24 minute read
CHAMBER LUNCHEON
PET RESOURCE CENTER CELEBRATES 100,000 HOMES FOR PETS
Staf Report
Hillsborough County recently celebrated a major milestone: the 100,000th pet saved at the Michael S. Merrill Pet Resource Center since Hillsborough County committed to improving the live-release rate at the shelter a decade ago.
In 2012, the euthanasia rate at the shelter, like at most public shelters throughout the country at that time, was painfully high. About 12,000 dogs and cats were euthanized that year, nearly two-thirds of the pets brought to the shelter.
Today, the Pet Resource Center’s live-release rate is above 90 percent, among the highest in the nation. Those figures are even more remarkable because the Pet Resource Center is the only open-admission shelter in Hillsborough County, meaning it accepts all dogs and cats regardless of age, medical condition or breed.
On October 21, county and shelter ofcials celebrated that accomplishment and recognized the local resident who adopted the 100,000th pet saved at the shelter since 2012.
Ray Villegas is the proud adoptive parent to Milo the dog, the 100,000th pet saved at the Pet Resource Center. “If you have the opportunity to love an animal and you have the capability, then please do because it saves a life and they add to your life,” said Villegas.
The policy changes began with a commitment to trust and rely upon people in the community — pet owners, veterinarians, rescue groups and many others — to band
together to build a lifesaving community for pets. Among the policy and practical changes responsible for the dramatic improvement in live-release rates and accompanying drop in euthaLeft to right are Pet Resource Center director Scott Trenasia are: batoski, Ray Villegas, Hillsborough County Assistant • The creation
Administrator Dexter Barge, Hillsborough County of a pet support Administrator Bonnie Wise and Hillsborough County team that works to Commissioner Ken Hagan. help residents keep their pets rather than turning them over to the shelter. Team members can help resolve issues with pet behavior, provide food and other supplies and even help arrange medical care. • Actively working with more than 300 pet rescue groups. • Establishment of a foster program that allows residents to take pets home for as little as a week. The program helps clear shelter space and provides valuable information about the pets’ behaviors and personalities. • Establishing pet-enrichment programs, such as dog play groups. • Quickly spaying/neutering and evaluating pets. • Allowing residents to view virtually all available dogs and cats at the shelter through an online kennel that includes photos, medical information and behavioral notes. • A commitment to matching people with the right pet, which increases owner satisfaction and reduces return rates. • Increasing the number and variety of medical issues that can be treated at the shelter. For more information or to adopt a furry friend, please visit hcflgov.net/adopt.
GREATER RIVERVIEW AND GREATER BRANDON CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE HOST ‘FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION’ LUNCHEON
Staf Report
On October 18, the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) and the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce together presented to their members and guests a meeting regarding trafc and transportation at the ‘Future of Transportation’ Luncheon. Addressing them were representatives of Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, South Shore Ferry, Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART), Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA) and the meeting sponsor, Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA).
The chambers presented this meeting to encourage and educate the attendees regarding this difcult issue facing Hillsborough County to help them make informed decisions as they take to the polls in the coming election.
The meeting opened with GRCC President and CEO Tanya Doran, followed by an invocation delivered by Liz Brewer, CEO of Angel Foundation FL. Joe Eletto of CENTURY 21 Beggins, and founder and chair of the GRCC Military Afairs Committee, led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Doran recognized the elected ofcials attending the meeting, including State Representative Andrew Learned and Hillsborough County Commissioners Gwen Myers and Kimberly Overman. THEA Director of Public Afairs Sue Chrzan came to the podium and thanked the attendees for their attendance and support of the meeting.
Next, Myers expounded upon the county’s need for additional funds to support all things relating to transportation and the efect upon the community and encouraged voting for the 1 percent transportation referendum to raise the sales tax in Hillsborough from 7.5 to 8.5 percent.
Photo courtesy of Gerardo Luna Photographs. Ed Turanchik, projAttendees and presenters at the ‘Future of ect leader for South Transportation’ Luncheon. Swell and HMS Ferries, then presented the Tampa Bay Passenger Ferry Project, showcasing its intercity service and highlighting the current CrossBay Service from St. Petersburg and Tampa, with a future service to include a South County Ferry Terminal that will connect to MacDill Air Force Base and the intercity ferry service. Matt Lettelleir, president and CEO of the Brandon Chamber, introduced the agency panel consisting of three industry professionals: Adelee Le Grand, CEO of HART; Greg Slater, CEO of THEA; and Chris Jadick, director of communications at TBARTA. Lettellier also opened the panel to questions from the audience, followed by an introduction of Steve Manning of Master Garage Door Co. and Leadership Brandon chair. Manning presented and explained Leadership Brandon to the attendees. At the end, Lettellier thanked those in attendance, THEA and all the meeting partners: 3 C’s Catering, An ABC Events, Fancy That Specialty Linens, Gerardo Luna Photography, Hillsborough Community College, IDVES Audio Visual Solutions and The Regent. Please join the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce at its next Investor Meeting Luncheon on Tuesday, November 15, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Winthrop Barn Theatre.
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SURFACE WATER IMPROVEMENT AND MANAGEMENT (SWIM) PROGRAM YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Staf Report
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board recently recognized the 35th Anniversary of the District’s Surface Water Improvement and Management or SWIM Program and its vital contributions to the region’s water resources. SWIM Program manager Vivianna Bendixson explains the positive impacts the program has made on major water bodies in the region.
Q: What is the SWIM Program?
A: The Surface Water Improvement and Management or SWIM Program evaluates priority water bodies, identifies issues and drivers, and implements projects to improve water quality and habitat. In 1987, the Florida Legislature established the SWIM Act to protect, maintain, and restore Florida’s surface water bodies. The Act required the five water management districts to identify and select a list of priority water bodies of statewide significance within their boundaries and develop programs to improve them. With the help of state agencies, local governments and other organizations, the SWIM Program focuses on water quality and natural systems restoration projects to accomplish these initiatives.
Q: What are the District’s priority water bodies?
A: Currently, the District’s 12 SWIM priority water bodies include: Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Weeki Wachee River, Chassahowitzka River, Homosassa River, Rainbow River, Crystal River/Kings Bay, Lake Panasofkee, Lake Tarpon, Lake Thonotosassa and the Winter Haven Chain
of Lakes. The list of priority water bodies is updated every five years. The last update was approved in 2020.
Q: What type of improvements does the public see from SWIM projects?
A: SWIM projects focus on reducing the pollution in stormwater runof by reVivianna Bendixson, SWIM ducing excess nutrients and
Program Manager other pollutants which afect water quality. The District and its partners have implemented projects which have provided water quality treatment of more than 230,725 acres of watershed. SWIM projects also restore degraded or disturbed natural systems, enhance existing habitats, and promote the preservation of natural habitats.
Q: How many restoration projects has the District completed?
A: Over the last 35 years, the SWIM Program has completed 384 natural systems restoration and water quality improvement projects, resulting in more than 15,596 acres of restored natural systems. The SWIM Program has received 65 environmental excellence awards for outstanding projects that protect water resources and restore natural systems.
Q: Who does the District collaborate with to complete SWIM projects?
A: Partners include the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Partnership, various federal and state agencies, local governments, and other organizations such as Tampa Bay Watch. More information on each priority water body and its corresponding SWIM Plan, is available at WaterMatters.org/SWIM.
INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT RECOGNIZED BY IAOA AS MEMBER OF THE YEAR
By Libby Hopkins
Michelle Mosher, licensed independent insurance agent and owner of Southshore Insurance Professionals in Riverview, was recently awarded Member of the Year by Insurance Agency Owners Alliance (IAOA) at its annual conference during the first week of October.
Mosher has 29 years of industry experience in the insurance sector and can provide her clients with auto, home and business insurance anywhere in Florida. She is not only known for her superior knowledge of insurance and caring customer service but also for her online persona, the ‘Florida Insurance Chick,’ who helps people understand coverage options through social media videos and memes. “There are 8491 independent agency owners from across the county in this organization and to be chosen from all of those was overwhelming and an incredible honor,” Mosher said. “I have been in this group since its inception because of the selflessness and collaboration of the group. I’m simply honored to represent this group as their 2022 Member of the Year.”
The IAOA began as a Facebook group of agency owners who were dedicated to providing helpful insight with each other to encourage their agencies to thrive. Now, almost a decade later, the IAOA has more than 8,000 members nationwide, ofers online programming and holds a conference titled ‘INNOVATION’ in a diferent U.S. city
each year. The 2022 conference was held in Nashville, Tennessee and attended by over 400 independent insurance agency owners. It featured 18 speakers and over 100 vendors to Michelle Mosher, was recently awarded Member help agency owners of the Year by Insurance Agency Owners Alli- discover new ways ance (IAOA). to perform in an ever-changing business arena. Mosher’s award comes as no surprise to her peers and customers, who have watched her navigate the shaky Florida insurance market with precision over the last few years. She is a valuable asset not just to her local community but to her community of fellow agency owners as well. “We are a growing independent agency in Florida, and we are active in the Tampa Bay community with the ability to assist clients anywhere in Florida with auto, home and business insurance needs,” Mosher said. “If you are active on social media, we invite you to follow our Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and/or Twitter pages,” Mosher said. “We promise not to ‘sell’ to you there but provide you with information regarding industry news and sometimes just fun facts and good wishes.” If you would like to learn more about Southshore Insurance Professionals, you can visit its website at https://southshoreins.com/ or its Facebook page at www. facebook.com/southshoreinsuranceprofessionals. Mosher’s ofce is located at 11216 Winthrop Main St. in Riverview. To get a free quote, call Mosher at 813-448-7580.
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OPEN HOUSE FOR FUTURE PLANS FOR VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
Staf Report
Hillsborough County recently asked for public input on how to make Veterans Memorial Park an even better resource for veterans, residents and visitors to learn about the nation’s wars and conflicts and pay respect to the millions of veterans who served our country.
On October 14, veterans and residents were invited to an open house to help prioritize potential improvements and amenities identified from online public input and an open house earlier this year. An online engagement opportunity was also made available following the open house. Earlier feedback showed support for the following items: • Park entrance and entry signage. • Signage and wayfinding throughout • Meditation garden. • Active learning zone. • Museum renovation. • Expansion of the Veterans Resource Center. • New pavilion.
Input from the open house will help generate consensus and a vision for the future. Hillsborough County Conservation & Environmental Lands Management, which owns the property, and Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services, which runs day-to-day operations, is working with the University of South Florida’s (USF) Florida Center for Community Design and Research to create a master plan for the park. Veterans from around the area attended and a PowerPoint was presented with both representatives from USF and the county there
to answer questions. Veterans Memorial Park, located at 3602 N. U.S. Hwy. 301 in Veterans Memorial Park is taking shape for the future. Tampa, is home to 14 war memorials, the Veterans Resource Center and the Rear Admiral Leroy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum. It also serves as a venue for regional ceremonies on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Patriot Day, along with a variety of other organized events. Established oak trees provide a well-shaded and tranquil setting for reading, reflection, meditation, picnicking, family gatherings and walking/jogging its many paths, which include a fitness trail along the Tampa Bypass Canal. The Department of Consumer & Veterans Services in conjunction with the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County will host the county’s 58th annual Veterans Day Tribute at the park on Friday, November 11 to include guest speakers, patriotic music and more saluting military service members/ families of all eras. An outdoor ceremony and celebration at the amphitheater will commence at 11 a.m. and last approximately one hour, followed by casual refreshments from community military partners. The new wing commander at MacDill AFB is slated for keynote. Consumer & Veteran Services staf are available by phone at 813-635-8316 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locations/ veterans-memorial-park-and-museum for more information and updates.
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By Linda Chion
Fourteen years after she helped her children earn community service hours as Newsome High School runners staging a Thanksgiving Day race, Leda Eaton is leading the charge for the 14th annual FishHawk Turkey Trot and the Seeds of Hope food bank it supports.
That both Seeds of Hope and the trot have become fully entrenched in Eaton family lore is a given, as it is equally established in FishHawk, where thousands of runners from throughout Tampa Bay arrive for the holiday race. Their aim is to support both the race and the food bank, which students help run under the mentorship of adult leaders.
“It’s a diferent world we’re living in right now,” Eaton said. “So many kids aren’t exposed to community service hours that involve giving back to the community in a meaningful way. We emphasis the importance of doing something selfless for others.”
Leading the efort are students from nearby schools, including Bloomingdale, Newsome and Riverview high schools, along with homeschooled students “and adult leaders who mentor these kids and want to see them succeed,” Eaton said. Strawberry Crest High School in Plant City has been involved in the efort as well.
With its mission in mind, to nourish hope through community service, the Seeds of
Hope food bank is open on Thursdays for boxing food items delivered a day earlier, and which are distributed from 5-7 p.m., or until supplies are depleted. Space for the independent, nonprofit food bank is provided at the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale, at 710 E. Bloomingdale FishHawk Turkey Trot runners start their Ave. in Brandon. holiday morning in service to others Now in its 12th year, supporting the Seeds of Hope food bank the demand for Seeds launched 12 years ago. of Hope food boxes has been steady and growing, with 350 boxes distributed weekly. With inflation and a bear economy coming on the heels of a health pandemic, “there’s just a lot of need out there,” Eaton said. “Every week we’re getting new people. I don’t know how to put that genie back in the bottle. It started with COVID, and we haven’t seen it let up since.” In support of the food bank, the FishHawk Turkey Trot kicks of on Thursday, November 24 at 5668 FishHawk Crossing Blvd., with races that include a timed and untimed 5K walk/run, 10K timed walk/run and 1-mile fun run. Also on tap, a 250-yard mini run for “kids and kids at heart,” photos with turkey mascots, dancing to the “Wobble” song, arts and crafts and special ribbons for the top 100 finishers in each race age category. The fee for each entrant includes as well a race T-shirt and medal. Registration fees increase after Tuesday, November 22. For more information and to register, please visit www.sohopefl.org.
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FLORIDA ORCHESTRA GOES DIGITAL WITH QR CODE CONCERT PROGRAM
Staf Report
With the start of its 55th season, The Florida Orchestra (TFO) is making a bold and exciting change that will improve access to a wealth of concert information while reducing our impact on the environment. Now all concert information will be provided via digital program pages.
This change allows TFO to provide far more than it could print in a program book: videos, repertoire and sample music; full program notes; full bios of guest artists, musicians and conductors; venue information and maps; resources about the orchestra; and much more.
Everything can be easily updated, so guests will always have the latest information.
And it’s all in the palm of your hand on your smartphone, tablet or other device. The website is mobile responsive, which means it automatically adjusts content to look great and be readable at any point size on any device. In the concert hall lobby, simply scan the QR code with your phone camera and it will take you directly to the program page for that evening’s concert.
No need to wait until the concert, as digital program pages can be accessed at https://floridaorchestra.org/ from anywhere anytime at least a week before the performance. Take your time to read the excellent program notes for Masterworks concerts and get to know the
guest artists and music before you go. You’ll also find more resources on the website to enhance your TFO is excited to announce the new all digital program experience, pages including bios of TFO musicians, the TFO Blog, frequently asked questions, more about the mission and history and education and community programs. One of the many benefits of this change is less waste. Program books are useful for a few hours in the concert hall, yet they produce tons of trash. As an arts leader in our community, TFO is committed to doing more to increase environmental sustainability. The scarcity and high cost of paper also are factors that cannot be ignored. If you prefer to have printed information, you still have that choice. Before the concert, click on the printable program notes with repertoire and print at home. The program will also be available at TFO’s information table in the lobby to view it or take a photo of it with your phone. A lot of tradition surrounds playbills and program books, but TFO believes this change will give you better access to more information and make your concert experience even more meaningful. If you have questions or want to learn more about the digital program pages, please email TFO directly at admin@ floridaorchestra.org.
ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER WILL SUPPORT VETERANS HELPING VETERANS
By Lily Belcher
Hillsborough County Veterans Helping Veterans will host their seventh annual golf tournament fundraiser on Saturday, December 17 at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club in Riverview to support veterans and their families.
The golf tournament will begin at 8:15 a.m., with golfer check in starting at 7 a.m. At 1 p.m., Summerfield Crossings Golf Club will host a luncheon and give rafe items to the winners.
While golfer registration is closed, Veterans Helping Veterans is still accepting hole sponsorships for $200. The community can also support the organization by donating rafe prizes or giving financial donations to the organization.
“It’s the gap,” said board of directors member Rick Rohde, “The drop through the cracks stuf we can help fund.”
Veterans Helping Veterans will host approximately 150 golfers and 50 volunteers during the 18-hole tournament. Each participant will have the opportunity to participate in a rafe, where they can win anything from a synthetic oil change to a boat-ride excursion.
Veterans Helping Veterans currently has over 50 rafe prizes but is looking for the community to donate more.
The fundraiser was originally scheduled for October 1, but Hurricane Ian forced Veterans Helping Veterans to postpone the event to the middle of December. The December date was the earliest it could book Summerfield Crossings Golf Club after the original date was canceled.
After the hurricane, Rohde and his team were responsible for calling all the golfers, who agreed to still participate on the rescheduled date.
Its goal this year is to raise around $35,000, as the golf tournament is its only big annual fundraiser. Members of the community can help by donating raffle prizes or money to support the organization.
Veterans Helping Veterans is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Hillsborough County families. It passionately advocates for members of the veteran community and help the hungry and needy.
For more information on the Veterans Helping Veterans Annual Golf Tournament or to sponsor the event, contact Vince Cardella at 813-335-0308 or vincetechsales@gmail.com
For more information on Hillsborough County Veterans Helping Veterans, visit its Facebook page or contact it at 813450-9082 or susiquehelpsvets@icloud. com.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The 2022 Hillsborough County tax roll has been delivered to the Tax Collector by the Property Appraiser. Collection of the Ad Valorem Taxes and Non-Ad Valorem Assessments begins on November 1, 2022.
Nancy C. Millan
Taxpayers of Hillsborough County, As your Hillsborough County Tax Collector, it is my goal to deliver first-class service and professionalism as our team serves you, your families, and your businesses. Innovation, convenience, and accessibility to our services are some of my top priorities. We strive to make it as easy as possible to do business with the Tax Collector’s Ofice while ensuring fiscal accountability. Our team has made great strides in providing many options for you to conduct business with our ofice, including online or by mail. It is my distinct honor and pleasure to serve as your Hillsborough County Tax Collector. I am dedicated to creating an exceptional customer experience and continually improving to better serve you. Warm Regards,
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