Brandon/ Winthrop
April 2025
Volume 20, Issue 4
See Our Ad On Home to more than Page 12,000 animals 30 coasters, and world-class
Ph: 813-657-2418 See Our Ad On Page 40 Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay has camps animal C E L E for B R both ATIN G 2 3lovers YE ARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS and thrill seekers alike.
than 12,000 animals LOCAL RESIDENT IRIS SERRANO Day Camp: K-12th Grade -class coasters, CELEBRATES MILESTONE BIRTHDAY th th Resident BayCamp: 7 -12 Grade ens® Tampa OF 102 YEARS YOUNG both animal lovers By Libby Hopkins REGISTER NOW seekers alike. Birthdays are a longing and undertime to celebrate and standing,” said ComBuschGardens.com/camps thon all the wonreflect pass Rose’s activity p: K-12 Grade derful events that director, Jackie Pifer. (813) 884-4FUN (4386) mp: 7th-12th Grade take place in one’s life “Our social and receach year. Iris Serreational activities rano of Brandon repromote engagecently celebrated the ment and well-being milestone birthday of among residents. ©2025 United Parks & Resorts, Inc. 102 years young on We strive to enMarch 10. hance the quality of “Secret of turning life of our residents 102 is my faith, cookby offering a balance ing and feeding the of support and indehomeless for many pendence in a caring years,” Serrano said. community setting. “Love everyone, be Our residents are kind and help each Iris Serrano of Brandon celebrated her 102nd cherished members birthday on March 10. She said the secret to being of our family.” ©2025 United Parks & Resorts, Inc. other too.” Serrano is a res- 102 years young is to “Love everyone, be kind and Serrano loved celhelp each other too.” Serrano is a beloved resident ident of Compass ebrating her recent of Compass Rose of Brandon. Rose of Brandon. birthday with her She was born on March 1, fellow residents at Com1923, in Puerto Rico and pass Rose of Brandon. moved to the Bronx, New “I loved having my York, when she was 20. birthday celebration at “I loved living in New Compass Rose of Brandon York,” Serrano said. “I was because my friends and a preschool teacher for family were all together,” the Catholic school for 13 Serrano said. years, then I worked for At 102 years young, Learners Clothing Store Serrano is very active — for seven years as a cano wheelchair, no walker, shier. My husband was just a cane for balance. a wonderful man who “She loves to dance, and served in the Merchant she still has the moves,” Marines, and we traveled Phifer said. “She told all a lot. He was a good husof her guests, ‘I’m just a band, good man and a good father to our happy Puerto Rican, and it doesn’t get beteight children.” ter than that.’” Compass Rose of Brandon is more than If you’d like to learn more about the just a place to reside; it’s a haven of compas- various services offered at Compass Rose sion and support where residents and their of Brandon, you can visit its website at families find peace of mind. https://brandonseniors.com or call 813“Our staff provides not only assistance 655-8858. The facility is located at 320 S. with daily tasks but also a true sense of be- Lakewood Dr. in Brandon.
TER NOW
Staff Report
March through May is the dry season in Hillsborough County, making it easier for wildfires to start and spread during these months. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue has responded to more than 160 brush fires and wildfires this year. Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas like forests, grasslands or prairies. These dangerous fires spread quickly and can devastate not only wildlife and natural areas but also communities. Just like hurricanes, it’s important to be prepared, establish an emergency plan for wildfires and not to take the threat of wildfires lightly. Wildfires don’t have to be widespread to create major damage. Have an evacuation plan prepared and ready in case of a wildfire emergency. Organize important documents and have them prepared. The information should include copies of property insurance, personal documents and identifications. Maintain an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any area of your property. Create a fire-resistant zone by keeping a 30-foot area clear of leaves, debris and flammable materials around the perimeter of your home. During the threat of a wildfire, designate a room that can be closed off from outside air. Close all doors and windows. Set up a portable air cleaner to keep indoor pollution levels low when smoky conditions exist. While lightning can cause wildfires here and throughout Florida, humans are the leading cause of wildfires in the state, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Help prevent brush fires and wildfires by obeying the rules that prohibit unauthorized burns. In addition, avoid activities that cause open flames or sparks; properly discard cigarettes, and don’t throw them out from your vehicles; and don’t park your
vehicle on the grass. To help prevent brush fires and wildfires, unauthorized burns are not permitted in unincorporated Hillsborough County, meaning all open burning is prohibited unless an authorization has been obtained. Burning yard waste, tree debris and household garbage on private property is not allowed because it can lead to an uncontrolled wildfire. With permits, there are exceptions. The Hillsborough County Fire Marshal’s Office issues open fire permits for campfires, bonfires, ceremonial fires and religious fires. There are no fees from the Hillsborough County Fire Marshal’s Office for an open burning permit. The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) issues open burning permits, such as initial land clearing of vegetation, initial land clearing for mineral operations, clearing of rights-of-way for public highways or roads and clearing for flood control and water drainage channels. The Florida Forest Service can assist with burn authorization for railroad workers and farmers needing agricultural burning. No permit is required if you have a small fire pit, like those sold at home improvement or other stores. When using a fire pit, these rules should be followed: burn only clean, dry wood; have the pit at a minimum of 25 feet from any structure; and only use for keeping warm or cooking. For more information, call the Hillsborough County Fire Marshal’s Office, contact 813-744-5541.
IN THIS ISSUE: SUMMER CAMP YMCA EVENT....PG 3 NEW STRAZ SEASON.......................PG 9 BLOOM GIRLS CLUB........................PG 16 TONY BARONI TEAM............ .........PG 19 SUMMER CAMPS...................SECTION 2
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
ECRWSS EDDM
Postal Customer
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA, FL PERMIT #1456
ens.com/camps -4FUN (4386)
IMPORTANT TO GET FIRE PERMITS DURING WILDFIRE SEASON
See Our Summer Camp Guide Section Two
Expires: June 1, 2025