Bloomingdale/ FishHawk
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August 2025 Volume 24, Issue 8
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CELEBRATING 23 YE ARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS
COMMUNITY WINS BIG IN HONORARY MIELKE FOUNDATION REELS IN MAYOR RACE: BRAND, MERKLE RAISE SUPPORT FOR FOSTER YOUTH OVER $120K FOR LOCAL CHARITIES THROUGH FISHING AND FUNDRAISING
By Kelly Wise Valdes
accomplish together as a community,” said Merkle. “This race wasn’t about politics — it was about purpose and bringing more awareness to just some of the nonprofits in our area.” Owner of AM Designs & Services, Merkle held a clay shoot and second chance prom to drum up Michael Brand and Abi Merkle raised more than $121,000 for local financial support in the charities in the honorary mayor race. race. For Michael Brand and She said the effort Abi Merkle, it was never made a difference in about the money or winthe community, proning — Honorary Mayor of viding hope for the East Hillsborough County people who need it. was about the charities they At the end of the could support. competition, both Brand won, raising around candidates hand-de$64,000 for his three charilivered checks to their ties: Hope for Her, ECHO and charities, providing Boys and Girls With Confifinancial support and dence. recognition for the His original goal was work they are doing. $50,000, which he surBrand said the passed with the help of the community. charities were “ecstatic” to see the extra “It was pretty exciting,” he said. “I was money, especially during the summer when surprised.” financial support is usually down. Brand, who is the owner of 55 Rides, “It just really comes at a good time for hosted several community fundraisers, in- them,” he said. “So, they were all very, very cluding a bourbon tasting and softball tour- happy about it. There were some tears.” nament. Throughout the effort, both candidates He said the charities were also excited to attended some of each other’s events, see his efforts bring in almost 30 percent wanting to support the main goal of the more than they were expecting. race of supporting local charities. “My first reaction was just excitement Now that he has won, Brand won’t get to for the charities because I know they could run for honorary mayor again, but Merkle use the extra money,” he said. can make another run in future races. And while Merkle didn’t take home the “We want to congratulate our honorary sash, she still raised nearly $58,000. mayor’s race and the community for so graThe money was divided up between We ciously stepping up and making the whole Are The Essentials, the Impact Program community the real winner in this phenomand the Angel Foundation FL. enal race,” Kathy Vircik of the Valrico/Fish“I’m so proud of what we were able to Hawk Chamber of Commerce said.
The MIELKE pose. Foundation, a “ W h a t nonprofit destarted as voted to uptaking kids lifting foster fishing has children and evolved into families in meaningful, need, continlife-changing ues to leave a connections,” lasting impact said Pope. “We through its are incredibly ever-growgrateful for ing charitable the generosiprograms and ty of our supfundraising iniporters, who tiatives. Since have helped its founding in us raise over 2017, the or$200,000 ganization has this year — provided vital The MIELKE Foundation raised more than $200,000 to bringing our financial sup- support foster children and families in need this year at its total to more annual Casting for Kids event. port and hostthan $1.2 miled engaging events lion in support of aimed at enriching children in the fosthe lives of children ter system and benavigating the chalyond.” lenges of the foster This year’s eighth care system. annual Casting for Launched with a clear and powerful Kids event, held from May 2-3, featured mission — to improve the lives of foster a festive welcome party at The Floridichildren — the foundation has steadily an Social, followed by a spirited fishing expanded its reach and influence. competition at The Vinoy Resort & Golf “Thanks to our unwavering supporters, Club in downtown St. Petersburg. Many that mission has grown into something gathered to celebrate, compete and unite truly impactful — enhancing quality around a shared cause. of life, raising awareness for adoption, The MIELKE Foundation continues to building homes, awarding scholarships welcome involvement from individuals and creating job opportunities for those and businesses alike. Whether through aging out of care,” said Dana Pope, vice sponsorships, donations or volunteer oppresident of human resources and com- portunities, there are countless ways to munications at MIELKE Holdings. make an impact. For updates and ways Among its hallmark programs is the to get involved, visit https://mielkefounbeloved annual Casting for Kids Chari- dation.org/ or follow the foundation on ty Fishing Tournament. Now a mainstay Facebook. in the Tampa Bay area, the tournament raises essential funds for organizations supporting foster youth while forging meaningful connections among commu- CAMP BAYOU OPEN HOUSE..........PG 3 nity leaders, families and advocates. The PHOTO CONTEST.................................PG 8 event pairs business professionals, gener- GOODWILL DROP-OFF BINS.......PG 17 ous sponsors and seasoned anglers with ROTARY E-CLUB................................PG 24 top captains for a weekend that blends outdoor adventure with heartfelt pur- EYE ON BUSINESS................SECTION 2
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