Osprey Observer Valrico June 2024

Valrico

NEW VALRICO VOODOO BREWING CO. ENLISTS DURANT STUDENTS FOR DOOR ART PROJECT

Before Chris Ciulla selected his location for Voodoo Brewing Co. Valrico on State Road 60 in Kings Mill, he knew community involvement would be something he wanted to embrace.

Looking to foster this relationship, Ciulla approached local high schools, asking if they were interested in participating in an art contest where the created artworks would be displayed at Voodoo Valrico for the entire year. The idea was to present each student a blank door as their canvas, with the assignment being to express their visions of opportunities beyond the door through their artwork along with a written narrative of what the artwork meant to them.

Durant High School art teacher Jaclyn Bowers immediately thought this would be a great idea, but only for students willing to put forth the time, energy and efort needed to complete the two-month project.

“The contest gave students a chance to express their dreams through painting and allowed them to explore and reflect what opportunities lay ahead,” said Bowers. “It showcased the talent of our students

By Brian Bokor

in the most heartfelt way possible. When the students presented their artwork and told their stories, it brought tears to my eyes. I couldn’t be prouder of what they have accomplished.”

Principal Gary Graham added he was “blown away with the talent,” reiterating that those chosen “had to be the right student with the right work ethic to complete the task.”

Out of the 210 students enrolled in Durant’s art program, below is the list of the 10 highly dedicated students across all four grades selected to participate, along with the titles of their artworks:

• Emerald Gottfredsen — “Opportunities — a self-portrait.”

• Raley Wilson — “Justice 2024.”

• Livia Mendonca — “Ocean.”

• Isabella Davila — “Dwell on Possibility.”

• Quiarra Cooper — “To the Crib.”

• Asia Gil — “Paint Your Future.”

• Madison Willoughby — “Dreams in Motion.”

• Aiden Clark — “Work to Riches.”

• Alyssas Knecht — “Cosmetology School.”

• Jackson Smith — “Remember When.”

“Voodoo Brewing is our pride and joy, and we can’t contain our excitement to be part of the Valrico community,” said Ciulla, franchise owner/operator of Voodoo Valrico, better known by locals as the large red

Leaders with Hillsborough County Public Schools understand the importance of ensuring our students have access to nutritious meals while on summer break.

Serving now and continuing through Thursday, July 25, students will have several opportunities to receive free meals as Hillsborough County Public Schools hosts its annual ‘Summer Food Service Program for Children.’

HCPS HOSTS ‘SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN’; YMCA LOCATIONS OFFER FREE PICKUP

The program offers students breakfast and lunch for free at schools that provide summer learning programs. All children, 18 years and younger, can arrive at an open school or feeding site from Monday through Thursday — the breakfast and lunch mealtimes will be posted on the front office window. The children do not have to be enrolled in a summer learning program to take advantage of the free meals.

“Many students rely on our schools for access to nutritious breakfast and lunch meals during the school year and that need continues throughout the summer months. These well-balanced meals will nourish our students and eliminate food insecurity. Thank you to our dedicated Student Nutrition Services team who will

feed thousands of children this summer,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. This summer, there will be 144 summer feeding sites available. This includes YMCA programs, such as YMCA Camp Cristina, the Spurlino Family Y and the North Brandon Family Y, as well as city and county parks and recreation sites.

Some other area locations are: Cimino Elementary School, Bloomingdale High School, Mulrennan Middle School, Navigator Academy of Leadership, Barrington Middle School, Spoto High School, Kingswood Elementary School and McLane Middle School.

To find the complete list of summer break spot locations near you, visit www.summerbreakspot.org, call 2-1-1 or text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304. Staf Report

Te Durant High School art class’ participating contestants with art teacher Jaclyn Bowers (right).

Durant High School art teacher Jaclyn Bowers with Chris Ciulla of Voodoo Brewing Co.

Article continued on page 9...

Students can pick up free breakfast and lunch all summer at the YMCA Camp Cristina ‘Summer Food Service Program for Children’ feeding site.

Antionette Wilson and Eugene Morgan hand out almost 250 meals per day at YMCA Camp Cristina. Hillsborough County residents are welcome to pick up free breakfast and lunch daily all summer.

Proud Supporters of ECHO * Board of Directors

HIGH 5 INC. OFFERS SWIM LESSONS AND WATER SAFETY LESSONS

High 5 Inc. is ofering swimming lessons for all ages throughout the summer through group and private lessons and is teaching water safety to families.

High 5 ofers adult swimming lessons, parent and child lessons and its Learn to Swim program for 3-to-17-year-olds. All lessons are half an hour long and have one instructor for every four swimmers.

Sharon Finotti, director of aquatics, said swimming lessons are the first line of defense against youth drowning.

“At High 5, our swimming lessons provide the necessary skills to children and adults so they can be safe while enjoying the water,” Finotti said. “Our highly trained instructors provide a fun, incremental learning environment, which allows for all swimmers to reach their swimming goals.”

Swimming lessons are ofered in the mornings and afternoons and on Saturdays throughout the summer. After completing the lessons, swimmers will be invited to join High 5’s Blue Wave swimming team.

In addition to ofering swimming lessons throughout the summer, High 5 received a Water Warriors grant from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.

By Lily Belcher

Through the water safety program, parents and children receive free water safety information.

“The grant is used to teach water safety to both the parent and the child,” Finotti said. “Water safety begins with the parents.”

The Children’s Board awarded the over $96,000 grant to High 5 after seeing how the nonprofit recreation center teaches water safety to parents and children.

The water safety lessons teach parents about safety measures they can take to protect their children around bodies of water and CPR. Children can take eight in-water safety lessons to teach them how to float, breath control, water confidence and how to safely enter and exit a pool.

High 5 also teaches water safety in the evenings and on the weekends for parents who work during the day.

“Drowning is silent and swift,” Finotti said. “It can happen to anyone; however, it is something that can be prevented if protective layers are put in place.”

For more information on High 5 Inc. or to sign up for swimming lessons this summer, visit https://high5inc.org/ or call 813-689-0908.

WAWA INVITES FAMILIES TO INDULGE IN SUMMER FUN AT BOK TOWER GARDENS

Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales invites the surrounding communities to participate in its garden summer fun hosted by Wawa. Admission into Bok Tower Gardens is free on the last Thursday and Friday of each month from now through August.

The Wawa corporation ofers Wawa Summer Fun Days as part of its mission to be a great community partner. Wawa’s generosity covers the admissions bill for the designated summer days, keeping the Bok Tower Gardens in bloom.

Bok Tower Gardens hosts special summer activities for families to enjoy as they roam through the gardens. The Where’s Wally Seek and Find Scavenger Hunt is a unique way for families to explore while indulging in friendly competition.

There are 10 Wallys, Wawa’s goose mascot, hidden throughout the gardens. After finding each Wally, participants get a surprise reward from Wawa. The Bok Tower Gardens visitor center provides maps of the garden and instructions for participation.

Although there are plenty of free admission days left in the summer, Bok Tower Gardens is open for normal admission daily from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The adult general admission is $20; child admission ranges from $10-$5, depending on age; and dogs are also welcome for $10.

By Sara Kitchin

This general admission still allows for families to explore natural beauty and listen to the chimes of the Singing Tower.

“We are in summer bloom,” said the director of business development and marketing, Erica Smith. “What you’ll find in our gardens is some beautiful displays of native, gorgeous Florida wildflowers. So, I really encourage the plant lovers to enjoy a day surrounded by native plants.”

Bok Tower Gardens is a public garden with 50 acres of manicured cultured gardens that are surrounded by 200 acres of preserved land. This expanse allows for a getaway to reconnect with nature and gain knowledge on native Florida blooms.

Other activities include the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, the chimes of the famous Singing Tower and scheduled carillon concerts. Annual memberships to visit the gardens often for classes and activities are ofered at Bok Tower Gardens and on its website.

Bok Tower Gardens is located at 1151 Tower Blvd. in Lake Wales. Visit https:// boktowergardens.org/wawa-summerfun-days-2024/ to register for upcoming June Summer Fun Days on Thursday, June 27 and Friday, June 28, or visit https:// boktowergardens.org/ for information on events and memberships.

Swimming lessons are one of the frst lines of defense against childhood drownings.

Delight in the chimes of the Singing Tower, located in the center of the gardens.

HORN IS NEW BASKETBALL COACH FOR STRAWBERRY CREST

Patrick Horn is ready for a new challenge as head basketball coach of the Strawberry Crest High School basketball program. He was ofcially hired on May 20. He is only the second head basketball coach in the high school’s short history.

He has previously coached high school football, basketball and club basketball in the area.

He was director/head coach of the U15-17 Valrico Venom/BH3 from 2017-22, the Pro Skills U15-16 head coach of basketball PSB from 2022-24 and the Durant High School director of basketball operations and associate head coach from 2019-23. He was also the Freedom High School varsity defensive line coach from 2012-13 and the Plant City High School defensive line and head JV coach from 2013-14 and 2015-16.

The Chargers’ head man got the itch for a head coaching job about five years ago. He decided that right now was the right time to accept a head coaching job because he is now an empty nester and has the time to dedicate to build a successful program. His daughter, star Durant soccer player Rachel Horn, is headed to Florida State University. His son, Spencer Horn, is currently in college.

“I was looking for the perfect fit and Strawberry Crest came open and I got really excited about it,” said Patrick. “The program has a winning tradition, great students, an IB program, I just thought it hit every box that I needed, and I think we’ll be a great fit together.”

Patrick is excited about his new coaching

By Nick Nahas

staf, who he thinks are the best in the county. Associate head coach James Phethean, varsity/ JV assistant Chris Wright, head JV/varsity assistant Rodney Robinson and head of player development Sean Hayes will help Patrick lead the program.

The newly minted head coach met his 20 returning players on May 23. He and his players are both excited for the new start. They will play year-round. Patrick already has his team scheduled to play eight games in the summer league. They will participate in the Eckerd team camp, the Huddle Touch tournament at Tampa Bay Tech and a preseason tournament at Lakewood Ranch High School against Lakewood Ranch and former Durant head coach Jake Baer, who Patrick coached under. They also have a golf fundraiser scheduled for the end of August. Summer conditioning started on June 5.

“I look forward to see what Coach Horn brings to the team and program with a different style of coaching,” said senior Cameron Crowe, last year’s leading scorer with 15 points per game.

Patrick has high expectations for his program. The basketball schedule is already out, and the Chargers need to fill in six more games.

“We want the kids to get really excited about basketball,” said Patrick. “Strawberry Crest is rich in tradition with all of their sports. I plan on making basketball as competitive as humanly possible as well, and one of the major sports at this school.”

SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDES UP TO $10,000 PER YEAR FOR LOW-INCOME STUDENTS AT UF PLANT CITY

Getting through higher education is difcult for many students. Some may have to use student loans; others must find jobs in order to support their goal of attaining their degrees. Yet, through all the difculties, there is another solution. GeT-STEM, a new scholarship for the geomatics program at the University of Florida (UF) at Plant City, is available for low-income students.

Tis is one piece of equipment that students use in geomatics. Te drone took pictures of a farmland that has had drought for weeks, of which the students analyze the problem and come up with potential solutions.

For those unaware of Geomatics, it is the field of gathering, storing, processing, and delivering geographical information to special equipment that analyzes the acquired data. This scholarship is unique because eligible students transferring to the UF geomatics program can receive up to $10,000/year to cover unmet financial needs.

The scholarship is realized through a National Science Foundation (NSF) Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program grant to fund a six-year project led by Dr. Amr Abd- Elrahman, a professor of the geomatics program.

Dr. Abd-Elrahman said, “This academic year (2023-24), we have awarded more than $70,000 to 11 qualified students.”

Dr. Abd-Elrahman added that four of the awarded students graduated this spring.

Professor Ali Gonzalez, a specialist in

By Gunnar Wagner

the geomatics program and a co-worker of Dr. Abd-Elrahman, stated that “graduates have salaries that start from $60K annually in addition to rewarding benefits packages. Students can also work while completing the program, gaining from $25/hour for field work to $20/ hour or more for ofce work.”

Gonzalez also mentioned that students are typically given several options: They can either study full time or they can find a job in the geospatial industry to gain experience and earn a substantial income.

So, what are the requirements for this brilliant scholarship? For one to be eligible, they must be enrolled in the geomatics program for at least six credit hours during the semesters the scholarship is awarded, demonstrate academic merit by meeting program requirements and maintaining a 2.5 GPA, be low-income students with unmet financial need based on the information provided in their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be a U.S. citizen.

To learn more about this scholarship or others like it, visit https://fgs.ifas.ufl. edu/geomatics-get-stem-scholarship or https://fgs.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/. The University of Florida at Plant City campus is located at 1200 N. Park Rd.

Photo courtesy of Jace Eldridge. Newly minted head coach Patrick Horn met his 20 returning players on May 23. He and his players are both excited for the new start.

VETERAN IS A RECIPIENT OF AN SUV THANKS TO COMMUNITY

The mission of Liberty Manor for Veterans Inc. is to promote the developmental and social needs of disabled, honorably discharged veterans who have fallen victim to homelessness by providing them transitional, supported housing and establishing objectives designed to attribute to self-sufciency.

“In 2005, we identified a void in services as it relates to homeless veterans when it was evidenced that veterans that worked hard and played it straight all their life receive no services for housing,” said Liberty Manor for Veterans’ director, Connie Lindsay. “Liberty Manor for Veterans is the first residential program of its kind in America that provides housing to veterans who have become homeless as a result of an unemployment situation or an injury that has left the veteran unemployable. Liberty Manor for Veterans originated as a result of a merger between two individuals on opposite ends of the judicial system but united in a mission to assist homeless veterans, resulting in the implementation of the first and most successful veterans homeless programs in the Tampa Bay area.”

Recently, one of the veterans living at Liberty Manor was the recipient of a much-needed vehicle.

“Jesse Hinton was the benefactor of the donation from the Elks Plant City and Jay and Cathy Kudlinski, owners of Absolute Auto Repair in Dover,” Lindsay said. “Jesse was a Coast Guard veteran who was dis-

By Libby Hopkins

charged due to a disability. All participants were delighted that an automobile was presented to Jesse, making it possible to go to medical appointments as well making grocery shopping much easier. We all have a knot in our stomach when we drive out of Liberty Manor and see our veterans at the end of the road waiting for the next bus because it is treacherously hot in the summer in Florida. Coupled with the medications they are required to take, just doesn’t seem right.”

The strengths of Liberty Manor for Veterans are numerous.

“We attribute our success to a community of corporations, volunteers, churches and administration that are extremely committed to improving the quality of life for our veterans,” Lindsay said. “Because we serve as transitioning housing for veterans, our census rate is higher for the number of veterans that we serve per year. We can serve 100 veterans annually. This number does not necessarily include veterans that we have housed but also those veterans that we provided case management for the purpose of procuring food, bus transportation, clothing, career opportunities and family assistance. We have actually served a total of a thousand veterans since our existence.”

If you would like to learn more about Liberty Manor for Veterans, you can visit their website at www.libertymanor. org or call 813-900-9422. Liberty Manor for Veterans is located at 10015 N. 9th St. in Tampa.

Jesse Hinton, a veteran living at Liberty Manor for Veterans, was the recipient of a new vehicle from the Plant City Elks and Jay and Cathy Kudlinski, owners of Absolute Auto Repair in Dover.

PLANS FOR FIRST FAMILY JULY 4TH FESTIVAL AT COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS: MUSIC, CONTESTS,

Get ready to immerse yourself in a day of patriotic revelry as Hillsborough County Fairgrounds unveils plans for its inaugural July 4th festival, entitled Catch the Spirit & Celebrate America, presented by Odiorne Insurance. Admission is free for this community extravaganza, which promises a day packed with fantastic food, exciting activities, engaging contests and live entertainment, culminating in a breathtaking, patriotic drone show after sunset. Gates open at 1 p.m. for this family-friendly event, with parking available at $10 per vehicle.

DRONES & MORE

A watermelon-eating contest is just one of many activities planned for the fun-flled July 4th Catch the Spirit & Celebrate America festival at the County Fairgrounds.

“Hosting a July 4th festival is a natural fit for the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds,” said fair manager Suzanne Holcomb. “By expanding our roster of self-produced events, the Fairgrounds is becoming the go-to venue for family-friendly activities throughout the year.”

An array of interactive activities will fill the afternoon, including a charming pet parade and costume contest, the adorable Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker competition and watermelon-eating challenges. The Ridge Country Band takes the stage in the Entertainment Pavilion at 3 p.m.,

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and the Eric Von Band continues the toe-tapping beats beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Young ones can have a blast petting and feeding farm animals and sliding down inflatables in the kids’ zone, while adults can unwind with a refreshing beverage at one of the beer tents. Fans can explore craft vendors, admire the antique car show and discover organizational displays throughout the day.

The evening culminates with a one-of-a-kind, patriotic drone show beginning at 9 p.m. Produced by Sky Elements Drone Shows, the leading provider of drone light shows in the U.S., this sensory-friendly spectacle features 150 drones choreographed to stirring marches and iconic American music, providing a perfect celebration for all.

Catch the Spirit & Celebrate America is part of a full day of activities in the Brandon area, kicking of with the annual Fourth of July parade at 10 a.m. hosted by the Greater Brandon Action Network.

The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds are located at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover. Visit https://hillsboroughcountyfair.com/ for the complete schedule of events, contest applications and more information.

ROTARY SPOTLIGHT: ACTIVITIES, MEETINGS & MORE

Interact Club of Tampa Bay (High School Students)

The Interact Club of Tampa Bay held its last meeting of this school year on May 6. The club celebrated by handing out $500 worth of gift cards for food and/or beverages to locals at the Westfield Brandon mall, and then enjoyed a complimentary ride on the carousel. Service and fun are what Rotary is all about. Check back in July for the date of the August meeting for area high schoolers at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. Have a great summer! For more information, contact Chad Norgard at chad@norgardinsgrp. com.

Te Interact Club celebrated the end of the year by handing out $500 worth of gift cards to locals at the Westfeld Brandon mall, and then found time for some fun on the carousel.

Zakiyah Adams, (Stanley Thomas Rzad III Memorial Scholarship), Emilee Nevaril, Madisyn McReynolds, Bethany Murrell, London Berry, Lindsay Edwards, Callie Hancock, Gabrielle Howell, Luke Pedrick, Ta’liah Randolph and Lukas Wheeler. The club is also excited to announce that rising high school seniors Ava Benedict and Grifn Chapman will be the FishHawk-Riverview Rotary delegates to the Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders (S4TL), a weeklong Rotary leadership seminar for rising high school seniors at Florida Southern College in June. For more information, email Barbara Howard at bh6890rotary@gmail.com or visit FishHawk-Riverview Rotary’s social media pages.

USF Rotaract (College Students)

Do you have any students attending the University of South Florida this summer or fall? As long as students have a BullsConnect account, they can sign up to volunteer with USF Rotaract. It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends and connect with some great students during the summer term or before starting in fall. The USF Rotaract Club received the Volunteer Organization of the Year Award as well as the USF Bridge Builder Award. Go be a part of this dynamic service group! For more information, contact Mikayla Morris at mikaylamorris@usf. edu or visit Instagram @usf_rotaract. FishHawk-Riverview

Congratulations to the 2024 FishHawk-Riverview Rotary high school scholarship recipients who have demonstrated “Service Above Self” in their school careers:

Brandon South Global Eco

Are you passionate about the environment? Then the Brandon South Global Eco Rotary Club needs you. Help it make a diference by joining its Zoom meeting on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 6-7 p.m. to discuss environmental education and ecological-friendly projects focused on sustainability. For more information, contact Bruno Kazenas at 813-263-7062 or bkazenas@comcast.net.

Brandon ’86

The Brandon ’86 Rotary Club completed a roadside cleanup on Providence Road on May 4. Throughout the summer, the club meets weekly on Fridays from 8-9 a.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. Go check it out! For more information, email info@brandon86rotary.com.

Gershkoff

813-300-5152 mgershkoff@ospreyobserver.com

By Nitish Rele

potential compact car buyer has endless options on a dealer’s lot, but there is one fine ride that stands out for its agility, coolness and sheer excitement. And that, of course, is the Mazda3. Take your pick: the sedan which we recently tested or the hatchback we have driven in the past. Both will leave a smile on your face.

Under the hood of the Mazda3 sits a turbocharged engine putting out 227 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 310 pounds-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm (with 87 octane gas). A smooth-shifting six-speed auto gearbox makes the drive even more fun. Suspension is handled via a MacPherson strut front and a torsion beam axle rear so unpleasant road bumps or curves are handled with ease. The electric power rack-and-pinion steering is instant and on the mark. As always, it is equipped with the direct-injection Skyactiv, which uses a torque boost via a high compression ratio to increase fuel economy.

A black metallic-finish grille hosts a centered Mazda insignia surrounded by horizontal LED adaptive headlights and daytime running lights. Also distinctive are side sill extensions, a rear hatch spoiler and heated power side mirrors, all in black, along with a shark-fin antenna. Other carmakers could benefit from borrowing the simple command control center to operate the all-new and bigger 10.25-inch navigation/infotainment screen. The rich-looking black leath-

er upholstery gives the cabin a gorgeous vibe. Other admirable comforts include the eight-way power driver and four-way manual front-passenger heated seats, push-button start, dual auto a/c, 60/40 fold-down rear seat with hidden armrest and cup holders, overhead sunglass holder, head-up display, power windows and door locks, paddle shifters, power moonroof, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose 12-speaker audio and AM/ FM.

Standard safety features include the dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, stability and traction control, hill launch assist, active front-head restraints, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, rearview camera, 360-degree monitor, radar cruise control, lane keep assist and departure warning, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-trafc alert and tire pressure monitoring system. The G-Vectoring Control Plus (which enables drivers to handle emergency situations or untoward road conditions with more accurate steering inputs) comes at no extra cost. And the i-ACTIV AWD works along with G-Vectoring to control torque distribution between front/ rear wheels.

The supple and exciting Mazda3 is a compact car, so we will excuse the tight rear seat for passengers. But this fuel-sipper, especially on the highway, is afordable, stylish and enjoyable for the daily jaunt or even to take on a long trip.

ANNUAL COUNTY FAIR HARVEST AWARDS NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

This year’s Harvest Awards, presented by the Hillsborough County Fair, won’t be awarded until October, but applications for nominees are now open. What makes these awards so unique is that they recognize not only those engaged in what’s considered traditional agriculture but also those involved in urban agriculture, as well as public and community service.

According to Randy Sears, event chair, the event will have some exciting new additions.

“After careful consideration, the Harvest Awards Committee has moved the event up to October 10, three weeks before the start of the fair that runs from October 31 until November 11, 2024, at the fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Rd., Dover. In addition, we’ve added a new category to recognize emerging young leaders in agriculture with the Next Generation Farmer/Rancher/Nurseryman Award for an individual with less than 10 years in the field.”

The mission of the Harvest Awards, since its inception, has been to recognize the accomplishments of families, individuals and organizations for their achievements and commitment to agriculture and to preserve the agricultural heritage of Hillsborough County. Award categories include Farm Family of the Year,

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Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Agribusiness, Outstanding Public & Community Service, Urban Agriculture/Agriculturalist, Outstanding Farmer/ Rancher/Nurseryman, Outstanding Woman in Agriculture, Posthumous Memorial Award and the new Next Generation Award.

Applications are available on the fair’s website, https://hillsboroughcountyfair. com/, which also has a complete list of previous winners as well as application requirements. All nominations must be received by Monday, July 15, and can be submitted by mailing to Harvest Awards, Hillsborough County Fair, P.O. Box 100, Sydney, FL 33587, or via email to suzanne@ hillsboroughcountyfair.com.

Participants in the luncheon include agricultural, business and community leaders; educational and governmental representatives; and students representing 4-H, FFA and other youth groups. In addition to a lunch featuring strawberry shortcakes provided by the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, participants will also receive gift bags filled with items from numerous commodity organizations and businesses. Businesses wishing to donate may contact Betty Jo Tompkins at bjt6890@yahoo.com or 813-477-8332.

BECOME A POLL WORKER IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Free and fair elections are the hallmark of a democratic society, and poll workers are the backbones of free and fair elections. Without their tireless eforts, elections would not run as smoothly and corruption-free as they should.

If you are a resident of Hillsborough County, at least 18 years old and a registered voter, you can apply to work as a poll worker in Hillsborough County in the upcoming election. You must be able to lift 1530 pounds and work for at least a 14-hour day.

resident and a registered voter in Hillsborough County, you can apply to be a poll worker for the upcoming elections.

Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer said, “I want the local community to know that poll workers are crucial to our elections and our democracy. We could not conduct elections for our large county without our poll workers. If you are friendly, disciplined and want to participate in our democracy in a meaningful way, please consider becoming a poll worker.”

Latimer added, “The application is available on our website, and I encourage individuals to apply now. We are already reviewing applications and assigning positions for the upcoming primary and general election. If you apply after our ofce is fully stafed for this election cycle, you can still be considered for future election cycles.”

Poll workers undergo training, about

By Kathy L. Collins

which Latimer said, “We have earned awards for our poll worker training, and our returning poll workers have remarked on how it has improved over the years. It is very informative and prepares our poll workers well for the work they will be doing.”

Poll workers complete several hours of online training at their own pace and then schedule time to participate in in-person labs where they can practice with the equipment that we use in the polling place. Training is available beginning one to two months before the assignment. Once a poll worker is assigned to work, they will receive more information about training from the poll worker services department. Poll workers are paid. The amount you are paid depends on your position and when you are working. For example, election day poll workers in Hillsborough County earn between $330 and $391. Tasks assigned to poll workers vary, but examples include setting up the polling place, checking voters in, handing out “I Voted” stickers, monitoring the polling location and providing voters with excellent customer service.

For more information on becoming a poll worker and for an application, www. votehillsborough.gov.

Welcome To Our Newest Chamber Members! AR Workshop Brandon

Sauna Studio, Riverview • Lucky Puppy Canine Nail Specialists • Mission BBQ • Florin Roebig Te Bridges at Sweet Water Grand • Jadian Title & Trust Join us at our Midday Power Hour every Wednesday, 11a-12p at JF Kicks for a presentation and

Craig Latimer is the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Election. His ofce has won multiple awards, including ones for training poll workers. If you are 18 years old, a

Te annual Harvest Awards at the Hillsborough County Fair will be held a few weeks prior to the fair on Tursday, October 10.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS FOR DURANT ART STUDENTS...CONTINUED

FROM PAGE 1

By Brian Bokor

building under construction on the north side of State Road 60 between Mulrennan and Dover roads. “Valrico means ‘valley of god’ or ‘rich valley,’ and after visiting over 75 properties, I stood on this one in Kings Mill and knew immediately this is where our pub belongs.”

“Our doors symbolize opportunity, inviting you to step into a brighter future,” Ciulla added. “Partnering with Durant High School and Mrs. Bowers to engage and empower students to express their visions through art on these doors creates a meaningful connection between our restaurant and the local community. We are incredibly grateful for the chance to collaborate with such talented young artists.”

Each one of the doors, along with the stories behind them, will be on display at Voodoo Valrico for an entire year and available to purchase at the one-year anniversary celebration, with all proceeds going back to the Durant art department. The contest will be repeated again next

year with a new group of talented young Durant High artists displaying their skills and keeping the collaboration going between community and business.

Prizes awarded include $1,500 for first place, $500 for second place and a gift certificate for dinnerfor-four given to the third-place winner.

The three winning contestants will be announced at Voodoo Valrico’s grand opening celebration, which both Ciulla and his general manager, Mandi Hand, anticipate happening before the end of this summer.

For a preview of all doors entered into the contest along with information on the opening date, please follow Voodoo Brewing Co. Valrico Facebook page at www. facebook.com/voodoovalrico.

Voodoo Brewing Co. Valrico is located at 3434 SR 60 in Valrico. More on Voodoo Brewing can be found on its website at www.voodoobrewery.com. Ciulla is also the founder of WeCulture Brands as well as the author of the book by the same name.

Emerald Gottfredsen with her door, titled “Opportunities — a self-portrait.”

EASTERSEALS SCHOOL FOR LIMITLESS LEARNING TO HOST INTRODUCTORY EVENTS, OPENS PREREGISTRATION

The Easterseals School for Limitless Learning, a new private school in the Bloomingdale area serving neurodiverse learners from prekindergarten through second grade, is hosting a series of engaging and informational events this month for interested families, caregivers and local community partners. All events will be held at the Bloomingdale BayCare HealthHub, located at 2470 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico.

inaugural class in August at the Bloomingdale BayCare HealthHub, located at 2470 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Easterseals School for Limitless Learning to the community and to begin the registration process,” said Janine Stewart, the school’s director. “Our mission is to break down barriers to learning and provide all students with the individual support they need to unlock their full potential.”

June Event Information:

• ‘Connect and Play’ Sessions (for neurodiverse children, ages 8 and under) on Wednesday, June 19 and 26, from 3-6 p.m. At these free sessions, young children will enjoy sensory activities, games and arts and crafts, providing hands-on examples of the school’s play-based approach to learning.

• Introductory ‘Connections’ Meetings (for parents/caregivers, adults only) on Friday, June 21, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Interested parents, caregivers and those seeking more information will have an

Staf Report

opportunity to connect with school administrators and staf who will share school objectives in a presentation, answer questions and assist with preregistration.

• Community Open House (for parents/ caregivers/community partners) on Friday, June 28, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. This is a chance for parents, caregivers and local community partners to tour the school’s new space in Suite 170 of the Bloomingdale BayCare HealthHub and learn more about its mission.

• If you plan to attend any of these events, please contact the Easterseals School for Limitless Learning at limitlesslearning@fl.easterseals.com or 813236-5589 to RSVP.

Easterseals Florida has also launched the Limitless PossAbilities Scholarship Fund at https://bit.ly/limitlesspossabilities to support access to the school. Donations will help maximize the impact of the scholarships that students receive.

The Easterseals School for Limitless Learning will welcome its inaugural class at the start of the academic year in August.

Additional details about the new private school, including a link to online preregistration for prospective students, are available at www.easterseals.com/florida/ programs-and-services/children--families/ school-for-limitless-learning.html.

STUDENT CREATES NONPROFIT TO SUPPORT & SUPPLY STUDENTS OF ALL ABILITIES

At a young age, Pranathi Manivannan recognized the need in her community for better educational resources for children with developmental disabilities. Her mother worked as a teacher at a school for individuals with special needs, and Manivannan often visited. Noticing that the school was underfunded, unsanitary and lacked proper educational resources, she decided to do something about it.

Today, Manivannan is a rising senior at Strawberry Crest High School and the founder of EmpowerED, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support and supplies to children with autism and special needs.

EmpowerED has already made a significant impact on the local community. Under Manivannan’s leadership, the organization has raised money for children with special needs by partnering with sponsors like Todd Allen and the Brandon Rotary Club, who have helped her expand her reach and establish connections with local businesses and other nonprofit leaders.

EmpowerED’s work has also garnered international recognition. Leaders Across the World recognized Manivannan as a member of its 2023 Changemakers Across the World cohort and donated several hundred dollars in support of EmpowerED’s cause. Manivannan used this money to purchase laptops, technology and playground equipment for

By Jamie Lu

children with special needs.

But she’s only just getting started. One of EmpowerED’s main goals is to establish a school specifically for children with developmental disabilities — a goal that the organization has already taken steps toward achieving. Last year, Manivannan worked with local teachers to open a school and operate it for several months, but as of now they are still attempting to acquire more funding and materials to develop a specialized learning program for the students. To accomplish this, Manivannan has plans to host a book drive and used technology drive in the near future. She is also seeking sponsorships from local businesses and is in the process of designing an Instagram page and a website for EmpowerED.

Manivannan recognizes how teamwork and support have been integral to the cause and thanked Eleanor Saunders from ECHO, Shawn and Jillian McGuinn, Marci Schmeck and her parents for their support and guidance throughout her journey.

“Our mission is inclusivity,” Manivannan said. “We want to champion the unique strengths of children with disabilities and special needs. We’re trying to create an environment of understanding and respect and collaboration.”

To get involved, contact Manivannan at pranathi.manivannan@gmail.com or 813389-0850.

Te Easterseals School for Limitless Learning will welcome its

Pranathi Manivannan (far right) standing with (left to right) Marci Schmeck, Jillian McGuinn and Shawn McGuinn, carrying playground equipment purchased with the money donated by Leaders Across the World.

Several athletes in Hillsborough County were given awards in an annual Spring banquet.

Mark Church, head wrestling coach at Bloomingdale High School, was given the Joel Medgebow Wrestling Coach of the Year award. His team finished among the top three in the Jerry Mita Memorial tournament, the Ben Richards Memorial tournament, county championships and districts.

The team placed first at the John Joyce Memorial tournament. He had nine regional qualifiers, four state qualifiers and one medalist on the team.

“Coach Church has continued to grow our wrestling program this year and always puts his athletes in the best position to be successful,” said Bloomingdale athletic director Sara Bogue. “His wrestling knowledge is unmatched, and he gives countless hours to his athletes and the sport of wrestling. He has high expectations and holds his athletes accountable on and of the mat.”

Nathan Ly of Armwood High School won the Andres Garcia Memorial Tennis Award. He lettered all four years in tennis and is a four-year team captain. He will attend the University of Florida and plans to major in electrical engineering.

“His leadership ability is seen in his selfless love for the game and his willingness to share that knowledge,” said his coach, Kyle Mt. Pleasant. “Without asking, we can count on him to work with the players and to have

By Nick Nahas

the patience to go over every detail and mechanic necessary to improve their game.”

Thomas Gernhart from Brandon High School was named Male Wrestler of the Year.

He wrestled all four years and has 100 career pins and 138 wins. He is a three-time state placer and three-time district champion. As a junior, he was 45-9 and a district champion. As a senior, his record was 56-1, he was a district and region champion and he finished third in the state. He will be attending Coker University on a wrestling scholarship.

“He has a positive attitude and a great spirit for competitiveness,” said Brandon wrestling head coach Joe Cozart.

Arden Swindle from Strawberry Crest High School was named Female Wrestler of the Year.

Since starting wrestling in 10th grade, her record was 15-1 as a sophomore, 23-3 as a junior and 17-6 as a senior. She’s a twotime state qualifier and a three-time region qualifier. Swindle is a two-time Hillsborough County champ and the 2024 FHSAA district champion. She will be attending Hillsborough Community College and plans on majoring in nursing.

“She is an excellent wrestler that is very positive and motivates those around her,” said coach Justin Weaver. “She is a team leader and one of the most accomplished female wrestlers in the school’s history.”

10TH ANNUAL SHARKCON IS COMING TO THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS IN JULY

The 10th SharkCon will host celebrity guests, ocean conservationists and shark experts at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in July to promote ocean and shark conservation.

SharkCon, an annual National Geographic SharkFest event, will bring in engaging speakers and fun activities for guests of all ages on Saturday and Sunday, July 13-14.

“We have five white shark specialists all coming to talk,” executive director Spencer Steward said. “So, this will be the year of the white shark as far as the talks go.”

This year’s SharkCon will also host the largest panel of Jaws franchise actors. Guests will have the opportunity to get autographs and attend a VIP meet and greet with actor Richard Dreyfuss. On July 13, SharkCon is hosting a screening of Jaws: The Revenge for guests who purchase an additional ticket.

Steward said he thought it would be interesting to have the actors come in and talk about their work, especially since SharkCon attendees see them on their TVs and Steward wanted to give them the opportunity to meet the stars in-person.

The speakers will also host small break-

By Lily Belcher

out sessions for guests to ask more in-depth questions. Local aquariums, SeaWorld, Gatorland and over 20 ocean conservation groups will host exhibits. Over 100 vendors will provide shark-related merchandise, including jewelry, art and other collectibles.

“SharkCon is more than just a great time,” reads the press release. “It is an event dedicated to raising awareness about shark and ocean conservation, as well as sustainability. It raises money for ocean and shark conservation eforts, which are undertaken by our partners at SharkCon.”

Dozens of nonprofit organizations will also attend to ofer opportunities and advice on how guests can play an active role in saving the oceans.

Additionally, Trilogy Dive Center is hosting an indoor scuba diving activity with trained professionals.

“So, if you like shark shows on TV, then this is your place,” Steward said.

Tickets for the event are on sale online at https://sharkcon.com/. Adult tickets cost $24.95 and children tickets cost $4.95. Tickets will also be available at the door for a higher price.

For information or to volunteer at SharkCon, visit https://sharkcon.com/ or call 941-539-0833.

Nathan Ly of Armwood won the Andres Garcia Memorial Tennis Award.

SharkCon will host a panel of movie stars and experts in the two-day event.

Arden Swindle from Strawberry Crest was named Female Wrestler of the Year.

TURNING EYESORES INTO WORKS OF ART IN DOWNTOWN PLANT CITY

Historic Plant City Main Street Inc. and MAKE Plant City teamed up for a public art project known as Trash Can-Vas. The project is intended to enhance access to the arts by working with local artists to create and paint designs that celebrate Florida nature on downtown dumpsters. The newest one, created by Victoria Creel, was unveiled on May 23. The Trash Can-Vas is located in the parking lot behind Krazy Kup, located at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. on the corner of Collins Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Creel, a resident of Valrico, is also a photographer with Victoria Michelle Photography. The theme for this year’s project was ‘Florida Nature.’

Creel said, “I grew up in Plant City and camped and did a lot of nature stuf. I though about all the things I saw and what I wanted to seek, like otters.”

Creel added, “Our current world is very busy. I wanted to create a sense of calm and serenity. If my art is something that someone can look at and feel peaceful and reflect on their childhood memories, I am pleased.”

Erin Hollenkamp spearheaded the project with the first dumpster in 2023. Erin said, “I was trying to incorporate art into the downtown area. I wanted to

By Kathy L. Collins

put art in an unexpected area.”

Jay Hollenkamp expanded by adding, “We wanted to turn an eyesore into a positive.”

MAKE Plant City monitored the status of the dumpster created in 2023 to see how it withheld use and the elements. It remains a beautiful piece.

Creel’s piece is festooned with all sorts of flora and fauna that are indigenous to the area, even otters.

The Trash Can-Vas project is funded by a Community Arts Impact Grant from the Arts Council of Hillsborough Couty (funding specifically comes from the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners). Martine Collier, division director for the arts council, said, “The arts council launched the Community Arts Impact Grant in 2018 to try and reach deeper into the community and support grassroots arts initiatives. This Plant City project is a perfect match for this funding and evidence that impact of this grant reaches broadly across the entire county.”

For more information on the events and projects of Historic Plant City Main Street and the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, please visit www.plantcitymainstreet.org and http://hillsborougharts.org/. You can follow MAKE Plant City on Facebook and Instagram.

FIVE LOCAL GYMNASTS ADVANCE AT NATIONAL COMPETITION

Five Tampa Bay Rhythmics gymnasts qualified for nationals after competing against gymnasts across the country at the end of May.

Alexis Georgiev, Madeline Beiter and Priscilla Marin, who are level-nine seniors, advanced to the elite qualifiers in the national competition, formerly known as the Junior Olympics. While they may not have made it to nationals, Tampa Bay Rhythmics owner Tyana Marlowe said the accomplishment was a “big step forward.”

“The most rewarding part was the relief after the competition knowing I gave it my best and now I could relax,” Georgiev said. “Hearing them call my name up as one of the gymnastics that qualified for nationals was very rewarding, and it was something I could bring back to my gym with pride.”

In addition to the three level-nine seniors, two level-six gymnasts, Zaida Leal and Tatiana Acevedo, advanced to the developmental championships. They competed in the championship at the beginning of June.

Coach Pam Tang has coached many of the gymnasts since they were little and has watched them develop as athletes and individuals.

“They are all very, very hard working,” Tang said. “… It’s been such a pleasure watching them grow up and be successful and become women of their own.”

The gymnasts are balancing Advanced

By Lily Belcher

Placement and dual-enrollment classes in high school while putting in between 25-30 hours of gymnastics practice a week.

Beiter said balancing school and gymnastics can be one of the most challenging parts, especially when she wants to commit even more time to her sport. The most rewarding part for her is celebrating successes with her best friends. She also said spending her time at Tampa Bay Rhythmics has allowed her teammates to become family.

“We see each other every day,” Beiter said. “Even when we don’t have practice, we’re all still hanging out together, supporting each other.”

Tampa Bay Rhythmics and Dance opened in 2007 and ofers a range of performing arts teams, including gymnastics, in the Riverview area. The team of coaches trains gymnasts from preschool athletes to young adults in competitive teams.

Through rhythmic gymnastics — a rapidly growing Olympic sport — gymnasts combine dance skills, including flexibility and balance, to make floor routines more graceful and complex.

“Our gym is exclusively for gymnastics and using dance to enhance women’s gymnastics,” Marlowe said.

Visit www.tampabayrhythmics.com or call 813-741-2827 or email tampabayrhythmics@verizon.net.

Madeline Beiter has balanced school and gymnastics.

Alexis Georgiev has ‘grown up’ at Tampa Bay Rhythmics.

Historic Plant City Main Street and MAKE Plant City teamed up with local artist Victoria Creel to take a utilitarian piece of equipment that is functional, but an eyesore, and turn it into a whimsical public art piece.

This is no secret. They don’t work for you, they work for the builder! They are not representing you, they are representing the Builder. So that’s a major problem guys!

You want to be represented by a professional who will make sure deadlines are met and have your best interests in mind! At the Tony Baroni Team, we deal with all of the builders and we’ve sold houses through all of them over time. There are hardly any builders locally we have not worked with or that we don’t know.

WITH NEW CONSTRUCTION, YOU DON’T SAVE THE MONEY BY NOT USING A REAL ESTATE AGENT. A lot of people think, “well, I don’t want to use a realtor because I want to save whatever that commission is. I want them them pass those savings onto me.” gure that a realtor is going to be a part of every

They are going to make sure that everything is set up properly. A professional realtor knows what closing costs are. Your new construction realtor will help YOUR NEW CONSTRUCTION REALTOR SHOULD HAVE AWESOME REFERRAL SOURCES. So for example we have some home inspectors we work with. They go through each phase of the construction process. Also: homeowners insurance referrals,

A NEW CONSTRUCTION REALTOR SHOULD HOLD YOUR HAND THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS. If the builder can get 20% as a deposit, they would. It’s typical that we negotiate what that is. For them to take the home of the market or start the construction process, it may be $2,000 or maybe $5,000, but if they could get 20%, they’re going to get 20% from you so you need a realtor representing you for that. in, when you’d make decisions on what

If there’s an in-house lender; let’s say you can’t get pre-approved with that in-house lender. We will probably be able to get you pre-approved elsewhere and then work to deal with the builder to make sure you still get incentives as if you’re using a in-house lender, very important stuf

CONGRATULATIONS TO AREA HIGH SCHOOL

VALEDICTORIANS & SALUTATORIANS

Valedictorian

Shelina Persad

GPA 9.76

Plans

Valedictorian

Valedictorian

Salutatorian

Valedictorian

Compiled by Taylor Wells

Salutatorian

Plans

Salutatorian

40 YEARS SERVING CHILDREN

DISCOVERY PASS: FREE ADMISSION TO MUSEUMS THANKS TO LIBRARY

By Gunnar Wagner

The arts, a collection of sophisticated human practices defined by creative expression, storytelling and cultural participation, is something everyone can enjoy in some fashion. The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC) is once again o f ering a budget-friendly way for families to enjoy the arts — and escape the summer heat — with the return of the HCPLC Discovery Pass.

ue.” Finally, make sure to review your information. Once it has been confirmed, click “Submit This Request” and you will be presented with a confirmation page where you can print out your reservation and send it on to the specified organization. Once that’s done, you’re all set.

Below are just a few of the many offered attractions that accept the Discovery Pass:

The Discovery Pass is a pass that gives families free admission or a tour pass to select local museums and attractions. All you need is a library card. According to Shannon, a librarian at the Bruton Memorial Library in Plant City, the Discovery Pass has “great value for families, kids and adults, and, in my opinion, it is definitely worth it.”

The best part is that reserving a Discovery Pass is easy. Simply go to the HCPLC website at https://hcplc.org/, select “Services” and then click on the “Discovery Pass” box. Next, go to “Reserve a Pass,” look through the calendar and choose a museum or attraction and a date to make a reservation. Once your library card is verified, fill out the “Pass Request” form and click “Contin-

· Tampa Bay History Center: Experience what Tampa was like in the 1920s with the whole family.

· Glazer Children’s Museum: Take your children to a place where they can play, discover and connect to the world around them to develop as lifelong learners and leaders.

· The Tampa Theatre: Learn all of the theater’s secrets, stories and art with its Balcony-to-Backstage Tour.

· American Victory Ship and Museum: Tour nine decks of one of the few fully operational WWII ships in the country and experience an unforgettable voyage of discovery with your family.

For more information about the Discovery Pass, to reserve one and to find other attractions that accept it, visit https://hcplc.org/services/discoverypass.

Care partners of those with any type of memory loss, whether family, friends or professionals, need to be equipped with the knowledge to best support their loved one.

Gain this knowledge at our NEW hybrid support groups being held via Zoom and in person at Tessera of Brandon.

Hybrid Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Groups

Third Tuesday of Every Month at 6:30 pm Meeting in person and via Zoom!!! New Zoom Meeting Number 890 6308 0000 Password: 8240530

Fourth Wednesday of Every Month at 2:00 pm Meeting in person and via Zoom!!! New ZOOM Meeting Number 869 4044 7508 Password: support

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

FINANCIAL FOCUS

TERM VS. PERM: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you’ve been thinking about life insurance, especially if you have family, loved ones, or anyone who depends on you fnancially, you might be curious about the diferent kinds of policies available. Which type is right for you?

Essentially, you can look at two main categories of life insurance: term and permanent.

Term insurance is a pay-as-you-go option that covers a specifc amount of time, usually 20 years or fewer.

Term insurance benefts are paid to your benefciaries free of federal income taxes if you pass away during the coverage period, but there’s no opportunity to build cash value.

Permanent insurance, such as whole life or universal life, ofers coverage for as long as you pay the premiums, and in addition to providing a tax-free death beneft, also ofers a chance to build equity, or cash value, on a tax-deferred basis.

When determining which type of insurance is appropriate for your needs, you’ll want to consider these factors:

• Cost – Term insurance is generally afordable for most people, which is why it may be particularly suitable for parents and young adults who may be at the beginning of their careers. Permanent insurance is typically more expensive, largely because it is meant to last for one’s lifetime and some of the premiums go toward building cash value in the policy and paying for other features. Generally, the younger and healthier you are when you purchase permanent insurance, the lower your rates will be.

• Length of time insurance is needed – If you think you will only need life insurance for a certain period — perhaps until your children are grown — you might lean toward term insurance. If you feel the need for life insurance for other goals throughout your

lifetime, for whatever reason — you might have a special needs child, or perhaps you want to use your policy to help pay for retirement, or you wish to include the policy as part of your legacy and estate plans — you may want to consider some type of permanent insurance.

• Investment preferences – You may have heard the phrase “buy term and invest the diference.” Essentially, this just means that an investor could purchase low-cost term insurance, and then invest the money that was saved by not getting permanent insurance. This can be a valuable strategy in some situations, but people often don’t actually invest the diference. A permanent insurance policy, through the payment of premiums, may result in a steady buildup of cash value or continued contributions to the policy’s investment components. For many people, this discipline is helpful.

• Future insurability – If you have health issues, it could become difcult to get permanent insurance after you’ve reached the end of a term insurance policy. (Some term insurance policies do ofer the opportunity to convert to permanent coverage, usually without the need for a medical exam.) You could avoid this potential problem by purchasing permanent insurance when you are still young and healthy. Ultimately, you will need to weigh the various factors involved in the permanent-versus-term decision. You also might beneft from consulting a fnancial professional, who can evaluate which type of insurance is most appropriate for your situation. But whether it’s term or permanent, make sure you have the coverage you need to protect yourself and your loved ones.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by

Te Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative’s Discovery Pass ofers families free admission to many local attractions.

Plant City Entertainment will present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a sungthrough musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, this July. All shows are presented at Plant City Entertainment’s black box theater, located at 101 N. Thomas Rd. in historic downtown Plant City.

The shows will be ofered on Friday, July 12, 19 and 26, and Saturday, July 13, 20 and 27, at 8 p.m. There will be matinees on Sunday, July 14, 21 and 28, at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online and at the door. Plant City Entertainment will ofer an opening night special of two tickets for $37. General admission tickets are $25. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are $18. For seniors and students, tickets are $20. And for members, tickets are $18.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be directed by Lois Green, who said, “I first saw Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Broadway in 1982 when I was a senior in high school. I was lucky enough to be cast as an ensemble player and dancer in a community theater production of the show a few years later.”

Green has worked in the theater in different capacities, including acting, choreo-

By Kathy L. Collins

graphing, costuming and directing. She first directed and choreographed Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 15 years ago.

Green added, “I am happy to be allowed a second opportunity to do the same with Plant City Entertainment. Directing this show again is like becoming reacquainted with an old friend. We have a diverse group of approximately 40 talented people, of all ages, performing on stage, and an experienced tech crew working diligently behind the scenes.”

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is the inspiring story of Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob, from the Old Testament of the Bible. He never loses hope, though he sufers many trials and tribulations before his meteoric rise to become the right hand of the pharaoh of Egypt.

Green said, “My vision for this production is to take the audience into Joseph’s colorful, high-energy and uplifting world where they cannot help but smile. The show is completely sung and incorporates many diferent genres of music and dance. It is family friendly and concludes with a beautiful message of forgiveness and love.”

For more information and to get tickets, please visit www.pceshows.com.

LOCAL MERMAID OFFERS PADI CERTIFIED CLASSES AND PARTY APPEARANCES

There have been mermaid sightings recently in the Valrico area and beyond. Ilona the Mermaid has been seen splashing in local pools, at birthday parties and at pool parties. She has even been seen training local residents to become a mermaid just like her.

By Libby Hopkins

can teach mermaid classes for beginner, advanced and professionals.”

Ilona ofers mermaid parties, performances, birthday parties, themed parties, parade performances and pool parties.

“I just love being in the water,” Ilona said.

“It started when my daughter was 8 years old,” Ilona said. “She, like most girls her age, loved mermaids and wanted to become one. So, I got her a mermaid tail and got myself one as well. We spent a lot of time together in the pool swimming like mermaids.”

About a year ago, Ilona was invited to a Halloween party by a friend who is a scuba instructor.

“They were looking for mermaid performers,” Ilona said. “I was asked to participate, and that’s how it all started. I realized there was a whole nation of mermaids, so I wanted to become a certified mermaid. My friends at Woods & Water Dive Shop in Brandon told me about the various mermaid certification classes offered through the SSI Dive program, so I became a certified PADI Mermaid. I

“It’s something I’ve enjoyed since I was little. I grew up by the North Sea and I was literally in and out of the water the whole time. Every girl dreams of being a mermaid, and I get to be one. It is great exercise and a lot of fun.”

Ilona loves to teach her students as well.

“I love helping my students become mermaids,” Ilona said. “I love seeing them start of a beginner in the swimming pool and then move onto learning to be a mermaid in the ocean. It’s great to help their dreams of being a mermaid come true.” If you would like to book Ilona for your upcoming event or take mermaid classes from her, visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wishuponashell. You can also email her at wishuponashell@ gmail.com or call her at 813-551-1823.

Plant City Entertainment will present Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, this July at its wonderful theater in charming downtown Plant City. Tis family-friendly show is one you will not want to miss.

Local Mermaid, Ilona has recently been making splashes at local pool and parties. She also teaches local residents how to become mermaids and mermen.

The Florida Aquarium is inviting guests to dive into the fascinating world of aquatic life with its newest immersive encounter: the Stingray Feeding Experience. During this exclusive adventure, which launched recently, guests will go behind the scenes and learn what it’s like to care for marine life by preparing food for and handfeeding the aquarium’s cownose stingrays in an unforgettable hands-on experience.

Guests will begin in the commissary, where they will discover what it takes to nourish and care for the residents of The Florida Aquarium. They will also take part in preparing the cownose stingrays’ specific daily diet. Participants will then have the opportunity to meet with a stingray biologist and step into the role of caregiver as they hand-feed the aquarium’s enchanting marine animal, named for its unique head shape that looks like a cow’s nose. During the interactive session, guests will have a chance to feed and touch the rays and participate in a training session.

“I think this is a cool opportunity for guests because you get to see what we do in our normal day. This is how we take care of our stingrays,” said Anna Garcia, senior biologist at The Florida Aquarium. “People usually just see it when we’re feeding, but they don’t see the intricate details of what it takes to prep their food, how we manage their diet and then how we actually ofer food to them, make sure each one of them is

Staf Report

eating as well as doing all the training that we do for their animal welfare.”

Stingray Feeding Experience Details:

• It runs from 2:10-3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

• Participants must be at least 8 years of age.

• Children between the ages of 8-12 must be accompanied by a paid adult.

• The maximum capacity is six people.

• It involves the handling of raw fish and shellfish.

• There’s a possibility of getting wet.

Guests can take part in this add-on immersive experience for $30 per person with a separate advanced general admission ticket purchased for the date of your experience.

The Florida Aquarium actively participates in and promotes stewardship of the natural environment as part of its mission of conservation. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, The Florida Aquarium provides an opportunity to see thousands of aquatic and terrestrial animals, explore complex ecosystems, look for wild dolphins in Tampa Bay and more. More than a must-see attraction, The Florida Aquarium is focused on saving marine wildlife through conservation research and rescue eforts that help restore Florida’s sea turtle and coral populations. The Florida Aquarium is located in downtown Tampa at 701 Channelside Dr. For more information and to reserve your spot for the Stingray Feeding Experience, please visit www.flaquarium.org.

The Missing Piece Theatre, a wonderful community theatre organization, will present its sixth production and the second of its second season this July. The Missing Piece Theatre will present the Disney musical, Newsies

All shows will take place at the Gem Theater, located at 118 NW 1st Ave. in Mulberry. Tickets are between $16-$30. Newsies will be presented on Friday, July 19 and 26, at 7:30 p.m. Matinees at 2 p.m. will be on Saturday, July 20 and 27, and Sunday, July 21 and 28.

By Kathy L. Collins

by actors, dancers and audience members alike. … Our cast is full of talented dancers, singers and actors aged 8-67. This show is so big we are adding over 200 square feet to our stage just to fit in all of the amazing dancing, singing and story from this amazing musical. This is one you definitely will not want to miss.”

Golombek added,

Set in turn-of-thecentury New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged newsies. When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right.

These Newsies performances are being directed by The Missing Piece Theatre artistic director April Golombek. Newsies started out as a movie starring Christian Bale in 1992. It was made into a musical by Disney in 2012.

Golombek said, “Newsies has been loved

“We are thrilled to have actors from Riverview to Winter Haven. We have about a half a dozen students that attend classes with Tampa Bay HEAT and another half a dozen students that are currently attending Harrison School for the Arts. We are also thrilled to have so many familial connections in this show. This includes three sets of siblings, a married couple and a mom and son [who] are spending their summer with us making lasting memories.”

The cast includes Daxton Chapell, who was cast as Jack Kelly, and Brynley Lavayen (age 8), who was cast in the Newsies tap dance ensemble. Both Chapell and Lavayen are from FishHawk.

To get tickets to Newsies, please visit www.themissingpiecetheatre.org.

CHAMPAGNE AESTHETICS OFFERS PERSONALIZED SKIN CARE SERVICES

Laurie Champagne-Bumberg, owner of Champagne Aesthetics, has always had an interest in physiology so a career in aesthetics was a clear decision. When Champagne-Bumberg opened Champagne Aesthetics in August 2021, she knew she was where she belonged.

“What I love most about owning an aesthetics practice is the impact it allows me to have on people’s lives,” said Champagne-Bumberg. “It is rewarding to help people feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin. Whether it’s through results-driven treatments or simply being a supportive presence during their journey, seeing the positive transformation in my clients is really cool. Being able to boost confidence, ofer efective solutions and create meaningful relationships with clients is what truly makes this profession fulfilling for me.”

What sets Champagne-Bumberg as an aesthetician and provider is her commitment to personalized care and education.

“I prioritize understanding my client’s individual concerns and goals through a thorough initial consultation,” said Champagne-Bumberg. “By tailoring treatment plans to each individual, I ensure that they receive the most efective care possible. I believe in the power of education as a tool for empowerment. I take the time to educate my clients about their skin, explaining not only what treatments we’re implementing but also why they’re beneficial and how

By Kelly Wise Valdes

they align with their skin care goals.”

The best advice Champagne-Bumberg ofers to someone looking to take care of their skin is to approach it as an investment in themselves.

“Your skin is not only a reflection of your health, but it also plays a significant role in your self-confidence and overall well-being,” said Champagne-Bumberg. “Choose a skin care provider you trust. Look for someone with experience, is continually investing in education and has a reputation for delivering results.”

Champagne Aesthetics is ofering a Lunchtime Glo2Facial™ for $199 during June, July and August to new clients. Glo2Facial is an advanced skin care treatment that combines Oxfoliation™ and targeted serum application to rejuvenate and brighten the skin. It utilizes oxygen therapy to deliver nutrient rich ingredients deep into the skin, resulting in a glowing complexion.

Regardless of your beauty budget, Champagne-Bumberg will work to create a successful skin care plan tailored to individual needs and goals. “By prioritizing consistency and combining medical-grade products with targeted treatments, we can achieve lasting improvements in your skin’s appearance and health.”

Champagne Aesthetics is located at 214 S. MacDill Ave. in Tampa and 16637 FishHawk Blvd., Ste. 102 in Lithia. Call 813-4442441 or visit www.hydrafacialtampa.com.

Laurie Champagne-Bumberg.

Adventure Island Opens Newest Attraction

Adventure Island recently opened its newest and highly anticipated attraction, Castaway Falls, which promises guests an unforgettable experience with over 100 interactive elements, including two massive tipping buckets that unleash a torrential downpour of more than 1,300 gallons of water combined. Set within a tropical paradise, Castaway Falls invites guests of all ages to immerse themselves in a watery world of excitement. Castaway Falls is the centerpiece of Adventure Island’s comprehensive revitalization, which includes recent additions such as Shaka-Laka Shores, Rapids Racer, Wahoo Remix slides and the transformed Captain Pete’s and Hang Ten Tiki Bar. These enhancements create a refreshed atmosphere, complete with new lounging areas and cabanas, providing visitors with the ultimate tropical retreat.

Adventure Island is located at 10001 McKinley Dr. in Tampa. For more information, visit https://adventureisland.com/.

this time about $7 based on continued low natural gas prices.

“Tampa Electric is pleased to be in a position to reduce electricity bills again this year,” said Archie Collins, president and CEO of Tampa Electric. “We are happy to provide customers with some welcome relief as the summer’s heat begins.”

Annual State

Of Te Market Discussion

A lot has changed in the past year. Hillsborough County

Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez will once again gather real estate industry experts to discuss the current and projected state of the real estate market in Hillsborough County. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 26, from 8 a.m.-12 Noon at the Cuban Club, located at 2010 N. Avenida Republica de Cuba in Tampa.

Hillsborough County Public Schools National Merit Scholarship Winners

TECO To Lower Rates A Second Time Tis Year

In January, Tampa Electric Company reduced residential bills by nearly $18 because of a decline in fuel prices and other factors and recently approved a further reduction,

Hillsborough County Public Schools is proud to announce this year’s National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners. The $2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a pool of more than 15,000 outstanding students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential

for success in rigorous college studies.

Students may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

Congratulations to these local Hillsborough County Public Schools National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners:

• Kannon Gailey, Newsome High School.

• Teja Katipalli, Strawberry Crest High School.

• Aarushi Pant, Strawberry Crest High School.

Hillsborough County Schools Purchases 20 Electric School Buses

The Hillsborough County School Board voted to purchase 20 electric school buses, nine from Thomas Built Buses Inc., nine from Blue Bird Corporation and two from Integrated Coach Corporation.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s first Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition.

Creative Sparks Summer Camp

Does your child need somewhere to express their creative side this summer? Look no further than the Creative Sparks Summer Camp at Center Place Arts & Civic Association, located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon. Activities will include storytelling, painting, arts, crafts, games, music and lots of fun. The camp is for ages K-10 and will take place from Monday to Friday, July 15-19, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Register online at https://centerplacebrandon.com/ or by calling 813-685-8888. If you register before July, the cost is $150. Later registration will cost $175.

Creekside Church Of Christ’s Va-

cation

Bible School

The 20 buses are 77 passenger capacity Type-C buses and will serve specific inner-city routes to the district’s underserved communities. The buses should be operational in early 2025, after the necessary training and infrastructure construction (e.g., charging stations) can be completed. In February, the district was awarded $7.9 million in funding for clean school buses as part of

The choices we make every day will determine what kind of lives we’ll have, our relationships with those around us and ultimately our relationship with God. All that begins with our understanding of who Jesus is and how we will choose to respond to Him. At Creekside Church of Christ’s vacation Bible school, children will meet various people who encountered Jesus and discover how they responded to Him. The vacation Bible school is for grades four to five and will take place from Wednesday to Friday, June 26-28, from 6-8:20 p.m., with an ice cream social at 8 p.m. on the last evening. For more information and to sign up, visit www.creekside.life/ events or call 813-763-5760.

DIVE INTO ADVENTURE ISLAND, FEATURING ALL-NEW CASTAWAY FALLS, NEW WAVE POOL AND FAN-FAVORITE ISLAND NIGHTS

Summer is here, and Adventure Island, Tampa’s island paradise, is the ultimate summer destination, featuring the recent debut of the all-new Castaway Falls, a new wave pool and the much-anticipated return of the fan-favorite Island Nights. Guests of all ages are invited to dive into a world of excitement and relaxation with thrilling new attractions and unforgettable evening events that promise to make this summer the best one yet.

“Summer is an exciting time at Adventure Island,” said Philip Boykin, vice president of Adventure Island. “From our thrilling attractions to our serene tropical escapes, there are plenty of opportunities to choose your own adventure this summer at Adventure Island.”

Set within a tropical paradise, Castaway Falls invites guests of all ages to immerse themselves in a watery world of excitement. This exhilarating attraction is the centerpiece of Adventure Island’s comprehensive revitalization, which also includes recent additions such as Shaka-Laka Shores, Rapids Racer, Wahoo Remix slides and the transformed Captain Pete’s and Hang Ten Tiki Bar. These enhancements create a refreshed atmosphere, complete

Staf Report

with new lounging areas and cabanas, providing visitors with the ultimate tropical retreat.

Guests can splash all day and into the night with the return of Island Nights, featuring extended park hours until 8 p.m. every Friday in July. Guests can capture fun selfies with a 360-degree camera, enjoy lively parties with stilt performers and groove to the beats of dynamic DJs on select nights. This event ofers thrilling entertainment and a family-friendly dance party suitable for all ages.

An Adventure Island Annual Pass is the best way to enjoy an entire year of family fun, thrilling attractions and exciting seasonal events. Categorized in easy-to-use tiers, options provide guests with unlimited, year-round admission and unbeatable benefits, including free parking, in-park discounts, monthly rewards and payments starting as low as $10.50 per month.

Located across the street from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island is Tampa Bay’s premier water park, featuring a combination of exhilarating water slides and tropical, tranquil surroundings. Guests can dig their toes into the sand or relax in lounge chairs or a private cabana. For more information, visit https:// adventureisland.com/.

Are the kids driving you crazy and playing too many video games this summer? Want to have them do something healthy and learn a lifelong sport? Then look to Ace Golf, which is ofering a $1 summer golf practice program for kids ages 4-15. Every day from June 1 through Saturday, August 31, kids can sign up to receive a $1 small bucket of range balls or a $1 round of miniature golf each day for the whole summer. Kids hit the balls on the practice ranges and miniature golf courses at Bay-area Ace Golf locations. And it’s all just $1 per activity.

“There are a lot of families out there that just can’t aford to put kids in camps, or they just want something productive to fill their summer,” said Bill Place, owner of Ace Golf Ranges and Golf Courses. “We want to help, and hopefully in the process, we may find the next Tiger Woods.”

How it works:

• Children may sign up for free at either of two Ace Golf locations in Riverview or Land O’ Lakes.

• Each child receives a daily stamp card for a $1 small bucket or $1 miniature golf each day.

• Each time the child redeems their bucket, they will get a stamp on their card noting the redemption.

• Redeemable from Monday through

Thursday, open until 4 p.m. Not available on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

• No other purchase is necessary. Kids should bring a golf club with them, or they may rent one.

A parent must accompany all children using the program at all times.

In addition to the $1 bucket or mini golf program, kids may also play golf for $1 when accompanied by a paying parent at Ace Golf’s Plantation Palms Golf Club after 12 Noon every day from June 1 through the end of October.

Ace Golf Range is located at 12910 Boyette Rd. in Riverview (phone: 813 6727750; website: https://ace-golf.com/). It is open daily until 10 p.m. The facility features a lighted golf practice range, miniature golf and batting cages. Ace Golf’s Plantation Palms Golf Club is in Land O’ Lakes (phone: 813 996-4653; website: www.plantationpalms.net). It is open to the public and offers a public championship golf course, an 18-hole miniature golf course, Mulligans Irish Pub, and a banquet/events center.

Ace Golf has been family-owned by locals Su Lee and Bill Place since 1993. In addition to the $1 kids program, each location ofers summer golf camps, clinics and private and group golf lessons. For more information, please visit https://ace-golf.com/.

Ace Golf is once again ofering a $1 summer golf practice program for kids.

Trilling water slides await, such as Rapids Racer, Wahoo Remix, Solar Vortex, Vanish Point, Caribbean Corkscrew, Colossal Curl, waterfalls, a 17,000-square-foot wave pool, a children’s zone and other family attractions, including the all-new Castaway Falls.

Celebrating 10 years of music director and maestro Michael Francis’ bold artistic leadership, The Florida Orchestra (TFO) announced the 2024-25 season, full of the world’s great masterpieces, stunning new discoveries and broad programming that refl ects the rich cultural landscape of Tampa Bay and beyond. The 57th season is a culmination of what Francis and TFO do best: creative, thoughtful programs that foster a deeper, more personal connection to the music and mission of Florida’s largest professional orchestra. To open the premier Hough Family Foundation Masterworks in October, Francis uses his inspiration from Tampa Bay’s Latin roots. The innovative, colorful program partners with The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay in unexpected ways, including a fantastic fi nish with Maurice Ravel’s Boléro

The Masterworks series will emphasize great concertos of the Romantic Period, including Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with renowned soloist Olga Kern, Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto, alongside epic masterpieces including Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 3.

For the fi rst time, TFO is going country in the Raymond James Pops series. It opens with Country Hits: Songs from Nashville, a tribute to icons such as Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks. In the special Pops concert Pretty Woman to Hunger Games , famed fi lm composer James Newton Howard himself will conduct some of his most captivating scores.

The reenergized Morning Matinees series is back with a new lead conductor, TFO resident conductor Chelsea Gallo. Also new: Each morning concert will

showcase one of TFO’s remarkable musicians as a soloist.

Season tickets for all subscription series are on sale now at https://florid-

Odyssey ), one of the fi rst works Francis ever conducted with TFO. This will be the fi rst time TFO performs the Mahler arrangement of Beethoven’s iconic symphony, a bigger, bolder version of the original. Francis also will conduct Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3 (May 9-10, 2025) — the great American symphony — which was part of his fi rst opening night with TFO in 2015.

aorchestra. org/.

“The new season is fi lled with incredible variety. We’re proud to work with soloists from the world’s great concert halls as we continue to create spectacular experiences with familiar favorites while introducing new discoveries,” said Francis, who is generously sponsored by the Hough family. “We’ve expanded our Masterworks series to 14 programs. Each

Francis is bringing back another creative success for the Masterworks series: ‘mystery pieces.’ Francis has personally chosen all 14 short works, which will enhance and connect to the program in a surprising way. None will be listed ahead of time.

one is carefully curated to tell a story and spark a great conversation. My absolute passion is to help each person connect to the music and, above all, to connect to themselves. Every concert should feel unique and meaningful to your life and your community.”

“It’s amazing to me that we’ve reached my tenth season with The Florida Orchestra. Making music with these musicians has been a true privilege, and I’m proud of our work as a beacon of artistic excellence in Tampa Bay,” said Francis, who signed a contract extension through at least the 2029-30 season.

The Masterworks series refl ects a decade of Francis’ infl uence. A centerpiece concert of the season pairs two of the most famous openings in music: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 (Nov. 1-3) and Richard Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra (theme from 2001: A Space

“This season makes a statement about the impact Michael Francis and TFO have made over the past decade,” said President and CEO Ignacio Barrón Viela. “Our audiences have come to expect not only a great performance but a special experience that stays with them long after they leave the concert hall. At The Florida Orchestra, we believe music is a catalyst for beauty, healing, joy and so much more. The Tampa Bay community is such a rich melting pot of cultures, and we are performing a wide variety of music that is accessible to all. Nobody delivers experiences at the highest level like Michael Francis with your Florida Orchestra, both in the concert hall and the community.” Visit https://fl oridaorchestra.org/ for more information.

SUMMERTIME BRINGS POOL SAFETY INTO FOCUS

Now that summer is here, Hillsborough County launched Safe Pools Day Tampa Bay, which was aimed at educating families about practicing pool safety while they enjoy swimming this summer. Florida leads the nation in drowning deaths of children 4 years old or younger, and most of the deaths are preventable.

According to Hillsborough County Code Enforcement Director Joe Goss, his staf teamed up with the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City and the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County for Safe Pools Day Tampa Bay on May 10. Code enforcement ofcers visited condominium, subdivision, apartment complex and other common-area pools to ensure they meet safety standards, including those outlined in the Hillsborough County Code. Staf looked for appropriate fencing, signage, drain covers, sanitation and more.

Goss also shared other tips for families through the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and gave the following tips for water safety and how to help prevent pool injuries and drownings.

First, designate a ‘water watcher’ — an adult whose only job is to watch the children in the pool. Water watchers should be rotated about every 10 minutes. In addition, ensure that alarms are installed on any doors and gates leading to an at-home pool, and have a water alarm in the pool that goes of when someone enters the pool.

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Goss also strongly encouraged parents to enroll children in swim lessons. Locally, the City of Tampa ofers swim lessons for ages 6 months and older through the American Red Cross. Many local YMCAs also ofer drowning-prevention programs.

“With summer just around the corner, it’s important to ensure that private home swimming pools are safe, secure and sanitary,” said Goss.

“To prevent accidental drownings, all swimming pools, hot tubs and spas — regardless of when they were constructed — are required to have the proper fencing and safety barriers installed.”

If a pool enclosure has an access gate, it must be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching locking device.

Homeowners can reduce their safety risk and avoid a citation by checking their functional access gate to ensure it meets the local standards.

A clean swimming pool is a must as well. Pollen, leaves and other organic material can transform a backyard oasis into a murky green lagoon if not properly maintained. Residents should maintain pools and spas year-round and remove standing water pool and spa covers to prevent mosquitoes, bacteria and germs from breeding.

If you witness a code violation at any swimming pool in unincorporated Hillsborough County, call code enforcement at 813274-6600. Visit www.tampaymca.org.

Michael Francis, Music Director

Water safety tips are a priority to keep families safe this summer.

With summertime just around the corner, keeping your pool clean and refreshing is more important than ever.

Ennis and Travis

America’s Swimming Pool Company (ASP), the newest pool service company, opened in SouthShore in February and is excited to help community members get their pools ready for swimming season and stay ready all year long with regular services.

ASP ofers a two-tier weekly maintenance, including pool cleaning and maintenance of the chemicals, as well as repairs, equipment upgrades and renovations such as refinishing and retiling pools. While summer might be the most important time for your pool to be swim ready, living in Florida means pools need regular maintenance. ASP ofers year-round maintenance and cleaning to keep pools ready to go whenever the weather is warm.

“In the summer, it’s important to understand all the demands on your pool’s chlorine and maintain a residual to prevent algae from debris, UV from the sun and bather load,” said Travis Larson, owner of the SouthShore ASP location. “In the winter, the cooler temperatures help to mitigate the algae growth; however, it presents other challenges, as lower temperatures do afect the overall water balance.”

Larson recently retired from 20 years

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

Amy and Travis Larson of America’s

of service in the Navy as a submarine ofcer, which included jobs like being an engineer on a nuclear-powered submarine, being an executive ofcer and being part of the U.S. Special Operations Command. Because of this experience, Larson brings years of knowledge in engineering, piping and electrical repairs and water chemistry to ASP.

“I opened ASP because I wanted to connect with my community, provide a service that has historically lacked a professional approach and the opportunity to work outdoors,” said Larson.

ASP takes pride in not only helping pool owners keep their pools swim ready but also striving to help the community and the world through supporting organizations.

On top of being proud sponsors of Apollo Beach Elementary, ASP is partnered with OneWorld Health to provide clean water to health care settings globally through the ‘Clean Water Matters’ campaign.

Water chemistry, especially for pools, is a complex process, and mistakes can easily happen when maintaining a home pool. The easiest way to avoid damage to the water quality is to rely on professionals who understand and can maintain the balance.

For information, visit www.asppoolco. com/south-shore-fl/ or call the ofce at 813-641-4936.

Swimming Pool Company in SouthShore.

Gregory

Larson of America’s Swimming Pool Company in SouthShore.

CUSTOM HAIR OFFERS SOLUTIONS AND PERSONAL APPOINTMENTS

Men and women generally lose 50-100 hairs a day. This shedding is unnoticeable because new hair is growing in at the same time. However, millions of Americans experience noticeable hair loss (alopecia areata) due to hormonal changes, medical conditions, aging or a result of heredity. Regardless of the cause, hair loss can be mentally and emotionally devastating.

Custom Hair, with three locations in the Tampa Bay area, including one in Brandon, specializes in finding nonsurgical hair replacement solutions for individuals with hair loss.

Lori Younkman, co-owner of Custom Hair with her husband, Dan Younkman, understands firsthand how hair loss can have an impact on a woman’s self-esteem. Lori’s lifelong struggle with thin hair ended when she decided on permanent hair replacement. She is passionate about solving hair loss challenges, especially for women.

Custom Hair ofers the finest quality wigs and hair replacement for men, women and children. What sets it apart from other businesses in the industry is its customer service and dedication to women’s hair replacement. Clients who decide on wigs or toppers (a hairpiece attached to one’s scalp and designed to blend in with natural hair) get a professional fit; education for care of the products; and options for cut, styling and col-

By Jane Owen

or. Clients who choose permanent-bonded hair are attended to by a professional stylist in a private studio. Their hair solution is designed to fit, customized with a cut and color.

Theresa, a client from Tampa, said Custom Hair’s personal attention makes the diference.

“I’m so grateful I found Custom Hair Tampa. I’ve had alopecia for 19 years. Until three years ago, I was ordering my pieces of the internet, trying to ‘do it myself.’ I was finding it increasingly frustrating to guess how the color and style would look on me once it arrived in the mail,” Theresa said.

Lori said Custom Hair requires appointments because hair solutions are personal. She added, “There’s no pressure. We ofer options and solutions.”

Edwin, another Tampa client, found that Custom Hair relieved his frustrations.

“After 60 years of transplants, hair fibers, etc., I just got frustrated with the whole process. Not only did they listen attentively to what I was hoping to achieve, they also went above and beyond to ensure that I felt comfortable and confident throughout the entire process,” Edwin said.

Custom Hair of Brandon is located at 117 N. Kings Ave. To learn more about Custom Hair, visit https://customhairtampabay.com/.

Hair stylist Melissa styling a client’s permanent hair replacement.

Vivir By Onyx+East Now Open

The Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce participated in a ribbon-cutting celebrating Valrico’s newest 82 single-family home community, Vivir by Onyx+East.

Located of Bloomingdale Avenue, Vivir ofers a tight-knit, quiet community feel, featuring four impressive 2-story home designs with upscale features, flex spaces, gourmet kitchens and attached garages. It’s only steps away from schools, the Campo Family YMCA, the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, medical ofces and a variety of restaurants. Models are located at 3306 Tybee Square Blvd. and are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit its website at www.onyxandeast.com/property/vivir/ for more details.

Current Chiropractic Moves To New Location

Current Chiropractic recently celebrated moving to its beautiful new ofce building at 1108 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico with a ribbon-cutting from the Valrico/Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce. Current Chiropractic ofers neurostructural chiropractic care using gentle, precise and evidence-based adjusting techniques. It also can do X-rays if necessary and ofers an initial free consultation beforehand, only accepting pa-

tients it knows it can help, with the aim of getting patients to a point where they don’t need to visit Current Chiropractic often. Additional information can be found on its website at https://currentchiropractic. com/ or by calling 813-603-4466..

Osprey Nest Enterprises LLC & HARTLINE Communications Named Agency Of Record For Hillsborough County Fair

Osprey Nest Enterprises LLC, a Tampa Bay-based strategic communications agency, in partnership with Gainesville-based HARTLINE Communications, has been named the Communications Agency of Record for the Greater Hillsborough County Fair Association’s self-produced events.

The contract encompasses a range of services tailored to support the events produced by the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds staf, including their signature event, the Hillsborough County Fair, as well as Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village, the inaugural Catch the Spirit & Celebrate America July

4th festival and the Back 2 School Bash.

Lisa Taylor of Osprey Nest Enterprises and Melinda Hartline of HARTLINE Communications.

Visit https:// ospreynest.me/ and www.hartlinecommunications.com for more information about the companies. Visit https://hillsboroughcountyfair.com/ for year-round fairground events and updates.

TK Tech Services Serves All Your Business Needs

While modern business technology offers numerous benefits, it also introduces potential challenges. Issues such as inefficient networks, system downtime and security threats can strain your team and hinder productivity. TK Tech Services is the onestop shop for all your business IT needs. Its certified technicians will deploy cutting-edge managed IT services to enhance security and optimize your systems. It also offers proactive maintenance and fast 24/7 support to keep your operations running

smoothly. For more information, visit its website at https://tktechservices. com/ or call 813-906-0936.

iSMASH Celebrates With A Ribbon-cutting

iSMASH celebrated joining the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon-cutting at its location in Brandon at 863 E. Bloomingdale Ave. iSMASH ofers three fun and exciting activities which allow you to blow of steam in a totally safe space. Along with rage rooms that can accommodate groups up to 15 people, iSMASH also has a variety of smash session packages. Glow-in-the-dark splatter paint experiences and axe-throwing lanes with digitally projected games are available as well. To learn more about iSMASH, visit its website at https://ismashusa.com/locations/fl-tampa/ or call 813-807-6274.

Celebrate With Purple Box Mobile Kids Spa

Let’s celebrate! Purple Box Mobile Kids Spa believes that you are never too young

EYE ON BUSINESS...CONTINUED

to start pampering yourself. Step on board its luxurious mobile kids spa for a unique experience that comes to you. Its variety of spa party packages are perfect for all celebrations and serve ages 4-14; they include everything you need to host the perfect celebration. With such things as mini manis and pedis, glittery makeup, facials, karaoke, a photo booth and snacks, there is a package for everyone. Visit its website at www. purpleboxmobile.com or call 813-557-8179 for more information.

Mira Med Spa

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

the body are ofered, including lash extensions and massages. For more information, visit its website at www.miramedspa.com.

JF Kicks Welcomes New Chef And Menu

Why Are My Property Taxes Going Up?

By Bob “Coach” Henriquez

As a Hillsborough County native and lifelong resident of Tampa, I feel particularly honored to have been elected to the ofce of Hillsborough County Property Appraiser for three consecutive terms. During this time, I have come to know a great many of you who receive your annual Notice of Proposed Property Taxes from my ofce each August. Whether it’s at a cofee shop or community gathering, people often joke to me, “Hey Bob, you’re the guy who raised my taxes.”

While the Property Appraiser is not the county entity that raises or collects taxes, it does remind me there are many people who are either unsure about the services my ofce provides property owners or have misconceptions regarding my ofce’s statutory duties.

Mira Med Spa (MMS) is an upscale spa boutique which prides itself on providing high-quality services while ensuring every customer leaves feeling refreshed and renewed. Owner Lisa Hart is a medical aesthetician and master trainer. Located at 1110 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, MMS believes that looking and feeling your best should go hand in hand and creates unique skin care routines that are tailored for each individual. Along with providing skin care, other services for lashes and

JF Kicks has been a Valrico staple since 2007, and it has slowly transformed from a local bar that serves food into a hometown neighborhood meeting place where you can eat great American cuisine. Chef Guillermo Becker recently took over the kitchen and brought with him an extensive culinary background and some fresh ideas on some old staples, along with a variety of tasty new dishes. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Becker strives for perfection with his knowledge of Mexican and Cuban fusion cuisine.

JF Kicks is located at 3345 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Visit its website at https://jfkicksrestaurant. com/ to view its new menu.

Frequently, people like to see their property values increase –especially when they are looking to sell their home – but not on the day they receive that envelope with their annual Notice of Proposed Property Taxes, commonly known as the “TRIM (Truth in Millage)” notice. So, as my ofce prepares to mail out this year’s notices to all property owners in the county, let me explain a few items that may help you understand exactly what we do and how we may even help you save money.

For starters, the Property Appraiser’s Ofce does not directly raise or lower your taxes. Our primary statutory responsibility is quite simple: annually assess all properties in Hillsborough County to their full market value. But with more than a half million parcels in Hillsborough County, that’s not an easy task.

The methods by which the Property Appraiser’s Ofce determines a property’s market value goes well beyond what your neighbor sold their house for, or what a real estate agent or a website might say your property is worth. My ofce compares properties in a much larger and more complex universe, using highly regulated computer assisted mass appraisal techniques that establish the market value of the property as of January 1st of each year.

It’s important to note the final sale price of a home usually includes many fees, including assorted closing costs, that are not part of the full market value that the Property Appraiser’s Ofce is seeking to determine. Also, if you have experienced an increase in your monthly mortgage payment, it doesn’t necessarily mean it was a result of your property taxes increasing.

Most people pay their property taxes as part of an escrow account that is included in their monthly mortgage payment. And in Florida, where homeowners’ insurance has recently topped the list for the most expensive rates in the nation, insurance is THE most rapidly increasing portion of most homeowners’ mortgage payment.

This is where applying for homestead exemption through my ofce is vitally important. If your property is granted a homestead exemption, state law says the taxed value of your property cannot increase by more than 3% a year – even if your property’s market value has increased by double digits.

your free inspection or a quote for

Many recent home buyers are surprised to see their tax bill jump significantly when compared to what the home’s prior owner was paying. This increase in taxes usually occurs because the property’s previous owner, through many years of having the benefit of a homestead exemption on the property, had built a large assessment limitation on their annual tax bill. This benefit is commonly known as “Save Our Homes” assessment limitation.

Finally, the rate that your property is taxed is set by your elected ofcials at the city and county level, as well as other taxing authorities, like the school board, and not by the Property Appraiser’s Ofce. Set by those taxing authorities, the “millage rate” is the easiest benchmark citizens can look at to understand why they pay the taxes they do. The millage rate is how much a home is taxed per $1,000 in value. As property values increase, so do the taxes.

I hope this brief outline has helped you to clearly identify the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Ofce’s basic responsibilities and duties under state law. As always, we are here to help you understand the services we provide – including applying for homestead exemption – and to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact our ofce at 813-272-6100 or visit our website at hcpafl.org.

Bob “Coach” Henriquez

Hillsborough County Property Appraiser

JF Kicks’ new chef, Guillermo Becker, brings a variety of tasty new dishes to its menu.