Riverview/Apollo Beach
30
January 2022
Volume 20, Issue 1
SEE ARTICLE ON PAGE 34
Ph: 657-2418
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
MOSAIC AND THE TAMPA BAY BUCS HOMETOWN PAPER CELEBRATES 20 JOIN FORCES TO HELP THOSE IN NEED YEARS OF POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS By Libby Hopkins
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
The Osprey Observer team gathers in 2016 for the 15th anniversary ribbon cutting.
A major milestone has been reached for the award-winning Osprey Observer Community Newspapers as we print our 20th anniversary edition on Wednesday, January 5. The newspaper has been publishing local, positive community news in the Southeastern Hillsborough County area since January 5, 2001, and we couldn’t have done it without the commitment and dedication of its readers and advertisers. The Osprey Observer started out as a home-based business with a one-sheet newsletter and has grown into a corporation publishing more than 200 pages in five monthly editions with a team of more than 25 people. The main goal when we started was to make an impact on the local community. Our idea was to get involved and to make a difference in whatever ways we could. We recently purchased a larger office space on Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico with room for team members to meet and run the day-to-day operations of the publication. As a community newspaper, we find that this is what sets us apart and keeps our readers interested as we cover the news. We are supported 100 percent by local small businesses who keep us a free community newspaper and allow us to print and direct-mail our editions each month. Without the support of these businesses, we wouldn’t have the staff to send to cover community events nor the community office to be the hub of local information. “My sixteen-year experience with the Osprey Observer has allowed me to integrate into my community in a very special way,” said Kerrie Hoening, FishHawk/ Bloomingdale & Valrico Sales. “The connections I’ve made [have] allowed me to build lasting relationships and friendships. I’ve also found many ways to take part in
and support local Brandon-based charities. The heart of this team is to support our residents, our local businesses, our charitable organizations and our community, and I have been very proud to be a part of the Osprey Observer for these past years.” In addition to concentrating on our main business, publishing newspapers that people read, we also have been active in our local chambers and encourage businesses to not just join but actually get involved and attend events. Just in the last year, we have been recognized for our community involvement in many ways. Managing Editor/Publisher Marie Gilmore was named the 2019 Citizen of the Year for Riverview and the Osprey Observer was named the Valrico/ FishHawk Chamber Business of the Year, Brandon Chamber Business of the Year and Riverview/Apollo Beach Chamber Small Business of the Year Finalist in 2019. The best advice we can give any small business owner is to find your niche in what you do best, be the best, treat every customer like your absolute best customer and follow the general small business rules that will set you apart: Be On Time, Send a Thank-You Note, Follow Up, Stick to Your Core Business and Do Your Best Every Time. If it weren’t for our loyal readers and avid business supporters, we couldn’t do what we do in the community. So, from the entire Osprey Observer & Christian Voice Monthly teams, we thank you!
IN THIS ISSUE: SURPRISE PATROL................................PG 3 TROOP 61 BBQ......................................PG 10 EYE ON BUSINESS...................PGS 25-26 SPORTS ....................................................PG 38
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Mosaic and the approxiTampa Bay Bucs mately 300 are dedicated to families in helping the comthe area.” munities where In addithey live, work tion to the and play. The two pantries, organizations reMosaic and cently joined forcthe Bucs will es to help those in also support need in their comFeeding munity by formTampa Bay ing the Tackling through Hunger Fueled by food drives Mosaic program both with and holding a their emMosaic and the Tampa Bay Bucs recently held a food food drive in Rivployees and drive in Riverview. erview. their com“Mosaic is dedicated to supporting the munities. communities where we live and work, and “Recently, we hosted food drives for this partnership is just one way we hope to Mosaic employees in the Riverview commake lasting positive impacts in the com- munity and at Raymond James Stadium,” munity to fight food insecurity,” said Karla Guzman said. “All three partners, Mosaic, Guzman of Mosaic. “According to Feeding the Bucs and Feeding Tampa Bay, believe Tampa Bay, one in four children are food that it truly does take a team to tackle insecure in Tampa Bay. This partnership food insecurity. We are proud to be able represents our continued commitment to to come together but also proud of how help those in need by removing barriers our neighbors and Bucs fans have contribfor children to thrive and succeed. By im- uted.” proving access to healthy and nutritious Mosaic and The Bucs love giving back to food, we are helping to fuel better learn- their communities. ing, development and overall wellness “All of our employees who have helped components critical for future success.” so far in this partnership have expressed The Tackling Hunger Fueled by Mosaic joy and pride in being able to give back to program is a long-term partnership be- our communities,” Guzman said. “Hunger tween The Mosaic Company and the Tam- is a year-round issue, but the holidays are pa Bay Buccaneers to open food pantries especially tough. Mosaic has an engaged annually in communities in need. workforce who not only supports this “To help fund this partnership, both Mo- partnership but supports many organisaic and the Bucs will donate $10 each, at zations throughout the Tampa Bay area. total of $20, for every tackle made during This is our home. This is our community. the regular season,” said Guzman. “Our This is where we raise our children. We all partner to help build and manage these live here, so to be able to be in a position pantries is Feeding Tampa Bay. Not only where we can each volunteer or donate, if are they a longtime partner of Mosaic, but we can help, we feel like we should.” they have the expertise to build, manage If you would like to learn more about and sustain the pantries. The first pantry the Tackling Hunger Fueled by Mosaic opened at Broward Elementary School in program, you can visit Mosaic’s website at Seminole Heights in October and serves www.mosaicco.com.
By Marie Gilmore, Publisher
More than 300 basket and sports balls were donated to YMCA Camp Cristina in December after a successful Beards & Bands for Bradley fundraiser to benefit the BH3 Foundation which provides financial support, in memory of James Bradley Hulett II, who tragically lost his life in December 2019 at the age of 15, for youth basketball players, teams, and organizations within the Tampa area. Organizers of the event were Beard MOBB Florida and Just 1 Person Can. Visit www.bh3fund.org
1 31 22 OO2022
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
January 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
WANG JOINS TEAM AT COUNTY UF/IFAS RESEARCH CENTER Staff Report A new face recently tomatoes, strawberries, started working at the ornamental plants and Gulf Coast Research and other specialty crops Education Center in Hillwith more efficiency and sborough County. precision. Kevin Wang trained He’s already using as an engineer and gave ground and aerial imaglittle thought to agricules (via unmanned aerial ture. But then, life took a systems, or drones) to few turns. help plant breeders zero Born in Tianjin, China, in on the phenotypes— Wang was raised in an or visible characterisurban area and went to tics—they seek. Through the China Agricultural phenotypes, plant breedUniversity in Beijing. He ers can select desirable lived in Beijing for sev- Photo courtesy of Kevin Wang, UF/IFAS. traits and ultimately proen years. Kevin Wang recently joined the team at vide growers with new In college, Wang the Gulf Coast Research and Education plant varieties. learned to be a softThe University of FloriCenter in Hillsborough County. ware engineer. He da is making artificial inearned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees telligence the centerpiece of a major, longand never seriously considered studying term initiative that combines world-class abroad, but a summer camp at the Univer- research infrastructure, cutting-edge resity of California, Davis in 2007 changed search and a transformational approach to his mind. Through that experience, he chal- curriculum. UF is home to the most powerlenged himself to work harder and make ful, university-owned supercomputer in the life changes. nation, according to rankings just released Wang started at the UF/IFAS (University by TOP500, contributing to innovative reof Florida Institute of Food and Agricultur- search and education opportunities. al Sciences) Gulf Coast Research and EduThe mission of the University of Florida cation Center on October 1. He joined UF/ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences IFAS because of the university’s vision of is to develop knowledge relevant to agriculbecoming an international leader in AI re- tural, human and natural resources and to search and applications. make that knowledge available to sustain “That vision matches my research at the and enhance the quality of human life. With intersection of plant breeding, ag engineer- more than a dozen research facilities, 67 ing and computer science. The diversity of County Extension offices and award-winspecialty crops in Florida also attracts me ning students and faculty in the UF Colas I could see a wider research space,” he lege of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/ said. IFAS brings science-based solutions to the Now that Wang works for UF/IFAS, he state’s agricultural and natural resources plans to use artificial intelligence to help the industries, and all Florida residents. For center’s scientists develop new varieties of more information, visit ifas.ufl.edu.
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SURPRISE PATROL VISITS LOCAL SCHOOLSBy Michelle Caceres Summerfield Eletary), Bernadette Lonmentary School secdon (Lomax Elemenond-grade teacher tary), Benigno Lopez Melissa Bondoc’s nor(Shield Middle), Karmally tranquil, orderly ian Rivera (Reddick classroom erupted into Elementary) and Lisa a cacophony of whoopDiTarando (McKitrick ing and hollering as Elementary). Hillsborough Education Teacher of the Year Foundation’s (HEF) ‘surfinalists include Trista prise patrol’ visited her Summerfield Elementary School second-grade Willard (Mendenhall classroom to alert her teacher Melissa Bondoc is one of five finalists Elementary), Sonya for Teacher of the Year. she had been selected Kelly (Tampa Palms as one of five Teacher of the Year finalists. Elementary), Laura Widerberg (Armwood “I’m honored to represent all of the excel- High) and Jennifer Price (Lanier Elementary). lent educators we have at this school,” said an Instructional Support Employee of the emotional Bondoc, who was presented with Year finalists include Faith Smith (Temple balloons, a gift basket and an oversized ticket Terrace Elementary), Steve Lunin (Sickles to January’s awards ceremony. High) and Anita Garcia (Mitchell Elementary). The surprise patrol consisted of represenShields Middle School Success Coach Betatives from HEF, Hillsborough County Public nigno Lopez, a finalist for the Ida S. Baker Schools and Suncoast Credit Union, along Diversity Educator of the Year, was emotionwith major sponsors of the individual awards: al when he learned the news. “Actions speak Amscot Financial and Caspers Company. louder than words and are caught and not Principal Carmine Alfano was not sur- taught,” he said. “We’re here to make a differprised that Bondoc was nominated for Teach- ence and be a light for our students.” er of the Year. “She’s the ultimate team player Category winners will be announced at the and always goes above and beyond what’s 2022 Excellence in Education Awards Cereexpected of a teacher,” he said. mony on Thursday, January 20 at the Straz Alfano said he receives plenty of positive Center for the Performing Arts. feedback from parents. “If it was up to parCasper’s Company (McDonald’s) Vice Presents, she’d have 80 students in her class,” he ident of Community Relations Bob Conigliaro, joked. founding sponsor of the program, is grateful Bondoc and 12 other educators and district to be a part of a program that celebrates staff were visited by the surprise patrol alert- teachers. Bondoc’s students gave a celebraing them they are finalists for the coveted ti- tory shout as Conigliaro presented each of tles of the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of them with a coupon for a free hamburger or the Year, Instructional Support Employee of cheeseburger. the Year and Teacher of the Year. For more information about Hillsborough Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year Education Foundation Awards, visit www. finalists include Kristine Kelly (Potter Elemen- educationfoundation.com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
WOMAN’S CLUB HOLIDAY LUNCHEON & EVENT UPDATE Staff Report “Christmas Time All lunIs Here” and “What cheons are Are You Doing $22, and New Year’s Eve” reservations are a couple of the and paysongs that the laments must dies of the Apollo be received Beach Woman’s by the FriClub (ABWC) were day prior to treated to at their the luncheon. holiday luncheon on For menu December 7, 2021 details and at Southshore Falls reservations, Clubhouse. contact BarOnce again, The bara DeOca East Bay Choral at 892-1219 Group performed or abw“Sounds of Time,” club2020@ directed by Brian The Apollo Beach Woman’s Club (ABWC) held its annual g m a i l . c o m . NeSmith. Nine- holiday luncheon on December 7, 2021 at Southshore Falls. To keep everyty-six ABWC members and guests, includ- one safe, the club asks that only vaccinating three counselors from Doby, Ruskin and ed ladies attend the luncheons for the time Apollo Beach Elementary Schools attended being. If you wish to learn more about the the festivities. Gifts were also donated by ABWC, information can be found at www. ABWC members for families in need cho- apollobeachwomansclub.com or by consen by the counselors from the schools and tacting Second Vice President of Memberthere was a silent auction of gift baskets ship Liz Pedersen at 777-8215 or kenlizpedwith all proceeds going to the club’s schol- ersen@msn.com. arship fund. The primary ABWC objectives are to proThe ABWC January luncheon will be back mote sociability among its members, work at Apollo’s Bistro, located at 6520 Richies toward the advancement of womankind Way in Apollo Beach, on Wednesday, Jan- and provide scholarships. uary 12. Longevity Awards honoring recipOne of the club’s biggest fundraisers is an ients who have been ABWC members for annual bus trip. The next bus trip is a Nash10, 15, 20, 30, and 35 years will be given ville Show Trip from Monday to Saturday, out. During the February 9 luncheon, Eric May 23-28. If you are interested in going Hughes, MA, MLS, literary liaison at Tampa on this trip, please contact Peggy Palmeri Free Library, will explain the county’s Adult at 586-255-5958. The ABWC is grateful Basic Literacy and English for Speaker to everyone who has attended an event of Other Language (ESOL) programs and or contributed to the scholarship fund and discuss providing women a second chance wishes everyone a safe, happy and prosperscholarship. ous New Year.
Volume 20, Issue 1
THE CROSSING CHURCH HOLDS THANKSGIVING FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Staff Report
touched as over 200 families received prayer and 50 individuals prayed to receive salvation in Christ.” According to O’Brien, this is the third year The Crossing Church has given out meals for Thanksgiving in commitment to its vision to be a church that is compassionately loving people. “This is the third year The Crossing Church distributed food to those in need for Thankswe’ve done this event and giving last year. Pictured left to right: Kevin from Lennar, Jackie from CRU and Hector, campus pastor of The Crossing Church at absolutely plan on doing more events like it,” he said. SouthShore. “We typically More than 550 try to get out families had dinner into the comon Thanksgiving munity eight thanks to a local times during church group. the year with On November 20, various types 2021, 80 leaders of outreach.” from The Crossing The schools Church, led by Pasinvolved in the tors Greg and Tadistribution mara Dumas, gathwere RCMA ered to distribute Academy, Cy11,000 pounds of press Creek food throughout the Academy, SouthShore region. Thompson Academy and Lennard High According to Joe O’Brien, SouthShore School. campus admin for the church, 550 full “Funds were collected in partnership Thanksgiving meals were handed out, with Lennar and CRU and the meals were including turkeys and boxes full of tradipurchased using what was collected,” tional Thanksgiving sides. said O’Brien. “The Crossing partnered with Lennar For more information on the church, home and CRU ministries to impact four which is located at 2409 E. College Ave. local schools and five surrounding comin Ruskin, visit wearecrossing.com or call munities with the love of God this holiday 626-0783. season,” said O’Brien. “Many lives were
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January 2022
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F SPORT ADDS PIZZAZZ TO LEXUS NX300H Leave it to Lexaudio, eco charge, us to shine in the outside temperacompact luxury ture, odometer and crossover segtire pressure readment. The add-on ings. Also standard of the F Sport are the dual auto Black Line to the AC, driver informaNX 300h makes tion center, power it even more fun adjustable heated/ drive, responding cooled front seats with quickness in and manual reany driving situcline/fold 60/40 ation while loadrear seat, leathLEXUS NX 300h (AWD) ed with luxury and tech er-wrapped steering wheel Tires: P225/60R18 goodies. Zero to 60 is an and shifter, eight-speaker Wheelbase: 104.7 inches impressive 9.1 seconds in premium sound and power Length: 182.3 inches Width: 73.6 inches this lively ride, which gets tilt/telescopic steering colHeight: 64.8 inches a standard blind spot monumn. Besides sport-tuned itor and rear cross-traffic Suspension: MacPherson strut suspension, the F Sport front, double wishbone rear alert for 2021. comes with aluminum pedSteering: electric power A 2.5-liter Atkinson als, a blue-stitched interior, Fuel capacity: 14.8 gallons four-cylinder engine that a heated steering wheel, Mileage: city 33, highway 30 cranks out 154 horsefront fog/cornering lights, a Weight: 4,180 pounds power at 5,700 rpm. The black headliner and more. Base price: $46,810 battery-powered electric Standard safety features Price as tested: $47,835 motor ups the total to 194 include dual front and side Website: www.lexus.com hp. It is mated to an ordiairbags, a side curtain airnary continuous variable bag, a driver knee airbag, a transmission, but drivers can pick the fol- front-passenger cushion airbag along with lowing modes: normal, eco and sport. During side-impact door beams, four-wheel antideceleration and braking, the vehicle uses lock brakes, electronic brake distribution regenerative decelerating to apply much of and brake assist, vehicle stability and tracthe wasted energy to recharge the hybrid tion control, a rearview camera, push-button battery. start, three-point seatbelts with pretensionThe familiar Lexus spindle grille with a ers and front and rear crumple zones. These stylish satin chrome trim is flanked by bi-LED are complemented by a pre-collision system headlights, while the blue tint in the emblem that detects pedestrians and bicyclists, lane and the penciled hybrid on the rear doors trace assist and departure alert and dynamic are a giveaway. Step into the well-lit and cruise control, all part of the no-cost Lexus airy cabin and you will quickly get cozy and Safety Sense. comfy in the plush semi-aniline leather seats. If you’re in the market for a compact luxA mouse-like, easy-to-use Remote Touch en- ury crossover with a forceful engine, decent ables the driver to toggle navigation, climate, gas mileage and plentiful creature comforts, audio and phone controls on the 8-inch touch the NX 300h fits the bill. The F Sport trim screen. A 4.2-inch TFT LCD screen displays factor adds even more thrill to the ride!
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Page 6
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
DESTINY QUALITY CARE OFFERS TRAINING DISNEY CONSERVATION HELPS GROUP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES STUDYING ENDANGERED SAWFISH By Tatiana Ortiz
A cooking class at Destiny Quality Care, LLC in Brandon.
Gibsonton resident Margaret Montgomery gave her passion for helping others a physical location last year. Montgomery founded Destiny Quality Care, LLC, an adult day life enrichment training program that provides training for daily life skills for people with disabilities. Located in Brandon on 4.8 acres of land, the center includes informing, educating, training and assisting its consumers to reach their goals and tasks that they have set before them. Prior to opening Destiny Quality Care, Montgomery worked in the health care field for more than 30 years and retired from the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center after 27 years. In addition, Montgomery is an allied health care instructor. For 13 years she has taught in the field of allied
health. She is also the author of a book called Professional Etiquette for the Workplace. Montgomery stated her reason for establishing Destiny Quality Care: “I saw the need that there are others who cannot afford funding to be able to attend these programs.” Currently, Destiny Quality Care has 14 clients, who Montgomery considers “precious gems.” The center offers a wide array of activities, such as cooking classes, nutrition wellness, career success, horticulture, soccer and much more. The center specializes in training its consumers in the arts of culinary and cake decorating. It also provides private parties for birthdays and more. Transportation is provided to the Brandon, Valrico, Plant City and other areas. Those wanting to help support Destiny Quality Care can look out for its yard sales, fish fries and car washes on the three consecutive Saturdays of each month. The next yard sale will be on Saturday, January 22 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. “Thank you to all who joined the vision of Destiny Quality Care, LLC,” Montgomery said. Destiny Quality Care is located at 711 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. For more information, visit www.destinyqualitycare.org, email destinyqualitycare@outlook.com or call 464-0828.
Staff Report
Calling all two newborn local fishing sawfish in spring lovers. Haven2021 on the worth Coastal beach in RedingConservation ton Shores. (HCC), based “We are very in Palmetgrateful for the to, has been support from awarded a DCF which algrant by the lows us to conDisney Continue to invesservation Fund tigate the use (DCF) to study of the region the endanby endangered gered smallsmalltooth sawtooth sawfish fish,” said Tonya Photo courtesy of Tonya Wiley. Adam Brame and Tonya (Pristis pectiWiley, president Wiley with the first sawfish tagged in Tampa Bay. nata) in the of Havenworth Tampa Bay region of Florida. Coastal Conservation and lead investigaThe DCF provides support to communi- tor for sawfish research in the Greater ty-led projects creating a healthier home Tampa Bay area. for people and wildlife. The fund has been “This funding is critical to our ability to supporting efforts in diverse communities continue our sawfish-related research efaround the world aimed at saving wildlife, forts and expand our public outreach and inspiring actions and protecting the planet education initiatives in Sarasota, Manatee, with more than $120 million distributed to Hillsborough, Pinellas, Hernando and Pasnonprofit organizations since 1995. co Counties.” HCC received DCF funding to support DCF grant recipients are selected based two years of work using field research and on their efforts to implement comprehenpublic outreach and education to collect sive community wildlife conservation procrucial information about the historical grams, stabilize and increase populations and current population of the endangered of at-risk animals and engage communismalltooth sawfish in the Greater Tampa ties in conservation in critical ecosystems Bay area, along with using local, state, around the world. federal and international policy initiatives If you ever catch or see a sawfish, to conserve and promote the recovery of please share the information by visitsawfish and their habitats in the United ing www.SawfishRecovery.org, calling States. HCC is nearing completion of three 1-844-4SAWFISH, emailing sawfish@ years of funding from the Save Our Seas myfwc.com or submitting the information Foundation, which allowed for the initial through the FWC Reporter app. investigation into the use of the Tampa Your encounter report just might lead Bay region by endangered sawfish, result- scientists to tag the next smalltooth sawing in the capture, tagging and release of fish in the Tampa Bay area.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
January 2022
HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA RESUMES IN-PERSON MEETINGS IN JANUARY
By Kelly Wise Valdes
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) was founded in 1979 and opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy and support. HLAA publishes Hearing Life (a quarterly magazine for HLAA members), holds annual conventions, produces the Walk4Hearing event and advocates for people with hearing loss. The mission for the local chapter of HLAA is to open the world of communication to a more active and rewarding lifestyle for the 260,000 people with hearing loss in Hillsborough County. According to Eloise Schwarz, steering committee leader of the Tampa chapter, there is no fee to join the support group. “However, we encourage membership with the organization, which supports our chapter,” said Schwarz. “All of the work done at the chapter level is led by volunteers.” The monthly HLAA meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. in person at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Sun City Center and via Zoom with captions. These in-person meetings had been suspended during COVID-19 and are finally resuming beginning on Tuesday, January 18. “Topics for the meetings range from hearing aids to safety, depending on the specialization of the speaker and their
expertise,” said Schwarz. Some of the upcoming monthly guest s p e a ke r s include Alaina Hodges from the Hearing Center, Don and Chris Guiley from A+ Hearing Center, Jeffery Merry from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Michael Zimmerman, RN, director of Emergency Services at South Bay Hospital. Schwartz encourages and welcomes people with hearing loss to attend a meeting to get invaluable information and fellowship with others in the community to learn about communication strategies, legal rights, safety and empowerment. “My goal is to help people,” she said. The meeting on January 18 will feature Barbara Kelly, executive director of HLAA, and will cover subjects related to the national chapter of HLAA, volunteers, advocates, updates on Medicare and over-the-counter hearing aids and the upcoming 2022 HLAA Tampa Convention. To register for the meeting, email debbe.hagner@gmail.com or text 727-271-0770. The meeting is free at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, located at 1239 W. Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City Center. There will also be a Zoom link available with captions. For more information, visit www.hlaascc.com
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JOB TRAINING PROGRAM TEACHES PUBLIC UTILITY JOB SKILLS By Brad Stager Competition for ket is creating a need workers skilled in to do more to develop technical and indusworkers with needtrial trades has Hilled skills and attract sborough County them to the county’s officials concerned workforce. about the ability to “There’s a high deoperate and support mand for those types the infrastructure of skills and comthat delivers essenpetencies out in the tial utility services, public as well as prisuch as treating and vate sector.” transmitting the local Jones added that water supply as well the new program is as building and mainneeded because of taining roads. Lyman Cowles is one of the many Hillsborough lack of career trainTo help maintain a County public utility operators and mechanics ing opportunities for workforce that can who support the local infrastructure, ensuring residents who want keep the water safe- clean drinking water and navigable roads for to learn a trade and residents. ly flowing through qualify for county util5,000 miles of pipes and traffic moving on ities positions, some of which are vacant busy roads, the county is partnering with because many longtime employees are reHillsborough Community College and Hill- tiring. sborough County Public Schools, as well Besides a steady paycheck, there’s anas private sector organizations, to train other factor that matters to Nathan Wade, workers in skills such as operating and who has made a career out of utility mainmaintaining waste and potable water sys- tenance operations. tems, geographic information systems and “We get a chance to serve the residents heavy industrial equipment. of Hillsborough County and provide a serJobs can range from repairing pumps vice they need,” he said. and electrical motors to operating remote The board of county commissioners cameras that survey hard-to-see infra- approved $500,000 for the program, an structure such as water pipes. expenditure that could help conserve tax The entry and mid-level technology dollars that would be spent on repair conpositions represent a sector of the job tracts with outside vendors. market that generates living-wage jobs “It saves us a lot of time and money to without needing a four-year college de- be able to do those internal repairs,” said gree, according to Ken Jones, the county’s Jones. The training program for new utilimanager of workforce development and ty workers is currently under development community stabilization. with a starting date to be sometime in Jones said a competitive recruiting mar- 2022.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
PUBLIC LIBRARIES CELEBRATES 2 MILLION DIGITAL CHECKOUTS IN 2021 Staff Report
Residents checked out e-books from local libraries more than ever before in 2021.
Residents have been reading digitally more than ever in the last year. Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative recently announced that it reached 2 million digital checkouts for the second year in a row. From January 1 to November 23, 2021, library customers borrowed two million e-books, audiobooks and digital magazines. Tampa-Hillsborough Public Libraries reached the milestone more quickly than it did in 2020, having already reached one million checkouts by June 15. Readers are turning to the library’s digital collection for their information and entertainment in part because of the ease and convenience of the libraries’ online platforms. Customers can access digital titles from the comfort of their homes through the Libby app and OverDrive. The public library system began offering digital magazines for the first time in 2021. While e-books and e-magazines are popular among library customers, e-books take the award for most downloaded item with over 28,000 e-books rented per week. For a complete list of library locations, holiday hours and information on how to apply for a library card, visit hcplc.org.
‘Top 5 Adult eBook Titles’ from January 1-November 23. 1. The Four Winds 2. The Midnight Library 3. A Time for Mercy 4. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue 5. The Last Thing He Told Me ‘Top 5 Adult eAudio Titles’ from Jan. 1, 2021-Nov. 23, 2021 1. A Promised Land 2. Greenlights 3. The Four Winds 4. The Midnight Library 5. The Duke and I: Bridgerton Series Book ‘Top 5 OverDrive Magazines’ in 2021 1. Us Weekly 2. HGTV Magazine 3. The Economist 4. Woman’s World 5. The New Yorker ‘Top 5 Young Adult Fiction Titles’ in 2021 1. Shadow and Bone 2. Midnight Sun 3. Six of Crows 4. A Court of Thorns and Roses 5. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Volume 20, Issue 1
SCHOOL BOARD VOTES FOR ELECTORAL REDISTRICTING By Michelle Caceres At a special-called resented by school Hillsborough County board member School Board meeting, Stacy Hahn of board members votDistrict 2 instead ed for a new electoral of Melissa Snively, redistricting boundDistrict 5’s school ary map. With severboard member. al different proposed Hahn, a gradmaps to choose from, uate of the Uniboard members votversity of South ed for ‘Map F,’ which Florida, where she means some residents earned a Ph.D. in now have a new school early childhood board member repreand special edusenting their interests. cation, was electHillsborough County ed to the school Public Schools’ Growth board in 2018. She Management departwas a professional Hillsborough County School Board members ment reached out to educator for more approved a new redistricting map. Hillsborough County’s than two decades, geographic information system (GIS) team with positions including public school teachto assist with providing the school board er, advocate, facilitator, professional develwith three scenarios for the reapportion- opment director, educational researcher and ment of the five districts. “The mapping university professor. Hahn knows that qualcriteria we asked the county to incorporate ity public education is essential to students includes community integrity (keeping com- and communities reaching their potential. munities together), population, maintaining Snively, who has represented District 5 for minority demographic balance and ethnicity seven years, said redistricting was inevitable breakdown,” said Superintendent Addison with population increases in her district. Davis. “Although I don’t want to lose constituFlorida Statute 1001.36 requires that ents to redistricting, I understand the need school board member districts be as “equal for reappropriation for equitability among in population as nearly as practicable” and board members,” said Snively. may only be amended in odd-numbered Board member redistricting does not, in years. The 2020 census data recently re- any way, impact school attendance zones leased indicated disproportionate growth and will not affect where a child attends in member districts over the past decade, school. thereby encouraging redistricting to achieve For more details about the approved map, greater equality between districts. visit www.hillsboroughschools.org. For more The newly drawn boundaries mean that information about Hahn, contact her secresome residents who live east of U.S. Hwy. tary at 272-4045. To contact Snively, call 301 and west of U.S. Hwy. 672 will be rep- 272-4053.
January 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
YE ROYAL KREWE OF CHARLOTTE DE BERRY WILL HOLD ITS 3RD ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT By Tatiana Ortiz auction, raffle baskets and a 50/50, along with contests such as longest drive, closest-tothe-pin and more. Pa r t i c i p at i o n prices vary; Individual Golf Tickets cost $100, 2021 golf tournament recipients with Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte de Berry. Hole SponsorGolf lovers may get that ship Tickets cost once in a lifetime opportu$100 and Foursome Golf nity to hit a hole in one at Tickets cost $380. Summerfield Crossings Golf With the upcoming tourClub in Riverview during Ye nament, Williams hopes to Royal Krewe of Charlotte de exceed what was raised last Berry’s third annual Scholyear, which was more than arship Golf Tournament on $12,000. A total of four feSaturday, February 19 with male students each received a shotgun start at 12 p.m. All a scholarship. The group proceeds from the golf touraims to award four female students for this nament will benefit local high school female tournament too. students who plan on entering into career In 2000, Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte de and technical fields through programs or Berry was established. The krewe consists community college. of a group of women from Apollo Beach, The first scholarship golf tournament be- Ruskin and points beyond and focuses on gan in 2018. Maggie Williams, captain of building community involvement by particithe Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte de Berry, pating in parades and dedicating talent, time shared how the annual scholarship golf tour- and fundraisers to benefit local charities. nament came about. “Overall, we are hoping for a wonderful “Our krewe thought of ideas on how we turnout,” Williams said. could get more out in the community and For those interested in participating, the get involved in fundraisers as well as char- deadline to register is Thursday, February ity events,” Williams said. “One of our board 10. members mentioned about a golf tournaVisit https://bit.ly/32d0blD. Summerfield ment,” she added. Crossings Golf Club is located at 13050 This tournament includes range balls, a Summerfield Blvd. in Riverview. To get tickgreen fee, a shotgun format, dinner and a ets, email Lisa Heil at lisa.heil@choicebenecart fee. It also will have awards, a silent fitssolutions.com or call 770-5746.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
TROOP 61 HOSTS ANNUAL TASTE OF SCOUTING BBQ FUNDRAISER
Staff Report
purchase new or upgrade existing camping equipment, repair our flotilla of canoes, offset the cost of summer camp, and provide Scout families assistance through scholarships in case of financial hardships,” Members of Boy Scout Troop 61 are getting ready for its annual Taste of Scout- said Zelatis. “We ing BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, Febrauary 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. want every young If you like barbecue and person to experience helping the community, mark Scouting. Also, a poryour calendars for Saturday, tion of the proceeds will February 5. Boy Scout Troop go to the Presbyterian 61 will host the fourth annual Church of Bloomingdale ‘Taste of Scouting’ barbecue to help pay for building event from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at and grounds maintethe Presbyterian Church of nance and incidentals.” Bloomingdale, located at 710 Scouts are involved E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Branin every aspect of event don. from preparing the This community-wide meats to serving the guests. event will include barbecue meals prepared “The night before, the Scouts will first by Scouts for customers to pick up and en- make the rubs and sauces,” said Zelatis, joy. The Scouts will also be explaining and “then they will trim and prepare the meats demonstrating various skills such as knot for smoking. Being that this is an overtying, camping demonstration, pioneering night cook, the adult leaders will man the and more. smokers while the Scouts camp out and “The event was first held in February sleep in preparation of the next day’s activ2019, and we have been holding it every ities. On the day of the event, they will be year since,” said Troop Committee Member serving food and setting up activities such John Zelatis. as knot tying, orienteering, fire building, This year, the meal will include a choice camping, backpacking, first aid and more of low and slow-smoked brisket, pulled so all our guests can see what Scouting is pork and turkey with potato salad, baked all about.” beans, a roll and drink. The meals are $18 To preorder a meal, visit https://2022tasif you preorder online or $20 at the door. teofscouting.eventbrite.com/ or www. “The funds raised will be utilized to help bstroop61.com and click on ‘Taste of Scoutlower Scout dues and registration fees, ing.’
Volume 20, Issue 1
RUSKIN LOCALS EXPAND THEIR COMPANY LATITUDES TOURS TO OFFER KAYAK AND BUS TOURS
By Lily Belcher
Latitudes Tours, a and cushioned five-star-rated comseating, among pany owned by Nanother amenities cy and Dave Lopez in offered on the Ruskin, offers locals boat. Guests will and tourists private, get to see wildlife, guided tours of the including dolphins Tampa Bay area. Its and manatees, on tours include kayak most tours aboard tours and boat tours kayaks and The that take guests Latitude Tours expanded to include kayak and bus Island Vibes. tours in addition to their boat tours last year. around the Tampa “Your tour beBay Estuary and gins with a relaxinto protected aring guided cruise eas to see sea life into the Little and the nature surManatee River, rounding the bay. which is part of “Our kayak tours the Tampa Bay are led by our lifeEstuary which guard, CPR and first is teeming with aid-certified kayak diverse wildlife guide Hailey. She’ll dependent on the share her extensive knowledge through an area,” explained Lopez. “You’ll also learn immersive experience as you glide through about our local history. Soon, the sun sinks the water on your own kayak. You’ll take over the horizon of the Gulf of Mexico, and an up-close and personal journey through you are treated to an unforgettable painted Tampa Bay Estuary where you will see and sky. You may even see dolphins frolicking interact with the animals and nature you en- alongside the boat.” counter,” said Nancy Lopez. Latitudes Tours offers lunch and sunset Guests can also ride their tour bus, that cruises that are perfect for birthday parties, will take them to various land attractions, anniversaries, or small wedding parties. In including E.G. Simmons Regional Park and February, its boat tour will be focused on shops at St. Armands Cir. couples with smaller rides of about 16 peoDave started the company with his wife ple for the two-and-a-half-hour ride. Its Valin October of 2018 after being inspired by entine’s Day tours feature love songs, choctheir own experience with boat tours on va- olate-covered strawberries and other small cation. They purchased a 36-foot boat, The desserts and a sunset at the end of the tour. Island Vibes, to carry 24 passengers on fully For more information or pricing, visnarrated tours led by Captain Dave. it latitudestours.com or email info@latiThe Island Vibes includes a sound system tudestours.com or call 641-1311.
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
January 2022
TD BANK OPENS SUN CITY CENTER-RUSKIN LOCATION
Staff Report
Residents have a bors thrive.” new option in bankAt the new ing in the Southstore’s opening, TD Shore area this Bank recognized month. TD Bank, Enterprising LatiAmerica’s Most nas for the incredConvenient Bank, ible work CEO Liz opened its Sun Gutierrez and her City Center-Ruskin team do in advostore, offering cating for economchecking and savic prosperity for ings accounts, Latinas in Tampa small-business Bay. checking accounts, Photo courtesy of Carole Groves, retail market “We were honmortgages, credit manager at TD Bank. TD Bank opened its Sun ored to present City Center-Ruskin location last month. cards, home equity a $10,000 grant lines of credit or loans and more. from the TD Charitable Foundation to According to Felipe Basulto, retail support the organization’s Entrepremarket president in South Florida for TD neuHER Program,” said Basulto. Bank, specialists are also available at this Basulto feels that TD Bank is different location, including mortgage loan officers from other banks due to its culture and and financial advisors. size. The new location, which is the 154th “We have the strength, scale and expeTD Bank store in Florida, is one of doz- rience comparable to the industry’s largens more planned across the region and est financial institutions but retain the throughout Florida over the next few size and personalized feel of a regional years. bank,” he said. “A key part of our culture “We’re passionate about contributing is our passion for our customers—we call to the local economy, about being trust- it ‘WOW!’—it’s about creating legendary ed financial advisors to our consumer customer experiences, having fun and and business customers and about hiring eliminating the things people don’t like local talent,” said Basulto. “Our commit- about banks. Our customers aren’t an ment to community is bigger than our account number. They are people with stores, our products and services or even goals and aspirations, and being the huthe dollars we give back. Our employees man bank means we know our customers pride themselves on showing up—for and they know us—and we’re supporting local fundraisers, community gatherings them on their financial journey.” and volunteer events. Community is very The bank is located at 3726 Sun City important to us, from our 8,000-plus vol- Center Blvd., Ste. 101 in Sun City Center unteer hours around Tampa Bay to giving and can be reached at 261-7764. To learn more than $1MM to local organizations more, visit www.td.com or find the bank that make our communities and neigh- on Instagram and Facebook.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
ALLURING AESTHETICS AND WELLNESS OFFERS THE COMMUNITY COMPLETE HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES
APOLLO BEACH AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY MAX COOL AC OFFERS FULL INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
Alluring Aesthetics we know you and Wellness offers will apprecicomplete health and ate our supewellness services to rior customer Riverview and the surservice,” Cunrounding areas. ning said. “Our “We are proud to ofprimary goal fer aesthetics services, is to take care medically supervised of you. We weight loss programs, are a womneurotoxins, fillers, faan-owned cials, various skincare Alluring Aesthetics and Wellness offers complete health and operatlines and platelet-rich and wellness services to Riverview and the surrounding ed company fibrin treatments,” said areas. Owner Christine Cunning’s goal is to make her proud to offer Owner Christine Cunour services clients feel their best again. ning. “We are very proud to offer VirtueRF to women and men from the ages of 16 and microneedling treatment. We are the only up. Parental consent is required for minors. aesthetics and wellness center in the area We are also proud to offer military, veteran that offers this state-of-the-art procedure. and student discounts.” This microneedling treatment provides Cunning feels that what makes her busi36 gold-coated needles of the Smart RF ness different from other aesthetics and precisely delivered to a specified depth to wellness businesses in the area is its size. provide immediate results. Over time, this “Because I am a small practice my paprocess will offer continued results and im- tients get direct access to me,” Cunning said. provement in a virtually pain-free process.” “I love making my clients feel and look their Cunning and her husband moved to Apollo best. Nothing makes me happier than when Beach from San Diego, California in October my clients see his or her results and smile.” 2020. Keeping things local is also important to “We picked Florida for the beautiful Cunning and her staff. “I believe that when weather, beaches and water access,” Cun- you shop local, you do far more than get the ning said. “Having worked in plastic surgery items you want quickly and conveniently,” for years I developed a passion for aesthet- Cunning said. “When you shop local, it actuics. Once we relocated to Florida, I decided ally stimulates the economy in our commuto open my own practice doing exactly what nity, helps benefit local schools and charities I love. That is how Alluring Aesthetics and and it even helps the environment.” Wellness was created. I have been open now If you’d like to learn more about the serfor about six months.” vices offered at Alluring Aesthetics and Cunning is open with her goal with her Wellness, visit www.alluringaestheticsfl. business. com or call Cunning at 753-9652. Alluring “We feel that you will find affordable and Aesthetics and Wellness is located at 13134 competitive rates for all of our services, and Vail Ridge Dr. in Riverview.
Max Cool the peace Air Conof mind ditioning of its cusis a famitomers. ly-owned “We ofbusiness run fer outout of its standing new office service in Apollo from the Beach, locatbeginning ed off Paseo of your Al Mar Blvd. service As a HVAC call to its c o m p a ny, compleMax Cool Air Conditioning offers installation and it offers tion,” acmaintenance of a variety of air conditioning products. air concording to ditioning/furnace installations, tune their website. “We are committed to the ups, maintenance programs, and safety customer experience and aim to exceed inspections to customers in the Tampa the expectations of each customer we Bay area including Lithia, Brandon and serve.” Valrico. Max Cool AC serves hundreds of cus“Max Cool Air Conditioning is a fam- tomers in Riverview, Brandon, Apollo ily-owned business and are proud to be Beach and other regions on the West one of Tampa Bay’s top AC companies. Coast of Florida and service all models Our goal has always been to provide the of air conditioning systems. While it is highest quality HVAC service, as well as a Ruud Pro Partner, its knowledge and exceptional customer service and sup- skills extend to other popular name port, to our customers—and we deliver brands, giving customers a wide range just that,” according to their website. of products they can have Max Cool AC The company was started by Kenneth to install, repair and service. Salch in the summer of 2019 and foundIt also services air purification sysed on family values, which they have tems, which have grown more popular extended to their employees and tech- due to the coronavirus. It provides sysnicians. Its technicians are licensed, in- tems from the APCO-X Fresh-Aire UV sured and dedicated to providing quality Light to Warrior IAQ products that reservice to Max Cool AC’s customers. duce odors contaminates within a home Max Cool AC ensures that its employ- air conditioning system. ees have been drug tested and have gone For more information on pricing and through a pre-employment background service options, visit maxcoolac.com. check before visiting customers. All em- To get a quote or ask questions, call ployees wear uniforms and use a compa- 590-4768 or submit a written request ny truck while making service calls for through their website.
By Libby Hopkins
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By Lily Belcher
January 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL-SOUTH’S INNOVATIVE PROCEDURE FOR HEART MONITORING Staff Report minutes and there is no pain or sensations during the readings. Implantation of the CardioMEMS does not interfere with a patient’s daily activities or other implanted devices such as a pacemaker or defibrillator. By detecting deviations in pulmonary artery pressure before symptoms occur, the heart failure team can determine if further St. Joseph’s Hospital-South is performing an innovative, non- action is needed by managing medications or devising other surgical procedure that can monitor patients’ pulmonary treatment options. CardioMEMS artery pressure and heart rate outside of the hospital. has shown to St. Joseph’s Hospibe effective in tal-South is performing an reducing heart innovative, nonsurgical profailure hospital cedure that can monitor admissions and patients’ pulmonary artery readmissions. pressure and heart rate outThe sensor is side of the hospital. designed to last The CardioMEMS™ Heart the lifetime of Failure System is a small, the patient and FDA-approved, wireless does not need leads, monitoring sensor that is batteries or replaceimplanted in the pulmoment parts. The sensor nary artery. The pulmonary is about the size of a artery moves blood from paper clip or coin. the heart to the lungs. “St. Joseph’s HospiThe sensor measures lung tal-South is utilizing the newest and best pressure that increases when the heart medical technology in the cardiovascular becomes too weak and stiff to pump blood space to serve our community with the effectively and can often detect irregularihighest level of care,” said Dr. Christopher ties before symptoms emerge or are expeBucciarelli, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South’s rienced by the patient. Patients can take daily sensor readings chief medical officer. Learn more about heart and vascular at home by lying on a special pillow and services at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South pressing a button on a home electronics by visiting https://baycare.org/hospiunit. Data readings are then transmitted tals/st-josephs-hospital-south/services/ wirelessly and securely to your heart failure team. The data readings only take a few heart-and-vascular.
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Volume 20, Issue 1
January 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
NEW AFFORDABLE RENTAL VENUE IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
By Libby Hopkins
The CelebraIt is advisable to tions Venue is in RSVP an event in the heart of the advance to secure Brandon commuthe date at the vennity. It is close to ue. “Once you have downtown Tampa, secured your date, Valrico, Riverview we start working and Apollo Beach. with other vendors, The Celebrations Venue is in the heart of the The room is beautisuch as decorator, Brandon community. It is close to downtown ful as it stands, or it catering companies, Tampa, Valrico, Riverview and Apollo Beach. can be transformed The room is beautiful as it stands, or it can be DJ and so on,” Frost by talented event said. “The Celebratransformed by talented event designers to designers to reflect reflect any theme or color scheme you desire. tions Venue provides any theme or color a list of our preferred scheme you desire. vendors upon bookTatyana Frost is ing the venue, or a the owner of the client may use their Celebrations Venue, own vendors for their as well as The Way special occasion.” 2 Dance. She is originally from Lithuania Flexibility of choosing the event space’s and moved to the United States in 2000. vendors or using a client’s own vendors is Her passion has always been performing one of the main benefits for many people and teaching ballroom dancing. choosing the venue. Frost takes special time After teaching ballroom dance lessons in and attention to her clients’ needs for the Brandon location for more than 12 years, events to go smoothly and in a timely fashFrost moved her The Way 2 Dance studio ion. “Serving the local clients and providing to Riverview. She decided to convert her the quality service is crucial for me as I alformer, newly remodeled studio in Brandon ways strives to be a caring and responsible into an event space to provide a place for professional,” Frost said. “My motto is there people to host various events. “It is so re- are many event venues in the area and even warding to know that hosting my clients’ though the business might be very competevents at the Celebrations Venue brings itive, there is always work for everyone dofamilies and friends together and adds hap- ing a great job. People might forget what I piness and joy in their lives,” Frost said. “The did or said, but they will always remember Celebrations Venue comes with a variety of the way I made them feel.” lights to bring out an event’s theme as well If you would like to learn more about the as to create a desired ambience in the ven- Celebrations Venue or if you’d like to set up ue; big mirrors across one long wall, dance a tour for the venue, you can visit Frost’s floor, built-in-the-ceiling Wi-Fi speakers, website at www.celebrationsvenue.com. tables and chairs for guests. There is also The venue is located at 610 Oakfield Dr. in a kitchenette and lots of parking spaces.” Brandon.
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QUALITY LIFE MASSAGE OFFERS SAFE AND RELAXING CARE TO THE COMMUNITY By Libby Hopkins life as well,” ForLeslie Forrester is the rester said. “Then owner of Quality Life MashapCOVID sage Therapy and a Rivpened, and I shut erview resident. She is a down not just for licensed massage therapist the state-manwho specializes in a blend dated six to of therapeutic massage eight weeks in therapy that is comfortMarch and April able to receive and cusof 2020 but for tomized to each individual 15 months, until client’s needs daily. were vaccines “Even when I was in widely available.” school, I knew that the Once again, the quality of life and the quality of the experience was Leslie Forrester is the owner of Quality Life Mas- quality of life became the focus sage Therapy and a Riverview resident. the most important conthat her pracsure make to wanted cept for me,” Forrester said. “If it was my and she clientele being as comfortable and relaxed tice would not be a vector for infection. “In May of 2021, I began practicing masas possible while receiving therapy that was effective yet not painful, I’d try to achieve sage therapy again, this time taking space a that with luxury linens, customized sessions block away from my old location inside The with a variety of techniques and incredibly Ancient Wisdom of Yoga on Gibsonton Dr. comfortable bolstering and cushions that in Riverview,” Forrester said. “It’s lovely and make it easy to lie face-down. If lying flat serene there, and it’s been a very positive is painful on your lower back, no problem; change, but I’m still focused on the comfort at the touch of a button, I can change the and safety of my clients and family. I’m seeangle and height of the table. My own qual- ing clients who are fully vaccinated or who ity of life was really enhanced by working have done same-day testing and am fully vaccinated. I have a weekly testing protocol for myself.” Forrester is trained in Swedish ther- and I use KF94 masks and have a HEPA venapy, deep tissue, neuromuscular/trigger tilation units running in the treatment room, point therapy, ACE Massage Cupping and the yoga studio and lobby. I post my weekly MediCupping VacuTherapies, myofascial re- test results on my business Facebook page lease, pregnancy massage, Bamboo-Fusion, and keep my personal social bubble very Tri-Release Therapy and so much more. “I tight and limited.” If you would like to learn more about started out renting space in the back of a hair salon in Brandon, but after a few years Quality Life Massage Therapy or if you’d like that closed, and I moved to the heart of Riv- to book a session with Forrester, you can erview and expanded, renting out rooms to visit her website at www.qualitylifemassagother therapists and helping their quality of etherapy.com.
CAC1820162
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
TERRIFIC KID BECOMES KIWANIAN HERSELF AFTER HERO GRANT
Staff Report
Karisya ‘Ysa’ Moran-Adames to fight food insecurity was first introduced to Kiwanis in the Brandon area,” 15 years ago, in 2007, when she she said. was honored as a Terrific Kid in Since graduating high second grade. school and attending “I was beyond ecstatic and college, she has conexcited to be recognized as a tinued her involvement Terrific Kid at Mintz Elemenwith the organization tary School in Brandon,” said that had given me so Moran-Adames. “At the time I much by stepping in to had no idea that this ceremony serve as the social mewould be one of many encoundia director and increasters that I would have with the Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero of Tomorrow presentaing club awareness Inducting a member at a volunteering event. Kiwanis Club of Greater Bran- tion. Photographed (left to right): Jim Powell, Dustie Amatangelo, online and by also inPhotographed (left to right): Eddie Jenkins, Mike Daigle, don, nor how much of an impact creasing her efforts in Karisya ‘Ysa’ Moran-Adames, Mike Daigle and Janet Daigle. Janet Daigle and Karisya ‘Ysa’ Moran-Adames. this organization would have on Project SonrYsa. awarded a total of the Kiwanians saw in me somemy life.” “Fourteen years after I was first named $50,000; $25,000 a Terrific Kid by the Kiwanis Club of GreatMoran-Adames is now a member of the thing that I wouldn’t recognize in was applied to her er Brandon, I officially joined the club as a myself for years—a leader. As I club that honored her. education and the Kiwanis member this fall,” she said. “The went on as the Key Club president “Fast forward to 2014, I was a shy other $25,000 to Kiwanis organization has truly been the for two more years, the Kiwanfreshman in high school looking for a way the organization of single most important factor in my life traians continued to support me and to volunteer and make a difference in my her choice. push me to be not only the best community,” she explained. “I was then jectory. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Bran“I, of course, don truly embodies the mission of improvKey Clubber but the best leader I reunited with the Kiwanis Club of Greater chose the Kiwan- ing the world one child and one community Brandon as we went on a journey to char- could be.” is Club of Greater at a time and has inspired me to help serve During high school, with the ter a Key Club at my high school.” Brandon to receive the children of the world. As a new Kiwabacking of the Kiwanis Club, MoIn her sophomore year of high school, the grant, and they nian, I can only hope that I can give back ran-Adames was recognized as Moran-Adames took on the position of Key have been able to to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon as a G. Harold Martin Outstanding Club president. Picture taken on January 25, use the money to much as they have given to me.” Key Club President two years in “I had no idea how to lead a club or to in2007 at Mintz Elementary in fund the Project a row for the Florida district and spire the Key Clubbers at my school to exTo learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Brandon; Terrific Kid ceremoSonrYsa program, Greater Brandon, visit https://brandonkia Tampa Bay Lightning Commuemplify the Key Club motto, ‘Caring—our ny. Photographed: Karisya named in my honor, wanis.org/. Moran-Adames. way of life,’” she said. “At the age of 15, nity Hero of Tomorrow, which
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
January 2022
Page 17
INPUT NEEDED FOR NEW WATERSET EVEY LOVEALL RECEIVES HER DREAM PRE K-8 SCHOOL NAME TO GO TO DISNEY WORLD FROM THE Staff Report CHILDREN’S DREAM FUND trict-wide support for the district. On Tuesday, February 8, the school board will consider all name recommendations that meet School Board Policy 7250 and vote on a school name. Residents are invited to recommend a name for the board to consider by filling out this brief survey by Friday, January 21 at https://bit.ly/UU-PK8. “This new school will engage Residents are invited to suggest names for the new Apollo Beach students with an internationalschool set to open in August. ly minded focus The school district of Hillwhile fostering a sborough County is looking love of education to the public to help name through a handsa new school. on, project-based The brand-new, state-ofapproach to the-art school is opening in learning,” said the Apollo Beach/Waterset Bergold. “The roarea in August 2022. This bust technology school will be under the on-campus will educational leadership of prepare students Catherine ‘Missy’ Lennard, for the 21st century while also offering who is no stranger to South County or Hills- them art, dance and other opportunities to borough County Public Schools. She started explore their creative side.” her educational career in 1993 teaching at To see if it is the right fit for their child, Cypress Creek Elementary School and then families interested in learning more about working as a reading specialist at Gibsonton the school can attend a meet and greet with Elementary, where she also attended as a Lennard on Thursday, January 6 at Lennard student. She is a proud graduate of East Bay High School, located at 2342 E. Shell Point High School. Rd. in Ruskin, in the cafeteria at 6 p.m. This Lennard also has experience opening new is an additional opportunity for the commuschools in Hillsborough County. In 2009, she nity to provide input regarding name options became the principal of Stowers Elementa- for the new Pre-K-8 school, learn about the ry, working closely with the builders, archi- school’s program offerings and ask questects and school district operations team to tions. Members of the design team, Wildcreate an A-rated school. er Architecture, and builders from CORE/ “The school is being built and the lead- HORUS Construction will also be present to er has been chosen, now the school needs share photos of the new school. a name,” said Lauren Egan Bergold, assisTo learn more about the school, visit www. tant manager of communications and dis- hillsboroughschools.org.
By Lily Belcher
Genevieve ‘Evey’ uled for March 15, Loveall, a student at 2020. The LoveFishHawk Creek Elealls planned to mentary School, was stay at Give Kids born with a congenThe World, a small ital heart defect 10 village in Central years ago. Although Florida for peshe was born with the diatric patients condition that has givvisiting Florida’s en her cerebral palsy, theme parks. Evey has learned to However, in adapt to her condition March 2020, Disand is already showney World had ing her passion for art closed due to and music. the coronavirus, “She’s just a happy postponing the kid, so things don’t trip. They had rereally phase her. She Genevieve ‘Evey’ Loveall, a student at Fish- scheduled once, kind of goes about Hawk Creek Elementary School, was born but it was canher daily life as any- with a congenital heart defect 10 years ago. celled again. Fione else would. Obvi- She recently had her dream granted by the nally, after a year Children’s Dream Fund. ously, there are chalof waiting, Lovelenges, but we don’t let them determine all’s dream was scheduled for December who she is … it’s just a part of who she 26, 2021. is,” said Evey’s mother, Ellie Loveall. Evey has maintained her independence In December of 2019, Evey was nomi- despite her condition with the help of nated by a Christina Shreeve, the moth- the teachers at FishHawk Creek Elemener of one of Evey’s classmates, to receive tary. They have been flexible in accoma dream from the Children’s Dream Fund. modating Evey in activities by modifying The Children’s Dream Fund is an or- the directions and tasks to make them ganization that fulfills the wishes of possible for her. patients 3-21 years old with life-threat“The school has been amazing at helpening illnesses. The organization aims ing her,” said Loveall. “The teachers have to give young patients “a much-needed been really good at encouraging her inbright spot in a child’s medical journey.” dependence but making sure there is After the nomination, the Children’s somebody to help her if she is getting Dream Fund worked with the Loveall frustrated.” family to plan the trip without putting For more information on the Children’s too much of the planning on the Lovealls’ Dream Fund or to donate, visit childrensplate. Evey’s dream is to go to Disney dreamfund.org or call 727-896-6390. World, which they had originally sched-
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Volume 20, Issue 1
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
January 2022
Page 19
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
HEATH WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC TREATS CLIENTS LIKE FAMILY
By Tatiana Ortiz
For more than 20 planning, education years, Heath Wealth planning, tax planManagement, LLC, loning and much more. cated in Brandon, has An array of products helped provide famican also be found lies the opportunity to here, such as bonds, make smart financial stocks, life insurance, decisions to achieve annuities and more. their most important Heath Wealth Mangoals financially. In adagement, LLC’s goal dition, Health Wealth would be to provide Management, LLC also superior client sercontinues to partner vice, sound investwith its clients to help ment and wealth adachieve these goals vice. with a personalized For example, Heath strategy utilizing its mentioned that established process Elijah Heath, president of Heath Wealth Man- many investors that the company agement, LLC and an LPL financial planner. make a New Year’s has refined over commitment the years. to get their fiIn August nances in order 2019, Heath or to set finanWealth Mancial goals for agement, LLC the year and became estabso forth can relished. Elijah Heath, who is the president ceive a second opinion at Heath Wealth of Heath Wealth Management, LLC and Management, LLC at no charge. To add, a LPL financial planner, had been serv- Heath also stated that people do have a ing his clients since 1999, which includes short period if they decide to contribute 15 years at Edward Jones. The focus of for the 2021 tax year before one loses the Heath Wealth Management, LLC would ability to do that, in reference to those inbe to provide financial advice to the quiring if they should contribute to their Greater Tampa Bay region with a special IRA or Roth IRA. This is a complimentary passion for the residents of the Valrico consultation as well. and FishHawk communities. “All in all, if someone has recently reHeath explained why he founded Heath tired or considering it, they should take Wealth Management, LLC. advantage of our complimentary consul“I saw a need within the community tation,” Heath said. that I could fill,” Heath said. For more information, visit https:// The types of services offered here in- www.heathwealth.com. It is located at clude financial planning, wealth man- 620 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. agement, estate planning, retirement Call 556-7171.
Saint Anne ~Mass Catholic Church Schedule~ ~Masses~ Vigil.....................................................................Saturday 4:30 p.m. Vigil Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday....................... 8 a.m., 10 a.m. 5 p.m. (12 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m., 10 a.m., & 5&p.m. (12:30 p.m. Spanish) Spanish) Monday-Friday......................................................8 a.m. & 128 p.m. Monday-Friday a.m. Wednesday............................ 7 p.m. Jueves.........................77 p.m. Wednesday & Jueves p.m.
Recorded Masses be viewed on the Anne website The Church will can be open weekdays forSt. private prayer (SaintAnneRuskin.org) and Facebook page. between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Reconciliation Tue. at 8:30am, Thurs. at 6pm, Sat. at 3:15pm and By Appointment. Reconciliation Thurs. at 6 p.m., Sat. at 3:15 p.m.
For more information, please check the St. Anne website. and By Appointment. Registration is now open for the 2021-2022 Faith Formation year.
For more information, the St. Anne website. Please call theplease office for check more information.
U.S. Hwy. 41 • 106 11th Ave NE • Ruskin SaintAnneRuskin.org • 813-645-1714
Volume 20, Issue 1
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PARTNERS WITH DELIVERXD TO OFFER ANTIBODIES TEST
By Libby Hopkins
delivery and more. As a locally owned and operated pharmacy, it devotes much of its time and effort to preventative and curative health care to ensure the wellness of the community. The goal is to provide easy access to therapy that places a high value on personal wellness and disease No-cost, at-home COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment is now prevention. available through the Florida Department of Health and DeliveRxd. “Once again, DelivNo-cost, at-home COVID-19 monocloeRxd Pharmacy has nal antibody treatment is now available stepped up to offer our region a service that through the Florida Department of Health is not offered in most other places around and DeliveRxd. the nation and world,” said Dr. Douglas Those who would like this option do not Holt, director of the Florida Department of have to be homebound or bedridden. Ad- Health in Hillsborough County. “In addition ditionally, DeliveRxd Pharmacy continues to being a convenient option, this also helps to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to those in reduce access issues.” Hillsborough and Pinellas. There is no outMonoclonal antibodies are like the antiof-pocket cost for those who choose the bodies your body makes to fight viruses and services. other bugs, but they are made in the labs of “We are excited to add this as an option pharmaceutical companies. for those in the region,” said William Parker, They’re designed to target the coronavipresident and founder of DeliveRxd Phar- rus spike protein. When the antibodies bind macy. “We aim to improve the health and to the spike protein, they block the virus wellness of every patient that we serve. We from entering your body’s cells. aspire to deliver the highest quality and If a person is already sick, monoclonal most comprehensive pharmacy health care antibodies prevent them from having seservices. Our commitment to integrity and vere symptoms that require hospitalization. improving the health and wellness of our If someone has been exposed, monoclonal patients will forever guide us.” antibodies can fend off the virus to prevent DeliveRxd offers convenient, zero-cost him or her from becoming sicka in the first prescription delivery throughout the Tampa place. Bay Metro area. At DeliveRxd Pharmacy, To schedule an at-home COVID-19 monoit specializes in services including preven- clonal antibody treatment or vaccination, tative health care, front-door pharmacy call 932-6266.
FINANCIAL FOCUS DON’T FALL VICTIM TO TAX SCAMS It’s that time of year, when we gather our W-2s, 1099s and all the other forms and documents we need to file our taxes. However, it’s also busy season for tax scammers. How can you avoid being scammed? Your chief defense, of course, is to recognize a scam. Here are some of the most common ones: • Tax-related identity theft – Some thieves might try to steal your personal information and file a tax return in your name, hoping to claim your refund. Always guard your personal data, especially your Social Security number (SSN). You can also apply to the IRS for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN). To succeed in their efforts, identity thieves would have to know your unique IP PIN in addition to your SSN and other information. And watch for signs that your identity has been compromised, such as the IRS rejecting your online return, saying that a tax return associated with your SSN has already been filed. If this happens, you can file IRS Form 14039 – Identity Theft Affidavit. • “Ghost” tax preparers – These individuals aren’t supernatural, but their actions can be pretty scary. A ghost preparer may finish your tax return but won’t sign it or provide a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PITN). This is a huge red flag, possibly indicating any number of bad actions, such as using fake information to generate a larger refund, and then charging you a fee based on that refund, or even worse, outright stealing the fee you’ve paid and then disappearing. Don’t sign your return until your preparer has also signed it and included their PTIN. And check your own return to make sure everything seems correct. To find a reputable tax preparer, ask your friends and relatives for referrals.
• “Phishing” emails claiming to be from IRS – You might receive emails that claim to be from the IRS but that come from scammers. These “phishing” emails might contain messages saying, “Your account or tax return is locked or restricted,” or, “You’re eligible to receive a tax refund.” Or the subject line of the email might contain a phrase such as “Automatic Income Tax Reminder” or “Electronic Tax Return Reminder.” These emails may contain links to a website that appears to be that of the IRS, but if you follow these links, you will be asked to open files that contain malware, which could give the scammer remote access to your computer and your personal information. But the IRS does not send unsolicited emails to taxpayers, it won’t discuss tax account information with you via email, and it won’t use emails to solicit sensitive financial and personal information. • Threatening phone calls – Tax scammers may call you, posing as IRS employees and demanding payment for back taxes, penalties or fees that you don’t owe. In reality, the IRS won’t call you if you owe taxes without first sending you a bill in the mail. Furthermore, the IRS will neither require that you pay your taxes a certain way, such as with a prepaid debit card, nor ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone. It’s unfortunate that tax scammers are hard at work, but by staying vigilant and getting professional help if you need it, you can help protect yourself from being scammed – this year and every year. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
edwardjones.com/adam-benabram
January 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
VALRICO COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO HELP QUEENA
By Libby Hopkins
Former Senator Ronda Storms recently held an event in Valrico to benefit Queena Nguyen, who was brutally attacked at the Bloomingdale Library in 2008.
Queena Nguyen, who was brutally attacked at the Bloomingdale Library in 2008, is considered to be a champion in the Brandon community, and recently residents came together yet again to help support her. “I remember, in 2011, Queena was set to lose the majority of her benefits on her 21st birthday when she aged out of child Medicaid services,” said Queena’s mother, Vanna Nguyen. “Former Senator Ronda Storms worked tirelessly on behalf of Queena, writing countless letters and having meetings with state agencies. Thank God for the help of Senator Rhonda Storms, Queena could be enrolled in the Aged and Disabled Adult Medicaid Waiver Program. So, she has been my hero and role model since then.” Storms recently held a fundraiser for Queena and her family at Gather & Seek Vintique in Valrico. “When Queena’s book first came out, I was hesitant to read it,” Storms said. “When I finally did, I was so inspired by the book, it was on my heart to do something, yet again
for Vanna and Queena.” Storms’ son, Gideon, also was curious about Queena’s book, The Life She Once Knew, as well. “When I told him what it was about and he read, he said we should do something for Queena,” Storms said. “I knew then that we needed to do something since the book inspired my son and I.” Storms contacted Gather & Seek Vintique’s Alicia Bingham, who agreed to host the book signing fundraiser for Queena and Vanna. “The host committee for this event approached several artists in the community, who donated art for the event,” Vanna said. “This was a wonderful event and the event raised $3,195, which has been a blessing for Queena. We are so thankful for Rhonda and everyone who came together for this event.” Vanna truly believes these community events help Queena in more ways than just financially. “The community comes together to help lift our spirit and continues to support Queena towards her recovery,” Vanna said. “I feel how much the Lord loves Queena and sees our family through the community. We feel strongly that it was God’s intention to encourage us and support our family through the love of our community.” To learn more about Queena’s book or to purchase a copy of it, visit Queena’s website at www.joinqueena.com.
Page 21
FISHHAWK SUPPORTS NAVY SEAL BRIAN BOURGEOIS’ FAMILY FOLLOWING TRAGIC LOSS
By Lily Belcher
Following the Command] tragic death and yet he still of Navy SEAL made time for and former his wife and FishHawk fahis kids and ther of five Brimade time for an Bourgeois, his communiFishHawk famty,” said Mcilies and Navy Millin. Football BrothMcMillin erhood are raisshared that ing money to when one of support BourBourgeois’ geois’ family. neighbors was Bourgeois was ill, he visited an active mem- Brian Bourgeois was dedicated to his family, community the family and and country while serving as a Navy SEAL. ber of the Fishhelped them Hawk community, involved with his kids’ with some home repairs, something Mcsports teams and supported his wife, Millin said was not surprising coming Megan, in her involvement with Seeds of from Bourgeois, who often helped his Hope. neighbors and the FishHawk community. “He touched everyone that he could “This guy was just a different guy … touch and everyone that came to the me- there’s only a few SEAL teams in the morial service had a story about Brian,” world and he went to Virginia Beach not said Brian McMillin, who was a friend of knowing if they would name him a team Bourgeois. “He was so close to so many commander, and they did. Up there, he people.” commanded almost 250 people [in] the While his dedication to his family and last year that he took command.” community was seen through his involveNavy Football Brotherhood reached ment in FishHawk sports, Bourgeois’ out to McMillin to organize a donation dedication to his country was evident in for Bourgeois’ family following his death his work with the Navy in his 20 years during a training exercise. Bourgeois had of service. Bourgeois applied to the Na- recently attended its alumni game in the val Academy and played for its football fall and maintained a close relationship team for four years. He then commis- with his former teammates. sioned as an officer in the Navy before “Ultimately,” said McMillin, “all these applying to Navy SEAL school in Virgin- people, and all these donations, just want ia. Bourgeois was named Commanding to make it to where Megan … is just able Officer of SEAL Team Eight, responsible to continue what they knew as normal.” for leading around 250 SEALs. To donate to help Bourgeois’ family, “This guy had the busiest job out of visit Navy Football Brotherhood’s Face[the United States Special Operations book page @NavyFootballBrotherhood.
Page 22
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
CIRQUE ITALIA COMES TO BRANDON
Staff Report
Have you ever are after his treadreamed of going on sure and claim it an epic pirate advenfor himself? You’ll ture and discovering have to see the a buried treasure? show for yourself Cirque Italia is giving to find out. you the opportunity Manuel Rebecto come along on a chi, president and thrilling quest in the owner of Cirque brand-new producItalia, is tremention coming to dously proud of Brandon from Fri- Cirque Italia is bringing a brand-new production to his circus heriday to Wednesday, Brandon from Friday to Wednesday, January 7-17. tage and feels exJanuary 7-17,. tremely privileged to be able to share it with An exhilarating expedition in search of pi- you in such a fun and memorable way. rate booty, Cirque Italia has sought to bring Cirque Italia continues to contribute to a high-class experience to audiences all over the modernization of the performing arts the United States since its inception in 2012. and the circus industry by abiding by a strict The story begins with Ringmaster ‘Clown animal-free policy and is enforcing all recRafinha’ fishing when he unexpectedly catch- ommendations set forth by the CDC and es a bottle with a treasure map stuffed in- local municipalities. side. His ensuing journey takes the audience The show will take place under the white through storms on the high seas, dreams of and blue big top tent at 459 Brandon Town angelic aerialists, pirate fights and more. Center Dr., near the grass lot by Dillard’s. You will see swashbucklers balancing upside Tickets may be purchased at www.cirquedown on a rum barrel, juggling knives and italia.com/tickets or by phone at 941-704even one having a run-in with a mermaid. 8572. The box office opens on-site on TuesYour jaws will be dropped, and you will be day, the week of the show, and is open from hanging on the edge of your seats with its 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on days with no scheduled suspenseful crossbow act and its danger- show and from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on days with ous Wheel of Death performances. Try not scheduled shows. to flinch and look away if you don’t want For more information, visit www.cirqueto miss any of the excitement. Will Clown italia.com and make sure to check all social Rafinha finally defeat the other pirates who media accounts. Residential • Commercial Exterior Repaint Specialists License #L20000250797
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Volume 20, Issue 1
ALAFIA DRIVING ACADEMY PREPARES NEW DRIVERS FOR THE ROAD
By Taylor Wells
much more. Plus, they can prepare you for the DMV driving test and help you pass it easily. “I like to think that we set the standard for driving schools. New, high-end, maintained cars. Internal and external dash cams, GPS tracks of where we went, after-lessons reports to the parents after every trip. Back when we started, none of the other schools did any of that. I’m not sure what the other schools cost these days, but I know we cost. I like to think that the parents get their money’s worth when they book Brandon Anderson, a driving instructor with Alafia with us,” said Founder and Owner Cole Driving Academy, standing next to his white 2019 Dolmseth. Mazda CX-5. “CommunicaFor those who are tion is key; we seeking professionare on time. If al driving instructors we are runthat can come to you, they’d have a hard ning late, we’ll let you know. If you call us time finding ones better than Alafia Driv- and we can’t get to the phone, we will call ing Academy. The local company has been you back. If you have questions, I’ll answer around since 2013 and provides services them the best I can—or find out for you.” from Sun City Center up to Mango, coverLessons come in several packages and ing Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Riverview, Fish- can be personalized to what you need. The Hawk, Valrico, Brandon, Western Plant academy recommends a 10-hour package, City, Dover and Seffner. but you can also get more lessons, includTelling from personal experience, the ing its 20-hour package. Plus, it has lessons instructors are top-notch. Even on the for manual transmission/stick driving, a first lesson while driving in the rain, the 3-in-3 driver course for the three-crashesinstructor had no issue providing instruc- in-three-years law and extra lessons even tion. They’ll calmly communicate what you after getting your license. should be doing, let you know what you’re Alafia Driving Academy offers free pickdoing well, explain how to improve and up at homes in its service area. It is also cover all the bases so that you have a solid looking for new instructors; if you want to grasp on safe driving in no time. teach driving and want a fairly flexible job, Things that the instructors will do in- be sure to contact the academy. clude starting by practicing the basics in Visit www.alafiadrivingacademy.com or a neighborhood and later driving on back www.linkedin.com/company/alafia-drivroads and highways, going for longer dis- ing-academy, email info@alafiadrivingtances in traffic, changing lanes, doing academy.com, @AlafiaDrivingAcademy or U-turns, parking to the left and right and call 438-9712.
January 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
WE are OPEN Year Round but We Know YOUR Roof May be Closed for the Holidays... Call Us Today to Schedule Your Roofing Needs for 2022!
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T&J Painting, owned by locals Tony and Jen Friedrichsen, has just celebrated its first anniversary
Photos courtesy of Gerardo Luna Photography
22 Moons Antiques & Tea Room Porch opening
Greenbrook Medical of Seffner is located at Lakewood Market at 11200 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Ste. 107 in Seffner.
does. For your free paint from a $2,500 Pediatric Mobile Clinic Brings estimate from T&J Painting or for more in- starter car to a $100,000 Lamborghini Gal- cines and more. Health Care To Your Doorstep Greenbrook Medical of Seffner is located formation, you can reach them by phone at lardo LP570 Performante. Dr. Joonie’s Examinavan, a mobile pediatric clinic, strives to work with parents in the local community to improve the lives of pediatric patients and their families. They provide advanced nursing clinical expertise to parents and work with other health care professionals in the community to help provide the best care for even the smallest members of the community. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joonie or for more information, call 5513399 or visit the website at www.drjoonies. com.
T&J Painting Celebrates First Anniversary
T&J Painting, owned by locals Tony and Jen Friedrichsen, has just celebrated its first anniversary with a get-together, including snacks and door prizes. T&J Painting provides superior, all-encompassing customer service to both the residential and commercial painting industry. It prides itself on being family-owned with family values and a high-quality work ethic being the motivation behind all that it
The new auto services and sales business, 723-9124 or visit its website at www.tandwith a remodeled lounge area, is located jpaintingfl.com. at 3618 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico, just a Double Eagle Auto Center And Niche half-mile south of Bloomingdale and next to Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. Contact info to Auto Finders Opening Soon Double Eagle Auto Center (formerly Car ‘talk clean cars’ like BMWs, Jaguars, Lexus, Wash on the Greens) and Niche Auto Finders, Mercedes, Hondas, Fords and more is 416Inc. is opening soon in Valrico. The oil change 7224. Visit www.nicheautofinders.com for services offered within the old fast lube shop more information, or stop in and look around. will now focus solely on the highest quality oil brands and premium synthetic; full-service Greenbrook Medical Celebrates specialty mechanical is also part of the expan- Ribbon-Cutting sion. Greenbrook Medical has been delivering The new owners have brought together a high-quality, personalized primary care to secarefully selected, pre-owned inventory of niors with Medicare Advantage in Tampa Bay distinctive vehicles as well. “Our goal is to of- for 30 years and recently celebrated the ribfer an impressive selection of top-quality pre- bon-cutting of a new clinic in Seffner. It offers owned cars and trucks at the most compet- the highest-touch service you’ll find from your itive prices in the nation,” said Aaron Bleich, doctor—you’ll always see your board-certiowner of Niche Auto Finders. Sam Shore, also fied doctor. It offers same-day appointments, an owner, is a truck connoisseur, but he still same-day referrals to specialists, low wait loves to jump in a hot rod when he’s not haul- times, convenient on-site services and treating a trailer or building materials. Niche Auto ments like lab services, EKG, PFT, skin cancer Finders strives to offer cars for every budget, biopsies and treatments, joint injections, vac-
at Lakewood Market at 11200 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Ste. 107 in Seffner. For more information, visit www.greenbrookmedical.com, follow at www.facebook.com/ Greenbrook-Medical-225419642808550/ or call 443-3399.
CORA Physical Therapy Launches Riverview Location
CORA Physical Therapy brings trusted, highly skilled clinicians to the Riverview neighborhood, and it’s ready to introduce you to the industry’s most advanced treatments. The Riverview clinic provides treatment for general orthopedic and sports injuries, post-COVID care programs, geriatric rehabilitation and occupational therapy. CORA Physical Therapy is laser-focused on superior outcomes. CORA Physical Therapy is located at 11420 U.S. Hwy. 301 S. in Riverview. For additional information or to make an appointment, visit its website at www.coraphysicaltherapy.com or call 405-4383. Continued on Next Page...
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED... 22 Moons Antiques & Tea Room pressure, peripheral neuropathy, depression, anxiety and post-cancer treatment, to name a Opens The Porch 22 Moons Antiques & Tea Room recently celebrated the grand opening of The Porch. 22 Moons hand-selects each item because of its beauty, uniqueness and quality. With the new addition of the tearoom, it has combined its customers’ love for both the antique shop and the tearoom, which has led to a blended name and spirit. 22 Moons Antiques & Tea Room is located at 3102 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. For more information, visit www.22moonsantiquesandtea.com or call 278-5213.
A.C.T. Massage Of Lithia Opens
few,” said Niccum. For additional information, visit its website at www.massagebook.com/ biz/ACTMassageoflithia, call 356-9703 or email actmassageoflithia@gmail.com. Mobile massage options are also available.
Meticulous Jess Marketing Agency Celebrates First Anniversary
Meticulous Jess is a Tampa-based, full-service digital marketing agency owned by Jessica Edwards. It focuses on helping businesses achieve their goals, generate leads, improve customer retention and establish a recognizable brand. To schedule a consultation or for more information, call 822-9884 or visit www.meticulousjessmarketing.com.
FishHawk resident Jean Niccum, who is a registered nurse and has over 30 years of experience in the health care field, recently started Scuba Dive Riverview Opens A.C.T. Massage of LithScuba Dive Riverview, owned ia, located at 411 Lithia by Jorge Roman, recently opened Pinecrest Rd., Ste. 411 at 6520 U.S. Hwy. 301, Ste. 103 in in Brandon. It provides Riverview. Scuba Dive Riverview relaxing and therapeutic is your local store for scuba diving massages to help clients Jean Niccum, owner of A.C.T. gear, plus it offers different levels Massage of Lithia. achieve health and well-beof classes from entry to advanced, ing using techniques that promote relaxation all capped at eight students. It also offers and healing holistically. “Studies have shown PADI Divemaster and SSI Assistant Instrucmassage therapy to produce positive results tor courses that will help you begin your career when used as an adjunct to help individuals as a professional diver. For more information, manage common ailments such as high blood visit www.diveventuresscuba.com. Residential • Commercial Exterior Repaint Specialists License #L20000250797
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Volume 20, Issue 1
LOCAL MILITARY HEROES RECEIVE ALL-TERRAIN WHEELCHAIRSStaff Report his left leg in February 2019. He was also awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during combat. Freedom Alliance President Tom Kilgannon presented the customized chairs to Flores and U.S. Army Corporal James Donaldson, a Zephyrhills resident and Purple Heart recipient. “Each of these heroes have made incredible Photo courtesy of Photos FLA sacrifices for our country Freedom Alliance President Tom Kilgannon presents an all-terrain and their sacrifice must wheelchair to U.S. Army Corporal Jonathan Flores on November 19 never be forgotten,” said at Veterans Memorial Park in Tampa. Kilgannon. “We hope A local hero received recognition and these chairs help allevimore from a military support organiza- ate the pain from their wounds and protion last month. vide comfort as our troops use them to Plant City resident U.S. Army Corporal access Florida’s beautiful beaches and Jonathan Flores was one of two wounded join in other recreational activities that local veterans who each received a cus- would not be possible without the assistomized all-terrain wheelchair from Free- tance of a chair like this,” he concluded. dom Alliance during a double donation Freedom Alliance is a charitable orgapresentation last November at the Iraq nization providing support to wounded Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park in troops and military families in a variety Tampa. of ways. The group has awarded more Following the 9/11 attacks, Flores was than $20 million in college scholarships inspired to serve his country and enlisted to the children of heroes killed or disabled in the U.S. Army in 2005. On July 4, 2007, in military service and spent millions while conducting combat patrols, his ve- more helping injured veterans and their hicle was hit with a pressure plate IED families with recreational therapy, Heand small arms fire. He was transported roes Retreats, care packages for deployed via medevac helicopter and transferred troops, mortgage-free homes, all-terto Walter Reed National Military Med- rain wheelchairs and much more. ical Center, where he medically retired Learn more about Freedom Alliance in September 2008. The wounds he sus- at freedomalliance.org or facebook.com/ tained in 2007 led to the amputation of FreedomAlliance.
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January 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Fishing in Tampa their winter Bay right now can be haunts; howfun but annoying with ever, when the the low tides and wind typical seaeffect. Understanding sonal winter the weather and the weather presinfluence it has on the ents itself, we tides is paramount to should see the a productive and great trout start to fishing trip. The falling accumulate tide and heavy north in the resiwind will create sigdential canals nificantly lower tides Mike Gigante and his wife with a nice snook double. and potholes than anticipated from of Cockroach the tide charts. Please be Bay. even more attentive to A fan favorite this your surrounding weather time of year is the patterns when using your bountiful sheepshead. tide charts. Warning, you These fish will be commight get stuck during exing in large quantities tremely low tides. and impressive sizes Despite the weather for a great hook-itconditions as they are, and-cook-it at your the fishing has been great. local participating Bait like greenbacks are restaurants and or Anne Caruso with a nice snook. starting to populate at the in your own kitchen. towers. Manage your tides when throw- These fish are best caught on 1/0 hooks ing cast nets around the towers or you’ll with a quarter-ounce weight; make sure be out a net or two. To be successful with to have enough to steady your lines and your cast net throws, chum significantly that you’re still able to feel the bite. Baitupstream from the tower and stay aware ing is best with shrimp or fiddler crabs. of your net drift to draw the bait away Redfish are elusive but ever-present. from the tower. Chugging and plugging the mangrove So now let’s get some fishing done. lines during the higher tides with greenSnook are in surplus in the cuts in Cock- backs, shrimp or cut pinfish could yield roach Bay, Little Manatee River, Bishop you a fine, impressive catch this time of Harbor and other tributaries that feed year. When you find them, stay on them … into Tampa Bay. As of mid-December, cold and do not tell anyone about where these weather patterns have not yet presented beauties reside in our incredible Tampa themselves to push the trout back into Bay Estuary.
Volume 20, Issue 1
1/31/2022
1/31/2022
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
January 2022
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NEWSOME STUDENT PLAYS A ROLE IN DISNEY’S, CHRISTMAS AGAIN By Makenzie Atkins Ashlyn Lopez, of many roles, ina Newsome High cluding Beneath School junior, played the Leaves, a Neta big role in Disney’s flix movie, and newest Christmas The Wrong House movie, Christmas from Lifetime. She Again. hopes to continue Last year, when acting even after Lopez was a sophohigh school, and more in high school, her dream is to she auditioned to Ashlyn Lopez and Scarlett Estevez felt like sisters one day become a take part in a Dis- by the end of filming; they bounced off of each superhero in a big other’s great energy. ney movie. Only movie. knowing that it Before Lowas going to be a pez left for Christmas movie, filming, she she acted out specould only tell cific scenes for the her closest audition in hopes friends where of grabbing a part. she was goAfter being offered ing to be. To the part of the oldthe rest of her er sister, Gabby, classmates, she had to switch it looked like to e-learning for school and fly out to ChiLopez disapcago for three months of filming. peared for Christmas Again is about a young girl, three months. Rowena, whose Christmas season has a “I came back, and they thought I big change with her new blended family. switched classes or something,” said LoReluctant to accept the new way of Christ- pez, “and I still couldn’t tell them where I mas, she ends up reliving it over and over was because we were not really supposed again until she sees the beauty in the new to say much before it came out.” traditions. This year, shortly after the movie was Coming from a similar family herself, released, Newsome had an in-school preLopez really related to her character and mier for Lopez. Pulling out the red carpet, used experience to dive into the character. Newsome students watched the movie all “My parents are divorced, and I have a together in the school’s auditorium. younger sister who is actually about her Christmas Again was released on Friday, (Rowena’s) age, so I definitely relate to December 3 and can be streamed on Dismy character,” said Lopez, “and I also am ney+ or watched on Disney Channel. pretty sarcastic in real life, so I related to For more information, visit the Christher a lot.” mas Again page at https://disneynow. Lopez has been acting since she was com/shows/christmas-again/season-1 or just 4 years old and has since been a part stream it now on Disney+.
What does the fox say? Florida is home to both the red and gray fox. The often-elusive gray fox can be found throughout the state. For their habitat, they prefer covered, wooded areas away from civilization. The gray fox on average weighs around 7-14 pounds and often has a reddish tint to its otherwise gray-colored fur. This red fur sometimes leads to the misidentification of the gray fox for a red fox. An interesting fact that makes the gray fox unique is that they can climb trees, a trait not often found in the canine family, which has garnered them their nickname: the tree fox. In comparison, the red fox, which can be easily identified by their rusty-red coat, black-tipped ears and legs, white underbelly and bushy tail, can also be found around the state as a naturalized and established species. Red foxes are more commonly seen as they tend to avoid the dense, wooded habitat that the gray foxes prefer. Averaging weights of 10-15 pounds, the red fox is about the same size as a small breed of domestic dog. Both species of fox are members of the canine family. They are mostly nocturnal animals which feed primarily on small mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, rats and mice, as well as small birds, fish, insects, berries and fruit. Foxes are most
commonly observed at their feeding times at dawn or dusk, though nursing females can also be seen in the middle of the day if foraging while her babies, called pups, rest. These curious mammals give birth to an average of three to five pups that are born and raised in dens. Both the red and gray fox can either dig their own dens or take over a preexisting burrow made by other animals such as gopher tortoises or armadillos. Mothers raise their young for an average of two to six months and most breeding pairs will mate for life. Foxes are beneficial to us and our ecosystem. They are a natural form of pest control that stabilizes populations of small animals like rats and rabbits. Foxes pose little to no threat to humans or pets in general and should never be approached or fed. To deter wildlife from your home, keep garbage and pet food secured and never intentionally feed wild animals. Small pets should never be left unattended. Coexisting with wildlife can be safe, enjoyable and preserved for generations to come. Ali Holton is currently director of FishHawk TNR, Inc. She has a masters in biodiversity, wildlife and ecosystems and 20 years of experience specializing in animal behavior and conservation.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Art Program, Seeds Of Hope Donation & More... Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com
1950 Ford F1 Pickup Is Cruiser Of The Month
A splendidly restored 1950 Ford F1 pickup was selected as cruiser of the month at the Roamin’ Oldies Car Club’s holiday show. The vehicle, shown by Steve Parker and son Eathan, remains unmistakably a 1950 Ford F1 on the outside, but it is thoroughly modern inside and under the hood with a 302-cubic-inch V8 engine, coupled to an automatic transmission, and fitted with power disc brakes and air conditioning for capable and comfortable driving. The Roamin’ Oldies host a cruise-in from 1-4 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month, with a rain date the following Sunday, at the Mira Bay Village Shopping Center on U.S. 41 in Apollo Beach. For more information, call Frank at 856-3738497.
Art Program For Families With Down Syndrome Children And Teens
Center Place’s community partner, the Down Syndrome Association of Tampa Bay (DSATB) will be offering its free 3-2-1 Art program for families with children and teens who have Down syndrome. The program will take place at Center Place twice a month on the first Monday of each month from 6-7 p.m. and on the third Sunday of each month from 3-4 p.m. The students will use art as a way of expression and communication. The class will also help its students develop social skills and learn how to interact with other students and teachers in a classroom setting. If you would like to preregister your child for this program, please contact Center Place at 685-8888. Children and families must be prescreened for this program before they may register.
Weight Loss Challenge Winner Donates Winnings To Seeds Of Hope
Congratulations to Jacky Costello, one of the winners of the weight loss challenge at Inspired Mobile Fitness. Costello, a FishHawk resident, local author and owner of Custom Cleanups, has joined
Volume 20, Issue 1
with Rashah Davis, owner of Inspired Mobile Fitness, to present her winnings of $375 to support Seeds of Hope. Costello added an additional $125 to be able to donate $500 to feed hungry families in the community this holiday season. Congratulations, Costello!
ers, real estate agents, vendors, trade partners and team members. The Tampa team partnered with Feeding Tampa Bay, and the donations provided over 90,000 meals, including 5,100 pounds of frozen turkeys and hams, for those in need.
Veterans Art Program
The Veterans Art Program is open to veterans of foreign wars. There is no fee, no artistic skill needed, no surveys or record keeping and no reason not to join. It takes place every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until 12 Noon at Center Place, which is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon. To register for the class, call 685-8888.
Alafia Republican Club Meeting
The Alafia Republican Club will meet on the third Monday of each month at O’Brien’s Irish Pub, located at 701 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. The speaker for January’s meeting is Roberto Pizano, who was a political prisoner in Cuba before being freed in 1979 and moving to Tampa. Since then, he has worked to help those in Cuba who oppose the socialist regime. Join them for social hour from 6 p.m. and Pizano will begin his story at 7 p.m.
David Weekley Collects Thousands Of Meals During Annual Food Drive
Nearly 311,000 people nationwide received a hearty Thanksgiving meal thanks to the partnership of David Weekley Homes and 17 charities across the U.S. Throughout November, the company hosted its seventh annual, company-wide Thanksgiving Drive, collecting 93,000 pounds of food and more than $110,000 for Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Robert Atkinson, from nonprofit organizations around the Brandon, monitors a culinary line schedule aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. country with help from homeown-
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AWARD-WINNING CHRISTIAN MUSIC AT THE 2022 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL By Kelly Wise Valdes with his blend of Southern rock, country and faith-filled songwriting, which quickly awarded him his first GRAMMY Award® with his debut album, 2017’s Chain Breaker. With two additional GRAMMY nods among numerous other accolades, he recently released his new album, aptly titled Rescue Story. Daigle will be performing on Saturday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m. Williams is scheduled to perform on Tuesday March 8 at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets and see the full list of entertainers, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Amscot Main Ticket Office, located at 2209 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City, or by calling 754-1996.
The 87th annual Florida Strawtian parents in berry Festival will take place for the church and 11 days from Thursday, March 3 in a loving comthrough Sunday, March 13. The munity but was festival, which is ranked as the seduced away 28th top fair in North America, is by the illusion not only known for its strawberry of rock stardom, shortcakes, carnival games, youth and the drugs livestock shows, food vendors and thrilling midway rides, but also it’s legendary for hosting big name musical artists and entertainment. The event typically sees more than 500,000 visitors each year. Two major Christian artists will GRAMMY Award-winning and chart-topping Christian music artists Laube performing at this year’s festival: ren Daigle and Zach Williams are scheduled to perform at the 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival. Lauren Daigle and Zach Williams. Daigle is a two-time GRAMMY, sev- continents. This is Daigle’s first time perform- and alcohol that en-time Billboard Music Award and ing at the Strawberry Festival, and so often accomfour-time American Music Award she’s excited about the opportuni- pany that lifewinner. Her platinum debut album, How Can It Be, produced three num- ty and encourages concertgoers to style. ber one songs, but it was her release “bring their dancing shoes.” Now, the Nash“Performing is one of my favorite ville-based artof Look Up Child, her second consecutive platinum album, that revealed things about music,” said Daigle. ist is a renewed Daigle as one of the most impressive “Looking out every night and seeing man. He’s a husvocalists of our time. Look Up Child, people sing along brings a feeling of band, a father which earned Daigle her second joy that doesn’t just stop at me. It and has also become one of ChrisGRAMMY Award, featuring her hit connects with everyone around the tian country music’s leading artists song “You Say,” is the longest-run- room, and I think that is something and songwriters by carving a niche ning number one song to appear on I will never take for granted. It is such a blessing to be able to play any weekly Billboard chart. Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes Daigle’s ability to connect with her music with people I love to dearly, it audiences has been well document- feels like a family reunion every time NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in ed. It’s helped make her the fast- we take the stage.” business under the fictitious name of Progress Village Apartments Christian artist Zach Williams is est-selling new artist of her genre located at 6101 Innovation Way, in Hillsborough County, in the City over the past decade and given her an award-winning and chart-topping of Tampa, Florida, 33619 intends to register the said name with the soulful, authentic, vocal power a singer and songwriter who is also Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, worldwide audience. She’s amassed performing at the Strawberry FestiFlorida. a billion worldwide streams and val. His background inspires many of Dated at Valrico, Florida, this 1st day of January, 2022 sold-out headline shows on three his songs—he was raised by Chris-
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COUNTY OFFERS NEW TEXT SCHEDULING SERVICE
Staff Report
Residents can now sign up to receive texts from Hillsborough County about permit inspections.
Hillsborough C o u n t y ’s Development Services has launched its first-ever text messaging service for inspections for permit holders. The new service allows holders of permits issued through the County’s HillsGovHub online permitting system to send a text message to receive an inspection’s result, as well as schedule, reschedule or cancel existing scheduled inspections. The feature adds a new level of convenience for contractors and homeowners by allowing them to bypass the traditional HillsGovHub portal to access inspections. For professionals in the field who often request multiple inspections a day, this will lead to significant time saved. To access the new feature, users will need the permit number and the appli-
cable inspection code. To use the new text service, users can simply text SCHEDULE, RESCHEDULE, CANCEL, or RESULTS to 844-529-6141. Users will then need to follow the interactive prompts for entering the permit number, inspection code and other details. Since launching HillsGovHub in January 2021, Development Services has continued to seek enhancements that will better meet the needs of clients and increase the efficiency of the permitting process. Step-by-step instructions for inspection scheduling, HillsGovHub training, FAQs and additional resources are available through the HillsGovHub section of the county’s website. For further assistance with inspection requests, call 641-6970.
Scott Graf at the Porsche Driving Experience in Atlanta
Volume 20, Issue 1
DIVERSITY ADVISORY COUNCIL UNITES REPRESENTATIVES FROM COMMUNITY By Brad Stager Hillsborough website, requireCounty has been atments to be contracting people from sidered for appointall over the world ment to the DAC ever since Spanish include residency explorer Juan Ponce and voter registrade León paid a visit tion in Hillsborough to the Tampa Bay County. An essay area in 1513. of 200-500 words The global appeal “highlighting what of the region has reyour goals would be sulted in one of the as a member of the most diverse popuDiversity Advisory lations in the UnitCouncil, and state ed States, and the why you are most Hillsborough County suited to carry Diversity Advisory The Hillsborough County Commission is seekforth those goals,” Council (DAC) was ing volunteers to serve on its Diversity Advisory is also required, as created as a way are completed QuesCouncil. of recognizing that and ensuring differ- tionnaire for Diversity Advisory Council ent perspectives are part of the county’s and Standards of Conduct forms, which governmental operations. are available on the county’s website. Members are appointed by the board of There are also many other opportunicounty commissioners (BOCC) and serve ties for residents to serve in an advisory two-year terms representing one of 11 or administrative capacity, with entities diverse communities the commission has ranging from the county’s Affordable identified as residing in the county. Housing Advisory Board to the Tourist Two representatives from each of the Development Council. Some panels are following groups are appointed: African created by the BOCC while others are reAmerican; Caribbean; Far East Asian; quired by Florida statute. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender; Luann Finley is the county’s director of Hispanic/Latino; Indian Asian; Middle board services and records, and she enEastern; Native American; Northern and courages residents to consider volunteerSouthern European; People with Disabil- ing their time and expertise when opporities; and At-Large—whereby identifica- tunities arise. tion with a specific category is not re“One of the most valuable resources of quired. any government is the citizen who gets The volunteer positions are unpaid. Va- involved and works to help solve probcancies occur as appointments expire or lems.” as may otherwise happen, such as when To learn more about the DAC and othmembers resign before the end of their er volunteer opportunities to serve on terms. a county board, council, commission or According to Hillsborough County’s committee, visit HCFLGov.net online.
January 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
MEALS ON WHEELS ASKS THE RIVERVIEW AND GIBSONTON COMMUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER By Lily Belcher get a background check and attend a virtual orientation to train them on their responsibilities as a volunteer. On select days, volunteers will arrive at First Baptist Riverview to pick up a cooler and hot bag in their own cars. They will then receive their route (on paper or through Meals on Wheels’ new app) and deliver meals to eight to 14 houses before returning Meals on Wheels volunteers pick up coolers with meals for grateful seniors. the cooler/hot bag to First Baptist RiverOver the summer, Meals on view. Wheels expanded its reach to Although the residents of Gibsonton and volunteers are Riverview, providing hot meals asked to be 18 to seniors and the homebound or older, high daily. Now, Meals on Wheels is school stuasking for more volunteers to help distribute dents can drive with an adult to help pass meals and smiles to its customers. out the meals. High schoolers can receive “Any volunteer gift or their help makes two service hours for each route they parsuch a difference to our homebound neigh- ticipate in. bors, who, many of them, will not see anoth“It’s a great thing to do with a group … er live person until the next volunteer deliv- our recipients just love to see young people. ers to them,” said Senior Director of Mission There is just such a hope and a brightness Engagement Cindy Vann. “I think it just re- [they] bring to the mission. It is a wonderful ally strengthens the community to just have way to connect with a part of our communieverybody kind of come together and take ty that sometimes is forgotten,” said Vann. care of each other—taking care of those Meals on Wheels is currently looking for who are homebound … and helping us realize more volunteers to fulfill orders. Each route that showing up is such a big part.” typically takes 20 volunteers, and they see Community members 18 and older can a need to expand the number of routes they volunteer to pick up and deliver the food serve. produced in Meals on Wheels’ commercial For more information on how to volunteer, kitchen to eight or more houses along a set visit mowtampa.org or contact Yvette Rouse route. Volunteers that apply will be asked to at y.rouse@mowtampa.com.
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TAMPA THEATRE BRINGS BACK WINEFEST FUNDRAISER THIS MARCH By Kathy L. Collins time trips, exclusive experiences and a high-stakes wine pull. Tickets are $300 for individuals and $595 for a pair. Then, on Saturday, March 26, Tampa Theatre will present a twotiered wine tasting. Guests get to taste dozens of boutique wines and sample favorite fare from Tampa’s top indeTampa Theatre’s popular movie-themed wine weekend, based on the 2017 hit The Greatest Showman, supports ‘A Million Dreams’ of programming and pendent restaupreservation for the iconic historic landmark. rants. The event begins at 7 p.m. Tampa Theatre’s signature fundraiser, WineFest, is staging a triumphant return There will be an opportunity to bid on preto the center ring in March 2022 with The mium silent auction items representing Bay area retailers, restaurants, services Grapest Showman. But, before the big event, Tampa The- and attractions. The Premium Tasting starts at 7 p.m. atre is offering a special sing-along screening of the 2017 smash-hit The and features exclusive wines for a limitGreatest Showman at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, ed audience. Tickets for this are $100, or February 18. Fans of all ages can “follow $90 for Tampa Theatre members. You can also opt for the Grand Tasting, the bouncing top hat” and add their voices to the flying circus of fantastic songs which begins at 8 p.m. Tickets for this are on-screen at what has become the most $65, or $55 for Tampa Theatre members. WineFest is the theater’s biggest anrequested, most successful sing-along in nual fundraiser. It was forced to skip the Tampa Theatre’s history. Tickets are $13 for general admission event in 2021 due to the pandemic. Event Chair Rachel Radawec said, “It goes withand $10 for Tampa Theatre members. WineFest, which is for those 21 years out saying that the past two years have and older, will kick off on Friday, March been rough.” Radawec added, “But from 25 at 7 p.m. with an elegant wine pairing. now on, we are focused on our 100th Guests will enjoy a multicourse menu cre- birthday in 2026, and ‘A Million Dreams’ ated and catered by Mise en Place Chef for our second century.” You can get tickets at the historic Marty Blitz. The menu will feature small plates paired with wines. There will also Franklin Street Box Office and online at be a live auction including once-in-a-life- www.tampatheatre.org/winefest.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
January 2022
Page 35
LOCAL RESIDENT & TEAMMATE WIN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY OFFERS MAJOR BASS FISHING COMPETITION CONSUMERS TIPS ON HOW TO By Libby Hopkins PREVENT SCAMS By Lily Belcher ing redfish pro teams that that the seller While the holiday seadoes not have son is filled with joy and available to gift giving, many scamsell. mers take advantage of “You want the wave of online purto be careful chases and rush to find when you are the perfect present. More doing busiso, online shopping conness with tinues to grow, meaning someone you more purchases are being haven’t done made, leaving more room business with for scammers to take adbefore,” said vantage of consumers. Olsen. “If you Over the past few can avoid the years, Hillsborough Counproblem, that ty has been watching is the best both the national and way to [prelocal numbers of scams vent getting rise. The increasing numscammed].” ber of scams around the O l s e n holidays prompted HillOne of the best ways to avoid scams is to research the warned dosborough County to adseller before purchasing from them. nators about vertise its tips and advice for avoiding scams, both specific to holidays giving to charities over the holidays as well. There are many organizations, such as the and in general. Hillsborough County encourages its citi- Better Business Bureau, that can provide zens to pay attention to who they are mak- information on credible and trustworthy ing online purchases from. One way to avoid charities for those who want to donate. If someone does become the victim of a scams is to pay attention to the legitimacy scam, Hillsborough County will work with of the website, which can be indicated by the individual to investigate the problem the spelling and grammar. Manager of Conand solve the complaint. Hillsborough Counsumer Protection Services Eric Olsen also ty is able to work with local law enforcementioned that if a deal is too good to be ment. true, it probably is. “Once the fraud happens, we can only reSome warning signs ahead of scams are act to it, and proactive prevention type acpressuring sales tactics, big deals and distivities are always the best, so we try to focounts or flash sales that force consumers cus on that as much as we can,” said Olsen. to make purchases without investigating For more information, visit hcflgov.net/ the seller. Olsen also advised consumers consumer or contact the Department of to watch out for sellers who are offering Consumer Protection Services at 635-8316. low-stock items, since those are often items
qualified through the Elite Redfish Tournament Series and Power-Pole Pro Redfish Tour. “I was invited by Skeeter/ Yamaha to compete and was paired with seven-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier Chris Zaldain,” Rickard said. “Chris lives in Fort Worth, Texas and also received an invite from Skeeter/Yamaha to compete, and we met for the first time a couple days Brandon resident Ryan Rickard (right) recently won the before the event. We had Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by three days before the tourSkeeter in Port Aransas, Texas. nament to pre-fish and then Brandon resident Ryan Rickard recently we had to be off the water won the Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup completely on afterwards. I had only been Championship presented by Skeeter in No- to Port Aransas once a month or so before vember in Port Aransas, Texas. for another tournament, and Chris had “I have loved fishing since my dad first never been there, so we had to go out and introduced me to it when I was 4 or 5 years learn the water and pattern the fish from old,” Rickard said. “I would fish any chance scratch.” I could since then. Especially in my teen Each day of the tournament, teams could years, whether it was in a neighborhood bring in two redfish that were between 20 pond around Providence Lakes or Sterling and 28 inches long. “We were looking for Ranch or at Courtney Campbell Causeway the heaviest two fish we could catch each and around Tampa Bay.” day, with the goal of having the heaviest toRickard had fished recreationally for tal weight at the end of day three,” Rickard years, and then a friend of his asked him said. “We left the takeoff point at 6:45 a.m. if he wanted to start fishing tournaments and had to be back for weigh-in at 2:45 around Tampa Bay. p.m. each day. The entire tournament was “He asked me in 2008 and I’ve never broadcast live on bassmaster.com and Fox stopped since,” Rickard said. “I have also Sports Digital.” been a licensed charter captain since 2014.” “When it was official, I was a bit overThe Bassmaster recently decided to re- whelmed with all the emotions and it took vive its Redfish Cup event from years ago. about a week for it to finally sink in. We It selected 10 teams to compete for a prize were presented with a team Redfish Cup of $50,000. Six of the teams were a com- trophy that Chris let me bring home and we bo of an all-star bass angler and a redfish each received an individual trophy, and, of pro angler, with the other four teams be- course, the main prize was a $50K check.”
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Page 36
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
WITH COMMUNITY SUPPORT, 9-YEAR-OLD MADDOX CONTINUES 3-YEAR LEUKEMIA FIGHT
By Makenzie Atkins
Local 9-year-old Maddox’s mom, Maddox Arno is fightCandice Arno, told ing B-cell acute lymus that the most imphoblastic leukemia pactful way others (ALL) and his family can get involved in of six looks to the helping Maddox or community for supother families like port. theirs is through doMaddox was diagnations. nosed with leukemia “Finances are a when he was only 6 huge way that helps years old on May 18, families since par2019. In July of 2021, ents are forced to Maddox was starting stop working most to feel back pain af- Nine-year-old Maddox Arno is fighting B-cell of the time, espeter just finishing 27 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as his fami- cially when a child is ly of six looks to the community for support. months of chemotherthis sick,” said Canapy a few months earlier. In September, dice. “We currently live in a camper that the emergency room team found multiple we recently just purchased because rent is compression fractures in his back and 10 way too high that I cannot afford to get a days later he returned to the emergency place for my kids and I.” room after a hard fall. It was then that he The family held a fundraiser in early tested positive for COVID-19 and was ad- December at Latitudes Apollo. There was mitted into St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle, and for pain control. the restaurant donated part of its sales Later, in October of 2021, Maddox’s to Maddox’s family. Maddox’s mom anmom brought him back to oncology after nounced at the fundraiser that his doctors noticing that he was having a hard time have now declared him in remission. The eating and walking. After testing, the doc- family appreciates the community’s suptors found that the cancer cells were back port and hopes that with each day Maddox and four days later he was having surgery will continue to recover. to have his port put back in. After testing Donations can be made directly to Canhis bone marrow, doctors told the family dice through the following ways: Cash that 95 percent of Maddox’s bone marrow App at $CandiceLeigh5, Venmo @Canhad cancer cells. Soon, Maddox will go to diceLeigh5 (with the last four digits being Orlando to have a bone marrow transplant 8167), Zelle or PayPal at clarno31@gmail. from his 12-year-old brother, Cooper, who com or through GoFundMe at https://gois a 100 percent match to Maddox. He has fund.me/09781cd6. had many different complications since For more information, please contact being readmitted to the hospital, but he is Candice at clarno31@gmail.com or visit fighting with the support of his friends and Maddox’s Facebook page at https://www. family. facebook.com/Maddoxstrong6.
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January 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
TAMPA BAY HIRES HOSTS GRADUATION EVENT FOR YOUNG ADULTS By Kathy L. Collins Tampa Bay Hires, to guiding them to their a program affiliated next accomplishment,” with CareerSource added Wilson. Tampa Bay, offers CareerSource Tampa a GED program for Bay works with busiyoung adults ages nesses and candidates 16 to 24. On Deto leverage their traincember 10, Tampa ing, retraining and comBay Hires’ youth petitive opportunities in program hosted the workforce. Careerits first graduation Source Tampa Bay proevent for GED comvided 173,319 services On December 10, Tampa Bay Hires’ youth pro- to 37,054 active Wagpleters. This event hon- gram held its first-ever graduation event for GED ner-Peyser individuals completers. ors students who during the program have completed year 2019-2020. Catheir GED program reerSource Tampa Bay through Tampa Bay has five career centers, Hire and earned and it is the single largtheir diplomas. est source of job can“We are excited to didates in the region, acknowledge young from entry-level to adults who have executive-level candiaccomplished this dates. It works closely huge milestone,” said CareerSource Tampa with all veterans. Bay CEO John Flanagan. “We want to host Businesses can access CareerSource’s this event to showcase the successes of our wide range of services that include recruityoung participants in the Tampa Bay Hires ing, training for new and existing employprogram,” added Flanagan. ees, targeted hiring events and retention “GED completers typically do not have support strategies. All resources and serthe opportunity to walk across the stage, vices are provided at no cost to both busiand we are excited to change that for the nesses and job candidates. students that worked so hard in our proIf you or someone you know is 16 to 24 gram to complete and receive their diplo- years of age and needs assistance with mas,” said Jennifer Wilson, CareerSource attaining their GED and or going back to Tampa Bay youth program director. “The school, Tampa Bay Hires can get them on Career Coaches of the CareerSource Tampa the right career pathway with tuition assisBay program are passionate about working tance, career coaching and guidance. with these young adults, and any of their To get started, visit https://hires.careermilestones or achievements is one for us. sourcetampabay.com/ and complete the We are so proud of them and look forward program pre-screen.
Page 37
SCORE BUSINESS ADVISORS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
By Kate Quesada
community.” Dorsey explained that some volunteers have worked as top executives at Fortune 500 companies, and some have been entrepreneurs and small business owners, while others have valuable experience in universities, the government or the military. SCORE Tampa-Hillsborough County held its annual awards banquet on Novem“Whatever your skills ber 4. Winners in the Over 50 Clients Served category were Stroud Curran, George and strengths, put them Boraiko, Kit Werremeyer and Bill Pecora. For 10+ Years of Service, Amar Dembla, George Boraiko, Kit Werremeyer, Ed DiSanto, Linda Phillips and Bill Wright were to work for SCORE,” he recognized. In the Mentor PLUS++ Contributors category, Charlene Williams, Kit said. “SCORE Volunteers Werremeyer, Stroud Curran, Ed DiSanto and Susan Nieland were honored. feel the joy and fulfillDo you have small business knowledge you ment that comes with would like to share with others? The Tam- helping small businesses achieve their goals. pa-Hillsborough County chapter of SCORE is You feel good knowing you’ve helped grow looking for volunteers to mentor and share the local economy and helped someone live business expertise with local entrepreneurs. their dreams.” SCORE, a 501(c)(3) organization, has been Volunteer opportunities include Mentor, mentoring new and existing businesses for where volunteers use industry-based knowlmore than 40 years and has a network of edge and expertise to help business owners more than 11,000 volunteers who donate who are looking for guidance; Subject Mattheir time to help others. ter Expert, where volunteers collaborate According to Kevin Dorsey, SCORE Tam- with experienced mentors to offer advice pa-Hillsborough County Co-Chairperson, in your specific area of expertise; Workshop SCORE is America’s premier small business Presenter, which educates through giving mentoring organization. The nonprofit asso- presentations on specific small business topciation offers free and confidential business ics; and Chapter Support, which assists with advice and helps entrepreneurs and small marketing, finance, scheduling and other key businesses achieve their dreams by building support tasks. strong, lifelong relationships through mento“With SCORE, you’ll get to meet and build ring, workshops and expert resources. relationships with business leaders in your “Tampa-Hillsborough County SCORE is community and across the country,” said looking for people with diverse backgrounds Dorsey. “Leverage these relationships to and experiences to serve in a variety of develop new skills, to help small businesses, roles,” said Dorsey. “With Tampa-Hillsbor- or to expand your personal and professional ough County SCORE, you’ll be part of an network.” extended team of retired and working volunEmail scorehill203@gmail.com or visit teers representing all facets of the business www.tampa.score.org/volunteer.
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Page 38
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
PHOTO COURTESY OF FREDDIE COLEMAN & DAVE HOFFBERG
RIVERVIEW HOCKEY’S TYLER HOFFBERG HAS BREAKOUT SEASON FOR THE SHARKS
Tyler Hoffberg is the team’s leading scorer as a forward/center. (Photo courtesy of Dave Hoffberg.)
Riverview High School hockey player Tyler Hoffberg has been a standout on the ice for the Sharks. The junior forward is averaging two points per game and has shown discipline in the classroom as an A-B student and on the ice as well, not having had a penalty called against him all season. Hoffberg said that he’s been interested in hockey since he can remember. His brother and father sparked his interest in the sport and had him in skates at 2 years old. “Some of the most enjoyable things
Tyler Hoffberg is averaging zero penalty minutes per game. (Photo courtesy of Freddie Coleman.)
about the game are the moments you get to share with your friends and teammates,” said Hoffberg. “Not much beats going around three players and seeing the puck hit the back of the net though.” Riverview hockey Head Coach Corey Clarks said that Hoffberg is his best player and that his vision on the ice is outstanding. Hoffberg is a phenomenal locker room guy that his younger teammates look up to as a leader. He is not only a scorer, but he likes to set up his teammates
Tyler Hoffberg is not just a scorer, he likes to set up his teammates as well. (Photo courtesy of Freddie Coleman.)
as well. He said that Hoffberg isn’t a vocal player, but he will step up and say something when needed, and he is like having an extra coach out on the ice. “As his coach—last year was our first year with him and my first year coaching the team—he’s always been more of a quiet leader, but he’s just been a good player to have, a good kid to have on your team,” said Clarks. “If I had 20 of him on my team, I’d be a pretty happy guy. He’s just a real joy to coach. The kid just wants to
get better, and he comes to work every practice. He has a real joy when he plays the game, and it shows.” According to lightninghighschoolhockeyleague.com, Hoffberg is one of the top players in the league, having recorded 10 goals and 11 assists in 17 games played. Hoffberg would love to see his path continue with hockey after high school. “College hockey is my goal for the future,” said Hoffberg. “I think that’s where my path is heading, and I’m happy with it.”
January 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 39
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! USHERS ARE THE HEART AND SOUL OF STRAZ By Kathy L. Collins If you love going to see than welcome to sign live Broadway shows, The up for as many shows Florida Orchestra and Opera as they would like to Tampa, consider becoming work.” an usher for the Straz Center. Shows are assigned Ushers go through an orion the 15th of each entation class, which includes month. a tour. After the class, they The Straz Center work two training shows offers the training with a senior usher who has program throughout been designated as a mentor. the year. Ushers must The class is three hours long. pay for their uniform, Ushers must be able to stand but they are given for up to three hours if no complimentary parkVolunteering as an usher for the Straz seats are available to them. ing. Center comes with many perks, including They will have to be able to Jean Ippolito of the opportunity to see great Broadway carry plastic bins with pro- shows, The Florida Orchestra and more. Brandon has worked grams that could weigh up With six venues, you have a wide variety. as an usher for many to 15 pounds. years. Ippolito said, You are also performing a valuable service for a beloved local institution. As an usher, you get to “I volunteered and see amazing shows. Morewas trained as an over, according to Deborah Ferree, senior usher in 2008. Anyone who has even a camanager of Guest Services, “We frequently sual interest in the performing arts can conhave ticket deals so they can buy tickets for tribute greatly by volunteering. There are nufriends and family to see the shows. We have merous assignments from which to choose. an annual dinner for the ushers that includes The administrative staff always expresses a cocktail hour and a wonderful meal and en- appreciation to the volunteers. I thoroughly tertainment. We also have a BBQ every fall enjoy each production.” to welcome them back.” The Straz Center has been offering the The Straz Center has two types of users: usher program since it opened. In fact, FerChoice and Master. Ferree said, “We require ree said, “We have 11 ushers that have been the Choice ushers to sign up for two shows here since the doors opened.” Ferree added, per month. The Master ushers sign up for “Our ushers are very important to the Straz any show that is on their chosen date or Center. They are the heart and soul of the time. For example, Saturday matinee Master center. We would not be able to make the ushers are expected to sign up for Saturday magic happen without them.” matinee shows, if we have them. Of course, For more information, please contact Ferboth Choice and Master ushers are more ree at 229-7827.
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Page 40
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
Pre-Open Special! First 20 Residents Save Up to $3,500 and Enjoy a Two-Year Rent Lock Call Today for More Information: (813) 344-3987
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
January 2022
STORYCORPS TO BRING ITS GROUNDBREAKING ORAL HISTORY PROJECT TO TAMPA
BEGIN 2022 WITH LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT AT THE FIREHOUSE CULTURAL CENTER dion, keys, guitar, b a s s , drums and tight three and fourpart vocal harmonies. Next, you will not want to miss Ona Kieri with La Lucha on SaturStart 2022 by supporting local venues such as the Firehouse Cultural Center and day, Janutheir Center Stage. You can see great entertainment such as Eireann’s Call this ary 29 at January. 7:30 p.m. La Ring in the new year with a resolution Lucha is a Tampa Bay-based trio of three to give yourself the gift of live entertain- best friends from three different parts ment. The Firehouse Cultural Center’s of the world: Colombia, Mexico and the Center Stage is a great venue for such a United States. Its members are Alejanresolution, and it’s conveniently located in dro Arenas, John O’Leary and Mark FeinRuskin. man. Their repertoire is a diverse mixFirst up, on Sunday, January 9 at 3 ture of Latin-inspired rhythms with jazz p.m., come to Black Tie Optional starring standards, twisted arrangements of pop Kerst Lehmann. This European crooner songs and original compositions. Joining is one not to pass up. Representing the them is Ona Kirei, a vocalist, composer great entertainers of the past and pres- and an arranger from Barcelona. ent, Lehmann’s ability to interpret their On Saturday, February 5, come see the music is beyond dispute. This memorable Zach Bartholomew Band at 7:30 p.m. performance will be reminiscent of the Bartholomew is an award-winning jazz golden era of American popular songs pianist, composer and music educator. and jazz standards. His original music and unique arrangeThen, on Friday, January 14 at 7:30 ments are inspired by the jazz tradition, p.m., the Firehouse Cultural Center will but also draw heavily from Afro-Cuban present Comedy with Mike Rivera. This rhythms and modern influences. Firehouse favorite is America’s most hiTickets to all of the events are $23 for larious teacher. He is a decades-long Firehouse Cultural Center members and headliner. $28 for future members. All tickets must Come back on Saturday, January 15 be reserved in advance. There is no dayat 7:30 p.m. for Eireann’s Call. This is a of-show pricing as the Firehouse Cultural classy, powerful band. Their music spans Center must reserve seating to allow for the Celtic nations with world music influ- social distancing. ences from the Middle East, North Africa, Please call 645-7651 or visit www.fireAppalachia, Scandinavia and more. In- houseculturalcenter.org for tickets. All strumentation includes bagpipes, accor- tickets are nonrefundable.
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Page 41
StoryCorps, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to recording, preserving and sharing the stories of people from all backgrounds and beliefs, will be in Tampa from Wednesday, January 5 to Monday, February 14 to record interviews, in-person and virtually, as part of its Mobile Tour. In a StoryCorps interview, two people record a meaningful conversation about who they are, what they have learned in life and how they want to be remembered. A trained StoryCorps facilitator guides them through the interview process. After each 40-minute recording session, participants receive a digital copy of their interview. With participant permission, a second copy is archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress for future generations to hear. StoryCorps was founded in 2003. “StoryCorps tells an authentic American story— that we are a people defined by small acts of courage, kindness and heroism. Each interview reminds people that their lives matter and will not be forgotten,” said Founder Dave Isay. “During this pandemic, the value of preserving these stories, and of strengthening connections between people who may feel physically isolated, is more important than ever,” added Isay. StoryCorps will partner with NPR Tam-
pa affiliate WUSF Public Media. WUSF will air a selection of the local interviews and create special programs around the project. StoryCorps may also share excerpts of these stoStoryCorps, founded ries with in 2003, has given over the world half a million Amerithrough the cans of all backgrounds project’s popand beliefs, in towns ular weekly and cities in all 50 NPR broadstates, the chance to anirecord interviews about casts, their lives. mated shorts, digital platforms and bestselling books. “Our region is full of incredible stories, and each story begins with one person,” said WUSF General Manager JoAnn Urofsky. “With StoryCorps, we continue our mission to be where our audience is and engage people in the community wherever we can. As a public media organization, we are eager to be part of our listeners’ lives. With this project, we can help provide that community gathering place and bring people’s stories to each other,” added Urofsky. StoryCorps is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. If you would like to be a part of this fabulous program, reservations to record can be made by calling StoryCorps’ 24-hour, tollfree reservation line at 1-800-850-4406 or by visiting www.storycorps.org.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
Year In Review-Updates On The Top Stories From 2021 ADVENTHEALTH ANNOUNCES DETAILS FOR NEW RIVERVIEW HOSPITAL
Staff Report
AdventHealth care they need, held a virtual when they need groundbreaking it, and help close of the new Rivthe gap in health erview location care services in in November. The our community.” hospital is schedThe first phase uled to open in of the new RivSpring 2023 at erview hospital 282,000 sq. ft. will include 80 with the ability to beds at opening hold 80 beds at day and addiAdventHealth West Florida Division will break ground on the opening and the tional space for new Southern Hills. location later this year. intention to exfuture expansion pand to 200 beds to accommodate in the future. Look over 200 beds as for a full story on the community’s the hospital in the demand for health February edition care grows. The of the Osprey Obfull-service hospital server. will provide emerOriginal Story gency, cardiology, Printed April 2021 obstetrics and gynecology (including labor Leaders for AdventHealth West Florida and delivery), gastroenterology, orthopedic Division have announced plans to build a and urology services. 209,000-square-foot, four-story hospital The West Florida Division of Advenin Riverview. The health care system will tHealth offers a robust system of care, break ground on the $216 million project including specialty acute care, over 200 beginning in Fall 2021 and plans to open the primary care and specialty employed phyhospital in Spring 2023. sicians, Express Care at Walgreens clinics, “We are excited to continue our growth urgent care centers, wound care, physical strategy to meet the fast-growing needs of therapy, home care, mobile mammography Southern Hillsborough County,” said Mike and more. AdventHealth is a faith-based, Schultz, president and CEO of Advent- not-for-profit health care system with a Health West Florida Division. “This hospital mission of “Extending the Healing Ministry is another addition to our robust network of of Christ.” AdventHealth has hundreds of connected care that we’re providing in this care sites and nearly 50 hospitals across area, including primary care, specialty care, the United States. emergency services, outpatient imaging For more information about Adventand more. We want to make it easy for peo- Health, visit AdventHealth.com or Faceple to have convenient access to the expert book.com/AdventHealth.
CONSTRUCTION SET TO START ON APOLLO BEACH BLVD./I-75 OVERPASS By Brian Bokor
Construction is expected to start soon on the Apollo Beach Blvd./I-75 overpass transportation capital improvement project.
Residents who travel on Interstate 75 in the Apollo Beach area regularly will have noticed that the construction on the overpass is moving along. Hillsborough County closed portions of the road for overnight hours last month to allow crews to pour concrete on the bridge as part of the Paseo al Mar Blvd. construction project. The new overpass will connect residents on either side of I-75 and reduce traffic on Big Bend Rd. and Sun City Center Blvd. in Apollo Beach. Original Story Printed March 2021 The Apollo Beach Blvd./I-75 overpass transportation capital improvement project (Paseo Al Mar Blvd. - CIP 69643) discussed for more than three years will begin construction this month, according to the Hillsborough County newsroom. Paseo Al Mar Blvd. will be expanded to both the east and west over I-75 in order to create a four-lane divided highway linking U.S. 41 and the Waterset community to U.S.
301 and the Belmont community, as well as providing an alternative to Big Bend Rd. The project was designed to connect with the regional South Coast Greenway Trail for bicycle and pedestrian users and will be ADA (American with Disabilities Act) compliant. The total estimated cost for the project is $26.5 million. Funding for the project was provided through a $5.75 million FDOT CIGP grant, a $10.7 million developer contribution and $10 million from county financing. David Vogel, project manager of the I-75 flyover project, explained that any work impacting traffic on I-75 would be performed at night with both the county and FDOT providing advance notice to motorists. The project is expected to be completed before the end of 2022. Residents can visit http:// hcflgov.net/HCEngage at any time during construction to learn more about the roadway construction project, view the project area map and request a project information meeting on behalf of their community.
January 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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Year In Review-Updates On The Top Stories From 2021 HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOLS KEEP NEW 25-ACRE ALAFIA RIVER PACE WITH POPULATION GROWTH PARK COMING TO RIVERVIEW By Michelle Caceres district staff, working with school board members and managing fiscal operations. One of the many challenges he faces is keeping pace with the tsunami of growth occurring in Southern Hillsborough County. Even with the opening of Sumner High School in Riverview, built to relieve overcrowding at East Bay and Lennard High Schools, and Belmont Elementary in Sun City Center, explosive and continued School construction is on the horizon to accomodate the influx of growth means boundary changes families in Southeastern Hillsborough County. and new school openings for 2021 and beyond. Plans are moving ahead with the new Wimauma Elementary will see schools in the SouthShore area. As de- an addition to its current building and will tailed in the full story on page 17 of this add another 306 students. The projected edition, the new K-8 school in the Wat- cost of the project is $7,224,354. erset community is looking for name and Plans for an addition to Spoto High already has a principal who is looking for- School in Riverview are expected to be ward to welcoming students in August. completed in August and will add 500 Hillsborough County has also proposed students to its capacity, bringing total cachanges in school boundaries in the River- pacity to 2,581 students. The new buildview area to prepare for Collins Elemen- ing will also be home to Spoto’s Culinary tary to expand to include middle school Academy and its National Academy of Fistudents. These changes will affect some nance. The projected cost is $16,058,922. students currently attending Barrington, A new PK-8 school is planned on a Eisenhower and Rodgers Middle Schools. 16.79-acre parcel near Waterset, located For more information, visit www.hillsbor- south of Paseo Al Mar Blvd. and west of oughcountyschools.org. I-75, with a capacity of 1,800 students. Original Story Printed March 2021 Its projected cost is $44,647,614. “Preparing students for life is our top Plans are also in place for Collins Elepriority,” said Hillsborough County School mentary in Riverview to be converted into Superintendent Addison Davis. While this a PK-8 school with a building addition at a goal is a noble one, the reality of Davis’ job, cost of $15,894,846. which includes overseeing the daily operTo view the school board’s five-year ations of the seventh largest school dis- comprehensive plan for the School District in the country, means Davis spends trict of Hillsborough County, visit www. his days supervising school principals and sdhc.k12.fl.us.
By Michelle Caceres
Construction has started on the 25-acre Alafia River Park in Riverview.
According to the Hillsborough County’s Conservation & Environmental Lands Management department, construction is under way for the park and late spring is the target date for completion. The parking and site clearing are complete and crews are now working on restroom, picnic shelters, landscaping and fencing. The last item to be done is an observation platform. Original Story Printed June 2021 Riverview residents will soon have a new place to explore. A new park is being built adjacent to the Alafia River. Not surprising, since the waterway meanders for 25 miles, beginning east of County Rd. 39 in Lithia and runs through Riverview and Gibsonton before emptying into Hillsborough Bay. Once completed, the 25-acre Alafia River Park, located off Riverview Dr. in Riverview, will include a 1-mile paved walking trail, plenty of greenspace, restrooms, three picnic pavilions and an observation
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tower overlooking the river. The pasture area where the walking trail is planned will be restored to native habitat to support the gopher tortoise population and the remaining landscape will incorporate native species such as longleaf pine, pignut hickory and live oaks for shade. Another feature of the park is a Native American statue by renowned artist Daniel Horsechief and endorsed by experts from the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s AhTah-Thi-Ki Museum. The work is being funded through the Public Art Program. The project, which has been in the works for six years, is estimated to cost approximately $6.2 million ($1.8 million on the park, $1 million and $3.4 million for the land purchase). Another $1 million is being spent to change the sharp hairpin turn at the entrance of the park on Riverview Dr. into a roundabout. For more information about Alafia River Park, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org\ conservation.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
Year In Review-Updates On The Top Stories From 2021 RIVERVIEW LIBRARY— NEW AND EXPANDED EDITION
ECHO OPENS NEW OPPORTUNITY CENTER IN RIVERVIEWBy Anika Shah plications and backto-work seminars. The group also helps people hone their skills with credit, taxes and even sewing workshops. Additionally, a new internship program is being started to connect individuals with local businesses in the area looking to hire. The organization ECHO of Riverview opened a new Opportunity Center, offering classes such as is run entirely by volsewing in addition to job fairs and other ways to help. unteers like teachers, Original Story Printed July 2021 lawyers and HR manECHO (Emergency Care Help Organiza- agers that use their various skills sets tion) opened a new Opportunity Center to teach classes on topics ranging from at its Riverview branch on June 17. The finance to social media marketing. The center will provide job coaching, GED center is also sponsored by Bank of help in English and Spanish, financial America, which not only provides fundworkshops and one-on-one tutoring for ing but also hosts workshops, such as locals in crisis. mock interview, and offers a pathway to Dianne Horncastle, Opportunity Center work at the company itself. director, spoke about the center’s misThis is ECHO’s second opportunity cension. “We are looking to help people sta- ter, after the Brandon location on Parbilize, however needed,” she said. sons Ave., and comes in addition to many The center helps those displaced in the other programs offered, including a food job market due to education level, tech- pantry and thrift shop. nological limitations or the COVID-19 ECHO is always looking for more volpandemic through multiple facets of the unteers for job coaching as well as donaemployment process. tions for the food pantry and thrift shop “When someone puts their resume on- locations. line, sometimes it can feel like it’s going If you are interested in the programs, into a black hole,” said Horncastle. “It please email Horncastle at opportunikind of is, because getting a job can be ty@echofl.org, contact her at 540-9880 difficult.” or connect on Facebook @ECHOBranThe Opportunity Center seeks to help don. ECHO of Riverview is located on people in the community apply for a job 7807 Capitano St. and is open Monday through resume building, online job ap- through Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
By Bob Zoellner Riverview has the newest one. Opening in mid-January, the new 35,000-square-foot building at 9951 Balm Riverview Rd. opened its doors to provide curbside service to the Riverview, Gibsonton and Apollo Beach areas. The previous facility on Riverview Dr. closed, which was a much smaller library with only 8,000 square feet that served its patrons for over 40 years. That building now reverts back to Mosaic, which donated the use of the building while it was a library. Librarians had already seen 72 customers take advantage of its services by 4 p.m. on opening day, January 13, more than any other day at the previous location during the COVID-19 protocols, according to staff. “The new branch features a recording studio, makerspace, Early Learning Hive and an expanded children’s room,” said Chely Cantrell, the Library Brand Innovation officer for the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library system. Cantrell has spent 15 years working in libraries, including the last six with Tampa-Hillsborough County, focusing on community engagement, public relations and learning experiences. The best way to see what is offered is to go onto the website at https://www.hcplc. org/locations and find the branch desired, including the Riverview Public Library. To reserve materials at the new Riverview location, call or text 955-4898 and provide your name and the last four digits of your library card.
Library staff at the new Riverview Public Library, which opened January 13, 2021. Karen Johnson Slaton, Tammy Cutlip, Allison Wever, and Jason Steward.
Since opening its doors a year ago, the new Riverview Public Library has become one of the top branches in the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library system in terms of library visits, books and materials checked out and meeting room use. “We continue to see steady use of the public computers and public Wi-Fi. In October, over 25,000 items were borrowed by the community from this busy branch,” said Cheryl Wolfe, digital media and PR coordinator at Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library. The 35,000 sq. ft. building also offers a recording studio with staff available to conduct a one-on-one orientation on how to use the equipment. “We’re very excited to have customers visit the branch in person since April and we are looking forward to offering programming starting in the new year,” said Candy Granda, library public service regional manager for South County.” Original Story Printed February 2021 In 1881, there were only a few public libraries in the world. As Andrew Carnegie decided to give away most of his wealth and promote the idea of free public libraries, the idea grew rapidly to now virtually every community having its own library.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
January 2022
Year In Review-Updates On The Top Stories From 2021 PORTION OF STATE ROAD 60 RENAMED IN HONOR OF FALLEN HCSO SGT. BRIAN LAVIGNE By Tatiana Ortiz
In November, nated honorRepresentative ing fallen law Andrew Learned, enforcement along with other officers. Sgt. members of the LaVigne along Florida Legislature, with Dep. MiHillsborough Counchael Magli ty Sheriff Chad with the PiChronister and nellas County Hillsborough CounSheriff’s Office ty Commissioner and Master Kimberly Overman, Patrol Officer honored the late Jesse MadSergeant Brian Deputy Caitlin LaVigne stands with her father Cor- sen with the LaVigne during poral Brian LaVigne while he received an award at Tampa Police the Alafia River Chapter NSDAR. an unveiling of his Department road plaque in the portion of SR 60 from were also recognized with commemorative Philip Lee Blvd. to I-75, which now has his roadway namings in the signing of the bill. name. “We commemorated three heroes who “Sergeant Brian LaVigne will never be made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their forgotten, and this will serve as another communities,” Gov. DeSantis said. “Serving reminder of his selfless service to his com- in law enforcement is a noble calling and munity until the very end of his life,” said deserves nothing less than our full support Chronister at the ceremony. “Now when and respect. These were the type of men people drive down this stretch of road- we need in law enforcement,” he added. way, they will be reminded of the legacy As of July 1, State Road 60 between and impact left by Sergeant LaVigne.”” Interstate 75 and Phillip Lee Boulevard in Hillsborough County is now designated as Original Story Printed August 2021 On January 11, 2021, Sgt. Brian LaVigne “Sergeant Brian LaVigne Road.” The two additional renamed roadways was killed in the line of duty while assisting his fellow Hillsborough County Sheriff’s include County Road 611 between KeyDepartment officers on a service call in stone Road and Forelock Road in Pinellas Brandon. An individual, fleeing from law County now known as “Deputy Michael enforcement, struck Sgt. Brian LaVigne’s J. Magli Memorial Road.” And, Interstate vehicle which caused injuries which ulti- 275 between East Sligh Avenue and East mately took his life. Sgt. LaVigne, a 31-year Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in is veteran of the department was one shift now known as “Officer Jesse Madsen Mefrom retirement when he was struck and morial Highway.” “I am honored to make sure these brave killed. On June 18, Governor Ron DeSantis heroes are never forgotten. May God grant signed Senate Bill 1716, which is an act their families and coworkers peace and relating to transportation facilities desig- comfort,” Hooper said.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
OPERATION LOTUS RAISES MONEY FOR FAMILY OF RIP CURRENT VICTIMS
By Lily Belcher
just having an eye on his son,” said the Purackals’ friend, Sindhu Nadarajan. “He was a very, very responsible father and a very loving husband.” Following their death, the executive director of the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, Melanie Davis, reached out to Operation Lotus, a nonprofit organization that helps families through Melanie Brockmeier-Jordy is raising money to help the family of Janosh traumatic, life-changing events. and Daniel Purackal (pictured above). “As a widow myself, Throughout 2021, Operation Lotus was I cannot even imagine the pain the wife/ able to help 28 families in need. In admother feels,” said Brockmeier-Jordy, dition, the group held its annual school founder and owner of Operation Lotus. supply drive, worked with a local group “When I started Operation Lotus, it was of scouts to collect socks for the homemy vow to help as many families as I less and held a huge holiday toy drive could. When I heard about this story, my with FishHawk Creek Elementary student heart broke and I hoped for a way to help Gavin Sheeve for children in local hospitals. A support group for local widows this family.” Brockmeier-Jordy asks that donations was also formed. be made to Operation Lotus through PayOriginal Story Printed July 2021 Pal (operationlotusfl@gmail.com), Venmo Following the recent tragedy in Apol(@operationlotus) or checks (P.O. Box lo Beach that took three lives, Melanie 3056, Riverview, FL 33569). Brockmeier-Jordy and her nonprofit orgaDonations should be flagged as ‘Apollo nization, Operation Lotus, are working to Beach Family’. raise money for the family of father and “When I spoke with the family, I ashusband Janosh Purackal and 3-year-old sured them that we would help however son Daniel Purackal. we could and 100 percent of money raised Janosh and Daniel were swimming in would go directly to them,” said BrockApollo Beach before they were swept meier-Jordy. “The wife/mother is having away by a rip current. Friends believe that the expenses of two funerals and has lost Janosh was trying to save his son that the main income now for her family. They night. need some financial help to get through “I’ve never seen him without his son. If this devastating time.” the son is around, he’s on the shoulder or
Volume 20, Issue 1
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
January 2022
Page 47
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BREAKS GROUND ON APOLLO BEACH FIRE STATION 29 Staff Report (FB 29) responds to nautical emergencies and can spray up to 3,500 gallons of seawater a minute from deck guns, put out fuel fires with foam retardant and is docked nearby at Lands End Marina. Launched in 2018, FB 29 responds to boat fires, medical calls and other nautical emerHillsborough County formally broke ground on Fire Station 29 in Apollo Beach gencies, providing last month, replacing a much smaller, outdated fire station down the street. critical protection in a waterfront comOriginal Story Printed September 2021 munity with a major port and thousands of Work is underway on a new fire station recreational boaters. to serve the growing communities in Apollo Working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard Beach. Hillsborough County formally broke and other agencies, the craft and its crew ground on Fire Station 29 in Apollo Beach cover a 42-mile shipping channel and surlast month, replacing a much smaller, outrounding waters from Port Tampa Bay to dated fire station down the street. west of Egmont Key. The station will be located at 6720 N. U.S. Powered by four 250-horsepower Yama41 in Apollo Beach and will help serve the ha outboard engines, FB 29 has a top speed fast-growing communities of Apollo Beach, of 49 mph. With twin hulls and a draft of just MiraBay, Waterset and Adamsville. 28 inches, the craft can navigate shallow waAccording to the county’s Chris Wilkerson, ters and pull up to beaches and islands with the new location provides the crews with a bow that drops forward, landing craftquick access to U.S. 41 to help improve restyle, to load incapacitated patients in medsponse times. ical need. “The new, 10,000-square-foot station will The station also includes the latest in arhave three drive-through apparatus bays chitectural safety measures, such as laundry for a fire engine, an ALS rescue truck and a and showers between the apparatus bays tanker truck capable of delivering 3,000 galand the main part of the station so that firelons of water directly to a fire scene,” said fighters can decontaminate before entering Wilkerson. “The station also will be home the station’s living quarters. Eliminating carto a battalion chief’s vehicle and 21 or more cinogens is critically important in keeping firefighters/paramedics working three 24firefighters healthy from cancer-causing hour shifts.” Station 29 also is the home of Hillsbor- smoke common in modern fires. To learn more, visit www.hillsboroughough’s Marine Rescue Crew. Hillsborough county.org. County Fire Rescue’s 38-foot Fire Boat 29
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 1
