“For 14 years, she has been express ing her thoughts and feelings through facial ex pressions, tone of voice, and body language,” Nguy en said. “She has struggled to mod ulate self-control and self-aware ness, and as a result she can sometimes react impulsively in so cial situations.
information about Rebuild ing Together Tampa Bay, visit www. rttb.org. For more information about Hillsborough County’s A f ordable Hous ing Services, call 813-246-3150 or visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org.
Since the attack in 2008, Phu’s cog nitive impairments due to her traumatic
See our ad on page 14
“She has trusted us with her most valu able asset,” said Garcia.
brain injury have made it harder for Phu to express her thoughts in an or ganized manner.
“It’s an indescribable feeling know ing I will not need to worry about the flooring coming loose or falling through it and the roof no longer caving in on us,” sheHughessaid. had moved into her former home in 1988. A single parent, she worked in the construction industry to support her small family. She now has a grandson, Trace Thomas, whom she has raised since he was born in 2003. As her health declined, she was unable to work, making finding the money needed for
Our community knows both the tragic and heroic stories of Queena Phu. Years later after her tragic story, Phu con tinues to thrive.
If you would like to learn more about Phu, you can visit her website at www. joinqueena.com.
By Libby Hopkins
At Urban Air Adventure Park, guests will jump, soar, race, climb and play among wall-to-wall trampolines. Climbing walls, dodge ball, a tubes playground, go-karts and laser tag are just a few of the activities to enjoy. Bowling, mini golf, a multilevel ropes course and much more are ofered at this ultimate indoor playground. Read the full article about this year-round indoor park on page 15.
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS
“Although Queena has had to stay home for a long time as a precau tion during the pandemic, she still did maintain most of her therapy schedule,” said her mother, Vanna Nguyen. “She has been as hard at work as ever. She smiles through most of her home ther apy visits and her ses sions at Stay in Step Recovery Center.”
The documentary aired on August 15 and can be watched on the Life time app, Hulu Live on demand and is available for rent on Amazon. “In February, we re ceived a contact from AMS pictures via our contact form on Queena’s website,” Vanna said. “They had been researching stories of women who had been the vic tim of violence so they could tell their story in their own words and found Queena’s story and blog while doing their research. We filmed the interviews on March 9, and the show was released August 15 of this year.”
Hughes, who has been living in an apartment during the home’s construc tion, was teary-eyed when presented with the keys to her new home.
and Replacement Program, contractors tore down her decaying woodframe home, constructed in 1955, to make room for the new structure, a 1,217-square-foot, con crete-block home featur ing two bedrooms and two baths. The new digs, costing $225,000 to build and taking nine months to construct, are fitted with a walkin shower in the master bedroom, stainless steel appliances and all of the latest ener gy-saving technologies.
ObserverOsprey Rd.PinecrestLithia2109 33596FLValrico, EDDMECRWSS CustomerPostal STDPRSTD POSTAGEU.S. September 2022 Volume 19, Issue 9 Ph: 813-657-2418 IN THIS ISSUE: TONY SALADINO AWARD.............PG 3 TRIBUTE WALL ..............PG 5 EYE ON BUSINESS..........................PG 25 FOOTBALL PREVIEW...............PG 34-35 Valrico
By Michelle Caceres
her home’s repairs more di f cult. She frequently volun teered with RTTB, hoping one day it could help Rebuildingher. To gether Tampa Bay executive director Jose Garcia said when he heard about Hughes and saw her woodframe home, he knew she would be a good candidate for the project, which addresses a f ordable single-family homes while most other projects focus on multi unit homes. Hughes will not have to pay a mort gage. Instead, a lien will be placed on the home for 20 years, after which time the lien will be for given. This is done to en sure the home stays in Hughes’ family to pro vide a f ordable housing for generations to come.
LIFETIME NETWORK FEATURES QUEENA’S STORY OF INSPIRATION
REBUILDING TAMPA BAY PRESENTS HOUSE KEYS TO DESERVING VALRICO RESIDENT 29
Queena Phu’s life story was a recent episode on Lifetime’s #TextMeWhenYouGetHome series. Te documentary aired on August 15 and can be watched on the Lifetime app, Hulu Live on demand and is available for rent on Amazon.
When Valri co resident Terri Hughes reached out to local non profit itsoughwithnewTheyherorganizationditioningroofinnancialBayTogetherRebuildingTampa(RTTB)forfiassistancerepairingherandairconunit,thedidonebetter:builtherahome.InpartnershipHillsborCountyandReconstruction
“No matter how many times we make dreams a reality for area families, it gives me such satisfaction to see the look of happiness on their faces when we finally hand them the keys to their newForhome.”more
She was always a more reserved person, even before the attack, so being in the limelight and having so much personal information shared has been hard forAccordingher.” to Nguyen, Phu never liked hav ing her life story being in the media over and over again, but this year, Phu has started to learn to be proud of herself. “We hope that this doc umentary will reach people all around the world, raising awareness about safe ty and self-defense,” Nguyen said. “We hope that Queena’s story will touch peo ple who have gone through traumatic or very low points in their lives and show them that you can turn your life around if you never give up.”
Phu’s life story was a recent episode on Life time’s YouGetHome#TextMeWhenseries.
Valrico resident Terri Hughes was presented the keys to her new home, constructed between a partnership between Hillsborough County and Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay.
Page 2 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9
“Jack understands that without account able actions for himself, he can’t create trust
Foot drop causes a person to either drag their foot and toes or engage in a high-step ping walk called steppage gait. A significant number of individuals experience difculty with the simplest day-to-day activities be cause of foot drop.
Most insurance companies are denying coverage for these devices. With an out-ofpocket cost of $5,500 for the Bioness L300 Go and $3,000 for the WalkAide, the costs are prohibitive for many who see these de vices as invaluable opportunities to improve their quality of life.
The Freedom to Walk Foundation hosts a yearly fundraiser called the Bling & Jeans Gala to help raise the funds to help families purchase WalkAides or Bioness devices.
& Civic Association in Brandon. Attendees will dress to impress and wear shiny jewelry. Some are creative and add rhinestones to their jeans.”Since 2013, the galas have been held at the Centre Club in Tampa, and in 2019 at the Tam pa Airport Marriott.
Russell Parker and his family will be in attendance at Te Freedom to Walk Foun dation’s annual Bling & Jeans Gala. Parker is the foundation’s most recent recipient for a device to help him walk.
chemistry level on a team is high, you will win.”The 5’11” Valrico native is the third award recipient from Bloomingdale High School, following Mike Valdes in 1995 and Ryan Strauss in 2004.
Mother Angela Owens, son Jack Owens, Tony Sal adino, and father Jack Owens as the Bloomingda le graduate receives the Saladino Award.
great players is insane to me,” said Owens. “I was always the smallest kid, and even today I still am, but Kris has trained me to the max to become the best player I can possibly be.”
By Libby Hopkins
The Stetson University commit was recognized for his exceptional talent on the field, boasting a 1.80 ERA and 53 strike outs over 35 innings pitched. He batted .460 with 17 RBIs and five homeruns, showcas ing impressive talent both on the mound and at the Whileplate.the Saladino Award is given to an outstanding athlete, the character, leader ship and scholarship of the recipient is taken into consideration. Owens, in addition to be ing team captain, was on principal’s honor roll and led the team to the state title as a junior last year.
Foot drop is a med ical condition charac terized by weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in lifting the front part of the foot. It is a gait abnor mality that often occurs following a stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or due to multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.
JACK OWENS AWARDED 51ST ANNUAL TONY SALADINO MEMORIAL BASEBALL AWARD
beingeventeamsplayershasaward.athleteKrisandAwardMemorial2022wasuateHighBloomingdaleSchoolgradJackOwensawardedtheTonySaladinoBaseballonAugust7becamecoachWilken’sfirsttowinthe“[CoachWilken]hadsomegreatonhispastandtobeathoughtofapartofthose
FREEDOM TO WALK FOUNDATION HOSTS BLING & JEANS GALA
The Freedom to Walk Foundation is a local nonprofit or ganization dedicated to assisting patients and their families by providing financial as sistance for the pur chase of WalkAide® or Bioness devices for children and adults ex periencing foot drop.
among those he’s leading,” said Wilk en in his nomination of Owens. “… Jack is tough, thebecauseimportantly,edAwardgame,”endedwouldby:toteam.manceexpressedmateing.”respectfulaccountable,andcarOwenssaidteamMakyeHayesthattheteamplayeddifferentlywhenOwensisonthefield.OwenstookthistoheartandreflectedonhowhisperforcouldimpacttheHenarroweditdownonequotehetriestolive“Treatothershowyouwanttobetreated.”“JustbythatquoteIuppitchingthebestsaidtheSaladinorecipient.“Weendupwinning,and,mostweallhadfunitdoesn’tmattertalentlevel—ifthe
“This year, with every one recovering from the impact of the past two years, Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association was chosen to have our Bling & Jeans Gala,” Vega said. “Thanks to the busi nesses and our local community, attendees will enjoy fine dining from Cibo Delizioso, a silent auction and dancing.”
“The Tony Saladino Memorial Baseball Award was established in 1971 and is pre sented annually to the outstanding high school senior baseball player in Hillsborough County as a memorial for my late father and my late wife, Bertha, to promote high school baseball,” said Tony Saladino.
By Lily Belcher
The foundation’s most recent recipient, Russell Parker, along with his family, will be in attendance at the gala this year. “Rus sell, our testimonial speaker, will tell his story and how the device has enriched his life,” Vega said. “We hope our gala will also raise awareness about the Freedom to Walk Foundation’s mission to continue to educate, inspire and empower individuals with foot drop on how to overcome financial obsta cles through fundraising eforts and to sub sidize the cost of the Bioness L300 Go and WalkAide device, which helps them to walk safely.”Ifyou are interested in being a sponsor, contact Vega at daisy.vega@freedomtow alkfoundation.org. This year’s Bling & Jeans Gala will be held on Saturday, October 8 from 6-11 p.m. at Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association, located at 619 Vonder burg Dr., Ste. B in Brandon inside the Bran don Regional Library.
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“Since 2013, the Freedom to Walk Founda tion has celebrated the end of the year with a themed gala,” said the Freedom to Walk Foundation’s founder and president, Daisy Vega. “We are excited to be back with the Bling & Jeans Gala at Center Place Fine Arts
“They have eight women who have various jobs, from air trafc controller to aviation maintenance techni cian [to] pilot, who work all in the sector and are there for girls to … talk to them [and] meet a friend,” said Crump. Registration for the free event opened at the end of August. Upon registering, girls ages 11-17 will be entered into a drawing for a free discovery flight and notified if they won at the event. While the event is aimed toward young girls, their families, parents and siblings are in vited to attend as well.
Te Campo Family YMCA has been strengthening the Greater Valrico com munity for the past 20 plus years through its many programs.
Since 1889, the Tampa YMCA has been
If you would like to learn more about Campo Family YMCA, you can visit its web site at breathCampocampo-family-ymcawww.tampaymca.org/locations/orcall813-684-1371.FamilyYMCAislocatedat3414CulRd.inValrico.
Te Aerospace Center for Excellence is donating time and resources to support the Girls in Aviation Day in September.
responding to critical social needs and pos itively impacting the lives of children, adults and families across Hill sborough and eastern Pasco counties. “More than 2,500 children learned lifesaving skills through drowning pre vention programs while thousands of neighbors were served in other mission-based pro grams at little or no cost thanks to charita ble contributions,” Os trem said. “Focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Campo Family YMCA has been strengthen ing the Greater Valrico community for the past 20-plus years by empowering kids to succeed in school and in life, helping commu nity members get healthier, developing lead ership skills in teens and water safety skills for all ages in addition to ensuring seniors have engaging opportunities to mitigate so cialCampoisolation.”Family YMCA recently received a grant from the GTE Foundation to renovate its Youth Zone. “We can’t thank GTE Foun dation [enough] for helping us, and we look forward to opening our new Youth Zone in the winter of 2023,” Ostrem said. “We hope the community will join us for our yearly Halloween Trunk and Treat event on Friday, October 28 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.”
WOMEN IN AVIATION INTERNATIONAL AND AEROSPACE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE HOST EVENT TO INSPIRE YOUNG FEMALE PILOTS
Over the last 20 years, Campo Fami ly YMCA has had a total investment of $214,557 from the community through fi nancial assistance to ensure participation in all programs among individuals facing financial hardship in addition to subsidized programs that fill community voids.
For more information about or to reg ister for the event and to learn how to get involved, visit https://aceedu.org/ or email educate@flysnf.org with questions.
The Aerospace Center for Excel lence is hosting the event to make it accessible to aspiring aviators and to give them the opportunity to be mentored by a pilot or lead er in their field.
The event will be located at 4075 James C. Ray Dr. in Lakeland.
Women in Avi ation Interna tional is hosting the eighth annual Girls in Aviation Day event on Saturday, Sep tember 24 at the Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland. The 10 a.m.-2 p.m. free event will include STEM activities, such as a flight simulator and drone lab, and an aviation exhibit. The Aerospace Center for Excel lence will have a scavenger hunt during Girls in Aviation Day to provide a fun, engaging activity to teach participants asDuringwell. the event, women aviators will have the oppor tunity to connect with the local aviation business community to learn more about the aerospace and aviation industry. Gen erous volunteers and employees from Women in Aviation International and the Aerospace Center for Excellence have do nated their time to put on the free event to foster a love for the industry through the“Thepartnership.international organization of women who work in the aviation and aerospace field have this event primarily to expose young girls to the aviation and aerospace industry so they see that it is accessible to them,” said executive direc tor Eric Crump.
YOUTH ZONE RENOVATION GRANT & MORE AT CAMPO FAMILY YMCA
By Libby Hopkins
The center has also excelled in youth de velopment. “More than 4,500 kids partici pated in experiences that cultivated values, skills and relationships that led to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement,” Ostrem said. “In addition to our youth programs, our healthy living pro grams have impact — more than 17,000 individuals were impacted by Y programs designed to help them improve their health and well-being and connect to new friends.”
By Lily Belcher
Page 4 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9
Campo Family YMCA was founded based on the core character val ues of caring, honesty, respect and responsi bility.Itcontinues to flour ish because those val ues are as relevant to today’s world as they were in 1844, when a young drapery clerk named George Williams sought to develop a wholesome place for young people to escape the immorality of the London streets during the Industrial Revo lution and founded the first YMCA. “Cam po Family YMCA just celebrated more than 20 years in the greater Valrico community,” said Campo Y’s executive director, Robyn Ostrem. “Campo Family YMCA has become stronger because of our community.”
“The goal really for us as an organiza tion is to make sure people realize that aviation and aerospace is for everybody,” said Crump. “It’s not exclusive, it’s inclu sive; we want everybody.”
The AVTT also includes individualized memorials for all conflicts occurring since World War I and a 9/11 tribute. The expan siveness of AVTT’s me morial presentation will be compelling for many.
Combined, these two events will impact the greater Tampa market significantly.
ships are available for Rock the Dock at withWednesday,muchceremonies,exhibitdaysment.eventsfunitself,com/rockthedock.chaptersfoundation.www.BeyondtheexhibittherewillbebothandmovingdailyandentertainTheywillincludeofreveilles,all-dayviewings,severalmusicandmore,startingonOctober12theo
There are also several spe cial sponsorship opportunities, ranging from $500-$5,000, that allow for meaningful in volvement in this memorable event as well as unique opportunities to connect with the community. Along with the benefits of social media acknowledgements, event program inclusion, Chapters Health System website recognition and Rock the Dock sponsor list ing recognition, each sponsor level ofers unique recognition amenities specific to the opportunity.Forinformation, call 813-533-0580, email valorprogram@chaptershealth.org or visit www.chapterstravelingtributewall.com.
TRAVELING TRIBUTE WALL HONORING VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS COMES TO TAMPA IN OCTOBER Staf Report
In celebration and remembrance of veterans and frst responders, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall, sponsored by the Chapters Health Valor Program, will be arriving to be displayed in October at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa.
As part of its annual pro gramming, Chapters Health Foundation will hold its highly anticipated ‘Rock the Dock’ fundraising event at the Tampa River Center at Julian B. Lane Riv erfront Park on Saturday, October 15. This year’s Rock the Dock, which includes an eve ning of celebration, food, music and fun, will raise funds for the Chapters Health Valor Program. The program provides knowledge able, compassionate care; physical, emotion al and spiritual support; recognition of sac rifice and service; and guidance to veterans, first responders and their families.
Ticketsguests.and sponsor
Page 5Valrico EditionSeptember 2022 &FISHHAWK/BLOOMINGDALEVALRICOADVERTISING Kerrie Hoening 625-1527 kerrie@ospreyobserver.com EDITORMANAGING Marie Gilmore 657-2418 editor@ospreyobserver.com MANAGERGRAPHICS Denise Graf 657-2418 denise@ospreyobserver.com EDITORLAYOUT Kathi Hayes 657-2418 khayes@ospreyobserver.com MANAGERBILLING Terry Vassalotti 657-2418 terry@ospreyobserver.com ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Kathy Collins 657-2418 kcollins@ospreyobserver.com EDITORASSIGNMENT Kate Quesada 657-2418 kquesada@ospreyobserver.com WWW . OSPREYOBSERVER . COM FOLLOW US: RIVERVIEW, APOLLO BEACH, & SOUTHSHORE ADVERTISING Melissa Hartmann 833-7470 mhartmann@ospreyobserver.com MANAGERMARKETING Jennifer Hurst 657-2418 jhurst@ospreyobserver.com REPORTERNEWS Taylor Wells 657-2418 twells@ospreyobserver.com 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, FL 33592 • (office) 657-2418 • (fax) 657-4469 BRANDON & WINTHROP ADVERTISING Melody Gershkoff 300-5152 mgershkoff@ospreyobserver.com CUSTOMER SERVICE Jenny Bennett 657-2418 jbennett@ospreyobserver.com CHRISTIAN ADVERTISINGVOICE Cammie Yick 810-8106 cyick@ospreyobserver.com ASSOCIATED WITH OSPREY OBSERVER 7 BUYERHOMETIPthetheMarryHome,DateRate! Don’t be frustrated by the federal reserve’s actions to raise interest rates. If you fnd a home you love, BUY IT! You can always refnance later when the rates settle back down. ← Karyn Scech RSPS, PSA, SRES, GRI REALTOR® 11256(813)376-0269WinthropMain St | Riverview, FL 33578 (email) karyn@turningthekeyf.com “Turning The Key To The American TurningTheKeyFl.comDream” WINTHROP VILLAGE SOLD
fcial escort of the Traveling Tribute Wall to its Tampa loca tion and ending on Sun day, October 16 with a clos ing ceremony at 2 p.m.
Similar AVTT events have generated public attendance exceeding 20,000 participants, and Rock the Dock draws at tendance of more than 400
A weeklong celebra tion and remembrance of veterans and first re sponders will begin with the arrival and display of the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall (AVTT) at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tam pa. The AVTT, sponsored by the Chapters Health Valor Program, is an 80-percent-scale repli ca of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. and will be open for free public viewing from Thursday through Sun day, October 13-16.
Page 6 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9
VISIT TAMPA BAY OFFERS CRAFT BEER PASSES TO LOCAL BREWERIES
By Libby Hopkins
Craft beer is woven into the fabric of all Visit Tampa Bay’s marketing to food and drink enthusiasts, but people don’t travel specifically for craft beer anymore. “It’s everywhere,” Evans said. “Visitors expect something local on tap wherever they visit. But while many cities claim to be craft beer destinations, Tampa Bay is one of the origi nal and best, especially in Florida.”
For more information on the Bay Craft ed Brewery Pass, visit www.visittampabay. com/baycrafted/pass.
The Bay Crafted Pass was designed to drive economic impact to partner brew eries in Hillsborough County by marketing to beer and cocktail enthusiasts in Florida and drive markets. “Visitors would down load the electronic passport, check in at diferent breweries via geo targeting and be able to claim prizes from Visit Tampa Bay if enough locations were visited,” Evans said. “As a partnership-based organization, Visit Tampa Bay presented the opportunity to be included in the Bay Crafted campaign to all its craft brewery partners located within Hillsborough County. New breweries can be added at any time, so long as they are locat ed within the destination.”
The Bay Crafted Pass is 100 percent free. Guests can access the electronic passport on their mobile device and will receive more information on over 20 participating brew
9/30/2022
9/30/2022
Visit Tampa Bay has created a Bay Crafted Brewery Pass. Tis pass is free and can be downloaded onto your phone.
eries. “While there is no ‘brewery tour’ included with the Bay Craft ed Pass, guests will be able to virtually check in and log visits to diferent locations,” Evens said. “Guests would essentially visit each brewery as they would any other establishment; however, by visiting enough locations, guests can redeem prizes from the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center in downtown Tampa. Prizes include a Bay Crafted pint glass, a Bay Crafted T-shirt and a Tampa Bay cocktail guide.”
It’s so popular that Visit Tampa Bay has created a Bay Crafted Brewery Pass. “With the Tampa Bay region being home to the greatest concentration of craft breweries in the state of Florida, it’s impossible to tell the destination’s story without including craft beer,” said Visit Tampa Bay’s director of public relations, Vanessa Evans. “As a des tination that works closely with our part ners and one that is always looking for the next diferentiator, Visit Tampa Bay started working with its craft brewery partners several years ago, and the success since that time has been tremendous.”
“Coming up, Visit Tampa Bay will contin ue to include the local craft beer scene as part of its focus on foodies to support the destination being included in the first-ever MICHELIN Guide to Florida.”
Tampa Bay is known for many things, but its numer ous craft beer breweries are what make our fair city the most popular.
Visit Tampa Bay incorporates the destina tion’s local craft beer scene into its diverse array of available options for visitors who like nightlife, elevated dining and worldclass attractions. “The organization recent ly hit the road this summer, visiting target markets across the northeast to participate in ‘tap takeovers’ with bars ofering iconic Tampa Bay brew on special,” Evans said.
keeptampabaybeautiful.org.Toemailup-2022-tickets-392525423107com/e/hillsborough-river-coastal-cleanwww.eventbrite.orBakeratprojects@keeptbb.org.learnmoreaboutKTBB,visitwww.
South Mount Carmel and Durant roads, which were closed during construction, have reopened to trafc.
capacity by 10-12 mgd.
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The cleanup will be held on Saturday, September 17. Check-in is at 8 a.m., and the cleanup is from 8 a.m.-11 a.m., or until completion. Times may vary by site. For more information or to become a volun teer or site captain, visit
KEEP TAMPA BAY BEAUTIFUL HOSTS HILLSBOROUGH RIVER & COASTAL CLEANUP
TAMPA BAY WATER DELIVERING MORE DRINKING WATER TO HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Staf Report (813)BRANDON651-9484 117 N. Kings Ave (813)TAMPA932-5327 1425 W. Busch Blvd. (727)CLEARWATER725-1052 (Across from Costco) 2643 Gulf to Bay, Ste. 1530 CustomHairTampaBay.com • Human Hair & Synthetic Hair Wigs • Permanent, Non-Surgical Options • Chemotherapy & Alopecia Specialists • Largest Selection of Human Hair Toppers in Tampa Bay • Also offering sales & service of all MEN’S hair systems FREE CONSULTATION! PLEASE CALL. SinceOwnerLori,&Client1969 CUSTOM HAIR For the hair you’ve always wanted! Dr. Priya Reddy M.D. FACR Board Certifed Rheumatologist Dr. Gina Prakash M.D. Board Certifed Rheumatologist Dr. Atefeh Vafa M.D. Board Certifed Rheumatologist Teena Lukose PA-C Specializing in treatment of: • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Psoriatic Arthritis • Osteoporosis • Gout • Osteoarthritis • OnLupusSite:•Lab•Ultrasound•InfusionSuite•ClinicalResearch813-672-2243www.SWFLRHEUM.com NewAcceptingPatients MostAcceptedInsurance Two Convenient Locations: 11954 Boyette Rd., Riverview | 4002 Sun City Center Blvd. Ste. 101 INSURANCE!ACCEPTINGNOWTRICARE
This HRCC will be di f erent from KTBB’s other cleanups, as it’s giving volunteers the opportunity to help the Ocean Conservancy gather informa tion — by collecting items and record ing data, like what items they find, the amount of each kind and the strangest finds — needed for future e f orts as well as spread awareness of these needs. The most common litter found in waterways are plastic pieces, along with cigarette butts, plastic bottles and foam pieces. The strangest include e-scooters, a bike rack and a piano, among many others.
KTBB works entirely with volunteers, and it’s always in need of more, including ones to be site captains, who are respon sible for signage, supplies and managing a site’s operation. Site captains are giv en safety training, and they’ll give safety information to volunteers. In the 2018 event alone, 3,084 volunteers collected 67,195 lbs. of litter and debris from local roads and waterways.
KTBB’s frequent volunteers.
solutions
Alvarez - Candidate for State House District 69
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f erence, and they really are making a dif ference.”Baker added that she could only imagine how bad things would be without
A volunteer group helping with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful’s Hillsborough River & Coastal Cleanup.
Danny
increasesvicegionalflowcreasedmentHydrogenedsouthmgdtion,iasionBrandoncontrol–Installingincluded:anewvalveontheTransmisMainattheLithPointofConnecwhichadded1ofwatertothecountyarea.–IncreasingtheratcapacityoftheLithiaSulfideTreatFacility,whichinthemaximumrateby5mgd.–ExpandingtheReFacilityHighSerPumpStationthatthepumping
Other long-term projects are in the works to meet Hillsborough County’s and the Tam pa Bay region’s water needs for 2028 and beyond. Tampa Bay Water’s board of di rectors recently approved expanding the utility’s Tampa Bay Regional Surface Water Treatment Plant by 10-12.5 mgd by 2028. The board is also scheduled to select a pipeline route at its Monday, September 19 meeting to bring 65 mgd to the county by 2028.Tampa Bay Water is the largest whole sale water supplier in Florida, providing high-quality drinking water to its members that, in turn, supply water to more than 2.5 million residents of the Tampa Bay area. Tampa Bay Water member governments in clude Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas coun ties and the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa. To learn more, visit www.tampabaywater.org.
By Taylor Wells
“We’re proud to have successfully im plemented another of our short-term solu tions to bring more water to fast-growing southern Hillsborough County,” said Chuck Carden, Tampa Bay Water’s general manag er. “Thank you to the residents in the area for your patience and understanding while we construct this important component of our supply Temporarysystem.”pumping, combined with oth er solutions Tampa Bay Water implemented in recent months, delivers more water to southern Hillsborough County and reduces the utility’s reliance on the South-central Hillsborough Regional Wellfield to meet increasing drinking water demands. Other
“I personally have just found it real ly rewarding getting to go out and see how enthusiastic all our volunteers are … and it really helps seeing everybody so happy to be out there,” said Kira Baker,
For anyone wanting to help out the local en vironment and make it nicer to look at and spend time in, Keep Tam pa Bay Beautiful (KTBB) is holding its Hillsborough River & Coastal Cleanup (HRCC) this month as part of the Ocean Con servancy’s International Coastal Clean up.The HRCC will be held at various loca tions along the Hillsborough River, Alafia River, Little Manatee River, Lake Thono tosassa and other waterways throughout Hillsborough County. Some landlocked areas will also have sites, as an estimat ed 80 percent of land trash ends up in waterways. So far, around 20 sites have been established, but more are planned.
Tampa Bay Wa ter is now sending much-needed addi tional drinking wa ter to Hillsborough County through temporary pumps at the utility’s Bran don Booster Station site on South Mount Carmel Road in Brandon. These pumps connect to and send more drinking wa ter through the Brandon Transmission Main — up to 5 million gallons per day (mgd) of existing re gional water supply — to Hillsborough County’s Lithia Water Treatment Plant before the permanent booster station facility is com plete by the end of 2023.
Onestages!ofthe highlights of each year’s fair are the Youth Livestock Shows and Sales, which will be held from November 3-13 in the new 18,000-square-foot Live stock Exhibition Building.
The ever-exciting Demolition Derby for motor enthusiasts who enjoy watching drivers of cars, mini-vans and station wag ons deliberately ram into each other will make its return to the fair on November 13.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed their support through the partnership and provided helmet decals, shirts and a pep talk by former Buccaneers safety and Superbowl MVP Dexter Jackson. Jackson spoke to the team during the Friday night banquet that served dinner and drinks to the athletes as they got to know one an
looking to play football, according to its website. The league was made possible by the NFL Salute to Service Award and the Bob Woodruf Foundation.
For ticket purchasing information and promos, including a special online-only Ad vanced Purchase Family Package, as well as fair hours and event schedules, visit hillsboroughcountyfair.com/2022-fair/.https://
The fair will run for 11 full days, ofering more time to enjoy the rides, food and exhibits at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover, just east of Brandon, from Thursday, November 3 to Sunday, No vember 13.
ENTERTAINMENT IS BETTER THAN EVER AT THE 2022 HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIR
other disabilitiesphysicalthoseitstheUSAWFLarea,itieswithtoaccessiblesportnotFootballbetter.isthefirstmadethosedisabilinthebutisfirstofkindforwith
Michele L. Bartock 2-15
Prior to the fair, the Harvest Queen Scholarship Pageant will take place on Sat urday, October 1. Youth contestants from Hillsborough County will grace the stage to compete in the annual scholarship pageant for the title of Hillsborough County Fair Harvest Queen and Junior Harvest Queen, which serve as the fair ambassadors for the 2022 fair.
Additionally, special arena events for pet and motorsport enthusiasts are back. The Bulls, Broncos and Barrel Racing Rodeo for budding cowboys will be held on Friday and Saturday, November 4 and 5.
“The wheelchairs run from $4000 to $7000, just for a sports chair to play in,” said Bozeman. “With the support of the community, they can get these for the kids [and] put it in the program. [Then,] the program has a chair they can use for everybody, not just one person.”
Hillsborough County Parks and Rec reation hosts year-round sports, from archery to basketball to track and field, through its Adaptive Sports program, which now includes football. The availabil ity of these sports to those in wheelchairs promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for all participants while encouraging a fun and supportive community.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BUCS HOSTS USA WHEELCHAIR FOOTBALL LEAGUE TOURNAMENT
By Lily Belcher
For more information on the Hillsbor ough County Buccaneers Wheelchair Football Team, visit its website at www. hillsboroughcounty.org or contact Mary Cales at 813-416-0467.
Te Hillsborough County Buccaneers huddle midgame in the annual USA Wheelchair Football League tournament.
Independent
ty School District ofers school exhibit displays in the ‘Little Red Schoolhouse.’ Sit down and relax in our Entertainment Pavilion and enjoy the sounds and entertain ment from the commu nity
This year, free daily entertainment will in clude the Camel Kingdom Show, Disc-Con nected K9s and the educational Firefighter Show.Take a stroll through the historical Home town Hillsborough area and the fair invites children of all ages to participate in Cow
Agent AHIP & ACA Certifed
The fair wouldn’t be complete without the Truck and Tractor Pull on Friday and Saturday, November 11 and 12, where you can watch antique tractors, hotrods and the BIG BOY trucks and tractors come out to compete in our dirt arena.
Fall is the perfect time in Florida to enjoy the outdoors, and what better way than to vis it the 2022 Hillsbor ough County Fair? The theme of this year’s fair, ‘Homegrown Fun,’ is just a glimmer of all the fair has to ofer, which includes an ex panded carnival with spectacular midway rides and new kiddie rides, free entertain ment for high-speed thrill seekers and mo tor enthusiasts, a cat tlewomen’s beef cook-of, beauty pageants for all ages and lots of dis counts for the entire family.
boy Camp by Les Mc Dowell to enjoy some fun of Hillsboroughyesteryears!Coun
The forteamsAugustgustCenterTampatournamentLeaguechairtheofhostedFootballneersCountyHillsboroughBuccaWheelchairTeamthesecondthreemeetsinUSAWheelFootball(USAWFL)attheConventionfromAu24through28.Eightcompetedthetitle,withthe
Staf Report
Kansas City Chiefs emerging victorious at the end of the tournament.“Everybody can play football. Just be cause you are in a wheelchair doesn’t mean you can’t play football,” encouraged Hillsborough County Buccaneers Wheel chair Football Team coach Wayne Boze man.This is the first time Hillsborough Coun ty has hosted the tournament and only the second time the Hillsborough Coun ty Buccaneers have participated. The team of 20 athletes, from 20-50 years of age, have been practicing since May and placed fourth at the end of August, losing to the Arizona Cardinals.
Page 8 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9 MB InsuranceMedicare:Solutions Supplement/MedigapPrescriptionPartDMedicareAdvantage Term Life Insurance ACA Under 65 Health Insurance mlbartock@gmail.com www.medicareofforida.com 813.767.2878 Not Affliated with any Federal Agency Time to review your plan! Medicare Questions? Need Help? No Cost! Paid By Insurance!
Page 9Valrico EditionSeptember 2022
New
Friends. New Beginnings.
HCC’S NEW BRANDON CAMPUS PRESIDENT SET FOR TODAY’S CHALLENGES
styles,” Johansen said, as she noted hybrid learning oppor tunities that involve both inclass and online instruction.
Under research is a certifi cate ofering, followed by a two-year degree program and a connection with HCC’s four-year college partners, Johansen said.
“Enrollment decline is a national issue, and we are no diferent,” Johansen said. “We do see some enrollment growth this fall semes ter, and we are excited about that.”
a big scale like we have,” said Fernandes, adding, “It was a very big investment on our part, we defi nitely took a risk, and it’s been extremely successful.”Franchising with Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies came with its rich curriculum and training for all the staf to ensure they were teaching the curriculum properly, Fernandes said, who added it also started with good security measures and a cam era system so parents could check on their children. Plus, the academy is accredited through APPLE and NAEYC. Nowadays, it also has programs like the Brain Waves®, STEAM Ahead® and ABC mouse®, among others, to foster high-qual ity early learning. Fernandes believes what
The road from law to ac ademia has been a seam less one for Deborah Kish Johansen, who in January started her job as president of Hillsborough Communi ty College’s (HCC) Brandon campus and is chair-elect for the Greater Brandon Cham ber of LicensedCommerce.topractice cor porate law, Johansen said she entered the collegiate career track after learning of an opportunity through a previous chamber afliation and then serving as an ad junct professor at Valencia College in Orlando, where she taught business law.
makes Kids ‘R’ Kids special is its princi ple, “Hug First, Then Teach,” and its philos ophy of children learn ing through playing.
Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Valri co is located at 4321 Lynx Paw Trl. in Valri co. It’s second locaiton in Circa FishHawk across from Stowers Elementary is located at 5815 Kids Crossing Dr, Lithia, FL 33547.
For information, visit https://kidsrkids. com/valrico/ or call 813-657-4200.
Te Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Valrico building, located at 4321 Lynx Paw Trl. in Valrico.
“I loved being around students on the col lege campus and seeing the light bulbs go of,” said Johansen, whose subsequent rise in academia took her to Colorado, Arizona and back again to Florida. She’s held posi tions of chief academic ofcer, chief operat ing ofcer, academic dean and graduate and undergraduate faculty, and before Brandon she was vice president of academic afairs at Northwest Florida State College in Nicev ille.Johansen said Brandon campus issues in clude shifting enrollment patterns, ongoing attention to health and safety support, de ferred maintenance of facilities and support for new programs and activities.
Kids ‘R’ Kids of Val rico has reached max capacity for 10-15 years and educated thousands of children, graduated thousands through its VPK pro gram and employed over 50 staf in its lifetime. Several grad uates are employed, like local 17-year-old Troy Gilmore who was in the toddler room and graduated VPK there. Currently, it has almost 200 kids and over 25 staf, but students may still en roll, and positions are
KIDS ‘R’ KIDS OF VALRICO OFFERING QUALITY CHILD CARE AND EARLY EDUCATION FOR 20 YEARS
Congrats to The Jim Kennedy Scholarship Fund 2022 Recipients! BRANDON SPOTLIGHTSTUDENT Jacob Malinchak Florida State University Jacob and Shawn Malinchak (Cox Automotive)
Te Eye On Business column of the Osprey Observer’s September 2002 FishHawk edition, featuring a story about a Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy location breaking ground in Valrico later that month.
The Jim Kennedy Scholarship Fund was created and is personally funded by Jim Kennedy to help Cox employees provide for their most important investment — the future of their children. Established in 2008, the scholarship provides $10,000 annually toward the cost of tuition for 15 selected recipients each year. The program is open to any high school senior whose parent has worked at a Cox company full-time for at least three years.
For more on Johansen and HCC Brandon campus oferings, visit www.hccfl.edu.
Deborah Kish Johansen.
available.Ithas been going strong since opening, even staying in operation during the pan demic to give kids an education and provide staf and faculty employment, though of course diminished in numbers. In addition, it has been working with Hair We Share for the past five years; helping local elementa ries; and afliating with The Grow Group, which helps those with learning disabilities gain meaningful employment.
By Taylor Wells
Page 10 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9
In the works is the FIN TECH program for financial technologies, which would include studies in cybersecu rity and apps for online bank ing and investment services.
Newly established is HCC’s associate degree program in supply chain management, an especially relevant field today, Johansen said. She noted as well aquaculture and biotechnology studies, which, through the FUSE program, forges a pathway to biolo gy degree studies at the University of South Florida.Inkeeping with its workforce readiness focus, HCC this fall launched the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree for registered nurses to continue their studies, the first four-year degree program ofered in HCC’s 54-year history. It’s aimed to address the critical shortage of nurses locally and na tionwide.Alsonew this fall is the Pre-Health So ciety, under the auspices of the American Medical Student Association Club.
By Linda Chion
To maintain momentum, “we need to meet the modern challenges of students who want diferent flexibilities and learning
Twenty years ago, in the Eye On Business column on page 17 of our September 2002 FishHawk edition, the Osprey Observer published news about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Valrico breaking ground later that month, later open ing around July 2003. Franchisee co-owners Ben Fernandes and Keith Balot created the academy because they saw a need for quality child care and early education. They later opened a second Circa asingwasuplocationFishHawk/Lithiain2011.“Whenweopenedtheschool,thereabsolutelynothintheValricoareafaraschildcareon
Johansen plugged as well the seventh annual Hawk Run, scheduled for Saturday, October 22, “which last year raised enough money to start an endowment for scholar ship perpetuity,” she said.
La Septima’s tagline, “A Taste of Old Ybor,” is exemplified throughout the menu with items like ropa vieja (flank steak), bread ed palomilla steak and pescado a la Rusa (whitefish). Other oferings include soup,
Products available from Stem Rad range from exoskeleton-sup ported full-length aprons to selec tive protection equipment allowing for maximum mobility and comfort. For those who like to be prepared, there are protective-wear products suitable for home, ofce and travel.
The two female form mannequins rid ing in the Orion crew capsule will test how well StemRad’s technology protects against gamma radiation exposure. One, named Zo har (sponsored by the Israel Space agency), will wear a protective vest with sensors to test efectiveness, and the other, named Helga (sponsored by the German Aerospace Center), will wear only sensors to measure unprotected radiation exposure.
“Twowell.entities here in Tampa have been especially supportive of us, the first being FIBA (Florida Israel Business Accelerator) and Embarc Collective. The former drew us to the area and opened doors to customers and investors, the latter has been our home since before the pandemic and has been ex tremely supportive ever since.”
An illustration of two Artemis 1 space-test mannequins as passen gers in the crew capsule of an Orion spacecraft.
Oren Milstein is the CEO and founder of StemRad. He said the company ofers im portant options in the safety equipment marketplace.“Wearethe only company in the world that provides wearable radiation protection
TAMPA COMPANY MAKES SPACEWEAR FOR ARTEMIS I MISSION
La Septima Cafe is located in La Viva Plaza at 702 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. Dine-in, takeout, delivery and catering are available. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and is closed on Sunday. Visit www.laseptimacafe.com or call 813-685-0502 for further details.
The launching of the Artemis I mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is a major event in America’s space exploration program, and among the moon-orbiting craft’s payload are two fe male mannequins wearing protective vests from a local company seeking safety im provements for people working in radioac tiveOneenvironments.ofthebiggest risk factors for astro nauts is their exposure to high-energy ra diation that exists beyond Earth’s lower at mosphere. Such cell-damaging exposure is a danger that earthbound workers, such as those employed in the medical field, some times face as well.
salad, sandwiches and combinations. The Cuban sandwich, devil crabs and Sev enth Avenue salad are the most popular and come highly rec ommended.“Our success comes from our pas sion to keep every menu item consis tent in flavor and quality,” remarked Dahlia.LaSeptima’s fami
By Sharon Still
Throughout the years, the Fernandez fam ily has remained true to its product and true to its loyal patrons.
Locally owned La Septima was founded more than 30 years ago by the Fernandez family and remains a community favorite.
For nearly three de cades, La Septima Cafe has served authen tic Cuban fare to the Brandon community. Through a change of location in 2011, having to abruptly shut down due to COVID-19 and struggling to find peo ple who want to work, the restaurant is con stantly adapting and continues to attract a crowd daily and nightly. “Without our communi ty support, we would probably not be here today,” proclaimed co-owner Dahlia Fernandez. She and husband Ronnie have spent a majority of their lives in the restaurant business. “We have never looked back. La Sep tima is our crown jewel,” she said.Truly family-owned and operated, daugh ter Jennifer handles human resources and accounts payable while son RJ is the gen eral manager. Recently, eldest granddaugh ters Ana and Adriana also joined the team. “Working with family has its challenges, but it has more advantages,” said Dahlia, refer ring to herself and Ronnie as the ultimate overseers. “It is truly a blessing to have all the watchful eyes on the business.”
ly meals, introduced during the pandemic, also are a big hit and a great bang for your buck with most priced at $39.95. Suitable for a family of four, guests can choose from a selection of the signature dishes, all of which come with rice, salad, black beans, Cuban bread and a 2-liter bottle of soda.At La Septima, everything is made from scratch, including the salad dressing, soup, flan, cheesecake and everything in between. Dahlia stressed the importance of quality food and a friendly staf, noting that the lat ter proves to be more difcult.
LA SEPTIMA KEEPS TRADITIONS ALIVE WITH MADE-FROM-SCRATCH CUBAN FARE
StemRad is a Tampa company develop ing protective clothing and accessories that can protect people’s bodies from radiation, whether it comes from the galactic cosmos or medical treatment and diagnostic sourc es, such as CT scans and nuclear procedures.
StemRad was founded in 2011 in Israel as a response to the need for radiation protec tion solutions following the Fukushima, Ja pan earthquake and ensuing nuclear reactor explosions in March of that year. Oren said the move to Tampa from Tel Aviv is working out
By Brad Stager
Page 11Valrico EditionSeptember 2022
You can learn more about StemRad at https://stemrad.com/.
“We have made so many friends along the way through these years; we are mostly grateful to this beautiful community for our success,” she added.
for high-energy radiation. We have specific products for protecting first responders to radiological in cidents, physicians working with radiation in hospitals and astro nauts venturing into deep space, where they may be exposed to high-energy radiation.”
DMDdwards • WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL • DENTAL IMPLANTS • IV SEDATION Schedule consultation now to be ready for the Holidays! Valrico • South Tampa • Land O’ Lakes
AAA: BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON BRINGS ADDED DANGER AND REQUIRES PATIENCE ON THE ROADWAYS About 100 children are killed each year while walking to or from school and about 25,000 are injured. As the new school year is upon us, AAA urges motorists to slow down and stay alert. Not doing so can have life-changing consequences. V2922813-452-6380LithiaPinecrestRoad|Valrico,FL33596alricoOralSurgery.com
Tom
• Come to a complete stop. Research shows that more than one-third of driv ers roll through stop signs in school
• Share the road. Chil dren on bicycles are of ten inexperienced, un steady and unpredictable. Slow down and allow at least three feet of pass ing distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist. If your child rides a bicycle to school, require that he or she wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet on every ride. Find videos, expert advice and safe ty tips at ShareTheRoad.AAA.com.
Page 12 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9 Staf Report
AAA urges motorists to slow down and stay alert; they will soon be shar ing the road with millions of Florida stu dents who are returning to school. Not doing so can have life-changing conse quences.According to the Transportation Re search Board, about 100 children are killed each year while walking to or from school and about 25,000 are injured. The afternoon hours are particularly dangerous. Over the last decade, near ly one-in-four child pedestrian fatalities occurred between 3 and 7 p.m.
• Buses – picking up and dropping o f students.•Bicyclists – traveling to and from school.“AAA urges drivers to allow extra time for their morning commute and use ex treme caution, even outside of school zones,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman of AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Throughout town, students will be walking or pedal ing alongside city streets on their way toand-from school or the bus stop, and they may not be familiar with the rules of the road. It’s incumbent on drivers to elimi nate distractions, slow down and watch out for students and their families.”
zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.
• Pedestrians – students walking to and from school or the bus stop.
• Watch for school buses. Every state has a law making it illegal to pass a school bus with its red lights flashing and its stop-arm extended that has stopped to load or unload students. However, some motorists simply choose to ignore the law. Any person using, operating or driving a vehicle on or over the roads or highways of this state shall, upon ap proaching any school bus that displays a stop signal, bring such vehicle to a full stop while the bus is stopped, and the vehicle shall not pass the school bus until the signal has been withdrawn.
mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.
AAA – The Auto Club Group, through its School’s Open – Drive Carefully cam paign, is reminding motorists to:
• Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedes trian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25
DMDBackeris
• Eliminate distractions. Research shows that taking your eyes o f the road
Jason E
• Talk to your teen. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and nearly one in four fa tal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the after-school hours of 3-7 p.m. Get evidence-based guidance and tips at TeenDriving.AAA.com.
Drivers should prepare for an increase in:• Congestion – more drivers in the morning and afternoon.
for just two seconds doubles your chanc es of crashing. Children can move quick ly, crossing the road unexpectedly or emerging suddenly between two parked cars. Reduce risk by avoiding distrac tions like using your cell phone or eating while driving.
Page 13Valrico EditionSeptember 2022
great“We’resuccess.not just in it to sell or buy, we’re in it for a long-term relationship,” Tackus said.
Tackus stated, “The culture is a big rea son that drew me to the company.”
Te Align Right Realty Riverview team.
“I’ve been running businesses through out my entire career, the last seven years focusing mostly on real estate.” Tackus said. “Being a native Floridian and under standing the market, I think I have more of a competitive advantage over most.” Plus, she has both a real estate broker license and a mortgage loan originator license — which gives her a competitive understanding of all facets of the real es tate industry — as well as master’s de grees in business and social work. All of it adds up to Align Right Realty Riverview’s
The two ofces are seeking real estate agents, as well as talented men tors for their mentor pro gram. With a mission to help agents reach their goals, whether new and seasoned, they’ll have access to all they need to advance their business, such as ongoing support, training, opportunities for 100 percent of their commission, their own websites and much more. There are also many events and activities, including monthly meetings and family nights out, luncheons and foam parties.
Lisa Tackus, owner and bro ker of Align Right Realty River view, has had a lot to celebrate recently, as not only has her real estate agency been open for three years as of August and gained over 100 licensed agents, but she also now has a new ofce. Tackus has been a resident of the area for over 20 years. She opened the ofce for full operation in August 2019, and it is the first franchise in the company, accord ing to Tackus. It provides full real estate services, including residential, commer cial, referrals, rentals, home evaluations and first-time homebuyer seminars.
She got her new ofce, Align Right Realty Suncoast, after purchasing it from Johnny Loewy, founder and CEO of the Align Right Realty company, in May; it began as the com pany’s first ofce. The Suncoast ofce opened in mid-August and has around 100 agents.
If you’re interested in a career at either ofce, call 813-563-5995 and ask for of fice recruiter Patrick.
For more information about the Riv erview ofce, located at 11962 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview, visit https:// alignrightriverview.com/ or call 813-5635995. For the Suncoast ofce, located at 17427 Bridge Hill Ct. in Tampa, visit https://alignrightsuncoast.com/ or call 813-512-2100.
ALIGN RIGHT REALTY RIVERVIEW CELEBRATES THREE YEARS, OVER 100 AGENTS AND NEW OFFICE
Page 14 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9
By Taylor Wells
Urban Air is not your typi cal trampoline park; it takes the concept to a whole new level, and each park is unique. Families will enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience, soaring to new heights and making unforgettable memories. With attractions for every level of adventurer, mini warriors have plenty of new activities to try that will be challeng ing and help build self-esteem.
Day tickets, monthly memberships fea turing unlimited play and birthday party bookings are available online. Also, those interested in applying for a job can do so on the website. The facility will employ about 60Forpeople.year-round indoor amusements for the whole family in the Brandon area, Ur ban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park will be the perfect place. Residents can track the site progress of Urban Air Bran don on Facebook and sign up for updates, coupon ofers and view the park’s various attractions on the Urban Air Brandon web site.Urban Air Adventure Park is located at 179 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. Park hours will be 3-8 p.m. from Monday through Thursday, 3-10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 800960-4778 or visit www.urbanair.com.
“We know families are looking for ways to spend more time together, and as the premier destination for family fun and ad venture, we’re thrilled to bring our park experience to even more families in Bran don,” said Urban Air’s founder and CEO, JayAtThomas.Urban Air, guests will jump, soar, race, climb and play among wall-to-wall trampolines. Climbing walls, dodge ball, a tubes playground, go-karts and laser tag are just a few of the activities to en joy. Bowling, mini golf, a multilevel ropes course and much more are ofered at this ultimate indoor playground.
By Sharon Still
SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS WHEN URBAN AIR BRANDON OPENS THIS FALL
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, the ultimate indoor adventure park, is scheduled to open in the early fall on the southeast corner of Bloomingdale Avenue and John Moore Road in the space former ly occupied by Winn-Dixie. The 47,195 sq. ft. venue features attractions for kids of all ages and is the perfect place for kids’ birth day parties and other special events.
ence to Brandon and partner with such a great shopping center like Bloomingdale Pla za,” said Michael Tucci. “Bran don is an amazing community that will enjoy a full-service family entertainment adven ture park with attractions for all ages, and we are thrilled to expand to this area of Hills borough County.”
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park will open this fall in the Bloomingdale Plaza in the space vacated by Winn-Dixie a few years ago.
Page 15Valrico EditionSeptember 2022 $ 2 0 0 OFF EXTERIOR PAINT with th e mentionof th is ad MERCIAL DENTIAL ERIOR ERIOR Free Estimates • All Work Guaranteed “ WE’RE NOT HAPPY...UNTIL YOU’RE HAPPY!” Professional nting Specialists 8 1 3 -2 9 1 -0 5 0 5 www.DonsPainting.com/save 2 0 + years inb u siness Licensed , Bond ed & Insu red Lic # PA 2 6 5 3 30+ years in business Licensed, Bonded & Insured $200 OFF EXTERIOR PAINT with the mention of this ad PaintingProfessionalSpecialists COMMERCIALRESIDENTIALINTERIOREXTERIOR 5 Membership*FirstCLASSESFREEPLUSMonth50%OFFUnlimited *New clients only. Expires 10/23/2022 CUSTOMIZEDPERSONALTRAINING Revolutionize Your Workout with 5 Gears of Health: • Cardio • Resistance • Mind / Body • Nutrition • Corrective Exercise ChildcareAvailable HIIT Classes • Boot Camps • Cardio Classes • Resistance Classes • Barre • Pilates Yoga • Mobility Training • Sport Training • Customized Personal Training 1076 E. Brandon Blvd. Suite 211 (Located in the plaza behind GoodWill, 2nd foor) www.5GearFit.com813-662-4044
This is the second Urban Air location for franchise owners Michael and Tracey Tuc ci, parents of three kids who are already in love with Urban Air. The couple also owns the New Tampa franchise. “We are honored and excited to bring the Urban Air experi
Page 16 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9
LOCAL MILITARY BRAT AND COLLEGE STUDENT WRITES BOOK FOR MILITARY TEENS
Valrico resident and college student Shanon Hyde wrote a book for military kids that can be purchased on Amazon.
Today, those involved at the Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center continue to work tirelessly and use the LOL Com edy Show as a way to not only fundraise for the organization but also to spend time laughing and connecting with others in the community.
One topic he writes about is how to approach the challenges of moving to di f erent cities every few years. During his childhood, he lived in California, Virginia, North Carolina, back to the same base in Virginia, Japan and back to North Carolina. The family moved to Valrico after his father retired.
For more information about Hyde, vis it his Apple podcast, The Shanon Show: The Best Military Kids Podcast. To pur chase his book, which costs $13.99, visit www.amazon.com.
friends there the first time his fam ily was stationed there. “I incorrect ly assumed that my old friends would want to be friends with me again, so that turned out to be my most di f cult move,” he said.
TurnsandlumpcernstionimmediatereceivedattentotheconthatIhadainmybreastneededcare.outthatItestedpositiveforcancer,”saidVC,apatientattheOutreachFree
the comedian, pro fessional speaker and storyteller who will have you rolling on the floor laughing.
lished on July 28.
Page 17Valrico EditionSeptember 2022 DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES Advertise in this directory for just $50 per ad ,or as low as $200 per month (INCLUDES ALL 5 EDITIONS) Call Us Today! (813) 657-2418 or Visit OspreyObserver.com PAINTING PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SPECIALISTS Celebrating 30+ Years In Business “20 Year Osprey Advertising Partner” ESTIMATESFREE ALL WORK GUARANTEED Residential & CommercialInstallationCommercial&RepairRefrigeration(813)671-2555 HEAT & AC Family Owned and Operated Fans & Fixtures • Panel Changes Boat Docks • Pool & Spa Wiring Generators & Surge Protectors Remodels • Exterior & Specialty Lighting www.BryanHindmanElectric.com813-672-4084 Florida State Certifed Electrical Contractor EC#13004922 ELECTRICIAN Residential and TNTtermiteandpestcontrol.com(813)716-9196CommercialLOCAL&FAMILYOWNED“DYNAMITECUSTOMERSERVICE” PEST CONTROL ACCOUNTING GARY D. MEYER Certified PubliC ACCountAnt • Accounting & Bookkeeping • Compiled Financial Statement Presentations • Tax Return Preparation for Individuals, Corporations, LLC’s and Partnerships • Consulting for New Business Startups • Financial & Estate Planning 813-971-4067 gmeyer4@tampabay.rr.com Serving the Tampa Bay Area Since 1980 DOG TRAINING allamericandog.net813-685-6666 • Puppy Training • Obedience Training • CGC & Therapy Training • Service Training • PTSD Training • Protection Training • Aggression or County Citation “Since 1972” IN YOUR HOME 4 Point Inspections Wind Mitigation Roof Buyer/SellerRe-certifcationsFullHomeInspections813-842-0740tracer.inspections@yahoo.com INSPECTIONSHOME FRENCH SPRINKLERAUTOMATICDRAINSREPAIRS Warner’s Nursery (ofce) 813-689-5081 (cell) 813-817-6826 Lic# RX0058177 SPRINKLERS/DRAINS
All funds from the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show will go directly to patient care at the Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center and make an immense impact on so many in the community.
“So many military kids limit them selves because they just want to fit in and survive, but that can limit their po tential,” he said.
When his family moved to Virginia the summer before he started seventh grade, he thought the transition would be easy because he had already met
The Laugh Out Loud Com edy Show is hosted to fund raise for the Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center in Brandon. The show takes place on Friday, October 7 from 6-10 p.m. at The Regent in actyear,andlentacomedytoprovidesforbeeightwhichoretsIndividualRiverview.tickcost$75,aVIPtable,includesseats,canpurchased$800.Eachticketaccessdinner,aliveshow,cashbar,siauction,more.ThisthemainwillbeDePetrillo,
Valrico resident Shanon Hyde, a ju nior at Penn State University majoring in aerospace engi neering, drew from his own experiences to write Dear Mili tary Teen:
“This book is dedicated to other mil itary teens and brats like myself and helps provide advice and solutions for problems unique to us,” said Hyde, whose father retired from the Marine Corps two years ago.
The book also o f ers tips for trans ferring credits from school to school.
In order to avoid this, a group of not only nurses and physicians but also pharmacists, social work ers, clergy, attorneys and bankers stepped up in 1987 to help those in the Brandon area who were falling through the cracks and needed help.
“I was referred to Out reach Free Clinic by Hill sborough County Breast and gram.CancerCervicalProIhad
“Schools on military bases are more lenient when it comes to transferring credits than other schools,” he said.
By Michelle Caceres
A local college student and military brat’s desire to help other children of active-duty military personnel cope with constant change as sociated with mili tary life inspired him to write a book.
Looking for a good night of fun and laughter? Join the Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center and come dian Mary Ellen DePetrillo this October for the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show.
, pub
Before writing the book, Hyde created a podcast titled The Shanon Show: The Best Military Kids Pod cast , where he in terviewed military kids and teens and noticed many over arching issues. The podcast inspired him to write the book, which took almost two years to complete.
Mary Ellen DePetrillo is a comedian with real-life stories that are relatable and hilarious.
The Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center provides a way for uninsured in dividuals to gain access to quality health care. Many individuals who cannot aford health care are living with life-threaten ing health issues and are leaning on the emergency room as primary care, or in stead not seeking medical help at all.
Clinic, “It was the caring and wonderful staf at the Outreach Clinic that put me on the path to the care and treatment that I need for my breast cancer. God bless all.”
no insurance, no doctor and did not know where to turn. I
JOIN OUTREACH FREE CLINIC AT THE LAUGH OUT LOUD COMEDY FUNDRAISER
By Makenzie Atkins
ofWinningDeployments,Moving,andtheGameHighSchool
He encourages military kids to be out going after each move.
For more information on Lindsey, visit his website at billyelvislindsey.com or, for book ing information, call 813-786-9110.
Page 18 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9 9912 Indiana St. • Hwy 41 & Estelle Ave • Gibsonton, FL 33534 813.677.1301 First Baptist Church of Gibsonton “We love because He frst loved us.” 1 John 4:19 Doctor Malcom S. Clements- Pastor Traditional Worship Service Old-time Gospel Hymns Nursery ChildrenAvailable&YouthMinistry Sunday School…………. 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship……… 10:30 A.M. Sunday Evening…………. 6:00 P.M. Mid-Week (Wed.)……… 7:00 P.M. Book online: www.freedom-ma.com Located at: 3212 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Suite 102 (In the Crunch Fitness Plaza) Valrico, FL 813.777.0887 • Programs for Kids and Adults • Discipline, Self Esteem, Life Skills • Member of American Taekwondo Association (ATA) FITNESS, FUN & FRIENDS! ENROLLING NOW FREE!CLASSFIRSTIS
“I just love music. My dad was such a huge El vis fan,” explained Lind sey, adding, “In 1974, I got to see him at Notre Dame. It was my first concert ever. It was amazing.”Heand a few of his friends started a com edy group called The Flash Band, where they performed skits at Hap py Days on State Road 60 in Brandon, many of which included Presley’s character.“That’s when I real ized how many Elvis songs I knew from my childhood,” said the Elvis impersonator. “I just knew so many Elvis songs that the Elvis show just became part of my Whenact.”being in The Flash Band no longer worked with his schedule, Lindsey began performing on his own. He won an Elvis im personator contest four times at the state fair and was even used as the face of the competition for its marketing one year.
By Lily Belcher
The program uses construction as the core and provides hands-on training in diferent
One participant living in Riverview wanted to become a welder, so YouthBuild paid for his education at Erwin Technical College. Anoth er participant always wanted to work in child care, so it helped her get licensed and now she’s working at a day care center.
Typically identified as ‘marginalized,’ ‘dis connected’ and ‘at-risk,’ these young people, who are typically defined by their challenges and not their potential, are ofered the knowl edge, training and opportunity that leads to long-term professional and personal success.
Billy ‘Elvis’ Lindsey will perform on a cruise in February 2023.
pop music, from Alan Jackson to The Beatles to Ricky Martin. He per forms across Flor ida and takes his show on the road as he travels out of state when he visits his own family.
Arroyo said it’s particularly rewarding when participants who successfully com plete the program come back to volunteer as mentors.“Theyget on their feet and then give back in some way to help others,” he said.
Volunteer opportunities are needed to support the program through donations of money and time. Mentors are also needed, especially tutors to work with program par ticipants in math and reading. “Tutors can be high-school age students,” said Arroyo. “We are grateful for peer-to-peer mentoring.”
Lindsey’s talents extend past his award-winning Elvis impersonation, howev er. He also performs oldies, rock, country and
YOUTHBUILD ASSISTS YOUNG ADULTS WITH EDUCATION AND LIFE SKILLS
By Michelle Caceres
ELVIS IMPERSONATOR BILLY LINDSEY PERFORMS MUSIC AND COMEDY
The international program started in Tam pa in partnership with Tampa Housing Au thority in 2009 thanks to initial startup fund ing through a grant. John Arroyo was hired as its program manager, and he is still in that role 13 years later.
Participants earn up to $250 every two weeks plus incentives for reach ingArroyogoals. said YouthBuild has been a success. He es timates that approximate ly 250 young adults have benefited from the pro gram since its inception.
For more information, call 813-391-2841 or visit www.thafl.com/youthbuild.
build successful lives and communities
YouthBuild, in partnership with Tampa Housing Authority, has been helping young adults since
The next program class, which can accom modate between 60-70 participants, starts on Tuesday, September 6. To qualify for the program, applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 24, have a strong desire to fur ther their career and/or education, be com mitted to working hard and have a desire to earn a GED or high school diploma.
A local nonprofit orga nization is helping break the cycle of poverty by unleashing the intelligence and positive energy of low-income, out-of-school young adults to rebuild their communities and their lives. YouthBuild at Tampa Housing Author ity helps participants build the skill sets and mindsets that lead to lifelong learning, livelihood and leadership.
2009. Michele732-757-5816Urbanowski fhomesbymichele@gmail.com Shelly shellysuperagent@gmail.com813-401-9489Valdez 5207 Sand Trap Over 4,400 sq.ft of awesomeness with a private pool on a golf course in River Hills 4914 Sylvan Oaks Private pool home nestled in Canterbury Oaks with over 3,100 sq. ft to love
Billy ‘Elvis’ Lindsey grew up in a house filled with music. From a young age, he remem bers putting on shows, playing 10 diferent in struments and listening to Elvis Presley.
In addition to being a full-time performer, the Viet nam War veteran started his Keep the Fire Burning nonprofit last year to give back to the community. He has performed at char ity fundraisers and for Children’s Mira cle Network in the past, but his non profit allows him to further his contri bution to others.
Now, Lindsey will perform on the MSCaward-winningMeraviglia with stops at Ocean Cay, Nassau, Cozumel and Belize City. Lindsey’s 2023 seven-night cruise will set sail from Port Canaveral on February 5, 2023. There is a $250 deposit per person, due as soon as possible after booking a cabin. There is limited availability, so those interested are encouraged to fill out the flyer on his website now.
“It’s so fulfilling to help people who’ve had obstacles in their path, like having to finan cially support their family at a young age or those who got in trouble with the law, find success,” he said. “We meet them where they’re at and take them where they want to go.”Participants pursue their education by taking classes to earn a GED or high school diploma, prepare for future careers through vocational training and grow into community leaders, building brighter futures for them selves and their neighborhoods.
aspects of the industry.
Authors who are confirmed include Ro driguez, Casilya Smith, Devin Paladino, An nette Eberhart, Leroy Toliver and Tyrone Void. The confirmed keynote speakers are Casilya Smith and Devin Paladino.
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Staf Report
are low enough to be safe and will be announced. If the balloons cannot set up due to rain or high winds, there will still be a laser show and ring of fire display around 9 p.m. There will be announce ments and updates via the PA system by theTicketsstage.
Coolers or outside food and drink will not whentakeinflation5willThepermitted.begatesopenatp.m.Balloonwillplacewinds
munityRodriguezevents.”added, “More often than not, Latinx, Hispanic, African American and Asian American literature is not incor porated in K-12 required literature. Let’s work together and change the narrative. As Americans, we embody cultures from around the world. It is about time our chil dren read about them.”
up your own view ing spot.
Literature Matters is an afliate pro gram of J. Desiree LLC, which is designed for literacy outreach. The Literature Mat ters festival is about 2 years old.
Te Literature Matters festival, set for Sat urday, October 1 at the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin, will highlight local and out of town self-published children book authors all of whom want to engage and support children to read.
up close and enjoy a family day out.
Mrs. All-Star Southeast 2021, wife, mother, doctoral scholar and community enthusiast. Rodri guez has over 10 years of strategic com munication and community outreach ex perience. She became a business owner at the age of 23 with a goal to impact youth through literacy and mentorship.
Pets other than service dogs are not recommended as the ‘burner’ noise from the hot air balloons is loud and often dis turbing to Advancedogs.tickets are $22 for adults and $10 for kids 17 and under, with kids 5 and under being free. Tickets will be available at the gate at an increased price of $30 for adults and $15 for kids.
On Saturday, Oc tober 1, children of all ages are invited to attend a festival known as Literature Matters. The festival will be held from 2-4 p.m. at the Firehouse Cultural Center, lo cated at 101 1st Ave. NE in Ruskin. The Literature Matters festival is free and open to the author,award-winningtimeanJ.tersLiteraturepublic.MatwasfoundedbyDesireeRodriguez,Afro-Latina,four-self-published,professor,former
By Kathy L. Collins
This family event will also feature much more than the hot air balloons. There will be vendor markets with a variety of items for sale and assorted food vendors. The balloon festival will also feature DJs and live music, a kids’ zone, magicians, jugglers, roaming entertainers and many other great festival experiences.
Bring your blankets and chairs to set
include free parking, festival entry and the balloon show with live music. The kids’ zone, food vendors and tethered rides are additional. In the event of inclement weather preventing balloon inflation, your tickets may be good for another day or another show.
Literature Matters provides the commu nity with an opportunity to connect with national authors, guest speakers, storytell ing and Rodriguezmusic.said, “I grew up a child of Dominican and African American descent. I did not understand my history or con nect to my culture. My mother cooked sancocho, rice and beans. However, I did not know why my mother spoke Spanish, and why we travelled to another country to see our family. I could not connect to
Sunny Boy is a popular, uniquely shaped hot air balloon expected at the festival.
LITERATURE MATTERS FESTIVAL SET TO TAKE PLACE AT FIREHOUSE CULTURAL CENTER
Not only can you see incredible hot air balloons, but you can also check that bucket list item by getting a ride on a tethered hot air balloon. Tethered rides will be $25 per person, weather permit ting.There will also be a night glow and la ser show twice each evening at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. that will begin with a crowd countdown to light the balloons. The show incorporates synchronized music, pyrotechnics and visually stunning co ordinated burns by the hot air balloons and high-powered lasers creating a night glow like you have never seen.
HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL COMING TO PLANT CITY
my culture and un derstand where I came from.” Rodri guez added, “There are children who do not understand their culture, just as I did not.”According to Ro driguez, “Literature Matters gagementskeynotebooksupporteddiversemunitiestiesbooksunderrepresentedprovidestocommuniinneed.Comthatlackbookswillbethroughdistributions,speakingenandcom
The Plant City orfulgiantthePlantGroundsberrytoOctoberSaturday,berday,comingFestivalBalloonisFriOcto21and22theStrawFestivalinCity.Comeseeuniqueandcolhotairballoons
Visit www.balloonshows.com for up dates, tickets and any weather-related advisories.
If you have questions, contact Rodri guez at jdesireerllc@gmail.com.
Page 20 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9 Buy One Get BAKLAVAOne(perorder)LittleGreekFreshGrill813.570.8162RIVERVIEWLOCATIONONLY 10173 Big Bend Rd., Riverview Expires 10/15/2022 LUNCHFAMILYEVERYSPECIALSDAYMEALSPECIALS $39.95 Take Out and Delivery La Septima Cafe 702 W Lumsden Rd, Brandon Not Valid with any other discounts, promotions or coupons. No Cash Value. Expires 10/15/2022 Nekter Juice Bar (813) 409-2679 3482 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico Not to be combined with any other coupons, discounts or ofers. Expires 10/15/2022 Sunfower Cafe 813-65-SUSHI Only valid with regular menu. With this coupon. Must present before submitting payment. Before tax. One coupon per visit. Not valid with Expires 10/15/2022 JF Kicks 813-643-7777 3345 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico Excludes other discounts, specials, or ofers. Expires 10/15/2022 10%OFFENTIREORDER10%OFFENTIREMEAL 10%OFFENTIREPURCHASE
During September into October, there are a number of Jew ish holidays. This is a time when most Jewish people want to attend the holi day services. High Holy Day services at Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon are open to the community and are free, though donations are gladly accepted. Rabbi Lefkowitz and Sandy Santucci (cantorial soloist) will be leading the Selichot and High Holy services. Con tact the temple ofce on 813-681-6547 or email ofandhaveoutlook.comcbs-brandon@ifyouanyquestionsforthescheduleservices.
Academy Of Dance Dynamics
Shred Event Helps You And Hope For Her
Annual Nut Sale Returns
Jewish Holiday Services
tion.nonprofitCorral,eventproceedsjens-market.com.www.AllfromthegotoKittiea501(c)(3)organiza
Immanuel Lutheran Church Fish Fry Fundraiser
Shred Event, Car Show, Pet Costume Contest & More... www.ajwestfallco.com813.433.4047 licensed✦bonded✦insured In Business Over 20 Years FULL SERVICE CLEANING COMPANY Residential ✦Commercial Moving/Home Sale Presentation ✦Tenant Turnover
Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest
St. Francis Circle of Nativity Catho lic Church’s Nativity Women’s Guild is pleased to announce that 2022 will be the 41st year that it will provide the community with the opportunity to purchase nuts. Just in time for the hol idays, the circle will sell the nuts in 1 lb. bags. These high-quality nuts will include shelled pecan halves and pieces, shelled walnut halves and pieces, salted cashews and a variety of candied pecans. All nut orders must be placed by Monday, Octo ber 17 and will be shipped to arrive by Sunday, November 20. Proceeds from the nut sale benefit the Nativity Food Warehouse, which provides free grocer ies to the needy of 50-plus parishes in the Brandon area. To purchase nuts or for more information, call Evelyn at 813657-4309, Flo at 813-695-7096 or 813431-0041.
It is a great oppor tunity to find that unique piece of art for yourself or a gift for a friend. The Ber ry Clay Pit is located at 509 Strawberry Ridge Blvd. in Valrico.
FishHawk Ranch will be holding its annual car show on Saturday, October 8 from 12 Noon-3 p.m. at The Palmetto Club located at 17004 Dorman Rd. in Lithia. Along with the car show, there will be food trucks, DJ Joe Ferrante, a rafe with proceeds going to Paralyzed Veterans of America and the opportunity to give blood. This fun event is suitable for all ages and free to attend. Space to enter the car show is limited; if you want to preregister your vehicle, go to www.fhrcarshow2022.eventbrite. com. For additional information on the event, email sparvin@fishhawkranch cdd.org or call 813-657-6629.
Help protect yourself from identity theft by bringing all your old tax returns, bank statements, bills, credit card appli cations and any other identifiable docu ments to Focus Wealth Strategies to have them shredded. The event will take place on Saturday, October 22 from 9 a.m.12 Noon at Focus Wealth Strategies, located at 3419 Brook Crossing Dr. in Brandon. It will also be collecting unwanted electronics (except tele visions) and nonperish able food to benefit Hope for Her, a local organization where women experiencing crisis and trauma find the strength, skills and support they need to rebuild their best lives.
Strawberry Ridge Ceramic Sale
turnsCarRanchFishHawkAnnualShowReInOctober
11 a.m. or preregis ter online at
The Academy of Dance Dynamics had its 12th annual car wash fundraiser at the River Hills Shell Garage and had a blast. The day was filled with lots of sign spinning, dancing and car washing. Renee Melanson, owner of Academy of Dance Dynamics, said, “I come from a big family and had to hand my parents my dance bill knowing we didn’t have it. I do this fundraiser to try and take some of the financial weight of of the parents and it’s always a great event.” Academy of Dance Dynamics is located at 4383
Lynx Paw Trl. In Valrico in the River Hills Plaza. For more information, visit its website at www.academyofdance dynamics.com or call 813-655-8277. It would also like to thank Todd Kane, own er of the Shell Garage, for allowing them to use his location and for all of his sup port over the years.
The Berry Clay Pit in the Strawberry Ridge Community is holding its annu al ceramic sale on Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. A wide range of ceramic pieces, including indoor and out door pieces will be available to purchase.
The annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest will take place on Saturday, Oc tober 8 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Mary & Martha House Home Goods Market, lo cated at 312 U.S. 41 S. in Ruskin. All pets are welcome. The parade and judging will take place at 12 Noon with trophies and prizes for best overall costume, most creative costume and best pet and hu man costumes. You can register on-site at the Kittie Corral booth starting at
The Immanuel Lutheran Church, locat ed at 2913 John Moore Rd. in Brandon, is hosting a fish fry fundraiser dinner on Saturday, October 8 from 11 a.m.4 p.m. Proceeds from the event will go towards a new water fountain. The day will be filled with fun and games for all ages, music, rafes and an auction. Along with the fish fry, hot dog meals will be available. All meals are first come, first served, so make sure to get there early to not miss out. Jenny jbennett@ospreyobserver.comBennett
Compiled by
Car Wash Fundraiser
To donate books to the Pass-A-Book Pro gram now, bring the picture/chapter books to 1517 U.S. Hwy. 41 S. in Ruskin. Later this year, the drop-of site will change to 10021 Carr Rd. in Riverview.
The Pass-A-Book Program has been serving the commu nity of young readers since Ruskin’s Heather Hindman launched the initiative to collect and donate books in 2016. Through community donations of children’s books, Hindman has been able to distribute over 4,500 books to schools, teachers and students in just eight years.“As a former teach er, I had bins and bins of books in my garage. I loved them so much that I hated to part with them but finally decided they would be put to better use in the hands of children to love them,” said Hindman, who also attributes the program to her husband, who wanted the extra space in the Aftergarage.seeing the amount of community interest, Hindman turned the donation into a program that became an ongoing Bryan Hindman Electric Company service project. Since its inception, the Pass-A-Book Pro gram has become a family, business and community efort as Hindman has watched her whole company get involved. She works with her immediate family to distribute books but received help from her co-workers, Brandy Nelson, Christine Han non, and community project coordinator Virginia Trotta.
“One amazing com munity member decid ed to set up a makeshift library for the children living in her apartment building and we were proud to be a part of that,” explained Hind man. “Our biggest event is the [Parents and Chil dren Advance Togeth er] yearly graduation, where the children and their siblings choose books to take home to read over the summer.”
Te Pass-A-Book Program collects and donates books for grades K-5.
While many of the donations come from families and thrift stores, the Pass-A-Book Program just received a huge donation of around 250 books from Collins Elementa ry School. These books were given to new teachers in Hillsborough County.
By Lily Belcher
Many of their elec tricians have helped carry and load heavy donation boxes, and her children help transport books to the donation sites as well.
Page 21Valrico EditionSeptember 2022
The Pass-A-Book Pro gram mostly donates K-2 picture books and chapter books for third through fifth graders, but it accepts all books for students. This year, it is specifically looking for more board books to give away.
PASS-A-BOOK PROGRAM NEEDS BOOK DONATIONS TO KEEP STUDENTS READING
Donated books go to students and teach ers to promote reading.
Page 22 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9
Playing poker is fun, but when you’re playing poker for a cause, it’s even bet ter. Susan Ciof, a re altor with RE/MAX Realty Unlimited, has been in the realty business for 19 years while also supporting numerous activities and charities in the area, such as Trick or Treat Street and with every closing she has a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network is made.
By Libby Hopkins
Before becoming the owner of Creative Colors International, German had a career in financial business. “I took an early re tirement from JPM Chase after 18 years there,” German said. “My career there, along with five years prior, was all in in formation technology, mostly software development.”WhenGerman decided to leave Chase, he wanted to do something completely diferent. “Something with a lot of time outdoors working with your hands,” Ger
Another reason German decided to invest in Creative Colors International is because there is no brick and mortar building he had to purchase. “We don’t have a shop, the business is 100 per cent mobile,” German said. This gives him the opportunity to connect and get to know his customers on a personal level.Ifyou would like to learn more about Creative Colors International and the various services it offers, you can vis it their website at www.wecanfixthat. com or call German at 813-343-4151.
dignified and aford able housing. With ‘Housing First’ prin ciples at the core, it has a healthy disre gard for all criminal/creditemploymenttoty-perceivedcommunibarriershousing,includinghistory,back
the realtors’ poker night will be held on Friday, September 23 at Sum merfield Crossings Golf Club. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes the Texas Hold ’Em Tournament, food and desserts.
“Many of them ask for TVs, computers, freezers and other items we take for grant ed,” Ciof said. “So, I told Michael we should have a fundraiser so we can pay for the big tickets out of what we raised. The poker night fundraiser to help St. Vincent de Paul CARES was born.”
To register, visit the fundraiser’s Face book page at events/551141029873702www.facebook.com/orcallCio f at 813-956-8513.
By Libby Hopkins
“We [are] still looking for more sponsors, and we need more poker players,” Ciof said. “We hope we can raise enough money to make these veterans and their families smile on Christmas morning. Would love to make this event the best and biggest one yet because we owe our veterans a lot for what they have done for us, so this is the least we can do for them.” explained Ciof. They are grateful for the major sponsors that do it ev ery year, including RE/MAX Realty Unlimit ed, East Coast Pizza, Summerfield Crossings Golf Club, Nothing Bundt Cakes, All Amer ican Title, the Osprey Observer and many realtor friends.
CREATIVE COLORS INTERNATIONAL OF TAMPA CAN FIX THAT
ground, mental health, addiction and reli giousThepractices.organization works to rapidly house those experiencing homelessness within 30 days and concurrently connect them to stabilization support services to assist their needs. The organization believes stable housing is the only solution to ending home lessness.Thisyear,
About nine years ago, one of Ciof’s co workers, Michael Markus, asked for help with getting Christmas gifts for families of local veterans that were transitioning to new“Ithousing.wasthrough St. Vincent de Paul CARES,” Ciof said. “So, that year, we had a few families with children that our broker age and fellow realtors helped during the holidays. Well, the next year, we did it again, but this time we had all the families that St. Vincent had, and it was a little more chal lenging, but we always got the majority of what they wanted.”
There isn’t much that Cre ative Colors In ternational of Tampa can’t fix. It is a local ex pert in leather repair.Creative Col ors Interna tional Inc. was founded in July 1991 through its afliate J&J’s Creative Colors Inc., a company that had been in busi ness since 1980. Much like J&J’s Creative Colors, it provides the services of restoring, dyeing and repairing many types of material. “I’ve owned a Creative Colors franchise since August 2016,” said owner Patrick German. “My territory then was Pinellas County. Two years later, the owner in Hill sborough sold to me. I have lived in Bran don for 16 years, but when I started my franchise, that other owner was in this area, so I had to buy into Pinellas.”
International has been in existence for more than 40 years, German felt this company was the best fit for him to invest. “As a national franchise, we have the support of a large organization that continually researches and updates products,” Ger man said. “It also sets a level of standards through that franchise system.”
Creative Colors International Inc. was founded in July 1991 through its afliate J&J’s Creative Colors Inc., a company that had been in business since 1980. Much like J&J’s Creative Colors, it provides the services of restor ing, dyeing and repairing many types of material.
man said. “It also needed to be something my son-in-law, who started the business with me, was interest ed in. The plan is to build it into a business he can take over and re tire from himself one day. Which means it needed to be something that can’t be Amazoned, outsourced or doneSinceremotely.”Creative Colors
St. Vincent de Paul CARES is a nonprofit organization committed to ending home lessness by making it rare, brief and onetime. All of its programs are built on the belief that everyone has the right to live in
REALTORS HOST SUMMERFIELD POKER NIGHT FOR CHARITY
Ciof felt it was hard to ask a fellow re altor to sponsor a whole family when there were a lot of big-ticket items.
Page 23Valrico EditionSeptember 2022 3452 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico (Located in the SteinMart 813-65-SUSHIPlaza) Mon - Fri 11:30-2:30 & 5-9 | Sat 12-9 Sundays 12-8:30 (Serving lunch until 3 p.m.) entireOFF10%purchase Sunfower Cafe 3452 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., 813-65-SUSHIValrico Only valid with regular menu. With this coupon. Must present before submitting payment. Before tax. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other ofers Ofer expires 9/30/22 813-689-8131 3159 E. State Road 60 - Valrico
“Our recreational pro grams, both youth and adult, are designed to be for all levels of play.
The league has a competitive program that is being rebuilt and has made amazing strides in just the last year. “We nearly dou bled our number of competitive teams from last season to now and are always looking to provide opportunities to kids that are looking for that professional-led training the program provides,” Farnsworth said.
GET YOUR SOCCER ON WITH TAMPA DYNAMO FC
The Dynamos currently gearing up for their registration and they are looking to the community for player who want to have fun.
Forever Green Lawn & Pest Control creates healthy and lush lawns for its customers.
Farnsworth first became involved with the Tampa Dynamos three years ago after moving to the area with his family from Manchester, England. “I was keen to be in volved with Tampa Dynamo, as it had the opportunity to serve as a key figure in our local community,” Farnsworth said. “I was looking to be involved with a club that was providing players and families a great envi ronment to develop and now it is an amaz ing thing to be a part of our Dynamo Family.”
Each customer is assigned a personal lawn care expert, ensuring they learn the customer’s preferences and finish the job to their personal satisfaction.
TheDover.club has pro vided opportunities in both competitive and recreational soccer to the community for many years now. “Just last year there was a complete change in the board of directors with a renewed interest to bring soccer to the areas surrounding both parks and provide programs for all levels of play,” said Chris Farnsworth of Tampa Dyna mo FC. “Sometimes there can be too much of a focus by clubs on the competitive pro grams when getting as many kids as possi ble out on the fields, learning the game and having fun should be the goal.”
“A Forever Green technician came out and was able to overcome the weed and insect problems and save his grass, which is now green and lush,” she said. “I really wish we had known about Forever Green years ago.”
“We had tried other lawn care companies and were disappointed,” said Ortero. She had to resod her lawn twice before finding Forever Green. Her lawn has been healthy ever since. She was such a satisfied cus tomer, and so she hired them to help her father,
For information,, visit www.tampady namofc.com.
By Michelle Caceres
“We strive to make our customers proud of their lawn,” he said.
The company ofers a variety of services, from lawn spraying and pest control to tree and shrub maintenance and laying fertilizer. It uses nontoxic chemicals that are safe for pets.Forever Green is a family-owned business founded by Mike Compton and takes pride in the quality of its work.
For more information or to schedule a free estimate, call 813-324-1004 or visit www.fglawn.com.
A kid playing for the first time is just as wel come as a kid that has been in the programs for multiple seasons.
Owner Ben Compton said that customer satisfaction is one of the reasons why For ever Green is still in business after 35 years.
By Libby Hopkins
Forever Green’s pricing was competitive and its technicians were knowledgeable, so she decided to give them a try. She’s glad she“They’redid. so consistent and dependable and my grass looks good all the time,” she said.Customer Valeria Ortero concurred. She appreciates how easy it is to contact them and has been impressed with its services.
“We want any kids and adults in the com
An adult with interest playing can join our adult recreational pro gram to play and meet others in the community.”
Tampa Dynamo FC is a nonproft club residing at two locations. Its main campus is at Summerfeld Sports Complex in Riverview and its second location is at Keith Waller Park in Dover. Registration is currently open to children and adults.
Tampa Dynamo FC is a nonprofit club re siding at two locations. Its main campus is at Summerfield Sports Complex in Riverview and its second location is at Keith Waller Park in
“We’re a family and we treat our custom ers like they’re family too,” said Compton.
whose homeowners association told him he needed to resod his lawn.
Keeping a Florida lawn healthy is no easy task, requiring year-round maintenance and pest control. Choosing to put of deal ing with fungal infections or pest infesta tions can be costly and require entire sod replacement.Valricoresident Judith Vanzulli’s lawn is green and lush thanks to Forever Green Lawn & Pest Control. Five years ago, when her former lawn care company closed its business, she started looking for another company to care for her grass.
FOREVER GREEN LAWN & PEST CONTROL ENSURES A GREEN AND LUSH LAWN
Farnsworth has high hopes for the Tampa Dynamos. “We hope to continue our great work within the local community providing an afordable program to as many players as possible,” Farnsworth said. “We want to see growth in numbers while maintaining our family atmosphere. Our staf, our board, our coaches know many of the families in the programs because they take the time to meet them and talk to them. Most impor tantly, we want Tampa Dynamo FC to be a club that people can be proud to represent.”
munity that have an interesting in playing the beautiful game of soccer and to know they have a place to play,” Farnsworth said.
Page 24 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9 <<< Alex (Owner) with his sons... “Our next generation of roofers!” Family owned business serving our neighbors since 1981! Celebrating 41 Years Serving our Community Thinking it’s time for a new roof? Do you think your roof may have wind damage? DO NOT REPLACE YOUR ROOF WITHOUT LETTING US TAKE A 813-643-8333LOOK! www.CertifedRoofers.com ROOF REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT SERVICES
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tour is visiting Tessera of Brandon, an as sisted living and memory care community located at 1320 Oakfield Dr. The Virtual Dementia Tour will take place on Tuesday, September 20 from 2-4 p.m. Please call 813-607-6880 to reserve a place.
September 2022, Vol. 19 , Iss. 9
During the COVID-19 pandemic, India Presley-Boyd was released from her po sition as a nurse practitioner. Determined not to give up on her dream, she decided to move closer to home and create a practice that could not only allow her to continue living her dream but also increase access
service basis. Services include well visits, sick visits, chronic disease management and weight loss, among others. Subscrip tions are ofered for as low as $100 a month, which includes direct access to your provider 24/7 via texts or calls, unlimited ofce and telemed icine visits, same-day or next-day appointments, little or no ofce wait times, relaxed appointments and dis counts on medicines and labs.
Open Door Grant Program At Hills borough Community College
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Virtual Dementia Tour
The Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Institute for Corporate and Con tinuing Education (ICCE) was awarded over $993,000 in funding through the Open Door Grant Program by the Flor ida Department of Education (FDOE) last fall. FDOE recently updated the Open Door Grant Program criteria to in crease funding access. Qualified appli
The Virtual Dementia Tour ofers a 10-minute immer sion into the world of de mentia and allows you to walk in the shoes of someone with dementia to enhance your sense of empathy. You may experience the confusion, frustration and emotions associated with memory loss. Through this tour, you will leave with a better un derstanding for living with dementia. The
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cants may be eligible for up to $3,000 to cover the costs of tuition fees, examinations, books and materials for approved short-term and technical education credentialing courses that must be completed by September 2023. For the full list of ap proved courses, scholarship criteria and how to apply, visit www.tam patraining.com/open-door.
to quality health care. Home 2 Care is a lux ury concierge-style health care clinic that
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Richard Martin, owner of Martin Security Systems.
India ley-Boyd,PresownerandnursepractitionerofHome2Care.
Home 2 Care Luxury Concierge Healthcare Clinic In Brandon
A close friend of theirs, Luis Castellanos of Brandon, reached out to the Osprey Observ er to see if the paper knew of any art centers that would be willing to take Dr. Velasquez’s art and use it to help raise money for chil dren’s charities or programs. “The idea was to donate them to some charity organiza tion for selling or auction, so the proceeds
Over the years and many trips to Peru, Dr. Velasquez’s ofce became full his paintings and artwork he brought back from his coun try. When he retired, Dr. Velasquez and his wife, Lourdes, realized they didn’t have room for all the paintings and artwork.
PERUVIAN ART DONATION FINDS PERMANENT HOME AT CENTER PLACE
A whimsi cal world friendlyedworldInSpooktacular.all-newpaGardens®loweentofunspookyfullenchantmentofofnot-so-familyistheplacecelebrateHalatBuschTamBaywithitsevent,thisplayfulcreatbyKandy,awitchin
SPOOKTACULAR AT BUSCH GARDENS IS NOT-SO-SPOOKY FAMILY FUN
Local, retired pediatrician and Valrico resident Dr. Fernando Velasquez has had an amazing medical career. He is also an avid painter, and his artwork has found a permanent home at Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association.
training, guests will find many activities in this immersive Hallow eenBuschexperience.Gardens’ Spooktacular will be casting spells on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 Noon-4 p.m., Saturday, Septem ber 10 through Sunday, October 30 at the Festival Walkway and is included with dai ly Someadmission.ofthe activities for families in this all-new Halloween event, including other not-so-spooky surprises, are:
Page 26 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9
Photos courtesy of Busch Gardens Kandy, a friendly witch in training, at Busch Garden’s Spooktacular.
By Libby Hopkins
Story Time with Kandy: Situated next to Kandy’s picture-perfect pumpkin patch and bubbling cauldron, guests will be im mersed in the popular story “Room on the Broom,” where everybody has a place and everyoneSpooktacularbelongs.Costume Parade: On this catwalk, all the little ones are top models. A colorful parade of costumes will bring the Spooktacular Costume Parade to life.
Staf Report
None of Dr. Velazquez’s paintings are framed, and for them to be hung at Center Place, they will need to be framed. “Dr. Velazquez has over 60 unframed paintings, and since he is a resident of Valrico, I would love for our community to come togeth er and help Center Place get his artwork framed so it will be a permanent exhibit that will be hung in Center Place every July and be Dr. Velasquez’s legacy,” Hopkins said. “Dr. Velasquez and his family asked if his works could be shown every July because July is when Peru gained its independence.”
If you would like to help Center Place get Dr. Velasquez’s art work framed, so it can be a permanent exhibit at Center Place, please contact Libby Hopkins via email at libby.hop kins@centerplacebrandon.com or call her at Center Place at 813-685-8888. Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association is locat ed at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B inside the Brandon Regional Library.
forBecausepurchase.Busch Gardens Spooktacular is included with park admission. Guests should take advantage of the current spe cial ofer for the 2023 Fun Card, where paying for one day will allow unlimited vis its for the rest of 2022 and through 2023 for free. For more information on Busch Gardens Spooktacular and to purchase a 2023 Fun Card, guests can visit www.bus chgardenstampa.com.BuschGardensTampa Bay is the ulti mate family adventure, ofering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gar dens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA-accredited zoo with thousands of animals representing more than 200 spe cies and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit www.buschgardenstampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Entertain ment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company provid ing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.
The Osprey Observer reached out to Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Associa tion. “I was very interested in meeting with Dr. Velazquez and seeing his art,” said Cen ter Place’s executive director, Libby Hopkins. “Once I saw how beautiful Dr. Velazquez’s painting were and the amaz ing wooden artwork he had, I wanted it to be a permanent exhibit at Center Place.”
Local, retired pedi atrician and Valrico resident Dr. Fernando Velasquez has had an amazing medical ca reer. He is originally from Peru but moved to the states to prac tice medicine, and he had a thriving prac tice in West Tampa for many years. “I love being a pediatrician,” Dr. Velasquez said. “I liked working closely with my patients and their families to ensure healthy development andDr.growth.”Velasquez took up painting in the ’90s as way of relaxing. “I am a self-taught paint er,” he said. “I never took a painting class; I was just inspired by my life in Peru, so that’s what I painted, images of my life and the people I knew in Peru.”
Kandy’s World: Join Kandy as she shares her journey to become a real witch. Guests will hear firsthand about the stories of this witch-in-training, including how much she loves candy and even how she accidentally turned her friends into toads.
will benefit a specific cause, mainly children or any other nonprofit organization,” Cas tellanos said.
willtreatingfun.theandtheirgueststhistrick-or-treatingplacetacularGardensall-newTreating:Trick-or-TheBuschSpookisthetobeforseason.AllcanbringownbagjoininonsupersweetTrick-or-bagsbeavailable
Plus, it ofers a free on-site painting estimate, free pressure washing for your driveway and sidewalk, free color samples to choose from, free crack repairs in stucco and joints and even a free touchup kit after its team is done so you can paint over dennoAndblemishes.futurewithhidfees,apricematchguaranteeandwell-
Te exterior of a house freshly paint ed by Don’s Bay Area Painting.
DON’S BAY AREA PAINTING IS ONLY HAPPY WHEN YOU’RE HAPPY
trained, experienced employees, choosing Don’s Painting is worry-free.
“Probably do a couple thousand homes a year,” said Murray. “Usually pressure washing one day, come back the next day. With a house average of 2,000 or 3,000 sq. ft., even a little bigger, probably get it done the next day.”
Overall, it’s a quick process that will leave your home or business beautifully, freshly painted. And the employees ensure there’s no mess outside or inside by cover ing everything, including plants, windows, floors, furniture and more.
A house kitchen freshly painted by Don’s Bay Area Painting.
“We don’t ask for any money down ei ther. When they’re happy, we’re happy. That’s our motto,” said Murray.
to that, Don’s Bay Area Painting is hard to beat.Owner and founder Don Murray has been in the paint ing business for over 30 years, providing services to both residents and businesses throughout Hillsborough Coun ty for over 20 of those years now, includ ing Valrico, Brandon, Riverview and much more. His business is trusted all around the county, including by David Weekley Homes and FishHawk Ranch by Newland Communities.“Ihavepersonally used Don’s Painting and have recommended him to friends and clients for over 27 years. Don and his crew are always professional, timely and they always make sure you are satisfied with the final results,” said Jef Chandler, broker and owner of River Hills Realty Inc. Its painters have all been trained to use the latest techniques and technology, and each is an employee and covered by workman’s compensation insurance — no subcontractors whatsoever. Its services include exterior and interior painting, pop corn removal, brush and spray applications as well as drywall patching and repairs.
By Taylor Wells
Page 27Valrico EditionSeptember 2022 Two Great Locations! Now Enrolling! CIRCA FISHHAWK 813‐654‐7000 5815 Kids Crossing Drive (Located next to Stowers Elementary and Mosaic) www.KRKCirca.com Lic # CHC432384 813VALRICO ‐657‐6200 4321 Lynx Paw Trail (Located across fromLithia Springs Elementary) www.KRKValrico.com Lic # CHC431024 • 6 Weeks Through 12 Years • Full & Part Time Options • Open Monday through Friday • Creative Curriculum for Infants & Toddlers • ABC Mouse Computer Technology • Brainwaves Curriculum • APPLE Accreditation • STEAM Curriculum • Security Code Access Entry • FREE Internet Viewing of Your Child’s Day • Outdoor Playgrounds with Water Park • Before & After School Care: 6-12 Years Alafia, Bevis, Cimino, FishHawk Creek, Foundation Christian Lithia Springs, Stowers, Valrico Academy • Nutritious Meals & Snacks: Low Salt & Sugar • Spanish & Music Included • Trained Professional Staff, Certified in First Aid & CPR • Extracurricular Programs • Class times: Mon-Fri 8:30am - 12:15pm • Accelerated Pre-K Curriculum with Math, Science,Spanish, Music, Sign Language & More • Preparation for National Kindergarten Standards • Must be 4 years old by September 1, 2021 • Must be Florida resident 2022 whenwork.high-qualityriencesionalwithonbestofanewinyourWhenplaceisneedofacolororfreshcoatpaint,it’storelythoseprofesexpeandAnditcomes
Don’s Bay Area Painting is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., on Sat urday from 9 a.m-12 Noon and is closed on Sunday. For more information, visit https://donsbayareapainting.com/. For a free estimate, call 813-661-9006.
While their ofce is across town, Cleri and Karren Nash, his fiance and general manager of Southeast Regional Insur ance, are FishHawk residents and can be seen out in the community networking at the Valrico Fishhawk Chamber of Com merce and the local BNI chapter.
Richard Cleri and Karren Nash, owners of South east Regional Insurance.
to celebrate the opening of the 55th season with the com munity.Theconcert will be on Saturday, Sep tember 24 at 7:30 p.m. and feature film scores, Broadway hits and light classical favorites, conducted by Gallo. The nearly 30-year tradition annually packs the park with about 15,000 patrons, who spread out elaborate picnics with candelabras for free music under the stars.
This fall is Gallo’s first season with the orchestra. She will lead TFO’s youth and community concerts, conduct select Raymond James Pops and Morning Cof fee concerts and regularly assist music
For more information and tickets, visit https://floridaorchestra.org/.
THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA’S NEW ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR DEBUTS AT FREE POPS IN THE PARK IN SEPTEMBER Report
Staf
Chelsea Gallo, new assistant conductor, will make her debut at Te Florida Orchestra’s Pops in the Park concert at Vinoy Park, located at 701 Bayshore Dr. NE in St. Petersburg.
yearslotupyear,shouldsomethingpingesRichardInsuranceRegionalownerCleriurgthatre-shopinsuranceispeopledoeveryasitcanendsavingthemaofmoney.AftereightofowningCCS
Hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit www. southeastregionalinsurance.com or call 813-699-5446 for more information.
After a few years of investing in real estate in the area, Cleri decided to make it a permanent home earlier this year when he opened Southeast Regional In surance. “We absolutely fell in love with
New waterfronttoly-friendlywillcertTFO’sPark.concertPopstra’sFloridaherGalloconductorassistantChelseawillmakedebutatTheOrches(TFO)freeintheParkatVinoyThisyear,largestconoftheyearbringfamimusicSt.Petersburg’sinSeptember
TFO will give an encore performance on Sunday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m. at River Tower Park in Tampa. The spring Pops in the Park concert will be on Mother’s Day, May 14, at 7:45 p.m. at Julian B. Lane Riv erfront Park in Tampa. All park concerts will have food trucks from Gulf to Bay Food Truck Association. In a long-stand ing tradition, TFO will collect nonperish able goods for Tampa Bay Harvest’s annu al food drive at all park concerts.
His agency in Connecticut, CCS Insur ance, is much larger than the average insurance agency, according to Cleri.
SOUTHEAST REGIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY SPECIALIZES IN RE-SHOPPING FOR LOWER RATES
Page 28 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9 Some restrictions and blackout dates may apply. © 2022 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved. SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS SEPTEMBER 10 – OCTOBER BUSCHGARDENSTAMPA.COM30BUYA2023FUNCARDNOWANDGETTHERESTOF2022FREE! FUN CARD 2023 MULTIPLEALL-NEW!TRICK-OR-TREAT STATIONS KIDS’ COSTUME PARADE STORY TELLING AND SO MUCH MORE!
When questioned about the property insurance crisis, Cleri said that his com pany works tirelessly to find new home owners’ insurance for those that have been displaced, often at better prices. “It’s not easy, but we will be here to fight it out with our customers,” he added.
Southeast Regional Insurance is locat ed at 4230 S. MacDill Ave., Ste. E223.
By Sharon Still
director Michael Francis and other everyonebarrierscertscommunityfreecommunity.cateuniteexistsFloridaconductors.ThenonprofitOrchestratoinspire,andeduasitbuildsTFO’sandlow-costconbreakdowntoensurehasac
“We pay our employees to annually find better deals for our customers, essential ly lowering the amount of premium they pay and ultimately making us less mon ey,” said Cleri. “Most agents just don’t operate in long-term thinking like that.”
cess to the power of live music.
The orchestra announced more commu nity concerts, including the return of Sing Out Tampa Bay. Maestro Francis’ signa ture Inside the Music series helps unlock the secrets to composers and their mas terpieces so audiences can form a deeper connection with the music. Admission to all is pay what you can.
the area; we are excited to become residents and are exploring every nook and cranny,” heSoutheastsaid. Re gional Insurance can provide insur ance anywhere in the state of Flori da. Cleri explained that nearly 100 percent of busi ness is done over the phone, and his face-to-face meetings are usually at a lo cal cofee shop.
Insurance in Con necticut, Cleri knows through trust, loy alty and determination, this method of re-shopping brings success and keeps customers happy. As an independent in surance company, agents at Southeast Regional Insurance shop diferent carri ers to find their customers the best, most cost-efective insurance for their needs.
TFO will perform over 100 concerts this season in venues throughout Tampa Bay. Francis launches the season with TFO’s 55th Celebration benefit concert featuring Itzhak Perlman on Saturday, October 1 at the Mahafey Theater. From Friday to Sunday, October 7-9, the Hough Family Foundation Masterworks series debuts with Carl Orf ’s epic Carmina Bu rana, kicking of the classical series that includes Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, Rachmaninof ’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and much more. The Raymond James Pops se ries has blockbusters such as Harry Pot ter vs Star Wars, Holiday Pops and the Beatles’ iconic Abbey Road album.
Most people buy insurance for the car or house and never look at it again. South east
“I brought the same business model down here,” he commented. “Our annual re-shopping is what sets us apart from almost“Mosteveryone.”insurance agencies will not reshop for the customers annually unless their renewal increases by a certain per centage,” he said, adding that this model of re-shopping works extremely well in Connecticut. “Our customers love it.”
In the past 30 years, plastic con sumption has in creased by almost 400 percent world wide, prompting in dividuals to devise eco-friendly alter natives to everyday items. This waste is exactly the target of local organization Reduce Your Use Tampa Bay, which, accord ing to Hillsborough County recycling coordinator Daniel Gallagher, serves to moti vate the public to “say no to single-use plastics.” The or ganization not only informs Tampa Bay residents on their ability to lessen their ecological footprint but also recognizes local businesses that commit themselves to producing as little waste as possible.
Shaw created the mural at Joia Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar in 2020. “The mural is four pictures from Italy out together. I did it in the summer of 2020 and it took six days. I did it with my now-18-year-old daughter.”
petition website, ranging in di f culty from Level 1 to Level 3. Easier tasks, such as using reusable wa ter bottles instead of their disposable alter natives, were deemed Level 1, while tasks like contacting con gressmen to advocate for change would earn teams the Lev el 3 point value. Some tasks recommended on the team website included becoming more involved in the county’s recycling program, ditching plastic bags and cooking meals without any single-use plastic wrappers.
Te international Ecochallenge took place this past July.
By Kathy L. Collins
The Reduce Your Use Tampa Bay team alone diverted the waste from 8,000 single-use plastic items. Top scorers from the team were Tessa Melson in first place, Daniel Gallagher in second, and Ashley Wyland in third. These individuals all earned more than 750 points, which qualified them to receive eco-friendly prize items provided by the Reduce Your Use campaign. The success of these in dividuals and the entire team drives the mission of Reduce Your Use Tampa Bay and allows it to continue to inspire the Hillsborough area to live more sustain ably.For more information on how to re duce your ecological footprint and to get involved with Reduce Your Use Tampa Bay, visit www.reduceyourusetampabay. org.
Artini will be an ongoing art experience opportunity. The medium that will be used is acrylic on canvas, but it will change sometimes. For example, participants might paint actual martini glasses. The subject matter will also vary seasonally and will include some mental health strategies.
Participants display artwork from the frst class with Wayne Shaw for an art experience like no other. Artini combines the joy of creating art with gourmet pizza and delightful martinis. Artini will take place on the last Sunday of each month at Joia Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar, located in Riverview.
Shaw is a coun selor in Hillsborough County schools and has been one for 15 years. He has been in education for 28 years and works with talitytheirfunwantbefingerprintaretionButartisticthatcounseling.ainaSouththegraduatedstudents.first-generationlow-income,ShawfromUniversityofFloridawithbachelor’sdegreearteducationandmaster’sdegreein“Iamabelievereveryonehasabilities.theirpercepofwhattheypaintingislikea—itwilloneofakind.Ipeopletohaveandembraceinnercreativtoreducemenstress,”Shaw
ARTINI IS AN ART EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER AT JOIA MARTINI BAR
Artist Wayne Shaw is inviting anyone interested in creating art to participate in Ar tini, an event set to take place on the last Sunday of every month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Joia Fabulous Piz za & Martini Bar, located at 10475 Gibsonton Dr. in Riverview.Thecost to par ticipate is $79, and this includes all painting supplies, two martinis and pizza. Walk-ins are welcome if there is space. Payment for walk-ins is cash only.Shaw explained, “My vision for Ar tini came to life af ter completing the wall mural in Joia’s Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar.” Shaw add ed, “The idea is to make an easy, safe place to have drinks and do something creative without the cleanup. Creating art while drinking martinis and eating gourmet piz za, all for one price, was something I want ed everyone to enjoy.”
Visit www.paintartini.com to register and pay.
HILLSBOROUGH RESIDENTS COMPETE TO REDUCE THEIR WASTE IN INTERNATIONAL ECOCHALLENGE
This July, Reduce Your Use Tampa Bay participated alongside Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, City of Tampa, City of St. Petersburg, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and Keep Pinellas Beautiful in the annual international Ecochallenge. The self-titled Reduce Your Use Tampa Bay team was the largest in the state and competed against dozens of other teams worldwide, aiming to rack up the most points and leave the smallest eco logical footprint possible. This marked the first year Tampa Bay had its own team in the Participatingcompetition.individuals completed various actions suggested on the com
said. “Artini is an opportunity to taste the best martinis and pizza and experience the greatest art experience ever,” he added.
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By Nick Edwards
Page 29Valrico EditionSeptember 2022
The Bloomingdale Bulls look to have a bounce back season after go ing 6-6 the previous year. In 2020, the Bulls boasted their best season in their school’s history, in which they won their first district championship, achieved a team-best 12-1 overall re cord and made the program’s first state semifinal Bloomingdaleappearance.hadtoretool last season with a school-record 11 play ers signing on National Signing Day the year before. They also had two players, former five-star receiv er Agiye Hall (Texas) and defensive back Philip Riley (Notre Dame), sign during the early signing period of 2020. The team took a step back last season due to turnover and injuries, along with having one of the tough est schedules in Hillsborough County.
Key players this year include se nior starting center Isaiah Lowery, senior receiver Kendall Jones, Tam pa Catholic transfer, senior receiver Derek Owens, star senior free safety Christian Bodnar, senior outside line backer Mekhi Thomas and defensive tackle Dominic Maye. Kicker Stefan Vera, who was called up from ju nior varsity, has a strong, accurate leg. Senior long snapper/tight end Charlie O’Brien will play a huge role on offense after leading the team in touchdown receptions last year with four.Coulson and the Bulls want to fly under the radar this season. Other coaches and teams around Hillsbor ough County think that Blooming dale’s run is over, which is fine with Coulson because he and his players will use that as motivation to prove them wrong. Bloomingdale has one of the toughest schedules in the coun ty this year, having to face Berkeley Prep, Armwood, Tampa Bay Tech, Newsome, Gaither and Wharton. The Bulls are in a new district that they have a great shot at winning. NAHAS
Ofer Ends 12/31/2022 WE TAKE THE PAIN OUT OF PAINTING, AND PUT THE WO BACK IN WONDERFUL! (813) 723-9124 or (813) 670-8565 www.tandjpaintingf.com Residential • Commercial Exterior Repaint Specialists License #L20000250797 NOW EXPERIENCEDHIRINGPAINTERS!!BEAPPRECIATEDFORYOURHARDWORK!!CALLTODAY! 8/19 vs Berkeley Prep 8/26 vs Sumner 9/2 vs Armwood 9/9 @ Durant 9/16 @ Tampa Bay Tech 9/23 vs Newsome 9/30 @ Lennard 10/7 vs Gaither 10/14 @ Spoto 10/21 @ Wharton 10/21 vs East Bay # NAME POS GR 2 Derek Owens WR, DB SR 3 Jameer Grimsley WR, DB JR 4 Marlon Jackson RB, SS JR 5 Kendall Jones WR, CB SR 6 Christian Bodnar CB, WR, QB SR 7 Charles Coney QB SR 8 Darieas Strong DB, WR SR 9 Camren Campbell WR, CB, FS JR 10 Dillon Rose Bailey QB FR 11 Christian Dorsett RB JR 12 Mi’keviyon Mack RB SR 13 Cooper Watson DB, FS, CB SO 14 Nate Ledford OLB SR 15 Mekhi Thomas OLB, SS SR 17 Mike McGee 18 Jerimiah Sawicky WR, QB SR 20 James Boggs LB, SS, WR SR 21 Tristan Perot G, DE, DT SR 22 Ethan Larson CB, FS SO 23 Michael Morgan FS, CB SO 25 Jayden Albertson OLB JR 28 Merrick Bass WR JR # NAME POS GR 30 Shane Robinson LB SO 32 Luke Bever OLB JR 33 Otis Reed RB, MLB FR 39 Aidan Hardiman SR 45 Stefan Vera K JR 50 Sam Castillo OL SR 53 Dominic Maye SR 54 Dante Eggins NG, G, T JR 55 Ben Carhart OL SR 56 Carter Tatum OL SR 58 Josh Ingram OL JR 60 Brandon Mecomber T, G, DT JR 63 Lovinsky Marcellus SR 66 Dakota Westinghouse T, DE SR 71 Aiden Willis DE, LB SR 77 Isaiah Lowery G, C SR 80 Charlie O’Brien TE, LS SR 85 Cole Tucker T, TE, DE JR 89 Isaiah Zelner WR, TE, DE JR 98 Faheym Bostick NG, DT SR 99 Dominic Maye DT, DE SR SCHEDULEROSTER
strength will be up front on the of fensive and defensive lines. He also said that these senior-heavy lines may be the best that he’s had since he took over in 2019. The team grad uated 18 seniors last year and they have 25 total players returning, sev en offensive starters and three de fensives. He said that the biggest thing his team can improve on is not turning the football over and elimi nating yards after contact on the de fensive end.
Fourth-year head coach Jake Coul son is up to the task of righting the ship and turning the Bulls back into one of the juggernauts of the coun ty. Tampa Bay Tech transfer Charles Coney took over the starting QB job last year after senior starter Sean Dungan sustained an injury before the season started.
Nick Fabrizio was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive co ordinator and Sean Council will take over as the special teams coordina tor. Delmar Shorter was hired as the defensive backs coach.
BLOOMINGDALE BULLS READY TO HAVE A BOUNCE BACK SEASON BY NICK
The dual-threat Coney played ex tremely well, throwing 11 touch downs for 1,210 yards and carrying the ball 92 times for 356 yard and two rushing touchdowns. Coulson said that Coney had a great offsea son and feels good about his leader ship and progress grasping the of fense after having the reins for the 12 previous games. The coaching staff likes moving him outside of the pocket and his ability to take off and run. The senior has an explosive arm and a lot of weapons at the skill po sitions, as well as a great offensive line to protect him, but his number one job is to take care of the football.
Coulson said that his team’s
Durant will primarily rely on the running game in a shotgun-base, fourwide formation under second-year of fensive coordinator Jackson Barwick, who was teammates with Varnum at Durant from 2008-11. They hope to be balanced in the run and pass this year, taking what the defense gives them. The Cougars will be more explosive in the passing game with the majority of their skill players returning — five total
BY NICK NAHAS
starters will be coming back. The two running backs that had over 700 rush ing yards apiece, junior Alex Daley and senior Calub Connell, will pack a punch.
Varnum hopes that his team can make the next step and persevere in key situations. Last year, the team came up a little bit short against big teams such as Newsome and Plant by small mar gins. If the Cougars want to win their district in 2022, they will have to take care of crosstown rival Newsome and an up-and-coming Sumner team. The Cougars were undefeated at home last season, and they will square of against the Wolves at home in mid-October.
DURANT COUGARS LOOK TO BUILD OFF LAST YEAR’S SEASON WITH COACH VARNUM
Tackle Ajai Brown is garnering a lot of interest from D-1 schools and will an chor the DefensiveO-line.coordinator
“In big moments last year, we kind of faltered,” said Varnum. “I want to see our guys this year, when the big mo ment comes, not flinch — stand in there and make the plays that we have to make because the opportunities were there, we just have to do it.”
The Durant Cougars look to build of of last year’s eight-win season, in which the team made their first playof ap pearance since 2017-18. Second-year head coach Clayton Varnum and com pany want to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke and that the Cougars are ready to take the next step and make a playof Varnumrun.has been a Durant lifer since he can remember. The former Cougars’ linebacker attended Durant games when he was just an 8-year-old kid and has coached football with the program since he graduated from the school in 2011. He took over as the head man last February when 18-year head coach Mike Gottman left to take over the East Bay High School football program. In his first season, his team came up a cou ple games short of winning the district title.The Cougars have three sophomore quarterbacks competing for the start ing position this fall. Newsome transfer Michael Ryan will get the nod at QB to start the season, replacing two-year starter Marcus Miguele, who graduated. With Hunter Smith and Xavier Irizarry on his heels, Ryan will have to step up with his arm and legs to keep those two at bay. Varnum said that Ryan is more of a traditional pocket passer, is very accurate, does a good job at keeping his eyes down field when he scrambles out side of the pocket and has a keen sense of how to play at game speed.
Frank Lane will continue to run a 3-4 defense, with five returning starters. They return their whole secondary, which will give them flexibility when it comes to switching coverages on the fly. The defensive line will be stout with three seniors start ing and two more behind them. Senior linebacker Jacob Reed is the leader on the defense. Defensive ends Greg Smith and Ty Merkle will be disruptive on the edges. Defensive back Xavier Peavy will help lead the secondary. Defensive back/ receiver junior Jayden Forte will be a diference maker in the special teams game returning kickofs and punts.
Varnum is the grandson of Newsome High School founder Joe E. Newsome, which adds flair to the rivalry. The team has a tough schedule but can easily win eight games again.
(Take Out Only) 27 Years in NowRoomYBORBrandon!OPEN! 8/19 vs Freedom 8/26 @ Chamberlain 9/2 vs Middleton 9/9 vs Bloomingdale 9/16 @ Plant City 9/23 vs Lennard 9/30 @ Sumner 10/7 @ Sickles 10/14 vs Newsome 10/21 @ Gaither 10/28 vs Riverview # NAME POS GR # NAME POS GR SCHEDULEROSTER Zaevion Jordan Jayden Forte Elian JacobJovanJesseKendrickTylerLutherAlexRashadJarelleCorbinXavierBrantTreonAJCalubTyHunterAjaniXavierMichaelJaydenJeremiahGonzalezGinesCorneliusRyanPeavyPeavySmithMerkleConnellElliottWilliamsBoveeIrizarryKeiserFranklinJoynerDaleyScarlettWigginsJeanDonnellOrtizReed Jerome Parham Hale AidanColeKameronRaymondGarrettAlexanderAJDylanGabrielBlakeAustinLukeAjaiTannerGregJoshGageStevenCadenConnorAnthonyJustinSollmannZinkeGiovencoPerkkioMillerWilliamsArozAldermanSmithPeirceBrownMachristieEnglishChanceyStephensLivernoisHancockSmithBowmerSmithTomberlinHaynesPiatt363533322827262524222120151412111098765432 999592898578747266636258575655535251504948454440WR, DB LB,DB LBLBWRRBDBWR,RBDBRBDBQBLBWRKRBDLQBWRDB,QBWR,WR,WRDBDBWRLB DL, FB DLKDLWRLBOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLDLOLDLLBOLLSDLLBLBSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSRSRSRJRSRSRSRSRFRJRJRJRSRJRJRJRSR SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOJRSRSRSRJRSRJRSRSRSRJRJRJRJRJRJR BRANDON TERMITE & PEST CONTROL #1 Bug Muggers Since 1973 Main Ofce: 108 S. St. Cloud Ave. • Valrico • Fax 685-3607 • 6am-6pm Serving: Clearwater-Lakeland-Orlando-Plant City For a FREE ESTIMATE call (813) 685-7711 TermidorTermidor 10 Year Guarantee Against Subterranean Termites MEMBER WEST FLORIDA
Key players who will help facilitate this run-heavy multiple o f ense include junior RB Devin Blunt, who has carried the ball 16 times for 76 yards and a touchdown; senior receiver Quincy Hart, who leads the team with two catches for
Prior thinks that his team’s strength is its defense that gives multiple looks up front. The team gave up a touchdown on King’s opening drive in the first game of the season and hasn’t allowed a score since. Cornerback Blunt leads the team with 10 total tackles and an intercep tion. Also at cornerback, Weems is sec ond on the team with six tackles, junior defensive end Quintin Walker leads the team with three sacks o f the edge and Springfield recorded an interception at safety.Strawberry Crest has a manageable schedule, only facing three teams with winning records last season. Expect the
STRAWBERRY CREST CHARGERS OFF TO ANOTHER GREAT SEASON 8/26 @ King 9/2 vs Spoto 9/9 vs Robinson 9/16 @ Leto 9/23 @ Zephyrhills Christian Academy 9/30 @ Plant 10/7 vs Middleton 10/14 @ Alonson 10/21 vs Riverview 10/28 vs Plant City # NAME POS GR # NAME POS GR SCHEDULEROSTER BY NICK NAHAS 302524222018151413111097654321 Jordan Lewis Devin Blunt Ryan SteelTroyJoshuaAidanQuintinTreyAbeThimotheeGageKjBriceBradyCobyQuincyJadenMarcusWeemsSpringfieldBakerHartBurgerSchmidtSchmidtCanadyReibsomeWoodsCraigRevoyWalkerBrownMukendiEskewCraig 997675747069665957565554535045423432 Radek RodneyDossouDidierDanielCurtisSamuelCodyAustinJaredDanielBenDylanTylerJaceEthanGraysonDominicDeeganShahFearnowBledsoeHaynesDentmonEldridgeOblowWeaverBradfordCruzJirauGardnerCraftShiverVaughnO’connorGodonouAddisonCB,QB RB CB, RB SS, WR CB, WR CB, WR,WRWRFS, SS OLB,DE,DE,WRFBTEP SOSOSOSOSOSOSRSRSRSRSRSRJRJRSRJRJRSRSR NG,TTCDEC DT NG SOSOSRSRSRSRSRJRSRJRSRSRJRSRJRJRJRJR $10 OFF ANYDRYTREATMENTORLIQUID For Pre Pay Customers Only GRASSWEEDFree&CRABCONTROL New Customers Only Now $45 per month You Get Protection Ticks, Fleas, Fire Ants, Chinch Bugs, Mole Crickets, Sod Weed Worms, Grubs and much more. Plus Fungus & Weeds and Premium Fertilizer Commercial & Residential - Fungicide - Fertilizing Insecticide - Weed Control Tree & Shrub Treatment With a Healthy lawn less water is required! FREE ESTIMATES! Family Owned & Operated State Certifed Licensed & Insured Up to 5000 sq ft $45 per month Now $48 per month Up to 5000 sq ft $48 per month
The Chargers need to build depth in or der to remain fresh on the field. They’ve had a lot of athletes playing both ways, which doesn’t bode well for success lat er in the season. The school’s location near Armwood and Plant City has made it di f cult for them to have a deep ros ter. The team returns 17 out of 22 start ers, including their entire secondary that has played together for three seasons. Lack of experience won’t be a problem for Strawberry Crest.
The Strawberry Crest Chargers are o f to a great start under fourth-year Head Coach Phillip Prior. The Chargers routed King and Spoto to go 2-0 for the first time since 2010. The team has been trending upward since their 5-5 season lastSenioryear.
54 yards and a touchdown; and senior receiver Marcus Springfield, who can catch and run the ball with 51 receiving yards and 22 rushing yards, to go along with 24 kick return yards. Prior said that his team has done a great job controlling the ball but would like to see them start faster and rip o f some more big plays.
QB Jordan Lewis has taken first team snaps, completing 11 of 20 passes for 141 yards and three touch downs through the air, while carrying the ball 11 times for 90 yards and a rushing touchdown. Prior said that Lew is is great at managing the game and he throws a very catchable ball. Senior Ryan Weems is an athletic runner who will take snaps at QB in the wildcat for mation. He’s carried the ball 19 times for 78 yards and a touchdown.
If you would like to help Center Place by sponsoring its annual Christmas Tree Light ing, you can contact Center Place’s Exec utive Director Libby Hopkins via email at libby.hopkins@centerplacebrandon.com or call her at Center Place at 813-685-8888.
CENTER PLACE FINE ARTS & CIVIC ASSOCIATION LOOKS FOR A CHRISTMAS TREE SPONSOR
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B in side the Brandon Regional Library.
Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Associ ation has been a part of the Brandon com munity for more than 48 years. For most of those 48 years, Center Place has been hosting its annual Christmas Tree Lighting during the first week of De cember. “The annual Christmas Tree Light ing is a free communi ty event,” said Center Place’s executive di rector, Libby Hopkins. “The Christmas tree is lit in the pond behind Center Place, and to many, this symbolizes the beginning of Christmas in our community.”
Since becoming the executive director of Center Place in Oc tober 2020, Hopkins has heard many heart warming stories from the community about members of their families getting married at Center Place or attending events at Center Place, like the Christmas tree Lighting. “This community has so many beautiful and happy memories of our beloved Center Place and it would break my heart and the community’s heart to not have our annual Christmas Tree Lighting,” Hopkins said. “I truly hope that someone will read this article and reach out to us at Center Place to help keep our tradi tions alive and well.”
Since Center Place’s reopening after the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting has been plagued by vandals. “The last two years, Center Place has had major issues with vandals cutting the wires to the Christmas tree and to the Christmas lights we have decorating our back deck and gazebo,” Hopkins said. “Since Center Place is still recovering from the recent pandemic, like most nonprofits in the area, it was a huge financial hardship for Center Place to pay for the replacement of all the Christmas lights for two Christmas treeHopkinslightings.”and her executive board at Cen ter Place do not want to see this commu nity tradition die, so they are looking to the community to help sponsor their annual Christmas tree Lighting and help keep it
By Libby Hopkins
Care partners of those with any type of memory loss, whether family, friends or professionals, need to be equipped with the knowledge to best support their loved one. Gain this knowledge at our NEW hybrid support groups being held via Zoom and in person at Tessera of Brandon. Hybrid Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Groups Come a little early for refreshments! 1320 Oakfeld Dr. Brandon, FL 33511 | 813-607-6880 Fourth Tuesday of Every Month at 6:30 pm Meeting in person and via Zoom!!! Zoom Meeting Number 897 6781 0479 Password: evening Fourth Wednesday of Every Month at 2:00 pm Meeting in person and via Zoom!!! ZOOM Meeting Number 869 4044 7508 Password: support #ALFacilityLivingAssisted13150
safe from vandals. “We are currently looking into installing cameras and motion detectors for Center Place,” Hop kins said. “The cost of cameras will be expen sive, so we are hoping that a local business or corporation who may read this story in the paper would be will ing to sponsor Center Place’s annual Christ mas tree Lighting.”
Page 33Valrico EditionSeptember 2022
Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association looks to the Brandon community to help sponsor its annual Christmas Tree Lighting in December.
option for everyone, from top-tier athletes seeking to enhance their performance to individuals seeking to im prove their overall health.
“The benefits of this treat ment modality are for every one,” she said.
RELAX AND REJUVENATE AT VITALITY BOOTH WELLNESS CENTER
In her new position, Howell will oversee the soon-to-be-created Ofce of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which will center on jobs and economic development, aford able housing, health and human services, children’s services and transportation, as well as criminal justice, the digital divide and other issues.
“In the past year, we have sold close to 100 Vitality Booths all over the country and internationally to dozens of spas, clinics, wellness centers, doctors’ ofces and pro fessional sports teams,” he said.
Continuing a focus on providing equal op portunity for all res idents, Hillsborough County has named Cheryl Howell the first-ever assistant county administrator for equity and com munityHowell,impact.who has been the county’s Af fordable Housing di rector since 2017, will help guide county pol icy to make sure all residents, including historically margin alized groups, have equal access to resources and opportuni ties to succeed and thrive.
“The county has taken a huge step that will help lead us to address our most pain ful and challenging problems in a mea surable way. The Ofce of Diversity, Eq uity and Inclusion will provide a pathway for citizens to engage and work toward meaningful solutions to uplift and fur ther the common good for residents that have been marginalized and unheard,” said Howell.Hillsborough County has been striving to address the causes and impacts of historic inequities on residents. In 2021, the board
fce
“With the treatments I have noticed an improvement to my respiratory health,” she said. “I’ve been able to stop taking Zyrtec, which I’ve been on for 20 years.”
CHERYL HOWELL NAMED FIRST-EVER ASSISTANT COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR EQUITY AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Cheryl Howell, Hillsborough County’s frst-ever assistant county administrator for equity and community impact.
Located at 3113 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., the center ofers eight diferent Vitality Booths, each ofering red light therapy, halothera py (salt inhalation), oxygen concentration, negative ion immersion and ionized water intake. Some booths feature advanced car dio equipment, automated massage ther apies or vibration plates. The benefits of treatment include an antiaging natural face lift through collagen generation, improved respiratory health, improved skin health, an immune system boost through ATP creation at a cellular level, weight loss, pain reduction and injury healing, athletic performance en hancement as well as a testosterone boost and hair growth for men.
A grand opening and ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Friday, September 23 from 3-5 p.m. and will include food, prizes and giveaways, such as a free annual member ship. In addition, Osprey Observer readers who visit during the month of September or call to make an appointment and mention this special will receive a free 20-minute Vi talityClicksession.onthe QR code to take a virtual tour of its facility.
Page 34 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9
Vitality Booth Wellness Center treatments ofer a range of health benefts.
focusing on equity and diversity. Among the goals for the Ofce of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is to estab lish regular dialogue with the community focused on gaining input on initiatives and projects as well as continuing to assess and address community barriers towards equity.Throughout her three-decade career, Howell has been deeply involved in aford able housing, community development, economic inclusion and social services is sues. In addition to her role as the county’s Afordable Housing director, she serves as a board member of the Florida Housing Coalition and Tampa Family Health Cen ter and as executive director of the Flor ida Community Development Association. With this promotion, she becomes the highest-ranking African American female in Hillsborough County government. How ell is a graduate of the University of Cen tral Florida with a bachelor’s in public ad ministration/urban planning. She received her master’s in public administration and management from Webster University.
For John Brier, manag ing partner for HaloTherapy Center (the parent company that holds the patent filings for the Vitality Booth scien tific wellness system), the Valrico wellness center is the flagship location of his brand and vision.
of county commission ers commissioned a community equity pro file ofincludingommendedinequitiesthatty-equity-profile.pdf)ments/bocc/communimedia-center/doculibrary/hillsborough/sboroughcounty.org/(https://www.hillidentifiedcurrentandrecsolutions,thecreationacentralizedo
Staf Report
Vitality Booth Wellness Center’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Walk-in appointments are accommodated, but appointments are recommended. Single sessions, multisession packages and unlimited monthly member ship plans, including family member upgrade options, are available for purchase.
By Michelle Caceres
To book a session, visit https://vbwell nesscenter.com/ or call 813-315-9633.
Delgado has had several health issues, including a recent life-threat ening blood clot in her lung. She prefers ho listic treatments to pills.
Brandon resident Christa Delgado, who was one of Vitality Booth Wellness Cen ter’s first clients and has a silver membership, couldn’t be happier with the bene fits she’s witnessed from her sessions.“Ihave been in the wellness in dustry for 10 years and thought this would be an ex cellent additional health practice to add to my regimen,” she said.
Vitality Booth Wellness Center general manager Sheila Alba said the benefits of each 20-minute session make it an excellent
While we have a vari ety of special tributes, programs and celebrations throughout our campuses to honor contributions that Hispanics have made to our nation, I want to also share how HCPS celebrates Hispanic culture each and every day.
By Superintendent Addison Davis
PROGRAMS & EVENTS WILL HONOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
noted also that the willstartthecamecarecaseemployers,thetoward“commitmentfurthersaccreditationHCC’smeetingneedsoflocalinthisthehealthindustrywhotouswithrequesttotheBSN.”TheBSNdegreebeo
Te Brandon campus of Hillsborough Community College is at 10451 Nancy Watkins Dr. in Tampa.
For information on admission, costs, courses and accreditation, review RN to BSN online at hccfl.eduing-bachelor-science,ics/subjects/health-and-medical/nurswww.hccfl.edu/academemailhccnursing@orcall813-253-7284.
Page 35Valrico EditionSeptember 2022
By ofering a BSN degree, HCC “can build on a skillset we already have, ex pand our oferings and supplement what our four-year partners provide,” Johansen said, “and it gives pathways to our stu dents to complete their studies to get a BSN and advance their careers.”
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the University of South Florida, the first time it has ever been hosted on a college campus. These presentations will be entirely in Spanish to educate families on re quirements for college admission, explain how to apply for financial aid and give an over view on the application process. This program is a critical component to connect with families about
The first bach elor’s degree ofering in the 54-year history of (BSN)enceBachelorseekingregisteredlinethislegeCommunityHillsboroughCol(HCC)isnewfallwithonclassesfornursestoearnaofSciinnursingdegree.Alsoo
Whether in the classroom, through a learning series or in an arts performance, your child will enjoy a variety of events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at their school as we aim to celebrate this unique culture and all it has to o f er. Our sta f will have the opportunity to engage in Hispanic culture learning opportunities with a professional development series.
The diverse student body within Hillsbor ough County Public Schools (HCPS) not only makes our dis trict unique, but it also makes us stron ger. With more than 80,000 students identifying as Hispan ic in our community, it is important to cel ebrate during Nation al Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on Thursday, Septem ber 15 and ends on Saturday, October 15.
gramSchoolopportunities.postsecondaryTheNationalParentPartnershipProisanotherchance
We must also remember to acknowl edge and celebrate this growing commu nity year-round by continually providing unique opportunities and unwavering support to our Hispanic families, educa tors and sta f . When we commemorate Hispanic culture this month, we cele brate our community’s diversity.
At the beginning of this academic year, our district hosted an Immigrant Wel come Center at Leto Adult School to pro vide one central location for the influx of Cuban residents expected into Tam pa Bay. District sta f worked diligently on-site to provide assistance with reg istration, physicals and immunizations, as well as o f er resources like food and clothing. We realize standing together to welcome our growing Hispanic com munity is critical to our mission and to studentFamiliesachievement.willagain benefit from Pasos al Futuro, a series of events aimed at help ing students in grades 8-12 to prepare for high school, college and the work force. The kicko f event will be held at
HCC ADDRESSES NURSING SHORTAGE WITH FIRST-EVER BACHELOR’S DEGREE OFFERING
the Dale Mabry campus, said Deborah Kish Johansen, Brandon campus president.
for HCPS families to become engaged in their student’s educational journey. We work with Spanish-speaking families to empower them to advocate for their student while building a more e f ective parent-school partnership.
By Linda Chion
f esShore,Cityinsystem,acrosscampuswideeredtheHCCincludingBrandon,PlantandSouthwithcoursprimarilyoutof
fered at HCC is an as sociate degree in nursing, which provides an en try-level education in nursing and eli gibility to take the licensing examination for registered nurses. The BSN degree takes it a step further with online studies in eight-week courses covering such top ics as health promotion and risk reduction, ethical and legal issues, leadership and management, evidence-based practice and health care needs of diverse popula tions.Paving the way for the BSN degree, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in mid-June issued its final ap proval for HCC as a baccalaureate-degree granting institution, which college ofcials say “will forever change the character of the“Theinstitution.”approval represents a transfor mational moment in HCC’s 54-year histo ry,” said HCC President Dr. Ken Atwater. “Years of focused, dedicated efort went towards this successful outcome.” He
“It’s quite exciting and a change for us,” said Johansen, noting as well the national nursing shortage. “The mission of commu nity colleges is to help with programming where we can, so it makes sense to help with shortages to help meet the needs of our individual communities.”
Page 36 Valrico Edition Volume 19, Issue 9
