Osprey Observer Valrico January 2023

HELEN MULRENNAN YOUNG REFLECTS ON 100 YEARS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT

Known for her “gracious heart and positive spirit,” Helen Mulrennan Young is set to celebrate her 100th birthday on Monday, February 27.

Young is the youngest and last surviving sibling of a family whose pioneering heritage in Eastern Hillsborough County is duly noted with the naming of Mulrennan Middle School in Valrico, which opened in 2003 at 4215 Durant Rd.

The school sits on land that was once the homestead of Joseph and May Mulrennan and their children, Annie Mae, John, Joe, Margaret, Bud, Frank, Tim and Helen.

Young, in 2006, became the last surviving sibling with the passing of Martin ‘Bud’ Mulrennan at age 93, a farming pioneer with a citrus grower’s hat who managed the family’s 160-acre Mulrennan Groves, now home to houses and the school. Her brother Joseph ‘Jody’ Mulrennan served as president of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, which he helped to establish in 1959.

Also active in community life, Young is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon, which her brother Bud joined as a charter member in 1960. She is a long-standing Cornerstone Baptist Church congregant, where she is known for her crochet ministry.

For more than 23 years, Young has crocheted blankets and hats for newborn babies and afghan blankets for newly married couples. She crochets also for many others, including cancer warriors, Tampa General Hospital patients and the Lioness Project, whose mission is to help women

By Linda Chion

and children homeless because of domestic violence.

“My crochet ministry means everything to me because when I crochet, I concentrate on what I’m doing and not on the things that I can’t do,” Young said, who sufers from advancing arthritis.

“I get satisfaction knowing that what I’m making is going to bring joy into someone else’s life.”

For her wisdom and largesse, Young in 2022 received the Spirit of Kiwanis Award from District Governor Karla Nielsen during an Apollo Beach visit. Young, reads the plaque, “with her gracious heart and positive spirit inspires us all to become better servant leaders and to live our highest and best lives.”

By rights, Young never should have made it past her early years. “When I was 9, my appendix ruptured, and back in those days that was like getting a death warrant,” Young said. “In fact, the doctor told my parents to start planning my funeral.”

What has kept her alive, Young said, is her enduring faith. Also, that she eats a lot of vegetables, keeps medications at a minimum, has a holistic doctor, stays fit and active and keeps her mind engaged.

Her faith has gotten her through her darkest days, Young said, most notably after her cancer diagnosis while taking care of a blind husband battling Parkinson’s disease.

“There are a lot of struggles and joys in life,” Young said. “It takes those struggles to appreciate the good times that you have because if you had it good every day and you didn’t have to be concerned about anything, you would just go along in life and take it all for granted.”

TIS’

Eastern Hillsborough County is the epicenter of Strawberry Season. Now through the mid to end of March is the time to get and enjoy the ripest and sweetest strawberries grown right here in our own backyard.

Several local producers and farmers o f er roadside stands that are the perfect spots to pick up some of those delicious berries. Strawberry season runs from late December to mid March and culminates with the Annual Strawberry Festival in Plant City.

The Berry Barn , located at 3931 S.R. 60 in Dover, is an operating strawberry farm and the place to get fresh strawberries along with other fruits, vegetables and raw honey. The Berry Barn has a kitchen that o f ers up strawberry milkshakes, strawberry shortcakes and more. The Berry Barn is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and only accepts cash. The Berry Barn is only open from January through March.

Parkesdale Market is located at 3702 W. Baker Street in Plant City. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during strawberry season. Strawberries are grown on their farm. In addition, they o f er their world famous strawberry shortcakes and milkshakes. You can get a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year.

Goodson Farms is located at 12405 County Road 672 in Wimauma. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Strawberries are grown and harvested on site. They too o f er a variety of treats such as strawberry shortcakes only during strawberry season.

By Kathy L. Collins

Crossroads Produce is located at 10463 County Road 39 in Lithia. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Crossroads Produce is open year round and o f ers fruits, vegetables, pickled items and boiled peanuts along with flowers and plants.

The Market at St. Martin’s Farm is located at 4802 James Redman Blvd. in Plant City. The strawberries are grown on their fields. They are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The Market at St. Martin’s Farm is open throughout the year and offers a delightful assortment of season fruits and vegetables.

Lott’s First Choice Family Farms is located at 804 SR 60 West in Plant City. They were established in 1949 and are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Wolfe’s Produce Market is located at 6005 U.S. Hwy 301 S. in Riverview. They are open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Wolfe’s is open year round and o f ers a delightful selection of fruits and vegetables in addition to the seasonal strawberries.

Photo courtesy of Helen Mulrennan Young. Helen Mulrennan Young in 2022 upon receiving the Spirit of Kiwanis Award at Beef ’O’ Brady’s in Apollo Beach.

Now is the time to get fresh, ripe, delicious and locally grown strawberries. Te farms are abundant in the area as are the produce markets where you can get the strawberries now through mid March.

ROSATI’S PIZZA IN VALRICO NOW OWNED BY FOURTHGENERATION FAMILY MEMBER

Rosati’s Pizza in Valrico is under new ownership, now with a fourth-generation member of the founding Rosati family at the helm. Jake Bensfield, alongside his wife, Sylvie, took the reins of this location in May 2022 and is using his years of experience with the family restaurant, his fine-dining background and the tutelage of his uncle and godfather, the late Rosati’s Pizza CEO Rick Rosati.

Bensfield grew up working at Rosati’s Pizza until he decided to attend culinary school, later becoming trained as a chef at fine-dining establishments, including the Michelen-starred Spiaggia and Next restaurants in Chicago. However, he decided to return to his roots and learn the business side of the industry under his uncle’s guidance.

“It’s very meaningful for me to continue my family’s legacy,” Bensfield said. “People build memories around pizza. Whether we’re talking about a family’s Friday night dinner, a couple’s date night or just a really good meal with your buddies, what people most look forward to in their week is pizza night. I find it incredibly rewarding to be there for people’s traditions, for their celebrations and milestones.”

Rosati’s Pizza was established in Chicago in 1964 and has since then grown a

By Taylor Wells

rich history of Italian flavor. It is nationally acclaimed for four styles of pizza: traditional thin crust, unique double dough, world-famous Chicago deep dish and authentic stufed.

“What’s special about Rosati’s Pizza is that we source only the best ingredients,” Bensfield said.

“Everything is made fresh, from scratch daily; nothing is ever frozen. I am proud to bring a piece of my family’s history to the vibrant Valrico community. My godfather used to spend his days covered in flour. His father was covered in flour, and now I’m covered in flour.”

While following the original Rosati recipes, Bensfield also seeks help Rosati’s make improvements, keep expanding the business and add his own flavor into the mix, such as occasionally ofering new specials for customers to enjoy.

Rosati’s Pizza in Valrico, located at 3437 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, is open for carryout, delivery and catering. Its hours are Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Stop by daily between 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for Rosati’s ‘Jumbo Slice and a Soda’ $6.50 special. For more information, visit www. rosatispizza.com/location/valrico-fl/ or call 813-643-1003.

DURANT SENIOR MOLLY RICE AWARDED SILENT SERVANT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Durant High School

Senior Molly Rice was awarded the Peter R. Marsh Silent Servant Scholarship Award at the beginning of October to recognize her dedication to serving as a volunteer.

The $500 scholarship is awarded to public high school students across the nation that exemplified empathy and compassion through their volunteer work in the community. The Peter R. Marsh Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 2004, gives the award to encourage selfless service and peaceful behavior.

Rice was nominated for her exceptional dedication to volunteer work by Durant guidance counselor Tamara Shaw.

“The presentation of the award, combined with testimony by the recipient, offers a teachable-moment for their peers to be inspired by their empathetic and compassionate example,” according to the Marsh Foundation website.

To be considered, each nominee must demonstrate unselfish concern for the welfare of others through volunteer work without monetary or other personal gain.

Throughout high school, Rice volunteered through school sponsored organizations and other nonprofits to support her community. Through Durant, Rice started an environmental organization that hosts park cleanups of campus for

By Lily Belcher

members. She also assisted in making posters to raise awareness for Durant’s Special Olympics team and has volunteered through Durant’s student councils since her freshman year.

“It makes me feel proud knowing that all of my hard work is recognized. I hope that it encourages other teens to get out and serve their community,” said Rice.

Rice also gives back to Mulrennan Middle School by volunteering at the school’s library during the book fair and tutors the middle school students.

Additionally, Rice volunteered at country clubs following Hurricane Ian, made Easter baskets for underprivileged children and donated toiletry bags to veterans.

“The most rewarding part of volunteering throughout high school is knowing that I have made a diference in my community, not only with the people in it but as well as the environment we live in,” said Rice.

For more information on the Peter R. Marsh Foundation, visit prmfoundation. org. To learn more about the Silent Servant Scholarship Award or to nominate a student, visit the website or contact program administrator Jim Warford at jwarford@prmfoundation.org.

Jake Bensfeld, the new owner of Rosati’s Pizza in Valrico, with his wife, Sylvie.

Molly Rice (left) helped start the Go Green Club at Durant High School.

TROOP 61 HOSTS ANNUAL TASTE OF SCOUTING BBQ FUNDRAISER

Staf Report

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT THE TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER

If

like barbecue and helping the community, mark your calendars for Saturday, February 4. Boy Scout Troop 61 will host the fifth annual ‘Taste of Scouting’ barbecue event from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale, located at 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon.

This community-wide event will include barbecue meals prepared by Scouts for customers to pick up and enjoy. The Scouts will also be explaining and demonstrating various skills such as knot tying, camping demonstration, pioneering and more.

“The event was first held in February 2019, and we have been holding it every year since,” said Troop Committee Member and pitmaster John Zelatis.

This year, the meal will include a choice of low and slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork and turkey with potato salad, baked beans, a roll and drink. The meals are $18 for brisket and $15 for pulled pork and turkey.

“The funds raised will be utilized to help lower Scout dues and registration fees, purchase new or upgrade existing camping equipment, repair our flotilla of canoes, ofset the cost of summer

camp, and provide Scout families assistance through scholarships in case of financial hardships,” said Zelatis. “We want every young person to experience Scouting. Also, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale to help pay for building and grounds maintenance and incidentals.”

Scouts are involved in every aspect of the event, from preparing the meats to serving the guests.

“The night before, the Scouts will first make the rubs and sauces,” said Zelatis, “then they will trim and prepare the meats for smoking. Being that this is an overnight cook, the adult leaders will man the smokers while the Scouts camp out and sleep in preparation of the next day’s activities. On the day of the event, they will be serving food and setting up activities such as knot tying, orienteering, fire building, camping, backpacking, first aid and more so all our guests can see what Scouting is all about.”

To preorder a meal, visit www. bstroop61.com and click on ‘Taste of Scouting.’

The Tampa Bay History Center will celebrate Black History Month this February with a number of special events. The monthlong celebration will culminate with a Black History Month Reception.

First up is Sangria and Stories: Tampa’s NFL History on Thursday, February 2 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Fred Hearns, Curator of Black History will lead the presentation. Tickets are $20.

On Wednesday, February 15 at 6:3-0 p.m., you can join Lisa Armstrong, Ph.D. as she shares stories and research from her quest to uncover the history of Carver City / Lincoln Gardens. This is a free event.

Te Tampa History Center will hold their Annual Black History Reception on Friday, February 22. Te keynote speaker is NFL Hall of Fame Player, Derrick Brooks. Tis year’s event caps of a month of special events celebrating Black History Month.

By Kathy L. Collins

Tickets are $75. Advance tickets are required. Space is limited.

Derrick Brooks is the keynote speaker. On January 26 Tampa celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Bucs’ first Super Bowl win with Brooks as their co-captain. This began his 14year, Hall of Fame career.

On Saturday, February 25 from 12 to 3 p.m., come hear about the historic Rogers Park Golf Course and its service to the Black community as told by Lionel Ballard, West Tampa native and Outreach Coordinator for First Tee of Tampa Bay. Gallery admission is included.

After a month of special events and previewing a new exhibit about local Black history opening this summer, come on Friday, February 24 to the Tampa Bay History Center for the Black History Month Reception. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Tampa Bay History Center’s TECO Hall.

The reception will also honor Reverend Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr., a native of Tampa. He co-founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in 1960 and has spent decades as a Civil Rights Movement activist, minister, educator, and lecturer on strategy and nonviolent social change. The reception will include the presentation of an award named for Dr. LaFayette for preserving and honoring black history. He is the author of In Peace and Freedom: My Journey in Selma

In addition, funds will be presented to an outstanding Thurgood Marshall History Club at a Hillsborough County middle school.

Local chapters allow students to learn, discuss, and participate in activities related to Black history.

For more information on events and the Tampa Bay History Center, which is located at 801 Water St. in downtown Tampa, visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 61 are getting ready for their annual Taste of Scouting BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, February 4 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Think track if you decide to purchase the insanely quick BMW4 Competition. Then, you may consider the expressway too. That’s right, this high-performance sport coupe is road and track worthy. And with a huge horsepower boost in 2022, the Bimmer is super-fast: 0 to 60 in 3.4seconds with top speed of 155 mph.

A 3.0-liter twin-power turbo inline-six cylinder gas engine blasts of 503 hp (up by 59 from its predecessor) at 6,250 rpm and 479 pounds-feet (increase of 73) of torque at 5,500 rpm. It is mated to a standard and flawless eight-speed auto gearbox, which is even more fun with moves via the steering paddle shifters. The standard adaptive M suspension is specially tuned to enhance nimbleness and poise when pushing pedal to the metal. Performance-orientated 4WD and 4WD Sport and a pure 2WD mode make for a fun driving feel. Active M Diferential distributes drive torque evenly to the rear axle for more control and stability. You can personalize settings for engine, transmission, steering, suspension and brake as per your taste, style and liking. And the M Servotronic electric power steering with variable sport has a solid and communicative feel, keeping the M4 straight and watchful at sharp turns and curves.

OK, so the immense and vertically prominent kidney grille with mesh air intakes conveys a love-it-or-hate-it moment. But once you are agreed upon the front looks either way, there is only love — and more love — for this incredibly energetic ride. The 2022

M4 gets a boost in length by 4.6, wheelbase by 1.8, width by 0.7 and height by 0.4 inches. Slim L-shaped LED headlights flank the deep and frameless grille while the carbon-fiber roof, M sport brakes and emblem on the side skirts are sure to grab any bystander’s attention. As soon as we stepped into the airy and well-appointed cabin, our eyes fell on the massive 12.3inch digital instrument display and the 10.25inch infotainment touch screen. Further adding to the rich ambiance were touches of aluminum tetragon trim and anthracite headliner.

Red accents for the M buttons on the solid-leather steering wheel and gear selector are a standout too. Other niceties include multizone auto AC; heated Merino-leather power front seats with M logo on the backrest; and a 40/20/40 rear seat.

Dual front and side airbags as well as front knee and side curtain airbags are standard, along with dynamic stability and traction control, four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution, rearview camera, front/rear park distance control, active braking assist (lane departure warning, blind-spot monitor/detect, rear-cross trafc alert, city collision mitigation), forward collision warning, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitor.

COMMUNITY INPUT NEEDED FOR HILLSBOROUGH SCHOOLS BOUNDARY ANALYSIS

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) has achieved an impressive financial turnaround over the past three years, transitioning from a $150 million operational budget shortfall to a surplus for the first time in over a decade. This tremendous feat was reached through strategic fiscal initiatives with a focus on maximizing every educational dollar for our children.

As superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools, it is my job to ensure this district remains on sound financial footing in order to protect our collective future. It is for this reason that HCPS is undergoing a thorough boundary analysis to examine how to best utilize our buildings as good stewards of your tax dollars. This will focus on both underutilized and overutilized schools to address population shifts to better balance student enrollment throughout the county. When our schools are filled at the proper levels, they are more e f cient and create an annual cost savings. This is a bold but much-needed move for our district, which has never embarked on a boundary analysis of this magnitude.

While no final decisions have been made, this project may have several implications for between 6 and 14 percent of our families. Depending on your address, your student may be assigned to a di f erent school next year. There are also

By Superintendent Addison Davis

a dozen under-enrolled schools that may be repurposed to turn into anything from a new magnet school to additional o f ces for sta f

The most important part of this analysis is receiving feedback from our stakeholders. To have your voice heard, visit www. hcps-boundary.org to view each scenario and the potential impacts it could have on your student. There is also an opportunity within that web tool to leave your thoughts and comments that board members will have the opportunity to consider when voting in February.

Each scenario will save our district millions of dollars over the course of the next few years. The more aggressively we address these pressing issues, the more financial benefits we will realize. While change can be di f cult, this boundary analysis will place us in a more solid financial stature as we continually work to gain our community’s trust as a good financial steward of our tax dollars.

It is also important to note that no jobs will be lost in any of the possible adjustments. Your feedback is critical as we identify the best way forward for our learners, and we encourage families to visit the web tool or one of our 10 in-person meetings this month. We are confident this analysis will enhance the educational experience for all learners.

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS WISH

Jennifer Glancy, director of children’s ministries at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, also served as one of Santa’s elves during a recent event when she came across a very special letter to Santa. In the letter, Audrey Brown, a vivacious 8-year-old who had struggled with wearing her hearing aids, wanted a hearing-aid jewelry-making kit. According to Audrey’s mother, Ashley Brown, she had received a hearing-aid bobble, and that gave Audrey the confidence she needed to feel comfortable in her hearing device.

“Audrey asked Santa for a kit of jewelry-making implements so that she could make charms to sell to raise money for children who need hearing aids and to give away in order to help other children feel confident and proud to wear their hearing devices,” said Glancy.

According to the Florida Association of the Deaf, census data says that Tampa Bay has the third-highest concentration of deaf or hearing-impaired residents in the United States.

Audrey has been hearing-impaired after her cancer treatment as an infant. As she grew older, she became self-conscious about her hearing aids. When she was given hearing-aid jewelry, it gave her the self-assurance she needed.

“I think the jewelry for hearing aids made me feel beautiful for the first time in a long time,” said Audrey. “I had always hidden my

By Kelly Wise Valdes

hearing aids and I was embarrassed because kids would make fun of me. With this, I feel all kids and adults can feel better about their hearing aids. They helped me gain my self-confidence back.”

Her request to Santa was for a kit to make similar jewelry so that other girls can feel pretty while wearing hearing aids. “She wanted make the first 50 pairs to donate to audiologist ofces because others may not know what they are,” said Ashley.

“After she donates her first 50 pairs, she hopes to sell the charms to raise money to help children and families aford hearing devices.”

Ashley bought Audrey her first pair of hearing-aid jewelry on Christmas Day in 2020. “I had taken them of and put them in my backpack for my class with the audiologist that worked with my school,” said Audrey. “When I went to get them out, they were gone. It made me really sad. I felt embarrassed again with my hearing aids. I do not want anyone, boy, girl, man or woman, ever feeling the way I did.”

Jewelry-making kits can be costly, but Audrey has set her sights on her goal to help others. As with most families, finances for the Brown family are extremely tight this year, and jewelry-making kits can be costly, which makes it difcult for the young family.

For more info, please contact Ashley at kamdynsmommy1001@icloud.com.

Eight-year-old Audrey Brown (left) hopes to be able to help other hearing-impaired people feel confdent wearing hearing devices by making hearing-aid jewelry. Also pictured are her brother, Kamdyn and identical twin, Aubrey.

Dr. Tracy Spencer-Sandolph is the founder of Restoration & Purpose Community Outreach Inc., located in Brandon.

This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was established to reach people throughout the Brandon and FishHawk area to provide resources to individuals and families as well as build strong relationships among the community.

Dr. Spencer-Sandolph holds a Ph.D. in human services, with a specialization in nonprofit management and leadership. She is a retired sergeant major that served in the United States Army for 32 years. In addition, she served as an Army sexual assault response coordinator and victim advocate. She is a motivational speaker and a victim-advocate trainer, as she is also a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault. In the spring of 2022, KNOW magazine featured Dr. Spencer-Sandolph and recognized her as one of the most influential, achieved and honorable women across the United States.

Restoration & Purpose Community Outreach began a Christmas basket program two years ago. The program adopts 10 family for the holidays and provides meals and presents. Dr. Spencer-Sandolph worked with local school social workers and teachers to identify families in need.

“My favorite part is seeing the individuals and families smile and know that someone cares,” said Dr. Spencer-Sandolph. “I’m focused on helping the community in four public health issues: 1) domestic violence aware-

By Kelly Wise Valdes

ness, 2) sexual assault awareness, 3) human trafcking awareness and 4) homelessness.”

Restoration & Purpose Community Outreach ofers a variety of programs, such as its abused victims/survivors program, advocacy services, clothes closet, support group meetings, mentorship programs, community outreach and speaking engagements.

“The program has many opportunities for volunteers. We have been approved via Hillsborough County Public Schools to ofer community services to students,” said Dr. Spencer-Sandolph. “We are seeking volunteers for social media, website, administrative, event planners, clothes-closet sorting, marketing and quarterly newsletters.”

Dr. Spencer-Sandolph also wants the community to know that donations are also always welcome, including travel-size and regular-size personal hygiene items and clean clothes for men, women and children.

Restoration & Purpose Community Outreach is also hosting an upcoming training in March. This is a 40-hour Victim Advocate Course designed to provide the basic skills for a person who wants to be a credentialed victim advocate. The training is open to the public and costs $450. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.

For more information, call 813-657-0117 or email admin@restorationandpurpose. org. Restoration & Purpose Community Outreach is located at 1085 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon.

PAN-FLORIDA CHALLENGE CANCER RIDE IN TAMPA STARTS ON MARCH 26

Cyclists can take advantage of reduced fees and fundraising goals ofered during the 2023 Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride (PFC) early registration period now until Sunday, January 8. Whether you’re celebrating survival or honoring a loved one, PFC welcomes cyclists of all ages and abilities to ride on Saturday and Sunday, March 25-26. Choose from multiple routes in Tampa and Naples, where you can ride through the world-class Paradise Coast Sports Complex. Rides are designed for cyclists of all skill levels, with routes ranging from 10-125 miles. A fundraising minimum is required, which is cut in half for new riders. Pan-Florida also assists all participating cyclists with successfully reaching and exceeding their fundraising goals.

In Tampa, you can take part in the 10, 30, 62 or 100-mile rides at 8 a.m. on March 26. The rides start and finish at Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa at USF/Medical Center, located at 13420 Telecom Pkwy. N. in Tampa. Registration fees and fundraising goals apply, though fundraising is not required for the 10mile route.

Pan-Florida Challenge’s mission is dedicated to cancer prevention, research and patient support. The organization provides nutritious meals to underprivi-

leged and hungry children in an efort to prevent cancer later in life, as malnutrition has been shown to increase the risk of developing cancer. In addition, Pan-Florida Challenge partners with organizations, such as Moftt Cancer Center, to fund research and support for cancer patients of all ages and their families. Every dollar raised by the riders directly supports Pan-Florida Challenge’s mission.

Cyclists who complete their route will receive a finisher medal. Those who register for the PFC Junior and the 10 and 30mile routes will receive a T-shirt, and riders of 62 miles or more will receive a PFC cycling jersey. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided, and all participants are welcome to celebrate after the ride with live DJ entertainment, giant Jenga, cornhole and other activities. To learn more about start times, registration fees and fundraising minimums, please visit panfloridachallenge.org. For more information, call Pan-Florida at 239-2981620 or fill out its Contact Us form on the website under the ‘Contact’ tab.

The Pan-Florida Challenge wouldn’t be possible without the support of generous sponsors. If your business is interested in sponsoring the 2023 ride, please visit panfloridachallenge.org/sponsors for more information.

Dr. Tracy Spencer-Sandolph is the founder of Restoration & Purpose Community Outreach Inc.

Cyclists enjoying the 2022 Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride.

MT. ZION OFFERING A FRESH START WITH SECOND CHANCES CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM

Getting a second chance at a new beginning in life may seem rare, but through the Second Chances Training Program at Mt. Zion AME Church Riverview, it is indeed possible.

Partnering with Adonai’s Second Chances Inc. (ASCI), a nonprofit organization, this program is directed toward residents of unincorporated Hillsborough County who meet the income eligibility requirements regardless of personal history or a lack of prior experience in this field. Funding from the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides applicants with an opportunity to expand their knowledge of construction and carpentry.

“They could be taking the first step to changing their life today by simply filling out the application,” said Reverend Karen Jackson Sims, senior pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church Riverview.

This program operates on rolling admission and is now accepting its second year of students. This year, 40 candidates in total will be selected to participate.

Training completion can allow individuals to work toward the goal of acquiring new skills, passing General Education Development (GED) tests and achieving certification.

By Madeline Gardner

Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for students to finish their computer portion of the training, which can take as little as eight to 10 weeks. Upon completion, individuals can be enrolled in the Hillsborough Community College program in construction as an optional path to furthering their education and technical training on campus. Otherwise, the program promises participants hands-on experience by securing paid on-the-job internships and apprenticeships.

“The construction industry provides significant salaries and opportunities and careers for individuals,” said Reverend Sims. “They can come out of this knowing that they have the opportunity to have a job and career that will take care of themselves and their families for the future.”

As the application process operates on a first-come, first-served basis, interested individuals should visit https://www. ascbuildingfutures.com and submit an online application or pick up an application at Mt. Zion AME Church Riverview Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mt. Zion is located at 5920 Robert Tolle Dr. in Riverview.

Further information on this program can be found by contacting contact@ascbuildingfutures.com or calling 813-3377457.

SURE, PIRATES ARE

HAVE

GONE HIKING WITH A VIKING?

Colorfully dressed robbers with parrots on their shoulders descend on Hillsborough County every year, but Gasparilla isn’t the only entertainment option featuring invaders from the sea.

Hillsborough County’s Hiking with a Viking features park rangers and members of a volunteer historical reenactment group focusing on the Viking era. Together, the rangers and costumed marauders lead hikers through a Hillsborough County conservation park. On the journey, the Viking guides will teach hikers about the Vikings’ lifestyle, skills, crafts, weapons, combat and their appreciation of and dependence on nature.

The county and Wyrd Vikings Inc. are o f ering the following Hiking with a Viking events, all from 9-11:30 a.m.:

• Saturday, January 14: Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, located at 8001 Double Branch Rd. in Tampa.

• Saturday, February 4: Edward Medard Conservation Park, located at 6140 Turkey Creek Rd. in Plant City.

• Saturday, March 4: Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, located at 8001 Double Branch Rd. in Tampa.

The Hiking with a Viking event that

had been held on December 10, 2022 reached capacity almost as soon as it was announced, and the other Viking hikes are expected to fill up quickly as well. Registration is underway for the January 14 event at Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park; registration has not yet been opened for the February 4 or March 4 events.

The January 14 Hiking with a Viking event will cost $5 per person (pay during registration). To register, you will need to login with an account to purchase tickets. There is a $2 park entry fee per vehicle for up to eight people (paid at the park). Participants should meet at the Nature Center. You are required to bring closed-toe shoes, and it’s recommended to have water in a refillable container, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen and bug spray.

To register for the January 14 event, please visit www.hillsboroughcounty. org/en/calendar/03-parksandrec/2023/ celm/20230114-hiking-with-a-viking.

Hiking with a Viking is held in conjunction with Hillsborough County’s Hiking Spree. The Hiking Spree encourages people to exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature through the county’s parks and preserves. This year’s trail list features 24 parks throughout the county. Register for the Hiking Spree and complete at least eight of the hikes on the list before Friday, March 31, to earn a patch or medallion.

Mt. Zion AME Church Riverview is open

Participants in the Training Program are exposed to new learning opportunities regardless of personal and educational backgrounds.

FUN, BUT

YOU

AWARD-WINNING CHRISTIAN MUSIC

COMING TO 2023 STRAWBERRY

This spring marks the 88th annual Florida Strawberry Festival, which takes place for 11 days from Thursday, March 2 through Sunday, March 12. This anticipated annual event has become one of the best festivals in the nation, ranks among the Top 40 Fairs in North America and is visited by more than 500,000 guests each year. It’s not only known for its strawberry shortcakes, carnival games, livestock shows, food vendors and thrilling midway rides, but it has also become recognized for hosting world-famous headline entertainment.

Two major Christian artists will be performing at this year’s festival: For King & Country and CeCe Winans. For King & Country is a Grammy-winning artist and song-writing duo consisting of two brothers, Joel and Luke Smallbone. The Australian brothers have won four Grammy Awards, 10 GMA Dove Awards, a Billboard Music Award and 13 K-LOVE Fan Awards, and their nine No. 1 songs have produced an astonishing accumulation of over 1 billion on-demand streams. The duo’s songs have spent many weeks peaking at the top of the Christian Billboard charts.

According to Lee Bakst, assistant general manager of the Florida Strawberry Festival, this will be For King & Country’s second performance at the Strawberry festival. The Christian artists performed previously to a sold-out crowd in 2017.

Another most-anticipated Christian artist

FESTIVAL

By Kelly Wise Valdes

making her premier performance at the festival is legendary CeCe Winans.

She started performing in 1981 as part as the Winans family singing group and launched her solo career in 1995. Winans is the best-selling female gospel artist of all time and has influenced a generation of vocalists over the course of her long career. Winans has earned 12 Grammy Awards, 20 Dove Awards and seven Stellar Awards.

She’s been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Nashville Music City Walk of Fame.

Her performance at the Strawberry Festival will be part of her first national tour in nearly a decade.

There are more than 24 artists performing on the Strawberry Festival stage this year. “We have a variety of acts and feel like we have touched all music genres,” said Bakst. According to past numbers, Bakst expects approximately 100,000 concertgoers in attendance over the course of the 11-day festival.

For King & Country will be performing on Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. CeCe Winans is scheduled to perform on Tuesday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets and see the full list of entertainers, visit www.flstrawberryfestival. com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Amscot Main Ticket Ofce, located at 2209 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City, or by calling 813754-1996.

WORLD-FAMOUS PERFORMERS HEADLINING THE 2023 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

This spring marks the 88th annual Florida Strawberry Festival, which takes place for 11 days beginning from Thursday, March 2 through Sunday, March 12. This anticipated annual event has become one of the best festivals in the nation, ranks among the Top 40 Fairs in North America and is visited by more than 500,000 guests each year. It’s not only known for its strawberry shortcakes, carnival games, livestock shows, food vendors and thrilling midway rides, but it has also become recognized for hosting world-famous headline entertainment.

According to Lee Bakst, assistant general manager of the Florida Strawberry Festival, there are more than 24 artists performing on the Strawberry Festival stage this year. “We have a variety of acts and feel like we have touched all music genres,” said Bakst. According to past numbers, Bakst expects approximately 100,000 concertgoers in attendance over the course of the 11-day festival.

As in years past, The Oak Ridge Boys kick-of the festival with their afternoon performance from their Front Porch Singin’ Tour. In 2018, The Oak Ridge Boys were the first performers to christen the Strawberry Festival’s new $5.5 million amphitheater.

Some of the most anticipated shows include award-winning, Grammy-nominated

By Kelly Wise Valdes

country star Walker Hayes on March 2; country legend Willie Nelson and Family as well as the band Halestorm on Friday, March 3; award-winning country singer Sara Evans and the multitalented Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges on Saturday, March 4; and The Gatlin Brothers and Chris Young on Sunday, March 5. Monday, March 6 includes two performers: Neal McCoy and Josh Turner. Country idol Tanya Tucker is performing on stage on Wednesday, March 8; also performing on March 8 are The Jacksons, the legendary brothers of popstar Michael Jackson — Jackie, Tito, Jermain and Marlon. Rounding out the rest of the week is Las Vegas icon Wayne Newton, Train, Sawyer Brown, and the Isley Brothers. The festival ends with the Southern rock iconic band and native Floridians Lynyrd Skynyrd with lead singer Johnny Van Zant.

In addition, two major Christian artists will be performing at this year’s festival: For King & Country and CeCe Winans. For King & Country will be performing on Thursday, March 9. CeCe Winans is scheduled to perform on Tuesday, March 7.

For concert dates, times to purchase tickets and a full list of entertainers, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Amscot Main Ticket Ofce, located at 2209 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City, or by calling 813-754-1996.

Two major Christian artists will be performing at this year’s Strawberry Festival in Plant City. Tickets to performances by For King & Country and CeCe Winans can be purchased at www.fstrawberryfestival.com.

More than 24 world-famous singers will perform at the 2023 Strawberry Festival.

BLOOMINGDALE GRAD HELPS CREATE REPLICA OF THE CAPITOL BUILDING

The nation’s Capitol Building was made more festive this holiday season by a 2021 Bloomingdale Senior High School graduate, Molly Donahue, who was on the team that created the sixth annual Gingerbread Capitol.

Donahue grew up baking with her mom. In high school, she joined Bloomingdale High School’s culinary program. She credits chef Jordan Hoefner at Bloomingdale for encouraging her to pursue culinary school.

“She just really helped and encouraged me to pursue culinary school, and I am so glad she did. I love it,” Donahue explained.

In October, Donahue and her college friend, Faith Weber, received an invitation from Fred Johnson III, Sodexo district manager at the U.S. House of Representatives, to complete the gingerbread-house Capitol replica. They were given creative design and decided to make the design elegant and traditional. Donahue and Weber spent three days completing the house. Those three days were spent listening to Christmas music in the Rayburn house, which is adjacent to the Capitol Building; baking; piping icing; and putting the house together. They went back at the end of November in 2022 to do the final touches before the 2022 Capitol Gingerbread House was presented.

Pulling the house together in a short amount of time was impressive. Every step

By Jane Anne Owen

of creating the house was intricate. Beneath the house is a wooden frame. The pieces were cut out by hand. To make them fit together, some pieces had to be sanded. Piping of the icing was done when the pieces were flat. This year’s house is 100 percent plantbased, using chickpea water, instead of egg whites, and plant-based butter. The construction took about 55 hours from start to finish and consisted of 73 pounds of various sugars, 65 pounds of flour and 5 pounds of cinnamon, among other ingredients. The dome was kept separate until the building was moved from the Rayburn house to the Capitol.

“I have never worked on a project of that large scale. Seeing it come together was really incredible,” Donahue said.

Donahue will graduate in May from The Disney School of Culinary Arts at Valencia College in Orlando. She aspires to work at a Disney hotel.

The 2022 Gingerbread Capitol Building was on display on the first floor of the Capitol building from November 29, 2022 to January 2. To see a video showing how the house was put together and to view pictures of the Capitol gingerbread houses since 2017, visit @capitolgingerbread on Facebook.

Donahues’ advice to bakers: “Don’t be afraid to try new things with baking.”

HEF CEO KIM JOWELL RECEIVES 2022 JOE RIZZO LEARNER & LEADER AWARD

The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations recently surprised Hillsborough Education Foundation CEO Kim Jowell with special recognition for her leadership in the statewide organization.

Jowell is the first recipient of the Joe Rizzo Learner & Leader Award. It is presented annually to a local education foundation leader who is active in his or her own learning and development while serving as a leader in their organization and through engagement with the consortium.

“Our late colleague, Joe Rizzo, led the Flagler Education Foundation until his unexpected passing in March,” said Consortium President Mary Chance. “He saw the value of our network, was an avid learner and contributed to our collaborative culture. Kim exemplifies his spirit by investing in her own professional development while contributing her time and leadership to support her peers and our organization.”

Jowell’s involvement with the consortium was also highlighted, including electing to participate in its Foundations for Success Quality Standards review process and serving as a peer reviewer

and consortium finance chair. In addition, the consortium recognized Jowell’s innovative work launching Hillsborough Education Foundation’s Digital Equity Initiative, which provides students in need with a computer and internet access and is now being used as a model for other Florida education foundations.

“Joe Rizzo had a tremendous commitment to education and enthusiasm for self-learning. He is missed by many, and I am appreciative to be the first person to receive this award in his honor,” Jowell said. “Continuous learning is an important piece of our work in education. I have benefited from the leadership skills Joe and others in the consortium have passed along to me and am dedicated to expanding and sharing my knowledge to continue his legacy and help improve the lives of the children and teachers we all serve.”

In the spirit of the award, Jowell received a $500 check for professional development, which she will use for her current participation in Leadership Florida Education Class 7.

To learn more about the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, visit https://educationfoundationsfl.org/.

From left to right: Lovely Casey, Saipin Kumlor, Fred Johnson, Molly Donahue and Faith Weber.

Left to right: Teresa Rizzo, Flagler Education Foundation executive director, and Hillsborough Education Foundation CEO Kim Jowell.

PEPIN ACADEMIES HOSTS DRAG RACER TO SPEAK TO STUDENTS

Pepin Academies hosted a drag racer to speak with its auto-shop students at the beginning of December 2022 after Pepin purchased a trailer from Right Trailers Inc.

Pepin Academies had given automotive technology teacher Steve Conti a grant to purchase a detailing trailer for his students to use when working on car detailing. After delivering the trailer, Right Trailers ofered to have drag racer and Right Trailers president Michael Scott come out with his drag racing car and a junior dragster.

“He put on a great show. The students were all engaged for two and a half hours. We set up a detail area and showed the use of the trailer,” said Conti.

Scott visited the Riverview location to teach 40 students from the Riverview and Tampa campuses how to drag race and detail drag racing cars specifically. During the presentation, Scott and his son and daughter engaged students by asking questions, showing them parts and techniques and allowing the students to showcase the skills they were building in the new detailing trailer.

Pepin Academies’ career and technical education programs teach students about cars, repairing, detailing and maintenance,

By Lily Belcher

among other skills that will allow them to pursue a career in automotive services.

The new trailer will give students more opportunities to have hands-on experience with car detailing and allow them to gain detailing certifications before they enter the workforce.

Pepin Academies is currently working to have its students certified in automotive service excellence as well.

Right Trailers also interviewed six students from the program to assess what they are learning and to build morale and confidence.

“The Pepin Academy has been a great place to let us bring all this into also,” said Conti. “I’m really grateful for the faculty, students and parents that I have to work with.”

With the help of Pepin Academies, Conti has built a network of industry contacts that he passes onto his students to help them get job opportunities in the field.

In addition to the automotive program, Pepin Academies has a growing welding program and strong relationship with Universal Technical Institute to help students receive post-secondary training.

For more information on Pepin Academies’ programs, visit www.pepinacademies.com.

Do you have a lot of clutter in your home and no idea where to drop it of?

Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management has established a Donation & Waste Diversion Pilot (D&WDP) Program at the South County Solid Waste Facility, located at 13000 U.S. Hwy. 41 in Gibsonton.

Hillsborough County Solid Waste and Goodwill-Suncoast are collecting items that can be donated and repurposed. Residents who are Hillsborough County Solid Waste customers can now donate items to Goodwill at the South County Solid Waste Facility.

The idea for this program began when solid waste staf noticed quality items being disposed by residents at the county’s community collection centers, and durable and reusable goods were making their way to the landfill.

The D&WDP Program, which started in September, is a win for both organizations. It shifts reusable items away from taking up space in Hillsborough’s landfill and helps reduce emissions. Donated items are then reused and resold to aid people in need. Goodwill invests between 85-90 percent of its operating budget towards its mission services annually.

So far, 174 donors have given over 2,000 items to Goodwill at the South County Solid Waste Facility, preventing more than 5,000 pounds of material from going to the landfill. Items that can be donated are clothing, shoes, accessories (belts, purses, hats, etc.),

home decor items (vases, sculptures, artwork, etc.), kitchen wares (dishes, cookware, flatware, etc.), tools, toys, small furniture items and electronics (no TVs or computer monitors).

The program does not accept mattresses, televisions, computer monitors, appliances, large furniture or any broken or damaged items deemed not saleable.

However, the South County Solid Waste Facility also serves as a community collection center and accepts disposal of washers, dryers, refrigerators, mattresses, furniture, televisions, computers, tires, paint and yard waste for Hillsborough County Solid Waste customers. For a complete list of what can be disposed, visit the South County Solid Waste Facility online.

The facility, including the D&WDP Program, is open from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To donate or dispose of items, residents must bring a photo ID showing their address and a printed or digital copy of their annual Hillsborough County Property Tax Bill to show they are a Hillsborough County residential solid waste customer.

Although the program is currently only offered at the South County Solid Waste Facility, Hillsborough County provides residents access to multiple solid waste facilities for their disposal options. To learn more, visit the Hillsborough County Waste Disposal Facility page online.

Forty students from Pepin Academies were visited by a drag racer in December 2022.

Students got to showcase their detailing skills in the new trailer purchased from Right Trailers.

AMERICAN WATER & WINDOWS CELEBRATES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY

American Water & Windows is the oldest water-conditioning and softener company in the Greater Riverview, Brandon and SouthShore community. Owner and President Gary Bancroft has been providing excellent customer service and competitive pricing on water purification systems and energy-efficient windows locally for 30 years.

“The business started April 1992,” said Bancroft, or ‘The Water Wizard,’ as he is known by many in the community. “The Water Wizard name came from a customer after I fixed his water system in 10 minutes.”

Bancroft grew up in New York City and graduated from St. John’s University. He also had a water-conditioning business in Denver that he started in 1982. He ultimately ended up in SE Hillsborough County, where he started his current business, American Water & Windows.

Bancroft is a past honorary deputy mayor of Riverview (2017) and continues to be invested in the community he is proud to serve. “I am a member of the Greater Riverview, South Hillsborough (Sun City) and Valrico/FishHawk Chambers of Commerce,” Bancroft said. “I love being a part of all the chambers and be-

CERTIFIED ROOFERS GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY IN THE NEW YEAR

By Libby Hopkins Certified Roofers

ing a part of my community.”

There are many benefits to having a water-softener system in your home. An American Water system will help to prevent buildup of minerals (scale) on the inside of pipes, fixtures and hot-water heaters and can lengthen the life of some appliances. It can reduce or prevent mineral spots on glassware and prevent or reduce soap films and detergent curds in sinks, bathtubs and washing machines. Bancroft is proud to ofer a purifier that is virtually maintenance-free. “Our new water system, a water-softener alternative, is called the Whole House Purifier Anti-scale Water System,” Bancroft said. “It doesn’t use any salt or electricity, and you only have to change one filter about every two years.”

American Water & Windows also specializes in the installation of new and replacement windows, so if you are looking to upgrade your home with custom, high-efciency windows, Bancroft can help with that as well.

If you would like to learn more about American Water & Window, visit www. americanwaterusa.com or call Bancroft at 813-684-PURE (7873).

has been a part of our community since 1981. Its quality of service is well known in the community. “Certified Roofers was founded by my father when he was just 18 years old,” said Certified Roofers’ owner and president, Alex Sanchez. “He spent his entire life building the business right here in our community. We unfortunately lost him in 2015, but we have carried on in his honor ever since.”

Sanchez was born and raised here in Valrico. He attended Riverview High School where his mother was a teacher for many years. “I went on to work in the family business while attending USF and have never left the business,” Sanchez said. “I married my wife, Sara, in 2008 and have three sons, Clark, 10; Patrick, 9; and Andrew, 7. Sara left her corporate job this last year to open a bookkeeping business meant to service other local small businesses. I am very active at my Rotary Club, the Brandon Rotary Club where I currently sit as the membership chair.”

Certified Roofers typically gives away two to three roofs per year to needy families, disabled veterans or charities that approach it to partner with it to provide roofing services to their constit-

By Libby Hopkins

uents. For 2023, Sanchez and his team want to give a roof away to a local charity each month. “What we are choosing to do this year is, in addition to those roofs, we want to honor a different local charity every month where we will donate a portion of revenue to each charity every month,” Sanchez said. “The charities were chosen due to my current charitable activities, and other local outfits that bring positive change to our community. All charities we donate to will have a local presence, no national exposure, because we strongly believe in focusing our attention here at home.”

Sanchez feels incredibly blessed by our community for allowing him to conduct business here in the community for more than 40 years. “I believe in giving back to those that need it most,” Sanchez said. “We hope to have another great year and would love nothing more than share that with our community’s best charitable organizations.”

If you would like to learn more about Certified Roofers, you can visit its website at www.certifiedroofers.com or call Sanchez at 813-643-8333. Certified Roofers’ o f ce is located at 4331 Lynx Paw Trl. in Valrico.

Alex Sanchez, owner and president of Certifed Roofers, and his staf are giving away a roof every month in 2023 to local charities.

HELPS A LOCAL LITTLE GIRL CELEBRATE A MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT

Selah Feely of Riverview is like most kids because she loves pizza. She especially loves Your Pie of Brandon’s pizza, and why wouldn’t she love it? Your Pie has won the Brandon Community award and the franchise’s Customer Relationship award.

It’s the customer service, relationship building and of course the pizza that brought the Feely family to Your Pie.

Selah celebrated her bell ringing after party at Your Pie this past November. Selah has been battling a bilateral Wilms tumor since she was 4 years old. “My family — Selah; Asher; her brother, John; her dad; and myself — live in Riverview, about 15 minutes from Your Pie,” said Selah’s mom, Christina. “We live on a little farm with a horse, a donkey, a pig and chickens. Selah’s cancer journey started in 2019. At 4 years old, she was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms tumor, a pediatric kidney cancer. She had several tumors taking over both her kidneys and a small lesion on her lung. We immediately began chemotherapy treatment here in Florida at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. After 12 weeks of chemo, we traveled to St. Jude in Memphis, Tennessee for surgery to remove the tumors. The surgery was a success, sparing 75 percent of her right kidney and 85 percent of her left kidney.”

The family returned home, and Selah completed 12 more weeks of chemother-

By Libby Hopkins

apy. “She rang the bell in April of 2020. Almost two years later, March 2022, during one of her routine scans, it was discovered that a new tumor was growing in her left kidney,” Christina said. “We were devastated. We traveled to St. Jude again, where it was confirmed with another CT scan that the cancer had in fact returned. She had immediate surgery to remove the new tumor and then traveled back home to begin chemotherapy treatment again. After 28 weeks of treatment, Selah rang the bell again on November 17, just in time for Thanksgiving — so much to be grateful for.”

Since Your Pie is Selah’s favorite place to eat, she wanted to have her bell-ringing after-party at the restaurant. “We were so delighted to host a very special party for a very special little girl, Selah, who has beaten cancer twice,” said Your Pie co-owner Theresa Smith.

The Feely family loves Your Pie for a number of reasons. “The food is delicious,” Christina said. “The people that work there are so kind and fun to be around, and the kids love the dough that they get to play with when they make their pizza. It’s the little things. Being able to have her bell-ringing after-party at Your Pie was great. It’s such a great space to accommodate large groups, and the space is so kid friendly..”

Visit her Facebook page at www.facebook. com/profile.php?id=100063151933119.

LITTLE GEMS OF RIVERVIEW: ALAFIA SCRUB PRESERVE PARK

During my time, as Miss Riverview USA, I’d like to feature the things I love most about my community. Riverview and its surrounding areas are constantly growing, and we often forget about the small businesses, nonprofits and little hidden treasures.

One of my favorite places to take my energetic pups is the Alafia Scrub Preserve Park. Located at 10243 Elbow Bend Rd. in Riverview, it is quiet, a flat trail and the perfect place to get out, enjoy nature and take the dogs. The preserve is 80 acres and includes walking trails, a scenic overlook of the Alafia River and so much wildlife to see. There is also a 0.8-mile loop and a 1.3mile loop. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed on leash and there is a table for enjoying a picnic if you’d like. Make sure to bring water, wear sunscreen, wear closed-toed shoes and stay on marked trails. Maps can also be printed or viewed online to follow along the trail. Because the trail is flat, it makes for an easier hike and good for all ages.

According to the county website, Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve was purchased by Hillsborough County through the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition

By Sara Battaglia

and Protection Program (ELAPP) in 1998. ELAPP is a voluntary program established for the purpose of providing the process and funding for identifying, acquiring, preserving and protecting endangered, environmentally sensitive and significant lands in Hillsborough County. It is a citizen-based program with volunteer committees involved in every key aspect of the program. In addition to Alafia Scrub Preserve Park, Hillsborough County has many scrub and nature preserves, a total of 63,000 acres, through the ELAPP program. These preserves improve air quality, provide flood protection and naturally filter water. They also provide hiking trails, horseback and biking trails, canoeing/kayaking, bird watching, fishing, playgrounds and more. Most of the parks have a $2 parking fee. Trails vary in size and di f culty. A full map of the 28 preserves can be found at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/recreation-and-culture/parks. With the weather cooling down, now is a great time to get outside and enjoy nature. For more information on the Alafia Scrub Preserve Park or a preserve map, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locations/alafia-scrub-nature-preserve.

Selah Feely (center) celebrated her bell-ringing after-party at Your Pie of Brandon this past November. Selah has been battling pediatric kidney cancer since she was 4 years old.

REALTOR

Kerin Clarkin is a local realtor and the owner of The Kerin Group in Riverview. He is also the owner of Fun Tampa, which is a social media page where Clarkin shows the community new restaurants, stores and fun community events.

SHARE 52 WEEKS OF LOVE

OF FUN TAMPA WANTS

By Libby Hopkins

and I’d love to help them, and I’ve started a lot of relationships with people in and around the area,” Clarkin said. “So, I decide on places that I’ve been to before or places that I know might just need help.”

BUDGET BLINDS STAYS IN LINE WITH NEWEST TRENDS AND LAWS

The local Budget Blinds Showroom keeps up with the ever-changing world of home design by ofering products that not only make your home look good but are safe too.

Since he loves his community so much, he wanted to do 52 Weeks of Love for 2023. “I always like doing stu f in the community and I like to have it organized where it’s more as a weekly thing instead of doing monthly or bimonthly, so I wanted to do something fun within Riverview and the surrounding areas,” Clarkin said. “So, I said why not help a lot of these local businesses, especially that I absolutely love the creative aspect to it with especially my food and fun page, Fun Tampa. I decided to take both my real estate company and my blog and help local business owners to be in front of the public with some free events every week.”

Kerin Clarkin is a local realtor and the owner of Te Kerin Group in Riverview. He is also the owner of Fun Tampa, which is a social media page where Clarkin shows the community new restaurants, stores and fun community events. Since he loves his community so much, he wants to do 52 Weeks of Love for 2023.

What can people expect when they attend one of these events? Lots of fun.

Clarkin has put a lot of thought into the businesses he will showcase for his 52 Weeks of Love. “When I go out, I sometimes don’t say anything, and I just sit back and I analyze and I see that there’s a lot of amazing business owners that need help — there’s great owners that maybe just don’t understand marketing

“Each Sunday, we’ll make the announcement for the event on Thursday. Some will be limited to a certain amount of people that will be able to sign up on our link, and some will be just open to as many people as show up,” Clarkin said. “I always had a dream of starting a creative marketing firm. When I started my real estate group, I started it first as if I was a creative marketing firm for my real estate group and became successful by doing it. Being creative is my passion and my love. So, the hopes for this project is one to truly help our community but to show the value in what I could do for local businesses to maybe expand it to then getting a jumpstart to my creative marketing firm and only helping locally owned businesses.”

If you would like to learn more about Clarkin’s 52 Weeks of Love, you can visit his Instagram page for Fun Tampa at www.instagram.com/funtampa or the “Events” tab at www.thekerin.com.

Adriane and Mike Wonderlin, the owners of Budget Blinds of Brandon, work tirelessly to ofer products that will complete your space. With the rise in popularity of motorized blinds, Budget Blinds sells a variety of products that will make your life easier. Not only will blinds with efortless controls look great and simplify your everyday tasks, but it will keep your family safe as well. As regulations for blinds and shades with cords become stricter due to child safety, motorized treatments are an easy choice.

As the design trends and safety regulations change, Budget Blinds of Brandon stays up to date to bring you the best of window treatments.

By Makenzie Atkins

the community. Since taking over Budget Blinds of Brandon, they have grown close to both the community and the team at Budget Blinds.

“Really seeing our team grow both in professional and personal lives is the best part of owning and operating Budget Blinds of Brandon,” said Adriane Wonderlin, co-owner of Budget Blinds of Brandon. “The previous owners told us this right before we took over, and it couldn’t be more true; in a small business, everyone truly becomes family.”

Budget Blinds of Brandon is your onestop shop for all things window treatments. Not only does Budget Blinds install in your home, but also the team members from the showroom will measure and design your window treatments to make sure you are getting something you will love for a long time. Budget Blinds even has a drapery specialist who can help find the perfect treatment for you.

The Wonderlins have lived in Florida for 13 years and have enjoyed being a part of

Budget Blinds understands that when you shop with it, you are investing in part of your home that will last 1520 years, which is why the team at Budget Blinds wants to help you find the perfect window treatment for you and your family. Not only will Budget Blinds be expanding soon, but the team is also excited to bring you its biggest sale of the year in February.

The showroom is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information or to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation, call 813-445-7121 or visit www.budgetblinds.com/brandon.

Budget Blinds of Brandon is located at 10437 Gibsonton Dr. in Riverview.

HOMESTEAD’S PLANS REST WITH EXPANDED TIMBERLY TRUST BOARD

The newly expanded Timberly Trust Board of Trustees is charged with making good on the promise to preserve a Brandon homestead erected in 1886 known about town as the Julia Moseley property.

“While a number of historic sites can be found in Florida, many are recreations and relocations,” reads a letter dated December 10, 2022, sent by trustees to interested parties and potential donors. “Julia’s, on the other hand, is the real thing.”

According to trustee Mark Proctor, Moseley was born on the property, at 1820 W. Brandon Blvd., and for years turned away “literally millions of dollars for her property to be developed because of its location on State Road 60.” He said Moseley successfully moved to have her property “designated on the national, state and local registries for places with historic significance, which technically means they can’t be developed.”

Mosely, who died in 2020 at age 101, worked in her later years to form the Timberly Trust, which is charged as well with ensuring the property’s maintenance. Moseley, who never married, taught piano for a living in her childhood and lifelong home, with wallpaper composed of painted-over palm frond fibers, “which was so unique that it was on display at the 1894 World’s Fair,” Proctor said.

With oak trees more than 100 years old, the 15-acre property is “like walking back through history,” Proctor said. “Ju-

By Linda Chion

lia just had this historic sense about her, and she wanted to protect the environment and preserve something for future generations to look back on.”

According to the December

10, 2022, letter, “the Timberly Trust, in conjunction with Hillsborough County, Tampa History Center, University of South Florida and other groups, are working together to make Julia’s dream a permanent reality.”

Preservation, educational and historic site initiatives are key to Moseley property plans. In one such efort, the USF Center for Digital Heritage and Geospatial Information seeks grant money for preservation planning and has been updating the Moseley website, which includes a virtual tour of the property for public viewing. (Visit https://dhhc.lib.usf. edu/moseley/.)

Meanwhile, at a November 16, 2022, meeting on the property, eight trustees were added to the four-member board. Proctor and Mark Singleton were named chair and vice chair, respectively. Rounding out the veteran board members are Rich Pierce and John Dingfelder. Among the added eight trustees are Amy Carey Lee and Betty Jo Tompkins, as treasurer and secretary, respectively. Also new to the board are Lori Collins, Tad Denham, Tom Odiorone, C.J. Roberts, Kay Sullivan and Michael Wigh, who in 2015 published Brandon, Florida - Images in Time, a photo history of the town.

Julestarz Academy for the Performing Arts was excited to have 16 dancers traveling to New York last Thanksgiving to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This amazing performance opportunity has been a lifelong dream of studio owner Julie Kenny. She grew up in New York and couldn’t wait to bring some of the dancers on her Competition Team and members of their families across the country for this experience.

The trip will include performance rehearsals with the Spirit of America Production Company, Macy’s and NBC as well as sightseeing excursions around New York City, including attending the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. “Seeing the Rockettes perform in person was a special moment for the dancers, as Julestarz is known for ending each of their recitals for the past 17 years with their own Rockette-inspired tap number complete with a kick line,” Kenny said. “These dancers grew up watching the ‘Julestarz Julettes’ perform, became one themselves and now will get to see the inspiration for their prestigious number live for the first time.”

By Libby Hopkins

The dancers were selected to participate in the parade earlier this year.

“They have been working to raise funds to cover the $2,500 (plus airfare) that it will cost each member to attend ever since,” Kenny said.

“The dancers and their parents have hosted parents’ night outs, held car washes, set up concession stands at their recitals and ran a shoe drive to collect sneakers to be repurposed into playground mulch. They have also received generous donations from local businesses, Gretchen’s Goodies and United Trust Bank.”

Traci McTaggart’s daughter, Hope, was one of the dancers who got the chance to go to New York City. “She was extremely excited when Julie told them they were going to be in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade,” McTaggart said. “The whole dance team was literally jumping up and down with excitement. It was a surreal moment standing there waiting to be a part of something so iconic. I was excited for all of our friends and families back home to watch for us on TV. It was so fun to walk through the parade and have everyone waving at you and taking pictures of you.”

Photo courtesy of Linda Chion Members of the Timberly Trust Board of Trustees on the Julia Moseley Homestead.

Julestarz Academy for the Performing Arts was excited to have 16 dancers traveling to New York last Tanksgiving to participate in the Macy’s Parade this past November.

LIFELIKE SCULPTURES RETURN TO THE STREETS OF DOWNTOWN PLANT CITY

Now through March 2023, you can see lifesize sculptures throughout the historic district of Plant City. These delightful sculptures were created by artist J. Seward Johnson. The display is brought to you by the Arts Council of Plant City, the City of Plant City, Unity in the Community and Plant City Photo Archives.

Johnson creates trompe l’oeil painted bronze statues which are castings of live people. There are seven statues on display. These include Stormy Weather , located at Collins and Reynolds streets; Return Visit at the City Hall North Entrance; Skateboarder on Evers Street and the railroad tracks; Can Do! located in McCall Park on Collins Street; Waving Girl at the Plant City Photo Archives; Caution: Man Contemplating Work , located in front of the Robert Willaford Railroad Museum; and Creating located in Unity Park on Collins Street. This is a fun time of the year to take a stroll through downtown Plant City. You can locate the statues while spending some time outside. You can also visit all the great retail businesses in the area, such as Krazy Kup, Roots Tap Room and The Kandy Shoppe.

Marsha Passmore, with the Arts Council of Plant City, said, “The Arts Council

feels that by bringing the Seward Johnson sculptures to Plant City each year for this free open-air exhibit, it is our way of giving back to our community in a positive way and keeping the arts alive in our own hometown. It is an opportunity to stroll the historic downtown area with family and friends while making memories.”

In addition to bringing the Seward Johnson sculptures to Plant City, the Arts Council of Plant City o f ers scholarships to graduating high school seniors, sponsors the PTSA Reflections Art Exhibit and supports local nonprofits.

The Arts Council will also sponsor its annual Chilifest on January 28, 2023. It is seeking sponsors and competitors. This year is unique in that it is partnering with the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, which will be holding its annual Railfest at the same time.

The mission of the Arts Council of Plant City is to bring arts to the Plant City community, promote education in the arts and develop artists and arts programs. The Arts Council of Plant City is funded by membership fees and fundraisers.

For more information, please visit www.plantcityarts.com.

TAMPA THEATRE PRESENTS ITS 20TH ANNUAL WINEFEST

Tampa Theatre will celebrate 20 years of its signature fundraiser, WineFest, this March. The theme for this year’s WineFest is Forrest Grape. WineFest begins on Tuesday, March 7 with a showing of the 1994 Tom Hanks hit Forrest Gump at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for Tampa Theatre members.

WineFest, which is for those 21 years and older, will kick of on Friday, March 10 at 7 p.m. with a two-tiered wine tasting. Guests will taste dozens of boutique wines and sample favorite fare from Tampa’s top independent restaurants, including The Battery, Bavaro’s, Butter Burgers, The C House, Cru Cellars and Oxford Exchange. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on premium silent auction items from bay area retailers, restaurants, services and attractions.

Tickets for the Premium Tasting, which begins at 7 p.m., are $125, or $115 for Tampa Theatre members. Tickets for the Grand Tasting, which begins at 8 p.m., are $95, or $85 for Tampa Theatre members.

On Saturday, March 11, the Tampa Theatre will be transformed so that 275 guests can sit for a wine pairing featuring a multicourse

menu created by Mise en Place and Metropolitan Ministries Culinary and Hospitality teams. The menu will feature delectable small plates expertly paired with exquisite wines. There will also be a live auction with oncein-a-lifetime trips, exclusive experiences and a high-stakes wine pull. Tickets for the wine pairing are $400 for individuals and $750 for a pair. There are also a limited number of table sponsorships for parties of 10. These are available by contacting Devin Dominguez at devin@ tampatheatre.org.

Anne Cordell, event chair, said, “Tampa Theatre is the fruit of the city. You can visit it, protect it, donate to it and volunteer at it.” The Tampa Theatre ofers movies, live shows, tours, summer camp, school shows, classic movie series, Hollywood Awards Night, BeerFest and more. Moreover, Tampa Theatre will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2026.

WineFest guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite character or come in a Gump-inspired costume.

You can get tickets at the box ofce or online at www.tampatheatre.org/winefest. Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa.

Tampa Teatre will present its 20th annual WineFest Fundraiser featuring the theme of Forrest Grape this March. Te popular movie-themed wine weekend supports programming and preservation for the iconic majestic movie palace.

WELL CONSTRUCTION PERMITTING YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

By David N. Arnold, P.G., Well Construction Manager

In Tampa Bay, there’s much to enjoy and many places to explore, much more than many might realize, and within the area is a history dating back thousands of years.

From around the 10th century to the past decade, you’ll find plenty around that could be called the oldest. Such is the subject of Joshua Ginsberg’s latest book, Oldest Tampa Bay , in which he o f ers exciting research and knowledge in over 80 chapters’ worth of history.

Each chapter describes what Ginsberg considers ‘the oldest’ of its kind, meaning ‘the oldest currently or continually operating in the manner for which it was originally designed,’ and he included subjects that are significant to Tampa Bay’s history as ‘the oldest preserved.’ The book is split into three sections covering di f erent parts of the bay: Hillsborough County, Pinellas County and Manatee and Sarasota counties.

In Hillsborough, just to name a few, you can find the oldest map of the Tampa Bay area, created in 1757 thanks to Don Franscisco Maria Celi of the Spanish Royal Fleet; the oldest restaurant, Columbia Restaurant, started in 1905 as a small corner cafe by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez Sr.; and the oldest alligator attraction, Croc Encounters, which

By Taylor Wells

was established in 2005 and started with the founders taking care of Amos the outof-state alligator, who’s still with them today.

In Pinellas County, you can check out the oldest preserved open-water wooden canoe, carbon dated to be about 1,100 years old, and the oldest video arcade, Treasure Island Fun Center.

In Manatee and Sarasota counties, you’ll find the oldest surf shop, West Coast Surf Shop, launched in 1964, as well as the oldest antique car museum, which is the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, dating back to 1953.

But the passage of time is unpredictable, meaning you never know when something will no longer be around.

“As I was writing this book, I had the task of trying to write faster than change. It happened more than once that I would show up to take pictures or write about a place and the place wasn’t there; there were just construction crews,” said Ginsberg.

So if you have an urge to seek out the bay area’s history, make sure to visit these oldest things and enjoy them while you can.

To purchase Oldest Tampa Bay , visit www.reedypress.com, www.amazon.com and other places where books are sold.

Q: Why do I need a permit to construct a water well?

A: A well construction permit is required before installation within the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The permits ensure that wells are constructed by qualified contractors to meet rigid safety and durability standards and protect the groundwater resource.

Q: Does it matter what part of the district I live in?

A: Permits are required for the construction, repair, modification and abandonment of most water wells within the district. If required, you must secure a water use permit from the district first.

Q: Who should I hire to construct my well?

A: All wells must be constructed by a Florida-licensed water well contractor, who are all licensed by the water management districts. You can determine if someone has an active license by contacting the district’s well construction section at 813-367-3052. The only exception to this law is for a water well 2 inches or less in diameter constructed by an individual to provide water into their single-family residential dwelling or for farming purposes as specified in Florida Statutes. In certain areas, mandatory well designs might apply that would create difculties for an unlicensed individual to construct one themselves. As with licensed water well contractors, this exception also requires the owner to

secure a permit before construction. The applicant is required to submit a well completion report, or as-built, within 30 days of completion of permitted well construction.

Q: What other research should I do before choosing a water well contractor?

A: Research customer reviews and get multiple quotes. Request a written estimate and contract and review details for all customer liabilities. Determine if the contractor requesting the permit is the same person doing the work. Research what other steps may be required for well construction.

Q: Where should I place a well on my property?

A: Your well must be located at an area on your property that meets mandatory setback distances from any sanitary hazards so it will not endanger the groundwater resource and provides protection for the health, safety and welfare of the user. For single-family dwellings’ potable water wells, setbacks include 75 feet from septic tanks and drainfield and 75 feet from drainage/retention ponds. If possible, have your well on the highest ground possible so surface water will drain away from it. The top of casing for most wells must extend at least 1 foot above land surface.

For more information on well construction, visit www.watermatters.org/wellconstruction.

Joshua Ginsberg, author of Oldest Tampa Bay, holding his shih tzu, Tinker Bell, and a copy of his book inside a Barnes & Noble.

David N. Arnold, P.G., is the regulation well construction manager for the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Coach Purse Bingo At Kingsway

Come out to support local charity Bikes For Christ and have a chance to win a brandnew Coach bag. The Coach purse bingo event is taking place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 19 at Events on Kingsway, located at 1263 Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. Tickets for the event are $50 and include 10 rounds of bingo, food and drinks. There will also be a separate 50/50 draw and rafe with a wide selection of prizes. To register for the event, visit bit.ly/3VtwNxn.

Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. Announces New Karaoke Night

Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. is excited to announce a new night for karaoke lovers. They will be hosting karaoke on Saturdays starting at 9 p.m. at its 3632

Faces Of Courage Topgolf Tournament

Faces of Courage provides free day outings and medically supervised weekend camps for adults and children with all types of cancers and blood disorders. It is hosting its annual Topgolf tournament on Sunday, February 19 at Topgolf in Brandon. There will also be a rafe, a silent auction and 50/50 rafe competitions to enter. For more details on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, visit https://facesofcourage.org/ fundraisers.

Center Place Sponsorship Opportunities

The arts are vital to providing a well-rounded education, and young people who study the arts consistently demonstrate higher levels of empathy, social tolerance and civic engagement. Low-income students highly engaged in the arts are twice as likely to graduate college as their peers with no arts education. Center Place Arts & Civic Association, located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in

Brandon, is looking for sponsors to help cover the cost of classes throughout the year. For more details about sponsorship opportunities or classes available at Center Place, visit its website at www.centerplacebrandon.com or call 813-6858888.

Kappa Kappa Bingo

The Kappa Kappa Chapter of Kappa Delta Phi will be hosting bingo at The Talking Pint Bar & Bistro on Tuesday, January 23 starting at 7 p.m. Come early to secure a table as there will be no reservations. Bingo is $20 per person and includes one set of bingo cards, there will also be a 50/50 drawing.

KTBB’S AFTER GASPARILLA CLEANUP TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 29

Everyone is getting ready to celebrate with the 2023 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest this month, with hundreds of thousands expected to participate. However, it’s also a time with tons of tossed beads and other festive leftovers all over the area, so Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful (KTBB) is holding a cleanup soon after. If you’d like to help, you can join in on Sunday, January 29 at the After Gasparilla Cleanup.

Last year, about 50,000 beads were picked up at the cleanup’s three sites thanks to the help of almost 350 volunteers, according to Debbie Evenson, executive director of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful. Over 100 people had already signed up before 2023 for this month’s After Gasparilla Cleanup.

“We had a whole truck full of them in fact, and then what we do with them is that we’ll donate them to the MacDonald Training Center, and they clean them, and then they fix them, and they resell them,” Evenson said about the collected beads. “So it’s a win-win; we’re … getting trash out of the streets and we’re giving back to another nonprofit.”

Of course, beads and garbage aren’t the only things littering the area, as volunteers have picked up wallets, purses,

By Taylor Wells

keys and 12-packs of Coke, to name a few things oddly thrown about. Personal efects will be turned into the city’s lost and found for Gasparilla.

There will be four locations in need of volunteers, which are: Bank of America at 249 S. Hyde Park Ave. in Tampa, Kate Jackson Recreation Center at 821 S. Rome Ave. in Tampa, Bern’s Park at 1400 S. Howard Ave. in Tampa and Fred Ball Park at 2629 Rubideaux St. in Tampa. Each site has staggered check-in times starting at 7:30 a.m. Volunteers are required to wear closed-toed shoes to avoid injuring their feet on any debris, and it’s recommended to bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses.

Chick-fil-A will also be giving away thankyou gift cards to volunteers. Plus, on its Eventbrite page, while free to participate, you can purchase a $5 ticket and receive a special T-shirt for helping KTBB’s cause.

“Without our volunteers, we couldn’t do what we do. They are the heart of the organization,” said Everson.

For the After Gasparilla Cleanup’s Eventbrite page, visit www.eventbrite. com/e/after-gasparilla-cleanup-tickets-476668166317. To learn more about KTBB, visit www.keeptampabaybeautiful.org.

Lithia Pinecrest Rd. location in Valrico. Staf will help you pick out the perfect song. In addition to karaoke, there is the wide selection of handcrafted beers to enjoy, and it will now be staying open until 12 Midnight every Saturday night. For additional information on events at Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co., visit its website at www.bullfrogcreekbrewing. com.

The Talking Pint Bar & Bistro also has a wide selection of food and drinks available, it is located at 13418 Boyette Rd. in Riverview.

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Volunteers at a previous After Gasparilla Cleanup picking up garbage and putting beads in buckets.

Experience Peace of Mind

As Sun City’s only lifecare community, we er a unique opportunity for residents and their families to experience peace of mind through access to a full continuum of high-quality care for life. It’s the promise that even if your needs change, you’ll always be able to live in the community you call home.

HITECH AUTOMOTIVE BECOMES TESLA CERTIFIED TO ADD TO ITS FULL SERVICE SHOP

HiTech Automotive is a veteran owned auto repair service that has served the Brandon area since 2004 by ofering their best services available at afordable prices. Now, in addition to a range of services, HiTech Automotive is certified to work on most Tesla models after taking part in an EV Training.

With the new certification, the locally owned business is now able to diagnose, service and repair Tesla models at a reasonable rate to provide better customer service.

“This gives the community another option to have a local and family-owned shop provide the services that are needed without the headache of the dealership and their hefty cost for servicing with these types of vehicles,” explained Denise Olson.

Retired Chief Petty Ofcer of the U.S. Navy Tom Gauvreau and U.S. Navy veteran Gary Olson own the Brandon company. Gauvreau served as an electronics technician for 20 years and served in a management position for 15 of those. Olson served for six years and worked as a structural and hydraulic aircraft mechanic, adding to his experience and knowledge working with automotives.

“We have ‘A Dedication to Excellence’.

By Lily Belcher

The philosophy of HiTech Automotive is to treat every customer like family. HiTech Automotive provides the highest quality vehicle repair services in our community, through quality workmanship, exceptional customer service, and keeping our prices afordable,” said Olson about the mission of the company to best serve its customers.

HiTech Automotive’s 13 employees provide brake, electrical, electronic, undercar, alignment, tire and engine services. They also ofer domestic and import/foreign repair services.

“We love being a part of such a wonderful community and being here year after year to service them. We truly value the support of our customers and fellow local business owners,” said Olson. “Being able to support many local schools and charities is the icing on the cake for us!”

HiTech Automotive is located at 119 S Montclair Ave. Brandon, FL 33511 between Highway 60 and Lithia Pinecrest Road. For more information on HiTech Automotive or to make an appointment, visit hitechautomotiveofbrandon.com or contact the auto repair service through Facebook messenger or call 813-684-1556.

SEA STARS PROGRAM TO HELP MENTOR YOUNG GIRLS IN STEM FIELDS

Hillsborough County Public Schools launched a new Mission: Tampa Bay program to foster a love of science, engineering and technology while teaching career skills to young girls in December 2022.

The Sea Stars program is partially funded through the Department of Defense grant and partially funded by its partnership with the Tampa Bay STEM Network.

The nonprofit community network consists of local science and research companies that are working together to ofset the remaining cost of the new program.

Mission: Tampa Bay is an all-girls STEM Camp that allows young scientists to immerse themselves in STEM activities in fifth through ninth grade. Based on the positive response it has received from the community over the past six years, the district began the Sea Stars program for its alumni.

“It’s a build-on program for all the alumni…where they will work with mentors in the community. So, we’ve got approximately 15 professional STEM experts from a variety of fields,” said Larry Plank, executive director for K-12 science education.

This team of female STEM experts will work with and mentor 20 girls over the course of the program. Each group of

By Lily Belcher

girls that participates in the Sea Stars program will meet once a month for a year at a research or science facility to learn about a specific STEM field.

The yearlong program kicked of on December 5 in 2022 at The Florida Aquarium, where the 20 Mission: Tampa Bay alumni that were selected for the program met their mentors and were introduced to the program. All the participants are alumni of Mission: Tampa Bay and were selected through the application process. Based on their responses to the application, they were paired with a mentor and had the opportunity to meet virtually or in person.

“[Sea Stars is an] extensive program where they’re paired with mentors, professionals in STEM, to help them actually build a leadership plan for themselves so that they can start thinking about what they want to do with their career and have some support along the way from professionals who’ve been there,” said Debbi Stone, senior vice president of engagement and learning at The Florida Aquarium.

For more information on the Sea Stars, visit www.hillsboroughschools.org or contact Alissa Himelfarb at alissa.himelfarb@hcps.net with questions about the program and application.

Te 20 girls attended the Sea Stars program’s kickof on December 5 and met their mentors through Sea Stars.

HiTech Automotive recently became certifed to work on most Tesla models.

The White Oak Cottage Introduces New General Manager

The White Oak Cottage is pleased to introduce Kevin Luke as its new general manager. Luke has lived and worked in the Tampa area for the majority of his 25-year career in the food and beverage industry. He is classically trained from Le Cordon Bleu and has worked in everything from bakeries to fine-dining steakhouses. The White Oak Cottage owners Melanie and Shaunessy are continuing to deliver on their promise of establishing a world class restaurant, mouthwatering culinary selections and a customer experience that is second to none. The White Oak cottage is located at 10530 County Rd. 39 in Lithia and can be contacted on 813650-0054. Additional information can be found on its website at www. thewhiteoakcottage.com.

Blu Indigo Spa & Wellness Under New Ownership And Offering More Services

Blu Indigo Spa & Wellness is a sanctuary place bringing back your youth, vitality and self-love because its focus is on you. It does so by activating your body’s innate ability to self-heal through its simple and guided offerings. Services avail-

able include facials, waxing, microneedling, lash and brow tinting and body contouring, among others. Blu Indigo Spa & Wellness is located at 3339 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. To book your next appointment, visit its website at bluindigospa.com or call 813-651-3258.

JunkLuggers Now Servicing East Hillsborough County

The JunkLuggers of Tam -

pa East & Hillsborough South is an eco-friendly, locally owned and family-operated junk removal company. It takes the furniture and junk from your home or business and, through its network of donation partners, finds a second home for your gently used furniture, clothing and household goods. Additional information can be found by visiting www.junkluggers.com and following the prompts to find the location.

Eye Doctors Relocate

Local eye doctors Stephanie Kirkland, OD; Ronald Pierce, OD; Laurie Cuva, OD; and Jessica Pierce, OD are no longer seeing patients at the Pearle Vision in Brandon.

They have relocated to the Maxim Eyes Optical, located at 2615 E. SR 60 in Valrico, where they will continue to provide you with the same thorough, friendly and professional eye care that you know and trust. All exam records and scans will also be at this new location. They can be reached by calling 813-653-9661.

Te Kingston Trio Coming To Lakeland

Fans of legendary folk icons The Kingston Trio can rediscover their timeless music all over again. In celebration of 60-plus years of music, the folk group is performing their best-loved songs as part of their ‘Keep The Music Playing’ national tour and will be at the RP Funding Center on Wednesday, March 29.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the RP Funding Center box office, located at 701 W. Lime St. in Lakeland or online at www.rpfundingcenter.com.

At the Y, you’ll find more than just a place to work out. With opportunities to connect with neighbors and give back to your community, you’ll discover a greater sense of purpose, too.

Kevin Luke, the new general manager at Te White Oak Cottage.

SEVEN DURANT ATHLETES SELECTED TO ALL-CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM

Seven Durant High School football players were selected to the First Team of the Western Conference Federal Division at the beginning of December 2022.

The seven Durant seniors will join the First Team’s ofense, including wide receiver Jeremiah Gines, ofensive tackle Ajai Brown and center Tanner Pierce.

Defensive linemen Ty Merkle and Greg Smith, line backer Jacob Reed and defensive back Xavier Peavy were selected for the defense. The Federal Division will be coached by coach-of-the-year Mike Gottman from East Bay High School.

This was Gines’ second selection to the All-Conference team but the first time he earned a role on the First Team. However, it is no surprise when looking at his senior season at Durant. This year, Gines broke the school record for receiving touchdowns and overall receptions. In one game, Gines made 11 catches for 244 yards against Gaither High School at the end of October.

Brown, Durant’s ofensive tackle, was also selected to the First Team’s ofense after his third year playing on varsity. Brown has earned the attention of recruiters of D-I schools.

“He’s really athletic and he’s really physical. He plays the game well,” said Durant head coach Clayton Varnum.

Pierce also plays the game well, despite 2022 being his first season on varsity. Pierce has been acknowledged by other schools as one of Durant’s strongest players. Varnum said the center was a “nightmare” for the teams that had to face him.

Merkle completed his second year on Durant’s football team this year and was

By Lily Belcher

selected for the All-Conference team after a standout year. Merkle is also a part of the baseball team but joined the football team in his junior year. He made key aggressive tackles in games and has earned the respect of coaches, teammates and opponents.

Smith has played for Durant’s program for four years and started on defense for the last two.

“He’s really the epitome of what we want Durant kids to be. He’s a good student, … works hard at practice, works hard in the weight room and, this year, statistically, really stood out,” said Varnum.

Reed was selected to the All-Conference team for the third time, but this was his first time making the First Team. The linebacker broke the school record for all time tackles and has been a four-year starter for Durant. Reed also was selected to the First Team in one of the most competitive categories for the All-Conference team.

Peavy was Durant’s seventh player to make the All-Conference team this year. The basketball and football athlete made key tackles during games and maintained great defense against runs by opponents.

Durant’s seven selections to the All-Conference First Team came after an 8-3 regular season record and 3-0 record against division opponents. Varnum’s leadership has built a team focused on class, sportsmanship and well-rounded skills to make them better students and athletes at Durant High School.

For more information about Durant’s football team and its athletic department, visit www.durantboosters.com.

HIGH 5 INC. ADDS TACTICAL LASER TAG TO LIST OF OFFERED ACTIVITIES

High 5 Inc. recently added Mission 5 Tactical Laser Tag to its list of programs available through the Brandon nonprofit organization.

High 5 partnered with the former owners of CQ Tactical Laser Tag to bring the set up to their program to add a new and exciting element of entertainment. The Mission 5 set up differs from other laser tag programs because it is entirely tactical and team based, compared to traditionally individual focused games.

“There are missions that each team is trying to accomplish, so the entire experience is goal based. The course is challenging and definitely a great workout at the same time,” said High Five CEO Chuck Burgess.

Mission 5 Laser Tag is perfect for birthday parties, weekend activities or outings with family and friends. To participate, individuals must be 10 years of age or older and at least 48 inches tall. An hour and a half session costs $25 for non-members and $20 for members. Birthday parties can be booked for $275 to $375, depending on specifications for the party.

The set up from CQ Tactical Laser Tag is based on teamwork, communication and strategy, making it a fun activity

By Lily Belcher

for corporate team building and family bonding.

“The Mission 5 Laser Tag combines nicely with our mission of bringing people together in a fun way to enhance their lives,” said Burgess. “…Overall, we love watching people come in and challenge each other while having so much fun at the same time.”

High 5 is a nonprofit organization that has served the Brandon community for 60 years.

The organization aims to make a positive impact on special needs education, after school experience, youth drowning prevention, sports and recreation and community impact.

The nonprofit is currently looking for volunteers to help support their recreational activities offered through their programs as well.

The organization is located on Beverly Boulevard off of Highway 60. The Mission 5 Laser Tag set up is located in the same building at 405 Beverly Boulevard.

For more information on how to join High 5 or to schedule a tour, contact 689-0908 or visit high5inc.org. For more information on pricing and booking for Mission 5, visit www.mission5lasertag.org.

Durant head coach Clayton Varnum led seven of his senior athletes to being selected to the First All-Conference Team.

Seven Durant football players were named to the All-Conference First Team, including three on ofense and four on defense.

MULRENNAN TEACHER RECOGNIZED

BY TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Kelli Michael, a Mulrennan Middle School science teacher, passed away suddenly from acute lymphoblastic leukemia in August 2022. Kelli taught for 27 years in the Hillsborough County school system, teaching locally throughout her career, beginning at Alafia Elementary, then teaching at Buckhorn Elementary and most recently being a science teacher at Mulrennan Middle School. She is survived by her husband, Brian Michael, and two children, Sean and Shane. Kelli was recently selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning as part of the NHL’s Most Valuable Teacher program.

Additionally, Kelli was previously awarded Teacher of the Year at Buckhorn Elementary. After her passing, and because of her dedication to Relay For Life, faculty and friends from Buckhorn Elementary, Mulrennan Middle School and Durant High School all joined together to honor Kelli. They created a campaign to raise money with the sale of a custom T-shirt and stickers all to support the 2022 Relay for Life. For more information, email tifany.schreffler@hcps.net.

Original Story Printed Febuary 2022. Mulrennan Middle School science teacher Kelli Michael was selected for nomination by the Tampa Bay Lightning as January’s Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher.

By Michelle Caceres

Each month, from January through March, up to 20 Future Goals teachers throughout the country are selected to participate in the National Hockey League (NHL) Most Valuable Teacher program. The public has the opportunity to vote for the teacher who they think should be declared Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher of the Month.

Michael, a Valrico resident, received the nomination because of her participation in the NHL and National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) Future Goals program.

Michael accesses the program through an app on Clever and uses it to teach sixthgrade students skills using a STEM sports curriculum, including foundational STEM concepts, scientific thinking, data/graphic analysis and more. Using the game of hockey as a STEM learning vehicle, the program helps students understand the real-world applications of science and math principles.

“The app uses games to teach students about science through diferent aspects of hockey,” she said. “One lesson teaches them about the scientific method, and it’s great because my students are learning and having fun at the same time.”

Michael said her principal, assistant principals and fellow teachers are rooting her on.

“Our school could really use the technology money,” she said.

The public hearing held by FDOT for the project was attended by 40 people in person and 78 virtually, with many expressing support.

“The primary comments received were concerns about noise and noise abatement. Several comments requested the noise barriers be built prior to expansion of the additional lanes on I-75. Other comments concerned the removal of existing landscaping and replanting of trees, congestion due to the new Amazon distribution center and the inclusion of a new interchange at Symmes Road,” stated Kristen Carson, public information director at FDOT.

No changes have been proposed for the concept plans and there are no plans for another public hearing.

“Interchange modification reports are being prepared for interchanges within the project limits. The southern study is anticipated to be approved by the end of 2023, with the northern study following in 2024. There is currently no funding for design, right of way or construction in the current 5-year work program,” Carson added.

Original Story Printed Febuary 2022.

Since the Hillsborough County section of Interstate 75 was completed in 1985, population growth along the highway’s path in the last 37 years now makes a timely journey from Southern Hillsborough County to points north and south a gamble because of delays caused by heavy trafc, as well as the driving mishaps that road congestion sometimes plays a role in.

To address the need for improvements to I-75 as it passes through Hillsborough and Manatee Counties, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is

By Brad Stager

Improvements being planned for Interstate 75 will be the subject of an FDOT-hosted public hearing on January 27 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Riverview.

developing projects to increase the trafc capacity and overall safety on a 41-mile stretch of the highway, and it is inviting the public to a hearing on the proposed work. The hearing is part of Project Development and Environment Studies the agency is conducting to evaluate proposed improvements.

There are two projects under development. One starts at Moccasin Wallow Rd. in Manatee County and goes north for 23 miles, ending south of U.S. 301 in Hillsborough County. The other extends for 18 miles, from south of U.S. 301 to north of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Hillsborough County.

Kristen Carson, public information director of FDOT’s District Seven, said, “The feedback of the community is very important to FDOT with every project we study so we can take into account the needs and concerns of the citizens.” Project materials are available at FDOT District Seven’s ofce at 11201 N. McKinley Dr. in Tampa.

Mulrennan Middle School teacher Kelli Michael was selected for nomination as a National Hockey League (NHL) Most Valuable Teacher. She was one of up to 20 teachers that were ‘featured’ for January.

SOUTHERN CONSTRUCTION TEAMS UP WITH 100-DAY DREAM HOME

Mika and Brian are kicking of a fourth season of the hit HGTV series 100 Day Dream Home. Last year, a new theme song was introduced after each episode and the songs can be heard at https:// www.hgtv.com/ shows/100-day-dream-home. Artists ranged from a Grammy-nominated singer, an HGTV host, TikTok creators and more. Residing in Tampa, Brian designs and constructs the home as a developer. Meanwhile, Mika decorates the home, adding value to it as a realtor. An additional 12, one-hour episodes have been ordered for Spring 2023.

Original Story Printed April 2022.

The Valrico-based Southern Construction recently joined with the HGTV show 100-Day Dream Home to turn dreams into reality for a fellow resident new to the Valrico area.

Southern Construction has been in business since 2015 building custom homes throughout Central Florida, including Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, Pinellas and Manatee counties.

100-Day Dream Home with locals Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt, both graduates of Riverview High School and owners of Dirt 2 Design, is in its third season on HGTV. Mika, the realtor, and Brian, the developer,

By Sharon Still

join with local designers and builders to create each client’s dream home in 100 days or less.

As the featured builder in a March episode, Southern Construction Owner Blair Johnson said he is excited about this opportunity and adds that if the show is picked up for season four, Southern Construction hopes to be a part of future episodes.

The episode that aired on March 14, “A New Chapter,” left viewers teary-eyed after the unveiling of the 3,200 sq. ft. home for a widowed, single mother of three, whose dream is to start a career in the culinary field.

Noting the homeowner’s goal of becoming a chef, the kitchen serves as the center piece of the home. “My house is absolutely beautiful,” said homeowner Tabatha Copper. She hopes to finish her culinary studies and start a career as a personal chef, doing meal prep and catering.

100-Day Dream Home airs on HGTV Sunday nights at 8 p.m. Past episodes, like the one featuring Southern Construction as the builder, can be viewed on Discovery+. For more information about 100Day Dream Home visit www.hgtv.com. Southern Construction is a certified VA homebuilder and can be reached at 813848-4213.

LOSING TO WIN MOVIE FILMING BRINGS DEAN CAIN TO VALRICO

Losing To Win

was filmed in Valrico in April and May and released in August at a red carpet premiere at Center Place.

The movie is just one of several faith-based films shot locally by JCFilms and is available on DVD and streaming at JCFilms.org. More local productions are planned.

Behind the scenes during the shooting of Losing to Win, a new faith-based, full-length feature flm shot in Valrico in April.

Original Story Printed May 2022.

A national faith-based movie production company now has a presence in Valrico. JCFilms Studios has launched its most recent production club, JCFilms Studios Tampa. And immediately after forming, the club put its first full-length feature film into production. Filming for seven days in April, the movie was shot on location in Valrico, Lithia, Plant City, Riverview, Brandon and Tampa. The film, called Losing to Win, follows four candidates through a reality show challenge and shares their story of regaining faith, building relationships and finding support through friends.

In March, JCFilms Studios Tampa put out a casting call for a faith-based movie featuring Dean Cain, best known for playing Superman in the Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman series, who has been a long-standing supporter of JCFilms. Cain was in town in May for the finale of the filming at 5th Gear Fitness in Valrico. The

By Marie Gilmore

owners, Jessica Adams and Gretchen Trasorras, are also the directors of the Tampa Club and have been involved in professional acting and training for years.

“I had the opportunity to be on set and be a principal character in two JCFilms productions,” explained Adams, “and we wanted to bring a production club to the Tampa area because we think we can produce really great movies right there in the area.”

To date, JCFilms has produced over 50 faith and family films. Jason Campbell, president of JCFilms Studios, explained, “Each of these Production Clubs are being created to ofer both education and opportunity for people of faith to get involved in Christian films.” In addition, Campbell hopes JCFilms Plus will become the premier platform for the growing number of independent Christian filmmakers.

JCFilms Plus is also going to serve as the distribution platform for the ministry’s production clubs. These nationwide film clubs will produce over 20 films in the next year.

JCFilms Plus has already been endorsed by top Christian leaders in film, music and church leadership. The video-on-demand platform is set to launch in June.

For more on clubs and the new streaming service, visit www.jcfilms.org.

Te Valrico-based Southern Construction recently joined with the HGTV show 100-Day Dream Home to turn dreams into reality for Valrico residents.

LOCAL GIRL SCOUTS TO HOLD BOARD GAME COLLECTION DRIVE

By Taylor Wells

and Valrico areas) and the girls’ troop leader. “Not only is CDT home to our Girl Scouts, but also it is a great Summer Camp for girls of all ages and our Girl Scouts’ meeting place we have grown to love with all our hearts.”

Construction is underway in Hillsborough County the company also opened a 22,000-squarefoot sales and distribution center in St. Petersburg to service Pinellas County, and surrounding areas.

The Girl Scouts made a board game donation at the beginning of the school year. They will continue to keep up with inventory and checking to make sure the games are complete and organized. The Girl Scouts of USA plan to feature the project on the national webpage. The girls collected 108 games during their ‘Bored’ Game Drive and will likely try to hold another game collection next Summer for new and like-new games.

Original Story Printed June 2022.

Three local Girl Scouts in Troop 3103 are seeking donations for a project they’ve been doing for their Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest award Cadettes (sixth through eighth grade) of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF) can earn. They plan to hold an annual ‘reverse garage sale’ where they will collect new and like-new board games, which starts this year on Saturday, June 25.

“Our girls, Lilliana Anthony, Bailey Depew and Isabella Cantin, have been working all year towards the collection of board games for our local camp, Camp Dorothy Thomas,” said Carrie Anthony, service unit manager of Caloosa (Brandon, Riverview

During their time at CDT, the three girls noticed that there’s a lack of indoor activities, which is inconvenient for when the weather is bad, girls aren’t able to participate in activities scheduled at the camp or if they just need a break. To alleviate this, they decided to form their Bored Game Girls project group and work with ranger Steve Huegel and the GSWCF council to create a proposal for games to be collected and maintained by the Cadettes.

“These girls have done research linking board games to better mental health, a sense of belonging, better relationships and even promoting better focus in all ages. They have created artwork for their cause, reached out to local businesses and worked with ranger Steve to fill the needs of their Girl Scout home,” said Carrie.

Also, the girls have created an Amazon Wish List, which can be found at www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/266IZ916JITL3.

Camp Dorothy Thomas is located at 16119 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. The reverse garage sale will be held from 8 a.m.12 Noon at Bloomingdale West Park, located at 3940 Canoga Park Dr. in Brandon. For its Facebook event page, visit www. facebook.com/events/459391202618068.

Original Story Printed July 2022.

Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, the largest minority-owned business in the state, broke ground on its state-of-the-art, 800,000 sq. ft. complex. The new Coca-Cola Tampa Sales and Distribution Center will be located on 156 acres located at the corner of U.S. Highway 301 and Causeway Boulevard. The complex is part of a $250 million investment for a fully automated fulfillment center and corporate ofces.

Coke Florida founder, chairman and CEO Troy Taylor was proud of his team’s eforts over the last few years and was joined at the groundbreaking by county, state and business partner reps along with elected ofcials and members of the Hillsborough County Sherif ’s Ofce. Guests invited to participate also included Mayor Jane Castor (City of Tampa), Craig Richard (president of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council) and other local, regional and state partners.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers COO Brian Ford said that the Bucs have never served any other beverage but Coca-Cola since 1976. “Today, it’s my honor to present a game ball to Troy and his team,” Ford said while

By Marie Gilmore

pledging the Bucs’ continued partnership. “Every time we get involved in something charitable in the community, we know we can count on Troy and Coca-Cola to participate, and that partnership means a lot.”

Taylor, a Marshall University graduate and father of two, credits his success to his associates, saying, “I have some really, really good people around me that are working toward the same goal. They understand the vision, and they work side by side.”

Founded in 2015, Coke Florida is the third-largest privately held and sixth-largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States.

The company operates in an exclusive Florida territory that covers 47 counties and serves over 21 million consumers.

The Tampa area is home to Coke Florida’s headquarters and one of four of its manufacturing operations.

The company employs over 4,600 associates and was recently named a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. The company is also one of the largest black-owned businesses in the United States and the largest minority-owned business in Florida. To learn more, visit www.cocacolaflorida.com.

Coca-Cola Beverages Florida breaks ground on a new 800,000 sq. ft. facility located on the corner of U.S. Highway 301 and Causeway Boulevard.

From left to right: Girl Scout Cadettes, Isabella Cantin, Bailey Depew and Lilliana Anthony post with 108 donated board games.

YOUTH RECOVERING AT HOME AFTER RIVERVIEW LIGHTNING STRIKE

Report

PUBLIC LIBRARIES CELEBRATES 2 MILLION DIGITAL CHECKOUTS IN 2021 Staf

Hillsborough can once again celebrate 2 million digital check-outs, making that seven consecutive times, as well as increases in statistics in each category. As of December 31, 2021, there were 53,428 unique users, 2.224 million total check-outs and 808,096 total holds, increasing to 56,197 unique users, 2.263 million total check-outs and 901,271 total holds as of December 16, 2022.

“Our diverse collection features something for everyone. You have the freedom to borrow e-books, audiobooks and magazines from anywhere and on many diferent devices. The Libby app is easy to use and everything is free, all you need is a library card,” said Julio Granda of Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library.

Original Story Printed July 2022.

Residents have been reading digitally more than ever in the last year. Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative recently announced that it reached 2 million digital checkouts for the second year

in a row. From January 1 to November 23, 2021, library customers borrowed two million e-books, audiobooks and digital magazines.

Tampa-Hillsborough Public Libraries reached the milestone more quickly than it did in 2020, having already reached one million checkouts by June 15. Readers are turning to the library’s digital collection for their information and entertainment in part because of the ease and convenience of the libraries’ online platforms. Customers can access digital titles from the comfort of their homes through the Libby app and OverDrive.

The public library system began ofering digital magazines for the first time in 2021. While e-books and e-magazines are popular among library customers, e-books take the award for most downloaded item with over 28,000 e-books rented per week.

For more information, visit your local library or visit https://hcplc.org/ for details on how to receive a library card and sign up for digital downloads.

Levi Stock is doing well after his lightning strike in August. “Essentially fully recovered,” according to dad Derek who jumped in to rescue Levi after he was thrown from the family boat while fishing. “He has no pain and plans on playing lacrosse this Spring.”

Original Story Printed August 2022.

A River Hills resident struck by lightning near Riverview’s Williams Park on June 30, is making progress on the road to recovery. While Levi Stock, 11, doesn’t remember much of what happened that day, it’s a day his family will never forget.

He and his parents, along with his 9-year-old sister, Ivy, were on the family’s Ranger fishing boat when the strike occurred. His father, Derek, had taken a halfday of work to spend time with his two youngest children while his older children (Maya, 15, and Toby, 12) were at a church camp. The family put the boat in the water at Williams Park and then spent some time fishing. As the afternoon got warmer, the family decided to anchor of Pine Key Tampa Bay, also known as Beer Can

By Michelle Caceres

Island, to cool of by swimming in the bay. Derek noticed dark clouds rolling in from the west, so they decided to head back to Williams Park. “We thought we were being proactive because we were one of the first boats to leave the island,” he said.

They approached the boat ramp, feeling relief that they would soon be of the water. While they could see lightning strikes far of in the distance, the sun was shining and it hadn’t started raining yet. Levi was at the front of the bow, getting ready to jump of with a rope to dock the boat when a bolt of lightning struck him, entering through his tailbone and exiting out his left foot. The force stopped his heart and knocked him into the water.

His dad quickly jumped into the water after him and the pair were pulled out of the water by good Samaritans, who hauled them onto their boat. Levi was unresponsive, so his dad immediately began performing CPR while his mom called 911 from their own boat.

A few frantic minutes later, sherif ’s officers arrived and attached Levi to an automated external defibrillator.

Levi was discharged from Tampa General Hospital on July 4 and continues to recover at home.

River Hills resident and lightning strike victim Levi Stock is recovering at home with his family.

Residents checked out e-books from local libraries more than ever before in 2021.

HCC OFFERS FIRST-EVER NURSING BACHELOR’S DEGREE

As of December 20, 2022, HCC has had 187 applicants to its BSN program, with 103 of those currently enrolled.

“The program is still being built by the faculty and new courses were added for students for the Spring 2023 term. The final capstone course will be made available to students in the Fall 2023 term. Our accrediting body. SACSCOC will be visiting HCC in the spring to evaluate for accreditation of the bachelor’s degree ofering,” stated Marcellyne M. Penny, MSN, RN, associate dean of nursing.

“Hillsborough Community College is continually looking for ways to serve the needs of our community, specifically our academic and workforce oferings. We work with business and community leaders to gauge the need of the labor force, both regionally and statewide. Currently, we are researching feasible options to add to our more than 200 academic and workforce certificates with a possible addition of bachelor’s degrees,” said Rich Senker, vice president for academic afairs.

Original Story Printed September 2022.

The first bachelor’s degree ofering in the 54-year history of Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is new this fall with online classes for registered nurses seeking to earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN).

By Linda Chion

Also ofered at HCC is an associate degree in nursing, which provides an entry-level education in nursing and eligibility to take the licensing examination for registered nurses.

The BSN degree takes it a step further with online studies in eightweek courses covering such topics as health promotion and risk reduction, ethical and legal issues, leadership and management, evidence-based practice and health care needs of diverse populations.

Paving the way for the BSN degree, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in mid-June issued its final approval for HCC as a baccalaureate-degree granting institution, which college ofcials say “will forever change the character of the institution.”

The BSN degree will be ofered campuswide across the HCC system, including in Brandon, Plant City and SouthShore, with courses primarily out of the Dale Mabry campus, said Deborah Kish Johansen, Brandon campus president.

“It’s quite exciting and a change for us,” said Johansen, noting as well the national nursing shortage. “The mission of community colleges is to help with programming where we can, so it makes sense to help with shortages to help meet the needs of our individual communities.”

For infor on admission, costs, courses and accreditation, www.hccfl.edu, email hccnursing@hccfl.edu or 813-253-7284.

LIFETIME NETWORK FEATURES QUEENA’S STORY OF INSPIRATION

Hope Heals the Brain, a 501c3 nonprofit, is actively seeking event sponsors for a Topgolf Fundraiser on 2/19/23. The group is raising funds to support three local women with brain injuries that will help pay for ongoing medical, therapy, and homecare expenses. Email hopehealsthebrain@gmail.com or visit Eventbrite for more information:hopeclassic. eventbrite.com

You can also RSVP to our Facebook event to keep up to date with all the details and updates- https://fb.me/e/1TJG66614

Original Story Printed October 2022.

Our community knows both the tragic and heroic stories of Queena Phu. Years later after her tragic story, Phu continues to thrive. “Although Queena has had to stay home for a long time as a precaution during the pandemic, she still did maintain most of her therapy schedule,” said her mother, Vanna Nguyen. “She has been as hard at work as ever. She smiles through most of her home therapy visits and her sessions at Stay in Step Recovery Center.”

Phu’s life story was a recent episode on

By Libby Hopkins

Lifetime’s #TextMeWhenYouGetHome series. The documentary aired on August 15 and can be watched on the Lifetime app, Hulu Live on demand and is available for rent on Amazon. “In February, we received a contact from AMS pictures via our contact form on Queena’s website,” Vanna said. “They had been researching stories of women who had been the victim of violence so they could tell their story in their own words and found Queena’s story and blog while doing their research. We filmed the interviews on March 9, and the show was released August 15 of this year.”

Since the attack in 2008, Phu’s cognitive impairments due to her traumatic brain injury have made it harder for Phu to express her thoughts in an organized manner. “For 14 years, she has been expressing her thoughts and feelings through facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language,” Nguyen said. “She has struggled to modulate self-control and self-awareness, and as a result she can sometimes react impulsively in social situations.”

For more information about Phu, you can visit her website at www.joinqueena.com.

Queena Phu’s life story was a recent episode on Lifetime’s #TextMeWhenYouGetHome series. Te documentary aired on August 15 and can be watched on the Lifetime app, Hulu Live on demand and is available for rent on Amazon.

Te Brandon campus of Hillsborough Community College is at 10451 Nancy Watkins Dr. in Tampa.