November 2022
Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition
PET RESOURCE CENTER CELEBRATES 100,000 HOMES FOR PETS
Staff Report
Hillsborough together to build a County recentlifesaving communily celebrated a ty for pets. Among major milestone: the policy and the 100,000th practical changes pet saved at the responsible for the Michael S. Merdramatic improverill Pet Resource ment in live-release Center since Hillrates and accompasborough County nying drop in euthacommitted to Left to right are Pet Resource Center director Scott Tre- nasia are: improving the batoski, Ray Villegas, Hillsborough County Assistant • The creation live-release rate of a pet support Administrator Dexter Barge, Hillsborough County at the shelter a Administrator Bonnie Wise and Hillsborough County team that works to Commissioner Ken Hagan. decade ago. help residents keep In 2012, the euthanasia rate at the shel- their pets rather than turning them over to ter, like at most public shelters throughout the shelter. Team members can help resolve the country at that time, was painfully high. issues with pet behavior, provide food and About 12,000 dogs and cats were eutha- other supplies and even help arrange mednized that year, nearly two-thirds of the pets ical care. brought to the shelter. • Actively working with more than 300 Today, the Pet Resource Center’s live-re- pet rescue groups. lease rate is above 90 percent, among the • Establishment of a foster program that highest in the nation. Those figures are even allows residents to take pets home for as litmore remarkable because the Pet Resource tle as a week. The program helps clear shelCenter is the only open-admission shelter ter space and provides valuable information in Hillsborough County, meaning it accepts about the pets’ behaviors and personalities. all dogs and cats regardless of age, medical • Establishing pet-enrichment programs, condition or breed. such as dog play groups. On October 21, county and shelter offi• Quickly spaying/neutering and evaluatcials celebrated that accomplishment and ing pets. recognized the local resident who adopted • Allowing residents to view virtually the 100,000th pet saved at the shelter since all available dogs and cats at the shelter 2012. through an online kennel that includes phoRay Villegas is the proud adoptive parent tos, medical information and behavioral to Milo the dog, the 100,000th pet saved at notes. the Pet Resource Center. “If you have the op• A commitment to matching people with portunity to love an animal and you have the the right pet, which increases owner satiscapability, then please do because it saves a faction and reduces return rates. life and they add to your life,” said Villegas. • Increasing the number and variety of The policy changes began with a commit- medical issues that can be treated at the ment to trust and rely upon people in the shelter. community — pet owners, veterinarians, For more information or to adopt a furry rescue groups and many others — to band friend, please visit hcflgov.net/adopt.
Page 3
GREATER RIVERVIEW AND GREATER BRANDON CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE HOST ‘FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION’ LUNCHEON
Staff Report
On October 18, the effect upon the comGreater Riverview munity and encourChamber of Commerce aged voting for the 1 (GRCC) and the Greatpercent transportation er Brandon Chamber referendum to raise of Commerce togeththe sales tax in Hillser presented to their borough from 7.5 to 8.5 members and guests percent. Photo courtesy of Gerardo Luna Photographs. a meeting regarding Ed Turanchik, projtraffic and transporta- Attendees and presenters at the ‘Future of ect leader for South Transportation’ Luncheon. tion at the ‘Future of Swell and HMS FerTransportation’ Luncheon. Addressing them ries, then presented the Tampa Bay Passenwere representatives of Hillsborough Coun- ger Ferry Project, showcasing its intercity ty Board of County Commissioners, South service and highlighting the current CrossShore Ferry, Hillsborough Transit Authority Bay Service from St. Petersburg and Tam(HART), Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit pa, with a future service to include a South Authority (TBARTA) and the meeting spon- County Ferry Terminal that will connect to sor, Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Au- MacDill Air Force Base and the intercity ferthority (THEA). ry service. The chambers presented this meeting to Matt Lettelleir, president and CEO of the encourage and educate the attendees re- Brandon Chamber, introduced the agency garding this difficult issue facing Hillsbor- panel consisting of three industry profesough County to help them make informed sionals: Adelee Le Grand, CEO of HART; decisions as they take to the polls in the Greg Slater, CEO of THEA; and Chris Jadick, coming election. director of communications at TBARTA. The meeting opened with GRCC PresiLettellier also opened the panel to quesdent and CEO Tanya Doran, followed by an tions from the audience, followed by an invocation delivered by Liz Brewer, CEO of introduction of Steve Manning of Master Angel Foundation FL. Joe Eletto of CEN- Garage Door Co. and Leadership Brandon TURY 21 Beggins, and founder and chair of chair. Manning presented and explained the GRCC Military Affairs Committee, led Leadership Brandon to the attendees. the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. At the end, Lettellier thanked those in Doran recognized the elected officials at- attendance, THEA and all the meeting tending the meeting, including State Repre- partners: 3 C’s Catering, An ABC Events, sentative Andrew Learned and Hillsborough Fancy That Specialty Linens, Gerardo Luna County Commissioners Gwen Myers and Photography, Hillsborough Community ColKimberly Overman. THEA Director of Public lege, IDVES Audio Visual Solutions and The Affairs Sue Chrzan came to the podium and Regent. thanked the attendees for their attendance Please join the Greater Riverview Chamand support of the meeting. ber of Commerce at its next Investor MeetNext, Myers expounded upon the coun- ing Luncheon on Tuesday, November 15, ty’s need for additional funds to support all 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Winthrop Barn things relating to transportation and the Theatre.
John W. Exner, ChFC® FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Competent and compassionate strategies for your evolving financial planning and life insurance needs. Whether you are preparing for life’s milestones, like your child’s college education, funding your retirement, or a business transition or recently lost a loved one, I strive to have a positive impact on your life by using a combination of experience, technology, and a defined process to help remove uncertainty from your financial picture. Many advisors include basic financial planning within their investment management, but I believe detailed financial planning is the foundation for implementing appropriate strategies. Collaborating with my team of industry specialists in the areas of tax planning, estate planning, life insurance, and investments, I develop a roadmap that addresses your long-term goals and seeks to solve for even your most complex financial challenges.
Would you benefit from a Financial Second Opinion?
Scan the QR code to get started today! Total Financial PictureTM Wealth Strategies TEL 703-343-6878 | CELL 808-343-4577 www.TotalFinancialPicture.com Investment advice offered through Integrated Partners, doing business as Total Financial Picture™ Wealth Strategies, a registered investment advisor. Total Financial Picture™ Wealth Strategies and Integrated Partners do not provide tax services.
