Brandon/Winthrop
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November 2025 Volume 20, Issue 11
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CELEBRATING 23 YE ARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS
BABE’S PIZZA REOPENS IN BRANDON, CONTINUING A 47-YEAR FAMILY DINING & DOUBLE DECKER LEGACY
By Brad Stager
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
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Driving east on music that’s a spectral State Road 60, a colecho of a vintage Q105 orful sight of a 2-stoplaylist, the train cirry building painted a cling above the dining hue akin to a ripened area and of course the Ruskin tomato — at popular double-deck107 N. Kings Ave., just er pizza. Other pizza north of the thoroughofferings honor local fare also known as sports tribes, such as Brandon Boulevard, the Lightning Strikes emerges from the clutand Buccaneer pies. tered signage. The ingredients are It is the home of fresh, but Babe’s is not Babe’s Pizza, a Bransome artisanal, farmdon family dining fixto-table fantasy; it is ture since 1978, and the real deal with food now in the 21st centhat is meant to satisfy tury it continues not the senses completeas merely a spot one ly, from the aroma of plugs into a contrapcheese and sauce upon tion for directions to entering to the fulfillfetch food, but as a ment experienced afneighborhood treasure ter dining. seasoned with the flaGolden, crisp fries vor of a double-decker offer a satisfying pizza. counterpoint to the menu The fact that the doors offerings, which include are still open after 47 years, subs made of varying reopening on October 7 afcombinations of meat, ter a hiatus, is a testament cheese, herbs and dressto a determination to fulfill ings. The pastas offer appetites of neighbors with a deep dive into Italian tasty food and an enjoyable flavor, such as the baked atmosphere. The responspaghetti a la DeSantis or sibility of keeping Babe’s the baked spaghetti a la doors open now rests with Brady. Desserts like canNaitik and Shivangi Patel, Babe’s Pizza is a popular Brandon noli round out a meal. restaurant that’s been serving who recently bought the Since reopening, Naitik, dinners since 1978. business from their friends who grew up in Tampa, Craig and Sonal Patel, who had operated said Babe’s has been busy. the restaurant since 2019 after purchasing “I’m super excited that people are coming it from longtime owners Pat and Rich Pad- back,” he stated. dock. Naitik added that he wants to grow Naitik, who is also known by associates Babe’s legacy by possibly expanding hours as Nick, said he recognizes the place Babe’s to include lunch and offering pizza slices., “It Pizza has in the community and is keeping has to be Babe’s.” the core elements in place, like background Visit https://babespizzafl.com/.
Women’s Coin Challenge, held on the first Sunday of every month at Voodoo Brewing Co. in Valrico is a space to swap stories, laugh, support each other and remember that no one has to figure life out alone. See Full Story Page 3.
BIKES FOR CHRIST CELEBRATES 3,000TH BICYCLE MILESTONE
By Libby Hopkins
Bikes For Christ the senior has officially reached residents its 3,000th bicycle of Belleair milestone as it rolls To w e r s , into the 2025 holiday while all season, continuing its proceeds mission to change lives go directone bike at a time. The ly to Bikes nonprofit organization For Christ’s is also closing in on ongoing serving 200 partner programs,” organizations across Simmons the Tampa Bay area. said. “We were blessed to be This year a finalist by two chammarks the sevbers for ‘Nonprofit of the enth year that Year’ and by another as a Bikes For Christ finalist for ‘Medium Sized has provided Business of the Year,’” bicycles to unsaid Bikes for Christ’s diderprivileged rector, Patrick Simmons. children at Bai“However, the biggest ley Elementary achievement this year Bikes For Christ is the provides transportation to more School. was hitting the 3,000- than 150 organizations throughout Tampa Bay. “Since the bike milestone. We are also closing in on program’s start, the organization has serving almost 200 different organizations brought joy and opportunity to roughly — government, nonprofits, schools and em- 150 children during the Christmas season,” ployers. I am extremely grateful that we Simmons said. “We are always looking for have been able to serve so many in the past volunteers to help us with events, work in nine and a half years.” our shop, bike delivery and pick up, grant Bikes For Christ is the premier provider writing and administration activities.” of transportation to more than 150 organiSimmons hopes the community will come zations throughout Tampa Bay that directly to Bikes For Christ’s event or show their assist clients in need. The ministry’s main support during the upcoming holiday seafocus is on veterans working to reestablish son by donating to the local nonprofit. themselves, underprivileged children and in“I am just hoping we can fulfill all the redividuals seeking a fresh start. quests we get this time of year,” Simmons “A simple gift of a bicycle can be said. “By this time of year, our funds have life-changing, enabling a low-income parent also been exhausted, and, more than anyto travel to work, attend parenting classes thing, we need monetary donations to conor visit a doctor,” Simmons said. “For chil- tinue to run program services.” dren, it can mean a safe way to commute If you would like to learn more about to school, attend tutoring sessions or reach Bikes For Christ or make a donation to their first job.” the nonprofit, you can visit its website at To celebrate the season and support its www.bikes4christ.com. mission, Bikes For Christ will host its second annual Bicycles and Holiday Bells fundraiser on Saturday, December 6, from 1-3 p.m. at Belleair Towers, located at 1100 Ponce De VETERAN WINGWOMEN................PG 3 Leon Blvd. in Clearwater. The event will fea- CHRISTMAS PARADE.......................PG 5 ture photos with Santa, food, drinks, raffles, WHEELCHAIR ATHLETES �� ...........PG 9 silent auctions and a family fun ride on the TENNIS FOR FUN................... ...........PG 19 Pinellas Trail at 2 p.m. “This festive afternoon will bring joy to EYE ON BUSINESS.................PGS 38-39
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