Osprey Observer Valrico February 2024 by Osprey Observer

Valrico

February 2024

Volume 21, Issue 2

February 29-March 10

Ph: 813-657-2418

See Ad On Page 27

CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS

DURANT FOOTBALL’S CLAYTON VARNUM SELECTED AS TAMPA Staff Report BAY BUCS COACH OF THE YEAR gratulate all the contestants

DURANT STUDENT CROWNED QUEEN AND JUNIOR ROYALTY WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL PAGEANT

Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596

Postal Customer

ECRWSS EDDM

PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2118

Annistyn Griffin was crowned queen of the 89th tonight. They put in so much Florida Strawberry Festival time and effort in preparin the annual pageant held at ing for tonight, and it is our the festival grounds on Janhope that no matter the outuary 20. come, maybe that at the end Annistyn was selected of the night, they have all from a field of 17 conteshad fun, they all made some tants. Taylor Gregory was new friends and they have chosen as first maid along enjoyed their participation with court members Zion in this event.” Keese, SaraGrace Sparkman Also crowned were the Annistyn Griffin, who was and Abigail Spivey. winners of the annual Junior crowned queen of the 89th “I’m so honored and ready Florida Strawberry Festival. Royalty Pageant. One hunto give this next year of my dred and twenty-one regislife to Plant City,” said Annistered contestants from 5-15 tyn. “I’m looking forward to years old competed in four interacting with every single categories according to their guest that walks through ages: baroness, duchess, the festival gates and leave princess and queen. From an impact like they did for the top five finalists in each me.” category, a first maid and a Annistyn is the daughter winner were chosen. of Artis and Jennifer GrifBrooke Browning was fin. She is currently a junior selected as Junior Royalty at Durant High School and Queen; Ava Bikowski was dual enrolled at Hillsborough chosen as Junior Royalty Community College. She Back, left to right: Ava Bikow- Princess; Kezley Salinas was serves as a member of Na- ski, Junior Royalty Princess, chosen as Junior Royalty tional Honor Society, Nation- and Brooke Browning, Junior Duchess; and Reagan Causey Royalty Queen. Front, left al English Honor Society, Juwas chosen as Junior Royalto right: Reagan Causey, nior Class Council, Student ty Baroness. Junior Royalty Baroness, and Government Association Kezley Salinas Junior Royalty The queen and court make and the Durant Senior FFA. over 80 appearances repreDuchess. She plans to pursue a career in medical so- senting the Florida Strawberry Festival and nography to specialize in neurosonography. the Plant City community and can be seen The Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s at festival events and at community events Competition is organized by the Plant City throughout the year. Lions Club and is composed of five facets of The Junior Royalty winners will represent competition: a personal interview, onstage the Florida Strawberry Festival throughspeaking, casual wear, evening wear and an out the year also, making appearances at impromptu question. events and in the annual Plant City Christ“We especially would like to thank the mas Parade and Grand Parade during the Plant City Lions Club for sponsoring this festival. contest and for all the time and hard work For more information, visit www.flstrawthey put into making this a successful berryfestival.com, Facebook, Instagram event,” said Florida Strawberry Festival or X, formerly known as Twitter (#berryChairman Danny Coton. “I want to con- fest24).

Ybor City Museum Society’s annual Buildings Alive! Architecture Hop is a fun way to see and visit multiple historical and architecturally interesting buildings in Ybor City, which is an important area of Tampa that all residents should visit and cherish. For schedules and tickets, visit www.ybormuseum.org. Read the full article on page 30.

By Nick Nahas

Clayton Varthe award. num, Durant “It’s a little High School bit of reaffirCougars head mation that we coach, was seare doing somelected as the thing good here Tampa Bay Bucat Durant,” said caneers Coach Varnum. “It’s of the Year after hard to know leading his team how well you’re Photos courtesy of Sebastian Arbelaez. really to back-to-back doing district titles, a Clayton Varnum will represent the Bucs on the nation- when you’re the al stage as their representative for the Don Shula High 9-3 overall reone doing the School Coach of the Year Award. cord and three accounting. For straight playoff an organization berths. The Coulike the Bucs to gars have avrecognize it just eraged at least makes me confieight wins per dent in what we season since he are doing. I’ve took the job besaid it once and fore the 2021I’ll say it again, 22 season. this award beThe head longs to our coach received players, coaches, Clayton Varnum got to meet Bucs All-Pro safety $2,000 for his school and comAntoine Winfield Jr. program, official munity. Without Buccaneers swag, a personal tour of One them, things like this don’t happen.” Buc Place and two tickets to Super Bowl The former Durant High School lineLVIII. backer has coached football at Durant “I was honestly shocked,” said Var- since he graduated from the school in num. “What a great honor to represent 2011 and became the head man in 2021. Durant on such a big stage. I’m grateful He’s been a fan of the team since he was for all the people in my life who made eight years old. He is also the grandson something like this possible.” of Newsome High School founder Joe E. In addition, he got to meet Bucca- Newsome. Varnum hopes to continue his neers head coach Todd Bowles, All-Pro great run as head coach into the next safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and backup season. quarterback Kyle Trask. “I’m proud of our program and thank“Coach Bowles has been in the league ful to be representing my alma mater in a long time, so meeting anyone with that a positive way,” said Varnum. “Cougars kind of experience is awesome,” said forever.” Varnum. “Antoine and Kyle were great as well. I felt like none of them had to do that, so taking the time to talk to me was special.” FORMER ARMWOOD ATHLETE....PG 4 Varnum will represent the Bucs on the MOTORING TAMPA BAY .................PG 5 national stage as their representative for the Don Shula High School Coach NAVIGATING WILLS.........................PG 8 of the Year Award. He will be running EYE ON BUSINESS ................PGS 25-26 against all of the other National Football ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT......... PG 31 Conference teams’ representatives for

IN THIS ISSUE:

Page 2

Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 2

Happy Valentine’s Day! 813.438.5960 NEEDREED.COM 101 E. Lumsden Road Brandon, FL 33511

Having a Lawyer in the

FAMILY

Personal Injury Cases FREE CONSULTATIONS

Auto Accidents * Slip and Fall Boating Accidents * Dog Bites Wrongful Death * Motorcycles

Valrico Edition

February 2024

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA EXPANDS FREE TEACH PROGRAM TO INCLUDE BLACK HISTORY MONTH CURRICULUM FOR EDUCATORS

Staff Report

National nonprofand character,” said it Wreaths Across Tatum. “As with all of America (WAA), as our free lesson plans, part of its yearlong we focus on charmission to “Rememacter development ber, Honor, Teach,” and service projects, recently announced and the curriculum free access for educais tailored for kindertors with lesson plans garten through high highlighting Black school, catering to History Month (Febdiverse learning abilruary) curriculums. ities.” The WAA TEACH Lesson plans are Program, spearavailable for free headed by retired download at www. educator, Gold Star wreathsacrossameriMother and WAA Retired educator, Gold Star Mother and ca.org/teach and acWreaths Across America’s curriculum curriculum developer developer Cindy Tatum, who spearheads cessible on Teachers Cindy Tatum, aims to Pay Teachers. Educathe Wreaths Across America TEACH equip educators with tors and homeschoolProgram. a service-based curers are encouraged riculum to instill the to explore and incorvalues of freedom porate the materials and honor in students into their lesson plans across the nation. for Black History Month and beyond. In 1976, President Gerald Ford offiThe TEACH Program encompasses cially recognized Black History Month, materials from philanthropic and patricalling upon the public to “seize the op- otic organizations, including the United portunity to honor the too-often neglect- States of America Vietnam War Comed accomplishments of black Americans memoration, the Random Acts of Kindin every area of endeavor throughout ness Foundation, the Congressional Medour history.” In honor of Black History al of Honor Society and the Library of Month, the Wreaths Across America Congress Veterans History Project. TEACH Program has developed lesson For more information about Wreaths plans that honor the contributions and Across America and how to participate lasting legacies of Rosa Parks, Martin in National Wreaths Across America Day Luther King, Jr., Sojourner Truth, Ruby on Saturday, December 14, visit www. Bridges, the Buffalo Soldiers and many wreathsacrossamerica.org. others. To learn more about the Wreaths “Our lesson plans offer a comprehen- Across America TEACH Program, please sive curriculum designed to engage stu- read the blog post at www.wreathsacdents of all ages in stories of courage rossamerica.org/home/news/1085.

2495

Labor cost for

Two-Story Home Exterior Painting

Page 3

TRIDENT HOSTS HOLIDAY SHOW FOR STUDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY

By Lily Belcher

High 5 Inc.’s TRIthe process of what it’s DENT program hosted going to take,’” Somers its annual talent show said. to showcase the skills of By giving students the program’s students. a hands-on role in TRIDENT, or Training the planning process, and Recreational for the Somers helps students Intellectually Disabled gain the key planning Enhancing their Natural and management skills Talents, hosted the holthey need. TRIDENT students participated in a iday show on December “What our program talent show to showcase their skills. 15, 2023, for around 150 mostly focuses on, or community members. we try to focus on, is “Going into the holday-to-day life skills and idays, our students, helping them to improve they’re like everybody their independence or else. They want to pergain more indepenform. They want to show dence,” he said. “… It off their skills,” TRIDENT gives them that sense director Joe Somers. of independence and reTRIDENT’s annual holiday show gave Somers said the show students the opportunity to perform. sponsibility.” gave the 24 participants Somers also said TRIthe opportunity to do just that: perform. DENT will host cooking classes this year. He said future shows will be more than While family members of the students had just singing. Students will be responsible concerns about the risks associated with for creating their own costumes, sets and cooking, TRIDENT developed a way to props to include a wider variety of talents. teach students to cook for themselves using The annual holiday show is just one of the microwaves and other lower-risk appliancevents hosted by TRIDENT for students to es. gain and showcase their skills. Students will continue to learn importSince Somers took over the program in ant skills, such as creating a budget, using April 2022, he has emphasized indepen- computer programs and hands-on workdence for students in the program. He said force development, through the day and his approach is to encourage students and after-school programs available. offer them assistance when needed. TRIDENT is also earning its Agency for For example, he said TRIDENT students Persons with Disabilities provider status will play an active role in planning and ex- early this year. The status will allow it to ecuting a potential walkathon fundraiser accept Medicaid and Medicare for students event this spring to support the program. hoping to join the program. “We have a lot of ideas that we haven’t For more information on the opportunifinalized. … That’s one of the things we are ties created for students through the TRItrying to teach [the students], that ‘Hey, it’s DENT program, visit https://high5inc.org/ great to have ideas, but let’s talk through trident-2/.

We offer the best healthcare for you and your family with 100% Satisfaction

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Your Health is Our Priority

SALMAN AHMED M.D. PRIMARY CARE

1995* Labor cost for

One-Story Home Exterior Painting

595

for a Day Program 8 hours of * Painter labor with our highest-level painter!

Perfect for painting: 1 average-sized room 2 smaller rooms Bathroom Baseboards/trim Entry door

• General Health • Chronic Disease Management • Flu/Pneumonia Treatment and Prevention • Adult Vaccinations • Pre-Op Clearance • Well Woman Health Screening • STD Screening/Treatment • Consultation/ Second Opinion URGENT APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Burgess & Michelle Perry

813-257-0342 13113 Vail Ridge Dr, Riverview, FL 33579

paintcorps.com/tampa-fl

(813) 519-3484

www.riverviewinternalmedicine.com Offering Direct Care and Private Pay

Page 4

Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 2

ARMWOOD BASKETBALL CELEBRATES FORMER PLAYER ADAM SOLLAZZO IN NUMBER RETIREMENT

TAKE A STROLL IN THE CHARMING DOWNTOWN PLANT CITY AND DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW

By Nick Nahas

By Kathy L. Collins

Armwood High one of the more School celebrated nervous moments former standout of my career, seebasketball player ing all that hard Adam Sollazzo in a work pay off. It number retirement was definitely ceremony on Janulife-changing and ary 24. The former made me really 2008 Class 5A feel special, and I Player of the Year am forever gratePhoto courtesy of Dina Langston. is the first Armful for Armwood 2008 District 13 Player of the Year Adam Sollazzo wood basketball to hold me at such celebrated with family, former high school teamplayer to have his mates, former coaches and friends at the ceremony. a high honor.” number retired and The 2008 hung in the rafters. His number, 20, was All-Western Conference Player of the officially retired in 2014, but he didn’t Year played at Armwood from 2004have a chance to attend a ceremony 08. He averaged 22 points per game, 6.3 until now because he had been playing assists per game and 6.1 rebounds per overseas for the last 11 years. game in his senior season. He also beThe former East Tennessee State came a 2008 Florida Athletic Coaches University star went on to have an out- Association All-Star that year. standing basketball career overseas, Adam is now retired from basketball winning a championship with his Span- and has his real estate license in the ish league club, Rio Breogán, located in area. The former guard hosts basketball Lugo, Spain in 2021, while also being camps once a month at Armwood High named finals MVP. He played 11 total School to teach and encourage local seasons overseas in Romania, Germany, youth basketball players. Italy, Argentina, France and Spain. “I don’t want people to look at that The 2008 District 13 Player of the jersey in the rafters and just think about Year celebrated with family, former me and how good of a player I was,” said high school teammates, former coach- Adam. “I want it to be more of an inspies and friends in the ceremony. His ration and somewhat of a challenge to dad, Paul Sollazzo, who is an assistant all the players in the county and all the coach for Bloomingdale High School, kids who come to my basketball camps was able to attend because the celebra- to see that jersey and think, ‘Hey, sometion was scheduled for the Armwood vs. one from this area made it to be a proBloomingdale basketball game. fessional.’ I just hope that the next time “I was kind of speechless,” said Adam. I come in this gym 10 years from now “I started my speech off saying that I’ve that there are more jerseys hanging up probably played in front of 50-60,000 there because someone took mine as a people at times, and this is probably challenge to be better than me.”

Downtown Plant City is Cross Reynolds Street a charming place. A visit and take a look around there makes for a great Rowan & Plum, located outing. There is always at 102 W. Reynolds St. something new going on, This is a wonderful shop and with that in mind, that offers a variety of let’s take a quick look at gifts and home decor the new and long-standwhich changes seasonaling places to visit. ly. It is open on Mondays CocoRow, located at from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tues103 E. Dr. Martin Luther day to Saturday from 11 King Jr. Blvd., sells handa.m.-7 p.m. and on Sunday made, original jewelry. from 12 Noon-4 p.m. No two pieces area alike. As you come down CocoRow opened in early Reynolds Street, you will Jamie and Cody, owners of Three December 2023. It is open see a new eatery called Hands Mead Company, want to seven days a week from Greek Treat, located at welcome everyone to enjoy their new 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 115 E. Reynolds St. It is patio. Come enjoy a glass of mead, Walk down the street then take a walk around downtown open Monday through and take a left on Collins and visit other fun locations, such as Saturday from 11 a.m.-8 Street. Catnip Café and Catnip Café and Adoption Lounge. p.m. Adoption Lounge, located at 202 S. Collins A few spots down, you will come to Sweet St., is a delightful addition to the area. All Roots Apparel, located at 121 E. Reynold St. the cats are being fostered and come from If you are looking for a fun new outfit or a Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter. It has a sepa- gift, this is the place for you. rate lounge where you can interact with the Take a right on Palmer Street and stop by cats and a café that offers handcrafted teas, Crushin’ on Cookies, located at 107 N. Palmwine and beer, along with bakery items. er. It offers unique cookies, dessert bars and Leah Babington, an employee of the café, personalized cookie cakes for any occasion said, “People leave here with smiles.” or nonoccasion. Continue down Collins Street and stop in As you continue down Palmer Street, Angelina’s Deli, an Italian deli located at 204 take a right on NE Drane Street and stop in S. Collins St. It is open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at some old favorites, including The Kandy during weekdays and until 8 p.m. on week- Shoppe, Tub Treats Bath and Body as well as ends. Fringe Boutique, which offers unique gifts. Turn and go north on Collins Street and Finally, walk over to Evers Street and stop you will come to Style Bar Blow Dry Sa- in for a craft beer at Roots Tap Room and lon, located at 120 N. Collins St. It is open Wine Bar or a handcrafted mead at Three Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Hands Mead Company. And if you want a Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. delicious baked good, you do not want to and on Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. miss Crumbles and Cream.

We focus on the image

Now Open in Riverview Life doesn’t slow down, but getting a clearer picture of your health matters. That’s why we’ve created a convenient imaging experience located at the AdventHealth Care Pavilion in Riverview with extended hours — all at affordable, outpatient pricing. With our stateof-the-art imaging technology, we ensure your doctors have all the right information — so you can get back to life’s important moments.

Our services:

So you can focus on the big picture

3D mammography

MRI

Bone density (DEXA)

Ultrasound

Digital X-ray

971586158

AHCarePavilionBloomingdale.com 813-548-8550

Valrico Edition

February 2024

2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico 33596 (fax) 813-657-4469 ' $ ' ! #$' ' " ' ' • (office) '&' 813-657-2418 ' • ' &' % ' ' ! " " " " "

" "

! !

! & $ '

& $ '

" " " "

! !

! & $ '

& $ '

" "

! !

# & $ '

& $ '

" "

! ! Publishing Positive News

Since 2001

!% $ '

!" & $ '

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES FISHHAWK/BLOOMINGDALE & VALRICO ADVERTISING

RIVERVIEW/APOLLO BEACH & SOUTHSHORE ADVERTISING

813-625-1527

813-833-7470

khoening@ospreyobserver.com

mhartmann@ospreyobserver.com

BRANDON & WINTHROP ADVERTISING

BRANDON ADVERTISING

813-300-5152

813-310-4434

mgershkoff@ospreyobserver.com

belkins@ospreyobserver.com

Kerrie Hoening

Melissa Hartmann

Brooke Elkins

Melody Gershkoff

PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS THROUGHOUT

Garage Door Service, Repair & Installation • Residential Garage Doors • Garage Door Openers • Broken Springs Estimates • Cables on New Garage Door • Rollers Installs • Doors off Track

FREE

steve@mastergaragedoor.com

mastergaragedoor.com

25 years serving the community with only the highest quality parts and service.

Celebrating 25 Years of Serving Our Community!

Medicare Questions? Need Help?

Time to review your plan!

ACA Under 65 Health Insurance

Michele L. Bartock

Independent 2-15 Agent AHIP & ACA Certified

Not Affiliated with any Federal Agency

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 11 organizations which offer over 60 plans in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1–800–MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all your options.

www.medicareofflorida.com 813.767.2878 | 656.202.0602 No Cost! Paid By Insurance!

CHRYSLER PACIFICA HYBRID A COMFY FAMILY HAULER, GAS SIPPER

By Nitish Rele

Leave it to passenger-side Chrysler to come power-sliding up with a first. doors for easy A pioneer of the ingress/egress. minivan segment And, of course, more than four destorage comcades ago with the partments thrive Dodge Grand Carin the Pacifica, avan and Chrysler offering 140.5 Town & Country, cubic feet with PACIFICA HYBRID (PINNACLE) Tires: P235/60R18 the automaker debuted in both rear rows folded Wheelbase: 121.6 inches 2017 with the Chrysler Paand 32.3 cubic feet beLength: 204.3 inches cifica — the world’s first hind the last row. During Width: 79.6 inches gasoline plug-in hybrid minlong family trips, tiny Height: 69.9 inches ivan. The result has been a Suspension: MacPherson strut tots in the rear seat can front, twist-blade rear big seller from day one. be entertained via two A 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar Steering: electric rack and pinion 10.1-inch touch screens Weight: 5,010 pounds gas engine is coupled to (plus a FamCam that Fuel capacity: 16.5 gallons two electric motors, one of offers a bird’s eye view Gas only: 30 mpg combined which serves as a generatoo). Other goodies inGas and electricity: 82 MPGe combo tor and the other delivers clude tri-zone auto AC, Price as tested: $62,435 torque. The rechargeable eight-way power front Website: www.stellantis.com 16-kWh lithium-ion battery heated/cooled seats, in the second-row floor enpower lift gate, quilted ables the Pacifica to go about 32 miles on caramel Nappa leather seats, 10.1-inch pure electric. Pumping up the battery via a Uconnect for infotainment, suede headlin240-volt charger takes just two hours. On er, dual panoramic sunroof, integrated and a full battery and gas tank, you can go well flowing floor console and a tilt/telescopic over 500 miles. All in all, its total horse- leather steering column. power is 260, plenty to cruise the highway Dual front and side airbags, side curor speed up in rush-hour traffic. The elec- tain airbag for all three rows, front knee trically variable transmission in the front- airbags and active head restraints, lane wheel-drive minivan is up to the job. departure/forward collision warnings, Our high-end Pinnacle model showed electronic stability/traction control with off a black-front, 3D-diamond-styled grille brake assist, four-wheel antilock brakes, with platinum chrome surround, flanked blind-spot monitor with rear-cross detecby bifunctional LED projector headlights, tion, 360-degree camera, front/rear and daytime running lights and fog lamps. But hill-start assists, adaptive cruise control, it is for interior amenities that people will pedestrian emergency brakes, daytime buy this minivan. Forget Stow ’N Go for the running lights and tire pressure monitorsecond row (though the captain’s chairs ing system are standard. easily slide), but the third-row bench While by no means a bargain at a steep does power-fold into the floor. For extra $60,345, the Pacifica plug-in hybrid gas savings, keep a close eye on the digi- should attract families looking for a safe tal information display of battery charge, and solid ride, people- and cargo-hauling engine power and fuel gauge readings. capability and mainly substantial fuel savLaudable are the convenient driver and ings at the pump.

Be a Part of the Magic with a STEAM Program -CHALLENGE ISLAND CAMPS -AftER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT -CHALLENGE ISLAND ONSITE fiELD TRIPS

rrecine@challenge-island.com www.challenge-island.com

CUSTOM HAIR For the hair you’ve always wanted!

Thin Hair? Thin Hair?

Since 1969

For the hair you’ve always wanted!

Term Life Insurance

mlbartock@gmail.com

nitishrele@gmail.com

CUSTOM HAIR

Lost Medicaid Coverage - Call me for Help Medicare: Supplement/Medigap Prescription Part D Medicare Advantage

Page 5

• EUROPEAN HUMAN HAIR WIGS AND TOPPERS • EUROPEAN HUMAN HAIR WIGS AND TOPPERS • Finest Human Hair and Synthetic Blended Wigs • Largest In-Stock Selection in Tampa Bay • Chemotherapy and Alopecia Specialists • Sales and Service of Men’s Hair Systems Lori • Owner & Client

APPOINTMENT ONLY PLEASE CLEARWATER MALL

BRANDON

TAMPA

2643 Gulf to Bay, Ste. 1530

117 N. Kings Ave.

1425 W. Busch Blvd.

727-725-1052

813-651-9484

813-932-5327

CustomHairTampaBay.com

Page 6

Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 2

THE VILLAGE PLAYERS TO PRESENT THE BATTLE OF THE GODFATHERS By Kathy L. Collins The Village Players rival godfathers who of Valrico will present fight over who has an original play, The the best pizza in town. Battle of the GodfaToss in that their only thers, this month and kids are dating each in March. All shows other behind their will be presented at fathers’ back, put in the historic James Mcsome stupid laughs Cabe Theater, which is and that is my play.” on Hillsborough CounPazo explained, ty’s Registration of “This show is my third Historic Places. The original show, and if James McCabe Themembers of the comater, built in 1915, is munity love The Godlocated at 506 N. 5th The Village Players of Valrico will present father, they will love The Battle of the Godfathers, an original St. in Valrico. this show.” Pazo addplay written and directed by Domin Pazo, The Battle of the ed, “This is an adult this month and in March at its historic Godfathers will be comedy with adult James McCabe Theater in Valrico. presented on Friday, content, but anyone February 16, February wanting a fun night 23 and March 1, and out should come see Saturday, February this show. You will 17, February 24 and not be disappointed.” March 2, at 8 p.m. The Village Players There will be two Sunis a nonprofit commuday matinees on February 18 and 25 at nity teaching theater. As an all-volunteer 3 p.m. organization, it takes months to put on a Tickets are $23 for general admission show like The Battle of the Godfathers. and $20 for seniors, military, students Pazo said, “The cast and crew have been and groups of 10 or more. To reserve on this project since November. They have seats for 10 or more, please call the box worked really hard, and they are so ready office at 813-480-3147. You can purchase for an audience.” tickets by visiting https://thevillageplayThe mission of the Village Players is to ersvalrico.com/. spotlight local talent and work with those The Battle of the Godfathers is an orig- who would like to learn various different inal play written and directed by the Vil- aspects of the theater, both on and offlage Players’ very own, Domin Pazo. The stage, while providing affordable theater play is an original adult comedy spoofing experiences and entertainment for the loThe Godfather and other mobster movies. cal community. According to Pazo, “The play is a spoof For more information about The Village of the classic 1972 Oscar winning movie Players or to purchase tickets, please visit The Godfather. In our play, there are two https://thevillageplayersvalrico.com/.

FOSTERING RESCUED ANIMALS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Do you love animals? Have you ever thought about fostering an animal in need but didn’t know where to start? This month, we are going to dive into Fostering 101 and highlight the incredible, lifesaving journey of becoming a volunteer pet foster parent. Let’s start with what fostering actually means and why this volunteer role is a critical need in every part of Florida. According to the ASPCA, approximately 6 million companion animals enter shelters and rescues in the United States annually. This breaks down further to over 3 million homeless cats and 3 million homeless dogs nationwide. Of those, nearly a million are euthanized every year for lack of space, resources and adoptions. In Florida, these numbers are highly represented as one of the top states in the country to euthanize companion pets. Over 20,000 dogs and cats lost their lives just last year in our state facilities. Many of which could have been saved with an available foster home. Fostering means providing a temporary home, love and care to an animal that is under the supervision of a shelter or rescue organization. Most fostering arrangements include the coverage of all medical care, food, supplies and support. Signing up to foster is a great way to be involved without a permanent commitment to a new or additional pet. It is also a great

way to introduce your family to the responsibilities attached to lifetime pet ownership. Often, finding new foster home volunteers can become a challenge for many nonprofit animal rescue organizations. The most common concern is becoming too attached to the foster animal and not wanting to later let them go to an adoptive home. This fear of attachment and loss is natural but also temporary. To those with this concern, remember that this pain is small when compared to the pain of losing the animal completely, for never having intervened. Expanding our hearts is one of life’s many gifts. Opening ourselves up to save a life is a moment in which one will seldom, if ever, regret. You can maximize your impact by choosing a local shelter, organization or foster-based rescue, with a well-oiled system and history in your community. There are many options in Florida to find your perfect fit. If you’d like to find out more information and explore foster animal opportunities locally, reach out to FishHawk TNR Inc. Animal Rescue by email at fishhawktnr4@gmail.com and learn how you can save the lives of animals in need. Ali Holton is currently director of FishHawk TNR Inc. She has a master’s in biodiversity, wildlife and ecosystems and 20 years of experience specializing in animal behavior and conservation. To reach her, email fishhawktnr4@gmail.com.

MENTORS NEEDED!

FEBRUARY 2024 CONCERT FREE - Will Offering

SCORE TAMPA - HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

FREE SMALL BUSINESS MENTORING BY EXPERTS IN MARKETING, FINANCE, CPA’S AND MORE • $700,000 (estimated) IN FREE MENTORING LAST YEAR • 968 SMALL BUSINESS CLIENTS LAST YEAR • 387 ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS MENTORED

813.677.1301 813.677.1301 9912 Indiana St. (Hwy 41 & Estelle Ave) Gibsonton, FL 33534

We’re Helping People Achieve Their Dreams! February 18 @ 6PM Nursery Provided

Mark your calendars: Dixie Echoes March 2

WWW.SCORE.ORG/TAMPA

EMAIL: CH.ADMIN0203@SCOREVOLUNTEER.ORG

501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT RESOURCE PARTNER OF THE U.S. SBA

Valrico Edition

February 2024

LEGISLATION AND PROGRAMS KEEP LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER INTERACTIONS SAFE

By Brad Stager

Among the most interact with the outunpredictable, as side world in unprewell as dangerous, dictable ways. situations sheriff’s “These registries deputies and police will provide some officers face is when peace of mind for they are dealing with caregivers and an exsomeone in a state of tra level of protection mental distress that’s for those impacted associated with a The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s by Alzheimer’s and Project Safe Encounter program is an chronic disability or other dementia,” said example of a registry created to improve condition that affects Alex Anderson, vice safety when law enforcement officers their judgment and interact with someone who has cognitive, president of public actions. physical or behavioral characteristics they policy at the AlzheiA state law that mer’s Association may find alarming. went into effect on January 1 is intended Florida chapters. “This is an excellent first to reduce the risks to law enforcers and step to a larger push for law enforcement the people they interact with by allowing agencies to have the tools and resources local officials to establish a database of to better support the more than 580,000 individuals with conditions that may af- Floridians living with Alzheimer’s and fect their behavior. 827,000 family caregivers.” The intention is that making informaThe Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office tion such as names of people with rele- provides a way for residents to be regisvant medical conditions and emergency tered through its Project Safe Encouncontact information available can help ter program. Conditions that may make first responders better understand who registration appropriate include Alzheithey are dealing with and what kinds of mer’s, blindness, autism, Down syndrome, behaviors and situations they may be able deafness and other disabilities that could to prepare for. affect how people interact with law enKnown as the ‘Protect Our Loved Ones forcement officers. You can learn more Act,’ the new law makes it legal for local about the registry at www.teamhcso. jurisdictions to maintain registries of peo- com. ple who suffer from psychological or cogThe legislation permitting registries nitive conditions such as schizophrenia or was passed during the last legislative Alzheimer’s disease. session, and related bills are being conAccording to the Alzheimer’s Associ- sidered this year. The Alzheimer’s Disease ation, legislation like this in Florida and and Related Dementia Training for Law other states can have a positive impact Enforcement Officers bill is making its and save lives because about 60 percent way through the Florida House of Repreof those afflicted with Alzheimer’s will sentatives as HB 801 and Florida Senate wander away from their home base and as SB 208.

Page 7

TAMPA ELECTRIC CELEBRATES 125 YEARS

Staff Report

When the first electric streetlight illuminated downtown Tampa in the late 19th century, crowds gathered, and reporters wrote about the ‘light show.’ Since that first streetlight, everyone’s lives have been immeasurably brightened by the power of electricity. And now, in 2024, Tampa Electric marks its 125th anniversary — right where it all began. “At the heart of our 125year history is a deep connection with the communities we serve,” said Archie Collins, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. “As one of the oldest companies in Tampa, we have powered homes and businesses — while fueling dreams and aspirations. We are proud to be such an important part of the fabric of this community.” Through the years, the energy industry has changed dramatically as technology has advanced. Tampa Electric has been at the forefront of these changes, constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of customers. From adding renewable energy sources to integrating a smarter grid, the company’s commitment to progress, safety and customers has always been its priority. Here are just a few examples: • In 1899, the company had 28 employees and 1,200 customers. Today, Tampa Electric employs about 2,500 people and serves 840,000 customers across West Central Florida. Each year, employees devote tens of thousands of hours volun-

Office Hours: 8 am - 5 pm M-F

Emergency Service Available | Free Estimates on new HVAC systems OUR MISSION: To serve all with integrity while striving for excellence SERVICES OFFERED

Lic# CAC056868

Service Areas: Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk

Celebrating 30 Years

We thank our customers for making 30 years possible. To say thank you, mention this ad for a coupon towards service or a new system

• For both Residential and Commercial • UV Light Installation • Thermostats • A/C & Heating Installation • Air Duct Installation and Repair • A/C & Heating Maintenance • Humidifiers • A/C & Heating Repair • Zoning • Air Cleaners

ASK ABOUT RED’S CLUB

teering to make our communities brighter. • Far from the days of that first downtown streetlight, TECO now has 200,000 energy-efficient LED streetlights, some with smart-city capabilities. • The company’s fuel use has changed dramatically. This year, coal consumption is expected to be down by 94 percent since 2000. Solar power is up to 14 percent of the electricity we create, with plans to add more. TECO generates the highest amount of solar energy per customer of any utility in the state. That all adds up to save customers about $200 million in fuel costs since 2017. • In the 1980s, the Big Bend power plant developed an unusual following — of manatees. The gentle giants gather in the warm, clean water used to cool the plant. What began as a small parking lot, then a trailer, eventually became the award-winning Manatee Viewing Center. • In the past 20 years, Tampa Electric has reduced the length of power outages by 40 percent and reduced the number of momentary ‘flickers’ by 65 percent. Today, the company delivers 99.98 percent service reliability to customers. The next chapter in the TECO story will be one of continued innovation, sustainability and community engagement. Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 840,000 customers in West Central Florida. Visit www.tampaelectric. com.

$30 off a service call $300 off a new system Not to be combined with any other discount. Expires April 30, 2024.

Page 8

Valrico Edition

ROTARY SPOTLIGHT:

ACTIVITIES, MEETINGS & MORE

Staff Report

Interact Club Of Tampa Bay (High School Students)

Ave. in Brandon.

Brandon ’86

The Brandon ’86 Rotary Club will be hosting the 202324 ‘Create Hope in the World’ Speech Contest for members of the Interact Club of Tampa Bay on Friday, February 23. Meetings are held weekly on Fridays from 8-9 a.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon.

The Interact Club of Tampa Bay meets on the first Monday of each month. The March meeting will be on March 4, 6-8 p.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. All area high school students are invited, and food will be Brandon Global Eco provided. Come learn about the ‘Create Hope in the World’ Speech Con- (Meets On Zoom) test on Friday, February 23. Contact: Chad Are you passionate about the environNorgard, chad@norgardinsgrp.com. ment? Join Brandon Global Eco on the USF Rotaract (College Students) second and fourth Mondays of each month For any Rotary Club or company want- from 6-7 p.m. on Zoom. The focus of the ing to sponsor a birdhouse at any of the club is environmental education and ecoUSF Rotaract community gardens, please logical friendly projects. To join the email reach out via social media. All details and list for meeting information, contact Bruno club updates will be on the Instagram page Kazenas at bkazenas@comcast.net. @usf_rotaract. For those with students at FishHawk-Riverview the University of South Florida, check out Area high schoolers whose ‘home’ BullsConnect for opportunities or visit its schools are or would be Durant, Newsome, social media channels on Facebook and In- Riverview or Spoto are invited to enter stagram. the Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview’s Speech Contest. Monetary prizes for the Brandon The Rotary Club of Brandon’s annual best 5 to 7-minute speeches on the topic Wild Game Dinner is Friday, March 1 at the ‘Create Hope in the World,’ this year’s RotaHillsborough County Fairgrounds. Tickets ry International theme focusing on mental and sponsorships are available by contact- health, will be judged on Thursday, Februing Joe Campoamor at 813-748-2076 or ary 22, at The Shrimp Boat. For more inforjcampoamor@integrityft.com. If you’re in- mation and to sign up, visit its social media terested in serving our community and do- pages or www.fishhawkriverviewrotary. ing good in the world with the Rotary Club org. Also, save the date for the 14th annual of Brandon, contact Debbie Meegan at deb- Crawfish Festival presented by Christopher biemeeganrotary@gmail.com for more in- Ligori & Associates on Saturday, April 13. formation. Meetings are on Tuesdays from To sponsor, volunteer (including students) 12 Noon-1 p.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Ro- or be a vendor, visit www.fishhawkrivertary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings viewrotary.org or www.luvcrawfish.com.

Volume 21, Issue 2

NAVIGATING A LOVED ONE’S WILL IN FLORIDA: INSIGHTS FROM AN ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY By Laurie E. Ohall, Florida Board-certified Elder Law Attorney Dealing with the loss of a loved one is 1. Advice to avoid probate: Most people challenging enough without the added are interested in avoiding probate, and stress of legal and estate matters. If your many times this can be as easy as making loved one has passed away in the state of sure that you have beneficiary designations Florida, you might be wondering what your listed on all your financial accounts, includresponsibilities will be regarding their last ing bank accounts. You usually need to ask will and testament. This article will serve the bank or credit union to put beneficiaas a way to guide you through the process ries on your accounts, and this is one asset of probating a will and offer solutions that people typically forget to put a beneficiary can minimize your burden. on. When it comes to a homestead, some Understanding Florida’s Probate Pro- people do an enhanced life estate deed (aka cess ‘ladybird’ deed), whereas others prefer to The probate process must happen if use a revocable trust (this will also be the someone dies without naming a beneficiary subject of another article at a later date). on an asset (such as their home or a bank Finally, another way to avoid probate is to account). If a person dies with a will, the hold title to assets jointly. Which vehicle process involves proving the deceased per- you use to avoid probate on your house will son’s will is valid, identifying and inventory- depend on your goals and comfort level. ing the deceased person’s property, paying 2. If it is too late, and your loved one has debts and taxes and distributing the re- not done planning to avoid probate, an atmaining property as the will (or state law, torney will be needed (in most instances) if there’s no will) directs. If the person dies to probate the estate. In most instances, without a will, the state of Florida has laws the entire process can be done via phone, that dictate who gets to serve as executor email, video conferencing and other digital and who inherits. Regardless, this process means to discuss your case, provide advice can be complex, time-consuming and ex- and keep you updated on the progress. Adpensive. ditionally, most documents related to the Will This Take Up a Lot of My Time? probate process can be signed and submitThe good news is, in many cases, you usu- ted electronically, and your attorney will ally only need to have one meeting with the help you through this entire process. attorney to begin the probate process, and Estate planning is a personal matter, and most often this can be done via Zoom or what works for one person may not work over the phone. The attorney’s office han- for another. It is important to evaluate your dles most of the legal and administrative assets and individual preferences when detasks on your behalf. However, the pro- ciding how to avoid probate in Florida. bate process does take anywhere from six months to one year to complete (and Laurie Ohall is a Florida board-certified elder law assets, such as a home, may not be able to attorney practicing in Brandon, Florida. She has been practicing law for 30 years and her practice be sold during some of that time). is focused on estate planning, elder law planning How an Estate Planning Attorney and probate. Ohall is licensed to practice law in Can Help: Florida and Ohio.

DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES

Advertise in this directory for just $50 per ad or as low as $200 per month (Includes ALL 4 EDITIONS per month) Call Us Today! (813) 657-2418 or Visit OspreyObserver.com

PRESSURE WASH PEST CONTROL

HEAT & AC

ELECTRICIAN ELECTRICIAN Family Owned and Operated

Residential and Commercial Exterior Cleaning

Driveways • Sidewalks • Pool Enclosures Fences • House Wash • and Everything In-Between!

Call or Text: (813) 699-0304

Residential and Commercial

(813)716-9196 (813) 468-8574

TNTtermiteandpestcontrol.com

Residential & Commercial Installation & Repair Commercial Refrigeration

Fans & Fixtures • Panel Changes Boat Docks • Pool & Spa Wiring Generators & Surge Protectors Remodels • Exterior & Specialty Lighting

813-672-4084

www.pro221.com

LOCAL & FAMILY OWNED “DYNAMITE CUSTOMER SERVICE”

(813) 671-2555 www.BryanHindmanElectric.com

ACCOUNTANT

PAINTING

SCREEN REPAIRS ESTATE SALES HOME IMPROVEMENT

info@pro221.com

GARY D. MEYER

ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Certified PubliC ACCountAnt

• Accounting & Bookkeeping • Compiled Financial Statement Presentations • Tax Return Preparation for Individuals, Corporations, LLC’s and Partnerships • Consulting for New Business Startups • Financial & Estate Planning

813-971-4067

gmeyer4@tampabay.rr.com Serving the Tampa Bay Area Since 1980

FREE ESTIMATES

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SPECIALISTS Celebrating 30+ Years In Business “20 Year Osprey Advertising Partner”

Florida State Certified Electrical Contractor | EC#13004922

Heberth Garcia Remodeling T&T Estate Sales LLC 408-806-3161 Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations Handyman Services Drywall Plumbing Painting Framing Flooring Electrical

We Do It All 30 Years Experience Honest and Reliable

• Clean Up And Junk Removal • Professional Staging • Research To Ensure Fair Market Value • We Handle All Transactions For You

Family Owned & Operated

(813) 668 -6520

Like & Follow on Facebook at T&T Estate Sales LLC

Valrico Edition

February 2024

Page 9

Luxury Homes Sold Coast to Coast in Florida - We Have You Covered! Tony Baroni Team

205 North Glen Ave 5000 Tampa

M .7 $2

5103 Dunham Creek Brandon

K 75 14 K

4595 Tour Trace Land O Lakes

5610 Mulligan Way Lakewood Ranch $9 40

307

405 Apache Trail Brandon

5M .2 $1

11514 S County Rd 39 Hwy Lithia 0K

$9 75

11405 6th Street E Treasure Island

846 & 844 Manns Harbor Dr 207 South Matanzas Ave 1943 & 1947 Wingfield Dr Apollo Beach Tampa Longwood $1 .2 95 M

$1 .4 6M

16814 Avila Blvd Tampa

$9 4

$5 .5 9M

Proven Track Record | Exceptional 5 Star Service Your Trusted Real Estate Partners

2930 Big Cypress Way Wesley Chapel

Explore the epitome of luxury living with our exquisite homes, from the Atlantic to the Gulf. Our expert team has successfully closed deals on stunning properties, delivering unparalleled service and satisfaction.

2,700+ Homes Sold | 2,600+ 5 Star Reviews

Page 10

Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 2

CHAMPION WELLNESS OFFERS DURANT HIGH SCHOOL SOLUTIONS TO PAIN CHEERLEADERS WIN FIRST By Makenzie Atkins Noel STATE TITLE IN FEBRUARY Champion Wellness, office, Mullan offers many nestled in the heart other ways to educate of Valrico, stands out yourself about health. The among chiropractic ofeasiest and quickest way fices in the Tampa Bay to learn more is to watch area. Champion Wellone of his many video tips ness caters to a diverse on the Champion Wellness range of people, from website. Mullan teaches individuals in pain to about a variety of topics, athletes seeking peak including things like atperformance. Dr. Kyle home pain relief tips, supMullan, the sole physi- Dr. Kyle Mullan took ownership of the plements and more. Mulcian at the Valrico lolan also offers workshops Champion Wellness Valrico office cation and co-owner of for Workplace Wellness in 2020. the office, brings a unique approach to chi- where he teaches about fitness and stress, ropractic care. and the office hosts a Dinner with Doc once Champion Wellness distinguishes itself a month where you can register for a free through specialized focus on spinal correc- dinner workshop and have the opportunity tion. Unlike traditional chiropractic offices, to ask questions and learn more about your Champion Wellness employs a comprehen- health. sive approach that addresses spinal alignMullan pursued a demanding academic ment. This holistic method yields a range of path, earning his International Baccalaurebenefits, from alleviating scoliosis and ten- ate diploma from Clearwater Central Cathsion headaches to correcting hip misalign- olic High School before majoring in biology ment. with a minor in business at the University “It is not an office where a patient simply of Florida. During his undergraduate years, lays on the table, gets popped or cracked Mullan conducted research at the UF Canand leaves,” said Mullan. “Spinal corrective cer and Genetics Research Institute. He then care is a process that addresses the spinal received his Doctor of Chiropractic license alignment, including the hips, the muscles at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Port Orattached to the spine and the nerves that ange. Mullan also performed his preceptorexit the spine.” ship under Dr. Tim Bain, the chiropractor for Champion Wellness offers a promotional the Tampa Bay Lightning. rate of $25 for the first two visits to Osprey “I realized the stereotypical medicaObserver readers. This includes a consul- tion-based track was not what I had passion tation, necessary X-rays and personalized for,” said Mullan. “Instead, I had a passion treatment recommendations from Mullan. for getting people off of pain medications If there is any insurance the patient would and reversing the opioid epidemic, as oplike to potentially use, please bring it in on posed to having the potential to encourage the first visit so the office may verify the it.” benefits. For more information, call 813-409-3304 On top of all the services offered in the or visit www.championwellnessvalrico.com.

By Lily Belcher Durant High She motivated School’s cheerthe team with inleading team spirational videos won its first state and constructive championship in looks at recordthe non-tumbling ings from their division at the practices. She beginning of Febprioritized team ruary, overcoming bonding and obstacles, a dwinstressed goal setdling team and ting during each intense practices. practice. By the Head coach end of the seaNikki Hand led her son, eight months team to the state of practice had championship last paid off. year but fell short. Durant High School’s cheerleaders kept their eye on In her 10 years the state title all season, leading them to their first So, she came into of coaching, state championship. the 2023-24 seaHand has learned son with a clear goal: finally get the state to change up practices to keep her athchampion title. letes engaged. She hosted dice and Jenga “Everybody was just very, very focused. games to determine what skills the team Everybody had the same goal,” Hand said. should practice to keep variety in their “Everybody was just kind of locked in to practices. winning a state title.” “I also like to open up to my athletes Durant’s cheerleaders doubled down as well and ask them, ‘Hey, what do you during practices and put in extra time at want to work on today? What’s your main home to put on their best performance. focus?’” she said. Still, Durant was challenged by obstacles, This season, the team focused on stuntlosing nine of its 20 athletes before the ing, which she said was a newer skill for end of the seasons. high school cheerleaders. By the finals, “We went through a lot of obstacles. Hand said the athletes had nearly perfectWe lost athletes along the way, to where ed the skill. we dribbled down to just 11, but it was “Something that they kept saying when the strongest 11 athletes that Durant has we were competing at states was ‘hungry ever had,” Hand said. but humble,’” Hand said. “Knowing that Hand said each athlete stepped up as we could hit this routine but staying huna leader throughout the season, making gry and humble enough to know that they Durant’s first state title a complete team had to work their hardest and put out in effort. your perfect routine.”

PEGASUS

COATING

Locally-Owned & Operated

WE OFFER: One Day Installation Customizable Styles 4x Stronger Than Epoxy

ABOUT OUR CAMPS

GARAGE FLOORS PATIOS POOL DECKS DRIVEWAYS SIDEWALKS COMMERCIAL

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

Summer Camp starts May 28th! Register at tampaymca.org/letscamp

CAMPO FAMILY YMCA: 813.684.1371

NORTH BRANDON FAMILY YMCA: 813.685.5402

SPURLINO FAMILY YMCA: 813.228.9622

YMCA CAMP CRISTINA: 813.677.8400

863-226-9720

WWW.PEGASUSCOATING.COM

Valrico Edition

February 2024

CHALLENGE ISLAND OFFERS

STEAM LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIENCES AND CREATIVITY By Makenzie Atkins Noel

While most of the ednation and teamwork ucation industry might while allowing stube moving towards digdents to find creative ital learning, one prosolutions and increase gram is continuing to their problem-solvfocus on hands-on creing skills. Along with ativity and has made STEAM knowledge, its way to the HillsborChallenge Island helps ough community. students establish Challenge Island, an healthy relationships educational program and build confidence. that promotes creativiThe benefits extend ty and critical thinking, The experience of Challenge Island is what beyond traditional was founded in 2003. sets it apart from other educational tools. classroom settings, The local South Hillsand with no screens By being hands-on, students are able to borough location be- connect with the things they are learning. or digital platforms, gan serving our community 20 years later Challenge Island provides a learning enviin 2023. ronment that inspires passion for STEAM Through on-site field trips, after-school subjects and fosters an environment where care, churches, libraries and more, the pro- students feel comfortable to be whimsical gram allows children to get engaged with in their learning. Through the interactive their learning and gives students something and imaginative challenges, students gain to be excited about. Challenge Island has skills that are needed in the 21st century. developed many learning plans and is able Challenge Island empowers young minds to provide the supplies and tools necessary to explore and appreciate the hands-on to implement the program in different set- experience of learning. “It promotes cretings. ativity, offering a tangible and experiential It strives to give all children access to its educational experience for children,” said educational tools and is able to work with Recine. organizations and schools to build programs This program has served as a catalyst that work within different types of budgets. for compelling and dynamic educational “We wanted to provide an innovative experiences in all kinds of ways. From Girl and engaging educational platform for chil- Scouts workshops to after-school camps to dren,” said Rod Recine, owner of the local birthday parties to family engagement proChallenge Island. “Challenge Island fosters grams, Challenge Island is able to deliver a creativity, teamwork and critical thinking hands-on, educational experience however through STEAM activities.” it fits best. This program offers a unique educational For more information, please contact experience through science, technology, en- Recine at rrecine@challenge-island.com or gineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) visit www.challenge-island.com/south-hillslearning. The goal is to encourage imagi- borough-county.

Care partners of those with any type of memory loss, to whether family, friends or professionals, need t be equipped with the knowledge to best suppor their loved one. t Gain this knowledge at our NEW hybrid suppor groups being held via Zoom and in person at Tessera of Brandon.

Page 11

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES CAN HELP WITH FINDING A HOME

By Brad Stager

Affording a housing options place to live in that are approprian area that is ate for individuals attracting lots with disabilities of new residents or special needs. from all over the In Hillsborough world, such as HillCounty, the Houssborough County, ing Finance AuThe Landon Preserve Apartments community in can be difficult, thority supports Brandon is an example of a multifamily housing but there are state the housing needs project partially funded by resources from the Florida and local agencies of local residents, Housing Finance Corporation. with programs much like the that can help. FHFC does stateThe Florida wide. Housing Finance The HFA was Corporation established in (FHFC) was estab1985 to address lished in 1980 by many of the same the Florida Legisissues of housing lature to manage availability and and develop programs to ensure a variety its cost that exist today. The authority does of housing is available to meet the needs of so by offering incentives to private developSunshine State residents. The agency’s work ers and working with lenders who agree to involves spending state and federal tax dol- build affordable housing or facilitate financlars. ing. There are also programs to assist firstOne of the main functions of the FHFC is time homebuyers and renters. to manage and distribute money the Florida Mark Hendrickson is the executive direcLegislature has allocated for various housing tor of the HFA, and in an email he provided programs. an example of what the agency can do to For example, funding available through the help residents looking for a place to live. Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program “We have an ongoing program for firstprovides down payment and closing cost as- time homebuyers which has (currently) sistance to first-time homebuyers, especial- a 6.625% 30-year fixed mortgage rate, ly educators and first responders, employed $25,000 of down payment assistance, and full-time with a Florida-based employer. The a federal tax credit equal to 20% of the inFHFC also has programs to work directly terest paid each year,” he wrote. with developers to build workforce housThere are seven members who are aping. One affordable housing project featured pointed by the Board of County Commison FHFC social media is the $6.5 million in sioners serving on the HFA. funding resources provided for the recently You can find out more about the FHFC by opened Landon Preserve Apartments com- visiting www.floridahousing.org. More inforplex in Brandon. There are also programs mation about the HFA and its programs can which assist renters and families looking for be found at www.hillsboroughcounty.org.

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

OODC20

Hybrid Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Groups

2/14/2024 3/14/2024 /2023

Assisted Living Facility #AL 13150

Fourth Tuesd a

of Every Mon y th at 6:30 pm Meeting in pe rso and via Zoom n !!! Zoom Meetin g Number 897 6781 047 Password: ev 9 ening

Fourth Wednesday

of Every Month at 2:00 pm Meeting in person and via Zoom!!! e ZOOM Meeting Number g d le w o 869 4044 7508 n “K t h g Passw i ord: support l ve,

Disclaimer: Offer valid only when coupon is presented at drop-off. Not valid on dry cleaning, wash & fold, laundry or laundered shirts, leather, wedding dresses or alterations. Coupon can only be for services sold at participating Tide Cleaners locations. It cannot be redeemed for any product sold at any other retail store. Cannot be used with any other discount or promotion. One discount per household. Offer valid for onetime use through /2023 2/14/2024 3/14/2024

is lo om” d s i w and len Keller

OOCFTR20 OODC20

-He

Come a little early for refreshments!

1320 Oakfield Dr. Brandon, FL 33511

813-607-6880

(813) 662-4243

1928 E Bloomingdale Ave

(813) 251-2234

1529 S. Dale Mabry Hwy

tidecleaners.com

Page 12

Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 2

The Brenda Wade Team Loves SOLD Signs! We are The TOP Team In Hillsborough County! With $175 MILLION Sold In 2023! LD SO

101 N 12THST #402

LD SO

106 BAYFIELD DR

LD SO

618 CITRUS WOOD LN

700 S HARBOUR ISLAND BLVD #839

LD SO

1305 GARDEN STONE LN LD SO

1910 E PALM AVE #12203 LD SO

2733 COLEWOOD LN LD SO

3316 W SAN MIGUEL ST N LD SO

3837 PARKSIDE DR

1314 E 148TH AVE LD SO

1921 DOCKSIDE DR LD SO

2801 LITTLE RD LD SO

3408 W NORTH A ST LD SO

3856 S CAPRI COAST DR

LD SO

108 HOLLY TREE LN LD SO

728 WESTWOOD DR LD SO

1316 HATCHER LOOP DR LD SO

2103 HERNDON ST

LD SO

121 MORROW CIR

128 BARRINGTON DR

LD SO

742 CALIENTE DR

1501 FOX HILL PL

2209 GLEN MIST DR

2209 WORTHINGTON GREENS DR #22

824 PEBBLEWOOD DR

838 NORMANDY TRACE RD #838

LD SO

1610 LEDGESTONE DR

1704 ELISE MARIE DR

LD SO

2222 JOHN MOORE RD

2225 SPYGLASS HILL CIR

LD SO

1511 CAMERON CT

1607 PINE ST

2210 KATANA PL

307 CAMPUS DR LD SO

804 N ALBANY AVE

LD SO

240 ISLE DR LD SO

LD SO

802 OVERHILL DR

LD SO

203 S TAMPANIA AVE #3

LD SO

1403 QUEENSBURY AVE

194 LAYNEWADE RD LD SO

LD SO

739 STRAW LAKE DR

LD SO

Top Producer 2002-2023

2304 LYNCREST CT

LD SO

920 GREENBELT CIR LD SO

1705 N JOHNSON ST LD SO

2401 BAYSHORE BLVD #1108

LD SO

2804 HOLLY BLUFF CT

2808 PEMBERTON CREEK DR

2816 DUNCAN TREE CIR

2819 DUNCAN TREE CIR

2823 DUNCAN TREE CIR

2830 TIMBER KNOLL DR

2839 PARK MEADOW DR

LD SO

3501 GRAND MAGNOLIA PL

3506 KALEBS FOREST TRL

LD SO

4008 MCINTOSH ESTATES LN

4059 WHISTLEWOOD CIR

4062 EL SHADDIAI SQ

4215 W NORTH A ST #11

LD SO

5106 FAIRWAY ONE DR

5138 FAIRWAY ONE DR

5208 CANDLER VIEW DR

LD SO

6004 THRUSHWOOD RD

6010 FISHHAWK CROSSING BLVD #405 LD SO

3410 W NORTH A ST LD SO

3909 BUCKINGHAM LOOP DR LD SO

3415 W SAN JUAN ST

3411 W GRAY CT LD SO

LD SO

3918 N MARYLAND AVE

3930 CEDAR CAY CIR

3420 SONDRIO CIR

3435 PICO DR

LD SO

4007 GREENMARK LN

LD SO

4737 AVILA LAKES DR

4739 WHITE SANDERLING CT

LD SO

5706 HAWKGROVE PL

5802 AUDUBON MANOR BLVD

5802 VILLAGE CENTER DR

5806 SHELL RIDGE DR

5825 SPRING LAKE DR

5907 FISHHAWK CROSSING BLVD

LD SO

8121 N ALASKA ST #AB

8325 ALAFIA POINTE DR

8806 SUGARSAND LN

8812 MOONLIT MEADOWS LP

6637 CURRENT DR

311 YELLOW BIRCH LOOP

LD SO

6444 OSPREY LAKE CIR

LD SO

4805 BUGG RD

7025 TIMBERSIDE PL

LD SO

4824 BARNSTEAD DR

7445 NOTCHED PINE BND

4941 SEAFOAM TRL

7702 CORAL VINE LN

5104 W EVELYN DR

5070 SAN MARTINO DR

LD SO

5907 N OLA AVE

6003 S 3RD ST

LD SO

2847 NICHOLS RD LD SO

3520 CORDGRASS DR

10101 BRYANT RD

LD SO

10705 SAGE CANYON DR

10809 GREEN HARVEST DR

10816 AUSTRALIAN PINE DR

11106 NEWBRIDGE DR

11108 IRISH MOSS AVE

11133 WEMBLEY LANDING DR

11372 COCOA BEACH DR

11421 ACACIA GROVE LN

11428 CHILLY WATER CT

11434 WHIPPERWILL LN

LD SO

12839 GENEVA GLADE DR

13617 CIRCA CROSSING DR

13887 HEARTWOOD WAY

14100 MYAKKA AVE #55

14208 CREEK RUN DR

LD SO

16108 PALMETTOSHADE CT

16156 BRIDGEPARK DR

16405 CHAPMAN CROSSING DR

16406 EGRET CROSSING LN

16517 KINGLETRIDGE AVE

12373 MARSHLAND ST

12381 CREEK EDGE DR

12410 WEXFORD HILLS RD

12734 MANGROVE FOREST DR

LD SO

15809 SORAWATER DR

15812 FISHHAWK VIEW DR

15929 FISHHAWK CREEK LN

16009 TERNGLADE DR

16027 WEATHERED WINDMILL TER

LD SO

33732 ASTORIA

Direct: 813.924.8677

13846 FAIRWAY BUNKER DR

LD SO

35633 EASTBROOK

Office: 813.655.5333

35651 BUTTONWEED

Brenda@BrendaWade.com

Valrico Edition

February 2024

Top Producer 2002-2023 LD SO

313 W IDLEWILD AVE

LD SO

345 BOLENDER RD

LD SO

1006 WINCHESTER LN

1010 W RIVER HEIGHTS AVE

LD SO

1722 COMPTON ST LD SO

2402 CLARESIDE DR LD SO

2928 LONG POND DR LD SO

3612 SAVANNAH LAKE PL LD SO

4302 RIVER CLOSE BLVD LD SO

5208 SAND TRAP PL LD SO

6010 SKYLARKCREST DR

1726 LORIANA ST LD SO

2406 CARROLL PL LD SO

2933 FOLKLORE DR LD SO

3618 DELARUA PL LD SO

4343 STAR VIEW PL LD SO

5211 SAND TRAP PL LD SO

6019 KITERIDGE DR

We Sell MORE Houses! We Sell For HIGHER Prices, And We Take GREAT Care Of YOU! Call Brenda To Get Your SOLD Sign In 2024! LD SO

LD SO

352 LAKE SUZANNE DR

501 KNIGHTS RUN AVE #1335

505 CENTERBROOK DR

LD SO

1013 OAKHILL ST LD SO

1726 W DEL WEBB BLVD

1025 SEAGRAPE DR LD SO

1734 MIRA LAGO CIR

LD SO

2496 LAKE WOODBERRY CIR

2512 VALLEY SUNSET LN

LD SO

2951 WINGLEWOOD CIR

2995 BELLFLOWER WAY

LD SO

3705 BENERAID ST

3707 KINGSFORD PL

1110 HARDWOOD DR LD SO

1807 DOVE FIELD PL LD SO

2519 GOTHAM WAY LD SO

3008 FOLKLORE DR LD SO

3801 BAYSHORE BLVD

LD SO

505 ROYAL WOOD CT LD SO

1111 SPLIT SILK ST LD SO

1843 CATTLE BARON CT

1118 CARRIAGE PARK DR LD SO

1853 CARDAMON DR

2705 WILLOW OAKS DR

LD SO

3011 W NORTH B ST LD SO

3100 W PAUL AVE #5 LD SO

3810 COLD CREEK DR

3812 S NINE DR

LD SO

516 EMBERWOOD DR

521 GORNTO LAKE RD

LD SO

1209 WILD DAISY DR

1212 SAVANNAH LANDINGS AVE

LD SO

609 S GLEN AVE #C LD SO

1220 TUXFORD DR

LD SO

1901 CAMP FLORIDA RD

1903 SADDLE LAKE PL

1906 RIVER MEADOW CT

LD SO

2706 LITTLE RD LD SO

3104 GREAT BANYAN WAY LD SO

3814 N OAK DR #L42

2708 W LAKE AVE LD SO

3106 S KINGSWAY RD LD SO

3816 COLD CREEK DR

2730 VIA TIVOLI #314B LD SO

3110 MAGNOLIA MEADOWS DR LD SO

3821 CLIFFDALE DR

LD SO

4502 PRESTON WOODS DR

4513 W MELROSE AVE

4602 DOGWOOD HILLS CT

4602 PRESTON WOODS DR

4606 W GRAY ST #101

4607 RIDGEWOOD ESTATES AVE

4701 ROCKINGCHAIR DR

4713 EVER LASTING TRL

LD SO

5302 PINE ROCKLANDS AVE

5317 LAUREL POINTE DR

5318 FISHHAWK RIDGE DR

5407 MATCH POINT PL

5486 BLUE AZURE DR

5517 GOLDEN ISLES DR

LD SO

6030 PLOVER MEADOW ST

6053 GOLDEN NETTLE DR

6108 WILD ORCHID DR

6114 FISHHAWK CROSSING BLVD

LD SO

10157 BESSEMER POND CT

10205 CYPRESS LINKS DR

10229 POST HARVEST DR

10315 GRANADA GREEN CT

10407 SOARING EAGLE DR

LD SO

11484 CAMBRAY CREEK LP

11502 SAGE CANYON DR

11520 CEDAR VALLEY DR

11531 CAMBIUM CROWN DR

11607 CAMBIUM CROWN DR

LD SO

14208 LAMBERT BRIDGE LN

14612 HORSE TROT RD

14626 HORSE TROT RD

17812 MISSION OAK DR

LD SO

2610 DURANT WOODS ST

LD SO

16834 HARRIERRIDGE PL

508 YORK DALE DR

LD SO

Page 13

LD SO

17846 MISSION OAK DR

LD SO

14715 FISHHAWK PRESERVE DR LD SO

18010 BLEDSOE LOOP

LD SO

6124 IBISPARK DR LD SO

6136 KITERIDGE DR

5567 SILVER SUN DR LD SO

5623 OSPREY PARK PL LD SO

6304 KNOB TREE DR

6405 SHORT ST LD SO

LD SO

10578 MEADOWRUN DR

10604 LITHIA ESTATES DR

10614 STRAWBERRY TETRA DR

LD SO

11746 CREST CREEK DR

11906 WANDSWORTH DR

12028 SUBURBAN SUNRISE ST

LD SO

15126 SHEARCREST DR

15420 STARLING CROSSING DR

15507 MOSSY RIDGE LN

LD SO

18716 LITHIA TOWNE RD

19208 ROBIN PERCH LN

10513 SKYLARK PL

1709 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico, FL 33596

10577 CALLUNA DR

LD SO

19812 BLUE POND DR

15521 STARLING CROSSING DR LD SO

26752 HICKORY LP

12104 WOODSIDE DR

12349 CREEK EDGE DR

LD SO

15649 STARLING WATER DR

15796 FISHHAWK FALLS DR

LD SO

30564 CHESAPEAKE BAY DR

31612 BEARDED OAK DR

www.BrendaWade.com

Page 14

Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 2

BLOOMINGDALE FLORIST OFFERS BEAUTIFUL ARRANGEMENTS AND SAME DAY FLOWER DELIVERY

ADORABLE ANKLE BITERS BED AND BISCUIT OFFERS PETS THEIR OWN PAMPERED RETREAT

By Lily Belcher

By Madeline Gardner

Karen Schotanes ers mainly from South and her mother, MariAmerica and other lyn Schotanes, bought countries to ensure Bloomingdale Florist in the arrangements are 1998 to share their finlong-lasting. est floral arrangements Since purchasing the with the community. company, Karen and For Karen, who has Marilyn have hired sevworked in the industry eral additional employfor over 35 years, makees and opened another ing bouquets is a way location to store flowers to create designs and and manage delivery orbring joy to her customders. Marilyn and Karen Schotanes create ers. When she moved to The delivery service beautiful floral arrangements. Florida from New Jerallows Bloomingdale sey, she wanted to run a busiFlorist’s arrangements to reach ness with her mother, and customers across Hillsborough Bloomingdale Florist allowed County. However, recent inher to do just that. creases in gas prices have chalThe family-owned and oplenged Karen and Marilyn in erated flower shop offers offering quality products at an seasonal, holiday and ‘just affordable price. because’ arrangements with Still, Bloomingdale Florist has long-lasting flowers throughmanaged to not raise its prices out the year. Bloomingdale too much for its customers. It Florist’s bouquets showcase a variety of still delivers across Hillsborough County flowers, colors and sizes for various prices. and even out of state. Marilyn, who has a background in busiKaren said receiving compliments from ness management, has helped her daughter customers about the arrangements and run the company and continue to brighten hearing how customers look forward to their customers’ days with their designs. their next bouquet is the best part of serv“Quality and making sure the customer is ing the community. always happy [has allowed the business to “That’s mostly what we’re doing: just trygrow]. … Most of our customers have their ing to make people happy,” Karen said. arrangements anywhere from two to three Bloomingdale Florist is located at weeks, and that’s a really long time to have Bloomingdale Square at 827 E. Bloominga fresh arrangement last,” Karen said. dale Ave. For more information on the Bloomingdale Florist uses premium prod- company or to purchase a bouquet, call ucts to keep its fresh blossoms vibrant and 813-654-7304 or visit www.bloomingdaeye-catching. It purchases quality flow- leflowers.com.

While no family trip pupsicles. They can get is complete without the biscuits and gravy in company of your furthe morning, or scramry friend, sometimes it bled eggs and bacon.” is just not possible for Pet self-care is also your pet to tag along. prioritized here. OwnSo, if you are looking to ers have the option to treat your pet to their indulge and pamper own vacation, or even their pooch with a spa just send them away for day, complete with a a day of rest and relax20-minute body masation, Adorable Ankle sage, the use of paw Biters Bed and Biscuit balm, a pedicure, a has them covered. With amenities like spa days, sweet treats blueberry facial and Dena Craig, owner of and more, Adorable Ankle Biters ensures time to decompress in pets enjoy their stay. the Adorable Pets by the jacuzzi tub before Dena grooming facility in the adjacent store- being brushed and blow-dried. So, while front for 15 years now, founded Adorable owners unwind on their own getaways, pets Ankle Biters in April 2023. Adorable Ankle can too. Biters is a boarding house and day care that Regarding daytime play for both boardspecializes in catering to each guest’s indi- ers and day care attendees, the facility is vidual needs. The boarding house only serves complete with an indoor park. Designed by dogs who are at or below 16 inches at the K9Grass, it features astroturf and a flushing shoulder and cats. system underneath the space, eliminating To ease lodgers during their stay, Ador- the chances of any play being spoiled by inable Ankle Biters offers several different clement weather. Furthermore, the business’ room options based on the character and ‘pawtivities director’ sorts each pet into a activity level of each pet. ‘Raise the Woof six-member play group to maximize comSuites’ are designed for the more social and patibility. playful pets; ‘Bark Avenue Suites’ are for the While Adorable Ankle Biters understands more reserved; the ‘Old Barks Room’ is for it can be difficult to leave your companion the older pets and/or guests who prefer a behind, Craig ensures all pets spending the more secluded environment; and ‘Kool Katz day or even a few nights there will enjoy Condos’ are for the feline visitors. their own holiday. To maximize their time spent here, the Visit https://adorableanklebiters.com/ or boarding house offers additional amenities call 813-324-9400. Adorable Ankle Biters in select suites, such as TVs and the option is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.to be tucked in with a bedtime story. 7 p.m., and tours of the space are available “And we offer different treats and stuff Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. the parents can do,” said Craig. “You know, Adorable Ankle Biters is located at 3220 like ice cream treats. We have bone broth Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Ste. 103 in Valrico.

Free Estimates!

Open Tuesday - Friday 10 - 6 • Saturday 10 - 4

813-689-8124

201 S Kings Ave, Brandon (Formerly Carson’s Optical)

Custom Design Jewelry | Previously Loved Jewelry Watch & Jewelry Repair On Site We purchase your scrap GOLD!

Valrico Edition

February 2024

Page 15

VALRICO/FISHHAWK CHAMBER CELEBRATES BUSINESSES AND CHARITIES OF YEAR AT TAILGATE-THEMED ANNUAL DINNER By Linda Chion

Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce Chair Jerry Rothstein (right) with, from left to right, Vicky and Kara Kontonichatos and Kendall Duncan, receiving the largesize business award for Canine Cabana.

Celebrating its 11th year after its debut with less than 10 members, the Valrico/ Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce (VFCC) presented business awards at a tailgate-themed annual dinner at The Regent in Riverview. Chamber membership was well-represented, having reportedly grown last year by 96 and fast-approaching 300 total. Recognized were outgoing and current board members, led by its chair, and the chamber’s first-ever paid member, Jerry Rothstein of Keep I.T. Simple Computer Services. Also on stage for presentations was 2024 President Patti Sutherland of QuiAri. Abi Merkle was named VFCC’s 2023 Ambassador of the Year. Business awards were given in four categories, while Bikes For Christ was named Nonprofit of the Year. The Charity of Choice for the upcoming year is Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter and Sanctuary, which follows in the footsteps of Faces of Courage, which at the dinner received a chamber check for $17,259. As a cancer patient support organization, Faces of Courage runs annual camps for women

The Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors at The Regent for the January 23 dinner.

and children at Rotary’s Camp Florida in Brandon. As for business recognition, Mindy McCabe, a realtor with Keller Williams Realty, took home the small business award (up to four employees). Also recognized were iSmash of Tampa (medium-size business, four to 10 employees) and Canine Cabana (large business, more than 10 employees). The award for emerging business (in business for less than 18 months) went to Acti-Kare, which specializes in responsive in-home care for the elderly through the home placement of CNAs (certified nursing assistants). “It’s great to honor people’s wishes in retirement, and it doesn’t get any better than that,” said Acti-Kare owner Cherice Lewis. “Over the past three years, I went from being a widowed mother of three to being a business owner. God is bigger than circumstance.” McCabe said it was an honor to receive the chamber award, and especially so since the chamber’s mission aligns with her own. “We love our community, we support

VFCC chair Jerry Rothstein (center) with iSmash Tampa partners David Segui (left) and Bobby Knapp, winners of the medium-size business award.

our community and one of our foundations is giving back to the community,” McCabe said. “We’ve been a part of the chamber for around four years.” The chamber relationship has been a bit longer for partners Kendall Duncan and Angie Pickren, who met as zookeepers in 1997 and opened Canine Cabana, for dog training and boarding, in 2008 in the midst of the Great Recession. “We had nowhere to go but up,” Duncan said. “It’s been a lot of hard work, and it’s been a privilege to be in the community.” At the other end of the spectrum, David Segui, with his partner, Bobby Knapp, opened iSmash Tampa in August 2023, just five months before receiving the business award. Their business is billed as a place to “relieve stress or have a blast through smashing.” “We wouldn’t be as successful as we are without the chamber,” Segui said. “We expected good things, but what we got were great things.” At the dinner, a posthumous shout-out was given to Mike Morrow, who was active with Seniors Helping Seniors, and

photographer Mo Ogilvie, who Rothstein said has “touched so many people with her smile and never-ending joy that surrounded her.” As for Morrow, “He was happy to see you and willing to help whenever we called,” Rothstein said. Among the many dinner shout-outs were those to Mechelle Thursby, with LOVE Decor, for her work with VFCC University classes; Carolyn Clark, for helping with running last year’s 38 ribbon-cutting events; and Kelly Anderson, chair of Business After Hours. Also included were the VFCC Shop Local Holiday Expo and the Midday Power Hour, held at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays at JF Kicks in Valrico. The networking group reportedly has grown from around 35 attendees to more than 60. For more on chamber events and offerings, visit www.valricofishhawk.org. You can also call 813-324-7902 or email info@valricofishhawk.org. The chamber offices are at 3115 Lithia Pinecrest Road. The chamber’s general assembly meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the River Hills Country Club in Valrico.

FINANCIAL FOCUS

AVOID TAPPING INTO RETIREMENT SAVINGS EARLY If you want to make a big purchase, such as a new car or a piece of property, or you were faced with a large, unexpected expense, such as a major home or auto repair, would you have the funds readily available? If not, you might look at what may be your biggest pool of money — your 401(k) or IRA. But should you tap into these accounts well before you retire? Maybe not — and here’s why: • Less money in retirement – The more money you invest in your retirement accounts, and the longer you keep it invested, the more you’ll probably have when you need it most — when you’re retired. Consequently, taking out sizable amounts from these accounts before you retire could be costly, as it would disrupt the benefits of compounding that can be achieved by holding investments for the long term. • Possible bump into higher tax bracket – The money you take out from your traditional IRA and 401(k) is taxable in the year of withdrawal. So, if you withdraw a significant amount of money at once from your traditional IRA or 401(k), you could be pushed into a higher tax bracket, at least for one year. • Tax penalties – If you take money out of a 401(k) or traditional IRA before you turn 59½, you could face a 10% tax penalty, although some exceptions exist. Penalty-free withdrawals can be made for several reasons, including for education and medical expenses, first-time purchase of a home (up to $10,000), after the birth or adoption of a child (up to $5,000) and more (see irs.gov/taxtopics/tc557). With a Roth IRA, which is funded with after-tax dollars, you can withdraw contributions — but not earnings — at any time, for any purpose, without incurring penalties.

Given these issues, how can you avoid dipping into your retirement accounts when you’re faced with a financial need? One possibility is to take out a loan from your 401(k). Unlike a 401(k) withdrawal, a loan is neither taxable nor subject to tax penalties. Also, the interest you pay on a 401(k) loan goes back into your account. Still, a 401(k) loan has its drawbacks. If you leave your job, you’ll likely have to repay the loan in a short period of time and if you don’t have all the money to repay it, the loan will be considered in default, so you’ll owe taxes and the 10% penalty if you’re younger than 59½. But even if you don’t leave your job and you do repay the loan, you’ll still have taken away money that could have potentially kept growing within your tax-deferred account. As mentioned above, as your money compounds, you’ll want to minimize disruptions. Building an emergency fund is another way to gain access to cash. Such a fund should contain at least six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. It can take time to build a fund of this size, so it’s never too soon to start putting away money for it. To avoid the temptation of dipping into your emergency fund, you’d ideally keep this fund separate from your daily spending accounts. Explore all your options before tapping into your IRA or 401(k) early. Keeping these accounts intact as long as possible is one of the best moves you can make to help build your future retirement income. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Article 14 – Dec. 18, 2023

Adam M benAbram Financial Advisor 10312 W Bloomingdale Ave Suite 105 Riverview, FL 33578

edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

813-626-3052

edwardjones.com/adam-benabram

The Bay Area Renaissance Festival celebrates 45 years of adventure! Travel back in time as you step into the 16th century! Thrill to the exploits of Jousting Knights on thundering steeds. Roam the village shoppes, delight in comedy, music, magic, and more on our 13 stages of non-stop entertainment! 12838 Auton Rd., Dade City, FL 33525 Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) February 17th to March 31st • 10am to 6pm Rain or Shine • FREE PARKING More info at BayAreaRenFest.com

Page 16

Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 2

RUNNING OF THE BULLS 5K RAISES OVER $15,000 FOR BLOOMINGDALE HIGH SCHOOL

By Jane Owen

The seventh anReed.. Participants nual Running of the included runners Bulls 5K drew in and walkers from around 400 people all over the area, to Bloomingdale along with curHigh School on Janrent students and uary 13 and raised Bloomingdale High just over $15,000 School alumni. In for the high school addition to the 5K, and band. New this which utilizes paveyear, the 5K is proment throughout Superintendent Van Ayers running the 2024 viding two scholarthe campus, there Running of the Bulls 5K. ships to Bloomingwas a half-mile run/ dale High School walk around the seniors, which will track. Participants be presented at the of both events reSenior Awards Banceived finisher quet in May. medals, and 5K parMalik Millet won ticipants received the 5K with a time Dri-FIT shirts. of 16:41. Makenna Bloomingdale Mach, a Bloomingband director Jordale High School The 2024 Running of the Bulls 5K starting line. dan Fraze is exsenior, was the overall female winner with tremely grateful for the support the 5K proa time of 21:28. Hillsborough County Pub- vides the band. lic Schools Superintendent Van Ayers and “Seeing the community come out in Bloomingdale High School Principal Dr. droves to support the band through the Marcos Rodriguez ran the 5K. It was Ayers’ Running of the Bulls 5K was incredible. This second time participating. event is one of our largest fundraisers, and it “I loved the atmosphere of the race and goes towards helping the band program purthe way the community came together to chase instruments, equipment, sheet music support Bloomingdale High. This is my sec- and so many more things that are required ond year taking part in Running of the Bulls to keep our program functioning at the level 5K, and I plan on always making it part of of excellence that is has for so many years. my racing calendar. The race brought to- I’d like to personally thank our local running gether students, staff and families and was community for making our 2024 Running of a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morn- the Bulls a success,” Fraze said. ing,” Ayers said. To find out other ways to give to The 5K is put on by the Bloomingdale Bloomingdale’s Rajun’ Bull Band, please conBand Boosters and is made possible by local tact jordan.fraze@hcps.net. For more inforbusiness sponsorships, such as title spon- mation about the Running of the Bulls 5K sors Acropolis Greek Taverna in Riverview, or to find out about next year’s event, email The Jeep Depot, Hungry Howies and Reed & bloomingdalebulls5k@gmail.com.

Make It A Mango Passion Day!

Iced Tea, Lemonade, Sunjoy®, Frosted Lemonade

LAKE BRANDON VILLAGE 11325 Causeway Blvd • Brandon (813) 655-1237

Hours:

6:30am - 10pm

BRANDON SOUTH 2010 Bloomingdale Ave • Valrico (813) 571-0569

PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY This year, only the Republican Party is holding a Presidential Preference Primary in Florida.

Vote By Mail: Due by 7 p.m. March 19 Early Voting: March 4-17 Election Day: March 19

Visit VoteHillsborough.gov to make sure you are #VoteReady for the Presidential Preference Primary Election. Register to vote, update your information, request Vote By Mail and more. The deadline to register to vote or change your party aﬃliation for this election is February 20.

Three Ways To Vote Vote By Mail

Mark your ballot at home, then mail it back or drop it off. You can drop your ballot off at any Early Voting site or any of our offices when they are open. Request your ballot online or by calling our office. Vote By Mail ballots must be in one of our offices no later than 7 p.m. Election Day.

Vote in person at any of 27 diﬀerent locations in Hillsborough

Early Voting County, open March 4-17, including weekends.

Visit VoteHillsborough.gov/EarlyVoting for locations and operating hours.

Election Day

Get answers you can trust

VoteHillsborough.gov

March 19, your LAST chance to vote! On Election Day, you must vote in the polling place assigned to your precinct. Note: Vote By Mail ballots CANNOT be dropped oﬀ at Election Day polling places.

(813) 744-5900

Craig Latimer

Valrico Edition

February 2024

KINDERGARTEN COUNTDOWN: YOUR CHILD IS READY … BUT ARE YOU? By Superintendent Van Ayres Enrolling your child in quite a bit of paperwork kindergarten is an iminvolved in registering a portant and emotional child for kindergarten. milestone for many parMake sure you have all ents. But don’t worry, the necessary documents Hillsborough County ready. Check the list Public Schools is here to of required documents make the process smooth at www.hillsboroughand enjoyable for both schools.org/enrollment. you and your child. Please note, your child’s Schools across the registration is not comdistrict will host Kinplete until all documendergarten Ready Open tation is submitted. Houses starting at the Many parents wonder end of February. To enif their child is ready to roll in kindergarten and start kindergarten. The to attend an open house, answer, I can assure your child must turn 5 you, is most likely yes. 6 !YRE on or before September There are resources 1, 2024. available that can help ease this transiHere’s how you can prepare for kinder- tion. The Florida Department of Educagarten enrollment: tion and the Early Learning Coalition of • Find Your School. Use the conve- Tampa Bay offer practical tips for prenient school locator tool on the district paring your child for kindergarten, book website — www.hillsboroughschools. recommendations and guidelines on what org — to find your assigned school. You your child should know before starting can also explore options for our magnet school. These resources are available schools at www.hillsboroughschools.org/ on their respective websites at Prek magnet. Standards 12.27 • Attend Open (search on www. House. These fldoe.org) and events are invaluwww.elchc.org. able for getting Remember, enacquainted with rolling your child the school enviin kindergarten ronment. You’ll is a big step, learn about the but with these school, possibly resources and tour the facilities and meet the principal. preparations, you’ll be well-equipped for It’s also a great opportunity to ask any this new journey. Get ready for an emospecific questions you might have. tional yet exciting milestone, and don’t • Gather Documentation. There’s forget to bring your Kleenex.

Page 17

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR LOW-INCOME SENIORS COMING TO EASTERN HILLSBOROUGH By Brian Bokor A groundbreakcent housing, so I ing ceremony was think it is our Chrisheld on December tian duty to take 19, 2023, for the care of our elderly. Casa di Francesco It is our commithousing complex at ment as a parish to 4450 Mango Rd. help seniors to deCasa di Francesco affordable housing breaks in Seffner, adjacent housing are a ground in Seffner. cent to St. Francis solid step towards of Assisi Catholic Church. When complet- reaching that goal.” ed, the $42M 4-story project will contain Developed by Blue Sky Communities, a 140 rental apartment homes featuring 100 leading affordable housing development one-bedroom units and 40 two-bedroom company committed to creating safe, qualunits designed exclusively for seniors 62 ity communities for its residents, the projyears old and older. Hillsborough County ect is expected to be completed by early Commissioners Ken Hagan, Harry Cohen 2025. Hillsborough County helped provide and Gwen Myers all attended the presti- $6.1 million in funding for the project. The gious event. project also received $4.3 million from the Amenities will include a clubhouse with recently enacted Florida affordable housing an exercise room, library, walking trail, legislation dubbed the Live Local Act and craft room, community garden and picnic is thought to be one of the first projects area. Units will be first come, first served, in Hillsborough County to receive funding and a waiting list is live on the develop- from the act. ment’s website. No application or rental in“We have two other affordable housing formation will be available before fall 2024. projects coming to the area, one is named Since taking over as pastor in 2017, the The Loop and will have 77 units available Rev. Edison Bernavas noticed the need for and the other Lake Bluetail which will have affordable housing during his time spent 120 units” said Shawn Wilson, President with the elderly. Through discussions with and CEO of Blue Sky Communities. parishioners, Bernavas learned he shared The Loop, on the northwest corner of the same desire to develop senior housing Town Center Boulevard and Gornto Lake on part of the sprawling 20-arce parcel Road near the Westfield Brandon mall, has owned by the church, as did the church’s received an award of HOPE funds from Hillfounding pastor, Christopher Fitzgerald. sborough County. The 120-unit Lake BlueBernavas explored many options before tail project on Bloomingdale Avenue will deciding to work with Blue Sky Communi- be located west of Providence Road, adties, which had been discussing affordable jacent to the currently under-construction housing options on church property with 352-unit Summerall Luxury Apartments the diocese just prior to the pandemic. complex by Blue Sky’s sister company, 2nd Bernavas told the large crowd in atten- Wave Development. Amenities planned for dance, “Having worked hard all of their Lake Bluetail include a clubhouse with a lives, [many] still don’t have access to de- pool, child’s play area and pickleball court.

Lost 31.5 lbs, Size “8 to 0” In 3 Months WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS: MERAKI SOLAR

BAY WANDERLUST AREA NOTARY CONCIERGE AND LEGALHEALTHCARE SERVICES LLC GRACE MANOR AT HUNTERS CREEK MARINE CORPS RECRUITING TAMPA LAW OFFICE OFFLOORS SAMUEL OF C HIGGINBOTTOM PLLC FOOTPRINTS CENTRAL FLORIDA GENESISTIDAL ILLUSTRATION & DESIGN LLC WAVE LOANS LLC OMNIPRO SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION SEXTON & COMPANY MARKETING SOLUTIONS LAW FIRM LLC FIRE &MORTON ICE HEATING AND COOLING CONNECTPAY USA REALTORS NEXON TAMPA THE KKG WEICHERT, KELLER WILLIAMS SUBURBAN THE ENRICHMENT NESTELDERBERRY CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER LAURA’S LLC EASTERSEALS FLORIDA, INC. PRICE, WRIGHT, & DUNN, INC. ENTERPRISES WIPA WATSON, REALTOR CENTURY 21 BEGGINS SPECTRUM REACH OUR DREAM KITCHEN

TOMMY’S EXPRESS CAR WASH ALL AMERICAN TITLE BAYFIRST FINANCIAL INSUREONE INSURANCE SERVICES AMERICA DBA 1776 MARKETING SOLUTIONS THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BLOOMINGDALE MOST INSURANCE BELLEVIDA DESIGN PGI WEALTH RORY B. WEINER, P.A.LLC WELCOME HOMEMGMT TITLE NORGARD INSURANCE GROUP THE PAINT STORE ETC., INC.INC START YOUR NEW YEAR OFF 33 RIGHT BUBBA’S THE STYLISH CHICK BY JOINING THE JACKSON MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS FASTEST GROWING CHAMBER IN EAST HILLSBOROUGH. BRANDON CREMATION & FUNERAL SERVICES, INC. BEAUTIFUL BODIES, LLC JOINVALRICO US FOR THERAPEUTIC THE GENERALMASSAGE ASSEMBLY AT FERMAN MAZDA CLUB RIVERHILLS COUNTRY BURN BOOT CAMP BRANDON HUTH & BOOTH PHOTOGRAPHY TUESDAY FEBRUARY 13TH, 9:00 AM TAMPENO CIGARS THE RENEW INSTITUTE VISIT WWW.VALRICOFISHHAWK.ORG STONE MORTGAGE GROUP

As a mother of 2 and business owner, I felt as if I had tried everything humanly possible to get in the best shape for my health and overall wellbeing with the time and resources I had available to me. I had been dedicated to cardio exercise and strength building for years, but was not seeing the results I thought I should be seeing. I decided it was time to go to the experts. I looked at a couple of possibilities, and determined that if I wanted the best results, I needed to go to a proven source of expertise. I had seen RobZFitness testimonials and heard about the results and after doing some research on what I should expect and gathering a great deal of courage, I decided to walk in their door. I found RobZ staff to be very welcoming, encouraging and knowledgea ble. As hard as I had tried all these years, many of the exercises were incorrect in technique, not enough weight, or just simply not pushing beyond what I thought I was capable of doing. The results were fast and furious- I was amazed at how simple the theory of exercise and healthy eating really was, and although not one for pressing myself in the area of physical fitness, I found the benefits FAR outweigh the sweat equity. Not only did I surprisingly drop 31.5 lbs of body fat and a 14.1% body fat change the first three months (a welcome plus), but lost 19 total inches (6.5” waist and 4” thigh, etc.) and was seeing visible sculpting. I had walked in hoping to tone up, which I did, but found so much more. Rob mentioned at the beginning I was in better shape than 20% of women my age and now I am in better shape than 91% of women. I suffered from migraines since adolescence and being on RobZ plan, I did not have one migrainewhich to me, was nothing short of a miracle. The trainers helped me to understand the dynamics behind balancing food intake and how this affected the chemical balance in my system. I had never looked forward to working out the way I have while working at RobZ. The workouts turned out to be the biggest stress relief of my life and the education I received will follow me and motivate me for a lifetime. My only regret is that I did not walk into RobZ sooner! What are you waiting for?

Before...

...After

Deanne Miranda

www.valricofishhawk.org

813.571.3700 www.RobZFitness.com 16315 FishHawk Blvd, Lithia, FL 33547

Page 18

Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 2

LENNARD LEGACY CONTINUES WITH CUSTOM CLEANUPS HAS BEEN NEW ROLE FOR FORMER MINTZ, PROVIDING EIGHT YEARS OF UNWAVERING STOWERS AND YORK PRINCIPAL SUPPORT FOR CANCER PATIENTS By Linda Chion

Staff Report

As a newly schools. The youngnamed regional er Ayres graduatsuperintendent, ed from Jefferson Catherine ‘Missy’ High, where he latLennard brings to er served as princithe job her lifelong pal. experiences with “I have a ton of Hillsborough Counrespect for Van and ty Public Schools his family and their as the daughter time in our schools, of Earl Lennard, a and I believe Van much-beloved suAyres is the perperintendent and fect person to lead Brandon High gradus into rebuilding Catherine ‘Missy’ Lennard, at the construction uate, and the nameour culture,” Missy site for York Innovation Academy, is now a sake of Lennard regional superintendent for the Hillsborough said. High in Ruskin. Ayres was apCounty School District. A graduate of East Bay High in Gib- pointed superintendent in 2023 following sonton, Missy said her “amazing experi- the departure of Addison Davis, whose ences” as a teacher and reading resource last day on the job came 41 months after teacher, at Cypress Creek and Gibsonton the school board in 2020 approved his elementary schools, respectively, pre- appointment to replace outgoing Superpared her for her principal duties. intendent Jeff Eakins, a longtime district With a career spanning more than 20 employee. Davis hailed from Clay County years, Missy was the first-ever assis- and was the first superintendent hired tant principal at Symmes Elementary from outside the district in more than 50 in Riverview. Next, she was principal at years. Mintz Elementary in Brandon. She said Now, it’s back to tradition for school she left Mintz “five years to the day” she district leadership, and Missy said she is was hired to open Stowers Elementary all in to support Ayres and his goals for in Lithia in 2009, and then to open the the district. Missy is one of 12 regional pre-K to grade eight York Innovation superintendents, a cabinet position that Academy in Apollo Beach in 2022. requires oversight for about 21 North In her new position, Missy is informed Tampa/New Tampa schools. by the wisdom she gained as the child “I’m very excited to have the opporof a career educator, who her current tunity for the next phase of my career, boss, Superintendent Van Ayres, admires and to be able to support principals in greatly. schools,” Missy said. “I share Superin“The commitment for him was always tendent Ayres’ vision of ‘Hillsborough to our county,” Missy said about her fa- Strong,’ in which he says every single ther, who was superintendent from 1996 person in a school matters. Coming toto 2005. gether is what makes a difference for all “Coaching and leading with kindness our children. It is an honor to work for and making decisions that are best for all someone who is aligned with that vision.” students, that’s what it was like back unWith the new comes a bittersweet der Earl’s leadership,” Ayres said. “We all goodbye. knew that number one, Earl cared about “Leaving York was a very difficult deus as individuals, and that’s what made cision,” Missy said. “I had built relationus better workers.” ships with the students and their families Missy is no stranger to the Ayres and I loved being a part of the amazing family, and vice versa, as their connec- trajectory that we had set in motion.” tion through education is deeply rootBut the school is left in good hands, ed. Missy’s father entered the Hillsbor- Missy added, noting that her successor, ough school system as a first grader at Dustin Robinson, is more than qualified Palm River Elementary and ‘graduated’ to help York succeed in its candidacy to as superintendent in 2005 after rising become an International Baccalaureate through the ranks from teacher through (IB) school. administration. He died in 2019 at age 77. “I hired Dustin as a brand-new teacher Ayres’ parents, Nuri and Van, graduat- at Stowers Elementary before he worked ed from Hillsborough High and spent their his way up to assistant principal, and careers in Hillsborough County schools. then hired him to help open York as asAyres’ father taught career education sistant principal,” Missy said. “Dustin is for 33 years at Leto High; his mother was very excited to be leading York, and he principal at both King and Sickles high will do an amazing job.”

Jacky Costello, foundReason, Custom Cleanups er and proprietor of will continue to clean for Custom Cleanups LLC, a two local cancer patients’ household cleaning serhomes per month for two vice catering to the widconsecutive months free er Tampa Bay region, of charge. This will be an has a deeply personal ongoing service for paconnection to cancer tients residing in Lithia, survival. Since 2016, Riverview and Valrico. Costello has collaboratRosimar Lloyd, a reciped with the nonprofit Jacky Costello and Custom Cleanups ient of donated cleaning organization Cleaning LLC have partnered with Cleaning for services, shared her gratfor a Reason, using her a Reason to locally support 82 cancer itude, stating, “The lapatients. company’s resources dies at Custom Cleanups to provide complimentary house cleaning were courteous and very thorough. I am services to local cancer patients. Mark- so very pleased. I am going through radiing the eighth consecutive year, Costello ation and chemotherapy treatments, and remains committed to extending this sup- this support made my day. Thank you for port to more individuals battling cancer making a difference.” within the local community. Custom Cleanups LLC ensures homes “Having battled cancer myself, I inti- are conducive to health and happiness mately comprehend the challenges of un- by providing an array of services. These dergoing treatments and the invaluable include preparing homes for visits, mainsignificance of lending a helping hand,” taining germ-free environments through Costello shared. “This understanding fuels regular cleaning and offering move-in and our dedication to partnering with Clean- move-out cleaning services. The compaing for a Reason and drives my personal ny’s approach is highly personalized, taicommitment to aiding as many cancer loring solutions to meet the distinct needs patients as possible. A sanitized and or- of every client. derly home creates a safe, healthy haven, Notable recognitions include Best of enabling cancer patients to prioritize their the Best Cleaning Business in Tampa Bay healing and cherish moments with their in 2019 and 2021. Since 2018, Custom families. The isolation that often accom- Cleanups has been a Top 100 Cleaning panies cancer can be overwhelming, and for a Reason Partner, supporting numerour goal is to foster connection and sup- ous cancer patients. For more information port for these patients and their families about this company, go to www.customcduring this difficult period.” leanups.com. Since 2016, Custom Cleanups has supTo learn more about Cleaning for a Reaported 82 cancer patients with total son and to apply for free house cleaning, donated cleanings valued at $23,250. visit the website at https://cleaningforarThrough its partnership with Cleaning for a eason.org/.

NOW, MORE THAN EVER, WE REALIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY.

Have you taken the TIME to do your Will or Trust? Remember, you are not doing it for yourself... you are doing it for THEM.

2240 LITHIA CENTER LANE VALRICO 33596 THOMAS@TOMGALLOLAW.COM

813-815-4529

Valrico Edition

February 2024

Page 19

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS! Do not be caught off guard As if you did not already have enough to report, a new reporting requirement has been created by the Federal Government. It is called the Beneficial Ownership Reporting Rule. This rule is the result of congressional legislation titled “Corporate Transparency Act”. The act requires data on all business owners owning 25% or more. It also requires data on individuals who exercise “Substantial Control” over a company. The deadline for this report is January 1, 2025 for entities existing before January 1, 2024. For entities formed in 2024 the deadline to file is within 90 days of formation. Penalties for failure to report is $500.00 per day and/or up to two years in prison. The report is to be filed with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN) under the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Information about the Reporting Rule is available at www.fincen.gov/boi. Get Educated. Get Engaged. We view this as an egregious burden on small businesses. Contact your tax professional and your congress representative. May the odds be ever in your favor. Good Luck.

Page 20

Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 2

credits. Tuition assistance is also available. Flex start semester dates for spring are: • Tuesday, March 5: eight-week classes. • Tuesday, March 26: five-week classes. Compiled by Jenny Bennett Visit www.hccfl.edu/ jbennett@ospreyobserver.com flexstart for more information. Hillsborough Community College serves more than Nominations Sought For Hills43,000 students annually borough County Environmental at its five campuses locatChampion ed throughout Tampa Bay. Hillsborough County is asking for res- For more information, visit Matthew Jourdain won first place in Center study and celthe Durant High School Poetry Jam ebrate cultural diveridents’ help in honoring those who have www.hccfl.edu. which earned him a spot at the High sity as well as what it worked to protect the environment. School Poetry Jam finals. means to be a citizen Nominations are now being accepted for Easter Bunny Bash in today’s global community. They learn to Hillsborough County’s Theodore Rooshonor what makes people different and evelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Event At Centerpoint Church This Easter, guests are invited to enjoy to appreciate the many things we have Award. The honor is given annually to an individual or group who exemplifies ded- a carnival-style event with games and at- in common with love, respect and accepication to preserving the county’s natural tractions designed for children to enjoy tance. There will be food, music, activities resources. Nominees must live or work in with grown-ups at Centerpoint Church’s and performances that relate to different Hillsborough County or have lived/worked Bunny Bash. The Easter Bunny will be at cultures around the world. in Hillsborough County during the time of the event, greeting children, offering partheir achievements. The deadline for nom- ents a free digital portrait to enjoy and Yoga & Brunch At inations is Thursday, February 29. Apply inviting everyone to grab a map and hop Center Place online at https://hcflgov.formstack.com/ along his bunny trail, where children can Center Place Fine forms/theodore_roosevelt_hillsborough_ visit spring-themed locations to collect Arts & Civic AssociaEaster eggs and fill their baskets. With forever_conservation_award. attractions like a rock-climbing wall and tion is offering a Yoga slide, a petting zoo, inflatable games and & Brunch experience HCC Spring Flex Start Registra- bounce houses, entertainment from local on Saturday, March 9 tion Open dance groups, a children’s craft area and from 10 a.m.-12 Noon Registration for Hillsborough Communi- more, this is an event not to be missed. The at its location: 619 ty College’s (HCC) spring flex start semes- Bunny Bash at Centerpoint Church, locat- Vonderburg Dr., Ste. ter is underway. HCC is offering over 1,000 ed at 1720 St. Cloud Ave. in B. in Brandon. This is a flex start classes Valrico, is open to the com- gentle and restorative INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL this spring. munity with free admission yoga class suitable for HCC’s flex start February 24th and does not require a tick- all levels. Please bring your own mat, blanschedule offers 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM et. ainment - Fo ket and pillow. Tickets a variety of start t r e o nt dates, times and Annual Internation- for the event are $25. To purchase, call 813modalities, includal Festival At The Vil- 685-8888 or visit https://centerplaceing on campus, lage Early Learning brandon.com/. online and live online to ensure that Center students have the The Village Early Learnflexibility they ing Center is hosting its need for their annual International Festibusy lives. Stuval on Saturday, February dents can earn 24, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 3741 Canoga Park Dr, Brandon, FL 33511 credits applicable 3741 Canoga Park Dr. in (813) 651-0779 to any of HCC’s Brandon. This event will Associate in Arts allow children to have fun and Associate in Science degrees, college while learning about culture appreciation. credit and postsecondary adult vocational The students at The Village Early Learning

Yoga, Golf Tournament, Silent Disco & More...

teractive A - In ct

The all-female Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte de Berry will be holding its annual golf tournament on Sunday, March 24, at the Bay Palms Golf Complex at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. It will be a four-person scramble format costing $460 per foursome or $125 per person; this covers green fees, cart fees, range balls and a dinner after the event. There will be many ways to win prizes, including closest to the pin, longest drive, etc., as well as raffle prizes and awards. To find out more and to register for the event, visit its website at www.kreweofcharlottedeberry.com. All proceeds from the event will benefit local high school female athletes who plan to enter career and technical fields.

Luck Of The Irish Silent Disco

Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a silent disco. Join in on Friday, March 15 from 6-9 p.m. for an evening filled with fun and shenanigans for those over 18. Tickets are available for the event by calling 813-685-8888 or visiting https:// centerplacebrandon.com/ and are priced at $10. Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon.

s itie iv

ys - Liv spla eE Di

Ye Royal Krewe Of Charlotte De Berry Golf Tournament

Cou nt r

Passports available for $5.00 to travel around the world during your adventure!

Students at The Village Early Learning Center study and celebrate cultural diversity as well as what it means to be a citizen in today’s global community. They learn to honor what makes people different and appreciate the many things we have in common with love, respect, and acceptance.

#CHC 430446

Your Complete Automotive Repair Solution

(813) 684-1556 www.hitechautomotiveofbrandon.com 119 S. Montclair Ave. Brandon FL 33511

Veteran and Family Owned & Operated Your Dealership Alternative For Less!!

Dine L cal With Us!

1/2 10% Off OFF

Appetizer with any dinner entree. Friday & Saturday 6 PM - Close

One regularly priced menu item. Cannot be combined with other offers. Limit one coupon per customer.

Complimentary

Specialty Beverage with any purchase House Blend Cold Brew Sweet Cream Vanilla Good Morning Sunrise Strawberry Lemonade Spritzer Blueberry Lemonade Harvest Peach

FREE

SODA with purchase

Dine In ONLY Not Available for To Go

with the purchase of a meal M-F until 9AM

LUNCH SPECIALS EVERY DAY FAMILY MEAL SPECIALS $39.95

10% OFF

Take Out and Delivery

ENTIRE PURCHASE

La Septima Cafe

Sunflower Cafe

It’s what we do.

Vine Vegan 10288 Causeway Blvd.

Mention This Ad CATERING FREE AVAILABLE Regular Pancake

FRESH. FUN. FLAVORFUL.

Eggs Up Grill

StrandHill Public

www.OspreyObserver.com

vinevegan.com

2080 Badlands Drive l Brandon 3/15/2024 Expires 1 / /2023

813-800-EGGS 3920 US 301 • Riverview (between Falkenburg & 301) Dine In Only. Excludes Mimosas. 3/15/2024 Expires 1 / /2023

Little Greek Fresh Grill 813.570.8162

RIVERVIEW LOCATION ONLY

10173 Big Bend Rd., Riverview Expires 1 / /2023 3/15/2024

1916 Iris Pub DailySt. 906Open W Robertson 6:30AM-2:15PM Brandon, fl 33511 Lithia

www.1916irishpub.com

5614 FishHawk Crossing Blvd

Tampa

10254 Causeway Blvd

813-65-SUSHI 702 W Lumsden Rd, Brandon Only valid with regular menu. With Not Valid with any other discounts, this coupon. Must present before promotions or coupons. submitting payment. Before tax. No Cash Value. One coupon per visit. Not valid Expires 1 / /2023 3/15/2024 with Expires 1 / /2023 3/15/2024

February 2024

Valrico Edition

Page 21

EXPERIENCE NEW ORLEANSSTYLE MARDI GRAS AT BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA Staff Report Captivated by pler lanyard. Marthe lively hues and di Gras sampler delicious tastes lanyards start at of New Orleans’ $40. Food and grandest celebrabeverage event tion, Mardi Gras locations are open at Busch Gardens on Fridays, SaturTampa Bay will days and Sundays whisk visitors starting at 12 away to a lively Noon. world of bayou-inAlso currently Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay runs spired revelry. at Busch Garselect dates now through Sunday, March 3. This immersive dens is the Real experience includes deMusic Series, Busch lectable Cajun-inspired Gardens Tampa Bay’s culinary treats, an enerlongest-running concert getic parade showcasseries, now through ing festive characters, a Sunday, February 25. cascade of multicolored beads, a live and Ranging from classic rock to pop soul authentic brass band and a range of spir- to folk rock, live performances will hit the ited entertainment options suitable for the stage at the Stanleyville Theater for seamwhole family. less artistic renditions of artists and bands, Mardi Gras returns to Busch Gardens such as Chicago, the Eagles, Elvis Presley Tampa Bay on select dates now through and more. Sunday, March 3. Guests will have the Visit https://buschgardens.com/tampa/ chance to enjoy a festive parade, catch events/real-music/ for show schedules and beads along the way and march to the beat times. of live music from the brass band. Mardi Gras and the Real Music Series are Parkgoers can also get a taste of Bour- included with daily park admission, annual bon Street at the popular event, which passes and Fun Cards. features a new crepes station and foodie For a limited time, guests who purchase favorites, such as gumbo, jambalaya, an- a 2024 Busch Gardens Fun Card can unlock douille sausage po’ boys and beignets. Tra- free access to Adventure Island through ditional New Orleans cocktails such as the Tuesday, December 31. With all-new seahurricane plus signature mocktails, beers sonal events and attractions, including and wine will also be available for guests. Phoenix Rising at Busch Gardens Tampa All of the Mardi Gras treats and Cajun Bay or Castaway Falls at Adventure Island, eats can be best enjoyed by purchasing a a Fun Card is the perfect way to experience Mardi Gras sampler lanyard, available in the best of both Tampa Bay parks. quantities of five and 10. Pass members To learn more guests can visit https:// can purchase an exclusive 12-item sam- buschgardenstampa.com/.

Aldo López-Gavilán, piano

Michael Francis, Music Director

Making Waves in Tampa Bay SPECIAL CONCERT

HOUGH FAMILY FOUNDATION MASTERWORKS

Rick Steve’s Europe: A Symphonic Journey

Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue Feb 17 & 18

Mar 16 - With Matinee!

HOUGH FAMILY FOUNDATION MASTERWORKS

Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto Feb 23 - 25 RAYMOND JAMES POPS

Twist & Shout: The Music of The Beatles

HOUGH FAMILY FOUNDATION MASTERWORKS

Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony Apr 5 - 7

Support your Florida Orchestra today FloridaOrchestra.org/donate

Mar 1

FloridaOrchestra.org | 727.892.3337

VIPcare is dedicated to helping you get the most out of your Medicare benefits. Because your health is our priority.

Get More With VIPcare More time with your doctor Specialized care

One Visit Could Change Your Life.

Primary care that goes above & beyond

Schedule your visit today!

(813) 359-0312 VIPcare Valrico 1947 East State Road 60 Valrico, FL 33594

www.getvipcare.com Benefits, costs, and other details vary from plan to plan. Discuss with a licensed broker or agent for more details.

Page 22

Valrico Edition

UNITED WAY SUNCOAST KICKS OFF CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AT TAMPA CITY HALL By Jane Owen Founded a century ners attended the kickago, United Way Sunoff celebration: the Girl coast began serving Scouts of West Central Tampa with the creFlorida, the American ation of the Tampa Red Cross, the YMCA Welfare League and and the Tampa Urban Community Chest on League. January 10, 1924. The kickoff ceremoDuring the last 100 The United Way Suncoast team at the Cen- ny concluded with the years, it has elevated tennial Celebration Kickoff on January 10. raising of the United community cohesion, Way Suncoast flag early learning, literacy over Tampa City Hall and financial success with chief communiwithin the five counties cations officer Ernest it serves in the Tampa Hooper leading the Bay area. crowd expressing the On January 10, United Say Suncoast United Way Suncoast mantra, “United We kicked off a centennial Rise, United We Win.” 18-month celebration United Way CEO Jessica Muroff presentHooper shared that at Tampa City Hall. The ing a shirt to Tampa Mayor Jane Castro. Unity Way Suncoast year-and-a-half celebration includes a series engaged with half a million community of events for the Tampa Bay community members in their five-county region in 2023 to commemorate the 100-year milestone. and that engagement reached more than Tampa Mayor Jane Castor started the cer- 50,000 people in East Hillsborough County. emony with a proclamation declaring Janu- He said their mission work concentrates on ary 10 as United Way Suncoast Day. elevating early learning and literacy, energizUnited Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff ing middle school and high school students addressed the crowd during the Centennial to put them on a path to postsecondary sucCelebration Kickoff. cess and empowering community members “At United Way Suncoast, we often speak and families through financial stability. about giving families and community memIn 2024, Suncoast United Way’s Volunteer bers the ‘freedom to rise,’” Muroff said. Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will “Giving people the ‘freedom to rise’ means provide free tax assistance to any household providing community members platforms to that earns $79,000 or less, Hooper said. enhance their place in this world.” For assistance locations or to learn more Muroff shared that United Way Suncoast’s about the VITA program, visit https://unitsuccess stories stem from a collaborative edwaysuncoast.org/what-we-do/income/ effort involving corporate contributors, in- free-tax-help/. dividual donors, volunteers and nonprofit For information, visit https://unitedpartners. Members of these nonprofit part- waysuncoast.org/centennial/.

Volume 21, Issue 2

CARDINAL ROOFING HOSTS 10TH ANNUAL CLAY SHOOT FUNDRAISER FOR WE ARE THE ESSENTIALS

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Cardinal Roofto come out and ing is hosting its advertise to our 10th annual Clay attendees,” said Shoot Fundraiser Wilson. “We are on Friday, March also doing a ‘Fund 22 with sign-in bethe List’ for We ginning at 11 a.m. Are The Essenand shooting at tials — funding 12 Noon. Particithe items they pants will enjoy a need to help with fun day of shoottheir mission of ing sporting clay finding our comCardinal Roofing is hosting a fun day of clay shootfor a great cause. munity’s loved ing, raffles, auctioning and lunch to raise money The clay shoot is for We Are The Essentials, a nonprofit organization ones.” raising money for Wilson is aldedicated to finding missing people in our We Are The Esways thankful for community. sentials, a nonprofit agency the camaraderie at the clay that investigates and loshoot as well as the support cates missing persons. of the roofing community. “We picked this nonprofit “Roofers have the biggest because it is a group of vethearts, and I love when our erans, former first respondindustry comes together ers and community members who are with our community and local businesses dedicating their time, money and talents to benefit such a worthy nonprofit.” to bring home missing individuals to their All donations are welcome for the raffamilies.,” explained Bridget Wilson, presi- fles and can be dropped off at the Cardinal dent of Cardinal Roofing. Roofing office at 1312 Orangewalk Dr. in According to Wilson, giving back to Brandon. the community is a priority for Cardinal “No donation is too small, and we apRoofing. This year’s clay shoot is hoping to preciate the amount of support we have raise $20K for We Are The Essentials. received through the years, and we look The event will also include raffles, an forward to doing it again for the 10th auction and great food. There are many time,” said Wilson. local sponsors for the event, including For ticket pricing, registration and sponChick-fil-A Bloomingdale/Lake Brandon sorship opportunities, call 813-689-7663 Village, which is the 10-year breakfast (ROOF) or visit www.girlroofer.com. The sponsor. Jenifer Breaux with Dream Vaca- event is taking place at FishHawk Sporting tions is the lunch sponsor and JF Kicks is Clays, located at 13505 Hobson Simmons the drink sponsor. Rd. in Lithia. For more information on We “This year, we are offering 10 vendor Are The Essentials, visit www.wearetheesspots at $225 each for local businesses sentials.com.

(813) 643-7173 • • • • • •

Plumbing Repairs Re-pipes Drain stoppages Home Additions Remodels Fixtures & Accessories

• • • • •

Backflow Device Testing Water Softener Installation Water Heater Installation New Construction (Residential) New Construction (Commercial)

29 Years in Brandon!

Find out more at our website:

WWW.COGGINSPLUMBING.COM Proudly serving the Tampa Bay area for over 30 years.

24 Hour Emergency Service

10%

$50

$200

YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL

NEW WATER HEATER PURCHASE & INSTALLATION

RESIDENTIAL REPIPES

OFF

Expires10/15/2023 2/15/24 3/15/24 Expires

OFF

Expires10/15/2023 2/15/24 3/15/24 Expires

OFF

Expires10/15/2023 2/15/24 3/15/24 Expires

Locally Owned and Operated. Servicing Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties KEEPING BAY AREA PROPERTIES BUG FREE SINCE 1998. Request your free inspection or a quote for our services.

service@repcopest.com (813) 854-5412 Licensed & Certified Technicians

Valrico Edition

February 2024

Page 23

NEW AIRLINE PREPARING TO TAKE OFF FROM LAKELAND LINDER AIRPORT

By Brad Stager

Avelo Airlines is preparing to begin operations at Lakeland Linder International Airport.

Whether your destination is Kalispell, Montana or San Juan, Puerto Rico, you’ll soon be able to consider flights from another Tampa Bay area airport to meet your travel needs. A new option for Tampa Bay travelers is on the horizon as Avelo Airlines prepares for passenger service at Lakeland Linder International Airport. Agreements between Avelo Airlines, Visit Central Florida and the airport were approved by the Lakeland City Commission in December 2023, clearing the way for the budget air carrier to begin operations there. According to Avelo’s website, the airline currently operates out of 43 airports with regular and seasonal schedules. Avelo is establishing itself as an airline flying in and out of smaller airports that can provide convenience to travelers living farther away from major air hubs. Besides the aforementioned Big Sky Country and La Isla del Encanto destinations, other locations serviced by Avelo include airports in Eugene, Oregon; Dubuque, Iowa; and Rochester, New York, among others. Besides smaller, local airports, Avelo also flies in and out of larger ones, such as Tampa International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. As for when Avelo begins operations at Lakeland Linder, there is no announced

date or flight schedule as of our press time. According to a Facebook post by Lakeland Linder International Airport, “There are several improvement projects needed for passenger operations to commence at LAL. Once those projects are on track, Avelo Airlines will start providing additional details to include a start date, routes and service frequency.” Those improvements are covered in the Airline Operating Agreement, Airline Facilities Construction and Lease Agreement and an Air Carrier Incentive Program that the Lakeland City Commission approved. The new passenger service is expected to contribute to Lakeland’s profile as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and officials are pleased. Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse said, “We are excited to partner with Avelo Airlines to provide passenger services in and out of our Lakeland Linder International Airport. This relationship will further diversify the tremendous economic benefits and services that our community receives from our airport. We are confident that Lakeland will assist Avelo in advancing their founding purpose, ‘To Inspire Travel,’ and welcome the many visitors that will come to know Lakeland because of the travel options Avelo and the City of Lakeland will provide.”

untiluntil February April 30th 29, 2024

• PRIMARY CARE • MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS • TELEHEALTH

Darlyne Georges MSN, APRN, FNP-C

813-438-5220 949-798-7803 214 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon WECAREWELLNESSCLINIC.COM

Page 24

Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 2

SUPPORTIVE INDEPENDENT LIVING , A SSISTED LIVING , AND MEMORY CARE

RAISE YOUR

Expectations The Meridian at Brandon is redefining retirement for seniors who enjoy living the good life! Designed like a boutique hotel, The Meridian at Brandon impresses at every turn. Featuring Supportive Independent Living, Assisted Living and our distinctive MONTESSORI MOMENTS IN TIME™ Memory Care programming, The Meridian will ensure life is lived to the fullest.

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A TOUR (813) 344-3987 9215 Causeway Blvd · Tampa · themeridianatbrandon.com ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY LIC#12940

A MERIDIAN SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

Valrico

February 2024, Vol. 21, Iss. 2

The Bay Area Renaissance SEE AD ON PAGEFestival 15 celebrates 45 years of adventure!

Hillsborough County Tax Collector Introduces Online Application For Motor Vehicle And Vessel Title Transactions

The Hillsborough County tax collector is making it faster and more convenient for residents to receive motor vehicle and vessel titles and has expanded their Express Lane service options to include e-title printing where customers will be able to complete their request for a printed electronic title online and pick it up on the same day in the office of their choice. Previously, Express Lane pickup was only available for registration renewals and specialty license plate orders. The e-title printing Express Lane option eliminates the need for customers to wait in line or make an appointment for this service. Simply apply and pay for an e-title online by 3:30 p.m. and pick it up on the same day. Customers will receive a notification once their application is processed and ready for pickup. To take advantage of the tax collector’s

the Tampa Bay area, from St. Petersburg and Clearwater to Bradenton. For additional information, visit its website at www.fullflowlavishloos.com.

PAINT CORPS Tampa

benefit from jet ventilation. Brandon Hospital’s NICU patients now have access to this advanced care technology, which eliminates the need for the youngest patients to face the risks associated Burgess and Michelle Perry, owners of PAINT with a transfer to another CORPS of Tampa. Express facility. This gentle ventilaLane sertion helps support the lungs vices, visit www.hillstax.org. of preterm babies so they can grow and develop in Brandon Hospital’s level III Jet Ventilation Now At HCA Flor- NICU. The hospital is located at 119 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. For more information, ida Brandon Hospital NICU www.hcafloridabrandonhospital. The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) visit com. at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital has made a major step to the highest level of care for respiratory distress in preterm babies. The NICU now utilizes jet ventilation, which provides the most advanced and gentle care compared to a traditional ventilator, for the youngest patients in the level III NICU. Neonatologists say babies born between approximately 5001250 grams (1-3 pounds) with lung disease due to prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or a lung collapse

, nly e! O l e im ailab T v d ite re A m a i L s r a ard Fo ft C Gi

PAINT CORPS of Tampa is a veteran-owned and operated business based in Wimauma. It provides high-quality interior and exterior painting services to residential and commercial clients in the Tampa Bay area and offers cabinet painting and resurfacing. You can expect the PAINT CORPS team to apply core military principles like service, integrity and pride to your job, regardless of how big or small it is. For more information, visit its website at www.paintcorps.com/tampa-fl/ or call 813-520-6096.

La Septima Celebrating 29 Years Full Flow Lavish Loos, The UltiOf Serving Delicious Food mate Luxury Restroom Rentals Popular family-owned restaurant, La Full Flow Lavish Loos, based in Ruskin, is Tampa’s ultimate destination for luxury restroom rentals. The lavishly designed portable restrooms redefine outdoor comfort. The modern, spacious, air-conditioned and impeccably clean restrooms not only offer essential conveniences but also exquisite bathroom accessories and designs. They can be transported across

Septima first started in February 1995 and is now celebrating its 29-year anniversary. Owned by the Fernandez family, the unfussy restaurant has become a staple in the community for serving its delicious Cuban-fusion cuisine and recently for its amazing $39.95 family meals. La Septima is located at 702 W. Lumsden

There's never been a better time to quit with Group Quit Tobacco Free Florida's Group Quit Sessions (in-person or virtual) now offer participants $25 - $125 in gift cards for their attendance.* Group Quit offers free, expert-led in-person or virtual sessions for all Florida residents regardless of insurance status. Upon class completion, participants are eligible for nicotine replacement therapy such as gum, patches or lozenges.** Pre-registration required

Call USF AHEC Program at: 813-974-7889 *while supplies last **if medically appropriate for those 18 years of age or older

Learn more about all of Tobacco Free Florida’s tools and services at tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway.

Page 26

Valrico Edition

EYE ON BUSINESS...CONTINUED

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

Rd. in Brandon in the La Viva Plaza. Visit its website at www. laseptimacafe.com or call 813-685-0502 for additional details.

New Monthly Vegan Workshop For All Levels Of Interest

the estate sale process from beginning to end with a personal touch. Call 813-668-6520 or visit its Facebook page at T&T Estate Sales Brandon for more information. Father and son Michael & Christian Beiter at Preservation 1st Financial Group.

Introductory Tai Chi Sessions

Are you curious The Taoist Tai Chi about embracing a Society of the USA is plant-based lifestyle a nonprofit organizabut not sure where tion managed by volto begin? Whether unteers. Among the you’re all in or just precious benefits of want to incorporate Taoist training is the some changes slowly, practical way it helps this workshop is for reduce pain and imyou. Join others for an prove health and viinsightful and friendly tality. Taoist Tai Chi® session hosted by Vine arts can help people Vegan owner Danielle with chronic, serious Stevens. While Danielle or mild pain, whethisn’t a nutritionist, she’s er physical, mental or someone who has sucspiritual. Taoist Tai Chi cessfully navigated the practice is also a form transition to veganism of meditation that has and is eager to share her exa profoundly calming effect on periences. Topics covered will the nervous system and the brain. include grocery store guidance, Experience Taoist Tai Chi locally learning the essentials for a with introductory sessions, startwell-rounded vegan shopping ing now at Brandon Christian list, quick and simple meals, Church on Tuesdays from 10exploring time-saving and 11 a.m., New Hope Church on tasty vegan meal ideas for Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. and your busy schedule, eatJulestarz Academy on Thursing out with ease and tips days from 11 a.m.-12 Noon. on navigating restaurant For more information, visit menus. The workshops will https://www.taoisttaichi.org/ be held on the last Tuesor call 877-398-1108. day of every month at Vine Vegan, located at 2080 ESTATE SALES Preservation 1st FiBadlands Dr. in Brandon. Sessions will start at 5:30 T&T Estate Sales LLC nancial Group Celep.m. brates Anniversary • Clean Up And Junk Removal Father and son Christian • Professional Staging T&T Estate Sales • Research To Ensure Fair Market Value Beiter, CFP®, and Michael • We Handle All Transactions For You Beiter Sr. are celebrating Launches In SE Hill19 years of serving the sborough community at Preservation After much personal 1st Financial Group. Preserexperience with estate Family Owned & Operated vation 1st Financial Group liquidation and relocat(813) 668 -6520 specializes in helping indiing to the state of FloriLike & Follow on Facebook at viduals reach their dreams. T&T Estate Sales LLC da, the Oraefo family has Whether you are looking launched T&T Estate Sales for comprehensive financial planning, inLLC. T&T Estate Sales is a family-owned surance planning, college planning or reand operated business that prides itself tirement planning, it has the knowledge on being honest, trustworthy and compasand expertise to guide you toward your sionate. T&T will clean and remove junk financial goals. Its office is located at 912 when required prior to liquidation, stage Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon. Call 813the sale and leave the property ‘broom 627-0872 or visit its website at www. clean’ when done. What sets T&T Estate Sales apart from the larger franchise preservation1st.com to make an appointcompanies is its collective knowledge of ment.

Sponsoring Teacher Of The Month: Sponsoring Teacher Of The Month:

Brandon/Valrico Riverview 689-7212 671-1919

Plant City 754-7788

• Reading • Writing • Math • SAT/ACT • Homework Edge preK -12th Grade

rt Card The Next Repo Ask about our Monthly Budget Plan etter! b e b to g in o g is “Creating Success by Changing Lives”

Volume 21, Issue 2

BOXING LEGEND SUGAR RAY LEONARD TO HEADLINE HCC’S NATIONAL BLACK, BROWN AND COLLEGE BOUND SUMMIT Staff Report The 17th annual National Black, Brown and College Bound (BBCB) Summit, hosted by Hillsborough Community College (HCC), will be held from Wednesday through Saturday, March 6-9 at the Tampa Convention Center, located at 333 S. Franklin St. in Tampa. The event’s presenting sponsor is Wells Fargo. Legendary boxing icon Sugar Ray Leonard will keynote the highly anticipated Dr. Sylvia Marion Carley Luncheon on Friday, March 8. Leonard has championship titles in five weight divisions and is an Olympic gold medalist, Hall of Famer, bestselling author, television personality, ringside analyst, philanthropist and founder of the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation. Additional speakers will include award-winning actor, musician and spoken word artist Omari Hardwick as well as actor and producer Luis Guzmán. “Over the years, BBCB has been a national event for young men of color to come together and discuss the unique issues they face in this country and in their community,” said Dr. Ken Atwater, president of HCC. “The summit is open to all students, allowing a space to network and connect with others who have surpassed the obstacles and become successful. The path to that success beginning with completing a college degree.” Black and Latino males remain historically underrepresented throughout higher education, and their persistence

and retention rates are significantly lower than other student populations. To address the disparities, HCC founded the BBCB Summit in 2006. Today, BBCB has established itself as the preeminent forum addressing the unique barriers that impede the success of this student population, bringing together national leaders and scholars in economics, business, education and social culture. “We look forward to hosting the National BBCB Summit with our corporate and community sponsors,” said Annazette Houston, HCC’s chief diversity officer. “I am so pleased to be associated with an effort designed to change the educational outcomes for students.” The BBCB Summit has seen more than 5,000 participants since 2006, including students from almost two dozen different states. For more information and to register for the event, visit bbcbsummit. org. Additional questions should be directed to summitregistration@hccfl.edu. Hillsborough Community College serves more than 43,000 students annually at its five campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. For more information, visit www.hccfl.edu. Hillsborough Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Hillsborough Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Visit www.hccfl. edu/accreditation for more information.

Have a smashing good time with friends & family

Smash! Splatter! throw!

BRANDON TERMITE & PEST CONTROL

Termidor

MEMBER WEST FLORIDA

10 Year Guarantee

Against Subterranean Termites

Main Office: 108 S. St. Cloud Ave. • Valrico • Fax 685-3607 • 6am-6pm

brandonpestcontrol@tampabay.rr.com

Serving: Clearwater-Tampa-Orlando-Plant City For a FREE ESTIMATE call (813) 685-7711

#1 BUG MUGGERS SINCE 1973

Book Now!

813-807-6274 863 E Bloomingdale Ave Brandon FL 33511

Valrico Edition

February 2024

MAGRUDER AGENCY IS EMPOWERING LIVES — ONE POLICY AT A TIME

Page 27

SERENITY MEADOWS FUNERAL HOME IS EXPANDING AND MODERNIZING

By Kelly Wise Valdes

By Ashley Abene

With the rising the business lines, costs of insurance for such as auto and houses and cars, as commercial,” said well as life insurance, Magruder. “I imagine renter’s insurance and all insurance agents commercial insurance, are facing the same it can certainly bechallenges to meet come overwhelming. the increased deOne way people navmand for quotes and igate this complexipolicies.” ty is by talking to a Magruder also extrusted and reputaplained that the way ble insurance agent. Pat Magruder (right) and Stephanie Van insurance companies Fortunately, Magrud- Slyck at Magruder Agency are committed determine pricing to working with their customers to get er Agency has been and eligibility has successfully helping them the best insurance at the best price. evolved into a much people traverse this more complicated alseemingly daunting gorithm. task by for more than “When our agency 30 years. first opened, it was Owner Patricia ‘Pat’ possible to produce Magruder said that Magruder Agency a quote using a single printed manual,” owes its success to focusing on building said Magruder. “Now, there is so much relationships with clients based on ser- more information needed and details to vice and dependability, rather than rapid be considered; it takes longer to develop growth built on pricing. She loves meet- a viable quote that can be turned into a ing new people and learning about their policy.” stories. But this makes Magruder even more “Our goal has always been to do the determined to provide the very best serbest we can for the clients,” said Ma- vice possible to her clients. gruder. “Everyone’s situation is different, “This is a difficult time for insurance and sometimes we don’t have the best on all lines of business,” said Magrudanswer. We try to be up front and hon- er. “Rates are going up, companies are est with the clients so they can make the cancelling policies and the rules are conchoices that are best for them.” stantly changing. We do our best to help As many Floridians know, homeowner’s clients navigate the insurance landscape insurance is a hot issue right now. Ma- and find a product that will work.” gruder explained that it’s a difficult marFor more information on how the Maket to find new policies and many of the gruder Agency can help you meet your ininsurance companies are short-staffed, surance needs, visit www.magruderagenwhich delays processing for all types of cy.com or call 813-654-3100. Magruder insurance. Agency is located at 655 W. Lumsden Rd. “We are also seeing challenges in all in Brandon.

Planning a with famifuneral for a lies prior to loved one is a death and difficult. Not answer any only because of questions famthe emotional ily may have in weight of it all, advance. Howbut because it ever, it also can be a comserves families plicated and who have no overwhelming prearrangeprocess. Howments in place. Serenity Meadows has a beautiful burial ground on its ever, with a Soto also property. funeral home stated, “If a like Serenity death occurs, Meadows, the process can we simply require a phone become far less confusing call from the health care and daunting. professional or police offiLocated in Riverview, cer, then we will transfer Serenity Meadows opened a loved one into our care its doors 26 years ago. It and follow up with a fuoffers a wide range of funeral services to neral arrangement conference within the the community and is part of the Ever- next day or two. During the arrangement, story family of funeral homes and cem- we gather clothing, photos and answer eteries. any questions. We help guide families But Serenity Meadows isn’t just a com- to plan the perfect event for their loved munity funeral home. It serves everyone one.” of all religious and cultural backgrounds, Development is also coming to Serenity as well as anyone from out of town. Meadows. It is completing a rather large Bridgette Soto, general manager of expansion and will be offering brand-new Serenity Meadows, said, “Serenity Mead- mausoleum spaces (available in January ows is unique in that we have an excel- 2025). The funeral home will be adding lent reputation in the community, a staff new cremation niches, as well as commuthat treats you like family, a beautiful and nity burial gardens. It is also being upeasy-to-navigate cemetery and we can dated to offer more modern services for care for our families completely on-site. families, in addition to the typical tradiWhat this means is your loved one isn’t tional services. transferred from one building to the next Serenity Meadows welcomes all to depending on the need. We have our em- come take a tour to see current and develbalming and preparation center on-site, oping facilities. More information about as well as our crematory, event center this funeral home can be found by going and cemetery all in one place.” to its website at www.serenitymeadows. Staff from this funeral home can work com or calling 813-677-9494.

Save $5.00 on Adult & $1.00 on Youth General Admission Tickets at

out of this world!

Feb. 29 - Mar. 10, 2024 • Plant City, FL Artists Appearing on the

The Beach Boys Fri. Mar. 1, 3:30 $45

Soundstage:

Jordan Davis

Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra

Thu. Feb. 29, 10:30 FREE

Black Eyed Peas

OLIVER ANTHONY

Thu. Feb. 29, 3:30

Thu. Feb. 29, 7:30 $35

$35

Parker McCollum

Sat. Mar. 2, 7:30 $65

Fri. Mar. 1, 7:30 $55

The Oak Ridge Boys

American Made Farewell Tour

Sun. Mar. 3, 7:30 $65

Out of The Woods

The Bellamy Brothers Mon. Mar. 4, 3:30 $25

Home of OUR

#berryfest24

ZZ TOP

Mon. Mar. 4, 7:30 $55

The Commodores Fri. Mar. 8, 3:30 $35

Mark Lowry

Tue. Mar. 5, 3:30 $30

FOREIGNER

Fri. Mar. 8, 7:30 $55

Zach Williams Tue. Mar. 5, 7:30 $40

Jo Dee Messina Sat. Mar. 9, 3:30 $30

Craig Morgan

Wed. Mar. 6, 3:30 $35

Riley Green

Wed. Mar. 6, 7:30 $50

Bill Haley Jr. & The Comets Thu. Mar. 7, 10:30 FREE

Gene Watson

Thu. Mar. 7, 3:30 $25

Kirk Franklin

Thu. Mar. 7, 7:30 $45

Visit FLstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-754-1996 and get your tickets for the best seats available! While online, check out the Free Entertainment and Special Days and Discounts and full Schedule Special Flo Rida andCody Johnson Days and Discounts and full Schedule Sun. Mar. 10, 7:30 Sat. Mar. 9, 7:30 of Festival Events. $50

Concert dates and times are subject to change

$75

• T-Mobile • Alessi Bakeries • AMSCOT • Astin Farms • Candyland Warehouse • Global Frequency Technology • TRUFFOIRE • Circle K • Local Ford Dealers • O’Reilly Auto Parts • Grove Equipment Service • Stingray Chevrolet • Uncommon USA • Monticciolo Sedation Dentistry • Netterfield’s Concessions • Verizon • Badcock Home Furniture &more • Good Health Saunas • Krazy Kup • DIRECTV • Images Everywhere! • Master Spas • Choo Choo Lawn Equipment • Florida Blue • Advantage Restoration & Contracting • Entenmann’s • The Bank of Tampa • Solution Source Construction & Development • Suncoast Credit Union • ICEE • AT&T • Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association • General RV Center • SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo • AUSSIE GRILL • Eli Lilly and Company

Page 28

Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 2

THE MISSING PIECE THEATRE COMPANY DISCOVER DELICIOUS PIZZA AND A TO PRESENT PLAY ON! CONVIVIAL ATMOSPHERE AT STAGE By Kathy L. Collins The Missing Bucko added, Piece Theatre “Get ready to Company, which laugh as you get features a local a behind-thecast and crew, scenes look at will put on the what goes into first show in its putting on play. second season This all-star, cothis March. The medic cast will Missing Piece delight as they Theatre will presdo such a great ent Play On! at job showing you the Gem Theater, The Missing Piece Theatre is an all-volunteer theater their ‘bad’ actlocated at 118 group. It will present Play On! this March at the Gem ing.” Theater in Mulberry. NW 1st Ave. in The cast inMulberry. The shows will cludes many talented lobe held on Friday, March cal actors. These include 1 and 8, and Saturday, Maren Fernandez, JenMarch 2 and 9, at 8 p.m. nifer Groff and Brittany Two Sunday matinees will Thomas from Riverview; be held on March 3 and 10 Kayla Kopeck and Joshua at 2 p.m. Mange from Brandon; and The Missing Piece Thetwo residents who live in atre Company is a comValrico, Kathyanne Bishop pletely volunteer-run orand Maisy Middleton. ganization. Steven Bucko “We are so fortunate is the executive director with our partnership with of The Missing Piece Thethe City of Mulberry and atre, as well as the directhe beautiful Gem Thetor of Play On! ater. Our audience sizes According to Bucko, continue to grow, so make “Play On! tells the story of sure you get your tickets a theater company trying early,” Bucko said. — and failing hilariousThe Missing Piece Thely — to put on their next show, Murder atre’s second season will include Newsies, Most Foul. Act 1 shows us a bad rehearsal. which is set for July. You can then enjoy Act 2 shows a dress rehearsal that goes a fun Halloween season with Little Shop even worse. Act 3 is opening night, where of Horrors in October. Finally, get into the everything that can possibly go wrong, holiday season with The Gift of the Magi, does. The cast and crew try their best to set to take place in December. deal with constant changes from the playTickets are just $15. You can get tickets wright, but even their best efforts come to Play On! by visiting www.themissingup short.” piecetheatre.org.

Champion Wellness Chiropractic Certificate

$25

(Includes consultation, examination, all medically

necessary X-rays, and first treatment.)

Dr. Kyle Mullan

813-409-3304 • 4341 Lynx Paw Trail, Valrico

championwellnessvalrico.com THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICES, EXAMINATIONS, OR TREATMENTS WHICH ARE PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF THIS ADVERTISEMENT.

201 IN PLANT CITY

By Kathy L. Collins

Frank and Wenda begins.” Frank explained, Trunzo, well known for “We wanted to make sure their delightful authenthe ingredients used are the tic coffee house, Krazy finest. For example, the flour Kup, have taken their we use is a blend of Capulove of hospitality to to 00 flour combined with the next level with the unbromated, unbleached opening of Stage 201, a flour.” performance pizza eatSimilarly, the sauce is ery. Stage 201 is locatmade from hand-peeled ed at 201 E. Dr. Martin tomatoes and contains a Luther King Jr. Blvd. in unique blend of herbs and Plant City. spices. Stage 201 has been a Frank said, “The number labor of love; they spent one ingredient, however, is years planning it. The love.” building had been vaThese ingredients go into cant for years. delicious pizzas, including Wenda said, “When Stage 201, a new performance pizza the Motown, Stage 201’s we saw the building, we eatery in Plant City, is a fun and de- signature pizza. both looked at the high lightful place to find delicious pizza Frank explained, “For this ceiling and knew there and other fare. Stage 201 is owned pizza, we created a hybrid of and operated by Frank and Wenda grandma pizza and Detroit was something here.” Trunzo. Now, Stage 201 is pizza. This has a crown that both an experience and a destination. rises above the pizza, creating a fluffy and Everything inside Stage 201 was metic- crunchy texture.” ulously designed or selected by Frank and Stage 201 offers three different types of Wenda, including the brick oven. While both pizza: Motown; traditional, which is New the exterior and interior are fun and inviting, York-style; and cracker, which is a thin, Cait is the food that will lure you in and keep pri-style pizza. you coming back for more. In addition to pizza, you can get sandWhen asked why he chose pizza, Frank wiches, salads, calzones and strombolis. Latsaid, “Who doesn’t love pizza?” er this year, Stage 201 will begin to offer live However, Frank knew nothing about piz- music. za, so he and Wenda went on a journey of Frank said, “Being a host who provides discovery and learning. They learned from a destination that lifts the spirit with both industry experts and leaders. food and music is very soulful.” Frank added, Frank added, “We are artisans and stand “This allows me to express my artistic spirit.” by what we deliver to our customers. Our For more information, call 813-704-4548 pizza is handcrafted, and both the crust and or follow Stage 201 on Facebook and Inssauce are proprietary. That is where the pie tagram.

Valrico Edition

February 2024

VALRICO RESIDENT SIDNEY FORTNER CHANGES LIVES WITH MUSIC

By Jane Owen

LUXURY LISTINGS Lakewood Ranch (Del Webb 55+) D

E IC

With Complim

ing r ed Liv Assist Brandon...living you lifestyle.”

“Living the

the past.”

Call for details and pricing!

TesseraBrandon.com

Assisted Living Facility #AL13150

Fun Times!

Happy Va le n Day! tine’s

e The best things in lif are better with you.

1320 Oakfield Dr. Brandon, FL 33511 813-607-6880

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.SHELLTOWN.C21.COM

a a

ent Living Independent ary Ser vices Careishing oryt...c Mempre her sen

R LL

Michele Urbanowski 732.757.5816 Shelly Valdez 813.401.9489

Schedule Your Tour Today!

“Tessera

“Music can for Donald Trump change the world in Mar-a-Lago. because it can Fortner retired change people.” — from the military Bono, lead vocalist after 22 years, of the rock band but he could not U2. stop serving othValrico resident ers with music. He Sidney Fortner is a band director has played music for local nonprofall over the world it Instruments of through a career Change, the muSidney Fortner working with students at Greco in the military Middle School’s.Instruments of Change Summer sic director and Band Camp. and service in his pianist at First community. His years of serving others United Methodist Church of Seffner and through music have touched innumerable the band director at Clair Mel and Colson lives. elementary schools. “There is beauty in the comfort that Fortner’s unique experience serving music can bring. Music tells a story. That’s others through music is ongoing. the biggest thing,” Fortner said. One of Fortner’s current investments is An accomplished musician, Fortner’s being a guitar instructor at the nonprofit story involves a dedication to serve others No Fret Guitar Camp. Camp director Gary through music. He learned to read music Brosch is incredibly grateful for Fortner’s while playing the piano in third grade. He continued passion to serve others through graduated with a music degree in Geor- music. gia from Columbus State University. For “Sid is an amazing individual who rec22 years, Fortner was a trombonist in the ognizes the importance of music to young United States Army Band. He was sta- folks not only for our enjoyment but for tioned in Germany, Korea, South Korea all the benefits music brings. Many studand Georgia. He played for over 100 per- ies have shown music helps kids with formances in 45 days to deployed troops stress, anxiety, social skills, discipline and in Bosnia. He was the operational supervi- even math. Sid proves you don’t have to sor who would send a band out for funer- be young and hip — no offense Sid — to als for soldiers. work with youth who really do respect He played for notable people including sincere adults who they know only want presidents. In 1984, he played for Ron- the best for them,” Brosch said. ald Regan on the 40th anniversary of the “I just play. I enjoy knowing it, I enjoy Normandy Invasion, aka D-Day. He played entertaining and I use music to help peoagain for Reagan when he delivered his ple. Music really changes the lives of peoBerlin Wall Speech in 1987. He also played ple,” Fortner said.

Page 29

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

D 5

o DR

n LL

Page 30

Valrico Edition

TAKE PART IN YBOR CITY MUSEUM SOCIETY’S ANNUAL BUILDINGS ALIVE! EVENT

By Kathy L. Collins

The Ybor City City. Many of Museum Sothe businesses ciety will host and/or people its 12th annual who participate Buildings Alive! in the event Architecture have deep ties Hop on Thursto the early imday, February 29, migrants who from 5-9:30 p.m. helped build our Buildings Alive! city and want is an all-inclusive to show the evening of insidcommunity that er tours of some Ybor City Museum Society’s annual Buildings Alive! Ybor City is still of Ybor City’s Architecture Hop is a fun way to see and visit multiple a safe and fammost beautiful historical and architecturally interesting buildings in ily-friendly comhistoric build- Ybor City, which is an important area of Tampa that munity. In addiall residents should visit and cherish. ings. Attendees tion to the fun will also be offered a sampling that our hoppers have throughof light bites along the way. out the evening, this event Attendees will be transportalso provides behind-the-scene ed from stop to stop on a rubtours to some of the communiber-wheel Jolley Trolley that ties most historic locations.” runs on a continuous loop. The adventure Mata added, “The Ybor City Museum begins at the J.C. Newman Cigar Com- Society is dedicated to preserving the culpany Send-off Party. J.C. Newman Cigar tural heritage of Ybor City for future genCompany is located at 2701 N. 16th St. erations. In addition to special events like in Tampa. There you will enjoy a delicious Buildings Alive! that celebrate the unique treat and upbeat music before you em- history of our community, our organizabark on an evening of fun and Ybor City tion has developed a mobile museum in hospitality. which our staff provides on-site presenThe 2024 lineup of buildings include tations and artifacts to a variety of locaCentro Asturiano de Tampa, EMPAD Ar- tions, educating the surrounding commuchitecture + Design, the Italian Club and nities on the history, culture and unique more. You can see all six buildings or enjoy locations of Ybor City. We also provide the hop at your leisure by hopping off the over 135 years of baseball history in Tamtrolley at those that pique your curiosity. pa through our ownership of the Tampa Arminda Mata, president and CEO Baseball Museum at the Al Lopez House.” of the Ybor City Museum Society, said, Tickets to the 12th annual Buildings “Buildings Alive! Architecture Hop helps Alive! are $55 for one or $100 for a pair. bring awareness to the historical pres- Please visit www.ybormuseum.org to get ervation that is being completed in Ybor tickets while they last.

Volume 21, Issue 2

TAMPA THEATRE OFFERS BALCONY TO BACKSTAGE TOURS

By Kathy L. Collins

If you have ever visfice and ask if they ited the Tampa Thecan just ‘come inside atre, have you ever and look around a litwondered where the tle bit.’ Hosting these Mighty Wurlitzer Orpublic tours twice gan goes when the a month means we movie starts? What always have a date about stuffed peacock coming up within the perched near the pronext couple of weeks scenium (the part of that we can direct the theater stage in people to. Once they front of the curtain)? are inside, our BalcoIf you have ever wonny to Backstage Tours dered about this and give us an opportunimore, then you should ty to share the thetake part in the Tampa ater’s story. We can Theatre’s Balcony to explain why it is so Backstage Tours. ornate, why it is still You can learn the here when so many theater’s secrets, stoothers of its era have ries, art and architecbeen demolished and ture and witness its why — 97 years lathistoric restoration The Tampa Theatre offers the community er — it is still as relethe opportunity to learn all about its efforts with a Balcovant and vibrant of an secrets, architecture and history by particny to Backstage Tour ipating in its Balcony to Backstage Tours, experience as it was of Tampa’s majestic which are offered several times a month. on opening night in movie palace. The 1926.” 90-minute tours will kick off in the lobby Witecki added, “Once people fall in love and include a demonstration of the Mighty with the building, it is an easy next step to Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. encourage them to buy a ticket to a film or The tours are offered monthly. The next concert, or to consider becoming a memtours will be offered on Saturday, Feb- ber. As a nonprofit, Tampa Theatre thrives ruary 10, at 11:30 a.m. and Wednesday, with community support, and earning that February 21, at 11:30 a.m. The cost to support begins with a proper introduction attend is $10 for adults, $8 for children to who we are and what we do.” 2-12 years old and free for Tampa Theatre The Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N. members. Franklin St. in Tampa. For more informaThe Tampa Theatre has been hosting tion on the Tampa Theatre and to get ticktours for at least 20 years. ets to the Balcony to Backstage Tours or Jill Witecki with the Tampa Theatre for any other event hosted by the Tampa said, “As beautiful as Tampa Theatre is, Theatre, please visit https://tampathewe often have people stop by the box of- atre.org/ or call 813-274-8981.

TURNING 65" +IX E GSQTVILIRWMZI SZIVZMI[ SJ ]SYV STXMSRW MR E WMRKPI QIIXMRK ;I PP LIPT ]SY VIWIEVGL ]SYV HSGXSVW ERH 6\ RIIHW XS QEOI WYVI ]SYV TPER MW EGGITXIH ;I WTIGMEPM^I MR ƥ

2JINHFWJ 8ZUUQJRJSYX 2JINHFWJ &I[FSYFLJ 5QFSX FSI 5FWY ) UQFSX

+WJJ HTSXZQYFYNTSX KTHZXJI TS YMJ 5 X UWT[NIJWX UWJXHWNUYNTSX FSI UWNTWNYNJX

10% OFF

<J WJUWJXJSY YMJ YTU NSXZWFSHJ HFWWNJWX NS ^TZW

entire purchase

FWJF FSI T[JW UQFSX

Sunflower Cafe 3452 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico 813-65-SUSHI

Only valid with regular menu. With this coupon. Must present before submitting payment. Before tax. One coupon per visit. Not valid with 2/29/24 1/31/24 other offers Offer expires 9/30/23

4FPȌJQI )WN[J 8ZNYJ & a 'WFSITS +1

3452 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico (Located in the Fresh Market Plaza)

813-65-SUSHI

Mon - Fri 11:30-2:30 & 5-9 | Sat 12-9 Sundays 12-8:30 (Serving lunch until 3 p.m.)

<J IT STY TȈJW J[JW^ UQFS F[FNQFGQJ NS ^TZW FWJF (ZWWJSYQ^ \J WJUWJXJSY TWLFSN_FYNTSX \MNHM TȈJW UWTIZHYX NS ^TZW FWJF 5QJFXJ HTSYFHY 2JINHFWJ LT[ 2JINHFWJ TW ^TZW QTHFQ 8YFYJ -JFQYM .SXZWFSHJ 5WTLWFR 8-.5 YT LJY NSKTWRFYNTS TS FQQ TK ^TZW TUYNTSX <J FWJ STY UFWY TK FȉQNFYJI \NYM WJ[NJ\JI TW JSITWXJI G^ (28 & STS LT[JWSRJSY JSYNY^

February 2024

Valrico Edition

Page 31

Community Arts &Events START BUYING

By Kathy L. Collins, Art & Entertainment Director

DON’T MISS THE 53RD ANNUAL RAYMOND JAMES GASPARILLA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS THIS MARCH

TAMPA THEATRE PRESENTS THE 25TH ANNUAL HOLLYWOOD AWARDS NIGHT

The 53rd anof the Gasparilla nual Raymond season.” James GasparFor half a cenilla Festival of tury, artists and the Arts will be art lovers have held on Saturday, flocked to TamMarch 2, from 9 pa for the annual a.m.-6 p.m. and art festival. It is on Sunday, March considered to be 3, from 10 a.m.-5 among the top p.m. The festival open-juried arts will be held on festivals in the the banks of the country. Over The annual Raymond James Gasparilla Hillsborough Rivthe years, the er at Julian B. Lane Festival of the Arts supports a showcase of festival has changed the country’s most accomplished artists and Riverfront Park, and evolved. The catrising stars. The festival’s featured image located at 1001 N. this year is called Ride Your Way, by Katrin egories have been Blvd. in downtown Llergo. The festival will be held on Saturday expanded and now Tampa. The event is and Sunday, March 2-3, at Julian B. Lane include the Emergfree and the commuing Artists Program. Riverfront Park in downtown Tampa. nity is invited. The number of appliEach year, artists and art lovers come cations has expanded from 140 to over from all over the United States to enjoy 1,000. Similarly, the prize has greatly the featured artwork, live entertainment expanded over the years. It includes and activities. In addition to supporting prize money, scholarship money and the working artists and making art more ac- coveted Raymond James Best of Show cessible in our community, the festival Award, which provides $15,000 to the organization also supports youth artists winning artist. with scholarships as part of the program While many aspects of the festival for high school students. have changed, the history of the GasparKaren Price, president of the Gaspar- illa Festival of the Arts is rich, and the illa Festival of the Arts, said, “Each year, traditions are timeless. The festival is a we welcome 30,000-plus collectors, vital cultural asset with a well-estabsponsors and festivalgoers to enjoy a lished presence in Hillsborough County. one-of-a-kind experience that blends all It is a fun outing for the entire family the arts from fine art, performing arts and something not to be missed. to culinary arts and more. It is truly a For more information, please visit one-of-a-kind experience and a highlight https://gasparillaarts.com/.

Tampa Theatre and open seating is proud to preson the orchestra ent Tampa’s lonlevel to watch the gest-running Osawards broadcast. cars® watch party Premium ticket on Sunday, March holders also enjoy 10. Bay-area film an exclusive open fans are invited bar with beer, wine You can be treated like a star at Tampa’s lonto come toast the and a signature gest-running Oscars® watch party on Sunday, nominees and celcocktail, plus appeebrate the winners March 10, at Tampa Theatre. Guests are encour- tizers, desserts and together at Tampa aged to dress up in their most glamorous outfits unlimited popcorn. or in a movie-themed costume. Theatre’s 25th anThe Mezzanine nual Hollywood Awards Night, presented Ticket is $55. This option gets you all preby Amalie Oil Co. The fun begins 5:30 p.m. show activities, a reserved seat in the mezThe red-carpet reception takes on a zanine, two complimentary drink tickets whole new hue this year under the his- redeemable for beer or wine and concierge toric Franklin Street marquee. Jill Witec- drink service to your seat, plus free popki with Tampa Theatre said, “After a limo corn, soda and water. ride around the block courtesy of longtime For just $25 you can get the Balcony event sponsor Skyline Limousine, our su- Ticket. This allows you to enjoy all preshow perstar guests will walk the carpet past activities. You can watch the live broadcast adoring fans and paparazzi and chat about from the balcony with free popcorn, soda who they’re wearing with costumed char- and water. acters representing some of this year’s bigGuests who stay until the best picture is gest movie stars … and Ken.” announced at the end of the telecast will Inside the historic theater, there will be also enjoy doughnuts and coffee in the lobgames, prizes, free popcorn and soda, and by. you can see the preshow on the big screen, Attendees are encouraged to show off as well as a cash bar. Live coverage of the their star status with a movie-themed cos96th annual Academy Awards® begins at tume or let the glamour of Hollywood in7 p.m. spire an outfit. This event is not sponsored Tampa Theatre’s Hollywood Awards by or affiliated with the Academy of MoNight 2024 offers three levels of watch-par- tion Picture Arts and Sciences. ty experiences. This year, the newest option You can get tickets at the historic Frankis the Premium Orchestra Ticket, which you lin Street Box Office, located at 711 N. can get for $99. This top-tier ticket includes Franklin St. in Tampa or online at https:// all the preshow activities on Franklin Street tampatheatre.org/.

Page 32

Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 2