May Brandon:Winthrop 2025

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Door Company and it made the BuschGardens.com/camps has been difference,” Steve th a trusted p: K-12 Grade garage door sersaid. “Within the (813) thcompany th for884-4FUN (4386) vice chamber, you mp: 7 -12 Grade the Hillsborough make friends and County area since connections, and 1997. Steve Manyou are given ning and his wife, back community ©2025 United Parks & Resorts, Inc. Tawnie, founded support,” he addthe company with ed. a commitment to Steve believes serving with inwholeheartedly in Steve and Tawnie Manning, owners of Master Garage tegrity and a high the importance of Door Company, at a Homes For Our Troops event. regard for earning being involved in the trust of the the chamber. He community. said the chamber Over the past fosters relation25-plus years, ©2025 not United Parks & Resorts, Inc. ships between only has Master businesses and Garage Door Comcreates a platform pany proven to the for businesses to community the solid quality of its work, but be heard within unincorporated Brandon. it has also become a trusted partner within Aaron commended Steve for his support the community. of the businesses and chamber.

In March, the Mannings sponsored two “This is a great way to build the chamber’s businesses, Lavished Studio LLC and Gulf network and to show support for businesses Coast Beard Company, with Greater Bran- that need the resources of chamber memdon Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) Busi- bership,” she said. ness Kickstart memberships.

Master Garage Door Company specializes The GBCC revamped its membership lev- in the installation, service and repair of all els in 2024 to offer a low-cost membership, makes and models of residential and light the Business Kickstart level, to starter busi- commercial garage doors and garage door nesses that have less than three employees openers with the highest quality parts availor are in the retail or restaurant industry. able.

GBCC Executive Vice President Amber Sunday, June 1, is the beginning of hurAaron introduced the strategy for the Busi- ricane season. Every new door installed by ness Kickstart membership to engage more Master Garage Door Company is permitted members and broaden the chamber’s reach by Hillsborough County to meet all wind to start-up and existing businesses. load and hurricane specifications for hurriSteve knows firsthand the benefit of busi- cane code requirements. nesses helping businesses and is grateful to To chedule a free consultation, visit www. be able to help young entrepreneurs who are mastergaragedoor.com or call 813-684starting their businesses.

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CELEBRATE YOUR GRADUATE WITH YOUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY! Purchase a Graduation Advertisement in The Osprey Observer Community Newspaper

By Linda Chion

Tucked away off State of palm frond fibers,” Road 60, just west of Proctor said.

Lakewood Drive, sits an The working title is historic pioneer home Just Breathe, and the that sheltered centemovie, Proctor added, is narian Julia Winifred a thriller.

Moseley for most of her Behind the effort is life, built by her grandfaDavid Yates, who as ther in the 1880s, which CEO of the Clearwater in May became a filming Aquarium, from 2006 location for a Lifetime to 2020, co-produced movie.

Dolphin Tale and execYears before her utive produced Dolphin death, August 9 at age Tale 2, and who Proctor Photos By Linda Chion 101, Moseley, who nevsaid vows to “make sure Filming underway for a Lifetime movie er married, worked to scene at a barn on the Moseley Homestead everything is kept true establish the Timberly to prevent any damage property in Brandon.

Trust, in part with the to the Moseley Homeassistance of school stead.” namesakes Dick StowAccording to Procers, who first owned a tor, trustees believe the funeral home in Branmovie can aid in the don, and Earl Lennard, effort to get preservaa Brandon High gradution funds from county ate and former superinofficials and corporate, tendent of schools. Its business and individual mission is to preserve donors, as the Moseley the Moseley Homestead Homestead preservation as testament to the pioproject is sponsored in neer ways of a town claimed by Limona set- part by the Florida Department of State, tlers, next door to a town called New Hope, Division of Historical Resources. which today is known as the sprawling sub“And maybe we will get to tell the backurban Tampa Bay foothold of Brandon. story of how the movie was produced, and Members of the Timberly Trust Board maybe even use the Moseley Homestead of Trustees, chaired by Mark Proctor, aim property for a documentary, about the histo keep an aging woman’s wishes alive, as tory of Brandon itself,” Proctor added.

Moseley herself attended trustee meetings, In the meantime, Yates has a copy of including for the occasion of her 100th Moseley’s book, about her grandmother’s birthday, March 21, 2019. Moseley sat qui- pioneering days, “and he’s reading it now,” et, yet attentive, in her wheelchair as trust- Proctor said. Published in 1998, the book ees discussed their mission: to raise funds is titled Come to My Sunland: Letters of to maintain preservation of the homestead Julia Daniels Moseley from the Florida for generations to come, as a place where Frontier, 1882-1886. scouts, youth, bird watchers, environmentalists, historians and interested residents can get a taste for what life looked like, and smelled like, at the turn of the 20th century NEW HEALING GARDEN..................PG 3 and beyond.

NEW BRANDON CHICK-FIL-A.......PG 4 “Film crew members have assured us they APOLLO POOLS.....................................PG 7 are not moving anything, not disturbing anyLIBRARY DISCOVERY PASS........PG 17 thing, including the inner furnishings of the house, which includes wallpaper made out EYE ON BUSINESS..........................PG 30

IN THIS ISSUE:

We Are So Proud Of You,

“Kid, you’ll move mountains!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So get on your way!” ....Dr. Seuss We are so proud of you Troy! You are an amazing young man with so many talents. You are kind, thoughtful, a hard worker, a great big brother, an Eagle Scout, a Viola player, an employee, a High School Graduate, a world traveler and so much more!!!! UCF is going to be lucky to have a student like you!!

Have fun, learn lots and.....

Call Your Mom!!!

Troy Gilmore 2023

Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596

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We love you, Mom, Dad, Cross and your biggest fan Rhett!

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Kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school or college. Celebrate by purchasing a $100 commemorative ad. Send a photo, your graduate’s name, school name and details to: graduation@ospreyobserver.com.

Expires: July 1, 2025

Page 2

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 20, Issue 5

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

VIK AND SNEHA PATEL DONATE $3 MILLION TOWARDS NEW HEALING GARDEN AT ST. JOSEPH’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Page 3

SERENITY MEADOWS ANNOUNCES LOCATION EXPANSION PLANS

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Staff Report

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation is honored to announce that Vik and Sneha Patel have made a generous $3 million gift to name the future Healing Garden at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Planned as a serene space for recreation and respite, the garden will serve children of all ages and their families who come to the hospital for care or to visit a loved one. The Patels’ gift will be part of the hospital’s new, freestanding pediatric facility, which will be named Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s. Scheduled to open by 2030, the hospital’s new facility will further enhance and expand the pediatric services provided

by BayCare, already the leading health care provider for children in West Central Florida.

Vik and Sneha are longtime supporters of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation through their company, Purple Square Management Co., which was founded in Tampa in 2006. As Indian American entrepreneurs who own and operate over 245 franchises, including 100 Dunkin’/Baskin-Robbins locations throughout Florida and Alabama, the Patels have dedicated the last 20 years to bettering the lives of those around them — from those they work beside every day, to those in the communities they serve.

With strong values about giving back, to Vik and Sneha, people are the driving force in their business and motivate and inspire them to contribute to the community that has contributed to their success. Vik credits his philosophy of giving to his grandmother.

“As parents of two young girls, it is a com-

fort to know that this wonderful hospital is right here in our community and can take care of anything from a broken bone to an unexpected emergency,” said Vik and Sneha. “We are so impressed by the caliber of the clinical team, the kindness they show to everyone and the vision for the future. It is an honor to play a role in this lifesaving project.”

Last year, Vik and Sneha chaired the 2024 Heroes Ball, which brought together nearly 800 members of the Tampa Bay community to raise $1.45 million in support of the pediatric intensive care unit at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

“From the day Vik and Sneha were introduced to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, they have been all in. From handing out donuts to team members, to bringing smiles to families, to leading our largest community event, to giving this incredible gift — their mindset has always been about sharing extraordinary generosity,” said Kate Sawa, president of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation. The new facility is part of BayCare’s vision for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital to be known nationally as one of the best places to receive child-first, family-centered care at the absolute highest quality. By building a new facility, Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s will be able to further evolve specialty care and research dedicated to children’s health as the hospital’s patient numbers and community needs continue to grow.

For more information, please visit the website at www.give2stjoeskids.org.

Nestled burial opin the heart tions, feaof Eastern turing a Hillsborbeautiful ough Counfountain ty, Serenity at the Meadows entrance Memorial and rustic Park, Fuwoods in neral Home the back. & CrematoSoto highry has been lighted a pillar of the staff’s s u p p o r t Serenity Meadows, located in Riverview, invites the public to partici- d e d i c a for fami- pate in a Mother’s Day event to honor loved ones on this special day. tion to lies navigating loss. compassionate serWith a commitment vice. to compassionate “Our team is expecare, the facility ofrienced and kind, and fers a full range of we treat everyone like funeral, cremation family,” she said. and burial services.

In addition to the The funeral home, which opened in 1998, Mother’s Day event, Serenity Meadows is includes a chapel, a family area and an preparing for a major expansion. arrangement room designed to accommo“We redesigned our new mausoleum date gatherings of all sizes. structure to be larger, and the permits Serenity Meadows hosted a special have been approved,” Soto said. “We will Mother’s Day event in May. The gathering, break ground this summer, and it will held at the committal gazebo, offered re- be completed by the time school starts freshments, giveaways and an opportuni- again.” ty for guests to honor their mothers in a Serenity Meadows hosts monthly meaningful way. events and participates in Wreaths Across Bridgette Soto, general manager of Se- America in December to honor veterans. renity Meadows, emphasized the impor- Soto encourages the community to visit, tance of creating a welcoming space for even if they are not mourning a loved one. remembrance.

“We love seeing people walking their “We had little Mother’s Day flags that dogs or having lunch at our picnic tables,” could be placed on plots, as well as cute she said. “We want Serenity Meadows to edwardjones buttons for guests to wear,” Soto said. be a comfortable part of the>community.”

Serenity Meadows encompasses 32 acres Serenity Meadows is located at 6919 and prides itself on being a peaceful and Providence Rd. in Riverview. For more inintimate space for families. The cemetery formation, visit www.serenitymeadows. offers both above-ground and in-ground com or call 813-820-5217.

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Page 4

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

BLOOMINGDALE HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR AWARDED SUPERINTENDENT SCHOLARSHIP

By Jane Owen Bloomingdale High Once her mothSchool senior Simona er recovered, GasGaspar-Zacarias was par-Zacarias’ parone of four seniors ents insisted she in the Hillsborough return to school to County School District earn her diploma. to be awarded the SuShe reenrolled at perintendent ScholarBloomingdale in 11th ship. grade and passed all Each year, high her classes. In her school administrative senior year, Gasteams select a gradpar-Zacarias made uating senior from up her 10th grade Bloomingdale High School senior Simona their school who has Gaspar-Zacarias was one of four seniors in the second-semester overcome signifi- Hillsborough County School District to be awarded classes, passed her the Superintendent Scholarship. cant challenges to reading and math reach graduation. The students are called benchmarks and completed her senior year Unique Seniors. A Unique Senior is chosen coursework, on track to graduate. Alongside from each high school, Hillsborough Virtual her studies, she worked at McDonald’s and School and the Medical Academy of D.W. continues to do so.

Waters. They are highlighted on the disGaspar-Zacarias wants other students to trict’s Facebook page. For the past six years, know that they can graduate regardless of Hillsborough County Public Schools has their circumstances. partnered with Florida Prepaid to support “My graduation story is complex. If I can student success from kindergarten through do it, they can do it! I am very grateful for postsecondary education. A key feature this opportunity after facing so many chalof this partnership is the Superintendent lenges along my journey,” she said.

Scholarship. The scholarship provides four Melissa Caryer, Gaspar-Zacarias’ school Unique Senior scholarship winners with up counselor at Bloomingdale, said Gasto 60 credit hours at a Florida state college, par-Zacarias is the epitome of perseverance university or trade school. and determination.

Gaspar-Zacarias began attending “As her counselor, I am so proud of her.

Bloomingdale High School in ninth grade. In I haven’t seen many students overcome 10th grade, her grandmother in Guatemala challenging situations as gracefully as she needed financial support for health issues, has. She will do something amazing in her and her mother required unexpected sur- life because she has the tenacity to do it,” gery.

Caryer said.

To help her family, Gaspar-Zacarias decidGaspar-Zacarias plans to attend Hillsed to leave Bloomingdale and work full-time. borough Community College and become a She spent a year in the fields with migrant nurse at an obstetrician’s office. families, financially supporting her grand“I feel grateful to have received this scholmother, mother and two younger siblings, arship. I was worried about how I was goand caring for her mother post-surgery. ing to pay for the tuition,” she said.

Volume 20, Issue 5

NEW CHICK-FIL-A BRINGS 100 JOBS TO COMMUNITY, DONATES $25,000 TO ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITYStaff Report Chick-fil-A is toring team memready to serve bers, getting to know Brandon at its newguests or finding est location, which ways to give back to opened on May 1, the community. creating approxSince 2020, 120 imately 100 jobs. of Jones’ team memChick-fil-A Inc. sebers have received lected Jeff Jones as the Chick-fil-A Rethe local owner-opmarkable Futures™ erator of Chick-fil-A Scholarship, totaling W. Brandon Blvd., $234,000, to supmarking his second port their academic restaurant in the endeavors. community.

Caring for the Located at 101 S. Brandon Community Hilltop Rd., the new Jones is commitrestaurant is open Chick-fil-A is now open for business on Hilltop ted to giving back for drive-through, to the Brandon comRoad in Brandon. carry-out and demunity by: livery from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday • Planning to participate in the Chickthrough Saturday. Designed for speed fil-A Shared Table program, which reand efficiency, this drive-through-fo- directs surplus food to local nonprofits cused location offers added convenience and has helped to create over 35 million to serve Guests through its drive- meals to date. through and a walk-up window for car• Celebrating the opening with a ry-out. $25,000 donation from Chick-fil-A Inc. “It’s an absolute honor to continue to Feeding Tampa Bay to support local serving the community that my family hunger relief efforts in the greater Tamand I have proudly called home for over pa area. two decades,” Jones said. “This journey • Recognizing 100 local heroes making wouldn’t be possible without the un- an impact in the Brandon community by wavering support of our incredible team providing them with free Chick-fil-A enmembers and the amazing people in this trées for a year. community. We’re excited to keep serving For more information about the brand’s the same care, quality food, and warm food, people and customers across the hospitality to current and new guests.” country, visit www.chick-fil-a.com.

A Clearwater native, Jones began his More than 200,000 team members Chick-fil-A in 2000 and became a local are employed by local owner-operaowner-operator the following year. tors in more than 3,000 restaurants For the past 25 years, Jones has built across the United States, Canada and meaningful connections, whether men- Puerto Rico.

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PRIORITIZING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM

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During Mental through their beHealth Awareness havioral health Month, we recunits. ognize the chalAccording to lenges faced by the CDC, one in those living with four adults in our mental illness and country is living the solutions that with a mental offer real hope. health condition.

One of the most It is estimated powerful tools we that 8 percent of have in our crimicrimes commitnal justice system ted by individuals is mental health with serious mencourt. tal illnesses are In the 13th Judirectly related to dicial Circuit, this their symptoms. specialized proWithout an interState Attorney Suzy Lopez. gram diverts indivention, we see viduals with mental health conditions the same people cycle in and out of the away from jail and into treatment when justice system without stabilizing their appropriate under the law. While we lives. must focus on accountability, this proWhile our office remains focused on gram allows us to offer a second chance prosecuting crime and keeping our comto those charged with certain nonvi- munity safe, we must work together to olent offenses so they can receive the address the mental health epidemic in care they need to address their mental every way that we can as a communiillness. ty. This program has proven to reduce Those who successfully complete the recidivism, lighten the load on our tratreatment programs and court supervi- ditional court system and, most imporsion can have their criminal offenses dis- tantly, change lives. It is more than a missed or expunged. This allows a clear program. Mental health court is a path path forward without the burden of a to a better and safer community for all. criminal record while helping these inThe State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial dividuals become more productive memcircuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, bers of our community. including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace This partnership is an incredible col- and Plant City. The office staff consists of approxlaboration between our office, the public imately 320 dedicated public servants including defender’s office, judges and court staff, 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim and community partners like Gracepoint advocates and support staff. The office handles and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Lo- approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn cal law enforcement also plays a key role more about the organization or apply to become part of the team, visit www.sao13th.com. by identifying and referring individuals

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA

Jane Owen

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2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico 33596 • (office) 813-657-2418 • (fax) 813-657-4469 ©Copyright 2025 - Osprey Observer, Inc. No reproduction without written permission.

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Legal Peace located at 501 S. Falkenburg Road C-1 in Hillsborough County, in the city of Tampa, FL 33619.

Juanita Boyd, owner, intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Valrico, Florida this 30th day of April 2025

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Page 6

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

By Libby Hopkins

REMEMBERING BRANDON HIGH PRINCIPAL ORLAN H. BRIANT, “A VERY RARE TALENT”

By Linda Chion

and reduced staff.”

In the wake of the federal cuts, longtime Florida Humanities supporter and partner Gary Mormino wrote an opinion piece for the Tampa Bay Times that caught the attention of prominent philanthropist Hugh Culverhouse Jr. “Culverhouse promised to donate $250,000 to Florida Humanities with the challenge of matching his donation by the fall,” Quintana said.

Just weeks later, the Mellon Foundation, one of the nation’s largest supporters of the humanities, announced it would be donating $200,000 to each state humanities council, with an additional $50,000 if councils were able to match.

“The overwhelming support Florida Humanities received reminded us that there is a majority of people who want to preserve the never-ending stories of Florida,” Quintana said. “For more than 50 years, our organization has worked tirelessly to amplify and promote Florida’s rich history and heritage. How we approach that mission has looked a little different over the years, but one thing remains the same, our passion for telling Florida stories.”

“Without our support, many libraries, museums and cultural organizations in underserved communities will lose vital programming and support,” Quintana said. “Readers can donate to our campaign by visiting floridahumanities.org/savefh.”

If you would like to learn more about Florida Humanities or donate, you can visit its website at https://floridahumanities.org.

A long-serving for growing that school district adtalent,” Hamilton ministrator and a said. “Orlan Briant world-renowned produced principals wrestling coach like rabbits produce remember the rabbits.

Brandon principal who, High back then was with a steady known as the ‘prinhand and sharp cipal factory,’ with mind, played a many of its staff huge role in the moving on to lead at history of Bran- (L. to R.) Orlan Briant, Earl Lennard and Russ Cozart other schools.” don High School. at a dinner in 2008 to honor the Brandon High School As for his love of That principal, wrestling team, after ‘The Streak’ ended after 34 seasons. sports and wresOrlan H. Briant, died on February 3 at age 87. tling, that was a given for those who knew His tenure as principal, from 1974-85, the burly Briant, who was instrumental included the time when roughly 4,200 stu- in hiring Russ Cozart to replace wrestling dents caused Brandon to run on double ses- coach Jim Graves, who led what would besions, and almost triple sessions, which led come known worldwide as ‘The Streak.’ to taxpayer support for building Armwood Following Graves’ seven years with no High in Seffner, which opened in 1984. losses, Cozart grew the undefeated streak “Even with 4,200 kids running around for another 27 years, amounting to what that place, it was spotless,” said Jim Ham- Cozart said was “458 straight wins for 34 ilton, who worked for the school district seasons of undefeated wrestling,” as well as from 1968 to 2007, with roles that included 17 straight state titles. teacher, Plant High principal, deputy super“Orlan was a great principal who could intendent for instructional support and chief hire great people, and that’s how he built of staff. “Orlan also had great athletic pro- such a strong faculty and administration,” grams. There wasn’t anything he didn’t do Cozart said. “And he took a chance on me. right. He was a very rare talent.”

I was 26 years old, not married, and there According to Hamilton, Briant “took over were a lot of things I wanted to do, which Brandon High School at its peak, before I had learned in California, where they were there was Armwood and Bloomingdale more progressive in their athletics.”

High,” which opened in Valrico in 1987. UnThe gymnasium was named in honor of der Briant’s leadership, Brandon in 1982 Orlan H. Briant in 2006. “They ought to was in the first class of National Blue Ribbon name a school after him, as far as I’m conSchools, a federal designation that started cerned,” Cozart said. “He was managing the under President Ronald Reagan. biggest school, on double sessions. He left a “In addition to having an incredibly heck of a legacy, and he deserves a lot.” well-functioning, well-disciplined, highly effiRead Briant’s obituary at www.dignicient school, it was well known also that Or- tymemorial.com/obituaries/brandon-fl/orlan had a talent for hiring great talent, and lan-briant-12228443.

FLORIDA HUMANITIES LOOKS TO THE COMMUNITY TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR THE FUTURE PROGRAMMING On September 29, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act into law. This law created the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

The purpose of the NEH is to advance the humanities and its respective disciplines into the public square.

To respond more effectively to local needs, the NEH decided to establish a humanities council in every state, plus six U.S. territories. The Florida Humanities Council (FHC) was established in 1973, known today as simply Florida Humanities.

On March 31, Florida Humanities was informed that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had visited the NEH in order to reduce its budget and staff significantly.

“Days later, our executive director, Nashid Madyun, received a letter from NEH saying our funding, which Congress had approved for the remainder of the fiscal year, was terminated immediately,” said Andrew Quintana, communications manager for Florida Humanities. “NEH is the main funding agency for all humanities councils across the nation, including Florida Humanities. Without the agency’s funding, our organization is extremely limited in the programming and support we can provide to libraries, museums and cultural organizations in every Florida county. Due to federal funding cuts, Florida Humanities has suspended a majority of its grantmaking for the foreseeable future

Volume 20, Issue 5

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

May 2025

FAMILY-OWNED APOLLO POOLS OFFERS TOP-QUALITY SERVICE, DESIGN,

CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

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.

Page 7

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 20, Issue 5

GENTLE TOUCH ESTATE SALES PROVIDES

PEACE OF MIND TO THE COMMUNITY WHEN IT COMES TO THE ESTATE SALES PROCESS

By Libby Hopkins Gentle Touch Esreality. Our goal tates Sales in Apollo at Gentle Touch Beach specializes in Estate Sales is to providing compreprovide peace of hensive estate liquimind throughout dation. When somethe whole estate one passes away, sale process.” moves or downsizes, Gentle Touch Gentle Touch’s team Estate features comes in to organize a wide variety of and price the en- Gentle Touch Estates Sales in Apollo Beach specializes vintage and antire contents of the tique items, from in providing comprehensive estate liquidation. household, ensuring furniture, home a large, organized sale of its clients’ posses- decor to clothing and accessories. sions.

“Whether you’re a collector or just love “Our team of experts handles every as- the vintage look, you’re sure to find somepect of the estate sale process, from pricing, thing special,” Berg said. “We often feature staging, cleaning out after sale to market- special collections in our estate sales, including and execution,” said owner Debra Berg. ing rare books, art and memorabilia.”

“Whether you’re looking to liquidate a lifeBerg’s team of experts guide their clients time’s worth of belongings or clear out a through the process, from determining what home, Gentle Touch Estate Sales is here to to sell to pricing and marketing their items. make the process seamless and stress-free.”

“We provide comprehensive estate sale Berg always wanted to have an estate liquidation services, including appraisals, sale business. sale management and cleanout services,” “As we all know, we grow up and have re- Berg said. “Let us handle the details so you sponsibilities of family, and my career took can focus on what’s important.” me down a different path,” Berg said. “But Berg and her team understand the emothe thought of having an estate sale compa- tions that arise when a family is going ny was always in the back of my mind.” through the estate of a loved one or having Berg and her husband owned an e-com- to downsize. merce swimming pool supplies company in “All of us at Gentle Touch Estate Sales Brandon for more than 16 years. strive to provide unparalleled peace of mind “A few years back we decided to retire, throughout the estate sale process,” Berg and it didn’t take me long to figure out that said. retirement was not for me,” Berg said. “It If you’d like to learn more about the serwas at that time I went to work for an es- vices offered at Gentle Touch Estate Sales, tate sales company as an operations man- you can visit its website at https://gentleager. After several years, I decided to follow touchestatesales.com or call 813-812-0780. my true passion and that’s when Gentle Its office is located at 316 Seneca Falls Dr. in Touch Estate Sales went from a dream to Apollo Beach.

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May 2025

Page 9

FROM HAPPY MEALS TO HAPPY

SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION AND UIPATH BRING GROUNDBREAKING AI PROGRAM RETIREMENT: JENNIFER CLOCKS OUT AFTER 21 JOYFUL YEARS AT MCDONALD’S TO ARMWOOD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

By Libby Hopkins

Staff Report

Jennifer WeilbachJennifer practiced er of Brandon has over and over unworked at Brandon til nailing it,” Susan McDonald’s for 21 said. “Having Down years. Jennifer has syndrome means Down syndrome and is her life comes with 46 years old. She loved challenges on a daily her job at McDonald’s, basis. That’s why her where she started off 21 years of employas a lobby attendant ment for McDonald’s and finished building is something she can the Happy Meal boxreally be proud of, es by adding toys and and so are we.” condiments.

On April 4, JenShe recently renifer put in her last tired with a party to day of work, clocked honor her among her Jennifer Weilbacher of Brandon has worked at out and retired.

Brandon McDonald’s for 21 years. She recently co-workers.

“Her manager, Qiretired on April 4 with a party to honor her “Our family would ana Howard, and her among her co-workers. especially like to thank job coach, Cindy TutMcDonald’s for being a great supporter of ko, put on grand party to mark the day,” Suan inclusive work environment; helping Jen- san said. “As she walked out from her worknifer to learn the ropes of working in fast- station where she made thousands of Happy food service, which helped her to become Meals over the years, her fellow coworkers a good employee; as well as the flexibility all applauded her. Her eyes grew bigger and needed to adjust to the turnover of staff and bigger, not used to celebrity status, while management,” said Jennifer’s mother, Su- even customers applauded and congratulatsan Weilbacher. “They have allowed her job ed her.” coach to help her improve her skills.”

Jennifer wanted to work at McDonald’s “Jennifer is positive and downright joy- because it’s where she grew up. ful, not minding getting up at early hours to “I grew up at McDonald’s and had my don her uniform and take her workstation,” birthday parties there,” Jennifer said. “The Susan said. “She loves her manager and job just fell into my lap naturally. It was a her previous managers and has many great great fit. My favorite part of working there memories of her work life.” was the customers. I also loved telling chilJennifer has been a hard worker from the dren that I was the one who put the toys in get-go. She’s had to work hard to learn all the Happy Meals.” the skills most children develop naturally.

Jennifer has set her sights on owning her “From infant skills of crawling to walking, own business, now that she is retired. to more complex skills of speaking clearly “I want to do the things I haven’t been and paying for herself at a movie theater, able to do while I was working,” she added.

Suncoast CredUnion on this it Union, Florida’s crucial initialargest credit tive to close the union, in partnerskills gap.” ship with UiPath, “The program announced the adds so much successful comvalue to their pletion of a new resume,” said program titled the Dr. Newfield, Suncoast Credit the lead educaUnion Student Detor of the Stuveloper Program. dent Developer This program preProgram at pares students Armwood High for future careers Suncoast Credit Union and UiPath are partnering to School. “This is bring an AI program to Armwood High School. in technology, figiving students nance and artificial intelligence (AI) and real-world experience that they may not was held at Armwood’s Academy of Finance get during their high school years anywhere during the 2024-25 academic year. This col- else.” laboration marks the first time a program A cohort of high school juniors has sucof this kind has been offered to high school cessfully completed the new program, with students in the United States. two standout students, Adeloa Adeyemo The curriculum introduces students to ro- and Zhane Evans, being selected to advance botics process automation (RPA), which uses to the next phase of the program, where AI technology to automate manual business they will pursue the prestigious UiPath Stuprocesses, creating greater efficiency and dent Developer Certification. cost savings. UiPath, an enterprise automa“This program showed me that I can actution and AI software company, and a vendor ally integrate my career passions along with partner of Suncoast Credit Union, typically AI,” said Adeyemo. “I think the future of AI offers training at the collegiate level. can be a beautiful thing if we take the steps “With the growing adoption of automa- to become competent in it.” tion and AI, UiPath is committed to investSuncoast and UiPath plan to continue ofing in the future workforce by providing fering the program at Armwood, with the educational opportunities and training stu- goal of expanding into additional schools dents for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” throughout the region, beginning with Bransaid Eric Bouchard, vice president of finan- don High School in September. cials and insurance in Americas at UiPath.

“This breakthrough program creates op“It is essential that we empower students portunities that prepare students for the with the in-demand automation and AI skills future world,” said Kevin Johnson, president to succeed in newly emerging careers. We and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union. are proud to partner with Suncoast Credit Visit www.suncoast.com.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 20, Issue 5

BIBLE, BUBBLES & BIG FUN: YOUR GUIDE TO AREA VBS 2025

By Jenny Bennett

With summer fast approaching, it is time 9-13, from 6-9 p.m. and is to find the best vacation Bible school (VBS) for children between age 5 for your family.

by September 1 and those completing fifth grade at First Presbyterian Church Of the end of the 2025 school year. Register online at Brandon First Presbyterian Church of Brandon is www.fbcpc.com/vbs. excited to announce its upcoming vacation bible school event, taking place from June 9-13 from 8:45 a.m.-12 Noon. This year’s theme is Road Trip 2025: Meeting God Along the Way. Children ages 3 through completed fifth grade are invited to join a fun and faith filled adventure. Participants will engage in exciting bible stories, music, crafts and games, all centered around the theme of meeting and discovering God’s love. First Presbyterian Church of Brandon is located at 121 Carver Ave. in Brandon. For more information, contact Karen Weber at 813-545-2079. Register at https://fpcbrandon. org/event/vbs/.

First Baptist Church Plant City

‘Magnified’ is the theme at First Baptist Church Plant City at 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy. in Plant City. Children will experience an unforgettable week of adventure as they explore God’s greatness in the tiniest details of life. They will discover how deeply God cares for us and how we can come together to celebrate His love and magnify Him together. Its VBS will take place Monday through Friday, June

takes place M o n d a y through Friday, July 7-11, from 9 a.m.12 Noon. Register at www. findnewhope. com/vbs.

Bell Shoals Church

The Bell Shoals Church campuses in Apollo Beach and Brandon will host Magnified vacation Bible school for grades kindergarten through five.

Children will play their way through VBS while learning about the ‘Bigness of God’ in the smallest things. It will take place Monday through Thursday, June 2-5, from 9 a.m-12 Noon at both campuses.

The Brandon campus is at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd., and the Apollo Beach campus is at 6414 Golf and Sea Blvd. Visit https://bellshoals.com/vbs/ for more information and to register.

New Hope Church

New Hope Church, located at 213 N. Knights Ave. in Brandon, is hosting Live It Out for all children who had turned 3 years old by August 31, 2024, up to those who have completed fifth grade. The free energy program includes high-energy worship, Bible storytelling, hands-on crafts, exciting games and opportunities to grow in kindness, prayer and service. New Hope’s VBS

day through Thursday, June 3-5, from 1011:30 a.m., and Kidapalooza will run Monday through Friday, June 9-13, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bay Life Church is located at 1017 Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. To register, visit www. baylife.org/kidapalooza/.

Creekside Church Of Christ

Creekside Church of Christ is hosting its vacation Bible school, Waves of Joy, from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church Wednesday through Friday, June 25-27, from Children are invited to Live It Out at Holy 6-8:20 p.m. each night. This year’s theme Innocents’ Episcopal Church, VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL located at 604 N. Valrico Rd. in Valrico. Children will dive into what it truly means to love like Jesus. Through Bible stories, music, crafts, games and hands-on activities, they will explore how to Live It 6 PM - 8:20 PM Out, loving, serving and growFor children entering ing in faith together. Its VBS 4k - 5 grade will be held Monday through Adult Bible classes offered Friday, June 23-27, from 8:30 a.m.-12 Noon and is available for pre-K focuses on the joy of following Jesus, with through fifth grade students. Visit www. children learning about His calling of the dishiepiscopal.org/vacation-bible-school-save- ciples and the lessons He taught them. The the-date-june-23-27/ to register.

VBS is open to children entering 4K through fifth grade, and adult Bay Life Church Bible classPrepare your child es will be for an adventure that’s available more thrilling than for parhang gliding from a ents and skyscraper and sweetguardians. er than a mountain Join in for of chocolate bars. It’s fun games, Kidapalooza 2025, skits, Bible Bay Life Church’s most lessons, spectacular VBS ever. snacks and so much more.

The event will Brimming with gallons of slime, endless take place at Creekside Church of Christ, lolaughter and infinite fun, your child will not cated at 3949 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. want to miss this. Kidapalooza Jr., for kinPlease scan the QR code to register. dergarten through first grade, will run Tues-

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

May 2025

Page 11

WATERMELON SWIM HELPS LOCAL PARENTS PREPARE FOR THE SUMMER SWIMMING SEASON WITH WATER SAFETY FOR THEIR CHILDREN

No community move-in fee ~ You save $2,500!

By Libby Hopkins May is water safety month and Watermelon Swim in Riverview is offering various water safety programs for local parents.

“In honor of National Water Safety Month this May, Watermelon Swim is reinforcing our commitment to drowning prevention through special events, partnerships, and education,” said Micha Seal, owner and CEO of Watermelon Swim.

“Throughout the month, our lessons will focus heavily on real-life water emergency education for both children and families.

We’ve partnered with community leaders like the Glazer Children’s Museum and Tampa Bay Buccaneer Shaq Barrett to raise awareness. At the Glazer Children’s Museum, we’re launching a collaborative ‘Safer Swimming’ PSA campaign, an interactive, museum-wide experience where families will encounter lifesaving swim tips through signage and play-based activities.”

Watermelon Swim originated in an aboveground pool in Seal’s mother’s backyard.

“From there, we leased seasonal locations until we outgrew that model, Seal said. “In 2002, we took a leap and opened our first year-round, indoor location in Lutz. Today, Watermelon Swim operates five year-round, indoor locations across the Tampa area, teaching approximately 7,000 students each week. We provide free water safety education to thousands of children in local schools and offer scholarships through our Swimmers with Disabilities Program because we

believe every person, regardless of age or ability, deserves the chance to learn how to swim.”

Drowning is often silent and can happen very quickly, even in shallow water. In Florida, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, and it’s preventable.

“Formal and continuous swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent,” Seal said. “It’s critical to create a full ‘ring of safety’ around your little ones. Active supervision around water, physical barriers like fences and pool alarms, enrollment in formal and ongoing swim lessons and CPR certification for all caregivers. Water safety takes layers and every layer matters.”

Watermelon Swim is more than just a swim school, it’s a community.

“Every year, we give back about $1 million through scholarships, events, and charitable initiatives,” Seal said. “We also offer free Water Baby classes for infants up to 6 months old because starting early makes a world of difference and we’re expanding. We have a new location in Brooksville, and Zephyrhills and Brandon will be joining the family soon, helping even more families access lifesaving swim education across Tampa Bay.” If you would like to learn more about Watermelon Swim and the services it offers, you can visit its website at https://watermelonswim.com/ or call 813-229-7946.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 20, Issue 5

LOCAL EXPERT HELPS CHART COURSE RECYCLING FACILITY EASES WASTE PROBLEMS AND PAYS CASH FOR METAL FOR CAREER AND COLLEGE SUCCESS

By Brad Stager

By Kate Quesada

As Hillsborough just east of U.S. County’s popula41. This facility, tion continues to along with othgrow, so does the er Trademark amount of waste Metals Recygenerated by its cling locations residents. This inin Hillsborough cludes everything County, provides from food scraps a valuable serand packaging vice by acceptto larger items ing recyclable like appliances materials and and furniture. ensuring they are The increasing Trademark Metals Recycling will pay for recyclable processed and diconsumption of material from cutlery to cars, including appliances. verted from the Photo provided by Trademark Metals Recycling. goods inevitably waste stream. leads to a greater volume of waste that According to Trademark Metals Recyneeds to be disposed of responsibly. cling commercial buyer Melissa Nuñez Local landfills operated by the county Farlin, recycling provides benefits to indiare rapidly reaching capacity, and ex- viduals and the general community. panding these facilities is challenging “TMR serves both businesses and indidue to their large footprint. A rise in il- viduals who generate scrap metal. Cuslegal dumping, with unpermitted sites tomers include small businesses such as becoming places where people dispose of electricians, HVAC technicians, pull-anda variety of hazardous and nonhazardous pay yards, and demolition contractors waste, is also occurring. These sites often who produce scrap as a byproduct of contain a mix of materials, including bat- their work. The company also welcomes teries, tires, chemicals, construction de- individuals with items like old vehicles, bris and household trash, posing a signifi- refrigerators, ladders, washers and drycant threat to the environment and public ers, or storm-damaged materials such as health. While much of the heavy trash gutters, siding, and pool cages,” she wrote may end up discarded illegally on road- in an email, adding that the company was sides or vacant properties, recyclable ma- able to provide disposal service to help terials have a more sustainable solution. mitigate disposal problems incurred by This greater need for waste manage- recent hurricanes. “By offering a place to ment and recycling services also creates responsibly recycle debris, TMR helped opportunities for businesses to collect, the community reduce waste while putprocess and recycle waste materials, pro- ting money back in the hands of those viding a disposal solution for residents dealing with storm-related losses.” and businesses.

Trademark Metals Recycling’s operOne such option in the Brandon area ating hours are Monday through Friday is the new Trademark Metals Recycling from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 facility located at 5135 Madison Ave., a.m.-12 Noon.

A career path is one cided to start her own of the biggest decisions consulting business. a person faces in their “I have helped hunlife. Whether you are dreds of students, fama high school student ilies, colleagues and wondering where to community members apply to college or an to achieve their goals, adult looking to switch but I always wanted to fields, Valrico resident be able to spend more Christina Sanchez Bontime with the people ner, M.Ed., can help.

I help,” she explained.

Bonner, who recent“The field is changing ly started North Star daily, and this way I am Consulting, provides able to provide knowlprivate, one-on-one coledge and custom fit lege and career consult- Valrico resident Christina Sanchez Bonner services to my client’s ing as well as interview recently opened North Star Consulting, needs.” prep, academic advis- which provides private, one-on-one college Bonner is working ing, resume and cover and career consulting as well as interview hard to help the comprep, academic advising, resume and letter help and more. munity. She is a new cover letter help and more.

“Most people facmember of the Valrico ing these decisions are FishHawk and Central overwhelmed and need a Hillsborough County little help,” said Bonner, chambers of commerce who graduated from Rivand is a provider for the erview High School as a State of Florida Step Up junior in 2006 and from the University of Scholarship. She is also holding free workSouth Florida (USF) in 2009 with a B.A. in shops for interview prep and resume writinterpersonal and organizational commu- ing as well as working to match students nications. She also has a master’s in edu- with business in the community in fields cation from USF focusing on curriculum, where they have interest. instruction and college student affairs.

“I offer an unbiased, nonjudgmental eye After spending her career working in to assist with finding the variety of paths higher education at schools such as Vir- ideal for you wherever you may stand,” ginia College, Saint Leo University, Boston she said. “My purpose is to provide addiArchitectural College, Hillsborough Com- tional support to help you follow your true munity College and the University of South North and reach for the stars.”

Florida with roles focusing on admissions, To learn more about North Star Consultadvising, academic coaching, enrollment ing, visit www.northstarconsultings.com management, foundation fundraising, col- or find the business on Facebook. Bonner lege and career counseling, scholarship can also be reached at 813-315-5214 or review and strategic planning, Bonner de- northstarccchillsborough@gmail.com.

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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May 2025

Page 13

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES RECEIVE AWARDS AND RECOGNITION FROM HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

By Nick Nahas Several local high “I was really confused, school student athand they started readletes and teams were ing accolades and starecognized by Hillsbortistics and I thought, ough County and given ‘Hey, that’s weird, those awards for their out- Bloomingdale basketball player are my exact accolades,’ Noelle Mengel standing performances and then it clicked.” this past winter.

Mengel was a Lennard girls basketkey contributor in ball, Bloomingdale girls Bloomingdale’s domiwrestling, Newsome nant 106-15 four-year boys wrestling and run, which included four Bloomingdale cheerdistrict titles, three reStrawberry Crest wrestler leading were all recoggional championships, Ariel Goble. nized for their overall a state runner-up finish GPAs. and a state championBrandon wrestler ship. Mengel holds a 4.0 Alecsander Rego was unweighted GPA and a the Hillsborough Coun5.88 weighted GPA and Bloomingdale cheerleading. ty Male Wrestler of the will attend the UniversiYear. The two-year varsity wrestler had a ty of Tampa on a full athletic scholarship.

78-18 record with 43 pins. He capped off She plans to major in medicine. his senior year with a 46-5 record, a fourth“Winning the award meant a lot because place state finish and victories in six individ- my family and team were there to support ual tournaments. He helped lead his team me,” said Mengel. “It means a lot too beto top performances both on the mat and cause it feels like another achievement I get in the classroom. He has a 3.4 unweighted to add to my career.”

GPA and a 5.1 weighted GPA and plans to Strawberry Crest wrestler Ariel Goble attend the Merchant Marine Academy in was the Hillsborough County Female WresMaine. tler of the Year. Goble finished her high Bloomingdale girls basketball player No- school wrestling career with an 89-29 reelle Mengel was awarded the Dottie Mc- cord and 54 pins. She’s a two-time state Gahagin Girls Basketball Award. The four- qualifier and three-time county champion, year letterman and team leader excelled and she has earned titles at multiple major as a guard for Bloomingdale High School. tournaments.

She averaged 14.3 points per game on 62 “A special thanks to all my amazing percent shooting from two-point range, 31 coaches for supporting me and helping me percent from beyond the arc and 89 per- throughout the way,” said Goble. “Wrescent from the free-throw line. She owns the tling has helped me become the person I school record for most points in a career. am today, and I couldn’t have done it with“I was surprised because my coaches and out their help. ‘A good coach can change a team tricked me because I thought we were game, a great coach can change a life,’ — coming for a coaches award,” said Mengel. John Wooden.”

Volume 20, Issue 5

GREATER BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS LUNCHEON FOCUSED ON DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

By Jane Owen The Atlantic Look at a couple hurricane season what-if scenarios starts on Sunday, and then march June 1. The Nationthrough some al Oceanic and Atof those whatmospheric Adminif scenarios and istration (NOAA) figure out how said the best time you are going to to prepare is now retool your busi— well before the ness to continue start of the seato produce reveson. With that in nue,” Pierce said. mind, the Greater Panel members included (from left to right) Joshua “You have to Brandon Cham- Wyche, Tampa Electric; Robert Pierce III, Hillsborough have the plan to ber of Commerce County Economic Development; and Chris Kranert, cover your home director of field operations at Spectrum.

(GBCC) hosted a needs so you can luncheon on May 1 at The Regent focused on be prepared for your business needs,” Wydisaster preparedness. che said. He emphasized that the time is The Synergy Luncheon: Disaster Pre- now to get trees trimmed. paredness event was planned by the chamKranert explained the backup systems ber’s Government & Economic Affairs that are in place should there be an extendCouncil (GEAC) and was designed to help ed power outage. businesses stay resilient in the face of unex“To prepare for telecom interruptions, the pected disasters. two biggest things you need to consider are High 5 Inc. CEO Chuck Burgess facilitated power and connectivity. If for some reaa panel discussion. Panel members included son your business doesn’t have power, you Joshua Wyche, regional affairs manager should have some sort of battery backup to for special projects at Tampa Electric; Chris get you through the day. If for some reason Kranert, director of field operations at Spec- the service isn’t restored to your business, a trum; and Robert Pierce III, senior business wireless internet backup would be an option continuity and resilience consultant at Hill- for connectivity,” Kranert said. sborough County Economic Development.

Additional topics discussed included the The event also included a video message re- protocol for power restoration, communicagarding the state of insurance from Senator tion from utilities to residents, resources for Jim Boyd, District 20. residents still in recovery from the 2024 seaPierce told attendees it is important for son, Hillsborough County’s alert system for businesses to assess their vulnerabilities and local emergencies and the county’s evacuato have a plan and practice it with employ- tion plan and priorities for the Brandon area. ees.

Visit https://hcfl.gov/residents/public-safe“Do a business impact analysis. Take ty/emergency-management/hcfl-alert. a look at where your vulnerabilities are.

Or visit www.brandonchamber.com.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

May 2025

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT PROTÉGÉ DESIGNED CAREY FAMILY HOME GOES ON MARKET

By Libby Hopkins

Frank Lloyd help blur the line Wright protege between indoor and prominent and outdoor Central Florida spaces. He was architect Nils M. also known for Schweizer dea belief he called signed the home “build to heal,” located at 1602 which involved Cottagewood Dr. designing spacin Brandon. The es to capture as home was demuch sunlight as signed and compossible. pleted by Sch- Frank Lloyd Wright protege and prominent Central Flori- “Bill and Truweizer in 1969 dy Carey were da architect Nils M. Schweizer designed the home. for Bill and Trudy Carey, of the Carey Cattle originally from Wisconsin and loved the Company, and has remained in the family work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright,” since its completion.

Carey Lee said. “A student of Wright’s, Nils “I was 7; my brother, Billy, was 5; and my Schweizer, was sent to Florida to supervise sister, Jill, was 1 when we moved into the the building of Florida Southern College. home,” said Amy Carey Lee. “We loved hav- In 1969, Schweizer designed the home for ing friends over to play. We even had a play- the Carey family over many kitchen table room in the attic space with a chalkboard discussions. The Careys entertained a lot wall. There are so many memories of cele- with family, friends and business associates brating holidays in the sunken living room from all over the world, so they wanted a and singing along with the piano player. unique and memorable home. As you enter The pool and sport court were added later the home through band-sawed cedar block for the grandkids.” double doors, there is a 2-story rock waterThe Carey home is currently on the mar- fall and pond with a spiral staircase. Some ket, and Steven Moran of Keller Williams other mid-century modern features include Suburban Tampa is the real estate agent. a sunken living room, full bar, wood ceilings, “It is definitely an honor to represent the a laundry chute, balconies, custom built-in Carey family in helping with the sale,” Mo- cabinetry and floor to ceiling windows.” ran said. “This house was a rare 5,200 sq. ft.

The home has caused some major buzz house on an acre that was the place to be since being placed on the market. in the ’70s and ’80s. I have personal mem“In less than two weeks, we’ve had treories of the house since myself and a lot of mendous activity, and we are already under my classmates used to hang out here after contract with a buyer that wants to keep the football games almost 40 years ago.” architecture and layout the same with some Like his mentor, Schweizer was known for updating,” Moran said. “The new buyer has his use of concrete blocks, horizontal over- also expressed interest in putting a stone or hangs and floor-to-ceiling window walls to monument to honor the Carey family.”

Page 15

BRANDON RUNNING ASSOCIATION HOSTS ANNUAL BEER MILE AT BULLFROG CREEK BREWING CO.

By Jane Owen

On June 1, the Branproceeds to donate to don Running Associaa great cause.” tion (BRA) and Bullfrog Bullfrog Creek BrewCreek Brewing Co. in ing Co. owner Jamie Valrico are hosting a Ratcliff loves the event one-of-a-kind running and said, “Why just run event called the Bullwhen you can make it frog Beer Mile. fun?”

The Bullfrog Beer “It’s the perfect mix Mile consists of four of fitness, laughs and laps, with each lap belocal flavor, bringing ginning right outside the community togethBullfrog Creek Brewing er to sweat, cheer and Co. after participants celebrate. I think it’s finish a 12-ounce Long a blast because it’s Pond Pilsner. not about breaking This year marks the Runners at the 2024 Bullfrog Beer Mile. records — it’s about fourth annual year of From left to right: Kathy Leahy, Jan Burger, making memories and Deanna Hutchins and Holly Neff. the unique event, which showing that Valrico supports Operation Helping Hand Tampa. knows how to party and hustle,” Ratcliff Operation Helping Hand is a nonprofit said. organization that provides support and Although it is not about breaking reassistance to active-duty service mem- cords, awards are given to the top male bers and veterans of all conflicts post and female overall, provided no puking is 9/11/2001 who receive care through the involved.

James A. Haley Polytrauma Rehabilitation The Bullfrog Beer Mile is for adults 21 Unit. and older. The event is limited to 100 parBullfrog Creek Brewing Co. hosts week- ticipants. To register, visit https://runsigly pubs run on Wednesday evenings. It nup.com/race/fl/valrico/bullfrogbeermile. was at a pub run four years ago when To learn more about Operation Helping members from the Brandon Running As- Hand Tampa, visit https://ohhtampa.org/. sociation began talking about ‘beer miles.’

Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. is located BRA President Randall Lesperance said at 3632 Litha Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. the runners that evening talked about Pub runs are each Wednesday starting how fun it could be to host one at the at 6:30 p.m. Check out what’s on tap and brewery. the brewery’s events at https://bullfrog“The original thought was, ‘It could be creekbrewing.com/. The Brandon Running fun. Let’s see if we can organize it,’” Les- Association has many local run events. To perance said. “Now it’s an annual event learn more, visit the website directly at that we are grateful has grown to raise www.brandonrunning.com.

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you could consolidate debt by using secured debt to pay off several high-interest debts or transferring multiple credit card debts into one new card with a lower rate and minimal transfer fees.

• Determine how much money will go to debt payments. You do have some latitude as to how much money you’ll devote to paying debts each month. To avoid incurring late fees or other penalties, you’ll need to make the minimum payments, which means a flat amount for some loans, such as your mortgage, and a percentage of the outstanding balance on other debts, especially your credit cards. After you’ve paid the minimum, though, you can choose to pay more, which can shorten the life of the debt and reduce total interest charges, or you can use the money for other goals, such as saving for your retirement or your children’s education.

• Prioritize your debts. If you can make extra payments on your debts, it’s helpful to prioritize them. You could choose the “avalanche” method by paying the debt with the highest interest rate first, or you could instead follow the “snowball” method by first tackling the debt with the lowest balance. The avalanche technique can help you minimize interest payments, while the snowball approach can give you a psychological boost by reducing the overall number of debts you’re carrying, although it could result in your paying more interest over time.

Debt may be a fact of life — but if you manage it wisely, life can be a lot less stressful.

2025 CH ’S O LE

E IC

Are you concerned about debt? It’s important to recognize this, but, at the same time, you may have more ways of gaining control of your debt situation than you had realized.

To begin with, not all debts are bad — after all, your mortgage provides you with a place to live, a car loan provides transportation, and student loans may have helped you get the career you wanted. In fact, the wise use of debt can be a key part of your overall financial strategy.

Nonetheless, if you’re worried about what you owe, you’ve certainly got company. Nearly 60% of Americans say they are struggling with debt, according to a recent study by WalletHub, an online personal finance site.

How can you ease these struggles? It may help to follow these steps: • Know your debt. Create a list that includes your mortgage, auto loans, student loans, medical debt, credit card debt and any installment purchases you’ve made. Then, add up the total amount you owe and calculate your debt-to-income ratio by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. (For revolving debt, such as credit cards, use the minimum payments in this calculation.) Ideally, you’d like to have a debt-to-income ratio below 35% if you have a mortgage, or 20% if you don’t.

• Look for restructuring opportunities.

By restructuring debt, you may be able to pay it down more quickly. You can do this by refinancing debts, perhaps by transferring credit card debt to a new card with a low introductory rate or by replacing your mortgage or auto loan with one that carries a lower rate. You might also consider swapping debts, possibly by using secured debt, such as a home equity loan or securities-based lending, to pay off higher-rate unsecured loans. Or

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 20, Issue 5

CHRISTINE MILLER BECOMES THE NEW COUNTY COMMISSIONER FOR DISTRICT FOUR

By Libby Hopkins

County Commissioner prevention task force that Christine Miller, a resident would focus on Baker of Plant City, is the current Creek, Pemberton Creek, District 4 representative.

Lake Thonotosassa and She was appointed to the the Shangri La neighboard of county commisborhood in Seffner; and sioners in 2024 by Gov. worked alongside the Port Ron DeSantis and won reof Tampa Bay to enhance election in November 2024 business diversification to shortly thereafter. As the ensure long-term financial vice chair of the board, success for our district.”

Miller is an influential leadDistrict Four is the larger who has played a pivotest single-member district al role in her community. that incorporates East and Prior to being appointed, South Hillsborough.

Commissioner Christine Miller Miller served as the president and CEO of “My district shares borders with Pasco, the Plant City Chamber of Commerce.

Polk and Manatee counties,” Miller said. “I While at the helm of a major organization, also represent the coastal regions of Hillsshe was committed to promoting exponen- borough County along the Tampa Bay.” tial growth for commercial, industrial, agriMiller has been a county commissioner cultural and civic interests in the East Hills- for more than nine months and it has been a borough region. whirlwind experience for her.

As part of her duties as a county commis“I was sworn in on July 1, 2024, and imsioner, she serves on the following boards: mediately helped deliver a $9.1 billion budPort Tampa Bay, the Hillsborough River In- get for the residents of Hillsborough Counterlocal Planning Board, Hillsborough Area ty,” Miller said. “After our budget season, Regional Transit Authority (HART), the our county was devastated by two named Tampa Bay Estuary Program Policy Board, hurricanes and our office served as a hub for the Transportation Planning Organization, information, recovery and a beacon of hope The Florida Aquarium Board of Directors for our constituents during such a volatile and the Commission on Human Trafficking time in their lives.” (alternate member).

Miller is looking forward to the challenges “I felt called to serve after the COVID of being a county commissioner. pandemic when I saw the egregious over“I think the biggest challenge facing reach that some of our commissioners, at District 4 is constant change,” Miller said. the time, were advocating for,” Miller said. “I “Thousands of Americans flock to Florida, knew that with my background, knowledge and Hillsborough County, because we create and commitment to my beliefs, I would not a safe and prosperous environment to raise waver in the face of adversity. Since being a family. Also, we are incredibly pro-business elected and serving as vice chair, I have and that helps us retain local talent here. I championed several issues for our commu- am confident that we will strike a balance nity such as establishing Hillsborough Coun- between growth and preserving the culture ty’s first-ever DOGE citizen-led committee; and foundation that created these commuspearheaded the creation of a stormwater nities since their founding.”

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

May 2025

Page 17

FREE MUSEUM ACCESS AND MORE AREA HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS PERKS WITH HILLSBOROUGH ENLISTING IN THE MILITARY HONORED LIBRARY’S DISCOVERY PASS

BY OUR COMMUNITY SALUTES The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC) just announced the relaunch of its Discovery Pass.

The Discovery Pass gives individuals and sometimes families free admission to select local museums and attractions. All you need is a library card. And this year, the reservation and ticket system is all online.

Below are just a few of the many offered attractions that accept the Discovery Pass: Tampa Bay History Center Experience what Tampa was like in the 1920s with the whole family.

Glazer Children’s Museum Take your children to a place where they can play, discover and connect to the world around them to develop as lifelong learners and leaders.

American Victory Ship and Museum Tour nine decks of one of the few fully operational WWII ships in the country and experience an unforgettable voyage of discovery with your family.

Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art

Staff Report

By Jane Owen

Imagine Museum features a spectacular collection of contemporary glass art from around the world.

Tampa Theatre Learn the Tampa Theatre’s secrets, stories, art and architecture with the Balcony-to-Backstage Tour of the historic movie palace.

Henry B. Plant Museum The Plant Museum features original opulent furnishings and artifacts in educational exhibits, transporting visitors to the late Victorian period, the beginning of Florida’s tourist industry and the early years of the City of Tampa.

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is a museum dedicated to exhibiting important photographic art as central to contemporary life and culture.

Tampa Museum of Art Tampa Museum of Art inspires visitors with engaging exhibitions and innovative educational programs that emphasize ancient, modern and contemporary art.

For more information about the Discovery Pass, to reserve one and to find other attractions that accept it, visit https://hcplc.org/services/discoverypass.

On April 15, to raise their 150 Tampa-arright hands ea high school deserves our seniors who deepest reare enlisting in spect and fullthe U.S. armed est support,” forces after Hartman said. graduation “I am moved were honored by the at an enlistway local ment recognicommuniPhoto credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass tion ceremony ties have Communication Specialist Natalia Murillo. held by Our e m b ra c e d Community Salutes (OCS). The ceremo- these future service ny, which was held at TPepin’s Hospitality members, emphasizing their choice to deCentre, was the largest Tampa ceremony fend our freedoms does not go unnoticed,” to date with over 600 total in attendance. he added.

Our Community Salutes is a national Jesse Vaughn and Angel Gonsalez, from nonprofit organization whose mission is Armwood High School, were among the ento recognize and honor high school enlist- listees recognized. Armwood Principal Dina ees and their commitment to military ser- Langston cannot be prouder of them and vice and to provide parents and guardians the other enlistees. of enlistees with community support.

“Choosing to serve is no small thing. It Each enlistee received an OCS chal- takes gut, heart and a whole lot of dedicalenge coin, a certificate of recognition tion. To Jesse and Angel and all the students from Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15), stepping up — you’re making a difference a pocket guide of the U.S. Constitution before you even start,” Langston said. and gifts and resources from supportive The enlistees and those in attendance ensponsors. The enlistees enjoyed advice joyed music provided by the Parris Island and commendation from Brig. Gen. David Marine Band Brass Quintet. Courtney RobinLopez, deputy director of operations at son, evening news anchor for 10 Tampa Bay, the United States Central Command, and was the master of ceremonies.

Command Sgt. Maj. Michele Jones (USA, Our Community Salutes is dedicated to retired). honoring high school enlistees. As part of Our Community Salutes founder and its mission, it provides an opportunity to President Dr. Kenneth Hartman said he send a virtual thank-you card. Visit www. was moved by the way the local commu- ourcommunitysalutes.org/thank-you-card nity is celebrating the enlistees. to share messages of appreciation and “It is truly inspiring to see these young well-wishes to the new enlistees. adults in Tampa step up to serve our nation To learn more, visit the webiste at at such a crucial moment. Their decision www.ourcommunitysalutes.org.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 20, Issue 5

BUCKHORN SUBDIVISION AWARDS HCA FLORIDA BRANDON HOSPITAL TWO $500 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCES LOCAL RECIPIENTS OF Staff Report SIX COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS The HOA at the tional Honors Buckhorn subSociety, the division, which National Enrepresents the glish Honors 651-homes that Society and surround the back the Criminal nine holes of the Justice Club.

Buckhorn Springs He also was Golf and Country on the wresClub in Valrico, tling team for awarded two colall four years lege scholarships and was team this month. The captain in his two winners have senior year. very high GPAs as The Buckwell as great stohorn HOA, ries. with annual Isaiah Sawdues of only yer is graduating $35, provides from Durant High these scholSchool and is goarships and ing to Central Florhas funded ida University to additions to major in aeronau- From l. to r. Scholarship recipient Nestor Sotomayor the Buckhorn tical engineering. stands with Buckhorn HOA president Kevin Dorsey and County Park fellow recipient Isaiah Sawyer.

He wants to build (soccer goals, spacecraft to explore the universe. He is volleyball court, nine-hole ‘Frisbee’ golf a member of the National Honor Society, and more). It also provides a Hallowthe Science National Honor Society, the een parade, a Santa Claus parade and American Sign Language Honor Soci- an Easter parade, and all have events at ety, the National Science Bowl and the Buckhorn Park for children afterward.

National Ocean Sciences Bowl. He also Twelve-inch by 18-inch American stick was president of Mu Alpha Theta, played flags are placed at every home’s mailvarsity football, is a math tutor and has box once per year. Paper newsletters earned 390 community service hours. are delivered to everyone’s home twice Nestor Sotomayor is also graduating per year. The Buckhorn HOA provides from Durant High School and is going to neighborhood block socials and has an the University of South Florida. He is go- award-winning neighborhood crime ing to major in criminal justice with the watch. goal of joining the FBI or related orgaThe HOA congratulates all our gradnization. He is a member of the National uating seniors and wishes the best for Math Honors Society, the Science Na- them in their futures.

Staff Report

High School seniors from across Hillsborough County were awarded six scholarships, including five HCA Florida Brandon Hospital Healthcare BRIANNA CHESHIRE Achievement Awards and one HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and Physicians Healthcare Scholars Award.

A highly competitive group from about 30 public and private high CORI PHELPS schools, as well as homeschooled students, were considered for these scholarships.

“Each of these students has a passion for contributing to healthcare shaped by IMOGEN LANZETTA their individual journey and dedication to improving patients’ lives. Whether it is advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities, wanting to help in the fight against cancer or dedicating themselves to the research and improvement of medications, their dreams of making a difference will be driving us forward. HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and the Medical Staff collaborated to sponsor these scholarships,” said Dr. Michael Haynes, pediatric emergency room physician at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital.

HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and Physicians Healthcare Scholars Award The HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and Physicians Healthcare Scholars Award was a highly competitive $20,000 scholarship

for students who plan to attend the University of South Florida. This scholarship was jointly funded by HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and the medical staff.

CHLOE CLARK The winner of this scholarship was Imogen Lanzetta of Newsome High School.

HCA Florida Brandon Hospital Healthcare Achievement Awards HAYLEY JONES The HCA Florida Brandon Hospital Healthcare Achievement Award was awarded to five students who were exceptional in both academics and extracurTAINA BLAISE riculars. Students were each awarded $1,000.

Brianna Cheshire, Chloe Clark, Corinna Phelps, Hayley Jones and Taina Blaise were awarded the HCA Florida Brandon Hospital Healthcare Achievement Award

by Brandon Hospital leadership team members.

The scholarship winners were Brianna Cheshire of Durant High School, Chloe Clark and Corinna Phelps of Newsome High School, Hayley Jones of Strawberry Crest High School and Taina Blaise of Tampa Bay Technical High School.

The high school seniors who were awarded these scholarships wrote essays that shared their future pursuits in health care and the positive impact on the community.

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

May 2025

Page 19

HOUDANNY STUNS KIDS AND SENIORS WITH MAGIC AND NUTRITION LESSONS Staff Report

TICKETS ON SALE NOW: LIGHTNING TO HOST EIGHTH ANNUAL BOLTS BREW FEST, PRESENTED BY PUBLIX

Craft beer • $110 for lovers, mark early-bird tickyour calenets, $120 for dars — tickets advanced tickare officially ets and $150 on sale for the for day-ofeighth annuevent tickets. al Bolts Brew • Includes Fest, presentaccess to ed by Publix, the Ashley taking place on VIP Lounge, Friday, August VIP-only beers 1, at AMALIE and food and Arena. a BOGO tickThis fan-fa- The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the eighth annual Bolts et offer for a Brew Fest, presented by Publix, on Friday, August 1, at vorite event, Lightning preAMALIE Arena. hosted by the season game Tampa Bay Lightning, (while supplies last). will kick off at 8 p.m.

• Designated driver and promises a night tickets — $35 for adpacked with unlimited vanced tickets and $45 craft beer and spirfor day-of-event tickit samples from local ets (general admission and national breweronly). ies, interactive overTickets are available sized games, photo now via www.ticketops, music, appearancmaster.com. Early-bird es by ThunderBug and pricing runs for a limitmuch more. ed time only, and quantities are limited Ticket breakdown: — fans are encouraged to act fast.

General admission — entry at 8 p.m.

The full brewery lineup will be an• $40 for early-bird tickets, $50 for ad- nounced closer to the event. In the meanvanced tickets and $60 for day-of-event time, visit https://boltsbrewfest.com/ for tickets. updates and event details, or call 813General admission plus — entry at 7 301-2500. p.m. (extra hour of sampling).

Advanced parking is also available • $65 for early-bird tickets, $75 for ad- through www.parkwhiz.com. vanced tickets and $90 for day-of-event Get ready to raise your glass and toast tickets. to another unforgettable night in Bolts VIP admission — entry at 6 p.m.

Nation.

By Lily Belcher

Daniel Silver was very From kid birthday parconcerned over the rising ties to senior living fachildhood obesity rates cilities, Silver entertains when he became a nutriand educates during his tionist but knew it would shows. He always has take more than some fun something up his sleeve facts to keep kids interand specializes in closeested. up magic.

Silver is not just pas“I talk about eating sionate about healthy healthy, exercising and eating — he’s passionate have tricks,” he said. “It’s about magic. not a boring lecture. It’s Silver, also known as fun and tricks.”

Houdanny, is a nutrition He is inspired by Houmagician — incorporatdini, a famous magician ing a healthy message and stunt performer.

Daniel Silver, also known as Houdan- He’s also a stand-up cointo his magic shows.

“I do magic shows for ny, specializes in sleight-of-hand and median, something he close-up magic. children, for adults and got into in his 30s. also senior citizens,” he said.

“I’ve got the triple threat,” “Dazzling them with magic he said. “I’ve got comedy, magtricks, I also import a healthy ic and also nutrition.” message about their eating, In Silver’s free time, he volexercising, avoiding bad habunteers at local organizations, its, resisting peer pressure, such as the American Heart and things like that.”

Association, Big Brothers Big Silver has a degree in nutriSisters and the Juvenile Diabetion and became the youngest member of tes Association. the International Brotherhood of MagiHe also is a substitute teacher during cians. To join this group, he fooled a board the day and a bartender at a nursing of professional magicians at just 12 years home at night. He joked that his bar is old. called “The Last Call.”

He started doing magic when he was Silver said he relates to both the older 5 and his impressed father bought him a and younger crowds, especially because pile of books on magic tricks. Meanwhile, he is young at heart. his mother prioritized feeding him healthy For more information on The Astonishfood, keeping candy and sodas out of the ing Houdanny: Nutrition Magician, to see house. His childhood, combined with his videos of his performances or to book him aversion to a standard 9-to-5 job, led him for an upcoming event, visit https://astoward being a nutrition magician. tonishinghoudanny.com/.

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Page 20

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

LOCAL MOM SHARES SON’S FENTANYL STORY TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR DEA DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

By Marie Gilmore

Megan LaDue, a logy report,” shared his cal mother who lost mother. her 19-year-old son, Though Wade had Wade, to fentanyl survived previous poisoning, shared her overdoses, this time heartbreaking story he did not. during a press con“It was never going ference at HCA Florto happen to me. Now, ida Brandon Hospital I have to live with it,” ahead of the DEA’s said LaDue. “I want Drug Take Back event to encourage people in April. Her goal: to to have compassion help prevent similar for people struggling tragedies and raise with addiction. It is a awareness about the Megan LaDue lost her 19-year-old son, Wade, due disease.” dangers of fentan- to fentanyl poisoning. She stands with Wade’s sisLaDue and officials ter, Stevie Green, and State Attorney Suzy Lopez. yl-laced drugs. from the DEA, HCA LaDue’s appearance followed a recent Florida Brandon Hospital and local law entrip to Tallahassee, where she lobbied state forcement emphasized the importance of lawmakers for stronger measures against safely disposing of unused or expired prethe spread of illicit fentanyl. She was joined scription medications. at the Brandon Hospital event by represen“The pills on our streets are not what tatives from the Anti-Drug Alliance, State they seem,” LaDue warned. “Wade took Attorney Suzy Lopez, the Hillsborough what he believed to be a Percocet and he County Sheriff’s Office and hospital staff got something laced with fentanyl. He was — all united in encouraging the safe dis- a son, a brother and had a heart that could posal of unused medications and spreading light up a room.” awareness about the ongoing crisis.

Chief Deputy Joe Maurer echoed the call In the United States, approximately 200 to action: “We need you to get rid of unused people die every day from drugs contami- and unwanted medication. If you don’t use nated with fentanyl. it, don’t keep it.”

Wade, remembered as a talented gymAt the April Drug Take Back Day, HCA nast, musician and a beloved older brother, Florida Brandon Hospital collected 135.5 began facing emotional struggles in middle pounds of medication — making it the school following a family loss. To cope, he top collection site in Hillsborough County. turned to substances like marijuana and To find where to safely dispose of unused Xanax. Despite periods of recovery that medications, www.dea.gov/everyday-takebrought his family hope, ongoing trauma back-day. eventually led to deeper struggles with adHCA Florida Brandon Hospital is a 479diction. bed acute care facility with its main cam“He had enough fentanyl in his system to pus in Brandon. For more information, visit kill six people accordingly to the toxicolo- www.hcafloridabrandonhospital.com.

y, nl !

O e ble im aila T d v ite re A m Li s a r a ard o F ft C Gi

Volume 20, Issue 5

BRANDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM

By Jane Owen

On April 23, loformation about cal business ownHCC’s Institute ers came togethfor Continuing er with leaders and Corporate from Hillsborough Education (www.

County Public tampatraining.

Schools (HCPS), com), which inLivingstone Acadcludes training emy, and Hillsborfor certifications ough Community as a phlebotomy College (HCC) technician, masfor an education A group picture of education and business leaders at the sage therapist, Good Morning Brandon – Education event. symposium called surgical techniGood Morning Brandon cian, electrical line worker and – Education, which was more. Melendez highlighted hosted by the Greater their Tampa Electric (TECO) Brandon Chamber of Line program and HCC BranCommerce. don’s new FinTech (Financial Good Morning BranTechnology) program. don is an event series planned by the BranSchool board member Patti Rendon moddon Chamber’s Government and Economic erated a panel discussion. The panel memAffairs Committee (GEAC). Amber Aaron, bers included Van Ayres (HCPS superintenGreater Brandon Chamber of Commerce ex- dent), Dr. Deborah Stephan (HCC president), ecutive vice president, said the goal of the Kristin Lisi (Livingstone Academy president) series is to provide a platform dedicated to and Steve Cona (ABC Florida Gulf Coast promoting informed and active participation CEO.) in Florida’s political processes and relevant “Engaging our community and business community topics. This year, education was about education in the Brandon area is critiadded as a topic to the 2025 series of Good cal to our community,” Rendon said.

Morning Brandon events.

The topics discussed included elevating “The Good Morning Brandon – Education education and expanding opportunities for event was an opportunity to engage in dia- students, employer-driven partnerships, aplogue with leaders of education from public, prenticeship programs, measures being imprivate, college and trade schools to elevate plemented to ensure safety of students on the business community’s understanding of campus and addressing online safety with the state of education, including school safe- students and in schools. ty, business partnerships, career readiness The panel answered questions from the and innovation opportunities,” Aaron said. audience that included topics of the Federal Nester Melendez, dean of student ser- Department of Education and the impact of vices for HCC Brandon, shared details about artificial intelligence (AI) on learning. business partnerships and programs that To learn more about the Greater Brandon benefit the 16,224 students enrolled at the Chamber of Commerce and its events, visit Brandon campus. Melendez presented in- www.brandonchamber.com.

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May 2025

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

SPRING UPDATE ON BIG PIPELINE PROJECT IN SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH

By Brian Bokor

Major changes are coming to South Hillsborough County as crews get ready to break ground on a vital new water pipeline. The South Hillsborough Pipeline project, which aims to deliver safe drinking water to a fast-growing part of the county, is entering a new phase this year.

The design of the project is nearly complete, with 90 percent of the plans now finalized. These plans detail the pipeline’s path, construction methods and tunneling locations. The project team is now working on securing permits and finalizing costs before full construction begins.

Starting in July 2025, residents might notice survey crews marking boundaries and trimming trees in areas where the pipeline will be built. This work is the first visible step in a large project that has been years in the making. Tampa Bay Water, the agency leading the effort, said construction could officially begin as soon as this fall in special trenchless crossing areas, places where workers will dig tunnels under roads and waterways to avoid disturbing traffic and the environment.

Some of the locations where tunneling will happen include Falkenburg Road, State Road 60, the Alafia River and Boyette Road.

Open trench construction, which involves digging long ditches for the pipeline, is expected to start by March 2026. The project team plans to release updated schedules and alerts as construction moves closer.

Another big update involves a possible route adjustment near Fishhawk Ranch West. Tampa Bay Water received approval from several environmental agencies to explore a new pipeline path through a construction easement owned by Hillsborough County and the Fishhawk Ranch Community Development District (Fishhawk CDD). This new route follows an old, unpaved trail, which means fewer trees will need to be cut down and nearby homes will experience less disruption. The adjusted path is also shorter, helping reduce construction costs and long-term maintenance needs.

To move forward with the new alignment, Tampa Bay Water must acquire easements from the Fishhawk CDD and Hillsborough County, and Hillsborough County’s Board of County Commissioners and Florida Fish and Wildlife must approve the acquisition and mitigation plans.

The South Hillsborough Pipeline is a major infrastructure project designed to meet the growing demand for drinking water in the county. The pipeline will eventually connect a future drinking water facility in Balm to the existing water system, helping secure clean, fresh water for homes, schools and businesses for years to come.

Contact shpinfo@tampabaywater.org or call 813-485-6480. Stay tuned to the project website at https://southhillsboroughpipeline.com/ and look for emails regarding future project updates.

Page 21

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Page 22

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Volume 20, Issue 5

LIBBY HOPKINS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF PLANT CITY HISTORY & PHOTO ARCHIVES

Staff Report

Plant City HisHaving recently tory & Photo Arcompleted a grant chives President Ed writing program, Verner announced Hopkins has also today that its been tasked with board of directors writing grant aphad unanimously plications, orgaselected Elizabeth nizing membership ‘Libby’ Hopkins to and annual appeal serve as the new campaigns and director. Hopkins, partnering with who has worked the Arts Council of for the archives Plant City, the Imas its community provement League outreach manager and the Chamber since July 2024, of Commerce. She will begin immeis a member of the diately and fill the American Associaposition vacated tion for State and

by David Moon’s Local History as resignation.

New director of the Plant City History and Photo well as the Florida Archives Libby Hopkins.

Current interim Society of ArchiDirector Gil Gott will continue in a senior vists. position as director emeritus for a brief Other staff members working with probationary period, after which he will Hopkins include Tammy Surratt, office retire again and assume a position on manager, and Michelle Tolison, comthe board and serve as the historian and munications specialist. The Plant City as a member of the Writers in Residence History & Photo Archives’ operations Program. require volunteer support and welcomes Hopkins previously served as executive volunteers in scanning, research and fildirector of the Center Place Fine Arts & ing tasks. The archives also welcomes Civic Association, is a journalism/mass photographers or interested history communications graduate of the Univer- buffs to donate current or any interestsity of South Florida and has written for ing photographs. the Osprey Observer, In The Field MagaFor more information, call 813-754zine and the Plant City Observer.

1578, check out its website at www.

Hopkins has earned praise from board plantcityphotoarchives.org or visit the members for her outreach abilities Plant City History & Photo Archives at demonstrated in a variety of events 106 S. Evers St. in historic downtown gathering publicity and local support. Plant City.

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May 2025

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Page 23

FUN AND FUNDRAISING MICHAEL BRAND IS RUNNING AHEAD AS ABI MERKLE RUNS FOR EAST HILLSBOROUGH’S FOR HONORARY MAYOR HONORARY MAYOR Staff Report Get ready for an exand accomplished colciting summer of comlege athletes. munity spirit and chariThis year, Merkle is table giving. Abi Merkle, channeling her creativa dynamic local business ity and energy into her owner and marketing mayoral campaign, aimexpert, has officially ing to raise vital funds entered the race for for two impactful orgahonorary mayor of East nizations: Hillsborough County — We Are The Essena cherished, nonpolitical tials, a team of former tradition focused on raismilitary and law ening funds for local nonforcement professionals profits. who assist families in A proud University locating missing or enof South Florida graddangered loved ones.

Abi Merkle is running for Honorary uate (go Bulls!), Merkle IMPACT Program, Mayor with fun community events. brings a rich background which offers parent proin corporate retail advertising and over a grams and educational workshops designed decade of experience helping businesses to empower youth and families through ingrow through branding, strategy and cre- formed decision-making. ative design. After 20 years in corporate To support her campaign and the causes it retail — working in industries from grocery benefits, Merkle has a full calendar of fundto furniture — Merkle launched AM Design raising events planned: & Services (AMDS) in 2015. The creative Tuesday, June 3 — kick-off party. agency specializes in social media manageMonday, June 9 — bunco night. ment, branding, logo and packaging design, Saturday, June 14 — clay shoot. business collateral and more.

Friday, June 27 — second-chance prom.

Now celebrating its 10th year in busiSaturday through Monday, June 28-30 — ness, AMDS continues to help startups and online auction. established companies alike “design their Want to help? Here’s how you can get insuccess.” Whether it’s building a brand from volved: scratch or taking an existing business to the Become a race sponsor or event sponsor. next level, Merkle’s approach is about more Donate items for raffles or silent auctions. than just graphics — it’s about strategic Attend an event or simply help spread the growth. word.

Merkle lives in Hillsborough County with Every contribution makes a difference and her husband, Phil, a detective with the Hill- goes directly toward helping our neighbors sborough County Sheriff’s Office. Together, in need. they’ve raised two sons — Kyle and Ty — For information, call 813-308-9818 or both proud graduates of local high schools email merkle4mayor@gmail.com.

By Lily Belcher

Michael Brand He will also is throwing his host purses and hat into the ring sports bingo on for this year’s East Tuesday, June Hillsborough hon10, and a charorary mayor race. ity concert on The race will Monday, June take place this 16, there. summer, with the Later in the candidate who month, there raises the most will be a bourmoney for charity bon and wine earning the title. tasting at BouBrand is the levard Supper owner of 55 Rides, Michael Brand is hosting community events to raise Club on Tuesa luxury car ser- money for 3 charities during his honorary mayor race. day, June 24, and vice he started at the end of 2024 to a softball tournament in Park Square offer a comfortable and fun option for FishHawk on Saturday, June 28. travel transportation and nights out.

Brand said he wants to raise around Now, he’s using those community con- $50,000 but is hoping to raise more for nections and motivation to give back by the charities. raising money for three charities: Hope His campaign manager is Rhonda Mcfor Her, ECHO and Boys and Girls With Daniel, the founder of A Caring Touch Confidence.

Skin Therapy, which has served the com“I’m really just running to try and munity for over 20 years. raise money and awareness for some lo“She’s just one of the sweetest, nicest cal charities in the area,” Brand said. people you’ll ever meet in your life,” he Candidates will raise money for these said about McDaniel. groups beginning in May through sponThe rest of his team includes other sorships and hosting events throughout chamber of commerce and community the community in June. members.

“The challenge is getting people to But for Brand, who wins the honorary come out to the events to donate,” he mayor race doesn’t matter — his goal is said. “It seems like everybody’s down a just to help out the local charities. Even bit this year, … but we’re going to try if Brand loses, the money will still be doour best.” nated to his three charities.

Brand is hosting his campaign’s kickoff “It’s always fulfilling to give back to part at Voodoo Brewery Co. on Tuesday, the community so that’s really what I’m June 3. looking to do here,” he said.

FOR HONORARY MAYOR OF EAST HILLSBOROUGH

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My name is Michael Brand and I am honored to serve as a candidate in the 2025 Honorary Mayor’s Race of East Hillsborough County.

As an experienced professional in the home security industry, I have spent the last 20+ years helping families and businesses in our community stay safe and protect what matters most to them. Most recently I have also started a new venture, 55 Rides, a private car service that also focuses on helping people reach their destination both safely and conveniently. This is why I have decided to focus my fundraising efforts on three charities that embody that same philosophy of protecting and uplifting those local in our community: ECHO helps bridge the gap between crisis and stability by assisting local residents with emergency food, clothing and access to life-stabilizing programs and resources.

Hope for Her is a safe place where women experiencing crisis and trauma find the strength, skills and support they need to rebuild their best lives.

Girls & Boys with Confidence offers fun & creative workshops, events and camps for girls and boys in K12th grade that focus on the development of strong self esteem and confidence.

With your help we can help raise awareness for these amazing charitable organizations and the challenges they solve, all while securing the financial resources they need to continue to provide the amazing services they do for our community. Thank you for your help!

Voodoo Brewery Voodoo Brewery Voodoo Brewery Boulevard Supper Club Park Square Fishhawk

Page 24

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

VOODOO BREWING CO. AND RBQ CATERING SERVE UP A FLAVORFUL PARTNERSHIP IN VALRICO

Volume 20, Issue 5

D O G D AY C A R E • L O D G I N G • T R A I N I N G • S PA S E R V I C E S Endorsed by Jack Hanna!

By Brian Bokor

In Valrico, a longtime friendship has turned into a sizzling business collaboration. Chris Ciulla, owner of Voodoo Brewing Co. Valrico, and Roger Earnheart, owner of RBQ Catering, have teamed up to serve up slow-smoked meats and bold sauces to hungry locals.

“Roger and I lived on the same street in FishHawk 20 years ago, so we’ve known each other for a long time,” said Ciulla. “When I moved back to Florida and opened Voodoo, that gave Roger and me the opportunity to work together.”

That connection has grown into a partnership bringing customers in from all over the area.

Earnheart’s love of barbecue started years ago when he worked as a national accounts manager at Hormel Foods. During his frequent business trips, he would seek out local BBQ joints to sample different regional styles of barbecue and sauces. “Traveling all the time, my passion would be to eat BBQ in all the different regions, and I fell in love with Texas BBQ,” said Earnheart.

The spark that became RBQ Catering ignited in 2020 during the pandemic.

“I did some charity fundraisers, marketed to friends and neighbors and donated the proceeds to local charities. When I couldn’t travel during the pandemic, it gave me ample time to hone my smoking skills, develop sauce recipes, and develop a business plan.

I retired during COVID, 2021; purchased

a small offset smoker trailer; and started RBQ (Roger’s BBQ) and started selling at artisan markets in the area,” said Earnheart.

The first sauce Earnheart created was a raspberry chipotle, which quickly gained fans.

“My kids were in high school and college, and I always had to send BBQ sauce back with them to school. They loved it and all their friends loved it,” he said.

RBQ Catering operates out of Voodoo Brewing’s kitchen, with its meats featured daily on Voodoo’s menu. From beef brisket and pulled pork to smoked turkey breast and ribs, RBQ’s offerings are cooked low and slow with real wood on a traditional offset smoker. Wings tossed in one of six signature sauces add an extra kick to the menu.

RBQ appears regularly at the Lakeland Farmers Market and artisan markets throughout the Tampa Bay area. Events are listed months in advance at https://rbqcatering.com/ so fans know where to find them. Teresa Stevenson, Earnheart’s righthand woman of four years and ringleader of the ‘Roger and Teresa Show,’ has become a crowd favorite. She invites everyone to come on down to ‘Sauce Town’ and see what all the fuss is about.

Voodoo Brewing Co. is located at 3432 S.R. 60 in Valrico. Visit https://rbqcatering. com/ or call 813-731-2123. Ciulla, Earnheart and Stevenson invite you to stop by for a taste of this collaboration that’s smoking the competition.

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May 2025

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Page 25

BLOOMINGDALE BOYS AND GIRLS A KID’S PLACE BREAKS GROUND ON BASKETBALL PROGRAMS TO HOST 12,000-SQUARE-FOOT ACTIVITY CENTER

By Marie Gilmore SUMMER CAMPS FOR YOUTH

By Nick Nahas

body will participate in daily skills, instructions, drills and three-onthree and five-on-five contests.

Boys basketball Head Campers from beginner to advanced are all welcome. Registration is open to boys Coach David Maciejewski and girls entering grades four through nine. taught elThe head coaches of the Bloomingdale ementary school for 13 years before his High School basketball girls and boys programs, along with student athletes from family moved to Florida, so he relishes both teams will host summer camps at the working with young athletes.

“I really enjoy working with the youth in high school for students entering grades the community, and the best part of camp four through nine in session one and sevis when you see the light bulb moment or en through nine in session two. The camps you watch something click for a kid that are open to both boys and girls. has been working on a skill all week,” said Bloomingdale girls basketball Head Maciejewski.

Coach Joel Bower has been hosting these According to Bower, the priority is camps since he started with the program for each camper to have fun and learn 14 years ago. He is looking forward to in a safe environment. Emphasis will be teaching new, young and talented campplaced on the improvements of fundameners of all levels. tal skills and sportsmanship. They may “We are excited about hosting our youth arrive as early as 30 minutes before their camps again this summer and the opporsession begins.

Concessions and the camp tunity to work with the next generation of bank will be available. basketball players in our area,” said Bow“One of the fun things to see is watching er. our high school athletes teach and work Camp sessions weeks one (June 16-19) with young basketball players. It makes and two (June 23-26) will be held Monday me laugh when I hear them repeat things through Thursday. All campers will receive they hear the coaches say in practice,” a T-shirt. Registration costs $125 per sessaid Maciejewski. sion. Payments can be made with a check, For more information, email Bower cash or through Cash App ($bullshoops). (joel.bower@hcps.net) or Maciejewski Campers from beginner to advanced (david.maciejewski@hcps.net) or call are all welcome. They will be put in groups 813-299-5072. based on age, size and skill level. Every-

What began as kids that depua vision from Dotties could bring tie Berger MacKkids day or night innon to create a where they could group foster home have love and afin Eastern Hillsfection and the borough County caring that they so that would keep desperately need.” siblings together H i l l s b o ro u g h has grown into a County has also thriving, 13-acre A Kid’s Place celebrated the groundbreaking of its new played a key role in 12,000-square-foot activity center. campus — and it the organization’s continues to excontinued growth. pand.

Myers attended the This April, A Kid’s event and shared the Place marked a macounty’s commitment jor milestone with the to the cause. groundbreaking of the “Today is special, MacKinnon Family Acand these children are tivity Center, a new looking for the same 12,000-square-foot hope and opportunity facility designed to as us, and the county enhance services and experiences for the contributed $900,000 to help. And this is children in its care. The center will feature what it’s all about, we invest in our commuan expanded indoor gathering space for nities,” she said. birthdays, holidays and other celebrations, A Kid’s Place has served the Tampa Bay as well as additional rooms for therapy, fam- region since its founding in 2009, providing ily visitation, arts and crafts and vocational a safe, home-like environment for children training. The building will also include an ed- removed from their homes due to abuse, neucational computer lab and dedicated areas glect or abandonment. Located on a 5-acre to support the ‘Stepping Stones’ program, site, the campus includes a 60-bed facility which helps youth ages 13 and up develop that provides care for children from birth independent living skills. Outdoor features to age 17, as well as extended services for will include a basketball court, courtyard, young adults ages 18-22 aging out of fosswimming pool and exercise room. ter care. The nonprofit’s mission is to keep Leaders, board members, staff, volunteers, sibling groups together while meeting the donors and community officials gathered for social, educational, medical and emotional the groundbreaking ceremony, which includ- needs of each child. ed presentations, refreshments and campus Over the past 16 years, A Kid’s Place has tours. helped more than 1,700 children and 753 “This is so heartwarming,” said Sandy families across Hillsborough, Pinellas and MacKinnon, husband of founder Dottie. Pasco counties. For more information, visit “Sheriff David Gee wanted a place to take https://akidsplacetb.org/.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

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Volume 20, Issue 5

May 2025

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Page 27

USF MARKS MAJOR CONSTRUCTION FUN HAS NO AGE LIMIT AT GOOD

MILESTONE FOR NEW FACILITY TACKLING FLORIDA’S NURSING SHORTAGE

Staff Report

The University ida’s health care of South Florida workforce.

(USF) celebratThe $33 million ed a significant expansion is fundmilestone in its ed by a strategic mission to adinvestment from dress Florida’s the state, made critical nursing possible through shortage with the leadership of the ‘Topping Out’ Gov. Ron DeSanof its new USF tis and the FlorHealth College of ida Legislature Nursing facility. in 2022. Former Photo courtesy of Christine Lear. Senate President In April, the final steel beam was USF College of Nursing building is under construction. and current Florraised into place on the Tampa campus, ida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton symbolizing the completion of the building’s Simpson was instrumental in securing the structural framework. funding.

“The University of South Florida is com“We looked at where we get our critical mitted to providing solutions to the chal- nurses from and it’s from the universities — lenges facing our communities, and today with USF at the top of that list,” Simpson we are taking an important step to address said. “We want to make sure we are prothe shortage of nurses in Florida,” said USF ducing the most qualified nursing students President Rhea Law. “Thanks to the support anywhere in the country, and here at USF, from our state leaders, particularly Florida anywhere in the state. This project is someCommissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simp- thing I am very proud of, and the $33 million son during his time in the Florida Legisla- will clearly turn into a great investment.” ture, and our partners at Tampa General “USF Health is absolutely committed to Hospital, this project will allow us to gradu- fighting Florida’s nursing shortage and exate significantly more highly trained nurses panding our program,” said Dr. Charles J. to help meet a critical workforce need and Lockwood, executive vice president of USF deliver even greater care for patients in the Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani Tampa Bay region.”

College of Medicine.

The new 34,000-square-foot facility, This expansion builds on USF’s robust scheduled to open in fall 2026, will feature partnerships with local and regional health advanced clinical spaces, state-of-the-art care systems, helping create a direct pipesimulation labs and flexible learning envi- line from education to employment. USF ronments. Once completed, it will enable graduates more nurses than any other the university to expand its undergraduate institution in Florida and is home to the nursing program by 500 additional stu- state’s top-ranked Master of Science in dents by 2028, significantly boosting the Nursing program. pipeline of qualified nurses entering FlorLearn more at https://health.usf.edu/.

LIFE SOCIAL CLUB, RECREATION AND EVENT SPACE

By Jane Owen

On May 2, Good Spurlock is a liLife Social Club, censed practical Recreation and nurse (LPN) and Event Space celhas a degree in ebrated a grand business managereopening with ment, which ala ribbon-cutting lows her to merge with the Valrico passionate care FishHawk Chamwith the business ber of Commerce. aspects of running The reopening a senior center. marked a new viAll the details are sion and growth Fred Wiggins and Doris ‘Nezzie’ Terry playing Jenga taken care of so at the Good Life Club. as a senior recrethat seniors can ation center. enjoy a safe and welcoming space and Located in Brandon, Good Life Club is caregivers can relax knowing their loved a nurse and family-owned senior social ones are thriving in a trusted space. club, recreation center and event space The center offers flexible memberdesigned to enrich the lives of older ships, including hourly and day passes, adults through meaningful engagement along with monthly memberships. Seand fun activities. niors at the center enjoy rotating interOwner Sarah Spurlock is committed active activities and games throughout to hosting a nurturing and supporting the week, such as bingo, cards, arts and environment within the senior center, crafts, music, exercise, dancing, themed where both the elderly and their fami- parties and more. Meals and snacks are lies and caregivers can find respite and provided by local restaurants. a sense of community.

“Drawing on my personal experiencSpurlock credits her grandmother, es and the invaluable lessons imparted Maria, for her passion for older adults by my grandmother, I have dedicated and commitment to the mantra that age myself to enhancing the lives of older should never limit the pursuit of happi- adults,” Spurlock said. ness.

The Good Life Social Club, Recreation “I was fortunate to be raised by my be- and Event Space is a hub of happiness. loved grandmother, who instilled in me When it is not hosting senior activities, a deep love and respect for the elderly. the event space can be rented for priHer nurturing presence and the wisdom vate events for up to 60 people. she shared left an indelible mark on my Good Life Club is located at 113 Marheart. It was through her care and guid- garet St. in Brandon. For more inforance that I discovered my true calling in mation, visit mygoodlifeclub.com, email life — to provide compassionate support info@mygoodlifeclub.com, or call 800and care for older adults,” Spurlock said. 988-2988.

Page 28

Brandon/Winthrop Edition

Dementia Summit, Lupus Fundraiser, Delivery Drivers Wanted & More...

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Dementia Team Building Summit

Sandy’s Daughter LLC presents the Dementia Team Building Summit to help families affected by dementia design a plan to navigate the dementia journey. CherylAnn Haley, the founder of Sandy’s Daughter, has been caring for her mom, who has had vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s for nine years. Haley has designed this event for families to learn what resources they will need through the time caring for a loved one with dementia. Haley believes understanding what resources will be needed early will allow a family to create a plan that will allow them to better focus on their loved one and not be taken by surprise as the disease progresses. A selection of

vendors will have tables to showcase their services and how they can help you care for both your loved one and yourself. The event will take place at the UF/IFAS Extension at 5339 County Rd. 579 in Seffner from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, May 31. RSVP to sandysdaughter@outlook.com.

East Hillsborough cratic Club Picnic

Demo-

The East Hillsborough Democratic Club will be holding a picnic for members and like-minded individuals. The event will take place at Paul sanders Park, located at 3319 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon, on Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken and water and soda will be provided. You are invited to bring a side item or dessert to share, but this is not necessary. Please contact Chris Radulich at 813-645-6324 for more information.

Lupus Fundraiser

May is Lupus Awareness Month, and the Labalaba Foundation is asking the community to run/walk/ride on behalf of those who are suffering with lupus. It wants to “Shine the Light on Lupus” to promote better research, early diagnosis and quality health care until the cause and a cure for lupus are found. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that is difficult to diagnose and affects many organs, cells and tissues of the body. You can participate on Saturday, May 31, at Ersula’s History Shop, located at 1421 Tampa

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Park Plaza in Tampa, starting at 9 a.m.; or call 813-741-2000. this includes a free ‘Curated Tour of African American History.’ This is a fami- Yoga In The Garden At Kerby’s ly-friendly event. Please register, donate, Nursery invite others, put on purple and join in.

Plants and yoga go together like health Visit https://givebutter.com/thelabala- and wellness, so join Kerby’s Nursery for bafoundation to register for the event.

Yoga in the Garden. Keystone Yoga presents a yoga class at Kerby’s Nursery, loTwo Truck Drivers Urgently cated at 2311 S. Parsons Ave. in Seffner, Needed By Our Lady’s Pantry on the first Saturday of each month at According to Our Lady’s Pantry direc- 9:30 a.m. First-time yogis are welcome. tor Tom Bullaro, the pantry loses many At the class, participants will receive a snowbirds every spring, and truck driv- coupon for Kerby’s Nursery as well as ers are especially missed. Our Lady’s a complimentary plant to help attendPantry picks up tens of thousands of ees on their wellness journey. After the pounds of food from vendors all around class, Spellbound Sourdough will be onthe county every week to distribute on site with delicious breads and treats for Saturday mornings, when an average purchase.

270 clients visit its drive-through panVisit shop.kerbysnursery.com for detry. That’s a lot of food, and the pantry tails and tickets. needs many hands to drive the trucks and do the heavy lifting of boxes too because vendors often cannot help. No special license is required to drive the trucks.

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Brandon/Winthrop Edition

May 2025

DOGS INC. LAUNCHES NEW VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON PUPPY TRAINING PROGRAM

Page 29

WOMEN OF GOD TAMPA BAY:

By Libby Hopkins

A BEACON OF FAITH AND SERVICE

Founded in 1982 a pivotal role in the with one instructor, nonprofit’s mission.” three dogs and a Dogs Inc.’s pupfarmhouse, Dogs Inc. py-raising program is was created with one of the most flexithe intent of training ble in the country. guide dogs for people “Raisers can with vision loss in the take a puppy home Southeast. for three, six or Now, Dogs Inc. is 12 months,” Baxthe only organization ter said. “They also in North America to have the option to Dogs Inc. recently launched its Raise a Puppy provide guide and co-raise their puppy program and needs volunteers. service dogs, online with family, friends, and in-person traincolleagues, neighing, alumni lifetime bors and more. If support, premium dog these options are too food and preventative lengthy, people can veterinary care, all at volunteer as puppy no cost to recipients, thanks to the generos- starters, the ones who raise the puppies ity of supporters. right when they leave Puppy Academy, or as “Dogs Inc. currently supports more than puppy sitters. Puppy sitters take care of a 700 active teams across the United States,” puppy when their primary raiser is on vacasaid Lydia Baxter, media relations manager tion, out of town, not feeling well, etc.” for Dogs Inc. “Our commitment doesn’t end Dogs Inc. provides raisers with a puppy there; we also offer financial assistance for raiser kit, which includes a crate, a puppy unexpected veterinary bills. Because love, leash and collar, a stainless steel water bowl, hope and independence should be given a toothbrush and toothpaste, a puppy raiser freely.” shirt, a free bag of dog food and a bag of Every working dog begins as a puppy, puppy treats. Dogs Inc. also covers all vetand every puppy has the potential to open erinary care and medical expenses, including a world of possibilities for those with vision monthly preventatives. loss, veterans with disabilities and children “The most rewarding part of being a pupwho need a best friend. Dogs Inc. recently py raiser is the partnership you form with launched its Raise a Puppy program, which your dog,” said Chris Dobson, leader for the can be done in person or virtually.

East Hillsborough County Puppy Raising “Volunteer puppy raisers open their Club. “It’s a tremendous bond. Raisers get hearts and homes to puppies, sharing their as much gratification as the puppy receives world with them,” Baxter said. “They enjoy support.” cuddles, love and help pups with basic cues Dogs Inc. gives raisers support, coaching and socialization. There are approximately and training at every step of their journey.

500 people across the United States that For more information, visit its website at volunteer as raisers for Dogs Inc., playing https://dogsinc.org.

In a quiet neighlowship Church in borhood in ValriFishHawk,” said co, a movement of Vejar, “but not all faith and fellowthe women in the ship began taking Women of God root. Women of Tampa Bay group God Tampa Bay, are. We all go to a nonprofit orgadifferent churchnization founded es, and some do

by Elizabeth Vejar, not call a church is on a mission to home.” embody the teachVejar’s personings of Jesus Christ al journey of faith, through community Women of God Tampa Bay hosts regular meet- tragedy and victory service and spiritual ings and events for women to gather together is central to the orand share their faith. growth. ganization’s ethos.

Vejar, a local author and advocate for As the author of Triumphant: A Journey godly obedience, established Women of Toward Godly Obedience, she shares inGod Tampa Bay earlier this year. The orga- sights into the challenges and rewards nization aims to unite women in the Tam- of living a life aligned with divine principa Bay area and beyond, fostering a sense ples. Her book, which can be purchased of community and purpose. on www.amazon.com, explores themes of “Our mission is to love and serve one repentance, grace and the transformative another in fellowship, being the hands and power of obedience to God. Her second feet of Jesus in our communities in and book, Walk by Faith, is in the works. around Tampa Bay and the world,” said Women of God Tampa Bay is a testaVejar. “We meet on a regular basis, grow- ment to the power of faith-driven action, ing in the knowledge and grace of Christ proving that even small beginnings can while living out our faith of glorifying Him lead to profound change. Vejar’s vision with our lives.” is to expand the reach of Women of God The group hosts regular meetings and Tampa Bay, inspiring women across the events, providing a platform for women region to embrace their faith and contribto share their faith journeys, support one ute to their communities. another and engage in charitable activ“After nearly three years, we are offiities. Through food drives, mentorship cially a nonprofit corporation that expects programs and raising funds to support God to do his will through us, as we lay mission trips, Women of God Tampa Bay down our lives and our will to follow Him.” is making a tangible impact in the lives of For more information, visit Women those it serves. of God Tampa Bay’s Facebook page or “Our weekly Bible studies are currently email wogbinfo@gmail.com. You may held at Fellowship Church on Thursdays also reach the organization by phone at at 6:30 p.m., and I am a member of Fel- 661-802-9919.

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Volume 20, Issue 5

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SonLife Baptist Church Welcomes You

AtWork Opens Newest Location SonLife Baptist Church is a small SouthIn Tampa ern country church that has a welcoming AtWork, the nation’s leading staffing franchise for empowering job seekers and facilitating company growth, has opened its newest location in Tampa at 8402 Laurel Fair Circle, Ste. 101, across from the Florida State Fairgrounds. Locally owned and operated by U.S. Army veteran Steve Trimborn and his wife, Tina, the pair have spent more than two decades investing in the community.

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SonLife’s Sunday school is held at 9:30 a.m., with Sunday service at 10:45 a.m. Its Wednesday Bible study meeting is at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit its website at www.sonlifebaptist.com.

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May 2025

Page 31

ORCHESTRA BRINGS POPS IN THE PARK TO TAMPA

By Brian Bokor

BREWING FRIENDSHIP AND LEGACY AT BOOTLEGGERS AND VOODOO

Staff Report

What started as a friendly visit to a local brewery turned into a heartfelt tribute to a firefighter’s legacy, and a beer that disappeared from taps almost as quickly as it arrived.

Chris Ciulla, owner of Voodoo Brewing Co., was not looking for a business partner or a new product when he stopped by Bootleggers Brewing Co. one afternoon. He was simply visiting. However, during a casual conversation, Bootlegger’s owner, Shaun Goeckner, suggested something personal: brewing a specialty beer in honor of Chris’ recently retired firefighter father, James Thomas Ciulla.

Goeckner was immediately interested in working with Chris.

“I brought it up,” Goeckner said. “I told him, ‘Hey, we ought to brew a beer for your dad.’ That is what clinched my participation, having worked for the Conservation Corp as a youth fighting brush fires. Structure firefighters have it bad. Tough job, with many injuries from chemical and physical hazards on the job.”

The name took some thought. “Fire Engine Red, Firehouse Red,” Goeckner remembered. “And the discussion turned to, well, that might not be the right image. You know, driving a fire engine, drinking beer, so Chris came up with Jimmy T’s Firehouse Red in honor of his father, a retired New York City firefighter.”

Once the idea took hold, Goeckner and Chris sat down with Bootlegger’s head brewer, John Santaniello, known around

these parts simply as ‘John the Brewer.’ Chris and Goeckner sampled about a half-dozen Irish reds to find the right flavor profile.

Santaniello nailed the recipe on the first try.

“John put it together in the first batch,” Goeckner said, “and Chris didn’t want us to tweak it at all. He loved it the way it was. So that’s how Jimmy T’s Firehouse Red was born.”

They brewed a small, one-barrel test batch to see how it would be received. The result? Instant success.

“When we tapped it for him, Chris was excited. It’s just fantastic,” Goeckner said.

“Customers told me they happened to be there the first day it was on tap over at Voodoo, but it went so fast. It was gone by the weekend.”

Because of that response, Goeckner promised to brew Jimmy T’s again, but only for Chris. “We don’t brew it unless he asks for it — it’s his beer,” he laughed, pointing out he would be “more than happy to brew a specialty beer for anyone with interest.”

The experience of brewing Jimmy T’s Firehouse Red left an impression on Chris too.

“I had so much fun going down there and brewing beer,” Chris shared. “Selecting the hops and measuring out the ingredients, … that part of the experience was something that will last with me forever.”

Voodoo Brewing Co. is located at 3432 S.R. 60 in Valrico; visit https://valrico.voodoobrewery.com. Bootleggers Brewing Co. is located at 10256 Causeway Blvd. in Tampa; visit www.bootleggersbrewingco.com.

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The Florida Orchestra will offer its Pops in the Park in Tampa on Saturday, May 31.

For the final concert of the season, The Florida Orchestra (TFO) will perform a free Raymond James Pops in the Park at River Tower Park in Tampa on Saturday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m., the orchestra announced recently.

TFO resident conductor Chelsea Gallo will send off the season with a musical party in the park, featuring family-friendly music, film scores, classic favorites such as Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and a patriotic finale.

Residents can come early for family-friendly activities provided in conjunction with community partners, including Tampa Bay Watch’s games with marine artifacts and arts and crafts with the Tampa Museum of Art. Kids can try out instruments at TFO’s Instrument Petting Zoo, with volunteers from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Food trucks and Munchies Kettle Corn will be on-site.

Everyone is encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to donate to Feeding Tampa Bay. Preconcert activities begin at

6:30 p.m.

Through concerts and education/community programs combined, TFO serves more than 155,000 residents each year — nearly half through free or low-cost programs. Pops in the Park is generously sponsored by Raymond James Financial.

Gallo is underwritten by Suzette & Monroe Berkman.

About The Florida Orchestra The Florida Orchestra is recognized as Tampa Bay’s leading performing arts institution, the largest professional orchestra in Florida, and one of the most vibrant and innovative orchestras in America. It celebrates its 57th season in 2024-25.

Under the leadership of Music Director Michael Francis, TFO performs series of classical, popular and morning matinee concerts in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, as well as free Pops in the Park concerts.

River Tower Park is located at 401 E Bird St. in Tampa. For tickets and more information, visit https://floridaorchestra.org/.

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Volume 20, Issue 5

1.75 ACRES $225,000

2BR/1.5BA + SCREENED PATIO 3BR/2BA/2CAR + DEN + SCREENED PATIO + GOLF COURSE VIEWS $225,000 $425,000

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EW G N TIN S LI

2515 CROSS MORE ST 6BR/3BA/2CAR + OFFICE + BONUS + POOL/SPA $575,000

2816 GRAPHITE CT

EW E! N RIC P

807 BELLE TIMBRE AVE 108 LAUREL TREE WAY 4BR/3BA/3CAR + POOL/SPA $650,000

3BR/2BA/5CAR + POOL $640,000