Bloomingdale/ FishHawk
October 2025 Volume 24, Issue 10
Saturdays & Sundays
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Sept. 6 – Oct. 26 Included with park admission
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CELEBRATING 23 YE ARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS
LITHIA RESIDENT TO PLAY ICONIC ROLE ABOARD ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S NEWEST SHIP By Lily Belcher
Staff Report
The season of giving is starting early this year with the return of one of the area’s most anticipated community events — the Shop Local Holiday Vendor Fair, hosted by the Valrico/FishHawk Chamber of Commerce. Scheduled for Saturday, November 1, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale, this annual bazaar and festival event promises fun for the whole family — and a chance to support local businesses right before the holidays. This year’s event, chaired by Mike Neill, the chamber’s 2025 Shop Local chair, aims to highlight the best of Valrico and FishHawk’s small business community. From handcrafted gifts and boutique treasures to interactive games and giveaways, the fair is expected to bring out residents and visitors alike for a day of celebration, creativity and community spirit. “We’re inviting businesses of all kinds to take part in this high-energy event,” said Neill. “It’s a chance to meet your neighbors, showcase your brand and be part of something that brings real value to our community.” Businesses interested in participating can reserve a booth for just $40 (nonrefundable). Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. This isn’t your average vendor fair — especially for service-based businesses. Or-
ganizers are asking those vendors to go beyond brochures and banners by offering fun, interactive activities at their booths. “We want people to stop, smile and engage,” Neill explained. “In the past, we’ve had everything from donut-eating contests to ornament decorating. The more creative, the better.” A fan favorite is also back: the Flamingo Decorating Contest. Each vendor receives a flamingo as part of their booth package and is encouraged to deck it out in festive flair. Prizes will be awarded in several creative categories, adding an extra splash of holiday cheer (and friendly competition) to the day. The Shop Local Holiday Vendor Fair is more than just shopping — it’s a festival. With food, music, games, raffles and hands-on activities, it’s a perfect outing for families looking to get into the holiday spirit while supporting hometown businesses. Whether you’re a first-time vendor or a longtime attendee, this event is a cornerstone of the chamber’s mission to champion the local economy. “This is about building connections,” said Neill. “We want every vendor and every visitor to leave feeling like they’re part of something bigger — a thriving, local community that supports each other.” For questions or more information, vendors are encouraged to contact Neill directly at shoplocal@valricofishhawk.org.
IN THIS ISSUE: COMFY CAMPING..........................................PG 3 MOTORING TAMPA BAY.................PG 5 HIILLSBOROUGH COLLEGE 5K...PG 11 SYLVIA THOMAS 25 YEARS.......PG 19 EYE ON BUSINESS..........................PG 33
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
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Ben Sutherinto it, I land doesn’t just knew remember the I can do first time he this charsaw Back to acter. Like, the Future, but this is my he knows it’s thing.” been his favorW i t h ite movie ever around since. f i v e He started months out as a perleft before former in midthe Newdle school when some High he lived with School his family in g ra d u a t e Massachusetts. boards the After they ship, he’s moved to Florifinishing da around 2017, up his dehe started gree at the performing at University community theof Tampa aters, includand pering the Florida forming in Academy of a few final the Performing shows. Arts. He’ll be “I really got p l aying Ben Sutherland will play George McFly aboard Royal my start here Ash, the Caribbean’s Star of the Seas next year. in the Lithia-Brandon area, with all these main character in Evil Dead The Musical, community shows that I did that really from Friday, October 24, through Sunday, led me up to this. And this is just a big November 16, at Stageworks Theatre in kick start to my career,” Sutherland said. Tampa. Now, at 21 years old and just a few Sutherland said if any performer tells months away from graduating college, you they don’t at least get a little nervous he’s landed his dream role on the newest before a performance, they’re lying. But, Royal Caribbean ship playing George Mc- he channels that nervousness into his Fly. performance. “I’ve actually never been on a cruise, so “If you mess up, everyone’s there to see I’m really excited,” he said. it, you know. … There’s no redos, and I just Sutherland has a one-year contract like that risk factor of it for sure,” he said. starting in March of 2026 to play the And when he’s not working, he’s lookprotagonist in the Back to the Future ing forward to exploring Royal Caribbestage adaptation aboard Royal Caribbe- an’s newest ship and the ports of call. an’s Star of the Seas. “Maybe I’ll catch a tan,” he added. “This was actually my first big, like, New You can see Sutherland perform at York audition,” he said about audition- Stageworks Theatre in Tampa before he ing for the role earlier this year. “Going sets sail in March 2026.
VALRICO/FISHHAWK CHAMBER GEARS UP FOR 2025 SHOP LOCAL HOLIDAY VENDOR FAIR
Not to be combined with any other offer. Only valid at Riverview, FL - Boyette location.
On Saturday, October 11, a new Gold Star Family Monument will be dedicated at Veterans Memorial Park in Tampa. Visit https://hcfl.gov/ locations/veterans-memorial-park-and-museum. See page 4 for full story.
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$40 OFFOFF BRAKES $40 Includes Brake Inspection Any AirFree Condition Repair Not to be combined with any other offer. Only valid at Riverview, FL - Boyette location.
2/29/2024 10/31/2025 1/31/2024