Valrico
14
July 2022
Volume 19, Issue 7
Ph: 813-657-2418
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CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
VALRICO RESIDENT LAURA BRAY WORKS TO END THE DRUG SHORTAGE THROUGH ANGELS FOR CHANGE
CAMPO FAMILY YMCA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS WITH A NEW SPLASH PAD By Amy Schechter
By Lily Belcher
Laura Bray hired two new employees and opened an office with a grant from the McKesson Foundation.
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
Photo credit: Gerardo Luna Photography.
Chicks for Charity presents $2,500 donation to Campo YMCA.
For two decades, the Campo Family YMCA has provided an avenue for health, wellness and all-around family fun. On May 31, along with the Greater Riverview and Valrico Fishhawk chambers of commerce and members of the community, the Campo Y celebrated this milestone anniversary with a ribbon-cutting for its much-anticipated splash pad. With the new attraction in the background and Diana Ekonomou, daughter of Ray Campo — for whom the facility is named — looking on, the GRCC 2022 chair of the board, Michael Broussard of The Flying Locksmiths, proclaimed May 31 Campo Family YMCA Day, noting, “It’s time to make a splash!” To celebrate the event, GTE Financial presented a check for over $10,000 as a charitable donation from its employee fundraising efforts in April. Additionally, Tammy Holmberg along with Chicks for Charity donated $2,500 from their Top Gun: Maverick movie night to benefit financial assistance for summer day camps. The new splash pad isn’t the only thing gushing, as staff and patrons cannot get enough of it. Aquatics director Heidi Blair said, “The new splash pad has been fantastic. Our first day open, there were over 60 people there enjoying it. To have
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Angels for Change, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the nationwide drug shortage, will celebrate its three-year anniversary with the annual Champions for Change Gala on Saturday, September 17 at Armature Works. Tickets for the fundraiser will be on sale until the end of September on the website for $125 per person. In June, through the leadership of Chief Change Maker Laura Bray, Angels for Change gave their first grant to a pharmaceutical manufacturer, STAQ Pharma Inc., to end the shortage of concentrated electrolytes that provide vital nutrients to neonatal patients. In just eight weeks, the manufacturer was able to supply over 100,000 doses of the life-saving drug. Angels for Change received a grant from the McKesson Foundation in March that allowed Bray to hire two employees and open an office located off Falkenburg Road. The grant will allow Bray’s mission to improve education on the causes and effects of the nationwide drug shortage. The McKesson Foundation was the recip-
ient of the first annual Drug Shortage Guardian Award. The award, given to the Texas company in 2021, recognized the individuals and organization that worked tirelessly to contribute to the mission of Angels for Change. “They were the helpers that helped 19 families end a drug shortage, and it was the same people who helped every single time at this distribution center that did extraordinary work,” explained Bray about the first recipients. “I think part of our job is to recognize those change m a k e r s throughout all of the U.S. doing everyday work to help patients.” In 2021, Angels for Change joined the End Drug Shortages Alliance as one of the founding members in order to join forces with 91 other organizations to address the causes of the United States’ drug shortage. Bray is also one of the founding board members of the alliance and works alongside pharmacy supply chains and distribution centers to solve the issues. “We are grateful to have Angels for Change join the alliance to end drug shortages,” said Eric Tichy, division chair of pharmacy supply solutions for Mayo Clinic, who serves as the chair for the Alliance Advisory Board. “Collaboration among organizations strengthens our ability to improve the quality of life for patients that rely on these medications. Together, we can make a difference.” To purchase tickets, become a sponsor or donate to Angels for Change, visit the website at angelsforchange.org.
something new and exciting has been amazing.” There really is no comparison. Children can enjoy fun splashing in the water and parents can choose to join in, catch a tan or escape into the shade. In addition to the brand-new splash pad, the Campo YMCA offers a traditional gym with free weights, weight machines and cardio equipment, basketball courts, workout classes, lap/open swimming and swim classes, sports leagues and on-site child care. As a nonprofit, it works yearround to raise funds so that no one is turned away. Health and wellness are for everyone, and the Campo Y seeks to strengthen the community through the services they offer. To inquire about membership assistance or learn more about the Campo Family YMCA, visit its website at www. tampaymca.org, follow it on Facebook, or call 813-684-1371. The Campo Y is located at 3414 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico.
With an active Hillsborough County library card, residents can receive free tickets to participating museums in the Tampa Bay Area with a Discovery Pass. See article on page 11.
Expires 7/31/2022
Page 2
Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
Valrico Edition
July 2022
JUDITH ‘JUDY’ WOOLHEATER NAMED HILLSBOROUGH EDUCATION FOUNDATION’S MENTOR OF THE YEAR By Michelle Caceres
Hillsborough Education Foundation selected Judith ‘Judy’ Woolheater as its 2022 Mentor of the Year.
Judith ‘Judy’ Woolheater has been named the winner of Hillsborough Education Foundation’s (HEF) 2022 Mentor of the Year at its Mentor Appreciation Party. Woolheater is a mentor in HEF’s Take Stock in Children mentoring program, which provides more than 300 underserved youth with caring, adult volunteer mentors and role models focused on the development of life skills and academic success. Woolheater, who has been a mentor for four years, has devoted her time to not one but two mentees: Aryian, a Newsome High School graduate, and Esmerelda, a Durant High School student. During the awards ceremony, students shared stories about the tremendous impact their mentors had in their lives. Aryian, her first mentee, credited Woolheater with changing the course of her life and helping her achieve her high school graduation and gain acceptance into college. She helped Aryian research college and career opportunities, worked with her high school to ensured she was on track to graduate and collaborated with HEF’s college success coaches to connect her to valuable
resources. “She definitely deserves this honor because she’s more than a mentor to me,” she said. “She’s the one person I could always count on anytime to talk to and give me good advice.” Woolheater asked for Aryian’s approval, which she readily gave, before taking on a second mentee. “Aryian has come through some very difficult things,” said Woolheater. “I joke and tell her she makes me look good.” Joanne Sandoval, director of HEF’s Take Stock in Children program, said Woolheater is an extremely flexible mentor. “She met with one of her mentees in person and the other virtually,” said Sandoval. “She really bends over backwards to meet the needs of her students, and we’re beyond thankful to have [her] as a mentor in our program.” Sandoval recognizes the selfless dedication of the hundreds of volunteers in the community who spend thousands of hours mentoring Hillsborough County students and empowering them to succeed in school and in life. HEF is currently seeking new mentors to meet one-on-one with mentees several times each month, typically 30 minutes per week. Mentors must be 18 years of age or older, have a high school diploma, complete a 90-minute mentor training, make a minimum commitment of one school year and pass a criminal background check. Interested in becoming a mentor? Learn how at educationfoundation.com/mentor-a-student.
Page 3
ANGEL FOUNDATION FL GIFT SHOP TO RE-OPEN IN BRANDON HOSPITAL
By Sofia Celis Avellaneda
With the Angel Founsupport of dation in othHCA Florier ways, you da Brandon can become Hospital, the a Foundation people behind Angel. This Angel Founopportunity dation FL are is available reopening for a range the Angel of ages; you gift shop in can join as a The amazing people behind the Angel Foundation FL at a the hospital regular Angel board meeting. after sadly personally or being closed through your due to the pandemic. Ac-cording to Angel business or, if you are still in school, you can Foundation FL CEO, Liz Brewer, “HCA Flor- join as a Junior Angel and receive commuida Brandon Hospital has been a supporter nity service hours (sixth grade through colof the Angel Foundation FL for as long as I lege). can remember.” Brewer stated, “I started as a volunteer In celebration, Angel Foundation FL is in- in 2004 before becoming the executive diviting the community to join in and become rector in 2014 and am now the CEO. I have a part of the project as a ‘Cornerstone Mem- been blessed to be a part of the foundation ber”, with varying levels of donations to sup- since my first oppor-tunity to serve, and I port the shop. am so thankful for all of our amazing volun“Our Cornerstone Members will be rec- teers.” ognized inside the gift shop on a special 2003 was the start of this beautiful founwall, and in our media marketing and Angel dation, about which Brewer said, “The founDirectory. We are also going to have a rib- dation started … when several community bon-cutting with the Brandon Chamber and leaders wanted to hold a golf tournament to Riverview Chamber of Commerce to cele- raise funds for local charities in our commubrate the grand reopening, with our Corner- nity that were too small to host their own stone Members invited” said Brewer. So far, tournament.” 25-plus people have been interested, and This tournament is still occurring, includyou could be one of those people. It is hoped ing this year on Saturday, October 29; this that the shop will open during late-July. is its 20th year. The funds raised in the gift The gift shop itself consists of a variety of shop and in the golf tournament support loitems one would need to show love, whether cal charities and go to families in our comthat be for something happy or to show con- munity. For more information about the Ancern for someone in the hospital. The shop gel Foundation FL or to be-come a sponsor will have af-fordable gift items for any gen- or Cornerstone Member of the gift shop, der and age range. email liz@angelfoundationfl.com or call If you are interested in supporting the 813-689-6889.
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Valrico Edition
THE WESTSIDE CHAPTER OF THE NAM KNIGHTS MOTORCYCLE CLUB HOSTS OPENING OF NEW K-9 MEMORIAL By Libby Hopkins In the sumhas kindly domer of 1989, a nated a piece small group of of property to Harley-riding us for this mecombat vets morial,” said of the Vietnam Travis Wright War, who were of the club. also police of“The Westside ficers, bandChapter of the ed together Nam Knights to form the Motorcycle Nam Knights. Club has a The club was long history founded in New of providing Jersey by Jack assistance to Quigley, now military vetretired under- Gary & Denise Olson, owners of HiTech Automotive in erans and law sheriff of the Brandon, and members of the Nam Knights, with the enforcement in new K-9 Memorial (Aramis). Bergen County the bay area. Sheriff’s DeEach time we partment. Quigley served as a platoon take on a project, we hope to make a sergeant with the 11th Motor Transport difference and a positive impact in the Battalion, First Marine Division. community. This memorial will be an Today, the Nam Knights of America important place for people to come and Motorcycle Club has grown to 69 chap- pay respect to all law enforcement K-9s. ters in 16 states, Washington D.C. and I am a local law enforcement K-9 hantwo Canadian provinces with hundreds dler, so there is no doubt this memorial of members made up of veterans of all will hold a special place in my heart.” eras as well as law enforcement perOne of the K-9s that was honored at sonnel, plus a few special and dedicat- the memorial was named Aramis. “K-9 ed ‘patriots.’ As Quigley has said, “The Aramis passed away on 06/17/2021 afclub was formed to recapture the broth- ter years of dedicated service with the erhood its founding members shared Temple Terrace Police Department,” while serving in Southeast Asia and to Wright said. “His handler’s name is mashelp other veterans of all wars who are ter patrol officer Rick Scilabro. Aramis is unable to physically or financially help just one of the K-9s that was honored at themselves.” the memorial.” On June 29, the Westside Chapter If you would like to learn more about of the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club in the Nam Knights Westside Chapter in Brandon hosted the unveiling of their K-9 Brandon, you can visit its website at Memorial in Temple Terrace. “The city www.namknightswestside.com.
Volume 19, Issue 7
Valrico Edition
July 2022
W W W
.
O S P R E Y O B S E R V E R
.
TWO LEGAL DOCUMENTS A GOOD IDEA FOR ADULT CHILDREN
C O M
ASSOCIATED WITH OSPREY OBSERVER
By Michelle Caceres
As summer turns to didn’t specify certain fall, flocks of recent high types of assets and school graduates leave the institution, usually the nest and head off to a bank, refused to accollege or university for cept the document bethe first time, leaving parcause it wasn’t specific ents with a wide range of enough. emotions as they watch His current power their children prepare to of attorney covers 16 spread their wings as in- Getting legal documents in place is an pages. dependent young adults. “We’re become a important step to complete before your college students leaves the nest. With the flurry of more complicated last-minute preparations, world, so consequently such as purchasing textbooks and school sup- we write it as pervasively as possible to preplies, making sure vaccinations are up to date vent a situation where someone attempts to and getting copies of prescriptions so they use it and runs into a roadblock,” he said. can fill them on-campus, there is one more The second legal document, a medical task to add to the to-do list: legal documents. directive, gives a parent access to medical When a person turns 18, they become a information. Recently, a mother had to rush legal adult, which means parents — even if her 28-year-old son to the emergency room. they’re still financially supporting their adult When she was in the waiting room while he children — no longer have the legal right to was being treated, she was denied informainquire or direct decisions related to medical, tion on his status because he was an adult financial or educational records. It’s a good and hadn’t given her authorization. It wasn’t idea for anyone 18 and older to have in place until she was brought to his treatment room a durable power of attorney and a medical that she got information about his care. directive, also referred to as a health care “If your adult child has to be hospitalized, surrogate designation or medical power of then the hospital will be within their rights to attorney. refuse to give parents any information about The durable power of attorney is a legal their child or make critical care decisions redocument that gives a designated person lated to their medical care,” he said. “Whether (called an agent) the authority, if needed, to two hours away or across the country, you’re handle legal, tax and financial matters on not going to get that information unless the behalf of their child. This can be especially child has signed that authorization.” valuable if their child’s school is far away or if Parents wanting to strike a balance bethey’re studying abroad. tween respecting a child’s right to privacy Attorney Tom Gallo of Tom Gallo Law said and independence and being there to assist that when he first started practicing law, and protect them in times of need might have more than 40 years ago, a power of attor- a conversation with their student to educate ney was just a couple pages long, but they them on the importance of executing these have become longer and more detailed. He legal documents. described situations where older documents To learn more, call Gallo at 813-815-4529.
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Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
PARENTS GET SOME ANSWERS AT TOWN HALL MEETING HELD AT NEWSOME HIGH SCHOOL By Michelle Caceres It’s no surprise Hillsborough County Public Schools leaders have their hands full with a slew of challenges, including school security issues, an increasing student population, overworked school counselors dealing with everything from academic achievement and career development to mental health needs, financial woes and employee acquisition and retention. A town hall meeting at Newsome High School, A town hall meeting was held at Newsome High School to discuss issues affecting Hillsborough County Public Schools. hosted by Superintendent Addison Davis and school board members, has been a challenge. Over the past year, the Hillsborough County PTA Kimberly Mcattempted to address these issues and oth- county has raised its hourly wage for driv- Donough, also PTA president of Mulrener parent concerns. Several dozen parents ers to approximately $16. According to Da- nan Middle School, said some parents had attended the event, where they were able vis, proceeds from the tax would go toward concerns about ‘Here Comes the Bus,’ a to submit questions to the panel, many of higher salaries and allow the district to im- Synovia Cal/Amp technology Hillsborough County Public Schools will use this fall to alwhich were answered during a 45-minute prove student programs. “It’s difficult to compete with other emlow parents to know when their child’s bus Q&A session after the initial presentation. ployers with relation to pay,” said Davis. will arrive at the bus stop, if their child is on Prior to the Q&A, Davis and other school Several job fairs have been held to assist the right bus and got off at the right stop in officials delved into the reasons behind the with staffing issues. Interested applicants the afternoon and alert parents that the bus need for the property tax referendum being can also apply online at www.hcpsjobs.com. will be late due to heavy traffic. Students placed on the August primary election balOne FishHawk resident and meeting atscan their student ridership ID card, which lot. If approved by voters, property owners tendee, who is a member of the military and uses passive RFID technology, as they enter would pay an additional $1 for every $1,000 has two children enrolled in Hillsborough or exit the bus, and this information is sent of assessed value, which is estimated to County Public Schools, took a lot of notes over-the-air to the cloud via encrypted data. bring in about $146 million a year. during the meeting. Of particular concern The only information stored on the ridership For the upcoming school year, first-year was buses being prompt in picking up stuID card is a 56-bit card number (no identifiteachers will earn an annual salary, based dents. His daughter has sometimes spent up able information like student number, name, on a 10-month schedule, of $47,501, based to an hour waiting for the bus to show up to address or social security number). on an eight-hour workday and 198 days take her to school. Hillsborough County wouldn’t be the first per school year, the same as a teacher with “Overall, I believe attending the meeting school district in Florida to utilize the app. seven years of experience. In addition to a was time well spent,” he said. The Leon, Marion, Martin, Orange, Osceola, teacher shortage, finding support staff (cusNot everyone agreed. Pasco, Sumner and St. Lucie school districts todians, nutrition assistants and bus drivers) Vice President of Council Operations for use the app, as district leaders deal with de-
7/31/2022
7/31/2022
lays in routes and bus driver shortages that have frustrated parents. “Some parents had concerns about the RFID chips and data privacy and didn’t have all their questions answered,” she said. Hillsborough parent Josephine Amato said the district didn’t satisfactorily address the concerns she has over the new app. “Parents have valid questions regarding data collection and safety of the data, and I feel like district officials are being dismissive,” she said. According to district officials, while each bus rider will be entered into the system manually for the child’s safety, a child is not required to wear the student ridership card. At the end of the meeting, Davis shared that recently released assessment scores indicated — despite pandemic-related stressors such as student absences and teacher vacancies — district students outperformed the state average in key areas, including algebra, geometry, biology, civics and U.S. history. “We have seen gains in student learning,” he said. “Imagine what these gains would be if these complications weren’t in our way.” For more information about Hillsborough County Public Schools, visit www.hillsboroughschools.org.
Valrico Edition
July 2022
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE:
IN THE EYE OF THE HURRICANE
Page 7
UNITED WAY SUNCOAST INCLUDES ECHO IN ITS $18 MILLION MULTIYEAR COMMUNITY COMMITMENT Staff Report
cation process for the partners and UWS and it’ll strengthen our ability to tell stories and fundraise.” “This multiyear investment not only propels United Way Suncoast’s community care, but it represents unyielding stewardship of our donors’ contributions.” In the latest round of community investments, an $18 million, threeyear commitment across a five-county footprint, ECHO’s Mobile Back to Work Program received $90,000 in
By Nick Edwards
ECHO volunteers help clients pack groceries.
Source: US National Weather Service Tampa Bay Florida Facebook page.
Projected movement of recent Tropical Storm Alex.
As the summer approaches, so does the familiar hurricane season. To most Floridians, this means potential days off school or work and sleeping in the closet, but to the National Weather Service (NWS), this means working around the clock. From June 1 through Wednesday, November 30, these weather experts work tirelessly, tracking hurricanes as they move toward Florida. The National Weather Service’s office in Ruskin is the epicenter of special weather forecasts in the Tampa Bay area. In fact, according to meteorologist Dan Noah, its office takes care of west central and southwest Florida. Using the Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, National Weather Service meteorologists are able to predict hurricane intensity days prior to impact. Based solely on maximum sustained wind speed, these
storms are given quantified rankings 1-5, which translate to estimates of property damage. Once a hurricane is spotted moving towards Florida, a hurricane watch is issued by the NWS. This is typically done at least 60 hours before expected impact. From that point on, meteorologists keep a close eye on any changes in speed and direction. Noah explained that they will even “camp out at the office during the hurricane, totaling sometimes up to 64 hours.” During this time, the WX4TOR radio station is used to facilitate communication regarding playby-play updates of the hurricane’s status. Every three hours, a Tropical Cyclone Public Advisory is issued, informing the public of these updates. For information on hurricanes and NWS recommended tactics, visit www.weather. gov/safety/hurricane.
Extending its role as the best way to help the most people, United Way Suncoast (UWS) announced that it is making a threeyear commitment in 88 nonprofit programs that will total nearly $18 million. The community investment represents a first in the leading nonprofit’s 98-year history — multiyear funding that will amplify the impact of the data-driven programs. In past years, United ECHO ‘s Mobile Back to Work team members are interWay Suncoast issued annual alloviewed by ABC Action News reporter Michael Paluska. cations. Now, the three-year commitment will funding. ECHO director Eleanor Saunders was empower the 88 nonprofits to boost the strategic planning behind the programs thrilled with the announcement and said, and grow together with United Way Sun- “This is a huge impact for our Mobile Back to Work Program, and we will be able to coast. “Our strategic community partners re- take our job placement services to the peoquested a change to multiyear funding, ple who need them most.” ECHO is a local charity developed to asand the reasons are clear,” United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff said. “It’ll sist residents of Hillsborough County with create trends and allow us to measure true emergency food, clothing and access to impact, it’ll reduce the strain of the appli- life-stabilizing programs and resources. For details visit www.echofl.org. Specializing in treatment of:
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Valrico Edition
BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP HOPEFULS NOW HAVE THE OPTION TO INCLUDE PAID WORK HOURS
THE 2022 YEA! AWARDS PRESENTED TO SIX STUDENTS IN JUNE
By Kathy L. Collins
The 2022 for nominating Youth Excellence me.” and Achievement Emily MooreAwards (othShrieves from erwise known Bloomingdaas the YEA! le High School Awards) were was awarded given to six high the YEA! Award school and midfor Volunteer dle school stuor Community dents on June 15 Service. Mooreat the beginning The Hillsborough County Board of County Commis- Shrieves was of a Hillsborough sioners, led by Commissioner Kimberly Overman (far v a l e d i c t o r i a n left), recently presented six high school and middle County Board of and senior class County Commis- school students with the 2022 Youth Excellence and president. She sioners meeting. Achievement Awards, otherwise known as the YEA! will attend HarAwards. Locally, several vard in the fall high school students were recognized for and pursue a degree in political science their achievements. with a minor in international relations in The YEA! Awards have several catego- economics. She is a member and leader of ries. These include leadership — demon- several clubs and gave 330 hours of comstrating a positive impact on others in an munity service. ongoing endeavor, such as sports, acaMoore-Shrieves said, “It is an honor demics or the arts; volunteer or communi- to receive this award when there are so ty service — allocating discretionary time many students who deserve it as well.” to help others or completing a project Kevin Ibarias Nanez from Sumner High that improves the community; and suc- School was awarded the YEA! Award for cess despite difficult odds — overcoming Success Despite Difficult Odds. Nanez personal difficulty to attain success and emigrated from Mexico when he was in make a positive impact on others. eighth grade. He did not speak English, Ashton Kitchiner from Newsome High but by the end of ninth grade he exited School was awarded the YEA! Award for the English as a Second Language proLeadership. Kitchiner is the son of South gram and began taking AP (advanced African immigrants. He has given 273 placement) classes. He graduated with a hours in community service, officiates ele- GPA of 4.0. mentary and middle school students in laCounty Commissioner Harry Cohen said crosse, runs a successful online enterprise of Nanez, who could not attend, “His lanand finished with a weighted GPA of 7.77. guage skills transcended barriers. He is a Kitchiner, who will attend University symbol of achieving while having to learn of Florida, said, “Thank you to the coun- a new language.” ty commissioners for this award. I also For information on the YEA! Awards, thank Miss Howard of You Matter To Me please visit www.hcflgov.net/yea.
Volume 19, Issue 7
By Linda Chion There are new rules for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship program which concern an expanded eligibility requirement that allows for paid work to substitute for volunteer hours. In giving his seal of approval to House Bill 461, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 27 touted the merits for allowing 100 hours of paid work experience to serve as a substitute for the 100 hours of community service required for the Florida Academic Scholars award, the 75 hours required for the Florida Merit Scholars award and the 30 hours required for both the Gold Seal Vocational Scholars and Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship awards. “Florida students should not lose the opportunity to receive a Bright Futures Scholarship because they have to work to help their families make ends meets,” DeSantis said. “After-school jobs teach our students valuable life lessons, much like community service hours do.” According to the legislation, volunteer or paid work can include, but is not limited to, a business or governmental internship, work for a nonprofit community service organization or activities on behalf of a candidate for public office. As students, parents, guardians, businesses, counselors and nonprofits weigh the changes, guidance counselors are gearing up to discuss the new measures,
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which take effect with the 2022-23 school year. Introduced by Senator Travis Hutson (R7), House Bill 461 authorizes, but does not require, a student to “identify a social or civic issue or a professional area that interests him or her and develop a plan for his or her personal involvement in addressing the issues or learning about the area.” As originally proposed, the bill would have required a student to do so. The bill does require a student, “through papers or other presentations,” to evaluate and reflect upon his or her volunteer service or paid work experience. Hours either way must be documented in writing and signed by the student, his or her parent or legal guardian and a representative of the organization through which the student earned his or her hours. Funded by the Florida Lottery, the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program was established in 1997. For more on program eligibility and requirements, visit the Florida Department of Education at www.fldoe.org. Read the text of House Bill 461 at www.myflorida.house. gov. For the Bright Futures Student Handbook, visit https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/SAPBFMAIN/ SAPBFMAIN. For information on student financial assistance, visit https:// www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/ SAPHome/SAPHome.
July 2022
Valrico Edition
Page 9
DELIZ DENTAL STUDIO PROVIDES CONCIERGE, PERSONALIZED TREATMENTS TO ITS PATIENTS
By Lily Belcher
Deliz Dental ency, about which Studio, located Dr. Deliz said, “If in the BayCare we wouldn’t recHealthHub off ommend it to our Bloomingdale Avloved ones, we enue, offers its won’t recommend patients a personit to you.” With alized dental exthis transparency, perience using adthe dentists do not vanced technology overtreat, judge and clinical skills patients or have to ensure the best hidden motives Dr. Will Deliz. treatment options when recommendit can provide. The studio ing services. recently celebrated two With the help of his years of having its doors dedicated staff, Dr. Deliz open and defining the tries to give his clients a smiles in the community. fun experience through For many, going to the their own lighthearted atdentist is uncomfortable titudes, showing up with a and often a source of anxiety, but Deliz smile and loving what they do to make Dental Studio prioritizes the comfort the patient’s day and help them smile and peace of their patients by provid- just a bit brighter with each visit. ing an experience “that feels like simply Dr. Deliz and his employees provide visiting a friend’s house,” said Will Deliz, implant, wisdom teeth, clear braces and DMD. cosmetic dentistry services Monday Deliz Dental Studio offers concierge through Friday. experience to its clients by taking the Through its social media platforms, the time to get to know each client by name dental studio shares dental hygiene tips and treating them with kindness and and explains why each of these tips are respect throughout the visit. It believes so important to implement in one’s daily they deserve better and fulfill this prom- routine. It also announces deals, remindise with better treatments, technology ers to patients and highlights passionate and care during each experience. employees through online presence. “We consistently add advanced techFollow Deliz Dental Studio on Facenology and pursue new clinical skills, book, Twitter and Instagram @delizdentechniques and treatments to ensure you talstudio to keep up with the latest news. receive the best available outcomes,” For more information or to schedule an said Dr. Deliz. appointment, visit the website at www. The practice also believes in transpar- delizdental.studio or call 813-755-1800.
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Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
AMERICAN ARMED FORCES MUTUAL AID ASSOCIATION HELPS LOCAL MILITARY FAMILIES AND VETERANS By Libby Hopkins Established in 1879, while always keepthe American Armed ing the ultimate goal Forces Mutual Aid Asin mind, which is to sociation (AAFMAA) serve and protect is the longest-standour nation’s sailors. ing, nonprofit financial “I provide these same solutions provider suptraits in the wealth porting military famimanagement world, lies and veterans with continuing to serve advice, information, and protect our nainsurance, financial tion’s military memplanning, investments, bers,” Nemanic said. mortgages, survivor The mission of assistance and other AAFMAA is to help benefits. ensure the financial Riverview resident Anthony Nemanic Riverview resident security and indepenAnthony Nemanic is a is a relationship manager for AAFMAA dence of the memrelationship manager Wealth Management & Trust as well as a bers of the American proud member of the Greater Riverview for AAFMAA Wealth armed forces comChamber of Commerce. Management & Trust munity by providing as well as a proud member of the Great- insurance and other benefits. er Riverview Chamber of Commerce. “I Nemanic and the team at AAFMAA was born and raised in Pennsylvania, but Wealth Management & Trust understand I lived in Norfolk, VA and Washington D.C. how vital it is for members of the military prior to relocating to Tampa with my wife, community to get the support they need Megan,” Nemanic said. “I’ve been in River- and deserve for putting their lives on the view now for a year, work fully remotely line every day. “That’s why we give you and have been a Greater Riverview Cham- 100 percent of our time and attention in ber member since January 2022. I’ve also return,” Nemanic said. “I want us to begotten involved in the community by help- come a household name for military, veting coach the FishHawk Spartans youth erans and their families.” football teams, which has been an absoIf you would like to learn more about lute blast.” the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Prior to joining AAFMAA Wealth Man- Association, you can visit its website at agement & Trust, Nemanic provided six www.aafmaa.com. years of expertise as a nuclear engineer If you are a local military family or vetwith Naval Sea Systems Command (NAV- eran and you would like a complementary SEA). He spent his time at NAVSEA pro- investment portfolio review, contact Anviding a combination of detailed technical thony Nemanic by calling 813-538-2634 rigor and outstanding customer service or emailing anemanic@aafmaa.com.
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Valrico Edition
July 2022
DISCOVERING DIFFERENT MUSEUMS THROUGH LIBRARIES
By Deven King
Summer is a send the tickets perfect time for directly through catching up on email, and the to-be-read book tickets can be lists. In conjuncpresented at the tion with this, once museum either again this summer, digitally or printed. the Hillsborough If the email is lost, County Public Lithe tickets can be brary Cooperative sent again, but is bringing back they cannot be reits Discovery Pass newed for new or program. With an different passes. active Hillsborough For every library County library card, card, one Discovresidents can re- With an active Hillsborough County library card, ery Pass is awardresidents can receive free tickets to participating ceive free tickets to ed, which can only museums in the Tampa Bay Area with a Discovery be used once in a participating musePass. ums in the Tampa 12-month period. Bay area. The age limit for a library Obtaining the museum tickets card is 13, and signing up for a is an easy and simple process library card is a free and simthat can be done from home. On ple process that can be done the home screen of its website, at the nearest library or onit gives step-by-step instrucline. A library card allows for tions on reserving the tickets. many advantages, such as beThis program offers 13 muing able to borrow books from seums, some that are geared toward chil- certain college libraries, borrowing e-books dren and some that are for adults so that for Kindles, having free printing and intereveryone can be involved. Glazer Children’s net as well as getting access to movies and Museum, Hillsborough County Conservation shows. Parks, Tampa Theatre and the Florida MuThe Discovery Pass program was founded seum of Photographic Arts are just a few in 2014 to encourage adults and kids alike to of the museums that are being offered this read throughout the summer to grow their summer. minds. The library offers a wide range of ficEach museum has a certain number of tion and nonfiction children and adult books, tickets available for each day, so watching movies and TV shows. for availability is important. The number of For ticket reservations, library cards or people admitted with each pass will also more information, visit the Hillsborough vary by museum, and details are listed for County Public Library Cooperative’s website each pass. at https://hcplc.org/, call 813-273-3652 or After reserving the tickets, the library will visit your nearest Hillsborough library.
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Valrico Edition
5TH GEAR FITNESS TRAINER ACHIEVES GOAL WITH MEDALS AT THE BODYBUILDING COMPETITION
By Deven King
Bodybuilding is a Throughout her fitsport that requires exness journey, Frazier tensive training and said that her family is discipline. her motivation to keep On April 23, local resgoing. ident Tabitha Frazier Frazier said, “I’m mocompeted in her first tivated by my family. I bodybuilding compewant to be there; I want tition. She competed to be around for a long in Ultimate Fitness time, so being around Event’s competition my family makes me and placed in the top think about what’s imthree in six out of sevportant in the terms of en categories. She staying healthy.” also achieved the elite She now trains othbodybuilding status. ers at 5th Gear Fitness Tabitha Frazier placing in the top Having always had in Valrico, helping peothree. a goal to be healthy ple achieve their goals. and fit, Frazier startAs she trains, Frazier’s ed her fitness journey in main goal for her trainDecember 2020 when ees is for them to gain she wanted to lose confidence in their physweight. By the summer ical appearance and that of 2021, Frazier had lost they can do whatever 36 pounds; her personal they set their minds too. journey inspired herself Frazier stated, “I just to change her career to a try and instill self-confipersonal fitness trainer. dence. I try to help peoA week after her first ple understand that we bodybuilding competican do whatever they tion, Frazier went on to set their mind to. They compete in her first 10K, just have to keep going, half paddleboarding and and they have to know half foot race. Frazier for themselves that they started training for the Tabitha Frazier competing in Ulti- can do it.” mate Fitness Event. 10K at the beginning of In the future, Frazier the year, which is considplans to compete again ered a late start for these types of com- at Ultimate Fitness Event bodybuilding petitions, but because of her discipline competitions and in more races. and determination she placed sixth in her For more information, please call 931age division. 217-3473.
Volume 19, Issue 7
FLOWER ME TAMPA DÉCOR AND RENTALS HAS FLOWERS FOR EVERY OCCASION
By Sydney Burken
Are you looking for a flofans, a few others and Abe ral back drop for photos or Gadikian, Fuller’s fiance, a floral company for your and leading to a shoutout wedding? Flower Me Tamfrom Fuller on the air. Gapa Décor and Rentals is the dikian and Fuller were so one-stop floral shop you astonished at what Journeed to try. The company, dain had created that they located in Valrico, was eschose her photo to appear tablished in 2017 and serin their wedding slide on vices the Tampa Bay area, HGTV’s 100 Day Dream as well as Clearwater, St. Home and on The Knot as Petersburg and Orlando, Erica Jourdain is the owner of Flower a part of their wedding with custom floral cre- Me Décor and Rentals and is your showcase in July. ations that elevate its cli- point of contact for all floral needs. “Flower Me Tampa Déents’ experiences and cor and Rentals is a transform the images family business, and captured and shaped my success would on social media. not be possible withOwner Erica Jourout the love and dain resides in Valrico support of my family with her husband of and friends. How23 years, Marc, and ever, my assistant, their two sons, Marc Meghan Trivunovich, Jose and Matthew. has supported me Flower Me Tampa A customized birthday flower wall for an 18th from day one, alDécor and Rentals lowing me to grow birthday party. offers custom floral Flower Me Tampa walls, BloomBoards, floral creations and Décor and Rentals. Having Meghan be a full-service personalized event decor for in- part of my team has been a game-changer. timate weddings, baby showers and more. Her dedication and creativity have been vital Pricing varies for custom BloomBoards, de- in elevating our client’s experience,” stated pending on the complexity of the design; the Jourdain. flower walls, for instance, start at $595. Flower Me Tampa Décor and Rentals is In 2021, Jourdain created the Tampa Bay offering Osprey Observer customers 25 Lightning BloomBoard to celebrate the 2021 percent off any services from now through Stanley Cup championship, allowing her the Monday, October 31 using this code: Osopportunity to be featured in the Tampa Bay preyObserver25. Times to share her story and on New 8 DayFor more information on how to support time to showcase six BloomBoards. this business and what services are providIn October 2021, Erica Jourdain created ed, please visit www.flowermetampa.com, a Hot 101.5 custom BloomBoard and stood see its Facebook page @FlowerMeTampa, in front of the venue that Miguel Fuller from email flowermetampa@gmail.com or call 101.5 was located at, grabbing the eyes of 813-716-9811.
July 2022
Valrico Edition
Page 13
Page 14
Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
BACKPACK HERO DAY LED BY HOPE FOR HER AND ECHO OF BRANDON By Arianna Hooker
Backpack Hero Day event information.
The East Hillsborough Community Resource Group, along with key agencies Hope for Her and ECHO of Brandon, will bring Backpack Hero Day to the area. Hope for her and ECHO of Brandon have made a joint effort to run the back-to-school event as one agency. Backpack Hero Day will include backpack giveaways with needed school supplies, food trucks, a bike giveaway from Bikes For Christ, door prizes, free eye exams from the Lions Club, kids’ games and live entertainment. Backpack Hero Day is a day where families in need can come and receive school supplies and other needed resources for their children going back to school. All school-age children, from kindergarten to 12th grade, are eligible for the event. Hope for Her and ECHO of Brandon’s goal is to ensure that, moving forward, other agencies will join this event to avoid having multiple back-to-school events. This way, several businesses can come together to serve the same fami-
lies in need. “We are here to assist and help families in need,” said Myriam Lugo, the development manager of ECHO of Brandon. “Our goals are to educate the parents of the resources in the community and provide back-to-school resources.” The community is helping with giving the needed resources so they can be provided to the families. Hope for Her and ECHO of Brandon are hoping that by the end of the Backpack Hero Day event, more organizations will want to get involved for next year’s Backpack Hero Day. With the two organizations making this joint effort, they provide more agencies the opportunity to get involved together for the final goal of having one big event instead of multiple to help serve the community to assist those in need. Backpack Hero Day will be held on Saturday, July 23 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Bay Life Church, located at 1017 Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. For more information, visit baylife.org/backpack. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are open for Backpack Hero Day. For volunteer and sponsorship opportunities and registration, visit bphero.org.
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Valrico Edition
July 2022
Page 15
LOCAL MOM OPENS SATURDAY PROGRAM IN LITHIA TO HELP PRETEENS LEARN LIFE SKILLS
By Makenzie Atkins
Looking to help for bullying or shaming and Lisko your preteens beencourages all students to supcome confident port one another. and skilled young “My goal is for every WiseWadults? One local ings participant to have fun, make mom has created new friends and continue in their a fun and educajourney as respectful, hardworktional program to ing, confident, inquisitive, probhelp your children lem-solving humans,” said Lisko. succeed. “I enjoy watchAdrienne Lisko ing those who has developed a are shy come Adrienne and WiseWings new Saturday afout of their mascot Lily believe the ternoon program time and energy we invest shell and that will teach those who are in our young children is your preteens rambunctious critical. real life skills disand loud slow guised as fun activities. At WiseWings, down and re7 to 12-year-olds will make friends, learn ally listen to responsibility, practice problem-solving the quiet ones.” skills, increase self-confidence and help Lisko earned her bachelor’s degree in them find purpose and value in order to speech communication from Penn State become thoughtful leaders. University and spent her early career Weekly workshops focus on activities working with babies and school-age chillike meal preparation, creating crafting, dren with language development needs to wood working, music, theater and im- improve their communication skills. She is provisation and simple sewing while also a single mom to a rising senior at Newincorporating and teaching important life some High School and has been living in skills. FishHawk since 2015. WiseWings offers monthlong summer “I really love these kids and enjoy the sessions and school year workshops that time I get to spend with them each week. can be started in weekly packages or on I hope more parents give the program a a single-session basis. All sessions take chance because, as I always say, WiseWplace on Saturday afternoons in Lithia and ings works,” said Lisko. start at $35 for a single session and $125 Lisko believes the time and energy we for monthlong courses. To register, com- invest in our young children is critical, plete the one-time registration form and which is why WiseWings is here to supfinalize payment two weeks before the plement the hard work parents are doing start date. Lisko also offers school year at home. bundles and sibling discounts. For more information on the program, WiseWings welcomes all children sign-up instructions and pricing, please to come learn new skills while making contact Lisko at wisewingsworks@gmail. friends. There is a zero-tolerance policy com or visit www.wisewingsworks.com.
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Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
July 2022
Valrico Edition
FEEDING TAMPA BAY SUPPLIES LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY By Lily Belcher As nationwide infood on Tuesday and flation continues to Thursday from 10 impact families, a a.m.-12 Noon. Those larger population is visiting the food facing food insecupantry should bring rity. The increase in their IDs and expect living expenses has to receive fresh promade it difficult for duce, canned goods families to manage and other groceries. their budgets and • Seeds of Hope, find the financial re- Volunteers are essential to the success of food which is located off pantries in the area. sources to put an adEast Bloomingdaequate amount of nutritious food on the ta- le Avenue in Brandon and provides food to ble. Feeding Tampa Bay works with around families every Thursday from 5-7 p.m. In 450 food pantries, churches and ministries addition to weekly boxes of food, Seeds of that provide food to those in the community Hope provides food to students that qualify facing food insecurity. for free lunches on the weekends through its President and CEO Thomas Mantz ex- Backpacks of Hope program. plained the importance of food pantries, • The Nativity Food Pantry, open on Thurssaying, “You should be able to get [free food] days from 1-2 p.m. off East Brandon Boulepretty hassle-free because, again, no one vard in the social hall. Valrico and Brandon should be without food resources.” residents can stop by the social hall, located Food pantries that Feeding Tampa Bay between the church and school, to pick up works with include: the boxes of groceries. • Bread of Refuge on Wilbur Street in • Tampa Bay Mission of Hope Food PanBrandon. Bread of Refuge serves hot meals try, open to all families and individuals on from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday and boxes of food Saturday at 12 Noon off St. Cloud Avenue daily from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Valrico. CEO Dr. Reba Haley said the food • Mission of Hope, which serves food to pantry emphasizes sustainability and nutriwidows and those with disabilities on Mon- tion in their distribution of canned goods, day from 10 a.m.-12 Noon on Dorman Road bread, fresh fruit and vegetables from its in Lithia. Boxes of food or clothing are pro- community garden. vided to all in need on the second and fourth While you may not be the one in need of Fridays of the month at 5 p.m. food, you likely know someone who does. • Community Cupboard, which is located Each pantry is in need of monetary and rein Ruskin off East College Avenue and open source donations, including food and volunevery Tuesday from 8:30-11 a.m. In order to teer support. Contact the pantry closest to receive groceries, individuals must bring an you to find out how you can help the comID and proof of residence in Ruskin, Apol- munity. lo Beach, Gibsonton, Balm, Parish, Sun City If you are facing food insecurity, visit Center or Wimauma. feedingtampabay.org/findfood to locate a • Riverview First United Methodist Church, food pantry and learn more about how to located off Highway 301 South. They serve receive free groceries every week.
Page 17
LOCAL SPECIALLY FIT ATHLETES EARN MEDALS IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES
By Nick Nahas
In early June, for this moment.” over 4,000 athThe USA Games letes competed in had a packed stadithe Special Olymum with thousands pics USA Games in of people in attenOrlando. The state dance cheering on of Florida was repthe athletes. Wilson, resented by 600 who was the youngathletes, including est on his team, was Specially Fit Founvoted team captain dation locals Omby his coaches for his Photos courtesy of the Specially Fit sportsmanship and aries Rivera-Perez Foundation. character. He is also and Kyle Wilson. Omaries Rivera-Perez received second The pair of Rivergetting ready to enplace in the 400-meter run and ran her view residents qualter high school and personal best the day of the competition. ified for the track will try out for the and field competition. track team. The SpeRivera-Perez comcially Fit athletes train peted in the 400-meat the BayCare Healthter run, 4 x 100-meHub on Bloomingdale ter relay and shot put. Avenue, working with She received second trainers to hone their place in the 400-meskills. ter run and ran her “The feeling of compersonal best the day peting in front of that of the competition. many people was Wilson participated amazing, and I loved in the 100-meter run, every second of it,” 200-meter run and 4 said Rivera-Perez. x 400-meter relay and According to Olifinished in second place ver, the Specially Fit in his 100-meter pre- Omaries Rivera-Perez competed in Foundation provides liminary races as well. the 400-meter run, 4 x 100-meter relay group workouts, Speand shot put. “This competition cial Olympic training, occurs every four years, and for both socialization opportunities, animal therathletes to come from the same team apy, group homes and teaches daily life is an incredible accomplishment,” said skills to individuals with developmental Specially Fit Foundation owner and disabilities, all free of cost. For more head coach Mark Oliver. “These are not information, visit the website at www. just amazing athletes but also amazing speciallyfitfoundation.com. individuals who worked extremely hard
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Page 18
Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
VICTORIA SAUNDERS PUBLISHES BEST-SELLING CAT ALPHABET BOOK
PLANT CITY MAIN STREET PRESENTS THE GOLDEN TRAIN
Plant City resident Vicwith a word and charming toria J. Saunders has drawing for each letter. So, self-published her first for example, “G is for Grompy” book, The Chonky Alphaand “O is for Obsessed.” Saunbet. The Chonky Alphabet ders said, “It is like learning a is a delightful book for anylanguage in 26 words.” She one who loves cats. added, “This is a fun, playful Saunders not only auand whimsical alphabet book. thored and self-published Even if you are not a cat lover, the book, but she also ilyou will enjoy it. It makes a lustrated it. The Chonky good coffee table book and Victoria J. Saunders authored, Alphabet is based on playa good conversation starter.” ful language that people illustrated and self-published an The book was released use online. Saunders said, Amazon best-selling book called on June 1 and quickly beThe Chonky Alphabet. You can “This book is for any age came an Amazon best seller meet the author on Saturday, as long as the person is a in the cat breed category. August 6 from 2-4 p.m. at The cat lover.” Saunders was quick to point Tipsy Bookworm in Plant City, Saunders explained, where she will be signing books out that she got help from “Back in 2020, when ev- and offering cat swag and photos others in her self-publishing erything was shutting ops for you and your four-legged journey. She said, “I used friends. down, I was furloughed IngramSpark for online from my job as a CAT scan technician. I had self-publishing. I got help from other artists always wanted to do art, but I always put who had done the same thing.” that on the back burner.” She then decided Saunders stated, “It is never too late to to start doing digital art. She took classes start something new. Just dive right in and and joined a Facebook group called This Cat you can be an author of a best-selling book Is Chonky. At the time Saunders joined the too.” group, they had 800,000 followers. “Now, Saunders will have a book signing on Satthey have 915,000 in the group,” said Saun- urday, August 6 from 2-4 p.m. at The Tipsy ders. Bookworm, located at 115 S. Evers St. in “I did not want to be on social media, but downtown Plant City. You can buy the book I liked seeing the posts. I started drawing there or at the websites of Amazon, Barnes cats and realized there was a language peo- & Noble and Books-A-Million. ple spoke on this Facebook group,” Saunders You can follow The Chonky Collection on added. Facebook and Instagram @thechonkycolShe then decided to create an A-to-Z book lection.
Plant City Main Street and start searching. You is hosting a fun, ongoing can also follow Plant City event called the Golden Main Street on Facebook Train. The Golden Train for more information. GOLDEN TRAIN is hidden somewhere in Plant City Main Street is REWARD IF FOUND downtown Plant City, and a nonprofit organization. the only hint you will get It is a part of a nationis that the train is hidden al network of more than in one of 13 participating 1,200 neighborhoods and merchant locations. If you communities who share a can find the Golden Train, commitment both to creyou will receive a gift ating high-quality places from the merchant. and to building stronger When the Golden Train communities through is found, it is then moved preservation-based ecoTake a trip into historic downto another location. Ac- town Plant City and see if you can nomic development. cording to Dawn Hyatt, Plant City Main Street is find the Golden Train, which is executive director of Plant hidden in one of 13 participating in the process of changing City Main Street, “This is locations. Find the Golden Train its name to Historic Plant and claim your reward. a fun way to get people City Main Street. Plant into the downtown busiCity Main Street is one of nesses.” The 13 merchants who are par- 54 Florida Main Street organizations in ticipating include Aim Lighting, Aromatic Florida . Hyatt said, “Florida Main Street Harmony, Brick City Bricks, K.E.Y Esthet- is a huge family that helps each other’s ics, Miss Ruby’s Antiques & Collectibles, community.” Rocking Horse Collectibles & Antiques, Plant City Main Street hosts several SpiritArt Gallery, The Crafted Butterfly, ongoing events in addition to the Golden The Flo-Go Shop, The Mercantile, The Side Train. These include A Night Out on DownQuest, Three Hands Mead Company and town, which is on the second Friday of Tub Treats Bath and Body. each month, and Last Friday in Downtown, If you have not been to downtown Plant which is held the last Friday of each month, City for a while, you will be amazed with except for November and December. all the new and fun businesses that have This year, Plant City Main Street will taken up residence. also host its first ever Octoberfest. The best way to participate in the GoldFor more information, please visit planten Train is to use the convenient QR Code citymainstreet.org.
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OUR GOLDEN TRAIN WILL MAKE MANY PIT STOPS IN DOWNTOWN YEAR ROUND! SCAN THIS QR CODE TO TRAVEL TO THESE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES TO SEARCH INSIDE FOR THE GOLDEN TRAIN. IF FOUND, BRING TO THE BUSINESS OWNER TO CLAIM YOUR REWARD!
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Valrico Edition
July 2022
Page 19
34 NEW PICKLEBALL COURTS TO BE ADDED TO HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
By Arianna Hooker
seven separate parks around the Hillsborough area. These include Higginbotham Park, Progress Village Park, Balm Park, Springhead Park, Westwood Lakes Park, Northlakes Sports Complex, Bertha and Tony Saladino Park and Branchton Park. New pickleball Residents wait for their turn to play pickleball. courts will be added alongside the converPickleball is a sport in which paddles are sion of unused tennis courts, all of which used with a plastic ball with holes and a will have LED lighting. A timeline for the three-foot net is set up, and it can be played project has not yet been established. indoors or outdoors. It has become an inCullina said, “We are currently reviewing creasingly popular sport over the last few construction timelines and working with years, and so there is a need for more space contractors to estimate material availabilito play. On June 2, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved ty. Once a timeline is established, the counthe use of $3 million in funding from the ty’s Capital Improvement Project website American Rescue Plan Act to meet that will be updated.” As pickleball has continued to grow in need. popularity over the years, in 2021, HillsborThe American Rescue Plan Act states that ough County added 14 courts for pickleball the funding needs to be used for vital projand another 18 for the use of pickleball or ects as well as meet guidelines established tennis. With the approved use of $3 million by the federal government while addressing from the American Rescue Plan Act, picklethe county’s specific needs. With this came ball courts should double in number to prothe plan to add 34 pickleball courts in the vide everyone enough space to play safely. area. “Additional pickleball courts will increase Patrick Cullina, recreation manager for the recreation opportunities for the comHillsborough County Parks & Recreation, munity and ultimately increase the opporsaid, “With the growth of the county, Parks tunity for health and wellness among our & Recreation identified a gap in services residents,” said Cullina. we offered. By converting underutilized With the addition of the new pickleball tennis courts and renovating existing tencourts, residents will no longer have to be nis courts, the department is able to better concerned about space for playing picklemeet the community’s needs.” ball. The addition of the 34 courts will go to
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FLAquarium,BackTo-School Bash, Perfect Attendance, Bingo & More... Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com
Florida Aquarium Awarded Lowe’s Hometowns Grant
The Florida Aquarium has been awarded a grant as part of Lowe’s Hometowns, an initiative that is helping to restore and revitalize spaces that serve as the hubs and heartbeats of communities. The grant will provide funding for The Florida Aquarium to renovate its first-floor lobby restrooms. The new restrooms will improve energy and water efficiency, supporting its commitment to sustainable business practices and serving visitors in the years to come. The Florida Aquarium is located at 701 Channelside Dr. in Tampa. Information about the Aquarium and purchasing tickets can be found on its website at www.flaquarium.org.
Congregation Beth Shalom Religious School Open House
Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon is a vibrant, warm and growing Reform synagogue. As the only Reform synagogue in the Greater Brandon area, for 32 years it has provided a home for Jews, interfaith and LGBTQ families of all ages and backgrounds. It is accepting applications for its religious school for the 2022-23 school year. The mission of the
school is to provide both an educational and enriching learning environment for all attendees and strive to nurture the child’s Jewish identity while providing
Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. You can register your child for religious school at its open house event on Sunday, August 14, between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit its website at www. bethshalom-brandon.org for more details. Congregation Beth Shalom is located at 706 Bryan Rd. in Brandon.
Students Honored For Perfect Attendance
Five graduates of Hillsborough County Public Schools were honored for achieving perfect attendance during their entire educational career; local student Makalah Kennedy was one of them. To mark the impressive achievement, the students were guests at a school board meeting where they received a brand-new laptop through the Partners in Education program and a $500 scholarship from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation.
Furball Frenzy Event Is Looking For Vendors
Local pet charities Kittie Corral and Community Pet Project will be hosting a Furball Frenzy fundraiser in the fall and are looking for vendors of all types. The event will take place at Heroes Paradise, located at 733 Knowles Rd. in Brandon, on Sunday, November 6 from 10 a.m.4 p.m. Spaces are $40 for a 10 ft. x 10 ft. For more information and to reserve a space, email kittiecorral@gmail.com.
Veterans Council Of Hillsborough County Seeking New Members
The Veterans Council of Hillsborough County is seeking to add new members. The objective of the Veterans Council is to serve as a local affiliate of military veterans organizations, act as a liaison between county government and veterans organizations on actions affecting veterans and veterans’ benefits as pertaining to military families in Hillsborough County and to uphold the ideals, principles and traditions of our armed forces. For more information and to apply to join, visit the website at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/social-services/veterans/action-folder/apply-for-the-veterans-council.
The five graduates who achieved perfect attendance, each holding their award, along with Chair Nadia Combs. Behind them, from left to right: Superintendent Addison Davis, Cindy Helton with Suncoast Credit Union Foundation and school board members Lynn Gray, Henry ‘Shake’ Washington, Karen Perez and Dr. Stacy Hahn.
HCA Florida Brandon Hospital Receives Distinguished Rating
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons awarded HCA Florida Brandon Hospital a three-star rating for its patient care and outcomes in isolated coronary bypass crafting procedures. The three-star rating, which denotes the highest category of quality, places HCA Florida Brandon Hospital among the elite for bypass surgery in the United States. “At Brandon Hospital, providing safe, high-quality cardiac surgery is the top priority of our cardiac surgery team,” said Bradley Bufkin, M.D., cardiothoracic surgery specialist at Brandon Hospital. For more information, visit www. hcafloridabrandonhospital.com. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF HORRY DWAYNE PAUL DUNAWAY, PLAINTIFF, V. CHASLYN AMBER SUMMERS-DUNAWAY, DEFENDANT.
Bingo Night Fundraiser For St. Stephen Catholic Church
The St. Stephen Catholic Church Community for Women is hosting a bingo night fundraiser at Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. on Thursday, July 21 starting at 7:30 p.m. Along with five games of bingo, there will also be a 50/50 cash drawing. Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. is located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.
Back-To-School Bash At Westfield Brandon Mall
The Westfield Brandon mall is hosting Florida Penguin’s Back-to-School Bash on Sunday, July 31. It will be handing out over 250 backpacks and thousands of school supplies as well as having after-school programs, tutors, pediatricians and other child care services in attendance. There will be face painting, dance performances photo stops and magicians to keep everyone engaged. The event will take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. IN THE FAMILY COURT OF THE 15TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT Case No. 2022-DR-26-0949 SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF FINAL HEARING
TO: CHASLYN AMBER SUMMERS-DUNAWAY YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to respond to the Complaint in this action which is hereby served upon you and to serve a copy of your response on the subscriber at his address, Ryan A. Stampfle, Indigo Family Law, LLC, 2055 Glenns Bay Road, Surfside Beach, South Carolina, 29575, within thirty (30) days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, Plaintiff in this action will apply to the Court for the relief demanded in the Petition. This action was filed on March 8, 2022. This shall also serve as a Notice of Final Hearing, which is scheduled for August 31, 2022 at 11:15A.m. before Honorable Ronald R. Norton, at the Horry County Judicial Complex located at 1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, South Carolina. BE SO NOTIFIED. __________________________ Ryan A. Stampfle Attorney for Plaintiff 2055 Glenns Bay Road Surfside Beach, SC 29575 (843) 215-6100 Office (843) 215-6105 Fax ryan@indigofamilylaw.com
July 2022
Valrico Edition
Page 21
HAPPY TIME CLOCK REPAIR IS OPEN IN PLANT CITY By Nick Edwards clockwork beginning in 2015, ultimately refining his skills before opening his shop about two years ago. Though his shop is based out of his home, the majority of Causey’s work involves traveling to customers, offering an additional level of convenience. Once he begins working, he takes apart the entire clock, polishes all of the pieces and takes care of those that need Daniel Causey’s workstation in his home-based shop.
Since the dawn of time, clocks have always been a time-telling treasure. However, like anything else, they can experience normal wear and tear. That’s why Hillsborough County resident Daniel Causey opened his own clock repair business, Happy Time Clock Repair. A few tools used by Daniel Causey in the repair of timepieces. Being a full-service clock repair shop, Happy Time can repair just repair. After that, the clock is put back about any clock, including wall, grandfa- together and runs on his test stand for ther, mantel, shelf and floor clocks. It has at least a week. This allows Causey to enfull service available for most types and sure that everything is running smoothly model year clocks including Urgos, Jung- before returning the clock to its owner. hans, Hermle, Jauch, Seth Thomas, and In total, the process takes about three weeks, according to Causey. many others. Causey’s passion for restoring classic “I love clocks and I love people, and I timepieces is reflected in the quality of love clock people,” said shop owner Danhis work. To him, he said, “It’s all about iel Causey. What started as a fascination the preservation of these timeless works.” based on an old time-lock safe he found For more information about Happy in his mother’s home progressed quickTime Clock Repair, please visit https:// ly into a hobby. With the help of online happytimeclockrepair.com/, email happyinstructions and video tutorials, Causey time.clockrepair@gmail.com or call 813was able to teach himself the ways of 562-0650.
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Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
Valrico Edition
July 2022
Page 23
SEE BACK SECTION
Greg Littleton Named 2022 Banker Of The Year
Greg Littleton, president and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust, has been named 2022 Banker of the Year by the Florida Bankers Association (FBA). The award is given to an individual who demonstrated the highest level of commitment to both the banking industry and service to his or her community. Littleton currently serves as immediate past chair for the BancServ Inc. Board of Directors and is beginning his second term on the government relations council. BancServ is a wholly owned for-profit subsidiary of the FBA. In addition to his service with the FBA, Littleton is vice chair of the Polk State College District Board of Trustees and immediate past chair for the United Way of Central Florida and serves on the AdventHealth Board of Directors.
Dr. Randell Sehres Now Seeing Patients
Dr. Randell Sehres specializes in a wide variety of services, including acute and chronic disease, preventative health care, geriatrics, mental health, skin conditions, orthopedic issues and both men and women’s health care. Dr. Sehres served as deputy chief medical officer of the Mobile Military Hospital and was instrumental in the development of the military’s first preventative health care program for the active-duty force. He founded Brandon Family Medical Care in 2002 and provided care to the community for 20-plus years, and he has now decided to relocate to Sun City Center as an independent practitioner, which will allow him to provide more personalized ser-
New Martial Arts School Opens In Valrico
Freedom Martial Arts has more information visit its just opened at 3212 Lithia website at www.pigtail- Pinecrest Rd., Ste 102 in Valrico. Not only sandcrewcuts.com does it teach important self-defense skills, such as how to handle stranger danger but Brandon-based App its curriculum also focuses on discipline, Offers Money-Sav- respect, self-esteem, honesty, belief and communication. It is part of the American ing Deals Taekwondo Association, a worldwide orgaA Brandon-based com- nization that adheres to strict guidelines Dr. Randell Sehres is now pany is looking to take for its instructors. All instructors must pass seeing patients in Sun City. your local shopping expe- background checks and be first-aid/CPR vice. Dr. Sehres is located at Greg Littleton, Florida Bankers rience to the next level. 1046 Cypress Village Blvd. in Association’s 2022 Banker of the FlashDash Deals offers the certified. For additional information visit its website at www.freedom-ma.com or call Sun City Center. Call his office Year. Greater Tampa Bay commu- 813-777-0887. on 813-633-0081 to make an nity hundreds of money-saving deals that appointment. have never been easier to redeem through its free mobile app. FlashDash launched Carrion Health Group UnderStress Free Children’s Hair Salon in March 2022, serving the Tampa area. stands Your Needs Carrion Health Group, based in Lithia, Download the FlashDash Deals in your Coming To Valrico understands that everyone has different Google or Apple app store. For more inforPigtails & Crewcuts is a children’s hair needs, both health-wise and financially. mation, visit www.flashdashdeals.com or salon franchise, created to offer a stressQuality of coverage and having a transparemail flashdash@flashdashdeals.com. free haircutting experience. Salon owners ent presentation of options is imperative Kimberly and Justin Bingheim are excited when selecting health insurance. Carrion to offer something new to the community. Ebb And Flow Yoga Life Studio Health Group’s goal is to find a custom in“I love the branding and the concept, we FishHawk resident Kandi Pipp owns Ebb surance policy option to fit your life. It does really love the idea of being able to offer and Flow Yoga Life, located at 6027 Winthis by reviewing what policies your doca place where parents feel comfortable throp Commerce Ave. in Rivtor accepts, which benefits most bringing their children and know they will erview. She described the align with your medical needs and be taken care of”, says Kimberly. Each Pig- studio as “a beautiful space what options offer competitive tails & Crewcuts salon features themed with great vibes” and offers rates. As it saw the same need vehicle chairs, bright colors and a variety a wide variety of classes for for this same care in choosing life of movies and video games, a train table all skill levels so there is a insurance, it decided to also offer and other toys children enjoy before, during class for everyone. Visit its life insurance options. For more and after their haircuts. The salon will be website at www.ebbandinformation, visit its website at located on Bloomingdale Avenue, in front of flowyogalife.com for a dewww.calendly.com/carrionhealth or call the Walmart and is expected to open this scription of classes and timetable. You can 727-458-0059. summer. To keep up with progress and for also contact it by calling 813-702-0820.
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Valrico Edition
Volume 19, Issue 7
Special Pull-Out Section
July 2022
Know Where And How To Vote: By Mail, Early And On Election Day Voting is a right, not a privilege. In order to exercise this right, every voter in Hillsborough County must be informed and must know where to vote and how to do it. In Hillsborough County, there are three ways to exercise your right to vote: Vote By Mail, Early Voting and Election Day Voting. In order to vote in the primary election, which is set for Tuesday, August 23, you must be registered by Monday, July 25. In order to vote in the general election, set for Tuesday, November 8, you must be registered by Tuesday, October 11. When you register, you are asked to select a party. The parties are Republican, Democrat or No Party Affiliation. You can also register as a member of a minor political party, such as the Green Party of Florida. Florida is a closed primary state. This means that for the primary election, your ballot will reflect the party that you have selected. In other words, you vote only for the candidates from your party as well as nonpartisan races, such as the judge (county and circuit) and school board. In the general election, your ballot is based upon where you reside. You can view sample
ballots for both the primary and the general election by visiting www.votehillsborough. org. “Many people are focused on the upcoming general election in November, but please do not ignore the primary election. We have local school board and judge races on the primary ballot that are nonpartisan, so everyone votes in these races. If you are a Democrat or Republican, you will also have a say in which state and local partisan candidate moves on to the general election,” said Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer. VOTE BY MAIL Vote By Mail is the
REQUESTING A VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT IS EASY: 1. Online: Vote By Mail Ballot Request 2. By Phone: (813) 612-4180 3. By Fax: (813) 744-5843 4. In Person: at any of our Supervisor of Elections REQUESTING VOTE BY MAIL FOR YOURSELF, YOU MUST INCLUDE: 1. Your name and home address 2. Your date of birth 3. Your mailing address, if different from home address (Ballots cannot be forwarded. Be sure to provide your current mailing address.) 4. Your signature (for written requests)
most convenient method. You do not need an excuse to choose this option. If you request this method, you will receive your ballot in the mail. The deadline to request that a Vote By Mail ballot be mailed to you is no later than 5 p.m. on the 10th day before the election, and you can take your time making your voting decision. The Vote By Mail ballot must be received by the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can mail it or drop it off in person at one of its offices or at an Early Voting site. The supervisor of elections is also offering curbside drop-off this year. You can request your Vote By Mail ballot and track its delivery by visiting www.votehillsborough.org. “Election Day is your last day to vote, not your first. I encourage everyone to consider voting by mail. During the March election, it was heartbreaking to get calls from voters who could not leave home and had planned to vote on Election Day,” said Latimer. EARLY VOTING Early Voting is set up before both the primary election and the general election. Early Voting will take place from Monday, August 8 through Sunday, August 21 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For the general election, it will be from Monday, October 24 through Sunday, November 6 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. “We will have about twenty-six early voting locations open. We are just finalizing those details now. We will have drop-off ballot boxes at each of those sites for voters who want to drop off their Vote By Mail ballot,” said Latimer. Early Voting is just like Election Day Voting. You must bring one or two forms of identi-
fication that have your photo and signature. Acceptable forms of identification include a Florida driver’s license, state-issued identification, U.S. passport, student ID, public assistance ID and more.
ELECTION DAY VOTING Polling places or precincts, noted on your voter registration card, are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Election Day. You can bring your sample ballot with you and use it while you vote. Latimer said, “We are taking great measures to ensure a safe and healthy in-person voting experience.” Social distancing, hand sanitizer as well as adjusted layouts will be utilized. According to Latimer, “All of this will mean that in-person voting is going to be slower than in the past, but it will be healthy and orderly.” Whichever method you choose, remember that your vote counts. For more information, please visit www. votehillsborough.org.
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Special Pull-Out Section
U.S. HOUSE FLORIDA DISTRICT 15 (R)
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (D)
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (R)
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 20 (D)
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 16 (I)
Laurel Lee votelaurel.com
Adam Hattersley adamforflorida.com
Jimmy Patronis joinjimmy.com
Michael Harvey electmikeharvey.com
Christina Paylan paylan4statesenate.com
STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 70 (R)
STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 69 (D)
STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 69 (R)
Andrew Learned andrewlearned.com
Danny Alvarez electdannyalvarez.com
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 21 (R)
Jim Boyd boydforflorida.com CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE 6
Belinda Noah voteforbelindanoah.com COUNTY COURT JUDGE GROUP 13
July 2022
Wesley Tabbals judgetibbals.com
John Houman Mike Beltran senator-johnhouman.com electmikebeltran.com CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE 37
Nancy Jacobs nancyjacobsforjudge.com
Jared Smith judgejaredsmith.com
COUNTY COURT JUDGE GROUP 5
COUNTY COURT JUDGE GROUP 10
Michael Bagge keepjudgebagge@gmail. com
Miriam Velez Valkenburg
COUNTY COURT JUDGE GROUP 14
J. Logan Murphy Alicia Whiting Bozich Melissa Black Linette Brookins KeepJudgeLoganMur- melissablackforjudge.com alicia4judge.com votebrookinsforjudge.com phy@gmail.com
Mike Isaak votemikeisaak.com
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July 2022
COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 2
Angela Birdsong (D) voteangelabirdsong.com
Ken Hagan (R) votekenhagan.com
COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 5
Donna Lynn Cameron-Cepeda (R) donnacameroncepeda.com
Mariella Smith (D) mariellasmith.com
COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 4
Michael Owen (R) votemichaelowen.com
Noelle Licor (R) noellelicor.com
COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 7
Chase Harrison (R) Kimberly Overman (D) votechaseharrison.com kimberlyoverman.com
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER DISTRICT 2
Damaris Allen (D) damarisallen.com
Stacy Ann Hahn (R) votestacyhahn.com
Joshua N. Wostal (R) joshuawostal.com
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER DISTRICT 4
Hunter Gambrell huntergambrell.com
Patti Rendon votepattirendon.com
Danielle Smalley danielle4betterschools.com
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER DISTRICT 6
Roshaun Gendrett gendrett4schoolboard.com
Aly Marie Legge votealymarielegge.com
Karen Perez keepkarenperez.com
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Special Pull-Out Section
JARED SMITH
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, GROUP 37
By Kathy L. Collins
Judge Jared Smith serves as a Hillsborough Circuit Court judge. He is running for reelection and will be on the ballot on Tuesday, August 23 in Group 37. Smith was appointed by Governor Rick Scott in 2017 as a county judge. He was reelected in 2018, and he was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to circuit court judge in 2019. “I started in the domestic violence and county civil division. Domestic violence cases often have a lot of emotions, and the stakes are very high as well. It is important to not only have a judge who understands the law but can carefully listen to both sides and make an effective ruling based on the law and facts,” said Smith. “In my current position as a circuit court judge, I have served in the Unified Family Division as a family law judge. This requires the same careful attention to the law and respect and fairness to people that I have been exercising in all my years on the bench,” added Smith. Smith served in the United States Air Force. “I was a practicing attorney when
9/11 happened, and I immediately felt the call to abandon my ‘traditional’ legal career and to serve my nation,” explained Smith. “It is with this same heart of service that I gave up my successful construction law practice in 2017 to serve on the bench.” “I have a proven track record of success as a judge. I am also board certified. Only six percent of Florida attorneys are board certified, and less than one percent are certified in construction law. My military service, board certification and time on the bench are all factors which set me apart from my opponent. I understand the importance of respecting and following the law. I have rendered several thousand decisions and have only had one decision overturned on appeal,” said Smith. Smith is married to Suzette. They have four children. Smith is a deacon and longtime member of Idlewild Baptist Church. For more information, please visit www.judgejaredsmith.com.
July 2022
KAREN PEREZ
SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 6
By Kathy L. Collins
Hillsborough County School Board member Karen Perez’s ferocity and drive for mental health advocacy and how it affects families began in her formative years. Perez’s story starts in Brooklyn, New York with two brothers and a sister. Her mother and father split while she was young and she, her siblings and her mother made their way to Tampa in 1979. When Perez’s mother was a teen, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Unfortunately, due to the dynamics of a Latino household, the issue was never addressed, and it wasn’t until a college psychology class that Perez learned about and understood her mother’s struggles. Perez connects growing up in a home with a single parent affected by mental illness to her passion of advocating for students. The family was lucky to have an incredible woman, Sella Torres, Perez’s aunt. Torres was the perfect role model who instilled a set of ethics and morals in Perez through her constant offerings of love, support and service. After graduating from King High School in 1981, Perez went to the University of South Florida (USF). She felt blessed to receive the Latino scholarship provided
by Sierra Construction to assist with the cost of tuition. Her advisor exposed her to the social work program after discussing Perez’s passion for helping others. Donna Parrino, a great mentor to Perez through the Latino scholarship program, supported her through her journey to becoming a licensed social worker. She graduated USF with a bachelor’s and master’s in social work in 2000 and 2002, respectively. Additionally, Perez became a certified traumatologist through USF in 2001. Perez beams with pride over the accomplishments of her children. Her eldest, a son, is an apprentice in the electricians union in Hillsborough County; her oldest daughter is a financial analyst on Wall Street; and her youngest daughter is a software engineer with a master’s degree. All eight of Perez’s grandchildren attend Hillsborough County schools as well. Perez’s entire family is invested in the community, even her pets. Her two dogs, Riley and Baxter, are certified therapy dogs, and they frequent the hospitals Perez works at as well as her private practice. Additionally, the Perez family donates $3,000 in scholarships each year to students going into the mental health field. Visit www.keepkarenperez.com.
Special Pull-Out Section
July 2022
MICHAEL OWEN
KIMBERLY OVERMAN
COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 7 COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 4 Staff Report
A 38-year resident of the Tampa Bay area, Kimberly Overman was elected to the county commission in 2018. Overman earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural and resource economics from the University of Maryland, raised two children and has the joy of raising one of her four grandchildren as a single parent. Overman has also owned and operated successful businesses. She is a certified financial planner, former owner and CEO of a fee-only registered investment advisory firm, vice president of strategic planning for Concierge Financial Organization, owner of The Heights Exchange LLC — a commercial space in Seminole Heights — and the chairwoman of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commission, District 7 countywide. She also recreated a business chamber of commerce for the Tampa urban core. A longtime advocate of smart planning, economic growth, strong families, sustainable communities and the importance of education, Overman has a long history of public service volunteerism and community involvement. During her career, Overman served on
several professional and community boards including: Tampa Bay Estate Planning Council, past president; Financial Planning Association of Tampa Bay, past president; Financial Planning Association of Florida, past member and legislative delegation; Business and Professional Roundtable, founder and board member; Soroptimist International, member and Young Careerist Award; Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association, board member; Hillsborough County Housing Financial Authority, chairperson; Heights Urban Core Chamber, president; Women’s Yacht Racing Association of Tampa Bay, member; and Hillsborough Education Foundation Finance Committee, member/advisor. The commissioner currently serves on numerous boards and councils including: Board of County Commissioners, District 7 County Wide (chairwoman); Affordable Housing Advisory Board (chairwoman); Commission on Human Trafficking (chairwoman); Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area Leadership Group (includes MPO/TPO representatives from Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties) & more. www.kimberlyoverman.com.
About Commissioner Overman Commissioner Kimberly Overman is a 37year resident of the Tampa Bay Area, a proud mother and grandmother, a leader in Hillsborough’s business community as a successful small business owner in the financial planning sector, and a lifelong community leader. A longtime advocate for smart planning, equitable access to transportation, economic growth, affordable housing, and access to education, Commissioner Overman has a long history of public service and community advocacy in Hillsborough County. Elected county-wide to the Hillsborough County Commission in 2018, Commissioner Overman has utilized her experience as a successful business owner and public servant to successfully implement policy at the countywide level and lead the people of our county with courage and govern for its citizens—not special interests. She has been a champion in the battle against COVID-19, a fighter for equal economic opportunity for all, an unwavering advocate for increasing investment into Hillsborough’s transportation infrastructure, and became the Commission’s leading voice on combatting human trafficking in Hillsborough County. At the heart of Commissioner Overman’s service is always how she can help to improve the lives of her fellow citizens and be the leader they deserve—because she still believes that Leadership Matters.
kimberlyoverman.com Political Advertisement paid for and approved by Kimberly Overman, Democrat for Hillsborough County Commission District 7 County Wide.
By Kathy L. Collins
Michael Owen, a Republican, is running for a seat on the Hillsborough County Board of County Commission in District 4. Owen was born and raised in Brandon. His family has deep roots in the Greater Brandon area, and this, among other reasons, is why Owen is running to represent the people of District 4, which comprises Brandon, Plant City, Dover, Valrico, Lithia, Apollo Beach and parts of Riverview. Owen is an attorney who has been a small business owner for 20 years. He understands what it means to make payroll and keep a watchful eye on the bottom line. Owen has represented a lot of local small businesses. Through his consumer law practice and service on the SouthState Bank Advisory Board and service on other local boards, Owen understands the nuances of District 4 and will advocate for each community as county commissioner. Owen said, “I grew up here and have seen many changes over the years. The area has grown and changed. District four is the most diverse district in the county. This diversity brings many chal-
lenges.” Owen is a conservative Republican who believes in limited government. He will fight tax increases and wasteful spending. “I will support our law enforcement and first responders and will work to improve infrastructure while protecting our environment and our water supply.” Owen has been endorsed by every Republican office holder in Hillsborough County, including County Commissioner Stacy White, school board member Melissa Snively and Plant City Mayor Rick Lott. He is also endorsed by city, county and state firefighters and the Tampa Police Benevolent Association. Owen said, “I am a Christian conservative. We need more elected officials who are Christian-based and who are conservative.” Owen added, “My devotion to our community runs deep, and I will work to bring sensible solutions and fight for our quality of life on the Hillsborough County Board of County Commission.” For more information, please visit his website at www.votemichaelowen.com.
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ALICIA WHITING BOZICH
COUNTY COURT JUDGE, GROUP 14
Staff Report
Alicia Whiting Bozich has been a civil litigator for almost 20 years. She has participated in over 100 civil trials, and has handled both state and federal appeals. Alicia has been recognized numerous times as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers. Alicia has the right experience, both inside and outside of the courtroom, as well as the appropriate demeanor to faithfully serve the residents of this county as the next county judge. Alicia strongly believes in the rule of law, that statutes are to be interpreted using the ordinary meaning of the words, and that a judge’s role is limited to saying what the law is (and not legislating from the bench). Alicia will always be fair, above outside influence, and treat those that appear before her with dignity and respect. Alicia was born and raised in West Virginia. Her father is an Air Force Veteran, and her mother is a Korean immigrant. Alicia and her husband Neal are celebrating their 21st wedding anniversary in July. About 10 years ago Alicia and Neal chose Hillsborough County to live and raise a family. Their son attends Hillsborough County public schools, and they are parishioners at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Riverview. Alicia has always had a passion for mak-
ing the world a better place. Alicia collaborates with Bay Area Legal Services on special outreach programs, participates in local programs designed to give back to teachers, and has helped women and children rebuild their lives while residing in a domestic violence safe house. Alicia also donates her time to Feeding Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries where she can be found packing or serving food to those in need, working at the thrift store, or participating in the in-take clinic for those needing legal representation. Alicia earned her Juris Doctorate Degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Ohio. She graduated in the top 10% of her class with honors, Magna Cum Laude. Alicia earned her bachelor’s degree in politics from Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio. Alicia has experience representing clients in following matters: Eviction, Debt Collection, Breach of Contract, Real Property, Subrogation, Product Liability, Professional Liability, Medical Malpractice, Defamation, Truth in Lending Act, Deceptive Trade Practices Act, Trade Secrets Act, Lien Foreclosures, and much more. For more information, please visit her website at www.Alicia4Judge.com.
ALICIA WHITING BOZICH OVER 100 CIVIL TRIALS ∙ ENDORSED BY THE TAMPA POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION ∙ RECOGNIZED AS RISING STAR BY SUPER LAWYERS FOR 5 CONSECUTIVE YEARS ∙ PRACTICED IN 2 STATE AND 8 FEDERAL COURTS ∙ PUBLISHED ARTICLES IN: ∙ LAWYER MAGAZINE ∙ AMERICAN BAR ASSOC. LITIGATION NEWS ∙ ANNUAL SURVEY OF BANKRUPTCY LAW
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST
PLEASE VOTE FOR ALICIA ON AUGUST 23RD www.Alicia4Judge.com PAID BY ALICIA WHITING BOZICH, NONPARTISAN, FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COURT JUDGE GROUP 14
July 2022
PATTI RENDON SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 4
By Kathy L. Collins
Patti Rendon, a longtime resident of Hillsborough County, is running for Hillsborough County School Board District 4. Rendon is endorsed by outgoing school board member Melissa Snively. Rendon ran a successful small business for over 17 years. She is now the executive director of The Columbus Organization. Rendon has dedicated her professional life to serving people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, advocating for their needs and best interests. Rendon would like to bring her leadership skills, business experience and advocacy for students and families to the table and advocate for the needs of District 4. Rendon said, “The Hillsborough County School District is the seventh-largest school district in the entire nation and has a $3 billion annual budget. Our county is facing (and will continue to face) significant challenges.” Rendon will not support additional tax increases. “Additional taxes cannot be the only option to address budget problems. I am not only concerned that the additional revenue will not reach our
students, but our community has some of the highest tax rates in the state, and increasing the property tax millage rate just adds to the stress of an already inflated economy,” said Rendon. “There is currently no plan on how to utilize the funds from the increased proposal,” she added. Rendon’s business experience will allow her to bring common sense to the board and be a voice of reason. She has experience in evaluating and analyzing contracts and wants to help expand opportunities for career and workforce programs for all students and address hazardous walking conditions for students as well as the shortage of school bus drivers. Rendon has been active in the community she wants to serve for many years. Her service includes serving on local PTAs, being active in youth sports, working with Best Buddies International and more. Rendon was also the Department of Education Outstanding School Volunteer of the Year in 2019-20. For more information on Rendon, please visit www.votepattirendon.com.
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July 2022
DANNY ALVAREZ SR
FLORIDA HOUSE, DISTRICT 69
By Kathy L. Collins
Danny Alvarez is a Florida native, veteran and attorney who is running to become the representative for District 69. Alvarez, a Republican, has been involved in the community for over 20 years. He is a member of both the Riverview and Plant City chambers of commerce. On why he is running for a seat in the Florida State House, Alvarez explained, “I have been involved in the community for many years. With the current political and cultural environment, I could not stand by and watch parents and police be attacked. I could no longer stand by and watch. I want to stand up for parents, protect children and stand up for law enforcement. I want to keep Florida free.” Alvarez added, “I am extremely honored that the Florida House leadership has endorsed me. This will allow me to represent the district because I will be able to work with the leadership.” Alvarez further explained, “This will allow me to get maximum results for my constituents by working within the relationships established in Tallahassee.” Alvarez is an attorney who practices
in all facets of family law and is a business consultant with significant experience in corporate communications, marketing and messaging management. Within family law, Alvarez helps families through some of the most difficult times. His practice’s focus is to help children and families navigate through the process and emerge healthy and ready to prosper. Alvarez is a veteran who was commissioned as an infantry officer in the United States Army in 1997. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officers Basic Course, Bradley Fighting Vehicle Leaders Course, Basic Airborne Course and Jump Master Course. Between his professional and educational experience and his real-world, on-theground community service, Alvarez will be able to represent the people of District 69. He said, “You have to represent all of the people in the district. I will accomplish all I can while preserving the Constitution and freedom.” For more information, please visit his website at www.electdannyalvarez.com.
MELISSA CORDON BLACK
COUNTY COURT JUDGE, GROUP 14
By Kathy L. Collins
Melissa Cordon Black is running for Hillsborough County court judge in Group 14. Black is a seasoned attorney, an experienced public litigator and a compassionate community advocate, and she would like your vote on Tuesday, August 23. Black served as an assistant attorney general in the Children’s Legal Services Department before starting her own family law practice, where she has served as a pro bono attorney for hundreds of Hillsborough County’s youth and foster care children. As the mother of three boys herself, Black has been an unwavering advocate for foster children, teens and children with special needs across Hillsborough County. Black was born and raised in Brandon. Black’s parents, the late Dr. Pacifico Cordon Jr. and Dr. Yolanda Cordon, grew their medical practices in Brandon for over 35 years, with her father being the medical director of Hawthorne Village Retirement Community for 25 of those years. As a child, Black attended Nativity School, was the runner up in the Little Miss Brandon competition and was a volunteer at Brandon Regional Hospital.
Black is a graduate of the University of Florida and earned her law degree from the Stetson University College of Law. Black said, “I will build on my years of community service to Hillsborough County by serving as county court judge.” Black is a volunteer with the Challenger Baseball program, which is designed for children in Hillsborough County that live with physical or mental disabilities. She is a member of the Johnny Ferlita Memorial Fishing Tournament committee to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, a member of LAMPLighters (Ladies Assisting Metropolitan People), a parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church and an active member of the CKS Parent Teacher Club (PTC). Black is endorsed by the honorable Ralph Stoddard; retired Chief Judge Manuel Menendez; and Plant City Commissioner Bill Dodson and his wife, Sylvia; Sun City Center Honorary Mayor Joe Zuniga; and former Honorary Mayor of Brandon Sherry Stewart. For more information, please visit www.melissablackforjudge.com.
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CHRISTINA PAYLAN
STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 16
By Kathy L. Collins
“In over 30 years, there has not been a physician who has served in Florida Senate to represent the voices of patients. That is why I am running for Florida Senate District 16. I want to change this dire statistic,” explained Dr. Christina Paylan. Dr. Paylan believes in a government that is representative for the average citizen and not just one group of citizens. “Year after year, lawyers keep getting elected to Florida’s legislature to make laws about patient needs and health care when it is physicians, not lawyers, who know what is best for patients. Currently, 98 percent of Florida’s legislature is made up of lawyers, where lawyers make laws that fit their agenda while all other walks of life remain unrepresented,” she said. Dr. Paylan is the daughter of an immigrant family. She completed her earlier education in California and moved to Florida in 2001 to work at Tampa General Hospital to complete her fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Dr. Paylan realized more than ever that a doctor or two in Tallahassee would have made sense. Dr. Paylan is fiscally conservative but not an extremist when it comes to social issues. “I believe in sensible laws that have common sense. If elected, I will work to erase all of the draconian laws that have been on the books in Florida for decades,” explained Dr. Paylan. Dr. Paylan believes in the right of parents for choice (education) until their children reach the age of 18. She also believes in sensible gun laws that include background checks, an age limit and red flag laws with an additional provision in the law that triggers red flag immediately when large amounts of ammunition are attempted to be purchased. Dr. Paylan is an advocate for law enforcement but adamantly believes that such advocacy can only be when there is accountability and transparency by judges and prosecutors. For more information, please visit www. paylan4statesenate.com.
July 2022
WESLEY TIBBALS
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, GROUP 6
By Kathy L. Collins
Judge Wesley Tibbals is running for reelection as a Hillsborough County circuit court judge. He will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, August 23. Tibbals, a fourth-generation Floridian, was appointed to the circuit court in 2015 by Governor Rick Scott. He has presided over family and civil dockets, as well as criminal, delinquency and dependency court matters in first appearance court. In 2017, and again in 2018, Tibbals received temporary appointments to serve as an associate judge on the Second District Court of Appeal. On July 30, 2017, the chief judge appointed Tibbals as the associate administrative judge in the Family Law Division, and he remains in this position. Tibbals said, “As a circuit court judge for the past seven years, I am devoted to serving the citizens of Hillsborough County with respect, fairness and integrity while following the rule of law. My track record proves that I am hardworking, efficient and committed to access to justice for all members of our community.” In 2018, Tibbals was recognized for his efforts to promote alternative dispute res-
olution methods in family law cases. In 2019, the Hillsborough County Bar Association Family Law Section awarded Tibbals for his extraordinary contributions to family law. In March 2020, Tibbals was one of the first judges in the state to begin using Zoom video conferencing to allow family law litigants access to the courts to resolve their family law cases. Prior to his appointment, Tibbals was a trial attorney. He has broad experience in federal and state courts handling business disputes, contractual claims, products liability and labor and employment issues. Tibbals has committed hundreds of hours to pro bono service as an attorney ad litem in juvenile delinquency court. In 2014, the Hillsborough County Bar Association awarded him for his pro bono legal service with the Jimmy Kynes Award. He and wife Lara have three children. Tibbals is an active volunteer in youth sports. For more information go to www.judgetibbals.com.
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July 2022
MICHAEL ISAAK
COUNTY COURT JUDGE, GROUP 14
By Kathy L. Collins
According to Mike Isaak, who is running for Hillsborough County court judge in Group 14, “I believe that performing the duties of a judge is an art form. Successful execution requires proper morals and values, appropriate legal and life experiences and a dedication to public service.” Isaak has practiced law for 30 years. He began as an assistant state attorney. Isaak received a long-term service award for his dedication to protecting the citizens of Florida. He then opened his own law practice. “I have focused on criminal defense for the past 25 years. As a criminal defense attorney, I protect and defend the Constitution. I have also represented clients in a variety of civil cases and am a member of numerous professional organizations,” explained Isaak. He has tried more than 150 jury trials and more than 500 nonjury trials, and he has written more than 300 appeals. In addition to his private practice, Isaak has taught thousands of lawyers. “I have lectured locally, on a statewide level and nationally. I often lecture on recent decisions in constitutional law in criminal cases and
teach Fourth and Fifth Amendment constitutional law litigation. I also have more than 120 published court decisions,” said Isaak. Isaak explained, “My legal experience has a unique balance. While most trial attorneys do not write appeals and most appellate attorneys do not try cases, I have done both.” “I will serve the citizens of Hillsborough County with dedication and commitment. I have always wanted to be a judge. I believe that I am qualified to take on the challenges that accompany the role of a judge,” said Isaak. Isaak’s family moved to Tampa in 1968, and he has called Hillsborough County his home for the past 53 years. He supports numerous local charities and serves on the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. He is married to Betsy Goode Isaak, and together they have two children. Betsy is a professional musician, having played with many of the local orchestras and other concerts in the Tampa Bay area. Visit www.votemikeisaak.com.
NANCY JACOBS
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, GROUP 37
By Kathy L. Collins
Nancy Jacobs is running for Hillsborough County Circuit Court in Group 37. Jacobs is a seasoned attorney who has the life experience, legal experience and integrity to serve as a circuit court judge. She will faithfully adhere to the Constitution and serve all residents of Hillsborough County. Jacobs said, “I believe the Constitution is for everyone. I want people who come before me in court to know that I heard them, listened to them and applied the law fairly.” Jacobs added, “A judge must leave their biases at the door. It does not matter what you think. Only the facts, the law and the Constitution matter when rendering a decision. Everyone needs to be heard and have their day in court.” Jacobs added, “A judge must uphold the Constitution. It does not matter what you look like, and even if we do not agree, I will apply the law to the facts and give everyone a fair shot. You may not like the outcome, but you can be sure that you received a fair shot. I will not prejudge. I will listen and apply
the law.” J a c o b s worked as an assistant state attorney from 1985 to the end of 1992. She opened her own practice in 1993 where she specializes in criminal defense, family law and estate planning. In addition to serving her clients, Jacobs performs hundreds of hours of pro bono work each year. Her pro bono work focuses on military personnel and veterans. Jacobs has been recognized by the Supreme Court of the State of Florida for her extensive pro bono work. Jacobs also volunteers her time for various organizations, such as Girl Scouts and youth sports, and she is an advocate for animal rights and has several rescue dogs. Jacobs said, “A judge must have experience, integrity, honesty and life and legal experience. A judge should also be committed and continue to do community service. It is important to be involved in the community.” For more information, please visit her webiste www.nancyjacobsforjudge.com.
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DR. BELINDA NOAH
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, GROUP 6
LINETTE ‘STARR’ BROOKINS COUNTY COURT JUDGE, GROUP 14
Staff Report
Staff Report
Dr. Belinda Noah, a former law editor, adjunct law professor, legal television show host, international lawyer and native Floridian, is looking to provide ‘justice for you’ as Hillsborough County Circuit Court judge, Group 6. Dr. Noah’s first interest in the law occurred when she was approximately 8. At that time, her mother and father recruited her to write letters to various government agencies requesting pastdue benefits for her father, a World War II veteran. Unfortunately, he lost his leg in a work-related accident. Dr. Noah received her bachelor’s degree at the University of South Florida and, upon graduation, moved to Tallahassee, where she enrolled at Florida State University College of Law. While attending law school, she had the honor of interning with the Florida A&M University Attorney’s Office and the Leon County State Attorney’s Office. After graduating from law school, Dr. Noah began working at a Jacksonville law firm. In her more than 39 years as a practicing attorney, Dr. Noah has represented clients in state, federal and international courts. In addition, Dr. Noah has served as a state of Florida attorney with the Departments of Business Regulation, Banking
and Finance as well as Juvenile Justice. In Florida, she handled administrative and appellate cases on behalf of the state of Florida. Also, Dr. Noah has experience with bench trials, jury trials and criminal and civil legal representation. She is licensed to practice law before all Florida courts, United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, United States District Court of Appeal for the Sixth Circuit, United States Supreme Court and the Republic of Ghana courts. Dr. Noah’s versatile and well-rounded expertise ranges from the dissolution of marriage to felonies; juvenile, civil and criminal matters; as well as business, contracts, international and bankruptcy cases. In 2003, Dr. Noah was the only member of the Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware to earn a Doctor of Juridical Science degree, the most advanced law degree, as it is rarely earned by other American lawyers. Dr. Noah is married to Emmanuel Noah, and they have three grown sons; Al, who attended the University of Florida; Ray, who attended Florida Atlantic University; and Emmanuel Jr., who attended the University of Michigan; along with 10 grandchildren and two dogs. Visit www.voteforbelindanoah.com.
VOTE
NOAH for JUDGE Circuit Court Judge Candidate Absentee, Early Voting or August 23, 2022
Paid political advertisement approved by Belinda Noah and the Committee to Elect Belinda Noah for Hillsborough County Florida Circuit Court Judge, Group 6
www.voteforbelindanoah.com
July 2022
Linette ‘Starr’ Brookins is a f i r s t - g e n e ra t i o n lawyer, teacher and hearing officer who has presided over hearings in a quasi-judicial role. Brookins is also a former anti-terrorism dispatch officer, helping those who dedicated their lives to protecting and serving our community. Having been raised in a law enforcement and military family, Brookins developed an unwavering and significant respect for the rule of law early. Brookins graduated from Jefferson High School as salutatorian (law and criminal justice valedictorian); The University of Tampa in three years with magna cum laude distinction; and the George Washington University Law School (a top-25 law school) as a Presidential Merit Scholar. Brookins started her legal career in a prosecutorial role protecting our most vulnerable citizens — children — from abuse and neglect. She is no stranger to the courtroom, as she has litigated and handled appeals across Florida. Brookins’ diverse legal experience in civil, criminal, dependency and injunction courtrooms will serve her well on the
bench. She has both prosecuted and defended cases at the state and federal level, from four-hourlong bench trials to two-week-long federal jury trials. Brookins also served on the Florida Bar’s Code and Evidence Committee. This award-winning attorney is also a dedicated and engaged civic leader, having been awarded the Judge Carol Draper Teen Court Service Award, GIRLS Rock Civics Award and Humanitarian Award, just to name a few. We’ve seen Brookins in all areas of our community for over 20 years - making a real difference. It is evident that public service is not just what she does, but it’s also who she truly is. Currently, she is the vice president of Guardian ad Litem Foundation, developmental director for Florida Association for Women Lawyers to name a few. She is also a proud member of Rotary, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Bible-Based Fellowship Church. Brookins is a proud mother who adopted her daughter from foster care at the age of 17, and she is also a dog lover; her fur baby is named Franklyn Theodore. Visit www.votebrookinsforjudge.com.
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July 2022
STACY ANN HAHN
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, DIST. 2
ANDREW LEARNED
FLORIDA HOUSE, DISTRICT 69
Staff Report
Staff Report Stacy Hahn, Ph.D. is a lifelong educator and has been a Hillsborough County School Board member since 2018. Her career spans three decades with positions at every level of the K-20 spectrum, including: school board member, public school teacher, student advocate, grant facilitator, program coordinator, educational researcher and university professor. As a school board member, Stacy advocates for equitable access to high-quality early childhood education, literacy, career and technical opportunities, as well as strong financial oversight and operational accountability. She has been instrumental in initiatives supporting literacy, STEM, fiscal transparency, creating multiple pathways to graduation and community partnership. Additionally, Stacy is an advocate for services and programs that address early intervention, food insecurities, ESE services, mental health programs, wraparound health services, community schools and teacher professional development. Stacy serves on the board of directors for Zoo Tampa, Tampa Museum of Art,
and Hillsborough Education Foundation, and also represents Hillsborough County on the Value Adjustment Board. She is a member of the MacDill Council for Educational Excellence and created school policy that supports a seamless transition and stable education environment for military students while they are attending Hillsborough County schools. Stacy earned a Ph.D. in early childhood special education and research from the University of Florida. She has published numerous professional articles and presented at various national and international education conferences. Stacy has a passion for education and understands the effect quality schools have on our community. She continues to follow a path that will have a positive impact on the education system and the lives of children. Stacy lives in Tampa with her husband, Jeff Hahn; their three children, Ethan, Jackson and Aidan; and their dog, Murphy. She enjoys local sporting events, gardening and reading a good book. Visit www.votestacyhahn.com.
Andrew Learned has been a staple in our community for years. Before going off to the Navy, he grew up here in Bloomingdale and returned after his service to open GradePower Learning, the local tutoring center so many of us have relied on. It caught all of us who knew him off guard when he first announced he was running for political office; frankly, as a lifelong Republican-turned Democrat, we didn’t know what we’d get. The attack ads against him claimed he was an extremist that none of us who knew him thought to be true. Since getting elected just two years ago in 2020, Learned has been on a singular mission: to fix the roads in Brandon and Riverview. He’s brought back millions of dollars via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the U.S. Highway 301 and Bloomingdale Avenue, Big Bend Road and Boyette Road I-75 interchange improvements are all a result of that mission. He was named the vice chairman of the Veterans Caucus, where he helped pass the largest tax break for military families in state history. He passed a bill to reward
military-friendly schools and help improve parent choice and helped transitioning military spouses have an easier time with state professional licensing requirements. Learned has also focused on lowering the cost of living for Floridians. This year in Tallahassee, he fought and delivered reforms to make homeownership more affordable and to ensure that the state’s savings go back into the pockets of consumers. He took on powerful insurance companies and lawyers to address roofing scams that are causing homeowners insurance rates to skyrocket. Even the gas tax holiday was his original work. While paired down from his original immediate and long-lasting proposal, the upcoming gas tax holiday in Florida was first called for by Learned. When asked why he’s running for reelection, Learned simply pointed out the choice. “I am fighting to make our schools safer and better funded, our roads wider, and to respect individual choices. I’m running because we need less polarization and more people doing the actual work for the people.” Visit www.andrewlearned.com.
VOTE TO RE-ELECT
ANDREW LEARNED
FOR SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 2
AN EDUCATOR YOU CAN COUNT ON
Stacy will focus on: • Ensuring fiscal responsibility • Keeping our children safe • Supporting our teachers
www.votestacyhahn.com Political Advertisement Paid For And Approved By Stacy Hahn for Hillsborough School Board, District 2
Andrew is a local Navy Veteran, owner of a neighborhood learning center, and a husband and father who proudly serves US in your Florida House. He received the Guardian of Small Business Award by the small business chamber of commerce, the first Democrat to EVER receive it in Florida.
Working for YOU
Fixing the damn roads! Millions for our schools Vice-Chair of the Veterans Caucus Bipartisan success Lowered taxes Fighting against rising prices Respect for YOUR choice Delivering for Veterans
Fixing the damn roads!
(813) 856-1212 andrew@andrewlearned.com Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Andrew Learned Democrat for Florida House District 69
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July 2022
DAMARIS ALLEN
SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 2
Staff Report
Damaris Allen was raised by two strong women, her mother and g r a n d m o t h e r. They taught and modeled for her that if you love something, if you value something, you fight for it, you sacrifice for it, and most importantly you always leave everything better than you found it. From the moment she registered her oldest child for kindergarten at her local public school she knew she wanted to volunteer and make a difference and she did just that. “During my tenure as principal, I witnessed this tireless volunteer, parent, and student advocate work her magic. Her endless passion to help all students succeed and her keen sense of working with people helped propel out school to the next level,” said Kristine Dosal, former principal at Grady Elementary. After more than a decade of volunteering tens of thousands of hours to advocate at a local, state, and federal level she knows she has made a difference and she wants to continue advocating
for students and families while serving on the Hillsborough County School Board. Damaris Allen grew up in Tampa and graduated from Plant High School. After graduation she studied Christian Education and Theatre at Florida Southern College and went on to work as a family minister, dance teacher, and operated a small business. She raised her two children in public schools. Damaris worked with children, youth, and families in the United Methodist Church for over 20 years. “My work in the church taught me the importance of being out in the community and meeting people where they are instead of expecting them to come to you,” Damaris said. She knows first-hand how busy families are and plans to continue to be present at school sporting events, concerts, and PTA meetings in order to make herself more accessible to parents for feedback. Visit www.damarisallen.com
ALYSHA ‘ALY MARIE’ LEGGE SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 6
Staff Report
Alysha Marie Legge, fondly known as Aly Marie Legge, is an Army veteran, an activist, Family Lobby Manager for Moms For America and founder of Moms For Freedom, an advocacy group dedicated to championing the basic rights of all families. A proud supporter of families with special needs children, children with learning disabilities, and children that are medically fragile and complex, Aly works closely with various freedom organizations across Florida to fight governmental overreach and to positively impact legislation that ensures parental rights are protected. Aly is a staunch advocate for school choice and supports a curriculum that fosters critical thinking, problem solving, self-motivation, and teaches all aspects of America’s History. She is committed to being an agent of change for the Hillsborough County School Board through collaboration, transparency, and sound financial practices, and seeks to establish an educational landscape that gives all constituents a voice, protects vulnerable students, prepares scholars for life after
school, and ultimately ensures that all students are put first. Aly is a loving wife to her husband Matthew and devoted mother of five children, ages 3 to 13, one of which has special needs. I aim to bring a different perspective and collaborative approach to the school board. Collaboration equals success and that is achieved by parental/ community involvement, consistent teachers, and a supportive administration. A parent’s right to choose what is best for their child should be upper most in ALL board member’s minds when it comes to making decisions about what SCHOOLS children attend, POLICY and CURRICULUM. Here is what we are going to accomplish with the R.I.S.E. Movement: Restore integrity and accountability to the district. Improve academic excellence. Secure financial oversight. Empower families, educators and staff. Visit www.votealymarielegge.com.
JOIN THE R.I.S.E. MOVEMENT Restore Integrity & Accountability Improve Academic Excellence Secure Financial Oversight Empower Parents, Students, & Teachers WIFE, MOTHER, ARMY VETERAN, TRUSTED COMMUNITY LEADER
Hillsborough County School Board, District 6 Countywide
VOTEALYMARIELEGGE.COM Paid for by Alysha M. Legge Campaign for Hillsborough County School Board District 6 Countywide.
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LAUREL LEE
U.S. HOUSE FLORIDA DISTRICT 15
By Kathy L. Collins
After serving three and a half years alongside Governor Ron DeSantis as secretary of state, Laurel Lee was ready to return home to eastern Hillsborough County and ask her community for support in her bid to represent the people of Florida Congressional District 15 in Congress. Lee, who is also a former circuit court judge in Hillsborough County and federal prosecutor, has over 20 years of experience serving her local community and the state of Florida, ensuring election integrity and upholding the law. Among other issues, Lee cites inflation and the economy, national security and law and order, including securing our borders, as issues influencing her run for Congress. “I know what is at stake and how important it is that we send more conservatives to Washington,” said Lee. “Skyrocketing gas prices, government overreach at every turn, a failed commitment to our military and securing our borders and now disturbing trends from government thinking they know what is best for our children and families. Congress needs
leaders from Florida who will stand up for them, and I know I can be that voice for Congressional District 15.” Lee has also been engaged in local civic organizations, including ECHO of Brandon and the Pepin Academies public charter school, serving as president of the board for both organizations. In the legal community, she actively supports the organized bar and has served as president of the Federal Bar Association, Tampa Chapter and the Givens Family Law Inn of Court. Raised by a two-star general in the United States Air Force and a public school teacher, Lee has family ties in eastern Hillsborough County that go back more than 70 years. Her husband, former Senate President Tom Lee, also served the area in the state Senate for 18 years. “My community is important to me, and I look forward to meeting and talking with voters about why I am the right conservative leader for our area that can stand up for our families, law enforcement and military in Congress,” she said. Visit www.votelaurel.com.
July 2022
NEWSOME READING TEACHER RECEIVES 16TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT AWARD
By Linda Chion
The 16th Connot always gressional Disreceive trict Teacher the appreAwards, estabciation or lished by U.S. recogniRep. Vern Bution they chanan in 2014, d e s e r ve , ” are awarded anthey do nually to excep“have one tional teachers of the most for their outimportant Photo by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan’s office. standing achieve- Newsome High School reading teacher Kim Keebler, seen right and diffiments on behalf of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, poses with fellow recipients of this cult proof students, and year’s 16th Congressional District Teacher Awards. The other fessions of teachers hail from Manatee and Sarasota counties. this year, Kim all.” Keebler from Newsome High School is the A reading teacher since 2008, Keebler Hillsborough County recipient. said she began her teaching career at ArmNominated in January by Newsome Prin- wood High School, where she earned her cipal Katie Rocha, Keebler said she believes high school diploma in 1987. She taught she received the award “because of my also at East Bay High School in Gibsonton ability to connect with my students and my and Bloomingdale High School in Valrico colleagues.” before landing her job at Newsome seven Keebler said her love for teaching came years ago. early, as she was moved by the work of As for the many colleagues who “graher mother, Ellie Reifsnyder, who taught at ciously shared their wealth of knowledge, Mango Elementary School. enthusiasm and love of teaching,” Keebler Calling Reifsnyder “the biggest influence” said she counts among them Jeannette on her decision to become a high school En- Teeden, media specialist at Plant City High glish teacher, Keebler said it was from her School, and Newsome literacy coach Sanmother that she “learned how important it dra Misciasci, who received the 16th Conis to connect to your students, to motivate gressional District Teacher Award for Hillsthem to set and achieve goals and to make borough County in 2020. them feel valued.” As Keebler put it, “I have grown so much Indeed, that is the reasoning behind the since my first day of teaching, and it has teacher awards, which Buchanan said he shown me the power that comes from colestablished because while teachers “may laboration.”
July 2022
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CHANGES MADE TO THE 2022 HURRICANE EVACUATION MAP
By Sharon Still
ficial mass notification With hurricane season in Difference in Hillsborough County evacuation zones from 2021 to 2022 system. full swing as of June 1, area 2021 Evacuation zones are residents should be stocked classified from A to E, up on supplies, including with A appearing in prescriptions, water, canned red on the map repregoods and more. Plus, hopesenting the first zone to fully everyone took advanbe evacuated. The coltage of the 2022 Disaster ors follow the rainbow Preparedness Sales Tax Hol(ROYGB), and blue is for iday to purchase items like those living in higher flashlights, batteries, genareas, Evacuation Zone erators, bungee cords and E, the last to evacuate. other items. While checking Legend All residents living in off their lists, homeowners A mobile homes are inand tenants need to make B cluded in Evacuation sure to look at the new 2022 C Zone A regardless of the Evacuation Zone Map and see 2022 D location of their home. whether their dwelling lies E Storm evacuations get within an evacuation zone. residents out of the Hillsborough residents can storm surge path, but learn which evacuation zone mobile homes are not their home is in at hcflgov. designed to withstand net/heat. the wind from storms. Using 2020 U.S. census Therefore, those resdata and the latest Sea, Lake idents are asked to and Overland Surges from evacuate with Zone A. Hurricanes (SLOSH) model It is important to note from the National Hurricane that evacuation zones Center, Hillsborough County and flood zones are two has updated its evacuation different things. Flood zones for the 2022 hurricane While most of the Osprey Observer readership is excluded from the 75,000 residents who will be in an evacuation zone for the first time zones are based on season, placing 75,000 resibecause of the updated Evacuation Zone maps, it is always important to know your zone. Flood Insurance Rate dents in an evacuation zone zone, this area has been moved into cane Evacuation Assessment Tool Maps (FIRM) provided by FEMA and for the first time. The biggest map change is in East Zone E, which is the final evacuation (HEAT) assists residents in determin- are used as a tool to measure a proping if they are located in one of the erty’s flood risk. An updated flood Tampa. The area is roughly bordered zone. five evacuation zones. Residents can zone map came out in 2021. There are several items on the counby the Hillsborough River to the north, Harney Road to the east, I-4 to the ty’s website (www.hillsboroughcoun- sign up for real-time information on Go to hcflgov.net/staysafe for more south and I-275 to the west. Previ- ty.org) that will help area residents when evacuation zones are called at information on how to prepare for ously not classified as an evacuation prepare for a hurricane. The Hurri- hcflgov.net/hcflalert, the county’s of- storm season. Evacuation Level
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CONGRESSMAN BUCHANAN ANNOUNCES SERVICE ACADEMY APPOINTEES By Michelle Caceres
Congressman Vern Buchanan recognizes 17 nominees who received appointments to Service Academies.
Getting into one of the United States Service Academies is no easy feat. Tens of thousands of hopeful students apply for admittance to one of five service academies every year, and with only a few thousand slots available, getting in can be a formidable task that begins early in high school with rigorous course loads, extracurricular activities, community involvement and athletic pursuits. Just ask one of the 17 students nominated by Congressman Vern Buchanan that earned appointments. Well, you could ask them, if they weren’t already sweating through physically and mentally taxing cadet summer training programs that train, instruct, inspire and transition new cadets from civilians to cadets. Local students who were nominated by Buchanan and earned an appointment include: Bell Creek Academy High School graduate Sebastian Correa (United States Military Academy); Sumner High School graduate David Tirado-Alonzo (United States Military Academy); Newsome High School graduates Spencer Caceres (United States Air Force Academy), Alexander Fraga (United States Merchant Marine Academy) and Colby Prince (United States Naval Academy); Marion Military Institute graduate Francis Connor Dias of Lithia (United States Naval Academy); and Durant High School graduate Austin Holcomb of Lithia (United States Air Force Academy). In addition, several graduates of the one-year U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, where cadets learn academic, leadership and physical skills,
also earned nominations, including Ryan Matthews of Riverview, Yaideliz Lorenzo-Mendoza of Ruskin and Axeladiel Zengotita of Lithia. Caceres attended Basic Cadet Training in 2019 but separated from the academy to serve a twoyear church mission and had to reapply for admission. An appointment was not a guarantee, but for him, a mission was worth the risk. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve a mission and teach and love the people of Mexico City,” he said. “I return to the Air Force Academy not only having mastered a second language but a more dedicated and disciplined cadet with a greater love for my country.” These cadets will receive a free, worldclass education; free room and board; free medical and dental benefits; and the opportunity for a rewarding career in exchange for a commitment to serve as a commissioned officer (the length of time being dependent on the chosen career path and other factors). “I congratulate these outstanding young men and women for their appointments,” said Buchanan. “It’s an honor for not only them but all who have supported them along the way and have every confidence that they will serve our nation with honor.” For more information about the appointment process visit each service academy’s website. For information about applying for a nomination to a service academy visit https://buchanan. house.gov/.
Michelle Colesanti and Terry Vassalotti in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada!
July 2022
HELPING LOCAL VETERANS BECOME HOMEOWNERS
By Libby Hopkins
Kenny Schaaf of Schaaf loves being Brandon had a 20-year able to help first recareer in law enforcesponders and veterans ment until he retired in get into their first home. March of 2016. At that “I spent nearly 20 years point, he began his new as a deputy sheriff and career as a mortgage another seven years of originator and recently public safety employbecame involved with ment as a firefighter, the Hometown Heroes an EMT and a 911 disProgram. “The Floripatcher when I lived in da Hometown Heroes Kentucky,” Schaaf said. Program is a new pro- The Hometown Heroes Program is a new “With my past work gram through the Flori- program that started in June this year. history, I understand da Housing Corporation The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan the needs of these borthat launched June 1, Program also offers a lower first mort- rowers, their schedules 2022,” Schaaf said. “The gage rate and additional special benefits and their concerns, and to those who have served or continue to program is for first-time I want to provide them serve their country. homebuyers within 50 with the help and guidoccupations, including law enance they deserve.” forcement officers, corrections Schaaf has high hopes for the officers, firefighters, paramedHometown Heroes Program and ics, EMTs, teachers, medical perlooks forward to it growing. “I sonal, active-duty military memhope funding continues for the bers and veterans.” program year after year so we This program provides down can continuously help our local payment and closing cost assistance to and national heroes obtain the American first-time, income-qualified homebuyers dream of homeownership,” Schaaf said. so they can purchase a primary residence “Most of these heroes are living their lives in the community in which they work and every day just like the rest of us, and most serve. The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan of the community is unaware of what a lot Program also offers a lower first mortgage of these heroes go through in their jobs. Prorate and additional special benefits to those viding affordable housing is a great way to who have served or continue to serve their help them. I just want our heroes to know country. “Since the program just launched at that their sacrifices don’t go unnoticed, and the start of the month and it takes time to we appreciate each and every one of them.” get through the underwriting and approval If you would like to learn more about process, we have not yet closed any of these the Hometown Heroes Program, you can loans,” Schaaf said. “I do, however, already visit its website at www.floridahousing. have three local heroes in process with mul- org/programs/homebuyer-overview-page/ tiple other heroes that have been prequali- hometown-heroes or call Schaaf at 813fied for the program.” 473-8024.
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July 2022
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