Osprey Observer Riverview/Apollo Beach May 2024

SPOTO AND EAST BAY CADETS RANK IN THE COUNTY’S JROTC TOP 10

High School Cadet Elena Workman and East Bay High School Cadet Kayla Walters each earned a spot on the list of Hillsborough County’s top 10 Junior Reserve Ofcers’ Training Corps (JROTC) cadets.

Workman joined Spoto’s JROTC program when she transferred from Newsome High School during her sophomore year. Senior naval science instructor Paul Lewis said she quickly acclimated to Spoto’s program and now serves as the community service ofcer.

“Elena aggressively pursues community service volunteer opportunities, which help our cadets become better citizens,” Lewis said. “It’s the epitome of citizen development.”

She is ranked second in her class and was ranked the sixth-fastest female cross-country runner at the national competition. After she graduates in May, Workman will attend the University of Florida with the United States Marine Corps ROTC scholarship.

Walters also earned a top spot in the county during her time with East Bay’s JROTC program. Master Sergeant Army instructor Marilyn Nieves described Walters

By Lily Belcher

as “dependable, reliable, hardworking and honest.”

She has also been named Cadet of the Year in two consecutive years and was chosen as the battalion commander by her peers.

“Her spot was earned by her ability to balance a heavy workload,” Nieves said.

In addition to her time with the JROTC program, Walters works, serves as the senior class vice president and is the softball team captain. She will graduate with her Associate of Arts degree and be second in her class. She has also earned 220 volunteer hours throughout high school.

Walters will attend Florida State University in the fall, where she will join the university’s ROTC program as an MS3 and the national guard.

“The JROTC program instills in students the values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility through education and mentoring,” Nieves said.

Each year, Hillsborough County’s 28 programs send their top cadets to service-specific boards to represent the schools.

“It is always an honor to recognize our JROTC programs here in Hillsborough County,” Superintendent Van Ayres said. “The competition was tough, and they should be very proud to be named one of the top cadets.”

For more information on Spoto or East Bay’s JROTC programs, visit www.hillsboroughschools.org.

KREWE OF SOUTH SHORE MARAUDERS

FUNDS SCHOLARSHIPS, EVENTS & MORE

There are all types of krewes throughout the Tampa Bay area, usually seen in Mardi Gras-related parades. But the word ‘krewe’ itself breaks down to mean a social organization. One such krewe, the Krewe of South Shore Marauders (KSSM), is a unique local nonprofi t group that originated and is based in the SouthShore area of Hillsborough County.

KSSM’s motto is “One for all and all for one, laugh, respect one another and do good deeds.” Members take that motto seriously, often dressing up as pirates for parades. But more than that, KSSM enjoys having fun while helping others in the community.

By Ashley Abene

it holds a backto-school drive for Gibsonton Elementary School.

KSSM is one of the only krewes that participates in the Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA, chartering two local groups.

Many KSSM members are involved as either scoutmasters or committee members as well.

As a nonprofi t, the Krewe of South Shore Marauders often volunteers time with the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce at the Ruskin Seafood Festival. It also o f ers a scholarship to East Bay Highschool seniors.

Determined to start a krewe that was inclusive of all ages and genders, in 2002 Jane Braswell, Jayne Lauve and Randy Haan founded the Krewe of South Shore Marauders. The ages of members have varied from 20s to late 70s, making this krewe the most age-diverse in existence.

Aaron Malo, president of KSSM, said, “We are a bunch of fun-loving and sometimes mischievous pirates, … but all in all, our goal is to improve the community that we live in and have some fun while doing it.”

KSSM is a very active organization and has a separate 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that is involved in community events. Members have participated in the Coastal Cleanup, Habitat for Humanity and the Buddy Walk. Annually,

According to the KSSM website, regarding the East Bay Highschool scholarship, “Knowing that many students with an A grade point average would easily get scholarships, KSSM Foundation started presenting B and B+ senior high school students in the South Shore area with scholarships. Since the beginning, the KSSM Foundation has awarded over $85,000 in scholarships to deserving students.”

KSSM has regular meetings on the fi rst Monday of every month. For more information on the Krewe of South Shore Marauders or its community events/ involvement, go to KSSM’s website at www.kssmarauders.com.

Spoto

Kayla Walters was ranked third in the County’s top 10 JROTC cadets.

Te Krewe of South Shore Marauders hosts an annual back-to-school drive and delivers supplies to students at Gibsonton Elementary School.

TAMPA AREA HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS ENLISTING IN THE MILITARY HONORED

By Jane Owen

Tampa Bay-area high school seniors who are enlisting in the U.S. armed services after graduation were honored at an enlistment recognition ceremony held by Our Community Salutes on April 24. The ceremony was held at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre and recognized over 120 seniors and their families for their commitment to serve in the military.

Our Community Salutes is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to recognize and honor high school enlistees and their commitment to military service and to provide parents and guardians of enlistees with community support.

Governor Ron DeSantis, a Navy veteran, attended and commended the seniors for their commitments. Distinguished speakers included Maj. Gen. John Edwards, director for Strategic Capabilities Policy on the National Security Council; retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michele Jones; and retired U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Valerie Ellis Lavin.

Bloomingdale High School senior Caleb Miller attended the ceremony with his family. Caleb enlisted in the Marines and will be a fourth-generation Marine. The ceremony meant the world to his family.

Caleb’s mom, Beverly Miller, said it was great to see Caleb celebrated for his decision.

“We see lots of families celebrating col-

lege choices and athletic signings. So, it was nice to celebrate this choice with other families. It was also great to hear the advice of the speakers. They addressed both the enlistees and the families,” Beverly said.

Caleb decided to enlist in the Marine Corps with a desire to go into the aviation field. He enjoyed the ceremony and felt celebrated.

“The advice from the speakers was meaningful. I enjoyed Sgt. Maj. Michele Jones’ speech. She was funny and inspirational,” Caleb said.

Each student enlistee at the ceremony received a certificate of recognition from Our Community Salutes, a pocket guide of the U.S. Constitution, gifts from supportive sponsors and a challenge coin.

Our Community Salutes founder, president and former Army ofcer Dr. Ken Hartman is dedicated to honoring the high school enlistees.

“I am incredibly proud of these brave young adults in Tampa who have taken the oath to protect our liberties and freedoms at a pivotal point for our nation,” Dr. Hartman said. “These new enlistees represent the true patriots of their generation, and I am grateful we were able to recognize them and their families.”

To send a thank-you message to high school enlistees, visit www.ourcommunitysalutes.org/thank-you-card. For more information about Our Community Salutes, visit www.ourcommunitysalutes.org.

USF SELECTS CONSTRUCTION

MANAGER FOR NEW ON-CAMPUS STADIUM AND ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

The University of South Florida (USF) recently announced a significant development in the plans to build a new on-campus home for the Bulls.

Following a competitive bid process, USF has selected the highly experienced team of Manhattan Construction Company, H.J. Russell & Company and DuCon LLC as the construction manager for the new stadium.

The selected team has worked extensively with college and professional stadiums throughout the country as well as numerous facilities in the Tampa Bay region and state of Florida, and it has previously partnered on more than $1.2 billion in projects with USF’s design team, Populous.

“Choosing a construction management team is big step forward in our process to deliver a world-class stadium that will transform the future of our university and the on-campus experience,” said USF Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly and USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman, cochairs of the stadium planning committee.

“After conducting a thorough review of each proposal we received for the project, we’re excited to get started on our partnership with a team that brings a proven track record of success in Manhattan Construction Company, H.J. Russell & Company and DuCon LLC.”

Projects the team has worked on include football stadiums for the Dallas Cowboys,

Texas A&M, Texas Tech and the ongoing renovations at Florida State University. Manhattan also provided construction management services for enhancements to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa in 2016.

University of South Florida fans can also start the countdown for seeing shovels in the ground to begin the construction of the transformational new on-campus stadium. Following the announcement of the construction management team, the school announced that there will be a groundbreaking ceremony for the stadium held during the university’s annual homecoming week celebration, scheduled for Monday through Saturday, October 14-19. USF also released two new daytime renderings of the on-campus stadium, which follow the first set of renderings published in December 2023. USF’s on-campus stadium is scheduled to open in time for fall 2027. For more information on the project, visit www.usf.edu/stadium/. USF is located at 4202 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa and is a member of the American Athletic Conference.

Staf Report

With a groundbreaking scheduled this fall, Manhattan Construction Company, H.J. Russell & Company and DuCon LLC were recently announced as the constructiont team for the new on-campus stadium at USF.

AWARD-WINNING EAST BAY CHORAL DEPARTMENT HOSTS ANNUAL CONCERT

By Lily Belcher

The East Bay High School Choral Department is home to five choirs led by choral director Brian NeSmith.

NeSmith, who has worked at East Bay for 25 years, led his choirs to Superior ratings at the District Choral, Solo and Ensemble Music Performance Assessments. The Superior rating is the highest of five grades awarded by judges at the competition.

The Varsity Treble Chorus and Sounds of Time earned Superiors ratings through a unanimous vote in the District Choral Music Performance Assessments. Sounds of Time earned additional Superiors in solo and ensemble competitions.

“Our program was also chosen to perform at the Epcot Candlelight Processional and Massed Choir Program onstage with the Walt Disney World Orchestra, the Voices of Liberty and celebrity narrator Marlee Matlin,” NeSmith added.

The East Bay High School Choral Department showcased its skills in the 10th annual Masterworks Concert. This year’s concert was hosted on April 9 at Sun City United Methodist Church.

The concert was started in 2013, originally with just a harp. Since then, the department has added a string quartet,

piano, chamber orchestra and organ.

“The Masterworks Concert is not a new idea at all, but very few high school programs perform larger works with orchestral accompaniment. It is a special and rare opportunity for them,” NeSmith said.

During the concert, local musicians and former Masterworks Chamber Orchestra members performed as well.

One of the biggest challenges with hosting the Masterworks Concert is the cost of production. The department has to hire an orchestra, purchase sheet music and practice tracks for the singers, amounting to over $6,000.

“We have been raising funds all year long, but we still desperately need additional funding to help us keep this concert from losing money. Over the years, we have had sponsoring businesses who have helped us, but this year has been more challenging in that way,” NeSmith said.

Businesses or individuals who would like to sponsor and support the East Bay High School Choral Department can reach out to NeSmith for opportunities. To contact NeSmith, sponsors can call him at 813-469-4020 or email briannesmith@hcps.net.

WATERSET TURKEY TROT RAISES OVER $36,000 FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS

Waterset presented its community-record donation to four local schools following its Turkey Trot 5K and Kids Fun Run. The 2023 race, featuring more than 1,200 runners, raised over $36,000 for four local schools: Doby Elementary School, Dorothy C. York Innovation Academy, East Bay High School and Eisenhower Middle School.

Te annual Waterset Turket Trot raised a community record of over $36,000 in support of local schools, including Doby Elementary School, Dorothy C. York Innovation Academy, East Bay High School and Eisenhower Middle School.

Lynda McMorrow, the marketing manager at Waterset, presented checks — each for over $9,200 — to each of the school principals. The funds from the Waterset Turkey Trot race entry fees and local sponsorships have benefited the school in numerous ways throughout the years.

East Bay Principal Amy Stevens-Cox shared, “The Turkey Trot has become one of my favorite events. We plan to use our proceeds to purchase some furniture to aid with storage on campus and stools for the science lab.”

Doby Elementary Principal Dr. Bradley Fuller added, “We are so fortunate to have the support of Waterset and the Turkey Trot. With the money that has been given to us, we will be able to continue our renovation of the media center.”

“At Eisenhower, we plan to use the funds to add vinyl glass wraps to our main ofce building and cafeteria. We are working on revitalizing our campus, and this donation will go a long way towards helping us to accomplish this,” said Eisenhower Middle

School Principal Christian Finch. Waterset is owned in a joint venture partnership between North America Sekisui House LLC (NASH) and Brookfield Residential, and it is proudly managed by Brookfield Properties. These partners share a deep commitment to sustainable development practices and apply these core values to the vision, planning and development of their communities. Waterset is one of more than 20 communities this partnership manages across the United States.

Brookfield Properties is a leading global developer and operator of high-quality real estate assets and is active in nearly all real estate sectors, including ofce, retail, multifamily, hospitality and logistics. It operates more than 900 properties and over 350 million square feet of real estate in gateway markets on behalf of Brookfield Asset Management, one of the largest asset managers in the world. With a focus on sustainability, a commitment to excellence and the drive for relentless innovation in the planning, development and management of buildings and their surroundings, Brookfield Properties is reimagining real estate from the ground up. For more information, visit www.brookfieldproperties.com.

The Waterset community is located in Apollo Beach. For more information, visit www.watersetfl.com. Staf Report

East Bay Varsity Treble Chorus earned a Superior rating at the District Choral Music Assessments.

By Nitish Rele

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas may be the bigger of the two but the Cross Sport (5.2 inches shorter in length; it’s a five-seater with no third row) has as much to ofer as its sibling. Perhaps even beyond, as its name implies. Also, unlike the regular Atlas, this one portrays an alluring appearance because of a considerably raked rear hatch.

steering wheel and stainless-steel pedal caps. The 60/40 second-row heated seat tilts and slides forward efortlessly. Passenger volume is worthy at 112 cubic feet while you get 77.6 cubic feet behind the front row with the rear seat down. Personal belongings can stay out of sight in the cleverly hidden cubby under the center console. Cool amenities include a 12-inch touch screen for audio, nav and phone controls; a 10.3 configurable digital display; a two-zone auto AC with second-row air vents; a three-spoke leather steering column; a head-up display; power tilt/slide sunroof; a 10-way power driver; eight-way front passenger heated/ cooled seats; a 12-speaker, 400-watt Harman Kardon sound system; and a power lift gate.

Under the hood of the coupe-like Cross Sport sits a 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled inline-four engine that doles out 269 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 273 pounds-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. For a vehicle weighing nearly 4,359 pounds, it’s quick of the mark, responding with agility in any situation. The midsize SUV is mated with a smooth, accurate and easy-to-engage eight-speed auto gearbox. Ensconced on the unitary body is a robust independent fourwheel suspension of strut-type front with lower control arms and multilink rear. Tow capacity is a creditable 5,000 pounds. Eco, comfort, sport, custom, of-road and snow modes are available.

Available as front-wheel or all-wheel drive (our trim), the Atlas Cross Sport has attracted oodles of attention, all good. Horizontal daytime running lights wrap around LEDs and continue into an illuminated light bar and VW emblem, which is mirrored in the rear. Our R-Line trim came with its own badging, of course; stylish front/rear air intakes in the bumpers; and side skirts. The lovely cabin epitomizes European styling and flair with a top-notch fit and finish, especially the quilted leather seats. The racing-inspired line logo can also be found on the start screen,

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for both rows, four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability with antislip regulation and engine brake assist, traction control, front/rear park distance control, hill start assist and descent control, rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard, along with the IQ.DRIVE, which fetches you forward collision warning, auto brakes with pedestrian/bicyclist detection, blind-spot monitor, rear trafc alert, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. If you are looking for good looks, impressive performance, generous cargo/passenger capacity and a sporty ride in a stylish midsize SUV, the Cross Sport is worth a test drive. It fills in all the blanks — and then some more!

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS: CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2023-24

Dr. Rajan ‘Raj’ Wadhawan has joined AdventHealth’s West Florida Division as chief clinical ofcer, efective April 21. He will oversee the clinical operations and quality of care for the region’s 13 hospitals. Dr. Wadhawan will report to David Ottati, president and CEO of the West Florida Division.

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Wadhawan to the West Florida Division. His extensive expertise and proven track record in leadership and strategy will be invaluable to our team,” Ottati said. “I have full confidence in Dr. Wadhawan’s ability to drive innovation, foster collaboration and elevate the standard of care for our patients.”

Dr. Rajan ‘Raj’ Wadhawan, who will be joining AdventHealth’s West Florida Division as its chief clinical ofcer.

Dr. Wadhawan, who is board-certified in pediatrics and neonatal perinatal medicine, served as the senior executive ofcer for AdventHealth for Children and AdventHealth for Women and was responsible for a care network that includes more than 375 physicians and specialists practicing over 35 subspecialties, community specialty clinics, pediatric rehabilitation, pediatric emergency rooms and Centra Care Kids urgent care. The network delivers more than 17,000 babies annually.

Under his leadership, AdventHealth for Children has become one of the nation’s best and safest children’s hospitals, being ranked as a Top Children’s Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, a three-time gold standard Magnet-designated hospital by the ANCC and

recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a national leader in newborn care.

“This role provides the opportunity for me to help lead the clinical growth and advancement at our 13 hospitals in the Tampa Bay and Heartland regions, including expanding our specialty adult and pediatric services, while enhancing the quality of care,” Dr. Wadhawan said. “My philosophy is that no one should have to leave the area to receive world-class, whole-person care, and I’ve been challenged to deliver that same promise to communities in West Florida.”

In 2022, Dr. Wadhawan was appointed by the Florida speaker of the House of Representatives to serve as one of the inaugural council members the state of Florida’s Rare Disease Advisory Council (RDAC), which works to improve health outcomes for those with rare diseases. He holds this appointment through September 2025.

Dr. Wadhawan attended medical school and residency at Government Medical College in Amritsar, India. He completed his fellowship at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. He also earned a master’s in medical management from Carnegie Mellon University and is board-certified in medical management by the Certifying Commission for Medical Management as a certified physician executive (CPE). For more information about AdventHealth, visit www.adventhealth.com. Staf Report

As the 2023-24 academic year comes to a close, we take pride in reflecting on our accomplishments, and reaffirming our commitment to educational excellence and student success. Our students have continued to excel in various areas, highlighting the dedication of their teachers, administrators and support staff. Leading this district is an honor, and our achievements speak volumes:

• Twenty-seven of our magnet schools were named as National Magnet Award winners by Magnet Schools of America, highlighting our dedication to innovative and specialized learning opportunities.

• All our high schools have recently been ranked among the top in the nation by US News & World Report as a testament to the exceptional quality of education provided across our district.

By Superintendent Van Ayres

• Sixty-one of our elementary schools and 32 middle schools ranked amongst the best in the country by US News & World Report , underscoring our commitment to academic excellence at every level.

• Thirty-eight of our schools are

named Schools of Excellence by the Florida Department of Education, honoring Florida’s highest-performing schools. These achievements reflect our steadfast dedication to delivering an outstanding educational experience for every student, every day. We are honored that our schools remain the number one choice for

In May, 14,650 high school seniors will proudly walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Their resilience, dedication and achievements deserve recognition. Each graduate, along with their families, should take immense pride in their accomplishments. May they continue to reach new heights and positively impact their communities.

As I finish my first academic year serving as the superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools, I want to say that I am honored to be part of this community and am grateful to the students, families, teachers, administrators, support staff and all our community partners for their continual support to make Hillsborough Strong.

USF OPENS CUTTING-EDGE DOD LAB AIMED AT PROVIDING MILITARY SOLUTIONS

The University of South Florida (USF) recently opened a cutting-edge lab aimed at providing quick, innovative solutions to the diferent challenges facing the U.S. Department of Defense. Managed by USF’s Institute of Applied Engineering (IAE), the new Rapid Experimentation Lab (REL) provides a unique, collaborative space to rapidly test concepts.

Te University of South Florida recently had a ribbon-cutting for a state-of-the-art facility that is part of a fve-year, $85 million contract with the Department of Defense.

As one of nation’s most research-intensive universities, USF is helping to solve problems throughout society, and the facility is a key part of those eforts.

“Our new lab will further enhance the University of South Florida’s focus on developing technologies and providing innovative solutions that address critical global and national security challenges,” USF President Rhea Law said. “This facility will provide research opportunities for our faculty, handson learning experiences for our students and help grow important partnerships with governmental agencies and private industry.”

The state-of-the-art facility, part of a five-year, $85 million contract with the Department of Defense, is poised to reshape the engineering landscape in Tampa Bay. It aims to streamline the prototyping process by bringing together engineers from a wide range of disciplines under one roof, significantly reducing development timelines.

“The lab provides the necessary infrastructure, tools and collaborative environment to enable the curious and inspired to design, build and test technologies for today

Report

and tomorrow,” said Peter Jorgensen, associate director of engineering for the IAE. “More than just a makerspace, the REL is a playground for mechanical, electronics, sensors, communications and software teams to quickly iterate on designs to solve problems, invent new products and rapidly deliver cutting-edge capabilities.”

The new 8,000-square-foot facility will be utilized not just by USF faculty and student engineers but also partners in the Department of Defense and private industry, who are working to support missions everywhere, including the battlefield, the oceans and space.

The lab houses various equipment, including electrical and mechanical computer design and analysis tools, communications networks to support testing, electronics and circuit boards as well as manufacturing technology. It will allow multiple engineers to collaborate, test and retest an idea or product before presenting it to the Department of Defense for consideration.

The IAE also plans to work with the USF Technology Transfer Ofce to identify startup companies interested in utilizing the lab for development of their own inventions.

Partners who would like more information can email info-iae@usf.edu.

The University of South Florida has campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. The main campus is located at 4202 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

EXCITEMENT IS BREWING FOR TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING FEST AT AMALIE ARENA THIS AUGUST

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that they will be hosting the seventh annual Bolts Brew Fest at AMALIE Arena on Friday, August 9, beginning at 8 p.m. The event will o f er craft beers from a variety of di f erent local craft breweries, oversized games, ThunderBug and more.

General admission tickets include entry at 8 p.m. for beer sampling and other fun perks, such as games, photo opportunities, music and more.

‘General Admission

• $60 on the day of the event.

General Admission Plus

• Doors open at 7 p.m.

• $75 advanced purchase.

• $90 on the day of the event.

VIP Admission

• Doors open at 6 p.m.

• $120 advanced purchase.

Plus’ tickets include early entry starting at 7 p.m. for an extra hour of sampling.

Craft beer enthusiasts can purchase a VIP admission ticket which will allow them access into the event two hours prior to general admission. VIP includes beer sampling; early entry from 6-7 p.m. for an extra hour of sampling without the crowds; access to AMALIE Arena’s Ashley VIP Lounge, featuring exclusive VIP-only beer and food; and an o f er code for a BOGO ticket for one Lightning pre-season game (limited quantities are available — and only while supplies last).

Fans are encouraged to get their tickets as early as possible. The following ticket structure will be in e f ect:

General Admission

• Doors open at 8 p.m.

• $50 advanced purchase.

• $150 on the day of the event. A designated driver ticket will also be available for $35 advanced purchase and $45 on the day of the event for general admission only.

The Bolts Brew Fest is rapidly becoming one of Tampa Bay’s biggest beer events, featuring a wide array of craft beer variety from local and national breweries available for individuals to choose from. The full lineup of participating breweries will be announced prior to the event.

Tickets for the event go on sale on Friday, May 17, at 10 a.m. at www.ticketmaster.com. Please see above for price breakdown for price points. Prices are subject to change without notice. Prices do not include facility fee or service charges. Advanced parking passes are available at www.parkwhiz.com. Visit www.amaliearena.com or call 813-3012500 for more information.

For more information on Bolts Brew Fest, visit https://boltsbrewfest.com/.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING IN FLORIDA

By Laurie E. Ohall, Florida Board-certifed Elder Law Attorney

Estate planning can seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance and support, you can confidently secure the future of your assets and the well-being of your loved ones. Estate planning in Florida requires careful consideration of state-specific laws and regulations and understanding the unique legal landscape is essential. This article will discuss the key elements of an efective estate plan.

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning goes beyond just having a will. It’s a framework encompassing tools and strategies to manage, protect and distribute your assets in line with your wishes, both during your lifetime and after you pass away. A well-thought-out estate plan can:

· Minimize Estate Taxes: Help your beneficiaries receive more of your intended inheritance.

· Appoint Guardians: Ensure minor children are cared for by someone you trust.

· Plan for Incapacity: Designate who will make financial and healthcare decisions for you if needed.

· Facilitate Asset Distribution: Clearly define how you wish for your property, valuables and financial accounts to be handled.

Key Aspects of Estate Planning

· Understanding Florida Probate Laws: Florida has laws that govern the distribution of assets after death. Knowing how these laws work can help you structure your estate plan to minimize the impact of probate and ensure a smooth transfer of assets to your heirs.

· Importance of Wills and Trusts: These serve as the foundation for passing on your assets by allowing you to outline your wishes regarding distribution of assets, guardianship of minor children and other important matters. Without a valid will or trust,

the Florida intestacy laws dictate to whom your assets are distributed, which may not align with your preferences.

· Powers of Attorney: These documents grant someone legal authority to make financial decisions on your behalf if necessary.

· Advance Health Care Directives: These outline your preferences for health care and end-of-life care.

· Medicaid Planning: This may be necessary to help plan for long-term care costs.

· Homestead Protection: Florida ofers strong protections for homestead property, including exemptions from certain creditors and limitations on to whom you can devise the property. Understanding these protections will ensure that your homestead goes to your beneficiaries the way you intended.

· Tax Considerations: While Florida does not have state inheritance or estate tax, federal estate laws still apply. Proper planning can help minimize the impact of federal estate taxes on your estate and maximize the amount passed on to your beneficiaries.

· Beneficiary Designations: Many assets, such as retirement accounts and life insurance, can pass directly to a beneficiary outside of probate. It is important to review and update these regularly.

· Seeking Professional Guidance: Estate planning can be complex, and consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney can help ensure your plan is legally sound and tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Laurie Ohall is a Florida board-certifed elder law attorney practicing in Brandon, Florida. She has been practicing law for 30 years and her practice is focused on estate planning, elder law planning and probate. Ohall is licensed to practice law in Florida and Ohio.

Our Lady’s Pantry is a food bank known to many in Southeastern Hillsborough County. As it enters its 25th year of operation, the need is greater than ever. The pantry relies on generous donations and volunteers from the community to continue to serve its residents.

In 2023, food alone cost a stunning $105,243.51. This doesn’t take into account operating expenses such as fuel and truck maintenance and administrative needs.

Recently, Our Lady’s Pantry received a few generous donations to help continue operations.

The Interfaith Council donated a $10,000 gift for food needs through its Interfaith Council Social Action Committee (ISAC).

“All of us at Our Lady’s Pantry wish to thank the Interfaith Council Social Action Committee for their continued support,” said director Tom Bullaro. The partnership with the ISAC began in 2008, and to date it has donated $160,000.

The Pyse Family Foundation recently donated a gift of $1,000 as well.

“Our Lady’s Pantry is grateful to the Kennard L. and Barbara J. Pyse Family Foundation for their gift of $1,000 for food,” said Bullaro. “We are seeing an average 500 clients coming to our drivethrough every two weeks. We are so appreciative of this gift,” he continued.

Our Lady’s Pantry also thanked the

Florida Medical Clinic (FMC) Foundation of Caring for its generous gift of $10,000.

“Too many people in our community don’t know the source of their next meal,” Bullaro explained.

“This gift by the FMC Foundation of Caring will provide food relief and hope to our brothers and sisters, both those living alone, and those with lots of family around the dinner table.”

100 Who Care Valencia Lakes also recently selected Our Lady’s Pantry as the recipient of its quarterly nonprofi t donation. The original donation was $5,800, but after fi nding a 50 percent matching grant for the funds raised, the group was able to present Our Lady’s Pantry with an $8,700 check.

The pantry has grown to operate as a full-time business but is still an all-volunteer charity.

“We are hoping to identify volunteers comfortable with the latest technology who can work alongside our managers,” said Bullaro. “Learn what each person does and serve as backup, lending a hand when needed.”

Some immediate needs are:

• Diesel mechanics to serve in an advisory capacity, helping to keep the pantry’s trucks on the road every week.

• Technical and administrative work.

• Computer specialists profi cient in Excel, WordPress and Pages.

• Grant writers to raise money for food and other necessities.

• Journalists to write pantry stories for its website and newspapers.

To volunteer, donate or learn more, visit www.ourladyspantry.com or call Bullaro at 813-741-2000.

LOCAL TEACHERS DIVE DEEP INTO OCEAN CONSERVATION EDUCATION THROUGH NEW TRAINING

On March 29 and 30, Hillsborough County teachers and teachers from other Tampa Bay counties gathered at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Suncoast Youth Conservation Center for a two-day training session using STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) education, focusing on ocean conservation.

The training, which was open to elementary, middle and high school educations, was conducted by the nonprofit Guy Harvey Foundation and made possible through Tampa Electric Company’s funding.

Educators learned about field trip opportunities at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center and enjoyed hands-on training that included kayaking and fishing. They came away with materials, classroom supplies and the Guy Harvey Foundation’s online teacher resources.

Newsome High School marine biology teacher Julie Wernicki said her classes will benefit for years to come.

“My biggest takeaway was seeing how to make engaging and interactive lessons. Also, I have all of these resources now.

The Guy Harvey Foundation has a really cool website that teachers can sign in on. They are always adding to it. I think it has become my favorite resource right now,” Wernicki said.

Wernicki said another benefit of the

By Jane Owen

training was collaborating with like-minded teachers and sharing ideas about how to incorporate the new experience in the classroom.

Daniela Burgui, a kindergarten teacher at Doby Elementary School in Apollo Beach, echoed the tremendous benefits the training provides.

“I enjoyed the fact that they really covered a lot and ofered new experiences for us to take into the classroom to help our kids. Part of what they ofer with the training is a little treasure chest of materials. There are treasure chests and lessons for all grades. You can use whatever works for your grade and adapt it,” Burgui said.

Burgui said working directly with the Guy Harvey team is what elevates the training to a diferent level. She said they blended art in guiding students through learning about math and science.

Teachers that completed the training received a certification and became a Guy Harvey Conservation Educator.

For more information about the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, visit https://fyccn.org/suncoast-youth-conservation-center-home.

To learn more about the Guy Harvey Foundation Conservation Education Program, including upcoming training locations, visit https://guyharveyfoundation. org/education/conservationprogram/.

100 Who Care Valencia Lakes recently presented a check to Our Lady’s Pantry. Te amount was later increased from $5,800

Doby Elementary School kindergarten teacher Daniela Burgui with Jessica Harvey, Guy Harvey’s daughter, holding her Guy Harvey Conservation Educator certifcate.

SENIOR KATHRYN HUARD RECOGNIZED AS LENNARD’S JROTC CADET OF THE YEAR

On March 28, senior Kathryn Huard was recognized as Lennard High School’s 2023-24 Cadet of the Year. Huard received this award during Lennard’s annual JROTC Awards Ceremony held at 5 p.m. in the school’s auditorium.

The Cadet of the Year Award recognizes one senior cadet who has demonstrated excellence in Lennard’s JROTC program. In addition to maintaining a minimum 3.5 GPA and remaining in good standing with the Longhorn Battalion and JROTC cadre, Huard held a series of leadership positions over the course of her two years in the program.

By Madeline Gardner

“I feel like all the positions really have a significant role, and I did enjoy being a part of all of them,” said Huard, “but I would have to say that being the battalion commander this year would definitely be my favorite just because I am responsible for a little bit of everything, so I feel like I can help out in all aspects, which is really important to me because I do want our program to be successful.”

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION IN SUN CITY CENTER

By Libby Hopkins

Enrolling in Lennard’s JROTC program as a junior, Huard quickly became involved in the raider, drill and color guard teams. Within her first year of the program, Huard was promoted from sergeant to first sergeant, which oversees an entire class company. During this same year, Huard also became a Drill Team Commander, which oversees all marching, color guard and related activities, and she was also a leader for some of the mixed team raider events.

By her senior year, Huard was positioned as the female co-commander of the raider team and the battalion commander. As acting battalion commander, Huard is responsible for coordinating events and ensuring the Longhorn cadets continue to meet the battalion’s goals.

Recently receiving an advanced scholarship to the University of Tampa’s ROTC program, Huard plans to pursue Army ROTC while majoring in international studies and minoring in Arabic. After college, she intends to be commissioned into the army as an intelligence ofcer.

As she looks forward to the next stage of her life, Huard remains grateful for the time spent and experience gained as a member of the Longhorn Battalion.

“In our JROTC program, we focus a lot on leadership and working as a team, and I feel that it’s really made me comfortable meeting others and just being prepared for that environment when I go into college and everything like that,” said Huard. “Our instructors here are amazing, you know. They really make sure we’re prepared, and they really just build you up and make sure you have that confidence and the skills that you’ll need for your career.”

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is an organization with a deeply rich history while also being truly relevant in today’s world. More than 1 million women have joined the organization since it was founded over 125 years ago.

They became members to honor their heritage as well as make a diference in their communities across the country and the world.

“Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible to join,” said DAR Regent Kay Adkins. “I became involved with DAR because my husband was involved with the Sons of the American Revolution. It took him a while to research his patriot, but I was able to find mine rather quickly.”

Adkins is a member of the Colonel George Mercer Brooke Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which meets monthly in Sun City Center.

The organization was founded in 1890 with the simple mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. These timeless, overarching principles keep the DAR strong and vitally relevant in our ever-changing world.

This nonprofit, nonpolitical, volunteer women’s service organization, dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving Ameri-

can history and securing America’s future through better education, consists of over 190,000 members in 3,000 chapters across the world. The grassroots work of DAR volunteers promotes the organization’s objectives of historic preservation, education and patriotism.

“I love that we are active in our community,” Adkins said. “Volunteering and giving back to our community is one of my favorite part of being a member of DAR.”

Genealogy is by far one of the most popular hobbies in the United States. Expertise and skill levels vary considerably from novice to professional genealogy gurus. Joining DAR does not require an interest in genealogy, but it helps to have some knowledge of one’s ancestry.

“At the very least, you will need to gather documents for yourself, your parents, grandparents and possibly great-grandparents,” Adkins said. “DAR has volunteers who can assist you if you need help with your research.”

If you would like to learn more about the Daughters of the American Revolution, you can visit its website at www.dar.org. If you would like to learn more about the Colonel George Mercer Brooke Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution that meets in Sun City Center, you can email Adkins at darcgmb@aol.com.

CONGRATULATIONS

ON ALL YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED! WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!

YOUR SOUTHSHORE FAMILY WISHES YOU CONTINUED SUCCESS IN YOUR NEXT CHAPTER! ALWAYS REMEMBER...JUST KEEP STRIVING!

From left to right: Lennard High School Principal Denise Savino; Cadet of the Year Kathryn Huard; and retired Lt. Col Dave Dietz, Lennard High senior Army instructor.

Te Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is an organization with a deeply rich history while also being truly relevant in today’s world.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) and United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) announced an update on Project Safe Delivery, a joint initiative to protect postal employees and secure the nation’s mail and packages. The initiative was launched in May 2023 in direct response to rising crime across the nation that has led to increased threats and attacks on letter carriers and mail theft incidents.

Since the launch of Project Safe Delivery, Inspection Service personnel have conducted more than 5,500 mail theft and violent crime prevention activities nationwide.

“We have been unrelenting in our pursuit of criminals who target postal employees and the U.S. mail. The eforts of our postal inspectors and law enforcement partners have yielded positive results,” said Postmaster General and CEO Louis DeJoy. DeJoy also called for increased prosecution and strong sentences for individuals who perpetrate postal crimes, including letter carrier robberies, mail theft and associated financial crimes.

For the 2024 fiscal year so far, the Postal Inspection Service has made 73 percent more arrests for letter carrier robberies over the same time period in the prior fiscal year.

Over the last five months, reported robberies of letter carriers have decreased by 19 percent and complaints received for mail theft are down 34 percent.

Since the launch of Project Safe Delivery, USPS, in partnership with USPIS, has

KIWANIS BENEFIT FEATURING THE GOLDTONES AT THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF SUN CITY CENTER

Staf Report

made significant investments in the physical security of its mail receptacles. Tens of thousands of hardened blue boxes and electronic locking mechanisms have been and will be strategically deployed in high postal crime areas. These investments will help to modernize USPS’ infrastructure and ensure that the public can safely and securely send and receive mail.

Customers can take several steps to protect their mail and letter carriers, including:

• Don’t let incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.

• Deposit outgoing mail at secure locations, including your local post ofce or place of business, or hand it directly to a letter carrier.

• Sign up for Informed Delivery.

• Become engaged via neighborhood watches and local social media groups to spread awareness and share information.

• Keep an eye out for your letter carrier. If you see something that looks suspicious or see someone following your carrier, call 911.

Customers are encouraged to report stolen mail as soon as possible by submitting an online complaint to the USPIS at www. uspis.gov/report or calling 877-876-2455. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to report allegations of Postal Service employee misconduct, including attempts to corrupt a Postal Service employee, to the USPS Ofce of Inspector General at 1-888877-7644 or www.uspsoig.gov. Staf Report

The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center, welcomes The Goldtones for a 7 p.m. concert on Friday, May 24, to benefit Kiwanis International.

The Goldtones are considered “Florida’s Hottest Vocal Harmony Group,” singing songs ranging from the traditional doo-wop tunes of the ’50s and ’60s to those melodies sung by later groups of the ’70s and ’80s.

The Goldtones have been performing in Florida for over 10 years and have earned a reputation for tight harmonies and performing the classics just like you remember them. Where were you when you first heard “In the Still of the Night”? When you hear it again at a concert, you’ll be brought right back to that place and date. This reputation was recognized by Elliot Lurie of Looking Glass — best known for their number one hit, “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” — who requested that The Goldtones back him up when performing an original doo-wop song that he wrote.

With a repertoire that includes “Blue Moon,” “Runaround Sue” and “A Teenager in Love,” they also sing big harmony songs like “Have you Heard?” and “Turn Around.” Some of the most memorable songs are those recorded by the Duprees,

Dion and the Belmonts, the Beach Boys, the Four Seasons and the Bee Gees. The Goldtones have become the most requested harmony group in Florida and have developed a consistent performing schedule of 80-100 gigs per year in a variety of venues, including cruise ships, restaurants, dinner clubs, theaters, casinos, residential communities and private venues. Audiences love them not only for their vocal talents but also for their humor and audience interaction. There’s never a dull moment with entertainment by The Goldtones.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and are available at the Pages of Life Book Store from Sunday, 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. and Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; at the church o f ce Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; and online at www.sccumc.com/ events.

For additional information about this and other concerts and recitals at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, please contact Larry Hirchak, concert series coordinator, at 646-831-4008. To learn more about the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, please visit the website at www.sccumc.com.

USPS Postmaster General and CEO Louis DeJoy is working diligently to secure the nation’s mail.

Te Goldtones will bring their popular vocal harmony to the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center on Friday, May 24, to beneft Kiwanis International.

By Kathy L. Collins

SUMMER RV SHOW RETURNS TO FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS

By Sharon Still

When you or your family are forced to face tough times due to divorce or death in the family, you may find yourself in need of an attorney. Challenging times such as this can cause you to make irrational decisions that can have a negative impact on your life and that of your family’s for years to come. As such, it is in your best interest and that of your family’s to have a competent and compassionate attorney represent you.

Te Law Ofce of McCart & Tesmer, located in Riverview, always has its clients’ best interests in mind when providing

probate.

The Law Ofce of McCart & Tesmer, founded by Kristi McCart and Laurel Tesmer, is just the team of attorneys you will need when facing life’s most difcult and challenging times. It has the legal and life experience necessary to advocate for its clients.

McCart & Tesmer specializes in family law, estate planning, guardianship and probate. McCart and Tesmer are both attorneys that you can trust who will prioritize your needs and will always be responsive and cognizant of your time and money.

Tesmer has practiced for over 10 years and has focused her practice on families, specifically family law and estate planning. She is a graduate of Stetson University College of Law and received her B.S. degree from the University of Florida.

Tesmer said, “We try to guide our cli-

ents through scary situations with compassion. We try to look at where our client will be two to five years down the road and counsel them accordingly.”

Tesmer added, “While we always fight for our client’s rights, sometimes we have to tell our client not what they want to hear but rather what they need to hear.”

Tesmer explained, “For example, a client might be angry because they are going through a divorce. We try to help by advising them against taking a negative action that might make them happy right now but could adversely afect them or their family five years from now.”

McCart received her law degree from Whittier College of Law in 2012. She is active in the community and is the president of the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. McCart & Tesmer was founded in 2018. McCart & Tesmer serves as Tampa Bay’s leading marital, family law, estate planning, guardianship, and probate attorneys. It enables clients to reach constructive long-term outcomes.

McCart & Tesmer is located at 10011 Water Works Lane in Riverview. For more information, please visit https://mccarttesmer.com/tampa-attorney/ or call 813498-2757.

Just when everyone is making plans for summer, the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) - Region 3 will host the 2024 Tampa Bay Summer RV Show from Thursday through Sunday, June 6-9, at the Florida State Fairgrounds. The event will feature all makes and models of RVs plus camping accessories and more.

More than 7,600 people attended last year’s show, and while RV show attendance throughout the state has been down in some areas, FRVTA executive director Dave Kelly expects the June show to be bigger and better than ever.

The 2024 Tampa Bay Summer RV Show will feature multiple dealers showcasing several diferent brands and styles of RVs that guests can tour, all in one location. There also will be a variety of vendor booths featuring everything from RV necessities and accessories to RV rentals and campgrounds, plus parts, household items and more.

Bring the family and your well-behaved, leashed pet and peruse the oferings from major dealers including Lazydays, Gener-

al RV Center and Gerzeny’s RV World. With varieties such as small tent campers, pull-behinds, fifth wheels and drivable Class A, B and C RVs, including diesel pushers, there will be something for everyone.

Other exhibitors include Bigfoot Leveling Systems, Cricket Mini Golf Carts, Backyard Tool Corp. and many others ofering everything from lithium batteries and RV glass to all the new RV gadgets and accessories. There also will be a DJ, as well as face painting and other activities for the kids.

The hours for the show are Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Adult admission is only $5; children under 16 are admitted for free. Thursday is Senior’s Day, meaning $1 of admission. First responders get $1 of every day of the show. There also will be a $100 American Express Gift Card given away as a door prize each day. The Florida State Fairgrounds are located at 4800 U.S. 301 N. in Tampa. Entry to the show will be of of U.S. 301. For more information, call 813-741-0488 or visit www.frvta.org.

legal advice as they face difcult situations such as divorce, estate planning or

READERS ENJOY THE 2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE

Raegan Tucker was able to catch a view while at Randall Middle School.

Melissa Canfeld took her exchange students to Washington, D.C., and experienced the eclipse in our nation’s capital.

Even some pets got in on the action. Check out Amy Bianchi’s cool pup.

Blake Van Der Vliet was pretty amazed at what he saw.

No glasses? No problem. Check out the awesome homemade viewers from the Figgs family.

Te Sharma family and friends got a great view from their backyard.

Rhett Gilmore and Levi Bradley enjoy the eclipse during a pool party. Te Harris boys and the Long girls enjoying their pool party viewing!

Ed Bennett and neighbors, the Halls enjoyed the eclipse with a colander.

Mike and Cindy Emerick, Valrico residents and neighbors of the Osprey Observer ofce, stopped by to share our glasses and check out the eclipse.

ABC EVENTS CELEBRATES ITS 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

ABC Events has been a part of the Brandon community for 10 years. It is your go-to event company for everything from small parties to fullon galas. The company is owned and operated by Craig Beckinger.

“I have loved every minute of the last 10 years of my business,” Beckinger said. “I’m thrilled that the community will be joining me to celebrate ABC Events’ 10-year anniversary.”

Beckinger founded ABC Events on May 14, 2014. With an impressive track record of over 23 years in the industry, he possesses an unrivaled passion for design and creativity, making him the goto expert for bringing your dream event to life.

Beckinger earned his bachelor’s degree from the prestigious California University of Pennsylvania (now known as Pennsylvania Western University, California, or PennWest California), where he specialized in hotel and restaurant management as well as travel and tourism. A true culinary connoisseur, he further honed his skills by obtaining a professional degree in food management from the National Restaurant Association.

The anniversary celebration will take place on Tuesday, May 14, at The Regent in Riverview from 5-7 p.m. Guest will get to enjoy light bites and other refreshments provided by ABC Events.

“I am thrilled to extend an invitation to

By Libby Hopkins

our beloved family, esteemed associates and valued partners to join us as we celebrate a decade of success at ABC Events,” Beckinger said. “The unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in shaping our journey over the past 10 years.”

Guests attending the event are encouraged to bring a $25 gift card from their business or another business in the community.

“As we reflect on our journey, we are inspired to give back to our community through a special initiative,” Beckinger said. “We invite our guests to join us in supporting local charities by donating a $25 gift card from a local business. In appreciation of their generosity, guests will be entered to win a $500 gift card to The International Diamond Center. Together, we can make a meaningful diference in the lives of those in need in our community.”

If you’d like to learn more about ABC Events, you can visit Beckinger’s website at www.abceventplanning.com, If you would like to attend ABC Events’ 10th anniversary celebration, you must register by Tuesday, May 7, at this Eventbrite link: www.eventbrite.com/e/ abc-events-10th-anniversary-celebration-tickets-881543649787. The Regent is located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview.

ENTREPRENEUR COLLABORATIVE CENTER OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO BUDDING AND EXPERIENCED ENTREPRENEURS

By Kathy L. Collins

For almost 10 years, Hillsborough County has been helping local entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses through the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC).

The ECC, located at 2101 E. Palm Ave. in Tampa, is managed by Lynn Kroesen, who has managed the center since its beginning. Prior to that, Kroesen was a business consultant with Hillsborough County’s Small Business Information Center.

Hillsborough County’s small businesses are the backbone of the community. They employ about half of the working residents in the county.

Kroesen explained the purpose of the ECC: “The purpose of the ECC is to grow local startups and small businesses, jobs and private investment in Hillsborough County through the strengthening of services and resources that directly support entrepreneurs. The objectives are to increase connections to high-quality mentors and support, enhance access to capital, facilitate collaboration among existing resources and be a clearinghouse for entrepreneurs.”

The ECC hosts daily programs and events. Through the programs and events, entrepreneurs have an opportunity to reach out to the experts on a regular basis. Most programs are open to the public and provide an open forum to collaborate. According to Kroesen, “Diverse programs are a priority.”

Kroesen added, “The ECC was established to provide entrepreneurs easy access to business service providers, resources, mentorship and specialty training. The ECC

assists the entrepreneur in navigating the system by combining resources and leveraging expertise that already exists in the community. Through co-location of the county’s services and those of nonprofit service providers and professional organizations, customers have easy access to a wide knowledge base. The customer also becomes part of a larger entrepreneurial community that convenes at the ECC and can avail themselves of many diferent opportunities to make professional connections and creative collisions that can advance their business.”

Services ofered by the ECC are provided for each business’ unique stage of development and business category, including pre-venture; startup; microenterprise; smallto-mid-size enterprise; community-based, targeted industry; technology; innovation; and more.

Kroesen explained, “The ECC partners with over 90 nonprofit, academic and government organizations, all with the same mission in mind: to grow and build our Hillsborough County entrepreneur ecosystem. In-house partners headquartered at the ECC include the Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County, Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE), Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (JMI), Hillsborough Community College InLab, Action Zone, Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council.”

For more information, please visit www. HCFL.Gov/ECCEvents.

ABC Events will Celebrate their 10th anniversary on Tuesday, May 14, at Te Regent in Riverview. Guests will get to enjoy light bites and other refreshments provided by ABC Events.

Te ECC in Ybor City is a satellite home for over 90 nonproft organizations.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY STUDENTS RECEIVE AWARDS IN KIDS TAG ART PROGRAM

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Ofce (HCTC) hosted its first annual Kids Tag Art Program Awards Ceremony on April 17 at the Jeferson High School auditorium in Tampa. This event showcased the creativity of students in Hillsborough County while raising funds to support art programs and teachers.

Nearly 150 people attended as 43 Hillsborough County fifth grade students were recognized for their artwork and their elementary school’s art program.

In Southeastern Hillsborough County, the following elementary schools participated: Alafia, Apollo Beach, Bevis, Cimino, Collins, Frost, Gibsonton, Lithia Springs, Nelson, Riverview, Ruskin, Summerfield and Wimauma.

Each school selected a winner whose work was showcased during the ceremony. The students received a certificate and medal for creating the winning license plates at their school. The art teachers were also honored for their hard work and mentoring of these students. Tax Collector Nancy Millan congratulated the award recipients, and Skully, the program’s mascot, happily took photos with the children.

“I am incredibly proud of all the fifth grade students who submitted their art,” said Millan. “This event is one of my favor-

ites of the year, and I loved seeing the smile and sense of accomplishment on the students’ faces, along with their proud families and the enthusiastic educators.”

The Kids Tag Art Program was introduced in Hillsborough County in 2021 by

Millan, inspired by its success in other counties. Considering the popularity of specialty license plates among Florida drivers, what could be more special than one-of-a-kind art by fifth graders? Now in the program’s third year, all elementary schools in Hills-

borough County Public Schools were invited to participate, resulting in an outstanding number of submissions. This year, 1,640 students and five teachers from 43 schools submitted artwork.

“I am grateful to the members of the Hillsborough County School Board and its administrators, and also to all those who have supported our students through this program, including our local elected ofcials and our partners since the beginning of the program, like Derrick Brooks Charities,” said Millan. “This program is meant to give back, not only to our students but also to the teachers who inspire creativity and foster an environment that builds confidence. They sacrifice so much, including dipping into their own resources, to ensure their classes have what they need.”

The title sponsor for the event was Suncoast Credit Union, which graciously donated to the program and presented the Sponsor’s Choice Award.

The Kids Tag Art Program has raised over $100,000 for Hillsborough County art teachers since its inception. On average, teachers from participating schools receive $700 to invest back into their art programs. The community is still welcome to buy the students’ art on license plates and key chains by visiting www.hillstax.org/shop.

Photo courtesy of Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Ofce.

Taylor Smith of Nelson Elementary School shows of her tag art with Tax Collector Nancy Millan.

Aliana Malias Amali Warren

Evelyn Rodriguez-Vasquez

Dayrin Ramirez

Jaxon Lott

Luke Wheeler Hayden Farris Steele Lenahan

Zavierra Henlon

Taraji Tyson

Sofa Socas

Naomi Lambert

Brandon

ROTARY SPOTLIGHT: ACTIVITIES,

On March 28, Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Brandon accompanied media specialist Mia Small and the six students selected to represent Kingswood Elementary School at the Hillsborough County Student Literacy and Media (SLAM) Showcase.

MEETINGS & MORE

Kingswood Elementary School student Gabriella Morrell with Chantel

Students from all over Hillsborough County gathered at the Tampa Convention Center to display their book-inspired projects. The SLAM program encourages students from grades K-12 to select a book from the Sunshine State Youth Reading Award (SSYRA) program and then use various mediums, including writing, digital media, film, photography and 2-D graphic design to retell their selected book’s story.

Acevedo, author of Te Curse on Spectacle Key, at the Hillsborough County SLAM Showcase.

Several authors of the SSYRA books were on hand to read sections from their books as well as provide photo ops and book signings for the students.

Kingswood Elementary student Gabriella Morrell was able to meet Chantel Acevedo, author of one of her favorite books, The Curse on Spectacle Key

The Rotary Club of Brandon has a long-standing dedication to community service and education. It is proud to continue to support Kingswood Elementary School’s effort to enrich the lives of students and foster a love for reading by donating books selected from the SSYRA reading list. For more on how you can be a part of this wonderful organization, text Debbie Meegan of the Rotary Club of Brandon at 813-601-2315.

Brandon ’86

The Brandon ’86 Rotary Club meets on Fridays from 8-9 a.m., at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007

Staf Report

S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. Email info@brandon86rotary.com.

Interact Club of Tampa Bay

Area high schoolers interested in service, leadership, food and fun are invited to attend the Interact Club of Tampa Bay meetings on the first Monday of each month from 6-8 p.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center in Brandon. The next meetings are May 6 and June 3. Contact Chad Norgard at chad@norgardinsgrp.com.

Brandon Global Eco

Looking for a way to make a diference from home? The Brandon South Global Eco Rotary Club meets on Zoom on the second and fourth Mondays from 6-7 p.m. to discuss environmental education and ecological friendly projects focused on sustainability. Contact Bruno Kazenas at 813-263-7062 or bkazenas@comcast.net.

FishHawk-Riverview

FishHawk-Riverview Rotary wants to thank all the supporters of its 14th annual Crawfish Festival presented by Chris Ligori Law & Associates. All proceeds from the festival fund the club’s foundation, which in turn supports local and global initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty, illiteracy, hunger and disease.

FishHawk-Riverview Rotary ofers both daytime and evening meeting options. Daytime: Mondays from 12 Noon-1 p.m. at its new location, JF Kicks, located at 3345 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. Evening: Thursdays from 5-6:30 p.m. at Shrimp Boat, located at 1020 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. To learn more, drop into a meeting, visit its social media pages or email Barbara Howard at bh6890rotary@gmail.com.

PROPERTY APPRAISER DEVELOPS ONLINE ESTIMATOR FOLLOWING

RECENT SCHOOL BOARD REFERENDUM

Following the recent decision by the Hillsborough County School Board to place a property tax referendum on the November ballot, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser (HCPA) Bob ‘Coach’ Henriquez announced today his ofce has created an online calculator that allows citizens to estimate the potential impact on their property taxes should voters approve the measure.

online calculator that allows citizens to estimate the potential impact on their property taxes should voters approve the millage referendum.

Like other school districts in the state, the Hillsborough County School Board is asking voters to help supplement the pay of its teachers and other employees through a tax millage increase of $1 for every $1,000 for a property’s public school taxable value.

To determine what the proposed tax increase could mean to property owners in Hillsborough County if voters approve the referendum, Henriquez’s ofce has developed an online calculator that can give citizens a quick estimate. For example, a property whose 2023 public school taxable value was $100,000 would see a tax increase of $100 in 2024.

“Since first taking ofce in 2013 as property appraiser, I’ve strived to pro-

vide our citizens with accurate, up-to-date information regarding their properties and how their assessed values are determined,” Henriquez said. “I hope that by knowing the potential tax impact that this referendum could have on their properties voters can use this information, as well as other considerations, to make a well-informed decision in the November election.”

To access the HCPA online school board referendum calculator, visit www.hcpafl.org/home/proposed-school-board-tax-calculator.

Property owners will need to know their folio’s identification number to use the calculator. That number can be found with the HCPA’s property search page here: https:// gis.hcpafl.org/propertysearch/#/nav/ Basic%20Search.

For further assistance, please call the HCPA at 813-272-6100 during normal business hours.

The Hillsborough County property appraiser is an elected ofcial charged with the duty and responsibility to appraise all property in the county. This includes real estate and tangible personal property (the equipment, machinery and fixtures) of businesses. For more information, visit www.hcpafl.org.

County Property Appraiser Bob ‘Coach’ Henriquez announced his ofce has created an

Pickleball, Food Pantry, Donating & More...

Compiled by Jenny

Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Freedom

Plaza Residents Win Pickleball Tournament

Freedom Plaza residents Tom Harts (70) and Lee Greenlee (66) showcased their skills and athleticism at the Sun City Center Pickleball tournament. At the end of the tournament, Harts and Greenlee emerged victorious, taking home gold medals in their division.

“We are thrilled to see Tom and Lee represent Freedom Plaza with such skill and determination,” said Freedom Plaza executive director Jane Smith.

Freedom Plaza is a vibrant Life Care community in Sun City Center set on 140 acres of landscaped grounds. Its pet-friendly community features over 400 independent living residences, and it also ofers assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation suites and memory care. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 813-633-1992 or visit its website at https://freedomplazafl.com/.

its $5,000 grant to provide rescue backpacks and mentoring for local survivors of human trafcking. The rescue backpack project has been ongoing for many years. The backpacks contain clothing, cosmetics, toiletries, a blanket and pillow, a journal, a pen, a water bottle and other items a person would need to begin a new life after being rescued. Over the past five years, CAHT has prepared and delivered over 800 backpacks. This year, it anticipates needing 225, and thanks to the Interfaith Social Action Council, it will be able to complete this year’s goals.

Local Food Pantry Hours

Our Lady’s Pantry in Wimauma operates from 7:30-10 a.m. each Saturday.

To receive food, cars must arrive at the gate prior to 10 a.m. Food is then distributed until all cars inside the gate have received their food.

“The following pantries are also located in South Hillsborough County,” director Tom Bullaro said. “Each of these pantries can only serve residents of certain towns, so check boundaries before you go.”

Open Tuesday:

Calvary Lutheran Church, 1480 E. College Ave., Ruskin. 813-645-1305. Open 7:30-10:30 a.m. Must live in Ruskin or Apollo Beach.

Open Wednesday:

Beth-El Farmworker Ministry, 18240 U.S. 301 S., Wimauma. 813-633-1548.

Open 1-5:30 p.m. Must live in South Hillsborough County.

“Organ Around Te World” Recital In Sun City Center

The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, located at 1971 Haverford Ave., continues its Rasmussen Artist Series with the “Organ Around the World” recital on Sunday, May 19, at 3 p.m. Organist Teodora Mitze-Circiumaru, a native of Romania, will be performing pieces from the baroque to contemporary eras, including Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alexandre Pierre-François Boëly, Paul Hindemith and Daniel Gottlob Türk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Visit the website at www.sccumc.com/events for information on how to purchase tickets.

Interfaith Social Action Council Donates To Local Charity

The Campaign Against Human Trafficking-Southshore (CAHT) is grateful to the Interfaith Social Action Council for

Resurrection Catholic Church, 6819 Krycul Ave., Riverview. 813-677-2175.

Open 8-9:30 a.m. Must live in Brandon, Gibsonton or Riverview.

Saint Anne Catholic Church, 106 11th Ave. NE, Ruskin. 813-645-1714. Open 8-11 a.m. No boundaries.

Open Thursday:

The Lord’s Lighthouse Ministry, 5801 Hickman St., Wimauma. 508-320-5520.

Open 7:30-9 a.m. No boundaries.

Nativity Catholic Church, 705 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon. 813-707-1523. Open 11 a.m.-12 Noon. Must live in zip codes 33510, 33511 or 33594.

Open Friday:

St. Stephen Catholic Church, 5049 Bell Shoals Rd., Valrico. 813-325-6440. Open 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Must live in South Brandon, South Valrico, Gibsonton or Riverview.

To learn more, visit www.ourladyspantry.com.

SECOND ANNUAL FEAR FAME FESTIVAL IS ACCEPTING FILM SUBMISSIONS Summer Camp

The Fear Fame Film Festival is an international film festival located in Central Florida with the goal of spotlighting creative and unique films in all genres. Its board members and judges are known in the Florida film community from actors, directors, producers, comedians, cinematographers and more.

“I started a video production company called Fear Fame Productions after creating my first film, which was a feature film, and we filmed in only four days,” said Joe Furnari. “This sparked interest in the film community. We wanted to show more support to the indie filmmakers and create a new film festival that is diferent and unique for all genres of films.”

The Fear Frame Film Festival is in its second year, and it was created so local filmmakers could get their film judged fairly and properly.

“My partner from Fear Fame Productions, which is now my fiancee, Heather Fraley, was sold when I told her we are going to create a new film festival where everyone gets their films judged properly,” said Furnari. “We were always told by so many filmmakers that they believe film festivals were unfair or rigged. With our festival, they get films screened by individuals in not just Florida, but the majority is from other states. We decided to showcase all talent across the world and made it an international film festival.”

The festival’s rules and regulations include that short films should be no lon-

By Libby Hopkins

ger than 30 minutes, and feature films are accepted. Student films must be from an accredited school and filmed while attending the school.

“We accept feature films, short films, documentaries, animation, and student films in any genre,” Furnari said. “We are a family-friendly film festival, so nothing that has tons of nudity or inappropriate material. Otherwise, we are pretty open — and must have English subtitles if the film is in a diferent language. We just love reviewing new films and seeing the stories behind them, so compelling stories are a plus. Other factors would be great audio and image quality.”

Film submission for the Fear Fame Film Festival is open now and will end on Sunday, July 28. “We just hope to keep on growing each year and more people to come out and support the indie filmmakers,” Furnari said. “We are just excited to view new films and with all the new technology in the world, films are just getting better and better especially for small indie filmmakers.”

The Fear Fame Film Festival takes place on Saturday, September 28, at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas at University Mall in Tampa. Tickets go on sale in July and can be purchased at https://fearfamefestival. com/. To learn more about the festival or submit a film, visit at https://filmfreeway. com/fearfamefilmfestival.

EXCITING TRIPS PLANNED!

• Sea Screamer Dolphin Tour

• Behind the Scenes Bucs Stadium

• Tampa International Tour

• Tampa Firefghter Museum

• Ringling Museum Circus Show

• Bricks4Kidz

• Pump It Up

• Rays Game

• Pin Chasers Bowling

• Rotary Playground at Hernando’s Landing

WEEKLY VISITS FROM:

• KidoKinetics

• Amazing Athletes

• FOAM Party

• SNOW Party

• Water Slides

Weekly rate includes all meals and feld trips.

THE STRAZ CENTER’S 2024-2025 BANK OF AMERICA BROADWAY SEASON

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is thrilled to announce the 2024-2025 Bank of America Broadway at The Straz season, supported in part by the Tampa Bay Times, ofcial media sponsor of The Straz. The slate includes Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Some Like it Hot, The Cher Show, A Beautiful Noise, MJ the Musical, Mystic Pizza, Shucked and a three-week engagement of Disney’s The Lion King. The season also features the world premiere of The Boy Who Loved Batman in the intimate Jaeb Theater. In addition to the nine-show package, the season hosts encore engagements of Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations and MAMMA MIA!

“The process of curating the 2024-2025 Bank of America at The Straz season has been thrilling, challenging and artistically rewarding,” said Straz Center President and CEO Greg Holland. “The season brings a renewed focus on new works with the Straz Center’s production of a world-premiere play, The Boy Who Loved Batman, and the new musical, Mystic Pizza.” Holland continued, “The capstone of this new season is, of course, The Lion King, which makes its first return to The Straz in nearly a decade for a breathtaking three-week engagement.”

The 2024-2025 season features:

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical — November 12-17, 2024. The record-setting Broadway holiday sensation features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season.

Some Like it Hot — December 10-15, 2024. Winner of four Tony Awards, including Best Choreography and Best Costumes, and

the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, Some Like it Hot is set in Chicago when prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement.

energy-filled musical memoir that tells the untold true story of how America’s greatest hitmaker became a star, set to the songs that defined his career.

The Cher Show — January 14-19, 2025. The Tony Award-winning musical of Cher’s story is 35 smash hits, six decades of star-

MJ the Musical — February 25 to March 2, 2025. Created by Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Christopher

Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals.

dom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy, an Oscar, an Emmy and enough Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City, all in one unabashedly fabulous new musical that will have audiences dancing in the aisles.

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical — February 11-16, 2025. Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise is an inspiring, exhilarating,

Mystic Pizza — April 29 to May 4, 2025. Based on the beloved 1988 MGM rom-com, Mystic Pizza is a new musical about three working-class girls who navigate the complexities of life, love and family in a smalltown pizza joint. Its range of hit songs include “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Hold On” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”

Shucked — June 3-8, 2025. Directed by Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray) and featuring a book by Tony Award winner Robert Horn (Tootsie), a score by the Grammy Award-winning songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, this cornfed, corn-bred American musical is sure to satisfy your appetite for great musical theater.

Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, ofering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status.

Disney’s The Lion King — April 2-20, 2025.

The season also features the world premiere of The Boy Who Loved Batman from October 1 to November 10 this year. Based on a true story, this inspirational comedy follows one man’s vision that became a national phenomenon.

In addition to the nine-show Broadway series, The Straz will present Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations from January 3-5, 2025, and MAMMA MIA! from January 28 to February 2, 2025.

Season ticket renewals and new subscriptions are now available. Prices for the nine-show season package range from $392$1,036. For more information, call the Straz Center Ticket Sales Ofce at 813-229-STAR (7827) or visit www.strazcenter.org. Individual show tickets will go on sale at later dates, to be announced.

WHY CHOOSE US?

“Freedom

Riverview/Apollo Beach

Movin’ On Movers

Movin’ On Movers is the place to go for all your moving needs, including product packing, labor-only moving, long-distance moving, residential moving and commercial moving. It is locally owned by Chris and Liz Buzzard, licensed and insured, and all employees are professionally trained. Whatever your expectations may be, its goal is to exceed them all. Call 813-808-0536 for a free quote; no job is too big or too small. For more information, visit its website at https://movinonmovers.net/.

Mathnasium Opens In Riverview

Mathnasium Riverview just opened at 13388 U.S. 301 in Riverview and celebrated with a Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting. Owner Becky McDaniels has been successful in the Valrico community as a Mathnasium owner for many years and sees it as an honor to serve as an educator. Mathnasium is a math only learning center that specializes in teaching students math in a way that they best learn. With Mathnasium’s proven methods and materials, it helps students in grades K-12 catch up and then excel in math, setting them up

for success in school and beyond. For more information on Mathnasium Riverview and the services it offers, visit its website at www.mathnasium.com/math-centers/riverview or call 813-565-1102.

mendations and providing feedback. It looks forward to many more years in the community. Call 813649-7900 for more information on available products and seafood.

Payant Wealth Management Group

Ruskin Seafood Company Cele-

brates One Year In Business

The Ruskin Seafood Company recently celebrated one year in business. Located at 701 U.S. 41, Ste. D in Ruskin, it provides a wide variety of high-quality, locally sourced seafood items, including fresh and frozen seafood, readymade soups and dips. It would like to thank the local community for its support including patronizing the business, spreading recom-

When Robyn and Tom Payant first constructed Payant Financial Plaza in the middle of Sun City Center; they envisioned incorporating all financial services preretirees and retirees could possibly need under one roof. Now, nearly 25 years later, the Payants’ vision has become a reality. At their 8,500-square-foot financial center, the husband-and-wife duo, along with a team of strategic professionals, ofer onestop access to critical financial services, including wealth management and finan-

cial planning, tax strategies and income preparation, Medicare health insurance programs, personal and business lines of insurance, estate planning and legal document preparation. Payant Wealth Management Group (PWMG) is a registered investment advisor (not a broker) and adheres to a strict fiduciary responsibility by making each client’s well-being its top priority. PWMG is located at 1653 Sun City Center Plaza in Sun City Center. More information can be found on its website at www.payantwealthmanagementgroup. com or by calling 813-633-7333.

HCA Florida South Shore Hospital Welcomes David Link

HCA Florida South Shore Hospital is proud to announce the appointment of David Link as the new vice president of operations. With over 24 years of experience in health care, Link brings a wealth of expertise and a background in driving operational excellence to HCA Healthcare. In his new role, Link will oversee all aspects of operations at South Shore Hospital, including strategic planning, resource allocation, process improvement and quality assurance initiatives.

CAMPS

With over 25 diferent camp options throughout the Tampa YMCA area, there’s something for every camper to enjoy! From art and gymnastics to ziplining and splashing in our pools the Y is the ultimate summer destination.

Summer Camp starts May 28th!

EYE ON BUSINESS...CONTINUED

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

USF Graduate Programs

Ranked Among Te Nation’s Best

The University of South Florida (USF) is home to nearly two dozen graduate programs considered among the best in America, according to new rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. USF’s highest-ranked programs are industrial and organizational psychology at No. 3, criminology at No. 18 and audiology at No. 22.

ANNA CORMAN NAMED NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO OF HILLSBOROUGH EDUCATION FOUNDATION

“This recognition underscores the commitment of our faculty and staf, who continue to provide high-quality programs that empower our students to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge and progress in their careers by earning and advanced degree,” said USF President Rhea Law.

Group

8240530) and the fourth Wednesday of every month at 2 p.m. (the Zoom number is 869 4044 7508; password: support). These meetings are also held in person at Tessera of Brandon, located at 1320 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. Go a little early for refreshments.

Getting To Know Your Tax Collector

Hybrid Dementia And Alzheimer’s Support

Care partners of those with any type of memory loss, whether family, friends or professionals, need to be equipped with the knowledge to best support their loved ones. Gain this knowledge at the new hybrid support groups being held via Zoom and in person at Tessera of Brandon. Meetings are on the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. (the Zoom number is 890 6308 0000; password:

Trough Podcast

Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan is proud to launch a new podcast series, Conversations with Nancy, designed to engage and inform residents about the services and innovations of the Tax Collector’s Ofce. This exciting podcast features Millan and special guests ofering valuable insights and answering frequently asked questions from the community to streamline services and enhance the overall experience with the ofce.

The podcast premiered on April 11, with episodes available in both English and Spanish. Conversations with Nancy can be seen on the Hillsborough County tax collector’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@hillstax and heard on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/ show/1ovbuufojpjmd8cepdqpae.

Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) is excited to announce Anna Corman as its new president and chief executive ofcer (CEO). The HEF Board of Directors, in collaboration with an external recruitment firm, conducted a thorough search that attracted over 120 inquiries for the CEO position. The HEF Search Committee then carefully evaluated the wide range of highly qualified candidates, and ultimately Corman was selected as the unanimous choice of the board of directors. Having served as interim CEO since September 2023, Corman brings not only a wealth of experience but also a profound sense of commitment to education and community service to her new role.

Anna Corman was recently named president and CEO of the Hillsborough Education Foundation, a nonproft established in 1987 focused on strengthening public education.

the nonprofit sector, Corman has been instrumental in promoting positive social change and fostering community impact, particularly in youth development and volunteerism, both locally and globally. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in International Afairs from the University of South Florida and a Master of Science in Global Technology & Development from Arizona State University.

Corman first joined Hillsborough Education Foundation in 2017 and has since demonstrated remarkable leadership and dedication. After advancing through the ranks, she was appointed chief program ofcer in 2021, playing a pivotal role in advancing HEF’s mission and programs.

Chris Taylor, chair of the HEF Board of Directors, praised Corman’s leadership and experience, stating, “Anna’s tenure at HEF highlights her exceptional leadership abilities. Her genuine passion for education and tireless dedication to our community unequivocally position her as the right candidate to guide this organization into the future.”

With over nine years of experience in

“I am truly honored to lead Hillsborough Education Foundation as its president and CEO,” said Corman. “Being a Tampa Bay native, it’s immensely meaningful for me to serve the community I call home. HEF’s mission to empower students and educators resonates deeply, and I am fully committed to advancing our eforts for a lasting, transformative impact on public education in Hillsborough County.”

In her role as president and CEO, Corman will oversee HEF’s strategic direction, partnerships and programs. She will work closely with the board, staf and community stakeholders to further the organization’s mission of strengthening public education in Hillsborough County.

Established in 1987, HEF is a nonprofit focused on strengthening public education by supporting teachers and empowering students to achieve academic and personal success. Learn more at https://educationfoundation.com/.

Injuries Making It Hard to Keep Up with the Grandkids?

Whether it’s on the basketball court or the playground, don’t let pain stop you from enjoying time with the younger generation.

ER at Sun City Center, an extension of Manatee Memorial Hospital, is a full-service emergency department that provides care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We are located at 16504 S. U.S. 301 in Wimauma, adjacent to Walmart®.

ER at Sun City Center features:

• Full-service laboratory and imaging services (X-ray, CT and ultrasound) (A physician order is required.)

• Care for all ages

• Access 24/7

• On-site physician 24/7

• Ten treatment areas, including seven exam rooms and three rapid medical exam spaces

• 10,884 square feet

FULL FLOW LAVISH LOOS PROVIDES LUXURY RESTROOMS FOR TAMPA BAY

Whether you are at a wedding, festival, community event or even a rave, a clean and comfortable restroom is always necessary.

Full Flow Lavish Loos prides itself ering luxury, portable restrooms that will elevate any event. A luxury portable restroom trailer is a high-end portable facility designed to provide a comfortable and upscale restroom experience for events or temporary locations.

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

Indulging in luxury and creating spaces that are comfortable for guests, friends and family is something that Full Flow Lavish Loos prides itself on. As a component of your event that is not typically a focal point, a bathroom is still an important piece and is better when enjoyable.

“Any event that requires additional restroom facilities is where a luxury restroom trailer is a great option over the bare-bones blue porta-potty that most people find quite primitive,” said Kevin Chadwick, owner of Full Flow Lavish Loos. “Full Flow Lavish Loos are equipped with all the comforts of home including central air conditioning, heat and music.”

Operating seven days a week, 365 days

a year, Full Flow Lavish Loos serves Tampa Bay and surrounding counties, with coverage extending throughout Florida and Southern Georgia. Pricing varies based on trailer size, amenities and rental duration. Rentals start at $1,000 per day, including delivery and setup. Weekly and monthly rates are available as well.

While the most popular rental is restrooms for weddings, reunions and other events, many customers also lean on Full Flow Lavish Loos during times of renovation or construction of their business.

Full Flow Lavish Loos also ofers shower trailers and partnerships for various event essentials, like bounce houses and tents.

The best way to know if a rental from Full Flow Lavish Loos works for your needs is to test one out at one of the many events it serves. To see a Full Flow Lavish loo in action, visit The Pigs in the Parking Lot BBQ, Beer & Blues Fest on Friday, May 17, at Hillsborough Community College in Ruskin. For more information, call the ofce at 813-601-9986 or visit https://full-flowlavish-loos.odoo.com/.

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

Looking for a day in the sunshine with salty air and educational tours of Ruskin’s ocean history? Latitudes Tours is ofering boat tours three times a day for community members and tourists to enjoy a little bit of

Latitudes Tours opened its doors at the end of 2018, born out of a passion for sharing the beauty of Ruskin’s aquatic preserve with locals and visitors alike. The inspiration struck the founders, a team of avid boat enthusiasts, while on a cruise. Nancy and David Lopez realized how much the community would benefit from similar excursions right in their own backyard.

“Believe it or not, there are plenty of locals who do not have access to a boat, and this provides them a way to get out on the water,” said Nancy, owner of Latitudes Tours.

Book now to receive the newest ofer from Latitudes Tours and get one child (11 years old and younger) ticket for free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

Operating six days a week, Latitudes Tours ofers three tour options daily, catering to diferent preferences and schedules. The first tour starts at 10 a.m. and is known as the Morning Ecotour. You can also join the crew for the Afternoon Ecotour at 12:30 p.m. with an optional BBQ lunch. The final tour of the day is the Sunset Cruise with

optional dinner and leaves an hour and a half before sunset. Prices start at $34.99 per person, with a minimum requirement of six guests per tour, weather permit-

“Our tours are very informative about our local ecosystem, wildlife and even history,” said Nancy. “We have artifacts on the boat for people to touch and see as we do our erent ways, the Sunset Cruise steals the spotlight

the wonders of Ruskin from a new point of view.

For more information or to book a tour, please call 813-641-1311 or visit https://latitudestours.com/.

APOLLO BEACH AUTHOR HOSTS BOOK LAUNCH AT FINN’S DOCKSIDE

Apollo Beach resident

Amy Nielsen is hosting a book launch and signing at Finn’s Dockside Bar & Grill for her newly published book, Worth It. Nielson spent nearly 20 years as a children’s librarian and began writing Worth It during this time. The book started out as a very personal memoir.

The story tells readers about a 17-year-old high school senior girl who was picking out prom dresses and applying for colleges. Suddenly, her father abandons their family, and her addict mother kicks her out. She ends up pregnant by an older and abusive boyfriend and living in a run-down trailer. Set in Central Florida in the late 80s, Worth It is a story of courage, redemption and the power of becoming your own hero.

“Worth It is inspired by my real-life experiences,” said Nielson. “But the more I wrote, the more I learned. I realized that for my story to have a broader reach, I needed to fictionalize it. Being able to be the author of my own story was, for me, transformative. As far as how much of it is biographical, let’s just say that every emotion is real.”

Her inspiration to write the book began in 2007 when Nielson’s oldest daughter was home from college for a weekend. She had plans to hang out with friends.

“She was appalled that as a college student I’d give her a curfew,” said Nielson. “She had no idea that when I was 19 years old no one cared where I was or if I was safe. She was old enough that I felt it was time for her

By Kelly Valdes

to know the truth. I wrote her a letter to explain and snuck it in her backpack. When she got back to college, she called me in tears. Her reaction to that twopage letter prompted me to take my story and turn it into a full-length novel.”

But it wasn’t until the pandemic that Nielson decided to finish the book. After pitching it to several agents and publishers for about a year, she found a home with Wild Ink Publishing. Since then, she has also started a role at Wild Ink as one of its developmental editors and publicists.

ZOOTAMPA CELEBRATES ARRIVAL OF ENDANGERED NEWBORN MALAYAN TAPIR AND PYGMY HIPPOS

Staf Report

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is celebrating the arrival of two new babies as part of its ongoing commitment to the conservation of endangered species: a Malayan tapir (pronounced TEY-per) calf and a pygmy hippopotamus.

president of zoological operations.

Nielson will be at Finn’s Dockside all day on Friday, May 24, signing books and speaking with anyone who wants to talk about the topics in the book or publishing.

“I was actually there the day I received the email from my publisher that they wanted to sign me as an author,” said Nielson. “That day, I decided Finn’s was where I wanted to have my book launch. They’ve also agreed to put gumbo on the menu for the day since it’s a huge part of my main character’s life.”

Nielson said that she plans to sell books at Finn’s, but she encourages anyone coming out that day to preorder.

“In my story, the main character, Angela, is told by so many people, ‘You are worth more,’” said Nielson.

Visit https://amynielsenauthor.com/.

Finn’s Dockside is located at 1112 Apollo Beach Blvd. in Apollo Beach. Book preorders are available on Amazon.

The yet-unnamed tapir calf was born during the overnight hours between March 26 and 27 after an approximately 13-month gestation period; both the calf and mom are doing well and are healthy and thriving.

The baby calf, with a distinctive coat featuring both spots and stripes, is busy bonding and nursing alongside experienced mother, 18-year-old Ubi. The calf’s patterning will slowly change over the first six months of life to mirror the unique black-and-white pattern of its parents, Ubi and Albert.

ZooTampa celebrated the arrival of an endangered baby Malayan tapir calf. Less than 2,500 remain in the wild.

Ubi was paired with 13-year-old male Albert as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), overseen by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, ensuring the survival of protected, threatened and endangered species.

ZooTampa currently participates in more than 100 SSP programs.

“The birth of this healthy calf is another wonderful example of the zoo’s commitment to the conservation of endangered species,” said Chris Massaro, senior vice

Only an estimated 2,500 Malayan tapirs remain scattered in Thailand, Malaysia and on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Their population is declining due to habitat loss from deforestation for agricultural purposes, flooding caused by dam building for hydroelectric projects and illegal trade.

An approximately 10-pound pygmy hippopotamus was born in the evening hours of Sunday, March 31 as well. The yet-unnamed female calf and 20-year-old Zsa Zsa, an experienced mother, are doing well.

The baby hippo appears to be strong and is nursing alongside her mother. The birth marks the fifth endangered pygmy hippo calf born at the zoo.

Zsa Zsa was paired with 22-year-old male and first-time dad Howie as part of the Species Survival Plan.

Fewer than 3,000 pygmy hippos are left in the wild in four countries of West Africa. Over the past 100 years, their habitat has declined dramatically as a result of logging, farming, mining and human settlement.

ZooTampa is located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave. in Tampa. For more information, visit https://zootampa.org/.

Apollo Beach resident Amy Nielson is hosting a book launch at Finn’s Dockside on Friday, May 24.

A precious 10 lb. endangered pygmy hippopotamus was born at ZooTampa recently as part of its Species Survival Plan.

CLEANING, REMOVAL, RESEARCH, SELLING — T&T ESTATE SALES LLC HANDLES IT ALL

By Taylor Wells

SWEET WATER GRAND THE BRIDGES CHANGES OWNERSHIP, NAME & NEW RESORT-STYLE LIVING COMING

By Sharon Still

T&T Estate Sales

LLC is a small business that opened in October 2023 whose owners use professional experience to help clients throughout Hillsborough County liquidate their estates. Wifeand-husband team

Safiya Oraefo and Lee Garner III own and operate T&T Estate Sales with their family, including Oraefo’s mother and sister, her sister’s husband and Garner’s mother. Originally from Missouri, they built up years of experience before moving to Brandon.

Prior to selling, T&T Estate Sales cleans up homes, removes junk, professionally stages items, researches items to ensure their fair market value and handles transactions. Alongside its extensive knowledge — covering products like firearms; ammunition; hunting, fishing and camping equipment; tools; automobiles; auto parts; and antique furniture, collectibles and glassware — this company is well equipped and dedicated to providing complete, smooth, and clean sales for local residents and even those out of state with local estate.

T&T Estate Sales also ofers deep cleaning services, and Oraefo, her husband and her sister hold OSHA-compliant certificates in bloodborne pathogens training and personal protection equipment. By having completed these programs, they are able to safely and efectively clean unattended-death homes in accordance with county regulations.

But a range of services is not the only thing T&T Estate Sales provides. It has compassion as well.

“If someone comes for help, if they’re going through a loss, first we want to address that and hope they’re doing OK mentally,” said Oraefo.

“The grieving process is difcult enough because you’ve lost someone, and then you have to deal with the person’s belongings,” she added. “I know from personal experience with my brother, and then I lost my father in 2021, and it’s very difcult. Very difcult. So we give them the time that they need prior to setting up the sale … and I tell them to go through with someone and take out what you want to keep.”

If the team finds something clients overlooked that they might want to keep, such as photos, uniforms, or other personal items, they’ll make sure the clients know.

So, whether it’s because you’re moving, selling a lost loved one’s possessions, downsizing or going through a divorce, with T&T Estate Sales you can afordably and timely liquidate your estate without any stress.

For more information or to contact T&T Estate Sales LLC, visit www.ttestatesalesllc. com, email t.testatesales1@gmail.com or call 813-668-6520. It can also be found on Facebook at ‘T&T Estate Sales.’

Introducing Sweet Water Grand The Bridges and Sweet Water Club, formerly known as The Bridges. The retirement community, which changed ownership in October 2023, has undergone much remodeling, and under the direction of new executive director Kathleen Fanning, more improvements will be made.

Groundbreaking on a new building featuring 40 units of individual living on the property is scheduled for fall and an ofcial grand reopening will take place in the near future, unveiling all the new oferings that exude a feeling of “resort-style senior living,” according to Fanning.

Fanning holds a degree in gerontology and brings with her several years of experience in a variety of fields, from marketing and management to small business ownership and time as a paramedic. She also is Florida CORE-certified, which requires completion of assisted living facility training and competency exam.

Sweet Water Grand The Bridges currently ofers assisted living and memory care, with independent living on the horizon. Renovations and remodeling of the main lobby and clubhouse are completed,

and soon an event venue open to the public for meetings, parties, weddings and more will be available. The property ofers a host of amenities along with spacious buildings with high ceilings and wide hallways, walk-in closets in every apartment and bright, airy decor. There are walking paths, a butterfly garden and two dining rooms for each area.

Fanning said she is excited for the future. “I work in a beautiful building with great owners that have amazing vision for the community,” she commented, adding that she has hired a team with a goal of bringing a positive outlook to the community.

“I want everyone to enjoy coming to work,” she said. “We do have a serious responsibility to our residents and families to treat them with respect and kindness.”

“When you enjoy your work, it makes others around you happy too,” she added.

Sweet Water Grand The Bridges is located at 11202 Dewhurst Dr. in Riverview. For further information, call 813413-8900 or visit the website directly at https://bridgesretirement.com/.

GET THE DIRT:

HORTICULTURE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Are you interested in gardening? What about recycling and composting? Want to save water or know more about drought-tolerant plants? Do you have an hour to learn something new that is beneficial to the environment?

BY LYNN BARBER, URBAN HORTICULTURE AGENT

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, we have a great suggestion for you: Check out our county’s calendar of events. Each of the 67 counties in Florida has a University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension ofce. Upcoming programs are listed on the calendar with registration links at https://ifas.ufl. edu/extension-calendar-events/.

Many are free. Some have a small fee.

Hillsborough County’s upcoming events:

• Triple Workshops: Composting, microirrigation and rainwater harvesting workshops are ofered monthly from February through October on the first Saturday of the month. Learn how to create your own soil amendments and save water by using a microirrigation kit and rain barrel. Attend one, two or all three. Compost attendees receive a compost bin, kitchen bucket and compost thermometer. Microirrigation attendees will take home the traditional micro kit, a rain gauge and a hose timer. Rainwater harvesting attendees will receive a food-grade barrel that has been drilled and spigoted while learning how to use the water and on which plant materials. Reference materials are provided to attendees for each of the presentations, and there is a drawing for giveaway items at the end of

each class.

• Vermicomposting (Composting With Worms): Find out how to create the bin, what these specialty worms eat and how to harvest the castings. The nutrient-rich worm byproduct works very well in any garden, and you can make your own worm tea for watering plants … not for drinking!

• Vegetable Microirrigation: This kit is a great addition to your vegetable garden. You will learn how to connect the kit to a hose bib and appropriately water vegetables.

• Patio/Container Microirrigation: It works well for patio, container and hanging plants. This kit can connect several pots/ containers on your patio, lanai or front porch.

While not necessarily an upcoming event, we also ofer in-ground irrigation evaluations (over the telephone or in person) for high water users, defined by more than a 20,000 gallons-per-month average over the past year. Contact Will Stone at stonew@ hcfl.gov.

For more information on environmental horticulture, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County ofce at 813-7445519, stop by our ofce at 5339 County Rd. 579 in Sefner or visit our website, calendar of events and Facebook pages.

Lynn Barber is the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ agent for UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. Contact her at labarber@ufl.edu.

AQUARIUM CELEBRATES NEW CORAL CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH CENTER

The Florida Aquarium, a world-renowned leader in coral reproduction and restoration, recently opened a new 4,200-squarefoot expansion of its Coral Conservation and Research Center in Apollo Beach.

Dignitaries, partners and stakeholders from across the state joined the celebratory ribbon-cutting, highlighting the aquarium’s unwavering dedication to advancing critical coral conservation eforts.

The expansion nearly doubles the current facility and is a pivotal step for the aquarium’s acclaimed coral restoration and research work.

“Florida’s coral reefs are essential to our health, our economy and marine wildlife and over the past several decades, they have been in decline. With this state-of-theart facility, we are significantly increasing our restoration impact and providing hope for recreating a thriving reef,” said Roger Germann, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium. “Thanks to the support from our partners at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, we are bolstering our eforts to address the urgent threats facing our oceans’ ecosystems and rapidly declining coral populations.”

The new area provides space beyond the aquarium’s existing coral greenhouses and spawning laboratories, now with a combined 9,000 total square feet. The facility

opened on the Apollo Beach campus in 2016 and is dedicated to preserving, breeding and rearing corals facing the risk of extinction in the wild.

“Here, we will be able to expand our work to protect and reproduce a greater diversity of corals and produce thousands more coral ofspring each year. Our ability to not only protect the corals in our care but also to spawn them and rear thousands of babies with new and unique genetic combinations is more important than ever, given the threats these animals are facing in the wild,” said Keri O’Neil, The Florida Aquarium’s senior scientist and Coral Conservation Program director.

The center is home to the largest living collection of Atlantic pillar corals in the world. The species is rapidly declining in the wild due to disease and the aquarium is the only organization able to spawn and raise this threatened coral to prevent extinction. Partners believe the expanded center is a hopeful step in the right direction in the statewide efort to ensure Florida’s corals survive.

“This is something all Floridians should care about,” said Toby Overdorf, Florida Representative, House District 85. “Without healthy corals, the reefs will no longer provide areas for recreation and tourism, habitat for seafood or coastal protection to beaches our state relies upon. ”

Visit www.flaquarium.org/conservation/ coral-conservation-program.

FAUXREAL FLOWERS OFFERS LUXURY WEDDING & EVENT LOOK FOR LESS PAINT CORPS OF TAMPA: SERVICE, INTEGRITY AND PRIDE

Titus and Renee Pea are the owners of FauxReal Flowers in Brandon. Their business has been a part of the Brandon community for a little more than a year, but within that year their business has grown.

“So many wonderful things have happened to us over the last year with our business,” said Renee. “We have been truly blessed. We have surpassed our sales goal. We are the vendor of choice for venues in Brandon, Tampa and Sarasota. Our son, Samuel, has also joined our business as one of our decorators.”

Renee got into flower arranging as a way of relieving anxiety.

“My husband is very active in the Brandon community, and we wanted something to do together,” Renee said. “We had been looking at franchising and we found FauxReal Flowers. I met with the franchise owners for two days and decided this was a perfect fit for us.”

The FauxReal Flowers model is a low-maintenance and fun business to be in that ofers franchisees a low investment cost for a great turnaround. The profits are high and the costs are low, which makes investing in FauxReal Flowers worth it.

“FauxReal Flowers are sustainable, rent-and-return flowers, so brides or event organizers get a luxury dream look

By Libby Hopkins

at a fraction of the price,” Renee said. “Our goal is to give our clients everything they want and more without breaking the bank. This includes beautiful bouquets, arbors, walls, stands, accents and more at competitive prices.”

The couple re-

cently purchased the FauxReal Flowers Tampa territory.

“This was finalized on April 1 of this year, so we are excited to add another area of Tampa Bay to our already growing list of clients,” Renee said. “We are currently looking for another location in Tampa to have as a showroom. We are still keeping our Brandon location because this is home to us.”

The couple’s flowers are truly unique, as while they might look and feel real, they’re fake — or faux.

“These aren’t your grandmother’s flowers,” Pea said. “They have a natural look and touch and are eco-friendly. Our flowers will never wilt and are afordable for any budget. We will customize, deliver, set up and pick up your arrangements for your events.”

If you would like to learn more about FauxReal Flowers or hire it for your next event, you can visit the Peas’ website at https://brandon.fauxrealflowers.com/ or call 813-595-6374. You can also stop by their showroom located at 1363 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

Burgess Perry is a Riverview resident and a retired Army combat medic and nurse. He is also the owner of PAINT CORPS of Tampa.

“My family and I have lived in Riverview since 2016 when I retired from active-duty Army after 10 years as a combat medic and a nurse,” Perry said. “PAINT CORPS of Tampa started in 2017 when I decided nursing was no longer a fit or passion for me. I started by painting my neighbor’s house and thought, this could possibly be something one day.”

Perry submerged himself into books and courses on marketing, sales, operations and finance until he learned enough to slowly begin scaling his painting business.

“Within six months, we had a small team of painters, and within three years we had close to 30 full-time painters with 12 service vehicles in operation,” Perry said. “At the five-year mark a friend and I decided to franchise the business to give other veterans an opportunity to have the success that I had. We started the PAINT CORPS Franchise in 2022 and only ofered this opportunity to veterans.”

The PAINT CORPS Franchise is the only veteran painting franchise in existence, and this is what makes it unique.

“I find that veterans are unique when it comes to customer satisfaction, being on time, dedication to the missions and all other things that make a successful business owner,” Perry said. “Today, the PAINT

By Libby Hopkins

CORPS Franchise has 12 locations, and the umbrella of Veteran Service Brands has close to 100 locations total. Between the four brands, MACH ONE, PAINT CORPS, G-FORCE and FIELD OPS, we ofer our customers all things painting. From residential and commercial painting to line striping, seal coating, epoxy coatings and field markings, PAINT CORPS does it all.”

If you ask Perry what he likes most about owning PAINT CORPS of Tampa, he’ll tell you working with his fellow veterans.

“Working with other veteran owners is amazing,” Perry said. “I also love making customers satisfied with their home or buildings. Our corporate location has more than 450 five-star reviews on Google. We make it a point to make every customer 100 percent satisfied with their project.”

Keeping things local is important to Perry and his team at PAINT CORPS of Tampa.

“We use local vendors for everything,” Perry said. “This includes referrals for our customers, like roofing, plumbing, HVAC needs and all other things home services. We also have all of our marketing materials done locally to include uniforms, brochures, etc. We deliver a box of cookies to every customer we have as well, and those are baked local too.”

If you would like to learn more about PAINT CORPS of Tampa or get a free quote, you can visit its website at www.paintcorps. com/tampa-fl/ or call 813-520-6096.

FauxReal Flowers has been a part of the Brandon community for a little more than a year, but within that year it has grown. Owners Titus and Renee Pea have recently purchased the Tampa territory for FauxReal Flowers.

Burgess Perry is a Riverview resident and a retired Army combat medic and nurse. He is also the owner of PAINT CORPS of Tampa.

FREE CLASSROOM SUPPORT FOR PREKINDERGARTEN

CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY OR DISABILITIES

Parents who have little children with developmental delays or disabilities often struggle to find help, either through therapy or educational support. There is county assistance available for 3-to-5-year-old children through an organization called Child Find which partners with Hillsborough County’s Pre-Kindergarten Exceptional Education Preschool Services (PEEPS). Through PEEPS, these children are given specialized instruction and/or therapy within the public school system, free of charge. Approximately 2,800 3-to-5-year-old children are currently enrolled in this program.

Hillsborough County PEEPS website states, “For many children, part-time, specially designed instruction is provided at the child’s community preschool in locations throughout the county. Additionally, developmentally appropriate classrooms designed to meet the needs of young children are located in 93 elementary schools and three exceptional centers. Teaching staf include a certified teacher and a paraprofessional (teacher assistant). The educational environment ofers many opportunities for active learning experiences in key developmental areas which include language, fine and gross motor, socialization, self-help, and readiness skills. Intervention for individual special needs is interwoven into the curriculum as appropriate for each child.”

By Ashley Abene

To determine eligibility for the PEEPS program, a child can either transition from the Early Steps program or a caregiver can fill out a referral to Child Find. After a referral has been made, the Early Childhood Council contacts parents/caregivers, schedules a series of evaluations/screenings and reviews current therapies for that child. After going through the assessments, if the child is determined to need additional help, he or she is referred to Exceptional Student Education Services through the Hillsborough County Public Schools system, then the parents register that child for those services. Children who are found to be eligible can receive specific therapies in the public school setting. Although if it is determined that the child does not qualify for services, parents are given referrals to other agencies that may be able to help.

To get more information on the Pre-Kindergarten Exceptional Education Preschool Services program, visit www.hillsboroughschools.org/page/4781. To start the referral process for PEEPS, go to the Child Find website at https://hillsborough.fdlrs.org/ child-find/developmental-screening or call 813-837-7777. A parent liaison group is also available to help connect parents who are applying for this program; its website is https://hillsborough.fdlrs.org/parent-services/parent-liaison-project.

START YOUR ENGINES FOR THE HONORARY MAYOR’S RACE OF EAST HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

The Honorary Mayor’s Race of East Hillsborough County, hosted by the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce, begins on Sunday, September 1, but local residents who are interested in running for ofce must have their applications into the chamber by Saturday, June 1.

The Honorary Mayor’s Race recognizes caring citizens in the East Hillsborough community. Candidates utilize their time, talent and fundraising capabilities to raise money benefiting East Hillsborough-area 501(c) (3) charities. The honorary mayor of East Hillsborough represents the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce at East Hillsborough community area functions.

Danielle Stevens, owner of Vine Vegan in Brandon, is the current honorary mayor of East Hillsborough County. She is also the chairperson of the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce and is responsible for overseeing the new candidates in this race.

“I wanted to run for honorary mayor because I wanted to give back to the amazing local charities in our community and to gain exposer to my new business, Vine Vegan, in the community,” Stevens said.

The Honorary Mayor’s Race will end on Monday, September 30. The geographic area, East Hillsborough County, is defined as east of U.S. 301 and south of I-4. Applications will be reviewed by the

By Libby Hopkins

Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors. Candidates must be at least 21 years of age and live, work or volunteer in East Hillsborough. They are required to uphold the appropriate conduct and demeanor benefiting the ofce they aspire to, both in their personal behavior and campaign activities.

Candidates not receiving the mayoral title may reapply to run for the honorary mayor of East Hillsborough position in subsequent years.

“My hope for the next honorary mayor is to see them bring an even greater awareness and innovation to this role,” Stevens said. “I really believe in the power of this position to mobilize and inspire our community, not just in raising money but also in strengthening the bonds among residents and local businesses. It’s really been a privilege to use this platform to give back and to bring more awareness to local initiatives. I’m excited to see how the next honorary mayor can take it even further.”

If you would like to learn more about the Honorary Mayor’s Race of East Hillsborough County or are interested in running for this position, you can visit the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce website at www. valricofishhawk.org.

*Offer ends 5/31/2024

Danielle Stevens, owner of Vine Vegan in Brandon, is the current honorary mayor of East Hillsborough County.

Ms. Artienda’s 3-year-old PEEPS classroom.

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation recently announced a $50 million gift from the Pagidipati family of Tampa to support the future of pediatric health care in the Tampa Bay community. Tampa business leader and philanthropist Sidd Pagidipati, along with his brother, Rahul, and sister, Srujani, make this transformative donation to honor their parents’ legacy as health care providers, their 50th wedding anniversary and their 50th anniversary of coming to the United States. The Pagidipatis’ generosity is one of the largest donations in Tampa Bay history and one of the largest gifts to health care in Florida. The gift will support the new, specially designed pediatric facility for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, which BayCare announced in October 2023 as part of a strategic efort to increase the region’s access to high-quality, state-of-the-art health care for children.

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“When you see what happens at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital every single day, you cannot help but be moved to contribute to the future of our region’s children,” said Sidd. “St. Joseph’s is already one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals, and my family is excited to help ensure pediatric care remains second to none for our children and for our neighbors’ children for decades to come.”

The donation from the Pagidipatis reflects their drive to make Tampa Bay the best place to raise a family and the healthiest city in America. Recently, the Pagidipati family brought the world’s largest triceratops ever discovered to the Glazer Children’s Museum to help spark the imagination of the area’s children and families.

The gift to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is a celebration of the family’s steadfast commitment to healing others.

ECHO LOOKS TO THE COMMUNITY FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR LOCAL FOOD DRIVE

By Libby Hopkins

When the new children’s hospital facility opens in Tampa, it will be named ‘Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s’ in recognition of the generosity of the Pagidipati family. The new hospital building is scheduled to open by 2030, further enhancing the pediatric services provided by BayCare, which is already the leading health care provider for children in West Central Florida.

Sidd’s father, Dr. Devaiah Pagidipati, a Harvard-trained pediatric anesthesiologist, and his mother, Dr. Rudrama Pagidipati, a pathologist, have shown a lifelong commitment to practicing medicine and running businesses focused on improving health care in our local communities.

To join the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation’s mission to improve the health of our youngest patients, please visit www.give2stjoeskids.org.

National Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day is observed on the second Saturday of May and will be held on May 11 this year. It is the largest food drive in the country and takes place in more than 10,000 cities and towns.

National Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day is conducted by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC). The drive was started in October 1991 as a trial program and took place across 10 cities in the United States. It was highly successful and has continued every year since.

The initiative was formed by a union wanting to give back to those in need, whether it be by donating funds to a charity, collaborating during times of disaster or protecting victims of calamities and crimes.

The date for the drive was later moved to the second Saturday of May. The NALC decided that the best time of year for the food drive would be in the late spring. This was because food banks and pantries ran out of food by May, as donations decreased after Thanksgiving and Christmas.

ECHO of Brandon has been a recipient of Stamp Out Hunger for many years, and the local nonprofit is looking for volunteers for this event.

“ECHO has been a beneficiary of this food drive for many years now, and [it] is critical to keeping our food pantry stocked yearround,” said ECHO’s director of emergency

PEGASUS

COATING

services, Savanna Thompson. “Last year, the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive collected more than 65,000 pounds of food donated to ECHO to support families in crisis.” It was the postmen who mostly saw the obstacles that communities faced. On May 11, the postal carriers both deliver mail and collect food donations. As they deliver orders, bills and postcards, people get to help out by filling their mailbags with nonperishable food donations.

“We need more than 600 volunteers that day to make it happen,” Thompson said. “If you can’t volunteer donate, you will get a bag in your mailbox in the first week of May. Fill the bag with new, nonperishable food and put it out at your mailbox for your mail carrier to pick up on May 11.”

Thompson and the team at ECHO hope members of the community will volunteer for this fun event.

“We hope to have a fun day working hard to help those in need,” Thompson said. “Joining together with USPS to make this happen each year is one of the highlights of my year. We live in an amazing community that all comes together so well to help feed the hungry in our community.”

If you’d like to volunteer with ECHO for Stamp Our Hunger, you can visit ECHO’s website at https://echofl.org/.

Te Pagidipati family onstage during the announcement of the historic $50 million gift to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS MAKES STRIDES IN PROMOTING HEALTH AND FITNESS

Over 1,000 community members from all corners of Hillsborough County arrived early in Tampa on April 6 to participate in the Race for Education.

The third annual Race for Education, co-hosted by Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) and Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF), started in front of Blake High School and took participants in 5K and 1-mile races over the Hillsborough River.

Race proceeds are used by HEF to fund engaging ways to improve the mental and physical wellness of students in the district.

The inception of the district’s current health focus began in 2016 with the Hillsborough Healthy Schools Committee.

School board member Lynn Gray and Superintendent Van Ayres were on the committee. Both ran this year’s race and placed in their age groups.

“I began the Race for Education three years ago as a pinnacle event to have our children and staf to have a chance to savor the joy of movement,” Gray said.

Ayres is thrilled with this year’s race.

“Three years ago, I helped put the course together, and now seeing it grow to more than a thousand athletes makes me so proud. My favorite part is seeing the schools and families come out to support the runners. When we announce the winners and they shout out what school

By Jane Owen

they attend or teach at, those moments make this whole race worthwhile,” Ayres said.

The overall winner of the 5K was Tristan Cravello, winning with a time of 16:52. The overall female win ner was Holly Bly with a time of 21:15.

Cravello is a teacher at Tinker K-8 School at MacDill Air Force Base. Bly is a former teacher in the county.

Cravello also won the race in 2023.

“The Race for Education is a fun race where teachers, like me, get to participate to have fun outside of the classroom and school. I’ve run this race for two years not only to compete and win but also to motivate other teachers in the district to exercise for their well-being,” Cravello said.

Highlights of the race included Tiana Cole (eleventh grader from Blake High School) singing the national anthem and Santiago Carrera (fourth grader from Bevis Elementary School) presenting the flag and performances by Plant High School Drumline, Ballast Point Elementary Bucket Drumming, Lanier Elementary World Drumming, Coleman Middle School Jazz Band, Thonotosassa Elementary World Drumming and Lockhart Elementary Drumline.

For more information, visi the websitet: https://educationfoundation.com/raceforeducation/.

TURNING 65

USF PLANS TO LAUNCH COLLEGE FOCUSED ON A.I. CYBERSECURITY AND COMPUTING

The University of South Florida (USF) announced its intention to create a college focused on the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and computing with the goal of positioning the Tampa Bay region and state of Florida as a national leader. USF is the first university in Florida and among the first in the nation to announce plans to create a college dedicated to AI and cybersecurity.

The vision for the college would be to offer undergraduate and graduate programs aligned with USF’s strategic plan and the state’s Programs of Strategic Emphasis to prepare students for high-demand careers, empower faculty to conduct innovative research that leads to new discoveries or technological advancements, grow industry partnerships and promote ethical considerations and trust throughout the digital transformation underway in society. Research shows that there has been a five-fold increase in the demand for AI skills with jobs in the U.S., while more than 40 percent of organizations experiencing a shortage of cybersecurity professionals say they are unable to find enough qualified talent.

The creation of a new college would leverage USF’s existing strengths and partnerships in AI, cybersecurity and computing, as well as its location in the Tampa Bay region, a hub for technology and defense industries. At USF, there are approximately 200 faculty members currently engaged in

research in related disciplines, which are seeing significant growth in funding awards.

“As AI and cybersecurity quickly evolve, the demand for professionals skilled in these areas continues to grow, along with the need for more research to better understand how to utilize powerful new technologies in ways that improve our society,” USF President Rhea Law said. “Through the expertise of our faculty and our strong partnerships with the business community, the University of South Florida is strategically positioned to be a global leader in these fields.”

The formation of a new college is subject to continued consultation with faculty through shared governance processes and approval from the USF Board of Trustees. In recent months, an internal task force has been evaluating USF’s faculty strengths and exploring opportunities to enhance multidisciplinary collaboration that will help advance USF’s academic and research excellence in AI, cybersecurity and computing.

“Establishing this college would align with USF’s strategic initiative to enhance academic and research excellence in key areas of societal need and opportunity,” said USF Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Afairs Prasant Mohapatra. USF is located at 4202 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa. For more information, visit the website at www.usf.edu/provost/initiatives-special-projects/caicc.aspx.

Tiana Cole (fourth grader from Blake High School) singing the national anthem and Santiago Carrera (fourth grader from Bevis Elementary) presenting the American fag.

Te University of South Florida is the frst university in Florida to announce plans to create a college dedicated to AI and cybersecurity.

TAMPA BAY HOTSPOTS OFFER GREAT CREATIVE MOCKTAIL MENU OPTIONS

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

The popularity of mocktails and nonalcoholic spirits is a trend that has not only taken over the internet but has invaded Tampa Bay. A mocktail is a drink that is made with ingredients like lemonade, sparkling water and often zero-proof spirits but designed to be interesting like a real cocktail, making a sober lifestyle easier than ever.

Many restaurants have incorporated a mocktail menu in order to serve guests who may be interested in a unique drink but are avoiding alcohol.

Here are four spots in Tampa Bay with a great list of mocktails on the menu.

Spend an evening at Jug & Bottle Dept., located in Seminole Heights, and enjoy a vegan dish and nonalcoholic drink. This shop ofers a space where people can relax, eat a vegan dinner and grab a drink. While the shop does ofer alcoholic beverages, there is a long list of zero-proof beer and wine options. From Riesling and rose to dark and light beers, Jug & Bottle Dept. has something for everyone. If you’re loving some of the zero-proof options, take a six pack of nonalcoholic beers or a bottle of zero-proof wine home to enjoy. Jug & Bottle Dept. is open from Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and is located at 6203 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa.

Head to bartaco in Hyde Park for a refreshing nonalcoholic drink with a side of tacos. While bartaco is known for its modern take on Mexican flavors and margaritas, you can also delight in a zero-proof beverage. With freshly juiced-to-order drinks, every drink at bartaco, including the mocktails, is made with care and passion.

“As we’ve seen trends shifting to people, and not just our kiddo guests, wanting to

explore more options in the nonalcoholic space, we knew we needed to innovate,” said Agustin ‘Yogi’ Cristerna, bar operations manager. “After months of workshopping and testing diferent ingredients and flavor profiles, we landed on four new nonalcoholic beverages that we recently added to our menu.”

Two of bartaco’s newest mocktails are made with Seedlip nonalcoholic spirits. Nonalcoholic spirits provide the experience and warmth of a traditional cocktail without the alcohol and sugar content

of real liquor. Visit bartaco at 1601 W. Snow Ave. in Tampa from Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m.-12 Noon, and Thursday through Saturday, 11-1 a.m.

One of Tampa’s hottest new restaurants, Willa’s, has also recently added a list of fun nonalcoholic drinks to the menu. Open for breakfast, brunch, happy hour and dinner, Willa’s serves a delicious experience for every meal. Three of the seven nonalcoholic drinks on the menu are made with zero-proof spirits. One is the N/A-groni, a

zero-proof take on a Negroni made with a zero-proof gin replacement, and another is Gifard aperitif, a zero-proof replacement for Campari. With so many choices, everyone at the table is bound to find a mocktail that fits their vibes. Willa’s, located at 1700 W. Fig St. in Tampa, is open on Sunday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

With a laidback and welcoming ambience, Velvet Gypsy is one of the coolest bars in Seminole Heights. But just because it’s a bar doesn’t mean those choosing to stick to mocktails can’t come and enjoy the fun.

“At Gypsy, we want everyone to feel comfortable and loved,” said Mo Pickering, owner of Velvet Gypsy. “We don’t want you to feel the pressure to drink just to be a part of the social scene.”

From sweet options like the Queen of Pentacles with blueberry jam, lemon and soda water or spicy options like the Emerald with fresh jalapeno juice, pineapple and ginger beer, there is a wide variety of flavor options. On top of the mocktail menu, Velvet Gypsy also has nonalcoholic wine, beer and champagne. Visit Velvet Gypsy from Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m.-3 a.m.; on Friday, 4 p.m.-3 a.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 12 Noon-3 a.m., at 5210 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa.

Additionally, you can find unique and delicious mocktail recipes to try at home on websites like www.pinterest.com or www.foodnetwork.com.

With an increase in mindful consumption, the trend of sobriety goes beyond dry January and appears to have found a lasting place in culture. Mocktails offer a clean and healthier alternative to a traditional cocktail and are easier to fi nd than ever.

Bring the party home with nonalcoholic beer and wine options from Jug & Bottle Dept.

Willa’s

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR’S

OFFICE WINS 2024 TOP WORKPLACES

NATIONAL CULTURAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Ofce proudly announces its recognition as a recipient of two prestigious 2024 Top Workplaces National Culture Excellence Awards for Innovation and Purpose & Values. This esteemed honor celebrates organizations that exemplify outstanding workplace cultures. This is the third year in a row the ofce has been recognized with culture excellence awards from Top Workplaces.

Tax Collector Nancy Milan and the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Ofce were recipients of two prestigious 2024 Top Workplaces National Culture Excellence Awards.

The Innovation Award acknowledges organizations that foster a culture of creativity and idea generation, where innovation thrives at every level of the organization. The Purpose & Values Award celebrates companies that integrate their mission and values into their cultural fabric, demonstrating efciency and commitment to realizing their core principles.

Receiving these accolades highlights the Hillsborough County tax collector’s dedication to cultivating an environment where employees are empowered to contribute fresh perspectives and ideas, driving continuous improvement and growth. Through a commitment to innovation and steadfast dedication to its mission and values, the ofce has solidified its position as a leader in workplace excellence.

Tax Collector Nancy Millan expressed her pride in the organization’s achieve-

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ments, stating, “We are honored to receive these 2024 Top Workplaces National Culture Excellence Awards. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, who consistently foster a culture of innovation and upholding our core values, which in turn shines through in the amazing service we provide to our community.”

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO.

“That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

Since becoming Hillsborough County tax collector in 2021, Millan has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation by implementing processes aimed at enhancing the community’s experience with the ofce, including the expansion of online and kiosk services, the introduction of language translation technology, express title services with same-day pickup and many other initiatives.

For more information about the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Ofce and its services,, visit its website directly at at www.hillstax.org.

FINANCIAL FOCUS

DON’T LET INVESTMENTS TAKE A VACATION

Summertime is almost here — and for many people that means it’s time to hit the road. But even if you decide to take a vacation, you’ll want other areas of your life to keep working — especially your investments.

So, how can you prevent your investments, and your overall fnancial strategy, from going on “vacation”?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Check your progress. You want your investments to be working hard for you, so you’ll need to check on their performance periodically — but be careful about how you evaluate results. Don’t compare your portfolio’s results against those of a market index, such as the S&P 500, which tracks the stock performance of 500 large U.S. companies listed on American stock exchanges. This comparison may not be particularly valid because your own portfolio ideally should include a range of investments, including U.S. and foreign stocks, corporate and government bonds, certifcates of deposit (CDs) and other securities. So, instead of checking your progress against a market index, use benchmarks meaningful to your individual situation, such as whether your portfolio is showing enough growth potential based on a compounding rate of return to keep you moving toward a comfortable retirement and other long-term goals.

• Invest with a purpose. When you work intensely at something, it’s usually because you have a defnite result in mind. And this sense of purpose applies to investing, too. If you buy a stock here, and another one there, based on “hot” tips you might have seen on television or the internet, you may end up with a jumbled sort of portfolio that doesn’t really refect your needs. Instead, try to follow a long-term investment strategy based on your fnancial goals, risk tolerance, asset accumulation needs, liquidity and time horizon,

always with an eye toward where you want to go in life — how long you plan to work, what sort of retirement lifestyle you envision, and so on.

• Be strategic with your investments. Over the years, you will likely have a variety of competing fnancial goals — and you’ll want your investment portfolio working to help achieve all of them. That means, though, that you’ll likely need to match certain investments with specifc goals. For example, when you contribute to an IRA and a 401(k) or similar plan, you’re putting away money for retirement. But if you want to help your children go to college or receive some other type of post-secondary education or training, you might want to save in a 529 education savings plan, which allows tax-free withdrawals for qualifed education expenses. Or, if you want to save for a short-term goal, such as a wedding or a long vacation, you might choose an investment that ofers signifcant protection of principal, so the money will be available when you need it. Ultimately, this type of goals-based investing can help ensure your portfolio is always working on your behalf, in the way you intended.

When you take a vacation, you will hopefully be more relaxed and refreshed. But if you let your investments stop working as hard as they should, the results could be stressful. So, be diligent about your investment strategy, monitor it regularly and make those moves appropriate for your situation. By doing so, you can’t necessarily guarantee a long day at the beach, but you’ll have a good chance of enjoying a sunny outlook.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE CONCERT SERIES RETURNS TO RP FUNDING CENTER WITH FOUR GREAT SHOWS

Get ready to rock! The RP Funding Center is excited to announce the 2024 series lineup for its Classic Albums Live, as it is returning with four iconic album performances. Step into the musical time machine with the RP Funding Center’s sensational 2024 concert series, where it celebrates the unparalleled impact of four legendary albums that have collectively sold over 90 million copies worldwide. Prepare to be swept away by the timeless allure of Prince’s Purple Rain , which has garnered over 25 million sales globally, on Thursday, June 13. Embark on a journey through the mesmerizing soundscape of Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here , a masterpiece that has captivated audiences with over 13 million copies sold worldwide, on Friday, July 12. Feel the raw power of AC/DC’s Highway to Hell , an album that has rocked the world with over 10 million units sold worldwide, on Friday, August 16. Brace yourself for the epic journey of Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell , a multiplatinum sensation that has sold over 43 million copies worldwide, on Thursday, September 12. Join the RP Funding Center for an unforgettable experience as it honors these iconic al -

Staf Report

bums and their enduring legacies live on stage. The start time for all performances is 7:30 p.m.

To see all five of these great performances performed “note for note, cut for cut,” then look no further and become a Classic Albums Live Series subscriber.

For $140, you get a ticket to each concert, preferred seating, free parking and 10 percent o f concessions, plus a savings of over $60 when purchasing a subscription.

The new subscriber series pass is now on sale. Single tickets go on sale Monday, April 22, at 9 a.m. Service charges may apply. Series passes are available by visiting the RP Funding Center Box Office or calling 863-834-8111. For event information, visit www.rpfundingcenter. com. Dates and ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

The RP Funding Center is conveniently located minutes between Orlando and Tampa in Lakeland o f I-4 on Lime Street; the RP Funding Center is a short drive from anywhere in Central Florida.

Regular box o f ce hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For ticket information, call the box o f ce at 863834-8111 or visit its website at www. rpfundingcenter.com.

CENTRAL HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CHAMBER HOSTS 30TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 30th annual golf tournament to support the chamber.

“It is one of the largest and most anticipated events the Chamber hosts with the goal of providing networking opportunities, promoting members and local businesses and raising funds for the chamber’s initiatives and community projects,” chamber branding and marketing director Teri Perkins.

By Lily Belcher

the event, which will be dropped on the course. The winner is determined by whose ball drops closest to the hole, winning 60 percent of the funds raised. In previous years, winners have taken home over $1,000.

The shotgun start will take place at 1:30 p.m. and golfers will play until dinner. Perkins said she hopes to host 128 golfers, or 32 teams of four.

The tournament also allows professionals and community members to form relationships and strengthen ties in the community.

“It is a full-day event that includes the Midway of Vendors, the Bryan Hindman Electric Ball Drop, a silent auction presented by Socially Funded, a host of rafe baskets and ending with a delicious dinner provided by the venue,” Perkins said.

The annual golf tournament will take place on Saturday, May 18, beginning at 12 Noon. Golfers can walk through the midway of over 20 vendors, such as Gasparilla Pizza and Growlers, for food samples and other items until 1:30 p.m.

The chamber of commerce will also host the Bryan Hindman Electric Ball Drop. Attendees can purchase golf balls ahead of

Fourteen chamber members will serve on the Golf Tournament Committee, dedicating their time and resources to ensure the event goes well. During the event, around 20 Junior Reserve Ofcers’ Training Corps student volunteers will assist. Chamber staf, ambassadors and other member volunteers will also support the event.

People can also purchase sponsorships, donate swag items or provide rafe baskets for the events.

The Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce, formerly known as the Riverview Chamber, helps connect community leaders, nonprofits and companies to those who live in the area.

To sponsor the event, contact the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce ofce at 813-234-5944 or events@ riverviewchamber.com.

Classic Albums Live returns to RP Funding Center this summer with iconic album performances.

Te Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce hopes to host 128 golfers for the golf tournament fundraiser.