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CELEBRATING 23 YEARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS
SPURLINO Y OPENS NEW $6.6 MILLION SALTY SHAMROCK’S 4-DAY CELTIC FEST OFFERS FOOD, MUSIC & LIVE BAND FROM IRELAND GYM TO MARK 6 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2118
The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is delighted to add another gem to its facilities. In January, the Spurlino Family YMCA’s gymnasium was officially opened following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was attended by Ken Hagen, chair of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, and Commissioner Gwen Myers, along with many other supporters and Tampa YMCA leaders. The facility opened a day before Spurlino Family YMCA’s sixth anniversary. Located at 9650 Old Big Bend Rd. in Riverview, the $6.6 million gym is 18,345 square feet and provides space for 500 additional community families. Creative Contractors in Clearwater, which built the main Spurlino Family YMCA in 2019, completed the gymnasium. The well-known Tampa firm FleischmanGarciaMaslowski was the architect. Jarrod Williams, Spurlino Y’s executive director, was excited about the ceremony. “This is not just a momentous occasion for our YMCA but a significant milestone for our entire community. We have welcomed over 100,000 individuals to our YMCA since we opened. This new space is about much more than a gym. It will serve as a vibrant hub for community connection, allowing us to expand and enhance our summer camp programs, group fitness classes, sports offerings and so much more.” Hagen noted, “As chair of the Hillsborough County Commission and a proud, longtime member of the Bob Sierra Family YMCA, I am thrilled to highlight the YMCA’s lasting impact on our community and residents.”
Staff Report
By Makenzie Atkins Noel
“The partnership between the county and the Tampa YMCA is more than just funding — it is a collaborative effort to meet the diverse needs of our community. Through this partnership, we are enhancing the lives of our residents by providing access to fitness, education and wellness programs that cater to people of all ages and backgrounds. The Y’s commitment to strengthening the fabric of our community is evident in the opportunities it provides,” he added. Myers added the gym is “all about community. My mind goes back to 2023 when we decided to build this gymnasium. All of you saw a need and made it happen. The YMCA keeps our children off the streets and gives them a safe place to be active. This is what today is about for me,” said Myers. Matt Mitchell, president and CEO, noted, “This milestone would not have been possible without the steadfast support of Hillsborough County, who generously leased us the land and provided a transformative million-dollar gift.” “We are also deeply grateful to our generous donors and community partners, whose contributions were vital to this project, including Commissioner Myers and Hagen, the Spurlino Family, the LV Thompson Foundation, Creative Contractors, TECO, Jarrod Williams and his exceptional Spurlino Family YMCA Team,” said Mitchell. Guests enjoyed facility tours and sports demonstrations following the event. For more information, visit https://www. tampaymca.org/
Prepare to deliver a memexperience the orable St. Padultimate St. dy’s Day perPatrick’s Day formance on celebration March 17, makat the Salty ing it a mustS h a m r o c k ’s see part of the 2025 Celtic Celtic Fest. Fest, a fourThe festival day event filled will feature with music, delicious Irish food and Irish specials, inWith 10 live performances from local and international traditions. cluding corned bands, Salty Shamrock’s Celtic Fest is the St. Paddy’s Day Now in its beef and cabparty you won’t want to miss. ninth year of bage, Reuben hosting St. Padsandwiches, dy’s Day parties, fish and chips, the Salty Shamshepherd’s pie rock, located at and bangers 6186 N. U.S. 41 and mash. in Apollo Beach, Guests can is going bigger enjoy a pint and better than of Guinness, ever before Shamrock Red with a four-day Ale, green beer, festival from Salty Shamrock’s 2025 Celtic Fest celebrates with a weekend or Jameson Friday, March full of live music, Irish food and festive drinks. Purchase a whiskey while 14, through four-day wristband and enjoy the festivities all weekend long. soaking in the Monday, March 17. Featuring live music, atmosphere. Two large outdoor tents with authentic Irish food, festive drinks and tables and chairs will ensure everyone has plenty of fun, this event is perfect for any- a comfortable place to relax, rain or shine. one looking to celebrate. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Tickets are just $5 per day or $10 for the their best Irish-themed outfits to fully emfour-day wristband, making it easy to en- brace the spirit of the weekend. The New joy the full festival experience. Wristbands World Celts, a local Irish club, will also can be purchased at the Salty Shamrock host booths throughout the event, bringing on the day of the event. cultural enrichment and more. “This festival is unique in the fact that The Salty Shamrock is a beloved Irish we are featuring 10 of Tampa Bay’s top pub known for its welcoming atmosphere, bands for entertainment,” said Terri Sher- great food and live entertainment. Whethman, general manager. “One of the biggest er you’re a local or visiting from out of highlights is the performance by Blue Skye town, the Celtic Fest is your chance to Pipes and Drum Band.” experience the best of Irish hospitality in Guests will enjoy a variety of live mu- Southwest Florida. sic throughout the festival. Stormbringer For updates and more information, visit kicks off the festivities on Friday, with Mrs. https://saltyshamrock.net/. Red Band and The Fulcos taking the stage on Saturday. Sunday showcases SMAKK and Chas Collins, while Monday features MOTORING TAMPA BAY .................PG 5 the Nightbreakers and Crossfire Creek. Blue Skye Pipes and Drums will bring their FORD’S GARAGE BURGER.............PG 17 high-energy performances on both Sunday DERRICK WILLIAMS .......... ...........PG 22 and Monday, adding a traditional touch to EYE ON BUSINESS ............... .PGS 25-26 the weekend. The Irish Ramblers, a band BACK PORCH JAM........................... PG 32 traveling all the way from Ireland, will
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