Osprey Observer Bloomingdale/FishHawk November 2022

Bloomingdale/FishHawk

33

November 2022

Volume 21, Issue 11

Ph: 813-657-2418

See our ad on page 21

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS

14TH ANNUAL FISHHAWK TURKEY TROT SET TO SUPPORT SEEDS OF HOPE FOOD BANK

By Linda Chion

FishHawk Turkey Trot runners start their holiday morning in service to others supporting the Seeds of Hope food bank launched 12 years ago.

Staff Report Hillsborough communities.

County Public This will allow Schools has been our all-star awarded a $2 mileducators to lion grant from leverage new the United States opportunities Department of to meet our Defense Education students’ cogActivity (DoDEA) nitive demands program that will and ultimately be utilized to inprepare them stitute a STEM for in-demand Innovation Hub careers after consisting of eight graduation,” schools.

These said Superinschools will work tendent Addidirectly with the son Davis.

Space Force Base, Larry Plank, Ed. S., executive director of K-12 STEM “We are education Hillsborough County Public Schools.

NASA, Space grateful to the Trek and The DoDEA for proFlorida Aquarividing yet anum. other opportuThis grant nity to increase will serve over STEM offer1,500 students ings within on the following campuses, which all Hillsborough County Public Schools. We have a high number of military-connect- are excited to engage parents and the ed families: Bevis Elementary, Boyette community to build awareness in STEM Springs Elementary, FishHawk Creek and the multiple benefits it provides our Elementary, Lithia Springs Elementary, students,” said Larry Plank, executive diStowers Elementary, Barrington Mid- rector of K-12 science education. dle, Randall Middle and Newsome High.

With a philosophy to “revamp, reimagThese schools will serve as a STEM hub ine and reinvigorate” science education, across all grade bands, connecting stu- Hillsborough County Public Schools has dents with exciting curriculum. a comprehensive K-12 science and STEM The grant will offer new coursework program to allow all students to have centered around inquiry-based learning equitable experiences and access to to increase the number of elementary science and STEM opportunities. There and middle school students connecting are also many exciting STEM choice and with new STEM opportunities. These magnet programs throughout the disstudents will ultimately have more trict. Visit www.hillsboroughschools.org opportunities in high school to earn for more information.

STEM-related industry certifications.

Aside from offering a variety of high-interest STEM-centric clubs, the grant will help to provide high-quality profes- DOVE INTERIORS .............................. PG 3 sional development opportunities for MOTORING TAMPA BAY ................ PG 5 educators.

EYE ON BUSINESS ................PGS 25-26 “This generous grant will result in greater achievement in the STEM are- ICE THE DICE .....................................PG 27 na for students in our robust military ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT..........PG 38

IN THIS ISSUE:

Postal Customer

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PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #2397

Fourteen years after she helped her children earn community service hours as Newsome High School runners staging a Thanksgiving Day race, Leda Eaton is leading the charge for the 14th annual FishHawk Turkey Trot and the Seeds of Hope food bank it supports.

That both Seeds of Hope and the trot have become fully entrenched in Eaton family lore is a given, as it is equally established in FishHawk, where thousands of runners from throughout Tampa Bay arrive for the holiday race. Their aim is to support both the race and the food bank, which students help run under the mentorship of adult leaders.

“It’s a different world we’re living in right now,” Eaton said. “So many kids aren’t exposed to community service hours that involve giving back to the community in a meaningful way. We emphasis the importance of doing something selfless for others.”

Leading the effort are students from nearby schools, including Bloomingdale, Newsome and Riverview high schools, along with homeschooled students “and adult leaders who mentor these kids and

want to see them succeed,” Eaton said. Strawberry Crest High School in Plant City has been involved in the effort as well.

With its mission in mind, to nourish hope through community service, the Seeds of Hope food bank is open on Thursdays for boxing food items delivered a day earlier, and which are distributed from 5-7 p.m., or until supplies are depleted. Space for the independent, nonprofit food bank is provided at the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale, at 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon.

Now in its 12th year, the demand for Seeds of Hope food boxes has been steady and growing, with 350 boxes distributed weekly.

With inflation and a bear economy coming on the heels of a health pandemic, “there’s just a lot of need out there,” Eaton said. “Every week we’re getting new people.

I don’t know how to put that genie back in the bottle. It started with COVID, and we haven’t seen it let up since.”

In support of the food bank, the FishHawk Turkey Trot kicks off on Thursday, November 24 at 5668 FishHawk Crossing Blvd., with races that include a timed and untimed 5K walk/run, 10K timed walk/run and 1-mile fun run. Also on tap, a 250-yard mini run for “kids and kids at heart,” photos with turkey mascots, dancing to the “Wobble” song, arts and crafts and special ribbons for the top 100 finishers in each race age category. The fee for each entrant includes as well a race T-shirt and medal.

Registration fees increase after Tuesday, November 22. To register, visit www.sohopefl.org or contact Millie or Dan Shikes at sponsor@sohopefl.org.

EIGHT AREA SCHOOLS TO BECOME STEM HUBS FOR MILITARY-CONNECTED STUDENTS USING $2 MILLION DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GRANT

Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596

of Valrico

with Kendra Konitzer

The Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce is hosting its VFCC Shop Local Holiday Expo on Saturday, November 5 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Patrons will be able to shop at this annual vendor market in the teachers’ parking lot at Bloomingdale Senior High School, located at 1700 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. See full story on Page 31.

Not to be combined with any other offer.

Only valid at Riverview, FL - Boyette location.

11/30/2022

$40 OFF BRAKES Includes Free Brake Inspection Not to be combined with any other offer.

Only valid at Riverview, FL - Boyette location.

11/30/2022

Page 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 21, Issue 11

November 2022

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

SPRINGSTEAD USES FINANCIAL EXPERIENCE TO CREATE PARTNERSHIP WITH CLIENTS

By Sharon Still

“People don’t plan to with people is so fail, but rather fail to empowering,” she replan,” echoed Edward marked, adding that Jones financial advisor when people trust Joanna Springstead. her with their money, Navigating the fishe wants them to nancial world can be know that she conconfusing and intimsiders herself a partidating, and Springner in their future. stead aims to create One visit to Springpartnerships with her stead’s new office clients to help them exemplifies the imfeel comfortable with portance she puts on their financial future. her clients’ comfort.

Her 20-year career She worked with dein the industry has signers to create a taught her that being a Joanna Springstead and Laura Schumaker space where guests of the Edward Jones FishHawk office. certified financial planwould feel at home ner (CFP) is as much about people as it is from the moment they walked through the about maximizing their financial potential. door, and it shows. It is beautifully deco“It is getting to know people, their pri- rated with light, airy spaces, comfortable orities and goals, setting a pathway and chairs and attention to detail throughout building the steps to get there,” she said. “I that exudes an atmosphere of professionalam a partner, sounding board and so much ism coupled with serenity. more.”

Guests are greeted by senior branch ofPrior to joining Edward Jones in 2018, fice administrator Laura Schumaker, who Springstead held executive positions at has been with Edward Jones for 22 years JPMorgan Chase and the Federal Reserve and is a limited partner. Both she and Bank of Chicago. This experience gave her Springstead strive to provide the ultimate knowledge of how things worked, and her customer experience and find reward in interest grew in planning and investing. helping others fulfill their lifetime goals.

As a financial advisor with Edward “It is through careful planning in all asJones, Springstead uses that experience to pects of life that I protect my most importmake an impact, working one-on-one with ant asset, my family, and I work with my clients to get to know their priorities and clients to do the same,” she commented. long-term goals, noting that there is no Joanna Springstead’s Edward Jones of‘one-size-fits-all’ financial strategy. fice is located at 13459 FishHawk Blvd.

“This is about people and feelings,” said in the River Springs Town Center off Bell Springstead. “My superpower is providing Shoals Rd. Office hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 calmness, clarity and direction.” p.m. Monday-Friday or by appointment.

Springstead said she often hears, “When- For more information, call 813-657-2078 ever I talk to you, I feel better,” and this or visit www.edwardjones.com/joanis part of the reward of her job. “Working na-springstead.

Page 3

DOVE INTERIORS CARPET ONE FLOORING & HOME MAKES LOCAL HOMES BEAUTIFUL

By Libby Hopkins

Dove Interiors son, Rick, knew Carpet One Floor how to install it. & Home is your Our first carpet local flooring representative store in Ruskin was a godsend for great service and taught us and quality careverything we pets, wood floorever wanted ing, floor tiles, to know about vinyl and more in carpets.” a wide range of The family colors and pricslowly added Locally owned and operated for 32 years by the es. It also offers ceramic tile and window treat- mother-daughter duo Joan Miller and Kimberly Scott, Hunter Douglas ments, bedding, Dove Interiors brings beauty, quality and outstanding window treatcustomer service to all its clients. kitchen and bath, ments to their cabinetry and countertops. growing business. “From there, we added Locally owned and operated for 32 vinyl, hardwood, laminate and then a few years by the mother-daughter duo Joan years later cabinets and countertops,” Miller and Kimberly Scott, Dove Interiors Miller said. brings beauty, quality and outstanding Offering great customer service has customer service to all its clients. “All of always been a top priority with Dove Inthis started in 1991 when I walked away teriors. “Our job doesn’t stop at the final from my successful career in finance to payment,” Miller said. “We take care of open Dove Interiors with my two chil- the job until it’s finished from showing dren, Kimberly and Rick,” Miller said. up with the installer, making sure every“We made the decision to start a family thing is progressing properly while the business and moved into a small space in install is taking place, and we are there the Sun Pointe Shopping Center.” when the job is completed.”

The family business received a warm Miller and her family treat their emwelcome from the local community. “We ployees like family as well. “We cannot credit our success to our trust in God say enough about our team at Dove Inteand that He would help us through the riors,” Miller said. “They are knowledgegood times and bad times,” Scott said. able about our products and they listen Dove Interiors stayed in the Sun Pointe to our clients to make sure every one of Shopping Center until the business built their needs are met.” out its own building in 2007. “Talk about If you would like to learn more about a leap of faith, when we started this Dove Interiors, you can visit its website business, we didn’t know anything about at www.doveinteriorscarpetone.com or the carpet business,” Miller said. “Car- call 813-642-4369. Dove Interiors is lopet was our first product, and luckily my cated at E. 2305 College Ave. in Ruskin.

Page 4

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

FREEDOM MARTIAL ARTS WILL HOST GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

By Sharon Still

Discipline, confidence He added, “Kids and a positive mindset learn and develare traits parents are op strong, healthy noticing in their chilboundaries, and dren who attend the boundaries are esnewly opened Freedom sential to helping kids Martial Arts in Valrithrive.” co. Area residents can Nick’s passion for learn more at the upmartial arts started coming grand opening at the age of 4 when celebration slated for he decided he wanted Saturday, November to be a Power Rang12, beginning at 11 er. By the age of 7, a.m. There also will be he began studying bounce houses, food tae kwon do with the trucks, games and prizAmerican TaekwonFreedom Martial Arts owners Nick and es.

Amanda Myers invite area residents, from do Association and “It takes a lot of pre-school to adult to give their new facility spent all of his free in Valrico a try. courage to step outside time training, volunof your comfort zone teering and instructand to try new things,” said ing martial arts.

Amanda Myers, who owns “We strive to not only teach and operates Freedom Marmartial arts and life skills but tial Arts along with her husalso to have fun,” commentband, Nick Myers. “We are ed Amanda. She began her dedicated to changing the martial arts journey in 2013, lives of people one person at earning her first-degree black a time, through martial arts, belt in tae kwon do. education and coaching.”

“You don’t have to be great Classes are available for to start, but you do have to all ages, from preschool students to adults, start to be great,” Amanda affirmed, addthere is something for everyone. Tae kwon ing that she and Nick love hearing how do, krav maga and Brazilian jiu-jitsu are their program has helped students outside offered along with character development of the facility in everyday life. and life-skills training. All classes are built “Many parents see huge improvements upon the company’s philosophy to create in their child’s behavior in just a month,” the freedom from mental limitations and to couple said. “Hearing that makes our day.” build confidence through the world of marFreedom Martial Arts is located at 3212 tial arts.

Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Ste. 102. The facility is “We strongly believe that martial arts open 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday through Thurscan be for everyone, regardless of age, gen- day. For more information or to book your der or experience levels,” said chief instruc- first free lesson, visit www.freedom-ma. tor Nick, who is a sixth-degree black belt com or call 813-777-0887.

Volume 21, Issue 11

TALENTED YOUNG ACTRESS, MODEL AND ENTREPRENEUR STANDS UP FOR OTHERS THROUGH HER PLATFORM

By Makenzie Atkins Since making movies has learned to come out of in the community, local her shell and find new ways film production company to express herself so she Showtown American Piccan discover who she is. tures has stumbled across Not only is Rose a talthe next big star, Avaryana ented actor, but she has Rose, a young actor, model also become an activist, and entrepreneur who also most importantly against works to make a difference bullying. Rose said because in the world. she has been bullied since Rose has worked with she was young, she feels Showtown American Pica strong pull to speak for tures before in The Beast those who have been vicComes at Midnight and will tims of bullying as well.

Avaryana Rose stars in be working with them again Rose started her compaon its new film, Bitter Souls, Showtown American Pictures’ ny, B.A.B.E., Badass Babe newest film, Bitter Souls. a classic-style horror movie.

Empire, as a way to express “The Showtown her feelings against bulAmerican Pictures famlying. At first, it was ily is elated to be workjust an awareness social ing with the talented platform and has since young actress Avaryturned into an online ana Rose on our Southshop where she sells ern Gothic Voodoo feathings like T-shirts and ture, Bitter Souls,” said hats to raise awareness Ed McKeever, executive about bullying. producer at Showtown “I created Babes American Pictures, “AvAgainst Bullying to fight aryana is a phenomenal back against bullying actress with a tremenand to spread awaredously supportive fanness about just how bad base who cannot wait models like me, male to see her in a good, and female, are cyberold-fashioned Central Avaryana Rose works with Dean Cain bullied,” said Rose. “That in J.C. Films upcoming Not For Sale, Florida monster movled to the creation of my which debuts in 2023 to raise awareie. Her fans have been brand, B.A.B.E., where I ness against human trafficking. blowing up our messell merch with the insage box since announcing.” tention of further spreading awareness.”

Rose said she never really planned on beFor more information, follow Avaryana coming an actor, but after working on her on socials or contact McKeever at 609first project, she fell in love. By acting, she 2410-5471.

SON IN-PER T UA L

RACE! THANKSGIVING DAY & VIR

NOV 24th

STARTS & ENDS at Amalie Arena!

2022 BENEFITING

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

» Gender specific dri-fit shirt for all registered racers* » Racers must pick up their packet in-person Nov. 21, 22 or 23. To ensure an on-time race start, race day registration and bib pick up are not available! *NOTE: Register early to reserve your preferred shirt size before they sell out!

Registration Fees

8/1 to 10/30

10/31 to 11/23

5K

$30

$35

8K

$35

$40

1 Mile Walk/Run

$20

$20

Virtual 5K

$30

$35

REGISTER AT: turkeygobble.tampaymca.org

November 2022

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Page 5

By Nitish S. Rele

nitishrele@gmail.com

OVERHAULED 2023 KIA SPORTAGE GOES HYBRID! Completely pearance. The revamped for interior is spa2023, the Kia cious than beSportage is an fore with rear extra 3.4 inches legroom now at in wheelbase 41.3 inches and and 7.1 inches cargo capacity in length than topping at 39.6 its predecessor, cubic feet. And and taller and yes, storage wider too. But bins are scatbest of all, the tered throughcompact SUV out, including a SPORTAGE EX (AWD) gets a fresh gas-sipdual-level cargo floor.

Tires: P235/60R18 ping hybrid power Two 12.3-inch screens, Wheelbase: 108.5 inches train. one for the digital inLength: 183.5 inches Our test-drive EX strument cluster and Width: 73.4 inches model was equipped the other for infotainHeight: 66.1 inches with a 1.6-liter inment, float to sync as Weight: 3,732 pounds Fuel capacity: 13.7 gallons line-four turbo engine one. Standard ameniCity: 38 mpg putting out a total ties include dual auto Highway: 38 mpg of 227 horsepower AC, a 10-way power Price: $30,390 (beating the Hondriver and four-way Price as tested: $33,860 da CR-V and Toyota front-passenger Website: www.kiausa.com RAV4 hybrids) and manual heated seats, 258 pounds-feet of D-shaped tilt/teletorque. Finding help for that extra energy scopic leather steering column, push-button is a 44-kW electric power backed by a 1.49 start and 60/40 rear seat. kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The fifth-genKia needs to be commended for offering eration crossover utility vehicle, also Kia’s numerous standard safety features, which longest-running nameplate, continues with are optional in competitor vehicles. Some the six-speed auto gear box. are dual front and side airbags, side curtain The all-wheel-drive Sportage, which has airbag for both rows, rear-cross traffic alert, center-locking differential capabilities, dis- front/rear park and lane-keep assists, lane tributes power between front and rear departure warning, blind spot detection, wheels depending on road and driving con- four-wheel antilock brakes, rollover sensor, ditions to result in a safe and comfortable electronic stability, traction and downhill ride. A MacPherson strut front and multilink brake controls, hill-start assist, daytime runrear suspension ensure that the SUV han- ning lights and a tire pressure monitoring dles the rigors of daily driving with comfort. system.

The motor-driven power steering is quick The revamped Sportage hybrid is a and precise. Want to save fuel? Switch to good-looking, sizeable, sporty, useful and eco mode. inexpensive vehicle. With gas prices still linA centered gloss-black, ‘tiger-nose’ ra- gering over $3 a gallon, it’s a welcome adddiator grille spanning the entire front fas- on to the Kia SUV roster. That it comes with cia meets up with LED headlights in outer a 10-year or 100,000-mile power train and corners and boomerang daytime running battery and a five-year or 60,000-mile basis lights to create a sleek and eye-catching ap- warranty is a bonus.

Celebrating 25 Years of Serving Our Community!

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Page 6

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

2022-23 HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HIKING SPREE STARTS NOV. 1

By Kathy L. Collins

The 2022-23 Hillward Medard Consersborough County vation Park. This year’s Hiking Spree is here. list has three state The Hiking Spree beparks, including for gins on Tuesday, Nothe first time Egmont vember 1 and runs Key State Park, which Sea Oats through March 31, is only accessible by 2023. boat.

The annual Hiking According to Brad Spree began in 2016 Lympany, recreation 2022-2023 as a way to encourprogram supervisor Hiking age people to exerwith Hillsborough Spree cise, explore the outCounty Parks & Recdoors and experience reation, “The Hiking nature by visiting the Spree is timed to take Get out and experience the joy of hiking many beautiful parks advantage of the coolby participating in this year’s Hillsand preserves located er, drier weather and borough County Hiking Spree. If you in Hillsborough Coun- register and complete at least eight of the to coincide with prime ty. The Hiking Spree 26 trails listed for this year, you can earn bird-watching season. has grown in popular- a patch, a medallion for a walking stick Participants are enor a pet bandana. ity each year and now couraged to post phodraws thousands of participants. tos from their hikes using the hashtag This year’s Hiking Spree trail list fea- #TakeAHikeHC.” tures 26 trails. If you hike at least eight There are 24 parks on this year’s list. of the 26 trails between now and the end The list includes several local destinaof March 2023, you can earn a patch, a tions, such as Edward Medard Consermedallion for a walking stick or a pet vation Park, Veterans Memorial Park and bandana. One of the hikes can be at a lo- Museum, Balm Boyette Nature Preserve, cation of your choice that is not on the FishHawk Creek Nature Preserve, Dolist. ver District Neighborhood Park, Ruskin Residents are encouraged to bring Park & Recreation Center and Stephen J. their leashed dogs on the hikes.

Wortham Park.

The trails are designed to offer someThe list of trails is higher because two thing for everyone, from hiking rookies to of the parks each have two eligible trails. seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, with hikes Having completed the Hiking Spree for rated easy, moderate or strenuous. Hikes the last few years, I can tell you that is range in length from 5 miles to less than a delightful way to see and experience a mile. The environmentally diverse sites all the beautiful nature that Hillsborough are spread throughout the county and County has to offer. range from neighborhood parks like DoYou can find information on the Hiking ver District Neighborhood Park to large Spree and register to participate by visitpreserves with multiple habitats like Ed- ing www.hcflgov.net/hikingspree.

11/30/2022

11/30/2022

Volume 21, Issue 11

SIXTH ANNUAL HSWCD GREAT PLANT AUCTION RETURNS TO HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIR

By Linda Chion The Hillsborough turing some special Soil and Water youth-decorated Conservation Disrain barrels and trict’s (HSWCD) entries from the sixth annual Great Youth Horticulture Plant Auction is set Show.” for Sunday, NovemThe auction is set ber 13, the last day to kick off at 1 p.m. of the 11-day Hillon November 13, sborough County with viewings of the Fair. offerings available The annual aucbefore then in the At last year’s HSWCD Great Plant Auction, tion features doHSWCD county fair HSWCD Executive Director Betty Jo Tompkins nations from more (right) with HSWCD board member Sonja Brook- tent. Billed as an ins. than 60 area nursopportunity to take eries, whose ownhome “high-quality ers in turn are committed to plant materials at reasonable raising thousands of dollars to prices,” the auction is set to support youth programs and include annuals, perenniinitiatives run by the HSWCD. als, landscape and butterfly All auction proceeds are used plants, ferns, bushes and tree for these purposes. and plant nutrition items.

“We’re expecting another Overall, “the auction offers very exciting live auction a wide range of plants, headed by auctioneer and from little, tiny starters chairman Roy Davis, who that are 1-inch tall up to at age 90 has been in the a wide range of major nursery business since his trees,” Tompkins said. teens,” said HSWCD Ex“The important thing is ecutive Director Betty Jo Tompkins. “The the auction, along with all the other proauction is a win-win for everybody because grams, projects and activities we feature nurseries get to give back and promote under the HSWCD tent, is an opportunity to their offerings and residents learn a lot learn a lot about conservation from a lot of about the wide range of available plants in different perspectives.”

Florida and how they can be incorporated For more information about the HSWCD, into their community or home landscap- visit www.hillsboroughswcd.com, or contact ing.”

Tompkins at 813-433-8332 or by emailing Added to the auction this year is the bjt6890@yahoo.com. The Hillsborough opportunity to buy singular plants. “In- County Fair is at the Hillsborough County stead of just having lots for people to buy Fairgrounds in Dover, located at 215 Sydney the plants in groups, we’re also going to Washer Rd. For more information about the have some plants available for individual fair, call 813-737-FAIR (3247) or visit www. resale,” Tompkins said. “We’ll also be fea- hillsboroughcountyfair.com.

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2022

BRANDON LIONS CLUB SELLS LUMINARIA KITS TO SUPPORT LOCAL CHARITIES Staff Report Brandon area residents have the opportunity to help others and spread light next month thanks to the Brandon Lions Club and its annual luminaria project and fundraiser.

Until Monday, November 7, residents throughout the Brandon area can purchase a Luminaria Kit to raise funds for local charities supported by the Lions.

“Our Luminaria Kits are constructed with white paper bags weighted down with sand and illuminated from within by a candle,” said Brandon Lions Club treasurer Joe Kuebler. “They are traditionally displayed on Christmas Eve.” According to Kuebler, each kit contains 15 long-burning votive candles, 15 candle holders, 15 white bags and a plastic bag of sand (to use in the base of each bag).

Kits are $7.75, and orders of 15 kits or more will be delivered locally. No payment is required with your order. All orders are COD (cash on delivery) and

can be picked up at the Brandon Lions Club, located at 610 Limona Rd. in Brandon, or will be delivered (orders of 15-plus kits) on Saturday, December 17.

According to Kuebler, the fundraiser has been taking place annually since 2002.

For the last seven years, the h o m e owners association in Pa r k s i d e Village in Lithia has purchased enough Luminaria kits to light a path through the community on Christmas Eve. “This has become a favorite community tradition,” said homeowners association board member Marie Gilmore.

The proceeds will benefit Brandon Lions Charities, a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization that has been supporting the club’s eyesight and hearing programs, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Greater Tampa Lions Sight Fund, ECHO, Family Promise, The Outreach Clinic, Brandon High School Don Bishop Track Meet and other local area needs since 1954.

Contact Kuebler at 813-263-2522 to place an order, or email brandonlionsclub@gmail.com.

Welcome To Our Newest Chamber Members!

Pigtails and Crewcuts • New Vitality Centers • Outdoor Lighting Perspectives • SC, LLC Grime Busters Exterior Cleaning • Guaranteed Rate • Insight Life Care Rumble Boxing FishHawk • The Disease Elimination Specialist • SouthState Bank • TD Bank

Expand your networking and help us celebrate our 10-year anniversary by joining the Chamber!

www.valricofishhawk.org

Page 7

A HORSE’S TOUCH FINDS NEW HOME AND ADDS EVENTS & PROGRAMS IN WIMAUMA

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Mercedes McClelwere hectic during lan developed her the COVID period, love of horses since said McClellan. “But her time as a workwe are now settled ing student at the in Wimauma on our Stanford Red Barn in horse farm that we Palo Alto, California bought.” in 1999. Fortunately, With seven horses McClellan was able and a new location, to take her passion McClellan is ready for horses and turn to help strengthen it into a nonprofit the community with organization to help affordable programs the community in that use horses to 2017 called A Horse’s promote healthy livTouch. ing and lifestyles.

A Horse’s Touch A Horse’s Touch involves Work Excurrently has riders change (WE) in supages 4-49 particport of the state ipating in its proof Florida’s Bright A Horse’s Touch is a nonprofit organization grams. These proFutures Scholar- in Wimauma that is working with people of grams help these ship program. WE all ages to teach basic riding skills as well as students, families students exchange care for the horses. It offers a variety of pro- and adults learn ridwork at the barn for grams as well as camps and birthday parties. ing skills as well as lessons in animal husbandry as well as other horse-related caregiving and acbasic riding skills in English and Western tivities. With all the activities and outdisciplines. Students in the WE program reach programs provided by A Horse’s also develop confidence, commitment Touch, McClellan is always in need of and passion and pursue development in help from people in the community who the leadership qualities of accountabili- are willing to volunteer. ty and responsibility.

“We also host birthday parties, kid McClellan also has a number of clients horse camps and horse recitals,” said with physical, cognitive and emotional McClellan. “There are also discounts for disabilities that include cerebral palsy, military veterans, first responders, poautism, attention deficit disorder and lice officers and their families.” children recovering from abuse. Several A Horse’s Touch is located at 12435 of McClellan’s students from A Horse’s Cody Dr. in Wimauma. For more inforTouch participated in the equestrian mation about the program, events or competition at the Florida Special Olym- volunteering, visit https://ahorsestouch. pics in 2018 and 2019. godaddysites.com/ or email mmbarn4@ Recently, McClellan relocated her pro- gmail.com. McClellan can also be congram from Lithia to Wimauma. “Things tacted at 813-992-0743.

Page 8

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOLS OFFER MAGNET AND CHOICE OPTIONS

By Brad Stager

For families seeking something different than the education their assigned neighborhood schools provide, options are available from Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS).

The district offers magnet programs and school choice opportunities that provide students a chance to pursue an education that fits their interests and goals.

Magnet schools offer students a chance to focus on a themed education with programs emphasizing arts, business, health, technology and other subject areas.

According to the district’s website, “Magnet schools offer students opportunities to discover, explore and refine their talents and interests while focusing on excellence in academics.”

Robert Cox is the district’s supervisor of magnet programs, and he encourages families to learn more about what is offered.

“We have 42 magnet schools to offer families for the 23-24 school year and they are all recognized nationally for their awards and excellence in educating students. Families can join us on social media on Twitter @SDHCMagnet to get up-to-the-minute info on all of our magnet schools.”

Bus transportation is provided by the district to attend a magnet school.

Many neighborhoods’ middle and high schools offer career and technical ed-

ucation programs that may be accessible to students outside of a school’s attendance zone on a space-available basis. These CTE programs range from information technology to hospitality and tourism.

The district website provides an interactive online resource to match student interests with relevant schools. In this case, transportation is not provided by the district to students residing outside of a school’s attendance area.

The current window of opportunity for enrollment in a magnet or other school choice program for the 2023-24 school year is Thursday, October 27 through Friday, December 16. Those are also the dates for applying to attend Hillsborough Virtual K-12 School for the second semester of this school year. Acceptance notification will be made in January 2023.

Last year, 25 schools in the HCPS magnet program received awards of excellence or distinction from Magnet Schools of America, a national organization supporting magnet programs. Among them, Lennard High School and Spoto High School each received a Magnet School of Distinction Award. Both high schools offer collegiate academies that provide a way to earn an associate degree from Hillsborough Community College.

You can learn more about magnet and school choice options by visiting www. hillsboroughschools.org or calling 813272-4692.

Volume 21, Issue 11

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Collection of the Ad Valorem Taxes and Non-Ad Valorem Assessments begins on November 1, 2022.

Taxpayers of Hillsborough County,

Nancy C. Millan

As your Hillsborough County Tax Collector, it is my goal to deliver first-class service and professionalism as our team serves you, your families, and your businesses.

Innovation, convenience, and accessibility to our services are some of my top priorities. We strive to make it as easy as possible to do business with the Tax Collector’s Office while ensuring fiscal accountability. Our team has made great strides in providing many options for you to conduct business with our office, including online or by mail.

It is my distinct honor and pleasure to serve as your Hillsborough County Tax Collector. I am dedicated to creating an exceptional customer experience and continually improving to better serve you.

Pay Early to Get a Discount!

Pay in November

4%

Pay in December

3%

Pay in January

2%

Pay in February

1%

ONLINE: Pay online at hillstax.org.

Pay by credit/debit card or eCheck.

Credit card payments are subject to a convenience fee. There is no convenience fee for eCheck.

BY MAIL: With a check/money order in U.S. funds made payable to: Nancy C. Millan, Tax Collector and send it to PO Box 30012 Tampa, FL 33630-3012. Remember to write your account number on your check.

Our offices are open to serve you. To make a reservation, visit hillstax.org or scan the QR code below.

DROP BOX

Warm Regards,

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Payment Options

HILLSTAX.ORG

DROP BOX: For your convenience, our branches have drop boxes available to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please do not deposit cash into the drop boxes.

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2022

LIFELONG FRIENDS START WHO’S YOUR DUMPSTER TO SERVE COMMUNITY

By Lily Belcher Childhood and ease of use for friends Christoour clients’ usage,” pher LeBlanc and said Harman.

Chuck Harman One of the started Who’s unique characYour Dumpster teristics of Who’s Inc. in March afYour Dumpster is ter LeBlanc saw the flexibility of its a need for their service, which is cleanup service perfect for residenin the communitial and commerChristopher LeBlanc and Chuck Harman started ty. cial cleanups. With Who’s Your Dumpster. It offers flexible rental option LeBlanc, who for commercial and residential customer with debris the variable rental and junk cleanup. works in the options, homeownhome building and ers can utilize LeBlanc contracting industry, and Harman’s service knew the community for household projneeded help disposects and yardwork. ing of the debris and Construction workers, junk that contractors roofers, builders and can leave behind contractors can also when working on the use their dumpster house. With that realservice for commerization, LeBlanc came cial cleanups. up with the idea for Who’s Your Dumpster offers flexible rental opSince its inception Who’s Your Dump- tion for commercial and residential customer in March, the greatwith debris and junk cleanup. ster. est challenge facing “We provide a casual dumpster deliv- Who’s Your Dumpster has been the rising ery service that allows our clients to clean cost of tipping fees at the county dump and out their unwanted junk on their time,” ex- the competition in the market. Still, Who’s plained Harman.

Your Dumpster serves roughly 30 customWho’s Your Dumpster offers a three-day ers and hopes to expand its customer base rental starting at $285 plus tax, with every to include more commercial workers. additional day (up to a maximum of five LeBlanc and Harman met when they were days) costing $15 extra. The pricing includes both in fourth grade at Nativity Catholic tipping and dumping, along with zero hidden School in Brandon. Harman said the most costs for dumpster renters. In addition to rewarding part of Who’s Your Dumpster has the daily rental, Who’s Your Dumpster re- been working with a lifelong friend. cently added a pickup and delivery option For more information, visit Who’s Your for landscaping items, such as rocks and Dumpster on Facebook. Contact the residenmulch, for $150. tial and commercial dumpster rental service “Our dumpsters are already on wheels, at 813-771-0123 or email Chuck Harman at which allows for easy, clean, nonmarking chuckh@shiptbl.com.

Page 9

SEE NEW FEATURES & STYLES AT TAMPA BAY FALL RV SHOW

By Sharon Still

Interested in RVing? Find out more at the Tampa Bay Fall RV Show.

Ever since the pandemic, RV sales have skyrocketed, as people realized that the RV lifestyle is not reserved for retirees. More and more families are purchasing RVs and discovering the adventures that await. Whether RVing has been a passing thought or you are ready to make the big purchase, mark your calendar for Thursday through Sunday, November 10-13 and head down to the Florida State Fairgrounds for the Tampa Bay Fall RV Show.

Local RV dealers will display a variety of brands of RVs in all shapes and sizes, all in one place, making it the perfect destination to get your feet wet in the RV world.

From travel trailers to class-A diesel pushers and everything in between, the Tampa Bay Fall RV Show will showcase many different options of RVs in all price ranges, all in one spot.

Guests can tour the RVs, ask questions and see what fits their needs. “Even if you are not ready to buy an RV, it is a fun to go look and see all of the options,” said Janice Tudor, who attended the event last year with her husband and two boys.

A vendor tent will showcase RV and camping accessories along with a host of

RV services, including windshield replacement, awning repair, camping-themed apparel, rugs and more.

Those who have never been RVing before will be amazed at all the comforts of home in an RV these days, from heated floors to elaborate entertainment systems, while seasoned RVers can check out new products, shop for accessories or look for their next RV. It will be fun for the whole family with a DJ, face painting and activities the kids.

Admission is $5 per adult. Children ages 16 and under are free. Military and first responders are discounted $1 off the price of admission for all days of the show, and seniors get a $1 discount on November 10.

All attendees can receive $1 discount on admission by bringing a canned good to be donated to Metropolitan Ministries. There will be two $100 American Express Gift Cards given away as a door prize each day.

The Tampa Bay Fall RV Show will be held at the Florida State Fairgrounds, located at 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 N. in Tampa. The hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.frvta.com for more information and to download a coupon (discounts cannot be combined).

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

DELANIE’S LEMONADE STAND AWARDED ‘KID OF THE YEAR’ BY ASPCA

By Madeline Gardner o-Ween’ event on October 30. Located at 1710 W. SR 60 in Plant City, RVR Horse Rescue is a nonprofit geared towards rehabilitating severe cases and helping rescue horses find a loving home after they’ve recovered. Delanie planned to increase Delanie Dennis was surprised and excited to be recognized at the nasupport for this nontional level for her work in the local community. profit by setting up her It all began with a book about a girl who lemonade stand as visiran a lemonade stand for pediatric cancer tors were encouraged to trick-or-treat and patients, a commercial on animal cruelty visit the rescues. and a dream. On October 12, Delanie Dennis, Additionally, her second annual ‘Squeeze the 10-year-old owner of Delanie’s Lemon- the Day’ Lemonade Stand Adoption Fair ade Stand, was recognized as the ‘Kid of the will be held on Sunday, November 13 from Year’ by the American Society for the Pre- 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Dallas Bull, located at 3322 vention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) at U.S. Hwy. 301 in Tampa. This event showcasthe Humane Awards Luncheon in New York ing local rescue groups and shelters is free City. At 12 Noon, she gave a speech discuss- to the public and will feature food trucks as ing her continued involvement in supporting well as an appearance by the Hillsborough rescues in her community through her busi- County Police Department alongside their ness and special events.

K9 units for demonstrations. For more in“We had no idea — it was a complete formation about Delanie’s Lemonade Stand surprise. We received a phone call from the Adoption Fair, please call 813-957-8301 or ASPCA saying they’d been following Delanie email delanieslemonadestand@aol.com. for a long time, and that it was amazing to Working to increase the number of animals see what she’s accomplished,” said Delanie’s adopted this year, Delanie hopes to spread mother, Julie Dennis. the message that anyone can make a differRunning her business from her parents’ ence and achieve any goal. restaurant, Cafe Delanie, Delanie has raised “My two goals are to hopefully get some over $50,000 since she first opened her people to follow in my footsteps and start lemonade stand in April 2019. Every month their own lemonade stand, and to get since, Delanie sits down with her mother $100,000 donated to animals. Any kid at and researches a handful of local rescues any age can change the world,” said Delanie. that are nonprofit organizations and choosTo learn more about Delanie’s Lemonade es which she would like to donate 100 per- Stand, visit the Cafe Delanie Facebook page cent of her proceeds to for that month. or call 813-740-2233. Cafe Delanie and DelDelanie and her family also assisted with anie’s Lemonade Stand are located at 3016 the third annual RVR Horse Rescue ‘Barn- U.S. Hwy. 301 in Tampa.

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Volume 21, Issue 11

November 2022

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

TRUE WEST TO BE PRESENTED BY PLANT CITY ENTERTAINMENT

By Kathy L. Collins

Plant City EntertainGolombeck said, ment will present True “This show is an acWest during a limited tor’s dream. Meaty, two weekend run. True emotional roles that West, a Pulitzer Prize take the actor and the Finalist for Drama in audience on a roller1983, was written by coaster ride. The show American playwright, is for mature audiencSam Shep–ard. Plant es due to language and City Entertainment will content, but the story bring this dark comedy itself is relatable to play to life live on stage many.” for a limited run in NoTrue West features a vember. Performances veteran cast who have will take place at Plant a local following and City Entertainment’s will not disappoint. The Theatre located at 101 cast includes Vince N. Thomas St. in historic Evangelista as Austin, downtown Plant City.

Keith Graham as Lee, Plant City Entertainment will present True West, a dark comedy by American Plant City EntertainBob Whitmore as Saul, playwright, Sam Shepard, during a ment will present True and Judy Heck Lowry limited two weekend period just before West on Friday, Novemas Mom. ber 11 and 18, Saturday, Thanksgiving at their delightful theatre in Year after year, 12 and 18 and Sunday downtown Plant City. This is one you will Plant City Entertainnot want to miss.

November 13 and 20. ment excites audiences The Friday and Saturday shows will take and wins awards for excellence. They have place at 8 p.m. and the Sunday shows are been pulling from their talented pool of both at 2 p.m. professional and non-professional actors, True West is about the sibling rivalry be- directors, and crew since 1980. Assisted by tween two estranged brothers who have Joshua Mange, co-directors April Golombek reconnected. Keith Graham, who directs and Keith Graham have put one full year of True West along with April Golombeck preparation into this special presentation of and also stars as Lee in the production ex- unique and unforgettable theatre in homage plained, “Two adult brothers, sons of a des- to the late Sam Shepard who passed in 2017. ert-dwelling alcoholic father, still trying to True West has it all- coyotes, crickets, and find their way. Austin the responsible Holly- chaos. Audience members should saddle wood screenwriter against Lee the derelict up for dysfunction and destruction in Sam thieving drifter. Opposites attack when long Shepard’s comic tragedy from American forgotten Lee suddenly appears and invades dream to nightmare.

Austin’s movie deal, even trying to sell a stoFor more information and to get tickets, ry of his own; one Lee says is true, about the please visit www.plantcityentertainment.

True West. com.

Page 11

AN ELDER LAW ATTORNEY’S TIPS FOR PROCESSING GRIEF

By Laurie E. Ohall, Florida Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney Losing a loved one keep organized. This is never easy. Even does not mean alwhen the person’s ways having somedeath was expected, thing to do, but raththe reality of the loss er keeping a list of can still be a shock. tasks so that you can You may feel sad, anprioritize and even gry, overwhelmed or delegate to friends even all these things or family who may be at once. On top of all able to help. Somethat, the tasks you times, writing out a may need to complete list can help you feel to wrap up your loved less overwhelmed. one’s affairs can seem Join a Support Florida Board-certified Elder Law Attoroverwhelming. Naviney, Laurie E. Ohall.

Group gating both the emoAfter losing a loved tional and the administrative aspects of a one, it is easy to feel that no one could death requires patience, self-compassion possibly understand how you are feeling. and a willingness to ask for help when Joining a support group can connect you it becomes necessary. The following tips with others who have had similar experican help guide you through this process. ences and may bring you comfort.

Allow Space for Your Grief

Ask for Help

Some people tend to withdraw from others when they are grieving. While small amounts of alone time can be helpful, connecting with people you care about is crucial during these painful days.

Also, working with a therapist may help you move through the grieving process.

If you have administrative responsibilities regarding your loved one’s estate, especially if you are serving as the executor, working with a probate attorney will ensure that the necessary administrative tasks will be completed. This is the piece of the puzzle where the Ohall Kemper Law firm may be of assistance to you. If you need help with your loved one’s estate, Ohall Kemper Law is there to offer you Get Organized guidance and support. Simply contact the While staying busy may be a way to firm at 813-438-8503 to schedule an apavoid emotions, it can also be helpful to pointment.

Many people take on administrative tasks after a loved one’s death because it distracts them from their grief. However, not paying attention to your grief may cause it to manifest in other ways.

You may feel physical symptoms such as nausea, bodily pains or insomnia. Alternatively, you may experience irritability or lack of focus.

It is important to give yourself space and time to allow your emotions to process. You may expect sadness, but do not be surprised if you experience guilt, fear or anger. All these feelings are normal, and it is important to remember that grieving is not a linear path.

Page 12

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

LITHIA YOUTH’S CHARITY HELPS KIDS IN THE U.S., COLUMBIA AND PANAMA

By Michelle Caceres

FishHawk resident at the Acropolis.

Katie Jane Brier is Katie said her goal proof that you don’t is to have 1,000 rocks need to be a grown-up buried around the to make a difference. world before she turns The 10-year-old, 18. If supporters want along with her father, to bury a rock (no purJohn Brier, established chase required), she’d a multifaceted, charappreciate help reachitable organization in ing her goal.

2018, Katie Jane Rocks So far, her charity Inc., that helps children has helped fund scholin three countries: the arships for weekly United States, Panama summer camps at the and Columbia.

YMCA’s Camp TraFishHawk resident Katie Jane Brier has The family, who Kindness Rocks buried all over the world. cy in Maine, donated has lived in all three $10,000 so a covered Her charity, Katie Jane Rocks Inc., has countries, witnessed shelter could be built donated thousands of dollars to benefit children living in true over its archery range, children in three countries. poverty, which spurred them to create the bought laptops and clothing for residents charity. of an orphanage in Columbia and donated “Some kids need help sometimes and I’m thousands of dollars’ worth of food, backglad we can do that with Katie Jane Rocks,” packs with school supplies, a refrigerator said Katie. and tables and chairs to a school in Panama.

Katie decorates and sells one-of-a-kind “The children used to eat on the floor, and resin art pieces, each unique and individually they had no way of keeping their food cold,” numbered. Pieces range in price from $16.95 said John. to more than $100. One hundred percent of It also hosts the ‘Queen of Diamonds,’ a the purchase price (minus sales tax) goes scholarship program to encourage girls to to the charity thanks to her dad’s generous play sports. To date, the organization has contribution of materials, which can cost be- awarded six scholarships in Pensacola and tween $5 and $30 per piece. one in Maine.

With every donation of $50 or more, supIf that’s not enough to keep a charity busy, porters will receive a hand-painted Kindness it has also published a children’s book in EnRock. Many people decide to bring their rock glish and Spanish, Children of the World, God with them and bury it during their travels. Loves You! All donations of $200 or more There are Kindness Rocks buried throughout come with an autographed copy of the hard the world, from Russia to China and even at cover book and, of course, a Kindness Rock. the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

For more information, visit www.katieLast month, Lithia resident Stella Espino- janerocks.org. To purchase a piece of her art, sa buried a Kindness Rock in Athens, Greece visit www.kindnessart.org.

Volume 21, Issue 11

NEW GREASE MONKEY RUSKIN OFFERS YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE

By Taylor Wells

There’s a new to be towed as well automotive busiif necessary. ness in Ruskin, and For those interits name is Grease ested in its trade, Monkey. Owned by while the business Joe and Melissa is fully staffed, it’s Canfield, the franopen to interviews chise location is a for new employees. full-service auto But business isn’t repair center that its only goal, as the Photo courtesy of Weirdo Photography. works on all makes Melissa and Joe Canfield, the owners of Grease Mon- family-owned and and models, includ- key Ruskin which opened just over three months ago. operated Grease ing most European Monkey Ruskin and Asian cars and also has a strong comtrucks. munity involvement Before Grease focus.

Monkey Ruskin, Joe “We wanted to and Melissa had owned move into this area and operated HiTech because we love the Automotive in Brandon SouthShore area so for 17 years. They sold much, even though we it and retired, but they still live in FishHawk. eventually decided to That was part of the get back into the auto business. motivation of coming down here, because “We still had more to give and more to of- the SouthShore area is beautiful and it’s fer our customers as far as car repairs go, growing,” said Melissa. “We want to be part so we ended up purchasing an existing shop, of the community.” and we are rebranding it to Grease Monkey,” In November, Grease Monkey will offer a said Melissa. free ‘get to know your car’ class — for ladies Started just a little over three months mostly, but anyone is welcome — covering ago, it specializes in brakes, air conditioning, warning signs for necessary repairs or maincheck engine lights, diagnostics, tires and oil tenance, how to change tires and such. For changes, and it services all other mechanical the date, to be decided, follow its Facebook auto needs. Plus, Joe’s ability to easily con- page at www.facebook.com/greasemonkeyvey what’s happening with vehicle repairs, ruskin, and be on the lookout for its other depth of knowledge and years of experience community events. make for high-quality service.

Grease Monkey Ruskin is located at 2003 In addition, Grease Monkey offers cour- S. U.S. Hwy. 41 and is open Monday through tesy shuttles so customers can return home Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and it plans to be open during vehicle repairs along with a nighttime on Saturdays. For more information, visit key drop box so they can drop off their vehi- www.greasemonkeyauto.com/locations/us/ cle at night. It can arrange for your vehicle fl/ruskin or call 813-645-0339.

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2022

Page 13

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Page 14

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 21, Issue 11

ECHO OF BRANDON SEES INCREASE CELEBRATE THE FALL HARVEST IN NEED FOR SERVICES DUE TO AND PREPARE TO BE A-MAZED AT ECONOMY AND HURRICANE IAN KEEL FARMS

Staff Report

By Brad Stager

The Emergency quests for help Care Help Organicome from people zation (ECHO) in who are without Brandon has estabshelter, citing a lished a reputation more than fourover its 35-year fold increase in the history as a place past year for those where people who cases, from 60 find themselves in in the nonprofit’s a life-altering finan- A group of neighbors in need of assistance wait for first quarter last cial crisis can turn their turn to meet with ECHO volunteers Connie year to 250 for Talley, in the black shirt, and Mary Montufar, in the to for resources to the same period in blue shirt, at the nonprofit’s welcome center. regain solid footing 2022, a 316 peron their life’s jourcent increase. ney.

As if the climbing numThe nonprofit operates a ber of people in financial food bank and makes clothdistress wasn’t enough, ing available for those lacking the basics of Hurricane Ian has made the problem worse, daily living. ECHO also provides help with job according to Saunders, with its impact on searches and accessing appropriate govern- people who were on the edge of stability ment programs, as well as connecting with before the storm. Many of them lost hourspecialized services offered by other orga- ly wages from business closings while Ian nizations that could benefit an individual or tracked through the state or had food spoilfamily trying to navigate out of a difficult age from a lack of electricity to power their financial situation. refrigerator.

“At ECHO, we create opportunities and “This is proving to be another setback,” advocate for our neighbors to provide for she said in a video available on the ECHO themselves,” said Eleanor Saunders, ECHO’s of Brandon YouTube channel and Facebook executive director. page. Saunders added that ECHO and the Recently, the ability of ECHO to fulfill its neighbors it helps are counting on commucommitment to the people who turn to it is nity support to get through the current inbeing challenged by an increased demand crease in demand for services. for services.

“When supporting an organization that According to Saunders, the rise in re- stands in the gap for the struggling, my quests for assistance has been significant, hope is that local residents would allocate with a 72 percent increase from 3,746 their philanthropic giving to the Small but during the three-month total of July through Mighty nonprofit community right here in September 2021 to the same time frame of the Greater Brandon community.” this year, with 6,443 individuals served.

To learn more about ECHO or to make a Saunders added that many of those re- donation, visit https://echofl.org/.

Keel Farms, “We love seeing home to Keel + our visitors both Curley Winery young and old and Keel Farms enjoying themAgrarian Ales selves here at and Ciders, is Keel Farms, and pleased to anwe know Corky’s nounce another Corn Maze will element of fun at create lasting its 20-plus-acre memories for property.

Open everyone who now, visitors of visits,” said Keel Visitors of the corn maze enjoying a hayride. all ages can enjoy Farms President navigating their Clay Keel. “In way through Corky’s addition to the corn Corn Maze. maze, this is a full fall Children will receive experience that we’re an interactive map diexcited to share.” recting them to find Located at 1603 Corky the Rooster along Hawk Griffin Rd. in with his fun pals scatPlant City, the Corky’s tered throughout the Corn Maze dates and 4-acre maze. Prizes will hours are as follows: be granted when all of • Weekends now Corky’s pals are found through mid-Novemand the riddle is solved. The corn maze ber 2022. can take anywhere from 30-90 minutes • Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (final entry is to walk, depending on your group size. at 5 p.m.).

Plenty of food and beverages will be • Also open on Friday, November 11 on offered, including pumpkin spice-themed Veteran’s Day. options like pumpkin cider (as well as Adult tickets are $15, kids 12 and unother wine and cider flavors) from Keel der are $10 and kids under 3 are free.

Farms. There will also be nonalcoholic Included with your ticket is parking, options, coffee vendors and fall-themed access to the corn maze, unlimited hayfood and beverage trucks on-site. rides, access to the kid zone and many In addition to the corn maze, kids other family-friendly activities. Because can enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, sever- parking is limited, please purchase tickal bounce houses and fun games in the ets online to allow for a smoother checkkid zone. A pumpkin patch will provide in process for all. perfect photo-ops and pumpkins for purFor more details and to purchase tickchase as well. ets, please visit www.corkysmaze.com.

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Page 15

19TH ANNUAL PIG JAM BBQ COMPETITION BENEFITS PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FUTURE PLANS FOR VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK WAS TOPIC OF OPEN HOUSE

The 2022 Plant stages of live enCity Pig Jam State tertainment. There of Florida BBQ will be live bands as Championships well as community presented by Citigroups performzens Bank & Trust ing throughout has over 50 comthe day. The Citipetition barbecue zens Bank & Trust teams coming to Piglet Play Area Plant City from The 2022 Plant City Pig Jam State of Florida BBQ features bounce more than a dozen Championships will provide food and fun for the houses, rock-climbwhole family. different states ing walls, face to compete in painting, games the Kansas City and entertainBarbeque Sociment for kids ety-sanctioned of all ages at no competition on charge to guest.

Friday and SatTeams will be urday, November busy cooking up 18 and 19 at the their BBQ entries Randy L. Larson for the competiSoftball Fourtion on Saturday, Plex, located at 1500 S. Park Rd. in Plant so be sure to stick around for the awards City. This fun-filled, family-friendly event ceremony at 5 p.m. to see who the ‘Grill is free to attend, and parking is only $10. Masters’ are this year. Over $18,300 in On Friday night, the event area is open prizes will be awarded. to the public from 5-10 p.m. There will be Many volunteers are still needed to live music and plenty of ice-cold drinks at help make this community event possible. the Pepin Sports Bar to enjoy. The me- Volunteering is a great way to get a bechanical bull-riding contest will be held at hind-the-scenes peak at this two-day BBQ the Patterson Companies’ main stage at 8 festival; stations include the beer tents, p.m. Families are encouraged to come out merchandise tents, and kids’ area. To sign and grab dinner cooked by some of the up to volunteer, please visit www.plantcbest and most awarded barbecue teams itypigjam.com. in the country. In the past, menu items All proceeds from the Plant City Pig have included BBQ macaroni and cheese, Jam benefit the Greater Plant City Chamribs, brisket, BBQ chicken, and even BBQ- ber of Commerce. The organization serves filled egg rolls. both the Plant City business community On Saturday, the event area is open to and residents — it’s good food for a good the public from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with two cause.

Hillsborough representatives County recently from USF and the asked for public county there to input on how to answer questions. make Veterans Veterans MeMemorial Park morial Park, loan even better cated at 3602 N. resource for vetU.S. Hwy. 301 in erans, residents Tampa, is home and visitors to Veterans Memorial Park is taking shape for the future. to 14 war memolearn about the nation’s wars and conflicts rials, the Veterans Resource Center and the and pay respect to the millions of veterans Rear Admiral Leroy Collins, Jr. Veterans Muwho served our country. seum. It also serves as a venue for regional On October 14, veterans and residents ceremonies on Veterans Day, Memorial Day were invited to an open house to help prior- and Patriot Day, along with a variety of othitize potential improvements and amenities er organized events. Established oak trees identified from online public input and an provide a well-shaded and tranquil setting open house earlier this year. An online en- for reading, reflection, meditation, picnickgagement opportunity was also made avail- ing, family gatherings and walking/jogging able following the open house. its many paths, which include a fitness trail Earlier feedback showed support for the fol- along the Tampa Bypass Canal. lowing items: The Department of Consumer & Veterans • Park entrance and entry signage.

Services in conjunction with the Veterans • Signage and wayfinding throughout Council of Hillsborough County will host the • Meditation garden. county’s 58th annual Veterans Day Tribute • Active learning zone. at the park on Friday, November 11 to in• Museum renovation. clude guest speakers, patriotic music and • Expansion of the Veterans Resource Center. more saluting military service members/ • New pavilion. families of all eras.

Input from the open house will help genAn outdoor ceremony and celebration at erate consensus and a vision for the future. the amphitheater will commence at 11 a.m.

Hillsborough County Conservation & En- and last approximately one hour, followed vironmental Lands Management, which by casual refreshments from community owns the property, and Hillsborough County military partners. The new wing commandConsumer & Veterans Services, which runs er at MacDill AFB is slated for keynote. day-to-day operations, is working with the Consumer & Veteran Services staff are University of South Florida’s (USF) Florida available by phone at 813-635-8316 MonCenter for Community Design and Research day through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Visit to create a master plan for the park. Vet- www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locations/ erans from around the area attended and veterans-memorial-park-and-museum for a PowerPoint was presented with both more information and updates.

Staff Report

Staff Report

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Page 16

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 21, Issue 11

November 2022

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

BRANDON ’86 ROTARY HOSTING 30TH ANNUAL SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Staff Report The Brandon ’86 Rotary Club will hold its 30th annual Brandon Seafood Festival, sponsored by Ferman Mazda, on Saturday, November 5 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Rotary’s Camp Florida, located at 1915 Camp Florida Rd. in Brandon. The cost to attend is $25 per adult with an advance purchase ticket or $30 per adult at the gate. Children under 12 can get in free with a paid adult and a donation of a canned good.

The price includes all-you-can-eat seafood and drinks. The event will also have the ability for pickup orders this year to give everyone an opportunity to participate. All tickets can be ordered at the link provided below.

The Brandon Seafood Festival features Southern fried fish, shrimp, hush puppies, coleslaw, hamburgers and hot dogs. There will be water, Gatorade and beer on hand to drink. In addition to the all-you-can-eat buffet, families can enjoy music, games, bounce houses, musical chairs for the kids and more. Larry ‘Stretch’ Mott and DJ Crisolo will be on hand entertaining the crowd throughout the event with live music.

All proceeds from the event benefit international and local charities, including the Outreach Clinic, ECHO, Everyday Blessings and Rotary’s Camp Florida. In 2019, the last year that the event was held, the Brandon ’86 Rotary Club raised

$10,000 for these charities.

“Brandon ’86 Rotary Club has been working hard to make this a great event filled with fun and great food,” said Marlene Adkinson, public image chair of Brandon ’86 Rotary Club. “This is our signature fundraising event that has raised money for the needs of local charities for over 25 years,” added Adkinson.

For those who wish to become sponsors, there are many sponsorship levels remaining starting at just $100. For more information on becoming a sponsor or vendor, please contact Chad Norgard at chad@norgardinsgrp.com or 813-454-5072.

The Brandon ’86 Rotary Club is a service organization that meets every Friday at 8 a.m. at the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. Guests are welcome to attend. “Rotary is about friendship, fellowship and community. We work together to solve local community issues, provide humanitarian aid and to promote goodwill and peace. Rotary is comprised of local businesspeople who believe that mutual service is the best way to create thriving businesses and societies,” said Adkinson.

Tickets to the Brandon Seafood Festival can be purchased at https://brandonseafoodfestival2022.eventbrite.co.uk.

Page 17

CONSERVATION KEY TO HSWCD YOUTH AND ADULT CONTESTS AND PROJECTS

By Linda Chion Hillsborough Soil suburban and rural and Water Concommunities is execservation District utive director Betty (HSWCD) youth conJo Tompkins, who antests are gearing swers to a five-memup as the nonprofit ber board elected and HSWCD prepares for chaired by Andrew its showcase tent Brooks. Also on the at the Hillsborough volunteer board are County Fair in NoSonja Brookins, Karvember. en Cox Jaroch, Mark Held annually are Proctor and, appointspeech, photography, ed to fill a vacant rain barrel decoratseat, Melissa Jacking, youth horticulson. ture and land judging “Soil and water contests, along with conservation districts two poster contests address a large numand the Envirothon HSWCD board member Andrew Brooks ber of community ‘environmental Olym- helping to plant some 20,000 longleaf seed- needs dealing with lings at the Lower Green Swamp Nature pics.’ natural resources Preserve in Plant City.

Moreover, the conservation, eduannual Hillsborough cation and under100 Conservation standing,” TompChallenge involves kins said. “We youth and adults in program for youth road, river, beach and adults and ofand stream cleanfer a vast array of ups; tree plantservices for agriings; community cultural interests, gardens; recycling including costand repurposing Artwork from first-place finisher Giulia Jones in share programs to efforts; and more. the HSWCD 2021 ‘Healthy Forests’ poster contest. support environThe two-year mental and ‘Operation conservation Pollination’ enhancepledge for ments.” projects runs The sumin conjunction mer postwith Rotary er contest International focuses on and the Rotary ‘Our Perfect Club of BranPo l l i n a t o r s , don Global Bees, Birds, Eco. Bats and Set for dis- Decorated rain barrels on display at last year’s Hillsborough Butterflies.’

County Fair. play from Focused on Thursday, wate r s h e d s , November 3 the ‘One Wathrough Sunter’ school-year day, Novemcontest, run ber 13 at the in conjunction Hillsborough with the NaCounty Fair, tional Associaat the county tion of Conserfairgrounds in Dover, are posters and vation Districts, allows for top finishers decorated rain barrels, which will be to advance from district to state to naauctioned off at the HSWCD’s sixth an- tional competition. The deadline is April nual Great Plant Auction, set to start at 28, 2023. Cash prizes for both contests 1 p.m. on November 13. Also on display, are awarded to first, second and thirdvying for ribbons, are Youth Horticulture place finishers in five grade categories.

Show entries, including bonsai, brome- Each entrant receives a certificate and liads, cacti, succulents, ferns, palms, free county fair ticket. herbs, foliage and flowering plants.

For more, visit www.hillsboroughswcd.

Orchestrating HSWCD programs, proj- com, call Tompkins at 813-477-8332 or ects and activities for inner city, urban, email bjt6890@yahoo.com.

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Page 18

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

AMPHITHEATRE ADDS NEW ROCK BOX VIP SECTION PERFECT FOR 12 PEOPLE

By Marie Gilmore

Ready to enjoy Nation Amphia concert or event theatre. Now at the MIDFLORthe Tampa venIDA Credit Union ue at the FlorAmphitheatre ida State Fairand want to pamgrounds bears per yourself and the name of 11 guests? Then M I D F LO R I DA the newly opened Credit Union Rock Box VIP secAmphitheatre. tion is perfect for “We are truly you. The Rock Box excited about accommodates the opportuniup to 12 people Private groups of up to 12 people will love the VIP ty to bring the and includes VIP best possible experience in the new Rock Box at the parking, VIP club e n te r t a inment MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre. access, a dedicatwe can,” said ed wait service and an Jones. “We’re looking elevated menu with the forward to a long reoption to preorder. lationship with Live The private section Nation.” includes comfortable The Tampa venseating, tables, couchue can seat up to es and prime viewing of 20,000 people and the stage for concerts. sits on the Florida The concert and State Fairgrounds. events venue at the The venue was inauFlorida State Fairgurated in July 2004 grounds in Tampa has with Curiosa, a stelbeen called the MIDlar alt-rock festival FLORIDA Credit Union headed by The Cure.

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“We feel like a we have a great mesThe MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amsage, and we want to get that out,” Kev- phitheatre is located at 4802 U.S. Hwy. in Jones, president and chief executive 301 in North Tampa and can be emailed officer of MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, at midfloridacreditunionamp@livenabased in Lakeland, said. tion.com. To learn more about the Rock The venue opened in 2004 as the Ford Box experience, email juliannebiscegAmphitheatre, then 1-800-ASK-GARY lia@livenation.com or call 615-346Amphitheatre and, for a short time, Live 9042.

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Volume 21, Issue 11

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THANKSGIVING BASKETS THAT WILL BLESS LOCAL FAMILIES

By Kelly Wise Valdes On Thanksgiving Day, selors from local schools many of us are focused in Riverview, Ruskin, on how to cook the Wimauma, Plant City, turkey just right and Lithia, Brandon, Valriperfecting the stuffing co and Gibsonton, who recipe, sweet potato best know which famicasserole, green beans lies need the extra help and pumpkin pie. But this holiday season. amidst the food and “For me, the best part family frenzy, it’s easy of the service project to forget the holiday is is delivering the basket about giving thanks for to families and seeing our many blessings. the smiles on children’s As the holiday season faces when they see the nears, many families in food,” said Caceres. “JeThe Church of Jesus Christ of LatSE Hillsborough County sus Christ set the stanter-day Saints is asking for volunteers continue to face many dard by feeding the hunin the community to donate food economic challenges. gry, and we are trying toward Thanksgiving baskets for To be a blessing to the to emulate His perfect families in need. community, The Church of Jeexample.” sus Christ of Latter-day Saints The church is asking memis providing 100 local families bers of the community to come with Thanksgiving baskets full together and assist with this of all the ingredients needed to project to benefit local famimake an amazing holiday meal. lies. The laundry baskets are The reusable laundry baskets filled with turkeys, stuffing, will be filled through individual sweet potatoes, corn, green donations and assembled by volunteers. beans, cake mix and frosting, butter, The project, in its 10th year, takes place pumpkin-pie filling, pie crusts and more. on Saturday, November 19 at 8:30 a.m. at A sign-up genius has been created. the church, located at 4806 Bell Shoals If you are interested in donating food Rd. in Valrico. or volunteering for assembling or deCoordinator Michelle Caceres loves this livering, visit www.signupgenius.com/ yearly mission. “A shortage of turkeys and go/9040D44A8AB2EA64-lithia1 or conthe higher food prices associated with in- tact Caceres at 813-597-8150. flation means we need our community’s “You will be enriched in every way so assistance,” said Caceres. “We need fam- that you can be generous on every occailies to come help assemble baskets but sion, and through us your generosity will also deliver them.” result in thanksgiving to God.” — 2 CorinThe church works with guidance coun- thians 9:11.

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2022

BUSINESS LEADERS, COMMUNITY PARTNERS ATTEND HEF’S EMPOWERED 2022 LUNCHEON

Staff Report

recognition and more. At the event, HEF celebrated two new initiatives that focus on the ‘bookends’ of education from the youngest students to graduates: early learning and college and career readiness.

The event was emceed by Laura Diaz, host of the Mix Morning Show on Mix 100.7, and included a lineup of guest speakers, including SuperinBrandon High School teacher tendent Addison Davis, teachBrandon High School student Sasha Fowler spoke on the Valeria Lizardo-Cedeno er Sasha Fowler and others. impact of her Hillsborough shared her experience particiFowler, a Brandon High Education Foundation grant pating in Bloom Girls Club at School English teacher, is the for the Bloom Girls Club.

Brandon thanks to HEF. founder of Bloom Girls Club On September 14, nearly 400 business leaders, community part- at Brandon High School and previously reners and education supporters attended ceived a School and Classroom Enrichment Hillsborough Education Foundation’s (HEF) grant from HEF to support the school’s 2022 EmpowerED fundraising luncheon, Bloom Girls Club leadership retreat.

“With your support, HEF will continue held at Armature Works in Tampa. The annual event celebrated success stories and to be a pillar of hope for youth across our shared how, collectively, people and busi- district and will enable educators like me to nesses are working together to rewrite the continue to build the heroes of our next gennarrative to help students, teachers and eration,” said Fowler.

“Because of Bloom, I went from a student public schools now and in the next chapter.

“What our theme, Rewriting the Narra- who was struggling academically and emotive, means to me and to HEF is that togeth- tionally to bringing up my GPA to a 2.5, and er we can help accelerate academic success my goal this year is to bring my GPA up to a through our programs so that every student 3.5.” said Bloom Girls Club member Valeria can benefit from a high-quality public ed- Lizardo-Cedeno. Bloom Girls Club is one of ucation and graduates ready for success,” the many project submissions that has resaid Hillsborough Education Foundation CEO ceived funding through a School and Classroom Enrichment grant from HEF. Kim Jowell.

Hillsborough Education Foundation is a It was a record-setting year for HEF in 2021, raising $9.5 million to support the nonprofit focused on strengthening public nonprofit’s programs, including mentoring, education by supporting teachers and emfree school supplies, scholarships, technol- powering students to achieve academic and ogy to close the digital divide, school and personal success. Learn more at https://edclassroom enrichment, teacher support and ucationfoundation.com/.

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Page 19

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA

WELCOMES EIGHT NEW MUSICIANS Staff Report The Florida Orchestra (TFO) will welcome eight musicians to its first full season this month. All have won highly competitive blind auditions that attracted candidates from around the nation and the world for fulltime positions in Florida’s largest professional orchestra, under the artistic leadership of music director Michael Francis.

Tenure track positions include Yefim Romanov, first assistant concertmaster; Natalie Yu, assistant principal second violin; Chi Lee, associate principal viola; Matthew Eeuwes, assistant principal viola; Sebastian Stefanovic, viola; Yoni Draiblate, cello; Ansel Norris, associate principal/utility trumpet; and Ben Hauser, second trumpet.

In addition, six musicians will join TFO this fall in one-year positions: Russell Hoffman, acting assistant principal oboe; Jacob Thonis, acting assistant principal bassoon; Valerie Ankeney, acting assistant principal/utility horn; Nicole Haywood, bassoon/ contrabassoon; Jonas Benson, viola; and Troy Chang, cello.

The Florida Orchestra employs 68 fulltime professional musicians who live, work and give back to the Tampa Bay community. For full bios on each of the talented new musicians, and the entire orchestra, visit https://floridaorchestra.org/musicians/.

TFO will perform more than 100 concerts this season in venues throughout Tampa Bay, including a wide range of classical, popular and family-friendly music.

Maestro Francis launched the season with TFO’s 55th Celebration benefit concert,

featuring Itzhak Perlman on October 1 at the Mahaffey Theater. The following weekend, October 7-9, the Hough Family Foundation Masterworks series debuted with Carl Orff’s epic Carmina Burana, kicking off the classical series that ranges from Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 to Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and much more.

The Raymond James Pops series includes blockbusters such as Harry Potter vs Star Wars, Holiday Pops, and the Beatles’ iconic Abbey Road album. All tickets are on sale now at https://floridaorchestra.org/.

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 55th season in 2022-23. Under the leadership of Francis, TFO performs series of classical, popular and morning coffee concerts in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, as well as free Pops in the Park concerts. The orchestra is dedicated to connecting to the community, both in-person and virtually, with family and youth concerts and other educational programs. For tickets and information, visit https://floridaorchestra.org/. The Florida Orchestra is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) — EIN: 59-1223691, CH#1830. To learn more about how you can support the power of music in building community, contact sweymouth@floridaorchestra.org. To donate now, visit https://floridaorchestra. org/donate.

Page 20

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Can Do With Your DNA.’ For reservations and meal choice, call Dianna at 864-607-1330.

in all 50 states, including locally at Serenity Meadows in Riverview. It is looking for volunteers and sponsors for this event. Visit its website at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org for more information.

5K, Wreaths Across America, Craft Show, & More...

Brandon Newcomers Club Annual Fundraiser

Get A Head Start On Holiday Shopping At The Bridges Retirement Community Annual Fair

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

New Date For Your Next Step Is The Cure 5K Run

Due to Hurricane Ian, event organizers Bernadette Boyle and Linda O’Brien received a call from the county saying that their event had been cancelled. The new date for the Your Next Step is the Cure 5K run is Saturday, November 19. This means that there is still time to sign up for this amazing event, which brings awareness to ocular melanoma, at https://runsignup.com/race/ fl/lithia/yournextstepisthecure. Follow its Facebook (@cureocularmelanoma) and Instagram (@yournextstepisthecure) pages to keep up with important information.

Help Honor Local Heroes With Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America will be placing wreaths on veterans’ graves on National Wreath Day on Saturday, December 17. Its mission is to remember our fallen veterans, honor those who serve and teach children the value of freedom. It will carry out coordinated wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 2,500 locations

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Volume 21, Issue 11

With the holidays approaching, shopping for unique gifts could not be easier when you visit the 10th annual Gifts & Craft Fair on Saturday, November 12 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The event is being held at The Bridges Retirement Community’s clubhouse, located at 11350 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. Whether its handcrafted decorations or personalized gifts, such as jewelry and handbags, pottery, candles, home decor and more, you will find just what you are looking for.

Campaign Against Human Trafficking Meeting

The Tuesday, November 15 meeting of the Campaign Against Human Trafficking (CAHT) – South Shore will be held in Room 30 of the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center, at 6:30 p.m. Hillsborough County education experts will address multicultural issues related to students and their families. It will focus on communications, language barriers and student participation. Since October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the meeting will also touch on how domestic violence can create obstacles to a student’s learning experience. A discussion of possible solutions, including how mentoring can help identify problems and assist with solutions, will be held. For more information about Campaign Against Human Trafficking, visit its website at www.sccblueheart. org or call 847-5249215.

by Bay Area Clean Team

St. Vincent de Paul Needs Your Help

Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets are being prepared and will be distributed to families in need. This year is particularly challenging for our communities, and St. Vincent de Paul would like to be able to help all those who come for assistance. To help complete holiday baskets, St. Vincent de Paul is looking for donations of nonperishable food items and Walmart gift cards.

Please bring items to St. Stephen Catholic Church, located at 10118 St. Stephen Cir. in Riverview. Have no time to shop but still want to provide support?

Please visit and donate at its website, www.svdpriverviewfl.org.

South Bay Genealogical Society Meeting On Tuesday, November 15, the South Bay Genealogical Society will meet at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center in the Life Enrichment Center located at 1971 Haverford Ave in Sun City Center. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. is an optional roundtable discussion followed by a luncheon at 12 Noon, and the presentation by the guest speaker will begin at 1 p.m. This month’s speaker, Peggy Schelin Jude, will be presenting ‘What Can I Do With My DNA? 13 Things You

The Brandon Newcomers Club will be hosting a market as its annual fundraiser on Wednesday, November 16 starting at 10 a.m. The event will take place at the Brandon Community Center, located at 302 Sadie St. in Brandon. There will be a wide variety of objects available for purchase, including baked goods, crafted goods and plants. The Brandon Newcomers Club is a group of women interested in making new friends, establishing a sense of community and helping others to acclimate to a new area. For more information about the event or how to become a member, email Elaine at edeverlein@gmail. com.

American Pickers Is Looking To Film In Florida

American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking.’ The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business as they hunt for valuable antiques, and it’s looking for locations in Florida. As they hit the back roads, the pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. If you or someone you know has a large private collection or accumulation of antiques that the pickers can spend the better part of a day looking through, American Pickers would love to hear from you.

If you are interested, contact American Pickers at americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 646-4932184.

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Page 21

Page 22

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

NEWSOME HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR WINS AMERICAN LEGION EAGLE SCOUT OF THE YEAR

By Makenzie Atkins On top of being a citizenship, communisuccessful student, ty involvement, teamone Newsome High work, conservation School senior has and servant leaderstarted to pave the ship. way for his future.

Dyer has worked Erik Dyer, a stuhard to become not dent, Eagle Scout and only an Eagle Scout researcher, has found but also an outstandthat perseverance and ing young man. With passion has led him to a 4.0 GPA, an Assomany achievements, ciate of Arts degree including being named from Hillsborough the 2022 Eagle Scout Community College of the Year by the and achieving semifiAmerican Legion. nalist for the National Erik Dyer is proud to be named Eagle Scout “I will forever cher- of the Year, a prestigious award in Scouting, Merit Scholarship, all ish this special award and is excited to continue to work on things before he has gradubecause Scouting has ated high school, he he is passionate about. been such a transforhas now been given mational experience the opportunity to in my life,” said Dyer. conduct research. Dyer “I am truly humbled is working for Dr. Leif by this achievement, Rosenberger, a govand it is my plan to ernance and stability give back to Scouting analyst at U.S. Army by continuing to volWar College with the unteer in this organiPeacekeeping Instization that means so tute, by researching much to me.” economic intelligence Dyer participates and global carbon capin community service ture technologies for with the Boy Scouts national security. of America where he “I discovered that focuses on the elthe more I learned, derly, veterans and Erik and his mom Dawn stand near the an- the more I wanted to conservation proj- imal water fountain at Veteran’s Memoridal learn,” said Dyer.

Park which was Erik’s Eagle Scout project. ects, and he plans to He plans to major in continue to do what he can to support the environmental engineering with an interorganizations he loves. disciplinary approach to combine his inDyer was inspired by his siblings after terests in conservation, public policy and watching them be Scouts and go on to pur- STEM to address issues associated with sue great things. By being an Eagle Scout, sustainability and the impact on Earth’s Dyer said he has learned about responsible climate.

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Volume 21, Issue 11

BEST BUDDIES PARTNERS WITH THE MOSAIC COMPANY IN SUPPORT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH IDD

Staff Report

Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-toone friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is excited to announce that it is partnering with The Mosaic Company to decrease barriers and improve access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Through The Mosaic Company’s commitment of $50,000, students will be provided ongoing opportunities to impact their schools and communities through opportunities that provide them with leadership, allyship, future employment and general life skills in Best Buddies’ School Friendship Program.

“Best Buddies is grateful for partners like The Mosaic Company who have shown incredible fortitude and commitment throughout the challenges stemming from the pandemic,” said Anthony K. Shriver, founder, chairman and CEO of Best Buddies International. “With their support, Best Buddies will continue to reach thousands of participants with IDD and provide them with the resources needed to feel included, confident and optimistic about the road ahead. I am confident that together we will continue to empower this community — connecting advocates and mobilizing our supporters to create a more inclusive world.”

“At Mosaic, we believe in decreasing bar-

riers and increasing access for Hillsborough and Polk County students in Best Buddies’ School Friendship Program. These students seek to impact their schools and communities through opportunities that provide them with leadership, allyship, future employment and general life skills,” said Sarah Fedorchuk, vice president of North America government and public affairs. “I am personally familiar with the impact that Best Buddies’ School Friendship Program has on its participants and the ripple effect it has on the school, families and community, and I am thrilled to see Mosaic partner on this powerful investment.”

Best Buddies Friendship programs (www. bestbuddies.org/what-we-do/friendship/) represent one of Best Buddies’ four key mission pillars.

Founded in 1989 by Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school and college chapters worldwide.

For more information, visit www.bestbuddies.org, facebook.com/bestbuddies or twitter.com/bestbuddies.

The Mosaic Company is one of the world’s leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients.

Mosaic is a single-source provider of phosphates and potash fertilizers and feed ingredients for the global agriculture industry.

More information on the company is available at www.mosaicco.com.

November 2022

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Page 23

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 21, Issue 11

Celebrating 41 Years Serving our Community Thinking it’s time for a new roof?

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk

November 2022, Vol. 21, Iss. 11

Chalklines Educational Feature See Page

Grease Monkey Celebrates Opening With A Ribbon-cutting Grease Monkey Ruskin, formerly At Home Auto Care, hosted a multichamber ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of its new location at 2003 S. U.S. Hwy. 41 in Ruskin. Owners Joe and Melissa Canfield offer a full-service auto repair shop, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. You can schedule your next appointment by calling 813-645-0339.

Latitudes Tours Celebrates Four Years Of Cruising Tampa Bay Come and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience here in Tampa Bay with Latitudes Tours. Latitudes Tours has been offering daily eco-tours, lunch and dinner cruises, small-group bus tours and private fishing charters in and around Tampa Bay for the last four years and has recently added guided kayak tours to its selection. The kayak tours leave from several departure points. While kayaking, keep an eye out for dolphin pods, manatees, sting rays, sharks and

will receive 10 percent off of their services all weekend. Call 813628-4307 for more information.

more. Latitudes Tours can be found at 580 Bahia Beach Blvd. in Ruskin.

For more information, visit its website at www. latitudestours.com or call 813-641-1311.

Mirage Nail & Spa Design Is Celebrating With A Mix And Mingle Mirage Nail & Spa Design is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a mix and mingle. Owner Neelomie Cooper said, “We have been truly blessed with an awesome year and would like to thank everyone for their support.” Come and meet your nail tech and enjoy some drinks and refreshments after 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, November 5-6. There will be food, raffles, music and more. Mirage Nail & Spa Design is located at 13012 Bloomingdale Ave., Ste. 114 in Riverview. Clients

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amazing friendly service. Following taking over the business, new owner Andris Lopez has kept everyone’s favorite dishes, made minor tweaks for improvement to others and added some of his own recipes. While the restaurant remains Cuban cuisine, the menu is slowly expanding and introducing Dominican and Puerto Rican delicacies. Cafe Cuba also offers catering for your events. Visit it at 3240 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. For more information, visit www.cafecubabyandris.com.

Follow it on Facebook at www.facebook. com/cafecubarestaurant and Instagram @cafecubabyandris.

Florida Strawberry Festival Announces Theme For 2023 The Florida Strawberry Festival recently announced the theme for its 88th annual event, ‘We Have a Winner.’ “Yes, it points to the recent win we achieved in naming strawberry shortcake Fox Fired Pizza Comes To Ace Golf as Florida’s official dessert as we’re a little You can now pick up some of the best partial to the berry,” said President Paul made-from-scratch pizza in town at Ace Davis. “We’re excited about this Golf, locatyear’s event and look forward to ed at 12910 sharing in the celebration of the Boyette Rd. shortcake dessert that has come in Riverview. to make us so successful!” A new Fox Fired Piztheme is created for each year’s za is owned festival to offer patrons a glimpse and operated of the experience they will have at by the Fox the event. The 2023 Florida Strawfamily, who berry Festival will take place from do everything March 2-12 at the showgrounds the old-fashin Plant City. Additional informaioned way, by tion can be found on its website at hand, with the www.flstrawberryfestival.com. goal of making the highest quality product for the best possible price. Stop by MonCafe Cuba Under New Ownership day through Friday from 3-8 p.m. and on Cafe Cuba by Andris is a welcoming Saturday from 4-9 p.m. Visit its website family-owned restaurant with a variety of at www.foxfiredpizza.com for more dediverse, authentic and flavorful foods and tails and to see the menu.

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED...............FROM PG 25

By Jenny Bennett

Vitality Booth Wellness Celebrates Opening With A Ribbon-cutting Vitality Booth Wellness celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Valrico Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce. Located at 3113 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico, the facility offers a variety of advanced cardio equipment, manual and automated massage therapies, vibration plates and the patent-pending Vitality Booth scientific wellness system. Dry salt therapy, red light therapy and oxygen concentration booth therapy is also available. For more information, visit its website at www. vbwellnesscenter.com or call 813-315-9633.

The Guess Who Are Coming To Lakeland The Guess Who, a group that’s connected with the masses throughout an exultant hit parade spanning 14 Top 40 hits, including “These Eyes,” “Clap for the Wolfman,” and “Share the Land,” are among music’s most indelible treasures. “You’re going to see an excellent version of the songs and hear exactly how they should sound or be played,” verified founding member Garry Peterson. They will be performing at the RP Funding Center, located at 701 W Lime St. in Lakeland, on March 22, 2023. Tickets are on sale now at the RP Funding Center Box Office, call 863-834-8111 or purchase online at www.rpfundingcenter.com.

A Letter Of Thanks From A.J. Jambhekar Dear Patrons, It is bittersweet to inform you that after 19 years of serving this community’s wine and spirit needs, I have decided to sell the business and retire. While I am excited for retirement, it would be a disservice to not reflect on the road to this point. With this, I wanted to take the time to thank each and every one of you for your support over the years. My family and I greatly appreciated your business as well as getting to know many of you on a personal level. Whether it was sourcing your favorite hard-tofind craft beer, tracking down a rare bourbon or finding that Cabernet you tried and loved at a restaurant, seeing a truly satisfied customer was my greatest pleasure.

The new store has opened under the name LiquorSplit. Getting to know them through the acquisition process, I gained tremendous confidence they will continue to provide this community great service for all your alcohol needs.

I wish you all the best moving forward and hope to see you around in the community.

Sincerely, Ajay A.J. Jambhekar.

Volume 21, Issue 11

DR. RANDELL SEHRES CARES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

By Taylor Wells

Where the health lost his son, Scott, of all members of the age 24, and chose to family is concerned, take time off. He also it’s best to have a found that he didn’t doctor who not only like working excluhas much experisively for a hospital. ence and expertise “The 17 years that but also strives to we had the private personally care for practice, we really patients. That’s the tailored that pracgoal of Dr. Randell tice to be, you know, Sehres. a family practice.

“My primary focus We considered our is to take care of the patients; we didn’t whole patient. … I’m treat them like numable to address all bers. We had a perof their concerns up sonalized relationto my level of expership with them, and tise,” he said. that was lost when it Dr. Randell Sehres, a family medicine docDr. Sehres is an was taken over,” said tor at Absolute Surgical Specialists and an a w a r d - w i n n i n g , affiliate of Brandon Regional Hospital, the Dr. Sehres. board-certified famiWhen he decided HCA network and St. Joseph’s Hospital. ly medicine doctor at to work again, his Absolute Surgical Specialists with over friend, Dr. Craig Amshel, owner of Ab25 years of experience, which includes solute Surgical Specialists, suggested orthopedics, dermatology, men’s and joining his practice, and did so in June. women’s health care issues and mental Now, Dr. Sehres can give more time to health issues. He’s also affiliated with patients, and he’s been seeing them Brandon Regional Hospital, the HCA net- from Sun City Center and reaching out work and St. Joseph’s Hospital. to those he had taken care of for many Born in Miami, he graduated from the years — along with new patients — University of Miami Leonard M. Miller from Tampa, Brandon and other local School of Medicine in 1993 and did his areas. residency in family medicine in Balti“In family medicine, we’re trained to more at Franklin Square Hospital. After take care of patients of all ages, so one returning to Florida, he was stationed at of my greatest satisfactions was taking MacDill Air Force Base for his four-year care of the family … and seeing the chilcommitment to the Air Force, finishing dren grow and up and have children of in 2000. their own,” he said.

Then in 2002, he started Brandon Absolute Surgical Specialists is locatFamily Medical Care, which he had for ed at 1046 Cypress Village Blvd. in Sun 17 years until it was bought by Adven- City Center. For an appointment with Dr. tHealth. However, three years later, he Sehres, call 813-633-0081.

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November 2022

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Page 27

HIGH 5 INC. PRESENTS ICE THE DICE AT THE REGENT

By Kathy L. Collins

High 5 Inc. is attended. This hosting its 15th year, organizannual Casino ers are expectNight, Ice the ing between Dice 2022, on 500 and 600 Friday, Novemattendees. The ber 18 from event’s goal is 7-11 p.m. at to raise over The Regent, lo$100,000. cated at 6437 Burgess said, Watson Rd. in “We are one of Come and enjoy a fun night of thrilling games, deliRiverview. Ice the leading nonthe Dice 2022 is cious food and drinks and fabulous silent auction items profits in Hillsexpected to be at High 5 Inc.’s 15th annual Casino Night. All proceeds borough Counbenefit programming at High 5 Inc. bigger and betty. We focus on ter than ever. five pillars of This is High 5 Inc.’s impact. These include signature event. It is Special Needs, Afan incredible opportuter-school, Sports and nity to give back to the Recreation, Learn to Brandon community Swim and Community. while enjoying table We serve our commugames, including rounity in many capacities lette, craps, blackjack, and promote programs poker and slot mafor over 1,000 children chines. It will also have a fabulous silent daily.” auction and outstanding food from local Burgess added, “Our Casino Night just restaurants. Food partners include Livy keeps getting better and better every O’s, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Your Pie, Chick-N- year, and the result is that we can make Bones and more. an even greater and more significant imThis is an 18-years-and-older event. pact for all of the families we serve. This Chuck Burgess, CEO of High 5 Inc., is one of the best date nights you will said, “This is one of the most fun events ever have.” in the Brandon area. Proceeds benefit all Sponsorships from $500 to $7,500 are of our programs, including learn to swim, available. Local business owners can also special needs, after-school/summer have an impact by donating an item or a camp and financial assistance to fami- gift certificate for the silent auction. lies in need. There will be lots of great High 5 Inc. is located at 405 Bevergames to play, awesome food, open bar ly Rd. in Brandon. To get tickets to the and some great silent auction items to annual Casino Night and to learn more bid on.” about High 5 Inc., please visit www.highAt the last event, about 400 people 5inc.org or call 813-689-0908.

Offer Ends 12/31/2022

Page 28

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 21, Issue 11

A Better Surgical Option for You

Robotic Surgery at Manatee Memorial Hospital

First in Manatee County to offer minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci® Surgical System, which may result in less pain, less scarring and shorter hospital stays for patients.

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manateememorial.com Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Manatee Memorial Hospital. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 221077002-1201429 10/22

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2022

GET THE DIRT:

HURRICANES, A LANDSCAPE PRUNING OPPORTUNITY

BY LYNN BARBER, FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING™ AGENT choose to atHurricanes tempt some miprovide many nor pruning on of us with the your own, refer ‘opportunity’ to to the followprune our landing publications scape plants that for tree pruning have not been information: uprooted or dehttps://hort.ifas. stroyed. Under ufl.edu/woody/ normal condipruning.shtml. tions, pruning And for safety does not have to recommendainvolve a signiftions: https:// icant amount of edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ our free time, but publication/ after a hurricane FR170. it may.

• HurriWe should cane pruning prune our landon palms is a scape plants practice that soon after damharms the palm age has occurred. and can cause Generally, we more damage prune to train the in strong winds. plant to grow in a Tree damage, Excessively specific direction; pruning palms stimulate flower leaves only the or fruit producfronds on the tion; promote top of the palm more full growth; which results remove diseased, in weak strucderanged or dead ture promoting foliage; or to prebreakage at the vent damage growing point to people and and death of property. After the palm. Fronds a hurricane, we should not be prune for some Photo courtesy of Edward F. Gilman removed above of those reasons UF Palm improper pruning. the clock hand and to improve positions of nine the appearance and three.

A full head on a palm provides of shrubs that have wind damage, broken wind protection by lifting the wind over stems or damage from falling trees and/or nearby structures.

Refer to the publication tree limbs. A few tips to follow: “Pruning Palms” at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ • Use pruners, not hedge shears, to prune shrubs. Cutting back one-third of the plant publication/EP443, which provides inforwill improve the aesthetics and health of mation on correct pruning practices. Not the plant. This is called rejuvenation prun- all palms require pruning. Dead fronds can ing, and cuts should be made to remove one- be pruned; however, partially dead fronds third of old, mature stems back to the basic (part green, yellow or brown) should not be framework or near ground level. However, pruned as they continue to supply potassiyou may need to prune more now depend- um to the palm. Palms with a green crowning on the amount of damage sustained. If shaft are self-pruning and do not require you need to remove more than one-third of pruning because the fronds fall off naturally growth, the shrub may take longer to recov- once they turn brown.

For assistance with horticultural queser. tions, call us at 813-744-5519 or visit us at • Tree pruning may be necessary to imthe UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough Counprove the shape or form. For assistance in ty, 5339 County Rd. 579 in Seffner. Visit pruning trees, use an International Society our Hillsborough County Extension and of Arboriculture (ISA)-certified arborist, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ websites. which you can find at www.treesarecool.

Remember to reduce, reuse, recycle and recom. Click on the tab titled ‘Find an Arborist’ peat. to locate professionals in your area. If you

813.433.4047

www.ajwestfallco.com

Page 29

DESIGNING YOUR GARDEN FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

By StatePoint Media

(StatePoint) Garcan encourage actividening is not only a ty as well. If you enmeans for beautifyjoy company, create ing outdoor spaces gathering spaces. Or, and growing delicious if you have hobbies foods. According to that can be done outthose who spend sigdoors, like exercising, nificant time in the painting or writing, yard, getting outside you can set aside arcan also support your eas for them. wellbeing.

Finally, Scott rec“Gardening is good ommends designing Photo courtesy of Exmark. for the mind, it’s good Landscape architect Doug Scott says garden- your garden to awakfor the soul and it’s en your five senses. ing is good for the mind. good for the body,” Here’s how: said legendary football coach Vince Dooley.

1. Sight: Choose calming colors, or those “I enjoy coming out to garden, and when I that bring you joy. The simple sight of a finish, I feel like I’ve done something, and I breathtaking array of plants or an arrangefeel good.” ment of favorite flowers is bound to give Landscape architect Doug Scott of Re- your mental health a boost. deem Your Ground recently visited Dooley 2. Taste: Growing your own food will proin Athens, Georgia to discuss gardening and vide you with an incredibly rewarding harmental health. Here are some of the insights vest. Not only will you be able to enhance they shared: meals with the fruits of your labor, but you’ll Health Benefits also get the personal satisfaction of a job • Active benefits: Gardening exercises well done. the body and clears the mind. Studies show 3. Hearing: Among the plants and flowthat increased outdoor exposure leads to ers, add fixtures, such as wind chimes and fewer long-term health problems, helping water features, that’ll produce soothing improve cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, sounds. And with the new habitat you’ve strength and dexterity — all leading to bet- created, you’ll enjoy bird song too. ter mental health. Simply planting, growing, 4. Touch: From the light, feathery texharvesting and maintaining plants gives you tures of petals to the rough surfaces of bark a direct emotional boost. Why? Gardening or bush stems, touch offers a deeper sense helps foster nurturing instincts and restores of connection to nature. a sense of hope and purpose, ultimately im5. Smell: You may already use aromatherproving self-esteem. apy indoors. Take this concept outside by • Passive benefits: Don’t have a green growing fragrant flowers and herbs so you thumb? Don’t worry. Scientific evidence can literally “stop to smell the roses.” proves that just being in nature has positive Scott and Dooley offer more insights in impacts on stress levels and brain chemistry. “Garden Therapy,” a recent episode of DoIt can also lower blood pressure, increase ne-In-A-Weekend Projects, an original series concentration and improve mood. What’s from lawn care equipment manufacturer more, being outdoors offers a deeper sense Exmark. To watch the video, visit Backof belonging and a new sense of purpose yard Life at https://backyard.exmark.com/, outside the daily grind. which is part of a unique multimedia destiDesigning Your Garden nation with a focus on helping homeowners Scott advises designing your garden to make the most of outdoor spaces. There you reflect how you want to live outside. He can also download additional tips and view typically builds ‘rooms’ connected by me- other Exmark Original Series videos. andering paths for resting, unwinding and By gardening, your mental health will be feeling restored. However, your outdoor better off for it. Just be sure to start small, spaces don’t always need to be quiet. They simple and stress-free.

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 NAGEL SUPPLY located at 16107 Bridgedale Drive, in Hillsborough County, in the city of Lithia, Florida 33547 intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

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Page 30

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

BY MICHAEL MURPHY

We sure dodged a bullet with Hurricane Ian. All the runoff from the rains has made Tampa Bay a bit cloudy, but it is returning to normal now. Water temps are falling into the 70s now and the bite is starting to really go off now.

You will start to see the decline or reduction of seagrasses in the bay with the fall season coming in. The seagrasses will move their sugar stores into their root systems and shed their leaf blades for the coming winter. This will push the target fish back into the river areas, and the water will also clear up some with the temperature drop.

Snook and reds will maintain in the passes and estuaries until the water temps drop more after the fronts. The water temp drops will clear the water, so you will want to drop your leader test down to 20# with a 1/0 circle hook.

Trout will remain on the

Drew and Britta with a snook

Jess with a nice snook

flats in the remaining grass patches and can readily be caught on artificial jigs. I prefer the curly tail bodies over the paddle tails because of the undulating action they make as they fall into the grass.

Gag grouper will make their winter presence known in the coming month. 5/0 or 6/0 circle hooks with 100# test baited with a larger pinfish or threadfin will put dinner on the table for you. Find the reefs and ledges and let it rip.

There are good numbers of greenies on the flats being caught. A 1/4 bait net is still your best bet. With the lower water temps, you can really load up your livewell and not worry much about the dead loss in the livewell. Chum heavy for all your target species and throw ’em where they’re blowing.

Volume 21, Issue 11

Performance Care to Maximize Your Athlete’s Abilities It’s common for us to have athletes come into our office to get an injury treated, but more often than not, a non-traumatic injury is the result of body mechanics not functioning appropriately. This means that if we were to just treat the injury itself and then send that athlete back to the sport that caused the injury in the first place, they would likely end up injured again. This is why in all of our treatment plans we perform a head to toe joint evaluation.

From your neck down to literally how your big toe is functioning, we evaluate how that joint is performing when you run, pitch, jump, etc. Not only does this approach keep our athletes out of injury, but it can make them to pitch faster, run harder, and jump higher.

Generalized training and conditioning with the team or even sport-specific with most trainers does not account for every athlete’s individualized anatomical abilities. They train for the sport requirements and not what that athlete may be able to safely perform, so ultimately, it ends up training compensation patterns that result in injury or decreased performance.

Our physicians are trained in techniques that many professional athletes and teams utilize to keep their players performing at their highest ability, safely.

You can find the same techniques and protocols in our office that are used throughout the MLB, NHL, NFL, and even at Westside Barbell, which produces arguably the strongest powerlifters in the world.

Athletes we love to work with: runners, swimmers, pitchers, golfers, weightlifters, and all youth and high school athletes

CALL TODAY Dr. Robert Lutz

L09000082276

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2022

Page 31

DRUMLINES WILL PERFORM AT VFCC SHOP LOCAL HOLIDAY EXPO

Staff Report

The Valrico Fishpact. The Impact Hawk Chamber of Program promotes Commerce is hosting healthy lifestyles and its VFCC Shop Lorelationships to teens cal Holiday Expo on through its Teen Saturday, November Impact program, 5 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to parents through Patrons will be able its parent program to shop at this annuand to teachers and al vendor market in other youth leaders the teachers’ parking through its classroom lot at Bloomingdale education program.

The Valrico FishHawk Chamber of ComSenior High School, merce will host its VFCC Shop Local Holiday “We will be there located at 1700 Expo event at Bloomingdale High School on with a fun booth for Bloomingdale Ave. in families,” said Osprey Saturday, November 5 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Valrico.

Observer managThis event has ing editor Marie been held by the Gilmore. “This is chamber for over such a fun event five years and ofand I love to shop fers more than 40 local and support vendors who will our local businessbe showcasing loes.” cal products and Booth space at services. In addithe event is still of Valrico tion, members of available and costs local high school just $60 per busidrumlines will be ness. making an appearFor more informaance and having a tion and to register, ‘friendly’ drumming visit https://valcompetition and ricofishhawk.org/. much more.

The chamber Each year, there wants to thank Diis also a coveted amond Member flamingo decorating HiTech Automotive contest where venand Platinum Memdors can dress up bers Backbone Contheir flamingos for struction & Roofing, the general public to vote on in different The Brothers That Just Do Gutters, Citicategories. zens Bank & Trust, Excellence First InsurProceeds from the event support the ance, Cruise Planners of Valrico and MIDchamber’s 2022 Charity of Choice: Im- FLORIDA Credit Union. with Kendra Konitzer

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM Bands Under the Big Tent (6:30 PM) FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18 4:00 PM – MIDNIGHT Soul Circus Cowboys (8:00 PM) SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 11:00 AM – MIDNIGHT Classix (8:00 PM) SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM Military/Veterans, Law Enforcement and First Responders Appreciation Day

NCS Alumni Day

NativityCatholicChurch.org/Novemberfest Thank you to our major sponsors

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Page 32

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

MASTER GARAGE DOOR COMPANY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Volume 21, Issue 11

Order until Friday, Nov. 18th / Delivery on Wednesday, Nov. 23rd

By Lily Belcher Master Garage merce and the chair of Door Company has the Brandon Leaderserved Hillsborough ship Program Class of County customers for 2022. For him and his 25 years by installing, company, community servicing and repairinvolvement and sering home and commervice are key aspects of cial garage doors. The their business. local family-owned “I enjoyed the type and operated business of work. I enjoyed was founded in 1997 meeting people every

by Steve and Tawnie day and to be able to Manning, who are Tawnie and Steve Manning started Master provide a service,” dedicated to working said Steve about why Garage Door Company in 1997 to serve hard and serving the he started Master the local community. community.

Garage Door Compa“We’re just being ny. thankful to the comSteve was also munity,” said Steve involved in many about the 25-year churches and orgacelebration. “…We’ll nizations.

Owning enjoy a celebration tohis own garage door gether [with our employees] just honoring company allowed him to work around his them.” schedule and continue to serve his church.

Master Garage Door Company will also The company specializes in installing, offer a discount on service calls for a servicing and repairing residential and month to celebrate its silver anniversary. light commercial doors. It also offers In the last 25 years, Master Garage services for garage door openers. It is liDoor Company has received an A+ rat- censed and insured to provide professional ing and has been an accredited business service for all its customers. by the Better Business Bureau since DeIn addition to typical repairs, Master cember 2013. The A+ rating was based on Garage Door Company installs doors that both the status of business licenses and meet wind and hurricane specifications by customer opinions. Master Garage Door Hillsborough County to protect customers.

Company is also a member of the Interna- It will also inspect garage doors and potional Door Association. tentially recommend a reinforcing system “Just being new in the market and the to meet weather specifications. area [was the biggest challenge], but we For more information on Master Garage connected with the community pretty Door Company, visit https://mastergaquickly,” said Steve. ragedoor.com/. To contact Master Garage Now, Steve is on the board of directors Door, fill out the contact card on its webfor the Greater Brandon Chamber of Com- site or call 813-684-7744.

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BIKES FOR CHRIST TRYING TO FILL A NEED THAT IS GREATER THAN EVER Staff Report Many individuals have suffered this past year, finding themselves in situations they never could have imagined. Loss of a job, loss of affordable living … times are hard for many right now. A bicycle can be life-changing in so many ways. Bikes For Christ needs your help this Christmas season to continue to help those less fortunate.

Bikes For Christ currently partners with over 70 organizations in the Tampa Bay area by supplying bicycles as transportation to the clients with whom these agencies work. Its main focus is veterans trying to overcome hardships, underprivileged children, and anyone who is in need and is trying to climb out of the grips of poverty or the situation they are in. Along with every bike it gives out, it also provides a Gospel of John, as it wants that individual to know that Christ cares for and loves them.

Founder Pat Simmons stated, “Christmas is always the time of year when we reach out to the community for that extra bit of help we need. Plus, we always try to do something special as well. The past two years we have had the opportunity to send bicycles to children in Africa by partnering with The Tampa Bay Area Liberian Community Association, and we have close to 25 more on their way there this year. However, the need continues to be great here at home in our own communi-

ty, so we are reaching out to ask for more assistance.”

At this time, Bikes For Christ is asking the public for donations of good, used bicycles in ‘adult’ sizes. Simmons said that “85 percent of the orders our partner organizations place is for men’s bicycles, and those are always the greatest need.” Bikes do not have to be perfect, but it does want them to be as close to rideable condition as possible. That way repairs can be done quicker and they can be in the hands and feet of the individuals who need them sooner. Monetary donations are always greatly appreciated as well. Donations options are here: www.bikes4christ.com/ donations.

Among the many accolades Bikes For Christ has received, the most noteworthy was being honored with the 2020 WEDU ‘Be More Empowered’ award for “small nonprofit making the biggest impact in the Tampa Bay area.”

Bikes For Christ is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, EIN: 82-2374095. Its mission is to provide bicycles to those in need while also sharing the love of Jesus. Its main focus is veterans who are working to reestablish themselves, underprivileged children and anyone who is struggling and working towards self-sufficiency.

Visit Bikes For Christ at www.bikes4christ.com.

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 21, Issue 11

CROSS-BAY FERRY’S 2022-23 SEASON SETS SAIL Staff Report The Cross-Bay Ferry extended season has begun its sixth seawith an additional son of operations across month of service Tampa Bay. The service, and an expanded which provides a scenic daily schedule that and congestion-free transincludes later eveportation option between ning runs. Service downtown Tampa and lasts until May downtown St. Petersburg, 2023. Later-evereturns following its most ning departures Provincetown III, the current vessel the successful season since will also be availthe service began with a Cross-Bay Ferry uses for providing passen- able. The Cross-Bay gers comfortable rides. record-breaking 62,130 Ferry will operate riders from October 2021 to May 2023, from the same terminal locations as in pre10,000 more people than its previous re- vious seasons. In Tampa, the ferry will decord. part from the dock at the Tampa Convention The Cross-Bay Ferry is an innovative col- Center, and in St. Petersburg, from the dock laboration between Hillsborough County, at North Straub Park, near Vinoy Marina. the City of Tampa, the City of St. Petersburg The ferry vessel, named Provincetown and the Florida Department of Transporta- III, is a twin-hull aluminum catamaran that tion that is working to build the ferry into can carry a maximum of 149 guests at an a long-term local transportation resource average speed of 30 mph. The vessel has a that will significantly relieve roadway con- full-service bar with basic food service. Pasgestion, boost commerce to local businesses sengers may bring up to two pieces of lugand provide a fast, fun and affordable way gage and one small personal item at no exto travel. Hillsborough County is currently tra charge, and they may also bring bikes on the lead governmental sponsor. board. Customer surveys will also be taken “Thanks to a productive partnership regularly to improve service and gain better between the local governments and the insight into how future permanent service Florida Department of Transportation, the can be structured.

Cross-Bay Ferry is returning this month and In February, the Federal Transit Adminisis well-positioned for another successful tration awarded Hillsborough Area Regionseason as we continue to build upon the sys- al Transit Authority (HART) a $4.9 million tem’s early success,” said Matt Miller, pres- grant to buy a new 350-passenger vessel ident of HMS Ferries. “The Cross-Bay Ferry that HART requested last October. This will offers a uniquely accessible and affordable further establish the Cross-Bay Ferry as a transportation option between downtown mainstay transit option to reduce congesTampa and downtown St. Pete, providing lo- tion, create local jobs, and increase conneccal residents and visitors with a commuting tivity across the Tampa Bay area. option that includes incredible views of the Visit www.thecrossbayferry.com. Tickets bay and surrounding skylines.” can also be purchased at dockside ticket This year, the ferry will again offer an booths in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

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Page 35

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY ANNOUNCES SERENGETI FLYER AS ALL-NEW 2023 ATTRACTION

Staff Report

Busch Gardens® Enjoy the Tampa Bay today anbreathtaking thrill nounced Serengeti of Serengeti Flyer Flyer as the park’s allall year long with new 2023 attraction. a Busch Gardens Serengeti Flyer will Tampa Bay annube the world’s tallest al pass or 2023 and fastest ride of fun card. Starting its kind, a screamin’ as low as $14 per swing, upon opening month with excluin spring 2023. sive pass member Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens. benefits valued at With each swing, The Serengeti Flyer, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s riders will soar highover $400, a Busall-new attraction, opens in spring 2023. er and higher above ch Gardens Tampa Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s expansive 65- Bay annual pass is the best way to experiacre Serengeti Plain while experiencing ence this all-new attraction. multiple negative-G moments before plungGuests looking for incredible savings can ing back toward the Earth. Serengeti Flyer pay for a day and get the rest of 2022 and will feature twin dueling arms that soar 2023 free with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s progressively higher, reaching speeds of 68 limited time fun card offer, which provides mph and a maximum height of 135 feet at unlimited access to the park’s world-class the ride’s peak. Guests will be seated back- attractions, award-winning entertainment, to-back in rows of 10 across two gondolas, up-close animal encounters and vibrant seaallowing for 40 guests to experience the sonal events. ride at once.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ulti“Serengeti Flyer’s thrilling ride expe- mate family adventure, offering 300 acres rience is bound to provide riders with a of fascinating attractions based on exotic pulse-pounding encounter that can only be explorations around the world. Busch Garfound at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay,” said dens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an Neal Thurman, park president of Busch Gar- AZA-accredited zoo with thousands of andens Tampa Bay. “We believe that Serengeti imals representing more than 200 species Flyer will be the perfect high-thrill addition and exciting seasonal events all year proto our world-class portfolio of attractions, viding unrivaled experiences for guests of including Iron Gwazi, the Golden Tick- every age. For more information, visit www. et Award winner for the Best New Roller buschgardenstampa.com. Busch Gardens Coaster in 2022.” is owned by SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay annual pass (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and enmembers will be among the first to expe- tertainment company providing experiences rience the new attraction upon opening in that matter and inspiring guests to protect spring 2023. animals and the wild wonders of our world.

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 21, Issue 11

NEIGHBORHOOD MINI-GRANT PROGRAM DEADLINE NOV. 14

Staff Report

Registration is now open for Tampa Bay CEOs and senior executives to spend a day at a Hillsborough County public elementary school and share their experience with students and school leaders.

Hillsborough County Neighborhood Relations is providing neighborhoods with an opportunity to enhance, improve, and transform their communities by accepting applications for the 2023 Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program.

The 2023 Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program provides up to $5,000 of funding for neighborhood organizations that foster healthy, safe, and engaged communities through innovative and creative projects.

Applicants are encouraged to be innovative, original and to select a project that is engaging, enduring, and unites the community.

Established in 1988, the 2023 Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program is focused on encouraging neighborhoods to invest in their future and create a legacy for years to come. The categories are designed to foster healthy, safe, and engaged neighborhoods.

The 2023 Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program categories are:

• Neighborhood Identification • Leadership Empowerment • Safety Opportunities and Education • Environmental Enhancements • Health and Wellness Engagement • Neighborhood Preparedness • Neighborhood and Community Innovation The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Nov. 14, 2022. Visit HCFLGov.net/MiniGrant to learn more about the grant application process, the requirements, and to complete the application.

Civic associations, homeowners associations, or special taxing districts in Hillsborough County are eligible to apply, including those in Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace. Neighborhood organizations must be registered in the Neighborhood Directory Listing before applying for a mini-grant.

If your neighborhood organization isn’t part of the Neighborhood Directory Listing, registration is available at https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/

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Page 37

IMPACT HOSTS ANNUAL DESIGNER PURSE BING0

Staff Report

Are you looking for ue their efforts in a fun and delicious educating, equipway to get into the ping and empowholiday spirit while ering teens to helping a local charavoid high-risk ity raise important behavior by makfunds? Then mark ing healthy choicyour calendars for es,” said Angie Thursday, DecemKagey, IMPACT ber 1 because the executive direcIMPACT program is tor. hosting a holiday deThe event’s signer purse bingo. title sponsor is The event, which The George Shea will take place at Team with SigThe Regent in Rivnature Realty. erview, will offer 10 Additional sponrounds of bingo with sorship opportua designer purse as nities are availthe prize for each able.

The IMPACT program is hosting its annual designer round.

“This event is purse bingo fundraiser on Thursday, December 1.

Tickets to the special because event cost $40 a perit is a fun-filled night son and include one set for the community of 10 bingo cards along to come together to with food and beversupport a wonderful ages (this is an alcocause,” said Kagey, hol-free event). Guests who added that it is a will have the opportugood way to get into nity to purchase addithe holiday spirit betional bingo cards and fore the busyness of raffle tickets as well as the season kicks in. participate in a silent The Regent is loauction. cated at 6347 Watson Rd. in Riverview, The event is the annual fundraiser host- near Winthrop. Doors for the event will ed by IMPACT program, a Brandon-based open at 6 p.m., with bingo starting at charity which educates teenagers on the 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact benefits of healthy choices while avoiding Kagey at akagey@whatisimpact.com or high-risk behaviors. visit www.whatisimpact.com. The dead“This is a great opportunity for commu- line to purchase tickets is Wednesday, Nonity awareness and to provide necessary vember 23, and tickets can be purchased funds for the IMPACT program to contin- at impactdesignerbingo.eventbrite.com.

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS OUTPERFORM PEERS IN ‘NATION’S REPORT CARD’

By Superintendent Addison Davis

Before becoming superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools more than two years ago, I made a promise to this community to work diligently to drive student achievement higher than ever.

It is no secret we have faced many challenges together. But we are now seeing the positive outcomes that have resulted from the tireless determination of our educators, students, support staff and administrators.

I am proud to share with our community that our students have outperformed their peers nationally on ‘The Nations Report Card,’ also known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). This is an incredible achievement, truly capturing how our district is performing against other large and diverse districts throughout our nation.

In fact, our fourth grade students placed No. 1 out of the 26 large districts tested in reading and math, signaling that our method of accelerated learning following the pandemic has not only resulted in maintaining performance levels, but our students are also rising above the rest. Other large districts who took this test include Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Miami-Dade, among others.

Roughly 1800 students in both fourth and eighth grade across 80 of our ele-

mentary and middle schools took part in the test. HCPS fourth graders took the top spot in reading and math.

Last time our students sat for this assessment, they placed No. 3 and No. 5, respectively.

This is a monumental achievement, especially considering these tests were taken at the height of the omicron variant in our community.

Eighth graders also outpaced many of their peers in these assessments, placing No. 3 in reading and No. 8 in math nationally.

Subgroups such as African American and Hispanic students, students with disabilities and English-language learners also outperformed peers in most other districts.

To be eligible to take part in The Nation’s Report Card, a district’s community population must be more than 250,000 and at least half of the student body must be either African American or Hispanic and eligible for free and reduced lunch at certain percentages.

This exciting development along with our district catapulting to No. 19 in the state in school grades illustrates our district’s determination to bring Hillsborough County Public Schools to the forefront as a premier school district. While we have kept our promise to accelerate student learning, I want everyone to know we have only begun.

Volume 21, Issue 11

COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE BREAKS RECORD FOR SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

By Linda Chion

Ashton Kitchiner Newsome High School

Ashley Johnson Newsome High School

The Community Roundtable this year awarded $2,000 scholarships to five seniors representing three area schools, a record-breaking $10,000 total for the annual awards program.

Twins Adison and Ariana Roman, now at the University of South Florida, received their scholarships as graduates of Armwood High in Seffner.

From Newsome High School in Lithia, Ashley Johnson and Ashton Kitchiner were both recognized, with Kitchiner earning the award for scholar-athlete.

Both Newsome High graduates attend the University of Florida.

The fifth recipient is Brock Lopez, a freshman at North Carolina State University and a graduate of Strawberry Crest High School in Dover.

“Due to the large number of highly qualified applicants, the selection process was very difficult this year,” said Lisa Rodriguez, treasurer of the Community Roundtable and a past honorary mayor of Brandon. “Roundtable officers awarded the scholarships to the recipients at their respective high school award ceremonies so they could receive them in front of family, friends and peers. We wish each of these outstanding students a very successful college

career.”

The Community Roundtable scholarship program, chaired by Shearon Bailey, is held annually with a spring deadline and an application form that Brock Lopez stresses communiStrawberry Crest ty service.

High School Billing itself as “the chamber of charities of Greater Brandon,” the “number one criteria for scholarship selection is a student’s volunteer hours earned during their high school years,” Rodriguez said. “Each applicant must write an essay about their experiences serving others in the community, provide the number of hours served and their grade-point average and briefly explain their future plans.”

Founded more than 60 years ago as the Presidents’ Roundtable of Greater Brandon, the Community Roundtable serves and promotes area nonprofit organizations. The all-volunteer roundtable has presented the Greater Brandon Fourth of July Parade since the late 1950s. It also holds the annual race for honorary mayor of Brandon, with the title going to the candidate who raises the most money for their selected charities.

Information about the 2023 race and parade will be updated online at www. thecommunityroundtable.org.

Scholarship applications will be available online in the early spring, and also in high school guidance offices. For more information, call the roundtable at 813661-4350.

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The Sunshine State is home to a diverse array of interesting and unique waterfowl species. One of those is the common gallinule, also known as the common moorhen.

Common gallinules are medium sized birds that average around 12-15 in. in length and usually weigh less than a pound.

Easily identified by their charcoal gray coloring, chicken-shaped bodies, white feather designs and distinctive red beaks, their most notable feature might be their oversized, yellow legs and feet. These large feet are especially useful for walking atop vegetation found in their desired wetland and marsh habitat.

If you’ve ever been to the Everglades, you are sure to have seen or heard these loud, widely dispersed birds. Found most commonly in wetland environments, they also live in marshes, lakes, ponds and canals that have a decent amount of vegetation for them to hide in and graze on. Common gallinules were made to survive in both freshwater and brackish wetland habitats with an omnivorous diet that primarily consists of algae, insects, tadpoles, small fish, seeds, snails and aquatic plants. They are quite buoyant and very strong swimmers who glide in the water, reminiscent of a duck.

Within the state, these birds can be found year-round as native, breeding residents. Similar to several other bird

species, common gallinules are monogamous and typically lay between four and 12 eggs per brood. They have around one to two broods per year. Once hatched, the babies are quick to swim and can be found foraging with their mom, who will rear her chicks until they are old enough to fledge.

This occurs at around 5 to 7 weeks of age. It is also typical for families to stick together, and older siblings can help raise new ones.

Common gallinules spend the majority of their lives in the water and around the water’s edge. This poses many threats to the species, as common gallinules face the risk of predation from foxes, alligators, coyotes and raccoons. They also encounter threats of habitat loss and habitat degradation due to human interference, development and pollution. We can help these beautiful, quirky birds by reducing our use of pesticides and herbicides, reducing our consumption and generation of waste and keeping our waterways clean for generations of species to thrive and survive.

Ali Holton is currently director of FishHawk TNR Inc. She has a master’s in biodiversity, wildlife and ecosystems and 20 years of experience specializing in animal behavior and conservation. To reach her, email fishhawktnr4@gmail.com.

Page 39

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Volume 21, Issue 11

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

BRANDON BALLET WINE PAIRING TAMPA BAY VETERANS APPRECIATION WEEKEND IN NOVEMBER & SUGAR PLUM FAIRY TEA

By Taylor Wells

By Kathy L. Collins

Brandon BalSnow Queen and let’s Season 29 dancers from the is currently unSpanish Dance. derway with sevDancers will eral upcoming perform small events.

Season sneak peeks from 29 is going to be Brandon Ballet’s an exciting one upcoming prowith events and duction of The productions that Nutcracker. You are good for the will also enjoy whole community. sweet and addiFirst, you can tional treats such support the Photo courtesy of Brandon Ballet editorial photogra- as cupcakes from pher, Ricardo Romero. Sweetie’s Delights Brandon Ballet by attending the Brandon Ballet, a nonprofit ballet company, invites and finger foods the community to come and support them at two Wine Pairing en provided by Branupcoming events in November.

Pointe on Tuesdon Ballet. day, November 1 from 6-9 p.m.

In addition to delectable at Bin + Board, located at 805 W. treats, attendees will get to listen Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. to story time, enjoy a character You will enjoy an evening of tastmeet and greet with autographs ing, pairing and enjoying wine. In and pictures and even get a temaddition to good food and drinks, porary tattoo. There will also be Brandon Ballet will be auctioning a raffle featuring a children’s tea off various prizes throughout the set and children’s dance attire. night. Proceeds from this annual Proceeds from the event and event benefit Brandon Ballet, a raffle help support the produclocal nonprofit that seeks to bring quality tion and performance of Brandon Ballet’s ballet art to the Brandon area. The cost to upcoming The Nutcracker production on attend is $75 plus tax.

Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11.

Next, Brandon Ballet will present its annuHannah Townend, administrative director al Sugar Plum Fairy Tea on Sunday, Novem- for Brandon Ballet, said, “We want the comber 6 from 3-5 p.m. at The Regent, located munity to know that the teas are a special at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview. The cost event for us. These began as just small dance to attend is $17.50 plus tax. parties held in the studios at The Dance CenAt this sweet event, attendees can get up ter and have grown to be the large-scale tea close with the dancers, who will perform parties our company now knows and loves.” in this year’s production of The Nutcracker.

For more information and to get tickets, You will get to see and meet the Sugar Plum please visit www.brandonballet.org or call Fairy, Clara, the Nutcracker, the Rat King, the 813-684-4282.

Local veterans will provide menand a coalition of torship on how to churches and busistart a business afnesses recently ter completing your came together to military career. sponsor a new event, Each day, there the Tampa Bay Vetwill also be to-go erans Appreciation meals and informaweekend. The coation packets, which lition seeks to help include resourcveterans transform es like Medicaid their lives by ofoptions, financial fering information planning and vetthat can improve Three members of the team who will be partici- eran benefits, to their circumstances pating in the Tampa Bay Veterans Appreciation name a few. and showing them weekend: Pastor Ian W. Taylor Sr. (middle) of Re“We went resources that they new & Transform Ministries; Pastor Kevin Green through with the (right) of New Foundation Christian Assembly may not know they VA and a few other have access to. Vet- International, who is one of the veterans spear- veterans associaerans and their fam- heading the event; and Damian Hatter (left), who tions to put togethwill be helping with the meals for the event. ilies are encouraged er information for to join in for food, drinks and fellowship as the vets that we can give to them in one rothey are given thanks and served in honor bust packet,” said Maran-Atha Taylor, event of their own service to our country at this coordinator of the coalition, which consists completely free event. of Renew & Transform Ministries InternaThe first day will be about spiritual and tional, New Foundation Christian Assembly physical wellness and include a brief sermon International, Awaken and Transform Minisby a veteran in our community, haircuts tries, WeGoAllPlaces LLC, Chosen Business for veterans who need them and medical Services, Veterans Medicare Options, Primscreenings for high blood pressure and dia- erica Financial Services and Merr Art Inc. betes. The screenings will be accompanied Taylor added, “We’re also working with by information cards about early identifica- the VA to send a rep out to help the vetertion and prevention of these diseases, with ans with registering for services and asking qualified doctors and nurses on-site to pro- questions that they might have because vide this service. many people don’t know what all they have The second day is for mental and financial access to.” wellness. Guests can expect financial advice The event takes place on Saturday, Noworkshops with licensed financial planners vember 12 from 12 Noon-4 p.m. and Sunday, on-site to provide education and advice; November 13 from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at health care planning workshops, which will Gardenville Park & Recreation Center, locathave a planner available to educate the vet- ed at 6219 Symmes Rd. in Gibsonton. For erans about their options and provide re- registration, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ sources; and an entrepreneurship workshop, tampa-bay-veterans-appreciation-tickin which a veteran, who is an entrepreneur, ets-437240697697.

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November 2022

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Page 41

K&H WINDOW TINTING

PROVIDES PROTECTION FROM SUN HEAT AND DAMAGE By Brad Stager Opening a dealer. car door on a “Over the sunny Florida course of about day, even in the six years, I rewinter, can realized I had lease a blast of learned a skill uncomfortable that was inheat that rangcredibly useful es from toasty and almost necto broiling. essary in FloriOne way to K&H Window Tinting owner Chris Phelps installs win- da. From there, dow tinting on a Tesla Y’s panoramic sunroof. avoid those I no longer saw moments of init as just a job, tense warmth before the I wanted to start making a air conditioning kicks in is name for myself,” he stated. to install high-quality winThat dedicated sense of dow tinting, such as offered purpose has yielded a solid

by K&H Window Tinting in reputation, as evidenced by Riverview. the company’s Facebook page, with more K&H installs XPEL ceramic window than 1,300 likes and followers expressing tinting films, providing maximum protec- interest in the subject of window tinting tion from ultraviolet radiation and are and showing satisfaction with their redesigned to reject heat, which can keep a sults by awarding K&H Window Tinting a car’s interior cool and comfortable. XPEL 4.9 overall satisfaction rating. films are also on the list of products rec“Building my business from the ground ommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation up, using the basic fundamentals of qualthat offer protection from harmful UV ity products and unmatched customer rays. service, I have found a comfortable niche “Window film has many benefits for here in our area, providing comfort and repeople who suffer from health conditions lief to my clientele,” explained Phelps. such as eye or skin sensitivities from proK&H Window Tinting is not a mobile longed exposure to the sun,” said K&H service. Work is performed at the compaowner Chris Phelps. ny’s location, 10218 Summerview Cir. in According to the XPEL website, the Riverview. company’s proprietary ceramic film forYou can learn more about the benefits mula can block up to 99 percent of the UV window tinting provides by visiting the rays that would pass through untreated K&H Window Tinting Facebook page at windows. www.facebook.com/khtinting/ or its webPhelps said he learned about the value site at https://kandhauto.business.site. of high-performance protective window You can also call 813-322-2277 to schedtreatments while working at a local auto ule a convenient appointment.

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Page 42

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 21, Issue 11

New Friends. New Beginnings.

November 2022

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

COUNTY LAUNCHES DUFFELS OF DIGNITY TO HELP AT-RISK YOUTH Staff Report Hillsborough Coundered from the wish ty Children’s Services list will be mailed launched its Duffels of directly to the ChilDignity program on Octodren’s Services camber 10. The program will pus. collect donations of new “The idea was to or gently used duffel bags, create a program suitcases and personal that Hillsborough care items for children in County Children’s foster care or who are es- Some of the bags and suitcases collected Services would do caping domestic violence a year-round colsince the launch on October 10. and homelessness. lection of new and Hillsborough County gently used luggage, Children’s Services asduffel bags and persists many local children sonal care items and who are in traumatic sitprovide them to atuations, facing homelessness or in need of risk youth and children in foster care. These emergency shelter. Often, these children do kids have gone through so much, and the not have proper luggage to store their be- trauma they have experienced is severe. It’s longings and instead use garbage bags to important that they get something of their carry their few personal items. Foster care very own and know they are loved. Arriving youth in Hillsborough County face similar at a new home with their own duffel bag needs. To help these children and offer them or suitcase helps provide them with a little a bit of courage and dignity, Children’s Ser- sense of dignity during one of the most difvices has launched its Duffels of Dignity pro- ficult times in their young lives”, said Craig gram and is now accepting donations.

Jewesak, administrative services coordinaDonations accepted include: tor with Hillsborough County Children’s Ser• New or gently used duffel bags (24-28 vices. Each bag will have a special label with inches), suitcases (wheelie bags, suitcases their name on it as well. with handles) and backpacks are all acceptDonations can be dropped off Monday ed. through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Hillsbor• Personal care items. ough County Children’s Services Adminis• Toothbrushes and toothpaste. trative Office, located at 3191 Clay Mangum • Combs and brushes.

Ln. in Tampa. There will be signs directing • Shampoo and conditioner. people to the ‘Duffels of Dignity Drop-off • Deodorant.

Location.’

All personal care items should be new Children’s Services has also partnered and in their original packaging. with local nonprofits Mary & Martha House Duffels of Dignity also has an Amazon and The Spring of Tampa Bay, which help Wish List, which is linked at www.hillsbor- women and their children escape domestic oughcounty.org/en/residents/social-ser- violence. For more information, visit www. vices/children/duffels-of-dignity. Items or- hcflgov.net/duffelsofdignity.

Page 43

GIVE KIDS THE WORLD’S NIGHT OF A MILLION LIGHTS RETURNS FOR YEAR THREE AT ISLAND H2O

Staff Report

Named by USA Today the “Number One Thing To Do in December in Orlando” when it debuted in 2020, Night of a Million Lights is back for its third year in a spectacular new venue, Island H2O Water Park, from Friday, November 11 through January 1, 2023.

The park will be transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring millions of lights, luminous displays, festive family activities and nightly performances by Dueling Pianos Jingle and Jangle and the strolling a cappella group Santa’s Dancing Reindeer, with DJ Jack Frost Ice Block Party leading an interactive holiday hits dance party. The Emmy Award-winning RWS Entertainment Group will once again partner with Give Kids The World Village (GKTW Village) and Island H2O to produce the event.

Guests can view the lights, watch an allnew dancing lights show on a 5-story waterslide, visit an interactive children’s holiday activities space, interact with strolling performers, explore themed lightscapes and create priceless holiday memories during visits with Santa.

Proceeds from Night of a Million Lights will benefit GKTW Village, an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort that provides critically ill children and their families from around the world with magical, weeklong, no-cost wish vacations. Discounts are avail-

able for groups of 25 or more and Island H2O season pass holders. VIP experiences, sponsorships and volunteer and vendor opportunities are also available.

“It has been a privilege to welcome in the public for a glimpse into our storybook Village during the holidays the past two years. However, in order to preserve the life-changing experience we provide to wish families as increased numbers of guests are able to visit, we have made the decision to move Night of a Million Lights off-site — and truly appreciate Island H2O Water Park’s generosity, hospitality and support,” said GKTW President and CEO Pamela Landwirth.

“It’s an honor to help Give Kids The World deliver happiness and hope to critically ill children and their families by hosting Central Florida’s most popular new holiday tradition at Island H2O Water Park,” said Island H2O general manager Jim Kunau. “We invite the entire community to join us at Night of a Million Lights at Island H2O for 52 nights of family fun, live performances, delicious food and holiday cheer while helping to make wishes come true for families in our community and around the world.”

Island H2O Water Park is located at 3230 Inspiration Dr. in Kissimmee. For more information and tickets, visit www.gktw.org/ lights.

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Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Top Producer 2002 - 2020

Volume 21, Issue 11