Osprey Observer Valrico March 2022

Valrico 25-33

36

March 2022

Volume 19, Issue 3

Ph: 657-2418

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS

BLUE WAVE SWIMMER MEETS OLYMPIC HEROES, COMPETES IN SOUTHERN ZONE SPEEDO SECTIONALS

By Nick Nahas

Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596

By Michelle Caceres Valrico native and During her trials, a Durant High graduate quote from New York Victoria ‘Tori’ Leto Times bestselling auwas crowned Miss thor Ann Voskamp Tampa at the 75th anhelped her persevere: niversary of the Miss “No amount of regret Tampa Scholarship will change the past Pageant in January. and no amount of Leto, a junior at the worry can change the University of South future.”

Florida majoring in “It’s my mantra to premed psychology, help me stay groundhad competed in paged and focused,” she eants in high school, said. “It reminds me but this one had the to be present in every most intensive semoment and do what lection process, she I can to move forsaid. Contestants were ward.” scored on a personal Leto is definitely interview with judges moving forward. She (35 percent), talent will head to the Miss (35 percent), red-carFlorida Scholarship pet evening wear (15 Pageant in Lakeland percent) and on-stage in June, where more interview/social imthan $1.1 million in pact pitch (15 perscholarships have been cent). awarded in the last For the talent porfive years. If she wins tion of the competithe title of Miss Florition, Leto, who has da, Leto will represent been a competitive Florida in the Miss trumpet player for America Scholarship nine years, wowed the Pageant. judges by performing She’s honored to “La Vie en Rose” by Valrico native Victoria ‘Tori’ Leto was represent her homecrowned Miss Tampa and will represent town in the pageant Louis Armstrong.

She plans to use her our city in the Miss Florida Scholarship and is grateful for the Competition in June. platform to address community support. the uncomfortable “They say it takes a perceptions surrounding teen mental village, but I feel like I have the entire health and use her own story to inspire city of Tampa behind me encouraging and educate others through hard-hitting me on this journey,” said Leto. and necessary conversations.

For more information about the Miss “I had a pretty unfortunate high school Tampa Scholarship Competition or Leto, experience and struggled with mental visit www.officialmisstampa.org. health in high school,” she admitted. “I have an opportunity to help others that are in that situation and want to share a message of the importance of self-love.”

She is sharing her message to local CRAWFISH FESTIVAL .........................PG 3 schools, has started writing a book and BSHS RED LETTER ............................. PG 15 hopes to create partnerships with local ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PG 23 organizations like the Crisis Center at EYE ON BUSINESS ..........................PGS 38 the Gracepoint Foundation.

IN THIS ISSUE:

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Blue Wave swimmer Valentine’s Day goody Michaela Walker recently bags for the Migrant Eduqualified to compete at the cation Program. The bags Southern Zone Speedo Secwere for the less fortunate tionals in Orlando, where kids of migrant workers in she got to swim in the same need. pool with Olympic Gold The swimmer didn’t do medalists, Caeleb Dressel, as well as she wanted at Katie Ledecky, Natalie Hinds the event, but meeting her and Michael Andrew. Walkrole models has changed er swam the 50m and the her perspective.

100m breaststroke and also “I didn’t do as well as I got to watch these Olympic wanted to, but my coach legends race, which left a told me that this meet is Photos courtesy of Agnese Walker great impression on her. just an experience and Michaela Walker met Caeleb “I was starstruck when Dressel, the fastest swimmer in the start of a new chapI saw them in person,” said ter,” said Walker. “He told the world.

Walker. “I especially was me to just watch them, excited to see Katie Ledecky as they are some of best and Caeleb Dressel because swimmers in the world, I’ve looked up to them since and just take in everyI started swimming at age thing. My favorite part of 8. It was very fun to watch that weekend would have Katie Ledecky beat her to be getting the opportuOlympic times. When she nity to swim in the same touched the wall, the atmolane as Katie Ledecky and sphere on-deck was crazy Caeleb Dressel. I was just as everyone was cheering. casually warming up and Watching Caeleb Dressel when I got to the wall and was also amazing, knowing looked up, there was Katie that he’s the fastest in the Ledecky right in front of world. Actually meeting all me. I was shocked that I the Olympians and having a was in the same lane as Michaela Walker stands with conversation with them was Olympic swimmer Natalie Hinds the fastest person in the after the competition. incredible, and I was at a world. This was the moloss for words. Reflecting back on it makes ment that made me realize that although me realize that they are just people, proving Ledecky has literally won the Olympics sevthat anything is possible.” en times and has swum all over the world, Walker has competed as a swimmer she is just a person.” since she was 8 for the Blue Wave at High 5, Walker will compete at the senior chamInc. The sophomore also swims for Straw- pionships, which is a state-level meet for berry Crest High School, where she partic- swimmers aged 15-18 who qualify. She ipates in the IB program. Walker is a great hopes to continue to improve and make student-athlete with a 5.0 GPA, balancing more sectional cuts and swim in more school and swim six days per week. events at sectionals. She also wants to The 16-year-old is also active in her com- make a Futures cut and has aspirations of munity as a volunteer. She recently made swimming in college.

LOCAL RESIDENT WINS MISS TAMPA TITLE

This year’s event will feature more than 20 delicious dishes to pair with wines, craft brews and cocktails so park guests can explore a variety of flavors while enjoying a diverse concert lineup, including 22 live musical acts for all tastes. The Food & Wine Festival runs Fridays through Sundays from March 11 to May 22 and is included with admission to the park.

To read the full article or for more information, see page 14.

EXPIRES: 9/30/2020

Exp 3/31/2022

Page 2

Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 3

Valrico Edition

March 2022

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 12TH ANNUAL CRAWFISH & CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL Staff Report Are you a seafood Since its inception, lover? Then mark your the Rotary Club of Fishcalendars for a delicious Hawk-Riverview has event that also helps out been involved in numerthe community. ous service projects and, The Rotary Club of most recently, a global FishHawk-Riverview is project in Honduras prohosting its 12th annuviding water filtration al Crawfish Festival at and latrine systems for Winthrop Town Centre local communities in on Saturday, April 30 that country. from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

“We have also pro“We are looking forvided funds for college ward to making this the scholarship programs largest Crawfish Fesfor local high school tival yet to be put on students; Student DicThe 12th annual Crawfish Festival, by the Rotary Club of tionary Distribution— hosted by the Rotary Club of FishFishHawk-Riverview,” over 8,500 dictionaries Hawk-Riverview, will take place at said Gabriel Mbulo, the Winthrop Town Centre on Saturday, to elementary students April 30 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. club’s president. since the program beOne hundred percent of the proceeds gan; Rotary’s Camp Florida, a camp for spefrom the event will help the Rotary Club cial needs children and adults in Brandon; Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity, to fund and Group Study Exchange; Reading Is Fundasupport local, national and international mental, where more than 800 books have charities and activities. been donated to Head Start students and Charities and activities include, but are members volunteer to read to the students not limited to, college scholarships for lo- monthly; Project C.U.R.E., a collection and cal students, ECHO, Campo Family YMCA, distribution of medical supplies to developYMCA Camp Christina, the Sylvia Thomas ing nations; PolioPlus and The Rotary FounCenter, the Brandon Outreach Clinic, Ro- dation,” said Mbulo. tary’s Camp Florida, Head Start, PolioPlus Rotary International is an organization and more. of business and professional leaders, unitThe event will feature a live performance ed worldwide, who provide humanitarian

by Soul Circus Cowboys, a high-energy service, encourage high ethical standards powerhouse Southern rock band from Tam- in all vocations and help build goodwill and pa. There will be lots of fun, free games and peace in the world. In more than 165 counvarious activities for children. tries worldwide, approximately 1.4 million “As usual, we will be offering a variety Rotarians belong to over 33,000 Rotary of Cajun-style dishes, such as crawfish din- Clubs. ners, étouffée, gumbo, jambalaya and hamSponsorships and vendor spots are availburgers and hot dogs,” said Mbulo. “Addi- able for the event and all of the information, tionally, we are anticipating having over 50 including food pricing and pickup informavendors in attendance.” tion, can be found at www.luvcrawfish.com.

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Page 3

POWERFUL ARTIST MAKES HIS COMMUNITY DEBUT AT CENTER PLACE

By Libby Hopkins

Raymundo Lopez 4-year-old would experiGomez is currently a ence,” Gomez said. “This Plant City resident, is why it’s so important to but he is originally me to paint these imagfrom Chiapas, Mexico. es so people can see what By day, he works as my people and family dealt a produce picker, but with and are still dealing at night, he creates with in Chiapas.” beautiful and powerGomez will be one of the ful works of art. featured artists at Center Gomez works hard Place’s Artist Night on Friin the fields so he can day, April 1. Center Place send money back to will also host an exhibit of his family in Chiapas Gomez’s work in October of and to one day make this year. his dream of opening Gomez is thankful for the his own art center in opportunities Center Place his hometown come has given him to show his true. “I started paintart. “Because I’m an indiging as a young boy enous person in Chiapas, in elementary school there is nowhere I can because I was intershow my art publically,” Goested in art,” Gomez mez said. “Now I have the said. “I ended up gogreat opportunity to show ing to an art school the community my art and in Chiapas, and that’s show how my life inspired where I really started my art.” developing my techArtist Night is a free event nique.” that is held on the first FriHis paintings, done day of the month at Center Raymundo Lopez Gomez is curin oils, depict his life rently a Plant City resident, but he is Place from 7-9:30 p.m. This growing up in Chievent is a 21-and-up event. originally from Chiapas, Mexico. apas, which at times Libations and snacks are was extremely difficult. “I was born in available per donation to Center Place.

1990 and in 1994 there was a war beTo learn more about Artist Night and tween the indigenous people and the gov- other events at Center Place, visit www. ernment,” Gomez said. “My paintings are centerplacebrandon.com or call 685memories of my life during this time and 8888. Center Place is located at 619 Vonthe experiences I had during this war at derburg Dr., Ste. B inside the Brandon Rethe age of 4.” gional Library.

To say his paintings are powerful would If you would like to view Gomez’s art, be an understatement. “The images are you can visit his Instagram page at www. dramatic and something that a normal instagram.com/ray.visualart.

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Page 4

Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 3

Valrico Edition

March 2022

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O S P R E Y O B S E R V E R

C O M

Page 5

BACK THE LINE CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT POLICE OFFICER’S FAMILY

By Brad Stager

ASSOCIATED WITH OSPREY OBSERVER

7 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, FL 33592 • (office) 657-2418 • (fax) 657-4469 MANAGING EDITOR

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The local communileaves behind, including ty will have a chance wife Mandy, a son and a to show its support to daughter. the family of deceased Some of those inTampa Police Officer volved with Back the Matthew McNeal by Line Charity Events participating in an have family or close ties 18-hole charity golf to the first responder tournament, promoted community and their as the Back the Line understanding of what First Annual Golf Toura public safety career nament, on Saturday, involves provides motiApril 2 at Summerfield vation to help others.

Crossings Golf Club in “They give their lives Riverview. to the community and McNeal died of A charity golf tournament will be held to it’s something I’ve albrain cancer at age support the family of Tampa Police Offi- ways wanted to do,” 34 on January 2 and cer Matthew McNeal, who died of cancer said Founder of Back at the beginning of the year. McNeal had been an officer the Line Charity Events served on TPD’s bike unit. with TPD since 2014.

Heather Cropper, who He was a member of the grew up in Valrico and played department’s Special Opergolf at Durant High School. ations Unit’s Bicycle OperBesides the golf tournament, ations and Response Team the Back the Line event will and earned two Life Saving include ticket drawings with Awards, an Excellent Duty prizes and dinner.

Award, a Community PolicSummerfield Crossings ing Award and a Unit CitaGolf Club is located at 13050 tion during his service as a Summerfield Blvd., one mile police officer, according to east of U.S. 301, in Riverview. a TPD Facebook post, which Tournament sign-in begins at also describes McNeal as 11:30 a.m., as do the silent auc“a kind and humble man, who loved being a tion and drawing of raffle and 50/50 tickpolice officer.” McNeal was born in Tampa ets; the shotgun start is at 1 p.m.; and dinand also served as a corrections officer with ner is at 5:30 p.m. The cost to play is $125 the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office af- per golfer or $400 for a team of four. The ter earning an Associate of Arts degree at deadline to register is Saturday, March 26, Hillsborough Community College. and paid sponsorship opportunities for the The event is being organized by Back the tournament are available. For more informaLine Charity Events and is sponsored by the tion, send an email to backthelinecharity@ Firemen’s Benevolent Association of the City gmail.com or visit the Back the Line Charity of Tampa. According to organizers, the funds Events Facebook page @BackTheLineCharraised will go entirely to the family McNeal ityEvents.

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Page 6

Valrico Edition

GOOD COUNTY PLANNING LEADS TO GOOD LIVING FOR RESIDENTS

Volume 19, Issue 3

SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDS BUS DRIVER PAY INCREASE TO COMBAT SHORTAGE

By Superintendent Addison Davis

By Brad Stager

When it comes mission’s meetto local governings, as are ments fulfilling issues related their obligations to the county’s in providing safe, infrastructure habitable comand natural remunities for the sources, such residents they as undevelserve, proper oped land. planning has a Besides Hillsborough County’s official Facebook photo. role. serving as The Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission plays a role in local government decisions that In Hillsboran appointed ough County, affect how future growth is managed and what happens to commissioner, undeveloped parts of the county. that responsibilithe public can ty is borne in large part by the Hillsborough get involved in the county’s planning process County City-County Planning Commission. by participating in online surveys available The Planning Commission is an indepen- on the Plan Hillsborough website or condent entity staffed by appointed representa- necting with one of the advisory committives from the four local governments within tees addressing a variety of concerns, such Hillsborough County and is a resource used as traffic congestion. by the participating governments.

The Planning Commission is one of three Members of the Planning Commission commissions that the agency known as Plan serve four-year terms and are apportioned Hillsborough provides staffing and logistical as follows: four members each appointed support to. The other two commissions are from Hillsborough County and the City of the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Tampa, with one member each appointed Organization and the Hillsborough River from the municipalities of Temple Terrace Board & Technical Advisory Council. and Plant City; a representative from HillAccording to Melissa Dickens, senior plansborough County School District; and one ner with Plan Hillsborough, internal changes from MacDill Air Force Base serve in ex-of- in the overall planning organization should ficio roles. facilitate the work of the Planning CommisMeetings of the Planning Commission are sion and benefit county residents. held monthly in a hybrid format with com“We’ve had a number of new staff join us missioners and support staff able to meet over the past couple of years,” she said as in-person and the general public viewing part of her presentation during the February and commenting virtually. Meetings can be 14 commission meeting. viewed live or afterward via the YouTube “They have provided lots of opportunities channel Hillsborough County Meetings, Hill- to hear different perspectives from people sborough TV (HTV) on the county’s website, who may have worked on similar projects at as well as on select cable channels. other places.”

Housing needs of a growing population You can learn more about the Hillsborand the locations of commercial projects ough County City-County Planning Commisare among the topics discussed at the com- sion by visiting planhillsborough.org.

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Our parents and families have faced a multitude of challenges as our community acclimates to the impacts of COVID-19.

One of the more unexpected side effects of the worldwide pandemic has been a crippling labor shortage facing multiple industries across our nation. Our educational system has unfortunately not been immune to this development.

Parents in Hillsborough County Public Schools are keenly aware that this district is contending with a critical shortage of bus drivers. These hardworking and dedicated individuals are the backbone of our district, and without them our exceptional educators would not be able to change the lives of our learners.

However, it has always been a challenge to recruit and retain bus drivers.

In fact, in other states this year, the National Guard has been called in to drive children to school because they simply do not have enough people to fill the positions.

Hillsborough County Public Schools is currently in need of approximately 130 bus drivers, which means those currently driving are performing double and triple runs to ensure students make it to school safely. Unfortunately, this creates angst for our learners and families as they experience delays both to and from school.

It is for this reason I made the recommendation to our school board to raise the hourly rate for our bus drivers from $14.57 to $16.04 per hour. This will represent one of the highest pay rates in the state for bus drivers, which we in turn anticipate will help to alleviate a shortage while recruiting and retaining more highly qualified individuals to transport our learners to and from school.

I want to remind our community that bus drivers have been on the front lines since the pandemic began. These talented and passionate individuals did not have the opportunity to work from home as they drove food and academic materials to families while our brick-and-mortar schools were closed. They deserve our respect and appreciation for the difficult work they have performed. This initiative will also impact veteran drivers who will receive a well-deserved raise from their current salaries.

This move will not only strengthen our transportation department; my hope is that your family will see a noticeable difference with time as we work diligently to combat these complex issues. Bus drivers are often the first smiling face a student encounters as their school day begins. We are excited to welcome new and highly qualified individuals to the HCPS family to make a difference in children’s lives every day.

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Valrico Edition

March 2022

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR LOW-INCOME HILLSBOROUGH STUDENTS

By Kathy L. Collins

of 2.0, reside in Hillsborough County and their household income must fall within 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines of the Community Services Block Hillsborough County’s Community Action Board offers scholarships for Grant (CSBG). low-income, eligible residents ages 16 to 24 who wish to pursue their postsecStudents ondary degree. The deadline to apply is seeking a masFriday, March 18. ter’s degree or Hillsborough County offers scholarships a second bachelor’s degree do not qualify. to students who wish to pursue their Eligibility guidelines are subject to postsecondary education. Students who change based on grant requirements. are Hillsborough County residents and The Community Action Board provides meet other requirements may apply for Hillsborough County’s Community Action recommendations for the development, planning, implementation and evaluation Board Scholarship.

Applications are available now and may of Community Services Block Grant funds be accessed by visiting www.hcflgov.net/ and other programs that serve the low-ineducation. The deadline to apply is Friday, come residents and communities of Hillsborough County.

March 18.

Pat Simmons, a member of the board, The scholarships are worth up to said, “Of all the things we do, the schol$5,000. The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or arship program is the one that I am most four-year universities. The scholarships proud of by serving on the board.”

It is highly recommended that applicants are awarded to students to help alleviate read through the full 2022 Community Acsome of the financial burden of tuition so tion Board Scholarship Application Packthey can focus on furthering their educaage before applying online to ensure all tion, not bills. documents are complete and requirements All applicants must meet certain criteare met.

A full list of required documents ria to be eligible for a 2022 Community Action Board Scholarship. Applicants can be found in the application package.

Students can apply online once all informust be between 16 and 24 years old, mation and documents have been collecthave a high school diploma or GED equived.

For questions about online applications alent (16-year-olds may apply if they are a or missing information, please call 272graduating senior), have a minimum GPA 5074 ext. 55316.

Page 7

CONGRESSMAN BUCHANAN ANNOUNCES

SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS

By Michelle Caceres Newsome High seed States Nanior Alexander Fraga val Academy; faced a dilemma. While Marion Military sitting in AP MacroInstitute cadet economics class he Francis Connor glanced at his cellphone Dias of Lithia and noticed an email to the United had come across from States Military Congressman Vern BuAcademy and chanan’s office. The moUnited States ment had arrived when Naval AcadeCongressman Vern Buchanan made 22 nominahe would find out if he my; Newsome tions to four U.S. service academies. had received a nominaHigh School stution to the United State Merchant Marine dents Colby Prince to the United States NaAcademy, his dream school. val Academy, Matthew Iocco to the United He had to decide whether to open it or States Naval Academy and Cody Basquill to wait until he was home with his family. the United States Air Force Academy; and “I saw a smiley face emoji in the title of U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School cathe email and just couldn’t wait,” he said. dets Ryan Matthews of Riverview, Yaideliz Fraga opened the email, and then he Lorenzo-Mendoza of Ruskin and Axeladiel smiled. He had earned the nomination. “I Zengotita of Lithia to the United States was just so excited and trying not to disrupt Air Force Academy. Former United States class,” Fraga said.

Air Force Academy cadet Spencer Caceres, In all, Buchanan made 22 nominations to who left to serve a two-year church misthe four U.S. service academies: the U.S. Air sion in Mexico, also received a nomination Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval for re-entry to the United States Air Force Academies. Unlike other service academies, Academy. the Coast Guard Academy does not require The nominees’ names are forwarded to a congressional nomination for admission. the service academies where they were Applicants who meet strict qualifications nominated. are interviewed and recommended by a “Here in Florida’s 16th district, we are nonpartisan service academy board ap- fortunate to have so many driven and coupointed by the congressman. rageous students willing to serve in our In addition to Fraga, other local nomi- armed forces,” said Buchanan. “Each of the nees include: Bell Creek Academy students nominees is deserving of the privilege of atSebastian Correa to the United State Mil- tending one of our nation’s prestigious seritary Academy and Matthew Martinez to vice academies. I wish each of my nominees the United States Air Force Academy and the best of luck throughout the remainder United States Naval Academy; Durant High of the selection process and look forward to School student Austin Holcomb to the Unit- their future success.” ed States Air Force Academy; Sumner High For more info about Congressman BuSchool student David Tirado-Alonzo to the chanan or the Service Academy nomination United States Military Academy and Unit- process, visit www.buchanan.house.gov.

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Page 8

Valrico Edition

HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAM HOSTS FREE FOOD EVENT Staff Report County residents with limited income and assets who do not qualify for other health care coverage, including Medicare and Medicaid. The program is funded by a special sales tax and administered by Hillsborough County.

The Healthy Living Program provides guidance and resources for a healthy lifestyle to Health Care Plan members and Hillsborough residents through local, Hillsborough County’s Healthy Living Program is hosting an on-site services. event on Saturday, March 19 for residents to receive free groceries.

Features include an exercise room, educational acThere is good news for residents who are tivities, group exercise sessions, nutritional experiencing food insecurity in the Southcounseling and health screenings at Healthy Shore area. Hillsborough County’s Healthy Living Centers throughout Hillsborough Living Program is hosting an event on Saturday, March 19 for residents to receive free County. Free classes on topics such as diagroceries. The program also offers many betes prevention/management, weight loss, healthy food choices, cooking, public health other resources to keep residents healthy.

The event, which will provide Hillsbor- services and other health management serough County residents with free food, will vices are also available through the Healthy run from 10-11:30 a.m. at the SouthShore Living Program.

All Hillsborough County residents are enCommunity Resource Center, located at 201 couraged to apply for the program for free 14th Ave. SE. in Ruskin. and anyone interested in joining can visit According to Hillsborough County repone of the Healthy Living Centers with an resentatives, the food packages, which are identification card to sign up. In addition to provided in partnership with Feeding Tampa Ruskin’s SouthShore Community Resource Bay, generally include fresh fruit and vegeCenter, other centers are located in Tampa tables, meats, canned goods and staples like (the Lee Davis Community Resource Cenbeans and rice. ter) at 3402 N. 22nd St. and Plant City (the There are no income restrictions to rePlant City Community Resource Center) at ceive the free groceries.

307 N. Michigan Ave. Residents who attend also will receive inFor more information on Saturday’s event, formation on Hillsborough County’s Healthy the Healthy Living Program or the HillsborLiving Program and the Hillsborough County ough County Health Care Plan, call 272Health Care Plan, which is a comprehensive 5040. managed care program for Hillsborough

FINANCIAL FOCUS USE YOUR FINANCIAL STRATEGY LIKE GPS

When you’re driving these days, it’s pretty hard to get lost because your smartphone’s Global Positioning System (GPS) can get you just about anywhere. And as an investor, you can have a similar experience by employing another directional tool – a personalized financial strategy.

Let’s look at the parallels between your GPS and this type of strategy.

To begin with, your GPS pinpoints your exact location at the start of your trip – in other words, it tells you where you are. And when you create a financial strategy, your first step is to evaluate your current situation by answering these types of questions: What are your assets? How much do you earn? How much do you owe? How much are you contributing to your IRA, 401(k) or other retirement accounts? Once you’ve got a clear picture of your finances, you’ll be ready to begin your journey toward your long-term goals.

Once your GPS has identified your starting point, it will then show you where you want to go and the routes to help you get there. And it’s the same with your financial strategy – you want it to help lead you to a particular place in your life. In fact, a well-designed strategy can show you the steps you need to take to help reach more than one destination – to a place where you can send your children to college, a place where you can retire comfortably, a place where you can leave the type of legacy you want, and so on.

Here’s another element of your GPS that applies to your financial strategy – the warnings. You’re certainly familiar with those thick red lines your GPS shows to indicate traffic slowdowns ahead. And while they’re

annoying, they’re also useful in cautioning you that you may arrive at your destination later than you had originally planned. Your financial strategy can also express “warnings” about events that could hinder you from reaching your goals. These obstacles might include an illness or disability that could keep you out of work for a while, or the need for some type of longterm care, such as a nursing home stay or the services of a home health aide. Your financial strategy can not only identify these threats, but with the guidance of a financial professional, suggest potential solutions.

In addition to providing warnings about things such as heavy traffic and road construction, your GPS can change your route if you miss a turn or if you decide, for whatever reason, to go a slightly different way.

Your financial strategy can also show you alternatives, if it’s comprehensive and overseen by a financial professional, who, using specialized software, can create hypotheticals – illustrations that provide alternative outcomes for different steps, such as retiring at various ages, investing different amounts each year or earning different rates of return. These hypotheticals can be quite helpful to you as your chart your course toward your goals, especially if you need to change your plans along the way.

Your GPS and your financial strategy are two great tools for helping get you where you want to go.

Volume 19, Issue 3

USF RECEIVES $1 MILLION GIFT FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Staff Report University of grown and South Florida evolved into a (USF) recently regional food announced a $1 distribution million gift from company with Connie and Tony warehouses Leung, founders in Tampa and of Sanwa Food Atlanta. “We Group, to estabwanted to lish the Leung give back to Family Scholarthe area that ships. invested in The gift, Jay Stroman, CEO of the USF Foundation; Connie Leung, us,” said Tony. made through Tony Leung, donors; and Irene Hurst, director of operations The Leungs at the USF Center for Analytics and the USF Founparticularly Creativity. dation, will suphope to help port students who graduated from high students from low-income and migrant schools in Southern Hillsborough Coun- families. Tony, one of eight children, was ty, including the areas of Ruskin, Apollo the first in his family to finish college.

Beach and Wimauma.

Both of Connie’s parents were educators, Beginning with the 2022-2023 aca- so it has always been important to her. demic year, the scholarship will have a “I think the best investment anybody minimum of four recipients with annual can give to their children is education, awards of $10,000 each. not money,” she said. This is the Leungs’ “We are grateful to the Leungs for their second USF scholarship. In 2009, they foresight and generosity in establishing established the Leung Global Experience this scholarship,” said USF President Scholarship, which they endowed in 2011 Rhea Law. “The Leung Family Scholarship and then earmarked for students in the will make the dream of a college educa- Muma College of Business in 2016. The tion possible for students who may not scholarship subsidizes a study-abroad otherwise be able to afford one.” experience, which is significant to the The Leungs were inspired to give back Leungs. Both natives of Hong Kong, the to the community that supported their couple met while attending the Universibusiness, Sanwa Food Group, which was ty of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. founded in Ruskin in 1981. At the time, “Sanwa Food Group has grown alongthe area was mostly farmland, and Inter- side the University of South Florida in the state 75 had yet to be completed.

Tampa Bay region,” said USF Foundation Today, it is one of the fastest-growing CEO Jay Stroman. “We are thankful to areas in the county. “We did all our busi- the Leungs for investing in the communess for the first 30 years in South Hills- nity—and especially the students in the borough County, farming in the area,” said community—they have called home all Tony, who started out growing Chinese these years.” cabbages and melons. Sanwa has since Learn more at www.giving.usf.edu.

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Valrico Edition

March 2022

LOVE AND HONOR AT OLD MCMICKY’S FARM

Page 9

LOCAL REALTOR KERIN CLARKIN SPREADS GOODWILL

By Michelle Caceres

By Libby Hopkins Old McMicky’s explosive deFarm in Odessa vice) while is honored to andeployed in nounce ‘Mission I Afghanistan.

Do,’ an all-inclusive “It was the dream wedding gift privilege of to active-duty miliOld McMicky’s tary members and Farm and the veterans in the Tamfarm’s Mission pa Bay area sponI Do program sored by Old McOld McMicky’s Farm in Odessa is Micky’s Farm and honored to announce ‘Mission I Do,’ generous Bay area an all-inclusive dream wedding gift to businesses. active-duty military members and vetThis gift is in aperans in the Tampa Bay area sponsored preciation for the by Old McMicky’s Farm and generous sacrifice of the men Bay area businesses. and women who currently serve or have served in our mili- to help Sartary. ah and Ivan’s “One of the main reasons we rebuilt and dream wedding became a reality,” Zuckerreopened Old McMicky’s Farm was to con- man said. “Mission I Do has provided nine tribute to kids and families and our com- free weddings to date.” munity,” said Owner Ralph Zuckerman.

As a surprise to Ivan and Sarah, the farm “Early on, we decided for every service we also arranged for a full Dress Blue Marine offered to the general public we would also Corp Sword Arch Ceremony to honor Ivan. contribute back in that area. So, when we In November, Ivan and Sarah were introstarted offering weddings through The Barn duced to over 700 attendees at the farm’s at Crescent Lake at Old McMicky’s Farm, we Barns & Beer Craft Beer Festival who were created Mission I Do to provide free, all-in- there to show their love and appreciation to clusive [dream] weddings to active-duty honored guests, Purple Heart Medal recipmilitary and veterans.” ients and Gold Star families. “The wedding Two-time Purple Heart Medal recipient was not a gift from the farm,” Zuckerman Ivan Sears received an all-inclusive dream said. “The gift of the wedding was from Ivan wedding to high school sweetheart Sarah at to his bride, Sarah, fully earned by his serOld McMicky’s Farm. vice to his country.”

The love story of Ivan and Sarah began To learn more about Old McMicky’s Farm, when they met in high school. Best of friends, you can visit its website at www.oldmcSara continued on to college and Ivan joined mickys.com or call Zuckerman at 920-1948. the Marine Corps. They stayed in touch and Its next Barns & Beer will be held on Friday, leaned on each other during stressful times. April 1. Old McMicky’s Farm is located at Ivan lost both legs to an IED (improvised 9612 Crescent Dr. in Odessa.

$1,000 shopRealtor Kerin Clarkin said life is meant ping spree at to be enjoyed, and The Appliance he’s trying to share Plug. that feeling with lo“I follow Fun Tampa on cal residents. social media “I found success and one day in the real estate injust decided dustry but having to attend one fun and enjoying life was also important Riverview resident Chelsea Lansky had fun bowling of the events for free and winning Lightning tickets and a shopping because I to me,” he said. spree at The Appliance Plug at a fun event hosted by love games Two years ago, he Realtor Kerin Clarkin. and the fact started Fun Tampa as that it’s free a way of showcasing is a bonus,” local food spots and she said. “I fun places to unwind had a great after a long day. He time and was also started hosting shocked when events such as a scavI won a prize.” enger hunt to find Lantzy also him at downtown’s said it was a Riverwalk. Two winblast to atners each received a $100 Bern’s gift certificate. tend the hockey game and used the shop“I was fortunate enough to make money ping spree to purchase a new, stainless-steel, in real estate, and this is my way of giving French-door refrigerator. back,” he said. “It’s also a way to recognize Events have been scheduled into Septemour excellent local businesses.” ber. One upcoming event is a movie night for Clarkin has brought the fun to Riverview Summerfield residents on Sunday, March 20 and he’s getting help from others, including at 7 p.m.

Riverview Mortgage Owners Eros and Julie Clarkin was quick to point out that these Dahl. events aren’t for soliciting new real estate Riverview resident Chelsea Lantzy at- business. “I’m a successful realtor thanks to tended an event at The Alley at Southshore, a supportive community and this is my way hosted by Clarkin and Cardinal Roofing. She of giving back to it,” he said. “This is my hoband a friend bowled for free and competed by.” in a backwards bowling contest. At the end For more information about Clarkin or fuof eight rounds, she had knocked down the ture events in Riverview, visit www.thekerin. most pins, winning the grand prize of two com. For more information about Fun Tampa tickets to a Lightning hockey game and a events, visit www.funtampa.com.

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Page 10

Valrico Edition

SPIRIT FM CATHOLIC WOMEN’S CONFERENCE RETURNS TO FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS

By Kelly Wise Valdes Grab your reer, Schlapprizzi has had the friend, sister, opportunity to learn and exneighbor or plore living through Christ in daughter and our modern world. celebrate at this “My hope is what they will year’s Spirit FM hear is a sense of their worth, Catholic Wom… what their next step is for en’s Conference what God is calling them to at the Floribe,” said Schlapprizzi during an da State Fairinterview with Spirit FM. “It’s grounds Expo a moment Hall. This fanfor them to tastic, seventh step away, annual event is to be able to hopeful for a rebreathe, to cord attendance hear a voice this year with of encourThe seventh annual Spirit FM Catholic Women’s Conseating available ference is being held on Saturday, April 2 at the Florida agement—a refor more than State Fairgrounds Expo Hall. One of the guest speakers is minder of who 2,000 guests. Deby Schlapprizzi, a nationally acclaimed speaker, radio they are, of the host and author.

Women of all possibilities we denominations have, and a reare warmly welcomed and encouraged to minder of the truths of our faith.” attend.

The day begins at 8 a.m. with Mass celeLike many major events, the pandemic brated by Bishop Gregory Parkes, including caused cancellations of this annual confer- reconciliation and prayer in the adoration ence in both 2020 and 2021. However, now chapel. There will also be plenty of singing, Spirit FM is happy to announce the confer- praying, shopping and laughing. ence is expected to be bigger and better.

Businesses and ministries will have an The goal of the event is to bring Spirit FM opportunity to display their works and atlisteners together to share and celebrate tendees can purchase unique gifts, crafts, their faith. jewelry and more.

The two main speakers are author and Tickets start at $65 with discounts for radio personality Deby Schlapprizzi and students who have a valid student ID. VIP Florida State University Campus Minister tables are $1,000 for a table of 10. The Sister Rita Clare Yoches. ticket price includes a light breakfast, lunch, Schlapprizzi is a nationally acclaimed parking, a swag bag and more. Table and motivational speaker, television contrib- event sponsorships are also available. utor, radio host and is the author of the The conference is taking place on Saturbook, The Splendor of You. She also shares day, April 2 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, her strong principles and spirit through her located at 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa. For tickfaith-based podcast and radio program, ets and other conference information, visit The Splendor of You®. Throughout her ca- www.myspiritfm.com/womensconference.

Volume 19, Issue 3

FORMER FIRE STATION IN PLANT CITY WILL PLAY A ROLE IN FILLING THE NEED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

By Kathy L. Collins On February 2, the for construction Hillsborough County workers in a variety Board of County Comof fields. In addition missioners voted unanto teaching valuable imously to approve a job skills, the proplan that will explore gram will help dewhether a former termine if modular fire station located at homes can provide 4503 Coronet Rd. in cost-effective, afPlant City can play a fordable housing at role in helping to allevia time when pricThe former fire station located at 4503 ate the need for afford- Coronet Rd. in Plant City will be the site for es to buy or rent a able housing. a unique pilot program operated by the Cor- home are rapidly The commissioners poration to Develop Communities of Tampa. rising.

The goal of the pilot program is to see if the entered into a contract Under the terms with the Corporation fire station can play a role in helping provide of the lease, the Coraffordable housing to residents in need. to Develop Communiporation to Develties of Tampa. This is op Communities of a nonprofit organization that helps revital- Tampa will have rent-free use of the station ize neighborhoods by increasing affordable building through Friday, September 30. At housing options and employment opportu- the end of the eight-month trial period, the nities. organization will provide information to the The Corporation to Develop Communities county on the number of program graduates of Tampa will use the former fire station, and homes built. which is approximately 4229 square feet, If the pilot program proves successful, the to create a prefabricated home construction contract includes an option for two two-year training program. contract extensions with lease payments to Hillsborough County Commissioner Kim- the county of about $2,100 a month. berly Overman said, “We have a serious Hillsborough County has made a priorishortage of affordable housing in Hillsbor- ty of addressing affordable housing issues, ough County. This program will help provide investing more than $54 million into the training and work toward filling the need for community in 2021, which directly impactaffordable housing.” ed more than 24,300 households. The proOverman added, “It is so awesome that grams and services funded by the county the Corporation to Develop Communities of focus on creating new affordable housing Tampa has this opportunity to build this fa- opportunities, training for residents to furcility. I think it is a nice partnership.” ther their careers in order to afford home The unique program will offer career ownership and infrastructure improvements training in a variety of construction-related that enhance the communities around them. trades. It will help provide a skilled local For more information, please visit www. workforce to meet the tremendous demand cdcoftampa.org or call 231-4362.

Valrico Edition

March 2022

DREW’S RV TECHS OFFERS SERVICE & SALES THAT CAN’T BE BEAT

By Amy Schechter Do you own a recger. That way, you reational vehicle (RV) can try it out beand want to keep it fore you buy a unit. driving for years to Whether it’s for an come? Are you thinkawesome tailgate ing about purchasing or a cross-country or renting an RV? adventure, if you’re Drew’s RV Techs has ready to rent, trade what you need to keep in or buy, they have making memories and upfront pricing and having adventures. financing options to Family-owned and fit your budget. operated, Drew’s RV Drew’s RV Techs Techs boasts an exis also a business tensive inventory of sponsor with Critter pre-enjoyed RVs for Adoption and Ressale plus knowledgecue Effort (CARE), able and experienced Drew’s RV Techs offers a wide selection a local dog and cat technicians.

Check rescue. Anklin, an of vehicles for sale and rent as well as out its competitive on-site repairs. Drew Anklin, owner and animal lover, doprices and person- operator, has over 30 years of experience nates much of his working on RVs. alized service that spare time and enbig-box stores ergy to support cannot compete their efforts in with. Drew Anproviding loving klin, owner and homes for resoperator with cued animals. He over 30 years and his shop cat, of experience Tux, would love working on and to see you and around RVs, will answer all your take on nearly questions about any repair. “We RVs. fix things other For more inpeople won’t. People come in with vehi- formation call 645-7870 or visit www. cles for which the manufacturer no lon- drewsrvtechs.com and www.cruiseamger makes the part. We make parts work erica.com/rv-rental-locations/florida/ and fabricate things so we can complete tampa. Drew’s RV Techs and Cruise the repair,” he said.

America are located at 1601 S. U.S. Hwy. Plus, Drew’s RV Techs is perfect if 41 in Ruskin. It is open on weekdays, 8 you’re considering an RV. You can rent a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 a unit for a day, a week, a month or lon- Noon.

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Page 11

CUSTOM HAIR TAMPA BAY HELPS CUSTOMERS REGAIN SELF-CONFIDENCE AFTER HAIR LOSS

By Michelle Caceres Things often get ‘hairy’ the hair in place for at Custom Hair Tampa four to six weeks.

Bay, but for this business “Wake up every that’s precisely the goal. morning with hair,” Owned by Dan and Lori said Lori. “Wash it, Younkman, Custom Hair swim with it and just Tampa Bay offers nonlive your life.” surgical solutions for men Her favorite part of and women with hair loss the process is when as a result of male and the hair system comes female-pattern baldness, in and customers see chemotherapy, transthe total transformaplants and burn scars, altion. opecia, autoimmune disFor Apollo Beach eases and other hair loss resident Jim Klein, his conditions. new hair has given him Located at 117 N. Kings increased self-confiAve. in Brandon, solutions dence. “I have the hair Owned by Dan and Lori Younkthat the Younkmans ofI used to have and man, Custom Hair Tampa Bay fer include 100 percent look so much younger,” Remy human hair wigs, offers nonsurgical solutions for men he said. and women with hair loss. toppers and custom hair Brandon resident solutions for men and women. Expert and longtime customer Susan Saylors, staff members are available to assist whose hair started thinning as a result of clients in choosing from its selection of lupus, echoed Klien about the increased wigs or one of its hair systems. self-confidence from her hair replace“We’re here to advise you every step of ment system. the way and walk you through the entire “Stylists at Custom Hair have given me process,” said Lori, who is not just the long hair, shorter hair, have changed the owner but also a customer. color,” said Saylors. “What’s great is it’s She understands exactly how a thick such a high quality that nobody knows head of hair can restore confidence. it’s not my own hair unless I tell them.”

Customers meet with technicians in Custom Hair Tampa Bay has been private consultation rooms where their helping customers enjoy long, thick and heads are measured, hair color and tex- healthy hair worthy of a Pantene comture are matched and hair systems are mercial for more than 50 years. created to make each person look their Custom Hair Tampa Bay is open Tuesbest. day-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, Hair replacement systems are light- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weight, breathable and secure thanks to For more information, visit www.custhe surgical-grade adhesive that holds tomhairtampabay.com or call 651-9484.

Page 12

Valrico Edition

MONTEL HONORS RIVERVIEW VETS WITH MILITARY MAKEOVER

By Sharon Still

Montel Williams opened the door to show the Clarke family a completely redesigned home after his Military Makeover team did its magic for these selfless veterans.

The Military Makeover with Montel TV show, led by Montel Williams, a veteran of both the Marine Corps and the Navy, came into town recently, and for six days, contractors, designers and volunteers worked feverishly to give a makeover to the Riverview home of veterans Kari and Adam Clarke and their two sons.

Family, friends, neighbors, volunteers and the East Bay High School Junior ROTC Color Guard gathered as the rain poured steadily, awaiting the family’s arrival for the big reveal.

Military Makeover co-host Art Edmonds proclaimed, “This is all about community.

Rain, cold, wind—nothing could stop us.”

Williams’ Military Makeover show seeks out deserving veterans and does a complete design renovation on their home as a way of offering a helping hand and saying “thank you.” “This is our 29th season,” said Williams.

“We are proud to making a forever home for a two-veteran family.”

“She is so deserving,” said Kristine Dugas about her sister, Kari. “She is always helping others.”

From landscaping and new paint outside to

new lighting, appliances, furniture, artwork and even a cat tree to entertain their fuzzy feline, the house had a whole new flair and function. Additionally, the Clarkes received a hyperbaric chamber from Grunt Style, which will aid in Kari’s autoimmune disease. “That is really exciting and very helpful,” said Kari.

“We are so glad they like it,” remarked co-host Lacey Evans at the big reveal. “Our whole team nailed their personality.”

After meeting at The Veterans Administration hospital, Kari and Adam found that their similar experiences brought them closer together. Both served as army sergeants in different areas and saw the horror of the front line in war, losing close friends, cheating death and encountering horrific situations that would stay with them for life. The aftereffects of an accident during training left Kari with several herniated discs in her spine and being diagnosed with auto-immune disease, forcing her to medically retire long before she hoped to end her military career.

Though both Adam and Kari continue to battle their emotional and physical scars, and they spend their time giving back and supporting others. Kari serves as president of Post 9/11 Veterans, an organization in Tampa that focuses on integrating the community together with returning veterans.

Many volunteers and businesses throughout the community donated their time and products during the six-day shoot, including Chill Cawfee, Lowe’s of Riverview, Bath Fitters, SERVPRO of Brandon/Riverview and others. Smith & Steele Design served as general contractors throughout the entire project.

Nominations for Military Makeover can be made at www.mililtarymakeover.tv. The Clarke family’s show aired on Lifetime on March 11.

Volume 19, Issue 3

SATIN & LACE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE OFFERS INTIMATE WEDDING DRESS APPOINTMENTS

By Libby Hopkins

Winthrop Town be together for Center is known for the whole findits cool restaurants, ing-the-perfectbeautiful homes dress experiand monthly pop-up ence.” market, but among Once the all this awesomebride-to-be ness is a true hidden chooses her gem. This hidden dress, she then gem is called Satin gets to do a brid& Lace Bridal Boual walk so her Winthrop Town Center is known for its cool tique, and Alison and restaurants, beautiful homes and monthly pop- family can see Peter Farnan own up market, but among all this awesomeness is her in her chosen a true hidden gem. This hidden gem is called it. “We’ve had varidress. “We put a Satin & Lace Bridal Boutique, and Alison and veil on her, give ous businesses since Peter Farnan own it.

2006, but we [got] her a bouquet of the bridal business from a previous own- flowers and even play her wedding song er in 2018,” Alison said. “It was original- as she does her bridal walk for her famly in another location, but we totally ren- ily to see,” Alison said. “No other bridal ovated it and brought it to Winthrop.” shop does this for a bride shopping for a Satin & Lace Bridal Boutique is Riv- wedding dress.” erview’s premiere bridal boutique. “We If you ask Alison what her favorite pride ourselves on making our brides part of her job is, she’ll tell you it’s workfeel special and making their dress shop- ing with the bride to find that perfect ping an experience they will never for- dress. “I love educating the brides on the get,” Alison said. “Each bride receives a perfect dress, and whether or not they personalized shopping experience with find their perfect dress at our shop, we her own private suite. We will share a make them feel like a princess on the celebratory champagne toast with them day they are looking for their wedding when they say ‘Yes’ to their dress. Our dress.” expert staff eagerly awaits our customIf you’d like to learn more about Saters’ arrival and are dedicated to making in & Lace Bridal Boutique, you can visit their experience private, stress-free and its website at www.satinandlacebridalfun.” boutique.com. You can also see some of The boutique has a dress for every the boutique’s beautiful dresses on its budget and style, and it will help its cli- Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ ents confidently say “Yes” to their dress. satinandlacebridalboutique.

“Our customer service and our expeThe boutique is located at 11286 Sullirience is what makes us different,” Al- van St. in Riverview. If you would like to ison said. “We have two private fitting make a shopping appointment, you can rooms for the and her family so they can call Alison at 381-4110.

March 2022

Valrico Edition

Page 13

Page 14

Valrico Edition

WE-TRIUMPH OFFERS NEW PROGRAMMING TO THE COMMUNITY

By Libby Hopkins We-Triumph is program operates thrilled and excited from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 to share the opening p.m., Monday through of its Brandon-locatFriday. Our innovative ed Adult Day Training learning center focusAcademy with the es on the interest and community. special needs of our “Our academy is students so they can geared to educate learn and maintain adults with intellectheir independence. tual and developmenWe offer supported tal disabilities,” said employment proWe-Triumph’s CEO, We-Triumph is thrilled and excited to share the grams, health and opening of its Adult Day Training Academy Kimberly Quintana. wellness classes, job with the community.

“Our innovative learnskills training and ining center focuses on the interest and spe- dependent living skills to include budgeting cific needs of consumers who may benefit and money management. Our program offrom additional training focused on every- fers weekly classes to include training such day chores and tasks that allows them to as how to dress properly, hygiene, music live a full, productive and confident adult and art class, etiquette, cooking and caring lifestyle. Classes assist in supporting those for small pets. Our grocery store has a cash skills needed to reach and maintain goals register and POS system for our students that aid in their independence.” to learn job skills. We participate in superQuintana was inspired to create We-Tri- vised outings that assist them with skills to umph by her daughter, Brandy, who has de- thrive in social settings.” velopmental disabilities. “I’ve always wantQuintana hopes the community will ened her to experience life as an independent gage this program and help it to grow. young adult but was not able to find the “We envision our program growing and right setting that offered services to give reaching more students and families each her the skills she needs to thrive,” Quintana and every day,” Quintana said. “We want said. “It’s always been my priority that she to reach and teach others in our commuhas the proper tools to learn to live with nity who would benefit and grow by the her disability and not enable her because services we provide. Our dedicated staff is of it. I knew she would flourish if she were committed to providing the best learning given the essentials, such as learning to live experience available to empower everyindependently, developing social skills and one to live their adult lives as independent learning to follow through on responsibil- members of society.” ities.”

To learn more about We-Triumph, locatWe-Triumph is a day program aimed to- ed at 780 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon, and wards adults ages 18 and over with intel- its new program, visit www.we-triumph. lectual and developmental disabilities. “Our com or call Quintana at 662-4531.

Volume 19, Issue 3

FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL BACK AT BUSCH GARDENS Staff Report The Busch GarDiscover bounddens Food & Wine less combinations Festival is back of food and drink this month with selections with festive food and a Food & Wine drinks, headlinFestival sampler. ing concerts and Guests can embark the all-new roller on their culinary coaster, Iron Gwajourney with a zi.

10-sample lanyard This year’s event starting at only will feature more $65 or take it up than 20 delicious a notch and with dishes to pair with the fan favorite wines, craft brews 15-sample lanyard and cocktails so for the best savpark guests can ings. Busch Garexplore a variety dens Pass Memof flavors while bers get the VIP enjoying a diverse treatment and can concert lineup, The Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival is back purchase an excluincluding 22 live through May 22 and is included with park admis- sive Pass Member sion. musical acts for all lanyard including tastes. The Food & Wine Festival runs 18 samples for the price of the 15-samFridays through Sundays from March 11 ple lanyard. to May 22 and is included with admisThe music lineup features chart-topsion to the park. ping musicians with genres of all tastes New this year, guests can indulge in – from nostalgic bands to national headsavory bites like Hawaiian BBQ pork liners. Concert acts include Sean Paul, 3 with coconut jasmine rice and Flamin’ Doors Down, Kansas, Air Supply, Gente Hot Cheetos elote street corn. Com- De Zona, plus many more! plete with signature cocktails like the Concerts are included in park admisIron Gwazi Fizz or frozen watermelon sion. For the best seats in the house, remargaritas, a selection of more than 40 served seating is strongly recommended wines and beers, this year’s menu offers and can be purchased online. See weban endless variety of flavors to sip and site for the complete lineup and latest savor. The Busch Gardens Food & Wine updates.

Festival includes non-alcoholic beveragTo view the full menu, concert lineup es such as the new Gwazi snow cones and other event details, guests can head with unique flavors like black raspberry to https://buschgardens.com/tampa/ and cotton candy. events/food-and-wine-festival/.

March 2022

Valrico Edition

COMMUNITY PET PROJECT HELPS BUILD DOGHOUSES FOR LOCAL PETS

By Libby Hopkins Community Pet sentials or proper Project of Seffner is care, the fines are partnering with the at least $100 and up Pet Resource Cento $500 for multiple ter, Animal Control, violations,” Eldridge Friends of Hillsborsaid. “The people we ough County Animal will be helping can’t Services and Code afford adequate Enforcement for the housing, so they first time to help most definitely can’t build or repair dogafford the fines.” houses for local pet Community Pet Community Pet Project of Seffner is partnering owners.

Project was orgawith the Pet Resource Center, Animal Control, “July is National nized in 2017 as an Friends of Hillsborough County Animal Ser[Doghouse Repair] vices and Code Enforcement for the first time all-volunteer, 501(c) Month,” said Com- to help build or repair doghouses for local (3) charitable ormunity Pet Project ganization serving pet owners.

Director Rhonda Eldridge. “Together, Hillsborough County. Many area rescue we are not only repairing but building volunteers often encounter homeless and doghouses for those that qualify in Hills- at-risk people who are desperately tryborough County. If they have an existing ing to care for their pets. For some, their doghouse that needs repaired, we will pets are the only reason they are able to leave a new one, take the old one and re- survive a life of hopelessness and despair, cycle it into a new one.” and many end up surrendering their pets The organization works very closely to local shelters because they are unwith the Hillsborough County Pet Re- able to provide for their pets. The need source Center, especially the pet reten- is great, and through the Community Pet tion team.

Project, volunteers work to help these “They told us that they were hoarding people keep and care for their pets. pallets to build or fix doghouses, but it Eldridge and her team hope to build never happened,” Eldridge said. “I was 100 doghouses. “We would love to see looking through a list of monthly holidays this become a yearly project and get and came across National Doghouse Re- more community involvement,” she said. pair Month. I was like, ‘What a perfect Residents needing houses are asked to time for this idea to come to life.’” email Eldridge at outreach@communityAccording to the county ordinance, “All petproject.org. All requests will be prepets are required to have access to shade, sented to the community that receive the a shelter for bad weather, complete ac- applications to see if they qualify. cess to clean water and healthy food and To learn more about Community Pet being provided necessary medical care.” Project, visit www.communitypetproject.

“If cited for a failure to provide es- org.

Page 15

BLOOMINGDALE SENIORS KEEP UP RED LETTER TRADITION Staff Report The Red Letter mond said. “The Envelope Project Class of 2022 has been a tradiwas the first high tion at Bloomingschool class to dale High School get a senior year for more than 10 that was remoteyears. Seniors are ly normal. They given red enveare finishing their lopes filled with final year of high cards and letters school after comof congratulations pleting only one and encouragefull term of in-perment from famson schooling: ily, friends, past Red letters are due to Bloomingdale High School freshman year. teachers or coachThey have done seniors by Wednesday, April 13. es to help them a fantastic job of prepare for college or go off into the keeping old traditions alive and starting world. new ones.”

“This has been a time-honored tradition There is plenty of time for parents, for 10 years,” said Ariel Raymond, Red guardians, family and friends to get their Letter Envelope Project coordinator at red letter envelopes to the seniors. The Bloomingdale High School. “It is such a red letter envelopes are due by Wednesspecial thing for the senior class. Letters day, April 13 at Bloomingdale High School. come from those who had an essential “All letters and cards will be sorted, role in their academic journey and those kept safe and confidential. If you don’t who wish them well. Knowing that some- know a senior but want to bestow some one took the time to write to them means wisdom, feel free to send over letters or a lot to the seniors.” cards as well. Just don’t put a name on The red letter envelopes bring some the front,” said Raymond. history with them as well. Red envelopes If you would like to send a senior a have been gifts presented at social and red letter envelope, please make sure the family gatherings such as weddings, hol- cards or letters are no larger than 8 in. x idays and especially Chinese New Year. 10 in. Packages, gift cards and cards with The red color of the envelope symbolizes confetti are not allowed. Please keep all good luck and is a symbol to ward off evil envelopes flat, and please do not send spirits. Red envelopes are usually given anything of value as the school is not reout to the younger generation, who are sponsible for it. If you send several envestill in school or unmarried. It is tradi- lopes inside a large envelope, please put tional to put brand-new notes inside red the student’s full name on all envelopes. envelopes.

If you have any other questions, please “The red envelopes will be given to the get in touch with Raymond at ariel.rayseniors during senior breakfast,” Ray- mond@outlook.com or 484-9707.

Page 16

Valrico Edition

CIGARS ON THE BOULEVARD LIGHTS UP APOLLO BEACH

By Amy Schechter

Whether you’re a different types of novice who has never people. By the end smoked a cigar or an exof the night, you’re pert who cannot wait to going to know get your hands on that everybody that’s hard-to-get stick, Cigars sitting at your on the Boulevard is the table. It’s a very perfect place for you. social, welcoming Apollo Beach’s preplace, and Charlie mier cigar and cocktail is going to do his lounge was born out best to make sure of friendship. Charyou have a reallie Buntin partnered Charlie Buntin, along with his brother, Michael, ly great time.” manage Cigars on the Boulevard. with Kevin and Carrie Cigars on the Elwell, whom he met Boulevard holds at CrossFit Apogee in trivia nights ev2016. Buntin is pasery Monday and sionate about cigars: recently started “I’m a retired army oflive jazz music ficer, and I love cigars every Friday, but and bourbon. Kevin and Carrie are dear there is ample seating for you to pull up a friends and mentors. I couldn’t have done chair and chat with new and old friends evthis without them. They saw my vision and ery night. helped me bring it through to fruition.” ToIn addition to the comfortable lounge, it gether, the team created a spacious, classy offers a VIP room for private events and atmosphere where guests can come to- meetings. Once you fall in love with Cigars gether. on the Boulevard, you can join a memberCigars on the Boulevard offers a wide ar- ship program with exclusive benefits. Plus, ray of cigars, signature cocktails, beer and its mobile events can bring the smoke to wine. Its custom humidor holds 130 differ- you. From poker nights to birthday parties ent types of cigars, and its experts can help to bachelor parties to neighborhood BBQs, you find a stick that fits your flavor profile. it can bring a variety of stogies to your Buntin is so excited about what they offer event so your guests can enjoy their smoke because it’s more than a business: “We sell on the spot. an experience. If you want a box of cigars, For more information including informayou can get you a box of cigars anywhere, tion on special events, call 296-1016, visit but when you come here, you’re building a www.facebook.com/CigarsOnTheBlvd or relationship with us. It’s about asking how find it online at cigarsotb.com. Cigars on you are doing and helping out when you’re the Boulevard is open daily from 3-11 p.m. having a bad day.” with morning hours available by appointCarrie went on to add, “I love how a cigar ment. Cigars on the Boulevard is located at can really bridge the gap between so many 1438 Apollo Beach Blvd. in Apollo Beach.

Volume 19, Issue 3

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR HIGHLIGHTS MANY SUCCESSES IN STATE OF THE ORGANIZATION AND ANNUAL REPORT

By Kathy L. Collins Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy the toll agency for Central Florida) to clear Millan has released the State of the Organi- tolls by allowing residents to pay them at zation and Annual Report for the agency. In the time of their registration renewal. Hillit, Milan looks back at her sborough County’s tax accomplishments during collector’s office was her first year in office and the first in the state celebrates many successof Florida to deploy es. Millan was elected tax remote driving tests collector in 2020. She reduring the pandemic. placed Doug Belden, who It also worked with the had served in that electFlorida Department ed position for 22 years. of Health to increase “I am excited to share branch customer cathese amazing successpacity once COVID rees that we have been strictions were eased.

Hillsborough County Tax able to accomplish.

The office used an Collector Nancy Millan Many of them were artificial intelligence has released the State of the campaign promises that called Sofie to answer Organization and Annual I made,” Millan said. “I Report. Since being elected to the post in over 70,000 questions am honored to work with 2020, she has been a good steward of tax from 40,000 users. such a phenomenal team funds, worked hard to protect employFinally, the tax colwho understands the im- ees and the public during a pandemic lector collected $2.4 and made good on many campaign portance of what we do billion in taxes. After promises. and look forward to what distributions to taxing we as a team will do in 2022,” added Milan. authorities, the tax collector’s office was Some of the highlights are impressive. Mi- able to provide $22 million back to Hillsborlan increased the starting pay for custom- ough County for vital services such as infraer service representatives from $15.16 per structure, waterways, libraries and other hour to $17.10 per hour. important services.

The tax collector’s office enhanced the call Milan is looking forward to the rest of center with additional staffing resources 2022, and this year, the Hillsborough Counand implemented an ad hoc telework pro- ty Tax Collector’s Office will be utilizing adgram for employees impacted by COVID-19 ditional technology and services to provide to improve phone services, resulting in an better customer service. They will enhance increase of calls answered by 59 percent. It accessibility, increase capacity in branches also achieved a 94 percent vaccination rate and provide more services online. Milan said, within the organization. This helped to keep “We want to make it convenient and easy not only employees safe but customers as for all who need our services.” well.

To watch the State of the Organization The Tax Collector’s Office partnered with video and review the Annual Report, please CFX (Central Florida Expressway Authority, visit www.hillstax.org/state-of-the-org.

March 2022

Valrico Edition

Page 17

VALRICO ENTREPRENEUR PROVIDES INSIGHTS THAT HELPS GIVE WOMEN A VOICE

By Tatiana Ortiz

Throughout across the globe your lifetime, you who will inspire may face some purpose-driven unexpected hardwomen to stand ships which are out, rise and challenging to thrive. overcome. Valrico An e-book verresident Heathsion of Becoming er Stokes Benton, an Unstoppaco-author and fible Woman Ennancial consultant/ t re p re n e u r wa s licensed insurance launched on Janagent, took what uary 25 and a pashe learned from perback version those challenges was launched in her life to help on February 1, Valrico resident Heather Stokes Benton recently had a chapter published in the bestselling book other women and which can be purBecoming an Unstoppable Woman Entrepreneur. chased on Amafamilies.

Benton was zon and soon in asked to be part of a book project by stores such as Walmart, Target and Walthe She Rises Studios community. This greens worldwide. On the first day of the book, Becoming an Unstoppable Wom- e-book’s launch, it achieved Bestseller in an Entrepreneur, is the second book in the United States, United Kingdom and a six-book series, and Benton’s chap- Canada in six different categories. The ter is called “Faith, Focus and Financial book also hit the top 100 list and more.

Growth.” The chapter talks about Ben- Benton is offering autographed copies of ton’s journey to entrepreneurship, the the book, which cost $24.95, including a highs and lows, how she found a balance free digital download, for those who orbetween running a growing business and der it through her website. more.

“Overall, it has been encouraging for Benton stated her thoughts on being me to just have the accountability as I involved with the project: “I feel really represent this movement of Becoming an honored and humble to be even consid- Unstoppable Woman Entrepreneur,” Benered.” ton said.

This book is written for women who The hardcover is now available as well. are already in business as well as for To purchase, visit www.financialgps-hs. women who are ready to launch them- com/product-page. To join the She Rises selves into the entrepreneur world. It is Studios Facebook group, visit www.facecomprised of an anthology of 26 pow- book.com/groups/sherisesstudioscomerhouse, industry-leading women from munity/.

KNOWLEDGE IS A USEFUL TOOL IN NAVIGATING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

By Kathy L. Collins

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive dis- and is also available via text message at ease that destroys memory and other im- 646-585-5283. The web chat and text mesportant mental functions. It is very common sage features are available in over 90 differwith about three million cases per year. As ent languages. the population of the United States ages, The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America the number of people diagnosed with Alz- also offers educational conferences and weheimer’s disease binars and hosts daily will increase. It is a virtual therapeutic growing health issue. programming in the Until there is a forms of art, music, cure, caregivers need dance and fitness. to be armed with edIts National Memucation and the tools ory Screening ProThe Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to provide the best gram offers free, possible care for their offers a multitude of programs and ser- confidential, virtual vices for those who suffer from Alzheiloved ones and make memory screenings. A mer’s disease as well as for their caregivers sure that they and their memory screening is a and other professionals who care for loved ones are living a simple and safe evaluthose afflicted with the disease. high quality of life. ation tool that checks The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America memory and other thinking skills. It can is a nonprofit organization whose mission indicate whether an additional checkup is to provide support, services and educa- by a qualified health care professional is tion to individuals, families and caregivers needed. affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related It also offers dementia care training dementias nationwide and to fund research for professionals and research grants. for better treatment and a cure. Its services One important program it offers is careinclude a National Toll-Free Helpline (866- giver support groups.

232-8484), the National Memory Screen“Knowledge is a useful and powerful ing Program, educational conferences and tool that can help make any situation materials as well as ‘AFA Partners in Care’ easier to navigate, especially something dementia care training for health care pro- as challenging as caring for a loved one fessionals. with Alzheimer’s disease,” said Charles The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s J. Fuschillo Jr., president and CEO of the toll-free hotline is staffed by licensed social Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. workers trained in dementia care. The HelpFor more information that the Alzheiline is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days mer’s Foundation of America has to offer, a week. The Helpline has a webchat feature please visit www.alzfdn.org.

Page 18

Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 3

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAIME MILLER.

BLOOMINGDALE BASKETBALL WINS FIRST DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP SINCE 2016 The Bloomingdale Bulls basketball program has made huge strides since they hired Head Coach Shawn Vanzant in 2018. After winning only three games in his first year, the Bulls have flipped the script this season, winning their first district championship since 2016.

For seniors Rudy Hayes and Mason Crotwell, who have seen it all in their four seasons at Bloomingdale, the victory was well worth the wait. The two were not only invaluable in the run to the district championship, but The Bulls won their first district championship under Head Coach they also were instrumental in the Shawn Vanzant. program’s quick turnaround. Captain Hayes had key buckets down the stretch and s o m e Rudy Hayes had key buckets down the Rudy Hayes was a four-year starter at point led the team with 21 points. The team faced thing I Shawn Vanzant celebrates with his daughter after the win stretch and led the team with 21 points guard and averaged a team-high 15.3 points a lot of adversity during the season after a tell my talking about is working. The last four years per game and 4.1 rebounds per game this quick 14-5 start. During the season, the Bulls kids about.” we went from winning three games to what season. Crotwell was the team’s second-lead- lost one of their best players, Ruben Lopez, Vanzant said that winning the district we’ve done this year. I think winning a dising scorer with 9.1 points per game. for six games due to injury. At the end of championship was one of his goals when he “It was great. It was my first time having the season, the Bulls lost six in a row before took the job, but it wasn’t his main goal. His trict championship solidifies that what we four-year kids and they deserved it,” said reeling off three consecutive wins during the main goal is to take it one game at a time are doing is working, and kids are proud to be a part of it.”

Vanzant. “They stuck with me for four years district tournament. and put his players in the best situation to be Each season under Vanzant, the team has and they never complained, never wavered at “It felt very gratifying,” said Crotwell. successful, and his long-term goal is to make achieved more wins than the season before. all with all that fell on them. For the guys to “Rudy and I worked our butts off to help turn it to Lakeland for a final four.

Last year, they made it to the district chamwin on our home floor, their senior year was the program around with Coach Vanzant. The “I think it definitely impacts the program,” pionship but fell a little bit short before going so special.” four years of hard work paid off. Going out on said Vanzant. “Kids today like to see results. I The Bulls defeated Manatee 64-52 in top definitely was satisfying, and having our think that winning the district championship back in 2022 and finishing the job. Vanzant mid-February to claim the district crown. team on that banner forever will definitely be shows that my coaching staff and what I’m is happy with the progress his program has made, but he isn’t satisfied just yet.

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March 2022

Page 19

LACROSSE PLAYER KAYLEE CARR BLOOMINGDALE GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM WINS FIRST DISTRICT SIGNS WITH GUILFORD COLLEGE IN CHAMPIONSHIP SINCE 1995 NORTH CAROLINA

By Nick Nahas

By Lily Belcher

On February 19, el lacrosse team in Durant High School Tampa Palms that senior and lacrosse taught her new player Kaylee Carr skills and boosted signed with Guilford her confidence as College in North Cara lacrosse playolina. Prior to high er. Watching her school, Carr had no teammates sign intention of playing with colleges last lacrosse, but she was year inspired her to encouraged to join follow in their footthe team by one of steps in her senior her friends. year.

“Freshman year, In order to gain I actually had no the attention of Senior Kaylee Carr signed with Guilford knowledge of lacollege recruiters, College in February. crosse and one of my Carr made a Next friend’s older sisters played for Durant College Student Athlete account that aland has convinced me to tryout,” said lowed her to post her stats and highlight Carr. videos. She caught the attention of multiCarr made the team and learned about ple college lacrosse teams but ultimately the game but tore a piece of her left ACL decided to attend Guilford College. before the start of the season. However, Carr did end up tearing her ACL in the the tear wasn’t large enough to require early part of the 2022 season but was surgery or physical therapy, so she did not able to sign with Guilford College prior to get to play much during her freshman or the injury, so she will still be able to play sophomore years. next season.

“That’s a really big fear of mine—espeGuilford College made it to the Old Docially this year—that I could tear it and minion Athletic Conference quarterfinals miss a whole year or more of lacrosse,” last year and was ranked eighth in this admitted Carr. year’s preseason predictions by the conDespite the rough start to her time on ference’s Women’s Lacrosse Preseason Durant’s lacrosse team, she was able to Poll. regain the strength and ability to play to Durant High School’s girls lacrosse her full potential and became a starter in team played their first game of the seaher junior year. son on February 15, and the regular sea“Last year, when I became a starter, son will continue through Monday, April that really boosted my confidence and 4. For more information on this season helped me believe I was good enough to or to purchase tickets to Durant’s next play in college,” said Carr. lacrosse game, visit hillsboroughschools.

She joined one of her friends on a trav- org/athletics.

The Bloomingdale the Bloomingdale gym.

High School girls bas“Her showing that ketball team claimed toughness and playing their first district through this pretty sechampionship since vere injury inspired me, 1995. The contest was and I know it inspired close for two and a half her teammates,” said quarters, but the Lady Bower. “That was the Bulls used their depth spark I think we needto pull away late in the ed Friday night to get Photo courtesy of Bloomingdale Athletic Director us going.” third quarter, convincSara Bouge ingly beating Braden The Lady Bulls not The Bloomingdale High School girls basketRiver 57-34. The Bulls only won District 6Aball team claimed its first district championwere led by junior 11, but they also did it ship since 1995. guard Aissatou Diallo, in dominant fashion, who connected on six three-pointers. winning 20-plus games for the first time in “Winning districts this year meant every- 15 years, and the first time during Bower’s 11thing to me,” said junior shooting guard Melo- year tenure, with an impressive 23-5 overall dy Womack. “It’s something that I’ve always record. wanted ever since I came to Bloomingdale.

“It’s always a goal to win a district title,” Knowing that it hasn’t happened in 25 years, said Bower. “We expect to win, and hopefully and knowing how bad Coach Bower wanted that just snowballs and creates that culture to win and that he has never had a district where kids are continuing to work hard and championship before, made us want it even understand that what got this for us was all more.” the hard work,” said Bower.

There was a lot of doubt that Womack The girls knew how long it had been since would play again this season, let alone be the last district championship, and they espeable to play in the championship game, after cially wanted to win for their coach. taking an elbow to the face and sustaining a In February, the Lady Bulls won their substantial mouth injury in the Western Con- first-ever regional championship after beatference title game against Plant one week ing Land O’ Lakes 45-37, achieving their best prior. Head Coach Joel Bower said that this season in school history. They came up a little was a turning point in their season because bit short in the state semifinal game vs Wekiit brought the team together even more va. through adversity. He used the W4M (Win “This is such an amazing sisterhood. We are for Mel) hashtag on the official team Twitter like a family and have such a strong bond that page as motivation to win for her. The team’s nobody can break,” said Womack. “I think we spark plug and leading rebounder missed the have come so far because of the chemistry, semifinals but was able to help her team- love and support that we have for each other. mates accomplish something that hadn’t There’s not another team I would want to be been done since any of them were born— on. We’re making history, and that’s somehang a championship banner on the wall of thing that I’ll never forget.”

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Valrico Edition Maryland Ave. in Plant City, from 10 a.m.12 Noon. He will play a fun, diverse range of music to satisfy everyone, including country, ballroom, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, Latin, line dancing and more. You can dance, watch or do your own thing, this is just for fun. For more information, visit his website at www.djkenmiller.com or call 863-409-7714.

Safe Boating Classes, Grace Market & More

Creative Junk Therapy Classes

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Bloomingdale Athletic Club General Meeting Bloomingdale High School Boosters will be holding its general meeting on Tuesday, April 5 at 7p.m. in the Bloomingdale High School media center.

All board positions are available for those interested. For more information, please email info@bshsboosters.com by April 7th to have your name submitted.

Creative Junk Therapy is a nonprofit creative reuse center located at 727 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon.

Its mission is to promote creativity, environmental awareness and community through reuse. Materials are collected from local businesses and residents and then distributed to educators, artists, makers and students through a variety of opportunities. The center contains a thrift store, art gallery, class space and ‘make-and-take’ space. Upcoming classes include making a mosaic stepping-stone, fiber arts and a plant party. Visit www.creativejunktherapy.org for more details of classes and how to register.

U.S. Coastguard Offers Safe Boat- Brandon Christian Church Flea ing Classes Online Market The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is restarting its safe boating class every Thursday night 6:30-9 p.m. The course is ‘Boat America, a course on responsible boating,’ and the cost is $40, which includes a printed study guide and runs for four weeks. The course meets the legal requirements for people born after January 1, 1988 who must complete an approved boater safety class in order to independently operate a boat. Students can enroll and enter the course at any time. Additional information can be found and you can register for the class by contacting Rich Strehl at rich@protectionflorida.com or calling 299-8236.

Grace Community Market

Grace Community Church, located at 5708 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Lithia, is holding its next market day on Saturday, March 26 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be a wide selection of vendors with food and fun as well as local shopping for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and graduations.

If you are interested in being a vendor, please register at www.gracecommunitymarket.com.

Community Dances At Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center

DJ Ken Miller will be DJing a new Wednesday morning dance at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, located at 302 S.

Brandon Christian Church, located at 910 Bryan Rd. in Brandon, will host its much-anticipated flea market on Saturday, March 26 at 8 a.m. A wide variety of items will be available, so be sure to go and see what it has to offer. For more information, contact Day Broers-Case at 689-4021.

Hillsborough Community College Career Fair

Hillsborough Community College’s Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education (ICCE) will be hosting an in-person career fair on Friday, April 1 from 9 a.m.-12 Noon at HCC’s Corporate Training Center, located at 39 Columbia Dr. in Tampa. Job seekers can expect to connect with local companies to fill open positions in the health care, information technology, trade and business industries. CareerSource Tampa Bay will be present to inform job seekers of the resources and services available through their network.

The career fair is free and open to the public. Job seekers interested in participating must register prior to the event at www.tampatraining.com/career-resource, where an updated list of participating employers will also be available.

Hillsborough Community College serves more than 42,000 students annually at its five campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. For more information, visit www.hccfl. edu.

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FMOPA ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR 4TH FOREVER YOUNG EXHIBITION

By Libby Hopkins The Florida projects and conMuseum of Phoversations,” Carritographic Arts er said.

(FMoPA) is now If you or a loved accepting entries one would like to for the fourth submit a photo Forever Young to FMoPA’s Forexhibition. Senior ever Young exhimuseum members, bition, it must be as well as nonreceived by 5 p.m. member seniors, on Sunday, March are allowed one 27. There is a resubmission to be quired submission showcased digital- The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMo- fee of $15 for ly and/or physical- PA) is now accepting entries for the fourth Forever members and $35 Young exhibition. ly. “Forever Young for not-yet-memis a special exhibit bers. designed to showcase By submitting an the talent of seniors,” entry, each contessaid FMoPA’s executive tant agrees to the director, Zora Carrier, rules of the contest Ph.D. “The exhibition and states that he or highlights what we all she is 55 years old or know, that amazing art older. is timeless.”

Submitted photos FMoPA is a museum must be JPG files dedicated to exhibiting only, 2,000 pixels for important photographthe longest edge and ic art as central to consRGB color. Photos temporary life and culture. FMoPA also must not contain any borders or waterenriches the community by operating marks. outreach programs to educate children Carrier hopes local seniors will submit and adults. their photos to the upcoming Forever Founded in 2001, FMoPA occupies the Young exhibit. “I hope that people will atrium of the architecturally significant learn more about FMoPA and what we Cube building in Tampa’s Waterfront offer,” Carrier said. “Despite our very Arts District. FMoPA is one of fewer prominent location in Downtown Tamthan 10 museums in the United States pa, the museum remains somewhat of a dedicated exclusively to photography hidden gem. FMoPA brings you the art and one of two such museums in Flori- of today, rooted in the issues that we da. The museum is home to high-impact face as a society. With this exhibition, community programs, such as the Chil- I would like to reiterate our mission of dren’s Literacy through Photography serving the community. We have classprogram for at-risk children, as well as es, workshops and a community gallery adult photography classes, workshops where we exhibit works of local photogand children’s summer camps. raphers of all ages and skill levels.”

FMoPA collects, preserves and exhibIf you would like to learn more about its historic and contemporary works by FMoPA or if you’d like to enter a phonationally and internationally known to into its new exhibit, you can visit its photographic artists. “At FMoPA, we website at www.fmopa.org or call 221place great importance on fostering hu- 2222. man relationships and connecting peoThe museum is located 400 N. Ashley ple through art exhibitions, educational Dr., Cube 200 in downtown Tampa.

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March 2022

Valrico Edition

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR VISITS DURANT HIGH SCHOOL TO TALK ABOUT HIS BOOKS

By Lily Belcher

Fred Aceves, pressure to “wear author of young a mask” when adult books The he is around his Closest I’ve Come friends and family. and The New DaAceves also had vid Espinoza, came the opportunity to to speak with Dutalk about what it rant High School’s was like to write English students his first book at and aspiring writonly 39. ers at the end of “I wanted [DuFebruary. Aceves rant’s students] to described his life meet me, a regular as a half-Mexican person from Hilland half-Dominisborough County, can teen in Tampa and understand through the eyes that becoming an of his first book’s award-winning main character, On February 28, author Fred Aceves talked with author is possible Marcos Rivas. Durant High School’s students about his books and for anybody,” said the process of writing a novel.

Aceves was born Aceves. “I wasn’t in New York and moved to Tampa when given a unique gift, and I wasn’t even he was 14. In high school, Aceves was the most talented writer in my critique assigned books for his English classes, group when I first started. I just worked such as Shakespeare’s King Lear, but harder and stayed consistent.” never truly enjoyed reading because, as His talk with Durant was the first a poorer teen, he couldn’t relate to the in-person event he has done since the royal characters. coronavirus pandemic, and he said getAs a result, Aceves was never an avid ting to talk to the students was wonreader and wanted to write a story that derful and that he was impressed and today’s teens could relate to and enjoy, inspired by the resilience of their creand what better way to do that than tell- ativity. ing a version of his own story in his novAceves is currently working on a el? In writing the Kirkus Reviews Best screenplay, which he admits is a brave Book of 2017 The Closest I’ve Come, the step outside of his comfort zone since he author and screenwriter was able to re- is already an established novelist. flect on his experiences and the challengFor more information on or to pures he faced in his teen years. His book chase his books, visit Aceves’ website at talks about gender expectations and the www.fredaceves.com.

Page 21

CENTER PLACE WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE BOARD PRESIDENT

By Libby Hopkins Center Place Fine Arts voted in as Center & Civic Association is Place’s new executive excited to announce it board president. “I has a new board presilove the opportunident, Riverview resident ties that Center Place Bernadette Pello. She is offers not only to stualso the president and dents but adults as co-founder of Livingwell,” Pello said. “It stone Academy as well is very important to as the marketing manengage our diverse ager for KNOW Women members in the arts, Tampa Bay. whether it is our “I am originally from young students and upstate New York,” Peladults, our veterans lo said. “I have been in or our vulnerable popFlorida, specifically the ulations. We partner Brandon area, for 28 Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association with other nonprofits years. I have 35 years of is excited to announce it has a new board in the community to president, Bernadette Pello. professional experience, provide quality pro15 in corporate and 20 grams. I love watchyears as the co-owner ing the collaboration with my husband, Chris, with other nonprofits for almost 20 years. Chris and I founded and and organizations.” own Livingstone Schools.”

Ryan is still an active board member, as The couple started Livingstone Academy is his brother, Tom Odiorne, who is Center with 30 students and four staff members. Place’s treasurer.

“We now have 450 students, four locations Pello has many goals for Center Place and 85 employees,” Pello said. “We are during her term. “Some of my goals obvistarting up our fifth location next school ously need to continue our efforts to keep year. It will be a trade academy focusing Center Place strong financially,” Pello said. on preapprenticeship programs for anyone “Without that, we cannot provide the prowith a high school diploma or GED. grams needed in the community. I would The couple also owns a food truck as a love to see our monthly events grow, such family with their son, Michael, called Pasta as Artist Night. I want to see Center Place Monsta. “I served as the chairman of the known for our quality art and community board for the Brandon Chamber of Com- programs and our beautiful event space. We merce in 2020 and I currently chair GEAC,” have been a part of the Brandon community Pello said. for 49 years, and thanks to our committed Pello has been a part of Center Place’s board and other community members, we board for more than a year. When the cur- are here to stay.” rent executive board president, Ryan OdiFor more information, visit www.centerorne, stepped down, Pello was unanimously placebrandon.com or call 685-8888.

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Page 22

Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 3

Valrico Edition

March 2022

DURANT HIGH SCHOOL’S THEATRE COMPANY WILL PERFORM BEAUTY AND THE BEAST IN APRIL

Page 23

ANOTHER GREAT ART SHOW WAS PRESENTED BY THE EAST HILLSBOROUGH ART GUILD AT THE 2022 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

By Lily Belcher

Isabelle Hoofnagle was born to play Belle, according to Director Stephen Arment.

From Wednesday to Friday, April 27-29, the Durant High School Theatre Company will perform Disney’s Beauty and the Beast directed by acting teacher Stephen Arment. The spring musical will be produced by a cast of over 30 talented, young actors and a tech crew.

Belle and the Beast will be played by senior Isabelle Hoofnagle and junior Austin White, respectively, and will be joined by senior Jackson Hamilton playing Gaston.

“Everybody has heard of [Beauty and the Beast] and when you are going into a show that is so well known, the challenge becomes dealing with the fact that everyone is going to think of the Disney movie, and that’s the standard in which all theater productions are going to be compared,” said Arment.

Arment admitted producing a more ambitious and complex play has been challenging, and he is looking for ways to meet the expectations of the audience while in-

corporating his personal directing style.

This year’s auditions were different for Arment as he typically has an idea of which roles he will assign to each actor but had a limited plan for how he wanted to cast the 2022 spring musical. He primarily trusted the cast’s assessment of their own skills and selected the roles based on the characters for which they auditioned.

“I really didn’t go into it with any preconceived casting ideas this time.

Hoofnagle is our Belle. She just seems like she was born to play that role. It just works. As soon as she sang for the role, I was like ‘That one is done,’” said Arment.

Picking Hamilton as Gaston was a surprise since Hamilton has played the Beast in the past. However, Hamilton wanted the opportunity to play a villain role and proved to Arment that he was perfect for Gaston.

“He reads for Gaston,” explained Arment about Hamilton’s audition, “and you realize he is Gaston walking around in human form.”

The cast has been rehearsing since the beginning of February and has been working closely with Durant’s music teacher, Yasmani Gonzalez.

To buy tickets to Durant’s production of Beauty and the Beast at the end of April, visit dtc5444.booktix.com.

The Best of Show winner for the Florida Strawberry Festival was Sandra Lallemand from Dade City for her delightful acrylic painting featuring sheep. The winner for the Strawberry Theme Award was given to Mamie Robinson of Plant City for her oil piece featuring possums and strawberries.

The 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival Fine Arts Show, presented by the East Hillsborough Art Guild (EHAG), showcases the artwork of the talented residents of the Tampa Bay area. The show is open to the public during the annual Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City.

There were numerous entries in multiple media from professionals, amateurs and youth.

The judges for this year’s show were Ellen Chastain and Laura Putnam. Chastain is the education manager for the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College. Chastain has been in the visual arts field for over 15 years and is sought after as a qualified juror and judge of art competitions. Putnam is the manager of exhibitions and adult programs at the Polk Museum of Art. Putnam is a native Floridian who earned her BFA from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design.

The Adult Best of Show was awarded to Sandra Lallemand from Dade City, who won in the adult professional acrylics category.

The Best of Show award comes with a ribbon and a cash prize.

The Strawberry Theme Award was given to Mamie Robinson from Plant City, who won in the adult amateur oils category. The Strawberry Theme Award comes with a rib-

bon and a cash prize.

This year, a Youth Best of Show was presented for the first time. The winner was Malyssa Ollar from Tarpon Springs, who received a ribbon and a cash prize. The Youth Best of Show was sponsored by Jarret Scott Ford of Plant City.

Karen Crumley, chair of the show, said, “The quality of the youth entries is getting better and better each year. They are seeing what other youth are producing and think to themselves, ‘I can do that too.’”

This year, Suncoast Credit Union sponsored prizes for all of the amateur awards in all four divisions. Crumley said, “They wanted to encourage art, give back to the community and to keep the arts thriving in our community.”

In addition to the traditional awards given, area businesses can get involved by being a Business Leader Choice Award sponsor.

This year, there were 15 Business Leader Choice Award sponsors, including the Osprey Observer, which selected a sculpture created by Delaney Richards, and Winthrop Arts, which selected a watercolor created

by Barbara Tudek.

For more information on this year’s show and to get information for next year, please visit www.ehagfinearts.com.

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Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 3

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Page 25

SUMMER CAMPS OFFER MANY OPTIONS TO KEEP KIDS ACTIVE AND ENGAGED Have you got the calendar ready?

Summer is just around the corner and camps are gearing up for an active and busy camp season!

The staff at the Osprey Observer has collected the top recommendations for local summer camps and created this special pullout section. We asked local camps what they are doing to keep students engaged and active this year!

Buckhorn Springs Racquet & Pool Club Tennis Camp Do you have a budding tennis player in your home? If so, Buckhorn Springs Racquet & Pool Club camps might be the place for you.

Camp Osprey, LLC For a fun, traditional camp experience, check out Camp Osprey which is located on 204 acres of beautiful woodlands alongside the Little Manatee River in Wimauma. Camp activities include high ropes courses, ziplines, horse back riding and much more.

Hurricane Volleyball Academy Volleyball players should check out the camps offered at Hurricane Volleyball Academy (HVA) owned by Riverview residents Victoria and Brian Adams.

Patel Conservatory The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center is hosting a variety of week summer camps for rising actors, musicians, and dancers starting May 31 and running through August 5.

Weekly camps will take place Monday through Friday.

Trilogy Dive This summer, Trilogy Dive Center is hosting scuba camps for 10 to 17-yearolds: the Open Water Camp, for noncertified scuba divers, and the Advanced Open Water Camp, for those already scuba certified.

Kids R Kids With locations in Valrico and Lithia, Kids R Kids has been offering summer camps since cians.

2004. This summer, the With a variety theme is Camp Boomerof camp options in full ang and students can sign and half-day experiences, there’s up on a weekly basis or for something for every young entertainer. the whole summer.

Mathnasium of Riverview and Brandon Have your child’s math skills been impacted by the last school year? Have they fallen behind?

Music Showcase The Florida Academy of the Performing Arts at Music Showcase offers summer camps for aspiring actors a n d musi-

High 5, Inc. Brandon’s High 5 Inc. is inviting students to sail away for the best summer of their lives, kicking off on May 31.

YMCA All camps begin on May 31 and run through August 5 with ten separate sessions available Monday-Friday.

TLC’S Gypsy Haven TLC’s Gypsy Haven offers weekly themed riding camps, ages 8-99, focusing on riding and grooming. The camps take place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sidekicks Summer Camp Sidekicks Martial Arts is gearing up for its Summer Camp 2022 program with Martial Arts, field trips & more.

Watch for our Summer Camp Sweepstakes link where the Osprey Observer will buy your child a week of camp at the summer camp of your choice!

Or, enter now by emailing (subject line ‘Summer Camp Free’) contest@ ospreyobserver.com.

Did we miss a great summer camp option? Let us know by emailing (subject line ‘Summer Camp’) to kquesada@ospreyobserver.com and we will be sure to add it to our full listing online.

Have a great summer of fun!

Page 26

Valrico Edition

TRILOGY DIVE CENTER HOSTS SUMMER YOUTH SCUBA CAMPS

By Lily Belcher

This summer, Trilogy Dive Center is hosting scuba camps for 10 to 17-year-olds: the Open Water Camp, for noncertified scuba divers, and the Advanced Open Water Camp, for those already scuba certified.

Successful students will earn their scuba certification as Open Water Diver or A d va n c e d Open Water Diver. “ [ T h e goal of the Trilogy Dive Center is hosting camp is to] two scuba camps for 10 to 17-year-olds this summer. have fun, meet new friends, explore our underwater world and get scuba certified,” said Scuba Instructor and Owner Mike Massaro.

Each camp is offered every week this summer. No camps are held on the week of Wednesday to Sunday, July 4-8. Each week of camp will last Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Trilogy Dive Center on E. Columbus Dr. in Tampa. For the weeklong certification camp, campers will participate in 40 hours of dive instruction and leave with their scuba certification.

The Open Water Camp is for those with no prior scuba certification. The camper will participate in the classroom, pool and open water checkout dives to earn

their Open Water Scuba Certification.

“The camper starts off their week with classroom academics and pool work. This happens Monday-Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are spent at dive sites with the divers putting their newfound skills to work,” explained Massaro. “To become certified, they must attend every day, successfully pass all of the water skills in the pool and successfully complete four checkout dives that we conduct at lakes and springs.” Every diver starts with Open Water Scuba.

Trilogy Dive Center’s instructors are military veterans, health care professionals and educators. They have extensive experience training young adults to scuba dive.

Each camp is limited to 10 campers and will be led by an adult scuba instructor.

Equipment, drinks and snacks will be provided, so the only things campers have to bring is lunch, sunblock and a towel.

The Open Water Camp is $595, and the Advanced Open Water Camp is $695. Register now and give your child an adventure that will last a lifetime. Visit trilogyscuba. com, call 425-3500 or email scuba@triologyscuba.com.

Volume 19, Issue 3

THE PATEL CONSERVATORY AT THE STRAZ CENTER HOSTS SUMMER CAMPS

By Lily Belcher

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Cen- basics and skills to showcase in their final ter is hosting a variety of week summer performances. Showstoppers: Broadway Incamps for rising actors, musicians, and tensive is available for teen students at the dancers starting on Tuesday, May 31 and end of the summer as well. Musical theater running through Fricamps are an option for day, August 5. musically inclined acWeekly camps tors and actresses to will take place combine their dancMonday through ing, acting and singFriday, with preing talents on stage. and post-camp Music camps and available for an intensives are availadditional $30 able throughout the each or $50 for summer, with focuses both extensions. on different genres in The Patel Coneach camp. servatory offers sum- The Patel Conservatory offers dance, “Summer music offerings mer dance camps and theater and music camps throughout the at the Patel Conservatory summer. intensives for beginallow students to experience ner and advanced dancers. The advanced singing in a choir, discovering a new instruand intensive camps, which vary in price, re- ment or playing in a chamber ensemble. Inquire prior experience, but its beginning jazz strumentalists and vocalists of all ages have dance, tap dance and ballet camps are open fun while developing their talents,” accordto elementary and middle school dancers for ing to the brochure. $145.

Group classes for violin, piano, singing and For aspiring actors and actresses, theater chamber music are offered over the summer students can register for the Patel Conser- and allow students to fine tune their musical vatory’s production camps. talents with a teacher. Private lessons and “The Patel Conservatory Theater De- music theory classes are also available. partment offers training in musical and Information on the camps offered as nonmusical theater through productions, well as specific dates, times and pricing are performance camps and technical theater available in the 2022 Summer Camps and programs,” explains the summer camp bro- Classes brochure on the Straz Center’s webchure. site at strazcenter.org. For more information Young actors can participate in shows like on specific details of the camps, contact the Disney’s 101 Dalmatians and Shakespeare’s admissions staff at 222-1040 or 800-955As You Like It, where they will learn theater 1045 (toll-free).

Valrico Edition

March 2022

YMCA CAMP INSPIRES DREAMS AND SUPPORTS CHILDREN

By Amy Schechter Whether you riding, canoeing, need childcare visual arts and over the summore. mer or just want Besides many your kids to esconvenient locacape the house, tions in the Branthe YMCA has don, Riverview what kids crave and Apollo Beach at one of its area, including many summer the North Tampa camp locations.

YMCA, Campo Camp CristiFamily YMCA and na Operations Spurlino Family That feeling when you’re ready for YMCA Summer Director Meagan YMCA at Big Bend Camp!

Springer spoke Rd., the community with joy when she described is lucky to have Camp Cristina, summers at the YMCA: a 65-acre campus in Riverview “Camps provide an experience complete with many outdoor where kids have an opportuoptions, including a rock wall, nity that’s very unique. At the ropes course, horseback riding, heart of what we do, we are and water activities. always thinking of ways we All camps begin on Tuesday, can stimulate and support May 31 and run through Friday, kids through recreation while August 5 with 10 separate sesthey are out of school.” sions available from Monday to The American Camp Association (ACA) Friday. Book one weeklong session or book recently announced that the Tampa Met- them all. Camp programming runs from 9 ropolitan Area YMCA Summer Camps re- a.m.-4 p.m. with free early morning care ceived ACA-Accredited Camp status for the beginning at 7 a.m. and free afternoon ex2022 season. After a thorough review of tended care until 6 p.m. Prices start at only nearly 300 standards, the ACA found that $169 per week for YMCA members and the YMCA camps’ staff qualifications, train- are open to the public. Discounted rates for ing and emergency management reflect members, early registration, siblings, multithe highest standards in the industry. Plus, camp sign-ups and early-bird registration YMCA camps offer an array of fun where are available. activity specialists lead campers through For more information on specific lovarious experiences each day, including cations and pricing and to register, visit swimming, science, high ropes, outdoor tampaymca.org/programs/camp/sumeducation, nature encounters, horseback mer-camp.

Contact us today to schedule a risk-free assessment and learn about our summer specials.

TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU Mathnasium of Brandon 813-655-6284 1048 Bloomingdale Avenue Valrico, FL 33596 mathnasium.com/brandon

Mathnasium of Riverview 813-565-1102 Coming 1388 US 301 Soon!

Riverview, FL 33579 mathnasium.com/riverview

Page 27

FOR THE LOVE OF VOLLEYBALL, HVA IS HERE

By Libby Hopkins Victoria and Brian Adams are both edu- ni go off to play volleyball at the collegiate cators. Combined, they have taught in the level,” Victoria said. “We believe in providing district for more than 25 years. “We live in a home for all levels of athletes to achieve Riverview, Florida and love it here,” Victoria their personal goals.” said. “Together, we The mission of HVA is to cultishare a passion for vate an environment of compethelping the youth itive learning through innovative in our communicoaching techniques and high ty, whether that is standards of performance. “HVA through education, is a volleyball club dedicated sports, community to player development both on service, you name it.” and off the court,” Victoria said.

Brian won coach “HVA’s customized practice seof the year in 2012 at quences enable us to East Bay High in the maximize individual Western Conference skills training through for volleyball. “Brian a unique format.”

The mission of Hurricane has been coaching for Volleyball Academy (HVA) HVA will offer vol14 years in Hillsbor- is to cultivate an environleyball summer camps ough County,” Victoria ment of competitive learning this year. “We have said. “I won teacher of through innovative coaching techniques camps that run all through the year at East Bay and high standards of performance for summer,” Victoria said. ages 8-18.

High School in 2016.”

“We will be offering bunBrian grew up playing competitive beach dles where people can pick and choose the volleyball and has always had a love for skills position they want to focus on. We will sports and coaching. “He is currently teach- have $10 open gym time where they get ing physical education at Riverview High some upfront instruction, then get to play School,” Victoria said. “About six years ago, some games in the gym. We will be offering he decided to begin the journey of fulfilling college camps as well. Our last college camp a personal challenge of starting his own vol- with Warner University resulted in a player leyball club. I jumped right on board.” And receiving a college scholarship to play volfrom there, Hurricane Volleyball Academy leyball. We target ages 8-18, both boys and (HVA) was born. girls, all skill levels.”

HVA started in 2016 and has grown from If you’d like to learn more about HVA or a 15 to 18-year-old girls club to expand into their upcoming summer camps, you can a club for both 8 to 18-year-old girls and visit its website at www.hurricanevolleybalboys. “We’ve had dozens of Hurricane alum- lacademy.com or call Brian at 220-0905.

Page 28

Buckhorn Springs Racquet & Pool Club Tennis Camp Do you have a budding tennis player in your home? If so, Buckhorn Springs Racquet & Pool Club camps might be the place for you.

Located at 2721 S. Miller Rd. in Valrico, camps take place Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m.-12 Noon, with Friday as a rain day. Camps, which boast a 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio, cost $185 a week, but if you register before Friday, April 15, you qualify for the early bird price of $170. New players get a free beginner racket when registering for more than two weeks. Additional discounts are available with inquiry. Snacks and meals are not included.

To learn more, call 502-5160 or visit www.buckhornracquet.com.

Camp Osprey, LLC For a fun, traditional camp experience, check out Camp Osprey, which is located on 204 acres of beautiful woodlands alongside the Little Manatee River in Wimauma. Camp activities include high ropes courses, ziplines, horseback riding and much more.

Camps take place every week starting on Sunday, June 5, and campers can sign up for a week or the whole summer. Day and overnight options are available, with

Valrico Edition

day camp costing $325 a week and overnight being $645.

Meals are provided and snacks can be purchased in the camp canteen.

The camp is located at 18050 U.S. Hwy. 301 S. in Wimauma and can be reached at 941-928-6860. For more information, visit www.camposprey.com.

Mathnasium Of Riverview And Brandon Have your child’s math skills been impacted by the last school year? Have they fallen behind? Are there gaps in their learning? Do they need a greater challenge? If so, consider a summer math program with Mathnasium. But don’t wait too long because spots are filling up fast.

Mathnasium’s personalized learning plans are proven to improve grades and give them a head start going into the new school year. With live faceto-face instruction, either in-center or online, its summer programs are designed to work in tandem with the other summer camps and activities. Just two or three one-hour sessions per week are all kids need to help keep their math skills on track for the upcoming school year, and your child will continue to enjoy summer because Mathnasium makes learning math fun.

Call today for a free assessment.

Mathnasium of Brandon (mathnasium.com/brandon) is located at 1048 Bloomingdale Ave. and can be reached at 655-6284, and Mathnasium of Riverview (mathnasium.com/riverview) is located at 1388 U.S. 301 and can be reached at 565-1102.

Volume 19, Issue 3

Arts at Music Showcase offers summer camps for aspiring actors and musicians.

With a variety of camp options in full and half-day experiences, there’s something for every young entertainer.

T h e traditional camp exposes campers to music and more. You can sign up for one weeklong camp or you can sign up for multiple camps. Camps are structured by age, ability and interest.

Its other camp option is a musical theater camp, where campers work together over the course of a few weeks to put on a show.

Camp registration opens in mid-March.

For further details, visit www.faopa.org or call 490-2787.

Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

Hurricane Volleyball Academy Volleyball players should check out the camps offered at Hurricane Volleyball Academy (HVA), owned by Riverview residents Victoria and Brian Adams.

HVA started in 2016 and has grown from a 15 to 18-year-old girls club to expand into 8 to 18-year-old for both girls and boys with camps that will run throughout the summer.

Options will include The Patel Conservatory bundles The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Cenwhere peoter is hosting a variety of week summer ple can pick camps for and choose rising actors, the skills musicians position they want to focus on and $10 and dancopen gym time, which will include instrucers starting tion and games. College camps will also Tu e s d a y, be offered.

May 31 and To learn more, visit www.hurricanevol- Music Showcase running The Florida Academy of Performing t h r o u g h leyballacademy.com or call 220-0905.

March 2022

Friday, August 5. Weekly camps will take place Monday through Friday, with pre- and post-camp available for an additional $30 each or $50 for both extensions.

Information on the camps offered as well as specific dates, times and pricing are available in the 2022 Summer Camps and Classes brochure on the Straz Center’s website at strazcenter.org. For more information on specific details of the camps, contact the admissions staff at 222-1040 or 800-955-1045 (toll-free).

Trilogy Dive This summer, Trilogy Dive Center is hosting scuba camps for 10 to 17-year-olds: the Open Water Camp, for noncertified scuba divers, and the Advanced Open Water Camp, for those already scuba certified. Successful students will earn their scuba certification as Open Water Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver.

Each camp is limited to 10 campers and will be led by an adult scuba instructor.

Equipment, drinks and snacks will be provided, so the only things campers have to bring is lunch, sunblock and a towel.

The Open Water Camp is $595, and the Advanced Open Water Camp is $695. To sign up for the camp or for more information on Trilogy Dive’s camps, visit trilogyscuba.com, call 425-3500 or email scuba@

Valrico Edition

t r i o l o g ys c u ba . and camp costs $160 a week per child. com.

To learn more, visit www.high5inc.org or call 689-0908.

Kids ‘R’ Kids Friday, August YMCA 5. Weekly camps Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA has will take place Monday through Friday, with what kids crave at one of its many summer pre- and post-camp available for an addi- camp locations. tional $30 each or $50 for both extensions.

YMCA camps offer an array of fun where Information on the camps offered as activity spewell as specific dates, times and pricing cialists will are available in the 2022 Summer Camps lead campers and Classes brochure on the Straz Center’s through various website at strazcenter.org. For more infor- e x p e r i e n c e s mation on specific details of the camps, each day, incontact the admissions staff at 222-1040 cluding swimor 800-955-1045 (toll-free). ming, science, high ropes, outHigh 5, Inc. door education, nature encounters, horseBrandon’s High 5, Inc. is inviting stu- back riding, canoeing, visual arts and more. dents to sail away for the best summer All camps begin on Tuesday, May 31 and of their lives, kicking off run through Friday, August 5 on Tuesday, May 31. with 10 separate sessions availCampers will be able able from Monday to Friday. Book to choose different one weeklong session or book activities based on a them all. Camp programming cruise ship theme, inruns from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with cluding swimming, divfree early morning care begining, games and activities, ning at 7 a.m. and free afternoon a scavenger hunt, dress-up extenddays, various tournaments, bounce houses, ed care until 6 a slip and slide, water slides and gaming p.m. Prices start tournaments. at only $169 per Camp is offered Monday through Friday week for YMCA from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. at High 5, which is locat- members and are open to the public. Dised at 405 Beverly Blvd. in Brandon. Camp- counted rates for members, early registraers can sign up for weeks throughout the tion, siblings, multi-camp sign-ups and earsummer or the entire summer, with regis- ly-bird registration are available. tration opening in April.

For more information on specific locaThere is a $40 registration fee per child tions and pricing and to register, visit www.

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tampaymca.org/letscamp.

FishHawk Fellowship Church Sports Summer Camp Calling all young athletes! FishHawk Fellowship Church is hosting its very popular sports camps again this summer with sessions for basketball, soccer and flag football.

The basketball camps start Monday, June 6th and continue through Friday, July 1st with soccer and flag football following the weeks of July 11th and July 18th respectively. Sessions are broken down by sport and age group.

The price is $100 per week and there are options for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The camp runs from 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. and campers need to bring their own lunch and water bottle. For dates and to sign up, visit fishhawkfc.org/sports. The church is located at 15326 FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia.

Sidekicks Summer Camp Sidekicks Martial Arts is gearing up for its summer camp 2022 program with martial arts, amazing field trips, arts and crafts, educational lessons and so much more. Your child is going to have a blast! (For rising kindergarteners to rising sixth graders.)

Visit www.fishhawksummercamps.com or text 308-0368. Sidekicks is located upstairs at Park Square in the heart of FishHawk Ranch.

Page 30

Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 3

KIDS ‘R’ KIDS OFFERS SUMMER FUN & FIELD SAIL AWAY WITH HIGH 5, INC. SUMMER CAMP FUN

By Kate Quesada TRIPS AT TWO LOCATIONS

By Kate Quesada

“Kids ‘R’ Kids and water play.

Learning Academy Other themes offers a safe, well-suwill include ‘Depervised, educational, cade Dash’; ‘Natengaging and thrilling ural Talent’; where summer camp experistudents will draw ence for children K-5,” inspiration from said Owner Ben Ferthe earth, and nandes.

‘What’s Cookin’,’ With locations in which will allow Valrico and Lithia, campers to cook Kids ‘R’ Kids has been up a ton and give offering summer them the chance camps since 2004. to learn how our This summer, the taste buds work theme is Camp with regard to Boomerang, and sweet vs. sour vs. students can sign salty foods. The up on a weekly baweek ends with a sis or for the whole potluck dinner feasummer. turing a favorite “Camp Boomerdish from each of ang will show- Registration is now available for camp at Kids ‘R’ our campers.

Kids in Lithia and Valrico. case unique weekly According to Ferthemes designed to make your campers nandes, field trips will include a Rays game, smile, think, explore, collaborate and grow Sea Screamer in Clearwater, the Ringling in exciting new directions,” said Fernandes. Museum, a tour of the Bucs stadium and The summer camp will feature Australian more. themes, including ‘Down Under,’ which will “We even go to the River Hills Country take campers to explore what makes Aus- Club pool,” he explained. tralia special; a movie-themed week called The camp includes all meals and field ‘KidFlix’; and ‘Reef Creatures,’ where camp- trips, and space is limited. ers will pay a virtual visit to the beaches Kids ‘R’ Kids Valrico is located at 4321 in Australia, including a deep dive into the Lynx Paw Trl. and can be reached at 657Great Barrier Reef and a chance to learn 6200, and Kids ‘R’ Kids Circa FishHawk is about a variety of ocean creatures that call located at 5815 Kids Crossing Dr. in Lithia it home. The week will include beach games and can be reached at 654-7000.

Summer camp is “We will have a DJ sure to be a hit at at the start of the Brandon’s High 5, Inc. week to do the ‘MunThe camp, which inster Drill,’” added Nelvites students to sail son. away for the best Camp is offered summer of their lives, Monday through Friwill kick off on Tuesday from 7 a.m.-6 day, May 31. p.m. at High 5, which According to High 5 is located at 405 BevRegional Director Ererly Blvd. in Brandon. ica Nelson, campers Campers can sign up will be able to choose for weeks throughout different activities the summer or the based on a cruise ship entire summer with theme. sessions starting on “We will have a Tuesday, May 31 and Summer camp at High 5, Inc. will have a cruise itinerary for registration opening in cruise theme this year. each day, but the April. campers will have the There is a $40 regisopportunity to make tration fee per child and their own choices as camp cost $160 a week well,” said Nelson. per child.

Camp will consist of High 5, formerly Bran‘The Stern,’ which will be don Sports and Aquatics outside games; ‘The Lido Club (BSAC), has been Deck’ which involves part of the Brandon time in the location’s community since 1963 pool; field trip ‘Excursions’; ‘Creative and was the area’s first multipurpose Cover’; ‘The Plank,’ which are diving facility, dedicated to making positive boards; and ‘Encounters,’ which will in- impacts on the lives of residents in the volve pickleball, swimming and other region and beyond. The site also offers sports and recreation activities. a competitive swimming program, OlymOther features will include a scaven- pic-level diving as well as swimming lesger hunt, dress-up days, various tourna- sons from beginners to adults. ments, bounce houses, a slip and slide, To learn more, visit www.high5inc.org water slides and gaming tournaments. or call 689-0908.

Valrico Edition

March 2022

THE BRANDON BALLET PRESENTS PRINCESS TEA PARTY FEATURING CINDERELLA

By Kathy L. Collins

The Brandon Join Cinderella Ballet, estaband her fellow lished in 1993, is princess friends a nonprofit, preas they perprofessional balform excerpts let company that from Cinderella develops and prowhile you and motes opportuniyour guest saties for aspiring vor cupcakes young dancers. As from Sweetie’s a part of its misDelights, finsion, the Brandon Don’t miss the fun of the Brandon Ballet’s annual ger foods and, Princess Tea Party.

Ballet provides of course, tea. the community with a number of events There is something for every member of and performances. One of its most popu- the family to enjoy, including immersive lar events is the Princess Tea Party. game time, appearances from your favorThe next Princess Tea Party will fea- ite princesses, raffles and prizes. If you ture Cinderella and will be held on Sun- are looking for a lively, Sunday afternoon day, March 27 at 3 p.m. at The Regent, family outing, look no further than the located at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. Brandon Ballet’s Princess Tea Party.

Tickets are $17.50 plus tax for adults and Hannah Townend with the Brandon children if purchased in advance or $20 Ballet said, “For ballet lovers of any age, plus tax at the door. If tickets are sold the Princess Tea Party is sure to be a out online prior to the event, tickets will Sunday Funday treat.” not be sold at the door. Tickets can be Masks are optional for all Princess Tea purchased by visiting www.brandonbal- Party guests. In order to ensure a safer let.org/events/. gathering, tickets will be limited, so reThere are lots of exciting events and serve your tickets now before it is too performances throughout the Brandon late.

Ballet season that bring in audience memAfter you meet Cinderella and her prinbers and supporters alike, but by far the cess friends, make plans to attend the most popular among its young patrons is Brandon Ballet’s presentation of the balthe annual tea parties. The Brandon Bal- let, Cinderella, on Saturday, April 30 at let staff and dancers revel in the pleasure Riverview High School in Riverview. of providing such sweet events for young For more information, visit www.Branballet lovers and their families. donBallet.org or call 684-4282.

Ages 8 - 18

Page 31

GET READY TO ROCK YOUR SUMMER WITH THE FAOPA AT MUSIC SHOWCASE

By Amy Schechter

Want the perfect place to make memories and music? The Florida Academy of Performing Arts (FAOPA) at Music Showcase offers a magical summer camp experience for aspiring actors and musicians.

With a variety of camp options in full and

FAOPA summer camp sign-ups start soon.

half-day experiences, there’s something for every young entertainer.

Debbie Evans, director of accounts, cannot stress how wonderful the experience is: “It’s more than just learning about music or learning how to sing. Kids are gaining self-confidence and self-esteem. They blossom into performers who like music and like being on stage.”

The traditional camp exposes campers to music and more. Every few hours, students can learn an instrument like guitar and drums, take vocal lessons, take acting and improv classes and do arts and crafts. You can sign up for one weeklong camp or you can sign up for multiple camps. Camps are structured by age, ability and interest.

Their other camp option is a musical theater camp. Campers work together over the course of a few weeks to put on a show.

They will memorize lines, music and choreography. This summer, depending on the camper’s age, they will perform Newsies Jr., Oklahoma! Youth Edition, Bye Bye Birdie Youth Edition, Big the Musical, High School Musical 2 Jr., Fiddler on the Roof Jr. and Broadway Boot Camp. Sanchez went on to say, “If you do the musical camps, you’re learning about teamwork in an ensemble. A lot of parents are always so surprised.

They had no idea their child had it within them when they see them perform.”

Campers must bring their own lunches, drinks and snacks, with snacks also available for purchase.

The Florida Academy of Performing Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established to support the performing arts through programs at the academy and in the community.

Camp registration opens in mid-March.

For further details, visit www.FAOPA.org or call 490-2787. Music Showcase is located at 402 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon.

Summer Camp Options Competitive Girls and Boys Teams

Summer Boot Camps (June/July)

Several skill specific sessions to hone a current skill or come to ALL and learn all aspects of volleyball positions. For beginner/intermediate and advanced players. This is a low commitment but high energy and fast paced skill building. A great way to learn or to continue to improve over the summer.

College Clinics (June/July)

Last year we welcomed both Webber International University and Warner University head coaches to host a college clinic for players in our area. This was for girls and boys and had beach and indoor volleyball opportunities.

Open Gym (June/July)

$10 Open Gyms- both beginner and intermediate advanced. If you want to have some fun give volleyball a try, make some friends in the process this is a great start for you. This open gym also gives you an opportunity to meet our amazing coaching staff and learn some quick basic skills.

High School and Middle School Dust off (Late July)

This is a targeted clinic designed to refresh and remind players of what High School and Middle School volleyball coaches are looking for. From skills, techniques even body language. Let us help you dust off your skills as you prepare for your schools volleyball tryouts.

Your One Stop Shop for all things VOLLEYBALL! Summer Camps • Fall Leagues • Team Camps • Skills Clinics Positional Trainings • Training for ALL Skill Levels

Visit Our Website For More Information!

813-220-0905 | HurricaneVolleyballAcademy.com

Page 32

Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 3

HCC KIDS’ COLLEGE YOUTH SUMMER DISNEY CHARACTERS RETURN TO TAMPA IN MARCH FOR LET’S CELEBRATE PROGRAM RETURNS FOR ITS EIGHTH YEAR Staff Report

Staff Report

The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate, and this monumental ice-skating spectacular visits AMALIE Arena from Thursday to Sunday, March 24-27.

Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters starring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy and featuring an ensemble of Disney Princesses, including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana. The wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen also comes to life with Anna, Elsa and the hilarious Olaf as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all. Exciting moments from Disney Pixar’s Finding Dory, Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast will leave the whole family with memories to last a lifetime.

The legacy of Disney is displayed through 14 classic and modern stories in this production that features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set.

With over 30 melodious masterpieces such as “Let It Go!,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “Hakuna Matata,” Disney On Ice Let’s Celebrate is the ultimate Disney fan experience. Families will join the fun in an exciting opening number that salutes Mickey Mouse

and Minnie Mouse as the original hosts of Disney On Ice in an unforgettable experience in your hometown.

While delivering the same magical experiences guests expect from Disney On Ice, Feld Entertainment is continuing Guest Wellness Enhancements to help keep families safe at its live events. Feld Entertainment is working closely with venue partners to establish and follow COVID-19 health and safety standards in accordance with all federal, state and local guidelines. Full details on Feld Entertainment Guest Wellness Enhancements can be found at https://www.disneyonice. com/guest-wellness.

Guests looking to purchase Disney On Ice souvenirs will find the process easier than ever thanks to a new contactless shopping experience with touch-free payment and digital purchasing options. Guests can preorder items prior to arriving at the venue. Once ordered, guests can pick up their purchases at a convenient, contactless pickup station during the show. Additional information can be found at www.disneyonice.com/tickets.

The shows will take place on Thursday, March 24 and Friday, March 25 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 26 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 27 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at AMALIE Arena, located at 401 Channelside Dr. in Tampa.

Kids’ College at Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is returning this summer for its eighth year. HCC Kids’ College offers a variety of fun, engaging, learning-based summer programs for youth ages 8-15.

The Youth Summer Program will begin the week of Monday, June 6 and run through the week of Monday, July 25.

All programs will take place at Kids’ College at Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is returning this summer for its eighth year.

HCC’s Corporate Training Center - Davis Islands, located at ed on March 1. For a complete listing of 39 Columbia Dr. in Tampa. classes, dates and times, please visit tampaFor youth ages 8-11, there will be a wide training.com/kids-college. range of options ranging from a STEAM The Institute for Corporate and Continuthree-week summer series, game design, ing Education (ICCE) is Hillsborough Comcoding, streamers and gamers, sign lan- munity College’s corporate training arm that guage, chess, hip-hop dance and young provides customized business solutions for entrepreneur’s class. For youth ages 12-15, local companies and individuals.

Kids’ College will offer a four-week series Hillsborough Community College serves on youth empowerment, digital design and more than 42,000 students annually at its babysitting certificate class. five campuses located throughout Tampa “Our high-quality camps help children and Bay. For more information, visit hccfl.edu. teens develop new skills and interests outHillsborough Community College is acside of their usual routines,” said Ronkel Wil- credited by the Southern Association of Colliams, business and community development leges and Schools Commission on Colleges officer of ICCE. “We strive to make the ex- (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. perience exciting and educational for every Parents with questions on the summer camper.” programs can email kidscollege@hccfl.edu Full-day classes start at $175 per week or call 259-6010. and will run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Half-day The program is also hiring volunteers. classes will run from either 9 a.m.-12 Noon Apply for part-time assistant and seasonal or from 1-4 p.m. Discounts and payment camp leader positions at jobs.hccfl.edu. To plans are available. Early-bird discount end- learn more, contact kidscollege@hccfl.edu.

(Ages K-5)

March 2022

Valrico Edition

Page 33

20 YEARS SINCE SIGHTS WERE SET ON FORMING FISHHAWK YOUTH BASEBALL PROGRAM

By Taylor Wells

Twenty years ago, on page lot of work, and three of the Osprey Observer’s a lot of effort put March 2002 FishHawk edition, into it, they’ve one of our first newspapers, we done a great job published a story about local resbuilding a great ident Vincent Guarcello trying to foundation for open a little league for his comwhat I inherited munity. Though he is no longer and what I’m trya direct part of it, Guarcello’s ing to build, and I efforts later led to the league hope I leave it in officially forming in 2008 under Two of FishHawk Youth Baseball’s concession a little better spot One of FishHawk Youth Baseball’s camps the name chosen in the original stand volunteers. Its volunteers are all a big when I eventually held in December 2021. part of making the league great. story: FishHawk Youth Baseball step down.”

(FYB).

FishHawk Youth “My son’s a 12-year-old don’t have the money to play,” said now and he’s one of the big“We’ve got over 550 kids in Baseball has been our league, and we do two seasons a Murphy, “It’s not about money for this ger kids up there, and it’s built up by its volyear. And we’ve been growing; COVID organization at all. Anybody can play.” fun to watch him around unteers; its partslowed us down a little bit … but we He added, “We want the kids to have the younger ones and help The Osprey Observer’s first news story nerships with the about the little league that would have been growing exponentially ever a place to come and make friends. It’s a them,” he said. county, local high become FishHawk Youth Baseball. since COVID let down a little bit, and fun, competitive environment at times, The group is entirely run schools and its we’re able to put the kids back out on but, more importantly, anybody can by volunteers. Be they board members, sponsors; and all the people involved. the field,” said Tom Murphy, president play and feel like they’re a part of it.” coaches, managers, cleanup crew or It’s a tough job when there’s so many Murphy joined the board because he concession stand operators, everyone people, but it’s easy when everyone has of FishHawk Youth Baseball. saw the amazing job it was doing with is a qualified volunteer. This includes the same goal, and Murphy wants to Children ages 4 to 18 years old can the kids and in managing all the work the kids’ parents, who are required to thank everyone for making FYB what join, and no prior baseball experience involved, and he is glad to lead and be volunteer if their kid wants to be a part it is today. is required. In this large league of local a part of it.

Some of the things he loves of FYB, along with paying a registra- “We’re creating a sense of communikids with about 120 volunteers making most are the opening day ceremonies tion fee for each season. the experience a joy for all, FYB has ty around the baseball field, and I think where the kids are amped up in their Of course, if you want to volunteer, that’s a really cool thing that has hapcreated a great community.

“We want to provide a place for uniforms for the first time; end-of-sea- you don’t need to have a kid in the pened over the years,” said Murphy. all kids of any skill to be able to play son tournaments where they have fun, league. Volunteers are always welcome. For more information about Fishbaseball. Also, it does not matter what compete, get a big trophy and get their About the people who started it all, Hawk Youth Baseball, including how their economical abilities are, we have picture on Facebook; and seeing them Murphy said, “The initial board obvi- to register your child or volunteer, visit scholarships available for kids that progress and become leaders. ously set the way for us. While it’s a www.fishhawkyouthbaseball.org.

Page 34

Valrico Edition

HILLSBOROUGH SCHOOLS ANNOUNCES FOUR FLORIDA PREPAID SCHOLARSHIPS WORTH COMBINED $25,000 Staff Report

Hillsborough County lifelong career. With Public Schools recentone scholarship aidly partnered with the ing high school seFlorida Prepaid College niors and the other Program to announce for one of our youngfour scholarships est learners, these worth a combined awards truly recog$25,000. The Superinnize the spectrum of tendent Addison Davis important work our Future of STEM Scholeducators take part Hillsborough County Public Schools arship will be awarded in here in Hillsborrecently partnered with the Florida Prepaid to three students. This College Program to announce four scholar- ough County Public scholarship is a twoSchools,” said Davis. ships worth a combined $25,000. year Florida College “Hillsborough CounPlan worth $8,000. ty Public Schools has a laThese scholarships are ser-like focus on providing designed to encourage the most robust STEM new teachers to join the programs for our stueducation workforce in dents to prepare them for areas with critical shortthe careers of tomorrow. ages. To apply for this It is equally as important scholarship, students that we focus on cultivatmust meet criteria and ing STEM educators who write a 500-word essay have a passion for the about why they want to subject and for teaching become a teacher in a students a genuine love of STEM subject. science. This scholarship Superintendent Adwill help to support one dison Davis’ Preparing Students for Life of our future educators, who will in turn Scholarship is a $1,000 Florida 529 Sav- inspire our learners to excel in STEM,” said ings Plan awarded to a parent or guardian Larry Plank, director of K-12 STEM educawho attends a kindergarten registration tion. event or begins the registration process Florida Prepaid kicked off its annual

by Saturday, April 30 for the 2022-2023 open enrollment period by offering famacademic year. An eligible student’s name ilies who purchase a 529 Prepaid Plan will be drawn at random.

by April 30 up to $500 in a 529 Savings “The Florida Prepaid College Program Plan to be used toward additional college is a proactive way that parents can begin expenses. Open enrollment runs through to prepare their learner for postsecondary April 30 and is the annual window when education. We are so fortunate to be able families can lock in future tuition costs at to provide students an opportunity to help today’s plan prices. Visit www.myfloridapay for college, which is a pathway to a prepaid.com for more information.

Volume 19, Issue 3

LEAVEN BREWING BOTTLE CLUB IS A BIG HIT WITH FAMILIES

By Amy Schechter

When KJ and littles. Noland Jillian Lynch makes sure to started Leaven build a curBrewing they riculum your could not have littles will imagined how love though: soon their cus“I put out tomers became sensory toys like family. Jillian and items for said, “We’ve realthem to play ized quickly that with to keep we opened the them busy in brewery to make a stimulating beer, but somefashion. After times the beer icebreakers, takes a back seat we do some because it’s more sort of physabout the people Winter Lynch invites you to Leaven Brewing’s Bottle Club. ical activity, that come through the tap room.” With whether that be just [a] fun song with a booming mug club, they have a loyal movement. I’m also teaching the parents following of regulars eager for great con- some great resources and videos that you versations along with a great selection of can use at home.” beer.

If you’re looking for something similar, However, with the birth of their daugh- you have to drive into Tampa, and Jillian ter, Winter, they found they were missing knew that just wasn’t an option. “The Rivout on something big. As new parents, erview community is not going to wake they realized how hard it is meet up with up with their 9-month-old, pack a diaper other new parents. “It only seemed fair bag, get themselves ready for the day that if Mom and Dad had a mug club, and trek themselves across the bay and Winter has her own club,” Jillian said. get back in time for nap time,” she said.

Then, with the help of mug club member Now they have the option right in their Renee Noland, who is certified in early backyard. childhood education and has been teachAt only $25 per class, you won’t want ing for 10 years, Bottle Club was formed. to miss the next meeting scheduled for Specifically designed for moms and March. For more information and meetdads and their kids 2 and under, Leav- ing dates, you can check out Facebook en Brewing’s Bottle Club is a fantastic at www.facebook.com/leavenbrewing place for you and your baby to bond with or Instagram at instagram.com/leaveneach other and socialize. You can expect brewing. You can also call 677-7023 or 60 minutes of fun filled with music, ex- visit it online at www.leavenbrewing. ploration, reading and, of course, there’s com. Leaven Brewing Co. is located at a beer at the end—for the bigs, not the 11238 Boyette Rd. in Riverview.

March 2022

Valrico Edition

THE BAY AREA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR ITS 44TH YEAR

By Libby Hopkins The Bay Area Area RenaisRenaissance Fessance Festival tival returns for brings some of its 44th season the most unique from February entertainment, 19 to Sunday, shopping and April 3. The feseducational tival is open on opportunities,” weekends from Whipps said.

10 a.m.-6 p.m., “Each weekend rain or shine, features a difand is located ferent theme at Withlacoochwith specialee River Park in ized entertainDade City. “Join ers, vendors King Henry the and artisans 8th and the Vilwho help bring The Bay Area Renaissance Festival returns for its 44th lagers of Fittlethe theme to worth as they season from Saturday, February 19 to Sunday, April 3. life. This year’s The festival is open on weekends from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., invite one and all theme weekto the magical rain or shine, and is located at Withlacoochee River Park ends are Wine, in Dade City 16th-century EuRomance & ropean village featuring 15 Song, Highland Fling, Pirates & Pups, Barstages of exciting entertainment, in- barian Brew Fest, Shamrocks & Shenanicluding musicians, magicians, jugglers and gans, High Seas Adventure and Wonders more,” said the festival’s corporate compli- of the World.” ance and communications director, StephJousting is the one of the festival’s most anie Whipps. “More than 100 artisans will popular attractions, and it happens three fill the festival marketplace to display and times a day during the festival. The first sell their handcrafted goods for a truly match is at 1 p.m. and then the second is fabulous and endless shopping experience. at 3 p.m. The final match of the day is at 5 Our guests will interact with memorable p.m. The jousting matches are free to atcharacters and enjoy full-contact, live, ar- tend with your purchased festival ticket. mored jousting, seven theme weekends Adult tickets are $22.95, seniors are and fabulous food fit for a king or queen.” $18.95, children ages 5-12 are $14.95 and The first weekend of the 2022 Bay Area children ages 4 and under are free. Visit Renaissance Festival kicked off on Febru- the festival’s website at www.bayarearenary 19 and will run for seven weekends fest.com or call 1-800-601-4848 for more (Saturdays and Sundays) through April 3. information. Withlacoochee River Park is “A festival tradition for 44 years, the Bay located at 12838 Auton Rd. in Dade City.

Page 35

SUN ‘N FUN AEROSPACE EXPO IS ‘WHERE IT’S AT’

Staff Report

The SUN food options ‘n FUN Aeroand daily live space Expo entertainis once again ment across taking to the 2,000 acres skies over of fun.

Lakeland The SUN from Tuesday ‘n FUN Flyto Sunday, In Style PiApril 5-10, lot Program c e l e b ra t i n g is new for the annual 2022 and comradery of will recogaviation. This nize and reyear’s expo ward pilots will be also that fly their c e l e b ra t i n g aircraft to the 75th anthe event, niversary of including the U. S. Air pilots flyForce, which ing right will be highseat, with lighted by a deals and d e m o n s t ra discounts tion from the throughout USAF Thunthe week. derbirds in The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo will take place in Lakeland For this from Tuesday to Sunday, April 5-10. their first year’s milia p p e a ra n c e tary air show since 2016. Marking component, it its 48th year, this will be a U.S. Air event is the primaForce trifecta. ry fundraiser for the The USAF Air Aerospace Center Demonstration for Excellence, which Squadron Thunenables the delivery derbirds will take of STEM-related and flight in their aerospace education premier multiprograms and scholrole fighter jet, arships engaging over the F-16 Fight50,000 local youth ing Falcon. The each year. aggressive USAF The SUN ‘n FUN A-10 Warthog, a Aerospace Expo is a six-day, aviation-nir- primary low-altitude, close air support vana event for 225,000 attendees plus aircraft, will be showing off its unique millions more via the power of social me- combat capabilities. If you prefer heavy dia. Touted as the largest annual conven- metal, the C-17 Globemaster III, aka ‘The tion in the State of Florida as well as the Moose,’ will be part of a multi-aircraft second largest general aviation event in static display. the world, attendees are encouraged to In addition to the daily high-adrenatake advantage of the training forums, line air shows, there are two-night shows hands-on workshops and aircraft demon- with lights and fireworks flying their roustration showcases. There’s plenty of en- tines to music and an artistic drone show. gaging activities for the public of all ages There are many ticket options available to enjoy. The activities are scheduled including Florida resident, senior and milfrom sunrise until after sunset and most itary. On-site camping is also a fun way are included with the ticket purchase. to never miss a minute of the excitement.

In keeping with this year’ theme of The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is be‘Where It’s At,’ the expo has over 500 ing held on the south side of the Lakeland exhibitors, many plane manufacturers, Linder International. For more informaa three-day career fair, a National STOL tion, including ticket prices, visit flysnf.

Competition and more. There is lots of org.

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

Hours:

6am - 10pm

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

Page 36

Valrico Edition

FISHHAWK WOLFPACK CHEER BRINGS HOME TWO NATIONAL TITLES; FIVE OVERALL

By Nick Nahas

Photo credit: Wolfpack President and Head Coach of the Knockout Varsity team Megan Swe.

The Legacy PeeWee team (ages 9-12) brought home a third-place trophy.

The Knockout Varsity team (ages 12-15) won the Pop Warner Nationals this December.

FishHawk Wolfpack Cheer, a local Pop Warner cheer organization, recently brought home two national titles. All three of their competitive teams advanced to the National Cheer and Dance Championship this past December. Each team came home with national trophies. The Knockout Varsity team (ages 12-15) and the Hotshots Mitey Mite team (ages 7-9) both won the Pop Warner Nationals in their respective age divisions. The Legacy PeeWee team (ages 9-12) brought home a third-place trophy.

This is the organization’s fourth and fifth national championship titles overall. Knockout made it onto the highlight reel focused on the Pop Warner Nationals that aired nationally on Fox Sports Networks.

“I’ve been with Wolfpack since we started in 2007, and this is the most successful season we’ve had as a whole, as far as national accomplishments,” said FishHawk Wolfpack Cheer Director Merideth Van Auken. “Our coaches and cheerleaders worked hard all season long, and it showed.”

In 2020, the program didn’t compete with Pop Warner. According to Van Auken, not counting 2020, 2021 is the 11th consecutive year that FishHawk Wolfpack had

The Hotshots Mitey Mite team (ages 7-9) won the Pop Warner Nationals as well.

teams advance to compete at the nationals and bring home national trophies. The two national titles this year make them five-time national champions.

“Our goal is to grow our program and have continued success at the regional and national levels while also improving our cheerleaders’ skills,” said Van Auken.

“It’s so rewarding to see the cheerleaders come back to cheer for us year after year because they enjoy it. We love having our older girls remain a part of our program as junior coaches to help teach what they’ve learned to our younger cheerleaders. We look forward to that continuing.”

The two teams that won nationals will continue into the spring. Knockout will compete twice in March, and Hotshots will compete once more at the end of February.

FishHawk Wolfpack Cheer always welcomes new athletes, coaches and board members to their program. Registration for the 2022 season opened on February 1 and practice starts on Monday, April 4.

More information can be found on the website (fishhawkwolfpack.com) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/fhwolfpack).

Volume 19, Issue 3

MAGNET CHOICE WINDOW OPENS

By Michelle Caceres Hillsborough CounFor leaders at Hillty Public Schools’ sborough County second magnet, Public Schools, it’s all school choice and about choice. Parents choice hardship apcan choose from varplication window ious schools based on for the 2022-2023 their child’s interests school year opens on and way of learning.

Wednesday, March Options can be based 23 and runs through on location, interests, Saturday, April 2, givcurriculum or system ing students the opof learning (either portunity to enroll in brick-and-mortar or elementary, middle or virtual schools). high school magnet “Magnet schools programs or schools offer students the outside their neighopportunity to exThe second magnet, school choice and choice plore and engage borhood boundaries. hardship application window opens on With 38 nawith their education Wednesday, March 23. tional and global in ways they never award-winning magnet schools that boast have before,” said Cox. more than 80 programs for students, there’s School choice enrollment for elementary something for everyone, including science, and middle magnet schools is determined technology, engineering and mathematics via a computerized lottery system that sorts (STEM); fine and performing arts; inter- through all applications after the window national studies; career and technical edu- closes. Families will receive an email notication; and world languages. A 39th mag- fication by late April indicating whether net school, Waterset’s soon-to-be-named they’ve been accepted to a school of choice. pre-K-8 magnet school with a capacity of The magnet high school process is crite1,600 students, is slated to open in August ria-based. and will feature an international studies The first application window ran from program that will infuse STEM as well as October to December. After the lottery, paran arts program. A robotics lab, augmented ents were notified of the results in January. reality lab and arts and graphic design lab There is a brief period of time during which will provide hands-on learning to students. an offer must be accepted before it expires.

It will be the first magnet elementary school “If you didn’t get an offer in the first apin the SouthShore area and first pre-K-8 plication window, your application rolls over school in Southeastern Hillsborough County. to the second window so you don’t have to “There are still spots remaining at this reapply,” said Cox. new school, but we expect to have more For more information about SouthShore’s applications than available spots,” said Su- new magnet school, call 272-4692. To learn pervisor of Magnet Schools Bob Cox. “If more about Hillsborough County’s magnet your student is interested in this school, you schools, visit www.hillsboroughschools.org/ should definitely apply.” magnet.

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Valrico Edition

March 2022

THE VILLAGE PLAYERS PRESENT THE SOUND OF MUSIC

By Kathy L. Collins The Village Players will present The Sound of Music in the historic James McCabe Theater, located at 506 N. 5th St. in Valrico, this March. Despite many obstacles, the biggest being COVID-19, The Village Players is ready to wow the audience with its rendition of The Sound of Music.

The Sound of Musicwill be presented on Friday, March 11, 18 and 25 and Saturday, March 12, 19 and 26. The doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the curtain is at 8 p.m. The Village Players will offer two matinees at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 13 and 20.

Regular admission tickets are $18.

For children, students, seniors and military with ID, tickets are $15. For groups of 10 or more, seating reservations must be prepaid and are available by calling Chris at the box office at 4803147.

To purchase tickets in advance, call the box office or visit www.thevillageplayersvalrico.com.

The Sound of Music is a Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Broadway musical. It is based on a 1949 memoir written by Maria August von Trapp, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.

The book describes the life of the von Trapp family, from their beginnings in Salzburg, Austria to their adventures in America, where they escaped from Nazi-invaded Europe. The story reflects on family tragedies, victories and the kindness of strangers who soon became friends to the young family.

Gail Pierce, producer for The Village Players, said, “This is our second attempt to breathe life into this classic. We, like so many others, had to close until COVID was under control. I believe our patrons will find

The Village Players will present the classic musical The Sound of Music, featuring the seven von Trapp children, this March at its theater, located in the historic James McCabe Theater at 506 N. 5th St. in Valrico.

it worth the wait.” Pierce added, “The cast are all ‘in’ and have given this show 100 percent.”

Domin Pazzo, director of The Sound of Music, is a veteran of the stage and The Village Players. “We were three weeks away from opening in April 2020, then COVID hit, so this show was two years in the making.

I have some new cast members but a lot of my original cast members from 2020 came back. I am so glad to finish this journey with them,” Pazzo said.

Pazzo added, “The audience will see a lot of hard work paying off. My seven von Trapp kids are so good and ready to perform in front of people.”

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

Page 37

KRAZY KUP TO OFFER CLEAN COMEDY SHOW THIS MARCH

By Kathy L. Collins Krazy Kup, an old-world, authentic cof- zy Kup. feehouse located at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Krazy Kup is owned and operated by Blvd. in historic downtown Plant City, is at Frank, Wenda and Joshua Trunzo. The Trunit again with some great entertainment for zos believe in community and are naturally committed to always being family friendly to all ages, young and old. Whether it is presents foot-stompin’ music, laughing an e out loud or showing off your $20 Cl talent, a visit to Krazy Kup on any day might just make your day.

As seen On What makes this place really unique is the variety of entertainment the Trunzos present. They offer a monthly open mic night, bluegrass jam, trivia night, retro movie night and Plant City’s own Krazy Kup, located at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. local up-and-coming bands in Plant City, will offer area residents the chance to see some of all genres. They occasionreally unique and funny comedy when it presents Clean Comedy ally slip in a fun-filled lip-sync on Saturday, March 19 at 7 p.m. in the Loft night that is always very enthe local community. This time, Krazy Kup tertaining. In addition, there are great prizwill present Clean Comedy on Saturday, es at many of their events.

March 19 beginning at 7 p.m. in the Loft at On top of Krazy Kup’s award-winning cofKrazy Kup. fee drinks, the ambiance and welcome feelKrazy Kup’s Clean Comedy, hosted by ing match the quality of what it serves. You Gordon Davis, will feature comedians Rod- can get great hot and cold drinks, freshly ney Norman and Donnie Stopa. Norman has baked pastries, gourmet wraps and salads. been delighting audiences for over 20 years. You will not want to miss the largest selecHe has a unique and surprising presence and tion of biscotti found anywhere in the world. is a former Marine who has a Bachelor of The Trunzos said, “If you have not yet Science degree in philosophy. Stopa started heard about Krazy Kup, which is located doing comedy at an early age. He formed one block from the train museum in downhis first comedy band in the fifth grade and town historic Plant City, you are missing out his style is observational yet engaging, so he on one of the really fun and friendly coffeealways connects with his audience and de- houses in the Tampa Bay area.” livers the laughs.

For more information on Clean ComBoth Norman and Stopa have been seen edy and on Krazy Kup’s offerings, please on Dry Bar, Roku, TikTok, Prime Video and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

YouTube.

For the event’s page on Facebook and tickTickets to the show start at $20 and can et purchasing, visit www.facebook.com/ be purchased through Eventbrite or at Kra- events/291522299741261/.

Valrico

March 2022 Vol 19, Iss 3 25-33

The Lexwerx Law Firm Provides Personalizes Attention The Lexwerx Law Firm was created to provide the personalized attention, disciplined turnaround time, excellence in results and affordable, upfront fee packages that you just don’t get from larger groups. The Lexwerx Law Firm is a veteran-owned and operated, full-service law firm with a strong focus on wills, trusts, estates, guardianships and probates. The Lexwerx Law Firm is located at 1550 W. Cleve-land St. in Tampa. For more information, visit its website at www.lexwerx. com or follow on Facebook @TheLexwerxLawFirmLLC. Popular Cuban Restaurant Celebrates Anniversary La Septima Cafe is celebrating 27 years in business. It is well known as a Brandon staple for its delicious and authentic Cuban fusion cuisine. After having to close its dining room due to COVID-19, the restaurant pivoted to serving family meals to take home, which remain very popular and are a great deal at only $39.95. La Septima Cafe was very happy to be able to reopen the dining room for counter service earlier this year and has welcomed many familiar customers faces back.

La Septima Cafe is located at 702 W. Lumsden Rd. in the La Viva Plaza in Brandon. For more information, visit its website at www.laseptimacafe.com or call 685-0502.

Citrus Home Center Buys Mobile Homes Citrus Home Center was founded as a full-service mobile home dealership based in Central Florida. It invests in used/ unwanted mobile homes as well as land with mobile homes on it. No title? No problem, it can resolve most issues. Its team is dedicated to making the selling experience as easy as possible with cash offers tailored to meet your needs while building lasting relationships with valued clients. Visit www.citrushomecenter.com or call 407-680-3014 for more informa-

tion.

tion can be found on its website at www.flowermetampa.

Tracer Inspections Offers Services com and by calling 716-9811.

To Homeowners Tracer Inspections is a one-on-one, cus- Home Helpers Home Care tomer and service-based company that Of Brandon Earns Best Of educates the consumer on the condition, Home Care Provider Of quality and durability of their real estate Choice Award investment. It offers a variety of inspecHome Helpers Home Care is tions, including prepurchase, prelisting pleased to announce that its East Tamand general inspection of current home, pa franchise has been named a Providall carried out by licensed inspectors. er of Choice in the 2022 Best of Home Wind mitigation and roof Care Awards. Home recertification inspections Helpers Home Care can also help save homeoffers the indusowners money on their try’s leading model insurance. For more inforfor comprehensive mation, visit its website at www.tracerin- care with its unique care program that spections.com, call 842-0740 or follow on provides the necessary components Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ for living independently. This includes Tracer-Inspections-105036448757542. personal care and companionship, nutrition and meal planning, 24/7 emerThen Barbershop Is There For All gency response and wellness calls to Your Barbershop Needs help ensure medications and hydration Then Barbershop is a family-owned are maintained. “It’s an honor to be recbusiness where all customers are val- ognized. This award is based on feedback ued, located at 861 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. from our clients, it’s not something we apin Brandon. It ensures the best quality plied for or sent in our own data to earn, of service for all customers with the so it’s a true reflection of the wonderful goal of making sure everyone has a care our caregivers provide,” said Ursella great experience when getSlusher, owner ting their hair cut. It is open of Home Helpers Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m.Home Care of 7 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 East Tampa. p.m. An appointment is not To find out necessary. You can follow it more about on Facebook @thenbarbershop Home Helpers or call 653-9595 for more inHome Care, visit formation. its website at www.homehelpershomecare.com/east-tampa.

Flower Me Tampa Wants To Be Part Of Your Next Big Celebration Meticulous Jess Marketing Is EffiFlower Me Tampa Décor and Rentals cient And Effective creates beautiful flower walls and much Meticulous Jess Marketing is owned by more that will add an elegant ambiance Jessica Edwards and is the place to go to any special occasion. It specializes in for all your consulting, digital marketing, creating stylish flow- graphic design and business photography er walls and custom needs. The agency is dedicated to helpletters and number ing bring prosperity to the community BloomBoards that by helping local busiwill set your event nesses grow. It helps apart from others, to create comprehenadding that unique sive, custom strategies touch to dinner par- to help your business ties, weddings, grad- reach its goals. It aluations, baby showers, quinceañeras, ways considers the birthday celebrations, anniversaries, cor- ‘big picture’ and how best to get optiporate events and more. mum results in the long term. When you Flower Me Tampa is located at 1508 work with Meticulous Jess Marketing, it’s Windy Gap Pl. in Valrico. More informa- clear that it is truly determined, efficient

and effective. Meticulous Jess Marketing is located at 10668 New East Bay Dr., Ste 207 in Gibsonton. For more information, visit its website at www.meticulousjessmarketing.com, follow on Facebook @meticulousjessllc or call 822-9884.

AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust For The Military Community Anthony Nemanic, relationship manager with AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust, is now serving the Tampa area. The business offers investment management, financial planning and trust services exclusively for the military community.

It is a nonprofit organization and over 50 percent of its staff have either worn the uniform or is a military spouse.

As such, it confidently says that it knows what is important to military families, and its nonprofit status holds it accountable to ensure it provides the best solutions for military needs. More information can be found on its website at www.aafmaa. com/wealthmanagement, on Facebook @ AnthonyNemanicAAFMAA or by calling 538-2634.

Dorothy Cares Assisted Living Facility Wins Best Of Senior Living Award Dorothy Cares Assisted Living Facility was recently awarded the Best of Senior Living Award by A Place for Mom for the fourth year in a row. Dorothy Cares has two locations, 11626 Tropical Isle Ln. and 10427 Crestfield Dr., both in Riverview. Each location offers individualized personal and skilled nursing care in private and semiprivate rooms in a homelike setting with home cooked food. Owner Dorothy Araujo said, “With this coronavirus pandemic, it’s been a rough year, but through it all we have kept all of our residents coronavirus-free at both locations.

I am so proud of all our accomplishments and all my staff.” Additional information on Dorothy Cares Assisted Living Facility can be found on its website, www.dorothycaresalf.com, or by calling 862-8871.

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Valrico Edition

March 2022

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CENTER PLACE:

CLASSES EXPANDING & NEXT BINGO

By Libby Hopkins

Center Place is excit“When we first ed to see all of its new started this event, it classes and programs only had eight guests continue to grow in the and four artists,” new year. “Our street Hopkins said. “Now art and cartooning we are averaging classes with Alejan20-30 guest and we dro Algarin have been have six local artists growing in number in addition to three since it started in Januspoken-word poets. I ary,” said Center Place’s am so happy this free executive director, Libevent is getting bigby Hopkins. “His street ger and bigger each art is unique in the fact month. Center Place’s that the class consists new executive board of kids and adults. It’s president, Bernadette great to see kids helpPello of Livingstone ing adults and then the Many of Center Place’s new classes and Academy, believes in adults encouraging the programs are growing. The center will also Artist Night as much as kids if they don’t feel be hosting its first Designer Purse Bingo on I do, so she is helping Thursday, March 24. confident taking those me make it bigger and first artistic steps.” better each moth.”

Justin White, Center Place’s abstract Center Place had huge success with its artist, will be returning to Center Place in first Drag Queen Bingo back in October March to start teaching his abstract art of last year, so now Hopkins and Pello are class he taught over the summer at Cen- planning the center’s next bingo fundraiser ter Place. He is now offering this abstract for Thursday, March 24 and it’s going to be art class to tweens and teens in addition to a Designer Purse Bingo. adults. “Justin is an amazing artist, and his “I’m thrilled that Bernadette and Livinguse of color is phenomenal,” Hopkins said. stone Academy are the presenting spon“We are also excited for Justin to do his sors of Center Place’s first Designer Purse first-ever gallery show at Center Place in Bingo,” Hopkins said. “We are working on March.” White’s work will be in the Mook having a variety of designer purses, like Gallery for the entire month of March. Hop- Marc Jacobs, Coach, Kate Spade and many kins encourages the community to come more, at the bingo.” and check out his show.

Tickets are $60 and include bingo cards, Artist Night is a monthly, free event that wine and food. Keep an eye out on Center is hosted at Center Place on the first Fri- Place’s website at www.centerplacebranday of every month. This event started in don.com for tickets to the Designer Purse September of last year and allows local up- Bingo. Center Place is located at 619 Vonand-coming artists a chance to showcase derburg Dr., Ste. B inside the Brandon Retheir talents in a brick-and-mortar setting. gional Library.

Page 39

THE BABY SUITES AT HCA FLORIDA BRANDON HOSPITAL SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

By Tatiana Ortiz When a baby enters the the Auxiliary. In world for the first time, addition, certain this creates a special mocriteria must be ment for the mother and met in order to her newborn that will last become a voluna lifetime. HCA Florida teer. For instance, Brandon Hospital’s Baby you must be 18 Suites invested in a mulyears of age or timillion-dollar refresh, older. The Baby which included a new, conSuites plans to temporary welcome desk have volunteers and reception area for seven days a for their pregnant paweek from 8 a.m. tients to ensure their jourto 8 p.m. with an ney is memorable as well array of shifts. as comfortable. The space These shifts are is approximately 36,000 broken down sq. ft. As part of this refrom 8 a.m.-12 fresh, the Baby Suites Noon, 12 Noon-4 need a new group of p.m. and 4-8 p.m. volunteers to assist HCA Florida with welcoming and Brandon Hospiguiding the pregnant tal’s Baby Suites The Morales family with their newborn at is its full-service mothers and their HCA Florida Brandon Hospital. support person to their dedelivery and labor sired location. unit in The Women’s Center. Since openJill Lansky, director of business devel- ing, more than 100,000 babies have been opment at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, delivered there. The childbirth team is explained the importance of having vol- dedicated to providing patients and their unteers in the Baby Suites. families focused and compassionate care “Volunteers will allow us to greet our during the childbirth experience throughpregnant patients, their support per- out their postpartum stay. son and visitors with a warm smile and “All in all, our need for volunteers will [create] a great impression and experi- be ongoing,” Lansky said. ence while they are with us in the Baby For questions or more details, contact Suites,” Lansky said.

Lansky at jill.lansky@hcahealthcare.com Prior to volunteering, one must com- or send a text to 712-0064. The link to plete a volunteer membership applica- the volunteer membership online aption under the Auxiliary Membership. At plication can be found here: https://bit. no charge, the individual can be part of ly/332EqFD.

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Page 40

Valrico Edition

Volume 19, Issue 3