Riverview/ Apollo Beach
6
July 2022
Volume 20, Issue 7
See Ad on Page 24
Ph: 813-657-2418
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
RUSKIN MOTEL BECOMES AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAS VILLAS APARTMENTS
Staff Report
COCA-COLA BEVERAGES FLORIDA
BREAKS GROUND ON NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTER AT U.S. 301 & CAUSEWAY BLVD.
By Marie Gilmore
Monsignor Robert F. Morris, vicar general of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and president of the Catholic Charities Board of Trustees, and Father john E. McEvoy, V.F., pastor of St. Anne Catholic Church of Ruskin, bless the new Las Villas Apartments affordable housing complex in Ruskin.
ing more than $54 million into the community in 2021, directly impacting more than 24,300 households. The programs and services funded by the county focus on creating new affordable housing opportunities, training for residents to further their careers in order to afford homeownership and infrastructure improvements that enhance the communities around them. Since 1945, Catholic Charities has provided social services aimed at supporting and preserving families and promoting self-sufficiency and social justice. Under the auspices of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Catholic Charities is a nonprofit leader in serving the poor and vulnerable within Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. For more information on Hillsborough County affordable housing and to find resources to help with financial assistance for home repairs, down payments, rental and housing needs, as well as information on other affordable housing needs, such as fair housing and federal reporting notices, visit hcflgov.net/affordablehousing.
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Last week, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, the largest minority-owned business in the state, broke ground on its state-of-theart, 800,000 sq. ft. complex. The new Coca-Cola Tampa Sales and Distribution Center will be located on 156 acres located at the corner of U.S. Highway 301 and Causeway Boulevard. The complex is part of a $250 million investment for a fully automated fulfillment center and corporate offices. Coke Florida founder, chairman and CEO Troy Taylor was proud of his team’s efforts over the last few years and was joined at the groundbreaking by county, state and business partner reps along with elected officials and members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Guests invited to participate also included Mayor Jane Castor (City of Tampa), Craig Richard (president of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council) and other local, regional and state partners. Castor was proud to be a part of the groundbreaking, saying, “This is a momentous occasion, and Troy Taylor has amassed an incredible team.” Tampa Bay Buccaneers COO Brian Ford said that the Bucs have never served any other beverage but Coca-Cola since 1976. “Today, it’s my honor to present a game ball to Troy and his team,” Ford said while pledging the Bucs’ continued partnership. “Every time we get involved in something charitable in the community, we know we can count on Troy and Coca-Cola to partici-
pate, and that partnership means a lot.” Taylor, a Marshall University graduate and father of two, credits his success to his associates, saying, “I have some really, really good people around me that are working toward the same goal. They understand the vision, and they work side by side.” Founded in 2015, Coke Florida is the third-largest privately held and sixth-largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. The company operates in an exclusive Florida territory that covers 47 counties and serves over 21 million consumers. The Tampa area is home to Coke Florida’s headquarters and one of four of its manufacturing operations. The company employs over 4,600 associates and was recently named a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. The company is also one of the largest blackowned businesses in the United States and the largest minority-owned business in Florida. To learn more, visit www.cocacolaflorida.com.
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On June 22, Hillsborough County and Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg officials dedicated a former rundown motel on U.S. Highway 41 that has been renovated and transformed into Las Villas Apartments, an affordable housing complex. With rent and home prices rapidly rising across Florida and the country, governments, nonprofits and housing advocates are finding creative solutions. The $2 million project to create Las Villas Apartments in Ruskin is the latest nontraditional effort to provide affordable housing. Located at 1308 N. U.S. Hwy. 41 in Ruskin, the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Las Villas Apartments featured representatives from Hillsborough County and Catholic Charities. The 13 units were extensively renovated to create 13 efficiency apartments that are being rented to low-income residents at below-market rates. The former motel was purchased with $1.5 million in funding from Hillsborough County and $500,000 from Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg. Hillsborough County has prioritized addressing affordable housing issues, invest-
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida breaks ground on a new 800,000 sq. ft. facility located on the corner of U.S. Highway 301 and Causeway Boulevard.
Hunter’s Brunch Shack on U.S. Hwy 301 had a celebrity visit from Carole and Howard Baskin from Big Cat Rescue who stopped in for breakfast! Vvisit www.huntersbrunchshack.com
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 7
July 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
FOOD & FIRE SAFETY TIPS KEEP FAMILY BBQS SAFE FOR ALL
Page 3
INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS FOR I-75 AND BIG BEND ROAD SLATED FOR 2025 COMPLETION By Sharon Still
By Marie Gilmore
Kelsey Christian (R), health educator with the Florida Department of Health, and spokesperson Ryan Terry demonstrate safe food handling tips for summer.
’Tis the season for fun backyard cookouts, barbecues, pool time and more, but nothing stops a fun gathering in its tracks like an unintentional fire or spreading salmonella to your guests due to unsafe handling practices. To give some tips for the summer, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR) partnered with Florida Department of Health officials to host an open house at Fire Station 16 in Riverview to make sure residents are ready for safe summer fun. HCFR lead fire investigator David Tucker said, “We see injuries that occur each year when families shoot off fireworks. We recommend everyone to have access to a bucket or a trash can filled with water to fully extinguish the firework after shooting it.” According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 64 percent of American households have a gas grill, and grill fires are most common in July. Unfortunately, grill-related accidents are
common. In a typical year, more than 10,000 fires are started by grills, and 19,000 people are hospitalized because of mishaps involving grills. If you’re grilling outdoors, HCFR has some tips on keeping your family and home safe. HCFR public education specialist Jim Schmidt, who also wants families to be careful with their gas grills, said, “Make sure your grill is clean, safe, no leaks in the propane hoses and do not keep your grill under a covered roof.” On the food side, the Florida Department of Health wants to remind people that cooked food should not be left out on a table for more than one hour to avoid the growth of foodborne germs. “People think food safety is complicated,” said health educator Kelsey Christian, “but it’s very simple and a few extra minutes may stop you from becoming sick.” Washing hands and utensils, keeping raw meat separate from vegetables, making sure to cook foods thoroughly, keeping perishable food in the refrigerator with a temperature of 40 degrees or below and not thawing foods on the counter are some of the top recommendations from the health department. For more health safety tips, visit www. hillsboroughcountyhealth.org.
www.fdottampabay.com/I75-virtual-open-house/ into your browser or navigate from www.fdottampabay. com. Improvements on this $81.7 million project include: · Adding a new northbound I-75 entrance ramp from westbound Big Bend Road. · Adding a new southbound I-75 exit ramp to westbound Big Bend Road. · Increasing the storage area at the base of the northbound I-75 exit ramp by adding a left-turn lane onto westbound Big Bend Road. · Extending the southbound I-75 exit ramp lane approaching Big Bend Road and adding dual right-turn lanes to westbound Big Bend Road. · Adding a triple right-turn lane controlled by a signal from the southbound I-75 exit ramp to eastbound Big Bend Road. · Adding signalized dual left-turn movements from westbound Big Bend Road to southbound I-75 and eastbound Big Bend Road to northbound I-75. · Widening Big Bend Road between Covington Garden Drive and Simmons Loop from a four-lane divided road to six lanes featuring enhanced pedestrian, bicycle, and bus facilities. · Rebuilding the Old Big Bend Road and Big Bend Road bridges. The project is expected to be completed in September 2025. Residents interested in receiving construction updates, including nightly lane closures, should sign up on the FDOT website at www.fdottampabay.com; reference project 424513-3-52-01. Email roadwork@dot.state.fl.us or call project manager at 813-975-3573.
Eastbound Big Bend Road West of I-75
“If you build it, they will come.” — Shoeless Joe Jackson. The burgeoning population of southern Hillsborough County has created a traffic nightmare at Big Bend Road and I-75. Motorists wait in long lines to enter and exit the interstate, with the impatient ones rushing to the front and cutting everyone off, causing accidents and more havoc. In recognition of the rapid growth of the South County area, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has partnered with Hillsborough County to develop longterm solutions to help alleviate traffic congestion. Roadway reconstruction kicked off in December 2021 and FDOT District 7 recently held a Construction Open House to educate the community of the upcoming improvements, provide a timeline for construction as well as field questions from residents and business owners in the SouthShore area about the I-75/Big Bend Interchange Improvements. More than 500 people attended the in-person meeting or participated in a virtual tour featuring live chat. “The virtual open house worked great,” reported Kristen Carson, FDOT District 7 communications manager. “We have the maps and information still available online.” Put
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 7
TWO ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL-SOUTH NURSE APPRENTICE STUDENTS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS
FLORIDA HOME PARTNERSHIP BREAKS GROUND ON MAGNOLIA GARDEN SQUARE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY IN WIMAUMA
Sherard McKenzie and spond to disaster situAbiodun Olusesi, both in ations and help people nurse apprentice posiin need so I knew nurstions at St. Joseph’s Hosing would get me onto pital-South in Riverview that path and field,” exand part of BayCare’s plained McKenzie. student nursing proOlusesi, from Ruskin, gram, were recipients is a nurse apprentice of nursing scholarships I and was awarded a through the St. Joseph’s $5,000 nursing scholarHospitals Foundation Abiodun Olusesi, a nurse apprentice I at ship through the Al Greand community bene- St. Joseph’s Hospital-South in Riverview. enway Nursing Scholfactors. McKenzie and arship program and the Olusesi were surprised foundation. with oversized checks He has been with St. in ‘Publishers Clearing Joseph’s Hospital-South House’-type presentafor less than a year but tions during their shifts. has made a big impact Both men said the scholin that short amount of arships will help as they time. He goes to school balance raising their during the day and families, working and Sherard McKenzie, a nurse apprentice II works at the hospital going to school. at night. Olusesi, who at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South in RiverMcKenzie, from already has a degree in view. Seffner, is a nurse apbiochemistry, is schedprentice II and received a uled to have his bachelor’s $2,500 scholarship through in September from Rasthe Kosaraju Family Scholmussen University to bearship program and the come a registered nurse. foundation. He is studying Olusesi said his passion at St. Petersburg College to for taking care of people led become a registered nurse and will have his him to pursue a nursing degree, but his bioassociate degree in December. chemistry education also spurred his interest McKenzie has been with BayCare for seven in nursing. years, working at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South “That knowledge (in biochemistry) pushed and in the BayCare mobile nursing pool before me into nursing,” he said. “I wanted to know taking a permanent position at St. Joseph’s more about how the body works.” Hospital-South. He has been all over the BayIn the nurse apprentice positions, Sherard Care ‘map,’ as he has provided patient care in and Abiodun provide care under the direct 10 of BayCare’s 16 hospitals. supervision of nurses. St. Joseph’s Hospi“I’ve always wanted to help since I was a tal-South is one of 16 BayCare hospitals in the child and give back. I always wanted to re- Tampa Bay and central Florida regions.
term success.” The community of villas and townhomes will have a variety of environmental and healthy features that will enhance the quality of its residents’ lifestyles. “We truly see the green space as a meeting spot for the c o m munity. We envision t h e m strolling the a r e a in the evenings, playing catch with their children and gathering to enjoy the outdoors on a beautiful fall afternoon,” said Josey. Attendees included board members as well as current and former FHP clients. Speakers included: Martine Dorvil, FHP board member; Michael Marina, FHP executive director; Josue Robles Caraballo, USF research faculty in Architecture and Urban Design; Kimberly Overman, Hillsborough County Commissioner; Lakeisha Hood, USDA Rural Development state director; Cheryl Howell, Hillsborough County Affordable Housing and Community Development director; and Walter Walker Jr., FHP board member. FHP expects to start construction of Magnolia Garden Square by the end of the year. For those interested in learning more about affordable housing options through FHP, please visit its website at https://flhome.org/ or call 813-672-7860.
Staff Report
Staff Report
Future Homeowners, Florida Home Partnership Employees and representatives from the USDA and Hillsborough County were present at the groundbreaking for the new Magnolia Garden Square development.
Florida Home Partnership (FHP), Hillsborough County’s leading nonprofit-certified affordable housing homebuilder, recently broke ground on Magnolia Garden Square in Wimauma. Magnolia Garden Square is one of the first affordable housing communities in Florida to also offer healthy living features that will enhance quality of life for its residents. The community will feature 38 new homes that are available to those earning 80 percent or below the median income. The owners receive their loans through USDA’s Mutual Self-Help Housing program and are expected to participate in a minimum of 600 hours in the building of their homes and their neighbors’ homes, using sweat equity as a stipulation to the loan. “We are so proud to build these homes and to partner with USDA to provide affordable living options in Wimauma,” said Vanessa Josey, FHP COO. “The program is designed to build a sense of community and ownership that is crucial to its long-
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
July 2022
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STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
IN THE FAMILY COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT RIVERVIEW, APOLLO BEACH, Case No. 2022-DR-26-0949 &SUMMONS SOUTHSHORE AND ADVERTISING Melissa NOTICE OF FINALHartmann HEARING
COUNTY OF HORRY FISHHAWK/BLOOMINGDALE VALRICO ADVERTISING DWAYNE PAUL& DUNAWAY, Kerrie Hoening PLAINTIFF, V. 833-7470 625-1527 CHASLYN AMBER SUMMERS-DUNAWAY, mhartmann@ospreyobserver.com kerrie@ospreyobserver.com DEFENDANT. BRANDON & WINTHROP CHRISTIAN VOICE TO: CHASLYN AMBER SUMMERS-DUNAWAY ADVERTISING ADVERTISING YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to respond to the Complaint in this action which is hereby Cammie Yick Melody Gershkoff served upon you and to serve a copy of your response on the subscriber at his address, Ryan A. Stampfle, Indigo 810-8106 300-5152 Family Law, LLC, 2055 Glenns Bay Road, Surfside Beach, South Carolina, 29575, within thirty (30) days after service cyick@ospreyobserver .com hereof, exclusive ofmgershkoff@ospreyobserver the day of such service, and.com if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, Plaintiff in this action will apply to the Court for the relief demanded in the Petition. This action was filed on March 8, 2022. This shall also serve as a Notice of Final Hearing, which is scheduled for August 31, 2022 at 11:15A.m. before Honorable Ronald R. Norton, at the Horry County Judicial Complex located at 1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, South Carolina. BE SO NOTIFIED. __________________________ Ryan A. Stampfle Attorney for Plaintiff 2055 Glenns Bay Road Surfside Beach, SC 29575 (843) 215-6100 Office (843) 215-6105 Fax ryan@indigofamilylaw.com
Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Only Love Enterprises and located at 3403 Fox Squirrel Ln, in Hillsborough County, in the City of Valrico, Florida 33596 intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.
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RECLAIMED WATER:
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED By Jay Hoecker, Water Resources Bureau Chief Q: What is reclaimed water? A: Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater which can be used for irrigation and other uses to extend our water supplies. Reclaimed water is delivered through purple pipes, which you have probably seen in your community. Q: What are some of the ways reclaimed water is used? A: Reclaimed water is used to irrigate crops, residential lawns, schools, golf courses and parks. It’s also used in industrial processes for cooling towers and power plants. Q: What is the district’s role in reclaimed water? A: The district has been recognized as a champion and advocate for the beneficial use of reclaimed water and has partnered with local utilities and water users to maximize the beneficial use of reclaimed water as a safe and proven alternative water supply. Reclaimed water represents approximately 16 percent of all water sources used within the Southwest Florida Water Management District (district). Q: What are the benefits of using reclaimed water? A: Using reclaimed water helps meet current and future water supply needs in the region and is a vital component of the district’s Regional Water Supply Plan. There are many benefits to using reclaimed water, such as reducing potable water use, decreasing fertilizer application, reducing discharge into rivers and bays from wastewater plants and, most importantly, ensur-
ing a sustainable and cost-effective water supply. Q: What are the future plans and goals for reclaimed water within the district? A: The district has committed to a longterm goal to beneficially reuse 75% of all available reclaimed water flows from treatment plants by 2040. You can learn more about the district’s long-term goals at www. watermatters.org/projects/reclaimed-water. To meet this goal, the district provides funding through our Cooperative Funding Initiative program to help communities develop reclaimed water systems. During the past 30 years, the district has committed more than $417 million to water reuse projects in west central Florida. Q: How do I know if reclaimed water is available in my community? A: Residents interested in reclaimed water service are encouraged to contact their local utility located on utility bills to confirm service availability. The district’s website also has a link to a Reclaimed Water Map Viewer, which shows major reclaimed water transmission mains within the district. Q: Who regulates reclaimed water? A: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is the state regulation agency which monitors and enforces reclaimed water regulations. Jay Hoecker is the Water Resources Bureau chief for the Southwest Florida Water Manage-ment District. He is a certified project management professional, and his team is responsible for the planning, management and development of water supply and resource development projects in the 16-county region. Jay holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and policy and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of South Florida.
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(813) 645-6796 The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisement. Before you decide, ask us to send you FREE written information about our qualifications and experience.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH PIPELINE PROJECT NARROWED TO THREE ROUTE OPTIONS Staff Report Tampa Bay Wament Plant and end ter is seeking input at the county’s new from Hillsborough connection point at County residents on Balm Riverview and its South HillsborBalm roads. ough Pipeline. The Tampa Bay Water utility is building collected input from this new pipeline to Hillsborough County meet the increasresidents in 2019 on ing water demands the most important of southern Hillscriteria in selecting borough County. pipeline routes. The Residents can visit utility used this input www.tampabaywato narrow route opter.org/shp to comtions to three. plete a short survey In August, these Tampa Bay Water has narrowed the route to provide input on options for its new South Hillsborough Pipeline routes will be ranked the three routes un- down to three. If you’d like to provide input on and presented to der consideration. the three routes under consideration, visit www. Tampa Bay Water’s tampabaywater.org/shp to complete a short The survey opened board of directors. survey, open from June 14 to Friday, July 8. on June 14 and Utility staff will recloses on Friday, July 8. Residents may also quest approval to proceed with the design sign up for a telephone town hall meeting and property acquisition of the top-ranked for Tuesday, July 12 to provide input. route. Southern Hillsborough County is experiSchedule: encing unprecedented population growth • Public input on potential routes: Sumthat is driving the demand for additional mer 2022. drinking water. By 2045, the number of • Board selection of the top-ranked homes in the Boyette area is expected to route: Monday, August 15. grow by one-third, the number in Wimau• Final design completion: Mid-2024. ma is expected to more than double and • Property acquisition completion: Late the number in the Balm area is expected 2024. to nearly triple. • Construction bidding: Late 2024. The new pipeline will carry up to 65 mil• Construction completion: Early 2028. lion gallons per day of additional drinking Tampa Bay Water provides wholesale water to the southern Hillsborough service water to the public utility systems of Hillarea. This new pipeline will be approx- sborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties as imately 25 miles long and will range in well as the cities of New Port Richey, St. diameter from 36-72 inches. It will start Petersburg and Tampa. You may opt in to at the Tampa Bay Regional Surface Water receive notices on this project by sending Treatment Plant in Brandon, connect to an email to projectinfo@tampabaywater. Hillsborough County’s Lithia Water Treat- org or by calling 813-486-0361.
7/31/2022
7/31/2022
Volume 20, Issue 7
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
July 2022
Page 7
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE:
IN THE EYE OF THE HURRICANE
By Nick Edwards
CUSTOM HAIR
Source: US National Weather Service Tampa Bay Florida Facebook page.
Projected movement of recent Tropical Storm Alex.
As the summer approaches, so does the familiar hurricane season. To most Floridians, this means potential days off school or work and sleeping in the closet, but to the National Weather Service (NWS), this means working around the clock. From June 1 through Wednesday, November 30, these weather experts work tirelessly, tracking hurricanes as they move toward Florida. The National Weather Service’s office in Ruskin is the epicenter of special weather forecasts in the Tampa Bay area. In fact, according to meteorologist Dan Noah, its office takes care of west central and southwest Florida. Using the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, National Weather Service meteorologists are able to predict hurricane intensity days prior to impact. Based solely on maximum sustained wind speed, these
storms are given quantified rankings 1-5, which translate to estimates of property damage. Once a hurricane is spotted moving towards Florida, a hurricane watch is issued by the NWS. This is typically done at least 60 hours before expected impact. From that point on, meteorologists keep a close eye on any changes in speed and direction. Noah explained that they will even “camp out at the office during the hurricane, totaling sometimes up to 64 hours.” During this time, the WX4TOR radio station is used to facilitate communication regarding playby-play updates of the hurricane’s status. Every three hours, a Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory is issued, informing the public of these updates. For information on hurricanes and NWS recommended tactics, visit www.weather. gov/safety/hurricane.
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FINANCIAL FOCUS firm you choose, you should be able to go online to review your portfolio at your convenience. • Technology – A financial advisor can employ a variety of software programs to help clients. For example, a financial advisor can determine the rate of return you might need to attain specific goals, helping shape your investment strategy. But there are also a lot of “what ifs” in anyone’s life, so an advisor can use hypothetical illustrations to show you where you might end up if you take different paths, such as retiring earlier (or later) than you had planned or putting in more (or less) money toward a specific goal, such as education for your children. Anyone’s plans can change, so the ability to view different potential scenarios can prove valuable. Above all, a financial advisor can help you feel more confident as you pursue your goals. Among investors who work with a financial advisor, 84% said that doing so gave them a greater sense of comfort about their finances during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey conducted in 2020 by Age Wave and Edward Jones. And during times of market turbulence, such as we’ve experienced this year, a financial advisor can help you avoid overreacting to downturns. When unexpected events crop up, such as a lapse in employment, a financial advisor can suggest moves that may enable you to avoid major disruptions to your financial strategy. Conversely, when a new opportunity emerges, perhaps from an inheritance or some other windfall, your financial advisor can help you take advantage of it. Navigating the investment landscape can be challenging – but the journey can be a lot smoother if you’ve got the right guide. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Gabriel Mbulo, AAMS® Gabriel N. Mbulo, AAMS® FinancialAdvisor, AdvisorEdward Jones Financial 10657 Big Bend Road 10657 Big Bend Rd Riverview, FL 33578 Riverview, FL 33578 (727) 455-3513 cell 813-319-3983 (813) 319-3983 office
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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A FINANCIAL ADVISOR
If you know how important it is to invest for your future, but you’re unsure of the road to follow, you may want to get some guidance and direction from a financial professional. But if you’ve never worked with one before, what can you expect? Here are some things to look for: • Assessment – A financial advisor will assess your current financial situation – assets, income, debts and so on – but that’s just the start. These days, advisors recognize the need to view their clients’ lives holistically. Consequently, you will see questions like this: What are your feelings about investing? How would you judge your risk tolerance? What are your individual financial goals? What hopes and dreams do you have for your family? • Recommendations – Only after fully understanding your needs, goals and preferences will a financial advisor recommend any investment moves. There are no “one-size-fits-all” solutions. You may want to steer clear of individuals claiming to be financial advisors who “guarantee” big returns with no risk. In the investment world, there are few guarantees, and every investment carries some type of risk. • Communications – Financial professionals communicate with their clients in different ways, but you should always feel free to reach out to an advisor with any questions or concerns. Most financial advisors will want to meet with clients at least once a year, either in 3.5”person x 2” or through an online platform, to review their investment portfolios. During the review, the financial advisor will help you determine if any changes are needed. But financial advisors won’t wait a full year to contact clients to discuss a particular investment move that might need to be made. Also, depending on the
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Riverview, 33578 813-337-7457 Office Hours: Mon - Thur 10am- 3pm www.Mtzionriverview.com FACEBOOK: Mt Zion AME Church Riverview
Community Food Pantry 2nd & 4th Thursday 11:00 -2:00 Monthly Second Chances Job Training Mon.-Thurs.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 7
COUNTY CREATES AUDIO TOURS APP TO HELP EXPLORE PARKS AND PRESERVES By Sofia Celis Avellaneda As Hillsborough County and the Tampa area are growing, the places around grow more and more alongside the technology. There are so many things we don’t know about the parks around us and the history behind them. In 2022, technology has been a very important part of life. Especially with COVID-19 around, there are many things we need to do on computer and phone to stay safe. Recently, a new online application created by Hillsborough County Conservation & Environmental Lands Management has come about that could help: audio tours. According to Ashley Martin, program coordinator of Conservation & Environmental Lands Management, “The idea came about when we were unable to give face-to-face tours and hikes during COVID but still wanted to provide our guests with a guided hike experience.” This application is called Hillsborough FL Nature Tours, which can be download in the App Store and the Google Play store. This application works in the parks, with QR codes to get you into the park you are at as well as outside of the parks at your home by simply opening the app. Martin said, “You can listen to the audio of any of the tours from the comfort of your home as a way to experience the parks even when you cannot visit, learn about local ecology and history …” As a new and upcoming app, so many updates are to come. As of right now, the company has only 14 parks that you can
view on the app. The 14 parks are Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, Alafia River Corridor South Nature Preserve, Apollo Beach Nature Preserve, Bahia Beach Nature Preserve, Bell Creek Nature Preserve, Blackwater Creek N a t u r e Preserve, Edward Medard Conservation Park, Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve, Lake Frances Nature Preserve, Lake Park Nature Preserve, Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve, Triple Creek Nature Preserve and Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park. In the future, it wants to add more parks and have more areas of Florida into their application. Another update Martin said was “adding videos for ‘virtual’ hikes or we perhaps someday also using the app to feature our newsletter — The Trailblazer — or upcoming events like in-person hikes, paddles and festivals.” Along with adding new features, since not everyone speaks English, the county is working on adding a translation feature so audio tours can be in English and Spanish. Right now, it is listening to its audience and taking as much feedback as possible. For information, contact Martin at martinal@ hillsboroughcounty.org.
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July 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
ABUNDANT LIFE PROVIDES AN ARRAY OF RESOURCES FOR WOMEN
By Tatiana Ortiz
Wo m e n match these seeking supladies with a port as they mom who trucope with an ly cares and unplanned wants to see pregnancy them flourcould reach ish.” out to the Besides Abundant the mentorLife nonprofit ship program, organization, Abundant Life which meets outsources at The Life counseling on Church in an as-needApollo Beach. Some of the women from ‘Princess Day’ with Abundant Life. ed basis. The Deborah types of serBird and Aubi Martinez vices offered include free are both the co-founders ultrasounds, free pregof Abundant Life, which nancy tests and more. opened in March 2021. Abundant Life follows The organization provides a curriculum called Emnumerous types of rebrace Grace. At the end sources for women, such of every support group, as educational classes, the organization puts support groups, diapers, together a baby shower clothes, wipes, car seats with donations from the and more, as well as anycommunity. It also has a thing else babies may need in their first ‘Princess Day’ for the moms where they year. Whether the women choose to keep are pampered, prayed over and get their the baby or adopt, they can receive assis- maternity photos taken. Bird said that this tance. is a special event for the moms. In addition, Abundant Life offers a men“Overall, our volunteers are amazing torship program where the organization and the feedback we get from our moms provides a mentor for each mom that is exceptional, and they say the support is comes its way in hopes of being an en- by far what keeps them going,” she said. couragement for them during this difficult Those interested in donating items such time, as the mental health of the women as diapers or just donations in general is one of Abundant Life’s main priorities. can bring them to The Life Church at 270 Bird shared her thoughts on why the Apollo Beach Blvd. in Apollo Beach. mentorship program is unique to the orgaFor more information, visit https://crenization: “This is a program unlike any that atingabundantlife.org. Call or text 813I have seen before.” Bird added, “We try to 445-5563.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
LEARN PROTECTION SKILLS WITH NINJA GIRL DEFENSE PARTIES By Sydney Burken As a woman, have fense classes fun you ever felt unsafe learning experiwhile in a parking ences. lot, on the sidewalk Ninja Girl Deor running errands fense parties are when the sun is exactly how they setting? Ninja Girl sound; a safe, Defense should be fun environment your go-to self-dewhere women and fense classes. The girls are supportowner of Ninja Girl ing one another Defense, Kami Beland getting stronlamah, is a 5th-deger. These parties gree black belt and can be made up of started this compaa singular person Kami Bellamah is the owner of Ninja Girl ny in 2021 after the or a group of peoDefense and your point of contact for all COVID-19 pandemic ple. When booking party questions. hit in hopes of ala party, clients can lowing young womchoose the location, en to learn how to time, group size, defend themselves. music and what Bellamah started self-defense techdoing karate and niques to learn. Beltaking self-defense seminars at the age lamah offers things like learning simple of four and quickly moved up to being a self-defense techniques, how to break a 5th-degree black belt. She first started wooden board as well as certain boxing teaching women’s self-defense seminars and punching techniques. in Maryland pre-COVID-19. In January “I feel so strongly about learning 2021, Kami Bellamah and her family self-defense because I feel as if a lot of moved to the Riverview area and soon women don’t discuss the scary reality after started her business, Ninja Girl De- we live in, as it is very easy to shy away fense. from things that make us uncomfortBellamah started the company in able,” stated Bellamah. hopes of providing a more welcoming Ninja Girl Defense parties are all about and safe space for women that karate making women feel safe and having fun and martial arts schools were not nec- while doing so. essarily reaching. Her goal behind this For more information on party costs company is to teach the young women and how to support Ninja Girl Defense, safe ways to defend themselves. Bella- please visit www.ninjagirldefense.com, mah initially started the Ninja Girl De- its Facebook and Instagram pages @ fense concept for bachelorette parties, a ninjagirldefense, email ninjagirldegirls’ night in, etc. and to make self-de- fense@gmail.com or call 813-421-4099.
Volume 20, Issue 7
July 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 11
MOSAIC AND GEORGE JENKINS FOUNDATION THE 2022 YEA! AWARDS DONATE TO RCMA COMMUNITY ACADEMIES PRESENTED TO SIX STUDENTS IN JUNE Staff Report Established in for staffing at 1965, RCMA is MCA. Florida’s largest The grant covnonprofit proers 18 months vider of early of salary for a childhood edtalent and reucation and a cruitment mannationally recager, who is ognized charter hiring teachers school operator. From left to right: Jackie Barron; Morgan Odum; Sarah and administraHeadquartered tive staff for the Fedorchuk; three Wimauma Community Academy in Immokalee, new school, and (WCA) students, who are holding Mosaic’s donation; RCMA operates coach Joe Puente; a WCA student; Bill Ferrari; Principal an after-school Mark Haggett; Erica Gallegos and her two sons, who 65 child develcoordinator, who are current or past WCA students; Linda Adams (in opment centers will help families and two K-8 the back in a white top); and RCMA executive director register their Isabel Garcia. charter schools, children for sumwith plans to add Mulmer school at MCA for berry Community Acad2023. emy (MCA) for the “At this exciting time, 2023-24 school year. as we prepare to provide Florida recently designated RCMA a ‘School a continuum of education for students tranof Hope’ charter school operator, reflecting sitioning from our child development cenits success and making it eligible for grants ter to our charter school, we are extremely and low-cost loans as it builds more charter grateful to the George Jenkins Foundation schools. for helping us identify new staff members The Mosaic Company has pledged and to let families about the additional ser$50,000 per year over three years to vices we are providing,” said Isabel Garcia, RCMA. The first $50,000, donated on June RCMA executive director. “RCMA is com20 to RCMA’s Wimauma Community Acad- mitted to ensuring that children in Florida’s emy, will help fund a steel protective cover rural communities have access to the best over the newly built 52’ x 90’ sports court education possible and that they and their utilized for physical education classes and families benefit from our holistic approach after-school sports programs. that includes health care, parenting classes, Mosaic will contribute $50,000 in May English language instruction, nutrition ser2023 and $50,000 in May 2024 toward vices and immigration support programs.” MCA, which will serve K-1 students in moduIn addition, earlier this year, the Charter lar classrooms when it opens, with construc- School Growth Fund, the largest funder of tion for the K-8 school serving 360 students high performing charter schools in the counexpected to be completed by fall 2025. try, pledged a $1.275 million investment over What’s more, RCMA received $200,000 four years to help RCMA expand its schools. from the George Jenkins Foundation, also For more information about RCMA, please known as Publix Super Markets Charities, visit http://rcma.org/.
By Kathy L. Collins
The 2022 for nominating Youth Excellence me.” and Achievement Emily MooreAwards (othShrieves from erwise known Bloomingdaas the YEA! le High School Awards) were was awarded given to six high the YEA! Award school and midfor Volunteer dle school stuor Community dents on June 15 Service. Mooreat the beginning The Hillsborough County Board of County Commis- Shrieves was of a Hillsborough sioners, led by Commissioner Kimberly Overman (far v a l e d i c t o r i a n left), recently presented six high school and middle County Board of and senior class County Commis- school students with the 2022 Youth Excellence and president. She sioners meeting. Achievement Awards, otherwise known as the YEA! will attend HarAwards. Locally, several vard in the fall high school students were recognized for and pursue a degree in political science their achievements. with a minor in international relations in The YEA! Awards have several catego- economics. She is a member and leader of ries. These include leadership — demon- several clubs and gave 330 hours of comstrating a positive impact on others in an munity service. ongoing endeavor, such as sports, acaMoore-Shrieves said, “It is an honor demics or the arts; volunteer or communi- to receive this award when there are so ty service — allocating discretionary time many students who deserve it as well.” to help others or completing a project Kevin Ibarias Nanez from Sumner High that improves the community; and suc- School was awarded the YEA! Award for cess despite difficult odds — overcoming Success Despite Difficult Odds. Nanez personal difficulty to attain success and emigrated from Mexico when he was in make a positive impact on others. eighth grade. He did not speak English, Ashton Kitchiner from Newsome High but by the end of ninth grade he exited School was awarded the YEA! Award for the English as a Second Language proLeadership. Kitchiner is the son of South gram and began taking AP (advanced African immigrants. He has given 273 placement) classes. He graduated with a hours in community service, officiates ele- GPA of 4.0. mentary and middle school students in laCounty Commissioner Harry Cohen said crosse, runs a successful online enterprise of Nanez, who could not attend, “His lanand finished with a weighted GPA of 7.77. guage skills transcended barriers. He is a Kitchiner, who will attend University symbol of achieving while having to learn of Florida, said, “Thank you to the coun- a new language.” ty commissioners for this award. I also For information on the YEA! Awards, thank Miss Howard of You Matter To Me please visit www.hcflgov.net/yea.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 7
RIVERVIEW HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER AGRICULTURE TOUR By Abigail Michnowicz This year, I had the amazuninteresting. ing opportunity to go on Overall, it was such an the annual Riverview High amazing experience getSchool (RVHS) Summer ting to go on the trip and Agriculture Tour. One of the learn about all the different wonderful things about this careers and opportunities trip is that you don’t have related to agriculture while to attend Riverview High also getting to connect School to go. I am currently and make new friends that a student attending Spoto Day One: Full Circle Dairy, located in Lee, Day Four: Two Brooks Farm, located in Mint- share the same interests as Day Two: Cottonwood FFA chapter in High School, yet I was still provided us lunch boxes with goodies and ice Cottonwood, Alabama, opened our eyes to er City, Mississippi, taught us about how the you. I learned so many new able to apply and attend the cream sandwiches at the end of our tour. how different locations influenced the way rice was grown, cleaned and packaged. We got things from the new friends trip. I made over the duration of to take some rice home! its chapters function. The RVHS Summer Ag the trip. The fact that this Tour started in 2014 and has trip is not only available to been going strong ever since, Riverview High School stuexcept for the COVID-19 dents is one of the things I years. This year was the love about it. To help make first trip since 2019, and to the trip more affordable for ease back into the groove of everyone, several sponsors things, we did a proper road contributed funding. A spetrip. Normally, every other cial thanks to these sponyear they would fly into a sors: FutureCow, SoutheastDay Ten: UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Day Nine: Nine Twenty Cattle & Company state, tour the surrounding Day Seven: Jones Valley Teaching Farm in ern Grocers, Winn-Dixie, Extension Lab in Gainesville, we learned Birmingham, Alabam, taught us about the in Metter, Georgia. we toured its pasture as states and fly back home programs it offers for kids to come learn Hillsborough County Farm about the importance of honey bees, got well as seeing the process full circle from the (with varying locations every about agriculture, hands-on activities and animal to the meat processing plant. It even hands-on experience with them and handled Bureau, Florida Strawberry year). But this year, it was Growers Association and honey bees! We visited the how it donates back to the community. so kindly provided us with dinner! just driving the whole time! Lacy Brown Specialty AdWe tend to forget just how widespread being milked and the milk being transferred In only 10 days we went to 31 different agriculture is and the endless opportunities it onto the trucks which are shipped to process- vertising. Next year, the tour will be going to agricultural industries spanning across the has to offer. There is always some area of ag- ing facilities and then sent out to the stores, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Mis- riculture that you will be able to find interest it was all so intriguing and interesting to see. True ‘agvocates’ don’t keep the opportusissippi. The sole purpose of these trips is to in. Not only do we get to learn about these Even though that was my personal favorite, I nities to themselves, they allow others to not only teach students about agriculture but different career choices, but we also get to did enjoy every stop we had. There was not participate so that they too can grow in their show them the vast amount of opportunities share what we learned with others. I was so one stop on our trip that I found boring or love for agriculture. they have within the umbrella term of ‘agri- excited to tell my family, other FFA members culture.’ We went to various places, such as and even my friends who aren’t related to ag a clam farm, sturgeon farm, sod farm, laven- what I did and what I learned on my trip. der farm, rice farm, hydroponics farm and so Personally, one of my favorite stops was much more. We also visited multiple colleges the dairy farm on the very first day. I saw that offer majors involved in agriculture, in- dairy heifers and cows, and to be able to see cluding dairy production, poultry science such a large-scale production facility was so and production, plant production, biological incredible! The farm growing its own crops and agricultural engineering, horse and beef for feed, the cow stalls, the sanitation manteaching units and even agricultural educa- agement, the recycling of waste, the way it tion, though the list goes on and on. houses the calves, the process of the cows
July 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
AMERICAN ARMED FORCES MUTUAL AID ASSOCIATION HELPS LOCAL MILITARY FAMILIES AND VETERANS
IMPACT TO HOST ‘UGLY PROM’ FOR TEENS IN THE COMMUNITY By Madeline Gardner
By Libby Hopkins
Established in 1879, while always keepthe American Armed ing the ultimate goal Forces Mutual Aid Asin mind, which is to sociation (AAFMAA) serve and protect is the longest-standour nation’s sailors. ing, nonprofit financial “I provide these same solutions provider suptraits in the wealth porting military famimanagement world, lies and veterans with continuing to serve advice, information, and protect our nainsurance, financial tion’s military memplanning, investments, bers,” Nemanic said. mortgages, survivor The mission of assistance and other AAFMAA is to help benefits. ensure the financial Riverview resident Anthony Nemanic Riverview resident security and indepenAnthony Nemanic is a is a relationship manager for AAFMAA dence of the memrelationship manager Wealth Management & Trust as well as a bers of the American proud member of the Greater Riverview for AAFMAA Wealth armed forces comChamber of Commerce. Management & Trust munity by providing as well as a proud member of the Great- insurance and other benefits. er Riverview Chamber of Commerce. “I Nemanic and the team at AAFMAA was born and raised in Pennsylvania, but Wealth Management & Trust understand I lived in Norfolk, VA and Washington D.C. how vital it is for members of the military prior to relocating to Tampa with my wife, community to get the support they need Megan,” Nemanic said. “I’ve been in River- and deserve for putting their lives on the view now for a year, work fully remotely line every day. “That’s why we give you and have been a Greater Riverview Cham- 100 percent of our time and attention in ber member since January 2022. I’ve also return,” Nemanic said. “I want us to begotten involved in the community by help- come a household name for military, veting coach the FishHawk Spartans youth erans and their families.” football teams, which has been an absoIf you would like to learn more about lute blast.” the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Prior to joining AAFMAA Wealth Man- Association, you can visit its website at agement & Trust, Nemanic provided six www.aafmaa.com. years of expertise as a nuclear engineer If you are a local military family or vetwith Naval Sea Systems Command (NAV- eran and you would like a complementary SEA). He spent his time at NAVSEA pro- investment portfolio review, contact Anviding a combination of detailed technical thony Nemanic by calling 813-538-2634 rigor and outstanding customer service or emailing anemanic@aafmaa.com.
Volume 20, Issue 7
This event is named to encourage shopping at Goodwill and Salvation Army to piece together an ugly prom outfit.
Impact, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting and providing information on healthy relationships and lifestyles to students and parents within the community, plans to hold its ‘Ugly Prom’ on Friday, July 8 at Kings Avenue Baptist Church. The event offers teens from Hillsborough and Polk counties access to a host of fun games and dancing from 7-9 p.m. First established in 2006 on a federal grant, Impact’s summer staff program has since incorporated activities such as Ugly Prom as part of its ‘Fun Friday’ initiative. “The returners of summer staff definitely look forwards to and expect it. The new members are exposed to it then, and it becomes a tradition for them as well. If we weren’t to have it, they’d be seriously disappointed,” said Angie Kagey, executive director of Impact. Encouraging teens to shop around at their local Goodwill or Salvation Army, the event is centered around the attendees piecing together the ugliest prom outfit they can imagine. After purchasing a $5 ticket, students will gain access to food and a series of featured activities, such as crowning a king and queen for the event who will pass
down their crowns the following year. Promoting group dancing, selection will range from the Electric Slide to the “Y.M.C.A.” to various limbo challenges. “It’s a lot of fun. So, we do a lot of pictures and get them dancing, and the students go all out too,” said Kagey. “It’s a good, clean atmosphere.” Among its other initiatives and projects, such as huddles held on the last Monday of every month, Ugly Prom is specially designed to discourage giving into peer pressure. The purpose of hosting these events allows for students to recognize that fun can be had without taking risks that can eventually create problems for youth. Impact works to foster a close and collective community where students can enjoy engaging in activities and collaborations that are both safe and beneficial. “There’s fun out there that doesn’t involve high-risk behavior. It’s possible to have a good time,” said Kagey. “It’s really to provide good, positive peer support and be around students who are like-minded, to gain the atmosphere of being around students who are going to support you in making healthy lifestyle decisions.” For information on Ugly Prom and Impact, call 264-9368 or visit www.whatisimpact.com.
July 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 15
ER at Sun City Center, an Extension of Manatee Memorial Hospital, is a full-service emergency department that provides care to those in need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our new facility is located at 16504 S. U.S. 301, Wimauma, FL 33598, adjacent to Walmart®. 813-642-1000 The ER at Sun City Center features: • Care for all ages • Access 24/7 • On-site physician 24/7 • Six exam rooms • Three rapid medical exam spaces • Full-service laboratory and imaging services (X-ray, CT and ultrasound)
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This emergency department is part of Manatee Memorial Hospital. This is not an urgent care center. Its services and care are billed at hospital emergency department rates. Physicians are on the medical staff of Manatee Memorial Hospital, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Manatee Memorial Hospital. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 221059200-1078152 6/22
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 7
RIVERVIEW HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ACHIEVES EAGLE SCOUT RANK
By Taylor Wells
On February 1, on how to use the AED, 2019, the Boys Scouts CPR and provide first of America, now aid in the event of a known as Scouts BSA, medical emergency at opened its Scouting the church,” said Julie program to include Hewett, Lexi’s mother. girls. Alexis ‘Lexi’ Lexi completed nuHewett, a 16-year-old merous campouts, student at Riverview hikes and skills and High School, had parleadership training, inticipated in Boy Scout cluding a whitewater troops led by her parrafting high advenents from the time she ture of five rivers in was in first grade. five days. She has also When the official earned her basic scuba announcement was certification in Scouts made that the Boy and graduated from Scouts of America the National Youth was opening its proLeadership Training gram to include girls, course, a demanding her parents’ organiand exciting program From left to right: Alexis ‘Lexi’ Hewett, a zation was the first volunteer instructor and Hannah Hewett, designed to provide one to submit char- Lexi’s sister, with Lexi’s Eagle Scout project, youth members with ter paperwork to the an automated external defibrillator and experience and leaderGreater Tampa Bay first-aid cart, in front. Hannah assisted Lexi ship skills. as the demonstrator for the training on Area Council to start Besides Scouting, how to use the equipment. the all-girl Troop Lexi’s ambition is re483, and Lexi became a member on day flected at her school and in her community one. Just three years later, Lexi achieved as well. She is an A/B student and a varsity the rank of Eagle Scout and celebrated at cheerleader, having earned her letter this an Eagle court of honor on June 25 at Re- year. She is also a member of the Riverdeemer Church. view High School Navy JROTC and an acLexi is the first girl in her troop to be- tive leader in her church youth group. Lexi come an Eagle Scout, the highest achieve- is certified in American Red Cross CPR, ment or rank attainable in the Scouts BSA first aid and AED, and she just completprogram. Only four percent of Scouts have ed her lifeguard certification through the earned this rank since the program’s in- City of Tampa and has been hired to be a ception in 1911. lifeguard this summer. She will be receiv“Lexi’s project was to acquire an auto- ing a Certificate of Achievement from the mated external defibrillator (AED) for the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce Redeemer Church and build a first-aid cart in honor of her many accomplishments. for the congregation. She led a team that Lexi plans to become a nurse practitioner, trained the church staff and congregation and her dream university is Texas A&M.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
July 2022
Page 17
TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART NAMES EDUCATION CENTER IN HONOR OF VINIK FAMILY’S GIFT
Staff Report
The Tampa Museum Camps. of Art’s (TMA) new edIncluding the Vinik famucation center will be ily’s total $10 million gift, named the Vinik Famihaving also gifted $5 milly Education Center in lion in October 2019, the honor of a $5 million Centennial Campaign has gift made by Jeff and raised $71 million toward Penny Vinik to the muTMA’s $100 million goal. seum’s $100 million With the education cenJeff and Penny Vinik. Centennial Campaign ter renovations complete, for Renovation and Exthe education space now pansion. includes four classrooms, a “The Tampa Museum lobby, orientation spaces and of Art is renowned for a secure entrance. With these the value of its educaimprovements in place, TMA tional programs and anticipates quadrupling the its exceptional support number of students it serves for Hillsborough CounPhoto courtesy of Paige Raburn. per year. ty students and teach- The Tampa Museum of Art’s new New galleries are scheduled ers. We are delighted Vinik Family Education Center, to open in the fall of 2022, and to advance that good named in honor of Jeff and Penny the groundbreaking for the work with this gift and Vinik’s gift of $5 million toward the expansion portion of the Cento further contribute to museum’s $100 million Centennial tennial Renovation and Expanthe museum’s mission Campaign for Renovation and sion project is expected to take Expansion. to educate, engage and place early next year. inspire Tampa Bay residents and others The design of the entire renovation and around the world,” said Penny. expansion project is led by New York-based “The opening of our new education center WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landis long-awaited for museum members, vol- scape/Urbanism. unteers and other visitors. We are so thrilled “We’re thrilled that the Vinik Family Eduto finally have a facility with a capacity to cation Center is the fitting and very visible match the demand for our education pro- first phase of the larger transformation and grams, and we are grateful to the Viniks expansion of the Museum,” said Principal for their generous gift to help make this fa- Architects Marion Weiss and Michael Mancility and the future growth possible,” said fredi. Michael Tomor, Ph.D., Penny and Jeff Vinik The future expansion project will add a executive director of the TMA. 4,000-square-foot auditorium. Culinary The education center will serve as the Arts classes on the third-floor rooftop area temporary entrance to the museum while of the expansion will also add to its future additional renovations are completed on the education program offerings. west side of the building. The first classes in For more information, visit http://cententhe space will be the museum’s Summer Art nial.tampamuseum.org.
NOTICE OF RECEIPT ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE PERMIT APPLICATION BY THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that the Southwest Florida Water Management District has received the Environmental Resource Permit application number 847169 from Dhureena Maraj, owner of DMV Auto Repair facility located at 11907 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview, FL 33569 for the project referred to as DMV Auto Repair to be located at 11907 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview, FL 33569. Application received April 28th, 2022. Proposed Activity: Automotive Repair. Project Name: DMV Auto Repair Project Size: 2.61 (+/-) acres. Location: Section 34, Township 30 South, Range 20 East, Hillsborough County. The application is available for public inspection Monday through Friday at the Southwest Florida Water Management District Tampa Service Office located at 7601 US Hwy 301 North, Tampa, Florida 33637-6759. Interested persons may inspect a copy of the application and submit written comments concerning the application. Comments must include the permit application number and be received within 14 days from the date of this notice. If you wish to be notified of intended agency action or an opportunity to request an administrative hearing regarding the application, you must send a written request referencing the application number to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Regulation Performance Management Department, 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, Florida 34604-6899 or submit your request through the District’s website at www.watermatters. org. The District does not discriminate based on disability. Anyone requiring accommodation under the ADA should contact the Regulation Performance Management Department at (352)796-7211 or 1(800)423-1476, TDD only 1 (800)231-6103.
“We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 7
DRAMA CLUB @ THE CENTER LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR STUDENT PROGRAMS By Kelly Wise Valdes
Drama Club @ the Center performed a self-written play at the end of the school year. The club is looking for additional volunteers to staff the growing program for the upcoming school year.
In the fall of 2021, the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center’s public school outreach ambassadors met with area public school leaders to address hosting more safe social groups which could be available to children of SouthShore families regardless of their ability to pay. This spurred a plan to meet the need for affordable, fun and focused after-school enrichment activities, and Drama Club @ the Center was born. The program was a success and enrollment reached full capacity in October 2021. The drama students learned the basics of acting as well as other theater elements. As the group progressed, the students collaborated to write and produce their own play. From the characters to the scenarios, storyline and surprises, Drama Club @ the Center participants were the driving force behind Mysterious Happenings, an original mystery play that was performed at the end of the school year. The drama students worked enormously hard to memorize their lines and give input to set design and costume development, all while practicing a new set of performance skills. The play was
a great success and enjoyed by the community. “As a theater kid myself, working with local children and youth to build their performance skills is fun for me,” said Jennifer Glancy, children’s ministry coordinator. “I’m really proud of what our little drama club was able to accomplish in a few short months and can’t wait to see what next year’s performance will be.” With the growing number of students showing interest in the after-school program, there is a critical need for volunteers. With more vetted volunteers, Glancy is hoping to grow the size and age ranges of the club. Positions for volunteers included drama teachers, van monitors, van drivers, grant writers, Sunday School and kids club teachers and program aids. “One of our greatest challenges still remains assembling a big enough volunteer team,” said Glancy. “So, if you have a love of theater, have a heart to work with children and have a desire to do good in the community, we welcome applicants.” While the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center is blessed to support the community through various after-school enrichment activities, donations toward facilitating Drama Club @ the Center and other programs and events for area children and youth are also welcome. “I am blessed to work with a church which values and invests in its community,” said Glancy. “They can see that providing area families with positive, edifying outlets for enrichment a worthwhile cause.” The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center is located at 1210 W. Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City Center. For more information, visit www.sccumc.com, email jennifer@ scumc.com or call 813-634-2539.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 21
VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER GETS STATE FUNDS FOR EXPANSION
By Brad Stager
T h e Ve t e ra n s Resource Center opened in 2017 and will be expanded to include a new Veterans EdArtist rendering of the expanded Veterans Resource Center ucational at Hillsborough County’s Veterans Memorial Park and Rear and CulAdmiral Leroy Collins, Jr., Veterans Museum that the state tural Cenfunding will make possible. ter which Thanks to an infusion of state funding, the will have Veterans Resource Center at Hillsborough a gallery for exhibitions as well as meeting County’s Veterans Memorial Park and Rear facilities. Admiral Leroy Collins, Jr., Veterans Museum According to a news release from the will be able to expand the support it pro- county, “The Veterans Educational and Culvides to the area’s military community. tural Center will provide programming and The Veterans Resource Center will bene- exhibits to educate the community about fit from $1.65million in state funds that will all eras of military service and the historical be used to expand resources at the facility, connection to Hillsborough County and the located on the grounds of the park at 3602 State of Florida.” U.S. 301 North, just south of Martin Luther The Veterans Resource Center provides King Jr. Blvd. and the Florida State Fair- services that help veterans and their famgrounds. ilies, as well as surviving family members, The award from the Florida Department in securing benefits provided by federal, of Economic Opportunity was made to Hill- state and local agencies including accessing sborough County’s Department of Consum- healthcare benefits at James A. Haley VA er and Veterans Services, of which Frank Hospital in north Tampa. The facility also Strom is the director. He says the facility’s provides outreach service to veterans in asenhancements will be apparent to visitors. sisted living facilities and nursing homes. “They will experience a 4,600-square-foot Besides veteran-related services, the ceneducational facility that will connect visitors ter also offers information consumers can to our 14 memorials and their military con- use to protect themselves from cybercrime nection and contributions to Hillsborough like identity theft, as well as tips on buying a County,” he wrote in an email. “As both car or asserting rights under Florida’s LandFlorida’s population and tourism continue to lord Tenant Law. Workers can also file comgrow, so do the needs of our park and facility plaints there about unfair wages or theft of which has become a regional destination.” wages by employers.
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Page 22
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 7
THE WAY 2 DANCE CELEBRATES 13 YEARS OF DANCING By Libby Hopkins
COUNTY OFFICIALS PREPARE FOR WIMAUMA’S DEVELOPMENT MAKEOVER
Tatyana Frost, sons and dance owner of The competitions Way 2 Dance in from beginners Riverview, has to advance levbeen teaching els. If you’ve our community never danced beto dance in many fore but always different styles, dreamt of it, this from ballroom is the best time to salsa, for 13 to start.” years. “The Way The Way 2 Dance in Riverview has been teaching our Frost and her 2 Dance studio community various styles of dance for 13 years. team are overopened its doors joyed to have been in June 2009 and has a part of the Brandon since been continuously community for 13 years. bringing high-level ball“I am thrilled to work in room, salsa and swing the area where I find so dance instruction to the much support and interRiverview and Tampa est in the art of ballroom area,” Frost said. “The dancing,” Frost said. Way 2 Dance is one of Frost has big plans for the best values of any the future of The Way 2 studio in the area. The Dance. “One of the big quantity and quality of dreams I have for the instruction you get for your investment studio is to find sponsors to help many is simply unequaled.” families that can’t afford ballroom dance The studio has a fun, comfortable vibe lessons for their kids,” Frost said. “I that appeals to beginners as well as want to create ballroom dance lessons more experienced dancers. One of The for kids and teenagers to start teaching Way 2 Dance’s goals is to make the stu- them at an earlier age. Ballroom dance dio feel like its students’ second home. lessons are not just dance lessons, it is “When a student joins our ‘dance family,’ a way to introduce children at an early they learn how to dance and make new age how to communicate between a boy friends as well,” Frost said. “Top dance and a girl, social and dance etiquette, professionals are ready to teach you any how to respect each other and to learn of the 18 dances that exist in the salsa, more about cultural aspects of life.” ballroom and swing.” If you would like to learn more about The Way 2 Dance studio specializes The Way 2 Dance or if you’d like to take in teaching singles and couples by pre- a dance class at the studio, visit its webparing them for weddings, anniversa- site at www.theway2dance.com or call ries, holidays, cruises and other special Frost at 813-966-4788. The studio is events. “We have you covered,” Frost located at 6520 U.S. Hwy. 301, #102 in said. “Join our group classes, private les- Riverview.
Wimauma began as strictly codified cenmany of Hillsborough tral business district County’s other unincorto conduct commerce porated census-desfor the emerging popignated places did: an ulation with businessout-of-state settler es such as yoga stuwho could visualize a dios, cafes and stores good life, created on of all varieties. This the area’s coastal praicontrasts rie that is well-suited with current Bethune Park is a popular for agriculture. zoning and Hillsborough Coun- location in Wimauma and is a a relaxed enty’s official history place where residents of the growvironment ing community can all gather of Wimauma pubthat suptogether. lished in 1998 credits ports indusPleasant Franklin Stanaland of Thomasville, tries ranging from farming to dirt mining. Georgia as the location’s first transplant Achieving a successful transition through from beyond the Sunshine State, arriving in the changes that growth brings for the com1875. He found success growing citrus and munity is the focus of a plan developed with his supply chain logistics greatly improved Wimauma residents and adopted by Hillswhen railroad builder Captain C.H. Davis laid borough County last fall. his Durant-to-Sarasota tracks through the County officials said implementation of area. Besides providing a train, Davis also the Wimauma Community Plan and the bestowed a name on the whistle stop by us- corresponding Land Development Code is ing the first letters of his three daughters’ the next step in creating a civic foundation names: Wilma, Maude and Mary. conducive to a safe and prosperous future As the Tampa Bay region’s open space for local residents, and it builds on existing stock diminishes, what were once places amenities like Bethune Park and nearby nawhere wilderness, plowed fields and graz- ture preserves. The documents will also help ing lands prevailed are being developed into guide the prioritization of infrastructure immodern home communities, especially so in provements. southern parts of Hillsborough County such Speaking to the Wimauma Community as Wimauma. Besides the loss of undevel- Development Corporation’s annual meeting oped land, the skyline is also changing, as in May, Hillsborough County executive planthe inventory of manufactured structures ner Matt Lewis said success will mean acclad in corrugated aluminum alloy is now be- commodating a variety of requirements. ing replaced with more durable commercial “Just adopting the plan doesn’t make it buildings and concrete block smart homes happen,” he said, adding, “There’s the priprogrammed to provide ultimate residential vate investment, there’s the infrastructure, comfort to owners as well as security from there’s the public realm.” intruders. County officials said they will meet with As for commercial development, coun- Wimauma residents in the fall to discuss dety officials foresee the need to establish a velopment options.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 23
R UNDEACT! R CONT
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Page 24
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 7
Riverview/Apollo Beach
July 2022, Vol. 20, Iss. 7
SEE BACK SECTION
Dr. Randell Sehres Now Seeing Patients Dr. Randell Sehres specializes in a wide variety of services, including acute and chronic disease, preventative health care, geriatrics, mental health, skin conditions, orthopedic issues and both men and women’s health care. Dr. Sehres served as deputy chief medical officer of the Mobile Military Hospital and was instrumental in the development of the military’s first preventative health care program for the active-duty force. He founded Brandon Family Medical Care in 2002 and provided care to the community for 20-plus years, and he has now decided to relocate to Sun City Center as an independent practitioner, which will allow him to provide more personalized service. Dr. Sehres is located at 1046 Cypress Village Blvd. in Sun City Center. Call his office on 813-633-0081 to make an appointment. Southshore Charter Academy Announces Teacher And Staff Members Of The Year Southshore Charter Academy is proud to announce its teacher and staff members of the year. Nominated by parents, students and colleagues, these staff members exemplify the school mission to empower students to discover their own full potential. The New Teacher of the Year Award was given to Audriana Griffin, a first grade teacher. The New American Hero Award was given to Sarah Gold, a curriculum and resource teacher. The Award
Greg Littleton Named 2022 Banker Of The Year Greg Littleton, president and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust, has been named 2022 Banker of the Year by the Florida Bankers Association (FBA). The award is given to an individual who demonstrated the highest level of commitment to both the banking industry and service to his or her community. Littleton currently serves as immediate past chair for the BancServ Inc. Board of Directors and is beginning his second term on the government relations counof Excellence was given to Marital and family Law attorney Greg Littleton, Florida Bankers cil. BancServ is a wholly owned for-profit Stephen Lee, a member of Jennifer Meister. subsidiary of the FBA. In addition to his the behavior support team. Association’s 2022 Banker of the offers a wide range of insurYear. ance products and unparal- service with the FBA, Littleton is vice chair Congratulations to these outstanding educators for an amazing job this leled customer support. For more informa- of the Polk State College District Board of school year. Southshore Charter Academy is tion, visit its website at www.ironrockins. Trustees and past chair for the United Way of Central Florida and serves on the Adventlocated at 11667 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview. com or call 813-213-9600. Health Board of Directors. Visit its website at www.southshorecharter. Marital And Family Law Attorney org for more information. Jennifer Meister Brandon-Based App Offers MonJennifer Meister joined Older, Lundy, Koch ey-Saving Deals Iron Rock Insurance Celebrates Sec& Martino in 2016 as an attorney in the A Brandon-based company is looking to ond Anniversary Iron Rock Insurance, located at 1312 firm’s marital and family law practice group. take your local shopping experience to the Apollo Beach Blvd., Ste. O in Apollo Beach, In addition to the dissolution of marriage and next level. FlashDash Deals offers the Greatjust celebrated its second anniversary and modification cases, Jennifer also handles de- er Tampa Bay community hundreds of monits expanding business. Iron Rock Insurance pendency and termination of parental rights ey-saving deals that have never been easier is a team of agents specializing in providing cases, adoptions, temporary relative custody to redeem through its free mobile app. Flashprotection for you and yours. With its cov- cases and guardian ad litem cases. To sched- Dash launched in March 2022, serving the erage, you can rest assured that your loved ule a consultation, call 813-254-8998 or visit Tampa area. Download the FlashDash Deals in your Google or Apple app store. ones and possessions will be kept safe. It www.olalaw.com. For more information, visit www.flashdashdeals.com or email flashdash@flashdashdeals.com.
Page 26
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 7
BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED... New Food Delivery Business Serving The Greater Tampa Area A new food delivery service, Time To Eat Tampa, is now serving the Greater Tampa area. It will deliver all favorite restaurant foods to homes and businesses fast and fresh — with a grocery delivery service coming soon — between the hours of 10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Visit www.timetoeattampa.com to use the delivery service. Ebb And Flow Yoga Life Studio FishHawk resident Kandi Pipp owns Ebb and Flow Yoga Life, located at 6027 Winthrop Commerce Ave. in Riverview. She described the studio as
“a beautiful space with great vibes” and offers a wide variety of classes for all skill levels so there is a class for everyone. Visit its website at www.ebbandflowyogalife.com for a description of classes and timetable. You can also contact it by calling 813-702-0820. Miracle CBD And More Miracle CBD and More, located at 7441 U.S. Hwy. 301 S., Ste. 111 in Riverview is family-owned and operated. Owners Mike and Stacy Self opened the store after experiencing the benefits that CBD products provide for themselves and focus on providing quality products with superior customer service. Visit its website at www.miraclecbdandmore.com or call 813-374-0126.
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July 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 27
WITH PLANNING, BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING CAN BE EASY ON WALLET
By Michelle Caceres
It’s no secret that alplies can be tempting. most all shoppers have Once upon a time, beseen increased prices fore she implemented on back-to-school esher system, she said sentials. While shopevery child got new pers still plan to spend everything every year. money on back-to“Ten years ago, I realschool items this seaized I wasn’t teaching son, they are hyper-fomy children responcused on extending the sible spending habits, value of their dollars. so I came up with this For FishHawk ressystem, and it works ident Alisa Adams, Newsome High School students Morgan in my family,” she said. and Jordyn Adams take their backback-to-school shop“I don’t deprive them to-school shopping lists and ‘shop’ for ping begins on the last of a brand-new pencil supplies first at home before heading to day of school, when her pouch or notebook if the stores to spend money. children come home their old one is worn with backpacks full of their old school sup- out, if the old one is still in good condition.” plies. They quickly sort the pencils, rulers, A similar system is used for her children’s notebooks and glue into piles for the trash wardrobe. Two days after the last day of bin or to put in her organized cupboard, school, she sits with her two older girls where see-through bins of school supplies (Morgan and Jordyn) as they go through are neatly stashed and on hand when the their closet, sorting all their clothing into next year’s school supply lists come out. piles to keep or go to Goodwill, consignment “School supplies are some of the biggest or donations to other family members. money wasters for families and it’s import“It usually takes all day, but at the end of ant to keep track of what you have,” said the day, what’s in their drawers is exactly Adams, a professional organizer and owner what they’re going to wear,” she said. “If I of Alisa Adams Style. know they need another pair of jeans and I She has helped many clients control clut- see them on sale when I’m out and about, ter, and her clients are surprised when they I can buy them because they’re on my list see the amount of usable school supplies she and I know I’m not buying things they’re not gathers from around their homes. going to wear.” “When school supplies are organized and Adams also draws a sharp line between in their proper place and you teach your chil- needs and wants. She buys her children dren to ‘shop’ from your supply first, you’ll what they need, but if they’re in a store and end up saving money,” she said. they see a want, her two teenage daughters The clear bins also help her see which sup- have to spend the money they’ve earned plies are running low, so she stocks up when from babysitting, housesitting, dog walking school supplies go on sale during Amazon and nannying. Prime Day (Tuesday to Wednesday, July 12For more information about home organi13) or at local stores. zation, visit Adams on her Facebook page @ The smell of fresh and new school sup- alisaadamsstyle.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 7
GET HELP WITH MOTORCYCLE AND OTHER CLAIMS FROM THE REYES FIRM By Michelle Caceres Florida has a reputation American Motorcycle for its sandy beaches and Association), enjoying sunshine, but it also has frequent rides along another popular reputaFlorida’s roadways. tion: it’s one of the most While Reyes has never dangerous states for morepresented her because torcyclists. of a motorcycle crash, he Based on 2020 data, did represent her mother there were thousands of after she was involved in motorcycle crashes in Floran automobile accident. ida that resulted in 600 “I’ve known Eddie a motorcyclist fatalities, long time and gave him a even though motorcycles call right after my mom’s represent just 3 percent of Edward Reyes, P.A. of The Reyes Firm accident,” she said. “I registered motor vehicles. handles a wide range of accident claims, have his cell number in including motorcycle accidents. Despite these low figures, my phone, and whenever motorcycles continue to be involved in a dis- my mom had a concern, all I had to do was proportionate number of fatal crashes, with call or text him and he’d get back to us right motorcycle fatalities representing nearly 17 away.” percent of all traffic crash deaths in Florida Rodriguez respects Reyes’ dedication to during the most recent five-year period. his clients as well as the community. Even in relatively minor collisions, motorThe Reyes Firm, located at 4730 N. Hacycle operators can be exposed to more se- bana Ave., Ste. 201 in Tampa, is committed rious injuries when compared to motorists in to its clients through diligent representation other vehicles. and constant communication. Its entire Edward Reyes of The Reyes Firm has staff is bilingual, which gives native Spanish helped his fair share of motorcycle accident speakers critical understanding about their victims seek compensation for their inju- case. ries. He said several local motorcycle riding In addition to motorcycle accidents, the groups are loyal to his firm. He understands law firm handles a range of accident claims the nuances of these types of cases and the and types, including car and truck accident obstacles to overcome because of insurance claims, DUI accident claims, slip-and-fall limitations. claims and more. “The biggest challenge is the total cost “If you were involved in a motorcycle acciof injuries and damage that occurs because dent that resulted in death or serious injuries of the accident, and many times insurance and experience difficulty seeking compensacoverage doesn’t cover that dollar amount,” tion, give me a call and tell me your story,” said Reyes. “We make sure the insurance Reyes said. companies do what’s right.” For more information about the Law OfValrico resident Monica Rodriguez knows fice of Edward J. Reyes, P.A., visit www. firsthand the fun and excitement (and dan- thereyesfirm.com. To speak with an experigers) of riding motorcycles in Florida. She enced personal injury attorney, call 813-421and her husband belonged to LAMA (Latin 3411.
The many reasons YOU should consider joining a Chamber of Commerce...
Advocacy Visibility Networking Credibility Growth Community For more information on how we can help your business, contact the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce at 813-234-5944.
“Better Together”
July 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 29
NEW FALL CURRICULUM AT CENTER 4LIFE LEARNING CLASSES
By Kelly Wise Valdes
The fall semester begins Monday, October 10 and will take place at Sun City Center United Methodist Church, located at 1210 W. Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City Center. Each semester is six weeks long with each class being 90 minutes long. All classes are held on weekdays beCenter 4Life Learning, located in Sun City Center, is a fun, tween 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. nonaccredited adult education outreach program that serves the entire community. In addition to classes, Center 4Life According to Holter, more offers a variety of daytime trips. than 200 people attend Center 4Life classes, some Center 4Life Learning is a fun, nonacattending more than one class per secredited adult education outreach promester. gram that serves the entire community. In addition, many fun day trips are The classes are designed to inform, enplanned through Center 4Life and are tertain and inspire with its wide curricuposted on the website. Some of these lum of subjects. In addition to the classtrips include the comedy show and dines, trips and tours are also part of the ner theater in Largo on Thursday, July center’s offerings. 21, a daytime music cruise on the Anna Center 4Life Learning was established Maria Princess boat on Tuesday, Sepin 1976 as the Community Church Coltember 13 and a sunset dinner cruise out lege by the United Community Church. of Sarasota on Thursday, November 10. In 2019, it moved to the United Method“Most of our day trip travelers return ist Church of Sun City Center. to sign up for additional trips,” said The fall semester curriculum is curHolter. “They are very fond of our esrently being created. Popular past classcorts, Patricia and Lenny Jones.” es have included sign language, current Center 4Life Learning is also reaching events discussions, genealogy, calligraout for new instructors needed for upphy, finance, history, art sciences and coming classes in iPhone/iPad, converpsychology. sational French, conversational Italian, Sue Holter, an advisory board member bridge and mahjong. If you are interestand office manager for Center 4Life, is ed in joining the Center 4Life teaching excited about the upcoming classes and team, contact Holter at 813-634-8607 trips. or email center4life@sccumc.com. “We are adding conversational SpanTuition for regular courses is $35 for ish, international travel and music apsix 90-minute classes. For more informapreciation,” said Holter. “We hope to add tion or registration, visit www.sccumc. more new classes when we hear back com/4lifelearning or call 813-634-8607. from a number of new instructors.”
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Page 30
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 7
July 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
FEEDING TAMPA BAY SUPPLIES LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY By Lily Belcher As nationwide infood on Tuesday and flation continues to Thursday from 10 impact families, a a.m.-12 Noon. Those larger population is visiting the food facing food insecurity. pantry should bring The increase in living their IDs and expect expenses has made it to receive fresh prodifficult for families to duce, canned goods manage their budgets and other groceries. and find the financial • Seeds of Hope, resources to put an Volunteers are essential to the success of food which is located off pantries in the area. adequate amount of East Bloomingdanutritious food on the table. Feeding Tampa le Avenue in Brandon and provides food to Bay works with around 450 food pantries, families every Thursday from 5-7 p.m. In churches and ministries that provide food to addition to weekly boxes of food, Seeds of those in the community facing food insecu- Hope provides food to students that qualify rity. for free lunches on the weekends through its President and CEO Thomas Mantz ex- Backpacks of Hope program. plained the importance of food pantries, • The Nativity Food Pantry, open on Thurssaying, “You should be able to get [free food] days from 1-2 p.m. off East Brandon Boulepretty hassle-free because, again, no one vard in the social hall. Valrico and Brandon should be without food resources.” residents can stop by the social hall, located Food pantries that Feeding Tampa Bay between the church and school, to pick up works with include: the boxes of groceries. • Bread of Refuge on Wilbur Street in • Tampa Bay Mission of Hope Food PanBrandon. Bread of Refuge serves hot meals try, open to all families and individuals on from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday and boxes of food Saturday at 12 Noon off St. Cloud Avenue daily from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Valrico. CEO Dr. Reba Haley said the food • Mnistry of Hope, which serves food to pantry emphasizes sustainability and nutriwidows and those with disabilities on Mon- tion in their distribution of canned goods, day from 10 a.m.-12 Noon on Dorman Road bread, fresh fruit and vegetables from its in Lithia. Boxes of food or clothing are pro- community garden. vided to all in need on the second and fourth While you may not be the one in need of Fridays of the month at 5 p.m. food, you likely know someone who does. • Community Cupboard, which is located Each pantry is in need of monetary and rein Ruskin off East College Avenue and open source donations, including food and volunevery Tuesday from 8:30-11 a.m. In order to teer support. Contact the pantry closest to receive groceries, individuals must bring an you to find out how you can help the comID and proof of residence in Ruskin, Apol- munity. lo Beach, Gibsonton, Balm, Parish, Sun City If you are facing food insecurity, visit Center or Wimauma. feedingtampabay.org/findfood to locate a • Riverview First United Methodist Church, food pantry and learn more about how to located off Highway 301 South. They serve receive free groceries every week.
Page 31
BASS PRO SHOPS TAMPA DONATES 800 FISHING RODS AS PART OF ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
Staff Report
The effort is part of the company’s mission to inspire future generations to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors. Since the program’s inception, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have donated more than 400,000 items Bass Pro Shops in Tampa donated fishing equipment to youth-foto Take a Kid Fishing Inc. of Lakeland as part of its cused nonprofit nationwide Gone Fishing event. o rg a n i z at i o n s On June 9, Bass Pro Shops in Tampa across North donated 800 fishing rods and reels to America. William Dunn and his organization, Take Bass Pro Shops also hosted free A Kid Fishing Inc., as part of its annual events over the weekends of June 11-12 Gone Fishing campaign. Florida Fish and and 18-19. Kids of all ages were invited Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to catch their first fish from free catchrepresentatives were also in attendance and-release ponds and take home a “First to help present this equipment to the or- Fish” certificate along with a digital photo ganization. download. “This fishing equipment will help us con“We’re excited to be such an important tinue our mission of mentoring youth by part of introducing kids and their families taking them out fishing and teaching them in our community to the fun of fishing. valuable life skills. These kids can leave They’re choosing to put down the phones their troubles behind, pick up a fishing rod and video games and spend quality time and enjoy learning a new skill while they in the outdoors making family memories,” learn patience and responsibility,” said said Jarron Ritchie, Bass Pro Shops TamWilliam Dunn, founder and CEO of Take A pa general manager. Kid Fishing. Take A Kid Fishing is a 501(c)(3) nonNationwide, Bass Pro Shops and Cabe- profit organization founded in Lakeland la’s plan to donate more than 25,000 rods that works to enhance the lives of unand reels to nonprofit organizations that derprivileged and fatherless kids through help kids from all backgrounds connect to mentoring and fishing excursions. To find the great outdoors as part of this year’s out more information, donate or just Gone Fishing campaign, the nationwide volunteer, visit www.takffl.com or conmovement that gets kids and families con- tact Dunn at 863-944-5641 or email at nected to nature each summer. takeakidfishing2018@gmail.com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 7
July 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition BY MICHAEL MURPHY
Page 33
GFWC BRANDON SERVICE LEAGUE HONORS LONG TRADITION OF SUPPORTING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS WITH PRESENTATION OF SCHOLARSHIPS By Kathy L. Collins
foster family groups sevIt’s hot! The bite has been on fire and the eral times a year and its weather has been also. quite rewarding seeing Bait is plentiful right now the smiles on these chilon the flats, and the fish dren’s faces the first time know it. The water temps they get a fish on the line. are up in the mid-80s, We had some young first which makes the metabomates assist us this year and they did a magnificent lism of the fish run in overjob helping the other childrive, so they are eating Dakota Beagle acting as first mate dren with casting, baiting everything they can. for casting for kids. Trout are working great and understanding the on the flats with artificial waters in which we fish. baits but are hanging in Dakota Beagle, Colton the deeper water pockHerndon, Skyler Haverets and edges. Snook are field and Luke Haverfield in the deep water passes were all a great help in and under the mangroves being able to help these when the sun gets high. children and made it really The offshore bite has been an epic adventure. steady, if you can find it The benefit program where the winds allow you Casting for Kids was First mate Colton Herndon to run off. developed by MIELKE We wanted to take the opportunity to Foundation and receives sponsor donations thank some local captains that fished for through a sponsored fishing event every a benefit in early June. The benefit was year. This year, it will be held on Saturday, Casting for Kids. The program supports September 24 at the Vinoy in St. Petersthe Heart Gallery of Hillsborough County burg. If you’re interested in participating in and pairs up foster kids, and parents, with the ‘big’ event fishing tournament, you can captains to fish the flats area in Apollo contact me or the Heart Gallery of HillsBeach. We take them out for a few hours borough County. It’s a great event and will of fishing fun and then head to the sand bar be lots of fun. Dinner the night before and to cool off and find lots of inshore sea life. during the after-tournament awards banCaptains like Jimmy Beagle, Matt Morri- quet is something to behold. This is someson, Wild Bill, Steve Herndon, Chris Prevatt, thing that us captains hold close to the Phil Pegley and I have been doing this for heart, and the charity benefit does amazing over five years now. We get many of these things for these kids and families.
On June 4, memsaid, “This was my bers of the GFWC first scholarship. Brandon Service I was excited to League gathered see that my hard for its annual work had paid Spring Luncheon. off. It is nice to be It is a time to celeawarded and see brate the successa path forward.” es of the year and The second to present several scholarship was scholarships. awarded to Caleb The GFWC Larkins. He was Brandon Service not able to atThe GFWC Brandon Service League, at its annual League awards Spring Luncheon, presented checks to two deserving tend as he had to students from Riverview High School: Ethan Jones two to three scholwork, so he was arships. This year, (center) and Caleb Larkins, who was represented by represented by his it awarded two his mother, Toshua Larkins (center), shown here with mother, Toshua Jerri Robinson (left) and Bradlee Swanson (right), high school scholLarkins. co-presidents of the Brandon Service League. arships. UnfortuCaleb has a nately, no one applied for the third, which is weighted GPA of 4.7. He comes with high acdesignated for women who need to further colades from his guidance counselor, honors their training or education in order to pur- math teacher and computer science teachsue a better career. er. Caleb participates in on-the-job training Both scholarship recipients attended (OJT), where he works 30-40 hours a week Riverview High School. Judy Darsey, chair and still maintains a rigorous course load. of the scholarship committee, said, “I love Larkins’ honors math teacher, Hall, said, this job. I have never had two men who im- “Caleb has a strong character and work ethpressed me so much. I am so glad the com- ic.” His guidance counselor, Fitzgerald, said, mittee agreed with me.” “Caleb is an extremely strong scholar who is The first scholarship was awarded to focused on academic success and his goals Ethan Jones, who had a weighted GPA of for the future.” 4.6. He came highly recommended by his Caleb will attend Florida Agricultural and three references: his AP teacher, guidance Mechanical University in Tallahassee and counselor and boss at Mr. Gyro. Specifical- pursue a degree in the field of engineering. ly, Howe, his AP teacher, said, “Many stu- Caleb said, “I am extremely thankful for this dents possess traits needed for college, but scholarship and glad I applied. I was elated few have as many of these traits as Ethan in receiving this scholarship.” Jones.” For more information on the GFWC BranJones will attend the University of South don Service League, please visit http:// Florida. He wants to earn a bachelor’s de- gfwcbrandonserviceleague.org/ or contact gree in business management and his mas- Betty White, membership chair, at betty. ter’s degree in sports management. Jones white39@gmail.com.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 7
July 2022
Fireworks, Bingo, Perfect Attendance, Meet & Greet & More... Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition It is accepting applications for its religious school for the 2022-23 school year. The mission of the school is to provide both an educational and enriching learning environment for all attendees and strive to nurture the child’s Jewish identity while providing a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. You can register your child for religious school at its open house event on Sunday, AuThe five graduates who achieved perfect attendance, gust 14, between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit its each holding their award, along with Chair Nadia website at www.bethshalom-brandon. Combs. Behind them, from left to right: Superintendent org for more details. Congregation Beth Addison Davis, Cindy Helton with Suncoast Credit Shalom is located at 706 Bryan Rd. in Union Foundation and school board members Lynn Gray, Henry ‘Shake’ Washington, Karen Perez and Dr. Brandon. Stacy Hahn.
Cigars On The Boulevard Casino Night And White Party Cigars on the Boulevard, Apollo Beach’s premiere spot for a fine cigar experience, is hosting a casino night/white party on Saturday, July 16, f r o m 7- 1 1 p . m . Pro c e e d s from the event will benefit Post 9/11 Veterans Corp., a charity which supports and appreciates our American military members. Cigars on the Boulevard is located at 1438 Apollo Beach Blvd. in Apollo Beach. For more information on the event, please visit its website at www.cigarsotb.com or call 813-296-1016.
the 1932 models, and the result is an excepRiverside Jukebox Swing Band tional roadster. The distinctive front, radiator Performing In Sun City Center The United Methodist Church of Sun City shell, rear fuel tank, bumpers, taillights and Center, located at 1210 W. Del Webb Blvd., dashboard all come from the 1932 parts bin. welcomes a new, local band, Riverside Juke- The mechanicals are all modern with a Chevbox Swing Band to its campus Friday, July 15 rolet 350 V8 engine, automatic transmission, disc brakes and custom for a 7 p.m. concert. Riverside wheels. Jukebox Swing Band formed The Roamin’ Oldies will to entertain the Southshore not be hosting its regular community with music from cruise in July or August the big band era to the 1980s. due to the summer heat Three singers will bring vocal and storms. numbers into each of the sets. For more A donation of $10 will be takinformation en at the door of the concert. on the club, The Roamin’ Oldies For more information about call Frank at Car Club’s June pick of this and other concerts at the the month, a 1930 Ford roadster, 856-373-8497. United Methodist Church of
Page 35 Pelican Players Community Theater Presents The Kitchen Witches Pelican Players Community Theater is presenting The Kitchen Witches from Thursday through Saturday, July 28-30. This hilarious, physical comedic performance features two cable access cooking hosts who have hated each other for 30 years. Who knew their cooking show would top both Martha Stewart and Jerry Springer in the ratings? There will be four opportunities to see the play, starting on July 28, at 7 p.m. Performances are at the Kings Point Veterans Theater in the North Clubhouse, located at 1900 Clubhouse Dr. in Sun City Center. Tickets are on sale at the Kings Point Box Office, and its hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Sumner High School Food Truck Rally Sumner High School is hosting a food truck rally on Saturday, July 30 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. to support the football program at the school. There will be a wide variety of food trucks serving both breakfast and lunch options. Sumner shown by Skip and Diane LaVine. High School is located at 10650 County Sun City Center, please conCongregation Beth Shalom Religious tact Kevin Goodenow at 813-362-0956 or East Bay High School Cheer Team Rd. 672 in Riverview. Looking For Sponsors School Open House visit its website at www.sccumc.com. East Bay High School would like to give indi- Bingo Night Fundraiser For St. SteCongregation Beth Shalom of Brandon is viduals and businesses in and around its com- phen Catholic Church a vibrant, warm and growing Reform syna- Roamin’ Oldies Car Club’s Top Pick munity the opportunity to be a sponsor for its The St. Stephen Catholic Church Comgogue. As the only The Roamin’ Oldies Car varsity and junior varsity cheer season. It will munity for Women is hosting a bingo Reform synagogue Club’s pick of the month for in the Greater BranJune is Skip LaVine’s 1930 be selling T-shirts in September and is looking night fundraiser at Bullfrog Creek Brewdon area, for 32 Ford roadster. He didn’t so to put business names and logos on the back ing Co. on Thursday, July 21 starting at years it has provided much restore his 1930 Ford of them. There are a variety of levels, starting 7:30 p.m. Along with five games of bingo, there a home for Jews, inas he remanufactured it. In at only $50. If you are interested, email shanlynn1227@ will also be a 50/50 cash drawing. Bullterfaith and LGBTQ the six-year process, he infamilies of all ages corporated many of the de- gmail.com for more information on sponsor- frog Creek Brewing Co. is located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. and backgrounds. sign features he admired in ship levels and to sign up to sponsor.
www.edwardjones.com/adam-benabram
10312 W Bloomingdale Ave, Suite 105 Riverview, FL 33578 813-626-3052 adam.benabram@edwardjones.com
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 7
TICKETS FOR TAMPA THEATRE’S 10TH BEERFEST ARE NOW ON SALE By Kathy L. Collins Tampa Theatre will prestheir favorite Pee-Wee’s ent its 10th annual BeerBig Adventure character or Fest on Saturday, July 30 come in a costume inspired from 7-10 p.m. This is a by the movie. Bring a whole 21-and-older event. Particigroup or come by yourself: pants will enjoy an evening loners and rebels are welof craft beers and local brewcome, but they must be 21 ers, plus snacks and samples or older to attend, and valid from some of the city’s top government-issued ID is reindependent restaurants. quired for entry. This year’s theme is ‘PeeParticipating breweries Wee’s Beer Adventure.’ and restaurants include Jill Witecki with Tampa Coppertail Brewing Co., Theatre said, “Though the Florida Avenue Brewing theme may be silly, BeerCo., Gretchen’s Goodies, The Fest’s purpose is most seriIndependent Bar and Cafe, ous. The annual event benMagnanimous Brewing, Tampa Theatre will present its efits the theater’s artistic, Motorworks Brewing, New 10th annual BeerFest with a educational and communi- theme of Pee-Wee’s Beer Adven- World Brewery, On the Go ture on Saturday, July 30. ty programs, as well as the Gourmet, Shuffle and Woongoing presven Water Brewing ervation of the Company, and the 95-year-old hislist grows every toric landmark.” day. Witecki addThere are several ed, “Over the categories of tickpast decade, ets. A limited-caTampa Theatre’s pacity premium signature sumsampling begins mer fundraiser, at 7 p.m., and adBeerFest, has vance sale tickets raised more than $100,000 for the nonprof- are $75. Grand sampling ticket holders can it movie palace with events like Barley’s An- enter at 8 p.m., and advance sale tickets are gels, The Big Lebrewski and 2020’s virtual $55. Tampa Theatre members save $10 off Groundhop Day.” advance sale prices. Tickets are available at Like previous beer-infused, tongue-in- the Tampa Theatre Box Office or online at cheek BeerFest events, Pee-Wee’s Beer www.TampaTheatre.org (convenience fees Adventure is chaired by one of Tampa The- apply). Prices will increase on the day of atre’s favorite ride-or-dies, Veronica Danko, BeerFest. Tickets will sell out, so get yours owner of The Independent Bar and Cafe. early. BeerFest guests are invited to don their For more information and to purchase too-small suits and red bowties, dress as tickets, please visit www.tampatheatre.org.
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10018 Park Place Ave • Riverview (just off I-75 & Gibsonton Dr • Exit 250)
July 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Page 37
UNITED WAY SUNCOAST INCLUDES ECHO IN ITS $18 MILLION MULTIYEAR COMMUNITY COMMITMENT Staff Report
UWS and it’ll strengthen our ability to tell stories and fundraise.” “This multiyear investment not only propels United Way Suncoast’s community care, but it represents unyielding stewardship of our donors’ contributions.” In the latest round of community investments, an $18 million, three-year commitment across a five-county footprint, ECHO’s Mobile Back to Work Program received $90,000 in funding.
LET US CATER YOUR NEXT EVENT! Open Every Day
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ECHO volunteers help clients pack groceries.
Extending its role as the best way to help the most people, United Way Suncoast (UWS) announced that it is making a threeyear commitment in 88 nonprofit programs that will total nearly $18 million. The community investment represents a first in the leading nonprofit’s 98-year history — multiyear funding that will amplify the impact of the data-driven programs. In past years, United Way ECHO ‘s Mobile Back to Work team members are interSuncoast issued annual allocations. viewed by ABC Action News reporter Michael Paluska. Now, the three-year commitECHO director Eleanor Saunders was ment will empower the 88 nonprofits to boost the strategic planning behind the thrilled with the announcement and said, programs and grow together with United “This is a huge impact for our Mobile Back to Work Program, and we will be Way Suncoast. “Our strategic community partners re- able to take our job placement services quested a change to multiyear funding, to the people who need them most.” ECHO is a local charity developed to and the reasons are clear,” United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff said. “It’ll assist residents of Hillsborough County create trends and allow us to measure with emergency food, clothing and actrue impact, it’ll reduce the strain of the cess to life-stabilizing programs and reapplication process for the partners and sources. For details visit www.echofl.org.
CAC1820162
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
SHARKCON PROMOTES OCEAN AND SHARK CONSERVATION THROUGH ENGAGING ACTIVITIES AND SPEAKERS By Lily Belcher The ninth annual director Spencer SharkCon will be Steward about held on Saturday this year’s event. and Sunday, July “We also have 16 and 17 at the Clearwater MaFlorida State Fairrine Aquarium, grounds Expo Hall Mote, Florida to teach guests Fish and Wildlife, about sharks and ZooTampa and Florida marine life. others all bringing SharkCon will feashark exhibits and ture guest speakactivities.” Photo courtesy of SharkCon ers, including five Demonstrations and stations at SharkCon teach This is the speakers from Naeighth live Sharkstudents about shark and ocean conservation tional GeographCon event since ic’s SharkFest its premiere in and Brett Raymer 2013, as it was from the reality forced to hold a TV show Tanked. virtual event in “SharkCon is 2020. Each year, an event that brings those who love the SharkCon looks to raise awareness for ocean together for a weekend of conser- ocean conservation and support global vation education with the entertainment organizations that promote the protecof a comic con,” according to SharkCon’s tion of marine life and the environment. website. “SharkCon has something for ev“Our goal is to inspire the general puberyone who loves the ocean.” lic on the importance of protecting the The two-day event will feature infor- ocean and its inhabitants,” reads the mative presentations from the six guest website. speakers as well as scientists. Over 100 Tickets for SharkCon are available on ocean-themed vendors and nonprofit the family-friendly event’s website for organizations will provide merchandise, $19.95 for adults and $4.95 for children such as clothing, jewelry, art, etc. to over the age of 3. Guests can also purguests and engaging activities to catch chase tickets at the door at a higher price. the attention of young kids looking to For more information on SharkCon, to learn more about shark and ocean con- buy tickets to the event or to volunteer, servation. visit www.sharkcon.com or call 941-539“It’s bigger — more exhibits from the 0833 with questions. Organizations and likes of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, vendors that would like to help sponsor more activities, and this is the first year the event can visit the website to request National Geographic will be on-site with information on the benefits of becoming their stars of SharkFest,” said executive a sponsor.
Now through August 31, 2022, we are waiving the community fee of $2000.* We are also including medication management at no additional charge through December 31, 2022. *Offer valid on new reservations and move-ins to assisted living only that are not through a paid referral source.
Volume 20, Issue 7
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
July 2022
Page 39
DAVENPORT’S DELIGHTS ADJUSTS BUSINESS MODEL TO BENEFIT CUSTOMERS By Sydney Burken Want a quick, Davenport and her easy and delicious team decided that meal for lunch or for summer they will dinner? Then Davwork two long 12-hour enport’s Daily Dedays, getting two days’ lights is your go-to worth of meals out in choice. This small one day. This allowed business has been a customers to save staple of the Tampa on delivery fees and area for 10 years by helped drivers and the providing healthy kitchen crew save on and fresh meals. gas money. However, because “Nobody in this counof the national food try should be food inseshortage and supcure. We owe it to the ply chain issues, members of our comthe owner, Peggy munity to take care of Davenport, had to each other,” said Davrestructure the way enport. she conducts her Davenport’s Daily business. Delights has been inFortunately, this terviewed by three local small business has been news stations this past lucky when it comes to year including a recent the supply chain issues interview on ABC Action and food shortages. News, CBS 10 Tampa “Thankfully, we have Bay, FOX 13 Tampa Bay Peggy Davenport is the owner of been tremendously Davenport’s Daily Delights and was and was picked up by lucky when it has come recently interviewed by ABC Action several affiliates across to the many supply the U.S. News reporter Sean Daly. chain issues and food shortages. We have “It is incredibly fun to share our story certain items that are not available, so and be real in the fact that small busiI’ve had to order them off Amazon at an nesses are struggling and to let the peoextremely high price or modify the menu ple know to please not give up on us; we to not offer that particular dish during will never give up on them,” said Daventhis time,” Davenport stated. port. There are many other examples of There are many locations in the Tamthese issues, such as a case of chicken go- pa area that Davenport’s Daily Delights is ing from $40 a case to $156 per case, a happy to deliver to. For information about six-pack of 48-ounce bowls getting dou- how to support this small business, please bled in price to $12.99 and 2-gallon Ziploc visit www.davenportsdailydelights.com, bags now being $45 for 100. its Facebook page @DavenportsDaiIn order to compensate for inflation, lyDelights or call 813-810-8513.
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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
Volume 20, Issue 7
Over 100 sales & rents in 2021 RE/MAX Hall of Fame, Top 1% among all agents across Tampa Bay Certified Luxury Home Specialist
From the Alafia River west to Gulf beaches and east to the lakes of Polk County, Realtors in our region are leading teams to make a difference! Contact the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors or your favorite local agent for more information. I give free ad space to groups or events that improve our community. Call me with your ideas! — Ann Marie
In Boyette Springs, on a tree-shaded & carefully landscaped yard of more than a 1/4 acre, this 2,150-SF pool home gives you a great location in many ways! It's on perhaps the best street in this neighborhood with its own elementary school near other schools, shops, recreation options & more. You don't face the fees or deed restrictions of other communities, plus the lush, privacy-fenced yard provides plenty of space for fun beyond the solar-heated pool & lanai! That lanai is the key feature of this 4-bed / 2-bath design: a 500-SF, Florida-style space that throws the home open through 4 sets of sliders from the living room, family room, kitchen & master suite. Renovated extensively by longtime owners, it’s under contract at $510,000.
In The Preserve at Riverview, a 270-SF Florida room in a privacy-fenced back yard helps this lovely home "live larger" than 2,000 SF! This all-season space, with removable vinyl windows to enjoy screened relaxation in pleasant weather, welcomes you from living room sliders that typically lead to a much more modest 60-ft lanai. The difference is remarkable, & with a 4th bedroom plus a tandem 3-car garage behind a standard 2-car overhead door, really delivers beyond what you'd expect from a home described as smaller in public records. Upgrades range from new carpet & plantation shutters to wood cabinets with pullout shelves & more! This neighborhood is in front of larger Rivercrest. Offered at $410,000.
A new roof, double-pane windows & resurfaced pool are just some of the money-saving features that make this home an easy choice in Boyette Springs! The 2,300-SF home also boasts an upgraded master bathroom, a private well for lawn sprinklers so your water bill stays low, & an insulated ceiling with fans for cooler enjoyment under the roof-sheltered portion of the screened pool lanai. Just like the neighboring home at left, this 4-bed / 2.5-bath design is on a landscaped, privacy-fenced, interior corner of more than 1/4 acre. The master bedroom is 20 feet long here, & all of the other bedrooms are nicely sized at 12-by-10-feet. Offered for sale at $490,000. My latest listing in Boyette Springs is a 2,100-SF home with pool & spa in a refinished deck overlooking a terraced yard & peaceful pond! This property owns 1/3 acre including pond access, & the yard features a large storage shed plus a generator behind a double-gated fence. Inside the 4-bed / 2-bath design, you’ll find improvements such as refinished kitchen cabinets. This eastern side of the neighborhood also remains zoned for FishHawk’s Newsome High School, so student attendance can continue for families that might benefit from lower home-sale prices & fees even if they have to give up the amenities of FishHawk. Offered at $449,900.
A landscaped, gated, expensively fenced yard on a quiet loop with no through traffic is what you notice first about this home in Rivercrest! But then the front walkway's decorative pavers usher you into a wide-open design featuring wood-look tile floors with upgraded baseboards throughout, along with other key improvements such as a 2-year-new AC! You get 4 bedrooms & 2 updated bathrooms in 1,870 SF, along with living / dining / kitchen in a great room that opens to a covered patio & a privacy-fenced back yard. Rivercrest boasts a resort-style recreation center with pools, tennis, basketball, a playground park & more! Under contract at $407,900. This fully furnished former model can be yours for a year (or even 7 months) with a rental that delivers all you need! It's like a lovely vacation villa in a security-gated enclave, from its crown molding & custom finishes to quality appliances & decorator furniture. You get it when you turn the key to this 2016 Neal Communities model that wasn't privately owned til 2 years ago. And you get it at the front of FishHawk West, which provides its own version of the amenities that made FishHawk a destination in the first place. The villa has 2 bedrooms plus an office, 2 baths, a 2-car garage & a screened back lanai with a woodsy view. Offered for rent at $3,000 / month.
30-year resident of Riverview “I live here. I love it here. And I sell here like no one else!”
Email: annmarievaughan @verizon.net Web: annmarievaughan. realtor
Special Pull-Out Section
July 2022
Know Where And How To Vote: By Mail, Early And On Election Day Voting is a right, not a privilege. In order to exercise this right, every voter in Hillsborough County must be informed and must know where to vote and how to do it. In Hillsborough County, there are three ways to exercise your right to vote: Vote By Mail, Early Voting and Election Day Voting. In order to vote in the primary election, which is set for Tuesday, August 23, you must be registered by Monday, July 25. In order to vote in the general election, set for Tuesday, November 8, you must be registered by Tuesday, October 11. When you register, you are asked to select a party. The parties are Republican, Democrat or No Party Affiliation. You can also register as a member of a minor political party, such as the Green Party of Florida. Florida is a closed primary state. This means that for the primary election, your ballot will reflect the party that you have selected. In other words, you vote only for the candidates from your party as well as nonpartisan races, such as the judge (county and circuit) and school board. In the general election, your ballot is based upon where you reside. You can view sample
ballots for both the primary and the general election by visiting www.votehillsborough. org. “Many people are focused on the upcoming general election in November, but please do not ignore the primary election. We have local school board and judge races on the primary ballot that are nonpartisan, so everyone votes in these races. If you are a Democrat or Republican, you will also have a say in which state and local partisan candidate moves on to the general election,” said Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer. VOTE BY MAIL Vote By Mail is the
REQUESTING A VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT IS EASY: 1. Online: Vote By Mail Ballot Request 2. By Phone: (813) 612-4180 3. By Fax: (813) 744-5843 4. In Person: at any of our Supervisor of Elections REQUESTING VOTE BY MAIL FOR YOURSELF, YOU MUST INCLUDE: 1. Your name and home address 2. Your date of birth 3. Your mailing address, if different from home address (Ballots cannot be forwarded. Be sure to provide your current mailing address.) 4. Your signature (for written requests)
most convenient method. You do not need an excuse to choose this option. If you request this method, you will receive your ballot in the mail. The deadline to request that a Vote By Mail ballot be mailed to you is no later than 5 p.m. on the 10th day before the election, and you can take your time making your voting decision. The Vote By Mail ballot must be received by the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can mail it or drop it off in person at one of its offices or at an Early Voting site. The supervisor of elections is also offering curbside drop-off this year. You can request your Vote By Mail ballot and track its delivery by visiting www.votehillsborough.org. “Election Day is your last day to vote, not your first. I encourage everyone to consider voting by mail. During the March election, it was heartbreaking to get calls from voters who could not leave home and had planned to vote on Election Day,” said Latimer. EARLY VOTING Early Voting is set up before both the primary election and the general election. Early Voting will take place from Monday, August 8 through Sunday, August 21 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For the general election, it will be from Monday, October 24 through Sunday, November 6 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. “We will have about twenty-six early voting locations open. We are just finalizing those details now. We will have drop-off ballot boxes at each of those sites for voters who want to drop off their Vote By Mail ballot,” said Latimer. Early Voting is just like Election Day Voting. You must bring one or two forms of identi-
fication that have your photo and signature. Acceptable forms of identification include a Florida driver’s license, state-issued identification, U.S. passport, student ID, public assistance ID and more.
ELECTION DAY VOTING Polling places or precincts, noted on your voter registration card, are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Election Day. You can bring your sample ballot with you and use it while you vote. Latimer said, “We are taking great measures to ensure a safe and healthy in-person voting experience.” Social distancing, hand sanitizer as well as adjusted layouts will be utilized. According to Latimer, “All of this will mean that in-person voting is going to be slower than in the past, but it will be healthy and orderly.” Whichever method you choose, remember that your vote counts. For more information, please visit www. votehillsborough.org.
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Special Pull-Out Section
U.S. HOUSE FLORIDA DISTRICT 15 (R)
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (D)
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (R)
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 20 (D)
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 16 (I)
Laurel Lee votelaurel.com
Adam Hattersley adamforflorida.com
Jimmy Patronis joinjimmy.com
Michael Harvey electmikeharvey.com
Christina Paylan paylan4statesenate.com
STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 70 (R)
STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 69 (D)
STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 69 (R)
Andrew Learned andrewlearned.com
Danny Alvarez electdannyalvarez.com
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 21 (R)
Jim Boyd boydforflorida.com CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE 6
Belinda Noah voteforbelindanoah.com COUNTY COURT JUDGE GROUP 13
July 2022
Wesley Tabbals judgetibbals.com
John Houman Mike Beltran senator-johnhouman.com electmikebeltran.com CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE 37
Nancy Jacobs nancyjacobsforjudge.com
Jared Smith judgejaredsmith.com
COUNTY COURT JUDGE GROUP 5
COUNTY COURT JUDGE GROUP 10
Michael Bagge keepjudgebagge@gmail. com
Miriam Velez Valkenburg
COUNTY COURT JUDGE GROUP 14
J. Logan Murphy Alicia Whiting Bozich Melissa Black Linette Brookins KeepJudgeLoganMur- melissablackforjudge.com alicia4judge.com votebrookinsforjudge.com phy@gmail.com
Mike Isaak votemikeisaak.com
Special Pull-Out Section
July 2022
COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 2
Angela Birdsong (D) voteangelabirdsong.com
Ken Hagan (R) votekenhagan.com
COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 5
Donna Lynn Cameron-Cepeda (R) donnacameroncepeda.com
Mariella Smith (D) mariellasmith.com
COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 4
Michael Owen (R) votemichaelowen.com
Noelle Licor (R) noellelicor.com
COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 7
Chase Harrison (R) Kimberly Overman (D) votechaseharrison.com kimberlyoverman.com
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER DISTRICT 2
Damaris Allen (D) damarisallen.com
Stacy Ann Hahn (R) votestacyhahn.com
Joshua N. Wostal (R) joshuawostal.com
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER DISTRICT 4
Hunter Gambrell huntergambrell.com
Patti Rendon votepattirendon.com
Danielle Smalley danielle4betterschools.com
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER DISTRICT 6
Roshaun Gendrett gendrett4schoolboard.com
Aly Marie Legge votealymarielegge.com
Karen Perez keepkarenperez.com
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Special Pull-Out Section
JARED SMITH
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, GROUP 37
By Kathy L. Collins
Judge Jared Smith serves as a Hillsborough Circuit Court judge. He is running for reelection and will be on the ballot on Tuesday, August 23 in Group 37. Smith was appointed by Governor Rick Scott in 2017 as a county judge. He was reelected in 2018, and he was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to circuit court judge in 2019. “I started in the domestic violence and county civil division. Domestic violence cases often have a lot of emotions, and the stakes are very high as well. It is important to not only have a judge who understands the law but can carefully listen to both sides and make an effective ruling based on the law and facts,” said Smith. “In my current position as a circuit court judge, I have served in the Unified Family Division as a family law judge. This requires the same careful attention to the law and respect and fairness to people that I have been exercising in all my years on the bench,” added Smith. Smith served in the United States Air Force. “I was a practicing attorney when
9/11 happened, and I immediately felt the call to abandon my ‘traditional’ legal career and to serve my nation,” explained Smith. “It is with this same heart of service that I gave up my successful construction law practice in 2017 to serve on the bench.” “I have a proven track record of success as a judge. I am also board certified. Only six percent of Florida attorneys are board certified, and less than one percent are certified in construction law. My military service, board certification and time on the bench are all factors which set me apart from my opponent. I understand the importance of respecting and following the law. I have rendered several thousand decisions and have only had one decision overturned on appeal,” said Smith. Smith is married to Suzette. They have four children. Smith is a deacon and longtime member of Idlewild Baptist Church. For more information, please visit www.judgejaredsmith.com.
July 2022
KAREN PEREZ
SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 6
By Kathy L. Collins
Hillsborough County School Board member Karen Perez’s ferocity and drive for mental health advocacy and how it affects families began in her formative years. Perez’s story starts in Brooklyn, New York with two brothers and a sister. Her mother and father split while she was young and she, her siblings and her mother made their way to Tampa in 1979. When Perez’s mother was a teen, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Unfortunately, due to the dynamics of a Latino household, the issue was never addressed, and it wasn’t until a college psychology class that Perez learned about and understood her mother’s struggles. Perez connects growing up in a home with a single parent affected by mental illness to her passion of advocating for students. The family was lucky to have an incredible woman, Sella Torres, Perez’s aunt. Torres was the perfect role model who instilled a set of ethics and morals in Perez through her constant offerings of love, support and service. After graduating from King High School in 1981, Perez went to the University of South Florida (USF). She felt blessed to receive the Latino scholarship provided
by Sierra Construction to assist with the cost of tuition. Her advisor exposed her to the social work program after discussing Perez’s passion for helping others. Donna Parrino, a great mentor to Perez through the Latino scholarship program, supported her through her journey to becoming a licensed social worker. She graduated USF with a bachelor’s and master’s in social work in 2000 and 2002, respectively. Additionally, Perez became a certified traumatologist through USF in 2001. Perez beams with pride over the accomplishments of her children. Her eldest, a son, is an apprentice in the electricians union in Hillsborough County; her oldest daughter is a financial analyst on Wall Street; and her youngest daughter is a software engineer with a master’s degree. All eight of Perez’s grandchildren attend Hillsborough County schools as well. Perez’s entire family is invested in the community, even her pets. Her two dogs, Riley and Baxter, are certified therapy dogs, and they frequent the hospitals Perez works at as well as her private practice. Additionally, the Perez family donates $3,000 in scholarships each year to students going into the mental health field. Visit www.keepkarenperez.com.
Special Pull-Out Section
July 2022
MICHAEL OWEN
KIMBERLY OVERMAN
COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 7 COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 4 Staff Report
A 38-year resident of the Tampa Bay area, Kimberly Overman was elected to the county commission in 2018. Overman earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural and resource economics from the University of Maryland, raised two children and has the joy of raising one of her four grandchildren as a single parent. Overman has also owned and operated successful businesses. She is a certified financial planner, former owner and CEO of a fee-only registered investment advisory firm, vice president of strategic planning for Concierge Financial Organization, owner of The Heights Exchange LLC — a commercial space in Seminole Heights — and the chairwoman of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commission, District 7 countywide. She also recreated a business chamber of commerce for the Tampa urban core. A longtime advocate of smart planning, economic growth, strong families, sustainable communities and the importance of education, Overman has a long history of public service volunteerism and community involvement. During her career, Overman served on
several professional and community boards including: Tampa Bay Estate Planning Council, past president; Financial Planning Association of Tampa Bay, past president; Financial Planning Association of Florida, past member and legislative delegation; Business and Professional Roundtable, founder and board member; Soroptimist International, member and Young Careerist Award; Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association, board member; Hillsborough County Housing Financial Authority, chairperson; Heights Urban Core Chamber, president; Women’s Yacht Racing Association of Tampa Bay, member; and Hillsborough Education Foundation Finance Committee, member/advisor. The commissioner currently serves on numerous boards and councils including: Board of County Commissioners, District 7 County Wide (chairwoman); Affordable Housing Advisory Board (chairwoman); Commission on Human Trafficking (chairwoman); Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area Leadership Group (includes MPO/TPO representatives from Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties) & more. www.kimberlyoverman.com.
About Commissioner Overman Commissioner Kimberly Overman is a 37year resident of the Tampa Bay Area, a proud mother and grandmother, a leader in Hillsborough’s business community as a successful small business owner in the financial planning sector, and a lifelong community leader. A longtime advocate for smart planning, equitable access to transportation, economic growth, affordable housing, and access to education, Commissioner Overman has a long history of public service and community advocacy in Hillsborough County. Elected county-wide to the Hillsborough County Commission in 2018, Commissioner Overman has utilized her experience as a successful business owner and public servant to successfully implement policy at the countywide level and lead the people of our county with courage and govern for its citizens—not special interests. She has been a champion in the battle against COVID-19, a fighter for equal economic opportunity for all, an unwavering advocate for increasing investment into Hillsborough’s transportation infrastructure, and became the Commission’s leading voice on combatting human trafficking in Hillsborough County. At the heart of Commissioner Overman’s service is always how she can help to improve the lives of her fellow citizens and be the leader they deserve—because she still believes that Leadership Matters.
kimberlyoverman.com Political Advertisement paid for and approved by Kimberly Overman, Democrat for Hillsborough County Commission District 7 County Wide.
By Kathy L. Collins
Michael Owen, a Republican, is running for a seat on the Hillsborough County Board of County Commission in District 4. Owen was born and raised in Brandon. His family has deep roots in the Greater Brandon area, and this, among other reasons, is why Owen is running to represent the people of District 4, which comprises Brandon, Plant City, Dover, Valrico, Lithia, Apollo Beach and parts of Riverview. Owen is an attorney who has been a small business owner for 20 years. He understands what it means to make payroll and keep a watchful eye on the bottom line. Owen has represented a lot of local small businesses. Through his consumer law practice and service on the SouthState Bank Advisory Board and service on other local boards, Owen understands the nuances of District 4 and will advocate for each community as county commissioner. Owen said, “I grew up here and have seen many changes over the years. The area has grown and changed. District four is the most diverse district in the county. This diversity brings many chal-
lenges.” Owen is a conservative Republican who believes in limited government. He will fight tax increases and wasteful spending. “I will support our law enforcement and first responders and will work to improve infrastructure while protecting our environment and our water supply.” Owen has been endorsed by every Republican office holder in Hillsborough County, including County Commissioner Stacy White, school board member Melissa Snively and Plant City Mayor Rick Lott. He is also endorsed by city, county and state firefighters and the Tampa Police Benevolent Association. Owen said, “I am a Christian conservative. We need more elected officials who are Christian-based and who are conservative.” Owen added, “My devotion to our community runs deep, and I will work to bring sensible solutions and fight for our quality of life on the Hillsborough County Board of County Commission.” For more information, please visit his website at www.votemichaelowen.com.
Special Pull-Out Section
ALICIA WHITING BOZICH
COUNTY COURT JUDGE, GROUP 14
Staff Report
Alicia Whiting Bozich has been a civil litigator for almost 20 years. She has participated in over 100 civil trials, and has handled both state and federal appeals. Alicia has been recognized numerous times as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. Alicia has the right experience, both inside and outside of the courtroom, as well as the appropriate demeanor to faithfully serve the residents of this county as the next county judge. Alicia strongly believes in the rule of law, that statutes are to be interpreted using the ordinary meaning of the words, and that a judge’s role is limited to saying what the law is (and not legislating from the bench). Alicia will always be fair, above outside influence, and treat those that appear before her with dignity and respect. Alicia was born and raised in West Virginia. Her father is an Air Force Veteran, and her mother is a Korean immigrant. Alicia and her husband Neal are celebrating their 21st wedding anniversary in July. About 10 years ago Alicia and Neal chose Hillsborough County to live and raise a family. Their son attends Hillsborough County public schools, and they are parishioners at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Riverview. Alicia has always had a passion for mak-
ing the world a better place. Alicia collaborates with Bay Area Legal Services on special outreach programs, participates in local programs designed to give back to teachers, and has helped women and children rebuild their lives while residing in a domestic violence safe house. Alicia also donates her time to Feeding Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries where she can be found packing or serving food to those in need, working at the thrift store, or participating in the in-take clinic for those needing legal representation. Alicia earned her Juris Doctorate Degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Ohio. She graduated in the top 10% of her class with honors, Magna Cum Laude. Alicia earned her bachelor’s degree in politics from Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio. Alicia has experience representing clients in following matters: Eviction, Debt Collection, Breach of Contract, Real Property, Subrogation, Product Liability, Professional Liability, Medical Malpractice, Defamation, Truth in Lending Act, Deceptive Trade Practices Act, Trade Secrets Act, Lien Foreclosures, and much more. For more information, please visit her website at www.Alicia4Judge.com.
ALICIA WHITING BOZICH OVER 100 CIVIL TRIALS ∙ ENDORSED BY THE TAMPA POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION ∙ RECOGNIZED AS RISING STAR BY SUPER LAWYERS FOR 5 CONSECUTIVE YEARS ∙ PRACTICED IN 2 STATE AND 8 FEDERAL COURTS ∙ PUBLISHED ARTICLES IN: ∙ LAWYER MAGAZINE ∙ AMERICAN BAR ASSOC. LITIGATION NEWS ∙ ANNUAL SURVEY OF BANKRUPTCY LAW
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST
PLEASE VOTE FOR ALICIA ON AUGUST 23RD www.Alicia4Judge.com PAID BY ALICIA WHITING BOZICH, NONPARTISAN, FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COURT JUDGE GROUP 14
July 2022
PATTI RENDON SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 4
By Kathy L. Collins
Patti Rendon, a longtime resident of Hillsborough County, is running for Hillsborough County School Board District 4. Rendon is endorsed by outgoing school board member Melissa Snively. Rendon ran a successful small business for over 17 years. She is now the executive director of The Columbus Organization. Rendon has dedicated her professional life to serving people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, advocating for their needs and best interests. Rendon would like to bring her leadership skills, business experience and advocacy for students and families to the table and advocate for the needs of District 4. Rendon said, “The Hillsborough County School District is the seventh-largest school district in the entire nation and has a $3 billion annual budget. Our county is facing (and will continue to face) significant challenges.” Rendon will not support additional tax increases. “Additional taxes cannot be the only option to address budget problems. I am not only concerned that the additional revenue will not reach our
students, but our community has some of the highest tax rates in the state, and increasing the property tax millage rate just adds to the stress of an already inflated economy,” said Rendon. “There is currently no plan on how to utilize the funds from the increased proposal,” she added. Rendon’s business experience will allow her to bring common sense to the board and be a voice of reason. She has experience in evaluating and analyzing contracts and wants to help expand opportunities for career and workforce programs for all students and address hazardous walking conditions for students as well as the shortage of school bus drivers. Rendon has been active in the community she wants to serve for many years. Her service includes serving on local PTAs, being active in youth sports, working with Best Buddies International and more. Rendon was also the Department of Education Outstanding School Volunteer of the Year in 2019-20. For more information on Rendon, please visit www.votepattirendon.com.
Special Pull-Out Section
July 2022
DANNY ALVAREZ SR
FLORIDA HOUSE, DISTRICT 69
By Kathy L. Collins
Danny Alvarez is a Florida native, veteran and attorney who is running to become the representative for District 69. Alvarez, a Republican, has been involved in the community for over 20 years. He is a member of both the Riverview and Plant City chambers of commerce. On why he is running for a seat in the Florida State House, Alvarez explained, “I have been involved in the community for many years. With the current political and cultural environment, I could not stand by and watch parents and police be attacked. I could no longer stand by and watch. I want to stand up for parents, protect children and stand up for law enforcement. I want to keep Florida free.” Alvarez added, “I am extremely honored that the Florida House leadership has endorsed me. This will allow me to represent the district because I will be able to work with the leadership.” Alvarez further explained, “This will allow me to get maximum results for my constituents by working within the relationships established in Tallahassee.” Alvarez is an attorney who practices
in all facets of family law and is a business consultant with significant experience in corporate communications, marketing and messaging management. Within family law, Alvarez helps families through some of the most difficult times. His practice’s focus is to help children and families navigate through the process and emerge healthy and ready to prosper. Alvarez is a veteran who was commissioned as an infantry officer in the United States Army in 1997. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officers Basic Course, Bradley Fighting Vehicle Leaders Course, Basic Airborne Course and Jump Master Course. Between his professional and educational experience and his real-world, on-theground community service, Alvarez will be able to represent the people of District 69. He said, “You have to represent all of the people in the district. I will accomplish all I can while preserving the Constitution and freedom.” For more information, please visit his website at www.electdannyalvarez.com.
MELISSA CORDON BLACK
COUNTY COURT JUDGE, GROUP 14
By Kathy L. Collins
Melissa Cordon Black is running for Hillsborough County court judge in Group 14. Black is a seasoned attorney, an experienced public litigator and a compassionate community advocate, and she would like your vote on Tuesday, August 23. Black served as an assistant attorney general in the Children’s Legal Services Department before starting her own family law practice, where she has served as a pro bono attorney for hundreds of Hillsborough County’s youth and foster care children. As the mother of three boys herself, Black has been an unwavering advocate for foster children, teens and children with special needs across Hillsborough County. Black was born and raised in Brandon. Black’s parents, the late Dr. Pacifico Cordon Jr. and Dr. Yolanda Cordon, grew their medical practices in Brandon for over 35 years, with her father being the medical director of Hawthorne Village Retirement Community for 25 of those years. As a child, Black attended Nativity School, was the runner up in the Little Miss Brandon competition and was a volunteer at Brandon Regional Hospital.
Black is a graduate of the University of Florida and earned her law degree from the Stetson University College of Law. Black said, “I will build on my years of community service to Hillsborough County by serving as county court judge.” Black is a volunteer with the Challenger Baseball program, which is designed for children in Hillsborough County that live with physical or mental disabilities. She is a member of the Johnny Ferlita Memorial Fishing Tournament committee to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, a member of LAMPLighters (Ladies Assisting Metropolitan People), a parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church and an active member of the CKS Parent Teacher Club (PTC). Black is endorsed by the honorable Ralph Stoddard; retired Chief Judge Manuel Menendez; and Plant City Commissioner Bill Dodson and his wife, Sylvia; Sun City Center Honorary Mayor Joe Zuniga; and former Honorary Mayor of Brandon Sherry Stewart. For more information, please visit www.melissablackforjudge.com.
Special Pull-Out Section
CHRISTINA PAYLAN
STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 16
By Kathy L. Collins
“In over 30 years, there has not been a physician who has served in Florida Senate to represent the voices of patients. That is why I am running for Florida Senate District 16. I want to change this dire statistic,” explained Dr. Christina Paylan. Dr. Paylan believes in a government that is representative for the average citizen and not just one group of citizens. “Year after year, lawyers keep getting elected to Florida’s legislature to make laws about patient needs and health care when it is physicians, not lawyers, who know what is best for patients. Currently, 98 percent of Florida’s legislature is made up of lawyers, where lawyers make laws that fit their agenda while all other walks of life remain unrepresented,” she said. Dr. Paylan is the daughter of an immigrant family. She completed her earlier education in California and moved to Florida in 2001 to work at Tampa General Hospital to complete her fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Dr. Paylan realized more than ever that a doctor or two in Tallahassee would have made sense. Dr. Paylan is fiscally conservative but not an extremist when it comes to social issues. “I believe in sensible laws that have common sense. If elected, I will work to erase all of the draconian laws that have been on the books in Florida for decades,” explained Dr. Paylan. Dr. Paylan believes in the right of parents for choice (education) until their children reach the age of 18. She also believes in sensible gun laws that include background checks, an age limit and red flag laws with an additional provision in the law that triggers red flag immediately when large amounts of ammunition are attempted to be purchased. Dr. Paylan is an advocate for law enforcement but adamantly believes that such advocacy can only be when there is accountability and transparency by judges and prosecutors. For more information, please visit www. paylan4statesenate.com.
July 2022
WESLEY TIBBALS
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, GROUP 6
By Kathy L. Collins
Judge Wesley Tibbals is running for reelection as a Hillsborough County circuit court judge. He will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, August 23. Tibbals, a fourth-generation Floridian, was appointed to the circuit court in 2015 by Governor Rick Scott. He has presided over family and civil dockets, as well as criminal, delinquency and dependency court matters in first appearance court. In 2017, and again in 2018, Tibbals received temporary appointments to serve as an associate judge on the Second District Court of Appeal. On July 30, 2017, the chief judge appointed Tibbals as the associate administrative judge in the Family Law Division, and he remains in this position. Tibbals said, “As a circuit court judge for the past seven years, I am devoted to serving the citizens of Hillsborough County with respect, fairness and integrity while following the rule of law. My track record proves that I am hardworking, efficient and committed to access to justice for all members of our community.” In 2018, Tibbals was recognized for his efforts to promote alternative dispute res-
olution methods in family law cases. In 2019, the Hillsborough County Bar Association Family Law Section awarded Tibbals for his extraordinary contributions to family law. In March 2020, Tibbals was one of the first judges in the state to begin using Zoom video conferencing to allow family law litigants access to the courts to resolve their family law cases. Prior to his appointment, Tibbals was a trial attorney. He has broad experience in federal and state courts handling business disputes, contractual claims, products liability and labor and employment issues. Tibbals has committed hundreds of hours to pro bono service as an attorney ad litem in juvenile delinquency court. In 2014, the Hillsborough County Bar Association awarded him for his pro bono legal service with the Jimmy Kynes Award. He and wife Lara have three children. Tibbals is an active volunteer in youth sports. For more information go to www.judgetibbals.com.
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July 2022
MICHAEL ISAAK
COUNTY COURT JUDGE, GROUP 14
By Kathy L. Collins
According to Mike Isaak, who is running for Hillsborough County court judge in Group 14, “I believe that performing the duties of a judge is an art form. Successful execution requires proper morals and values, appropriate legal and life experiences and a dedication to public service.” Isaak has practiced law for 30 years. He began as an assistant state attorney. Isaak received a long-term service award for his dedication to protecting the citizens of Florida. He then opened his own law practice. “I have focused on criminal defense for the past 25 years. As a criminal defense attorney, I protect and defend the Constitution. I have also represented clients in a variety of civil cases and am a member of numerous professional organizations,” explained Isaak. He has tried more than 150 jury trials and more than 500 nonjury trials, and he has written more than 300 appeals. In addition to his private practice, Isaak has taught thousands of lawyers. “I have lectured locally, on a statewide level and nationally. I often lecture on recent decisions in constitutional law in criminal cases and
teach Fourth and Fifth Amendment constitutional law litigation. I also have more than 120 published court decisions,” said Isaak. Isaak explained, “My legal experience has a unique balance. While most trial attorneys do not write appeals and most appellate attorneys do not try cases, I have done both.” “I will serve the citizens of Hillsborough County with dedication and commitment. I have always wanted to be a judge. I believe that I am qualified to take on the challenges that accompany the role of a judge,” said Isaak. Isaak’s family moved to Tampa in 1968, and he has called Hillsborough County his home for the past 53 years. He supports numerous local charities and serves on the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. He is married to Betsy Goode Isaak, and together they have two children. Betsy is a professional musician, having played with many of the local orchestras and other concerts in the Tampa Bay area. Visit www.votemikeisaak.com.
NANCY JACOBS
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, GROUP 37
By Kathy L. Collins
Nancy Jacobs is running for Hillsborough County Circuit Court in Group 37. Jacobs is a seasoned attorney who has the life experience, legal experience and integrity to serve as a circuit court judge. She will faithfully adhere to the Constitution and serve all residents of Hillsborough County. Jacobs said, “I believe the Constitution is for everyone. I want people who come before me in court to know that I heard them, listened to them and applied the law fairly.” Jacobs added, “A judge must leave their biases at the door. It does not matter what you think. Only the facts, the law and the Constitution matter when rendering a decision. Everyone needs to be heard and have their day in court.” Jacobs added, “A judge must uphold the Constitution. It does not matter what you look like, and even if we do not agree, I will apply the law to the facts and give everyone a fair shot. You may not like the outcome, but you can be sure that you received a fair shot. I will not prejudge. I will listen and apply
the law.” J a c o b s worked as an assistant state attorney from 1985 to the end of 1992. She opened her own practice in 1993 where she specializes in criminal defense, family law and estate planning. In addition to serving her clients, Jacobs performs hundreds of hours of pro bono work each year. Her pro bono work focuses on military personnel and veterans. Jacobs has been recognized by the Supreme Court of the State of Florida for her extensive pro bono work. Jacobs also volunteers her time for various organizations, such as Girl Scouts and youth sports, and she is an advocate for animal rights and has several rescue dogs. Jacobs said, “A judge must have experience, integrity, honesty and life and legal experience. A judge should also be committed and continue to do community service. It is important to be involved in the community.” For more information, please visit her webiste www.nancyjacobsforjudge.com.
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DR. BELINDA NOAH
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, GROUP 6
LINETTE ‘STARR’ BROOKINS COUNTY COURT JUDGE, GROUP 14
Staff Report
Staff Report
Dr. Belinda Noah, a former law editor, adjunct law professor, legal television show host, international lawyer and native Floridian, is looking to provide ‘justice for you’ as Hillsborough County Circuit Court judge, Group 6. Dr. Noah’s first interest in the law occurred when she was approximately 8. At that time, her mother and father recruited her to write letters to various government agencies requesting pastdue benefits for her father, a World War II veteran. Unfortunately, he lost his leg in a work-related accident. Dr. Noah received her bachelor’s degree at the University of South Florida and, upon graduation, moved to Tallahassee, where she enrolled at Florida State University College of Law. While attending law school, she had the honor of interning with the Florida A&M University Attorney’s Office and the Leon County State Attorney’s Office. After graduating from law school, Dr. Noah began working at a Jacksonville law firm. In her more than 39 years as a practicing attorney, Dr. Noah has represented clients in state, federal and international courts. In addition, Dr. Noah has served as a state of Florida attorney with the Departments of Business Regulation, Banking
and Finance as well as Juvenile Justice. In Florida, she handled administrative and appellate cases on behalf of the state of Florida. Also, Dr. Noah has experience with bench trials, jury trials and criminal and civil legal representation. She is licensed to practice law before all Florida courts, United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, United States District Court of Appeal for the Sixth Circuit, United States Supreme Court and the Republic of Ghana courts. Dr. Noah’s versatile and well-rounded expertise ranges from the dissolution of marriage to felonies; juvenile, civil and criminal matters; as well as business, contracts, international and bankruptcy cases. In 2003, Dr. Noah was the only member of the Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware to earn a Doctor of Juridical Science degree, the most advanced law degree, as it is rarely earned by other American lawyers. Dr. Noah is married to Emmanuel Noah, and they have three grown sons; Al, who attended the University of Florida; Ray, who attended Florida Atlantic University; and Emmanuel Jr., who attended the University of Michigan; along with 10 grandchildren and two dogs. Visit www.voteforbelindanoah.com.
VOTE
NOAH for JUDGE Circuit Court Judge Candidate Absentee, Early Voting or August 23, 2022
Paid political advertisement approved by Belinda Noah and the Committee to Elect Belinda Noah for Hillsborough County Florida Circuit Court Judge, Group 6
www.voteforbelindanoah.com
July 2022
Linette ‘Starr’ Brookins is a f i r s t - g e n e ra t i o n lawyer, teacher and hearing officer who has presided over hearings in a quasi-judicial role. Brookins is also a former anti-terrorism dispatch officer, helping those who dedicated their lives to protecting and serving our community. Having been raised in a law enforcement and military family, Brookins developed an unwavering and significant respect for the rule of law early. Brookins graduated from Jefferson High School as salutatorian (law and criminal justice valedictorian); The University of Tampa in three years with magna cum laude distinction; and the George Washington University Law School (a top-25 law school) as a Presidential Merit Scholar. Brookins started her legal career in a prosecutorial role protecting our most vulnerable citizens — children — from abuse and neglect. She is no stranger to the courtroom, as she has litigated and handled appeals across Florida. Brookins’ diverse legal experience in civil, criminal, dependency and injunction courtrooms will serve her well on the
bench. She has both prosecuted and defended cases at the state and federal level, from four-hourlong bench trials to two-week-long federal jury trials. Brookins also served on the Florida Bar’s Code and Evidence Committee. This award-winning attorney is also a dedicated and engaged civic leader, having been awarded the Judge Carol Draper Teen Court Service Award, GIRLS Rock Civics Award and Humanitarian Award, just to name a few. We’ve seen Brookins in all areas of our community for over 20 years - making a real difference. It is evident that public service is not just what she does, but it’s also who she truly is. Currently, she is the vice president of Guardian ad Litem Foundation, developmental director for Florida Association for Women Lawyers to name a few. She is also a proud member of Rotary, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Bible-Based Fellowship Church. Brookins is a proud mother who adopted her daughter from foster care at the age of 17, and she is also a dog lover; her fur baby is named Franklyn Theodore. Visit www.votebrookinsforjudge.com.
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July 2022
STACY ANN HAHN
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, DIST. 2
ANDREW LEARNED
FLORIDA HOUSE, DISTRICT 69
Staff Report
Staff Report Stacy Hahn, Ph.D. is a lifelong educator and has been a Hillsborough County School Board member since 2018. Her career spans three decades with positions at every level of the K-20 spectrum, including: school board member, public school teacher, student advocate, grant facilitator, program coordinator, educational researcher and university professor. As a school board member, Stacy advocates for equitable access to high-quality early childhood education, literacy, career and technical opportunities, as well as strong financial oversight and operational accountability. She has been instrumental in initiatives supporting literacy, STEM, fiscal transparency, creating multiple pathways to graduation and community partnership. Additionally, Stacy is an advocate for services and programs that address early intervention, food insecurities, ESE services, mental health programs, wraparound health services, community schools and teacher professional development. Stacy serves on the board of directors for Zoo Tampa, Tampa Museum of Art,
and Hillsborough Education Foundation, and also represents Hillsborough County on the Value Adjustment Board. She is a member of the MacDill Council for Educational Excellence and created school policy that supports a seamless transition and stable education environment for military students while they are attending Hillsborough County schools. Stacy earned a Ph.D. in early childhood special education and research from the University of Florida. She has published numerous professional articles and presented at various national and international education conferences. Stacy has a passion for education and understands the effect quality schools have on our community. She continues to follow a path that will have a positive impact on the education system and the lives of children. Stacy lives in Tampa with her husband, Jeff Hahn; their three children, Ethan, Jackson and Aidan; and their dog, Murphy. She enjoys local sporting events, gardening and reading a good book. Visit www.votestacyhahn.com.
Andrew Learned has been a staple in our community for years. Before going off to the Navy, he grew up here in Bloomingdale and returned after his service to open GradePower Learning, the local tutoring center so many of us have relied on. It caught all of us who knew him off guard when he first announced he was running for political office; frankly, as a lifelong Republican-turned Democrat, we didn’t know what we’d get. The attack ads against him claimed he was an extremist that none of us who knew him thought to be true. Since getting elected just two years ago in 2020, Learned has been on a singular mission: to fix the roads in Brandon and Riverview. He’s brought back millions of dollars via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the U.S. Highway 301 and Bloomingdale Avenue, Big Bend Road and Boyette Road I-75 interchange improvements are all a result of that mission. He was named the vice chairman of the Veterans Caucus, where he helped pass the largest tax break for military families in state history. He passed a bill to reward military-friendly schools and help improve
parent choice and helped transitioning military spouses have an easier time with state professional licensing requirements. Learned has also focused on lowering the cost of living for Floridians. This year in Tallahassee, he fought and delivered reforms to make homeownership more affordable and to ensure that the state’s savings go back into the pockets of consumers. He took on powerful insurance companies and lawyers to address roofing scams that are causing homeowners insurance rates to skyrocket. Even the gas tax holiday was his original work. While paired down from his original immediate and long-lasting proposal, the upcoming gas tax holiday in Florida was first called for by Learned. When asked why he’s running for reelection, Learned simply pointed out the choice. “While my opponent in this race was marching on the Capitol on January 6, I was fighting to make our schools safer and better funded, our roads wider, and to respect individual choices. I’m running because we need less polarization and more people doing the actual work for the people.” Visit www.andrewlearned.com.
VOTE TO RE-ELECT
ANDREW LEARNED
FOR SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 2
AN EDUCATOR YOU CAN COUNT ON
Stacy will focus on: • Ensuring fiscal responsibility • Keeping our children safe • Supporting our teachers
www.votestacyhahn.com Political Advertisement Paid For And Approved By Stacy Hahn for Hillsborough School Board, District 2
Andrew is a local Navy Veteran, owner of a neighborhood learning center, and a husband and father who proudly serves US in your Florida House. He received the Guardian of Small Business Award by the small business chamber of commerce, the first Democrat to EVER receive it in Florida.
Working for YOU
Fixing the damn roads! Millions for our schools Vice-Chair of the Veterans Caucus Bipartisan success Lowered taxes Fighting against rising prices Respect for YOUR choice Delivering for Veterans
Fixing the damn roads!
(813) 856-1212 andrew@andrewlearned.com Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Andrew Learned Democrat for Florida House District 69
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July 2022
DAMARIS ALLEN
SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 2
Staff Report
Damaris Allen was raised by two strong women, her mother and g r a n d m o t h e r. They taught and modeled for her that if you love something, if you value something, you fight for it, you sacrifice for it, and most importantly you always leave everything better than you found it. From the moment she registered her oldest child for kindergarten at her local public school she knew she wanted to volunteer and make a difference and she did just that. “During my tenure as principal, I witnessed this tireless volunteer, parent, and student advocate work her magic. Her endless passion to help all students succeed and her keen sense of working with people helped propel out school to the next level,” said Kristine Dosal, former principal at Grady Elementary. After more than a decade of volunteering tens of thousands of hours to advocate at a local, state, and federal level she knows she has made a difference and she wants to continue advocating
for students and families while serving on the Hillsborough County School Board. Damaris Allen grew up in Tampa and graduated from Plant High School. After graduation she studied Christian Education and Theatre at Florida Southern College and went on to work as a family minister, dance teacher, and operated a small business. She raised her two children in public schools. Damaris worked with children, youth, and families in the United Methodist Church for over 20 years. “My work in the church taught me the importance of being out in the community and meeting people where they are instead of expecting them to come to you,” Damaris said. She knows first-hand how busy families are and plans to continue to be present at school sporting events, concerts, and PTA meetings in order to make herself more accessible to parents for feedback. Visit www.damarisallen.com
ALYSHA ‘ALY MARIE’ LEGGE SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 6
Staff Report
Alysha Marie Legge, fondly known as Aly Marie Legge, is an Army veteran, an activist, Family Lobby Manager for Moms For America and founder of Moms For Freedom, an advocacy group dedicated to championing the basic rights of all families. A proud supporter of families with special needs children, children with learning disabilities, and children that are medically fragile and complex, Aly works closely with various freedom organizations across Florida to fight governmental overreach and to positively impact legislation that ensures parental rights are protected. Aly is a staunch advocate for school choice and supports a curriculum that fosters critical thinking, problem solving, self-motivation, and teaches all aspects of America’s History. She is committed to being an agent of change for the Hillsborough County School Board through collaboration, transparency, and sound financial practices, and seeks to establish an educational landscape that gives all constituents a voice, protects vulnerable students, prepares scholars for life after
school, and ultimately ensures that all students are put first. Aly is a loving wife to her husband Matthew and devoted mother of five children, ages 3 to 13, one of which has special needs. I aim to bring a different perspective and collaborative approach to the school board. Collaboration equals success and that is achieved by parental/ community involvement, consistent teachers, and a supportive administration. A parent’s right to choose what is best for their child should be upper most in ALL board member’s minds when it comes to making decisions about what SCHOOLS children attend, POLICY and CURRICULUM. Here is what we are going to accomplish with the R.I.S.E. Movement: Restore integrity and accountability to the district. Improve academic excellence. Secure financial oversight. Empower families, educators and staff. Visit www.votealymarielegge.com.
JOIN THE R.I.S.E. MOVEMENT Restore Integrity & Accountability Improve Academic Excellence Secure Financial Oversight Empower Parents, Students, & Teachers WIFE, MOTHER, ARMY VETERAN, TRUSTED COMMUNITY LEADER
Hillsborough County School Board, District 6 Countywide
VOTEALYMARIELEGGE.COM Paid for by Alysha M. Legge Campaign for Hillsborough County School Board District 6 Countywide.
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LAUREL LEE
U.S. HOUSE FLORIDA DISTRICT 15
By Kathy L. Collins
After serving three and a half years alongside Governor Ron DeSantis as secretary of state, Laurel Lee was ready to return home to eastern Hillsborough County and ask her community for support in her bid to represent the people of Florida Congressional District 15 in Congress. Lee, who is also a former circuit court judge in Hillsborough County and federal prosecutor, has over 20 years of experience serving her local community and the state of Florida, ensuring election integrity and upholding the law. Among other issues, Lee cites inflation and the economy, national security and law and order, including securing our borders, as issues influencing her run for Congress. “I know what is at stake and how important it is that we send more conservatives to Washington,” said Lee. “Skyrocketing gas prices, government overreach at every turn, a failed commitment to our military and securing our borders and now disturbing trends from government thinking they know what is best for our children and families. Congress needs
leaders from Florida who will stand up for them, and I know I can be that voice for Congressional District 15.” Lee has also been engaged in local civic organizations, including ECHO of Brandon and the Pepin Academies public charter school, serving as president of the board for both organizations. In the legal community, she actively supports the organized bar and has served as president of the Federal Bar Association, Tampa Chapter and the Givens Family Law Inn of Court. Raised by a two-star general in the United States Air Force and a public school teacher, Lee has family ties in eastern Hillsborough County that go back more than 70 years. Her husband, former Senate President Tom Lee, also served the area in the state Senate for 18 years. “My community is important to me, and I look forward to meeting and talking with voters about why I am the right conservative leader for our area that can stand up for our families, law enforcement and military in Congress,” she said. Visit www.votelaurel.com.
July 2022
NEWSOME READING TEACHER RECEIVES 16TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT AWARD
By Linda Chion
The 16th Connot always gressional Disreceive trict Teacher the appreAwards, estabciation or lished by U.S. recogniRep. Vern Bution they chanan in 2014, d e s e r ve , ” are awarded anthey do nually to excep“have one tional teachers of the most for their outimportant Photo by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan’s office. standing achieve- Newsome High School reading teacher Kim Keebler, seen right and diffiments on behalf of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, poses with fellow recipients of this cult proof students, and year’s 16th Congressional District Teacher Awards. The other fessions of teachers hail from Manatee and Sarasota counties. this year, Kim all.” Keebler from Newsome High School is the A reading teacher since 2008, Keebler Hillsborough County recipient. said she began her teaching career at ArmNominated in January by Newsome Prin- wood High School, where she earned her cipal Katie Rocha, Keebler said she believes high school diploma in 1987. She taught she received the award “because of my also at East Bay High School in Gibsonton ability to connect with my students and my and Bloomingdale High School in Valrico colleagues.” before landing her job at Newsome seven Keebler said her love for teaching came years ago. early, as she was moved by the work of As for the many colleagues who “graher mother, Ellie Reifsnyder, who taught at ciously shared their wealth of knowledge, Mango Elementary School. enthusiasm and love of teaching,” Keebler Calling Reifsnyder “the biggest influence” said she counts among them Jeannette on her decision to become a high school En- Teeden, media specialist at Plant City High glish teacher, Keebler said it was from her School, and Newsome literacy coach Sanmother that she “learned how important it dra Misciasci, who received the 16th Conis to connect to your students, to motivate gressional District Teacher Award for Hillsthem to set and achieve goals and to make borough County in 2020. them feel valued.” As Keebler put it, “I have grown so much Indeed, that is the reasoning behind the since my first day of teaching, and it has teacher awards, which Buchanan said he shown me the power that comes from colestablished because while teachers “may laboration.”
July 2022
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CHANGES MADE TO THE 2022 HURRICANE EVACUATION MAP
By Sharon Still
ficial mass notification With hurricane season in Difference in Hillsborough County evacuation zones from 2021 to 2022 system. full swing as of June 1, area 2021 Evacuation zones are residents should be stocked classified from A to E, up on supplies, including with A appearing in prescriptions, water, canned red on the map repregoods and more. Plus, hopesenting the first zone to fully everyone took advanbe evacuated. The coltage of the 2022 Disaster ors follow the rainbow Preparedness Sales Tax Hol(ROYGB), and blue is for iday to purchase items like those living in higher flashlights, batteries, genareas, Evacuation Zone erators, bungee cords and E, the last to evacuate. other items. While checking Legend All residents living in off their lists, homeowners A mobile homes are inand tenants need to make B cluded in Evacuation sure to look at the new 2022 C Zone A regardless of the Evacuation Zone Map and see 2022 D location of their home. whether their dwelling lies E Storm evacuations get within an evacuation zone. residents out of the Hillsborough residents can storm surge path, but learn which evacuation zone mobile homes are not their home is in at hcflgov. designed to withstand net/heat. the wind from storms. Using 2020 U.S. census Therefore, those resdata and the latest Sea, Lake idents are asked to and Overland Surges from evacuate with Zone A. Hurricanes (SLOSH) model It is important to note from the National Hurricane that evacuation zones Center, Hillsborough County and flood zones are two has updated its evacuation different things. Flood zones for the 2022 hurricane While most of the Osprey Observer readership is excluded from the 75,000 residents who will be in an evacuation zone for the first time zones are based on season, placing 75,000 resibecause of the updated Evacuation Zone maps, it is always important to know your zone. Flood Insurance Rate dents in an evacuation zone zone, this area has been moved into cane Evacuation Assessment Tool Maps (FIRM) provided by FEMA and for the first time. The biggest map change is in East Zone E, which is the final evacuation (HEAT) assists residents in determin- are used as a tool to measure a proping if they are located in one of the erty’s flood risk. An updated flood Tampa. The area is roughly bordered zone. five evacuation zones. Residents can zone map came out in 2021. There are several items on the counby the Hillsborough River to the north, Harney Road to the east, I-4 to the ty’s website (www.hillsboroughcoun- sign up for real-time information on Go to hcflgov.net/staysafe for more south and I-275 to the west. Previ- ty.org) that will help area residents when evacuation zones are called at information on how to prepare for ously not classified as an evacuation prepare for a hurricane. The Hurri- hcflgov.net/hcflalert, the county’s of- storm season. Evacuation Level
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CONGRESSMAN BUCHANAN ANNOUNCES SERVICE ACADEMY APPOINTEES By Michelle Caceres
Congressman Vern Buchanan recognizes 17 nominees who received appointments to Service Academies.
Getting into one of the United States Service Academies is no easy feat. Tens of thousands of hopeful students apply for admittance to one of five service academies every year, and with only a few thousand slots available, getting in can be a formidable task that begins early in high school with rigorous course loads, extracurricular activities, community involvement and athletic pursuits. Just ask one of the 17 students nominated by Congressman Vern Buchanan that earned appointments. Well, you could ask them, if they weren’t already sweating through physically and mentally taxing cadet summer training programs that train, instruct, inspire and transition new cadets from civilians to cadets. Local students who were nominated by Buchanan and earned an appointment include: Bell Creek Academy High School graduate Sebastian Correa (United States Military Academy); Sumner High School graduate David Tirado-Alonzo (United States Military Academy); Newsome High School graduates Spencer Caceres (United States Air Force Academy), Alexander Fraga (United States Merchant Marine Academy) and Colby Prince (United States Naval Academy); Marion Military Institute graduate Francis Connor Dias of Lithia (United States Naval Academy); and Durant High School graduate Austin Holcomb of Lithia (United States Air Force Academy). In addition, several graduates of the one-year U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, where cadets learn academic, leadership and physical skills,
also earned nominations, including Ryan Matthews of Riverview, Yaideliz Lorenzo-Mendoza of Ruskin and Axeladiel Zengotita of Lithia. Caceres attended Basic Cadet Training in 2019 but separated from the academy to serve a twoyear church mission and had to reapply for admission. An appointment was not a guarantee, but for him, a mission was worth the risk. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve a mission and teach and love the people of Mexico City,” he said. “I return to the Air Force Academy not only having mastered a second language but a more dedicated and disciplined cadet with a greater love for my country.” These cadets will receive a free, worldclass education; free room and board; free medical and dental benefits; and the opportunity for a rewarding career in exchange for a commitment to serve as a commissioned officer (the length of time being dependent on the chosen career path and other factors). “I congratulate these outstanding young men and women for their appointments,” said Buchanan. “It’s an honor for not only them but all who have supported them along the way and have every confidence that they will serve our nation with honor.” For more information about the appointment process visit each service academy’s website. For information about applying for a nomination to a service academy visit https://buchanan. house.gov/.
Michelle Colesanti and Terry Vassalotti in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada!
July 2022
HELPING LOCAL VETERANS BECOME HOMEOWNERS
By Libby Hopkins
Kenny Schaaf of Schaaf loves being Brandon had a 20-year able to help first recareer in law enforcesponders and veterans ment until he retired in get into their first home. March of 2016. At that “I spent nearly 20 years point, he began his new as a deputy sheriff and career as a mortgage another seven years of originator and recently public safety employbecame involved with ment as a firefighter, the Hometown Heroes an EMT and a 911 disProgram. “The Floripatcher when I lived in da Hometown Heroes Kentucky,” Schaaf said. Program is a new pro- The Hometown Heroes Program is a new “With my past work gram through the Flori- program that started in June this year. history, I understand da Housing Corporation The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan the needs of these borthat launched June 1, Program also offers a lower first mort- rowers, their schedules 2022,” Schaaf said. “The gage rate and additional special benefits and their concerns, and to those who have served or continue to program is for first-time I want to provide them serve their country. homebuyers within 50 with the help and guidoccupations, including law enance they deserve.” forcement officers, corrections Schaaf has high hopes for the officers, firefighters, paramedHometown Heroes Program and ics, EMTs, teachers, medical perlooks forward to it growing. “I sonal, active-duty military memhope funding continues for the bers and veterans.” program year after year so we This program provides down can continuously help our local payment and closing cost assistance to and national heroes obtain the American first-time, income-qualified homebuyers dream of homeownership,” Schaaf said. so they can purchase a primary residence “Most of these heroes are living their lives in the community in which they work and every day just like the rest of us, and most serve. The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan of the community is unaware of what a lot Program also offers a lower first mortgage of these heroes go through in their jobs. Prorate and additional special benefits to those viding affordable housing is a great way to who have served or continue to serve their help them. I just want our heroes to know country. “Since the program just launched at that their sacrifices don’t go unnoticed, and the start of the month and it takes time to we appreciate each and every one of them.” get through the underwriting and approval If you would like to learn more about process, we have not yet closed any of these the Hometown Heroes Program, you can loans,” Schaaf said. “I do, however, already visit its website at www.floridahousing. have three local heroes in process with mul- org/programs/homebuyer-overview-page/ tiple other heroes that have been prequali- hometown-heroes or call Schaaf at 813fied for the program.” 473-8024.
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July 2022
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