BRANDON/WINTHROP EDITION
____ SEESee OUR ONPage PAGE 10 29 Ad On OurAD
AUG 2026 Volume 21, Issue 8
Ph: 813-657-2418
SEEOUR STORY ON PG 10 3 SEE AD ON PAGE
CELEBRATING 24 YE ARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS
WINTHROP SHOWCASES SEVEN RESTAURANTS DURING FIRST RESTAURANT WEEK SEPT 17-27
By Jane Owen
By Brian Bokor After years of planning, construction and anticipation, Epic Surf officially celebrated its grand opening at Heroes Paradise, welcoming guests to Florida’s first Epic Surf deep-water standing wave. For owners Tim and Julie Pennenga, the ribbon cutting marked the realization of a vision to create more than just a surfing attraction, offering beginners and experienced surfers alike the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding a wave. The grand opening gave guests a chance to experience that vision firsthand. Families gathered on the spacious deck overlooking the wave as music played, instructors worked with first-time surfers and applause regularly broke out when riders found their balance. Just as noticeable was the staff. From the moment guests arrived, employees were professional, respectful and welcoming, an atmosphere that continued throughout the facility. Having followed the project since a hardhat tour in January, when the attraction was still largely a concrete shell, I wanted to find out what many first-time visitors were probably wondering: Could someone who had never surfed really learn to do this? Watching the instructors carve back and forth across the wave, I assumed they had years of experience. Instead, several had learned only months earlier. Julie said learning the attractions is part of the job for her team, helping employees understand what guests are experiencing rather than simply telling them what to do. That approach became obvious once I stepped into the water. My first two attempts ended face-first. Each time, however, an instructor explained what I had done wrong, offered another tip and encouraged me to get back on the board. One instructor explained that beginners
ECRWSS EDDM
Postal Customer
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA, FL PERMIT #1456
From upscale have so many dining to a patio family-run bar, Winthrop, a and locally run master-planned businesses and community lorestaurants,” cated in RiverXiong said. view, has over John is excita dozen restaued about Winrants, bars, bakthrop Restaueries and cafes. rant Week’s Family-owned potential for and operated The owners of 7 Winthrop restaurants have teamed together building comto form the first restaurant week in September. by its founders, munity. John and Kay Sullivan, who live in the town “It’s been done and been very successful center, Winthrop has small-town charm and in larger cities, but this is definitely a first a focus on fostering community. in Riverview. We’re really excited to see the Winthrop is hosting Winthrop Restaurant ground swell and see how it works out this Week to showcase its restaurants to the year. It can grow. But, unless you start, you community. The restaurant week is from don’t know. Some people say, what’s the Thursday, September 17, through Sunday, best time to plant a tree? It was 20 years September 27. Participating restaurants ago. What’s the next best time to plant a include Acropolis Greek Taverna, Cappy’s tree? Today. So, we’re planting it today,” SulPizzeria, Cali Brandon, Donovan’s Meatery, livan said. Himes Breakfast House, Tutto Tavola and The community growth from the event is Longshots Sports Bar. already happening because of the connecEach restaurant will have a special restau- tions being made between the restaurants. rant week menu. Restaurant guests can or“The restaurants are coming together in der from a restaurant’s regular menu, but a collaborative way. It is already building they will have items to choose from that are a strong sense of community amongst the unique for restaurant week. Some restau- business owners,” Xiong said. rants will have a prix fixe restaurant week Tutto Tavola owner Luigi Cavallaro said he menu, allowing guests to order an appetizer, is looking forward to the event. Tutto Tavola a main entree and a dessert for a set price. opened in Winthrop in January. Other restaurants will feature items on the “It’s a great way to showcase Winthrop menu that are only available during restau- restaurants. It’s going to be a great event,” rant week. Cavallaro said. “I love being in Winthrop beOf the seven restaurants being showcased, cause of the community. It’s like a little vilthe longest-opened restaurant is Acropolis, lage of its own,” he added. which has been in Winthrop for 17 years. During Winthrop Restaurant Week, the The newest restaurant is Longshots Sports restaurants are also giving away thouBar, which just opened. sands of dollars in gift cards and other Restaurant week organizer Sarah Sulli- promotions. Sign up for the Winthrop van Xiong said it is the perfect time to try a newsletter at https://winthropfl.com/ restaurant for the first time or visit one that and follow @WinthropFL on social meyou know and love. dia to participate in the many giveaways “Restaurant week is a special occasion to happening before and during Winthrop highlight the amazing restaurants at Win- Restaurant Week. Visit WinthropFL.com/ throp. We’re particularly proud that we RestaurantWeek for more information.
EPIC SURF GRAND OPENING BRINGS LOCAL COUPLE’S VISION TO LIFE
s
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
Pistachio Pancakes
Calling 811 is free and helps prevent damage to underground natural gas, electric and telecommunications lines. Wait at least two full business days for utilities to mark their lines before breaking ground. See Story Page 3.
Top Seller!
Savory Classics
S eet reats
Fresh Ingredients
Bold Flavors
often hurt themselves by concentrating too hard on balancing. To get riders out of their own heads, instructors ask questions such as, “What’s your favorite color?” or “What’s your favorite sport?” In one case, they handed a struggling surfer toy lightsabers and had him pretend to duel while riding. Once he stopped thinking about balancing, he found it. Julie said that learning curve is one reason Epic Surf’s sessions last an hour. “If you only give them 30 minutes, they’re not going to get it. They’re going to be discouraged,” she said. Even experienced ocean surfers, she added, can spend much of their first session adjusting to the wave. “That last 10 or five minutes, that’s when they get it.” By my fifth ride, I understood exactly what she meant. Something clicked. I found my balance, stayed on the wave and heard applause from the deck above. My first thought was simple: “Wow … I just did that!” Julie sees that reaction regularly. Once riders begin figuring it out, she said, “They Con’t on Page 19
IN THIS ISSUE: CAMPBELL’S NEW OWNER...........PG 5 HOLIDAY VENDOR FAIR............... PG 10 MURDER DENIED.............................PG 15 HS FOOTBALL PREVIEW.............PG 24 EYE ON BUSINESS.........................PG 30