OSPREYS OF DAVIS ISLANDS STORY + PHOTOS BY KIM FATICA
A distinctive whistling sound pierced the calm dusky evening from above the canopy of palms and oaks lining Superior Avenue. Sitting atop a barren Washingtonia palm in front of 614 Superior is an adult osprey, pecking at a fish plucked from nearby waters. Two houses over, an empty-handed osprey sits atop a wilted perch; a tree looking like it had come straight from a Dr. Seuss book. A third osprey glides by moments later with a sizeable fish in its talons. Scenes like this are becoming increasingly more common on Davis Islands. Over on Columbia, Jimmy Fuchs has been enjoying them in the mornings. “The first time I heard this unique sound– something different from the other birds around,” he said. “I was surprised when I looked up and saw this huge bird sitting up in the trees. Now I notice them all the time and it’s awesome!”
At the north end of Davis Islands, on Adalia, Pat Fosnaught spends time on a dock where she sees the bird of prey commingle with pelicans, egrets, Great Blue herons and gulls. “We see lots of ospreys,” she beamed. “They like to get on top of the very tall light fixtures along the dock, dive and catch whatever they’re looking for for lunch or dinner.” The sight of soaring ospreys on Davis Islands is no fluke. According to Nancy Murrah, a raptor expert and member of the local Audubon Society, there are about 14 known Ospreys who have claimed DI as their home. “It’s the ideal place for them,” says Murrah. “There’s water everywhere and lots of high trees for spotting fish.” While ospreys spot fish from high perches, residents continue spotting the raptors from ground level and it never gets old for them. Strolling with his dog along the 600 block of Superior Avenue, Jack Whitwam stops for a moment to watch the osprey atop the towering, slender and bald palm tree. “It’s great to see them,” he said. “A wonderful sight every time I come through.” Unfortunately for Whitwam and others on Superior, that sight might soon end. Both trees are dead and have been marked to be cut down by the city. One of those Superior Avenue trees sits on the right of way of Pam Colker’s front yard. She tacked up a sign at eye-level that reads “DO NOT CUT DOWN PALM TREE AT 614 SUPERIOR AVE. HAVE OSPREY PAIR LIVING HERE.” Others have also expressed concern that the city shouldn’t cut the trees down, that they might be violating a statute that protects the
birds from being disturbed. That recalls a somewhat similar scenario in April of 2012 when ospreys had nested atop a crane in the Port of Tampa. That situation left Salonen Marine, the owner of the crane, in a weeklong quandary that eventually cost them more than $30,000 from non-productivity. Eventually, the nest and the eggs were removed by the contractor and taken to a sanctuary. That move cost Salonen Marine an additional $500 in fines, but it also got 12 people back to work while providing a safer haven for the osprey hatchlings. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is what made it illegal for nest and eggs to be removed from the crane, but the scenario is slightly different for the Collinses. The ospreys are not nesting atop either palm on Superior. They are merely using them as perches to spot fish and to eat them when they catch them. Murrah says there is no endangerment to the birds for cutting down dead palm trees.
Above: Resident Pam Colker put this sign on the tree in her front yard where ospreys perch and dine on their freshly caught meals. She and husband, Wes Colker, hope the city will leave the tree alone. Photo Kim Fatica “They’re not going to nest in a palm tree,” she asserted. “The structure doesn’t allow for good anchoring.” The sheer size of an osprey nest is about five feet across–the approximate size of one of the tables out in front of Farrell’s on the Island. Ospreys like a nice flat surface and palms typically aren’t strong enough or flat enough for that to work. Still, there has been vocal concern among residents like Collins who feel that a government agency should step in to protect the birds. Murrah deals directly with the city in many of these similar instances. She says there are two specific city employees who 3
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omfortable fall weather is finally upon us and thoughts will soon begin to turn to the holidays. It’s hard to believe that we started the paper in March and we’re already talking about next year’s editions for Gasparilla, Islands Fest and Relay for Life. Gasparilla Music Festival, Gaparilla International Film Festival and the International Indian Film Academy Awards won’t be far behind.
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Our advertisers continue to keep the paper free for its readers and in publication so we can keep our neighbors informed. For that, all of us at ThePOST are very grateful. The publication is a project of passion and we all have full-time jobs outside of the paper–the main reason why we had to skip the September issue and combine October with the November issue. All of us are in agreement that it’s important to put out a quality publication rather than just throwing anything together just to go to print. Last month we brought aboard a new staff member in Sally Epply, a seasoned sales person who is helping General Manager Darren Brock pay the bills. Darren co-founded the paper with me and he keeps the fire lit when I fall behind. Joe Strickland in Advertising Sales, has done a great job reminding me that people have enjoyed ThePOST and want more and Creative Director Jay Rowlingson makes it all look fantastic. Ospreys and Survivors, clean-ups and tear-downs. Ballparks and dog parks, the passing of an iconic founder and the renewal of our parks–these are the stories of your neighborhood this month. We would like to get you involved. It’s your paper, after all. Next month we’ll make another appeal to recognize our academic high achievers and hope parents will let us know who made the grades (in all grade levels), who received scholarships and who got acceptance letters. Send us some holiday recipes for your favorite desserts. Give us some ideas for articles you’d like to see, including our interesting neighbors people should meet. We’ll continue to keep you POSTed. Thanks for reading!
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THE SUPPORT THE POST CREATIVE STAFF AND CONTRIBUTORS STAFF: Mark Newkirk / Publisher Kim Fatica / Executive Editor Darren Brock / General Manager Jay Rowlingson / Creative Director Sally Epply / General Sales Manager Joe Strickland / Advertising Sales Laura Engelhardt / Administrative Assistant Noah Fatica / Photojournalist
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1. Many of the original Mediterraneanstyle structures on Davis Islands have received national Historic Designation, as well as local protections. Buildings of note include the Palace of Florence and Mirasol. 2. Marjorie Park was donated to the City of Tampa and named by Davis after his wife Marjorie Merritt Davis.
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deal with the permitting of tree removal.
the same nest as long as it hasn’t become occupied by an eagle. Eagles can be somewhat like squatters in that they will think nothing of overtaking an empty osprey nest.
“Both of them understand that it’s not osprey (nesting) season and there’s no active nest there right now,” Murrah said. Nesting season starts around February or March
As residents on Davis Islands continue to marvel at the sight of the winged fishers, there remains concern for their safety and longevity, particularly when trees that serve as perches are about to be cut down. Murrah advises that calling the authorities with concerns is not the best place to start.
Fortunately for Pandion haliaetus, they are not an endangered species. In fact, ospreys can be found on every continent but Antarctica. The Audubon Society’s Watchlist Status is Green, listing their total global population at 460,000. Heavy use of the pesticide DDT from the 1950s through 1972 caused osprey populations to sharply decline. Its use was banned and that’s when ospreys made a grand return in many states. One might think that the ferocity of a bird of prey would mean that its predators are few, but in the case of the osprey, it does have to look over its shoulders for enemies. While other raptors feed on small mammals as well as fish, ospreys feed only on fish and are often referred to as a fish hawk. Raccoons, crows, vultures and bald eagles have been known to go after osprey eggs or chicks. Adult ospreys have to be most wary of Great Horned Owls and Bald Eagles who can sometimes fight over food. In a very rare twist, photographer Eric Diller of Winter Park captured a series of still images showing an osprey attacking an eagle in its nest. Diller posted the images in an online forum sponsored by PhotographyReview.com. He wrote that the eagle had just returned to its nest with a fish and three ospreys were right behind it. The fish, Diller wrote, may have been stolen from one of the osprey, perhaps the one in the images.
“To say that a bird perches there is not enough reason to do it (call an agency),” she advises. “You won’t get FWC or U.S. Fish and Wildlife who will jump in for that at all. They’re getting calls like, ‘There’s a nine-foot alligator in my backyard (and) my dog just got eaten,’ or, ‘My boat’s on fire,’ or, ‘There’s a dead manatee in the gulf.’ And now you’re calling because you don’t want someone to cut down a dead tree where ospreys eat.”
(Above) Sarah Holcombe releases a rehabbed osprey on Davis Islands July 24 after it had been found injured on the 39th floor of the PNC Bank building in downtown Tampa. Photo George Veazey
For Pam Colker and her husband, Wes, the tree in front of their Superior Avenue home–dead or alive–has special added significance: It was one of the original trees planted when their neighborhood was part of the Davis Islands golf course.
Back in July, Murrah says a wounded osprey was discovered on the 39th floor of the PNC Bank building in downtown Tampa. She suspects the bird had been harrassed by a crow or other small bird and hit the mirrored 40-story building. The osprey spent two days at Busch Gardens, then transferred to the loving hands of Lee Fox, founder of Save Our Seabirds/Save All Birds, a bird rehab facility in Wimauma. After some much needed rest, the bird was released on Davis Islands. Photographer George Veazey captured the bird’s release in digital images. Ospreys are migratory and will fly many miles from the northern United States down in to South America. They will often return to
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It’s a harsh reality that the protectors of Florida’s outdoor treasures have their hands full. It doesn’t mean they don’t care; they simply have a major shortage of their own resources to handle every case. Murrah suggests the first call be made to the local Audubon Society, where they’ve done everything from moving nests off chimneys to building platforms for nesting. “We have permits to remove an inactive nest,” she said. “When the nest is in a tree and the tree is dead, you have no recourse to say these birds might be back here next year.”
“If we had a choice of whether to cut the tree down or not, I’d say no,” said Wes Colker, shrugging his shoulders.
(Above) An osprey sits atop the dead Washingtonia palm tree at dusk in front of the home of Pam and Wes Colker. The tree has been marked by the city for removal. Photo Kim Fatica
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Our story ends on a happy note for the Colkers. A text message sent October 29 from Pam Colker to a neighbor said she had a visit from a representative from Parks and Recreation who told her that the people who called or emailed the head of the department would have their trees spared.
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BUSTED
ThePOST placed a request to First District Captain Ruben Delgado for the speed monitoring to be recorded so DI residents will get an idea of the effectiveness of their efforts. Those results will be published in ThePOST as soon as they become available.
BURGLARS SHATTER BOSPHOROUS, COLUMBIA The Rodriguez family was comfortably asleep in their Bosphorous Avenue home when the sound of an explosion broke the early Sunday morning stillness of September 29. “I looked out the front door and saw nothing,” Maite Rodriguez recalled. She and her husband were ready to go back to bed. Then the sirens, flashing lights, police and neighbors arrived. That’s when Rodriguez was told wouldbe burglars had targeted her Honda Pilot. A window had been smashed and one of the thieves had in his possession several items that included an iPhone, a watch and a camera. “It was such an odd time of the morning for a burglary,” Rodriguez said.
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT DIRECT ACCESS TO TPD
In addition to patrolling our neighborhoods, the Tampa Police Department can now be found in the iTunes Store and Google Play. Fighting crime and keeping neighborhoods safe can now be done from your iPhone or Android device. TPD launched their app October 10, now placing the ability to share anonymous tips, inventory personal belongings, checking for unsolved crimes and even check in with a school resource officer. No more fumbling through a phone book or searching online for district phone numbers or even the Hillsborough County Sheriff. You can directly contact the Truancy Intake Center, call the Police Museum, inquire about parking tickets and report domestic violence. The TPD directory is in the app.
DI resident Robert Drummer posted on the Nextdoor Davis Islands social network that he had heard the police helicopter circling overhead:
The police helicopter was circling this morning while trying to find one of the two people that were breaking into cars along Columbia near Biscayne (1 block East of the 7-11). Rodriguez’s SUV had been locked and parked in the driveway; the other two vehicles were left unlocked and were parked on Columbia. Rodriguez credits early morning joggers for helping police capture Lazaro Martinez, 35, of 3719 Wisconsin Avenue in Tampa. Martinez was charged with nine counts that included Grand Theft, Criminal Mischief, Loitering or Prowling and Obstructing or Opposing an Officer Without Violence. Martinez had been on probation for possession of marijuana (with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a school) and possession of cocaine. He was charged with two counts of violating his probation.
On a Samsung Galaxy s3 smartphone the Tampa P.D. app loaded quickly, producing an array of 12 icons that will give you access to all of their services. The My Inventory icon allows you to take inventory of your valuables, enter a serial number and even a photo. Should you become a victim of theft, you will have a better chance of recovering the item.
Police were searching for a second suspect wanted in connection to the burglaries. He is a white bearded male in his 30s, 6’ tall, medium build who goes by the name of “J.R.” or “Junior”. Police say his mode of transportation is a purple Huffy bicycle. He has been seen with another dark-complexioned white male, also in his 30s, with dreadlocks, driving a white Ford Crown Victoria.
The app is available for free and is available on both iPhones and Androids. You can download at the Apple Store or Google Play.
If you spot someone who meets these descriptions, please call TPD District 1 at (813) 354-6600
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Resident Antonio Amadeo has spearheaded the traffic safety initiatives as a member of the DI Civic Association and is receiving support from the DI Stewardship Team.
Martinez had been on probation for possession of marijuana (with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a school) and possession of cocaine. He was charged with two counts of violating his probation. Photo Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
WHAT’S THE HURRY? TRAFFIC SAFETY UPDATE
The speeding situation on DI has become so troublesome that Tampa PD has increased its patrols and speed monitoring efforts. The city installed bright yellow reflective sign boards above posted speed limit signs to grab drivers’ attention. A radar feedback trailer was placed on the 100 block of West Davis Boulevard to slow down traffic. In the last two weeks of July, 39 tickets were written with an average speed of 13.4 MPH over the 35 MPH speed limit. Two tickets had been issued for 19 MPH over the limit. That was just on the 100 block of West Davis. Residents have complained about multiple other locations including South Davis, Severn Avenue by Peter O. Knight, and areas around the business district. Speeders at the south end of the island seem to enjoy hitting the pedal heavy once they get past the roundabout, either to head east on South Davis or continue on towards Sea Plane Basin and the airport. A Tampa PD memorandum was issued that detailed the philosophy behind “Operation Vehicle Speed Control”:
Operation “Vehicle Speed Control” combines the benefits of three time proven law enforcement philosophies; High visibility uniformed police patrol, citizen awareness from our District One Crime Prevention team, and the partnership with our neighborhood watch group. Working together, we will reduce speeding through awareness and enforcement.
Nine non-striping improvement ideas were presented for discussion on September 11 and 12 that were to help traffic calming on the boulevards as well as Biscayne near the village: 1. Plant street trees on South Davis along the trailside of the roadway. 2. In the future where turning from a center turn lane is not necessary, convert those areas to landscaped medians. 3. Complete the sidewalk system on West Davis Blvd south of Martinique. 4. Eliminate “weaving” on the onbridge. 5. Reduce the oversized bulb-outs at Barbados, Biscayne and Chesapeake to safely accommodate cyclists. 6. Install a pedestrian-activated light at the “industrialized” pedestrian crossing south of the on/off bridges. 7. Block traffic from turning into the 1 Davis parking garage from southbound Davis Blvd inside lane, requiring the parking garage to be accessed via Arbor Place to Columbia Drive. 8. Add a trail ramp at the Marmora/ South Davis intersection for cyclists to access the trail like the Bayshore Trail has at each intersection. 9. Study Biscayne between East Davis and West Davis to determine how this wide crossroad could be striped to help calm traffic. The block of Biscayne between Bosphorus and West Davis has failed and needs to be completely rebuilt. Rebuilding that segment could be combined with a repaving and striping project to calm traffic on Biscayne between East Davis and West Davis. More plans are in discussion for initiatives from the on/off bridges at the north end of the islands to South Davis. Those include bike lanes, additional pedestrian crossings, center turn lanes and additional on-street parking on West Davis.
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
“Mac” was one of the original 18 people involved in launching DIYC in the 1930s, which gained attention as the first sailing club in Florida to become a Founding Member Club of the National Sailing Hall of Fame located in Annapolis, Maryland. Photo Davis Islands Yacht Club
SAILING ON DI YACHT CLUB FOUNDER DIES BY KIM FATICA A memorial service was held at the Davis Island Yacht Club October 6 for the last original member and a past commodore of the Davis Island Yacht Club, Ernest Packwood MacBryde, 99. “Mac”, as he was so well known, died August 8 and is survived by his wife, Janie MacBryde. The couple would have celebrated their 50th anniversary November 9. The MacBrydes came to Davis Islands four years after they married, settling in to their Ladrone Avenue home in 1967. Mac was one of the original 18 people involved in launching DIYC in the 1930s, which gained attention as the first sailing club in Florida to become a Founding Member Club of the National Sailing Hall of Fame located in Annapolis, Maryland. Mac’s passion for sailing was evident in his numerous awards. He and Janie shared sailing adventures and were world travelers. His Tartan 34 sailboat remains harbored in the DI marina. He was quite active with the Davis Islands Civic Association and had served as its president. He was also instrumental in founding THAN– Tampa Homeowners, An Association of Neighborhoods–an organization that unites all Tampa neighborhood associations and serves to protect their best interests. A THAN representative continues to sit on the DI Civic Association board, thanks to Mac. Mac was a veteran of both the Coast Guard and U.S. Navy, serving honorably in WWII and receiving a Bronze Star for sinking a Nazi U-boat in the North Atlantic. While in Boston on November 28. 1942, Mac was one of the fortunate
survivors of the historic and tragic Boston Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire that claimed the lives of 492 patrons. The popular club was packed that night to celebrate Boston College’s major upset of Holy Cross that eventually sent the team to the Orange Bowl. Numerous active personnel from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Naval Reserve, Naval Training School and Coast Guard were present, according to historical accounts. When he returned home from the war, Mac began working for the Jackson Grain Company at the corner of Cass and Ashley downtown, eventually becoming its vice president. When international food giant Cargill purchased Jackson Grain, Mac was promoted to South East Regional Manager. Mac’s Tampa roots are deep. His maternal grandfather, George Horatio Packwood, came to Florida from New York around 1870, settling first in Maitland and later in Tampa, where he was known as one of the early developers of the city. Horatio Street and Packwood Avenue in South Tampa were named in his honor; Azeele Street was named after one of Mac’s aunts. In Maitland, George Street, Horatio Avenue and Packwood Avenue are also named after Mac’s grandfather.
Mac’s passion for open water was part of his last wishes: to have his ashes scattered at sea. Charitable donations in Mac’s memory can be sent to Southeastern Guide Dogs, 4210 77th Street, Palmetto, FL, 34221-9270.
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ISLANDER PROFILE
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BLINDSIDED DOG PARK CULPEPPER’S CLOSING ARGUEMENTS SEND HIM TO REDEMPTION WHERE HE IS ELIMINATED MEMORIAL A GREAT WAY TO KEEP THE PARKS MAINTAINED BY KIM FATICA | IMAGES PROPERTY OF CBS
BY KIM FATICA
Monica and Brad Culpepper go head-to-head on “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” which airs Wednesday nights at 8:00 on local CBS affiliate WTSP-TV.
Just like their larger-than-life personalities, Davis Islands’ most famous couple, Brad and Monica Culpepper, were the focus of attention during Episodes 4, 5 and 6 of the hit CBS reality show “Survivor: Blood vs. Water”. Many of us were glued to the TV every Wednesday night last year, rooting for Monica Culpepper as she competed on “Survivor: One World”. This season, Wednesday nights are couples night, but instead of competing together as a team, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends and fiancées were placed on opposite teams. Brad’s competitive nature, innate leadership skills and the fact that he is an Eagle Scout should have served him well in the tropical wilds of Palaui Island in the Phillipines–perhaps too well. His struggle to remain a player ended after two rounds in Redemption Island, eventually losing in Episode 6 (October 23) to former tribal mate John Cody in a tight race to cross a balance beam and correctly put in order a set of numbered tiles. Brad’s Tadhana tribe had struggled since the start of this season’s “Survivor” and they wound up losing four consecutive immunity challenges to rival Galang before turning their fortunes around. When you’re successful, you’ll always have a target on your back and Brad’s target grew larger after he managed to blindside teammate Cody and send him to Redemption Island in a previous episode. Cody’s wife, Candice, reunited with her husband after she was also voted off and sent to Redemption Island to duel. That’s when things turned ugly, with Candice dropping a bleeped-out f-bomb and a blurred-out middle finger
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to Brad. That seemed to offer a clue that our celebrity neighbor would struggle to remain in the game. The Episode 4 tribal council vote deadlocked, forcing a tie-breaking vote to choose between Brad and teammate Ciera Eastin. It was Brad who lost the vote and had to appear on Redemption Island the following week in Episode 5. In that episode, it was Candice Cody and husband John who had to compete against Brad during the Redemption Island bridge-and-puzzle building challenge. It was the Codys versus Brad Culpepper in a nail-biting challenge that looked like Brad was going to be heading back to Davis Islands, but Candice Cody’s prophecy wouldn’t be realized that week. Puzzles aren’t her forte. Brad finished ahead of her, sending the foul-mouthed competitor packing instead.
As the dog beach and channel boat launch at the south end of the island are getting closer to completion, a third basin-area project is underway, a pet memorial wall driven by Friends of Davis Islands Dog Parks.
approved the project and the organization had a bulk of the money raised for supplies. Fatica had managed to raise about $410 on his own and has been given approval from his donors to apply that money to the memorial wall project.
The organization would like to construct a memorial wall where pet owners could purchase 5-by-5 inch plaques with their pets’ names on them. Proceeds would go towards helping to keep the parks maintained, much of that currently being done by the Friends of Davis Islands Dog Parks.
Basic plans were submitted to Laurie Potier-Brown, landscape architect for the City of Tampa, and are nearing approval by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. The close proximity of the dog park to the Peter O. Knight Airport required approval from HCAA to meet height and other structural requirements. The approximate size of the memorial would be about eight feet high and about two and a half feet wider than the kiosk by the entrance.
The project, led by Carolyn Bigley and Jenn Fadal, recently took on a third person in Life Scout and islands resident Noah Fatica from Boy Scout Troop 22. You may recall that Fatica, now 17, had planned to purchase and install park benches along the peninsular area of Sea Plane Basin Park. The expense of purchasing the metal benches the city was required placed his original cost estimate around $10,000 for eight benches. Unable to get enough private support for them, Fatica heard about the memorial wall project and offered to help Bigley and Fadal with it. The city had already
Fatica would also be repairing the two older park benches at the park as well as the picnic table. All three items have weather worn wood planking. Additionally, he will provide some landscaping for the area around the memorial wall. Fatica is a senior IB student at Robinson High, a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society, as well as Trombone Section Leader for the school band.
In some ways, this was an ironic twist of fate for the Culpeppers. In “Surivor: One World”, Monica had to deal with the emotional and devilish diva Colton Cumbie. Cumbie resurfaced in “Blood vs. Water” with fiancée Caleb Bankston until Cumbie removed himself from the game in Episode 2, sobbing uncontrollably while in the Redemption Island arena. Attorney Culpepper tried to get Bankston voted off with a closing argument among tribal pals that Bankston didn’t have a significant other in the game with Cumbie gone, so essentially there was nothing lost. Bankston had his own take: “Brad…he is Public Enemy number one.” Islanders are now rooting for Monica to finish the game victorious.
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FIVE STEPS TO HOLISTIC PET CARE TAKING PET CARE TO A HIGHER LEVEL BY JENN FADAL From premium pet food to play dates and yes even doggy yoga, pet parents are not only spending extra money on their dogs and cats but many are taking a holistic approach to pet care. So what does holistic mean exactly? Treating our pets holistically means taking pet care to a higher level. Looking at the big picture and addressing how we care for our pets’ bodies, minds and hearts in the world we share. There are so many things we can do, but in my opinion it boils down to these five areas of consideration: 1. FUNCTIONAL FOODS- NUTRITION eed a natural and holistic diet filled with functional foods which address our pet’s needs. We want to do more than just satisfy an appetite or meet minimum nutritional guidelines. Ingredient examples include: super foods to decrease toxins in the body, phytonutrients, botanicals to strengthen tissue, enzymes to assist with digestion or added oils for skin and coat health. 2. GO, DOG, GO- EXERCISE Every dog needs it. Whether it is a two pound Chihuahua or a 100lb Great Dane every canine and feline need some form of exercise. It will not only help them keep their weight down but also make them less anxious. If you have an anxious dog, try burning some of that nervous energy during a fast paced, focused walk. Or, for our grey muzzled kids with sore joints, swimming is a great alternative. 3. GO EAST- EASTERN MEDICINE If you haven’t tried it already, you might want to consider a veterinarian who practices both traditionally and is also trained in eastern herbs and acupuncture. It is a different approach to healthcare and one that has had tremendous effects in the lives of so many pets.
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4. NEW EXPERIENCES TAKE A DIFFERENT ROUTE Even something as simple as changing our pet’s walk path will broaden their mind. As pet parents, we can learn the basics of pet massage, even acupressure if we are inclined. Or, get really inspired and take a Doga class, yes, Yoga with our dog! More realistically, we can try something fun like an agility class with our dog or purchase a new and different toy for our cat. 5. GO GREEN– POOP BAGS Most of us use a version of a plastic pick up bag on a daily basis. Treating your pet holistically also means the way in which they affect their environment. From biodegradable or compostable pet waste bags to recycled and recyclable toys your pet can have a smaller carbon paw print. Does holistic pet care mean you have to spend more money? Not necessarily. For example, giving your pet a new experience, doesn’t take money at all. Just ask Chico. He spent the morning with me recently at the Daytime tv show to talk about this topic and had his first tv appearance. Go Chico go. He was one happy camper!
Jenn Fadal, The Pack Mom, cut her leash to corporate life in 2005, and opened a holistic pet market in on Davis Islands, called “Wag”. Since then, Fadal has worked with Better TV as their pet expert, and is the Pet Wellness Expert for Daytime TV. Additionally, she has been a guest on Martha Stewart Living radio, blogged for Chewy. com, and contributes to industrywide publications. Most recently, Jenn launched ThePackMom.com, an online destination for pet parents. Find her online at the following URLs: ThePackMom.com, JennFadal.com, www.youtube.com/jenniferfadal
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(Below) Residents attending the September 27 social event at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub sing a spirited version of John Denver’s hit “Almost Heaven, West Virginia”, but with a “Davis Islands” twist. Photo Kim Fatica
LIVEN UP / MARIACHI PERFECT WEATHER AND LIVE MUSIC FILLS THE DI STRIP
The business district has become much more vibrant with live music now playing at five islands establishments. A live Mariachi band serenaded the staff of ThePOST during its monthly staff dinner at Margaritas back in early September. The quintet was playing a spirited rendition of “Tequila” when staff arrived and the patio diners were smiling and getting in to it. That same night at the corner of East Davis and Biscayne, a solo act was providing the crowd with its usual laidback island atmosphere at Fountain Square and across from it the Islands Club (the bar half of Islands Pizza) also had a live performer. Yeoman’s Road Pub continues its tradition of hosting great live music that has included the jazz fusion sounds of local recording artists Acme Jazz Garage and the Southern stylings of homegrown country band Easy Posse. With Molly Malone’s offering live Irish music every week, the village has found its voice at both ends of the business district and even in between.
The five-piece Mariachi band has become a hit with diners at Margaritas. Photo Kim Fatica
Formed in 2007, the 11-member team is comprised of four islands residents and one representative from the following islands entities: DI village business owner/property owner/ employee, DI Chamber of Commerce or other business organization, DI Civic Association, DI Garden Club, Peter O. Knight Airport, Tampa General Hospital, Hillsborough Community College. The Stewardship Team last met in September and had these tasks before them: • Discussion of building a sub committee to research and develop a form-based code for the Village and main street of Davis Islands that would protect and enhance it’s pedestrian friendly design • Traffic Calming planning and updates • Outcome of City Pool Usage and Operation Study, and addressing possible year-round usage of Roy Jenkins Pool, budgeting and operational costs • Actions to improve storm water drainage The next meeting will take place on November 19 at Hillsborough Community College on Columbia Drive. Residents are encouraged to contact Stewardship chairman Gary Brown at sterlingbayhomes@aol.com or Charner Reese at charnerreese@aol.com. Information about the Stewardship Team can be found on the Davis Islands Civic Assoc. site: www.dicivic.org. Look under Islands Initiatives > Community Plan > Stewardship Team.
Molly Malone’s has been gaining customers since opening earlier this year. A beaming Tricia Nolan says business has been solid, especially with their breakfasts and the addition of their corned beef hash. “People are going crazy over it,” she said. “That and the Ruben sliders!” The breakfast tradition of the former Pink Flamingo is what drove the Nolans to name their new establishment.
movement. Doctor reports posted on Queena’s website show that her vision has been slowly improving with “steady progress” and a Brain Mapping update insists that Queena’s brain has shown self-improvement. In other words, they have seen that her brain has found ways to compensate for the damages brought on by her attack by finding formerly inactive areas of her brain and strengthening them.
“We almost named it The Harp, but that was too easy and we were afraid we wouldn’t catch the breakfast crowd,” Nolan confessed in her charming Dublin accent. “The Harp is easy to associate with bars, but Molly–she’s Dublin anyway–we thought she would be easier to tie-in with breakfast.” Now, during fall, Molly’s is offering up their tasty pumpkin pancakes on the breakfast menu. There is also a full lineup of music for the month of October and new Happy Hour specials will appear daily from 3-7 p.m. Also on the way are some natural touches to the look of the restaurant. “We are hoping to talk to the Davis Islands Garden Club for some advice on beautifying our deck for the cooler months ahead,” Nolan said.
YOU REALLY ‘CARE’ ISLANDER MASSAGE AND SKINCARE UPDATE
HELP WANTED
FEELING LUCKY
There is currently an opening for a DI village business owner/property owner/ employee to be a part of the Davis Islands Stewardship Team. The team is crucial to overseeing the execution of the long-term Community Vision Plan that was developed for the Davis Islands neighborhood and it’s important that our businesses help shape the future of our neighborhood.
The DI Civic Association brought its Resident Social event to Molly Malone’s back on September 27, with owners John and Tricia Nolan greeting all of their new guests. About 100 islands neighbors showed up to enjoy some very tasty Ruben sliders and to sing a special DI version of a John Denver classic with musician Paul Duffy.
DI BUSINESS REP NEEDED
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DI CIVIC RESIDENT SOCIAL GOES GREEN
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ThePOST was happy to share the wonderful connection made between Queena Phu and Islander Massage and Skincare esthetician Cathy “Cat” Tunick-Cabeche in the August edition. The cover received plenty of attention and Tunick-Cabeche’s clients responded. One woman who wished to remain anonymous gave Tunick-Cabeche a check for $250 after receiving her facial service. A Gainesville woman had heard about our story and dropped in just to donate $25 to Queena’s cause. Islander Massage now has the “JoinQueena” tee-shirts available for a $25 donation Queena’s most recent therapy has included several days of TheraSuit therapy that is used to help restore reflexes and proper patterns of
THE ‘WRITE’ STORY CURATOR LAUNCHES DI HISTORY BOOK
The month of October marks 87 years since David P. Davis, the man who started Tampa’s most exclusive development project, passed away, so it was fitting that a book would be available around the anniversary. Rodney Kite-Powell, curator for the Tampa Bay History Center, has written David P. Davis & the Story of a Landmark Tampa Neighborhood, the definitive book on the history of Tampa’s most desirable and history-rich neighborhood. On September 12 the history center hosted Kite-Powell’s first talk about the 160-page book. He presented again on October 13, the actual anniversary of Davis’ death, at the Shaw Library in the Oxford Exchange. The September 12 presentation was well attended by islanders, including
Lisa Devitto and Charner Reese, great-granddaughter of Perry Wall, the 41st mayor of Tampa who served from 1924-1928. His photo appears on page 51 of the book and others in the book have appeared at establishments and homes around Davis Islands. Devitto sent this positive endorsement of Kite-Powell’s island lexicon and lecture via email:
He covered the people, the politics, and the economics of a very exciting time–really Florida from the Civil War through the Roaring Twenties land boom–with a lot of photos and also well researched details. With so many long time Davis Islanders and Tampa natives in the audience, the question and answer time was lively, and brought out even more highly interesting information... the book is well-written and an easy read.
NOW AVAILABLE
Rodney’s book is now available at Serendipity, 231 E. Davis Blvd
board went to the heart of Bollywood and visited academy representatives, performing artists and citizens in and around Mumbai. Among the delegation was Visit Tampa Bay President and CEO, Santiago Corrada. The major cinema event won’t be a one-night stand. There is an entire long weekend of events that will include workshops, film festivals, global business forums and even sporting events leading up to the big awards night, which is the equivalent to Hollywood’s Oscars. ThePOST has learned the events will likely be scattered throughout a concentrated area of South Tampa and downtown. It is not yet known if Davis Islands will have a connection to the activities. Corrada was able to meet with Bollywood film stars Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Sohail Khan and Indian recording star Sonu Nigam. Major business leaders will also be heading to Tampa, no doubt to include representatives of Tata Motors, India’s top auto manufacturer. Its name has been affixed to the IIFA Awards. If you don’t know Tata motors, you surely know the brands Jaguar and Land Rover. Both are now subsidiaries under the Tata umbrella.
for the judges’ choice “Golden Whisk” and the people’s choice “Silver Whisk” awards. Participating chefs will be coming from the Columbia Restaurant, InterContinental Tampa, Roy’s Tampa, The Palm, Brio Tuscan Grille, Datz Dough, GrillSmith and Publix Aprons Cooking School.
time ThePOST went to print. The site, did, however, show the property HPV sits on was originally sold for $2.4 million in 1980, was developed and sold for $47.25 million in 1998, and was then sold to MW Hyde Park LLC in 2005 for a little more than $31 million.
The next evening, on Saturday, November 9, the Boy Scouts will host their annual Taste of Ybor Auction at the historic Ritz Ybor, starting at 7:00 p.m. About 400 guests will be able to enjoy food from local restaurants, watch traditional cigar rollers create what made Tampa so famous, and enjoy live music and drinks.
The landmark fountain of HPV already occupies the main window on the company’s website, listing the total square footage as 266,000 square feet with Anthropologie, CineBistro, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and lululemon athletica as its key tenants. It is also home to major retailers Brooks Brothers and West Elm as well as a number of popular local restaurants and small retailers.
Auction items will include fishing trips, spa packages, tickets to sporting events, theme parks and more.
Both events help keep vital programs for our boys and girls alive. For more information on the events, please visit ThePOST Facebook Events page (www. facebook.com/ThePOST.DI), or call the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida at (813) 262-1688 and the Boy Scouts of America Gulf Ridge Council at (813) 872-2691, extension 118.
ON YOUR ‘MARK’
RELAY FOR LIFE GETS SET FOR NEXT YEAR’S EVENT Next year’s Relay for Life event on Davis Islands takes place May 2-3 at Sea Plane Basin Park. The local American Cancer Society recently found leadership for most of the positions, naming Kat Malone of the Davis Islands Yacht Club as a co-chair. A kick-off event was held October 22nd at the Davis Islands Yacht Club for teams, individuals and families. For more information, contact Lauren Oliver at (813) 319-5918 or email her at lauren.oliver@cancer.org.
A delegation from Visit Tampa Bay spent some time with members of the International Indian Film Academy in Mumbai in September. Photo Visit Tampa Bay
TOP OF THE LIST TGH EXEC AMONG TOP HEALTHCARE CEOS
National healthcare publication Becker’s Hospital Review placed Tampa General Hospital CEO Jim Burkhart on its list“130 Nonprofit Hospital and Health System CEOs to Know”. The publication explained its criteria for the list:
These men and women are named to the list based on their experience and achievements in the healthcare industry, as well as their professional involvement in the communities they serve. The nonprofit hospitals and health systems these individuals lead are recognized as some of the nation’s top healthcare organizations in terms of clinical and financial performance. Burkart began his tenure as Tampa General’s top executive on March 4.
ON LOCATION
VISIT TAMPA BAY VISITS BOLLYWOOD Over the summer ThePOST announced that the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) would be bringing their annual awards ceremony to Tampa next June–the first time the academy will have presented its awards in the United States. In an effort to continue to build its relationship with the academy and learn important details of the event, key members of the local tourism
SCOUTS HONOR
NEW OWNERS
The two premier youth organizations in Tampa Bay are hosting fundraisers that will appeal to foodies while serving to support programs that benefit boys and girls of all ages.
Boston developer WS Development purchased historic Hyde Park Village from MW Hyde Park LLC, an affiliate of Vornado Realty Trust of New York City, for $45 million, according to public records obtained by the Tampa Bay Business Journal and reported by staff writer Mark Holan September 25.
BOY SCOUTS AND GIRL SCOUTS HOST NOVEMBER FUNDRAISERS
The Girl Scouts will host Dessert First on November 8, starting at 7:00 p.m. at the InterContinental Tampa on W. Kennedy Blvd. Eight of the area’s top chefs will be creating desserts made from Girl Scout cookies, competing
HYDE PARK VILLAGE SOLD
Updated sales history of the property showing the sale to WS Development was not available on the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s site at the
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MORE
(Left) Two homeless men weren’t homeless very long when they discovered that this small utility shed at the ball fields made for a great place to bed down Photo Patti Havens
Marquis “Marcus” Hook, the field superintendent for the ballparks, said the shed had been brought on the property to store chalk and other field supplies. He chased two homeless men off after he had found them in and around the shed and fields. He also told ThePOST that the men had used the dugouts as their personal toilet. Hook said he also found “Scooby”–synthetic marijuana–though he could not say for sure that it belonged to the vagrants.
HOME BASE?
BALLPARK SQUATTERS FIND SHELTER Looks like the Davis Islands welcoming committee missed these guys and it was the smallest home on the islands. Rumor had begun to spread from Columbia Drive that homeless people had found themselves a cozy spot to sleep: a small utility shed located at the ballpark. A message from resident Patti Havens sent to the Davis Islands Civic Association via their Facebook site confirmed that at least one person had placed bedding down inside the shed.
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High. He is a 1978 graduate of Auburn University and received his Juris Doctor from Mercer University in 1981. Hudgins has his own law firm in Zephyrhills. An Eagle Scout, he is active locally with Boy Scout Troop 22 and Cub Scout Pack 22 chartered to Hyde Park United Methodist Church.
120% over the past year and has put forth a great effort to encourage more resident involvement in neighborhood improvements and to have a more visible presence on the islands.
No reservations needed to attend the reunion. For more information, please contact Hudgins at (813) 788-5534 or email him at Drew@hudginslawfirm.net.
SAFE HALLOWEEN
ANNUAL GET-TOGETHER DI CIVIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CELEBRATION AND MEETING
All residents are welcome to attend the DI Civic Association annual meeting Tuesday, November 12 from 6:309:00 p.m. at the Davis Islands Garden Club, 81 Columbia Drive. Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandy Murman will be the special guest of the evening. The organization will be taking a look back on what it’s done for the Davis Islands neighborhood for the past year and sharing its plans for 2014. New board members will also be voted on at this time. The organization has grown
President Cristan Fadal will host the meeting. Refreshments will be served.
HALLOWEEN IN DI VILLAGE
This year’s Halloween was hosted by the DI Civic Association with support from islands business owners, sponsors, and volunteers. Hundreds of people came to the village for a great day of activities, including a costume contest. For more information on future DI Civic Association events, please contact board member Carolyn Bigley at carolyn@didogs.com. (Below) A large turnout of costumed pooches and their owners waited for the judges to announce the winner of the costume contest in front of Wag Pet Boutique. The event was part of Halloween in the Village, sponsored by the DI Civic Association. Photo Friends of Davis Islands Dog Parks
Bayshore Little League had the shed removed. Hook thoroughly cleaned the parks and said he has not seen the men return.
BLAST FROM THE PAST DAVIS ISLANDS “KIDS” FROM 50S & 60S REUNION
If you grew up on Davis Islands in the 50s and 60s, resident Drew Ben Hudgins and several others are putting together a special reunion event for November 9 at the Davis Islands Yacht Club. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. and will end by 10:00 p.m. Hudgins attended Gorrie Elementary School, Wilson Middle and Jesuit
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POLITICALLY SPEAKING
VOTING STATUS TIME TO CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION BY BY CRAIG LATIMER, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
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Santa may check twice, but in my office, we check our lists even more closely. In September, we sent postcards to registered voters who haven’t voted or been in contact with the office for the last four years so that we can make sure the addresses on file are correct. That list was more than 80,000 names long. Our list of registered voters voter is much longer than that, of course. More than 750,000 people are registered to vote in Hillsborough County. Maintaining the integrity of our voter roll is something we work hard on throughout the year. One of the reasons this effort is important is so that we can accurately judge voter turnout. And obviously our check-in lines at polling places are going to move faster when we have current addresses on file. The postcards we sent out give registered voters a quick and easy way to confirm or update their address with our office, and if you received one, I encourage you to give the postcard your attention and get back to us with any changes in your address.
In fact, even if you didn’t get a postcard, I urge all registered voters to check your status and make sure the information we have for you is current. Checking the information and updating your address only takes a few minutes and can be done online at VoteHillsborough.org or by calling (813) 744-5900.
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For more information on voting and elections in Hillsborough County, call (813) 744-5900 or visit www. VoteHillsborough.org. The website is updated regularly. The office also shares timely information on Facebook, twitter and through an email newsletter. Visit the Supervisor of Elections office in person at the Fred B. Karl County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Boulevard, 16th Floor, or the Robert L. Gilder Elections Service Center at 2514 N. Falkenburg Road.
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HELPING OUT
(Above) At nearly 7,000 square feet overall, this immaculate home owned by Mary Perez is a stark contrast from her unoccupied home (shown left) and a rental property just several blocks away. (Left) This home at Severn Avenue and South Davis Boulevard has been abandoned for several years now and has suffered the ravages of vandals, vagrants and overall neglect. The city wants to tear it down, but its owners, Mary and John Perez, are appealing November 6.
MAN-SHUNNED SEVERN HOME SCHEDULED FOR DEMOLITION STORY + PHOTOS BY KIM FATICA
Playboy magazine had once rated it as one of America’s top bachelor pads, but now the once stately mansion at 545 Severn Avenue is on the city’s demolition list. Though the lawn and palm trees have been maintained, the structure has been peacefully decaying, raising the ire of residents around the block. It has become Davis Islands’ own taste of urban blight in Tampa’s most unique neighborhood. Built in 1971 by former islander Norman Bond, the mansion had been sold to John and Mary Perez in 1995. Phyllis Crosby had been Bond’s original realtor the first time he attempted to put it on the market. Commenting on Paul Guzzo’s Tampa Tribune article online, Crosby wrote: I had the house listed but then he withdrew because he really loved the house and kept it impeccable. I often wondered how Norman and his house was doing... sad news...to (see) it sold and in disrepair. During the flurry of media attention that swirled around the house October 21, neighbors spotted Bond hanging around his old pad. Bond spent some time sharing some of his favorite stories with WFLA-TV reporter Jeff Patterson. The mansion’s biggest quirk was known for having only one bedroom and Bond told Patterson, “If you have more than one bedroom and have a party, people just pass out in your rooms and end up staying.”
Similar sentiment has spilled out from neighborly discussions and speculation about the property. A golf cart with three women aboard slowed down near the corner of Severn Avenue and South Davis Boulevard. All eyes turned to the abandoned two-story structure with Rococo details, cracks and bulges near the roof line, façade half covered in vines, missing trim and with broken windows. Heads shook slowly in disbelief. Fingers pointed to structural details. Two of the women lived nearby on Severn and Martinique. The driver, from farther north on Blanca, was most vocal. None wished to be identified for this story, but all three allowed their views to be heard, especially the driver.
Richard Hedt came from Montana to visit a South Davis resident who wished not to be identified. Hedt was quick to point out, “It’s a real eyesore.” At a total of 4,300 square feet, the home is currently uninhabitable. The City of Tampa has declared it a target of demolition. It has been the playground of vandals and vagrants and a reputed haven for drug use. Kids have been caught in the back yard with air rifles, shooting at birds. Neighbors have picked up beer bottles from around the property and the structure and back yard walls got tagged with graffiti earlier this year. Neighbors have called Tampa Police after witnessing suspicious activities there.
“For the sake of the neighborhood and the safety of our children, it’s past its prime. Tear it down and be done with it,” she said.
A hearing set for October 23 was held off another 14 days by family member and attorney Dennis Lopez. He showed up at the home while ThePOST and ABC Action News reporter John Thomas were there as it was being boarded up October 21. Lopez wanted to know what we knew about the property.
The other two women agreed and the one sitting in the rear seat said she had
“Do you know the story about this,” he queried. “Have you tried to contact the
(Below) Construction workers finish boarding one of the windows on the west side of the home on October 21. The owners hope this will make the home safer and stop the illicit activity the property has attracted since it became abandoned.
Bond went on to tell Patterson that he believed it was time to let go of the good times and bring the house down. The home’s unique central drain system needed to be maintained and if it hadn’t, then it was likely decaying from the inside. “I’m puzzled,” said nearby resident Steve Rutherford. “Such a great home and a great location. It just seems like such a waste.”
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a hard time comprehending the owners’ thoughts. “I don’t understand the value proposition of allowing such a beautiful home to fall apart like that.”
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owner? How do you know the people you’ve seen coming in and out of here aren’t the owners?” When ThePOST mentioned the fact that the property has been left to languish, Lopez went on the defensive. “You don’t know the history. You say ‘languished,’ but you don’t know the history. There was a mold situation that goes back years, years, years. You are making assumptions that I don’t think are accurate.” Lopez wouldn’t go in to detail, but promised to follow through with an official statement later in the day. Nothing ever came to ThePOST. “I can assure you this,” he said, “it’s going to be put in compliance with the city and everything’s going to be done to put the neighbor’s concerns to rest. I assure you that. Maintaining good neighborly relations is important.” ThePOST did a search on the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s website and found that the Perezes own multiple other properties, including a small rental home at 546 Severn. According to neighbor Antonio Amadeo, the city had forced the tenants out until the roof, which had been tarped for almost a year, was satisfactorily repaired. Amadeo lived directly behind that house on West Davis Boulevard. One of the other islands properties owned in the name of Mary Frances Perez is at 22 Formosa Avenue, a sprawling, 6,812 square foot home in impeccable condition. Mary Perez has a total of nine properties in her name, listed as Mary F Perez, Mary Frances Perez, or Mary Frances Lopez-Perez. Lopez maintained the position that the owners were very much concerned for their neighbors. “I can assure you that we’re going to try to get this resolved not only to the satisfaction of the City of Tampa, but to the neighbors as well. I assure you that.” The new hearing date was set for November 6 at 9:00 a.m. at the Old City Hall, 315 E. Kennedy Boulevard.
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HELPING OUT
Savannah Crook and her mother, Lauren, haul a large piece of debris and a couple bags of trash from Sea Plane Basin near the entrance to the DI Yacht Club. The Crook family recently moved to Davis Islands from California. Photo Kim Fatica
COAST IS CLEAR BASIN GETS MAJOR SEPTEMBER CLEANUP STORY BY KIM FATICA It takes a village to keep things neat and tidy. Sea Plane Basin got help from Tampa Parks and Recreation, Tampa Police Marine Unit, Friends of Davis Islands Dog Parks, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church members, the Sustany Foundation, Plant and Robinson High School students and Davis Islands residents. That end of the islands has been a focal point for concerned residents and boaters who know that some people have used the basin as their personal dump site. On September 4 the TPD Marine Unit ordered an abandoned vessel to be pulled ashore and destroyed–the fifth abandoned vessel to be removed from Sea Plane Basin since the start of the year. Officer Brian Cravens said this time he was able to locate the owner of the
A treasure among the trash, this large horseshoe crab was found on the south side of Sea Plane Basin during the Coastal Cleanup event. Photo Kim Fatica boat and notified him that the vessel would be destroyed unless he came to claim it. “We give boat owners every opportunity to claim their vessel,” Cravens said. Multiple opportunities were given to the owner to respond. He’ll be charged a nominal fee for the disposal of the boat, which is probably a lot cheaper than if the owner had tried to do it himself. Two weeks later, on September 21, about 100 people gathered at the boat launch parking lot to get garbage bags and gloves to participate in the fall Coastal Cleanup sponsored by Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, the Sustany Foundation and the Davis Islands Civic Association. DI Civic Association Green Initiatives chairman T.J. King estimates that more than 80 bags of trash were hauled out of the basin and the Hillsborough Bay coastline.
A Tampa Parks & Recreation worker destroys the hull from an abandoned boat removed from Sea Plane Basin back on September 4. Photo Kim Fatica
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Community Health Education Programs
IN HYDE PARK VILLAGE • 740 SOUTH VILLAGE CIRCLE, TAMPA 33606 Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Living Healthy: Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (Six-session program)
Good Nutrition is Medicine: Carbohydrates
Provided by the West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging, Inc., Suzan Mekler, AHFS, PRC, NS, CPT & Tamika Powe, Community Health Educators, Tampa General Hospital
Research has found that exercise and good nutrition are essential components of a healthy lifestyle and longevity. In fact, making good nutritional choices and exercising regularly has been equated with being the best medicine. The focus of this workshop is learning the basics of good nutrition and the important role carbohydrates have in our metabolism.
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM Program
1:00 PM Check-in / 1:30 PM Program
Suzan Mekler, AHFS, PRCS, NS, CPT, Community Health Educator, Tampa General Hospital
Meeting Dates: November 6, 13, 27; December 4, 11, 18 Are you an adult experiencing an ongoing chronic health condition? If so, you, your family, friends and/or caregivers would benefit from the valuable information provided in this program. Facilitators will share practical skills and techniques for managing stress, discuss the benefits of physical activity and good nutrition, and explain ways to communicate more effectively with healthcare providers, family members and caregivers. As a result, participants can gain the confidence and motivation needed to manage the challenges of living, or caring for a loved one, with a chronic health condition.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 5:30 PM Check-in / 6:00 PM Program
Good Nutrition is Medicine: Carbohydrates* Suzan Mekler, AHFS, PRCS, NS, CPT, Community Health Educator, Tampa General Hospital
THIS PROGRAM AT TGMG FAMILY CARE CENTER LOIS
Research has found that exercise and good nutrition are essential components of a healthy lifestyle and longevity. In fact, making good nutritional choices and regular exercise has been equated with being the best medicine. The focus of this workshop is learning the basics of good nutrition and the important role that carbohydrates have in our metabolism.
Thursday, November 7, 2013 6:00 PM Check-in / 6:30 PM Program
Coping with Caregiving Patricia Henderson, Community Services Coordinator, West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging, Inc., According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 133 million Americans—nearly one in two adults—live with at least one chronic illness. Approximately one-fourth of persons living with a chronic illness experience significant limitations in daily activities, often times, requiring long-term care. Unpaid caregivers provide an estimated 90 percent of the long-term care. These caregivers are usually family members, friends and neighbors who assume the role of a caregiver. Family caregivers report having difficulty finding time for themselves, managing emotional and physical stress, and balancing work and family responsibilities. If you are a caregiver, join us for an informative discussion on resources available to help you cope with being a caregiver.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013 1:00 PM Check-in / 1:30 PM Program
Healthy Hanukkah: “Festival of Light Meals”
*This event is held at our Tampa General Medical Group Family Care Center Lois, located at 2106 S. Lois Ave., Tampa, FL 33629.
Suzan Mekler, AHFS, PRCS, NS, CPT, Community Health Educator, Tampa General Hospital
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Traditional Hanukkah meals are quite delicious, somewhat nutritious, and notorious for being calorie rich. Join us to learn the basics of good nutrition and how you can “lighten” up savory holiday meals without taking away those fabulous flavors.
6:00 PM Check-in / 6:30 PM Program
Making Healthy Food Fun For Kids Meghann Scholl, RD, LD/N, Tampa General Hospital If you’re like most parents, a hectic schedule may pose one of the biggest challenges to feeding your family a healthy meal. Parents often think healthy food can’t be “on-the-go” food. But that's not true. A healthy dinner doesn’t always have to be hot or home cooked. However, the decision to eat healthier must involve the whole family. That means you, as a parent, have to commit to new eating habits, too. Join us to receive the resources you need to help make healthy eating habits fun for the whole family.
Visit www.tgh.org for a complete listing of community health education programs Free parking
■
Convenient location
Wednesday, November 13, 2013 6:00 PM Check-in / 6:30 PM Program
Yoga Breathing for Inner & Outer Balance Sheila Chokshi, MD, Physician Leader, Tampa General Hospital Integrative Medicine Program The practice of yoga is an art and science dedicated to creating union between body, mind and spirit. Its objective is to assist the practitioner in using the breath and body to foster an awareness of ourselves as individualized beings intimately connected to the unified whole of creation. In short, it is about making balance and creating calmness to live in peace, good health and harmony with the greater whole. Join us to learn how yoga breathing helps the practitioner cleanse the body of negativity, stay focused and acheive better clarity of mind.
Seating is limited • Register for these FREE programs via phone at 1-800-822-3627 or online at www.tgh.org