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January 2026 Volume 24, Issue 1
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CELEBRATING 24 YE ARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS
BOB’S VETS GROWS INTO FLORIDA’S LARGEST VETERAN GATHERING
By Denise Sansosti
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
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Every Thursto assist day morning in m e m Sun City Center, bers with Bob Evans opens medical its doors early needs or to nearly 100 to supveterans, spousport spees and friends. cial sitKnown as Bob’s uations, Vets, the group such as welcomes every raising branch of the Bob’s Vets is a group that meets at Bob Evans restaurant in Sun City f u n d s military for one Center Florida every Thursday morning throughout the year. All to send simple purpose: veterans and those who support veterans are welcome to attend. No a disbreakfast and membership is required and no dues are charged for the meeting. abled fecamaraderie. male veteran to a The tradition began Paralympic table in 2008 when Vietnam tennis competition. fighter pilot Sam Martin Local business or walked into a Bob Evans national donations in St. Petersburg and are always welspotted three men wearcome. Last year, the ing veteran hats. A casuGary Sinise Foundaal breakfast turned into tion’s ‘Soaring Valor’ a weekly ritual. Martin program flew four brought the idea to Sun WWII members City Center in 2012, and to New Orleans for the group quickly grew. a multiday experiToday, more than 400 ence at The National veterans are on the rosWWII Museum. ter, making it the largest As the group conBob’s Vets in the state. tinues to grow, Host Florida is home to the Steve Browning nation’s second-largest veteran population, said, “Unfortunately, we are getting too with Hillsborough County leading the state big for our restaurant, so that is the main in the number of veterans who live here. problem we’re facing. We are trying to get Bob’s Vets is not an official nonprofit, and more recognition for our veterans through there are no dues or membership require- the media and guest speakers who come ments. Instead, the group runs on commu- and show their sincere support or thanks.” nity spirit. A monthly email keeps everyone Above all, Bob’s Vets is a place where informed about VA updates, birthdays and friendships deepen, challenges are shared upcoming events. Guest speakers often and no veteran feels alone. To attend, speak attend, including representatives from the or support, reach out to host Steve BrownVA, Social Security, law enforcement, coun- ing at 314 853-3932 or browning99@ ty offices and even local elected officials. hotmail.com. All veterans are welcome on Their goal is simple: help veterans access Thursday mornings from 7-8:30 a.m. at the benefits, stay informed and feel supported. Bob Evans located at 102 Commercial CenThe group occasionally takes collections ter Dr. in Ruskin.
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful offers opportunities such as Adopt-A-Road, hosted cleanups and educational outreach to support local environmental stewardship. See Full Story on Page10.
BRANDON RIVERVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES ANNUAL MEETING & INSTALLATION LUNCHEON
Staff Report
The Brandon ship. Riverview ChamFor more ber of Commerce information is pleased to anor to regisnounce its annuter, please al meeting, to be contact the held on Tuesday, Brandon January 27, at Riverview 11:30 a.m. at The Chamber of Regent, located The Brandon Riverview Chamber of Commerce is pleased C o m m e r c e at 6437 Watson to announce its annual meeting, to be held on Tuesday, at info@ Rd. in Riverview. January 27, at 11:30 a.m. at The Regent, located at 6437 b r a n d o n This signature riverviewWatson Rd. in Riverview. luncheon brings chamber.net together business or 813-234leaders, commu5944. nity partners and About the chamber members Brandon Rivto celebrate the erview Chamsuccesses of the ber of Compast year, recogmerce nize outstanding The Brancontributions and don Rivshare the vision for e r v i e w the year ahead. Chamber of During the Commerce event, attendees is dedicated will enjoy an afterto strengthnoon of connection ening the and celebration, inregional cluding: economy, • Reflections and supporting lohighlights of 2025. cal business• Recognition es and fosterof members and ing a thriving community partcommunity ners. through lead• Installation of ership, advothe 2026 chair and cacy and colboard of directors. laboration. • An overview of the chamber’s strateFor more information about the Brangic priorities for 2026. don Riverview Chamber of Commerce, The annual meeting serves as both a cel- please visit www.centralhillsboroughebration and a launchpad — honoring the chamber.com. achievements that strengthened the Brandon and Riverview business community in 2025 while outlining the initiatives that will drive growth, advocacy and collabo- SCOUTS HONOR VETERANS.................PG 3 ration in 2026. RIVERVIEW ARTIST............ ............PG 7 Members, guests and community lead- WINDOW BIRD SAFETY..............PG 14 ers are invited to join this important gathering as the chamber steps confidently HOPE HOUSE OPENS....................PG 24 into a new year of progress and partner- EYE ON BUSINESS.........................PG 33
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