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FROM SPECIAL FORCES TO SALVAGED HISTORY: VETERANS TURN RECLAIMED WOOD INTO LIVING LEGACY

By Brad Stager

Out of the foot white crucible of oak beams, service in elite known to the combat units, locals as Rotwo former manian Sisspecial forcsle, that have es warriors been holding have become a structure harvesters of in place for history with more than their wood 200 years. recovery and The task repurposing of bringing Christian Knutzen (left) and Chris Kelley operate the Three Forks the business. treaF o r m e r Wood Reclamation company, which recovers distinctive wood sured wood from around the world for design projects.

Navy Seal to the UnitChris Kelley ed States and former Green involves overcoming Beret Christian Knuthings like remote tzen have traded in mountain transport their service fatigues and shipping containfor workshop attire er challenges, as well with their Three Forks as meeting strict imWood Reclamation company. port requirements.

The local company sources and collects The story behind the company’s name the beams and planks of structures that speaks to a purpose that goes beyond enhave connections to historical places and trepreneurship and is an essential part of events or possess cultural characteristics each Three Forks project. for design projects that preserve the mate“In the mid-’90s, just out of high school, rial and maintain connections with its her- my good friend Fritz and I embarked on a itage. Wood with an interesting legacy is 60-day canoe trip from the headwaters of repurposed for a range of design projects, the Missouri River in Montana — a conflusuch as bespoke furniture, architectural ence of three rivers at a place called Three expression in luxury homes, corporate of- Forks — all the way to North Dakota,” fices, hospitality businesses and even mu- Knutzen wrote in an email. “Fritz was killed seums. continuing this type of raw adventuring in Sources include wooden watercraft, ag- the country of Georgia many years later ing estates and even wood from a barn near while I was in the Army, and I wish I had the site of the WWII amphibious D-Day been there for him. While I was able to esassault by allied forces along France’s Nor- cort his body back from Tbilisi, Three Forks mandy coastline. As the fighting moved to is an homage to Fritz, his spirit of braving the countryside, buildings such as the barn the world and dedication to connecting at Marmion Farm witnessed the historic with people wherever he went.” operation’s carnage that liberated Europe.

You can learn more about Three Forks Daily operation of the business means Wood Reclamation by visiting www. traveling to remote locations, such as threeforkswoodreclamation.com or calling Transylvania, to source materials like 50- 844-433-6757.

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HIGH 5 INC. IN BRANDON HOSTS THE WORLD’S LARGEST SWIMMING LESSON

By Gabe Themar More than and Sound, or 100 children IDVES, provided ages 3 and up a live DJ for the gathered at the duration of the High 5 Recreevent. ation Center The Hillsborin Brandon to ough County Fire take part in the Rescue DepartWorld’s Largment also atest Swimming tended the event, Lesson (WLSL), with kids being a global initiaable to meet two tive aimed at firefighters and promoting waget a free trinter safety and ket at their tateaching kids ble. High 5’s own essential swimkangaroo mascot ming skills. also made an apThe World’s pearance, hangLargest Swiming out with the ming Lesson is kids and getting a promotional his groove on the event designed dance floor. to raise awareThe World’s ness and bring Largest Swimlocal and national media ming Lesson is an annual attention to the imporevent happening in local tance of teaching kids communities every sumto swim, both to prevent mer. For more information drowning and to increase on the WLSL or for details their quality of life. about next year’s swimming “By joining our voices lesson, go to www.wlsl.org. together,” said WLSL, “we For more information about can make a positive differHigh 5 and other future ence in the lives of children community events hosted and adults and drive home there, those interested can the message that learning call at 813-689-0908 or to swim is as important to email memberservices@ general safety as wearing Swimmers began their lesson by high5inc.org. The High 5 a seat belt when riding in Recreation Center is lopracticing their kicks. a car.” cated at 405 Beverly Blvd.

The kids in attendance went through in Brandon. Interested readers can also several valuable swimming teaching points, book an IDVES DJ at their own event from just learning how to kick their feet by going to https://idvesevents.com/ for properly to swimming out with an adult booking inquiries. caretaker, to finally swimming down to the bottom of the pool so they could retrieve pool rings to the surface. Afterward, the ST ANDREW MURAL....................................PG 3 kids got the opportunity to swim unassisted if they were able to, before the event ended HISTORICAL MARKERS.................. PG 8 KIWANIS 65TH...................... ...........PG 18 with a dance party on the pool deck.

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Valrico Edition

Volume 22, Issue 7

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Valrico Edition

PAINTING WITH PURPOSE: ST. ANDREW’S PADDLING TOWARD INCLUSION: MURAL BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER FLORIDA NONPROFIT EXPANDS ACCESS

By Lily Belcher

for about two years, and the pastor, Jayne Rideout, heard she was an artist. Pastor Rideout reached out At the beginning of June, peoto Nguyen to design ple picked up paint brushes bea painting that would fore and after church at St. Andecorate the side of drew’s United Methodist Church. the church.

The congregation, friends and The project was supfamily helped paint a four-panposed to start on May el community mural that high31, but Florida’s usual lights the church’s ministries. summer storms pushed It was the first community the launch back to the mural Sara Nguyen Harris denext morning. signed.

But Nguyen said it “I think the biggest part of worked out because it was that it was a community people got to spend led experience that we all got to time with their church pitch in,” she said. “Everybody community. got to help and leave a mark on She also said it was the church.” an opportunity for the The mural highlights the congregation to invite church’s food pantry, a program others to church. for elderly people with demen“I think that was tia or Alzheimer’s, the children’s the biggest and most ministry and the pumpkin patch The community helped rewarding part about the church is known for. paint the mural highlighting it was that it was such She said she was not nervous different St. Andrew’s United a community experiabout having strangers work on Methodist Church services. ence,” she said. “A lot the mural she designed because of people got to meet each other and it was done in stages. The first step talk, or have known each other but never was adding large color blocks and then really talked or gotten to work togethpainting over a projected outline. er.”

“I know quite a few people were nerAnd she added that the process of devous, but I think they were able to really signing the mural was meditative, and get into it,” she said. “And I had a couple she appreciated the opportunity to share people that were very involved and in- her love for painting with other people. vested in the project.”

To see more of Nguyen’s work, visit She has been a part of St. Andrew’s her Instagram @nguyenindoubtart.

FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

By Michaela Galligan

Removing the by providing Barriers Initiatives accessible are making waves in golf carts developing inclusivand other ity and accessibility transporacross the state of tation for Florida, both figuracamps in tively and literally.

Lake Aurora.

The Central FloriSince then, da-based nonprofit these mahas been working terials have to ensure those with A team of people canoeing together on Lake Aurora, with been moved physical disabilities across the Bill Redmon directing from the back. aren’t prevented from enjoying many of state, providing access for inclusion anythe things others can. How was this project where possible, from Central Florida to Talstarted? Surprisingly, with canoes. lahassee.

Bill Redmon founded Removing the BarWith the formerly operational Wild Creek riers after observing a lack of inclusivity in Adventures in mind, Removing the Barriers the areas around him for those with physi- has also hosted and organized accessible cal disabilities. The retired pastor and busi- events on the water. Those with physical disness director sought to make a difference in abilities can get into canoes and participate these people’s lives and found just the way in activities. to do that.

Recently, Removing the Barriers sponRedmon started Wild Creek Adven- sored this year’s Ms. Wheelchair Florida, tures in 2007, a company that encourages Schuyler Arakawa, in her fundraising goal of team-building exercises in 14-person canoes. getting to the national competition in MichThe company worked with many corporate igan this August. The event was planned to organizations and teams to resolve commu- have Arakawa in a canoe with others padnication and cooperation issues, taking it out dling on the Alafia River in Brandon. While of the office and onto the water. the paddling of the event was postponed “The canoes are a great way to encour- due to rain, the fundraising was still sucage teamwork,” said Redmon. “There’s no cessful, and the paddling will be rescheduled pretending to get along on the water, and later in July. communication flows naturally.”

Removing the Barriers also has big plans The project stayed active for several years for the future, including Stirring Waters, till Redmon set his sights on helping those in an accessible and inclusive water park. The need of accessibility. park is still in the early stages of develop“I’ve always had an interest in the under- ment but holds the goal of opening in Cendog,” said Redmon. “I’ve seen the lack of tral Florida in the coming years. accessibility and wanted to support them.”

More information can be found on its webRedmon and his team began the initiative site at https://removingthebarriers.org/.

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Page 4

Valrico Edition

Volume 22, Issue 7

LOCAL CHARITY CONCERT FEATURES VOWS RENEWED: ESTHER AND WAYNE DEVILBISS VALRICO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER

By Gabe Themar On June 16, Valrigan performing live at co Elementary School weddings and other teacher Sidney O’Sulevents. Then, one of livan sang and played her coworkers got her guitar at Voodoo Brewin contact with Vooing Co.’s charity condoo Brewing Co., and cert for the Honorary she began performing Mayor’s Race of East live at the restaurant Hillsborough County in April. O’Sullivan in partnership with shared that her pasthe Valrico/FishHawk sion has always been Chamber of Commerce for live music. and two different char“It’s not lost on ities: Hope for Her and me how beautiful it ECHO (Emergency is when a communiCare Help Organizaty comes together tion) of Brandon. through music,” said Sidney O’Sullivan is a regular live performer O’Sullivan has been a O’Sullivan. “It’s so speat Voodoo Brewing Co. in Valrico. musician since she was cial, I am so grateful in middle school. Going from for Chris Ciulla for the opBevis Elementary School portunity and experience.” to Randall Middle School Voodoo Brewing Co. and then to Newsome High is a national brewpub School, O’Sullivan particfranchise that opened its ipated in choir and show fourth Florida location choir in middle and high under the ownership of school, respectively. After Chris Ciulla in December graduating from Newsome 2024 in Valrico at 3432 in 2014, she enrolled at the S.R. 60. Voodoo Brewing University of South Florida Co. emphasizes communi(USF), where she raised money by singing ty connections and was thrilled to bring on with her sorority at the Singing for Shriners O’Sullivan as a regular performer. charity event at Shriners Hospital.

O’Sullivan sings and plays the guitar evAfter graduating from USF in the spring ery second Saturday at Voodoo Brewing of 2018, O’Sullivan began teaching at Val- Co. from 6:30-10 p.m. She mostly performs rico Elementary. She is now going in her cover songs but hopes to release her own eighth year there and is currently teach- album at the end of the summer. Fans intering third graders. O’Sullivan has also per- ested can learn about her next shows and formed in front of her students and the book her for live events through her Instawhole school many times, including team- gram page @sidneyosullivanmusic. Those ing up with three of her co-workers to sing interested in Voodoo Brewing Co. can visat Valrico Elementary’s yearly Veterans it https://valrico.voodoobrewery.com/ for Day ceremony. Outside of school she be- more information.

HONORED FOR 59 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

By Libby Hopkins Esther and the room and Wayne Devwalk away,” ilbiss met in Esther said, Maryland, “then go back where Esther and talk it worked at the through when Top Hat dinyou aren’t aner. They both gry.” worked for The couple Penguin Ranexpressed apdom House preciation to for more than the Plant City 20 years, lived Adult Day Esther and Wayne Devilbiss recently celebrated their 59th in Sneads and Care Center wedding anniversary. now live in staff and cliPlant City with their son and his fiancé. ents for their warmth, support and friendThey recently celebrated their 59th wed- ship. ding anniversary on June 11. In attendance “It’s the best place that I’ve ever been,” were their family and all their friends at the said Wayne.

Plant City Adult Day Care Center. To honAt the adult day care center, the couple or the couple, the day care staff hosted an finds a comforting rhythm to their days anniversary party that included the couple filled with socialization, activities and a renewing their vows as clients, family and sense of belonging. They eat together at a friends looked on. The celebration included round table with other participants, trading poetry reading, special tributes, piano tunes, stories about family, weather or memories celebratory cake and a slide show featuring from long ago. the happy couple through the years.

In the afternoons, the couple take part in “The staff at the adult day care center music sessions, sing-alongs or creative exfelt deeply honored and genuinely excited pressions. By the time they leave the center to help plan the couple’s 59 anniversary for the day, they’re smiling, feeling fulfilled, celebration,” said Remona Singleton, Hill- with stories to tell on the ride home. sborough County Aging Services general “You really see the love they have for each manager. “Planning the celebration became other,” said Jane Darrow, their son’s fiancé. a labor of love. There was joy in every small “They are like salt and pepper. You can’t have detail, from arranging a bouquet to making one without the other.” a slide show presentation from the couple’s Along with the Plant City Adult Day Care, old photos, to decorating the center. Every- Hillsborough County Aging Services offers a one pitched in. For the staff, it was about total of four adult day care centers throughhonoring a love story they had the privilege out the county that provide social activities, to witness each day at the center.” wellness support and a sense of connection The couple credited patience, communica- for older adults. To learn more about Aging tion and compromise for their marital bliss. Services and available programs across the “If you have a disagreement, leave it in county, visit https://hcfl.gov/aging.

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Valrico Edition

July 2025

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nitishrele@gmail.com 2025 CHEVY EQUINOX EV GOES THE DISTANCE … OVER 300 MILES!

By Nitish Rele Remember the metallic exterior Chevrolet Bolt, the with a white roof, ultra-smooth and drew plenty of cool electric vehicle, curious looks. The now under hiatus cabin is unlike to be relaunched in most gasoline cars, 2026? Well, till then especially the digEV enthusiasts can ital 11-inch LCD opt for the larger screen in the drivbut affordable, entry-lever’s vision displaying the EQUINOX EV (LT) el Equinox. Slotted below speedometer, distance, Tires: P275/40R21 Wheelbase: 116.4 inches the Blazer EV, Chevy has miles to go, average and Length: 190.5 inches thankfully gotten rid of all battery-level indicators.

Width: 84.8 inches the confusing nomenclaThe massive 17.7-inch color Height: 64.8 inches tures, such as 1LT and 2LT, display in the center stack Weight: 4,776 pounds and instead offers just the shows entertainment, cliMiles Per Gallon equivalent simplified LT and RS vermate and navigation read(MPGe): 109 sions. outs. We must admit we Base price: $33,600 Introduced just last year, were pleasantly surprised Price as tested: $52,040 Website: www.chevy.com the Equinox’s driving force with the 57.2 cubic feet comes from an electric moof cargo space, plenty for tor propelled by an underfloor lithium-ion several bags of luggage. The passenger volbattery with a capacity of 85 kWh. It pro- ume also is laudable, being 102.2 cubic feet, duces 220 horsepower and 243 pounds-feet with plenty of room for five adults. Stanof torque. You can go for 319 miles on a full dard amenities make for a short list: flush electric charge in the front-wheel-drive ver- door handles, built-in Google Assistant and sion. It is mated to a single-speed gearbox Maps, 60/40 split rear fold seat and arm/ with a one-pedal driving (slowing down to headrests, keyless open/start, etc. So, we a complete half by taking feet off the gas), definitely suggest opting for the $11,400 a personal choice for some. Regenerative convenience package, which will fetch you braking allows the vehicle, when coasting eight-way driver and six-way front-passenor slowing down, to capture kinetic energy ger power heated/cooled seats, a head-up that would be lost. It converts the energy display, dual AC, a wireless phone charger, into useable electricity to recharge the bat- ambient lights, a power liftgate, bright roof tery. Keeping the vehicle stable enough to rails and more. soak bumps is an independent suspension of Dual front and side airbags, side curfront MacPherson strut and multilink rear. tain airbags, front collision/blind-zone/rear The electric power rack-and-pinion steer- cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep/rear park asing is accurate and unswerving. Charging sists, automatic emergency brakes, adaptive options include a standard 120-volt Level 1 cruise control, four-wheel antilock brakes, power cord, which will take 24 hours to fully stability and traction control, a rearview recharge. Instead, opt for Level 2, which can camera, a tire pressure monitor and daytime replenish in eight hours or overnight. And running lights are standard. then there’s the public DC fast charge that Eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit can get you back on the road in 10 minutes at the time of sale, the Equinox EV is easfor a good 70 miles. ier on the wallet, sporty and fun while deIt truly is a stunner with slim LED head- livering an enjoyable, energetic ride. If you lights (that center lit light bar is cool!) flank- are mostly a city commuter and care about ing the familiar Chevy bowtie to give the leaving a smaller carbon footprint, then this SUV a fitting appearance. Our test, blue small Chevy is the perfect fit.

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Page 6

Valrico Edition

Volume 22, Issue 7

VALRICO NATIVE SERVES AS A MEMBER BETTER THAN GELATO: LOCAL AUTHOR’S OF U.S. NAVY’S SUBMARINE FORCE ITALIAN ROMANCE NOVEL

By Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach

By Alisa Gershman

Petty Officer 1st Class cruise missiles; carry and Kaitlyn Benham, a native of deliver Navy SEALs; conValrico, serves the U.S. Navy duct intelligence, surveilassigned to Commander, lance and reconnaissance Submarine Group (CSG) 10 missions; and engage in at Naval Submarine Base mine warfare. The Virgin(NSB) Kings Bay. As a subia-class SSN is the most mariner, Benham is part of advanced submarine in the a small percentage of Navy world today. It combines personnel continuing a 125stealth and payload capayear tradition of service unbility to meet combatant der the sea to help ensure commanders’ demands in Americans’ safety. this era of strategic compeBenham graduated from tition.

Durant High School in 2014.

The Navy’s ballistic-mis“I learned growing up to Photo by Mass Communication sile submarines, often reSpecialist 1st Class Mitch never give up on situations, ferred to as ‘boomers,’ serve Meppelink, Navy Office of even if they seem to fail over as a strategic deterrent by Community Outreach. and over again,” Benham providing an undetectable said. “Not giving up is important in the Navy platform for submarine-launched ballistic because lives are at stake.” missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for Benham joined the Navy six years ago. To- stealth, extended patrols and the precise deday, Benham serves as an information sys- livery of missiles. tems technician (network).

As a submariner, Benham is part of a “I joined the Navy to see the world,” Ben- small percentage of Navy personnel servham said. ing aboard a platform capable of bringing NSB Kings Bay is the homeport of East the fight to enemies in defense of America Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile and its allies. The U.S. Navy is celebrating its submarines. These submarines are capable 250th birthday this year. According to Navy of conducting operations in the Atlantic, officials, “America is a maritime nation and Arctic, Eastern Pacific and Indian Oceans for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy and the Mediterranean Sea. NSB Kings Bay has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.” is also the only Navy base with the capability achieve accomplishments during military to support the Trident II missile, the most service. sophisticated nuclear missile designed to be “My proudest accomplishment is making launched from a submarine. the rank of petty officer first class,” Benham There are three basic types of submarines: said. “I am proud of that because it means fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-mis- more responsibility, more things to learn and sile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile sets me up for becoming chief.” submarines (SSGN).

Benham serves a Navy that operates far Fast-attack submarines are designed to forward, around the world and around the hunt down and destroy enemy submarines clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and and surface ships; strike targets ashore with security.

There are so many read it. local talents hidden The first book in the within our communiCiao Bella series folties. Camille Metcalf lows starry-eyed Juis one of those people. liet Evans, who works Writing under the pen as a nanny to a bratty name Libby Tanner, 6-year-old from the which incorporates asRossi family in Milan. pects of her first and Metcalf described the maiden name, she remain character’s jourcently put out a new ney as an “incredibly book titled Better Than exciting and stressful Gelato. It is the first in time of your life when a series about summer you’re making the big fun and romance. decisions — where to Even though she live, what to study in doesn’t come from a Camille Metcalf, under the pen name school, who to date, creative writing field, Libby Tanner, is a local author who wants where to work — that to share her love for romance and Italy Metcalf always had a will determine the rest with the local book community. narrative side to her. of your life.” She hopes Studying public relations that her readers can find in college, she knew she something to connect with wanted to experience life Juliet that they see in their at its fullest while also own lives, or maybe somestaying safe. At the end thing to reminisce on from of her freshman year, she their past. took up the offer to beMetcalf is also preparing come a nanny for a family to release two other books, in Milan, wanting to throw Bigger Than Versace herself into a new and exand Brighter Than Times citing chapter of life.

Square, which follow the While she was there, Rossi family throughout. she met wonderful friends, She is grateful to be able visited so many stunning to follow her passion as an countries and fell in love. author and know that her She never expected to have such a head- family will support her no matter what. over-heels romance while abroad, men- Sharing her life on paper is one of the tioning that “he was American, which greatest gifts she could have in life, and [was] incredibly embarrassing when she is excited for others to share their you’re living in a country full of charming love for the story as well.

Italian men.” Her life and stories became For more information on the books and the basis for her romcom novel, one that release dates, visit www.libbytanneraushe felt could resonate with others that thor.com.

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Valrico Edition

July 2025

ROUND UP, LIFT UP: AUTONATION JOINS THE DRIVE TO CURE PEDIATRIC CANCER Staff Report Pediatric cancer wartreatments and, ultiriors, fueled by AutoNamately, a cure for pedition Inc.’s (NYSE:AN) atric cancer,” said Lisa Drive Pink (DRV PNK) Ryans, AutoNation vice campaign, led a heartpresident of commuwarming 43-car rally nications and corpothrough Tampa Bay in rate affairs. “Through June as part of the Nameaningful action and tional Pediatric Cancer financial support, AuFoundation’s (NPCF) toNation is deepening Photo Courtesy of AutoNation Inc. annual ‘Rally Funds the its commitment to David Frazer, CEO of National Pediatric Cure’ event.

Cancer Foundation (NPCF), and DRV PNK pediatric cancer care Kicking off a new and Champion Janelle Baldwin of AutoNation through DRV PNK.” impactful DRV PNK Leading the rally as pictured with pediatric cancer warriors campaign focused on passengers in the NPVincent, Olive, Shayann and Brody. pediatric patients, AutoNation, a provider CF-DRV PNK passenger van were young of personalized transportation services and cancer warriors and Tampa Bay-area resan ardent supporter of cancer-related caus- idents Shayann, Olive and Vincent. Stops es, presented the NPCF with a check for along the rally route included visits to St. $10,000 and a brand-new, DRV PNK-brand- Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and Johns Hoped 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Select for year- kins All Children’s Hospital, where AutoNaround use, bringing its total support for the tion associates riding in the convoy delivered organization to more than $460,000 since ‘Totes for Hope’ comfort bags to pediatric 2021. The passenger van and monetary do- cancer patients. nation were made possible by AutoNation In addition to its support for the NPCF, Finance with support from financial and le- AutoNation’s nationwide cash register camgal institutions. paign invites customers at more than 300 The donated passenger van, which will stores and collision centers to round up their serve as a mobile billboard to raise aware- payment or donate at checkout, with 100 ness of pediatric cancer while reducing the percent of funds supporting pediatric canorganization’s dependence on rental vehicles cer at local Children’s Miracle Network Hosfor operational needs, debuted in the lead pitals in each community through Thursday, position during the 43-car rally, a nod to the October 16.

43 children diagnosed with cancer each day To date, AutoNation’s DRV PNK initiative in the U.S., according to the NPCF. has raised more than $40 million for can“We are so honored to have been able to cer-related causes, continuing to drive improvide these brave children with this excit- pact through funding, resources and handsing opportunity to lead the 43-car convoy on community engagement. through Tampa, delivering hope to children AutoNation, one of the largest automotive currently receiving treatment at the two retailers in the United States, offers a nahospitals along the route and raising aware- tionwide network of dealerships. Visit www. ness and funding for more research, better autonation.com.

MIELKE FOUNDATION REELS IN SUPPORT FOR FOSTER YOUTH THROUGH FISHING AND FUNDRAISING

By Kelly Wise Valdes The MIELKE nections among Foundation, a noncommunity leadprofit devoted to ers, families and uplifting foster chiladvocates.

The dren and families event pairs busiin need, continues ness professionals, to leave a lasting generous sponimpact through its sors and seasoned ever-growing charanglers with top itable programs captains for a and fundraising iniweekend that tiatives. Since its blends outdoor founding in 2017, adventure with the organization heartfelt purpose. has provided vital The MIELKE Foundation raised more than $200,000 “What startfinancial support to support foster children and families in need this ed as taking year at its annual Casting for Kids event. and hosted engagkids fishing has ing events aimed at evolved into meanenriching the lives of ingful, life-changing children navigating connections,” said the challenges of the Pope. “We are infoster care system. credibly grateful for Launched with a the generosity of our clear and powerful mission — to improve supporters, who have helped us raise over the lives of foster children — the founda- $200,000 this year — bringing our total tion has steadily expanded its reach and to more than $1.2 million in support of chilinfluence. dren in the foster system and beyond.”

“Thanks to our unwavering supporters, This year’s eighth annual Casting for Kids that mission has grown into something event, held from May 2-3, featured a festive truly impactful — enhancing quality of life, welcome party at The Floridian Social, folraising awareness for adoption, building lowed by a spirited fishing competition at homes, awarding scholarships and creat- The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club in downtown ing job opportunities for those aging out St. Petersburg. Many gathered to celebrate, of care,” said Dana Pope, vice president of compete and unite around a shared cause. human resources and communications at The MIELKE Foundation continues to MIELKE Holdings. welcome involvement from individuals and Among its hallmark programs is the be- businesses alike. Whether through sponloved annual Casting for Kids Charity Fish- sorships, donations or volunteer opportuing Tournament. Now a mainstay in the nities, there are countless ways to make Tampa Bay area, the tournament raises es- an impact. For updates and ways to get insential funds for organizations supporting volved, visit https://mielkefoundation.org/ foster youth while forging meaningful con- or follow the foundation on Facebook.

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Page 8

Valrico Edition

Volume 22, Issue 7

TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 2025 FLORIDA LOCAL RESIDENT SHARES HER LOVE LEGISLATIVE SESSION WRAP-UP FOR FINDING AND RESEARCHING

By Michaela Galligan

On June 24, a ty School Board Good Morning member sought to Brandon legislause her term to aid tive wrap-up took students. place, allowing “I can’t say it’s local state repremy biggest win; sentatives to share it’s our children’s their thoughts on biggest win,” said the Florida LegisValdés. “There will lative Session. The be no more false legislative wrapsense of accomup was presented plishment for our

by Siesta G., with kids.” support from the Amber Aaron, Senator Rouson, Representatives Alvarez focused Greater Brandon Valdés, Rayner, and Alvarez, and Steve Manning his freshman sesgather for a photo.

Chamber of Comsion on emphasizmerce, B&B Capitol Strategies, TECO, ing the safety of Floridians, proposing a The Regent, Master Garage Door Co. and committee to help do so. The Security & Mark Proctor.

Threat Assessment Committee is now a The event featured panelists State Sen- House committee, focusing on internal ator Darryl Rouson, State Representative and external threats to Florida’s populaDanny Alvarez, State Representative Mi- tion. chele Rayner and State Representative “I’ve realized that the safety and secuSusan Valdés. The 2025 Legislative Ses- rity of the state of Florida is vital,” said sion lasted 105 days, from March 4 till Alvarez. “It is paramount to everything June 16, a very long extension from the we build off of.” originally scheduled conclusion date of Rayner also discussed the importance May 2. of business owners in conjunction with Each lawmaker also had their agendas the legislature, highlighting how lawmakof issues important to them for this ses- ers often work to benefit local businesssion. Rouson focused on mental health es. As a business owner herself, she disand substance abuse issues, passing legis- cussed how proposed legislation affects lation that has now been signed into law. businesses.

“The bill passed unanimously in the Sen“I don’t just look at things as a legisate and unanimously in the House,” said lator but also as a business owner,” said Rouson. “I took the 30 recommendations Rayner. “We all work to find ways for of the commission, the 10 most important businesses to grow and thrive.” aspects and filed Senate Bill 1620.”

Events such as these allow lawmakers Valdés introduced HB 1111, a now- and the local community to come togethpassed measure, which will end the certif- er and discuss successes and areas of imicate of completion for Florida high school provement, all hoping to see Florida and seniors. The former Hillsborough Coun- its citizens grow and do great things.

LOCAL HISTORICAL MARKERS

By Libby Hopkins Paige Carbon of Fish“Sometimes the Hawk loves all aspects marker will still be of local history. She there, but maybe the especially loves finding building or the strucunique historical markture is no longer there,” ers.

Carbon said. “Once you “I’ve been doing this see them and read the for more than two deinformation on the cades,” Carbon said. marker, you start see“When I travel, or even ing them everywhere. here in the Tampa Bay It’s a great way to find area, I will go around out about local histoand look for historical ry.” markers. When I find The Historical Markthem, I take a picture er Database stores of it and upload it to permanent outdoors the Historical Marker Paige Carbon of FishHawk love finding historical markers and researching historical makers. She and commemorative Database website.” recently found a historical marker at So, what exactly is plaques. It is not for Stowers Funeral Home. a historical marker? It memorials, dedication is a plate of metal, ceramic, stone, wood and donor plaques, survey disk monuor other material, typically attached to a ments or gravestones. It is not a listing wall, stone or other vertical surface, and of historical sites either. Markers must be bearing text or an image in relief, or both, outdoors, must be permanent and must to commemorate one or more persons, an state historical or scientific facts beyond event, a former use of the place or some names, dates and titles. If you’re a collecother thing. Historical markers can com- tor or want to get started, consider upmemorate people, places and events that loading your discoveries to this site. played important roles in a state or reNational and global events all happened gion’s history. They help educate the pub- somewhere, and historical markers mark lic through signage with distinct lettering, the place where many occurred. But the background colors and shapes. Historical richness of history is in its local details, markers are the equivalent to govern- details that can be insignificant on the ment signs, to identify places of historic global stage, such as the home of an inpublic interest. dividual who made a difference; a natural There are a finite number of markers feature, building or byway; or just someout there, and just like stamp or coin thing interesting that happened nearby. collecting, you can specialize and aim to If you’d like to learn more about the collect all of a particular subject, geo- historical markers, you can visit the graphical location, era or whatever other Historical Marker Database website at category you like. www.hmdb.org.

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Valrico Edition

July 2025

AVELO AIRLINES CELEBRATES ONE YEAR AT LAKELAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Staff Report Avelo Airlines celebrates its one-year anniversary at Central Florida’s Lakeland International Airport (LAL) and takes flight to Long Island, New York, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Avelo is the only airline offering nonstop service between LAL and these two destinations.

Avelo will operate these routes twice a week utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Affordable one-way fares start at $39. Travelers can book at www.aveloair. com.

Avelo Airlines founder and CEO Andrew Levy said, “It’s our one-year anniversary in Lakeland as we continue to Inspire Travel with two new routes to Long Island and Grand Rapids. These routes expand Avelo’s affordable, convenient and industry-leading reliable air service introduced to the Central Florida region in June 2024. As the only airline offering nonstop service to these destinations from LAL, we are making it more convenient and affordable for our Central Florida Customers to enjoy seven popular vacation destinations.”

Flights to New York/Long Island via Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) began on June 12, with twice weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays.

Flights to Grand Rapids via Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) began on June 13, with twice weekly service on Fridays and Mondays.

To celebrate one year in Lakeland, Avelo provided customers aboard the inaugural flight to Grand Rapids with a free ticket to Grand Rapids Public Museum, featuring an exhibit of the largest collection of Detroit Tigers autographed baseballs. The gifts were

Avelo’s way of showing its appreciation to Lakeland customers and the new connection between Michigan and Central Florida.

Growing Avelo in Central Florida Conveniently located between Tampa and Orlando, LAL offers travelers a refreshingly small, easy and fast alternative airport experience to the much larger and busier airports in the region. LAL’s location along the I-4 corridor makes it the most travel-friendly gateway to and from Central Florida.

Avelo established operations at LAL as part of its regional Central Florida base in October 2024. The airline initially positioned one Boeing Next-Generation 737 at LAL, with plans to grow in the future. To support its base extension, the airline continues to create more jobs in Central Florida aviation for individuals at all stages of their career, including pilots, flight attendants, ground services, customer support and more.

Avelo serves seven nonstop destinations from LAL: Grand Rapids (GRR); Nashville, Tennessee (BNA); New Haven, Connecticut (HVN); New York/Long Island (ISP); Philadelphia/Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania (ILG); Rochester, New York (ROC); and San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU).

America’s Most Reliable and Convenient Airline Since taking flight on April 28, 2021, Avelo has flown more than 7 million customers on over 57,000 flights. Today, Avelo serves 53 cities spanning 21 states and Puerto Rico, as well as three international destinations: Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Visit www.aveloair.com.

FAMILY PROMISE OF HILLSBOROUGH

COUNTY IS CREATING A NETWORK OF HOPE

By Michaela Galligan Family Promise of Hillsborough County is providing hope, support and homes to families across the county. The local nonprofit, started in 2010, opened its doors in 2014, creating a network of opportunities for Hillsborough’s homeless population.

Family Promise offers 90-day programs for families with school-age children; during that time, families will be offered housing and necessary support, as well as case management and financial savings planning programs. This support is completely free for participants, and the nonprofit has a network of support from the community.

“We are a homeless network, not a typical shelter program,” said Family Promise Executive Director Edwina Reddick. “We partner with the faith community that helps to provide lodging, meals, care, and more essential needs.”

Through a community of local churches and faith-based communities, Family Promise has been able to help many families in Hillsborough in need of support while facing homelessness. However, the nonprofit relies on more than churches to keep its doors open and help those in need, and it is very lucky to have a strong community of support.

Some of that community support comes from a local business networking group, Brandon Biz Pros. Co-founders Harold ‘Mack’ McIntosh and David Thornton felt it was important to give back locally and utilized their business expertise to do so, with all profits donated to charities.

“We collect all fees and membership dues

and donate them to charity,” said McIntosh. “No one takes a salary, but everyone makes a difference in the community.”

McIntosh and Thornton brought Family Promise into the fold a few years ago and have since worked closely in supporting the nonprofit. They have worked together to develop the Promise of Hope Party, a fundraising event full of music, fun and hope.

This past May, Keith’s Oak Bar & Grill hosted the third annual event and raised $3,340 for Family Promise, working with the strong community that supports this nonprofit and its work.

“Every child deserves a home,” said Reddick, emphasizing the event’s mission. “This means so much to us and the people we serve.”

Family Promise of Hillsborough County will host several more fundraising events this year, including the first-ever Tea with a Twist at New Hope Church’s social hall on Saturday, October 11, and the annual Christmas Cookie Sale and Silent Auction at the New Hope Church Family Life Center on Friday and Saturday, December 12 and 13.

Family Promise of Hillsborough County continues to support homeless families across the county and hopes to expand its network of churches and communities further to support those in need. The nonprofit can be contacted at 813-681-6170 or on its website at https://familypromisefl.org/contact/. Brandon Biz Pros can be contacted through its website at https://brandonbizpros.com/contact-us/.

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Page 10

Valrico Edition

Volume 22, Issue 7

MONSTER JAM RETURNS TO TAMPA FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW

Grand Opening!

Grand Opening!

By Gabe Themar Monster Jam is comen by Weston Andering to AMALIE Arena son. One of the most from Friday to Sunday, recognizable monster August 15-17, offering trucks, if not the most a weekend full of enrecognizable, Grave tertainment for local Digger won the overall families. Events begin event championship an hour before the last year in AMALIE opening ceremonies Arena. with the Monster Jam Other familiar facTrackside Experience, es returning to Tamwhere fans get access pa include two-time to driver interviews, Monster Jam Triple pit crew sneak peeks Megalodon also competed in Tampa last Threat Series champiand giveaways. On August, winning the Freestyle competition. on Megalodon, driven Saturday and Sunday,

by Angelina Nock; and fans can also start the fun 2004 Monster jam World early at the Monster Jam Pit Finals co-champion El Toro Party, where they can get up Loco, driven by Fernando close and personal with the Martinez.

12,000-pound trucks, meet Monster Jam will also their favorite drivers and bring multiple father-son enjoy more family-friendly duels to Tampa this fall, with activities.

Over Bored driver Jamey Gamer competing “Get ready for non-stop excitement as against his son and Wild Side driver Zach Tampa roars to life with gravity-defying Gamer. Uproar driver Jon Zimmer Sr. will stunts, heart-pounding races and plenty of also face off against his son, Jon Zimmer Jr., big air!” said Monster Jam in its press re- who drives Terminal Velocity. lease. “The world’s best drivers tear up on The truck list is rounded out by one of the the dirt as they battle for the Event Cham- youngest monster trucks, Sparkle Smash, pionship in four competitions: Racing, Skills, which is driven by Jamie Sullivan. Sparkle Donuts and Freestyle, where Monster Jam Smash debuted in 2024 and won its first trucks defy the laws of physics and do the overall event championship in Los Angeles, impossible. Fans will be right in the middle California, last year. of the action, helping to crown the Event The full schedule is as follows: Champion as they get to score the drivers • Friday, August 15, 7 p.m. in real time based on their skills, stunts and • Saturday and Sunday, August 16 and 17, saves.”

1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

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Valrico Edition

July 2025

RAYS BASEBALL FOUNDATION HITS NEVER BUY SALT AGAIN WITH HOME RUN FOR LOCAL INITIATIVES AMERICAN WATER SYSTEMS

By Emma Snider

Staff Report

The Tampa Bay sey Program has doRays aren’t just the nated over 100,000 local baseball team tee ball teams with but also a source of jerseys and hats, as community involvewell as helped with ment and support. equipment costs.

The Rays Baseball The South St. PeFoundation is deditersburg Neighborcated to improving hood Initiative comthe lives and circummenced following stances of those in the fatal shooting need within the comof an 8-year-old girl Rays Science of Baseball at Academy Prep. munity. It focuses on named Paris Whiteaiding youth through head in South St. Peterseducation and wellness. burg. The program exThe Rays Baseball panded on the topics of Foundation offers seveducation and childhood en specified programs wellness through the available to youth within Great American Teachthe community. Each program focuses on a In, the Rays Room and many more. different area of growth and enrichment.

The Rays Baseball Foundation also proReading with the Rays was founded in vides scholarships to students in the Tampa partnership with Suncoast Credit Union to Bay area, two being the Don Zimmer Memoencourage students to avoid reading loss rial Scholarship and the Barry Jones Memoover the summer. Students can win prizes, rial Scholarship. such as tickets to a Rays game, if they reach “We’re lucky to be able to live in a commucertain reading goals through participating nity with so many great nonprofits. We’re libraries. Over 500,000 students have par- honored to be able to fund them through ticipated in the Reading with the Rays pro- grants and scholarships and support all the gram. great work they’re doing,” David Egles, execIn June, the foundation held its Rays Sci- utive director of the Rays Baseball Foundaence of Baseball program at Academy Prep tion, said. “We’re also incredibly lucky to use campuses in St. Petersburg, Lakeland and the platform of baseball to teach our youth Tampa. The program involves fun lessons really interactive educational programming.” revolving around subjects like statistics and Even with the transition from Tropicana geometry. field to Steinbrenner field, the Rays BaseOther programs, such as the Big Game ball Foundation has worked hard to continJames Club and the Rays Jersey Program, ue providing its programs and servicing the work to give back to the community youth. community.

The Big Game James Club is a partnership For more information about the Rays with United Concordia Dental to provide Baseball Foundation, visit www.mlb.com/ support to foster children, and the Rays Jer- rays/community/foundation-programs.

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Valrico Edition

Page 12

Volume 22, Issue 7

SKIP THE TRIP OR CALL AND GO ONLINE FOR COUNTY SERVICES

By Brad Stager

Dealing with the support division dibewildering burector, residents have reaucracy of govmany ways to interact ernment can somewith local government. times challenge the “The Neighborhood efforts of people to Relations team serves accomplish things as a liaison for county ranging from ordergovernment to neighing a new trash can to borhood organizations starting a business. and helps support and But consider a world strengthen neighborwhere a few digital hoods through proclicks can connect resgrams and initiatives idents with a whole such as Neighborhood buffet of civic serMini-Grants and Hillvices and niceties, in sborough Backstage Hillsborough County government resourca streamlined and orPass programs to foses are available with a few clicks at https:// ganized manner. That hcfl.gov/ to navigate to the At Your Service ter healthy, safe and is the purpose behind portal. Shown is a view of Joe Chillura engaged neighborHillsborough County’s Square with the county administrative hoods,” said Agliano. civic engagement platOfficials also said building in the background. form, At Your Service, an all-in-one online that creating an account for the portal ofportal that promises to connect residents fers enhanced convenience, though guest with the information and services they access is available to everyone. Registered need to take care of business without users can save their contact details, track having to visit a county government office past requests and receive timely notificaor make a phone call. tions regarding updates or resolutions.

Available 24/7, At Your Service proUsers should know that submitted invides access to just about all of the re- formation is subject to Florida’s public sources and services that Hillsborough records laws and will be provided when County government provides, such as it is requested. Provided information also reporting stray animals or adopting a pet cannot be deleted after it is submitted via the Animal Services link. Other routine through the At Your Service or other tasks that can be accomplished include county government portals. Code violaobtaining required building and construc- tions can be made through the At Your tion permits, connecting with needed Service portal but not anonymously. The social services or reporting unsafe road name and address of the reporting party conditions. are required.

At Your Service is an initiative of the You can learn more or start doing busicounty’s Office of Neighborhood Relations. ness with the county by visiting https:// According to Stephanie Agliano, Hillsbor- hcfl.gov/ and navigating to the At Your ough County’s customer engagement and Service portal.

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July 2025

Page 13

Valrico Edition

NEW DRIVER EDUCATION RULES FOR TEEN NEW TECHNICAL COLLEGE IN PLANT CITY OPENING IN THE FALL LOOKS TO THE DRIVERS IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMUNITY TO HELP NAME IT

Staff Report Teen drivers in Hillsall new applicants borough County — and under 18. The fouracross Florida — will be hour TLSAE course subject to a new driver will remain valid education requirement only for those who aimed at enhancing completed it before road safety for young July 31 or for apmotorists. plicants age 18 or The Hillsborough older.

County Tax Collector’s Certain groups Office is notifying parare exempt from the ents and teens that a new requirement, new state law mandates including: teens who a six-hour Driver Ed- A new state law mandates a six-hour Driver already have a Florucation Traffic Safety Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course for ida learner’s permit all first-time drivers ages 15-17.

(DETS) course for all issued before August first-time drivers ages 15-17. This new re- 1, out-of-state teen drivers transferring to quirement replaces the long-standing four- Florida with a valid license and all applihour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Ed- cants age 18 or older. ucation (TLSAE) course.

Course and Application Requirements Signed into law earlier this year by Gov. The new DETS course must meet stanRon DeSantis, the new education standard dards established by the Florida Departwent into effect on July 1 and will be im- ment of Education under Traffic Safety plemented statewide by the Florida De- Classroom 1900300. Providers will be partment of Highway Safety and Motor approved through an FLHSMV application Vehicles (FLHSMV), with the Hillsborough process. A list of authorized course providCounty Tax Collector’s Office acting as the ers is available on the FLHSMV website: local agent. www.flhsmv.gov.

To help families adjust to the change, a All applicants must also provide Real transition period will be in place from now ID-compliant identification, proof of adthrough Thursday, July 31. During this time, dress and parental consent when applying teens may still complete either the four- for a learner’s permit or driver’s license. hour TLSAE course or the new six-hour “We want to ensure our community DETS course to apply for a learner’s permit. is well informed about these upcoming Teens ages 14-17 who complete the changes,” said Hillsborough County Tax TLSAE course by July 31 will be ‘grandfa- Collector Nancy Millan. “As we implement thered in’ and allowed to use that certifi- these state guidelines, our offices remain cate for up to one year. However, if they do committed to providing excellent service not obtain their learner’s permit within that to all families navigating the licensing protime, they will be required to complete the cess.”

DETS course before proceeding.

To learn more, visit the Hillsborough Beginning on Friday, August 1, only the County Tax Collector’s website at www. six-hour DETS course will be accepted for hillstaxfl.gov/drivers-license-id.

By Libby Hopkins Hillsborough fectiveness, County Public shorter program Schools invites durations, handsthe community on training and to participate in direct pathways naming the new to in-demand catechnical college reers. Technical set to open in and vocational Plant City in fall colleges place 2025. The tech- The Hillsborough County School District wants the an emphasis on nical college, lo- local community to help it name its new technical c a re e r- f o c u s e d , cated at 1690 E. college, which will be opening this fall in Plant City. hands-on trainPark Rd., will of- It has set up an online survey for residents to send in ing in a certain their suggestions. fer career-focused trade or technical programs, such as industrial electricity, skill. Four-year colleges, however, tend welding technology, building construc- to provide more theoretical experience, tion, HVAC, and forklift certification. and graduates are typically less prepared These courses are designed to be com- to enter the workforce. Many technical pleted in approximately one year, allow- schools even include the cost of textbooks ing students to swiftly enter high-de- in their tuition rates, allowing students to mand, well-paid jobs. calculate their education expenses more “The new technical college will open accurately. to adult education students in October While technical and trade school pro2025 and to high school students in Jan- grams typically offer daytime courses, uary 2026,” said Debra Bellanti, director many offer night and weekend classes of media and public relations for Hillsbor- too. This might provide a better schedule ough County Public Schools. “To propose for working adults who want to upgrade a name for the new technical college, their skill sets or transition to an entirely community members can submit their new field. Program lengths vary and desuggestions through an online survey.” pend on student availability.

The survey opened on Monday, July 7, An increasing number of students and at 9 a.m. and closes on Friday, July 25, working adults are electing to enroll in at 5 p.m. The survey is available in both vocational or trade schools because they English and Spanish. can receive a solid education quickly “Following the survey, the district will while also preparing for employment imcompile the suggestions and present mediately after graduation. them to the school board for review,” Bel“We appreciate your input and look lanti said. “The board is scheduled to vote forward to welcoming students to this on the official name during their meeting new school in fall 2025,” Bellanti said. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.”

If you’d like to help name the new techAttending a technical school offers nical college, you can do so by visiting numerous advantages, including cost-ef- this link https://bit.ly/plantcitytechnical.

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Page 14

Valrico Edition

BUILDING CONNECTIONS, EMPOWERING WOMEN: WORKING WOMEN OF TAMPA BAY CELEBRATES 16 YEARS OF GROWTH

By Libby Hopkins Jessica Rivelvarious ways, li was working such as paying in television 16 for billboards, years ago and complimentary was looking memberships for a women’s and grants for o rg a n i z a t i o n start-ups. The that supported foundation women entrealso continues preneurs and to grow the executive womWorking Women who were en’s network. growing pro- Working Women of Tampa Bay has supported and empow“We are ered local women for 16 years. The organization currently has fessionally. a savvy and 500 active members and hosts 12-16 monthly events all over “At the time, I supportive the Tampa Bay area. could not find an community of organization that did this,” Rivelli said. “So, I entrepreneurial women,” Rivelli said. “Toset out to create my own organization.” gether, we create the synergy that enables Her organization became Working Wom- each of us to achieve more than we ever en of Tampa Bay, and it began in 2009. could alone. With stunning energy and fo“We started out with a couple of wom- cus, our goal is to help educate, motivate en’s events in Tampa and then we had a few and inspire female professionals and womin Pinellas County,” Rivelli said. “We quickly en business owners.” grew to both sides of the Bay.” Working Women’s mission of inclusivity Today, Working Women of Tampa Bay and accessibility continues to drive the orhas 500 active members, some of whom ganization and foundation forward, providhave been there since the beginning and ing support and community for any woman now hold leadership roles. who needs it.

With affordable memberships, 12“We have this philosophy that anyone 16 monthly events and a community of can come to our events,” said Rivelli, em15,000 women over the span of 16 years, phasizing that there are no age or job reWorking Women has thrived under the quirements to be a part of the group. “We mission of empowering women entrepre- don’t have any rules. When you become a neurs through connection, education and member, you are not just a part of the fastfinancial support. est-growing network of women in Florida, The organization also runs a nonprofit, you become an ingredient in our partnerthe Working Women Foundation, which has ship and a unique feature of our richly comprovided over $100,000 in funding. Since plex organization.” launching in 2016, the foundation has utiFor more information about Working lized grassroots fundraising and donations, Women of Tampa Bay, please visit www. many made by members, to support wom- workingwomenoftampabay.com or call en-owned businesses. It offers support in 1-888-998-6483.

Volume 22, Issue 7

A LEGACY IN THE LAND: HONORING THE MANLEY FAMILY IN VALRICO

By Brian Bokor

Driving along Lithia Pinecrest Road in Valrico, just south of Bloomingdale Avenue, most people only see a modern church building with a sign reading “Creekside Church of Christ.” But long before the church stood there, this land was part of a working farm owned by the Manley family, whose roots run deep.

The property, located at 3949 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., was once part of a sprawling family farm that belonged to John Leslie Manley, born in 1904, and his wife, Eva Barna Manley. The couple raised their family there, including their daughter, Evelyn Manley Smith, who still lives nearby at 96 years old. In 1999, the Manley family sold the land to what was then Bell Shoals Church of Christ. The church, landlocked at its previous location, needed space to grow. After the move, it was renamed Creekside Church of Christ.

Ken Smith, grandson of John and Eva, remembers the land well. “My grandfather bought little pieces of land out here,” he said.

“He would buy them from the neighbors. He eventually had where the church is, where the school is, where Lithia Ridge is and even the 80 acres where Bloomingdale High School sits.”

It is estimated that John and his family owned over 300 acres locally. The land was once used for crops, then cattle.

Ken’s mother moved to the area as a child.

“Mom moved out there around 1935/36 when she was about 7 or 8 years old,” he said. “The roads were all dirt back then. The

bridge over the Alafia was still wood. I remember riding across it when I was little.”

“My grandfather had sugar cane, peas, watermelons, he had everything,” Ken said. “We used to take stuff to the farmer’s market over on Hillsborough Avenue.”

Across the road from where the church now stands, the family once raised miniature horses on the 26 acres now known as Shetland Ridge.

“My grandfather gave it to my mom (Evelyn) and dad (Carl, retired Air Force), as long as they built a house on it. She had a miniature horse farm there for years,” Ken said. “You ask anybody who’s lived out here long enough; they remember the miniature horses on Lithia.”

He recalled his mother wasn’t thrilled when they named it ‘Shetland Ridge,’ explaining, “They weren’t ponies, they were miniature horses!” By the 1990s, most of the land had been sold, but the piece where Creekside now sits remained in the family.

Bell Shoals Church of Christ made an offer around 1999 and the family accepted and the church recently was proud to recognize and honor the family by dedicating its newly installed playground in memory of John.

Church elder and Family Life Minister Dwight Eppler said the church had long hoped to honor the Manley family. “The church has long intended to dedicate something in John Manley’s memory,” Eppler said, “and hopes the ceremony will serve as a meaningful gesture to the Manley family.”

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Valrico Edition

Volume 22, Issue 7

FREE BEER IS BACK AT BUSCH GARDENS LOCAL AUTHOR BALANCES TEACHING AND TAMPA BAY THIS SUMMER WRITING BESTSELLERS AFTER SCHOOL Visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this summer are in for a refreshing treat with the return of free beer. For a limited time, the Tampa theme park will offer one complimentary beer per day to all guests and two complimentary beers per day to pass members.

Guests will be able to enjoy the free ice-cold beer daily, located near Congo River Rapids, with a variety of rotating options to choose from.

This summer, there are lots of new ways to enjoy all that Busch Gardens Tampa has to offer.

Summer Nights is back, featuring extended park hours, all-new summer-themed entertainment, all-new attractions and animal experiences and all-new food and beverage options. The summer lineup includes: • All-new Wild Oasis at Jungala — North America’s most immersive kid-friendly adventure realm.

• Wild Skies Dazzling nighttime drone show.

• Moto-Motion — High-energy indoor BMX and Motocross stunt spectacular.

• Meerkat Habitat — Colony of meerkats.

• TOMA at Orang Café — Vibrant Latin American-inspired quick-service restaurant.

• Casbar — Outdoor bar.

Explore Wild Oasis at Jungala: A New World of Kid-friendly Adventure Inspired by lush rainforests and teeming with animal encounters, thrilling rides and interactive play zones, Wild Oasis promises unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Within Wild Oasis, guests will embark on an incredible adventure. From en-

Staff Report

By Mylena C. Ferman

countering fascinating new animals to soaring down the all-new Tree Top Drop, families can explore interactive climbing structures, cool off at an immersive splash pad and take on a thrilling, self-guided scavenger hunt. Designed to ignite curiosity and excitement, Wild Oasis promises an action-packed experience for explorers of all ages.

Summer Nights Spectacular: All-new Stunt and Drone Shows Light Up the Park This summer, entertainment takes center stage at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with an exciting lineup of all-new performances. Headlining the thrills is Moto-Motion, an all-new indoor stunt show in the Stanleyville Theater that fuses high-flying BMX and motocross tricks with dynamic choreography. As night falls, the park’s skyline transforms with the debut of Wild Skies, an awe-inspiring drone show that paints the night with vibrant lights, synchronized aerial movement and an immersive soundtrack culminating in a spectacular firework finale.

Discover New Dining and Drink Options Two exciting new dining experiences at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Inside the allnew Wild Oasis at Jungala, guests will find TOMA at Orang Café, a vibrant quick-service restaurant offering a Latin-American inspired menu, complete with a prime view of the park’s orangutan habitat. For those looking to unwind and enjoy a signature cocktail, Casbar, a new outdoor bar located in the Moroccan Village near Zagora Café.

Visit www.buschgardenstampa.com to purchase tickets and learn more.

different direction and write something for the adults in her life. This decision led to the Dawn of the Blood Witch series, which takes place in a world where witches are evil and determined to take over.

Maria’s success as a writer was not without obstacles, however. She often relies on her husband, Joe DeVivo, for support.

“He stood by me through this whole thing,” Maria said.

Joe helps support Maria emotionally, gives a male perspective for characters, edits finished manuscripts and has even helped write a few passages. Their daughter, Morgan DeVivo, is also a published author.

Like her mother, Morgan is balancing school with writing; has her own writing schedule; has a book, Sun and Moon, set to release later this year; and is writing a new book.

“This one that she’s writing is very dark,” Maria said. “I’m very proud of her for that.”

Maria’s book, Witch of the Midnight Shadow, will be the seventh book in the Dawn of the Blood Witch series, and it is set to release later this year. You can find out more about her at www.mariadevivo.com, on Facebook at ‘Maria DeVivo - Author’ or on her Instagram page @authordevivo.

Morgan DeVivo (left) and Maria DeVivo (right) at a joint author signing.

Since publishing her debut book in 2012, Maria DeVivo has balanced writing Amazon bestsellers, teaching middle schoolers and raising her daughter.

Maria writes three nights a week after school with the goal of 1,000 words per writing session. She is not as disciplined in every aspect of her life, but she takes pride in her primary job as a middle school language arts and journalism teacher.

Maria has encouraged her students to develop their writing voice for over 25 years.

“When I’m teaching, I have to give my kids my attention,” Maria said. “They deserve that.”

Due to her ‘old-school’ teaching style, students cannot take writing assignments home and must write them in class with pen and paper.

“I force them to write critically. I force them to write creatively, whether they like it or not,” she said.

While her first series, The Coal Elf Chronicles, was inspired by her students and written with young adults in mind, Maria wanted to take her writing career in a

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Page 17

Valrico Edition

ASYLUM MADE TRACK TEAM FREEDOM TO WALK: NONPROFIT

TRAINS APOLLO BEACH ATHLETES HELPS PEOPLE WITH FOOT DROP

By Nick Nahas REGAIN MOBILITY & INDEPENDENCE

Antjuan Randall Roman Torres, found joy in trainan athlete on the ing his young kids team, said he joined in the sport that he because he wanted grew up participatto try a new sport. ing in. That joy later “I enjoy running turned into a sucand doing the long cessful club team jump, and I want to named the Asylum be a better runner Made Track Team. in the future,” said Randall, who Torres. founded the proRandall’s son, gram back in 2018, Antjuan ‘A.T.’ RanThe AAU team trains at the Apollo Beach Park was inspired by his dall Jr. (12), and and Recreation Center. love of a fictional daughter, Aziah character, the Joker, namRandall (7), are on the ing the team after the inteam. They both qualified famous Arkham Asylum in for nationals in July. the Batman comic books.

Randall, who ran track The name represents the and played football in ‘crazy’ mindset his team high school, went on to has in training and complay college football at peting for their goals.

Chowan University in The AAU team trains at North Carolina but didn’t the Apollo Beach Park and have the opportunity to Recreation Center. Athrun track in college beletes range in age from cause it wasn’t offered.

5-18. Randall said that He wants his athletes to for the first year that the have the opportunity to team competed, he had move onto the next level. about 10 students; last Antjuan Randall found joy in “I want all the kids to year, he had 15; and this training his young kids in the sport keep excelling, and for the year, they made the jump that he grew up participating in. new kids to come into the to 35. According to Randall, the team program and continue to grow and keep is mostly made up of athletes from the competing, and eventually for them to Apollo Beach area, but they have a few compete in track in high school and colfrom Bradenton. lege,” said Randall.

Asylum Made had a successful season.

The Asylum Made Track Team is lookOf the 35 total athletes, 19 of them qual- ing for sponsors to help raise funds for ified and opted to go to regionals. Five of their efforts. If you would like to become those kids qualified for the Junior Olym- a sponsor, contact Shante Torres at pics in July. shante@cbtayconsulting.com.

By Libby Hopkins

Daisy Vega foundsary technology ed the Freedom to to walk again.”

Walk Foundation, a The Freedom national nonprofit to Walk Founorganization, in Jandation has eduuary of 2013. For the cated thousands past 44 years, she about foot drop has been experiencand the electriing multiple sclerocal stimulation sis. Additionally, she devices that experienced foot can help them drop in 2012. After Walk. The fountwo and a half years dation has asof wearing an elec- The mission of the Freedom to Walk Foundation is to sisted hundreds trical stimulation assist patients by providing financial assistance for the of families in purchase of WalkAide or Bioness devices. device for foot drop, raising funds for she walked out of her device and no longer their own devices. The foundation has also needed it to walk. held 26 in-person events to raise funds for “Foot Drop is a weakness or paralysis the $5,500 devices. of the muscles involved in lifting the front “Freedom to Walk Foundation is compart of the foot necessary to walk,” Vega mitted to a life of walking for individuals said. “It causes a person to drag the foot with foot drop, regardless of their disabiliand toes or engage in a high-stepping walk ty,” Vega said. ‘Every dollar donated equals called steppage gait. The Bioness L300 Go a step towards helping someone to place device, when worn on the calf, sends elec- their footing in the world.” tric impulses to the affected foot causing To help raise funds, the foundation is the foot and leg to lift and follow through hosting a comedy show with dinner and with a natural, unimpaired gait.” dancing fundraiser on Saturday, October 4, Most insurance companies deny cover- at the Hilton Garden Inn in Riverview from age for this device. With an out-of-pocket 6-11 p.m. Tickets are $75. cost of up to $5,500, the cost is prohibi“It’s going to be a spectacular night at tive for many who see the Bioness L300 the newly renovated Hilton Garden Inn,” Go device as an invaluable opportunity to Vega said. “It’s an evening of fine dining, improve their quality of life. testimonial speaker, three comedians, “Our mission is to assist patients and their dancing, silent auction, raffles and a cash families by providing financial assistance bar. Our goal is to host a successful event for the purchase of WalkAide or Bioness that brings businesses and the community devices for children and adults experienc- together for an evening of education, giving foot drop,” Vega said. “We aim to help ing, and fun.” individuals regain their independence and For more information, visit its website at mobility by providing them with the neces- www.freedomtowalkfoundation.org.

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Page 18

Valrico Edition

KIWANIANS REFLECT ON CLUB’S 65TH ANNIVERSARY AT FORD’S GARAGE

By Linda Chion

As a freshman at Arminvolved with Kiwanis. wood High, Angelena BalI’ve loved everything di started her four-year I’ve done with the association with the Key club, but mostly my Club sponsored by the work with teenagers, Kiwanis Club of Greater and their Key Club Brandon, which in May programs at area high celebrated its 65th annischools.” versary.

Beyond its youth “Kiwanis gave me an support, Kiwanis for opportunity to develop Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon at Ford’s adult members allows leadership skills and to for connections that Garage Restaurant in Brandon. give back to my community in ways that I transcend casual friendships. wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise on “Kiwanis is like an extended family,” said my own,” said Baldi, now 24. “It provided Kiwanian Dustie Amatangelo. “If you’re the structure you need to give back, to have someone who is in child-raising years, you that experience, which in turn allowed me to need to build a community around you, and get what I needed to apply for college schol- that is what the Kiwanis Club does better arships. Kiwanis helped set me up for life.” than anything else I know.” Indeed, for all That an anniversary tribute begins with a age groups, including retirees with more kid’s Kiwanian experience is by design, as the time to volunteer, “Kiwanis is a great place decades-old club is known for its focus on to get involved with community events,” youth initiatives, including the Terrific Kids Amatangelo added, “and to surround yourcharacter-building program in elementary self with a ton of love.” schools. Kiwanis International supports also President-elect Lynn Langowski said she the K-Kids program for grades one through got involved because of her friend Sandy five and the Builders Club for grades six Weicherding, who took Langowski to a Kithrough eight. wanian-supported health fair, where comBaldi offered her remarks at the 65th an- munity eye exams, hearing exams and imniversary celebration for the Kiwanis Club munizations were offered. of Greater Brandon, held at Ford’s Garage “After Sandy passed from ovarian cancer, in Brandon in May. The club charter was I felt the calling to try and fill her shoes,” signed May 11, 1960, including by a mem- Langowski said. “Kiwanis truly is a family, ber of the pioneering Mulrennan family, for and it’s all about giving back to the children, whom the middle school in Valrico, off Du- which I love.” rant Road, was named.

Past President Julie Knurek said she “I joined the club in 1997, at the behest joined when her grandchildren were enrolled of my uncle, Bud Mulrennan, who was a at Symmes Elementary, where there was no charter member,” said past club President Terrific Kids program and she wanted to Jim Young, for whom a burger is named at start one. The program now is in more than Ford’s Garage, in tribute to his Kiwanian as- 20 area schools. sociation. “I was starting to miss my time in For more on the club and its initiatives,, the service, and Uncle Bud suggested I get visit www.brandonkiwanis.org.

Volume 22, Issue 7

FLORIDA NATIONAL GUARD EXPANDS DRUG PREVENTION EFFORTS ACROSS STATE

By Michaela Galligan

The Florida as many people National Guard as possible.

(FLNG) provides One such a wide range workshop is of resources to the Night Vision support and asPresentation, a sist local Florida completely free communities. As program that an agency with educates and dual federal and offers life skills state missions, for young peothe FLNG has ple. These can the opportuniinclude refusal Captain Zachary Mason joined the Florida National ties, resources skills, dealing and connections Guard in 2018 and currently serves as the officer overseeing with peer presto offer valuable the Drug Demand Reduction Outreach program for the sure and posWest-Central Florida region. programs to Floitive ways to ridians throughout the state. cope with stress, mental illness, trauma One such division of the Florida National and depression.

Guard is the Counterdrug Program. This “I am very proud of the work we have program aims to educate Floridians about done in educating young adults about this the dangers of drug usage and prevent issue, but there is still much more to be substance abuse. This operates under four done,” said Mason. “We need to be in more missions — analytical support, reconnais- schools, community events and outreach sance, training and civil operations — all programs to get one step closer to elimito reduce the supply and demand of drugs. nating substance abuse as a whole.”

Captain Zachary Mason, youth prevenThe Drug Demand Reduction Outreach tion officer of the Florida National Guard program operates with several missions in Counterdrug Program Drug Demand Re- mind, including education, coalition supduction and Outreach (DDRO), oversees port and outreach. the Drug Demand Reduction and Outreach The Florida National Guard Counterinitiative within the program, which is set drug Program has played a significant role on educating and expanding a prevention in providing free and helpful resources to toolbox for Florida communities, especial- people across the state in regard to this ly youth and young adults. issue. Mason and other officers across the The program works closely with schools, state aim to enhance outreach to educate community events and after-school pro- and aid more people across the state. grams to inform young people about the For any questions regarding these prodangers of drug usage, how to say no when grams, visit the Florida National Guard pressured with drugs and who to contact website at https://fl.ng.mil/services/counif they encounter drugs or need help. It terdrug-program/, and Mason can be conleads a variety of discussions, workshops tacted directly by email at zachary.c.maand other face-to-face programs to reach son2.mil@army.mil.

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Valrico Edition

July 2025

WEST FLORIDA FLAMES BRANDON SENDS SIX TEAMS TO NATIONALS THIS SUMMER

By Emily Harper

Six teams from regular season, finthe West Florida ishing 14-0-3.

Flames have qualThe 2010 DPL ified for their diviGirls team, led by sion’s Nationals, and Head Coach Dani they are preparing Dayan, is heading to represent the to Nationals for the club on the national second year in a stage against other row, finishing their highly competitive season at 11-3-2.

An overview shot of the West Florida Flames’ programs.

“Getting the expetraining complex.

These teams have rience of going to put in countless hours and immense effort Nationals again, bonding with my team throughout the season to qualify, finishing even more, and just having fun overall,” at the top of their leagues and earning the are her goals, said team member Mia right to compete at Nationals.

O’Conner Grana.

“I think it shows the strength and depth Head Coach Ashani Fairclough and his we have in the club in regard to the qual- 2010 GA team had an incredible season, ity of players, the quality of coaches, and achieving a top-ten national ranking in everyone being on the same page about the GA standings for the second year in what we want to achieve, with the main a row. The team finished 14-3-1 in regufocus being the development of both girls lar season play. and boys,” said Associate Girls Academy The 2012 GA team made history by beDirector Jamie McGunness. coming the first U13 GA team from West The six teams representing West Flor- Florida Flames to qualify for Nationals. ida Flames at Nationals are the 2008 Led by Head Coach Brenda Van Stralen, National Academy League (NAL) Boys, the team finished their season with a re2009 NAL Boys, 2009 Girls Academy cord of 14-2-2.

(GA), 2010 Girls Development Player Founded in 1975, the West Florida League (DPL), 2010 GA, and 2012 GA. Flames soccer club includes players and The teams will travel to either New Jer- coaches from across the Tampa Bay sey, California, or Minnesota in June to area. According to the club’s website, its compete. mission is to “promote the sport of socThe 2008 NAL Boys team, led by Head cer in the Greater Tampa Bay community Coach Eric Sims, ended their regular sea- with an emphasis on youth development, son with a record of 9-2-3. The 2009 NAL while providing each player positive opBoys team, led by Head Coach John van portunities and experiences to play socder Luit, wrapped up their season with a cer in a supportive and rewarding envi15-4-3 record. ronment.”

Head Coach Jamie McGunness led the The teams will continue preparing in 2009 GA team to a historic, undefeated the coming weeks as Nationals approach.

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Page 20

Valrico Edition

BLOOMINGDALE HIGH ARTIST

NAMED WINNER IN CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION Staff Report

Re c e n t l y, schoolers in Congressman our district Vern Buchanare excepan announced tional artthe winners ists, and I’m of the 2025 excited to Congressiofeature their nal Art Comart in our ofpetition, a fices here in district-wide Florida’s 16th showcase for District and high schoolin our nation’s age artists. capital.”

This year, 48 An addiexceptional tional comentries were ponent of the submitted annual art from across c o m p et i t i o n the district. includes the The first‘ Fa c e b o o k place winner Fan Favorwas Michael Congressman Vern Buchanan standing with first-place winner ite’ Awards.

Leavitt, a Michael Leavitt in front of his painting, ‘system error: expres- The winning sion blocked,’ on display in Washington, D.C. senior at pieces in this Bloomingdale High School in Valrico. category are displayed in the congressHis artwork, ‘system error: expression man’s offices in D.C., Bradenton and blocked,’ is currently on display for one Brandon. The winners were Madison year in the highly traveled corridor be- Tavarez with ‘Thermal’ and Emily Komar tween the U.S. Capitol and the Cannon with ‘Thought and Memory,’ both from House Office Building in Washington D.C. Bloomingdale High School, and Andrea Tied for second place were Jaden Den- Ledger from Parrish Community High ney from Manatee School of the Arts in School with ‘Patriot’s Game.’

Bradenton with her piece, ‘Ghost Town,’ The judging panel included professors and Hana Mullen from Pine View School from the State College of Florida Art, with her piece, ‘Winners’ Ticket,’ and Design & Humanities department and third place went to Celine Wang’s ‘Trag- staff from the Communications and Govedy at the Museum’ from St. Stephen’s ernment department.

Episcopal School in Bradenton.

More information on the Congressio“I’m grateful for the amazing submis- nal Art Competition can be found at sions from our students for this year’s https://buchanan.house.gov/congressiocompetition,” said Buchanan. “The high nal-art-competition.

Volume 22, Issue 7

AFTER LIFE-ALTERING INJURY, ARAKAWA NAMED MS. WHEELCHAIR FLORIDA 2025

By Michaela Galligan Schuyler Arakawa, fy Voices and Redea FishHawk local, has fine Accessibility, or recently been named ROAR, is Arakawa’s Ms. Wheelchair Flormission for those ida 2025, and her inwith silent disabilispirational story and ties, providing accesmission continue to sibility for all disabilimotivate and touch ties, not just physical people every day. ones. Her work has In 2016, shortly elevated technology after her graduation for those in need of from Yale University, assistance, such as Arakawa fell victim AI communication to a terrible accident. and captioning devicWhile on a fellowship es. to South America, a Of course, none falling boulder struck of this can be done Arakawa, leaving her Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2025.jpg Schuyler alone, and Arakawa Arakawa is Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2025. with traumatic injuis lucky to be one half ries that would forever change her life. As of a powerful dynamic duo with her mom, an active student, she found herself in a Meridith Alexander. The day of the accivery different life, waking up in the ICU dent, Alexander’s life changed forever as without the ability to speak and with lim- well. Alexander stepped away from her ited physical movement. career to care for Arakawa but has found “I felt like I was living life on pause and her own purpose and mindset from this that things could go back to normal, but it event. was moving slowly,” said Arakawa. “Now “The mental healing is the most importI’m working on finding my new purpose ant part,” said Alexander. “But through in life.” this, we have learned to turn tragedy into With the encouragement of a thera- triumph and understand that maybe this pist, Arakawa found the platform of Ms. wasn’t happening to us but for us.”

Wheelchair America.

The strength and bond that Arakawa At her first competition, she could hard- and Alexander share have allowed them to ly speak, and no one with a speech imped- accomplish great things together, and Ms. iment had ever placed before. During this Wheelchair Florida is just the beginning. time, she realized the necessity of access Arakawa will be representing Florida at for silent disabilities and used this plat- the Ms. Wheelchair America competition form to share the struggle that so many in Michigan later this summer. share.

Arakawa’s attendance at the competi“When you can’t communicate, you get tion is reliant on donations from her local trapped within yourself,” said Arakawa. community.

“That’s why I founded ROAR.” For more, contact Alexander at meridRaise Awareness, Open Doors, Ampli- ith@meridithalexander.com.

I Lost 108Confidence Pounds in For 10 Months Newfound Michelle

Fat has been the center of my life. I’ve made a career Coming from a Hispanic out the topic, co-editing twoand anthologies—What Are Arabic culture we are You Looking At? The Firstalways Fat Fiction Anthology and surrounded family food, Scoot Over, Skinny: The Fatby Nonfi ctionand Anthology—and my own making it hard to keep a diet.

Over the writing have centered on how my body is viewed by others and by yearsI Istill started depending on food myself. believe in those books andmore the work I have published. was stressed, overeating Nowhenever one fat or Iskinny should beand judged by appearance, just as we caused to be depressed should notme be judged by color ofdue skintoorgaining gender. a significant amount of weight.

I was Despite this, after turning thirty-five, my body began to spin out with “Dude, my figure but of always control. unhappy It was saying, what arefelt youI doing?” I was nearing could never find the motivation to change the four hundred pound mark, a weight I once imagined only the mywrestlers lifestyle. Ionwould always My saybody “I’ll start giant TV weighed. was telling me that if I on Monday” and then Monday would wanted to live longer, if I wanted to live, I needed to do something. The path I was on, the absurd come of around I would my diet.

I made excuses for everything put amount eatingand I was doing,postpone was destroying it. “A body can only hold so much,” itand waswould saying. others needs before me and my health. Took me 14 years to realize that the gained weight My body was keeping me completely sedentary. Worse of all, it was taking away my mental was not only affecting my social life, my family, my work but most importantly my health. stamina. I found myself unable to think, unable to write. My professional life suffered, and because My wake up call came when I was invited to a water park and spent the whole day getting of that, so did my personal life. I was a deeply unhappy. I never wanted to go out anymore, opting weighed for the slide only to be denied by my size. I’ve always been the “big girl” and I acto stay at home in front of the television. I couldn’t make decisions. Self-defeating and self-loathing cepted it, but that day I decided to change my lifestyle for the better. phrases entered my lexicon of language. I often said, “I hate myself,” or, “I’m ugly.” I lost my sense of It definitely wasn’t easy but I started my journey at 330 pounds going for walks and doing self. I did not think I could be saved. I did not think it was possible to regain power over this spiraling workouts at home because I was too scared to go to the gym. I lost around 40 pounds on and out-of-control body of mine. my own and due to my medical issues I had weight loss surgery. It was the hardest recovWhat made me start my climb out of the darkness? My wife, students, family, friends? Yes. But ery I had ever gone through but I kept pushing myself to stay consistent, focus on myself most importantly, me. I asked myself, “Is this what you want?” No. It wasn’t. It never was. and my journey.

So February this year, Ibefore contacted RobZFitness, little over eight months later,was I had lost Inintotal, I lostof57 pounds I started workingand outaat RobZFitness.

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The pounds shed, my body tightened, my energy revitalized—I believed in myself. show up for myself. As the weeks flew by I kept loosing weight and gained muscle.

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Atweek, RobZFitness wentand from 273 pounds toand 205.5 in 5Ks. I have never this way about my to body.

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Valrico Edition

July 2025

NOW , MORE THAN EVER, TRAVELING THIS SUMMER? NOW , MORE THAN EVER,

TWO DECADES OF SERVICE: CONGRESSMAN BUCHANAN CHAMPIONS LOCAL PRIORITIES IN D.C. AND AT HOME

WE REALIZE WE REALIZE THE Before you IMPORTANCE leaveTHE town, IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY make .sure

By Michaela Galligan

DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES

Congressman committee on Ways Vern Buchanan has and Means, roles he been one of the is proud to hold to most prominent further provide for political leaders his constituents. in greater Tampa “At the end of the Bay since 2007. day, my focus is on The United States lowering costs, suprepresentative has porting economic served Florida’s growth and putting 16th Congressional Congressman Vern Buchanan in the Health Sub- Floridians first,” District for nearly committee on Ways and Means as chairman with said Buchanan.

Congressman Adrian Smith and two decades, and At home in his Congressman Lloyd Doggett. his dedication to district, the conserving his constituents remains strong. gressman’s office does a lot to engage Buchanan entered his tenth term in with and support constituents. office this January. His district, Flori“I’ve always believed in staying close da’s 16th, encompasses prominent areas to the people I serve,” said Buchanan. across Hillsborough and Manatee coun- “Whether it’s meeting with local famities. The congressman has been a cham- lies, small business owners, or community pion for veteran support, strengthening leaders, hearing directly from constituMedicare and combating drug epidemics ents is the most rewarding part of this across his years in office. job.”

During the 2025 legislative sessions in His district’s offices, located in Brandon, Washington, D.C., Buchanan is focused on Bradenton and Longboat Key, can help passing and signing the One Big Beautiful constituents navigate and communicate Bill Act into law. with federal agencies they may need sup“This bill provides real relief to hard- port from. In addition, his newsletter, The working families and small businesses in Buchanan Bulletin, allows constituents Florida’s 16th District,” said Buchanan. “It to stay informed on what is happening in will make the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act D.C. and the district. permanent, increase the small business When at home, the congressman endeduction and protect over 16 million joyed spending time with his family, bikjobs.” ing through Alafia River State Park’s The bill passed in the U.S. House in May trails and getting out on the water in and is awaiting a vote in the Senate. In Tampa Bay. addition to this bill, the congressman “There’s so much to appreciate in our hopes to strengthen Medicare, ensuring District,” said Buchanan. “I’m proud to that essential programs serve those who represent such a beautiful part of Florineed them most, including seniors, veter- da.” ans and individuals with disabilities.

Constituents can find contact informaBuchanan also serves as the vice chair- tion for the congressman’s district and man of the House Ways and Means Com- D.C. offices on his website at https://bumittee and chairman of the Health Sub- chanan.house.gov/.

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Page 22

Valrico Edition

HUNKS VS. HURRICANES SHOWCASES RESILIENCE, UNITY AND SPIRIT

Staff Report

Tampa’s resilience vice and sacrifice took center stage at we witnessed,” said the historic Tampa Friedman.

“This Theatre as Tampa wasn’t just about Mayor Jane Castor our crews — it was joined community about our city pullleaders for the preing together when miere of HUNKS it mattered most. vs. Hurricanes — a I hope this film inshort documentaspires others to do ry celebrating ev- College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving co-found- the same in the face eryday heroes who er Nick Friedman stands with Tampa Mayor Jane of adversity.” stepped up during Castor at its documentary debut at Tampa Theatre. Among those last year’s back-to-back storms. featured in the film is College HUNKS emThe film includes interviews with Castor ployee Mario Martinez, who lost his entire and meteorologist Denis Philps and spot- home in the floodwaters but never stopped lights the quick, courageous response by showing up to help others.

College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving, “I had nothing left, but I knew my neighwhose crews worked around the clock to bors needed me,” said Martinez. “Helping remove storm debris and support neigh- them helped me heal. That’s what being bors — often while dealing with their own part of this community and this company personal storm damage. is all about.”

“We were spared so many times in the Founded 20 years ago by two college past, but this, Helene and Milton, got ev- friends, College HUNKS has grown into a eryone’s attention,” Castor said in the doc- national brand with over 200 locally owned umentary. “To see everyone come together franchises. Built on a mission to ‘move the to do whatever it took to get our city back world,’ the company blends professional up and running — I think that was amaz- moving and junk removal with a strong ing.” commitment to giving back — donating HUNKS vs. Hurricanes was co-produced over 5 million meals to U.S. Hunger, helpby Emmy-nominated Brick Creative, Out- ing victims of domestic violence move and bound.com and College HUNKS co-founder recycling or donating up to 70 percent of Nick Friedman. The documentary highlights items to charities like Goodwill and Habitat Tampa’s resilience and will air as a dona- for Humanity. tion on Tampa Bay Community Network With hurricane season once again ap(TBCN), a nonprofit focused on video pro- proaching, Friedman said HUNKS vs. Hurriduction training and workforce develop- canes is more than a film — it’s a reminder. ment.

“Prepare. Stay connected. And never unAnyone can tune in and find the film on derestimate the power of community stepYouTube at ‘HUNKS vs The Hurricanes - ping up,” Friedman added.

Documentary Film.’

For more information, visit www.college“We wanted to capture the spirit of ser- hunkshaulingjunk.com.

Volume 22, Issue 7

TAP INTO NEW POSSIBLITIES FOR DEPRESSION

Dr. Charles Devine of TMS of Central Florida is proud to provide NeuroStar TMS therapy as an alternative treatment for Major Depression and OCD. TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a safe, effective FDA cleared treatment for individuals, 15 years and older who suffer from Major Depression and adults with OCD. It is for individuals that have tried and failed medication due to the side effects or did not receive positive results. TMS is not a drug or “shock” therapy.

TMS therapy is an in-office treatment that is 18 minutes and 45 seconds long. Treatments are done 5 days a week for 7 weeks. It requires no down time! You can resume all normal activities immediately such as returning to school or work. We accept most insurances.

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Page 23

Valrico Edition

July 2025

BIG BOY SOAP HOCKEY LEAGUE SLIDES INTO BRANDON WITH INFLUENCERS

By Nick Nahas The Big Boy Soap several sponsors, and Hockey League, creatcommentators from ed by former Brandon Pewter Report. It had resident Nick Pletcher, eight teams of three hosted a tournament in compete in the tourJune at the J.C. Handly nament. It had influSports Complex. encers with over half a The former Bloomingmillion followers come dale High School stu- Nick Pletcher had the idea to film and out to be the power dent had an idea that produce a soap hockey tournament in his players in the game. took shape nearly four hometown and play with the friends he Each game was 10 years ago, and it has grew up and went to high school with. minutes long, and each finally come to fruition. team got one power He is a video producer play, where for one and founder of Glass minute they had the Eye Creative, a video ability to sub in one of production company lothe influencers. cated in Atlanta, GeorSwaggy P, who has gia. He had the idea to almost 300,000 folfilm and produce a soap lowers, played in the hockey tournament in event.

TC Drums played at the event. his hometown and play “The event went fanwith the friends that he grew up with and tastically,” said Pletcher. “I couldn’t have went to high school with. asked for it to go any better. We have a “During my bachelor party, I saw this YouTube channel and an Instagram and a video on YouTube of these people playing TikTok, so we’re going to try to keep postsoap hockey, so I bought all the stuff,” ing content.” said Pletcher, who added that he and Pletcher would like to have more of his friends played all weekend and had these events in the future. a blast. “For the next four or five years, “We don’t want to just have the one we’ve been playing it once or twice a year, tournament, we want to try to do a little trying to get together to play it.” more,” he said. “We’ll be trying to do more Soap hockey is played on a giant games and stuff as the year goes.”

30-foot-by-40-foot, soap-drenched tarp Pletcher said that his ultimate goal is to and is usually three versus three. become a team like the Savannah Banan“We don’t really have rules like hockey. as, where they can tour and be on TV. It’s kind of more rough and tumble,” said “They have their own YouTube channel.

Pletcher. “People throw their sticks; peo- Something that could sustain itself like ple grab a hold of each other. It’s definite- that and get huge sponsorships and bring ly a lot more loose and a little bit more out crowds. So, we kind of always look at wild than normal hockey.” them, and it’s like a shining star of what TC Drums played at the event, which it could be. Being on TV, that’s our goal, had a turnout of about 100 people. It had bringing more crowds as we go.”

ASSURANCEAMERICA PARTNERS WITH METROPOLITAN MINISTRIES TO SUPPORT HOMELESS AND HUNGRY

Staff Report

Assurance at the a n c e A m e r“Bridge ica, a proBuilders vider of auto Luncheon,” and renters presentinsurance, is ing Metdeepening ropolitan its support Ministries for nonprofCEO Tim its focused Marks with on home- AssuranceAmerica recently donated $50,000 to Metropolitan Min- a $50,000 lessness c h e c k istries as part of a larger $150,000 commitment for 2024. through — part a new series of a broader of communi$150,000 doty giveback nation pledged events.

The for the year. company is enBy addresscouraging paring urgent isticipation from sues like homeits employees, lessness and job business partpreparedness, ners, customers AssuranceAmand community erica is aiming members to to make a difjoin in volunteering alongside its team. ference beyond insurance. The company In May, AssuranceAmerica teamed up believes that “helping others helps us all.” with Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa Through its signature initiative, ‘The to host a hands-on volunteer event. Lo- Generous Policy,’ AssuranceAmerica docal insurance agencies, business partners nates 5 percent of its profits to organizaand members of the public were able to tions tackling homelessness and hunger. take part in activities ranging from meal Since 2018, these efforts have totaled preparation assistance to helping with $6.5 million, with nearly $2 million doafter-school programs. These efforts nated in 2024 alone. will support Metropolitan Ministries as AssuranceAmerica combines philanit serves individuals and families facing thropy with digital innovation and affordhomelessness, hunger and other crises ability, offering insurance that makes a while guiding them through life-changing social impact with every policy. To learn programs. more about its work in the community, Earlier this spring, on April 16, Assur- visit https://www.assuranceamerica. anceAmerica made a surprise appear- com/givingback.

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Page 24

Valrico Edition St. Stephen’s Women’s Ministry: Bullfrog Creek Bingo

Kappa Kappa Music Bingo Fundraisers, & More...

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Kappa Kappa Music Bingo

The Kappa Kappa Chapter of Kappa Delta Phi, Kids Depend on People, will be hosting a music bingo fundraiser.

All proceeds will go to local children and family charities. The event will take place at Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co., located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico, on Thursday, July 24.

Tickets cost $20 and will go on sale at 6:30 p.m., with bingo starting at 7 p.m. There will also be raffle prizes available to win. Come early to get your favorite table; there are no reservations.

The Community for Women of St. Stephen Catholic Church is a diverse group that gathers for fellowship, fun and service. Its mission is to support the priests and parishioners of St. Stephen through social and spiritual events that foster community and connection.

The group is hosting a music bingo fundraiser on Wednesday, July 10, at 7 p.m. at Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co., located at 3632 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.

Come early to grab a table and enjoy an evening of fun, music and — if you’re lucky — prizes.

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Volume 22, Issue 7

4-H HOSTS PROGRAM OPEN HOUSE

By Kate Quesada If your child based on that is looking for and the meetan extracuring location. ricular activi“Traditionty that covers ally, people project areas assume that from leadership 4-H just shows and citizenship animals, but to poultry and we are so photography, much more,” then mark your said Dunn. “We calendars for have a new the Hillsborfishing club ough Counstarting this ty 4-H Open year, and one House on Satof our clubs urday, August participated in 30, starting 9 the 4-H Food a.m. at the Flor- The Hillsborough County 4-H Association is hosting an open Challenge, a house on Saturday, August 30, at 9 a.m. at the Florida State ida State Fair cooking chalFairgrounds.

Grounds. lenge similar to Open to youth ages 5-18 years old, 4-H is the show Chopped, and went on to place an informal, practical educational program third in the nation.” organized by the Florida Cooperative ExDuring the open house, which will take tension, a part of the University of Florida place in the Florida State Fairgrounds’ Ag Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Hall of Fame building, each local club will be The group was started in 1909, and Florida in attendance and set up a project to illusranks number five of 4-H member enroll- trate their specialty. ment in the nation with 206,000 members.

“Our members are so excited to show According to Michele Dunn, Hillsborough how much they learn through having fun,” County 4-H Association president, South said Dunn, who added that, without realShore 4-H Club leader and Florida State izing it, members also learn recording and 4-H Dairy committee member, Hillsbor- bookkeeping, life skills, self-esteem, resilough County currently has 20 4-H clubs ience, volunteerism and much more. with 334 youth members.

For more information, contact 4-H coun“Most of our clubs meet once a week in a ty agent Amber Norris at 813-744-5519 church or similar location,” said Dunn, who or visit https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborgraduated from East Bay High School and ough/4-h-youth-development/. If you are was herself a member of 4-H. She has been interested in contributing to Hillsborough a volunteer with the group for 30 years, 4-H, visit https://ufgive.to/hillsborough4h. starting when her son was young.

Those who wish to attend the open house Most clubs have a specialization, from are asked to enter the Florida State Fairspeech and debate to sewing, and members grounds through the Orient Road entrance can choose which club works best for them and follow the signs.

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Valrico Edition

July 2025

AEDS INSTALLED IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PARKS WITH GIFT FROM AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

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Staff Report When it comes to first ensures that a cardiac emergency, first responders are the difference beimmediately notified tween life and death of the medical emercan be measured in gency. seconds. That’s why Hillsborough putting automated County Parks & Recexternal defibrilreation has made lators, or AEDs, in a strong effort to Hillsborough County make AEDs available parks and making in county-run parks. them accessible to Last year, the counanyone at any time is ty placed 50 deso important. fibrillators at parks On June 6, Hillsand sports comborough County and plexes with athletic AEDs are being installed in remote Hillsborthe American Heart leagues. The AEDs ough County parks and will require a code Association celewere a gift from the from 911 operators to open. brated the installaAmerican Heart Astion of the first of sociation.

25 defibrillators that The ceremony will be placed at the marking the installacounty’s most popution of the first of the lar and most remote new AEDs was held parks. Having an at Skyway Sports AED administered Complex, located at within three minutes 3901 George Rd. in of a cardiac emerTampa. gency significantly Parks slated to improves chances of receive AEDs insurvival. The defibrilclude Balm Park, lators placed in counBloomingdale East ty parks are designed so almost anyone Park, Brandon Park, Ruskin Park and the can use them with no training.

SouthShore Sportsplex.

The defibrillators will be kept in a In June, the county installed two AEDs locked cabinet in a publicly accessible lo- at Skyway Sports Complex in Tampa, and cation at each park. To gain access to the Carrollwood Village Park and Branchton cabinet, anyone can call 911, and the dis- Park already have them installed as well. patcher will give them the access code to For more information, please visit the cabinet. The requirement to call 911 https://hcfl.gov/.

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Valrico Edition

Volume 22, Issue 7

Free

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By Jane Owen Apollo Pools is the providing exceptional one-stop shop for all service without hidden of your swimming pool fees. needs — weekly serWhether you are getvice, repairs, new conting your pool cleaned struction and renovaor building a custom tions. Located in Valrico, oasis, the team apthe company has been proaches the job knowserving families in Hilling they are working in sborough County since your home. John said 1989. Its decades of that trust means everyexperience is matched thing. Every customer is by their commitment to Apollo Pools has been serving Hillsbor- treated like family. ough County since 1989, offering top-qualcustomer satisfaction.

John believes in ity service at competitive rates.

Apollo Pools is a building long-lasting family-run business relationships with his owned by two brothclients and said that ers, John and Paul once you’re a customPignataro. John built er, you’re a customer the business, growing for life. the customer base “We’re always availone satisfied client able for any needs they at a time. He said the could have,” he said. backbone of his business is personal conApollo Pools proudly partners with Lyon nection.

Financial to offer financing. Unlike many “Apollo Pools is more than just a pool banks and credit unions, Lyon’s expertise company. It is a family you can rely on,” is unique to swimming pools. Since 1979, John said. “We’re working for someone’s it has worked as a specialist in unsecured mom, dad, grandmother or grandfather,” pool financing solutions. he added.

On the Apollo Pools website, you can view Paul runs the construction side of the a gallery of its work, see the step-by-step business and is hands-on from start to process of pool construction and find out finish, ensuring that each pool is crafted how much financing you can afford. Conexactly as envisioned and that the team sultations can also be scheduled through its creates a space families can enjoy for years website, https://apollopools.net/. You can to come. also call 813-689-5197 or send an email to Every family deserves their own back- info@apollopools.net. yard escape. Apollo Pools can create a Apollo Pools is located at 3709 Lithia dream swimming pool and keep your back- Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico and is on Facebook yard pool in pristine condition. It offers @ApolloPoolsBrandon and Instagram @ weekly pool service at competitive rates, apollopoolsinc.

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Valrico Edition

July 2025

FROM BINGO TO GELATO: TESSERA OF BRANDON PROVES

SENIOR LIVING CAN BE FULL OF FUN

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA

By Madeline Gardner

Who says remuch excitement tired living can’t as bingo. Hosted be exciting? At every Monday, Tessera of BranThursday, Friday, don, there is aland Saturday, no ways fun to be game is complete had. Catering to without a candy the needs of both cart stuffed with its memory care chocolate and and assisted living honeybun donuts. residents, Tessera For Arocho, celebrates each Tessera of Branday of the week don’s culture— with lively activi- Celebrating Mother’s Day, the ladies of Tessera of like its activiBrandon were honored with a tea party. ties and field trips. ties—remains With a popcorn machine on hand, mov- unparalleled. ie days are hosted every Monday for as“This is the most beautiful place that sisted living residents and every Thurs- I have ever worked for. For me, you get day or Friday for memory care residents. so attached to these folks, and it gets to To satisfy their itch to shop, assisted a point where they feel that they have living residents visit a plaza in Blooming- everything here with us,” said Arocho. “I dale every other Tuesday, with stops at get so many kisses and hugs daily. I walk Publix, Bealls, and Dollar Tree among in and everybody knows I’m here. We try their favorites. Every other Friday, Tes- to do our best, and we will keep trying to sera memory care residents can be seen make it better for them.” enjoying routine bus rides and a local geTessera of Brandon is an assisted livlato stop, while assisted living residents ing and memory care community offering head to their local Walmart. a variety of services and amenities de“They love to go out,” said Tessera of signed to support seniors in maintaining Brandon Activities Director Yajaira “J.J.” an active and independent lifestyle. The Arocho. “They also love shopping.” community features apartments, comNo Wine Down Wednesday is com- munity spaces like outdoor dining and plete without musical entertainment. an event center, restaurant-style dining, The ladies of Tessera of Brandon can look a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a forward to manicures on the first three range of cultural, creative, and fitness Thursdays of the month. While Arocho programs. herself is a certified nail tech, a volunFor more information, please visit our teer from Encore Nails and Spa in Valrico website at www.tesserabrandon.com or comes in on Fridays to offer services as call 607-6880. Tessera of Brandon is lowell. However, no activity generates as cated at 1320 Oakfield Drive in Brandon.

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Volume 22, Issue 7

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Valrico Edition

July 2025

SIX WAYS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE THIS SUMMER

BRANDON JEWISH YOUTH ACADEMY TO OPEN THIS FALL Staff Report WITH FREE TUITION FOR MEMBERS • Dress them in lightweight, lightcolored clothes • Cool them off with a cool bath or swim • Keep your kids hydrated

3. Prevent water accidents With warmer weather and kids home from school, it’s a good time to master water safety. To keep your kids safe: • Always supervise them • Learn CPR • Make sure they wear properly fitting life jackets • Teach them to swim

The lazy, hazy days of summer are here!

Before you head out, here are some ways to keep your kids safe this summer.

4. Use a helmet A properly fitting helmet can protect your child from a serious head injury. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides helmet fact sheets for sizing and using helmets.

5. Keep bugs away The summer months show an increase in mosquitoes and ticks. To protect your family: 1. Prevent sunburn • Apply an effective insect repellent Use sunscreen with a sun protection fac• Check everyone who has been tor (SPF) of at least 15 that offers both UVA outside for ticks and learn how to and UVB protection, and don’t forget to reremove a tick safely apply.

• Dress children in breathable long sleeves You can also dress your kids in: and long pants • A wide-brimmed hat • Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts 6. Prevent injuries due to falls and pants Supervise your kids and check to make • Sunglasses with UVA and UVB sure the surfaces under playground equipprotection ment are made of wood chips or sand, not hard surfaces like grass or dirt.

2. Help them stay cool and hydrated Keep the fun going this summer by pracLearn the warning signs of heat-related ticing these safety tips. Still, if you or someillness and seek care immediately if your one you love does need emergency care, our child shows any of them. world-class team of health care professionYou can protect your kids from extreme als are ready to help. Visit AdventHealthRivheat by: erview.com.

By Mylena C. Ferman

Congregation Beth Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon is Shalom of Brandon is seeking students to a Reform Jewish conattend their Brandon gregation with approxJewish Youth Academy imately 40 members.

(BJYA). Set to open in Spindel explained that August, the school will one of the synagogue’s provide free tuition for primary motivations new and current membehind the BJYA was bers in good standing. to attract more memCurrently, the school bers and further serve offers two primary edthe community. ucational tracks. The Toby Koch, vice presfirst teaches Hebrew Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon’s ident and ritual comwhile the second pre- building with a ‘coming soon’ sign for its mittee chairperson, pares students for their describes the congreBrandon Jewish Youth Academy. bar or bat mitzvah by teaching Jewish his- gation as “a warm, welcoming group of tory, culture, prayer and Torah studies. people that care about each other.”

The program is “modern, meaningful, She explained that the synagogue’s and memorable,” according to the school’s members often go out of their way to help advertisement. The Director of Jewish Ed- the congregation. While Spindel became ucation, Neil Spindel, uses fresh approach- the Director of the Religious School, anes to teach ancient traditions. Some of other member stepped up to teach. Outthese approaches include using melodies side of being a teacher at BJYA, Ianna of ancient texts to teach Torah chanting Rosenthal is a Hillsborough County high and color-coded study guides about an- school teacher and mother of the two chilcient rituals. dren who learned under the school’s pilot “Our goal is to have our kids fall in love curriculum. with their heritage,” Spindel said, “we Her two children currently lead the 7 pm want our kids to enjoy learning about who service on the last Friday of each month. they are.”

“She’s showing me the difference that a The school’s modernization also includes real teacher can make,” Spindel said. the use of new technology. Spindel uses The congregation will hold a Q&A and Chat GPT, which he has named “Shlomo,” information session for the BJYA on Sunto help create the school’s curriculum and day, July 27, at 1 p.m. To RSVP for the intextbooks. According to Jewish tradition, formational session, email rsvp@bjya.org Shlomo—the Hebrew name for Solo- or call (813) 438-3914 by July 25. mon—built the first temple in Jerusalem.

To learn more about Congregation Beth “AI was very much central to the devel- Shalom located in Brandon, visit the webopment of the school,” Spindel said. site at https://bethshalombrandon.org.

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Valrico Edition July 2025, Vol. 22, Iss. 7

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Brandon-Based North Star Consulting Offers Personalized College & Career Planning

North Star Consulting offers private, one-on-one college and career consulting for students and adults. Founder Christina Sanchez Bonner, M.Ed., who has more than 15 years of experience in this field, created this company to serve the needs of individuals searching for personalized support in college and/or career planning. Services include academic advising, college admissions, funding education, resume writing, cover letters, interview preparation and career consulting. North Star Consulting provides a nonjudgemental approach to assist its clients in finding the ideal path so they can reach their goals successfully.

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American Institute Of Legal Counsel Announces Client Satisfaction List Selection

has made its 2025 list for client satisfaction for personal injury. The American Institute serves as a free, publicly accesMagnolia Soap and Bath Company celebrated its recent opensible directory deing with a ribbon-cutting from the VFCC. signed to help consumers identify attorneys and law firms in their area. Selection for inclusion is based on American Institute’s independent process and criteria, which considers factors such as publicly available information, client feedback and professional reputation.

May 16. The woman and veteran-owned Giddings Law Group is located at 519 E. business specializes in exquisite charcuterie Bloomingdale Ave., Ste. B, in Brandon. For boards and boxes. It serves premium meat more information, call 813-830-8284 or and cheese; house-made hummus, dips and visit https://giddingslawgroup.com/. jams; along with the freshest fruits and veggies. The mission of Graze Craze is to Graze Craze Char- bring people together through the art of cuterie Boards & charcuterie while committing to serving Boxes Opens in the community, supporting local causes and creating opportunities that enrich Brandon Graze Craze Char- lives. To learn more, visit www.grazecraze. cuterie Boards & Boxes, com/brandon-fl or call 813-692-9230.

located at 1076 E. Brandon Blvd., Ste. 101, celebrated its grand opening The American Institute with a ribbon-cutting of Legal Counsel is pleased with the Central Hillto announce that Brian sborough County and M. Giddings, Esq., found- Brian Giddings has made the American Valrico/FishHawk chamInstitute of Legal Counsel list for client er of Giddings Law Group bers of commerce on satisfaction.

Magnolia Soap And Bath Company Valrico Now Open

Magnolia Soap and Bath Company is a Southern-rooted brand dedicated to redefining clean living through handcrafted, plant-based bath and body products.

It recently celebrated its opening with a

ribbon-cutting from the Valrico/FishHawk Chamber of Commerce. Founded on the belief that personal care should be both effective and safe, Magnolia offers a vibrant line of soaps, bath bombs, body butters, sugar scrubs, soy candles and laundry detergents — all made in-house using naturally derived ingredients. The store also hosts private parties, birthday celebrations and DIY events, where guests can create custom products in a relaxed, hands-on setting.

Magnolia Bath and Soap Company is located at 3432 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.

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Page 31

Valrico Edition

July 2025

EYE ON BUSINESS...CONTINUED Compiled By Jenny Bennett www.fishingchartersruskin.com for more information and to book your fishing charter.

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Lucky Lauren Charters

Captain Carl Snodgrass of Lucky Lauren Charters believes that he has the best office ever, and he is inviting you to join him out on the beautiful waters of Tampa Bay. Everything is provided for you to enjoy a fantastic day of fishing out on the water, just bring whatever you would like to eat and drink — a cooler is even provided for you. Any legal-to-keep and good-to-eat fish will be cleaned for you to take home and eat. Visit its website at

Nominations for Feel The Love 2025 are now open. Marlin James is once again partnering with Lennox to provide a new HVAC system to someone in need. Last year, five local residents/families were awarded new units through this partnership.

Nationally, Lennox dealers installed more than 2,700 high-efficiency HVAC systems in 2024. To nominate a deserving homeowner, please visit www. feelthelove. com and put ‘Marlin James Air’ in the box that asks for local dealers.

The deadline for submission is Sunday, August 31. Units will be installed in early October. For additional questions, email carlena@marlinjames.com.

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EW E! N RIC P

Valrico Edition

EW E! N RIC P

3323 ANNA GEORGE DR

8346 IVY STARK BLVD

4BR/3.5BA/3CAR + OFFICE + LOFT + POOL/SPA $1,099,000

EW E! N RIC P

EW E! N RIC P

2BR/2BA/1CAR + DEN + SCREENED PATIO $325,000

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6119 BRADFORD WOODS DR

EW E! N RIC P

EW E! N RIC P

4BR/3.5BA/3CAR + IN-LAW SUITE + OFFICE + BONUS + LOFT + POOL $999,000

10420 ECHO DOCK LOOP

Volume 22, Issue 7

3215 W DE LEON ST #6 4BR/3.5BA/2CAR $899,000

EW E! N RIC P

4524 SPRING RD

3BEDROOM + 2BATH $319,000

1BR/1BA + 2.37 ACRES $190,000 EW E! N RIC P

3BR/3BA/2CAR + SCREENED PATIO $455,000

7107 COLONIAL LAKE DR

2927 HICKORY GROVE DR

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EW E! N RIC P

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4BR/3BA/3CAR + OFFICE + SCREENED PATIO $550,000

4627 TRAMANTO LN

3BR/2.5BA/2CAR + OFFICE + LOFT + SCREENED PATIO $585,000

538 SUMMER SAILS DR 3BR/2BA/1CAR $319,000

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4BR/2BA/2CAR + COVERED PATIO $375,000

1208 CARRIAGE PARK DR

4BR/3BA/3CAR + OFFICE + POOL $600,000

EW E! N RIC P

911 KIRKALDY WAY

EW E! N RIC P

5114 WHISPERING LEAF TRL

4BR/2BA/3CAR + POOL $515,000

2117 LAINDALE PL 4BR/3BA/2CAR + POOL $525,000

2001 E 2ND AVE #12 1BR/1.5BA/1CAR $375,000

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3125 S MILLER RD

3BR/3.5BA/2CAR + IN LAW SUITE + 1.02 ACRES $550,000