mentioned above, as your money compounds, you’ll want to minimize disruptions. Building an emergency fund is another way to gain access to cash. Such a fund should contain at least six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. It can take time to build a fund of this size, so it’s never too soon to start putting away money for it. To avoid the temptation of dipping into your emergency fund, you’d ideally keep this fund separate from your daily spending accounts. Explore all your options before tapping into your IRA or 401(k) early. Keeping these accounts intact as long as possible is one of the best moves you can make to help build your future retirement income. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Article 14 – Dec. 18, 2023

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2024

Page 29

GET THE DIRT:

GARDENING DOWNTIME PROVIDES PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES BY LYNN BARBER, URBAN HORTICULTURE AGENT Cooler weather gives If you are interested us time to plan for in growing your own spring from inside our vegetables, please read homes when we prefer the University of Florinot to be working in da publication “Florida the weather outside. If Vegetable Gardening we plan now to plant in Guide.” This is an exthe spring, we’re just that cellent resource that covmuch further ahead. While ers site selection, drawing many of us enjoy working a garden plan, preparing outdoors in cooler weather, the soil and adding organic we may not enjoy working matter. Your vegetable garin our landscapes when it’s den should be near a water just plain cold. source, receive a minimum That affords us with a of six hours of direct sungreat opportunity called light each day and be in an ‘planning.’ The University area that is well drained. of Florida (UF) has severPlanting dates for each of al publications to help you the vegetables, spacing and start your spring garden days to harvest are includplanning. My favorites ined. clude “The Florida-Friendly The “Organic Vegetable Landscaping™ Guide to Gardening in Florida” pubPlant Selection and Landlication provides informascape Design,” the Central tion on what is ‘organic,’ Florida Gardening Calenorganic products, seeds dar, the “Florida Vegetable and transplants, organic Gardening Guide” and “Ormatter, compost, animal ganic Vegetable Gardening manures, cover crops and in Florida.” These educagreen manure, compost tea, tional resources are availfertilizer recommendations, able online. Just go to the nutrients from natural and UF website, followed by the organic fertilizers, water Carrots, parsley and wax beans management, mulch, pest title of the publication. “The Florida-Friendly are good vegetables in a garden. management and much Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection and more. If you would like even more informaLandscape Design” provides photos of trees, tion, watch the UF gardening and vegetable shrubs, vines, groundcovers, grasses, peren- gardening videos, which are available online. nials, annuals and turfgrass. Plant informaEnjoy your time inside preparing for tion covers growth rate, height and spread, spring! For more information about the Flornative status, soil pH range, soil texture, ida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program or asdrought tolerance, light range and optimum sistance with gardening-related questions, light, salt tolerance and the wildlife attract- contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsbored. ough County at 813-744-5519, go to http:// The Central Florida Gardening Calendar hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu, visit its location at provides month-by-month information on 5339 County Rd. 579 in Seffner or view our what to plant (annuals, bulbs, vegetables), Facebook page at https://www.facebook. what to do (prune, manage pests, irrigation, com/hcffl/. If you are not a Hillsborough propagation) and things you can do every County resident, please contact your local month (adjust irrigation, monitor for insects Extension office. and disease, review the “Plant Selection For more information, contact Lynn BarGuide”). ber at labarber@ufl.edu.

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FOSTERING RESCUED ANIMALS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Do you love animals? Have you ever thought about fostering an animal in need but didn’t know where to start? This month, we are going to dive into Fostering 101 and highlight the incredible, lifesaving journey of becoming a volunteer pet foster parent. Let’s start with what fostering actually means and why this volunteer role is a critical need in every part of Florida. According to the ASPCA, approximately 6 million companion animals enter shelters and rescues in the United States annually. This breaks down further to over 3 million homeless cats and 3 million homeless dogs nationwide. Of those, nearly a million are euthanized every year for lack of space, resources and adoptions. In Florida, these numbers are highly represented as one of the top states in the country to euthanize companion pets. Over 20,000 dogs and cats lost their lives just last year in our state facilities. Many of which could have been saved with an available foster home. Fostering means providing a temporary home, love and care to an animal that is under the supervision of a shelter or rescue organization. Most fostering arrangements include the coverage of all medical care, food, supplies and support. Signing up to foster is a great way to be involved without a permanent commitment to a new or additional pet. It is also a great

way to introduce your family to the responsibilities attached to lifetime pet ownership. Often, finding new foster home volunteers can become a challenge for many nonprofit animal rescue organizations. The most common concern is becoming too attached to the foster animal and not wanting to later let them go to an adoptive home. This fear of attachment and loss is natural but also temporary. To those with this concern, remember that this pain is small when compared to the pain of losing the animal completely, for never having intervened. Expanding our hearts is one of life’s many gifts. Opening ourselves up to save a life is a moment in which one will seldom, if ever, regret. You can maximize your impact by choosing a local shelter, organization or foster-based rescue, with a well-oiled system and history in your community. There are many options in Florida to find your perfect fit. If you’d like to find out more information and explore foster animal opportunities locally, reach out to FishHawk TNR Inc. Animal Rescue by email at fishhawktnr4@gmail.com and learn how you can save the lives of animals in need. 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.

Page 30

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 22, Issue 2

A KID’S PLACE’S DIAMOND GALA LONGTIME LOCAL BROKER BILL REEVES By Libby Hopkins A Kid’s Place’s Dialike environment until a mond Gala: A Decade of more permanent placeFostering Hope Presentment can be provided.” ed by Homes by West A Kid’s Place focuses Bay will take place on on keeping brothers and Saturday, February 17, sisters together during from 4:30-11:30 p.m. their time in foster at The Motor Enclave, care and provides qualA Kid’s Place’s Diamond Gala: A located at 6500 Motor Decade of Fostering Hope Presented ity residential care for Enclave Way in Tampa. the community’s most by Homes by West Bay will take “Our Fostering Hope place on Saturday, February 17 from vulnerable children Black Tie Gala started 4:30-11:30 p.m. at The Motor Enclave throughout the Tampa in Tampa. 10 years ago in 2013, Bay area. where we had 100 attendResidential foster care ees. This past gala in 2023, ensures that the needs we had over 450 guests,” of children are met when said A Kid’s Place commuthey cannot live with their nity relations manager Gaown family. brielle Okun. “At A Kid’s Place, not “This special night is deonly do we provide resvoted to raising funds and idential care, we create awareness for children in stability, normalcy and foster care. Guests can give children the tools expect the thrill of a lifethey need to reach their time during the cocktail full potential in a safe and hour with three luxurious loving home,” Okun said. sports cars speeding along Okun and her team at A a professional track, all while enjoying Kid’s Place are still looking for sponsors signature drinks, mouthwatering hors for their upcoming gala. d’oeuvres and an exciting silent auction. “We have the Pre-VIP Sponsorship Then our guests will make their way to a available at $20,000, Cigar Sponsor at decadent dinner, an enticing live auction $5,000, Gold Table Sponsor at $5,000, and round out the evening on the dance Silver Table Sponsor at $3,000 and Walk floor or kick up their feet in the cigar of Fame Sponsor at $500,” Okun said. lounge.” “We still also need in-kind donations for A Kid’s Place provides residential ser- live auctions and silent auctions, and volvices to children from birth to age 18 who unteers as well. Our hope for the gala is have been removed from their homes due to raise awareness of A Kid’s Place and to abuse, neglect or abandonment. raise funds for our children on campus.” “We provide a variety of services which If you’d like to learn more about A meet the social, educational, medical and Kid’s Place or attend its Diamond Gala, psychological needs of the child,” Okun you can visit its website at https://akidsaid. “Our primary focus is to keep sibling splacetb.org/. A Kid’s Place is located at groups together in a safe, stable, home- 1715 Lithia Pinecrest Road in Brandon.

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NAMED DEALMAKER OF THE YEAR BY TAMPA BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL

By Brian Bokor Bill Reeves, executive vice president of Colliers International, was named 2023’s Dealmaker of the Year by the Tampa Bay Business Journal for his role representing Tampa Electric Company and Peoples Gas in their headquarters relocation to a new building located in Midtown Tampa. Reeves has had his roots tied to the Brandon area since the 80s. “My father built one of the first homes in the South Oak subdivision off Bell Shoals Road and I attended Brandon High when it was the only high school between Ybor and Plant City,” recalled Reeves, mentioning that at the time students were on split schedules due to overcrowding. To pay for college after graduating as an Eagle, Reeves enlisted in the Army, during which he spent time in Panama and Operation Desert Storm. At 29, Bill graduated from the University of Florida, where he earned his undergraduate degree in real estate and finance. Relocating back to SE Hillsborough, Reeves eventually settled down in FishHawk. There he and his ex-wife raised three boys, “all who have graduated Newsome High School and are now off to college, two in Gainesville and another in Boston,” he said. Now an empty nester, I asked Reeves why he still lives in SE Hillsborough and if he would consider a move closer to his office in Tampa. “Having the three boys, the extra land, the suburban lifestyle and great schools in the area” made living in FishHawk a great experience, Reeves said, but he agreed that the traffic has made him think about moving. He sits in the same traffic we do and is all aboard light rail service from FishHawk to Tampa, feeling it would be beneficial for the Tampa Bay

area and would take cars off the roads. Reeves began his commercial real estate career in 2000, not long before 9/11, and has seen his share of ups and downs over his 20plus years in the industry. During the 2008 meltdown, “having nothing else to do and wanting to keep his friends and colleges in the industry together,” he helped form the band Southern Train in the late 2000s. They are still together today, although not playing as much as he would like. The deal Reeves recently closed with Tampa Electric Co. and Peoples Gas spanned four years ranking near the top of his long list of accomplishments. Earlier in his career, Reeves worked closely with TECO, finding the company land on which to build solar farms, so when it came time for TECO’s headquarters to relocate, TECO already had its man. Reeves and his team at Colliers orchestrated the purchase of a 290,000-squarefoot, 11-story office condominium in Midtown East, which to date represents one of the largest office deals in Tampa Bay history. Bromley Companies and Highwoods Properties jointly own the remainder of the 18-story Midtown East building. TECO and Peoples Gas will move to the tower when it opens in 2025. Another one of many highlights of Reeves’ commercial real estate career came in the early 2010s when he and his team helped Jeff Vinik, owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning and visionary of the Water Street area, relocate from the Northeast to sunny Florida. For more information about Reeves or his team at Colliers International, please visit his profile at www.colliers.com/en/ experts/bill-reeves or contact him at bill. reeves@colliers.com, 813-221-4344 (office) or 813-787-6090 (mobile).

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2024

Page 31

APOLLO BEACH STYLIST HONORS MOM BY DONATING SERVICES

TRIDENT HOSTS HOLIDAY SHOW FOR STUDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY

By Sharon Still

By Lily Belcher

Winston Churchill flowers, and during the once said, “We make a holidays he dresses as living by what we get, an elf. we make a life by what “I know how it feels we give.” Apollo Beach to have a loved one resident Santiago Cardealing with cancer or dona can attest to this any kind of difficulty,” philosophy. Cardona added. “So, Santi, as he is known while I cut their hair, I by locals, regularcan also talk about my ly donates his time, mom and tell them the providing haircutting bond I had with her.” and styling services to “I would like [to] add those in need, partic- Apollo Beach stylist Santiago Cardona taking some people gives back to the community by offering ularly women, the diswho have lost a sigcomplimentary services to the sick and abled and people with nificant other out to disabled, all in memory of his mom. cancer. dinner,” he explained. He came up with the “While we eat dinner, idea when his mom, Rosario, we can talk and remember was suffering from cancer the good memories.” and getting chemotherapy Cardona said the need treatments. While he took for these types of volunteer care of making his mom look services is much greater her best, the mother-son duo than the availability. He curnoticed that others did not rently takes appointments have access to affordable on Mondays only and there hair services, prompting him to start Pink is about a two-month waiting list. Days, a volunteer service offered to cancer People are noticing the Colombia-native’s patients and anyone with difficulties. good deeds. In early January, Spectrum While Cardona’s mom passed away near- Bay News 9 recognized him in its Everyday ly three years ago, Pink Days — named Hero segment. after her favorite color — helps him carry “I feel very honored that I can share my on many of things that he learned from her history and inspire others,” he said. “I will while also keeping her memory alive. forever keep honoring my mom’s legacy of “One day, while she was getting chemo, volunteering and helping others in the comshe told me that no matter what happens munity.” to her she wanted me to continue healing Tuesdays through Saturdays, Cardona, more women and people with cancer,” he under the moniker Hair by Santi, offers said. his services at Plush Hair Salon, located at When he brings people into the salon, he 236 Apollo Beach Blvd. in Apollo Beach. He offers a private, confidential session when specializes in brassy hair, balayage, blondes the salon is empty to avoid any feelings of and keratin treatment. For more informabeing overwhelmed. Sometimes, he brings tion, call 706-604-8207.

High 5 Inc.’s TRIthe process of what it’s DENT program hosted going to take,’” Somers its annual talent show said. to showcase the skills of By giving students the program’s students. a hands-on role in TRIDENT, or Training the planning process, and Recreational for the Somers helps students Intellectually Disabled gain the key planning Enhancing their Natural and management skills Talents, hosted the holthey need. TRIDENT students participated in a iday show on December “What our program talent show to showcase their skills. 15, 2023, for around 150 mostly focuses on, or community members. we try to focus on, is “Going into the holday-to-day life skills and idays, our students, helping them to improve they’re like everybody their independence or else. They want to pergain more indepenform. They want to show dence,” he said. “… It off their skills,” TRIDENT gives them that sense director Joe Somers. of independence and reTRIDENT’s annual holiday show gave Somers said the show students the opportunity to perform. sponsibility.” gave the 24 participants Somers also said TRIthe opportunity to do just that: perform. DENT will host cooking classes this year. He said future shows will be more than While family members of the students had just singing. Students will be responsible concerns about the risks associated with for creating their own costumes, sets and cooking, TRIDENT developed a way to props to include a wider variety of talents. teach students to cook for themselves using The annual holiday show is just one of the microwaves and other lower-risk appliancevents hosted by TRIDENT for students to es. gain and showcase their skills. Students will continue to learn importSince Somers took over the program in ant skills, such as creating a budget, using April 2022, he has emphasized indepen- computer programs and hands-on workdence for students in the program. He said force development, through the day and his approach is to encourage students and after-school programs available. offer them assistance when needed. TRIDENT is also earning its Agency for For example, he said TRIDENT students Persons with Disabilities provider status will play an active role in planning and ex- early this year. The status will allow it to ecuting a potential walkathon fundraiser accept Medicaid and Medicare for students event this spring to support the program. hoping to join the program. “We have a lot of ideas that we haven’t For more information on the opportunifinalized. … That’s one of the things we are ties created for students through the TRItrying to teach [the students], that ‘Hey, it’s DENT program, visit https://high5inc.org/ great to have ideas, but let’s talk through trident-2/.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

MAGRUDER AGENCY IS EMPOWERING LIVES — ONE POLICY AT A TIME

Volume 22, Issue 2

SERENITY MEADOWS FUNERAL HOME IS EXPANDING AND MODERNIZING

By Kelly Wise Valdes

By Ashley Abene

With the rising the business lines, costs of insurance for such as auto and houses and cars, as commercial,” said well as life insurance, Magruder. “I imagine renter’s insurance and all insurance agents commercial insurance, are facing the same it can certainly bechallenges to meet come overwhelming. the increased deOne way people navmand for quotes and igate this complexipolicies.” ty is by talking to a Magruder also extrusted and reputaplained that the way ble insurance agent. Pat Magruder (right) and Stephanie Van insurance companies Fortunately, Magrud- Slyck at Magruder Agency are committed determine pricing to working with their customers to get er Agency has been and eligibility has successfully helping them the best insurance at the best price. evolved into a much people traverse this more complicated alseemingly daunting gorithm. task by for more than “When our agency 30 years. first opened, it was Owner Patricia ‘Pat’ possible to produce Magruder said that Magruder Agency a quote using a single printed manual,” owes its success to focusing on building said Magruder. “Now, there is so much relationships with clients based on ser- more information needed and details to vice and dependability, rather than rapid be considered; it takes longer to develop growth built on pricing. She loves meet- a viable quote that can be turned into a ing new people and learning about their policy.” stories. But this makes Magruder even more “Our goal has always been to do the determined to provide the very best serbest we can for the clients,” said Ma- vice possible to her clients. gruder. “Everyone’s situation is different, “This is a difficult time for insurance and sometimes we don’t have the best on all lines of business,” said Magrudanswer. We try to be up front and hon- er. “Rates are going up, companies are est with the clients so they can make the cancelling policies and the rules are conchoices that are best for them.” stantly changing. We do our best to help As many Floridians know, homeowner’s clients navigate the insurance landscape insurance is a hot issue right now. Ma- and find a product that will work.” gruder explained that it’s a difficult marFor more information on how the Maket to find new policies and many of the gruder Agency can help you meet your ininsurance companies are short-staffed, surance needs, visit www.magruderagenwhich delays processing for all types of cy.com or call 813-654-3100. Magruder insurance. Agency is located at 655 W. Lumsden Rd. “We are also seeing challenges in all in Brandon.

Planning a with famifuneral for a lies prior to loved one is a death and difficult. Not answer any only because of questions famthe emotional ily may have in weight of it all, advance. Howbut because it ever, it also can be a comserves families plicated and who have no overwhelming prearrangeprocess. Howments in place. Serenity Meadows has a beautiful burial ground on its ever, with a Soto also property. funeral home stated, “If a like Serenity death occurs, Meadows, the process can we simply require a phone become far less confusing call from the health care and daunting. professional or police offiLocated in Riverview, cer, then we will transfer Serenity Meadows opened a loved one into our care its doors 26 years ago. It and follow up with a fuoffers a wide range of funeral services to neral arrangement conference within the the community and is part of the Ever- next day or two. During the arrangement, story family of funeral homes and cem- we gather clothing, photos and answer eteries. any questions. We help guide families But Serenity Meadows isn’t just a com- to plan the perfect event for their loved munity funeral home. It serves everyone one.” of all religious and cultural backgrounds, Development is also coming to Serenity as well as anyone from out of town. Meadows. It is completing a rather large Bridgette Soto, general manager of expansion and will be offering brand-new Serenity Meadows, said, “Serenity Mead- mausoleum spaces (available in January ows is unique in that we have an excel- 2025). The funeral home will be adding lent reputation in the community, a staff new cremation niches, as well as commuthat treats you like family, a beautiful and nity burial gardens. It is also being upeasy-to-navigate cemetery and we can dated to offer more modern services for care for our families completely on-site. families, in addition to the typical tradiWhat this means is your loved one isn’t tional services. transferred from one building to the next Serenity Meadows welcomes all to depending on the need. We have our em- come take a tour to see current and develbalming and preparation center on-site, oping facilities. More information about as well as our crematory, event center this funeral home can be found by going and cemetery all in one place.” to its website at www.serenitymeadows. Staff from this funeral home can work com or calling 813-677-9494.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2024

Page 33

THE CABINET PAINTING COMPANY MAKES QUALITY TRANSFORMATIONS By Libby Hopkins

Leah and Brian expensive and Shaffer are the important spacowners of The es in your home, Cabinet Painting so ensuring that Company, a local everything in business which ofthose rooms is fers a multiphasic high quality reprocess where exally matters,” isting cabinets are Brian said. “Our transformed process provides from worn meaningful and and outdatlong-lasting value Leah and Brian Shaffer are to your home, as ed and given the owners of The Cabinet well as the beauthe freshPainting Company. from-thety and style that factory look you’re looking for.” and feel. The Shaffers’ team removes the cabi“We have net doors and drawer faces from customhad a lot ers’ homes and transports them to a cliof support mate-controlled facility. In the shop and at from the community,” Brian said. “Every the home, the cabinets receive comprehenmonth has been a success, and we are very sive preparation, priming and finish applifortunate to be in the place we are now.” cation, leaving them with a factory-like feel The Cabinet Painting Company was cre- and appearance. ated to ensure that homeowners in Bran“We are the experts in this process,” Bridon, FishHawk, Riverview, Valrico and an said. “We are not painters who can do across the Tampa Bay area have local ex- cabinets. We are not a custom furniture perts available who could help bring their company that can paint cabinets. We becabinet refinishing dreams to life. Its team lieve that cabinet painting is a specialty, of professionals creates peace of mind for and we have devoted all of our time, efforts its clients by providing insight, information and resources into becoming the best at it.” and integrity at every turn. From its free If you ask Brian what he likes most in-home estimate to the final walkthrough, about his job, he will tell you it’s the people customers will experience the difference he gets to meet. that hiring true cabinet experts can offer. “The best part of my job is working with “Our process leaves your cabinets with our clients,” Brian said. “We get to help a long-lasting factory finish at up to 60 them make their existing cabinets look like percent off compared to replacement cabi- new, and we do it at an affordable price as nets,” Brian said. well.” The company looks at cabinet painting as If you would like to learn more about The so much more than a home improvement Cabinet Painting Company, you can visit its project. website at www.cabinetpaintingco.com or “Kitchens and bathrooms are the most call for a free estimate at 813-485-6075.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Grace Notes

Rolling In Dead Things By Debora Coty I’d just finished bathing my dog. Yaz was clean, fluffy to the point of being poufy and smelled oh-so pretty. I clipped on his leash and started down the road for our morning walk. I stopped momentarily to respond to some phone messages. The decaying odor of roadkill suddenly assaulted my senses, and I looked up to find dear little Yaz happily rolling in the remains of a dead … something. Hard to tell what it was at this stage, just a pile of smelly bones and fur. Why do they do it? Why do dogs insist on rolling in dead things? Ick. What are they thinking? It occurred to me, as I dragged Yaz away from his folly, that people roll in dead things too. Not physical things like animal carcasses of course, but in the decaying guilt of past sins that we just can’t

let go. We insist on digging up those buried dead things and rolling in them from time to time. It’s our own fault that our unresolved guilt resurfaces and reeks to high heaven. The psalmist said, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has [God] removed our transgressions from us,” (Psalm 103:12 NIV). If we truly believed this, we wouldn’t keep a guilt shovel nearby to unearth past sins we have no business revisiting. Guilt revisited stinks. Conviction. Pot. Kettle. Black. So, I am newly committed to resolve my guilt over decomposing dead things that should have been mummified and forgotten long ago. And leaving them buried. I’m turning in my shovel. And my pitchfork. And my atomizer. Do you need to stop rolling in any dead things too, my friend?

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

Volume 22, Issue 2

LIVE LIKE YOU MEAN IT

LEADERSHIP

“Jesus said to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will make you a different kind of fishermen,’” (Matthew 4:19). My wife, Rebekah, was walking to her office when she noticed a church member on the roof. “What are you doing up there?” she called out. “I’m cleaning out the gutters,” David replied. “Why are you cleaning out the gutters?” she continued. “I’m cleaning out the gutters because I love Jesus!” he called back. “Wonderful,” she said. “Carry on.” This past Sunday, the church ordained and installed new elders. This involves one of my favorite moments, when a first-time elder kneels for ‘the laying on of hands.’ There is always a positive charge of energy, something powerful and unarguably real that flows through the hands of those praying and moves into the person receiving ordination. The presence of God is palpable. Rebekah’s message about leadership focused on the fact that, in Christianity, God pursues us. Seventeenth-century theologian/mathematician Blaise Pascal wrote: “Jesus says, ‘Console yourself; you would not seek me if I had not found you.’” In the culture where Christ lived and taught, students followed the Rabbi who most appealed to them. But that’s not how Jesus rolled. Jesus does the choosing. He

said — and he still says — “Follow me.” They put everything else aside to become disciples. Likewise, the church does not need volunteers. It needs people who listen for God and then respond. David on the church roof wasn’t a volunteer, he was there because he loved Jesus; and — in consequence — he followed Jesus. We don’t want people cleaning out the gutters, or feeding the hungry, or making coffee, or working with the youth, or any other church thing, unless they are doing it in response to God’s calling on their life, doing it because they follow Jesus. We came to church to worship. We installed new elders. We shared communion. We shared the peace of Christ. This is church. If this is not your experience, please consider becoming a part of an authentic faith community and make your decision — renew your decision — to follow Jesus. Derek Maul has written for many news outlets, including the Tampa Tribune, The United Methodist News Service, All Pro Dad, FOCUS Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, The Christian Science Monitor, Presbyterians Today, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul and many other publications. Read Derek Maul’s daily blog posts at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com

29 Years in Brandon!

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2024

Page 35

12TH ANNUAL PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES RETURNS TO PLANT CITY AIRPORT

Staff Report

The 12th annual together discovering Planes, Trains and Authe wonders of transtomobiles presented portation, introducby Tampa Internationing them to not only al Airport is returning aircraft and aviation on Saturday, February opportunities at their 10. The beloved onelocal airport but a day community event wide variety of ‘how features a wide vari- Planes, Trains and Automobiles, a fami- things work’ displays ety of family activi- ly-friendly community event, returns to the and fun educational ties held each year at activities to capture Plant City Airport in February. the Plant City Airport the imaginations of since 2010. our local youth,” said Featured highlights will PT&A Committee Chairbe numerous real aircraft man and event founder on display, radio-conJason Jones. He added, trolled aircraft displays “We are very pleased to and demonstrations, a be working again with large car show and operating model train the Tampa Bay Aviation Association, layouts. A major LEGO display featuring and with their help we are adding aviaall modes of transportation is scheduled. tion scholarships and other opportunities First responder vehicles and person- to the benefits of our event. It’s really a nel, along with train safety vehicles and great partnership.” equipment, will also be in the lineup. There Planes, Trains and Automobiles is manwill be many hands-on stations for kids, aged by the Tampa Bay Aviation Assoincluding STEM education exhibits and ciation and presented by Tampa Interflight simulators from SUN ’n FUN’s Aero- national Airport. As noted by Jones, in space Center for Excellence, Young Eagles addition to promoting and delivering this discovery flights conducted by Plant City amazing community event, the organizaExperimental Aircraft Association Chap- tion will be taking donations and comter 1178, Scout merit badge opportunities, mitting proceeds after expenses to fund a pinewood derby and many other activi- aviation scholarships and other programs ties. Younger children will enjoy inflatable for local youth. The scholarships will be bounce houses and other fun adventures for flight training, mechanic and profesjust for them. Food trucks and local ven- sional career education. Families are indor displays will also be part of the lineup vited to come and join the fun. where area businesses can showcase their Parking is free. Ticket pricing is $7.50 products and services to attendees. online in advance, or $10 at the gate. Vis“The purpose of the event has always it www.mytbaa.org/pta for tickets and been to give families an affordable day event information

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Feb. 29 - Mar. 10, 2024 • Plant City, FL Artists Appearing on the

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The Commodores Fri. Mar. 8, 3:30 $35

Mark Lowry

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Zach Williams Tue. Mar. 5, 7:30 $40

Jo Dee Messina Sat. Mar. 9, 3:30 $30

Craig Morgan

Wed. Mar. 6, 3:30 $35

Riley Green

Wed. Mar. 6, 7:30 $50

Bill Haley Jr. & The Comets Thu. Mar. 7, 10:30 FREE

Gene Watson

Thu. Mar. 7, 3:30 $25

Kirk Franklin

Thu. Mar. 7, 7:30 $45

Visit FLstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-754-1996 and get your tickets for the best seats available! While online, check out the Free Entertainment and Special Days and Discounts and full Schedule Special Flo Rida andCody Johnson Days and Discounts and full Schedule Sun. Mar. 10, 7:30 Sat. Mar. 9, 7:30 of Festival Events. $50

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Page 36

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 22, Issue 2

TEAMWORK DRIVES BARRINGTON FAMILY RUN BUSINESS RAISING MONEY FOR UGANDA MISSION TRIP BOLTS TO THEIR FIRST COUNTY By Ashley Abene CHAMPIONSHIP WIN In November 2023, sions can engrave on By Lily Belcher

The Bar“Our derington Midfense played dle School great and boys’ baswouldn’t let ketball team them get won their the shots first county they wantchampioned. It was a ship after close game playing an all the way undefeatthrough, but ed season we made t h r o u g h Barrington Middle School’s boys’ basketball team won their first the plays county championship. trust and we needed teamwork. at the end,” Hough said. Head coach of the Bolts Jed Hough Hough has coached at Barrington since coached 20 athletes, 16 of whom were it opened 15 years ago, most of which he new to the program this year. Eighth coached alongside a parent. This was his grader Trajan Henson was the only re- team’s second trip to the finals. turning shooter who played all three “We were down in several of our last years of middle school at Barrington. games, but they kept grinding and made “He really grew this year from being a the plays they needed to make. Their good individual player to being a great confidence was always there,” Hough leader on the floor also,” Hough said said about the undefeated season. about Henson. The Bolts’ practices were competitive, Second-year athlete Zavier Colon also but Hough said it built trust in the team. stepped up to lead as “the emotional The boys learned to trust each other heart on the team.” to do their job and be where they were “He was always there with the right supposed to be, which showed in their energy, encouraging players when they games throughout the season. needed it and holding them accountable “This team worked together really when appropriate,” Hough said. well, were ready and did what the moThe growth and teamwork among the ment called for,” Hough said. “They may boys drove the team to the playoffs and not have all been the best players that eventually the county championship. we’ve ever had, but they showed that The Bolts defeated the Martinez Mid- they were the best team.” dle School Mustangs 44-39 in the final, For more information on Barrington capitalizing on late turnovers and mak- Middle School’s boys’ basketball team, ing key shots to secure the champion- visit www.hillsboroughschools.org/barship title. rington.

FishHawk residents many types of surfacPaul and Kristin Cules, including metal, ver started a famiglass, stainless steel, ly-owned business tumblers, slate, stone, that specializes in photographs and tropersonalized engravphies. ing called FishHawk Kristin stated, Creative Expressions “Many of our custom(FHC Expressions). ers ask us how long it FHC Expressions oftakes for us to create fers custom engravour work. Some of our ings, artwork and even creations can take personalized gifts. a few minutes and The Culvers have Pictured are the owners of FishHawk Cre- some can take severmany entrepreneurial ative Expressions, Kristin and Paul Culver. al days, depending on endeavors in addithe complexity of tion to this compathe design. Some ny, such as owning of our pieces are a home repair comvery intricate and pany and writing require long hours children’s books. In of cutting and en2021, the Culvers graving.” wrote their first FHC Expressions children’s book, If Our God Was a Hippo- can be seen selling gorgeous pieces of inpotamus, based off a song that Paul wrote tricate art at the FishHawk Ranch Marfor preschool children at church. ketplace, located at Cross Park across the In 2022, Paul went on a mission trip to street from Park Square, on the first SunUganda. The Culvers have the heart to re- day of every month. The Culvers are lookturn to Uganda on a mission trip this year ing to participate in other marketplace with their If Our God Was a Hippopota- events as well. mus book, translated into Luganda (the FHC Expressions also has an Etsy page Ugandan language). FishHawk Creative where customizable orders can be reExpressions originated in an effort to quested at www.fhcexpressions.etsy.com. raise money for this mission trip but has Prices of the artwork can vary from $20since become a thriving second business. $125, depending on the piece. With the motto of “Unlock your creativFor more information or to donate to ity; if you think it, then we can make it,” the Culvers’ Uganda mission trip, go to the Culvers can create pretty much what- its Facebook page at FishHawk Creative ever a customer could wish for. Expressions. The Culvers also can be The Culvers specialize in laser engrav- reached at 704-678-6120 or by email at ing and personalized gifts. FHC Expres- FHCexpressions@gmail.com.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2024

UNITED WAY SUNCOAST KICKS OFF CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AT TAMPA CITY HALL By Jane Owen Founded a century ners attended the kickago, United Way Sunoff celebration: the Girl coast began serving Scouts of West Central Tampa with the creFlorida, the American ation of the Tampa Red Cross, the YMCA Welfare League and and the Tampa Urban Community Chest on League. January 10, 1924. The kickoff ceremoDuring the last 100 The United Way Suncoast team at the Cen- ny concluded with the years, it has elevated tennial Celebration Kickoff on January 10. raising of the United community cohesion, Way Suncoast flag early learning, literacy over Tampa City Hall and financial success with chief communiwithin the five counties cations officer Ernest it serves in the Tampa Hooper leading the Bay area. crowd expressing the On January 10, United Say Suncoast United Way Suncoast mantra, “United We kicked off a centennial Rise, United We Win.” 18-month celebration United Way CEO Jessica Muroff presentHooper shared that at Tampa City Hall. The ing a shirt to Tampa Mayor Jane Castro. Unity Way Suncoast year-and-a-half celebration includes a series engaged with half a million community of events for the Tampa Bay community members in their five-county region in 2023 to commemorate the 100-year milestone. and that engagement reached more than Tampa Mayor Jane Castor started the cer- 50,000 people in East Hillsborough County. emony with a proclamation declaring Janu- He said their mission work concentrates on ary 10 as United Way Suncoast Day. elevating early learning and literacy, energizUnited Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff ing middle school and high school students addressed the crowd during the Centennial to put them on a path to postsecondary sucCelebration Kickoff. cess and empowering community members “At United Way Suncoast, we often speak and families through financial stability. about giving families and community memIn 2024, Suncoast United Way’s Volunteer bers the ‘freedom to rise,’” Muroff said. Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will “Giving people the ‘freedom to rise’ means provide free tax assistance to any household providing community members platforms to that earns $79,000 or less, Hooper said. enhance their place in this world.” For assistance locations or to learn more Muroff shared that United Way Suncoast’s about the VITA program, visit https://unitsuccess stories stem from a collaborative edwaysuncoast.org/what-we-do/income/ effort involving corporate contributors, in- free-tax-help/. dividual donors, volunteers and nonprofit For information, visit https://unitedpartners. Members of these nonprofit part- waysuncoast.org/centennial/.

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Page 37

CIRQUE ITALIA COMING TO WESTFIELD BRANDON MALL WITH A SHOW FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Staff Report

Have you ever had back in time. such a vivid dream that Cirque Italia’s mission you thought it was real? is to provide high-class Cirque Italia has pulled entertainment suitout all the stops this year able for all age groups, to take you on a magical where all are welcome dream adventure. This is at its strictly animal-free one escapade you cannot shows. Coming to the Westfield Brandon mall afford to miss. The show will run Have you ever wished on Brandon Town Center Drive from from Thursday to SunThursday to Sunday, February 8-11, you could turn back day, February 8-11 under Cirque Italia has pulled out all the time? To go back to a stops to take you on a magical dream the stunning white-andsimpler, happy time filled blue big top tent in the adventure. with sock hops, driveDillard’s parking lot at in theaters, muscle cars and the Westfield Brandon mall, thick sideburns? Well, get out located at 459 Brandon Town your poodle skirts and leather Center Dr. in Brandon. jackets! Showtimes are as follows: Cirque Italia’s Gold Unit • Thursday, February 8 at performers can’t wait to take 7:30 p.m. you back to a time when hula • Friday, February 9 at 7:30 hoops and soda fountains p.m. were abundant, Elvis Presley dominated • Saturday, February 10 at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 the airwaves, greased hair was all the rage p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and street racing was a parent’s greatest • Sunday, February 11 at 1:30 p.m. and concern. Come along for the ride when a 4:30 p.m. 1950s-obsessed adolescent falls asleep and For more information, visit https://cirquedreams of living in this revolutionary era. italia.com/. Be sure to sure to check all social This high-octane show is guaranteed to cap- media accounts; search ‘Cirque Italia - Gold tivate and engage every kiddo and daddy-o Unit.’ Cirque Italia offers one free child adin the audience. mission with every full-priced paying adult Cirque Italia believes multiculturalism is ticket in levels two or three. This offer canone of its strongest assets. Its show features not be combined with any other offers, disperformers from Argentina, Brazil, Romania counts or deals. Please call 941-704-8572 to and many other countries. Of course, these get the promo code for your location. incredible artists are preparing to wow you The box office opens on-site on Tuesday, with their astounding acts: master jugglers, the week of the show. Hours on nonshow low-wire fanatics, dazzling contortions, days are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and hours on show wild trampoline antics, and even a wheel of days are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tickets can be purdeath. Want to know more? You’ll have to chased at https://cirqueitalia.com/tickets or come ‘dream’ with Cirque Italia as it travels by calling 941-704-8572.

Page 38

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

NAVIGATING A LOVED ONE’S WILL IN FLORIDA: INSIGHTS FROM AN ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY By Laurie E. Ohall, Florida Board-certified Elder Law Attorney Dealing with the loss of a loved one is 1. Advice to avoid probate: Most people challenging enough without the added are interested in avoiding probate, and stress of legal and estate matters. If your many times this can be as easy as making loved one has passed away in the state of sure that you have beneficiary designations Florida, you might be wondering what your listed on all your financial accounts, includresponsibilities will be regarding their last ing bank accounts. You usually need to ask will and testament. This article will serve the bank or credit union to put beneficiaas a way to guide you through the process ries on your accounts, and this is one asset of probating a will and offer solutions that people typically forget to put a beneficiary can minimize your burden. on. When it comes to a homestead, some Understanding Florida’s Probate Pro- people do an enhanced life estate deed (aka cess ‘ladybird’ deed), whereas others prefer to The probate process must happen if use a revocable trust (this will also be the someone dies without naming a beneficiary subject of another article at a later date). on an asset (such as their home or a bank Finally, another way to avoid probate is to account). If a person dies with a will, the hold title to assets jointly. Which vehicle process involves proving the deceased per- you use to avoid probate on your house will son’s will is valid, identifying and inventory- depend on your goals and comfort level. ing the deceased person’s property, paying 2. If it is too late, and your loved one has debts and taxes and distributing the re- not done planning to avoid probate, an atmaining property as the will (or state law, torney will be needed (in most instances) if there’s no will) directs. If the person dies to probate the estate. In most instances, without a will, the state of Florida has laws the entire process can be done via phone, that dictate who gets to serve as executor email, video conferencing and other digital and who inherits. Regardless, this process means to discuss your case, provide advice can be complex, time-consuming and ex- and keep you updated on the progress. Adpensive. ditionally, most documents related to the Will This Take Up a Lot of My Time? probate process can be signed and submitThe good news is, in many cases, you usu- ted electronically, and your attorney will ally only need to have one meeting with the help you through this entire process. attorney to begin the probate process, and Estate planning is a personal matter, and most often this can be done via Zoom or what works for one person may not work over the phone. The attorney’s office han- for another. It is important to evaluate your dles most of the legal and administrative assets and individual preferences when detasks on your behalf. However, the pro- ciding how to avoid probate in Florida. bate process does take anywhere from six months to one year to complete (and Laurie Ohall is a Florida board-certified elder law assets, such as a home, may not be able to attorney practicing in Brandon, Florida. She has been practicing law for 30 years and her practice be sold during some of that time). is focused on estate planning, elder law planning How an Estate Planning Attorney and probate. Ohall is licensed to practice law in Can Help: Florida and Ohio.

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Volume 22, Issue 2

BLOOMINGDALE RESIDENT & VETERAN ROLAND TISO RELEASES MEMOIR By Michelle Colesanti Bloomingdale resident Roland Tiso has written his memoir, In Strange Company: An American Soldier with Multinational Forces in the Middle East and Iraq, about the participation of multinational forces and organizations in the Iraq War and the Middle East. The book will be available in January. In Strange Company is an interesting, informative and exciting account of Tiso’s service, capturing his experiences from 1994-2004, the last 10 years of his uniformed service as an officer in the Army. In the book, Tiso describes the planning that characterized the strategy and operational requirements for an Iraq war plan that was the basis of an invasion of Iraq if such an action was deemed necessary. The brain trust, study and meticulous design of this plan were all but discarded in 2003, the result of which was a somewhat chaotic situation in Iraq after our combined forces swiftly and competently defeated the Iraqi Army and captured Baghdad. What followed was an insurrection fomented by terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, disenchanted former Iraqi military officers, the Iranians and various religious factions that found us lacking in terms of manpower to adequately suppress their activities and seal Iraq’s borders. We continue to pay for this error to this day. Tiso began his story back in 2005, a year after retirement from the Army, but only recently completed it. He said, “I took it off the shelf in June 2021, a year after I retired from defense contracting, and finally found what was needed to bring it all together into a coher-

ent and organized work of true value.” Tiso served in Iraq from 1997-98 with the United Nations forces observing the demilitarized zone between Kuwait and Iraq that was established in the aftermath of the 1991 Gulf War. Following that assignment, he traveled extensively throughout the Middle East for two years as the executive assistant to the commander of U.S. Central Command (General Anthony C. Zinni, United States Marine Corps). Tiso then went to Egypt to command U.S. Task Force Sinai, the U.S. peacekeeping contingent serving with the Multinational Force and Observers. He noted, “These assignments placed me in close working relationships with military leaders of numerous foreign armies, with which I interacted daily and discussed at length in the book. I have tried to simplify the more technical aspects of military planning and operational art to enable everyone to better understand them.” Tiso hopes the book will be purchased by people from all walks of life. “The book’s forward is written by General Zinni, something of which I am immensely proud,” he added. He intends to donate proceeds to veteran causes, with his first objective to donate to the Fisher House at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. You can meet Tiso at his upcoming book signing on Saturday, February 10, at 10 a.m. at BayCare HealthHub located at 2470 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. To purchase the book, visit www.casematepublishers.com/9781636243948/ in-strange-company/ or find it on Amazon.

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

February 2024

ROTARY SPOTLIGHT:

THE VILLAGE PLAYERS TO PRESENT THE BATTLE OF THE GODFATHERS

ACTIVITIES, MEETINGS & MORE

By Kathy L. Collins The Village Players rival godfathers who of Valrico will present fight over who has an original play, The the best pizza in town. Battle of the GodfaToss in that their only thers, this month and kids are dating each in March. All shows other behind their will be presented at fathers’ back, put in the historic James Mcsome stupid laughs Cabe Theater, which is and that is my play.” on Hillsborough CounPazo explained, ty’s Registration of “This show is my third Historic Places. The original show, and if James McCabe Themembers of the comater, built in 1915, is munity love The Godlocated at 506 N. 5th The Village Players of Valrico will present father, they will love The Battle of the Godfathers, an original St. in Valrico. this show.” Pazo addplay written and directed by Domin Pazo, The Battle of the ed, “This is an adult this month and in March at its historic Godfathers will be comedy with adult James McCabe Theater in Valrico. presented on Friday, content, but anyone February 16, February wanting a fun night 23 and March 1, and out should come see Saturday, February this show. You will 17, February 24 and not be disappointed.” March 2, at 8 p.m. The Village Players There will be two Sunis a nonprofit commuday matinees on February 18 and 25 at nity teaching theater. As an all-volunteer 3 p.m. organization, it takes months to put on a Tickets are $23 for general admission show like The Battle of the Godfathers. and $20 for seniors, military, students Pazo said, “The cast and crew have been and groups of 10 or more. To reserve on this project since November. They have seats for 10 or more, please call the box worked really hard, and they are so ready office at 813-480-3147. You can purchase for an audience.” tickets by visiting https://thevillageplayThe mission of the Village Players is to ersvalrico.com/. spotlight local talent and work with those The Battle of the Godfathers is an orig- who would like to learn various different inal play written and directed by the Vil- aspect of the theater, both on and offlage Players’ very own, Domin Pazo. The stage, while providing affordable theater play is an original adult comedy spoofing experiences and entertainment for the loThe Godfather and other mobster movies. cal community. According to Pazo, “The play is a spoof For more information about The Village of the classic 1972 Oscar winning movie Players or to purchase tickets, please visit The Godfather. In our play, there are two https://thevillageplayersvalrico.com/.

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The Interact Club of Tampa Bay meets on the first Monday of each month from 6-8 p.m., at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. The March meeting will be on March 4, 6-8 p.m. All area high school students are invited, and food Brandon Global Eco will be provided. Come learn about the ‘Create Hope in (Meets On Zoom) the World’ Speech Contest Are you passionate about on Friday, February 23. Contact: Chad Nor- the environment? Join Brandon Global Eco gard, chad@norgardinsgrp.com. on the second and fourth Mondays of each USF Rotaract (College Students) month from 6-7 p.m. on Zoom. The focus For any Rotary Club or company wanting of the club is environmental education and to sponsor a birdhouse at any of the USF ecological friendly projects. To join the email Rotaract community gardens, please reach list for meeting information, contact Bruno out via social media. All details and club Kazenas at bkazenas@comcast.net. updates will be on the Instagram page @ FishHawk-Riverview usf_rotaract. For those with students at the Area high schoolers whose ‘home’ schools University of South Florida, check out Bulls- are or would be Durant, Newsome, RiverConnect for opportunities or visit its social view or Spoto are invited to enter the Romedia channels on Facebook and Instagram. tary Club of FishHawk-Riverview’s Speech Contest. Monetary prizes for the best 5 to Brandon The Rotary Club of Brandon’s annual Wild 7-minute speeches on the topic ‘Create Hope Game Dinner is Friday, March 1, at the Hill- in the World,’ this year’s Rotary Internationsborough County Fairgrounds. Tickets and al theme focusing on mental health, will be sponsorships are available by contacting judged on Thursday, February 22, at The Joe Campoamor at 813-748-2076 or jcam- Shrimp Boat. For more information and to poamor@integrityft.com. If you’re inter- sign up, visit its social media pages or www. ested in serving our community and doing fishhawkriverviewrotary.org. Also, save the good in the world with the Rotary Club of date for the 14th annual Crawfish Festival Brandon, contact Debbie Meegan at debbie- presented by Christopher Ligori & Associmeeganrotary@gmail.com for more infor- ates on Saturday, April 13. To sponsor, volmation. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 12 unteer (including students) or be a vendor, Noon-1 p.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary visit www.fishhawkriverviewrotary.org or Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. www.luvcrawfish.com.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE OF TAMPA BAY AT RAYMOND JAMES IN MARCH Staff Report In 2023, roughly 1.9 near the pirate ship. million new cancer cases “Team UMA has supand 609,820 deaths from ported the American Cancancer were expected to cer Society for over a deoccur in the United States, cade, and we’re excited to with more than 162,000 continue our involvement The American Cancer Society new cases expected to ocby sponsoring Relay For cur here in Florida. Cancer Relay For Life of Tampa Bay will Life. Celebrating survivors be held on Saturday and Sunday, continues to be the secand honoring our loved March 2-3 at Raymond James ond most common cause ones who have been afStadium. of death among Americans, after heart fected by cancer is a very personal priority disease. To help end cancer as we know for many UMA team members, learners it for everyone, the American Cancer So- and graduates. It aligns with our mission in ciety Relay For Life of Tampa Bay will be health care education by increasing awareheld on Saturday and Sunday, March 2-3, ness and support around one of our naat Raymond James Stadium. The event be- tion’s biggest health threats. At UMA, we gins at 3 p.m. on March 2, and participants believe in a ripple effect of care that starts will walk through the night because cancer with each one of us, and we’re honored doesn’t stop. to collaborate with the American Cancer Relay For Life is more than just a walk. Society,” said Bridget Hyde, vice president It is a volunteer-led movement that unites of research and development for Ultimate communities to celebrate cancer survivors, Medical Academy. remember loved ones lost to cancer and Founded by Dr. Gordon ‘Gordy’ Klatt raise funds to improve the lives of people in Tacoma, Washington, in 1985, Relay with cancer and their families. For Life unites communities across the “There are too many cancer stories, and globe to celebrate people who have been I want to do my part to eradicate cancer. touched by cancer, remember loved ones I’m not an M.D. or a researcher, but I can lost and take action for lifesaving change. help raise money and awareness for the Since 1985, Relay For Life has raised $6.8 American Cancer Society,” said event co- billion to help save lives from cancer. lead and cancer survivor Kristina ChownDollars raised each year by more than ing. 250,000 Relay participants across the This year’s event provides a unique op- country help support the American Cancer portunity for participants to set up their Society’s mission in countless ways, includcampsites directly on the field at Raymond ing funding and conducting breakthrough James Stadium. Additionally, there will research, providing education and advobe two walking tracks for participants — cating for the needs of cancer patients and one on the field and one along the lower their families and providing essential serconcourse. To recognize our survivors and vices throughout their cancer journey. thrivers, the American Cancer Society will To learn more about Relay For Life, visit host a reception on the lower concourse, https://relayforlife.org/tampabayfl.

Volume 22, Issue 2

PRESCRIBED BURNS YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

By Chris Reed, Land Management Manager Q: What is a prescribed burn? A: A prescribed burn, also known as a prescribed fire, is a fire intentionally ignited by land managers to meet specific land management goals and objectives. The burns follow a written prescription, which outlines the defined fire treatment area, specific weather conditions that are required, tactics staff will use and staffing and equipment resources that are required to safely conduct the burn. Additionally, a smoke management plan is prepared to identify smoke-sensitive areas, which are places where smoke from prescribed fires is intolerable, like schools and hospitals.

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Q: How much district property is burned each year? A: In 2023, district staff applied fire to more than 39,500 acres of conservation lands they are responsible for maintaining on behalf of the public.

Q: Why does the Southwest Florida Water Management District conduct Q: How do you notify the public prescribed burns? about prescribed burns? A: The district conducts prescribed A: The district notifies county and mufires to mimic the natural process and nicipal fire departments, adjacent neighbenefits of fire in Florida’s ecosystems. bors and recreationists as well as the Florida Turnpike Enterprise, the Florida Q: How does the district plan pre- Highway Patrol and/or other law enscribed burns? forcement agencies when appropriate. A: District land management staff The district distributes news releases take great care to analyze the condi- quarterly to the media for each county tion of district properties and identify impacted and sends email blasts to pothe most appropriate areas to burn, as tentially impacted neighborhood assowell as the best time of year and under ciations to alert them of fire activity in what conditions to meet the burn goals their area. and objectives. Land managers determine what areas to burn based on habiQ: How can I learn more about pretat type, time since the last fire on that scribed burns? property and weather conditions. The A: Check out the latest Water Matters most common natural community hab- Podcast with Felicia Nudo, land managitats in Florida historically burn every er, who takes listeners through the protwo to four years. District staff attempt cess of a prescribed burn and explains to mimic this same interval and base the benefits of setting them. You can lisgoals on burning areas once every four ten at www.watermatters.org/podcast. years, while burning more frequently when possible. Chris Reed is the Southwest Florida Water ManQ: What are the benefits of a prescribed burn? A: There are many benefits to burning, most importantly reducing the risk of a catastrophic wildfire. Additional benefits include protecting and enhancing water resources, promoting plant diversity, improving wildlife and grazing habitat, conserving fire-dependent species, controlling forest insects and dis-

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eases and improving recreational access. Another significant benefit of prescribed burns is hazard fuel reduction. Given Florida’s nearly yearlong growing season, plants and other vegetation accumulate quickly in these natural systems if they are not burned routinely. District land managers conduct prescribed burns to reduce this vegetative fuel buildup, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

agement District’s land management manager. Over the last 20-plus years, Chris has managed lands from Alachua County to Lee County and just about everything in between on the West Coast of Florida. He has worked for the Florida Park Service and the Florida Forest Service in addition to 18 years with the district’s Land Management Section. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a minor in agriculture and natural resource ethics and policy from the University of Florida.

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February 2024

Page 41

Celebrate Love This Valentine’s Day With These Titles & More By Kelly Wise Valdes Who doesn’t love chocolates, flowers, love poems and heartfelt cards? Although Valentine’s Day has traditionally been celebrated by those ‘in love,’ there are so many other ways to celebrate. Many of us commemorate this day with close friends or our families. No matter how you feel about Valentine’s Day, there are an abundance of ways to celebrate. Whether you eat a box of your favorite chocolates from a local chocolatier with your best friend, watch the sunset with your neighbors, drink a glass of wine at a romantic restaurant with your significant other or eat a box of sweet-tart hearts with your children, there’s something for everyone. If you need some extra inspiration this year, below are some fun Valentine’s Day books that are sure to help.

Sweeter Than Chocolate 55 Valentine’s Gift Ideas For Him The 12 Days of Valentine’s Be My Galentine By Lizzie Shane By Leona Wright By Jenna Lettice By Alicia Clancy A classic grumpy-sunshine romance, Unclear what would rank as a ‘total- Count the 12 days leading up to Val- Gone are the days of Valentine’s Day this book follows chocolate-shop-own- ly awesome Valentine’s Day gift’ for entine’s Day with this fun-filled pic- being just for romance. This illustrater Lucy and cynical reporter Dean the man in your life? Look no further ture book. The first day of Valentine’s ed book aims to highlight the positive in pursuit of the truth about the so- than this comprehensive guide with starts with one warm, fuzzy hug. On nature of friendship between women called magical Cupid chocolates that plenty of suggestions to make your the second day, the crafts begin with with a little bit of charm, and a whole the shop her family has owned for next romantic holiday a total win all two cups of sparkles. On the third lot of sass, and offers fun extras, like generations sells. According to the around. So often men get the short day, your family can make cards with recipes and themes that can take your folklore, if you eat a famous Cupid end of the stick when it comes to Val- three pink pens. Each of the 12 days girls’ dates to the next level. Celebrate chocolate on Valentine’s Day, you’ll entine’s Day. Well, this is the year you leading up to Valentine’s Day are cel- with your best friends, your soul sismeet your soulmate. Dean wants to take a stand and say, “The man in my ebrated in this rhyming storybook ters, your gal pals and your partnerstest the truth of this legend, so with life is just as deserving as anyone of based on “The Twelve Days of Christ- in-crime with this humorous gift book Lucy’s help he seeks out couples who an amazing Valentine’s gift.” mas.” Kids will love spotting all the and make every day feel like Galenwere supposedly brought together by fun ways a family gets ready for Val- tine’s Day. Because let’s face it, fabthe chocolates to learn about how real entine’s Day. ulous friendships deserve to be celetheir love stories are. brated all year round.

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Page 42

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

TAMPA THEATRE OFFERS BALCONY TO BACKSTAGE TOURS

By Kathy L. Collins

If you have ever visfice and ask if they ited the Tampa Thecan just ‘come inside atre, have you ever and look around a litwondered where the tle bit.’ Hosting these Mighty Wurlitzer Orpublic tours twice gan goes when the a month means we movie starts? What always have a date about stuffed peacock coming up within the perched near the pronext couple of weeks scenium (the part of that we can direct the theater stage in people to. Once they front of the curtain)? are inside, our BalcoIf you have ever wonny to Backstage Tours dered about this and give us an opportunimore, then you should ty to share the thetake part in the Tampa ater’s story. We can Theatre’s Balcony to explain why it is so Backstage Tours. ornate, why it is still You can learn the here when so many theater’s secrets, stoothers of its era have ries, art and architecbeen demolished and ture and witness its why — 97 years lathistoric restoration The Tampa Theatre offers the community er — it is still as relethe opportunity to learn all about its efforts with a Balcony vant and vibrant of an secrets, architecture and history by particto Backstage Tour of ipating in its Balcony to Backstage Tours, experience as it was Tampa’s majestic mov- which are offered several times a month. on opening night in ie palace. The 90-min1926.” ute tours will kick off in the lobby and Witecki added, “Once people fall in love include a demonstration of the Mighty with the building, it is an easy next step Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. to encourage them to buy a ticket to a The tours are offered monthly. The next film or concert, or to consider becoming tours will be offered on Saturday, Feb- a member. As a nonprofit, Tampa Theruary 10, at 11:30 a.m. and Wednesday, atre thrives with community support, and February 21, at 11:30 a.m. The cost to earning that support begins with a proper attend is $10 for adults, $8 for children introduction to who we are and what we 2-12 years old and free for Tampa Theatre do.” members. The Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N. The Tampa Theatre has been hosting Franklin St. in Tampa. For more informatours for at least 20 years. tion on the Tampa Theatre and to get tickJill Witecki with the Tampa Theatre ets to the Balcony to Backstage Tours or said, “As beautiful as Tampa Theatre is, for any other event hosted by the Tampa we often have people stop by the box of- Theatre, please visit https://tampathe-

Volume 22, Issue 2

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

By Kathy L. Collins

The Ybor City City. Many of Museum Sothe businesses ciety will host and/or people its 12th annual who participate Buildings Alive! in the event Architecture have deep ties Hop on Thursto the early imday, February 29, migrants who from 5-9:30 p.m. helped build our Buildings Alive! city and want is an all-inclusive to show the evening of insidcommunity that er tours of some Ybor City Museum Society’s annual Buildings Alive! Ybor City is still of Ybor City’s Architecture Hop is a fun way to see and visit multiple a safe and fammost beautiful historical and architecturally interesting buildings in ily-friendly comhistoric build- Ybor City, which is an important area of Tampa that munity. In addiall residents should visit and cherish. ings. Attendees tion to the fun will also be offered a sampling that our hoppers have throughof light bites along the way. out the evening, this event Attendees will be transportalso provides behind-the-scene ed from stop to stop on a rubtours to some of the communiber-wheel Jolley Trolley that ties most historic locations.” runs on a continuous loop. The adventure Mata added, “The Ybor City Museum begins at the J.C. Newman Cigar Com- Society is dedicated to preserving the culpany Send-off Party. J.C. Newman Cigar tural heritage of Ybor City for future genCompany is located at 2701 N. 16th St. erations. In addition to special events like in Tampa. There you will enjoy a delicious Buildings Alive! that celebrate the unique treat and upbeat music before you em- history of our community, our organizabark on an evening of fun and Ybor City tion has developed a mobile museum in hospitality. which our staff provides on-site presenThe 2024 lineup of buildings include tations and artifacts to a variety of locaCentro Asturiano de Tampa, EMPAD Ar- tions, educating the surrounding commuchitecture + Design, the Italian Club and nities on the history, culture and unique more. You can see all six buildings or enjoy locations of Ybor City. We also provide the hop at your leisure by hopping off the over 135 years of baseball history in Tamtrolley at those that pique your curiosity. pa through our ownership of the Tampa Arminda Mata, president and CEO Baseball Museum at the Al Lopez House.” of the Ybor City Museum Society, said, Tickets to the 12th annual Buildings “Buildings Alive! Architecture Hop helps Alive! are $55 for one or $100 for a pair. bring awareness to the historical pres- Please visit www.ybormuseum.org to get ervation that is being completed in Ybor tickets while they last.

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February 2024

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 43

Community Arts &Events START BUYING

By Kathy L. Collins, Art & Entertainment Director

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

LOCAL ACTORS PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY THEATER WITH MAD THEATRE

The 53rd anof the Gasparilla nual Raymond season.” James GasparFor half a cenilla Festival of tury, artists and the Arts will be art lovers have held on Saturday, flocked to TamMarch 2, from 9 pa for the annual a.m.-6 p.m. and art festival. It is on Sunday, March considered to be 3, from 10 a.m.-5 among the top p.m. The festival open-juried arts will be held on festivals in the the banks of the country. Over The annual Raymond James Gasparilla Hillsborough Rivthe years, the er at Julian B. Lane Festival of the Arts supports a showcase of festival has changed the country’s most accomplished artists and Riverfront Park, and evolved. The catrising stars. The festival’s featured image located at 1001 N. this year is called Ride Your Way, by Katrin egories have been Blvd. in downtown Llergo. The festival will be held on Saturday expanded and now Tampa. The event is and Sunday, March 2-3, at Julian B. Lane include the Emergfree and the commuing Artists Program. Riverfront Park in downtown Tampa. nity is invited. The number of appliEach year, artists and art lovers come cations has expanded from 140 to over from all over the United States to enjoy 1,000. Similarly, the prize has greatly the featured artwork, live entertainment expanded over the years. It includes and activities. In addition to supporting prize money, scholarship money and the working artists and making art more ac- coveted Raymond James Best of Show cessible in our community, the festival Award, which provides $15,000 to the organization also supports youth artists winning artist. with scholarships as part of the program While many aspects of the festival for high school students. have changed, the history of the GasparKaren Price, president of the Gaspar- illa Festival of the Arts is rich, and the illa Festival of the Arts, said, “Each year, traditions are timeless. The festival is a we welcome 30,000-plus collectors, vital cultural asset with a well-estabsponsors and festivalgoers to enjoy a lished presence in Hillsborough County. one-of-a-kind experience that blends all It is a fun outing for the entire family the arts from fine art, performing arts and something not to be missed. to culinary arts and more. It is truly a For more information, please visit one-of-a-kind experience and a highlight https://gasparillaarts.com/.

Several local ing never to hear residents are sharthe soul-crushing, ing their love for pout-inducing, theater with the l i fe - u n a f f i r m i n g community through ding of the bell that their participation signals a spelling in MAD Theatre’s mistake. presentation of The Zeitler said, “As 25th Annual Put- You will not want to miss the opportunity to en- music director, I nam County Spell- joy a fun evening out in downtown Tampa to see am responsible for ing Bee. The show is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, teaching the music being presented in presented by MAD Theatre in the Shimberg Play- to both the singers house at the Straz Center for Performing Arts. the Shimberg Playand the band while house at the Straz Center for the Perform- also shaping the musical choices and direcing Arts in downtown Tampa until Satur- tion of the show. During performances, I day, February 10. play the lead piano part while also conductMAD Theatre is a nonprofit theater or- ing the live band. Musically, this show is reganization run by volunteers. MAD Theatre ally unique and interesting and has many brings theater to the stage at an affordable musical surprises. Music directors are at price. Tickets to the show are just $28. most rehearsals and every performance, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling constantly tweaking the singers, the band Bee is the first show in MAD Theatre’s 25th and the sound to make the show really Anniversary Season. The show is directed come together.” by Casey Vaughan, a resident of Riverview. Ray said, “In the show, I play Olive OsMusic direction is by Gibsonton resident trovsky. She is ambitious and smart and Megan Zeitler. The artistic director for so endearingly awkward. I think a lot of MAD Theatre is Tony Gilkinson, who is from people can relate to her in that sense, espeRiverview. cially myself.” Ray added, “As someone who Local actors include Richard Brown from is relatively new with MAD, it is really nice the Riverview area and Gabrielle Ray from to see a community theater that has been Brandon. around and doing well for 25 years. I think The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling it is so important to have that kind of comBee features an eclectic group of six mid-pu- munity for people to get together and use bescents who vie for the championship of their free time to do something that they a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilari- are passionate about that makes them hapous and touching stories from their home py.” lives, the tweens spell their way through a For more information, visit https:// series of potentially made-up words, hop- madtheatre.com/.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 22, Issue 2

Over $20 million in sales in 2023 RE/MAX Hall of Fame, Top 1% among all agents across Tampa Bay Certified Luxury Home Specialist 32-year resident of Riverview “I live here. I love it here. And I sell here like no one else!”

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A backyard canal near the Alafia River mouth welcomes you to this non-deedrestricted 1/4 acre -- which offers a large storage building in addition to its home with new interior updates & 2-year-old AC! A screened lanai overlooking the water, as well as the open design of the 2-bed / 2-bath home, really makes it "live larger" than 1,300 SF. Two main living / dining rooms flank a kitchen upgraded with white-wood cabinets, granite counters, undermount sink, tile backsplash & stainless-steel appliances. Both bathrooms feature similar granite & wood improvements, & all floors including the lanai are tiled. The garage is oversized behind a single-bay door, & a horseshoe drive allows easy trailering. $490,000

Get 2,900 SF built for family flexibility with this pool home in the single-street enclave of Creekview! 4 big bedrooms & 2 baths flank an upstairs bonus, then a 3rd full bath with pool access is beside a 1stfloor office that could be another bedroom. The back yard is fully fenced. $499,000 In Bloomingdale, along a non-through circle street, this 2,000-SF 4/2/2 has a brand-new roof, new paint inside & out, a backyard privacyfenced in white vinyl & a big, screened lanai that faces north so you avoid those direct rays at both sunrise & sunset. New to the market this month! $399,900

Email: annmarievaughan @verizon.net Web: annmarievaughan. realtor

This 2,430-SF 4/2/2 pool home has a long list of improvements in the last 5 years, from roof & outside extras to AC & interior amenities. It’s on a fenced 1/4 acre in Boyette Springs, a nofee neighborhood with a playground park & fine elementary school near countless conveniences in Riverview. $484,900 Yet another improved from roof to floors, this villa with no rear neighbor in sight is move-inready in Sun City Center! A 240-SF Florida room helps it live larger than its listed 2-bed, 2bath, 1,714 SF. Enjoy low-maintenance life in a cul-de-sac where $100 monthly covers yard & water. $299,999

Like its neighbor at left, this 2,060-SF 4/3/2 pool home has 4 years of updates! Plumbing was repiped in 2020, AC replaced in 2021, ductwork redone in 2022, & a new roof is just ahead in 2024! The screened & stone-pavered pool lanai is on a fenced 1/4 acre in no-fee Boyette Springs. $469,900 With a pond view in back & a park view in front, this maintenance-free villa gives you a standout spot along its singlestreet enclave in Rivercrest! An open design & screened lanai help the 3/2/2 live larger than its listed 1,521 SF. New carpet, also new fridge among stainless-steel appliances. $299,900