Riverview
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 47
February 2026 Volume 24, Issue 2
20
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CELEBRATING 24 YE ARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS
CHAMBER UNVEILS NEW BUSINESS A LIFETIME OF SERVICE CONTINUES FOR EXPO TO BOOST LOCAL CONNECTIONS NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF VETERANS Staff Report
Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce is inviting businesses, nonprofits and residents to take part in a new kind of business expo designed to be more interactive, more engaging and more valuable for everyone involved. The inaugural Spring Business Expo will be held on Friday, February 27, from 9 a.m.-12 Noon at United Methodist Church at Sun City Center, located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center, and is free and open to the public. Unlike traditional expos where vendors wait for foot traffic, this event has been intentionally designed to spark conversations and build meaningful connections. The timing is ideal, organizers said, as Sun City Center’s full-time residents and seasonal ‘snowbirds’ are all in town, creating a strong audience for participating businesses. One of the key features is a vendor promotion partnership, which encourages exhibitors to help spread the word. Vendors who promote the expo through social media, their place of business or community, church or neighborhood groups will receive a $25 discount on booth fees. In addition, the chamber will advertise across its social media platforms and in local newspapers to maximize exposure. To further drive booth engagement, the expo will feature Attendee Bingo. Guests will receive bingo cards directing them to vendor booths to collect clues, encouraging face-to-face interaction. Completed cards
will be entered into prize drawings featuring items and offers redeemable throughout the community — a win for attendees and vendors alike through increased traffic and conversation. Vendors will also benefit from a vendor-to-vendor networking incentive, encouraging early setup and intentional networking with at least 10 new businesses during the expo. Organizers said this element adds value beyond customer leads, strengthening relationships within the local business community. Booth options range from a $1,000 presenting title sponsor booth with premium placement and prominent logo exposure to premium entrance show booths at $300, standard booths at $125, and nonprofit booths at $75. Vendor space is available to chamber members only, and space is limited. Chamber leaders believe the Spring Business Expo has the potential to become one of their most well-attended events yet. Businesses interested in participating are encouraged to register early at www. southshorechamberofcommerce.org or contact the chamber at 813-645-1366 or sherell@southshorechamberofcommerce. org for more information.
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In January, Spectrum technicians and supervisors gave Riverview High School students an inside look at a day in the life of a field service technician, showcasing Spectrum vehicles, demonstrating cable connections, explaining coax and fiber technology, and discussing safety protocols while sharing career insights and answering student questions.
COUNCIL OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
By Denise Sansosti
Retired U.S. Air Squadron, MOAA and Force Lt. Col. Joseph the Logistics Officers Muhlberger has been Association. elected president of He also represents the Veterans Council the Library of Conof Hillsborough Coungress Veterans Histy (VCHC), an orgatory Project, helping nization dedicated to preserve firsthand uniting local veteran accounts from vetergroups to better serve ans of World War I the county’s veteran through present-day community. conflicts. For the past The mission of year, he has also hostVCHC is to bring toed Veterans Corner gether Hillsborough Radio (https://veterCounty veteran oranscornerradio.com/), ganizations to plan, Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Muhlberger. a weekly podcast promote and conduct patriotic programs, reaching all 50 states and 47 countries, with events and activities for the community. The more than 2 million listeners worldwide. council also maintains a close relationship “We want to hear from our veterans or with county officials on veteran and mili- from nationwide organizations that support tary-related issues. veterans,” he said. “If there is something we can present “If you’re a military person, get involved,” to the county commissioners,” Muhlberger Muhlberger said. “My uncles and grandfasaid, “it becomes a win for the largest com- thers served for their generation, I served munity of veterans in the state of Florida.” for mine and now I’m giving back in a manVCHC meetings are held on the last Mon- ner fitting of what I can contribute.” day of each month at 6 p.m. at Tampa VetFor more on VCHC or to schedule an inerans Memorial Park, located at 3602 U.S. terview for Veterans Corner Radio or the Highway 301 N. in Tampa. More information Veterans History Project, Muhlberger can be is available at https://veteranscouncilhc. reached at joseph.muhlberger@gmail.com. org/. Muhlberger is serving a two-year term and is focused on strategic planning and communication. “I am excited to fine-tune and implement a 24-month schedule,” he said, “so veteran organizations within VCHC can anticipate what’s coming and determine how best to participate and support one another.” After a distinguished 36-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Muhlberger retired to Florida in 2020. “My wife and son ganged up on me and said, ‘You have to get out and do someSEE OUR AD ON PAGE _____ thing,’” he recalled. “I did what my uncles and grandparents did. I joined my local HONOR FLIGHT MISSION.....................PG 3 VFW.” Today, Muhlberger is active in numerous NEW EPIC WAVE POOL...............PG 4 veteran organizations, including the Amer- BRIDGEWATER LANDING........PG 15 ican Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American QUEENA UPDATE........................PG 23 Veterans, Bob’s Vets, MOWW, the Air & EYE ON BUSINESS....................PG 33 Space Forces Association, the Silver Osprey
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