Osprey Observer Bloomingdale/FishHawk November 2024

FLOOD DAMAGE?Bloomingdale/

LAST CHANCE!

FLOOD DAMAGE?

60!

Sale Up To

FishHawk

November 2024 Volume 23, Issue 11

*

OUR DEMO TEAMS ARE READY WHEN DISASTER STRIKES OUR DEMO TEAMS ARE READY %OFF TO HELP! FLOORING DEMO IN AS LITTLE AS 48 HOURS SERVING THE GREATER TAMPA AREA FOR 20 YEARS www.FlooringMaster.com WATERPROOF FLOORS

See Our Ad On Page 16 *

SELECTED FLOORS

Ph: 813-657-2418

SEE AD ON PAGE 24

CELEBRATING 22 YE ARS OF PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS

COMMUNITY SPIRIT SOARS: MAYOR’S RACE RAISES $100,000 FOR CHARITIES

By Linda Chion

In the wake of “In times like Hurricane Milthis, we really see ton, which swept the spirit of Lithia through Florida, shining through,” area residents said food bank have come togethdirector Laura er to restore our Sanchez. “Neighcommunity and bors are here for support one anothneighbors, and er in the aftermath we’re determined of the storm. With The Monday Moms cleaning trails in Channing Park. to make sure evwinds reaching up eryone has what to 100 mph and they need.” heavy rainfall leavWhile many ing widespread residents are debris, residents grateful for the are rolling up their outreach and sleeves and pitchhelp, recovery efing in to help their forts will require neighbors. significant time Community voland dedication. unteers gathered The county has Supplies for You Matter To M.E., Inc. Migrant Advocacy. throughout area declared a state communities and of emergency, parks in one of the allowing local areas hardest hit leaders to acby the hurricane. cess federal reArmed with trash sources to aid in bags, rakes and rebuilding infrachainsaws, the structure, particvolunteers, rangularly for those ing from families whose homes to local businesswere severely es, tackled fallen damaged. FEMA Meadowpark neighors in FishHawk cleaning trails. trees, scattered debris and the remnants of representatives have begun assessing the damaged structures. situation to determine support for individu“It’s heartwarming to see everyone come als and families affected by the storm. together like this,” said local resident and As the sun sets on another day of cleanup, organizer Dave Marshall. “We may have lost the volunteers feel an undeniable sense of some things, but we’ll rebuild stronger than hope and solidarity. The spirit of our comever as a community.” munity is proving that even in the face of The cleanup effort is being led by resi- adversity, we stand united, ready to rebuild. dents and volunteers who mobilized local For help, visit https://www.fema.gov/. resources and coordinated efforts.

Local businesses have also stepped up, with nearby restaurants donating food for volunteers and hardware stores offering dis- TURKEY TROT .......................................PG 3 counts on supplies needed for home repairs. MOTORING TAMPA BAY..................PG 5 The Lithia Food Bank has seen an increase in demand due to dislocation from the storm, HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN..................PG 15 prompting local residents to organize addi- EYE ON BUSINESS................PGS 25-26 tional food drives to replenish its stock.

REGALITEA ........................................PG 26

IN THIS ISSUE:

Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596

ECRWSS EDDM

Postal Customer

PRSTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA, FL PERMIT #1456

The final that Myers counts are sealed the in, and it’s race with her the charities check for charthat beneities totaling fit as Dawn $62,020.73.

Myers and “CongratDavid Segui ulations, celebrated Dawn,” Segui campaigns said, holding Honorary mayor candidates David Segui, center left, and for honorary his check for Dawn Myers hold giant checks of their fundraising totals. mayor of $3 7, 6 2 2 .9 7, East Hillsborough County. which he said was raised basically with two At a celebration and check distribution events, as he thanked his campaign commitevent in October, checks totaling just under tee for their efforts. “I’d like to thank every$100,000 cemented the deal for the race one who supported us,” Segui added. “Not sponsored by the Valrico/FishHawk Cham- just me, us. I thank you all from the bottom ber of Commerce (VFCC), which is won by of my heart.” the candidate who ‘campaigns’ to raise the “Life is better when we’re all on the same most money in one month’s time for their team,” she said. “I hope that through this, selected nonprofits. this $100,000 is going to help our commuMyers, owner of Myers Law, P.A., ran her nity in the way that it needs, and it needs so race for the Emergency Care Help Organi- much more than just this.” zation (ECHO) and for High 5 Inc., formerly In reference to the one-two punch of maknown as the Brandon Sports and Aquatic jor hurricanes, “every employee that you Center. Segui, owner of iSmash Tampa, ran come in contact with, whether it’s for a big his race for the Impact Program, Hope for corporation or a small business, they need Her and Small But Mighty Heroes. that paycheck, they need your money,” MyCalling Myers and Segui up to the stage ers said. “They need your smile right now. at J.F. Kicks Restaurant & Patio Bar in Valri- Moving forward, let’s get this community, co for the final tally announcements, cham- East Hillsborough County, back together beber representative Danielle Stevens set the cause that is how strong we are.” stage for the much-anticipated fundraising The Valrico/FishHawk Chamber of Comreveal, just days after Hurricane Milton, the merce works year-round to raise funds for a second of two major hurricanes 11 days Charity of Choice, which this year is Raining apart, made its mark in Hillsborough County. Cats and Dogs Shelter and Sanctuary. The “What our community’s gone through chamber hosts a great teacher luncheon, over the past week is unbelievable, and what donates school supplies and collects donaa perfect time for all of this money that has tions for the chamber’s high school senior been raised between these two to go to scholarship program, for students entering these charities that need our help more than a trade school. For more on weekly and ever,” said Stevens, owner of Vine Vegan, monthly networking meetings and events, who in 2023 won VFCC’s first-ever East Hill- visit the chamber at www.valricofishhawk. sborough County Honorary Mayor’s Race. org. Call: 813-324-7902. Email: info@val“What you guys did,” Stevens added as My- ricofishhawk.org. The chamber’s Eastern ers and Segui took to the stage, “is nothing Hillsborough County location is 15 minutes short of amazing.” east of the I-75 and I-4 corridor, at 3115 To a standing ovation, it was revealed Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.

COMMUNITY & RESIDENTS UNITE FOR CLEANUP FOLLOWING HURRICANE MILTONBy Marie Gilmore

Not to be combined with any other offer.

Only valid at Riverview, FL - Boyette location.

Nativity Catholic Church’s 53rd annual Novemberfest will kick off Thursday, November 21, and run through Sunday, November 24, bringing rides, games and classic carnival food to the community. Visit www.nativitycatholicchurch.org/novemberfest or see Page 16.

1/31/2024 2/29/2024 11/30/2024

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

Only valid at Riverview, FL - Boyette location.

2/29/2024 11/30/2024 1/31/2024

Page 2

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 23, Issue 11

Happy Thanksgiving 813.438.5960 NEEDREED.COM 101 E. Lumsden Road Brandon, FL 33511

LIKE

Having a Lawyer in the

FAMILY

Personal Injury Cases FREE CONSULTATIONS

Auto Accidents * Slip and Fall Boating Accidents * Dog Bites Wrongful Death * Motorcycles

November 2024

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

OPERATION BBQ RELIEF RETURNS TO FLORIDA TO SERVE COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY HURRICANE MILTON

Staff Report

Operation BBQ mission in North Relief (OBR), the Carolina and Tenmuch-loved nonnessee as well.” profit founded by Some of OBR’s Kansas City pitlargest efforts in masters, is back in Florida include: • Hurricane Helene Florida to provide (2024) — 234,541 hot barbecue meals meals in 12 days. to those affected by • Hurricane Idalia Hurricane Milton.

(2023) — 306,812 This is OBR’s sevmeals in 29 days in enth deployment Live Oak. to Florida in the • Hurricane Ian past decade, where (2022) — 865,603 it has served over meals in 40 days in 12,000,000 meals.

Port Charlotte.

OBR’s most re- Operation BBQ Relief volunteers serving up food • Hurricane Michael cent response to for those in need after two Florida hurricanes. (2018) — 808,220 Hurricane Helene was briefly interrupted meals in 30 days in Tallahassee and Panama

by Milton, but the organization has re- City.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: OBR urgentturned, setting up a new cooking site in St. Petersburg to distribute meals across ly needs more volunteers to continue impacted areas, partnering with local food its mission. Join OBR in making a differtrucks and organizations like the Ameri- ence! Register to volunteer by downloading the ‘OBR Volunteers’ app at https:// can Red Cross for wider reach.

While mobilizing in Florida, OBR contin- apps.apple.com/us/app/obr-volunteers/ ues to serve in North Carolina and Tennes- id1193200138 or through OBR’s website see, still supporting communities affected at https://operationbbqrelief.org/volunby Helene. OBR has provided more than teer-obr/.

Want to help but can’t volunteer? Your 900,000 meals since Helen’s landfall. And as of October 20, OBR has provided a total donations will make a huge impact. Donate of 1,018,369 meals and 24,622 volunteer now at https://volunteers.operationbbqrehours for Helene and Milton relief. This lief.org/donations/donate-now.

Meal distribution sites are announced reflects OBR’s capacity to deliver relief across multiple states, demonstrating daily on OBR’s social media platforms. their commitment to bringing comfort Follow OBR for the latest information on where you can access its support, inand normalcy wherever it’s needed.

“Our goal is to provide more than just cluding Facebook, Instagram and TikTok a meal — we bring comfort and hope to @obbqrelief; LinkedIn at www.linkedin. those impacted by disaster,” said Stan com/company/operation-bbq-relief; and Hays, CEO and co-founder. “We are hon- YouTube at www.youtube.com/operaored to return to Florida and continue our tionbbqrelief.

Page 3

16TH ANNUAL FISHHAWK TURKEY TROT DEEPENS COMMUNITY TRADITION AND SERVICE

By Linda Chion

The much-bethey and their famloved FishHawk Turilies have enough key Trot returns for food to eat for the a 16th year in the weekend.

That wake of two major program is run in hurricanes over the coordination with course of 13 days counselors at local this fall. schools, who idenThat there is tify the students in much to be thankful Leda Eaton (right) with the FishHawk Turkey Trot need. for, as well as many Food distribution mascot and race participants. needs to address, is not far from the minds takes place Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. of many who have given life to this holiday at 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave. tradition from one season to the next, with Meanwhile, registration is underway more than 2,500 participants showing up for the 16th annual FishHawk Turkey Trot, for last year’s race alone. scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, November Count among them Leda Eaton, who, as 28. Multiple race options are for 5K timed a mother helping her children earn commu- and 10K timed (8 a.m.), 5K untimed (8:15 nity service hours, worked with her son and a.m.), 1-mile fun run (9:15 a.m.) and the 250daughter to establish the turkey trot, which yard mini run for kids and kids at heart (9:15 in its first two years helped raise money for a.m.). Early-bird registration costs range local food banks. from $25 to $45; after Nov. 24, costs range Wanting a greater say in how that money from $30 to $50. Each registration has a would be spent, Eaton said it was necessary sign-up fee, which ranges from $2.50-$3.70. to be the organization to receive the funds.

Race day registration kicks off at 6:30 “Once you give the money away, you don’t a.m. at the FishHawk Publix parking lot, locontrol how it’s spent,” she said. cated at 5462 FishHawk Crossing Blvd. in That realization 14 years ago led to the Lithia, with participants urged to arrive an formation of Seeds of Hope, the mission of hour before their scheduled races. which is “to nourish hope among people in Early packet pickup is scheduled for need by providing food through the actions Wednesday, November 17, from 12 Noon-7 and help provided by our local students.” p.m. at The Palmetto Club, located at 17004 According to Eaton, Seeds of Hope today Dorman Rd. in Lithia. gives out 350 boxes of food each week at its Registration includes a turkey-themed Bloomingdale Avenue location, where four race shirt, custom race bib and medal. adult supervisors witness the work of 25 To register for the FishHawk Turkey Trot, students from area schools who take lead- visit https://runsignup.com/race/events/fl/ ership and distribution roles for community lithia/2022fishhawkturkeytrot. service hours. Another 170 backpacks per For more on nourishing hope through week are filled with food for students who community service, visit Seeds of Hope at qualify for free and reduced-price lunches so https://sohopefl.org/.

edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

WE'RE HERE TO HELP Drywall Repair, Replacement, & Installation Drywall Finishing Wood Repair & Replacement Siding & Stucco Repair Cabinets Epoxy Flooring Faux Finishes Interior & Exterior Painting Services

CALL FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE: 813-520-6096

Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes Services we provide: Living in Retirement Preparing for Retirement Estate Considerations Business Retirement Plans Preparing for the Unexpected Joanna Springstead, CFP® Financial Advisor 813-657-2078

Page 4

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

RUSKIN SEAFOOD AND ARTS FESTIVAL WILL BE FREE THIS YEAR FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2025 COUNTY WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME Staff Report Do you have a faof Mise en Place and vorite woman mentor, passionate advocate teacher or business for business in Tampa; leader who has made Sylvia Campbell, M.D., a significant positive the first female surimpact on the commugeon in Hillsborough nity? Nominate them County; Ann Porter, to be considered for the first director of the Women’s Hall of Hillsborough County’s Fame.

Head Start program; The Hillsborough and Carol D. Morsani, a County Commission cherished area philanon the Status of Womthropist and communien (COSW) is now acty leader. cepting nominations A complete list can for the 2025 Hillsborbe found online at ough County Women’s www.hcflgov.net/whof.

Hall of Fame. The hall The COSW was of fame was created created to study and Plant City community service leader in 2011 to honor and make recommendacelebrate the achieve- and former City Commissioner Marsha tions to the board of ments of Hillsborough Passmore is a 2024 Hillsborough County county commissioners Women’s Hall of Fame inductee.

County women who on issues pertaining have made significant contributions to the status of women, including disin areas such as business, education, crimination, employment, day care, edphilanthropy, the military and public ser- ucation and health care. The COSW’s vice to improve the lives of residents in 15 members include those appointed by Hillsborough County. the board of county commissioners and The honor is given to up to three in- representatives from the Greater Tampa credible recipients each year.

Chamber of Commerce, The Helen GorSince its inception, the Commission don Davis Centre for Women, the League on the Status of Women has recognized of Women Voters of Hillsborough Counand honored 41 notable women through ty, The Spring of Tampa Bay, the Hisinduction into the Women’s Hall of Fame. panic Professional Women’s AssociaAll Hillsborough County Women’s Hall tion Inc., the National Council of Negro of Fame inductees are permanently rec- Women, the University of South Florida ognized with a plaque displayed at the and Hillsborough Community College.

Arthenia L. Joyner University Area ComNomination forms are available at munity Library. www.hcflgov.net/whof and will be acPast inductees include pioneering de- cepted until 5 p.m. on Monday, Novemsegregation-era educator Doretha Edge- ber 18. For more information, contact comb; civil rights activist Mary Alice Jaida Clark at clarkjai@hcfl.gov or Dorsett; Maryann Ferenc, co-proprietor 813-635-7403.

By Lily Belcher

This year’s Ruskin opening ceremonies.

Seafood and Arts “We’re kind of shiftFestival is even more ing,” she said. “We’re important to the comstill working on the munity, said Melanie planning of it, but it Davis, Greater Southwill be a really nice, Shore Chamber of heartfelt tribute. It will Commerce executive definitely stand out as director. its own little piece of “It would have been the festival.” really easy and jusThis year’s festival tified to cancel the will be free to help festival. … Our whole those dealing with the community kind of has aftermath of the hurrithis cloud over them,” cane. While Davis said Davis said. “I really The Ruskin Seafood and Arts Festival will she could have still have food and entertainment. think that keeping it charged the entrance will help raise the spirfee and donated it to its, raise the morale in relief efforts, she felt the community, just to like a free festival will rally together and have allow people to get a fun.” break from hurricane The 34th annual recovery. event comes in the Davis encouraged wake of a pair of hurthose that can spend ricanes that battered money to give it to local the community, ruining vendors that will be at the chamber’s office the festival. There will and leaving it ‘homeless’ while planning also be food for guests that do not like events for the community remotely for seafood, as well as live music and enterthe rest of the year. tainment. There will also be a car show The aftermath of Hurricane Milton and homemade arts and crafts. forced the chamber to cancel its annual The 34th annual Ruskin Seafood and Veterans Day parade. But Davis said the Art Festival will be held at E.G. Simmons chamber still wanted to celebrate its vet- Regional Park on Saturday, November 16, erans at the Seafood and Arts Festival. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Novem“We’re doing a huge tribute to veter- ber 17, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. ans,” Davis said.

For more information on the festival, Some of those who were going to be in visit https://ruskinseafoodfest.org/ or the parade will get to participate in a mini contact Davis at melanie@southshoreparade during the festival ahead of the chamberofcommerce.org.

YOUR HEALTH GET SCREENED TODAY.

YOUR LIFE

Volume 23, Issue 11

YOUR EXPERTS

NOW OPEN Whole-Person Care Built Around You Whether you’re expecting a new baby, have a loved one who’s injured, or need advanced medical care, you want local health care expertise you

• Adult and pediatric emergency care

can trust. With state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive specialty

• Bariatric and weight care

services, the highly trained team at our new, full-service hospital in

• Digestive care

Riverview provides expert level care, with the compassion we’re known for, to help you feel whole.

9330 US Highway 301 South Riverview, FL 33578

AdventHealthRiverview.com

• Heart and vascular care

• Orthopedic care • Urological care • Women’s care

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2024

VER

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

ii11§9

CH.UI.-U<»'cruutl'.IICI

2109 Rd., Valrico 33596 • (office) 813-657-2418 • (fax) 813-657-4469 2109Lithia LithiaPinecrest Pinecrest Rd., Valrico, FL 33592 • (office) 657-2418 • (fax) 657-4469 LAYOUT EDITOR & GRAPHICS MANAGER

MANAGING EDITOR

Marie Gilmore

Kathi Hayes

editor@)ospreyobserver.com

khayes@Jpspreyobserver.com

657-2418

BILLING MANAGER

657-2418

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Terry Vassalotti

Kathy Collins

terry@Jnspreyobserver.com

kcollins@Jpspreyobserver.com

MARKETING MANAGER

GRAPHICS MANAGER

657-2418

657-2418

Denise Graf

Jennifer Hurst 657-2418

jhurs@Jspreyobserver.com

657-2418

denise@Jpspreyobserver.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE

NEWS REPORTER

Jenny BennettNews Publishing Positive 657-2418

Taylor Wells

Since 2001

jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

657-2418

twells@}pspreyobserver.com

www. OspreyObserver. bserver.cotn ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES FISHHAWK/BLOOMINGDALE & VALRICO ADVERTISING

RIVERVIEW/APOLLO BEACH & SOUTHSHORE ADVERTISING

813-625-1527

813-833-7470

Kerrie Hoening

Melissa Hartmann

khoening@ospreyobserver.com

mhartmann@ospreyobserver.com

BRANDON & WINTHROP ADVERTISING

BRANDON ADVERTISING

813-300-5152

813-310-4434

Brooke Elkins

Melody Gershkoff

mgershkoff@ospreyobserver.com

belkins@ospreyobserver.com

PUBLISHING POSITIVE COMMUNITY NEWS THROUGHOUT

BLOOMINGDALE/FISHHAWK • RIVERVIEW APOLLO BEACH • BRANDON • VALRICO ©Copyright 2020 - Osprey Observer, Inc. No reproduction without written permission.

Garage Door Service, Repair & Installation

FREE

steve@mastergaragedoor.com

mastergaragedoor.com

25 years serving the community with only the highest quality parts and service.

• Residential Garage Doors • Garage Door Openers • Broken Springs Estimates • Cables on New Garage Door • Rollers Installs • Doors off Track Celebrating 26 Years of Serving Our Community Community!

16637 FishHawk Blvd. • Suite 101 • Lithia

Located in the FishHawk Office Park, behind Taco Bell

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

(813) 657-7337

www.premiercarepeds.com “We pride ourselves in developing a personal, caring partnership dedicated to tailoring our services to meet the individual needs of our neighbors and their families.”

-Dr. Minick and Dr. Pruitt Regular Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-12pm & 1pm-5pm | After Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

Page 5

nitishrele@gmail.com RENOWNED SPORTS COUPE NISSAN Z STILL A THRILL OF A RIDE!

By Nitish Rele 240, 300, the LED head350 and 370. lights flanking Remember a black grille the numerithat meets cal prefixes up with a that would long alumiaccompanum hood, ny the legdoors and the endary Nishatchback. san sports The lower coupe? Well, rear stance, as of last short deck year, those and silhouette are all hiswill remind NISSAN Z (PERFORMANCE) tory, as the car is now onlookers of first-gen Tires: 255/40R19 front; 275/35R19 rear simply known as the Z. Z. A classic touch is a Wheelbase: 100.4 inches Not many people tothree-bay gauge pod Length: 172.4 inches day may remember the for voltmeter, boost and Height: 51.8 inches name Yutaka Katayama, turbo speed. Leather/ Width: 72.6 inches the late former pressuede inserts on the ident of Nissan’s U.S. Suspension: double wishbone firm but cushy seats operations in the 1970s. aluminum front; independent look cool too. Some multilink rear He was instrumental in fine standard cabin Steering: speed-sensitive power bringing the Fairlady Z, amenities are auto AC, rack-and-pinion known then as 240Z, push-button ignition, Weight: 3,536 pounds to the American roads. four-way power heated Fuel capacity: 16.4 gallons And what a journey front seats, intelligent City: 18 mpg it’s been for the clascruise control, manual Highway: 24 mpg sic, which debuted as tilt/telescopic steering Base price: $52,210 a 2.4-liter single-overcolumn, 12-inch digital Price as tested: $55,110 head cam, inline six-cyl- Website: www.nissanusa.com dash display, aluminum inder engine with just sport pedals, 9-inch 150 horsepower, four-speed or three- touch screen for infotainment and an speed automatic transmission and 14- eight-speaker Bose sound system. inch wheels in 1970.

Standard dual front and side airbags, Now, 54 years later, the seventh-gen side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock Z comes with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 brakes with electronic brake distribuengine that blasts off 400 horsepower tion and brake assist, stability/traction at 6,400 rpm and 350 pounds-feet of control, auto emergency brakes with petorque at 5,200 rpm. Like to shift gears? destrian detection, blind-spot/lane-deGo for the six-speed manual or take the parture/forward-collision warnings, rear nine-speed auto gearbox in this rear- cross-traffic alert, limited-slip differenwheel-drive coupe. Our Performance tial, active-head restraints, front/rear edition came with a sport-tuned suspen- crumple zones, tire pressure monitoring sion, and, for the first time, the Z gets system and daytime running lights. a launch control without wheel spin and An iconic car that boasts tremendous hop for those heavy lead-footers who performance, elegant styling and great like to pull away for a thrill or two. value for money? That’s the Z for you.

Deriving the idea from the Japanese And the incredible ride has over five demarket’s 240ZG are two half-circles in cades to prove its worthiness.

Cleaning Services

by Bay Area Clean Team

• Commercial/Residential Services • Free Estimates • Family Owned & Operated • Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Serving: Brandon, Lithia, Fish-Hawk, Seffner, Riverview and surrounding areas

“Cleaning the world one Location at a time”

(813) 263-6643

JUNK REMOVAL AND HAULING CommerCial & residential Removal of Furniture • Yard Waste • Carpet Materials • Landscaping • Remodel/ Demo Debris • Mattresses • Appliances • Construction Materials • Foreclosure Clean Outs • Apartment/ House Rental Cleanouts • Plus Much More...

WHO’S YOUR DUMPSTER, INC

Call Us For A quote

813.771.0123

liCensed & insured

Page 6

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 23, Issue 11

RESILIENCE IN ACTION: A COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO HURRICANE MILTON

By Superintendent Van Ayres

Hillsborough County more than 59,000 meals once again demonstrated to those in need. its incredible community Once the storm passed, strength during Hurricane the work didn’t stop.

Milton. Through tireless efTwenty of our schools forts, our district staff, edflooded inside their facilucators, students, parents ities and over 170 of our and local partners came toschools lost power. Stugether to ensure the safedents and local volunteers ty and well-being of our quickly mobilized, helping schools and the broader our team clean school community before, during, grounds and helping orand after the storm. ganize resources for those A Letter From The Before Hurricane Milton most impacted.

SUPERINTENDENT of Hillsborough County Public Schools made landfall, our leaderOver 100 of our eduVan Ayres ship and opercators were ations teams displaced by were hard at the storms work around and countless the clock, prefamilies sufparing for fered damage any outcome. or loss. We From securing will continschool buildue to connect ings to coordi- Volunteers helping with Hurricane Milton cleanup at them with the nating with loresources and Riverview High School. cal emergency support they services, the need. dedication of our staff was The district’s ability to truly exceptional. In total, reopen schools as swift16 of our schools served as ly as possible is a testashelters, providing refuge ment to the unwavering for over 15,000 evacuees. commitment of our entire Seventeen of our buses team and our community. were used to transport We offer our deepest evacuees and their loved thanks to every member ones, including pets, to Superintendent Van Ayres with of the Hillsborough CounStudent Nutritional Services ty Public Schools famishelters.

During the storm, our team prepping for evacuees. ly, every volunteer and staff stayed on-site at the shelters to the organizations that supported our assist evacuees and emergency person- schools during this time. Together, we nel. Our remarkable Student Nutrition showed what it means to be #HillsborServices team prepared and distributed oughStrong.

Let us help take the burden of retirement and estate planning off your mind.

Call Today for your Free Consultation.

813-627-0872 912 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Brandon, FL 33511 www.Preservation1st.com

Securities offered through J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. (JWC), Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through J.W. Cole Advisors, Inc. (JWCA). Preservation 1st Financial Group, LLC and JWC & JWCA are unaffiliated entities. Non-security products are not offered by J.W. Cole.

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (never known to fail)

O Most beautiful flowers of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me here you are my mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succeed me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times). Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (three times).

Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you.

T.O.C.M.B.

CUSTOM HAIR HAIR CUSTOM CUSTOM HAIR CUSTOM or the hair you’ve always HAIR wanted!

Thin Hair?

Hair? hinThin Hair?

Thin Hair?

For the hair you’ve always wanted!

For the hair you’ve always wanted!

Since 1969

APPOINTMENT ONLY PLEASE 813-932-5327 727-725-1052 813-651-9484 2643 Gulf to Bay, Ste. 1530 117 N. Kings Ave. 1425 W. Busch Blvd.

APPOINTMENT ONLY PLEASE

CLEARWATER MALL

BRANDON

TAMPA

727-725-1052 813-651-9484 813-932-5327 LEARWATER MALL BRANDON TAMPA 2643 GulfCustomHairTampaBay.com to Bay, Ste. 1530 117 N. Kings Ave. 1425 W. Busch Blvd.

117 N. Kings Ave. 1425 W. Busch Blvd.

CustomHairTampaBay.com 813-651-9484 813-932-5327 727-725-1052 813-651-9484 813-932-5327 CustomHairTampaBay.com

643 Gulf to Bay, Ste. 1530 727-725-1052

121423 121423

• EUROPEAN HUMAN HAIR WIGS AND TOPPERS Since 1969 Finest HumanHUMAN Hair andHAIR Synthetic Wigs •• EUROPEAN WIGSBlended AND TOPPERS Largest In-Stock inAND Tampa Bay Wigs •• Finest Human HairSelection and Synthetic Blended EUROPEAN HUMAN HAIR WIGS TOPPERS • EUROPEAN HUMAN HAIR WIGS AND TOPPERS • Chemotherapy and Alopecia Specialists • Largest In-Stock SelectionBlended in TampaWigs Bay inest Human Hair and Hair Synthetic • Finest Human and Synthetic Blended Wigs • Chemotherapy Sales and Service of Men’s Specialists Hair Systems • and Alopecia Lori • Owner & Client argest In-Stock Selection in Tampa Bay • Largest In-Stock Selection in Tampa Bay • Sales and Service of Men’s Hair Systems ONLY PLEASE Lori • Owner & Client APPOINTMENT • Chemotherapy and Alopecia Specialists hemotherapy and Alopecia Specialists CLEARWATER MALL BRANDON APPOINTMENT ONLY PLEASE Lori • TAMPA Sales andofService of Men’s Hair Systems Owner Client ales and•2643 Service Men’s Lori1425 • Owner &&Client Gulf to Bay, Ste. Hair 1530 Systems 117 N. Kings Ave. W. Busch Blvd.

CLEARWATER MALL BRANDON TAMPA

121423 121423

Since 1969 For the hair you’ve always wanted!

Since 1969

CustomHairTampaBay.com

“Church like it used to be.”

“We love because “We love because He first loved us.”

He first loved 1 John 4:19 us.”

1 John Doctor Malcom S. 4:19 Clements- Pastor

Doctor Malcom S. Clements- Pastor

First Baptist Church of Gibsonton

Proudly serving the local community for over 15 years.

• Collision Repair

Sunday School…………. 9:30 A.M. Traditional Worship Service First Baptist ofWorship………

Gibsonton Morning 10:30 A.M. Old-time Gospel Hymns Church

• Insurance Claims Accepted

Sunday School………….

9:30P.M. A.M. Traditional Worship Service Mid-Week (Wed.)……… 7:00 Children & Youth Ministry Morning Worship………

A.M. Old-time Gospel Hymns 9912 Indiana St. • Hwy 41 & Estelle Ave • Gibsonton, FL10:30 33534 Sunday Evening………….

6:00 P.M. Nursery Available 813.677.1301 Mid-Week (Wed.)………

Children & Youth MinistryInspirational Internet Broadcast: 7:00 P.M. Great Preaching, Bible Study, Singing

LITHIA’S BEST BODY SHOP FOR HALF THE PRICE!

Nursery Available

Sunday Evening…………. 6:00 P.M.

Please visit: ChristianWorldTV.com

9912 Indiana St. • Hwy 41 & Estelle Ave • Gibsonton, FL 33534 813.677.1301

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2024

Page 7

TAX COLLECTOR NANCY MILLAN AND LOCAL LEADERS ANNOUNCE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER BOB HENRIQUEZ HOSTS PRESS CONFERENCE ON CRITICAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF MEASURES

FOLLOWING HURRICANES MILTON AND HELENE

Staff Report

Staff Report

Hillsborough County Property Appraiser (HCPA) Bob Henriquez, joined by local leaders Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan, Florida State Senator Jay Collins and Hillsborough County Commission Chair Ken Hagan, announced vital property tax relief options for homeowners and businesses affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“Our goal is to provide accurate information and ensure no one misses out on potential tax relief,” said Henriquez. “The resources we’ve outlined today are designed to ease the burden on property owners as they recover from these devastating storms.”

Key property tax relief measures discussed at the conference include: • Homestead Exemption Protection: Homeowners with storm-damaged, uninhabitable properties can maintain their homestead exemption for up to five years, provided they intend to restore and reoccupy the home (F.S. 196.013).

• Save Our Homes and 10 Percent Nonhomestead Cap: Homestead properties have a 3 percent cap on annual taxable value increases, while nonhomestead and commercial properties are capped at 10 percent. Homeowners can repair or rebuild within these limits without losing their protection, provided the new square footage doesn’t exceed 10 percent of the original (F.S. 193.155 and F.S. 193.1554).

• Commercial Property Relief: Commercial property owners can repair or rebuild damaged structures while maintaining the 10 percent annual cap on taxable value increases (F.S. 193.1555).

• 2024 Property Tax Refund: Homeowners with properties deemed uninhabitable for more than 30 days in 2024 may be eligible for a proportional tax refund. Applications are due by March 1, 2025, with forms available on the HCPA’s at www.hcpafl. org. Proof of damage will be required, and refunds will be processed by the tax collector’s office (F.S. 197.319).

Henriquez urged affected property owners to take immediate action by reporting damage through the HCPA’s Damage Assessment Form at https:// dmz.hcpafl.org/storm/, emailing stormdamage@hcpafl.org or calling the Property Damage Hotline at 813-272-6332.

“We are committed to providing relief and ensuring that residents and businesses can recover as swiftly and smoothly as possible,” added Henriquez.

Working in conjunction with local leaders such as Millan will help to ensure that the community has access to the resources and relief needed to rebuild.

The Hillsborough County property appraiser is an elected official charged with the duty and responsibility to appraise all property in the County. For more information, visit www.hcpafl.org.

During a press conference outlining collaborative efforts to assist homeowners and business owners affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan, alongside Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez, State Senator Jay Collins and County Commission Chair Ken Hagan, announced critical measures to provide property tax relief for those impacted by the storms.

Millan is extending the 4 percent early payment discount period through Tuesday, December 31, to ensure that residents have more time to take advantage of the maximum savings.

Property tax notices are typically mailed on November 1; however, this year’s notices will be mailed on Monday, November 25. The delayed mailing allows the discount period to be extended under Florida law, providing additional relief to property owners still recovering from hurricane-related damages.

Over 535,500 property tax notices will be sent to homeowners and business owners across Hillsborough County.

“In challenging times like these, it’s essential that we come together as a community and offer every opportunity for relief,” said Millan. “By delaying the mailing of tax notices and extending the discount period, we’re giving residents and businesses the time and support they need to rebuild their homes, businesses, and

lives, while continuing to meet our obligation under Florida law to collect the tax revenue that supports vital services like schools and law enforcement.”

Although 2024 property tax notices will not be mailed until November 25, the 2024 Real Estate and Tangible Personal Property Tax information is available online now at www. hillstax.org. Property owners can still make payment beginning on Friday, November 1.

Property taxes are paid in arrears. The tax bills that will be mailed November 25 reflect an assessed property value as of January 1 this year and do not account for any property damage caused

by Hurricanes Helene or Milton.

By law, 2024 property taxes are due

by March 31, 2025, unless an extension is provided under the current executive order. Residents whose property taxes are paid through escrow should contact their mortgage companies for more information on the remittance of escrowed property tax payments.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by local leaders and government officials to provide meaningful support to residents facing financial hardship due to the storms.

For more information about property taxes, payment options, and available resources, please visit www.hillstax.org or contact the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office.

2 . 6 LO G O LO C K U P S

1.

TFF.COM / FDOH LOCKUP The logo lockups were designed to contain both logos, separated by a bar that is the same thickness as our of our logo. We will maintain the clear space established on page 6 between the bar and both logos.

X

Depending on the type of materials, we could use one ofthe following lockups.

2.

HELPING FAMILIES PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

1. Full color Logo Lockup

*

3.

preferred, but it can ONLY be used in full color and only against a white background. It cannot be placed in a white box.

2. One-Color Logotype Lockup The One-Color Logotype Lockup is the most commonly used version. It can only be used against a white background or as a Reverse White Logotype.

3. Black and White Logotype Lockup

4.

813-974-7889

4. Reversed Logotype Lockup The reversed logotype lockup can be used against a black bacground or againstthe NEW TFF ADA BLUE (HEX: #1074BB)

Estate Planning Medicaid and Long Term Care Planning Powers of Attorneys Guardian Advocacy Probate and Trust Administration

(813)438-8503

TFF

BRAND GUIDE

LAURIE OHALL FL BOARD CERTIFIED ELDER LAW ATTORNEY

1464 Oakfield Drive, Brandon, FL

WWW.OHALLLAW.COM

Page 8

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

HURRICANE-PROOFING YOUR ESTATE PLAN: SAFEGUARDING YOUR FUTURE

Volume 23, Issue 11

HURRICANE SEASON “ABOVE NORMAL BY ALL MEASURES”

By Linda Chion

By Laurie E. Ohall, Florida Board-certified Elder Law Attorney Living in the Tampa Bay area, we’re no strangers to the threat of hurricanes.

While we often focus on protecting our homes and physical belongings, it’s equally important to safeguard our estate plans.

After all, these crucial documents are meant to help in catastrophic situations — but what happens if no one can find them? Let’s explore some strategies to hurricane-proof your estate plan.

The Florida Factor: Why It Matters Here in Florida, especially along the Gulf Coast, the risk of flooding and severe property damage is a constant concern.

Your estate plan documents are supposed to provide guidance and protection in worst-case scenarios, but they can’t do their job if they’re lost or destroyed in a storm. That’s why clients often ask how to safely store these important papers.

Strategies for Secure Storage 1. Waterproof and Fireproof Safe Invest in a high-quality safe that’s both waterproof and fireproof. Keep your original documents here, along with other important papers, like birth certificates and insurance policies. Make sure the safe is securely anchored to prevent it from floating away in case of flooding.

2. Digital Backups Scan all your estate planning documents and store digital copies in multiple secure locations. Consider using encrypted cloud storage services for added protection.

Remember to update these digital copies whenever you make changes to your estate plan.

3. Safe Deposit Box While not completely hurricane-proof, a bank’s safe deposit box can offer an additional layer of protection. However, be

aware that access might be restricted immediately after a disaster, so don’t rely on this as your only storage method.

4. Inform Your Executor and Loved Ones Make sure your executor and close family members know where to find your documents. Provide them with copies or access information for digital backups.

This ensures that even if your original documents are lost, your wishes can still be carried out.

5. Out-of-state Storage Consider sending copies of your documents to a trusted friend or family member who lives in a different state. This provides a backup far from any local disasters.

6. Regular Reviews and Updates Set a schedule to review your estate plan regularly, perhaps annually or after any major life changes. This not only ensures your plan stays current but also gives you a chance to check on the condition and accessibility of your documents.

Don’t Wait Until the Storm Is Coming The time to prepare your estate plan for potential disasters is now, not when a hurricane is bearing down on Tampa Bay. By taking steps to protect these crucial documents, you’re ensuring that your wishes will be respected and your loved ones will be cared for, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.

Call us at 813-438-8503 to schedule a consultation and ensure your estate plan is as sturdy as your storm shutters.

Laurie Ohall is a Florida board-certified elder law attorney practicing in Brandon, Florida.

She has been practicing law for 30 years and her practice is focused on estate planning, elder law planning and probate. Ohall is licensed to practice law in Florida and Ohio.

Floods, winds, tornadoes, storm surges and fears marked the autumn of our discontent as Tampa Bay braced for an unprecedented reckoning with the advancing wrath of Hurricane Milton, the third hurricane to hit Florida this year.

“No other year on record has more than three,” according to a report by AccuWeather, dated October 10, which preliminarily estimates damages for Milton between $160 and $180 billion. “After an early pause, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is now above normal by all measures.”

Indeed, the North Atlantic basin between August 13 and September 2, for the first time since 1968, did not produce a named storm, according to a Moody’s report. The unexpected midseason lull was not to last for Florida, as the one-two punch of major hurricanes left in its wake new records, grim realities, massive power outages, costly cleanups and a dogged determination to support, rebuild and endure.

Hurricane Debby, as a Category 1 storm, made landfall in Steinhatchee on August 5.

Hurricane Helene on September 26, also in the Big Ben area, made landfall near Perry

DEHYDRATION AND EXERCISE HEAT INJURY IN THE YOUTH ATHLETIC

Plantar Fasciitis Performance Care to Pain Maximize & Achilles

Summer in Florida does not mean youth athletes get a break from sports.

Temperatures climbing to 100 degrees plus unacclimated or under-hydrated middle and high school students, can be a recipe for disaster. It is important, as parents, to not only make sure your athlete is prepared to play in this environment, but to also recognize the warning if they are not.are two of the most over-diagnosed conditions for Plantar fasciitis and signs Achilles tendinopathy

Your Athlete’s Abilities

anyone with foot or ankle pain. If you’re experiencing pain on the underside of your foot or on The beginning stages of exertional heat illness are exercise-associated muscle crampthe It’s back of your ankle, above your heel, it’sinto likely you’ve irritated the fascia orbut tendon common for calf us just toorhave athletes come ourthat office to get an injury ing, usually in the hamstring.

This your child should betreated, pulled from through or improper biomechanics.

Itindicates often goes mis-treated and becomes chronic moreover-use often than not, a non-traumatic injury is the result of body mechanics notafuncpractice or a game to hydrate with water, electrolytes from a sports drink or salty complaint.

Some of the most effective treatments are rehab, strengthening the muscles ofsnack, the tioning appropriately. This means that if we were to just treat the injury itself and then foot, and therapy. andsend rest.that Gentle stretching andsport massage to the the areainjury can in also beneficial.

Aswould suggestathlete back to the that caused thebe first place, they

by theend National Athletic Trainers’ Association, recommended intake should uptoinjured again.

Thisevaluated is why in all ourthe treatment plans wefluid perform a head Itedislikely important have your pain by of a professional who understands the rehab toeozjoint evaluation. be to 20fl of correct water/sports 3 hours before exercise up to 2to hours post-exer-or necessary to it. It isdrink not something that you want and to attempt self-diagnose experiment withfor self-prescribed treatments such as kinesiotape andto orthopedic braces that cise, to correct losses.toWhen through starts exceed intake, From your neck down literallyfluid howloss your big toebracing issweat functioning, wedetrimental evaluatefluid how thaton you are able to purchase over-the-counter.

Long-term can have effects dehydration begins to settle is performing when youin. run,muscles pitch, jump, etc. Not onlytissues does this approach keep our joint biomechanics and can allow our and surrounding to get weak and become our athletes out of injury, but it can make them to pitch faster, run harder, and jump Dehydration signs thirst, irritability, headache, weakness, dizziness, dependent on the braceinclude for support, causing more issues.

However, these tools can be effective higher. under the care of a performance. medical professional. and decreased

If left untreated or unnoticed, dehydration andteam exercising the heat canwith cause an Generalized and conditioning with the or eveninsport-specific most WHAT IT ISN’T training trainers doesbody notAchilles account for every athlete’s individualized anatomical They Plantar fasciitis and tendon pain canleads be frustrating to deal with due abilities. to its chronic nature elevated core temperature, which to fainting, collapsing, dizziness, confutrain for the sport requirements and not what that athlete may be able to safely perand unresponsiveness to most other treatments.

That doesn’t mean that you must live with the sion, and vomiting. If core body temperature continues to climb, exertional heat injury so or ultimately, uptake training compensation patterns result in chronic injury orthe painform, forever even thatititends would dozens of visits to correct.

Nothat matter how or heat strokeperformance. can be a concern. Collapse, seizures, loss of consciousness, hot/wet skin, decreased complaint, there is usually still improvement to be made, if not full resolution, however, the sooner andget severe muscletissue pain problem are common symptoms.

This now a medical and you a connective like these evaluated andistreated, the betteremergency the prognosis Our physicians are trained in techniques that many professional athletes and teams 9-1-1 be recovery. called. and theshould faster the utilize to keep their players performing at their highest ability, safely.

Be aware WHAT IT IS of your youth athlete this summer and ask them these 5 important You fasciitis can findand theAchilles same techniques and mechanical protocols in in our officemeaning that are used throughout Plantar pain are often nature, that it’s a result of preventative questions: MLB, NHL, NFL,our and even atare Westside Barbell, which produces how we move and use body.

Left alone just “rest” or restricted to aarguably splintpractice/games? or the softstroncast, the 1. the How much water/sports drink youto drinking before, during, and after powerlifters thebeyou’re world. tendon and tissue willinnot remodeled, will not heal onare its you own,making and thea pain will persist 2. gest When you notice that excessively sweating, conscious effortfor to long after initial injury or incident. This is why seeking appropriate treatment is so important. drinkthe more than usual?

Athletes we love to work with: runners, swimmers, pitchers, golfers, weightlifters, and At ChiroTherapy, weyou tailor your rehab to restore 3. Motion much sleep are getting the night before?full and pain-free ranges of motion and allHow youth andthe high school athletes then surrounding muscles tissues to better tolerate loadpractice/games? and stress.

4. strengthen Are you incorporating healthy carbs and and salty snacks before and after 5.

Are you taking frequent breaks in the shade or cooler area?

Treatment at Motion ChiroTherapy will always be patient-centered and personalized to meet your specific needs.

CALL CALL TODAY

TODAY

Dr. Robert Lutz

16765 FishHawk Blvd, Lithia (Located in the Winn Dixie Shopping Plaza) 1312 Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach

Dr. Robert Lutz

813-793-7791 • www.MotionChiroTherapy.com

as a Category 4 storm. Then, on October 9, Hurricane Milton as a Category 3 storm roared into Siesta Key, a coastal community about 50 miles south of Tampa. Together, Helene and Milton caused Hillsborough County schools to close for 11 days.

“Milton will go down as one of the most damaging and impactful storms in Florida history,” the AccuWeather report notes, “along with Hurricane Helene’s estimated total damages and economic loss of $225 to $250 billion just two weeks earlier, which resulted in significant damage from the Gulf Coast of Florida to the southern Appalachians, where a catastrophic flooding disaster occurred.”

According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data, the latest numbers are likely to put Milton in 13th place for most tornadoes produced by a U.S. hurricane since 1995.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Milton is the fifth hurricane to make landfall in the Gulf Coast this season, after Berry, Debby, Francine and Helene. This ties the counts for both the 2005 and 2020 hurricane seasons.

As Hurricane Milton raced toward Florida as a Category 5 behemoth, Tampa Bay residents braced for what many feared would be ‘the big one.’ Thanks to its eventual circulation a bit more than 20 miles to the south, Tampa Bay averted a catastrophic storm surge, and Milton failed to go on record as the worst storm ever in Tampa Bay’s history.

We Will Be Your Best House Guests Ever!

That Painter You Need?

We’re The ONE!

• Interior & Exterior Paint for Residential and Commercial

Locally Woman-Owned and Operated

• Cabinet Refinishing

November Special

August Special

• Epoxy Floors

10% Off CABINET PAINTING

• Popcorn Ceiling Removal • Stucco Repair

Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm Saturday 8am – 12pm

• Fence Painting/Staining

FREE ESTIMATES

813-599-8106

https://tampa-florida.that1painter.com/

Because an EMERGENCY can happen at anytime, DRAINS ETC is ready 24/7!

YOUR Full Service Plumbing Company Hillsborough: 813-643-3667 Pinellas: 727-525-8877 State Certification: #CFC1425794

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2024

STOWERS ELEMENTARY CELEBRATES SUNSHADE INSTALL WITH EVENT

By Linda Chion

Thanks to the village it takes to raise and educate children at Stowers Elementary School in Lithia, the students have sunshades on their playground to protect them from the sun’s burning rays.

Through last year’s Cattle Drive, the name given to the school’s annual fundraiser, enough funds were raised to purchase and install two sunshades to over the school’s playground, for which a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on October 20 at the school in Lithia, located at 13915 Barrington Stowers Dr. “We raised just under $62,000,” said Maggie Goldenberg, ways and means chair for the Stowers Parent Teacher Association (PTA), which, along with some funds from the PTA’s legacy fund, covered the cost and installation. “The playground was already there, but we needed shade from the sun,” said Goldenberg, noting as well the leadership of 2023-24 PTA President Jacky Seal.

“It gets hot in Florida, and the kids were complaining that it would burn them when they touched the playground equipment.

Also, skin cancer is on the rise, and these are little kids outside and being exposed to UV rays.”

Haley Topp, PTA coordinator for last year’s Cattle Drive, said she is thankful for the community’s concern and support.

“It obviously was important to everyone that our students be protected, and that the kids be in the shade for even the small amount of time they’re outside for recess,” Topp said.

After a three-week fundraising effort,

PTA members and school officials hosted the celebratory Cattle Drive Fun Run, which celebrated the community-wide effort to support the playground shades. In assistance were Newsome High School cheerleaders and track team athletes.

Any Stowers student who raised at least $250 got to throw a pie at the face of Stowers Principal Melanie Cochrane. According to Topp, 45-50 students had the honor, including the top 10 student fundraisers who got to take a party bus ride to lunch at the Texas Roadhouse in Riverview.

Another 117 students, for raising at least $150 each, got to eat pancakes with Cochrane and Assistant Principal Fasee Sollars.

Overall, “we had more than 553 students who contributed to the Cattle Drive last year, and I believe that was out of roughly 850 to 900 students, which is a very large participation,” Topp said.

Brag tags, sweat towels, water bottles and the family’s name on the school marquee were among the incentive prizes.

Participating also were area businesses, which according to Goldenberg included title sponsors Conde Dermatology, Next Wave Investors, High 5 Inc., TNT Termite & Pest Control, Canarie Clean Fragrance Co. and Kamish & Associates CPA Firm.

“It takes a community to come together to raise as much money and support as we did,” Topp said. Next up, Goldenberg said, is this year’s Cattle Drive, which aims “to raise $65,000 for a walking track and flexible seating for our school.”

Care partners of those with any type of memory loss, to whether family, friends or professionals, need t be equipped with the knowledge to best suppor their loved one. t Gain this knowledge at our NEW hybrid suppor groups being held via Zoom and in person at Tessera of Brandon.

Hybrid Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Groups Assisted Living Facility #AL 13150

Fourth Wednesday

Third Tuesda

of Every Mon y th at 6:30 pm Meeting in pe rso and via Zoom n New Zoom M !!!

Number 890 eeting 6308 Password: 82 0000 40530

ge d e l w “Kno light , is love dom” is and w Keller

of Every Month at 2:00 pm Meeting in person and via Zoom!!!

New ZOOM Meeting Number 869 4044 7508 Password: support

-Helen

Come a little early for refreshments!

1320 Oakfield Dr. Brandon, FL 33511

813-607-6880

Page 9

LOCAL STUDENT SURVIVOR BRINGS AWARENESS TO PEDIATRIC CANCER

By Jane Owen Hospital. Pinecrest Elementary School’s WINGS (Worthy Individuals Navigating Growth) program hosted Carlie Nicholson from the Children’s Cancer Center in Tampa.

Alyza loved Newsome’s game but was disappointed that the game ended early because of lightning. She was nervous to talk to other fifth graders at Pinecrest Elementary. She was Valrico Academy supporting fellow student Alyza Finstein. there with her 5-year-old friend Fifth grader Alyza Finstein attends Valrico Academy. She likes county music and hates celery. She likes to draw and does taekwondo. Like every 10-year-old, she doesn’t like her chores. Her least favorite chore is cleaning up after her dog in her yard.

Alyza is vibrant and very strong. Alyza has cancer. She Alyza Finstein and Leo with students at Pinecrest Elementary. was diagnosed with brain Leo, who has medulloblastoma cancer. cancer when she was 5.

Alyza was grateful her school, Valrico An estimated 14,910 children were diAcademy, did all that it had. She loves our agnosed with cancer so far in 2024. It’s community support. a harsh reality.

“What I want to share about my feelSeptember is Pediatric Cancer Awareings for cancer is that when you get the ness Month. Several of our local schools news that someone is going through that took part in Pediatric Cancer Awareness tough time, you can let them know that Month, and Alyza was at their events. they can be strong, brave and never give Newsome High School hosted ‘Going up,” said Alyza.

Gold’ at its September 27 football game.

Alyza and Leo’s moms, Jayme and CarNewsome has a 1Voice Foundation club oline, respectively, are grateful for events in support of pediatric cancer awarethat recognize pediatric cancer. They met ness. Valrico Academy held a spirit day through Brandon’s 1Voice Foundation and on October 4 (delayed because of the appreciate the support. hurricane). It raised $300 and brought in For more information about the 1Voice 80 toys for the Pediatric Hematology and Foundation, please visit https://1voiceOncology Clinic at St. Joseph’s Children’s foundation.org/.

Page 10

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

THE 40TH ANNUAL ALAFIA

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE RETURNS

Staff Report

Experience the holito stop by their booths days Florida-style! The to learn more and vis40th annual Alafia it “Wish Tree Lane,” Lighted Boat Parade, brightly decorated presented by Fishtrees by each organizaHawk-Riverview Rotary tion with ways in which Club and Chris Ligori & you can support their Associates, will be held missions. on Saturday, December Chili cook-off winners 7, from 4-7 p.m. at the will be announced just Riverview Civic Center, before 7 p.m. inside the with a party afterward Riverview Civic Center, at River’s Edge Bar and then join in at River’s Grill in Gibsonton, where Edge Bar and Grill with the winners of the best newly added boat docks decorated boats will The Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview for the presentation of be announced. Viewing will hold the 40th annual Alafia Lighted Best Decorated Boat Boat Parade and chili cook-off on of the boat parade and awards.

Saturday, December 7. parking are free. Come Chris Ligori & Associout and celebrate with everyone! ates is the title sponsor, and sponsorships Beginning at 4 p.m. at the Riverview opportunities are still available varying Civic Center, festivities will take place from $100-$2,500 for recognition and exboth inside the Riverview Civic Center posure for your business or organization. and on the grounds. Inside, snap a photo This is a well-attended event. with Santa and vote for the highly comSince its inception, FishHawk-Riverpetitive chili cook-off. Tantalize your taste view Rotary members have separately buds, sample the variety of chilis and vote given through dues and donations over for your favorite for a donation of $5. Hot $160,000 in the past to PolioPlus and the dogs, drinks and popcorn will be available Rotary Foundation for global projects in by donation as well. seven areas of focus. Locally, it has fundOn the grounds, enjoy festive music and ed scholarships to colleges and accredited entertainment while awaiting the bright trade schools for select graduating high holiday lights of the decorated boats in school seniors who demonstrated a comthe parade. Holiday craft making will be mitment to service. Support is also givavailable for the children. Decorated boats en to Rotary’s Camp Florida (a camp for will begin the parade passing in front of special needs children) in Brandon, scholthe Riverview Civic Center just prior to arships for rising high school junior delesundown, usually just before 6 p.m. Last gates to S4TL (Seminar for Tomorrow’s year, over 30 boats participated.

Leaders) and many local organizations New this year, the FishHawk-River- nominated by members. Visit www.fishview Rotary Club is excited to announce hawkriverviewrotary.org or on Facebook the participation of nonprofits offering a at FishHawk-Riverview Rotary for more variety of resources in our area. Be sure information.

Expires 11/30/2024

Volume 23, Issue 11

RUN, GOBBLE AND GIVE BACK: CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF THE TAMPA YMCA TURKEY GOBBLE

Staff Report

The Tampa MetroParticipants can look politan Area YMCA is forward to cherished excited to invite you to traditions, including kick off your Thanksengaging team fundgiving celebrations in raising efforts, a via unique and spirited brant costume contest way at the 10th annuand awards for the top al Tampa YMCA Turthree male and female key Gobble road race. finishers in each age This iconic community group, adding a comevent is set to take petitive yet fun eleplace Thanksgiving ment to the festivities. morning, November Dawn Kita, Tam28, at AMALIE Arena, pa Y’s operations dilocated at 401 Chanrector of community nelside Dr. in Tampa. health, who oversees This family-friendly the race, expressed event offers a variety her enthusiasm: “You of options for particiget to wobble before pants of all ages and The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA you gobble! This event fitness levels. Join the invites you to the 10th annual Turkey provides a perfect opfun with the 5K run/ Gobble run/walk on Thanksgiving morn- portunity to engage in walk at 7 a.m. if you ing, November 28. Bring the whole family some physical activity are looking to chal- and come in costume to have more fun before heading home lenge yourself, or en- at this year’s Tampa Metropolitan Area to prepare the ThanksYMCA Turkey Gobble. joy a leisurely 1-mile giving feast. And the fun run at 8 a.m. For those who prefer best part? On this special day of gratito participate from the comfort of their tude, you have the chance to give back to homes, the YMCA also offers a virtual 5K a meaningful cause.” option.

She encourages families to bring their No matter how you choose to partic- loved ones along, stating, “Dogs are ipate, you’ll be supporting an important welcome too. And if you can’t join us cause. All proceeds from the race direct- on Thanksgiving morning, there are still ly benefit LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, ways to contribute by volunteering or a free 12-week program designed to donating to support the YMCA and cansupport cancer patients and survivors cer survivors in our community.” throughout the Tampa community.

Join the Tampa YMCA in making this Due to the race’s popularity, it consis- Thanksgiving one to remember, filled tently sells out each year, so early reg- with fun, fitness and philanthropy. Visit istration is encouraged to secure your www.tampaymca.org/turkey-gobble for spot and commit to this exciting event. more information.

November 2024

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Page 11

LOCAL POWERLIFTERS COMPETE NEW SCHOLARSHIP IN THE FIRST ANNUAL IRON BUILT OFFERS HELP FOR GAMES COMPETITION ASPIRING FIREFIGHTERS Staff Report

The Firefighter and EMT Scholarship program will help aspiring firefighters train for one of the most important jobs in the community by providing financial support during training.

Hillsborough County recognizes that financial insecurity often prevents qualified applicants with low to moderate-income levels from applying and training for a career as a first responder. This new scholarship program aims to remove financial barriers that might prevent qualified candidates from attending an approved Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards and Emergency Medical Technician certification program.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue’s goal is to recruit a diverse group of candidates from a variety of backgrounds across the community.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and Hillsborough County Affordable Housing created the scholarship program jointly.

Candidates can find the application at https://hcfl.gov/firescholarship. The deadline has been extended to Wednesday, November 6, to give applicants more time after the displacement caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The Firefighter and EMT Scholarship program covers the cost of tuition, books, uniforms and rental of required protective clothing. During firefighter and EMT classes, the scholarship recipient will receive a stipend equaling $19 per hour while in class or clinicals. Stipends will be paid approximately every two weeks.

Applicants should ensure that they have met and/or satisfied all eligibility requirements for this scholarship prior to applying. The complete list of requirements can be found at https:// hcfl.gov/firescholarship.

Three letters of recommendation and a written essay are also required.

Failure to submit all required items may result in disqualification of the applicant.

The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation Firefighter and EMT Scholarship program aims to provide financial aid to eligible, aspiring firefighters who need the help and wish to pursue a career as a firefighter in the state of Florida.

Identifying successful applicants will be based on financial need, application, letters of recommendation and their essay. Public-safety-related extracurricular activities, community service and involvement in volunteer organizations may also be taken into consideration.

The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation Scholarship Committee will review all applications and ensure they meet eligibility and submission requirements before considering each candidate’s individual circumstances or qualifications for the award. Upon a scholarship award, recipients will be assigned a local fire department mentor by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue to assist them throughout the scholarship period.

Visit https://hcfl.gov/firescholarship for application, eligibility criteria and essay requirements.

By Jane Owen

Three powBrewer said erlifters from that one of the BPHAT Fitness, best parts of the a gym in Valrico, Iron Built Games competed in the was witnessing first annual Iron the camaraderie Built Games on of all the lifters in September 14. the sport. Despite The Iron Built the strong compeGames is an event tition, lifters were sanctioned by the genuinely happy USPA (United for each other States Powerlift- From left to right: Charles Cain Jr., Abigail McGuin, Matt when they had ing Association). Brewer, Dawn Bowman, Cecelia Buckley and Cat Brew- successful lifts. er at the Florida location of the Iron Built Games.

The first of its In addition, they kind, this event had 988 competitors from worked together for each other’s success.

22 locations across the country competing A case in point is competitor and Gainessimultaneously on the same day. Forty-eight ville resident Cecelia Buckley’s experience of competitors were from Florida. at the meet. The Iron Built Games were her Dawn Bowman, Charles Cain Jr. and Abi- first competition, and she was in the same gail McGuin from BPHAT Fitness competed. flight as McGuin. Recognizing that she was They traveled to Legacy Barbell in Clearwa- new and without a trainer there to guide ter for the Florida location of the meet. her, Brewer and his team invited her to join BPHAT Fitness owner and trainer Matt them for warm-ups and assisted her at the Brewer said his athletes trained harder than platform before she lifted. At the end of the ever before and showed it in their perfor- day, they had a new friend and Buckley won mance during the competition. They all won gold in her category. gold in their respective categories, and they Brewer has been a trainer for 31 years. In set squat, bench and deadlift state records. addition to powerlifting training, his gym of“I just want to say how proud I am of all fers one-on-one personal training and small three of my athletes. It was the toughest group strength and fitness classes. competition that any of them had ever been “The gym is very much like the sport of in,” Brewer said. powerlifting. It is for anybody. There is no Powerlifting is an individualized sport demographic. There’s no age minimum or where competitors attempt to lift as much maximum for anyone,” Brewer said. weight as possible for one repetition in the The next competition for BPHAT’s powersquat, bench press and deadlift. Competitors lifters is the Miami Throwdown in Novemare placed into divisions based on weight ber. BPHAT Fitness Gym is located at 3638 class, age group and whether they had Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico. For more inequipment (geared) or not (raw). BPHAT’s formation, visit www.bphatfitness.com or three lifters were full-power raw lifters. call 813-967-2036.

Page 12

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 23, Issue 11

RIVER HILLS COUNTRY CLUB OPENS NEW GREENS AS A COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

GFWC BRANDON SERVICE LEAGUE TO SPONSOR HIGH SCHOOL ART SHOW

By Lily Belcher

GFWC Brandon dents’ artwork on Service League is Saturday, Novemsponsoring a judged ber 30, and Sunhigh school art day, December 1, show. The artwork from 1-4 p.m. at the of talented young New Hope Social artists from several Hall, located at 121 area high schools N. Knights Ave. in will be entered into Brandon. the show. All the The finale of the artwork, including art show will culmithose by the winnate with a presenGFWC Brandon Service League is reviving a wonners of the show, derful tradition of sponsoring a judged high school tation of awards on will be available art show. The winning artists will be awarded Friday, December 6, for viewing at New ribbons and monetary awards. Attendees will be at 6 p.m. AttendHope Church in able to see the art, enjoy a Christmas tree lighting ees will be treated and hear some delightful jazz.

Brandon. to refreshments, a GFWC Brandon Service Christmas tree lighting and a League has invited students jazz festival, all courtesy of New from 10 area high schools to Hope Church. The public is invitsubmit art in three categories. ed to share in all these festivities These include photography, 2D and to participate in recognizing art and 3D art. The art will be the winning students and the efjudged, and students will be elforts of all the art participants. igible to receive ribbons and Baxter said, “GFWC Brandon monetary awards for first, second and Service League has encouraged young third place. There will also be two honor- students in their art endeavors for many able mention winners. years, donating money annually to area The 10 high schools include Armwood, high school art departments for art supBlake, Bloomingdale, Brandon, Durant, plies. This year, GFWC Brandon Service Newsome, Riverview, Spoto, Sumner and League has increased their support by Strawberry Crest. adding three more schools to the original Joanne Baxter with GFWC Brandon six schools.”

Service League said, “For many years, Baxter added, “GFWC Brandon Service GFWC Brandon Service League partnered League looks forward to seeing our Branwith Center Place Brandon in sponsoring don community show our artistic high a judged high school art show. Unfortu- school students their support by attending nately, this ended during the time of the the public viewing and the award presenCOVID pandemic. Brandon Service League tation. Hope to see you there.” is excited to now be reviving this traditionFor more information on GFWC Branal event at a new venue.” don Service League, please visit https:// The public will be able to view the stu- gfwcbrandonserviceleague.org/.

River Hills Country Club unveiled new greens last month, adding to a lineup of projects set to support the boards commitment to continuous improvement of the club.

The remodeled greens were not a result of the hurricane but rather a planned project to enhance the overall course for club members and to attract new members.

River Hills Country Club has also resurfaced its pool and is in the process of adding four new pickleball courts to the amenities for members to enjoy at the Valrico clubhouse.

The greens, which had not been redone for 14 years, were causing agronomic issues, prompting the around $350,000 project. Now, the 18-hole course is refurbished and open to its members.

“The greens are absolutely pure right now and much healthier, right back in a state where they can grow and be healthy again,” Bryan McManis, River Hills Country Club’s PGA general manager, said.

McManis said the club has already seen an increase in membership after the greens were redone. Even before the project was finished in October, new members were coming to play on the temporary greens that the club had in place through the project.

“We had very positive membership growth based on improvements that were taking place,” he said.

Just days after the club opened the newly remodeled greens, Hurricane Milton hit.

“So, we had three days of ecstasy and then a gut punch from the storm,” McManis said.

Thankfully, Milton left the club “pretty much unscathed,” he said. Milton caused some damage to the tennis courts, which are currently being resurfaced, as well as left significant tree debris.

And in a show of incredible support, the Sunday morning after the storm, the club had in excess of 60 volunteers show up at the club, including staff, members and River Hills residents, to initiate cleanup efforts.

“That’s just the River Hills spirit,” McManis said. “It’s very much a community that works together and looks after one another.”

Even those that don’t play golf at the club came out to help, he said.

“That’s a testament to who those people are, and they really move the needle and make a difference,” he said.

River Hills Country Club has been a staple in the area for over 30 years. Members can enjoy the golf course, fitness center, tennis courts and a clubhouse with casual as well as upscale dining opportunities.

For more information on or to learn more about River Hills Country Club, visit www. riverhillscountryclub.com or call the club at 813-655-5203.

By Kathy L. Collins

R CHESTRA THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA RCHESTRA Raymond James Pops

Music of the knights t s ts Featuring music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John and Paul McCartney.

Nov 16 - With Matinee Hough Family Foundation Masterworks

Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 Featuring Joyce Yang for Grieg’s Piano Concerto

Nov 22 & 23

Film with Live Orchestra

Elf in Concert

Now experience this holiday adventure with your Florida Orchestra.

Dec 7 - With Matinee

Champion Wellness Chiropractic Certificate

$25

(Includes consultation, examination, all medically

necessary X-rays, and first treatment.)

Dr. Kyle Mullan

813-409-3304 • 4341 Lynx Paw Trail, Valrico

championwellnessvalrico.com THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICES, EXAMINATIONS, OR TREATMENTS WHICH ARE PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF THIS ADVERTISEMENT.

Special Concert

classical christmas With the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay

Dec 13 & 14

Raymond James Pops

holiday pops

Dec 20 - 22 - With Two Matinees

Support your Florida Orchestra today FloridaOrchestra.org/donate

FloridaOrchestra.org | 727.892.3337

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2024

ville at Sea a t i r a g r a M

SAVE THE DATE! CALL IN TO WIN FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15TH 9AM TO 5PM

Page 13

Sail out of TAMPA BAY with a $1,000 Cruise Credit for Margaritaville Islander on The Tony Baroni Team!

Credit can be used to sail up to 4 people with typical cruise rates Winner will be annouced 11/16/24 on our Facebook page

ONE LUCKY WINNER! THE TONY BARONI TEAM WILL DONATE $2 PER ENTRY TO KWCARES FOR HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF

Call 866-749-8577 on 11/15/24 9AM-5PM or Register Online NOW with the QR code or visit us at TonyBaroni.com/Contest

Page 14

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 23, Issue 11

HOLIDAY MARKETS FOR GIftS AND LIGHTS FOR FESTIVE NIGHTS

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

The Kittie Corral Holly Jolly wide variety of Holiday ideas, including gifts, Market Kittie Corral presents its annual Holly Jolly Market, a free family event that you do not want to miss. There will be over 100 vendors bringing you everything for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and the New Year. You will also be able to get your ‘fairy hair’ done and meet the special guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus. It will take place on Saturday, November 16, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Lake Wimauma Convention Center, located at 5408 SR 674 in Wimauma.

To help support Kittie Corral during the event, please bring new, unopened Fancy Feast wet cat food; new, unopened Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Dry Food; or any brand of unscented clumping cat litter to be entered into a drawing for a Wawa gift card.

Country Villa Estates Christmas Craft Fair

Country Villa Estates mobile home community, located at 1800 Amberwood Dr. in Riverview, off Bloomingdale Avenue, would like to invite everyone to its Christmas Craft Fair and Yard Sale on Saturday and Sunday, November 16 and 17, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Stop by the craft fair in the clubhouse, which will have a

jewelry, ornaments and all kinds of goodies.

Next, drive around and check out the yard sale for any treasures.

Timely Treasures Arts & Crafts Fair

Avoid the crowded malls and support local artisans this holiday season. The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, located at 1971 Haverford Ave. in Sun City Center, is holding its Timely Treasures Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturday, November 30, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The premier event will host carefully selected vendors displaying a wide range of unique and handmade items created by talented local artists and craftspeople. Browse through stunning artworks, unique jewelry, exquisite pottery as well as craftspeople working in mediums including glass, paper, wood and textiles, as well as soaps, candles and much more.

ping. Santa will be there, and children can get free photographs with him.

The event takes place on Sunday, December 15, from 12-6 p.m. at Centennial Park, located at 1800 E. 8th Ave. in Tampa. Additional information can be found at the event’s website, www.jinglebellbazaar.com.

Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. Holiday Market

Cozy up with Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. at its holiday market on Sunday, December 15, from 12 Noon-4 p.m. Get into the festive spirit as you stroll through the market filled with local vendors offering handmade treasures. Enjoy some craft beer, warm up with a delicious hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and sample tasty food while you soak in the atmosphere. Whether shopping or just enjoyJingle Bell Baing the vibe, there is zaar In Ybor City something for everyC o m e one. and enjoy a free, fun, festive holiday event in Tampa’s historic Ybor City at the an- Festival Of Lights And nual Jingle Bell Bazaar. The Santa’s Village Jingle Bell Bazaar is Ybor Your hometown holiday City’s largest family holiday festival returns in 2024 with festival, featuring live music more lights, new entertainbands, entertainment per- ment and the gift of family fun. From formances, food trucks, face painting, Thanksgiving Day until New Year’s Eve, balloon artists and holiday-themed shop- Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights, located at

215 Sydney Washer Rd. in Dover, will dazzle families with more than 1 million lights along its expanded 2- mile drive, which includes the new Santa’s Winter Wonderland area. Santa’s Village is packed with holiday-themed rides, a market, craft stations, camel rides and more, providing endless fun.

Christmas Lane In Plant City

Christmas Lane is returning to Plant City.

Over 2,000 volunteer hours have prepared this winter wonderland full of the magic of Christmas at every turn.

With more than 1.5 million lights adorning over 200 Christmas trees that range from 4-40 feet tall, the displays are sure to delight. Make sure that you visit and write your letters to Santa, as well as decorate ornaments and have your face painted.

There is also live entertainment on select nights. Christmas Lane is open 6-10 p.m. from Friday, November 29, through Tuesday, December 24, at the Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds, located at 303 Berryfest Place in Plant City.

Additional information can be found on its website at https://christmaslane.com/.

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2024

Page 15

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY TO ENJOY

Compiled By Jenny Bennett

Busch Gardens Christmas Town

The holidays come to life at Busch Gardens Christmas Town, the park’s award-winning holiday event. Celebrate the year with holiday cheer and create merry memories for the whole family during this seasonal event, which is included with park admission. Guests can enjoy holiday traditions with a twist, including millions of sparkling lights throughout the park to holiday shows and visits with Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Busch Gardens Christmas Town runs daily now through January 5, 2025. Visit its website, https:// buschgardens.com/, for more information.

Church Street Christmas

Come celebrate the spirit of Christmas and enjoy the sights and sounds of this magical season at Church Street Christmas. All are invited to experience this free annual holiday event along Dade City’s historic Church Avenue, where carolers, choirs, dancers and musicians perform along luminary-lit sidewalks and brilliantly decorated homes. The street closes to vehicular traffic from Saturday through Monday, December 21-23, 7-9 p.m. For more information, visit its website at www.churchstreetchristmas.org.

Christmas In The Wild At ZooTampa

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at ZooTampa with the return of Christmas in the Wild, featuring one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, delectable holiday treats, amazing wildlife and new festive adventures. This year is bigger, better and brighter than ever with entertainment that the whole family can enjoy, including festive realms, holiday shows and a visit with Santa. Christmas in the Wild runs on selective nights November through December. Visit https://zootampa.org/ for more information.

A Victorian Christmas Stroll

The Henry B. Plant Museum in Tampa celebrates the warmth and spirit of an old-fash-

ioned holiday with its Victorian Christmas Stroll. Allowing visitors a glimpse into the magic of Christmas past, this holiday experience is a wonderful way to celebrate all the season has to offer with a variety of delightful themes and displays in each exhibit room.

Decorations include visitor favorites from past years as well as new marvels that are sure to amaze. The Victorian Christmas Stroll will be available at the Henry B. Plant Museum, located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa, from Saturday, November 23, through Tuesday, December 31, 10 a.m.5 p.m. daily. Its website, www.plantmuseum. com, has more information.

Tampa-area Lighted Holiday Boat Parades

The annual Apollo Beach Lighted Boat Parade takes place on Saturday, December 14. It will leave the south channel at 6 p.m. and proceed toward Lands End Marina before winding around Lake Sunrise Basin, back out around Bal Harbour, then up Flamingo Canal before returning and going around Dolphin House at the end of Gran Kaymen Way and finally going up the canal leading to Symphony Isles. Come and meet the members of the Tampa Sailing Squadron before the parade at its clubhouse, located at 1250 Apollo Beach Santa Fest Christmas Parade And Blvd. in Apollo Beach.

Tree Lighting The Alafia Lighted Boat Parade is always Be part of Tampa’s holiday tradition when very popular with local residents. It will take Santa Fest returns to Curtis Hixon place along the Alafia River Waterfront Park again this year. It from the Riverview Civic will open on Saturday, December 7, Center to River’s Edge Bar following the popular parade through and Grill on Saturday, Dedowntown Tampa. The parade route cember 7, from 4-7 p.m. steps off at 1:30 p.m. and begins at Morgan Street, travels west on Madison Country Christmas At Cracker Street to Ashley Drive, turns north and ends Country at Ashley Drive and Cass Street. After the Bring the family for a great day of expeparade, enjoy the activities and entertainriencing the sights, sounds and ment in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and smells of an old-fashioned counstay for the tree lighting at try Christmas on Saturday, De6 p.m. cember 14, at Cracker Country.

Learn how the traditions of the Celtic Christmas 19th century differ from those Celebration of the 21st through hands-on This presentation will crafts, holiday activities, historsurely put you and your ical interpretations, carols, decfamily in the ultimate Christmas spirit and orations and more as you stroll point your heart to the true reason for the through the site and visit the season as we celebrate the birth of our savior 13 original buildings. Cracker — Jesus Christ. There are two performanc- Country is located at the Flores, featuring the cast, choir and orchestra of ida State Fairgrounds at 4800 First Baptist Church of Brandon, on Saturday U.S. 301 N. in Tampa. Visit its and Sunday, December 7-8 (deaf interpreta- website for more information and to purtion provided December 8), with the perfor- chase tickets at www.crackercountry.org/ mances starting at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 events/christmas. Advanced ticket purchase p.m. The performances are approximately 90 is required. minutes in length. First Baptist Brandon is located at 216 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. Vis- Brandon Parade Of Lights it www.fbcbrandon.org for more information Christmas is a time of bringing people toabout the church and its services. gether, and that is exactly what the Brandon

Locally Owned and Operated. Servicing Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties KEEPING BAY AREA PROPERTIES BUG FREE SINCE 1998.

Request your free inspection or a quote for our services.

service@repcopest.com (813) 854-5412 Licensed & Certified Technicians

Capture the Colors of Fall Must present ad when ordering.

Offer good for custom framing orders over $100. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Not valid on work in progress.

$40 OFF CUSTOM FRAMING

Locally Owned & Operated 6128 Winthrop Town Center Ave. (813) 436-0044 fastframeriverview@gmail.com

Parade of Lights will do on Saturday, December 14.

The Greater Brandon and Valrico/Fishhawk chambers of commerce felt it was time to bring a large-scale holiday event to the community. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. and run the length of Oakfield Drive, heading west from Parsons Avenue to Lakewood Drive. To find out more about the event, visit https://brandonparadeoflights. com/ or check out the Brandon Parade of Lights Facebook page.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service At First Baptist Church Of Brandon

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Gather your friends and family and join First Baptist Church of Brandon for its Sunday Evening Candlelight Service. This is a onehour experience designed to be enjoyed as a family. Child care will be offered for nursery and preschool age, but all other ages will enjoy music, a message and singing Christmas Carols together in the sanctuary. The program will begin at 5 p.m., with a musical prelude at 4:30 p.m. First Baptist Church Brandon is located at 216 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon.

Visit www.fbcbrandon. org for more information about the church and its services.

Lakeland Christmas Parade

Hosted by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and the City of Lakeland, the Lakeland Christmas Parade will be held on Thursday, December 5, starting at 7 p.m.

Participants step off from the RP Funding Center to begin the 1.25-mile course winding through the city’s streets, around Lake Mirror and back down Lemon Street. The floats are decked out to reflect this year’s theme of ‘Christmas at Swan Lake.’ The best, of course, is saved for last, as the parade wraps up with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Page 16

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 23, Issue 11

THE 53RD ANNUAL NOVEMBERFEST OSTINGERS BASEBALL ACADEMY WILL FEATURE RIDES, FOOD AND AND NEWSOME ALUMNUS NAMED GAMES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY TO ALL-AMERICA TEAM Nativity Catholic Church’s 53rd annual Novemberfest will kick off at the end of November, bringing rides, games and classic carnival food to the community.

Over 5,000 visitors will come to enjoy the event starting Thursday, November 21, and running through Sunday, November 24, said Abby Watts, entertainment co-chair.

She said the event is a staple of the Brandon community.

“It’s seeing people from the community, people you went to high school with, people you go to church with, people you work with,” Watts said. “It’s Brandon.”

Past carnival rides, games and food, the ‘big tent’ will be an entertainment hub for those looking for shade, fans and a place to sit. Entertainment will include Nativity Catholic School alumni, community performers and trivia. Carlos Lamoutte, a Nativity alumnus, will perform with his band Sunday night to cap off the weekend.

There will be live music each night and sports games broadcast on several televisions in the tent as well.

Aside from the local entertainers that make the night fun, the community dedicates over 9,000 volunteer hours each year to make the event possible.

By Lily Belcher

By Lily Belcher

“It’s a big undertaking and I think everybody pulls together because it’s important to the school, its important to the church and I think it’s important for any c o m m u n i t y, ” Watts said.

Tickets for Novemberfest are available online, but Nativity Catholic School’s students compete to sell the most armbands, so Watts recommends purchasing through them.

“It’s just a great way to support the kids as well as support the event,” she said.

Single-day armbands are on sale for $19, and guests can purchase discounted food tickets until Sunday, November 17. Armbands are $25 at the door during Novemberfest.

“To me, this is how you give back,” Watts said. “This is how you are part of the greater community. … Novemberfest is just a tiny snapshot of what makes Brandon so great. To me, I think it’s the best event in town.”

Novemberfest will be hosted at 705 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon, on the corner of Bryan Road and State Road 60, at the Nativity Catholic School and Church campus. For more information, visit www.nativitycatholicchurch.org/novemberfest or email nfestentertainment@gmail.com.

Former Newsome “He’s been a huge High School starting mentor throughout pitcher Wade Walton my life, not just basehas continued to earn ball-wise but just a recognition for his senior great life mentor,” Walseason, months after ton said. his final game with the Ostingers Baseball Wolves.

Academy offers “worldWalton was named class baseball instrucPitcher of the Year tion” from a former mafor Class 6A-7A in the jor leaguer in Lithia. state and was named Walton credited Osto two American Baseting for his success in ball Coaches Association high school, which led (ABCA) teams. him to a spot on High “It’s just a huge honPoint University’s team Photo credit 813Preps this year. or,” Walton said. “Not even just for me but Wade Walton graduated from Newsome He graduated from High School after an outstanding senior for all my coaches that Newsome in the spring, season with the Wolves. helped me through it finishing his senior seaand my family as well.” son with a 10-1 record, Walton was named to 116 strikeouts and a a 2024 ABCA/Rawlings 0.62 ERA. Walton also High School All-Region led the county in wins team in June after being and tossed two complete recognized by coaches game shut outs in his fiacross the country. The nal season, earning him next day, he was named to the ABCA/Rawl- the Pitcher of the Year title from 813Preps. ings High School All-America third team.

Walton still reaches out to Osting, he said, Walton was one of just two high school sending videos of his mechanics and updates pitchers from Florida selected to the on his first year in college.

All-America third team over the summer.

“It’s truly a grind,” he said about playing “A lot of work went into it all,” Walton college baseball. “I absolutely love it, but it’s said. a grind.”

The teams are decided by a group of eight For more information on the ABCA/ coaches, only one of whom is from Florida. Rawlings High School All-America teams One of Walton’s mentors was travel base- or to learn more about the association, visit ball coach Jim Osting from Ostingers Base- https://abca.org/. To learn more about Ostball Academy, who Walton has worked with ingers Baseball Academy, visit the website since he was 8 years old. at www.ostingbaseball.com.

Your Local Retirement Financial Boutique Meeting All of Your Needs in One Plaza

Thomas Payant CEO

Glenn Krcmaric VP

Robyn Payant President

Jay Mulligan CFP®

Jon Wilkins CFP®

Peter Farina

Heidi Oelgart

CFA®

Office Manager

Securities offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Payant Wealth Management Group, a registered investment advisor not affiliated with Osaic Wealth, Inc.

Alicia Mendiola

Marcie Maisonet

Home/Auto Insurance

Medicare Specialist

Hamilton & Associates Taxes/CPA

Located in the Payant Financial Plaza 1653 Sun City Center Plaza, Sun City Center, Florida 33573 www.payantwealthmanagementgroup.com CALL TODAY! 813-633-7333

SALE UP TO

*

%OFF

OUR DEMO TEAMS ARE READY WHEN DISASTER STRIKES FLOORING DEMO IN AS LITTLE AS 48 HOURS

Serving the South Shore community for 40 years.

Trusts/Wills

60 LAST CHANCE!

WATERPROOF FLOORS

Professionals for every financial need in your life

Patrick Smith, Esq.

FLOOD DAMAGE?

Catherine Hult, Esq. Trusts/Wills

NOW OPEN IN RIVERVIEW! SERVING THE GREATER TAMPA AREA FOR 20 YEARS 11531 Balm Riverview Rd. NOW OPEN IN FL RIVERVIEW! Riverview, 33569 11531 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview, FL 33569 www.FlooringMaster.com www.FlooringMaster.com * SELECTED FLOORS

November 2024

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

ROTARY SPOTLIGHT:

ACTIVITIES, MEETINGS & MORE

Staff Report

Hurricane Relief to the 40th annual AlaWhen disaster fia Lighted Boat Parade strikes, Rotary is here to on Saturday, December help. Hurricane recovery 7, from 4-7 p.m. at the efforts are well underRiverview Civic Center, way with Rotary Clubs located at 11020 Park answering the call in Dr. in Riverview, with their communities and a party afterwards at beyond. Rotary District River’s Edge Bar & Grill, 6890, which includes Rotarians pitched in to help clean up a located at 6226 Ohio Rotary Clubs in Hillsbor- home and property that flooded near the Ave. in Gibsonton. Visough, Hardee, Highlands it www.alafiaboatpaAlafia River. and Polk counties, is working in partnership rade.com for details. You can also join the with Crisis Cleanup and Disaster Aid USA club on Mondays from 12 Noon-1 p.m. at to aid those affected by Hurricanes Helene JF Kicks, located at 3345 Lithia Pinecrest and Milton. In addition, a special disaster Rd. in Valrico, or on Thursdays from 5-6:30 fund has been set up for those in Florida. To p.m. at the Shrimp Boat, located at 1020 donate to Rotary’s efforts all over the state Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico. Contact Betof Florida or to volunteer, visit www.rota- ty Huth at betty@hbphoto.com. ryfl.org. Students can earn service hours, Brandon ’86 but they must be accompanied by a parent The Brandon ’86 Rotary Club hosted if under the age of 18 (only their parents a ‘Pints for Polio’ event on October 24 at need to register through the website). Ro- Bootlegger’s Brewery to raise funds for tary’s members are people of action ready the eradication of polio on World Polio Day. to serve. Why not serve with it?

Thank you, Bootlegger’s, and all those who E-Club of Tampa South attended or donated. The Brandon ’86 RoVeterans are invited to join the Rotary tary Club meets on Fridays from 8-9 a.m. at E-Club of Tampa South on Monday, No- the Rivard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, vember 11, from 7-9 a.m. at Einstein Bros. located at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon.

Bagels, located at 660 W. Brandon Blvd. Chad Norgard at chad@norgardinsgrp. in Brandon. The club will be ‘Honoring Our com.

Heroes’ with bagel sandwiches and refreshThe Rotary Club of Brandon ments. For more information, contact RoThe Rotary Club of Brandon meets on tarian Malikita Harrison at 813-270-0620. Tuesdays from 12 Noon-1 p.m. at the RiYou are also welcome to join the club via vard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, loZoom on the first and third Tuesdays of cated at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. each month from 7-8 p.m. Zoom Meeting Contact Debbie Meegan at debbiemeeganID: https://zoom.us/j/7328811760. For in- rotary@gmail.com. formation, contact Duane Williams at dsigBrandon Global Eco Rotary ma79@aol.com or 813-541-6202.

Brandon Global Eco Rotary meets via FishHawk-Riverview Rotary Zoom on the second and fourth Mondays of The FishHawk/Riverview Rotary Club each month from 12 Noon-1 p.m. Contact and Chris Ligori & Associates invite you Katie Tyson at katietyson@icloud.com.

daily lunch specials Tuesday - Thursday

Page 17

LIONS CLUB SELLS LUMINARIA KITS TO SUPPORT LOCAL CHARITIES

Staff Report

Local 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.

Each year, the Brandon Lions Club conducts its luminaria fundraising project providing luminaria kits to neighborhoods and individuals throughout the Greater Brandon area.

Until Monday, November 11, residents throughout the 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.” 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 only $8 each. Orders (of over 15 kits) can be delivered to your neighborhood or picked up at the Brandon Lions’ club-

house, located at 610 Limona Rd. in Brandon — both on Saturday, December 21. All orders are COD (cash on delivery).

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

For the last several years, the homeowners association in Parkside 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 local eyesight and hearing programs, Dogs Inc. (formerly Southeastern Guide Dogs), ECHO, Family Promise, Brandon High School Don Bishop Track Meet and and more since 1954.

You may contact Kuebler at 813-2632522 to place your order or email the club at brandonlionsclub@gmail.com. No payment is required with your order.

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Daniella’s Mobile Massage

DEEP TISSUE NEUROMUSCULAR SPORTS MASSAGE RELAXATION START THE NEW YEAR OFF WITH A STRESS FREE YOU! Schedule Your Appointment Today!

License # MA 39122

813.323.4901

PROFESSIONAL, LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST WITH OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE!

3-6PM Tuesday Thursday For A Limited Time

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Vitality Respite Center provides an oasis of support for caregivers and loved ones living with this condition.

“My 89 yr old mother with dementia has been living with me for 5 years and I have been her sole caregiver and entertainer. As she has declined, I find it difficult to keep her engaged. Vitality Respite’s team of Christian volunteers have been a blessing to both mother and me. I really need time for myself, and Vitality Respite allows me to have some personal time. They keep Mom engaged mentally and physically and treat her as they would their own parent. Their selfless act of kindnesses is a treasured gift that both Mom and I have been given. “ -Lisa Harmon

Please join us for a seminar Nov.9 @10:00 am “Recognizing and Understanding Dementia” Register at https://www.saumc.net/vitality

Page 18

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 23, Issue 11

GET THE DIRT:

RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY RESIDENTS

BY LYNN BARBER, URBAN HORTICULTURE AGENT

DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES

You may not know that the University of Florida (UF) has an extensive number of publications that can provide answers to your questions regarding horticulture, agriculture, family and consumer sciences and 4-H. As an extension agent in environmental horticulture focusing on Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, that is the focus of this article.

I selected my four favorite publications to share with you and summarize the contents. They are “Central Florida Gardening Calendar,” “Landscaping in Florida Shade,” “Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide” and “Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles.”

“Central Florida Gardening Calendar” is a month-by-month guide that provides information on what to plant (annuals/ bedding plants, bulbs, herbs, vegetables) and what to do (trees, shrubs, bulbs, lawns, flowering plants, pests fertilizer, irrigation). It also includes what to do every month, such as adjusting irrigation based on rainfall and restrictions; pruning off dead blossoms and seeds to encourage new flowers; monitoring plants for early signs of insects and disease; planting trees, shrubs and flowering annuals/ perennials; and watering until established.

“Landscaping in Florida Shade” provides the preferences of many shade-tolerant plants, such as four or less hours of full sun, all-day dappled shade, high shade and shifting shade. Difficult shade areas include dense and dark areas with no sun, in the shade of buildings, places dominat-

ed by tree roots and very wet or dry locations. The plant list includes North, Central and South Florida and turf; small trees under 30 feet; palms/ cycads; shrubs; plants; ornamental grasses; ferns; groundcovers colorful annuals; and perennials and assorted houseplants.

“Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide” lists the steps involved in vegetable gardening. The site should be near the house, be on a well-drained site with a close source of water and have at least six hours of sunlight each day. Create a garden plan before you plant and create a list of supplies, including plants. There is a detailed planting guide for Florida vegetables that covers North, Central and South Florida.

“Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles” provides detailed information and links to University of Florida publications that make your edible landscape much easier to create and manage. The principles and one of the many tips per principle include: right plant, right place; water efficiently; fertilize appropriately; mulch; attract wildlife; manage yard pests responsibly; recycle yard waste; reduce stormwater runoff; and protect the waterfront.

If you are looking for a garden stroll, please consider our Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden in the courtyard of our office at Hillsborough County Extension, located at 5339 County Rd. 579 in Seffner.

This garden is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

PRESSURE WASH PRESSURE WASHING PRESSURE PRESSUREWASHING WASHING SCREEN REPAIRS AND SCREEN REPAIR

@bakerspropertymaintenanceLLC

HEAT &AC AC HEAT &

10% OFF all work over $100 • Houses

R E P O O CFREE ESTIMATES

PAINT PAINTSUPPLY SUPPLY

The Paint Store

• Pool Cages • Decks

• Driveways • Sidewalks • Gutter Cleaning • & More

813-892-5283

Residential and Commercial Exterior Cleaning

Driveways • Sidewalks • Pool Enclosures Fences • House Wash • and Everything In-Between!

Call or Text: (813) 699-0304 info@pro221.com

www.pro221.com

Residential & Commercial Installation & Repair Commercial Refrigeration

(813) 671-2555

PEST CONTROL CONTROL ACCOUNTING DOG TRAINING PEST PEST CONTROL GARY D. MEYER Certified PubliC ACCountAnt

“Since 1972”

• Puppy Training • Obedience Training IN • CGC & Therapy Training YOUR • Service Training HOME • PTSD Training • Protection Training • Aggression or County Citation

813-685-6666 allamericandog.net

Residential and Commercial

(813)716-9196 (813) 468-8574

TNTtermiteandpestcontrol.com LOCAL & FAMILY OWNED “DYNAMITE CUSTOMER SERVICE”

• Accounting & Bookkeeping • Compiled Financial Statement Presentations • Tax Return Preparation for Individuals, Corporations, LLC’s and Partnerships • Consulting for New Business Startups • Financial & Estate Planning

813-971-4067

gmeyer4@tampabay.rr.com Serving the Tampa Bay Area Since 1980

• Interior • Exterior • Color Matching www.ThePaintStoreBrandon.com

813-684-2800

YOUR BUSINESS COULD BE HERE! Advertise in this directory for just $50 per ad or as low as $200 per month* includes ALL 5 EDITIONS per month

*

Call Us Today!

(813) 657-2418 or Visit OspreyObserver.com

Advertise in this directory for just $50 per ad ,or as low as $200 per month ...

(INCLUDES ALL 4 EDITIONS)

Call Us Today! (813) 657-2418 or Visit OspreyObserver.com

November 2024

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Page 19

LOCAL GIRL SCOUT PROMOTES COMPOSTING TO HELP FARMERS IN SOUTHEASTERN STATES

By Makenzie Atkins Noel Seventeen-year-old Sumpensive fertilizers and immer Davies, a Girl Scout prove crop yield, all while since kindergarten, has takhelping to combat the efen on an ambitious project fects of climate change. aimed at tackling Florida’s However, Davies’ efforts waste management chaldon’t stop at broadcasting lenges. to the agricultural commuDavies is leading an innity. She is also excited to spiring initiative to address engage the next generation Florida’s growing organic in her mission. She has crewaste problem through her ated a composting workGold Award project, Broadbook specifically designed COMPOSTING Change. As Summer Davies, a 17-year-old Girl for Girl Scout Brownies and part of this project, Davies Scout, is tackling Florida’s waste Juniors to educate them on is promoting the practice management issues by promoting the benefits of composting. composting to farmers. of composting to reduce The workbook is easy to folwaste in landfills and improve soil health, low and can be completed in a single troop primarily targeting farmers and farmwork- meeting, encouraging Girl Scouts to use this ers in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Califor- resource to spread awareness about comnia. posting within their communities.

Davies’ initiative comes at a critical time, “I thought, not only should I help alleviate as Florida has struggled to manage its or- Florida’s organic waste but spread my mesganic waste effectively in recent years. The sage across other southeastern states as state generated nearly 4 million tons of food well,” said Davies. “Although my broadcast waste in 2020 alone, failed to meet its recy- targets farmers and farmworkers, compostcling goal of 75 percent of municipal waste ing is for everyone.” in 2020 and its landfills are among the top Davies feels a responsibility to lead this efmethane emitters in the U.S. Davies recog- fort and views BroadCOMPOSTING Change nized the urgent need for a sustainable solu- as a way to give back to her community and tion — and composting was the answer. make a lasting impact. She believes that evTo spread her message, Davies partnered eryone, regardless of whether they live on a with Southeast AgNET and the Ag Informa- farm or in the city, can play a role in reduction Network, two major agricultural media ing waste and improving the health of the outlets. Through these partnerships, she has planet. been able to advocate for composting on By raising awareness and providing tools 101 radio stations across several southeast- for action, Davies hopes her project will inern states. Her broadcasts focus on educat- spire others to see the value of composting. ing farmers about the cost-saving benefits For her, it’s not just about alleviating the of composting. By composting, farmers can waste crisis in Florida; it’s about creating a enrich their soil, reduce dependency on ex- bigger move toward sustainability.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS: MERAKI SOLAR

CORA SIMON INDEPENDENT DAMSEL PRO GRACE MANOR AT HUNTERS CREEK

FRESHLY MADE FL

WITH DEFENSE LAW OFFICE OF DAMSEL SAMUEL CINHIGGINBOTTOM PLLC TIDAL WAVE LOANS LLC IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL SEXTON & COMPANY MARKETING SOLUTIONS MF CONCRETE SERVICES, MORTON LAW FIRM LLCLLC WEICHERT, NEXON CUSTOMREALTORS LIGHTS, LLC LAURA’S ELDERBERRY LLC ESTATE LAW 2 GO, PA PRICE, WRIGHT, & DUNN, INC. BONGRACE VENTURES, DBA EXECUTIVE OUR DREAM INC. KITCHEN BAYFIRST FINANCIAL CARE OF SOUTH EAST TAMPA JOINHOME US FOR SPEED NETWORKING 1776 MARKETING SOLUTIONS ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 BELLEVIDA DESIGN WELCOME HOME TITLE FROM 6-8 PM LLC DON’T MISS! NORGARD INSURANCE GROUP INC AT BUBBA’S 33.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUBBA’S 33 DATE IS TUESDAY, MAY 14TH,SOLUTIONS 9:00 AM JACKSON MANAGEMENT BEAUTIFUL BODIES, LLC FEATURING SPONSORED BYMAZDA SMILE LABS. FERMAN KELLER WILLIAMS MINDY MCCABE YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND! HUTH & BOOTH PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE RENEW INSTITUTE WANDERLUST CONCIERGE HEALTHCARE STONE MORTGAGE GROUP

BUBBAQUE’S

www.valricofishhawk.org

Private Plans Start at

$70 per month

Open Enrollment is Here! Call now to see how much subsidy you qualify for and explore all your options!

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE!

813-689-8800

www.hst-brandon.com

Gallo Law is a proudly supports E.C.H.O.

Page 20

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

Guppyween, Bunco, Theater, Dementia & More...

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Community Input Sought To Name New Technical College

Hillsborough County Public Schools invites the community to participate in naming the new technical college set to open in Plant City in fall 2025. The technical college, located at 1690 E. Park Rd., will offer career-focused programs, such as industrial electricity, welding technology, building construction, HVAC and forklift certification.

These courses are designed to be completed in approximately one year, allowing students to swiftly enter high-demand, well-paying jobs. To propose a name for the new technical college, community members can submit their suggestions through an online survey at https://bit.ly/plantcitytechnical.

Volume 23, Issue 11

SHARES HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE FROM PROPERTY FRAUD

By State Attorney Suzy Lopez

The Democratic Women’s Club Meeting

The Democratic Women’s Club invites all like-minded individuals to its meeting on Thursday, November 7, starting at 6:30 p.m. Patty Cohn, Region 8 chair of Florida, will be the guest speaker. This meeting is in person at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library or join via Zoom. The Zoom meeting ID is 945 0496 5387, and the passcode is 0292295. For more information, email sedwcinfo@gmail.com.

Charis Community Theater

Charis Community Theater would like to invite the community to its fall performance of Patrick Hamilton’s 1929 play, Rope. Alfred Hitchcock had liked the play so much that he turned it into a movie featuring Jimmy Stewart, which was released in 1948. Rope is based on a true story and is very suspenseful. The four performances are on Friday and Saturday, November 15 and GFWC Brandon Ser16, at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Plant City Entertainment, vice League Bunco located at 101 N. Thomas Fundraiser St. in Plant City.

For ticket information, visit Eat, drink, be merry and roll Dice! GFWC www.chariscommunitytheater.com.

Brandon Service League, a 501(c)(3) that holds fundraisers to support local charities, Let’s Talk Dementia And The is hosting its annual holiday bunco event.

Bunco is a fun, spirited, easy-to-learn dice Holidays game. There will be door prizes, prizes for Join Positive Approach to Care dementia bunco wins and losses, a 50/50 drawing family coach CherylAnn Haley and other and multiple opportunity baskets for which local care partners in Let’s Talk Dementia event participants can purchase tickets. support group meetings to plan how to There will be food and refreshments and, adapt holiday traditions, start new ones and most of all, a fun evening to help us recover create new memories with your loved ones from the effects of Helene and Milton. with dementia. Two talks will take place on GFWC Brandon Service League is sup- Tuesday, November 12, one from 10:30 a.m.porting a voluntary donation of 12 Noon at Hawthorne Inn and Esnonperishable food items that tates, located at 859 W. Lumsden attendees can bring, which will Rd. in Brandon, and the other from be given to the St. Anthony’s 5-6:30 p.m. at Savannah Court, food pantry. Those donating located at 824 N. Parsons Ave. in will be enrolled for a special Brandon. prize drawing.

The bunco will be at RiArts And Crafts Sale At vard-Simmons Rotary Event Center, located Osprey Heights at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon, on Friday, The residents of Osprey Heights are havNovember 8, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ing an arts and crafts sale on Saturday, The suggested donation for the bunco is November 9, from 9 a.m.-12 Noon in the $25. The food alone will be well worth the Activity Room. Come and get a head start donation. Tickets can be purchased from on your holiday shopping; items for sale will members by emailing bradleep6@gmail. include watercolor paintings, diamond art com. Online tickets are available at https:// projects, knitted and crocheted items and gfwcbrandonserviceleague.org/. Tickets are more. Osprey Heights is located at 2808 also available at the door.

Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico.

For most of us, owning received an alert from a home means achieving the clerk’s office that the American dream. a quitclaim deed was Unfortunately, title filed by a woman named property fraud is on the Michelle Cherry. Cherrise, and it could leave ry had not only put the you and your family home into her name, but fighting for your home. she even changed her Title property fraud is driver’s license to reflect one of the fastest-growthat she lived at the Biling crimes in the United bys’ address.

States, but there are My office is commitsimple ways to ensure ted to holding fraudsters your largest asset is like Cherry accountable. safe from criminals.

She is now facing over State Attorney Suzy Lopez.

Fraudsters will gener275 years in prison if ally look for homes that are abandoned convicted of the charges we have filed or under renovation where homeowners against her. What can you do to help are not always present. These criminals deter criminals? Signing up for our will then file what is called a quitclaim county’s alert system can allow you to deed, forging the owner’s signature and respond quickly if fraud occurs. Installtransferring the property to themselves. ing security cameras or automatic lights A quitclaim deed can be filed in the can deter criminals from targeting your Hillsborough County Clerk’s Office and property, as will assisting law enforceis generally used to transfer a home to ment in gathering evidence if a crime a family member. Criminals have instead occurs. Get to know your neighbors and used quitclaim deeds to discreetly put become involved with your neighbortheir names on homes that don’t belong hood watch program. to them. So, what can you do to prevent If you are interested in signing up for this from happening? the clerk’s Property Fraud Alert System, You can sign up for the Property Fraud call 800-728-3858 or visit the website Alert System offered by the Hillsborough at www.hillsclerk.com.

County clerk of courts. It will notify a The State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial homeowner within 48 hours if a docu- circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, ment has been filed involving their name including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and property’s address. In fact, this sys- and Plant City. The office staff consists of approxtem is what saved Larry and Dreama Bil- imately 320 dedicated public servants including 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim by’s home earlier this year. advocates and support staff. The office handles Larry noticed someone scoping out approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn the property through security cameras more about the organization or apply to become while he and his wife were making renpart of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.” ovations to their Tampa home. Then, he

• Airport/Cruiseport Transport • Prom/Homecoming • Ladies Night Out • Date Nights Specialty Packages Are Available

813.545.6058 “Your Local Black Car Service” 55RidesTampa@gmail.com

www.OspreyObserver.com www.OspreyObserver.com www.OspreyObserver.com www.OspreyObserver.com www.OspreyObserver.com cal Dine Dine With LUs! cal calWith With Us! Us! With l cal With Us!LUs! CATERING CATERING CATERING CATERING CATERING Specialty Specialty Specialty 10% Off Specialty Specialty FREE FREE FREE 10% 10% 10% FREE FREE 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 1/2 1/2 10% % Beverage Beverage Beverage AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE Beverage Beverage AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

LUNCH LUNCH SPECIALS SPECIALS EVERY EVERY EVERY DAYDAY EVERY DAYDAY EVERY DAY Entire Purchase FAMILY MEAL FAMILY FAMILY MEAL MEAL FAMILY MEAL FAMILY MEAL with any purchase withwith any purchase any purchase with any purchase with any purchase SPECIALS SPECIALS SPECIALS SPECIALSSPECIALS Cold Brew House Blend House Cold Blend Brew Cold Brew HouseHouse BlendBlend Cold Brew House Blend Cold Brew with with with with Cream Vanilla with Sweet Cream SweetVanilla Cream Vanilla Cream Vanilla Sweet Cream Vanilla SweetSweet $39.95ENTIREENTIRE $39.95 $39.95 $39.95 ENTIRE $39.95 ENTIRE ENTIRE Appetizer Appetizer with with $49.95 Good Morning Sunrise Good Morning Good Morning Sunrise Sunrise Good Morning Sunrise Good Sunrise One regularly priced menu item.Morning One regularly One regularly priced menu priced item. menu item. regularly priced menu item. nu item.

Strawberry Lemonade Spritzer Strawberry Strawberry Lemonade Lemonade Spritzer Spritzer Strawberry Lemonade Spritzer Strawberry Lemonade Spritzer purchase purchase purchase purchase purchase any dinner any dinner entree. entree.

Out and Delivery PURCHASE Take Out Takeand OutDelivery and Delivery PURCHASE TakeTake Out and Delivery Take Out and Delivery Blueberry Lemonade Blueberry Blueberry Lemonade Lemonade Cannot be combined other LemonadeBlueberry Cannot be Cannot combined be combined with other with other Lemonade PURCHASE PURCHASE Blueberry not be combined withwith other th other PURCHASE Complimentary Complimentary Complimentary

Complimentary ComplimentaryLUNCH SPECIALS LUNCH SPECIALS LUNCH SPECIALS

SODA SODA SODA Off OFF OFF OFF FOFFOff

Friday Friday & Saturday & Saturday Harvest Peach Harvest Peach Harvest Peach ers.

Limit coupon per customer. offers.

Limit offers.oneLimit coupon one coupon per customer. per customer.

Limit one one coupon per customer. r customer.

6 PM6-PM Close - Close

SODA SODA OFF OFF OFF

OFF OFF

Harvest Peach Harvest Peach

Dine InDine ONLY In ONLY Not Available Not Available for To Go for To Go

BOGO IrisIris Pub 1916 Pub La SeptimaSunflower 1916 1916 Iris Pub Iris Pub Cafe 1916 Iris 1916 Pub Super Roast Sunflower Sunflower Cafe Sunflower Sunflower Cafe Cafe Cafe Little Greek Cafe Little Greek Little Little Greek Greek La Septima Cafe La Septima La Septima Cafe Cafe Little Greek La Septima Cafe Eggs UpUp Grill Eggs Grill Eggs Up906 Grill UpWGrill Eggs Up Grill Beef only for 813-65-SUSHI 813-65-SUSHI 813-65-SUSHI 813-65-SUSHI St. 906St.Robertson W Robertson St.Fresh 906 W906 Robertson W Robertson St.813-65-SUSHI St. 702 W Lumsden 906 WEggs Robertson Tuesdays & Fresh Grill Fresh Grill Fresh Grill Grill 702Brandon WGrill Lumsden Rd, Brandon 702Fresh W Lumsden Rd, 702 W Lumsden Rd, Brandon 702 W Lumsden Rd, Brandon Rd, Brandon 813-800-EGGS Only valid with regular menu.

With 813-800-EGGS 813-800-EGGS 813-800-EGGS 813-800-EGGS With With Only valid with regular menu.menu.

Only valid with regular menu.

With Only valid with regular Only valid Onlywith validregular with regular menu. With menu.

With Wednesdays!

Vine Vegan an Vine Vegan Vine Vine Vegan Vegan this coupon.

Must present before Brandon, fl 33511 Brandon, fl 33511 Brandon, fl 33511 Brandon, Brandon, fl 33511 fl 33511 Valid with any discounts, Valid with anyNot other Notdiscounts, Valid withother any discounts, Notpresent Valid Notwith Validany with other anydiscounts, other discounts, 39203920 US 301 • Riverview 3920 US 301 • Riverview US 301 • Riverview 3920 US3920 301US • Riverview 301 • Riverview Not813.570.8162 813.570.8162 813.570.8162 coupon.

Must present before 813.570.8162 813.570.8162 thisother coupon.

Mustthis present thisbefore coupon.

Must before this coupon. this coupon.

Must present Must present before before submitting payment. Before tax. promotions or coupons.

RIVERVIEW ONLY inevegan.com promotions or coupons.

RIVERVIEW ONLYLOCATION om promotions or coupons. promotions promotions or coupons. or coupons. submitting RIVERVIEW LOCATION ONLY RIVERVIEW LOCATION LOCATION ONLY ONLY vinevegan.com vinevegan.com (between & 301) (between Falkenburg & 301)Falkenburg submitting payment.

Before tax. (between Falkenburg & vinevegan.com 301)LOCATION (between (between Falkenburg Falkenburg & 301) & 301) RIVERVIEW submitting payment.

Before tax. submitting payment. submitting payment. payment.

Before Before tax. tax. www.1916irishpub.com www.1916irishpub.com One coupon per visit.

Not validBefore with tax. www.1916irishpub.com www.1916irishpub.com www.1916irishpub.com Cash 10173 BiglBend Rd., Riverview Badlands Drive l Brandon NoBend Cash Value.

10173 Big Bend Rd., Brandon No Value.

CashOne Value.

CashNoValue.

Cash Value.

Dine In Public Only.

Excludes Mimosas.

10173 Big Bend Rd., 10173 BigRd., Bend Riverview Rd.,NoRiverview 080 Badlands Drive l Brandon 2080 Badlands 2080 Badlands Drive lRiverview Brandon Drive Brandon Dine In Only. Excludes Mimosas.

One Not coupon peroff visit.

StrandHill StrandHill Public coupon per visit.

Dine In Only.

Excludes Mimosas.

DineRiverview In Only.

Dine In Excludes Only. Excludes Mimosas.

Mimosas. 10173 Big Onevalid coupon perNot visit.valid NotNo valid One coupon One coupon per visit.perNot visit. valid Not valid other ers.

Expires 12/15/2023 Expires 12/15/2023 ExpiresExpires 12/15/2023 23 Expires 10/8/2024 Expires Expires 12/15/2023 Expires 12/15/2023 Expires 12/15/2023 12/15/2023 Expires 12/15/2023 10288 Causeway 10288 Causeway Blvd.

Blvd.12/15/2023 Expires 12/15/2023 ExpiresExpires 12/15/2023 12/15/2023

Expires 6/30/2024

For a limited time only.

6022 Winthrop Town Centre Ave, Riverview BeefAndSea.com | 813-853-9058

Expires 12/15/2023 ExpiresExpires 12/15/2023 Expires 10/8/2024 with Expires 12/15/2023 Expires 12/15/2023 ExpiresExpires 12/15/2023 12/15/2023 Expires 10/8/2024 with Expires 12/15/2023 Expires 12/15/2023 12/15/2023 with Expires 12/15/2023

Expires 10/8/2024 with Expires with Expires 12/15/2023 12/15/2023

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2024

Page 21

Receive a $500 credit for Receive a $500 credit for doctor copays and more Receive a $500and credit for doctor copays more doctor copays and more

You’ve got your whole life ahead of you, and we’re here to help you make the most of it with an AARP® You’ve got your whole life ahead of from you, and we’re here to help make theAdvantage most of it with AARP® Medicare Advantage CareFlex plan UnitedHealthcare.

It’syou a Medicare planan that includes Medicare Advantage CareFlex plan from UnitedHealthcare. It’s a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the reliable coverage you need, plus quarterly credits to help you pay for out-of-pocket health care costs.

You’ve got your wholeyou life need, aheadplus of you, and we’re heretotohelp helpyou youpay make the most of it with an care AARP® the reliable coverage quarterly credits for out-of-pocket health costs.

So, you can spend a less time budgeting and more time living.

Medicare Advantage CareFlex plan from UnitedHealthcare. It’s a Medicare Advantage plan that includes So, you can spend a less time budgeting and more time living. the reliable coverage you need, plus quarterly credits to help you pay for out-of-pocket health care costs.

So, you can spend a less time budgeting and more time living.

AARP® Medicare AdvantageCareFlex CareFlexfrom fromUHC UHCFL-34 FL-34 (HMOAARP® Medicare Advantage (HMO-

POS) membersaaquarterly quarterlycredit creditthat thatcan can pay for POS) provides provides members pay for aa AARP® Medicare Advantage CareFlex from UHC FL-34 (HMOvariety costs on services, variety of out-of-pocket out-of-pocket costs onMedicare-covered Medicare-covered services, POS) provides members a quarterly credit that can pay for a including: including: variety of out-of-pocket costs on Medicare-covered services,

Let’s connect today

• Primary care, specialist and urgent care copays • Primary care, specialist and urgent care copays including: • Physical, speech or occupational therapists • Physical,care, speech or occupational therapists • Primary specialist and urgent care copays • Emergency room • roomor occupational therapists • Emergency Physical, speech Hospital stays • stays • Hospital Emergency room devices and supplies (Durable Prescribed medical • Prescribed Hospital stays • medical devices and supplies (Durable Medical Equipment) • Medical Prescribed medical devices and supplies (Durable Equipment) Medical Equipment)

1-844-236-3281, TTY 711 Let’s connect today Let’s today 8 a.m. –connect 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week

1-844-236-3281, TTY 711 ShopUHC.com 1-844-236-3281, TTY 711 8 a.m.

–8 8 a.m.

– 8p.m. p.m.local localtime, time,77days daysaaweek week ShopUHC.com ShopUHC.com

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. You do not need to be an AARP member to enroll. AARP Medicareyou Advantage organization with aproducts Medicare contract.

Enrollment in recommendations the plan depends on theAARP plan’s encourages to consider your needs when selecting and does not make specific product for individuals. does Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, anetwork UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company pays royalty fees to AARP Limitations, for the use of its intellectual property. contract renewal with Medicare. not employ or endorse agents, producers or brokers.

Benefits, features and/or devices may vary by plan/area. exclusions and/or

Medicare Advantage organization with aAARP Medicare contract.

Enrollment plan depends on the plan’s These fees are used forCareFlex the general purposes of AARP. and its are insurers.

YouAdvantage do in notthe need to be an AARP member to enroll.

AARP restrictions may apply. benefit credits can only be used by affiliates members of not AARP Medicare CareFlex plans for cost-shares for certain encourages you to consider your needs when selecting products and does not make specific product recommendations for individuals.

AARP does Medicare Parts A and B covered items and services.

CareFlex credits are loaded on a Visa debit card.

Unused credits will rollover each quarter and contract renewal with Medicare. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property.

not employ or endorse agents, producers or brokers. features and/or devices may vary bydo plan/area.

Limitations, exclusions and/or network expire onare December Credits not redeemable forBenefits, cash. and These fees used for31st. the general purposes of AARP. AARP its affiliates are not insurers.

You not need to be an AARP member to enroll.

AARP restrictions may apply.

CareFlex benefit credits can only be used by members of AARP Medicare Advantage CareFlex plans for cost-shares for certain ©2024 United Inc.when All Rights Reserved. encourages you HealthCare to consider Services, your needs selecting products and does not make specific product recommendations for individuals. AARP does Medicare Parts A and B covered items and services. CareFlex credits are loaded on a Visa debit card. Unused credits will rollover each quarter and 25SPRJ84765_H1045-059-000 notY0066_240905_020556_M employ or endorse agents, producers or brokers. Benefits, features and/or devices may vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network expire on December 31st. Credits not redeemable for cash. restrictions may apply. CareFlex benefit credits can only be used by members of AARP Medicare Advantage CareFlex plans for cost-shares for certain ©2024 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Medicare Parts A and B covered items and services. CareFlex credits are loaded on a Visa debit card. Unused credits will rollover each quarter and Y0066_240905_020556_M 25SPRJ84765_H1045-059-000 expire on December 31st. Credits not redeemable for cash.

©2024 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Y0066_240905_020556_M

25SPRJ84765_H1045-059-000

Page 22

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 23, Issue 11

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY AND NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION JOIN

FLORIDA BLUE, TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING HOST TEENS TO STRIKE STIGMA OF MENTAL WELL-BEING FORCES TO CELEBRATE VETERANS DAY Staff Report Staff Report

This Veterans Day, “It’s an absolute Busch Gardens Tampa honor to serve those Bay is proud to partwho serve, and to ner with Navy Federal sponsor an event Credit Union to honor dedicated to our vetthe men and women erans,” said Captain who have served in Keith Hoskins (U.S. the U.S. Armed ForcNavy, retired), execues. Starting Friday, tive vice president of November 8, and runbranch operations at ning through Monday, Navy Federal. “This November 11, the park event fits our core will be hosting special value at Navy Federal events to recognize Credit Union of supveterans for their serporting our military vice, including a live members and their band and a special refamilies.”

From Friday, November 8, through cording of the national Monday, November 11, Busch Gardens This year, Busch anthem, which will ac- will be hosting special events to recognize Gardens Tampa Bay veterans for their service. company the raising of is also extending the the American flag along with the flags Military Annual Pass to include veterrepresenting all branches of the military. ans as well as active-duty military for “We are incredibly proud to partner a limited time. Previously, the Military with Navy Federal Credit Union and ex- Annual Pass offer was only available to tend this offer to veterans, recognizing active-duty military. Now, veterans who their unwavering dedication and sacri- purchase a Military Annual Pass will enfices,” said Byron Surrett, chief parks joy unlimited admission with no blackofficer of United Parks & Resorts, parent out dates and free parking through the company of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. end of 2025.

“We invite both veterans and active-duVeterans and active-duty United ty service members to create countless States Armed Forces personnel can unforgettable experiences with their purchase a Military Annual Pass online families here at Busch Gardens.” at https://wavesofhonor.com/ or at seThanks to Navy Federal Credit Union, lect military bases. Complementary sinveterans visiting the park during the gle-day admission is also available to acVeterans Day weekend will also receive tive-duty military along with discounted special benefits, including a priority en- admission for their family members. This try lane, in-park activations and special offer is not available at the park for purpreshow welcome messages at select chase; please visit https://wavesofhonshows throughout the park. or.com/ for complete details.

Florida Blue and break the stigma the Tampa Bay around asking Lightning held for help. It is imtheir third annual portant that our ‘Strike the Stigma community knows for Teens’ event that there are reat AMALIE Aresources available na on October 4. if you or someone The event was a you know is strugone-day sympogling.” sium that engagPa r t i c i p a t i n g es area youth and high schools inteachers, providing Photo courtesy of Michael Lawrence, Enterprise Comms. cluded: students with the WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil speaking at Tampa Bay Tech the Strike the Stigma symposium. tools and resourcHigh School, Lenes to help them flourish, including therapy nard High School, Sickles High School, dogs, ponies, engaging activities and more. Armwood High School, Plant City High More than 350 students from high School, Fivay High School (Pasco County), schools in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Zephyrhills High School (Pasco County), counties participated and had the oppor- Palm Harbor University High School (Pitunity to become teen Mental Health First nellas County), Seminole High School (PiAiders. nellas County) and Richard O. Jacobson WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil High School (Pinellas County) and Sumner served as the morning’s keynote speaker. High School.

Strike the Stigma is a multiyear initiaKey Facts: tive created in partnership with Florida • High school students with depression Blue and Vinik Sports Group to leverage are more than two times more likely to the sport of hockey to provide education drop out than their peers. and awareness around mental well-being • Increases in the percentage of stuand to help break the stigma. The goal is dents who were bullied at school (15 perto provide solutions that can be utilized cent to 19 percent), per the CDC. to achieve positive, sustainable results on • Increases in the percentage of stuthe overall mental well-being of the Tam- dents who missed school because of safepa Bay community. ty concerns either at school or on the way “The Tampa Bay Lightning believes that to school (9 percent to 13 percent), per taking care of one’s mental health is just the CDC. as important as taking care of one’s phys• 64.2 percent of Floridians ages 12-17 ical health,” states the Tampa Bay Light- who have depression did not receive any ning’s Strike the Stigma webpage. “We are care in 2022. honored to use our platform of the great To learn more about Strike the Stigma, sport of hockey to amplify the conver- visit www.nhl.com/lightning/community/ sation around mental health and to help strike-the-stigma.

FINANCIAL FOCUS

CUTTING SPENDING CAN HELP BOOST RETIREMENT SAVINGS

2024 Tampa B ay FALL RV S HOW

Nov 7-10, 2024

Thurs - Sat 9am–5pm Sun 9am -4pm

Florida State Fairgrounds

[ Must enter from Hwy 301]

$1 Off Admission: Military & 1st Responders EVERY DAY of the show!

Not valid with other discounts

• 1st showing of 2025 RVs in Tampa Bay • RV Lifestyle booths • Daily Door Prizes • Thursday - $1 OFF seniors (Not valid with other offers or discounts) • Fun for the entire family • Local Dealers COUPON Admission $5 Adults- AVAILABLE Kids under 16 FREE! AT www.FRVTA.org

Like most of us, you may someday want to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Your ability to achieve this goal will depend on how much you save — but it also matters how much you spend.

And saving and spending are certainly related: The more you can reduce your spending, the more money you could have available to save for retirement through your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. Over many years, even relatively small amounts diverted from spending to saving and investing could add up substantially.

How can you go about potentially reducing your spending? Here are a few suggestions: • Use a budgeting tool. If you’re not already doing so, you might want to consider using a free online budgeting tool. Among other capabilities, these apps can place your spending in categories — groceries, travel, entertainment, and so on — which can reveal redundancies that, once eliminated, could save you money. For example, you might find that you’re spending a not-insignificant amount on streaming services you rarely use.

Or you might be surprised at how often you go the grocery store, rather than consolidating your visits and reducing the likelihood of “impulse” purchases.

• Take advantage of employee benefits. If you work for a mid-size or large company, you may have an extensive employee benefit plan, which could include discounts on some products and services. Also, if you are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan through your employer, you might have access to a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), either of which may let you lower your out-of-pocket health care

costs by using pre-tax dollars to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and some other qualified expenses.

• Shop around for insurance. To some extent, we are all creatures of habit, which can be good in some circumstances and not so good in others. In the “not so good” category, many people stick with their auto, homeowners and life insurance policies year after year, even though they might be able to save some money by switching to another company. But even if you stay with your current company, you might find ways to save money by taking steps such as adding a home security system. Check with your insurer to learn more.

• Compare credit cards. There’s a piece of financial advice that essentially says: “Pay cash for everything” — and this isn’t a bad idea. Ideally, you might want to use a credit card strictly for items such as car rentals or hotel reservations, and you should pay off the bill each month to avoid interest charges. Sometimes, though, you may need to use your card for other purposes, and it may not always be possible to pay your bill in full. That’s why you’ll want to review credit cards periodically to find one with lower interest rates, a favorable balance transfer offer and a better rewards program.

It’s not always easy to cut down on your spending, but when you do, it can provide more peace of mind — and an opportunity to boost your savings for what could be a long and active retirement.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

November 4, 2024

Adam M benAbram Financial Advisor 10312 W Bloomingdale Ave Suite 105 Riverview, FL 33578

edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

813-626-3052

edwardjones.com/adam-benabram

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2024

Page 23

Thanksgiving reminds us to be grateful for all we have -- and to help those less fortunate.

Here are some worthy organizations that welcome your donations here in our community!

Feeding Tampa Bay, serving needs countywide: 813-254-1190 or FeedingTampaBay.org Seeds of Hope, featuring the Nov. 28 FishHawk Turkey Trot: SoHopeFL.org Greater Brandon Meals on Wheels, 18 area churches: BrandonMealsOnWheels.com ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization), Brandon: 813-685-0935 Redlands Christian Migrant Association, Wimauma: 813-671-5264

$22 million sales so far in 2024 RE/MAX Hall of Fame, Top 1% among all agents across Tampa Bay Certified Luxury Home Specialist Newsome High, Riverview High parent “I live here.

I love it here.

And I sell here like no one else!”

I give free ad space to groups or events that improve our community. Call me with your ideas! — Ann Marie

Email: annmarievaughan @verizon.net Web: annmarievaughan. realtor

BRAND-NEW, QUALITY-BUILT, DECORATOR-FURNISHED, & ABSOLUTELY EXTRAORDINARY! Welcome to Florida’s waterfront boating lifestyle with an emphasis on style -- whether it’s your next home or a vacation business investment! Both are allowed here in Apollo Beach, where this unique property delivers a new seawall / extended dock / boat lift on a deep-water inlet of Tampa Bay. In the privacy-fenced back yard before the dock, a gas-heated spa & pool with sun shelf await you in a stone-pavered patio with fire pit alongside a roof-sheltered outdoor kitchen. Dazzling! Above that kitchen are 2nd- & 3rd-story balconies overlooking the bay yet angled northeast, not due west, so you enjoy sunrise & sunset without direct rays in the late-day heat. Custom design means so many smart details like this – from energy-saving features to electric vehicle chargers to the addition of an indoor elevator (!) for those less able or eager to use the gracefully spindled staircase. Nearly 3,500 SF offers beautifully appointed living, dining, kitchen, office & utility space along with 4 bedroom/private bathroom suites plus a lavatory on the 2nd (main) floor. The enormous garage at ground level can handle multiple vehicles or trailers yet still have plenty of square footage to equip for personal fitness, game-room fun or more. Specifics of construction and interior finishes are available at length.

You’ll be more than impressed; you’ll be impatient to make this your own! Offered at $2,049,000

A screened pool lanai & a backyard pond on over 1/3 acre are highlights of this 4-bed, 3-bath home with more than 2,100 SF. But another advantage is its location in no-fee Boyette Springs, a neighborhood with its own elementary school & playground park that allows your boats, RVs & more! $449,900

Get 5 bedrooms, 3 baths & a 3-car garage with this beautifully updated pool home in Riverview’s Boyette Springs! It’s on nearly 1/3 acre, privacyfenced in back, with a double gate on 1 side so you can park your boat or other vehicles in back. That’s allowed in this community with no HOA fees. $534,900 Come home to a corner 1/3 acre in the heart of South Brandon with a long list of valuable improvements but no CDD, HOA or deed restrictions! The 3-bed, 2-bath home has more than 2,140 SF under AC & another 324 SF in a Florida room beyond upgraded sliding doors in back. $409,900

4 beds, 4 baths, an upstairs bonus & a downstairs office/den that can be a 5th bedroom give this home great flexibility in 2,200 SF! Add a 350-SF screened lanai in a fenced back yard, & you have a place that's sure to fit your life near Rivercrest’s resortstyle pool & recreation center. $400,000

Yet another home near Diamond Hill Golf Club, this 1,800-SF 4/2/2 adds a very private pool in a wood-fenced, tree-lined back yard! Under a roof installed new last year, it also offers no carpet, only tile & wood laminate floors. The pool lanai is both screened & roofsheltered for all-weather enjoyment. $414,900 Affordable security & convenience with a lake view! This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhome is in Regency Key -- a gated, well-kept community beside Brandon's Woodbury Lake. It's a great spot near shops, restaurants, recreation, entertainment options, as well as I-75, SR 60 & more. $204,900

Page 24

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 23, Issue 11

June 2020

Bloomingdale / FishHawk Edition

FREE SHIRT

COME WOBBLE Page 25 BEFORE YOU GOBBLE! th NOV 28 10 YEA

RS

for registered racers* *Shirts are not guaranteed if registering after 11/1/24.

THANKSGIVING DAY 10

STARTS & ENDS at Amalie Arena!

YEARS

10 YEA

RS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

SEE AD ON PAGE 30

» 5K begins at 7am, followed by 1 Mile Walk/Run at 8:00am » Gender specific dri-fit shirt for all registered racers*

» Racers must pick up their packet in-person Nov. 23 or 27. To ensure an on-time race start, race day registration and bib pick up are not available!

St. Joseph’s Hospital-South Earns Four-star Rating

St. Joseph’s Hospital-South in Riverview earned a four-star rating in the latest Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating report. According to CMS’ consumer ratings, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South is far more likely to provide high-quality, safer care. CMS’ star ratings system allows people to find and compare information about the quality of care at more than 4,000 Medicare-certified hospitals across the country. Categories of quality used to determine the ratings are mortality, readmissions, patient experience, safety and timely and effective care.

New Car-ride Service 55 Rides

55 Rides is a new car-ride service that has recently opened in the area. It provides reliable and friendly transportation services in Brandon, Lithia, Riverview and the surrounding areas, including airports and cruise ports. Sit back, relax and travel in style with 55 Rides. To make a reservation, call 813-5456058 or visit its Facebook page at ‘55 Rides.’

The Florida Orchestra Welcomes You Back To Performances

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton,

apply. For more information and tickets, call 727-892-3337 or visit https:// floridaorchestra.org/.

Andrea Bocelli Coming To AMALIE Arena

Michael and Octavia Brand are the owners of new car-ride service 55 Rides.

The Florida Orchestra (TFO) welcomes you back to performances this season.

“In the face of two hurricanes in two weeks, we have been inspired by the power of community,” said TFO President and CEO Ignacio Barrón Viela. “The Florida Orchestra is more committed than ever to welcoming you back to joyful concerts. We are determined to serve you with the extraordinary gift of live music — to bring us together, to support each other and to offer a haven of peace and hope when you need it most.”

Young people ages 5-18 can get in for free to all Masterworks concerts with a paying a d u l t , thanks in part to the generous support of an anonymous donor. This is available only in advance through TFO’s ticket center. Restrictions

Iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli recently announced his new 2025 North American tour dates with a stop at Tampa’s AMALIE Arena on February 13, 2024, at 8 p.m. All shows will be conducted by Maestro Steven

*NOTE: Register early to reserve your preferred shirt size before they sell out!

Registration Fees

8/15 - 10/31

11/1 - 11/19

5K

$35

$40

1 Mile Walk/Run

$25

$25

11/20 - 11/27 $25

Virtual 5K

$30

$30

$30

$45

REGISTER AT:tampaymca.org/turkey-gobble SPONSORED IN PART BY:

Benjamin NeSmith, the new owner of FastFrame of Riverview.

counting nearly 90 million records sold worldwide.

Tickets for this event are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices are $81, $131, $191, $271 and $361. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Prices do not include facility fee or service charges. Advanced parking passes are available at www.parkwhiz.com. Visit www.amaliearena.com or call 813-3012500 for more information.

FastFrame Of Riverview Has A New Owner Mercurio. This evening of soaring arias, crossover hits and famed love songs in honor of Valentine’s season is presented by the Straz Center and features members of the Opera Tampa Chorus.

As one of the most recognizable voices in the entertainment industry who is revered by fans internationally, Bocelli has been entertaining audiences for 30 years,

FastFrame of Riverview has a new owner, and his name is Benjamin NeSmith.

FastFrame of Riverview is a family-owned and operated business that offers expert custom picture framing for artworks, photographs, memorabilia, treasured objects and canvas stretching.

It goes through a quick and easy design process with each customer to ensure satisfaction with the final product and

Page 26

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

EYE ON BUSINESS...CONTINUED Compiled By Jenny Bennett aims to elevate your artFind Unique Flower work and photos with Planters At Planters its quality. FastFrame of Redefined Riverview is located at Benjamin Decker has a 6128 Winthrop Town talent for recycling bath Centre Ave. and can be towels into unique plantreached by calling 813ers. He mixes the tow436-0044. For more els with cement, shapes information, visit https://fastframe.com/ them and, once dried, paints them with riverview/. nonfade paint to create works of art. The planters have drainage holes, so you can Hillsborough County Public plant directly into them or place a potted Schools Receives Credit Rating plant instead. They come in a wide range of sizes and colors, which are mostly sold Upgrade Hillsborough County Public Schools from his shop, Planters Redefined, located (HCPS) is proud to announce that Fitch at 7010 Early Gold Lane in Riverview. Why Ratings has upgraded the district’s credit not pick up a couple for unique Holiday rating from A to A+. This significant up- gifts? Call Decker at 845-594-8284 to argrade is a testament to the district’s con- range an appointment. tinued fiscal responsibility and financial stability.

Jo Koy Tour Coming To Tampa The improved rating reflects HCPS’ Comedian Jo Koy announced his all-new strong financial position following years of Jo Koy: Just Being Koy Tour that will include diligent budgetary management and stra- a stop at Tampa’s AMALIE Arena on Februtegic planning. In recent years, the district ary 16, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are now has successfully on sale. stabilized its fi“I never take for nances, addressed granted that I get to previous budget live out my dream on deficits and built the stage every week a strong reserve. and this new tour is The upgrade also something special that recognizes the district’s ability to manage I can’t wait to share,” said Koy. operational costs while continuing to invest As one of today’s premiere stand-up coin critical academic programs and services medians, Koy has come a long way from his for its nearly 220,000 students. modest beginnings performing in a Las VeHillsborough County Public Schools will gas coffee house. Koy’s uniquely relatable continue to work diligently to maintain its comedy pulls inspiration from his colorful financial health and ensure that every deci- family and has reached all kinds of people sion made prioritizes the needs of students and been translated into sold-out arenas and the overall community. around the world. Visit https://jokoy.com/.

Additional information on Fitch Ratings Visit www.amaliearena.com or call 813can be found at www.fitchratings.com.

301-2500 for ticket information.

Volume 23, Issue 11

REGALITEA INTRODUCES

FLAVORFUL TEAS AND EDUCATIONAL CLASSES TO THE COMMUNITY

By Libby Hopkins

Regalitea is a local tea embraced the opportunity, company. The company is eager to continue refining owned by Dylan Chadwell my craft.” and was created because All of Regalitea’s tea of his long and passionate blends are handcrafted in journey for the perfect tea. small batches using Chad“My love for loose-leaf well’s own recipes. tea began at a young age, “I don’t just buy and sparked by frequent visits resell other tea blends, I to a local tea shop with create them from scratch,” my mother,” Chadwell Chadwell said.

Dylan Chadwell is the owner of said. “I still recall the enChadwell also offers Regalitea. You can find Regalichanting experience of dis- tea at the White Oak Cottage in tea-blending classes at covering something that Lithia and Ybor Coffee and Tea various venues in the Branis cherished across many don and Tampa area.

Co. in Ybor. cultures. The aromas, colors and flavors “My tea-blending classes give the opcaptivated me, so I set a personal goal portunity to see the behind the scenes to one day work in a place that embodied with tea blending and creating your own this magic.” recipes,” Chadwell said. “The classes are a As Chadwell grew older, his passion for great way to gain some knowledge about tea only deepened. tea in general and then dive deeper into “I eventually began working at the very the health benefits and lore. I find that shop that had inspired me,” Chadwell said. most people have a favorite blend but “There, I immersed myself in every aspect would change something about it if they of tea, from the intricate processes be- could. These classes allow you to create hind its production to the regions it origi- something that is truly geared towards nates from. The more I learned, the more your taste and preference.” fascinated I became. With this growing Keeping things local is very important knowledge came new opportunities, and to Chadwell. His teas can be found at the I decided to carve out my own path by White Oak Cottage in Lithia and Ybor starting my own tea company.”

Coffee and Tea Co. in Ybor. Chadwell is Like any venture, Chadwell’s first at- also one of the regular vendors at the tempt had its challenges, but those early Ybor City Saturday Market. lessons allowed him to build a vast library “I truly believe small businesses are the of flavors and ideas. backbone of our community,” Chadwell “One winter, while selling my tea at a said. “My favorite moment being in busilocal market, I was approached by a cou- ness is seeing the smile my tea puts on my ple opening their own tea shop,” Chadwell friends and family’s faces.” said. “They invited me to join as their mixIf you would like to learn more about ologist, offering me the creative freedom Regalitea, you can visit Chadwell’s webto expand my expertise even further. I site at www.regalitea.com.

Tampa Ketamine is thought to be a vital part of suicide prevention because of its quick effects.

A LAW FIRM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES Jennifer Greene & Clint Fletcher Owners of Complete Ketamine Tampa

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine was once mostly used as an anesthetic, but it's now known to help in IV infusion therapy to be very effective with the following: PTSD Depression

Anxiety Chronic Pain

And More!

First responders and Military 20% off REAL PATIENTS. REAL RESULTS.

“I am so glad I found Complete Ketamine Solutions! Thank you for saving our lives.” - TAMMY G.

813-632-3223

13801 Bruce B Downs Blvd Tampa, FL 33613

completeketaminesolutions.com

The Law Office of Jeffrey Dowd, PA Serving the Brandon, Riverview and Greater Tampa Area

Business Formation Business Acquisitions Contracts General Counsel Trademarks Wills and Trusts

Jeffrey A. Dowd, Esq.

523 E. Lumsden Rd., Brandon, FL 33511

813-773-3529 | Jeff@DowdLaw.com | DowdLaw.com

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2024

Don’t Let An INJURY SLOW YOU DOWN Imaging can uncover the pain that is keeping you from doing the things you enjoy.

ER at Sun City Center, an extension of Manatee Memorial Hospital, is a full-service emergency department that provides care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We are located at 16504 S. U.S. 301 in Wimauma, adjacent to Walmart®.

ER at Sun City Center features: •

Full-service laboratory and imaging services (X-ray, CT and ultrasound) (A physician order is required.)

•

Care for all ages

•

Shorter wait times*

•

Access to on-site physician 24/7

•

Ten treatment areas, including seven exam rooms and three rapid medical exam spaces

•

10,884 square feet

CT Heart Score Fall Special: $75** Learn your heart disease risk, appointments available Monday-Friday Call 941-745-7391, option 1

16504 U.S. 301, Wimauma, FL 33598 | 813-642-1000

In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. **CC/Debit Card/Cash Payment Only *Wait times may vary. This emergency department is part of Manatee Memorial Hospital. This is not an urgent care center. Its services and care are billed at hospital emergency department rates. Physicians are on the medical staff of Manatee Memorial Hospital, but, with limited exceptions, 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. 242042602-2150701 10/24

Page 27

Page 28

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 23, Issue 11

THE U.S. AIR FORCE BAND ‘AIRMEN KAPPA DELTA PHI HOSTS CHARITY OF NOTE’ IS COMING TO TAMPA GOLF EVENT AT BUCKHORN SPRINGS Staff Report TO BENEFIT A KID’S PLACE The United States er, more intimate Air Force Band’s venues, the Airmen premier jazz enof Note Combo and semble, ‘the Airvarious individual men of Note,’ from musicians perform Washington, D.C., apart from the full is heading out on a band to support nine-day commumilitary and civilian nity relations tour ceremonial and dipthroughout Florida. lomatic event.

The tour honors the The United States Air Force Band’s premier jazz “We are excited service of airmen ensemble, ‘the Airmen of Note,’ from Washington, to bring the band D.C., will be performing on Monday, both past and presto spots all across November 11, at the Straz Center in Tampa. ent and highlights Florida,” said Chief the excellence of military members work- Master Sgt. Brian MacDonald, flight chief ing across the globe. All the concerts are and split lead trumpet of the Airmen of free and open to the public, though tickets Note. “Performing live and meeting comare required. Ticket information for these munities around the country is a regular concerts is available at www.music.af.mil/ highlight of our mission. We look forward bands/the-united-states-air-force-band/ to sharing America’s unique music with events/. the local community in each city!”

Don’t miss this chance to see one of the The United States Air Force Band honworld’s greatest jazz bands live in concert. ors those who have served, inspires AmerThe Airmen of Note will be performing an ican citizens to heightened patriotism and eclectic program, ranging from big band service and connects with the global comhits of the 1930s and ’40s to brand-new munity on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and compositions encompassing many genres. the United States of America.

Stationed at Joint Base AnacosYou can see more on Facebook at www. tia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., the Airmen facebook.com/usafband, Instagram @ of Note is one of six musical ensembles usafband and YouTube at www.youtube. that form the U.S. Air Force Band. Created com/theusafband. in 1950 to continue the tradition of MaThe Airmen of Note will be performing jor Glenn Miller’s Army Air Forces dance locally on Monday, November 11, at 7 p.m. band, the current band consists of 18 ac- at the Straz Center for the Performing tive-duty musicians, including one vocalist. Arts, located at 1010 N. Macinnes Place in Through the years, the Airmen of Note has Tampa. You can also visit www.strazcenpresented its own brand of big band jazz as ter.org to claim your free tickets. well as more contemporary forms of jazz With other stops throughout Florito audiences via annual tours across the da, it is a show not to be missed. You United States, deployments around the can view the full schedule at www.muworld and local performances throughout sic.af.mil/bands/the-united-states-airmetropolitan Washington, D.C. For small- force-band/events/.

THANKSGIVING DINNER

Turkey & Ham By The Pound, Savory Sides and Delicious Desserts!

Order Until Friday, Nov 22 Delivery On Wednesday, Nov 27 See Full Menu And Place Orders Online at:

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

• Dog Training to Fit All Families • Team of Caring Behavioral Experts • Private Training with Daycare and Lodging • Full Service Pet Care Facility

Call

Book A New Today S pa forService Puppy Training!

Today!

9708 Carr Road, Riverview 33569 • (just off Boyette Rd., 1 mile West of Bell Shoals Rd)

(813)672-WOOF (9663) • www.CanineCabana.BIZ info@caninecabana.biz

#CanineCabanaFlorida

By Libby Hopkins

The Kappa Betty HarpDelta Phi Charer has been a ity Golf Tourmember of the nament, preKappa Kappa sented by the Chapter for 51 Harper family, years and is will take place the co-chair for on Thursday, the golf tourNovember 21, nament, along at the Buckwith Orebaugh. horn Springs “We wantGolf & Country ed to sponsor Club in Valrico. the golf tourProceeds raised The Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club in Valrico will nament for from this golf be hosting the Kappa Delta Phi Charity Golf Tournament, A Kid’s Place tournament will presented by the Harper family, on Thursday, November 21. because we go to A Kid’s Place. Registration begins have the course and facility to do with at 10 a.m., and the shotgun goes off at and wanted to help them raise the neces12 Noon. sary funds for their recreation addition,” The golf tournament includes contests, Harper said. “A golf tournament is a great raffles, live and silent auctions, brunch way to involve the golfing community for and dinner. There will also be an Elite a good cause with this one being in our Sponsor Dinner on Saturday, November own backyard. For many years, golf out16, at the golf and country club as well. ings have been a vehicle for raising money “The Kappa Kappa Chapter has served for various charities in the community.” the Brandon area for almost 60 years and Both Orebaugh and Harper hope the is dedicated to serving the community’s golf tournament will be a huge success needs and interests with a strong empha- and raise the funds A Kid’s Place needs sis on children,” said Shelley Orebaugh, to continue doing the amazing work the co-chair of the golf tournament and vice local nonprofit does for children in need. president of the Kappa Kappa Chapter of “Our hopes are to raise as much monKappa Delta Phi National Affiliated So- ey as possible for A Kid’s Place,” Harper rority. “Kappa Delta Phi raises money for said. local charities and volunteers many hours If you would like to participate in in the community. We are proud to join the charity golf tournament for A Kid’s the Harper family in support of A Kid’s Place, you can contact Orebaugh at Place and all they do for foster children, shelleyorebaugh@aol.com or call 813serving four counties.”

486-3770. The Buckhorn Springs Golf & The Harper family owns and operates Country Club is located at 2721 S. Miller the Buckhorn Springs Golf & County Club. Rd. in Valrico.

November 2024

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Page 29

SENIOR AND JUNIOR HARVEST PRESERVATION 1ST FINANCIAL GROUP QUEENS CROWNED FOR 2024 HELPS THE COMMUNITY WITH THEIR

By Kathy L. Collins

The 2024 Harvest special events, engage Queen Scholarship with the community, Pageant was held on greet and escort guests, September 21 at the speak at civic clubs, Hillsborough County ride in parades, make Fairgrounds. The 2024 public appearances and Senior Harvest Queen is participate in media inAsia Hodge. The senior terviews. first maid is Savannah Hodge said, “I am so Inman. The 2024 Junior excited to serve as your Queen is Autumn Brazil. new Harvest Queen. I The first maid is Cherith look forward to making Milligan. friends, celebrating holThe pageant was held idays with everyone and at 1 p.m. To be eligible Photo courtesy of Southern Reflec- enjoying the fair.” tion Photography. contestants, must reside Hodge enjoyed talking 2024 Senior Harvest Queen Asia in Hillsborough County to the judges especialand be 13-15 years of Hodge (left) and 2024 Junior Har- ly about the Instagram vest Queen Autumn Brazil (right) age. After competing platform she created were crowned on September 21 at in the casual wear and called Overcome Bethe Hillsborough County Fairevening gown compe- grounds. The Hillsborough County come. tition, the 2024 Junior Fair runs for 12 days, beginning on “I created it to inspire Court was crowned. young girls who strugThursday, October 31.

The junior first maid is gle with social anxiety. I Cherith Milligan, and 2024 Juhave struggled with social anxnior Harvest Queen is Autumn iety, so when I heard my numBrazil. ber called, I was like, ‘Yay! I did Hodge, a 17-year-old seit! I really won,’” said Hodge. nior at Strawberry Crest High This is Brazil’s second year School, took home a $2,000 participating in the pageant. scholarship, which she plans to use at the Brazil said, “I knew I could not do anyUniversity of Florida to pursue a psychol- thing but believe in myself and go out on ogy degree. Brazil took home a $1,000 the stage and be my true authentic self.” scholarship. She has plans to attend the Brazil added, “Becoming Junior HarUniversity of Floria and pursue a degree vest Queen was not just about winning in nursing. a pageant to me. I love the Hillsborough These outstanding young women will County Fair. I enjoy participating in the represent the Hillsborough County Fair livestock shows year after year. I realas ambassadors throughout the year. ly appreciate how the fair supports our This year’s theme is Barn in the USA. youth in agriculture.”

The fair runs for 12 days, beginning on For more information on the 2024 HillThursday, October 31. As ambassadors, sborough County Fair, please visit www. the women will be called upon to attend hillsboroughcountyfair.com.

FINANCIAL PLANNING NEEDS

By Libby Hopkins Preservation 1st local community.

Financial Group “We are part of has been a part the Central Hillsof the Eastern borough County Hillsborough comChamber of Community for more merce and we than 19 years. It both have ran for is owned and opHonorary Mayerated by Michael or of Riverview Beiter Sr. and and have served Christian Beiter, on the Board of CFP. Their mission Directors,” Chrisis to partner with tian said. “We their clients and are very commufamilies in their Preservation 1st Financial Group has been a part of nity-minded, and the Eastern Hillsborough community for more than pursuit of their 19 years. It is owned and operated by Michael Beiter we’ve developed financial goals. a lot of friendSr. and Christian Beiter, CFP. Their promise is ships and relato provide honest, tionships from professional adthis involvement. vice, while assistTrust and involveing their clients ment go hand in and families in reaching their goals. hand.”

The Beiters and the rest of the staff The financial service industry is very at Preservation 1st feel it’s their duty competitive and Preservation 1st Finanto communicate their recommendations cial Group has made a name for itself by and strategies to their clients in ways providing sound advice and spectacular that everyone can understand. “We put service. “We grow our business when our a lot of time and effort into our certifica- clients refer us to their friends and famtions and training so that we can focus on ilies,” Christian reiterated. “Our clients retirement and estate planning strategies feel comfortable referring us to their for our clients,” Christian said. “There are friends and families because they know not a lot of financial planners that focus we always have our clients’ best interests on estate & distribution planning, so our in mind when making recommendations.” philosophy is to not only educate and asIf you would like to learn more about sist our clients with growing their nest Preservation 1st Financial Group and the eggs, but to show them how to enjoy it in services it offers, you can visit its website a most tax efficient way.” at www.preservation1st.com or call 813Both men also believe it’s extremely 627-0872. Its office is located at 912 important to also be involved with the Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Brandon.

Page 30

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

LIGHTNING PARTNER WITH TAMPA YMCA AND ADVENTHEALTH FOR ‘PATCH WITH A PURPOSE’ PROGRAM

Staff Report

The Tampa inaugural partners Bay Lightning anrepresented on nounced recently Lightning sweatthe launch of the ers with multiyear ‘Patch with a Puragreements, feapose’ program, featuring the brandturing the National new jersey patch Hockey League’s concept set to be first-ever purworn for every pose-driven jersey game during the patch with a $1 The Bolts pledge to donate over $1 million to local preseason, regular nonprofits under the new Patch with a Purpose. million club donaseason and Stanley tion. In a commitment to extend the orga- Cup playoffs. nization’s impact beyond the ice and into the For each home game during the 2024-25 Tampa Bay community, the program will campaign, the Bolts will don a Tampa Metfeature the Lightning pledging more than $1 ropolitan Area YMCA jersey patch, located million to support local nonprofit organiza- on the right chest of the team’s primary tions in the initial five years of the program. blue sweater and the black third jersey. The The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and team’s white away jerseys will feature an AdventHealth will be founding partners of AdventHealth jersey patch, also located on the Patch with a Purpose program and in- the right chest of each player. tegral to the Bay Area community giving As a part of the Patch with a Purpose proinitiatives. gram, the Lightning will make initial six figThe Patch with a Purpose program serves ure donations this season to support comas a reflection of the Lightning’s core values munity impact areas centered on our youth as a community-focused organization. It and education. leverages the Lightning brand’s power and While the $1M financial commitment of reach to support local nonprofit organiza- Patch with a Purpose will be fully funded tions and their community-based programs. by the Lightning organization, the program All dollars from the Patch with a Purpose invites everyone to unite behind this shared program will stay within the Tampa Bay commitment to fostering positive change area, helping to expand programming fo- across Tampa Bay. Together, we can make cused on critical community needs. a difference. Bolts Nation can support the “We are excited to introduce the Patch cause through multiple avenues, including with a Purpose program and welcome our direct donations, volunteer opportunities founding partners, Tampa YMCA and Ad- and more. ventHealth, to the front of Lightning jerseys Through the Patch with a Purpose prothis season and beyond,” said Vinik Sports gram, the Lightning will help create a lastGroup and Lightning CEO Steve Griggs. ing, positive impact in the Tampa Bay comBeginning with the 2024-25 season, the munity while addressing a multitude of key Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and Ad- issues and needs across the region. Please ventHealth will make their debuts as the visit https://patchwithapurpose.com/.

HAS YOUR HOME INSURANCE INCREASED TOO MUCH? WE HAVE AN EXCITING NEW OPTION!!!

Call The Iron Rock Team!

Volume 23, Issue 11

Add a little “YAY” to their day!

LAKE BRANDON VILLAGE 11325 Causeway Blvd • Brandon (813) 655-1237

Hours:

6:30am - 10pm

BRANDON SOUTH 2010 Bloomingdale Ave • Valrico (813) 571-0569

10 YEA

RS

FREE SHIRT

for registered racers* *Shirts are not guaranteed if registering after 11/1/24.

NOV 28th

THANKSGIVING DAY 10

STARTS & ENDS at Amalie Arena!

YEARS

10 YEA

RS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: » 5K begins at 7am, followed by 1 Mile Walk/Run at 8:00am » Gender specific dri-fit shirt for all registered racers* » Racers must pick up their packet in-person Nov. 23 or 27. 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!

813-213-9600

400 Frandorson Circle. Apollo Beach www.ironrockins.com

Call today for a FREE EVALUATION of your current coverages!

Auto Flood Home Motorhome Travel Trailer Boat Golf Cart Motorcycle

Registration Fees

8/15 - 10/31

11/1 - 11/19

11/20 - 11/27

5K

$35

$40

$45

1 Mile Walk/Run

$25

$25

$25

Virtual 5K

$30

$30

$30

REGISTER AT:tampaymca.org/turkey-gobble SPONSORED IN PART BY:

November 2024

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Page 31

C.A.R.E. ANIMAL SHELTER AFTER GLOW aesthethics & wellness IS EXPANDING

By Kathy L. Collins Critter Adopto provide edution and Rescational informacue Effort Inc. tion for the comis locally known munity. We are as C.A.R.E. Anadding cat rooms imal Shelter. so we can take It has serving six additional the SouthShore cats. Our indoor area since 2001. dog kennels will C.A.R.E.’s mission C.A.R.E. Animal Shelter in Ruskin is building a new, larger be increased as is to reduce the shelter that can accommodate more homeless dogs and well.” cats. Below is a rendering of the new shelter. You can help number of home- C.A.R.E. achieve this dream by donating, attending fundC.A.R.E. Anless and unwantimal Shelter is raising events and even becoming a volunteer. ed dogs and cats seeking funding through adoption, sterto help with the buildilization and education. ing. It has applied for Rula Urso, a C.A.R.E. grants and has received board member and volsome estate gifts. It is unteer, said, “Unlike othalso offering naming er shelters, our animals rights to different arare not kept in cages 24 eas of the new shelter, hours a day. Our dogs including play yards, are outside during the indoor/outdoor kennels day, where they get and cat rooms. What’s plenty of fresh air, exermore, C.A.R.E. is selling cise and playtime. Our cats are free roaming bricks to “pave our way” to its new home. in one of three rooms.”

The community can help with C.A.R.E.’s C.A.R.E. is in the process of building a new efforts to raise funds and help animals by shelter at 1925 14th Ave. SE in Ruskin. This participating in fundraising events and beis just blocks away from its current location. coming a member. Basic membership is $35 According to Urso, “We presently occupy and premium membership is $50. If you are a 2.5-acre parcel of land which we have out- a business, you can become a business partgrown. Our new shelter will have five acres ner. You can also become a volunteer if you in which we can are for our furry friends.” are over 16 years old.

Urso added, “The new building will have Finally, C.A.R.E. Animal Shelter will hold larger inside runs for our dogs who require its Gift and Wine event on Saturday, Decemisolation or for new mom and puppies. There ber 7. This will be held at 122 Falls Blvd. in will be an area where potential adopters can Apollo Beach. meet animals and speak with our animal For more information, please visit www. care manager. We will have two additional careshelter.org or call 813-645-2273. To beplay yards, which takes us from four to six. come a volunteer, please contact Karen at In addition, we will have a conference room volunteercare@aol.com.

• BOTOX • FILLERS • SALT FACIAL • CHEMICAL PEELS • SCULPTRA • NON-SURGICAL FACELIFTS • BHRT HORMONE REPLACEMENT • MEDICAL WEIGHTLOSS INJECTIONS Sunni Moreno APRN, CRNA

• LASER HAIR REDUCTION

50 UNITS OF DYSPORT JUST $159 813-344-5511 PLUS A FREE B12 SHOT. 330 S. Falkenburg Rd. www.GlowWithTheBest.com

!

BOOK NOW

SCAN HERE

The Gershkoff girls Nassau Bahamas Bring your Osprey Observer on your travels and share with us.

Email photos, name & location to jhurst@ospreyobserver.com.

Page 32

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

TAMPA BAY FALL RV SHOW BRINGS LATEST TRENDS TO THE FAIRGROUNDS IN NOVEMBER

By Sharon Still

Area residents supplier booths. will have the opCampground inportunity to tour formation, hardthe largest selecto-find parts, tion of new 2025 accessories and RVs as well as a more will all be wide variety of available, all unquality used RVs der one roof. at the upcoming “RV manufacTampa Bay Fall turers and supRV Show, hostpliers continue ed by the Flori- Check out the new 2025 RV models at the Tampa Bay to build RVs da Recreational and components Fall RV Show.

Vehicle Trade with new techAssociation (FRVTA) - Renology and features to apgion 3, at the Florida State peal to today’s RV buyers,” Fairgrounds from ThursKirby added, noting that day, November 7, through RV shipments are up yearSunday, November 10. over-year.

The event will be the Admission to the Tampa largest regional show in Bay Fall RV Show is $5 for Tampa and will showadults; children under 16 case motorized RVs, fifth are admitted for free with wheels and travel trailers an adult. A discount of $1 in all shapes and sizes at off on Thursday will be ofevery price point. Visitors can expect to fered to seniors. First responders and find all the major RV dealers displaying active and retired military will receive their inventory on-site, including Lazy- $1 off admission every day of the show days RV, Blue Compass RV, Gerzeny’s RV (not valid with other discounts).

World, General RV and others.

The event is open to the public Thurs“RVing remains one of the most af- day, November 7, through Saturday, fordable ways for people and families to November 9, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and travel and make lifelong memories,” ac- on Sunday, November 10, from 9 a.m.cording to Recreational Vehicle Industry 4 p.m. Show entry will be granted only Association (RVIA) President and CEO through the U.S. 301 entrance of the Craig Kirby.

Florida State Fairgrounds, located at Both those new to RVing and sea- 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa. soned veterans will find this to be an For more information, contact the event not to be missed. In addition to a FRVTA at 813-741-0488 or visit www. plethora of RVs, there will be a tent with frvta.org.

Volume 23, Issue 11

PLANT CITY HISTORY AND PHOTO ARCHIVES PARTNERS WITH THE BRANDON HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO KEEP LOCAL HISTORY THRIVING

By Libby Hopkins Two local historiboth organizations cal nonprofit organineeded to support each zations have joined other in their efforts to forces to preserve preserve local history. local history in Bran“There is a lot of don and Plant City. overlapping in history The Plant City between both of our History and Photo groups because of the Archives has been a close proximity of each part of the Plant City other,” Moon said. “So, community for 24 it’s a natural fit for us The Plant City History and Photo Archives, years. Its mission is the Brandon Historical Society and the Tam- to help each other out, to keep local history pa Bay History Center recently held a meeting as far as preserving our alive through photos, local history.” to focus on creating history talks. print archives and artifacts.

McGinnis is thrilled to have more support “We are a steward of more than 100,000 for her growing organization. historical photographic images and docu“I’m so happy we were able to connect ments representing the Greater Plant City out two organizations,” McGinnis said. “We area, East Hillsborough and West Central both have such have so much to share beFlorida,” said Plant City History and Photo tween us. I look forward to what we can Archives’ executive director, David Moon. accomplish by supporting each other.”

“We also will provide the public with open Both groups recently met with the Tamaccess to our collections and research re- pa Bay History Center to work on a projsources.” ect that will focus on lectures about local The Brandon Historical Society is a history. brand-new organization that was formed “This was a great meeting of the minds of to bring together like-minded community local historians,” said the Plant City History members who have an interest in the his- and Photo Archives’ community outreach tory and preservation of the Brandon com- manager, Libby Hopkins. “All of our groups munity. are very excited about the upcoming histo“This must be a community organization ry talks that will take place this November. with diversity,” said Brandon Historical So- Our organizations have so much to share ciety founder Karen McGinnis. “When I de- with our community.” cided to dedicate myself to spearheading If you would like to learn more about the this initiative, I thought to myself that we Plant City History and Photo Archives, you first must come together as a community, can visit their website at www.plantcitybrainstorm and begin to develop a plan of photoarchives.org. action for a mission and I needed to know If you’d like to become a member of if there would be interest from the commu- this new organization, you can contact nity to do this venture.”

McGinnis at 813-770-5976 or via email Moon and McGinnis met and agreed that at bhaps@yahoo.com.

NEW AMENITIES! N EW G R E EN S O P EN !

NEW GREENS!

COMING SOON!

JOIN US & EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE! River Hills Country Club is a premier private club that offers Golf, Tennis, Dining and more! Championship Golf Course & Practice Facility, Har-Tru Tennis Courts. NEW GREENS & PICKLEBALL COMING SOON! Memberships available to fit most budgets! After-School Junior programming registration open now! JOIN & SAVE! Get the details, CALL/TEXT Margie Martin, Membership Director (813) 693-1531 OR email mmartin@riverhillscountryclub.com.

RIVER HILLS

C OU N T R Y C L U B 3943 New River Hills Parkway Valrico │FL │33596 www.riverhillscountryclub.com

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2024

Page 33

FIVE MANATEES SUCCESSFULLY REHABILITATED AT VALRICO AUTHOR PUBLISHES NEW TWO OHIO ZOOS FLOWN BACK TO FLORIDA FACILITIES CHILDREN’S BOOK THAT INSPIRES TO PREPARE FOR RETURN TO HOME WATERS Staff Report SELF-ACCEPTANCE AND CONFIDENCE

By Kelly Wise Valdes Valrico resident Jodi The book also includes Meltzer is a multi-awardjournal pages designed to winning author and has help kids capture and reflect captivated young readers on their renewed feelings of with her heartfelt children’s self-worth. This interactive books, including When You element encourages readLived in My Belly; Goodnight ers to see themselves in a Star, Whoever You Are; and new light, making the book her newest book about to be a valuable tool for personal released, Your Face Lights growth. up the World. Meltzer’s lit“I knew I had to write a erary contributions have children’s book after my beearned her accolades and a loved mom died of ovarian devoted following. cancer,” said Meltzer. “We Photo credit: Seacoast Studio.

Before her success as an were always inseparable, Valrico author Jodi Meltzer author, Meltzer built a dis- launched her newest children’s but the countless hours I tinguished career as a tele- book, Your Face Lights up the spent as her sole caregiver vision news anchor and remade us even closer. It was World, on October 15. porter. Her journalistic expertise extends to during that time she told me her dream was writing extensively about grief, divorce and to write a children’s book. She didn’t live to parenting for prominent publications such take that first step, so I had to take it for as HuffPost, The Mighty, Scary Mommy and her.”

Thrive Global.

Meltzer revealed that her latest children’s “In 2021, I moved to Tampa from my book carries a deeply personal message. native Boston in search of more sunshine, “I had conflicting feelings about the spray literally and figuratively,” said Meltzer. of freckles that appeared on my face during “I needed a daily dose of palm trees and the summer,” Meltzer shared. “One day, I butterflies after a series of unfortunate, embraced them. The next, I tried to scrub life-altering events hip-checked my resolve. them off. I was all over the place, with pangs Within months of my relocation, I launched of jealousy over a friend’s porcelain skin. Almy second children’s book, Goodnight Star, ternatively, I envied another friend’s beautiWhoever You Are, and the community was ful face full of freckles. I just didn’t feel that overwhelmingly supportive.” comfortable in my skin, which is something Meltzer was excited about the October I still struggle with at times, though I have 15, release of her third children’s book, Your made significant strides at age 51.”

Face Lights up the World. This book is makMeltzer will be attending a Saturday Stoing waves with its powerful narrative and rytime at the Brandon Barnes & Noble on distinctive illustrations, introducing themes January 25, 2025, in anticipation of Interof self-esteem, sibling rivalry and jealousy national Boost Self-esteem Month in Febwhile offering young readers an unforgetta- ruary. Visit https://jodimeltzer.com/. or find ble journey toward self-acceptance. her books on www.amazon.com.

10% OFF

entire purchase

Sunflower Cafe 3452 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Valrico 813-65-SUSHI

Only valid with regular menu. With this coupon.

Must present before submitting payment.

Before tax. One coupon per visit. Not valid with 11/30/24 8/31/24 1/31/24 other offers Offer expires 9/30/23

3452 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico (Located in the Fresh Market Plaza)

813-65-SUSHI

Mon - Fri 11:30-2:30 & 5-9 | Sat 12-9 Sundays 12-8:30 (Serving lunch until 3 p.m.)

Five manatees were before moving to Cinflown more than 1,000 cinnati Zoo’s Manatee miles to their temporary Springs in October 2023 homes in Florida, markfor continued rehabilitaing a crucial conservation. tion achievement folAll of the manatees lowing over two years were moved prior to the of successful rescue efarrival of Hurricane Milforts by four zoological ton and arrived safely Waffles and Amethyst. and marine institutions. at their planned destiIn an intricate operanations. tion, DHL Express trans“As manatee continue ported the manatees in to face hardships and custom-built, state-ofcritical care facilities the-art containers, acoperate close to capaccompanied by a Columity, these transfers are bus Zoo Animal Care extremely important to curator, who monitored make room for critically Nolia eating. the manatees’ condition injured, ill and orphaned throughout the flight to Florida. There they manatees,” said Tiffany Burns, ZooTampa’s will complete the final stages of their reha- senior director of animal programs and bilitation journey before they return to the president of the Manatee Rescue & Rehawaters where they were initially rescued. bilitation Partnership. “We are grateful to The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Cin- our partners in Ohio for providing secondcinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, ZooTampa ary rehabilitation. It’s an incredible team at Lowry Park and SeaWorld Orlando have effort and we are excited about the manpartnered for several years to rehabilitate atees’ return to Florida waters early next these five orphans. year.”

Two male orphaned manatees, NightAs part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehahawk and Mr. Dobak, were transferred bilitation Partnership (MRP), ZooTampa from the Columbus Zoo to SeaWorld Or- and SeaWorld Orlando provide critical care, lando, where they will continue to be cared including urgent veterinary treatment, to for until they are released sometime this injured manatees in Florida. The Columbus winter or early spring 2025. and Cincinnati zoos are two of only three Nolia, Amethyst and Waffles, all females, facilities outside of Florida to care for manleft Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and atees and serve as second-stage rehabilitaheaded back to ZooTampa’s David A. Straz, tion facilities to provide temporary homes, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center. The trio food and veterinary care for manatees until was rescued in January and February 2023 they are ready to return back to Florida and transported for treatment to ZooTam- waters. pa, which is home to the largest nonprofit For more information, visit https://zootcritical care center in the United States, ampa.org/.

Page 34

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 23, Issue 11

PUBLIC SPEAKER AND AUTHOR PROMOTES SIGN LANGUAGE WITH CHILDREN’S BOOK SERIES

By Kelly Wise Valdes A Riverview the younger genauthor is making eration so that as a difference in they grow older, the world of chilthey understand dren’s literature that deaf people by incorporating are no different American Sign than anyone else Language (ASL) who speaks a difinto his stories. ferent language.”

Kentrell MarThe book setin, the creative ries covers everymind behind the thing from meetShelly’s Advening new friends, tures series, has visiting the zoo, Riverview author Kentrell Martin’s books. been dedicated going to the dento writing books that highlight tist and more. In 2020, Martin ASL for young readers. published KJ’s Emotional Day, Martin’s journey into chila charming book that explains dren’s literature began years the signs for 10 different ago, driven by a passion to emotions. The book has been make ASL accessible and enpraised for its straightforward gaging for children. He was influenced to approach and its ability to make learning write this endearing book series by his older ASL enjoyable for children. deaf brother. Since then, he has published 12 “Beyond bringing awareness to deafness books in his series. and ASL, my goal is to introduce kids to Martin authored his first children’s book books that promote diversity and inclusivithat teaches ASL, the alphabet, colors and ty,” said Martin. “I’m currently working on a other basic concepts in 2008. Because ASL children’s TV series, which will be an expanis a growing language, his books are being sion of Shelly’s Adventures.” incorporated into various school systems, as Martin’s dedication to promoting sign many are accepting it as a foreign language. language through his books has not gone One day, Martin hopes to see children all over unnoticed. He is busy with book readings North America communicate using ASL and and presentations at more than 130 schools for people to bridge the gap between hear- each year across the country. ing and deaf people. Martin wants parents For more information on Martin’s work, to and children to read and enjoy his books explore his series or to request a book readwhile learning. ing, visit https://shellysadventures.com/ or “My ultimate goal is to help bridge the contact him at kentrell@shellysadventures. gap between the deaf and hearing world,” com. His books can also be purchased at said Martin. “I hope to bring awareness to www.amazon.com.

YES

NO

Kerrie@GeorgeSheaRealty.com

813.625.1527

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2024

Page 35

Grace Notes

PUTTING THINGS INTO PERSPECTIVE

By Debora Coty

“God blesses those who are of his Sermon on the Mount, humble, for they will inherit where his words about humilthe whole earth,” (Matthew ity are especially apt.

5:5).

“God blesses those who are It is hard to know what to humble,” he said, “for they write after such widespread will inherit the whole earth.” devastation from recent hurWith all the power plays ricanes. The situation is dire splashed across the headhere in North Carolina too, with unimag- lines, day in and day out, it is important to inable stories coming out of the mountain remember that Jesus turns traditional pricommunities. orities on their head.

Our own adopted home, Tarboro, saw Serve your neighbor. Put people in need catastrophic flooding after Hurricane ahead of yourself. Work for the good of Floyd in 1999 and then again with Mat- those around you. If someone is your enthew in 2016, when the Tar River spilled its emy, go out of your way to help them too. banks and destroyed everything in its path.

There is a lot of cleanup and a mounI share this not as a competing narrative tain of work to be done. But there is also but as hope and inspiration, a testimony to a mountain of love at our disposal, bigger what is possible when people work togeth- than anyone’s selfishness or hate or thirst er to write a new story going forward, one for power. of tenacity and resolve and promise and Each and every new day, regardless of victory. hurricane or flood or catastrophe or NoIt turns out there is nothing like extend- vember elections, our opportunity is to ed recovery when it comes to setting aside serve one another with love. the petty things that divide us, focusing on what we have in common, helping one an— DEREK other and why it is we love the community Derek Maul has written for where we live. many news outlets, including Fact is, arguing about someone else’s the Tampa Tribune, The United politics turns out to be profoundly inconMethodist News Service, All Pro sequential when there is a community Dad, FOCUS Magazine, Newsthat needs love and support and encourweek, USA Today, The Chrisagement and hope. tian Science Monitor, PresbyThis truth demands even further am- terians Today, Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul plification in the context of faith. Jesus and many other publications. Read Derek Maul’s made this crystal clear at the beginning daily blog posts at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com.

Anytime, Anywhere

It was a little confusing, I’ll admit, but it was a hoot watching the interpreters at the international women’s church conference, each simultaneously speaking in different languages during my message.

One group had headsets, with a male translator doing his durndest to translate unique Debora Coty terms sprinkled throughout my presentation, like “joy-sucking dully-funks,” and “we’ve been bosom buddies since we got bosoms in the seventh grade.” He kept shooting me bug-eyes.

Another translator standing about 10 feet from me spoke aloud to her group, which created an interesting echo whenever I paused for breath. I was mesmerized by her flying lips in a language I didn’t understand and had a hard time focusing on what I was supposed to say next.

I like to close my presentations with an original, funny sing-along, and it got

funnier and funnier because half the audience couldn’t understand the English lyrics and had no idea what the hand gestures meant. The Haitian ladies were amazing, seamlessly making up their own motions and ad-libbing a sort of cool, smooth calypso rhythm that wasn’t even in the song.

The whole group ended up forsaking the ‘right way’ and followed them around the room in an impromptu praise conga line.

Isn’t it awesome that there is no right or wrong way to praise and worship? Culture is no barrier, language doesn’t really matter and location is irrelevant. An attitude of gratitude is all you need. Anytime.

Anywhere.

During this season of thanksgiving, seize the moment to uniquely express your gratitude to our Creative God for His many blessings.

“But he (Jesus) said, ‘If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise,’” (Luke 19:40 MSG).

Debora M. Coty is an inspirational speaker and award-winning author of over 40 books, including the bestselling Too Blessed to be Stressed series. Visit with Debora anytime at www.DeboraCoty.com.

Life, not laundry Enhanced order tracking

Local Family Owned & Operated

Simplified laundry pickup and delivery scheduling Exclusive Tide Cleaners coupon offers

(813) 662-4243 1928 E Bloomingdale Ave tidecleaners.com

#1 BUG MUGGERS SINCE 1973

Termidor 10 Year Guarantee Against Subterranean Termites

For a FREE ESTIMATE call (813)685-7711

BRANDON TERMITE & PEST CONTROL

Main Office: 108 S. St. Cloud Ave, Valrico Hours: 6am - 6 pm Fax (813)685-3607 | brandonpestcontrol@tampabay.rr.com Serving: Clearwater - Tampa - Orlando - Plant City

Page 36

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 23, Issue 11

ENJOY THE CHRISTMAS PLAY HELP, I’M STUCK IN A CHURCH CHRISTMAS PLAY! NEXT MONTH AT GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH

By Taylor Wells Grace Baptist raculously finds Church is kicking herself on the off the holiday set of the most season with its clichéd church free third annual Christmas play Christmas play. ever. But she This year, it will doesn’t know be putting on anything about performances of the play! She is Help, I’m Stuck in trapped without a Church Christ- For its third annual Christmas play, Grace Baptist Church lines or blocking, mas Play! Writ- is putting on three performances of Help, I’m Stuck in a and she can’t ten by Andrew Church Christmas Play!, a fun comedy for the whole fami- escape until she ly written by Andrew M. Frodahl and Hope Bunch.

M. Frodahl and finishes it. Amid Hope Bunch, this full-length, two-act play confusion and unexpected action, things — with an intermission — is a fun, fam- certainly don’t go as scripted, but as the ily-friendly comedy. After the play, there church cast ultimately delivers a message will be a light reception with refresh- of kindness and love, lives are changed, ments where you can meet and chat with especially Karen’s. the cast.

Showtimes for Help, I’m Stuck in a “Although the cast is having a lot of Church Christmas Play! include Friday, fun, most of them resonate with this ti- November 15, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Novemtle, as they may have been talked into ber 16, at 6 p.m.; and Sunday, November this church project. Joking aside, it is a 17, at 6 p.m. play like no other play; it’s actually a play “Situated at the end of a work or school within a play. I (director) knew I had a tal- week and just before the holiday madented pool of potential cast members to ness begins, we want our community to pull off this zany comedy,” said Rebekah be able to bring their family, neighbors, Young of Grace Baptist Church. coworkers and friends out for a night of In this play, Karen Silver was one of the laughter and make new memories with most sought-after actresses on Broad- those they love,” said Young. way. Her star was rising even as she was This play is a fundraiser for the church’s labeled a self-entitled, demanding and youth group. There is a suggested donadifficult actress. But at the opening of tion of $10 per person for tickets, or a her new Broadway play, the director fires max of $40 per family, but no one will be Karen on the spot. That’s when Karen en- turned away for nonpayment. counters a mysterious man who offers Grace Baptist Church is located at 114 her an opportunity to regain her dignity. Kingsway Rd. in Brandon. For more inforShe only needs to take a role in a church mation and tickets, visit www.eventbrite.

Christmas play in Virginia. com/e/free-family-christmas-play-tickDespite her adamant refusal, Karen mi- ets-1037292117647.

Ask us today how our Innovative Custom Design Experience can help you create something

At Mosaic, our mission is to help the world grow the food it needs.

With a global population that’s expected to exceed 9 billion people by 2050, we’re tasked with helping farmers grow more food on less land.

It’s why we employ more than 3,000 Floridians and work with more than 400 Florida-based suppliers. It’s why we invested more than $6 million in our communities last year and paid more than $809 million in wages. It’s why we pledged to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and fresh water use by 20 percent by 2025. It’s why we’re proud to be Mosaic.

Visit mosaicfloridaphosphate.com

Uniquely You!

Free Estimates!

Open Tuesday - Friday 10 - 6 • Saturday 10 - 4

813-689-8124

201 S Kings Ave, Brandon Custom Bridal Design | Loose Gemstone Sales Watch & Jewelry Repair On Site

We purchase your scrap GOLD! But we’ll give you more in trade!

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2024

Page 37

CANINE CABANA TO OFFER ON-SITE PERSONAL DOG TRAINING OR IN-HOME DOG TRAINING

Pool Cleaning and Inspections

By Libby Hopkins

Canine Cabana sessions, you and has been a part of your dog will work the Riverview comclosely with one munity for more of our experienced than 16 years. trainers at our “We are passiontraining facility,” ate about what we Duncan said. “From do and care deeply mastering basic for the health and commands, like sit, well-being of all stay and leash mandogs,” said Canine ners, to managing Cabana co-ownreactivity, our trainer Kendall Duncan. ers provide “This is not a busipersonalized ness; this is our life- Canine Cabana started to offer its attention style, and dogs are clients private on-site training and to help you in-home dog training. our life. While at teach founCanine Cabana, you can rest easy knowing dational skills and your dog is getting plenty of care, attention address specific goals, ensuring you have a and exercise while you are at work or away well-mannered pup” from home. We are proud to be part of our “Our private in-home training program clients and their dogs’ lives and strive to brings the expertise of our trainers right contribute to the long-term wellness of their to our clients’ doorstep,” Duncan said. “By best friends. Canine Cabana keeps tails wag- training in your dog’s familiar environment, ging and owners smiling.” we can address behavior concerns that may Canine Cabana’s co-owners, Duncan and arise in and around your home. Whether Angie Pickren, met at Busch Gardens as it’s excessive barking, separation anxiety or zookeepers. After having the privilege of leash reactivity, our team of trainers partworking with giraffes, lions, rhinos, hippos, ners with you to implement techniques that dolphins and great apes, they now have foster lasting behavioral changes.” more than 30 years of animal care expertise.

“We are a family-owned and operated, lo“We chose to go back to the animal that cal business,” Duncan said. “We are not part started the passion, dogs,” Duncan said. of a franchise. We love getting to know our “After years of designing and developing, clients and their dogs, and we provide the we opened Canine Cabana in 2008. We are best care to every dog and the family that thrilled to provide the highest quality care entrusts us with them.” for every guest at every visit.”

If you would like to learn more about CaCanine Cabana recently started to offer nine Cabana and the services it offers, you its clients private on-site training and in- can visit its website at https://caninecabana. home training for their dogs. biz/ or call 813-672-9663. Canine Cabana is “With our new private on-site training located at 9708 Carr Rd. in Riverview.

Call 813-641-4968 or Visit ASPpoolco.com/SouthShoreFL

THE$4FUTURE OF CANTINAFamily Meals 9 .

9 5 FLOOR SHOPPING IS HERE

WINDOW TREATMENTS, AUTOMATED SHADES, FLOOR SHOPPING IS HERE FLOORING,Window KITCHEN & BATH CABINETS Flooring, Treatments & Cabin Cabin Flooring, Window Treatments &

COMBO FAMILY MEAL OPTIONS (Serves Four-Take Out Only)

Choose One Pound of TWO *Proteins Meals include white or yellow rice, black beans, tossed salad & dressing, Cuban bread w/ olive butter and a 2 liter soda.

Make AFU Statement With THETHE FUTURE OF FUTURE OF Window Treatments!

THE FUTURE OF OF THE FUTURE ROOM VISUALIZER ▪ DESIGN BY COLOR DON’T STRESS BUDGETSTRESS FRIENDLY▪▪WARRANTIED WARRANTIED DON’T BUDGET FRIENDLY THE MESS MESS THE Our hearts go out to all of the victims of the recent hurricanes.

The Dove team is here to help you DON’T STRESS FLOOR SHOPPING IS HERE HERE FLOOR IS HERE DON’T STRESS FLOOR SHOPPING rebuild yourSHOPPING dream IS home.

Wemake makeitit easyto toMESS getthe thelook lookyou youwant wantat atthe theright rightprice! price!

THE We easy get THE MESS FLOOR SHOPPING IS HERE FLOOR▪ DESIGN SHOPPING IS HERE ROOM VISUALIZER

BY COLOR

CHOICE OF ONE PROTEIN -Picadillo (2lbs)* -Ropa Vieja (2 lbs)* -Lechon Asado (2 lbs)* -Pescado a la Rusa (4 fillets) -Baked Chicken (4 leg quarters) -Breaded Palomilla Steak (4 steaks) -Bistec Milanesa Pick up available starting at 11:00 am!

Cocktails & Wine Available Dine In & Take Out (with food purchase)

702 W. Lumsden Rd. Brandon | (813)685-0502 | www.laseptimacafe.com Mon - Sat 11 am - 8 pm Closed Sunday 29 Years in Brandon!

ouglas0% rtoDmatch Hunteto Window fashions fashions Window match at Reb es AUTOMATED FLOORING, WINDOW TREATMENTS, BLINDS Financing*BLINDS FLOORING, WINDOWpersonality.

TREATMENTS, AUTOMATED every design 00 $3 CABINETS, KITCHEN BATH REMODELS arting&&at every design st CABINETS,personality.

KITCHEN BATH REMODELS r details.

See store fo

AuuWindow maatteeddfashions to match A ttoom Window fashions to match w i n d o w f a s spersonality. wievery ndow design fdesign ashhiioonnspersonality. every

American Water

THE FUTUREAAuuAutomate OF your shades to your lifestyle! t o m a t e d t o m a t e d FLOOR SHOPPINGOF ISwHERE HERE THE FUTURE FLOOR SHOPPING IS Flooring, Window Treatments & & CC nd do o w ffaassh hiioo nss wiin w n Flooring, Window Treatments FLOOR SHOPPING SHOPPING IS IS HERE HERE FLOOR Flooring, Window Window Treatments Treatments & & Cab Cab Flooring, THETHE FUTURE OFOF FUTURE FU Call Today for a FREE Water Softener Checkup

(813) 684-7873 (PURE) Scan & Save Scan & Save

123 S. Main St. Anytown ST 123 S. Main St. Anytown ST

PURIFIER ANTI-SCALE

Gary “The Water Wizard” Over 32+ Years Strong

Scan & Save HARDWOOD CARPET LUXURY VINYL CERAMIC Scan & Save - Countertops - RemodelsLUXURY Automated Blinds - Shutters - Blinds - Drapes - Cornices - Cabinets - Carpet - Luxury Vinyl - Hardwood - Tile CERAMIC 18 MONTHS HARDWOOD CARPET VINYL Automated Blinds - Shutters - Blinds - Drapes - Cornices - Cabinets - Countertops - Remodels - Carpet - Luxury Vinyl - Hardwood - Tile 18 Financing MONTHS 0% 123 S. MainExperts St. Anytown ST 31 Years 123.456.7890 carpetone.com Your Home Interior ... Over Strong 0% Financing Available 123 S. MainExperts St. Anytown ST 31 Years 123.456.7890 carpetone.com Your Home Interior ... Over Strong

123.456.7890 123.456.7890

Woman Your Home Home Interior Experts...

Your Your Home Interior Experts...

Available Interior Experts...

WAC Ow ned WAC WAC Over 33 Years Strong Over 33 Years Strong WAC 813-645-8660 • www.doveinteriorscarpetone.com Over 32 Years Strong 18 MONTHS ZERO PERCENT FINANCING WAC* 18 MONTHS ZERO PERCENT FINANCING WAC* *See store for details.

Visit Our Newly Decorated Showroom! *See store for details.

Visit Our Newly Designed Showroom!

Come Visit Our 6,000 Sq. Ft. Showroom!

CHECK OFF YOUR SPRING TO DO DO LIST: LIST: Silhouette window shadings CHECK YOUR TO 2305OFF College Ave. E.SPRING • Ruskin

carpetone.com Visit Our Showroom! 2305 College Ave. E. • Ruskin (1 mile west of I-75 Exit 240B) carpetone.com 2305 College Ave. E. • Ruskin (1 mile west of I-75 Exit 240B) Visit Our Showroom!

813-645-8660 • www.doveinteriorscarpetone.com

SEEstore STORE FOR See for details.

SEEstore STORE FOR See for details.

DETAILS DETAILS

® ®

Silhouette window shadings 2305 College Ave. E. • Ruskin Backsplashtile tile Cabinets Flooring Countertops Backsplash (1 mile west of I-75 Exit Hunter 240B) Douglas window From traditional to contemporary, fashions *WAC 813-645-8660 • www.doveinteriorscarpetone.com From traditional to contemporary, Hunter Douglas window fashions Cornices Automated Shades Shutters Draperies 813-645-8660 •beauty www.doveinteriorscarpetone.com 123 S. Main St. Anytown STdécor.

123.456.7890 www.carpetone.com Cornices Automated Shades Shutters enhance theSt. of any Contact usDraperies toexplore explore thewide wide variety 123 S. Main St. Anytown STContact 123.456.7890 carpetone.com 123 S. Main Anytown STdécor.

123.456.7890 www.carpetone.com enhance the beauty of any us to the variety of fabrics, textures, styles and colors for your home.

Whatever you See Our stores Customers Areapplies Saying: Reviews 4.9 Stars! of fabrics, textures, styles and colors foronly your home.

Whatever you *At participating only. Discount to materials on select items; cushion, labor, and installation Scan & What Save See Our Customers Are Saying: Reviews 4.9 Stars! select, your are sure inviting for years to cushion, come. *At participating storesrooms only. Discount appliesto to be materials only on select items; labor, and installation Scan & What Save

DON’T STRESS FLOOR SHOPPING ISOF HERE FLOOR SHOPPING IS HERE THE FUTURE Scan & Save Cabinets (1 mileFlooring west of I-75 Exit Countertops 240B)

(Formerly Greater Riverview Chamber)

Page 38

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 23, Issue 11

ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL-SOUTH ADDS SPECIAL SENSORY ROOM TO PEDIATRIC ER Staff Report St. Joseph’s Hospicomfortable and calm tal-South has added through self-regulating a designated sensory their nervous systems,” room to its pediatric Danielle said. emergency room. The The new sensory sensory room helps room uses various visumeet the needs of pedial and touch tools and atric patients coming to items to promote the the ER needing medical calming environment. treatment and atten“The ER can already tion who have varying be an overwhelming, cognitive conditions, overstimulating place disabilities and sensory for children,” Danielle processing needs, such said. “The sensory room as autism spectrum disis a way for them to order. find a sense of calm.

Children place these sensory strings over A sensory room is a Children are better able their bodies, or sometimes over their specially designed place hands or on their faces, as stress relief. The to process new inforthat provides individuals strings can help calm nerves and relax mation and their surwith a controlled and roundings when they muscles. immersive sensory experience. It promotes feel safe and relaxed in their environment.” a calming environment that can lessen In addition to a dedicated pediatric ER, overstimulation.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-South has a 12-bed St. Joseph’s Hospital-South’s child life pediatric inpatient unit with 12 private specialists, Danielle Palomo and Margaret rooms and a 10-bed NICU. Armstrong, provide emotional support to St. Joseph’s Hospital-South opened as a help children overcome the fear and un- 90-bed facility in 2015. Today, the hospital certainty often associated with coming to operates as a 223-bed facility. The hospital the ER and being in the hospital. They work features all-private patient suites and also alongside doctors and nurses to help re- includes emergency care, surgical services, duce children’s fear, anxiety and pain. They imaging, intensive care, obstetrics, cardialso explain diagnoses and procedures in ac catheterization and more in addition a kid-friendly way and use play to distract to pediatrics. The hospital is currently in and calm young patients, their siblings and the midst of $32.8 construction project sometimes their parents too. Palomo, Arm- expanding its pre-op and PACU (post anstrong and the hospital’s pediatric ER team esthesia care unit) and adding a 20-bed will use the sensory room to make being observation unit. in the ER easier for pediatric patients and The all-digital, state-of-the-art facility their families. is located at 6901 Simmons Loop in Riv“The environment in the sensory room is erview. For more information, visit www. meant to help children feel more in control, stjosephssouth.org.

**Expires 12/31/2024 and cannot be combined with any other discount.

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

November 2024

PELICAN PLAYERS PRESENTS THE WITCH IN 204

Joint Pain? Nerve Pain?

STEM STEM CELL CELL THERAPY THERAPY

Staff Report

Latch your winmy Sapia; Mabel, dows! Bolt your Sylvie’s friend and door! Beware of wedding officiThe Witch in 204! ant, by Carolann The Witch in Olson; Evelyn, a 204 is the third wedding guest and main-stage prounwitting victim duction offered this of the witch, by year by the Pelican Lucy Malacos; and Players Community Eugene, the ‘othTheater of Sun City The photo includes, from left to right: Stage manager erworldly’ groom, Michele Whelan; co-director Shirley Walker; cast Center. You know

by Stephen Preuss. members Stephen Preuss, Sandra Foell-Goldman, your property val- Tari MacMillan, Jimmy Sapia, Carolann Olson, Lucy Shirley Walker is ue has plummet- Malacos, Carol MacAlister and Diane Keyes; and the co-director ed when a witch and Michele Wheldirector Mary Anne Moseley-Sapia. moves in next door. an is the stage This fun comedy takes place in a manager. seaside senior condo community in Audiences will have four opporMargate, New Jersey, where Sylvie, tunities to see the play, including a bride-to-be, has her wedding put Friday, November 22, at 6:30 p.m.; on hold due to the machinations of Saturday, November 23, at 1:30 p.m. the witch in apartment 204, who wants and 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, November 24, at the groom. Written by Barbara Pease We- 1:30 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before curber, this play “weaves a bewitching tale of tain. Tickets are on sale at the Kings Point ageless romance and the magic of true love Box Office, located at 1900 Clubhouse Dr. through the lives of those who have lived in Sun City Center, open from 9 a.m-4 p.m., (seniors), which is entertaining, hilarious Monday through Friday. Evening perforand, refreshing!”, wrote STAGE Magazine. mances are $16; $13 for matinees. Tickets “There’s a riotous scene of mistaken iden- will also be sold at the door for each show; tity. But love prevails as Sylvie’s friends and the theater will accept only checks or cash bridesmaids collaborate to help the bride at the door (exact amounts are appreciatand groom get rid of the witch,” said direc- ed). tor Mary Anne Moseley-Sapia. “The cast of All performances are at the Kings Point actors will tickle your funny bones.”

Veterans Theater in the North Clubhouse, In order of appearance, the role of Bel- located at 1900 Clubhouse Dr. in Sun City la, a witch wicked to her core, is played by Center.

Carol MacAlister; Fannie, the maid of honor Founded in 1981, the Pelican Players Comand hopeful bride herself, by Tari MacMillan; munity Theater, a 501(c)(3) organization Thelma, another bridesmaid and a turkey run by volunteers, seeks to promote the dravulture’s favorite driver, by Diane Keyes; matic arts by staging productions and eduSylvie, the retired schoolteacher bride-to- cational activities. be, by Sandra Foell-Goldman; Herman, FanFor more information, visit www.pelicannie’s true love and Mabel’s cousin, by Jim- playersscc.org.

Page 39

KNEE KNEE OR OR SHOULDER SHOULDER PAIN PAIN JOINT JOINT PAIN PAIN NEUROPATHY NEUROPATHY MUSCLE MUSCLE INJURIES INJURIES ARTHRITIS ARTHRITIS

813.999.2192 813.999.2192 NEUROPATHY

Schedule Your Your Schedule KNEE OR SHOULDER PAIN FREE JOINT PAIN FREE CONSULTATION MUSCLE INJURIES CONSULTATION ARTHRITIS

FOUR AREALOCATIONS: LOCATIONS: FIVE AREA 813-303-0701 South Tampa | Brandon | Lakeland | Lakewood Ranch Brandon | Lakeland | Lakewood | South Brandon | Lakeland | Lakewood Ranch Ranch | South TampaTampa | Westchase www.leheal.com

www.leheal.com

Schedule Your Tour Today!

ent Living Independent ary Ser vices

STRANDHILL PUBLIC

10288 CAUSEWAY BLVD 813-442-7080

20% OFF

With Complim

DINE IN ONLY

ing r ed Liv Assist Brandon...living you

“Tessera

309 W PALM AVE 813-769-9234

PRESENT THIS COUPON TO RECEIVE A DISCOUNT ON YOUR NEXT PURCHASE.

lifestyle.”

Careishing oryt...c Mempre her sen

“Living the

WWW.STRANDHILLPUBLIC.COM

the past.”

NOT VALID DURING SPECIAL EVENTS

Call for details and pricing!

TesseraBrandon.com

Assisted Living Facility #AL13150 Proud VETERAN OWNED AND OPERATED OVER 650 5-STAR REVIEWS

Grateful

Thankfu

l

Blessed CALL OR VISIT US ONLINE TODAY!

813-335-2869

premierprowashandseal.com/ospreyobserver

1320 Oakfield Dr. Brandon, FL 33511 813-607-6880

SERVICES WE OFFER:

Driveway Cleaning House Washing Fence Cleaning Lanai/Pool Cage

Concrete Cleaning/Sealing Paver Sealing Travertine Sealing Paver Stripping/Restoration

$100 OFF

PAVER SEALING

10% OFF

PRESSURE WASHING

MENTION OSPREY2024.

Cannot be combined with any other offer/discount.

Offer expires 30 Days after publication date.

Page 40

Bloomingdale/FishHawk Edition

Volume 23, Issue 11