Osprey Observer Valrico January 2024

Valrico

21

January 2024

Volume 21, Issue 1

Ph: 813-657-2418

Y EIAN R REVIEW

36

CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS

VALRICO RESIDENTS COMPETE

ON THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT WITH FUNDRAISER DISPLAY

OUT OF THIS WORLD HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT COMING TO THE 2024 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

By Kelly Wise Valdes

For Rodney and said “… It’s not just Audra Burton, an average ChristChristmas lights mas light show.” are more than “When you see just decorations; it, it’s a work of they’re also a way art. It’s not just to give people a put out in the place to escape yard. Everything their everyday has been strategilives. cally placed with The Burtons’ Christmas light display includes nearly “This is truly for that guide,” Rod120,000 LED pixels. the community. ney said.

That’s what this Rodney said the is all about: giving size of the display something back, is unheard of for a paying it forward team of just two from those blesspeople. While they ings that God has do not have kids, allowed us to be the opportunity able to see and to give back to the manifest its gift community is the into something driving force bewith lights,” Rodhind their dedicaney said. tion to the display.

The couple com“We’ve sacripeted in 2023’s ficed vacations The Great Christto do Christmas mas Light Fight lights instead of on ABC with their The light display is open to the public until the end of going to places,” display of nearly Audra said.

January.

120,000 LED pixels in Valrico.

The couple collects pet food and moneThe Burtons applied to compete in 2022 tary donations for local pet rescues, includby sending in photos and videos of their mu- ing A Kitten Place and Raining Cats and sic-synchronized display. They were selected Dogs Shelter and Sanctuary. Rodney said for the holiday show and their display was they donate all money raised directly to the recorded last winter for this Christmas’ ep- organizations. As the owners of two cats, isode.

Pumpkin and Pixie, the cause holds a special While they did not win the $50,000 prize, place in their hearts.

Audra said it was “a win just to get on the “We adopted two kittens this year and show.” both of them came from one of those resThe Burtons’ display started with 5,000 cues, so that’s why we decided to go with pixels but has grown rapidly over the past them,” Audra said. six years. Their 2023 display took 35 days of Their display is open to the public at 2014 10 or more hours to set up, beginning at the Sydney Rd. in Valrico through Wednesday, end of September.

January 31. For more information, visit Bur“It’s a labor of love and passion,” Rodney ton Family Light Show on Facebook.

The Florida on Monday, March Strawberry Festi4 at 3:30 p.m., folval announced its lowed by the iconic upcoming headline Southern rock band entertainment artZZ Top at 7:30 p.m. ists, and there is Christian performer certainly something Mark Lowry takes to please everyone. the stage on TuesThis spring marks day, March 5 at the Strawberry Fes3:30 p.m., followed tival’s 89th year of by Grammy-winbringing fun, food The 2024 Strawberry Festival is bringing headline ning Christian artist and entertainment Zach Williams at artists who will entertain audiences for 11 days to the communi7:30 p.m. from Thursday, February 29 through Sunday, ty with more than Iconic counMarch 10.

600,000 visitors enjoytry music singer Craig ing the festival’s headline Morgan performs on entertainment, rides, Wednesday, March 6 at youth livestock shows, 3:30 p.m., followed by crafts and, of course, Riley Green at 7:30 p.m. strawberry shortcake.

Bill Haley Jr. and the The 2024 festival takes Comets will rock around place for 11 days from the clock on Thursday, Thursday, February 29 March 7 at 10:30 a.m., through Sunday, March followed by legendary 10. country singer Gene According to FloriWatson at 3:30 p.m. da Strawberry Festival Christian R&B performer President Kyle Robinson, Kirk Franklin rounds out this year’s artists once the evening at 7:30 p.m. again encompass a variThe Commodores ety of entertainment from many genres. bring their smooth sounds to the stage on “The directors on our entertainment com- Friday, March 8 at 3:30 p.m., followed by the mittee worked diligently in planning and much-anticipated band Foreigner at 7:30 preparing for this highly anticipated an- p.m. On Saturday, March 9 at 3:30 p.m., Jo nouncement,” said Robinson.

Dee Messina performs her country hits, folThe 2024 entertainment lineup is as fol- lowed by rapper Flo Rida at 7:30 p.m. The lows: On February 29, the festival kicks off festival ends with a performance from beat 10:30 a.m. with Jimmy Sturr & His Or- loved contemporary country music artist chestra, followed by the doo-wop sounds of Cody Johnson on March 10 at 7:30 p.m. the Oak Ridge Boys at 3:30 p.m. and ending Advance tickets available at www.flthe day with the much-anticipated county strawberryfestival.com, at the Amscot Main music artist Oliver Anthony at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket Office and by phone at 813-754-1996.

The Beach Boys bring their iconic surfsounds on Friday, March 1 at 3:30 p.m., followed by country-pop singer Jordan Davis at 7:30 p.m. The award-winning Black Eyed 70TH WEDDING ANNIVERSY........PG 3 Peas headline on Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 BELL SHOALS OPENS .......................PG 5 p.m. and country singer-songwriter Parker PLANES, TRAINS & MORE..........PG 10 McCollum brings his music to the stage on SCORE .................................................... PG 22 Sunday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m.

The legendary Bellamy Brothers perform EYE ON BUSINESS...........................PG 23

Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596

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Page 2

Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 1

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Valrico Edition

January 2024

A KID’S PLACE’S DIAMOND GALA

By Libby Hopkins A Kid’s Place’s Dialike environment until a mond Gala: A Decade of more permanent placeFostering Hope Presentment can be provided.” ed by Homes by West A Kid’s Place focuses Bay will take place on on keeping brothers and Saturday, February 17 sisters together during from 4:30-11:30 p.m. their time in foster at The Motor Enclave, care and provides qualA Kid’s Place’s Diamond Gala: A located at 6500 Motor Decade of Fostering Hope Presented ity residential care for Enclave Way in Tampa. the community’s most

by Homes by West Bay will take “Our Fostering Hope place on Saturday, February 17 from vulnerable children Black Tie Gala started 4:30-11:30 p.m. at The Motor Enclave throughout the Tampa in Tampa.

10 years ago in 2013, Bay area. where we had 100 attendResidential foster care ees. This past gala in 2023, ensures that the needs we had over 450 guests,” of children are met when said A Kid’s Place commuthey cannot live with their nity relations manager Gaown family. brielle Okun.

“At A Kid’s Place, not “This special night is deonly do we provide resvoted to raising funds and idential care, we create awareness for children in stability, normalcy and foster care. Guests can give children the tools expect the thrill of a lifethey need to reach their time during the cocktail full potential in a safe and hour with three luxurious loving home,” Okun said. sports cars speeding along Okun and her team at A a professional track, all while enjoying Kid’s Place are still looking for sponsors signature drinks, mouthwatering hors for their upcoming gala. d’oeuvres and an exciting silent auction.

“We have the Pre-VIP Sponsorship Then our guests will make their way to a available at $20,000, Cigar Sponsor at decadent dinner, an enticing live auction $5,000, Gold Table Sponsor at $5,000, and round out the evening on the dance Silver Table Sponsor at $3,000 and Walk floor or kick up their feet in the cigar of Fame Sponsor at $500,” Okun said. lounge.”

“We still also need in-kind donations for A Kid’s Place provides residential ser- live auctions and silent auctions, and volvices to children from birth to age 18 who unteers as well. Our hope for the gala is have been removed from their homes due to raise awareness of A Kid’s Place and to abuse, neglect or abandonment. raise funds for our children on campus.”

“We provide a variety of services which If you’d like to learn more about A meet the social, educational, medical and Kid’s Place or attend its Diamond Gala, psychological needs of the child,” Okun you can visit its website at https://akidsaid. “Our primary focus is to keep sibling splacetb.org/. A Kid’s Place is located at groups together in a safe, stable, home- 1715 Lithia Pinecrest Road in Brandon.

Page 3

LOCAL COUPLE CELEBRATES 70TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AT OSPREY HEIGHTS

By Lily Belcher

George and Deanna King Jr. Boulevard on Hoagland celebrated the side. their 70th wedding anni“I kind of wanted to versary on December 18, get into Christmas trees 2023, prioritizing unity because I had some throughout their relaacres there and didn’t tionship. know what I was going The Osprey Heights to do with it originally,” Gracious Retirement Livhe said. ing residents were comThe Hoaglands added memorated with a celblueberries to their farm ebratory lunch on their as well after learning anniversary and celeabout how to care for brated with their family the berries in Florida.

George and Deanna Hoagland the day before.

“I grew the biggest celebrated their 70th anniversary with George spoke at the lunch at Osprey Heights on December and the sweetest blueThonotosassa United berries that you could 18, 2023.

Methodist Church’s serever imagine,” George vice on December 17 to said. share his love story. The Deanna helped raise couple had the opportutheir four children at home nity to renew their marwhile the couple lived in riage vows at the service Florida. After spending as well. some time in Citrus Coun“We lit the unity canty, the couple moved to dle, and that unity candle Osprey Heights in 2023 to meant we were united in be closer to their children, everything we did and we grandchildren and great did everything in unity,” grandchildren.

The couple, George and Deanna he said during the service.

Osprey Heights hosted Hoagland, met in Virginia near “Everything from going to a lunch for the Hoaglands Deanna’s high school. church to having children where they sat togethto our finances, and a lot of other things.” er and shared an anniversary cake. Four George was surprised by being asked to of their grandchildren each shared a toast speak at the Sunday service and granted honoring the 70th anniversary. the time to encourage other couples in their At the retirement living home, George faith and relationships. helps care for his wife.

The Hoaglands met in Virginia but moved “She’s sitting beside me and I love her to Seffner in 1975 after George’s job relo- very much. Of all the jobs I’ve had, taking cated him. The couple opened a Christmas care of my wife is the hardest job and the tree and blueberry farm off Martin Luther best job,” he said.

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Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 1

VALRICO/FISHHAWK CHAMBER GETS INVOLVED WITH COMMUNITY PLAN

MANY SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE CLASS OF 2024

By Brian Bokor

By Kathy L. Collins

The Valrico/FishCurrently, Valrico is hawk Chamber of Comhome to about 50,000 merce (VFCC) invited people, 18,000 resiJay Collins, Special dences and 6,500 jobs.

Area Studies managBy 2045, these numer, and Alvaro Gabbers are expected to aldon, planner II, of the jump to 56,000 resiHillsborough County dents, 21,500 residencCity-County Planning es and 8,600 jobs. The Commission to discuss community plan offers updates on the Valrico a framework to follow Community Plan. which will align future The Planning Comdevelopment with mission relies heavily Jay Collins, Special Area Studies manag- what current residents on input from local er, unexpectedly wins Valrico/Fishhawk and business owners residents and business Chamber of Commerce Christmas raffle. have envisioned during owners when gathering data for their phase one of the project. research. The presentation given at the Phase one took place at community meetmonthly VFCC general assembly held at the ings held in July and September 2023 where River Hills Country Club gave both the op- attendees provided information that builds portunity to ask questions as well as actively the basis for a community vision, goals and participate in the development of the Valrico concept map. Phase two begins in the first Community Plan. quarter of 2024 by staff introducing these A community plan is intended to be an ex- items as drafts to the community, building tension and refinement of the county’s com- consensus around them and then exploring prehensive plan. The comprehensive plan is strategies to meet these defined goals and general in nature and provides guidance on continued community engagement opporissues countywide, but a community plan tunities into the summer. Phase three will is more detailed in nature and intended to conclude the community plan process late provide specific recommendations on issues in 2024 with a draft plan presented to the raised by local stakeholders. community and then adopted via a compreOver the past 20 years, Hillsborough hensive plan amendment process.

County has adopted 22 community plans, The next round of community meetings with Valrico being one of the last areas of are (tentatively) scheduled for March at Hillsborough County yet to have a formal Mulrennan Middle School, where the complan defined. A community plan is vital, as munity vision and associated goals are to it provides a communication channel for be defined. Collins and Gabaldon welcome the community, allowing residents and busi- everyone in the Valrico area to attend and nesses an advocacy tool as well as inform- participate in these discussions. ing new development of the goals local resiFor info on the Valrico Community Plan, dents have implemented when new projects visit https://planhillsborough.org/planvalriare proposed. co. Visit www.valricofishhawk.org.

High School stuhelping people so dents in the Class of we can all grow and 2024 in Hillsborough thrive.”

Count have the opporApplications are tunity to apply for six open until Wednes$2,000 scholarship day, January 31 awards. This scholarand are available at ship program is made https://educationpossible thanks to a foundation.com/separtnership between niorscholarships. the Suncoast Credit Students in the Class of 2024 have many The Suncoast opportunities to apply for scholarships.

Union Foundation and scholarships are just the Hillsborough Edu- One of those scholarships is a $2,000 one, one piece of the largwhich will be awarded to six Hillsborough er program that the cation Foundation.

County students thanks to the partnership This year’s Suncoast Hillsborough Educabetween the Suncoast Credit Union FounCredit Union Scholars dation and the Hillsborough Education tion Foundation overprogram represents sees. Each year, it Foundation. the continued misgives out around 200 sion of the foundation to support edu- scholarships worth roughly $600,000. cation initiatives and the well-being and Students can easily apply, as all it realpotential of children. Since its inception ly involves is filling out one simple appliin 1990, the foundation has contributed cation. There are even scholarships for more than $40 million, including over those who are looking to attend a techni$2.9 million in scholarships. cal college or trade school in addition to This year’s high school graduates in traditional schools.

Suncoast Credit Union’s 25-county serThe Hillsborough Education Foundation vice territory have the opportunity to ap- was founded in 1987. The Hillsborough ply for financial support to continue their Education Foundation is a nonprofit foeducation, thanks to a $164,000 invest- cused on strengthening public education ment in scholarships by the Tampa-based in Hillsborough County by supporting credit union’s foundation. teachers and empowering students to “Our current students are the next achieve academic and personal success. generation of leaders, and it is our duty Together with its community partners, to prepare them with all the tools nec- Hillsborough Education Foundation straessary to be successful in the classroom tegically invests in initiatives that impact to set them up for a successful future,” teaching quality, increase graduation said Kourtney Berry, executive director rates and build equity in education. This of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. bolsters a thriving workforce of tomor“Through our foundation and Suncoast row and the sustainable prosperity of Scholars program, we are able to make Tampa Bay. direct impacts on students living in the You can learn more about the Hillsborcommunities we serve, which ties back ough Education Foundation by visiting to the credit union philosophy of people https://educationfoundation.com/.

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Valrico Edition

CELEBRATE LAUNCH INTO LITERACY

By Superintendent Van Ayres Why is third grade so and resources are designed important when it comes to help teachers become to literacy? That’s the more confident and sucgrade where students cessful in their capacity to transition from ‘learning help kids learn to read. to read’ to ‘reading to Our district also utilizlearn.’ Up until third grade, es myON, which is a peryou are learning the tools sonalized digital library at to improve your reading students’ fingertips. myON including phonics, letters gives students access to and sentence structure. more than 7,000 books.

After that, reading is the Titles are matched to each tool to help further your student’s interests, grade, education. and reading level.

Literacy, especially in myON is also a great

early childhood, is critresource to use during a

ical. We celebrate and family reading night. Make 6 !YRE promote literacy every it part of your routine. Evday in Hillsborough County Public Schools. ery evening, put aside 20 or 30 minutes to However, it gets increased attention and read as a family. Use myON, or take turns focus during one week in January for Cel- reading aloud, or sitting together quietly ebrate Literacy Week. This year, Celebrate with your own book.

Literacy Week falls on Monday through For younger children, our district literacy Friday, January 22-26. It’s designed to team put together a series of phonics vidraise awareness about the importance of eos called ‘Learning Letters.’ These adorreading and to inspire Florida’s students able videos are hosted by two of our amazand families to make reading part of their ing early childhood educators, and they daily lives. take each letter of the alphabet and sound Our schools do a phenomenal job of com- it out, find words that begin with that leting up with ways to make literacy fun and ter and teach your child how to write that engaging. The district’s letter. I strongly literacy team is always urge you to check working on new initiathese videos out at tives to best assist our www.hillsboroughteachers with this imschools.org/learnportant job. Our district ingletters. has begun implementRemember, Celing UFLI, which stands ebrating Literacy for University of Florida Week is January Literacy Institute. UFLI 22-26, and our focuses on two main schools are planareas: teacher developning a lot of exment and reader develciting activities to opment. The programs Celebrate Literacy!

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of THE BROTHERS THAT JUST DO GUTTERS, TAMPA, FL. located at 17660 Bright Wheat Dr., in Hillsborough County, in the city of Lithia, Florida 33547, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Valrico, FL this 15th day of January 2024

Page 5

COMMUNITY CELEBRATES LONG-AWAITED BELL SHOALS COMPLETION

By Brian Bokor

Commissioner Michael Owen was at the recent ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of the newly widened Bell Shoals Road.

Residents and commuters who travel Bell Shoals Road will have a finished new corridor this month as a ribbon-cutting event celebrates the completion of the expanded roadway.

The 3.1-mile corridor has two new vehicle lanes, bike lanes and sidewalks in both directions. A new traffic signal has been added at Starwood Avenue, and the existing signals at Glenhaven Drive, Rosemead Lane and Bloomingdale Avenue have been upgraded. In addition, the existing bridge over the Alafia River was widened.

These tremendous enhancements will accommodate higher traffic volumes, improve stormwater drainage and boost the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.

Additionally, they will increase access to transit and alternative transportation while preserving infrastructure assets.

The new Bell Shoals Road corridor is the latest in a string of massive infrastructure projects in Hillsborough County, including the Bruce B. Downs Boulevard expansion, the Citrus Park Drive extension and the Paseo al Mar Boulevard overpass connecting U.S. 301 and U.S. 41 in South County. All of these projects increased safety for drivers as well as pedestrians and bicyclists, and improved mobility across the county.

The Bell Shoals Road project cost just over $70 million, including land acquisition and construction. The project was paid for with a variety of funding sources, including the Community Investment Tax (CIT), federal grants and mobility fees. The widening plans were introduced to the community at an open house public meeting held at the Bloomingdale Library in October 2018 with construction beginning soon after,

so the excitement to announce completion of the five-plus-year project was palpable.

Representatives from five of unincorporated Hillsborough County’s seven districts were present for the ribbon-cutting, along with Carl Harness, chief human services administrator for Hillsborough County; Kim Byer, assistant county administrator of the Public Works Administration; and Suzy Watts, Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association president.

“Bell Shoals is major thoroughfare for this community and all of East Hillsborough,” District 5 Commissioner Donna Cameron-Cepeda told the crowd, adding that the road and its artilleries “serve tens of thousands of people each day.”

District 4 Commissioner Michael Owen, a longtime resident of the area, followed by explaining how important completion of Bell Shoals was to the surrounding area.

He said, “This is where multiple communities come together to share this road,” including Brandon, Riverview to the west, Lithia to the south and Valrico to the east, while emphasizing there is still “more work to do on this side of town” as growth continues.

Owen commended county staff and fellow Board of County Commissioners colleagues, stating that over the past year they’ve “turned a focus over to roads and infrastructure” after “hearing loud and clear from constituents,” promising to stay the course. He mentioned Lithia Pinecrest Road and Triple Creek Boulevard as roads that are “desperately needed”, with the Bell Shoals widening being the first step to achieving that goal.

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Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 1

LOCAL LIBRARIES HOST EVENTS LIBRARY2GO SERVES RESIDENTS TO ENCOURAGE LITERACY AND AT DIFFERENT STOPS ACROSS THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TAMPA-HILLSBOROUGH AREA

By Lily Belcher

By Lily Belcher

The new year brings ing and rewarding in new events from the quests for players.

Hillsborough County The Bloomingdale Public Library CooperRegional Library will ative (HCPLC) to kick host a public speakoff a year filled with ing workshop on reading, community Tuesday, January 30 and creativity. to encourage teens to The 44th annual improve their public Storytelling Festival speaking skills through Workshop Series is a group activities. five-week series beginA 10-week Life The 44th annual Storytelling Festival ning in January dedi- Workshop Series helps students learn the Story Writing series cated to teaching chil- art of storytelling during a five-week work- will begin on Friday, dren how to tell stories. shop. It is just one of many Hillsborough January 19 at the The workshop will fo- County Public Library Cooperative events Bloomingdale Library slated for the upcoming year. cus on creative theater for adults. During the arts, literacy and public speaking skills at series, writers will compose nine stories the Bloomingdale Regional and Riverview and compile a portfolio of their life stories.

Public libraries.

The event is presented by the Bloomingdale Students will have the opportunity to Writers Connection and funded by Friends have a video of their storytelling posted of the Bloomingdale Regional Library. on the library’s website. The series is recThe SouthShore Regional Library hosts ommended for students in second through events to support individuals in their search seventh grades and is sponsored by Friends for a job as well as basic lessons on using of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough Coun- mobile devices, cybersecurity and comty Inc. puter applications. On Tuesday, February The Riverview Public Library is also host- 13, adults can explore the Burgert Brothing a recording studio orientation in Janu- ers Photographic Collection archive at the ary for adults to see what devices and tech- SouthShore location as well. nology are available for them to use. The The Bloomingdale Regional, Riverview Riverview Public, Bloomingdale Regional Public, Brandon Regional, SouthShore Reand Ruskin Branch libraries also host Tech gional and Ruskin Branch libraries host Help events throughout the month. weekly toddler and baby times and story Bilingual story times offer engaging ac- times. These events engage children of all tivities in both English and Spanish for chil- ages in activities and stories as well as prodren 2-7 years old and their families. mote social interaction and building readThe Ruskin Branch Library is hosting ing skills. the Teen Writing Program for Dungeon For more information or to register for and Dragons fans. At the tabletop writing events hosted by your local library, visit event, teens will learn how to write engag- https://hcplc.org/.

Library2Go exeight to 15 peotends Hillsborough ple at each stop.

County Public LiThese residents brary Cooperative’s utilize the internet services across the and book services Ta m p a - H i l l s b o r offered in the van, ough area through but residents can the program’s moalso register for a bile library. library card at the The original stops. bookmobile was “We’re a full limade possible The Library2Go staff brings the library’s resourc- brary on wheels,” es to residents on the go. during the Great Robinson said.

Depression through He said the serthe Works Projects vice is an alternaAdministration, but tive for residents it looks much differwho are not as ent in 2024. The Lifamiliar with the brary2Go van offers wireless internet for online resources already offered through personal devices, wireless printing and the library. access to library materials.

“We’re still looking to grow the service, Library2Go stops at 42 locations to so there are ways for residents of Hillsserve residents who cannot utilize the borough County and the sites in which services offered at the library, including they live to reach out to the county lielderly, disabled and underserved areas. brary,” Robinson said.

“Our goal is to make sure all HillsborLibrary2Go also allows readers to place ough County residents, no matter where a hold on library materials, pick up their they’re from or their general disposition, holds and return library materials. They have access to full library services be- can also see a selection of books, videos, cause Hillsborough County’s library is a magazines and DVDs. tremendous resource. We offer a plethResidents can order Library2Go to ora of resources and services that are in- their area if the van does not already stop valuable,” Library2Go supervisor Michael near them by contacting the library.

Robinson said.

“We’re anxious for people to request Robinson said the most rewarding part the service to be brought out to them,” of working with Library2Go is seeing the Robinson said. happy faces of the residents they serve.

For more information on Library2Go, “Getting to these locations and seeing visit https://hcplc.org/services/librarthat people are genuinely happy to see us y2go or contact 813-204-2678. The [is the most rewarding part],” he said. schedule and map of Library2Go’s stops Robinson said Library2Go sees around is available on the website as well.

Expires 1/31/2024

Expires 1/31/2024

Valrico Edition

January 2024

Page 7

FLORIDA DOT HONORED WITH 2023 ALL-NEW 2024 ATTRACTION, WILL FEATURE NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY AWARD CASTAWAY FALLS, ADVENTURE ISLAND’S MORE THAN 100 PLAY ELEMENTS

Staff Report

Adventure Ispark-wide modland®, Tampa’s ernized theme, premier water the recently park, will debut opened Shaka-LaCastaway Falls in ka Shores, wathe spring. The ter slides Rapids all-new multilevel, Racer and Wahoo interactive waRemix, the renoter-play attraction vation of Captain will feature more Pete’s, the popular Castaway Falls at Adventure Island is slated to than 100 play elfull-service Hang ements, including open in the spring and will feature more than 100 Ten Tiki Bar and play elements. two giant tipping new lounging arbuckets that dump more than 1,300 gal- eas and cabanas. lons of water combined.

Adventure Island’s annual pass is the Castaway Falls will have four exciting best way to enjoy year-round family fun water slides, soakers, flow pipes, hose under the sun, such as the new Castaway jets, spray jets, water shooters, water cur- Falls and seasonal events included with tains, tipping troughs, spinning and sliding admission. Passholders enjoy monthly rebuckets and much more. The new attrac- wards on top of unlimited seasonal admistion replaces the former splash area and sion and benefits like free parking, in-park is double the size of the former Splash discounts and more.

Attack, making the new addition to AdLocated right across the street from venture Island bigger and splashier than Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure ever before.

Island features a combination of exhila“We are thrilled about Adventure Is- rating water slides and tropical, tranquil land’s 2024 season,” said Stewart Clark, surroundings. At Tampa’s Island Paradise president of Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay await thrilling slides, such as Rapids Racand Adventure Island. “With the unveiling er, Wahoo Remix, Solar Vortex®, Vanish of Castaway Falls, the largest expansion in Point™, Caribbean Corkscrew® and Cothe water park’s history continues, adding lossal Curl™, waterfalls, a 17,000-squareattractions, dining options and events to foot wave pool, a children’s splash and enhance the guest experience.” play zone, Shaka-Laka Shores and other Harmonizing with the water park’s family attractions. Guests can dig their paradise-like ambiance, Castaway Falls toes into the sand or relax in lounge chairs resembles a splash haven and a fun-filled or a private cabana. retreat for the young and young at heart.

Guests can visit https://adventureisland.

Castaway Falls will immerse park guests com/ to purchase tickets and learn more in a watery world of excitement perfect about the annual pass program benefits, for all, even the littlest splashers. new events, special deals and future anCastaway Falls is part of the water nouncements. Follow Adventure Island on park’s largest expansion in more than Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube for four decades. Said expansion includes a even more up-to-the-minute information.

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Staff Report

The Florida Departtor, who is also a proment of Transporgram director at the tation (FDOT) was University of South honored with a 2023 Florida’s Center for National Roadway Urban TransportaSafety Award for tion Research. “If we demonstrating how can reduce risky increasing pavement driving behavior, The FDOT received friction helps motorthat means we a 2023 National ists stop more quickcan reduce the ly and retain better Roadway Safety Award. The award recog- potential for crashes. control at high-speed nizes innovations to protect pedestrians, Better friction becyclists and motorists. intersections. tween tires and the As part of a pilot project started in pavement makes a big difference.”

2020, FDOT added highly skid-resistant “It works,” said Peter Hsu, who initiatmaterial to the road surface at three Hill- ed the study as the FDOT District safety sborough Avenue intersections in Tampa administrator for Tampa Bay. “It helps to see how much it would enable vehicles reduce stopping distance and improper to come to a stop within a shorter dis- stopping behaviors invading the crosstance. The goal was to reduce “improper walks at signalized intersections.” stopping behavior,” such as vehicles endThe findings are significant in a state ing up in crosswalks, which puts pedestri- where about 1,000 people die every year ans and cyclists at risk. in intersection collisions. Between 2013 Florida and other states had used spe- and 2022, about 27 percent of traffic facially engineered material to increase talities and 35 percent of serious injuries friction on curves to prevent vehicles statewide occurred at intersections. from running off the road. However, this FDOT’s pilot study team included the is believed to have been the first time Federal Highway Administration and a U.S. transportation agency has used the Center for Urban Transportation Reintersection high-friction treatment to search at the University of South Florida, reduce stopping distances and study as well as consultants Element Engineerits effect on driver stopping behaviors ing Group and WDM USA. at signalized intersections, as is done in The National Roadway Safety Awards, some European countries. presented biannually since 1999, are FDOT’s two-year before-and-after sponsored by the Federal Highway Adstudy found that the increased friction ministration and the nonprofit Roadway reduced improper stopping behaviors Safety Foundation. Projects were evaluat the three signalized intersections. On ated on safety effectiveness, innovation average, these reductions ranged from and efficient use of resources.

11-31 percent compared to the pretreatFor complete details on each of the ment conditions. winners and for more information on “We want to be proactive,” said Pei- the national awards program, visit www.

Sung Lin, the study’s principal investiga- roadwaysafety.org/awards.

Page 8

Valrico Edition

ROTARY SPOTLIGHT: ACTIVITIES, MEETINGS & MORE

Staff Report

Rotary Clubs will be offering the 2023-24 Speech Contest, open to all high schoolers in our area. There are three rounds of competition, with the first starting at the club level, which is to be completed by the end of February. At each level, monetary prizes will be awarded for the top five to seven-minute speeches on the topic ‘Create Hope in the World,’ the 2023-24 theme for Rotary International. For information about the theme ‘Create Hope in the World’ and to find your local Rotary Club, visit www.rotary.org.

at 6 p.m. on Zoom.

Members are from the immediate area and other states. The primary focus is environmental education and ecological friendly projects. For information on joining this cause-based Rotary Club, or if you would like to be a guest speaker, contact Bruno Kazenas at bkazenas@comcast.net.

Visitors are always welcome.

FishHawk-Riverview

USF Rotaract (College Students)

USF Rotaract has engaged over 650plus students in over 700 meaningful service opportunities and social events.

Voted the 2022-23 Volunteer Organization of the Year, check out Bulls Connect for opportunities or its social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.

Brandon Global Eco (Meets On Zoom)

Want to do service from home? Brandon Global Eco may be the opportunity for you. The club meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month

The FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Club hopes you enjoyed the 39th Alafia Lighted Boat Parade on December 2, hosted by the club and presented by its title sponsor, Christopher Ligori & Associates.

It would like to thank all the boaters, the chili cook-off competitors, Santa, volunteers, sponsors, and you, the spectators. It was a beautiful night celebrating the holidays on the Alafia River.

On Tuesday, January 30, a 12-person team from the club will head to La Paz, Honduras. For seven days, they will work with Honduras Compassion Partners, alongside locals, to build homes, latrines and water storage and install water filters. Follow their trip on our social media pages on Facebook or Instagram.

Volume 21, Issue 1

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE FIRST IN STATE TO IMPLEMENT POCKETALK TECHNOLOGY Staff Report

Six months after transformed customer rolling out language interactions, ensuring translation devices in timely and compasall its offices, capable sionate service for all of translating speech community members,” and text into 82 lansaid Joe Miller, Pockeguages, Hillsborough talk’s general managCounty Tax Collecer of North America. tor Nancy C. Millan “Through her leaderThe Pocketalk technology is able to transreceived a national late speech and text into 82 languages. It ship, Nancy and her award recognizing her team exemplify how also has a camera that allows it to scan pioneering efforts in technology can prodocuments and translate them. enhancing service accessibility for non-En- foundly foster inclusivity and connectivity.” glish speakers.

Since taking the helm in 2021, Millan In a county of 1.5 million residents, which has implemented a range of measures to includes a substantial immigrant popula- cultivate an inclusive environment that tion, effective communication poses sig- embraces diversity at every level. The ofnificant hurdles for non-English speakers fice employs more than 400 staff across accessing driver’s licenses, vehicle registra- its eight locations, 70 percent of whom tions and other vital government services. represent minority populations. In JanuThe Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s ary, the office will introduce a Skill-based Office rolled out the Pocketalk handheld Incentives Pay Program supporting its translation devices in all offices earlier diverse team with monthly stipends for this year, providing real-time, two-way language proficiency and certifications. speech and text translation. The technol“Implementing Pocketalk technoloogy empowers staff to bridge language gy directly addresses a vital community gaps, making services more accessible and need,” said Millan. “The technology is not smoother for non-English speakers and re- a substitute for human connection, but a ducing repeat office visits. tool to enhance it. The handheld devices As the first tax collector in the state to foster greater connectivity between our adopt Pocketalk’s technology, Hillsborough staff and Hillsborough County residents, County’s successful rollout has inspired 13 ensuring that language barriers do not others across the state to implement it. hinder access to essential government Recognizing her commitment to inclu- services.” sion, Pocketalk awarded Millan with the For video footage of the Pocketalk deesteemed Community Builder of the Year vices in action, including testimonials from Award.

Millan and Hillsborough County staff, visit “Nancy Millan is truly deserving of our www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbidgyktiig. inaugural Community Builder of the Year For further information regarding Award. As the first tax collector in Florida services, locations and to book appointto implement Pocketalk devices, Nancy has ments, visit www.hillstax.org.

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Valrico Edition

January 2024

Page 9

BOONE’S KIDS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY BRINGS HOLIDAY JOY TO LOCAL CHILDREN

By Libby Hopkins

For 25 years, of toys, they just members of the want something local Fraternal Orto play with, and der of Eagles, Aerie most of them want 3566, have hosted clothes,” Stepka the Boone’s Kids said. “The kids are Annual Christmas very appreciative.”

Party at Lopez ElThe Fraternal Orementary School, der of Eagles is an giving underprivinternational nonileged children profit organization clothes, shoes and uniting fraternally toys. in the spirit of lib“This is our 25th erty, truth, justice year of giving unand equality to derprivileged kids make human life a Christmas,” said more desirable by Dennis Stepka of lessening its ills the Fraternal Or- For 25 years, members of the local Fraternal Or- and promoting der of Eagles Aerie der of Eagles, Aerie 3566, have hosted the Boone’s peace, prosperity, 3566. “This year, Kids Annual Christmas Party at Lopez Elementa- gladness and hope. we had nine girls ry School, giving underprivileged children clothes, The organization shoes and toys. and nine boys ages was created in 5-6 years old from Lopez Elementary 1898.

School in Seffner. Santa brings them 12 Stepka asks local businesses to be sponpairs of socks, two pairs of shoes, complete sors to help raise money for the gifts and outfits, jackets, PJs, 12 pairs of underwear, event. Sponsors included this year were personal blankets, toys, games and scoot- Hungry Howie’s, BubbaQue’s BBQ and ers. Lunch is served to the children as well. Jules Car Wash, to name a few.

It’s a very heart-warming event.”

Kennedy also plays a big part in the In 2023, the event was held on Decem- event along with Stepka and the Fraterber 18. Jim Boone started this fundraiser nal Order of Eagles. Together, they bring in 1998 but had to move to Michigan sev- Christmas cheer to the children in need. eral years ago due to health issues. Fellow “The most rewarding aspect is seeing Fraternal Order of Eagles member Stepka the excitement and the appreciation of promised his friend that he would contin- the children for what they have received,” ue the tradition.

Stepka said.

Stepka has dressed up as Santa Claus If you would like to learn more about for the event every year since he took the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3566, over, spreading Christmas cheer to the or if you’d like to be a sponsor of the children that are chosen with the help of Boone’s Kids Annual Christmas Party, you Lopez’s guidance counselor, Lisa Kennedy. can visit Aerie 3566’s website at www.

“Most of the children don’t want a lot foe3566.org.

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Page 10

Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 1

12TH ANNUAL PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES RETURNS TO PLANT CITY AIRPORT

Staff Report

The 12th annual together discovering Planes, Trains and Authe wonders of transtomobiles presented portation, introducby Tampa Internationing them to not only al Airport is returning aircraft and aviation on Saturday, February opportunities at their 10. The beloved onelocal airport but a day community event wide variety of ‘how features a wide vari- Planes, Trains and Automobiles, a fami- things work’ displays ety of family activi- ly-friendly community event, returns to the and fun educational ties held each year at activities to capture Plant City Airport in February. the Plant City Airport the imaginations of since 2010. our local youth,” said Featured highlights will PT&A Committee Chairbe numerous real aircraft man and event founder on display, radio-conJason Jones. He added, trolled aircraft displays “We are very pleased to and demonstrations, a be working again with large car show and operating model train the Tampa Bay Aviation Association, layouts. A major LEGO display featuring and with their help we are adding aviaall modes of transportation is scheduled. tion scholarships and other opportunities First responder vehicles and person- to the benefits of our event. It’s really a nel, along with train safety vehicles and great partnership.” equipment, will also be in the lineup. There Planes, Trains and Automobiles is manwill be many hands-on stations for kids, aged by the Tampa Bay Aviation Assoincluding STEM education exhibits and ciation and presented by Tampa Interflight simulators from SUN ’n FUN’s Aero- national Airport. As noted by Jones, in space Center for Excellence, Young Eagles addition to promoting and delivering this discovery flights conducted by Plant City amazing community event, the organizaExperimental Aircraft Association Chap- tion will be taking donations and comter 1178, Scout merit badge opportunities, mitting proceeds after expenses to fund a pinewood derby and many other activi- aviation scholarships and other programs ties. Younger children will enjoy inflatable for local youth. The scholarships will be bounce houses and other fun adventures for flight training, mechanic and profesjust for them. Food trucks and local ven- sional career education. Families are indor displays will also be part of the lineup vited to come and join the fun. where area businesses can showcase their Parking is free. Ticket pricing is $7.50 products and services to attendees. online in advance, or $10 at the gate. Vis“The purpose of the event has always it www.mytbaa.org/pta for tickets and been to give families an affordable day event information

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Valrico Edition

January 2024

COME SEE THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG AT PLANT CITY ENTERTAINMENT

By Kathy L. Collins

Plant City Enterchoreographer and tainment (PCE) will then a director. She present The Play has worked with That Goes Wrong in several theaters in February. The Play Hillsborough CounThat Goes Wrong ty since the early is directed by Lois 1990s.

Green, who has been Green said, “Over involved in comthe years, I have munity theater for been awarded a over 40 years. The number of theater play will take place awards for best acat Plant City Entertress, best choreogtainment’s delightful rapher, best directheater, located at tor, best production 101 N. Thomas St. in and now serve on historic downtown the board of PCE. I Plant City Entertainment will present the Plant City. am joined by my asShows will be farcical comedy The Play That Goes Wrong sistant director and this February. held on Friday, Febfellow board memruary 9 and 16 and Satber, Kelley Powell, who is urday, February 10 and also a longtime veteran of 17 at 8 p.m. There will the theater, having been be two Sunday matinees involved with PCE since at 2 p.m. on February 11 she was 14 years old. She and 18. Tickets are $23 worked as an entertainer for general admission in theme parks and cruise and $18 for seniors, stuships for over 20 years dents, members of Plant and has directed plays for City Entertainment and PCE, including The Raingroups of 10 or more. maker that won a Monti Theatre Award The Play That Goes Wrong premiered in 2015 for best play.” in London in 2012. The Play That Goes Green added, “I am excited that my Wrong is a farce about an amateur dra- cast and crew are made up of seasoned ma group that tries to stage a murder actors and technicians who have a long mystery but faces a series of mishaps history performing in the Tampa Bay and disasters. The actors forget their area, along with several people new to lines, lose their props and break their set PCE. As a community theater, we are while the corpse and inspector struggle always encouraging new people to lend to keep up with the chaos. The play is their talents to our productions.” a hilarious comedy of errors that mocks For more information, please visit the conventions of the whodunit genre. www.plantcityentertainment.com or Green started out as a dancer, actress, call 813-752-0728.

untiluntil January April 31, 30th2024

Page 11

TAMPA BAY RODEO ANNOUNCES

FIRST-EVER BULL BASH & COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL JANUARY 26-27 Staff Report Tampa Bay Rodeo announces the first-ever Bull Bash & Country Music Festival, taking place on Friday and Saturday, January 26 and 27 at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds.

Country music Award-winning, multilegend John platinum country artist Michael Mont- John Michael Montgomery gomery and ris- headlines on Friday night, ing star Priscilla January 26 at the first-ever Block headline Bull Bash & Country Music Festival. the festival, with Montgomery taking the stage during the Bull Bash intermission on Friday night and Block taking the stage during the same competition break on Saturday night.

The best bull riders in the region compete for the title and cash prizes in this multiround competition. After the music festival at intermission, the Bull Bash resumes with the final rounds to crown the winner. The second half includes the fan-favorite Hard Cash Giveaway, where cowboys test their speed, agility and courage as they race on foot to capture cash that is tied between the bull’s horns. Tickets are on sale now for this electrifying event.

Montgomery is an award-winning, multiplatinum country music artist with gold record hits like “I Swear,” “Leave a Mark”

and “Brand New Me” to his name.

Block, the first country music act to break from the social media platform TikTok, was nominated for the Academy of Country Music Academy of Country Music Award for New Female Artist nominee for New Female Artist of the Year Priscilla of the Year and Block performs on Saturday CMT’s Breaknight, January 27 at the through Video Bull Bash & Country Music of the Year.

Festival.

Fans can arrive early to enjoy live music from Tampa-area artists, eat delicious food, have a cold beer and test their skills on the mechanical bull before the Bull Bash begins. Randy McNeeley performs on Friday, and Cross Fire Creek performs Saturday night; their performances begin at 5:45 p.m. each night. Gates open at 5:00 p.m., the Bull Bash begins at 7:30 p.m. and the headliners take the stage at approximately 8:15 p.m. each night.

The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds is located at the intersection of State Road 60 and Sydney Washer Road, just east of Brandon. General parking is free, with premium parking available at $25 per car. This is a rain-or-shine event.

For more information, visit https://hillsboroughcountyfair.com/bull-bash/.

Page 12

Valrico Edition

WATERMELON SWIM IMPACTS

SWIMMERS AND THE COMMUNITY

By Lily Belcher

Watermelon Swim’s In addition to New Year’s resolution offering swim lesis to continue to grow sons and free waits impact on the comter safety educamunity in 2024. tion presentations, CEO Micha Seal said the company gives the family-owned and back to the comoperated year-round munity through swim company hopes scholarships and to open two new lodonations to supcations in Brooksville port local causes. and Zephyrhills. “ Wa t e r m e l o n Watermelon Swim encourages children to get in“We’re beyond ex- volved in consistent swim lessons for their safety. Swim aims to cited to be growing continuously give and reaching new areas back to the communiof our community to ty. Each year we have a teach more lessons and pumpkin patch, and the further our mission. The proceeds of this pumpmore students we can kin patch help us proteach, the better we can vide scholarships for our serve our community Swimmers with Disabiland develop safer swimities program,” Seal said. mers,” Seal said.

Watermelon Swim’s The new locations will annual giving tree has extend Watermelon Swim’s impact be- served the Tampa Bay community over yond the four current indoor locations in the last 10 years as well. The program Lutz, South Tampa, Wesley Chapel and provides the “entire holiday experience” Riverview. In 2023, Watermelon Swim for families in need. An application protaught over 300,000 swim lessons with cess allows Watermelon Swim to identify the help of 150 employees. families in need who would benefit from At the beginning of the year, Water- receiving holiday decorations, meals and melon Swim will offer free water babies gifts. classes for infants under 6 months old.

“There’s an undeniable need for swim These classes engage parents and in- lessons and water safety education in fants in nonsubmersion lessons and offer our community. Our mission is to grow an opportunity for parents to bond with a community full of safer swimmers and their children. reduce the risks while increasing confiThese lessons lay the foundation for dence in and around water,” Seal said. future lessons at Watermelon Swim. The To enroll in swim lessons at one of company is offering a 10 percent tuition the four locations or read Watermelon discount for swimmers taking lessons Swim’s blog, visit https://watermelonmultiple times a week to “encourage con- swim.com/. For more information, consistency and repetition in swim lessons.” tact the company at 813-229-7946.

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Volume 21, Issue 1

CROSSROADS PRODUCE OPENS NEW STAND AT RIVERHILLS SHELL

By Jane Owen

For 12 ities.” years, CrossThrough Roads Protheir busiduce has been nesses, both providing loKane and Kurt cal fresh proregularly give duce, honey to local charipantry items ties like Seeds and plants of Hope, Small to the comBut Mighty munity. Kurt Heroes, A and Penny CrossRoads Owner Kurt Pendegrass (right), with employ- Kid’s Place ees Rachel and Chris, says if they don’t have what you are Pendergrass and local looking for at the new location, they will offer to get it from churches. For opened Crossthe original location.

Roads Protwo businessduce by the crossroads of South County es dedicated to the people they serve, Road 39 and Lithia Pinecrest Road in the pairing is perfect.

2011 with a mission to serve people in CrossRoads Produce customers at the the community. new location will have the same great “I tell all of my employees that we are service and will also be able to get gas a service company that sells produce. or stop by the convenience store.

We are here to serve the community,” Kane is thrilled with expansion and Kurt said. the future for both businesses.

One of the many ways CrossRoads “It’s going to be, for them and for the Produce serves the community is by pro- station, a really great 2024,” said Kane. viding the freshest produce and plants.

Kurt shared a few CrossRoads highTo do so, Kurt purchases daily from local lights. For the first few months of the farms of all sizes, from a 5-acre farm in year, fresh local strawberries will be Dover to Spivey Farm in Plant City. plentiful. Customers can buy as little In November, CrossRoads Produce as one piece of fruit or buy in bulk. If opened its second location outside the it doesn’t have an item, CrossRoads will Riverhills Shell gas station. Station own- try to get it. It will also deliver locally on er Todd Kane said second location came request and offer wholesale pricing. about after Osprey Observer Editor MaCrossRoads Produce’s hours are 10 rie Gilmore suggested their partnership a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, would be a way to offer expanded op- and 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday and Suntions to both businesses’ customers. day. Kurt shared that sometimes it will “I am thankful for it because not only be open outside of those hours: “If we is it one small business supporting an- are here, we are open.” CrossRoads other, it gives our customers another Produce’s new location is 4330 Lithia option in the area,” Kane said. “It also Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. For more ingives us both, with increased business, formation, visit www.crossroadsproopportunities to support our local char- duce.com.

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Valrico Edition

January 2024

Page 13

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW The Tony Baroni Team wishes YOU and your family a great 2024!!!

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Team Events like seeing the Tampa Bay Rowdies and our annual Team Advance Day learning and planning out the year followed by Race Cars and Top Golf.

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Page 14

Valrico Edition

RIVER HILLS COUNTRY CLUB COMMITMENT

TO IMPROVEMENT CONTINUES FOUR YEARS INTO OWNERSHIP TRANSITION

By Makenzie Atkins Noel (Editor’s Note, this story was previously printed with editorial errors and has been corrected by the editorial team. Please forgive the confusion) River Hills Country Club has been on a journey of growth, improvement and commitment to providing an exceptional experience for members and guests.

Conceived in 1988 as a daily-fee golf facility with amenities that far surpassed any in what was a fairly remote area of Hillsborough County, River Hills Country Club opened the Joe Lee-designed course and clubhouse in 1989. The developer realized that Tampa was a burgeoning market and built a community that offered a great golf course, superb dining, clay tennis courts and tremendous value just as it does to this day.

With the decision for the HOA to purchase the amenity in September 2019, a commitment to continuous improvement has been a key factor in the continued growth and success of the club.

“We pride ourselves on having an outstanding board, great staff and honestly a down-to-earth, great membership,” said Margie Martin, membership and marketing director at River Hills Country Club. “It’s like all those three things just work so harmoniously together, and it really does make River Hills special.”

River Hills has also strengthened its ties with the community through events, workshops and social gatherings, and with goals to further enhance its offerings, this community connection will continue to grow.

By giving the gift of membership to

River Hills Country Club, you are gifting exclusive access to premium facilities, participation in members-only events and a sense of community. A membership to River Hills grants you access to the 18-hole championship golf course and practice facility, eight Har-Tru tennis courts with tournament-quality lighting, exceptional dining, an active social calendar, a fitness center and a Junior Olympic heated pool.

Individuals who join the club become part of a community that values connection and growth and strives to give a sense of community.

“It makes you feel like you’re home, which I think for people moving into the area are looking for that little slice of home,” said Martin.

The team at River Hills works hard to make every day fun at the club.

From golf and tennis lessons to monthly social events, you can always expect a good time. With upcoming holiday events, clinics, a 2024 Concert in the Park series, Theme Nights and more, there is something for everyone.

River Hills has made remarkable strides over the past year, with goals of a future that embraces inclusivity, sustainability and community engagement. Becoming a member at River Hills Country Club is about more than just golf; it’s about community.

For more information or to inquire about membership, please contact Martin at 813-655-5203 or email mmartin@riverhillscountryclub.com.

Volume 21, Issue 1

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FIRE RESCUE DEPUTY CHIEF OF ADMINISTRATION JASON DOUGHERTY NAMED FIRE CHIEF

Staff Report

Hillsborough County Fire ment that made great Rescue (HCFR) Deputy Chief strides under the leadof Administration Jason ership of Jones. Jones Dougherty will be the next joined HCFR as fire fire chief of HCFR, one of the chief in 2015, having largest fire rescue departpreviously served as ments in Florida. Former Fire fire chief for six years.

Chief Dennis Jones officialOver the years, the ly retired on December 22, growth of HCFR was a 2023, with 45 years dedicatmajor focus for Jones. ed to fire rescue service — all As Hillsborough CounDeputy Chief of Administration Jato the residents of Hillsborty’s population steadily son Dougherty was recently named ough County and the city of grew, so did the need as the next fire chief of HCFR, Tampa. following the retirement of Fire Chief for more firefighters Dougherty has been with and fire stations to Dennis Jones in December 2023.

HCFR since 2016, has over 23 years of ex- serve all residents in all areas of the counperience in the fire service and has served as ty. Among his many accomplishments and second-in-command to Jones for five years. achievements, Jones oversaw the opening As deputy chief of administration, Dough- of multiple new Hillsborough County fire erty managed and oversaw HCFR’s $260 stations and station rebuilds and the 2017 million budget, maintained 46 fire stations, opening of the Public Safety Operations handled logistics and oversaw fleet opera- Complex, which serves as HCFR’s headquartions and the Emergency Dispatch Center ters and the county’s emergency operations — responsibilities that prepared him to take center during hurricanes and other emerover as fire chief of the fourth-largest fire gency declarations. department in Florida.

During his tenure, the department added A dedicated servant to public safety, more than 200 new positions, rebuilt eight Dougherty started his firefighting career stations and added three new stations that in Thomasville, Georgia, in 1999 and joined feature the latest safety measures, includTampa Fire Rescue in 2001. He rose through ing decontamination systems, modern stathe ranks with Tampa Fire Rescue from tion-alerting systems designed to prioritize firefighter to ultimately becoming division the mental well-being of first responders training chief in 2014. His previous roles, and custom-made individualized bunker which also included paramedic, lieutenant, gear for all the county’s firefighters.

SWAT medic, fire training officer and fire Earlier this year, Jones was named the captain, have afforded him vast experience 2023 Florida Career Fire Chief of the Year in managing medical and fire scenes, coor- by the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. dinating multiple teams of responders, deDougherty earned his bachelor’s degree veloping policies and procedures, presenting in health science education from the Unicapital improvement projects and managing versity of Florida and his master’s degree and preparing an annual budget. in organizational leadership from WalDougherty is set to take over a depart- dorf University.

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Valrico Edition

January 2024

Page 15

Community Arts &Events START BUYING

By Kathy L. Collins, Art & Entertainment Director

A CALL TO ARTISTS HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE 2024 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL FINE ART SHOW A call to artists has iature art (2D). The been issued by the categories for youth East Hillsborough Art (ages 6-17) are oils, Guild (EHAG) for the acrylics, watercolors, 2024 Florida Strawgraphics/mixed media berry Festival Fine Art and sculptures.

Show, which runs from The adult entry fee Thursday, February for professionals is 29 through Sunday, $15 and $12 for amMarch 10 at the fesateurs and miniature tival grounds in Plant art. The entry for City.

Artists of all ages are encouraged to apply youth is $5.

This year, the show to be a part of the 2024 Florida Strawberry There are multiple will be presented in the Festival Fine Art Show, which will be held prizes available for Neighborhood Village at the festival grounds in Plant City from adults. These include near Gate 4. There is Thursday, February 29 to Sunday, March Best of Show, which very limited space, so 10. This is a great opportunity for artists earns the winner artists are encouraged of all levels to gain experience and have $300. The Strawberry to apply early via mail. their art seen by hundreds of thousands of Theme award (which festivalgoers.

Entries will be acceptincludes entries which ed on a first-come, first-serve basis. feature strawberries or reflect the 2024 Adult artists, both professional and theme of Out of the World) is $100. There amateur, as well as youth artists are en- is also prize money for first and second couraged to apply. Karen Crumley, chair of place, as well as Business Leaders Choice the Fine Art Show, said, “There are over and Special ‘In Honor Of,’ which net $50 400,000 who come through the gallery for the artist. every year. We will likely have even more There is a Best Youth Entry award, which this year due to the new location. This is is $30 and sponsored by Jarrett Scott Ford a great opportunity for all artists to learn of Plant City. Youth first and second also how to present their art to the public.” receive prize money. All youth participants Crumley added, “I really want to encour- will receive a participation ribbon. age our youngest artists, especially those Early entries are accepted via mail until in high school, to apply. This will get them Thursday, February 8. Artists should mail exposure and the experience of having their forms and fees to East Hillsborough their art seen by the public.”

Art Guild, P.O. Box 3055, Plant City, FL The categories for adults, both profes- 33564. Complete rules and entry forms sional and amateur, are oils, acrylics, wa- can be found at https://flstrawberryfestercolors, graphics/mixed media and min- tival.com/.

TAMPA THEATRE PRESENTS ITS 21ST ANNUAL WINEFEST FUNDRAISER

Tampa Theatre will celebrate over two decades of its signature fundraiser, WineFest, this March. The theme for this year’s WineFest is Grapebusters. WineFest is the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser. WineFest has raised more than $1.5 million over the past 21 years for the non-profit Tampa Theatre.

WineFest, which is for those 21 years and older, will kick off on Friday, March 1 at 7 p.m. with a two-tiered wine tasting.

Guests will taste dozens of boutique wines and sample fares from Tampa’s top independent restaurants. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on premium silent auction items from area retailers, restaurants, services and attractions.

Tickets for the Premium Tasting, which begins at 7 p.m. and features exclusive wines for a limited audience, are $125, or $115 for Tampa Theatre members. Tickets for the Grand Tasting, which begins at 8 p.m., are $80, or $70 for Tampa Theatre members.

On Saturday, March 2, the Tampa Theatre’s historic stage is transformed so that 275 people can sit for a wine pairing from 6-10 p.m. The multicourse menu, created through a collaboration between Mise en Place and Metropolitan Ministries’ culinary and hospitality teams, will feature delectable small plates expertly paired with exquisite wines. There are a limited number of tickets left for this Saturday event.

There will be a fun live auction featuring once-in-alifetime trips, exclusive experiences and a high-stakes wine pull. Tickets for the wine pairing are $400 for individuals and $750 for a pair.

While the theme may seem positively ectoplasmic, WineFest’s purpose is quite solid. It is the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser.

WineFest has raised more than $1.5 million over the past 21 years for the nonprofit Theatre.

Event Chair Zac Foster said, “I do not believe in UFOs, astral projections, mental telepathy, ESP, clairvoyance, spirit photography, telekinetic movement, full-trance mediums, the Loch Ness monster or the theory of Atlantis, but I do believe in the mission of Tampa Theatre, and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man-sized amount of support this community brings to the table each year to support its artistic, educational and community programming, and the preservation of this landmark building as we look forward to celebrating its centennial in 2026.”

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

You can get tickets at the box office, located at 711 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa, or go online at https://tampatheatre.org/winefest/.

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Page 16

Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 1

FLIGHT TO HONOR POLK MISSION 9 PREPARING FOR DEPARTURE

By Brad Stager

Flight to Honor Polk veterans have a chance to tour the nation’s capital.

Preparations for Flight to Honor Polk Mission 9 to fly local military veterans to Washington, D.C., are underway, and the call is out for participants.

The series of missions, which began in 2015, have allowed veterans a chance to visit the greatest monuments in Washington, D.C., that honor the sacrifices of them and their comrades.

Applications for the Tuesday, April 30 mission are now being accepted from veterans and guardians to accompany them. There is no charge for participating veterans, with priority for the flights given to those dealing with severe medical conditions first, followed by veterans who served in the Second World, Korean and Vietnam wars.

Veterans are accompanied during the day by designated guardians who volunteer to serve on the missions. The guardians’ purpose is to assist their veterans with the travel and memorial sightseeing activities. If a guardian applicant is chosen to participate, a $500 donation to defray the cost of the mission will be requested. Guardians are assigned to a veteran in the order that applications are received.

The flights take off early in the morning from Lakeland Linder International Airport to arrive in the nation’s capital for a day of touring monuments like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Flight to Honor Polk missions are among many activities of the Polk County Veterans Council, which has been supporting veterans since 2003. Among the events featured on their websites are opportunities to meet with VA representatives and support various veteran-related causes as well as events and ceremonies like retirement of U.S. flags. Their support of this year’s Lakeland Veterans Day Ceremony and related events brought praise from Johanah Moran, who expressed her appreciation on the organization’s Facebook page. “So glad you Honor Veterans with a parade,” she wrote.

You can keep informed about Flight to Honor Polk Mission 9 and other veteran-related activities by visiting the Polk County Veterans Council website at www.polkveteranscouncil.com and its Facebook page, where you can also find links to downloadable applications for veterans and guardians.

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January 2024

Year In Review-Updates On The Top Stories From 2023 Valrico Edition

HELEN MULRENNAN YOUNG TURNS 100 IN FEBRUARY, HER SPIRIT LONG ENDURING

By Linda Chion Rather than have a now home to houses big celebration, Heland the school. Her en Mulrennan Young brother Joseph ‘Jody’ is looking forward to Mulrennan served as a nice, calm birthday president of the Greatwith her family and a er Brandon Chamber few close friends. She of Commerce, which doesn’t have any parhe helped to establish ticular plans for the in 1959. new year, but she’s Also active in comhappy to continue her munity life, Young is a crochet ministry. member of the Kiwanis “I’m not able to be Club of Greater Branon my feet or do much don, which her brother of anything, but I can Bud joined as a charsit and crochet and ter member in 1960.

Helen Mulrennan Young in 2022 upon manage to bring sunShe is a long-standing shine into somebody receiving the Spirit of Kiwanis Award at Cornerstone Baptist Beef ’O’ Brady’s in Apollo Beach. else’s life, and that’s Church congregant, the joy I’m getting out of my life,” said where she is known for her crochet ministry.

Young.

For more than 23 years, Young has croOriginal Story Printed January 2023. cheted blankets and hats for newborn baKnown for her “gracious heart and posi- bies and afghan blankets for newly married tive spirit,” Helen Mulrennan Young is set to couples. She also crochets for many others, celebrate her 100th birthday on Monday, including cancer warriors, Tampa General February 27.

Hospital patients and the Lioness Project, Young is the youngest and last surviving whose mission is to help women and chilsibling of a family whose pioneering heri- dren homeless because of domestic violence. tage in Eastern Hillsborough County is duly “My crochet ministry means everything to noted with the naming of Mulrennan Middle me because when I crochet, I concentrate School in Valrico, which opened in 2003 at on what I’m doing and not on the things that 4215 Durant Rd. I can’t do,” Young said, who suffers from adThe school sits on land that was once the vancing arthritis. “I get satisfaction knowing homestead of Joseph and May Mulrennan that what I’m making is going to bring joy and their children, Annie Mae, John, Joe, into someone else’s life.”

Margaret, Bud, Frank, Tim and Helen.

Her mantra through her life has been, Young, in 2006, became the last surviv- “It takes those struggles to appreciate the ing sibling with the passing of Martin ‘Bud’ good times that you have because if you had Mulrennan at age 93, a farming pioneer it good every day and you didn’t have to be with a citrus grower’s hat who managed concerned about anything, you would just the family’s 160-acre Mulrennan Groves, go along in life and take it all for granted.”

Page 17

COUNTY GRANT FUNDS HIGH 5 INC. POOL RENOVATIONS JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS

By Lily Belcher

Recently, High our area and cre5 Inc. completed ate a much better two large-scale experience for all pool projects that community memenhanced swimbers that use these mers’ experiareas,” said High ence and offered 5 CEO Chuck Burthe community gess. a high-quality At High 5’s locaaquatic facility. tion off U.S. HighThe complete way 60 at 405 Resurfacing the pools will allow High 5 Inc. to rebuild of High Beverly Blvd. in better support its community and members.

5’s shallow, Brandon, all three warm-water pools will undergo teaching pool allows for the resurfacing financed by comfortable year-round the county’s grant. High 5 instruction of its littlest owns an Olympic-sized lap swimmers. In collaborapool with five diving boards tion with the Hillsborough and a diving well. Its 10County Children’s Board lane, 25-yard pool and and the generous grant teaching pool are also being that allows High 5 to offer renovated. free water safety swim lessons to the The pool resurfacing project is part of community, this pool provides the per- a three-phase improvement project to fect environment for teaching drown- update High 5’s facilities. BCI Pools is in ing prevention. The resurfacing of its charge of the renovation project. The Fort 50-meter pool provides not only better Myers-based swimming pool contractor long-term maintenance but also a qual- has 40 years of experience building pools ity competition venue. for the community.

Original Story Printed February 2023.

High 5 is a community recreation cenHigh 5 Inc. was awarded a grant to ter that supports education, athletics and fund the resurfacing of its three pools, community through its programs. High 5’s which are expected to be completed at value-added membership opportunities the end of April. give members special prices, early regisThe $550,000 grant was given to High tration and exclusive invitations to events, 5 by Hillsborough County at the beginning among other perks. Juniors can receive a of the 2023 annual budget cycle. membership for $40 per month, individu“It helps us to be able to teach children al memberships cost $55 per month and under the age of 3 to swim, increases the family memberships cost $75 per month. opportunity to run competitions, which Visit www.high5inc.org. Call 813-689would have a nice economic impact to 0908.

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Page 18

Year In Review-Updates On The Top Stories From 2023 Valrico Edition

SELMON EXPRESSWAY

ENHANCEMENTS ADD RAMPS AND LANE

By Brian Bokor

THEA comexpressway. pleted the conOne of Slater’s struction of the goals is to create two new slip a balance of usramps on the reage between the versible express upper and lower lanes. Since the lanes as well as Photo courtesy of the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway ramps’ opening, reduce congesAuthority (THEA).

THEA has also tion for morning observed reduced congestion between westbound commuters. A major compoU.S. 301 and 78th Street. It is now con- nent will be the installation of two new ‘slip’ ducting a Project Development and En- ramps on the Selmon that are now under vironment study to evaluate capacity construction, one near I-75 with the second improvements along the eastern section near the I-4 connector. Additionally, alterof the Selmon Expressway. native routes will be open near the Twiggs Roadway and ramp improvements will Street off-ramp at Nebraska Avenue, makbe evaluated to address safety, efficien- ing for easier access through downtown. cy and capacity needs through 2045. It Slater is also working closely with the Floris anticipated that the improvements ida Department of Transportation in solvwill primarily be within the existing ing the backup at I-4, although that project right-of-way. A public hearing to pres- is not under THEA authority. ent the results of the study will take Slip ramps are on and off-ramps between place in March 2024. the Selmon Expressway’s lower local lanes Original Story Printed April 2023. and upper reversible express lanes (REL).

Traffic issues have become a common The new East Selmon slip ramps will allow occurrence around parts of Hillsborough drivers westbound to enter the upper-level County. Greg Slater, CEO and director of the REL near I-75, and then exit near IKEA. The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority addition of the ramps will reduce morning (THEA), is fully aware of this, as the view congestion on the westbound Selmon Exfrom his office on Twiggs Street in down- pressway near I-75, along with helping to town Tampa overlooks the backup of cars avoid congestion near the I-4 connector that represents the Selmon Expressway’s and reduce backup at the Twiggs Street elevated express-lanes exit ramp during exit ramp. Slater expects the ramps to be morning commutes east from Brandon. operational by the end of the summer.

Slater joined THEA last February and For more information, Sue Chrzan, brings with him over 20 years of experi- THEA’s director of communications and ence in public service, most recently as public affairs, can be reached at www. secretary of the Maryland Department of tampa-xway.com. THEA is located at 1104 Transportation, and sees first-hand where E. Twiggs St. in Tampa. Call THEA at 813there are still opportunities to improve the 272-6740.

Volume 21, Issue 1

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S SOCCER IS COMING TO TAMPA BAY

Staff Report

The new prouniting our Tamfessional wompa Bay commuen’s soccer nity. We’re ready team has choto build a team sen their name, that not only colors and logo. wins on the field The team has but also makes officially been a positive differbranded as the ence off the field.

Tampa Bay Sun To us, success Football Club, comes when you selected blue become part and yellow as of the fabric of Photo Courtesy of SuperLeague Tampa Bay. its colors and your commuThe new Super League Tampa Bay ownership are represent- group, from left to right: David Laxer, Darryl Shaw nity,” said Dared by a stylized ryl Shaw, who and Jeff Fox. b l u e - a n d - ye l joined his childlow sun circled by the hood friends, David Laxteam’s name. er, co-owner of Bern’s What’s more, the Steak House, and Jeff team has a head coach, Fox, former chief inforUniversity of South mation officer of BlueFlorida women’s socPearl Pet Hospital, as cer coach Denise Schilte-Brown, who is the owners of the new team. building the player roster, and the first USL Super League will be the highest Tampa Bay Sun FC retail collection is level of professional women’s sports to available online. ever field a team with Tampa Bay on its To see Tampa Bay Sun FC’s logo, find jerseys. Once it is sanctioned by U.S. Socadditional information and more, visit cer as a Division I league, it will rank on www.tampabaysunfc.com. par with other top professional sports Original Story Printed June 2023. leagues and feature players who repreA new professional women’s soccer sent their countries in international comteam is set to kick off in Tampa Bay in petitions such as the FIFA Women’s World August 2024. As part of the USL Super Cup and the Olympic Games League, the new Tampa Bay franchise will The team will start playing in August compete at the highest level of women’s 2024 in a temporary home until a perprofessional soccer. The team will bring manent, soccer-specific stadium can be top-tier women’s pro sports to the region built. With that stadium, the team intends for the first time, joining 10 to 12 clubs in to create a year-round venue that will be the league’s initial market. used for a wide range of activities, includ“This is about inspiring, energizing and ing opportunities with youth.

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Year In Review-Updates On The Top Stories From 2023 Valrico Edition

January 2024

Page 19

STRAWBERRY CREST STUDENTS WIN LEMONADE STAND REACHES NEARLY $90,000 IN DONATIONS FOR NATIONAL STEM COMPETITION

By Lily Belcher ANIMALS IN NEED S t raw b e r r y their classmates Crest used the died from heat illaward money to ness in 2019. buy technology The device is a for many differtemperature senent subject arsor that can coneas, but a good nect with a band portion went to the athlete’s toward science. uniform. The data This year, from the sensor Strawberry will be transmitted Crest submitted to an app on the five Samsung coach’s phone to Solve for Tomoralert the coaches Mehar Chhabra, Patrick Cseh and Anna Steed reprerow ideas, and that an athlete is sented their team’s Human Health Band device at the two were selectoverheating.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. ed as state final“They learned ists. One uses a combination of artificial project management, teamwork, presentintelligence and robotics to significantly ing, speaking, networking and professionreduce pesticide use and carbon emis- alism skills. This was a major project that sions in strawberry farming. The other required students to delegate tasks and uses a device and an app that keeps track come together for the finished project. It of medications by weight so whether a really was a special experience as a teacher person has had their medication can be to watch my students grow in these other more accurately tracked. capacities,” said their IB Biology teacher, Since last year, over twice the number Christina Rutledge. of its students are participating in SamThe three students that went to the nasung Solve for Tomorrow. tional competition were Patrick Cseh, Anna Original Story Printed June 2023.

Steed and Mehar Chhabra. The announceTen Strawberry Crest High School stu- ment was streamed live for the rest of their dents won the national Samsung Solve for team and classmates to watch. Rutledge Tomorrow STEM Competition with their said the watch parties and the congratuladesign for a device to monitor athlete’s tem- tory text messages made the team feel enperatures. With the national recognition, couraged and supported. the Chargers’ STEM program will receive “One of the best things that came from $100,000. that part of the experience was that in the The STEM students came up with the idea days since we have returned home, multiple for the Human Health Band in the fall during students have come to ask how THEY can football season. Every year, high school stu- be on the Samsung Solve For Tomorrow dents hear about heat-related injuries and team next year,” said Rutledge death. However, this topic is more personal For more info, visit www.samsung.com/ for Strawberry Crest’s students, as one of us/solvefortomorrow.

By Ava Benedict

Delanie Denwould never have nis’ mother, Julie guessed that it Dennis, is proud would grow this to say that Delamuch.” nie has reached Delanie was just over $100,000 7 years old when in donations this she was inspired month. They are by the famous making plans to American Society celebrate this for the Prevenimpressive miletion of Cruelty to stone, and DelaAnimals (ASPCA) nie hopes to reach commercials and Delanie Dennis was featured on Good Morning $150,000 by the Alex’s Lemonade America in March this year. end of 2024.

Stand for ChildShe’s also lookhood Cancer. She ing to do more fundraisers devised the idea of a lemonade and help animals in other stand to help both animals and ways. Her family has moved the community. Her amazing with their rescue animals work for these organizations to Lithia, where they have has received national recogni10-and-a-half acres. They tion, with her lemonade stand assist with running RVR having been featured on Good Horse Rescue on their premises and Morning America in March this year. plan to host events for animals and resSome of her favorite parts of the expericues there. ence were seeing the paperwork the night Original Story Printed August 2023. before and meeting Jennifer Aniston. DelaAt only 11 years old, local resident Dela- nie also became the recipient of the 2022 nie Dennis has raised almost $90,000 for ASPCA Kid of the Year Award for her genlocal pet charities — one cup of delicious erosity towards animal organizations. This lemonade at a time. Delanie has been serv- year, she is set to receive the Youth Hero ing her homemade lemonade at her family’s Good Deed Award from the American Lerestaurant, Cafe Delanie, since April 2019. gion Auxiliary. Her contributions toward To raise funds for local animal shelters and animal shelters and rescues have concharities, the cafe features new specials tinued to gain attention, with CBS News, daily and weekly. From buffalo chicken sal- ABC Action News and Southern Living all ad to stuffed cheeseburgers, these tasty highlighting her commitment to helping meals paired with lemonade have changed animals in need. the lives of both animals and humans alike.

To learn more, visit its Facebook page “I can’t believe it,” said Andy Dennis, Del- at www.facebook.com/delanieslemonanie’s father and owner of Cafe Delanie. “I adestand.

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Page 20

Valrico Edition

dementia. The group will take place the second Monday of each month from Dementia Support 6-8 p.m. The Group, Pepin group will be led by CheryAcademies Open lAnn Haley, she is a PosiHouse & More... tive Approach Compiled by Jenny Bennett to Care-certijbennett@ospreyobserver.com fied coach and will share Positive Approach to Care skills that will explain some behaviors and show care partSuncoast Credit Union Founda- ners how to support their loved ones.

Please call 813-657-8587 tion Scholarship or email tburnett@superiThe Suncoast Credorbrandon.com to reserve it Union Foundation is a space. Superior Resipartnering with Hillsbordences of Brandon is located at 1819 ough Education Foundation to offer Providence Ridge Blvd. in Brandon. six $2,000 scholarship awards to high school graduates in the Class of 2024.

This year’s high school graduates in Kappa Delta Phi Bingo FundSuncoast Credit Union’s 25-county ser- raiser vice territory have the opportunity to The Kappa Kappa chapter of Kappa apply for financial support to continue Delta Phi are hosting a bingo fundraiser their education, thanks to a $164,000 at Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. on Tuesinvestment in scholarships by the Tam- day, February 13. This will be a firstpa-based credit union’s Founcome, first-served dation. event, so come early to Applications are open until secure a table for you Wednesday, January 31 and and your friends. Binare available at https://edugo cards will be sold cationfoundation.com/seniorfrom 6:30 p.m. onscholarships. ward and bingo will begin promptly at 7 p.m. There will also be silent auction Pepin Academies To Host School items available to bid on and a 50/50 drawing. Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. is Choice Open House Pepin Academies is excited to an- located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in nounce a School Choice Open House Valrico. event for prospective students, parents and the community. This event will pro- Yoga In The Garden At Kerby’s vide an excellent opportunity for all at- Nursery tendees to tour the school, learn more What do plants and yoga have in cominformation about what it does and mon? They both promote health and learn more about its therapeutic wellness. Kristen Molinaro environment for students with of Keystone Yoga will preslearning disabilities. The open ent a yoga class at Kerby’s house will be held simultaneousNursery on Saturday, Febly on each campus on Thursday, ruary 3 at 9:30 a.m. on the January 25 from 9:30-10:30 boardwalk in Kerby’s Greena.m. Please RSVP at www.pehouse. This class is suitable pinacademies.com or email comfor everyone. Please bring your own munications@theacademies.us. mat; water will be provided. All participants will receive a coupon for 20 Dementia Care-partner Support percent off one full-priced item, valid through February. The class is free. VisGroup Superior Residences of Brandon will it www.kerbysnursery.com to register. be holding a monthly support group for The class is limited to 40 participants.

Volume 21, Issue 1

ABOUT 14 PERCENT OF TAMPA

ELECTRIC’S ENERGY CAN COME FROM THE SUN Staff Report

Four new Tampa Electric solar plants began producing electricity from the sun this month, completing the next phase of the company’s significant solar expansion.

Tampa Electric’s solar projects can now produce 1,252 megawatts of electricity, also called 1.25 gigawatts, enough to power more than 200,000 homes. This wave of solar construction includes Dover Solar in Hillsborough County, Juniper Solar in Pasco County and Alafia Solar and Lake Mabel Solar, both in Polk County.

“Thanks to our strategic investment in solar power, Tampa Electric customers have saved about $200 million in fuel costs in the past five years,” said Archie Collins, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric. “We know how important these savings are for customers, and in coming years, we expect to generate even more power from the sun.”

Construction will begin this month for the next phase of solar power, with more planned by the end of 2026. At that time, Tampa Electric will have more than 1,600 MW of solar, which will be able to serve 260,000 homes. When those projects are complete, Tampa Electric will have about 17 percent of its energy generated from the sun — the highest percentage of solar generation of any utility in the state.

Tampa Electric’s investment in solar energy helps to: • Save fuel costs for customers and assist in reducing the impact of volatile natural gas prices.

Since 2017, solar power has saved customers about $200 million in fuel costs.

• Conserve water. By repurposing former agricultural land for solar investments, Tampa Electric has saved more than 4.3 billion gallons of water in an area of Florida with critical concerns about water use.

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Tampa Electric is committed to a cleaner-energy future, and when complete these projects will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 2.35 million tons every year, which is roughly equal to removing 500,000 cars from the road.

Customers wanting more information about solar energy can visit Tampa Electric’s new webpage at www.tampaelectric.com/solarsolutions.

Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 830,000 customers in West Central Florida. Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

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January 2024

Valrico Edition

Page 21

39TH ANNUAL 2024 FLORIDA RV SENIOR DOGS AND CATS FIND NEW BEGINNINGS AT HILLSBOROUGH SUPERSHOW DRIVES INTO TOWN

By Sharon Still COUNTY PET RESOURCE CENTER

For nearly 40 “You can bring years, the Florida your hunting gear, RV Trade Associafishing equipment, tion (FRVTA) has bikes and anything hosted one of the else you have room largest RV shows in for. And if you get the country. Every tired of your view January, RV enthuor your neighbors, siasts from near all you have to do and far flock to the is move on,” he said.

Florida State Fair- Every major RV manufacturer will be showcased The SuperShow grounds to check when the 2024 Florida RV SuperShow comes to offers educational town in January. out the latest and opportunities and a greatest RV models from evway for newbies to get their ery major manufacturer, plus feet wet, while also offering hundreds of supplier booths seasoned RVers a place to showcasing camping accestrade in their RV or take adsories and more. vantage of some of the best Mark your calendars for camping opportunities found Wednesday through Sunanywhere. day, January 17-21, and, as Seminar topics include the event’s theme suggests, RVing to Alaska, guided RV “Rock on Down the Highvacations, generator mainteway!” to the 39th annual nance and fire safety, among 2024 Florida RV SuperShow. others.

“We will have more suppliAdmission to the Suers’ booths and every type, perShow is $15 for adults, Strolling entertainers are a size and style of RV on the crowd favorite at the Florida which includes free secmarket,” said FRVTA execuond-day admission. Children RV SuperShow. tive director David Kelly. under 16 are admitted for free.

He added that there will be more enter“We’re also renewing the two-day pass so tainment and additional seminars offered the public will have two full days to see evthis year, as record crowds are expected. erything at the SuperShow at no additional Guests can expect to see strolling entertain- cost,” said Kelly. Event hours are Wednesers, such as clowns, unicycle riders, barber day through Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and shop quartets and bagpipe bands.

Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Florida State According to Kelly, interest in RVing is at Fairgrounds. Seniors will receive $2 off adan all-time high and more younger people mission from Wednesday through Friday. are embracing the lifestyle. He noted that The Florida RV Trade Association is loRVing is no longer just for older generations, cated at 10510 Gibsonton Dr. in Riverview. as others are discovering the opportunities For more information, contact the FRVTA at it affords.

813-741-0488 or visit www.frvta.org.

Staff Report

H i l l s b o ro u g h lovable ball of County Pet Refur will finally source Center stop growing.

(PRC) is making Most senior a heartfelt plea dogs end up in for residents to shelters through consider the ofno fault of their ten-overlooked own.

Reasons companionship can range from of senior dogs the passing of and cats. While their owners to the allure of Mulan, a senior dog at the Pet Resource Center, smiles families movfor the camera while standing in a kiddie pool. playful puppies ing into spaces and frisky kittens may be strong, the Pet that don’t allow pets. These seasoned Resource Center is shedding light on the companions, often facing unforeseen life unique benefits that come with adopting changes, deserve another chance to exa mature canine or feline friend. perience the joy of a loving home.

These seasoned pets, often in the twiAdopting a senior dog isn’t just about light years of their lives, have so much giving them a home; it’s about offering a love to offer and are patiently waiting for second chance for a fulfilling life. These a chance to make a home complete. The dogs, having spent years in the comfort shelter is currently housing dozens of se- of a home, find themselves in unfamiliar nior dogs, each with a story and a longing shelter settings. The transition can be for a warm, loving family. challenging, but with a little love and unOne of the key advantages of adopt- derstanding, they can flourish in a new ing a senior dog is their temperament. environment.

These mature companions generally need The Hillsborough County Pet Resource less exercise and exude a calm demeanor Center encourages potential adopters to throughout the day. This makes them an consider the rewards of bringing a senior ideal match for older owners or families dog or cat into their homes. No appointwith children. Forget the challenges of ments are necessary, and information the teething and chewing phase; most along with photos of dogs available for older dogs have already outgrown these adoption can be found on the PRC webbehaviors, and many have received some site at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/ level of obedience training. residents/animals-and-pets/pet-adopSenior dogs have settled into their per- tion/adopt-a-dog-or-cat. This holiday sonalities, allowing potential adopters season, consider making a difference in to more accurately gauge compatibility. the life of a deserving senior dog or cat Unlike the unpredictability of a growing by providing them with a new home and puppy, the size of a senior dog is fixed, a second chance to give back the love eliminating concerns about when that they’ve stored up over the years.

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Valrico Edition

SCORE TAMPA LOOKS TO THE COMMUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESS MENTORS

By Libby Hopkins SCORE is a Tampa nonin all areas.” profit organization that is The Tampa Chapter a resource partner of the presents workshops, U.S. Small Business Adseminars and webinars ministration. for the public throughout “Our chapter has about the year.

50 volunteers/mentors,” “Every month, we said Kevin Dorsey, leadhave two three-hour er of the Tampa/Hillsworkshops: Going Into borough County SCORE Business and How To Chapter.

“Nationwide, Create a Great Business SCORE has more than Plan,” Dorsey said. “We 10,000 volunteers. also do the judging for We provide free small the Valrico/FishHawk business mentoring for Chamber of Commerce SCORE can help you start, grow startups and existing Businesses of the Year or successfully exit a business. small businesses. We can winners.”

Small business owners who tap volunteers across the SCORE is currently receive three or more hours of U.S. who may have spelooking for mentors. mentoring report higher revenues cific backgrounds and “We need mentors with and increased growth. knowledge to best serve all different backgrounds,” our clients locally. Mr. DuPont of the Du- Dorsey said. “Current or retired small busiPont Corporation started the SCORE model ness owners are perfect. A great need we in 1953.” have currently is for digital and social media By 1964, SCORE had grown too large to marketing people, government regulations be managed, so oversight of SCORE was and compliance, bank SBA loan officers, turned over to the U.S. Small Business Ad- marketing experts, sales, CPAs and many ministration in 1964. others. The time commitment for training is “The Tampa/Hillsborough Chapter has about 15 hours over 30 days, and the ongobeen active since 1968,” Dorsey said. “Of ing mentoring requirement is around three our 50-ish volunteers, 40 percent of our to five hours per week minimum.” mentors are retired, and 60 percent are still Currently, SCORE has 1,036 requests for running businesses or working corporate mentoring and only 50 volunteers. executive positions.”

“We need to increase our number of menLast year, SCORE had over 1,000 re- tors and volunteers to around 100 plus in quests for mentors in Tampa/Hillsborough the coming year,” Dorsey said. “We also County. need sponsors to gather financial support.

“Approximately 65 percent of our clients We get around 35 percent of our basic anare women, 28 percent African American, nual budget from the U.S. Small Business 10 percent Hispanic and 9 percent veter- Administration.” ans,” Dorsey said. “Around 40 percent of Tto learn more about SCORE or become a our clients have not started a business yet mentor or volunteer with the program, you and need help walking through the process can visit its website at www.score.org.

Volume 21, Issue 1

FINANCIAL FOCUS

NEW YEAR’S FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS Now that we’ve reached 2024, you might be thinking about your goals and hopes for the new year. But in addition to whatever personal resolutions you might make — volunteering, going to the gym more, learning a new language and others — why not make some financial resolutions, too?

Here are a few to consider: • Boost your retirement savings. If you can afford it, try to increase your contributions to your IRA and 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. The more you put away in these accounts, the greater your chances of reaching your retirement goals. At a minimum, contribute enough to your 401(k) to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered. And whenever your salary goes up, consider raising the amount you put in to your 401(k).

• Reduce your debts. It’s not always easy to reduce your debts — but it’s worth the effort. The lower your debt load, the greater your monthly cash flow.

So, look for ways to consolidate debts or find other, possibly more productive, ways of using credit. And if you truly can’t afford something that’s nonessential, don’t go into debt for it. “Live within your means” is an old piece of advice, but it’s just as valid now as ever.

• Build an emergency fund. If you suddenly needed a major home or car repair, or received a large medical bill not fully covered by insurance, would you have the funds available? If not, you might be forced to dip into your retirement accounts or other long-term investments. To avoid this possibility, try to build an emergency fund containing several months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account that’s separate from the ones you use to meet your daily expenses. It can take a while

to build such a fund, but if you make it a priority and contribute regular amounts each month, you can make good progress.

• Avoid emotional decisions. Too many people overreact to events in the financial markets because they let their emotions get the better of them. If the market is temporarily down, it doesn’t mean you need to sell investments to “cut your losses” — especially if these investments still have good fundamentals and are still appropriate for your portfolio. It can be hard to ignore market volatility, but you’ll be better off if you focus on the long term and continue following an investment strategy that’s designed to meet your needs.

• Review your goals. Over time, your goals may have changed. For example, while you once might have wanted to retire early, and planned for it, you may now find that you’d like to work a few more years.

If that’s the case, you may also need to adjust your financial and investment strategies.

• Revisit your estate plans. If you’ve married, divorced, remarried or added children to your family within the past few years, you may need to review the account titling and beneficiary designations on your 401(k) and other retirement assets, along with your estate-planning documents, such as your will or living trust. You might also need to revise these documents in other ways.

Of course, you may not be able to tackle all these resolutions at one time, but if you can work at them throughout the year, you can potentially brighten your financial outlook in 2024 — and beyond.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Article 16 – Jan. 1, 2024

Adam M benAbram

edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

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

813-626-3052

edwardjones.com/adam-benabram

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Valrico Edition

January 2024

Page 23

COMING SOON

FEBRUARY 29-MARCH 10

Tampa Electric Dubbed StormReady By NOAA

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recognized Tampa Electric as being StormReady, making TECO the first Florida utility to receive this prestigious designation.

NOAA assessed Tampa Electric’s storm preparedness, including year-round training, written plans, facilities and communication with employees and community partners. The review also considered how the company monitors weather and how it receives and shares severe weather warnings.

“The StormReady designation is not just a label; it signifies that we’re on the forefront of advanced storm planning and preparation,” said Lee Connelly, Tampa Electric’s Emergency Management manager. “Being pre-

pared for storms — and being able spired and barbecue dishes. It is located to quickly recover from them — is essenat 775 Brandon Town Center Dr. in Brantial to provide reliable electricity to our don. For more information, visit its webcustomers when they need it the most.” site at www.clasicobrandon.com or call 813-444-5188.

commitment to providing the epitome of elegance for life’s most memorable occasions. Appointments for the showcase can be booked online at www. satinandlacebridalboutique.com. For any other enquiries, call 813-381-4110. Satin & Lace Bridal Boutique is located at 11286 Sullivan St. in Riverview.

Clásico Chophouse And Taproom Celebrates One-year An- Satin & Lace Bridal Boutique Strawberry Festival niversary With A Ribbon-cut- Unveil Posh Frocks ting For five years, Satin & Lace Bridal Bou- Tickets On Sale Now Great food was the theme of the oneyear anniversary celebration and ribbon-cutting by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce for Clásico Chophouse and Taproom. Guests were treated to a variety of delicious dishes from Chef Davis Locke, including slow-smoked beef ribs, house-made meatballs and more. Clásico Chophouse and Taproom has a wide menu, which includes both Italian-in-

y, nl !

O e ble im aila T d v ite re A m a i a L rds r a Fo ft C Gi

tique has been Tampa’s top choice for sophisticated bridal attire. Its curated collections ensure that there’s something for every bride, groom and now moms too. Join Satin & Lace Bridal Boutique from Friday through Monday, January 19-22 to witness the unveiling of its new Posh Frock Collection. The event promises to be a captivating display of gorgeous dresses, marking a defining moment in its

Concert

Concert and admission tickets for the 89th ‘Out of This World’ Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City are on sale now. The festival takes place from Thursday, February 29 to Sunday, March 10. Tickets can be purchased online at https://flstrawberryfestival.com/, at the Amscot Main Ticket Office at 2209 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City or by phone at 813754-1996.

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Valrico Edition

Volume 21, Issue 1