Osprey Observer Riverview/Apollo Beach September 2022

Riverview/Apollo Beach

6

September 2022

Volume 20, Issue 9

Ph: 813-657-2418

See our ad on page 14

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS

HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE SOUTHSHORE CAMPUS PREPARES FOR NEW YEAR

By Deven King

Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596

By Brad Stager

Illustration of two Artemis 1 space-test mannequins as passengers in the crew capsule of an Orion spacecraft.

The launching of the Artemis I mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is a major event in America’s space exploration program and among the moon-orbiting craft’s payload are two female mannequins wearing protective vests from a local company seeking safety improvements for people working in radioactive environments.

One of the biggest risk factors for astronauts is their exposure to high-energy radiation that exists beyond Earth’s lower atmosphere. Such cell-damaging exposure is also a danger that earthbound workers, such as those employed in the medical field, sometimes face as well.

StemRad is a Tampa company developing protective clothing and accessories that can protect a body from radiation, whether it comes from the galactic cosmos or medical treatment and diagnostic sources such as CT scans and nuclear procedures.

Oren Milstein is the CEO and founder of StemRad. He says the company offers important options in the safety equipment marketplace.

“We are the only company in the world that provides wearable radiation protection for high energy radiation. We have specific products for protecting first responders to radiological incidents, physicians working with radiation in hospitals and astronauts venturing into deep space, where they may be exposed to high energy radiation.”

Products available from StemRad range from exoskeleton-supported full-length

aprons to selective protection equipment allowing for maximum mobility and comfort. For those who like to be prepared, there are protective-wear products suitable for home, office and travel.

The two female form mannequins riding in the Orion crew capsule will test how well StemRad’s technology protects against gamma radiation exposure.

One, named Zohar (sponsored by the Israel Space agency), will wear a protective vest with sensors to test effectiveness and the other, named Helga (sponsored by the German Aerospace Center), will wear only sensors to measure unprotected radiation exposure.

StemRad was founded in 2011 in Israel as a response to the need for radiation protection solutions following the Fukushima, Japan earthquake and ensuing nuclear reactor explosions in March of that year. Oren says the move to Tampa from Tel Aviv is working out well.

“Two entities here in Tampa have been especially supportive of us, the first being FIBA (Florida Israel Business Accelerator) and Embarc Collective. The former drew us to the area and opened doors to customers and investors, the latter has been our home since before the pandemic and has been extremely supportive ever since.”

You can learn more about StemRad at stemrad.com.

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Community ColIn SouthShore, lege (HCC) allows the campus has students to gain nature trails for their associate the students to degree and stay hike, a bamboo close to home. landscape and HCC has grown an energy-effito have 14 differcient way of life. ent campuses, all Its buildings are offering different also rated LEED Two attendees at the Hillsborough Community opportunities for Green Gold.

College - SouthShore Campus kickoff celebration. students.

Nadia KoSouthShore tula, dean is the newest of academcampus openic affairs at ing in 2008.

Hillsborough It admits apCommuniproximately ty College over 10,000 SouthShore students every Campus, year, offering said, “We 24 programs really try and 23 services to nurture to its students. a culture of In academics, Members of the Hillsborough Community College South- sustainabilShore campus’ EMT program. it offers 16 Asity.” sociate of Art degrees and eight AssociThe campus began its semester on ate in Science degrees and certificates. August 15. It has had several events to One of the campus’ specialties is its let new students meet people and get paramedic and nursing programs, which accustomed with it. are not offered at any other HCC camOn July 28, the campus held a kickpus. off to celebrate veterans, law enforceAnother specialty program is its Len- ments, first responders and those in nard Senior Academy. It allows juniors the medical profession. As the campus and seniors from Lennard High School starts its new semester, it will host sevto dual enroll and walk across the street eral activities for their students, such as to the college to take classes. a scavenger hunt for students to meet The campus has seven clubs for stu- new people. dents to get involved in, such as Phi To attend SouthShore campus, a high Theta Kappa, the school’s honor society; school diploma or GED is needed to enSouthShore Gaming Club, which pro- roll. This campus’ location allows for vides students with video game activi- students to have a more accessible Hillties; and Student Nurses Association, a sborough Community College campus. mentoring club for students studying to For more information, visit https:// be nurses. www. h c c f l . e d u /c a m p u s - l i fe /s o u t h Because of COVID-19, SouthShore of- shore-campus or call 813-253-7000. fers online, in-person and hybrid classes. The HCC SouthShore campus is located The campus prides its in being environ- at 551 24th St. NE in Ruskin.

TAMPA COMPANY MAKES OUTER SPACEWEAR FOR ARTEMIS I MISSION

Busch Gardens’ Spooktacular will be casting spells on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 Noon-4 p.m., Saturday, September 10 through Sunday, October 30 at the Festival Walkway and is included with daily admission. Guests will find many activities in this immersive Halloween experience. To purchase tickets, please visit www.buschgardenstampa.com.

To read the full article, see page 46 and see the ad on page 48.

10 07 22 OO2022

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

September 2022

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

CASA FRESCA HOMES BRINGS INFILL DEVELOPMENT TO RIVERVIEW

By Brad Stager Much of the of Casa Fresca new housing being Homes, prices of built to accommothe homes will date Hillsborough be determined at County’s surge in a later time, but residents is withthe value of livin large developing in the future ments of hundreds community should of new homes be apparent to constructed on the prospective resifringes of the ardents who want ea’s utilities infraa new home and A photo of the Indigo floor plan home’s exterior. It is structure. appreciate conThat outward one of the floor plans that will be offered at Bell Creek venience in their Landing in Riverview. It is a 2-story, 2,471-square-foot expansion of daily living. home with five bedrooms and three baths. growth can come “Our latest acat the cost of quisition is great destroying natural rebecause there is alsources such as wildlife ready shopping, dining habitat and present and schools, including challenges for providday care, in close proxing essential services like drinking water. imity,” he said. “We’re excited to get started A new project by Casa Fresca Homes, a on what will be a vibrant Casa Fresca comsubsidiary of Homes by WestBay, is using munity.” a different community development model, Casa Fresca Homes is among the builders known as infill, to build 65 new homes on of the Triple Creek development in Riverabout 20 acres in an area of Riverview that view and will start offering homes in Apollo already has accommodated growth.

Beach’s Waterset by Newland community in The new development is called Bell Creek the fall.

Landing and will be located on the east “Bell Creek Landing will be the first comside of Balm Riverview Road and south of munity where we’ll be the sole builder and Boyette Road, near Riverview High School. developer and will have just 65 homes at Tucker Road borders the property on its community build out,” said Metheny, who north side. added that Bell Creek Landing will be sellThe community will consist of single-fam- ing its Magenta, Turquesa, Azure and Indiily homes on 40-foot lots. Sales are expect- go floor plans, which are also available at ed to begin in the fall of 2023, according to Waterset. According to Casa Fresca Homes’ company officials who described the houses website, a 1,615-square-foot Magenta modto be built as having a variety of floor plans el with three bedrooms and two baths at consisting of 1,615-2,471 square feet of liv- Waterset is available from $400,094 as of ing space with three to five bedrooms, two its deadline. to three baths and two-car garages.

For information about Casa Fresca Homes, According to Mark Metheny, president visit https://www.casafrescahomes.com/.

Page 3

GIRL SCOUT TROOP PLANTS BUTTERFLY GARDEN TO EARN TAKE ACTION BADGE

By Deven King Girl Scouts of the den for the butterflies USA was founded in that will be there for a 1912 and has since very long time,” said grown to over 1.7 milBurriss. lion members, inspirWith the compleing young girls to help tion of their buttertheir communities nafly project, the girls tionwide. earned their Take AcMembers of Troop 33133 ready to start working on their butterfly garden.

Girl Scout Browntion badge, which is ie Troop 33133 is the final badge in the one such troop, and this Brownie Outdoor Journey. summer, nine Girl Scouts The girls previously earned earned their Take Action Outdoor Journey badges by badge by helping to plant making first aid kits, campa butterfly garden. Troop ing out at Camp Dorothy members Aminah AcosThomas and going on a nata, Ava Burriss, Brooklyn ture walk in Weedon Island.

Farinas, Skyler Lacaille, The goal of the Take Action Violet Livingston, Jessica badge is to give back to the McGlynn, Olivia McGovern, community. When asked Allison Ponder and Rei Rihow this project further Girl Scout Violet Livingston vera all worked together to inspired her to get involved planting the first plant while bring the project to comin her community, Ponder troop members watch. pletion. said, “It’s inspired me to In July, the troop planted a butterfly gar- clean up my neighborhood so we can plant den in Pebble Conservation Park in Riverview butterfly plants.” after hearing about the park wanting to add Brownie Troop 33133 is located in Riverbutterfly plants. “When we heard there was view with 12 members in third grade at varigoing to be a new park in our community, we ous local elementary schools, many of whom reached out to the parks department to see have been in the troop since kindergarten. if there was anything girls their age could do The girls enjoy coming together to help their to help,” said troop leader Lisa McGlynn. community and learn new skills.

Along with some family members, the girls “One of the things I like best about being received help from two Hillsborough County a Girl Scout is to create something beautiful Parks and Recreation staff members, Jenni- for people and it feels good to know I have fer Geoff and Travis Parker. They taught the a positive impact in life and the world to Girl Scouts about butterfly pollination and come,” said Livingston. local butterflies. The girls planted known There is not a set date for when the park butterfly plants such as milkweed to attract and butterfly garden open to the public, but the nectar seeking butterflies. Additionally, the troop is planning to return to see the garTravis Parker built the butterfly shaped out- den’s progress. line for the garden using bricks from an old For information, visit https://www. road in the area. “It felt great to plant a gar- girlscouts.org/.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

LITERATURE MATTERS FESTIVAL SET TO TAKE PLACE AT FIREHOUSE CULTURAL CENTER

WOMEN IN AVIATION INTERNATIONAL AND AEROSPACE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE HOST EVENT TO INSPIRE YOUNG FEMALE PILOTS

On Saturday, Ocmy culture and untober 1, children of derstand where I all ages are invited came from.” Rodrito attend a festival guez added, “There known as Literature are children who do Matters. The festival not understand their will be held from 2-4 culture, just as I did p.m. at the Firehouse not.”

Cultural Center, loAccording to Rocated at 101 1st Ave. driguez, “Literature NE in Ruskin. The Matters provides Literature Matters underrepresented festival is free and books to communiopen to the public. ties in need. ComThe Literature Matters festival, set for SatLiterature Matmunities that lack urday, October 1 at the Firehouse Cultural ters was founded by diverse books will be J. Desiree Rodriguez, Center in Ruskin, will highlight local and out supported through of town self-published children book authors an Afro-Latina, fourbook distributions, all of whom want to engage and support time self-published, keynote speaking children to read. award-winning engagements and author, professor, former Mrs. All-Star community events.”

Southeast 2021, wife, mother, doctoral Rodriguez added, “More often than not, scholar and community enthusiast. Rodri- Latinx, Hispanic, African American and guez has over 10 years of strategic com- Asian American literature is not incormunication and community outreach ex- porated in K-12 required literature. Let’s perience. She became a business owner at work together and change the narrative. the age of 23 with a goal to impact youth As Americans, we embody cultures from through literacy and mentorship. around the world. It is about time our chilLiterature Matters provides the commu- dren read about them.” nity with an opportunity to connect with Authors who are confirmed include Ronational authors, guest speakers, storytell- driguez, Casilya Smith, Devin Paladino, Aning and music. nette Eberhart, Leroy Toliver and Tyrone Rodriguez said, “I grew up a child of Void. The confirmed keynote speakers are Dominican and African American descent. Casilya Smith and Devin Paladino.

I did not understand my history or conLiterature Matters is an affiliate pronect to my culture. My mother cooked gram of J. Desiree LLC, which is designed sancocho, rice and beans. However, I did for literacy outreach. The Literature Matnot know why my mother spoke Spanish, ters festival is about 2 years old. and why we travelled to another country If you have questions, contact Rodrito see our family. I could not connect to guez at jdesireerllc@gmail.com.

Women in Avihosting the event ation Internato make it accestional is hosting sible to aspiring the eighth annual aviators and to Girls in Aviation give them the Day event on opportunity to Saturday, Sepbe mentored by a tember 24 at the pilot or leader in Aerospace Center their field. for Excellence in “They have The Aerospace Center for Excellence is donating Lakeland. The 10 time and resources to support the Girls in Aviation eight women who a.m.-2 p.m. free have various jobs, Day in September. event will include from air traffic STEM activities, such controller to aviation as a flight simulator maintenance techniand drone lab, and an cian [to] pilot, who aviation exhibit. The work all in the sector Aerospace Center for Exceland are there for girls to … talk lence will have a scavenger hunt to them [and] meet a friend,” during Girls in Aviation Day to said Crump. provide a fun, engaging activity Registration for the free to teach participants as well. event opened at the end of During the event, women aviAugust. Upon registering, girls ators will have the opportunity to connect ages 11-17 will be entered into a drawing with the local aviation business communi- for a free discovery flight and notified if ty to learn more about the aerospace and they won at the event. While the event is aviation industry. Generous volunteers aimed toward young girls, their families, and employees from Women in Aviation parents and siblings are invited to attend International and the Aerospace Center as well. for Excellence have donated their time to “The goal really for us as an organizaput on the free event to foster a love for tion is to make sure people realize that the industry through the partnership. aviation and aerospace is for everybody,” “The international organization of said Crump. “It’s not exclusive, it’s incluwomen who work in the aviation and sive; we want everybody.” aerospace field have this event primarily For more information about or to regto expose young girls to the aviation and ister for the event and to learn how to aerospace industry so they see that it is get involved, visit https://aceedu.org/ or accessible to them,” said executive direc- email educate@flysnf.org with questions. tor Eric Crump.

The event will be located at 4075 The Aerospace Center for Excellence is James C. Ray Dr. in Lakeland.

By Kathy L. Collins

By Lily Belcher

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

September 2022

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After a major the navigation system transformation inwith augmented realside out last year, ity to the mix and you the fifth-gen Cadillac are in business.

Escalade continues Other luxuries inmostly as is for 2022. clude tri-zone auto A 6.2-liter V8 EcoAC, flip-down 12.6tec engine blasts off inch DVD screens 420 horsepower at for rear passengers, 5,600 rpm and 460 panoramic sunroof, ESCALADE SPORT (4WD) pounds-feet of torque hands-free liftgate, Tires: P275/50R22 all season at 4,100 rpm. The heated/cooled front Wheelbase: 120.9 inches Length: 211 inches 10-speed auto gearbox seats, suede headlinWidth: 81 inches is quieter than most er and attractive dark Height: 76.6 inches that we have driven auburn with black Suspension: coil-over-shock front, recently in any luxury accent interior. The independent rear SUV. And the startstainless-steel speaker Steering: electric power rack-andpinion stop feature (automatgrilles throughout are Fuel capacity: 24 gallons ic engine stop for when eye-catching. Ingress City: 14 mpg the vehicle halts) enand egress into the Highway: 19 mpg sures substantial savhigh-sitting vehicle is Base price: $90,595 ings in fuel and weight. convenient thanks to Price as tested: $106,515 The Dynamic Fuel Manpower retractable runWebsite: www.cadillac.com agement system deacning boards (optional). tivates four of the eight cylinders for fuel The third-row seat folds via a power butsavings. And if you need to haul a sailboat ton in the cargo hold while the second-row or another car, the tow capacity is an as- seat moves fore and aft 5.5 inches. tonishing 8,000 pounds.

Standard safety features include dual You can identify an Escalade anywhere front and side airbags, side curtain airthanks to its gigantic presence up front bag for rear rows, stability, hill descent with the centered and traditional crest and traction controls, four-wheel antilock emblem in the Galvano chromed grille, brakes, rearview camera, rear-cross trafflanked by horizontal HID headlights. fic, forward-collision and side-blind zone The iconic, full-size, luxury SUV genuinely alerts, lane keep assist with departure gleams in the cabin department with OLED warning, front/rear park sensors, tire pres(organic light-emitting diode) screen tech- sure monitoring system and daytime runnology, which basically is light produced ning lights. Magnetic Ride Control adjusts in response to an electric current. Three the four-wheel independent suspension as screens: a 14.2-inch instrument display per road conditions, resulting in a smooth behind the steering wheel, a 7.2-inch touch but firm ride. It also keeps body roll to a screen for driver information center to the minimum. left and a 16.9-inch infotainment screen It may weigh almost 5,800 pounds, but in the dashboard; all use OLED and boast the Escalade has bountiful power that retwice the clarity of a 4K TV. Audiophiles sults in a graceful, smooth and easy-ridwill love the 36-speaker AKG sound mir- ing companion as your passengers ride in acle, which can be heard via the ceiling, luxury. All you need is an overblown bank headrests and even the center console. Add balance to pamper yourself and the family.

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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).

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED DURING WEATHER-RELATED DISASTERS

By StatePoint Media network traffic demands and weather impacts.

When it comes to weather-related disasters, even with all T-Mobile’s preparations and the network’s increased capacity, power outages and other service interruptions can still occur. The good news is that you can also take steps to ensure you stay connected T-Mobile on-site to help with hurricane recovery. during weather events: While the summer season often signifies • If you have a network connection, keep the start of hurricane season and wildfires, calls to a minimum and as short as possible. the rise in natural disasters has made pre• Send a text instead of making a call. Text paredness a yearlong process. The National messages get through more easily during Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration times of congestion.

(NOAA) reported 2021 was the third-most • If you have home broadband and power active hurricane season on record with 21 but no mobile service, turn on Wi-Fi calling, named storms. According to CoreLogic, which allows T-Mobile, Sprint and Metro by about one in every 10 homes in the United T-Mobile customers with capable devices to States was impacted to some degree by nattext and make and receive voice calls via any ural disasters in 2021. capable Wi-Fi connection.

If you need to call Companies like T-Mobile have emergency 911 using Wi-Fi, be sure to give your address response teams working tirelessly to ensure to the operator. they are ready to keep communities, first There are additional weather monitoring responders and customers connected when resources available to alert you of upcomthey’re needed most. ing severe weather. You can receive the latT-Mobile works with weather forecastest storm forecasts from NOAA’s National ers, including StormGeo, to accurately Weather Service and the National Hurricane track weather events and potential severCenter.

You can also download The Weathity. T-Mobile’s network switches, data cener Channel TV app on your smart TV or ters, points of presence and other critical streaming device.

To learn more about how sites are equipped with thousands of new T-Mobile prepares for and responds to dibackup generators, thanks to a multiyear saster events, visit T-Mobile’s disaster relief network hardening investment that also website at www.t-mobile.com. added advanced relief and recovery tools Taking a few minutes to brush up on best in hurricane-prone areas. And its Network practices during inclement weather will help Operations Centers provide 24/7 monitorkeep you connected, come what may. ing so technicians and engineers can watch

9/30/2022

9/30/2022

Volume 20, Issue 9

NEXT LEVEL CHURCH PARTNERS WITH GIBSONTON ELEMENTARY FOR BACKPACK DRIVE

By Kelly Wise Valdes

Every year, Next may be struggling Level Church in Rivwas a blessing to erview gives back the staff, students to local schools and and families. teachers through “We want to be various initiatives. a church that is This year, the church known in our compartnered with Gibmunity for being sonton Elementary loving, relevant and School to gather life-giving,” said much-needed school Robbins. “Meeting supplies and backlocal needs such as packs for students. high demand for Walter Robbins, school supplies is executive assistant just one way we at Next Level Church, can show the comexplained that the munity our love for church became aware them.” of this huge need in T h e the community and c h u r c h’s immediately got to Next Level Church in Riverview partnext goal work to meet those nered with Gibsonton Elementary is to raise needs. The church set School to help provide students with nonperishbackpacks and school supplies. a goal to donate 120 able food backpacks full of supitems for plies, such as binders, crayons, notebooks the ECHO organizaand more. tion at its annual Stuff-A-Truck event this “Every year, we partner with a local Thanksgiving season. ECHO was founded school to help serve them however we in 1987 and its mission is to assist the resican,” said Robbins. “This year, we came dents of Hillsborough County in crisis with across a post online from Gibsonton El- food, clothing, programs and resources. ementary School letting the community Next Level Church was founded in 2008 know of their need for school supplies. We in Dover, New Hampshire and has several quickly organized our church to do some- campuses, including the Riverview locathing about it, and backpacks with school tion, and serves the local community and supplies started coming in each week for surrounding areas of Hillsborough County. this initiative.”

It was named among the fastest-growing The church collected the supplies for churches in America by Outreach magafour weeks before delivering them at the zine. The congregation meets every Sunbeginning of the school year to Gibsonton day at 10 a.m. at 10650 County Rd. 672 Elementary. As the costs of goods contin- in Riverview. For more information, please ue to climb, the extra help for families that visit www.nextlevel.church.

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

September 2022

ADDISON DAVIS NAMED

SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR BY FACTE

Staff Report

The Florihis leadership da Association and staff to for Career and ensure new Technical Eduand innovative cation (FACTE) programs are has named Hillscreated for borough County our students Public Schools in the area of (HCPS) Superinworkforce detendent Addison velopment. Mr. Davis the CTE Davis has been Superintendent instrumental of the Year. The in creating The Florida Association for Career and Technical awards comthree new high mittee bestowed Education (FACTE) has named Hillsborough County schools with a the honor for the Public Schools (HCPS) Superintendent Addison Davis focus on medthe CTE Superintendent of the Year. superintendent’s ical, construcdedication to workforce development to tion and logistics, and it is exciting to see prepare students for high-paying careers this work honored by an esteemed orgain demand in our community. nization like FACTE,” said Scott Brooks, Superintendent Davis was presented executive director of CTE. the award at the school board meeting “I am truly honored to be the CTE Suon July 26 to honor his expansion of CTE perintendent of the Year and deeply apprograms throughout the district. One of preciate FACTE for taking notice of the the central focuses of his tenure has been important work we have just begun here to help fill critical labor gaps in our com- in Hillsborough County Public Schools. munity by preparing students for in-de- Strengthening our career and technical mand jobs upon graduation. education offerings will have impacts not “FACTE would like to recognize Su- only on our students but also on our comperintendent Davis’ positive impact on munity as we work collectively to fill a Career and Technical Education within critical labor shortage in key areas in our Hillsborough County Public Schools. The community,” said Davis. success of the Future Career Academy Davis began his tenure as superintenis one of many incredible initiatives we dent for HCPS, the nation’s seventh largbelieve makes a tremendous difference in est school system, in March 2020. student success. It is clear that SuperinHe is a member of the Children’s Board, tendent Davis recognizes the importance American Heart Association Board, Juof career pathways which allow students nior Achievement Board, Starting Right to earn multiple industry certifications Now Board, Tampa Bay Chamber Ex preparing them for career advancement,” Officio Board, Stratz Center Board, and said Marsan Carr, executive director of Trustee for Florida Palms. For more inFACTE. formation on HCPS and Davis, visit www.

“Superintendent Davis has empowered hillsboroughschools.org.

Page 7

GROWING HILLSBOROUGH READDRESSES ITS GREENWAYS VISION AND RESIDENT CONCERNS

By Linda Chion

Paved and unpaved education hub, which trails for fitness, also asked for comsports, recreation and ments from equestritransportation, and ans, mountain bikers, adding a lot more of hikers and more. them, is representative “We want residents of the work of Hillsborto tell us where they ough County officials would put their monset to update the Greey, we want them to enways Master Plan, give us input on that,” Photo by Linda Chion. which affects bikers, Patrick said. “Not surboaters, equestrians At the July 26 meeting at the Bloomingdale prising, it is Florida, Regional Public Library in Valrico (from and pedestrians alike. we heard people want That’s what brought left to right): Katie Habgood, senior planner shaded trees along with PSG consulting; John Patrick with HillJohn Patrick, the sborough County; and outreach consultant the trails. They want county’s division dishared-use pads, for Tammy Vrana of Vrana Consulting Inc. rector for strategic sharing trails with bikinfrastructure planning, to the Bloomingdale ers and pedestrians, and they want connecRegional Public Library in Valrico in July, as tivity. They want to go somewhere.” well as to the SouthShore Regional Library Indeed, at the Bloomingdale Library on in Ruskin and the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Li- July 26, posted comments included demands brary in Tampa. An August 1 virtual meeting for more mountain bike trails and dedicated was scheduled as well. bike lanes; sidewalk improvements and addiHillsborough County commissioners, at tions; wildlife corridors; destination features, their March 23 meeting, approved an update including brew pubs and live music; and conto the 1995 Hillsborough Greenways Master nectivity improvements, such as to schools, Plan. Recommendations for a variety of gre- stores and restaurants. One comment asked enways, including natural surfaces, paved for connecting the Croom Rital Road trail to trails, natural surface trails and blueways the Valrico/Lithia area. (or recreational waterways) were to be preWhile broad in many aspects, some recsented at the board’s August 15 meeting. ommendations were more particular in “The philosophy of the master plan then nature, including one for trail repaving at concerned quality of life infrastructure, pro- Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park and one viding trails as a place to bike safely and for another canoe launch on the Alafia River. take the family for a walk,” Patrick said at “It’s very important to look at more trails, the Bloomingdale Library meeting. “Now the how we can meet the needs of residents and philosophy is changing to include trails need- how many we need as well,” Patrick said. ed to go places for work as well.”

To read online comments and view the At the library meetings, attendees lis- Greenways Master Plan update overview, tened to a project overview, accessible as including maps, cost and timelines details, well on the county’s virtual engagement and visit www.publicinput.com/D2816.

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Page 8

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

K-9 BAILEY, THE USF THERAPY DOG AT YOUR DOOR WITH A CLICK OF A BUTTON

By Sydney Burken

Since December of in need. This can include 2020, students at the someone seeking K-9 University of South FloriBailey due to having high da (USF), Tampa campus, anxiety for a plethora of have had the opportunity reasons, such as a loved to visit or be visited by one having died, dealing therapy dog K-9 Bailey. with a break-up with a Her first responsibility is significant other, strugto answer calls related to gling to stay focused violent crimes. She will sit an exam and more. K-9 with the victim of the vioBailey’s job is to provide lent crime and calm them them with the comfort to the point where they they need. are comfortable enough The University of to speak further with law K-9 Bailey was stopped when walk- South Florida community ing the campus for four students is able to request K-9 Baienforcement. to get a few moments of relaxation Earlier in the year of ley by simply stopping her and to take their mind off school2020, it had been disif you see them on camwork. cussed to have a therapus, email, call or using py dog available to the USF community. the Bailey Button. The Bailey Button is When the discussion was solidified in also used for groups who want Marcheswho would be taking this responsibility ano to show up to their dorms for fun, on, officer Nicole Marchesano produced a staff meetings for distress or public/soPowerPoint presentation filled with sta- cial functions. tistics and facts on the need and justifica“K-9 Bailey can be described as my tion to have a therapy dog on campus and 3-year-old, goofy, sweet, loving mental available to all students, faculty as well health crusader. K-9 Bailey has been with as staff. By December 2020, K-9 Bailey me since I got her in December of 2020. was a part of Marchesano’s team.

K-9 Bailey and I have a multidisciplinary Marchesano created a ‘Bailey Button,’ therapy license and … an advanced AKC which can be found on the USFPD web- Canine Good Citizen certification. She is site under resources. This button allows also a graduate of Project Pup, which alUSF students easy access to requesting lows Bailey to work in hospital settings,” K-9 Bailey. K-9 Bailey and her handler, said Marchesano.

Marchesano are on campus from 8 a.m.For more information on K-9 Bailey and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. How- what services as a therapy dog she proever, they adjust their schedule when vides, please visit www.usf.edu/adminisnecessary to meet the needs of the USF trative-services/university-police/about/ community. The reasons for requests and contact-up.aspx, email usfpdpio@usf.edu the ones at the top of the list are people or call 813-974-2628.

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Volume 20, Issue 9

BRANDON ‘86 ROTARY CHARTERS INTERACT SERVICE CLUB FOR TEENS

By Christine Ans

Do you know a ty to provide student in grades students with 9-12 that may a dual-purhave an interest pose club in leadership opopportunity portunities and that serves all chance to serve the students in 2022-23? If so, of our counyou or your high ty while preschool-aged child paring them may enjoy the for life after new Interact club high school This new youth-based organization, for ages 14-18, is coming to Hills- the first community-based Interact club in District 6890 and providing borough County community and Rotary Disservice opportrict 6890 this tunities that month. teach them This new how to give youth-based orback to their ganization, for c o m m u n i t y. ” ages 14-18, is the said Chad Norfirst community-based Interact club in gard, president of Brandon ’86 Rotary District 6890. It is also one of less than Club. a handful of community-based Interact Currently, Brandon ’86 Rotary Club is clubs in the United States. planning for 20-30 students to start off The Interact Club of Tampa Bay this year.

(ICTB) is being created to serve the The ICTB leadership team has chosen youth of Hillsborough County and pro- Financial Literacy as its first-year projvide resources to the students to help ect and is currently working on the deprepare them with life and leadership tails for a fundraising project that will skills as they transition to whatever provide local elementary schools with avenue they choose to take after high books to help replenish their media censchool. The club’s intent is to prepare ters and help children that need assisthem for what comes next and educate tance with raising their reading scores. them on all options available, whether The Interact Club of Tampa Bay is bethat is college, trade school or serving in ing sponsored by Brandon ’86 Rotary the military. The club is also focused on Club. The chartering ceremony was held helping students obtain community ser- on August 8 at the Rivard-Simmons Rovice opportunities, which will help the tary Event Center in Brandon. students as they apply for scholarships For more information on joining the as well as teach them the importance of Interact club or Brandon ’86 Rotary community service.

Club, email info@brandon86rotary.com “We realized there was an opportuni- or call 813-454-5072.

September 2022

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 9

LOCAL BOY SCOUT BUILDS BENCHES AND PERGOLAS FOR EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE SPURLINO FAMILY YMCA?

Dawson James Nathaniel help with his project.

Gomez is a member of Boy Supporters such as the Scout Troop 83 in RiverRiverview VFW Post 8108 view and recently achieved helped with purchasing the the highest advancement materials for the bench, rank in Scouting — the Eaand he had a great team to gle Scout rank. help build the benches. The To earn the Eagle Scout paperwork for the comrank, a Scout must fulfill pleted project was submitrequirements in the arted one day before his 18th eas of leadership, service birthday. and outdoor skills and adGomez attended Lenvance through the ranks of Dawson James Nathaniel Gomez nard High School in the Scouting. Gomez has been with his finished bench project. collegiate program during a Scout since elementary his freshman year, but afschool and has worked ter his first year of high hard to achieve his goal. school he transferred to “Nothing quite beats EaRiverview High School and gle. It is the highest honor graduated with honors this offered in Scouting, but past May. He was accepted I do have other various into Embry-Riddle Aeroawards and merit badges nautical University, where from smaller activities,” he is attending this fall. said Gomez.

Gomez wants to major in Gomez’s Eagle Scout cybersecurity. project was installed at When asked about his the Camp Bayou Outdoor obstacles in Scouting, GoLearning Center in Ruskin. mez stated, “The biggest The installation of two one for me was leadership pergola-covered benches and the weight of responwas suggested by Hillsbor- Dawson James Nathaniel Gomez sibility. To become an Eagle with Camp Bayou board memough Co. Parks. He enjoyed Scout, you must serve acbers Donna Carty and Noelle Camp Bayou as a Cub tive leadership roles in your Licor.

Scout and wanted to make troop for many months.” it more comfortable for others, so overseeAs for advice in Scouting, he said, “My ing the completion of these benches seemed advice is to jump in. Find your local troop, like a perfect fit. One of them was put in the contact their leadership and go to a few Enchanted Forest area, a place for young meetings. You’ll get a great feeling for troop children, so parents would have a place to synergy and if it’s a place you want to be.” sit and rest. The other bench was made for To find out more about Camp Bayou or a new trail. Gomez had a lot of support and plan a visit, go to www.campbayou.org.

The Riverview and I have been and Gibsonton leading the Spurlino communities have Family YMCA since enjoyed a brandMay of 2021.” new YMCA since The Spurlino January 2019. The Family YMCA is a Spurlino Family staple in southern YMCA is the newHillsborough Counest location in the ty. “Many of the Tampa YMCA As- The Riverview and Gibsonton communities have programs we offer sociation. The build- enjoyed a brand-new YMCA since January 2019. are also offered at The Spurlino Family YMCA is the newest location ing is LEED Gold other Ys in the area, in the Tampa YMCA Association. The building is certified and won a LEED Gold certified and won a design award from but the thing that design award from the Hillsborough County Planning Commission. sets the Spurlino the Hillsborough YMCA apart is that County Planning Commission in fall 2019. it was built with efficiency and conservation Families can join a reading club for little in mind,” Williams said. “We have been recogones, youth sports and swimming lessons for nized for our outstanding building strategies all ages. Adults and kids also can enjoy the and practices. This is something we are very great outdoors on the walking trail and shad- proud of.” ed picnic areas. The Spurlino Family Y is more If you ask Williams what his favorite part than a place to work out, as it’s also a place of his job is, he will tell you it’s seeing guests for family fun. “It has since grown to be one transform. “What I like most about what I of the largest YMCAs in all of the Tampa Bay do is seeing lives positively transformed on region,” said Spurlino Family Y’s executive a daily basis,” Williams said. “Whether it is director, Jarrod Williams. “We staff approx- someone on their weight-loss journey, a child imately 120 employees.” learning how to swim or a child scoring their This past year, the Spurlino Family Y has first soccer goal, we change lives every day provided over a quarter of a million dollars and the stories that stem from these moin financial assistance to families struggling ments are powerful.” financially. “We have a board of advisors Williams and his staff are excited about comprised of 18 volunteers,” Williams said. new programming that will be offered at the “The Spurlino Family Y is the perfect place Spurlino Family Y very soon. “We are excited for health seekers and families alike to stay to be launching a pediatric cancer program engaged in a variety of classes and programs for children battling and recover from candesigned to develop health and wellness.” cer,” Williams said. “The official launch date Williams has made the YMCA his career. “I is still to be determined, but we are hoping to have been working in the YMCA movement start in late fall.” for more than 12 years,” Williams said. “I For information, visit www.tampaymca. have been working in the Tampa Association org/locations/spurlino-family-ymca-bigfor four and a half years. Three years were bend-road or call 813-228-9622 and it’s lospent at the Campo Family YMCA in Valrico, cated at 9650 Old Big Bend Rd. in Riverview.

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Page 10

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

HCC’S NEW BRANDON CAMPUS ALIGN RIGHT REALTY RIVERVIEW PRESIDENT SET FOR TODAY’S CHALLENGES CELEBRATES THREE YEARS, OVER

By Linda Chion

The road from law to acing styles,” Johansen said, as ademia has been a seamless she noted hybrid learning opone for Deborah Kish Johanportunities that involve both sen, who in January started in-class and online instrucher job as president of Hilltion. sborough Community ColIn the works is the FINlege’s (HCC) Brandon camTECH program for financial pus and is chair-elect for the technologies, which would inGreater Brandon Chamber of clude studies in cybersecurity Commerce. and apps for online banking Licensed to practice corand investment services. Unporate law, Johansen said der research is a certificate she entered the collegiate offering, followed by a twoDeborah Kish Johansen career track after learning year degree program and a of an opportunity through connection with HCC’s foura previous chamber affiliayear college partners, Johantion and then serving as an sen said. adjunct professor at Valencia College in OrNewly established is HCC’s associate delando, where she taught business law. gree program in supply chain management, “I loved being around students on the an especially relevant field today, Johansen college campus and seeing the light bulbs said. She noted as well aquaculture and go off,” said Johansen, whose subsequent biotechnology studies, which, through the rise in academia took her to Colorado, Ar- FUSE program, forges a pathway to biolizona and back again to Florida. She’s held ogy degree studies at the University of positions of chief academic officer, chief South Florida. operating officer, academic dean and gradIn keeping with its workforce readiness uate and undergraduate faculty, and before focus, HCC this fall launched the Bachelor Brandon she was vice president of academ- of Science in nursing degree for registered ic affairs at Northwest Florida State Col- nurses to continue their studies, the first lege in Niceville. four-year degree program offered in HCC’s Johansen said Brandon campus issues 54-year history. It’s aimed to address the include shifting enrollment patterns, ongo- critical shortage of nurses locally and naing attention to health and safety support, tionwide. deferred maintenance of facilities and supAlso new this fall is the Pre-Health Soport for new programs and activities. ciety, under the auspices of the American “Enrollment decline is a national issue, Medical Student Association Club. and we are no different,” Johansen said.

Johansen plugged as well the seventh “We do see some enrollment growth this annual Hawk Run, scheduled for Saturday, fall semester, and we are excited about October 22, “which last year raised enough that.” money to start an endowment for scholarTo maintain momentum, “we need to ship perpetuity,” she said. meet the modern challenges of students For more on Johansen and HCC Brandon who want different flexibilities and learn- campus offerings, visit www.hccfl.edu.

100 AGENTS AND NEW OFFICE

By Taylor Wells

The Align Right Realty Riverview team.

Lisa Tackus, owner and broker of Align Right Realty Riverview, has had a lot to celebrate recently, as not only has her real estate agency been open for three years as of August and gained over 100 licensed agents, but she also now has a new office.

Tackus has been a resident of the area for over 20 years. She opened the office for full operation in August 2019, and it is the first franchise in the company, according to Tackus. It provides full real estate services, including residential, commercial, referrals, rentals, home evaluations and first-time homebuyer seminars.

“I’ve been running businesses throughout my entire career, the last seven years focusing mostly on real estate.” Tackus said. “Being a native Floridian and understanding the market, I think I have more of a competitive advantage over most.”

Plus, she has both a real estate broker license and a mortgage loan originator license — which gives her a competitive understanding of all facets of the real estate industry — as well as master’s degrees in business and social work. All of it adds up to Align Right Realty Riverview’s

great success.

“We’re not just in it to sell or buy, we’re in it for a long-term relationship,” Tackus said.

She got her new office, Align Right Realty Suncoast, after purchasing it from Johnny Loewy, founder and CEO of the Align Right Realty company, in May; it began as the company’s first office. The Suncoast office opened in mid-August and has around 100 agents.

The two offices are seeking real estate agents, as well as talented mentors for their mentor program. With a mission to help agents reach their goals, whether new and seasoned, they’ll have access to all they need to advance their business, such as ongoing support, training, opportunities for 100 percent of their commission, their own websites and much more. There are also many events and activities, including monthly meetings and family nights out, luncheons and foam parties.

Tackus stated, “The culture is a big reason that drew me to the company.”

If you’re interested in a career at either office, call 813-563-5995 and ask for office recruiter Patrick.

For more information about the Riverview office, located at 11962 Balm Riverview Rd. in Riverview, visit https:// alignrightriverview.com/ or call 813-5635995. For the Suncoast office, located at 17427 Bridge Hill Ct. in Tampa, visit https://alignrightsuncoast.com/ or call 813-512-2100.

September 2022

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 11

KEEP TAMPA BAY BEAUTIFUL PERUVIAN ART DONATION FINDS PERMANENT HOME AT HOSTS HILLSBOROUGH RIVER & CENTER PLACE COASTAL CLEANUP

By Libby Hopkins

By Taylor Wells

For anyone environmental wanting to help project coordiout the local ennator at KTBB. vironment and “Without them, make it nicer to we wouldn’t see look at and spend this difference, time in, Keep Tamand they really pa Bay Beautiful are making a dif(KTBB) is holding ference.” its Hillsborough Baker added River & Coastal that she could Cleanup (HRCC) only imagine this month as part A volunteer group helping with Keep Tampa Bay how bad things Beautiful’s Hillsborough River & Coastal Cleanup. of the Ocean Conwould be without servancy’s International Coastal Clean- KTBB’s frequent volunteers. up.

This HRCC will be different from The HRCC will be held at various loca- KTBB’s other cleanups, as it’s giving tions along the Hillsborough River, Alafia volunteers the opportunity to help the River, Little Manatee River, Lake Thono- Ocean Conservancy gather informatosassa and other waterways throughout tion — by collecting items and recordHillsborough County. Some landlocked ing data, like what items they find, the areas will also have sites, as an estimat- amount of each kind and the strangest ed 80 percent of land trash ends up in finds — needed for future efforts as well waterways. So far, around 20 sites have as spread awareness of these needs. The been established, but more are planned. most common litter found in waterways KTBB works entirely with volunteers, are plastic pieces, along with cigarette and it’s always in need of more, including butts, plastic bottles and foam pieces. ones to be site captains, who are respon- The strangest include e-scooters, a bike sible for signage, supplies and managing rack and a piano, among many others. a site’s operation. Site captains are givThe cleanup will be held on Saturday, en safety training, and they’ll give safety September 17. Check-in is at 8 a.m., and information to volunteers. In the 2018 the cleanup is from 8 a.m.-11 a.m., or until event alone, 3,084 volunteers collected completion. Times may vary by site. For 67,195 lbs. of litter and debris from local more information or to become a volunroads and waterways. teer or site captain, visit www.eventbrite.

“I personally have just found it real- com/e/hillsborough-river-coastal-cleanly rewarding getting to go out and see up-2022-tickets-392525423107 or how enthusiastic all our volunteers are email Baker at projects@keeptbb.org. … and it really helps seeing everybody so To learn more about KTBB, visit www. happy to be out there,” said Kira Baker, keeptampabaybeautiful.org.

Local, retired pediwill benefit a specific cause, atrician and Valrico mainly children or any other resident Dr. Fernando nonprofit organization,” CasVelasquez has had an tellanos said. amazing medical caThe Osprey Observer reer. He is originally reached out to Center Place from Peru but moved Fine Arts & Civic Associato the states to praction. “I was very interested tice medicine, and he in meeting with Dr. Velazquez had a thriving pracand seeing his art,” said Centice in West Tampa ter Place’s executive director, for many years. “I love Libby Hopkins. “Once I saw being a pediatrician,” how beautiful Dr. Velazquez’s Dr. Velasquez said. “I painting were and the amazliked working closely ing wooden artwork he had, I with my patients and wanted it to be a permanent Local, retired pediatrician and their families to ensure exhibit at Center Place.”

Valrico resident Dr. Fernando healthy development None of Dr. Velazquez’s Velasquez has had an amazing and growth.” paintings are framed, and for medical career. He is also an avid Dr. Velasquez took painter, and his artwork has found them to be hung at Center up painting in the ’90s a permanent home at Center Place Place, they will need to be as way of relaxing. “I framed. “Dr. Velazquez has Fine Arts & Civic Association. am a self-taught paintover 60 unframed paintings, er,” he said. “I never took a painting class; I and since he is a resident of Valrico, I would was just inspired by my life in Peru, so that’s love for our community to come togethwhat I painted, images of my life and the er and help Center Place get his artwork people I knew in Peru.” framed so it will be a permanent exhibit that Over the years and many trips to Peru, Dr. will be hung in Center Place every July and Velasquez’s office became full his paintings be Dr. Velasquez’s legacy,” Hopkins said. “Dr. and artwork he brought back from his coun- Velasquez and his family asked if his works try. When he retired, Dr. Velasquez and his could be shown every July because July is wife, Lourdes, realized they didn’t have room when Peru gained its independence.” for all the paintings and artwork.

If you would like to help Center Place get A close friend of theirs, Luis Castellanos of Dr. Velasquez’s art work framed, so it can be Brandon, reached out to the Osprey Observ- a permanent exhibit at Center Place, please er to see if the paper knew of any art centers contact Libby Hopkins via email at libby.hopthat would be willing to take Dr. Velasquez’s kins@centerplacebrandon.com or call her art and use it to help raise money for chil- at Center Place at 813-685-8888. Center dren’s charities or programs. “The idea was Place Fine Arts & Civic Association is locatto donate them to some charity organiza- ed at 619 Vonderburg Dr., Ste. B inside the tion for selling or auction, so the proceeds Brandon Regional Library.

Page 12

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

VISIT TAMPA BAY OFFERS CRAFT

ENTERTAINMENT IS BETTER THAN EVER BEER PASSES TO LOCAL BREWERIES AT THE 2022 HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIR Staff Report

By Libby Hopkins

Tampa Bay eries.

“While is known for there is no many things, ‘brewery tour’ but its numerincluded with ous craft beer the Bay Craftbreweries are ed Pass, guests what make our will be able to isit Tampa Bay has created a Bay Crafted Brewery Pass. fair city the virtually check This pass is free and can be downloaded onto your phone. most popular. in and log visits It’s so popular that Visit Tampa Bay has to different locations,” Evens said. “Guests created a Bay Crafted Brewery Pass. “With would essentially visit each brewery as they the Tampa Bay region being home to the would any other establishment; however, by greatest concentration of craft breweries visiting enough locations, guests can redeem in the state of Florida, it’s impossible to tell prizes from the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors the destination’s story without including Center in downtown Tampa. Prizes include a craft beer,” said Visit Tampa Bay’s director Bay Crafted pint glass, a Bay Crafted T-shirt of public relations, Vanessa Evans. “As a des- and a Tampa Bay cocktail guide.” tination that works closely with our partCraft beer is woven into the fabric of all ners and one that is always looking for the Visit Tampa Bay’s marketing to food and next differentiator, Visit Tampa Bay started drink enthusiasts, but people don’t travel working with its craft brewery partners specifically for craft beer anymore. “It’s several years ago, and the success since that everywhere,” Evans said. “Visitors expect time has been tremendous.” something local on tap wherever they visit.

The Bay Crafted Pass was designed to But while many cities claim to be craft beer drive economic impact to partner brew- destinations, Tampa Bay is one of the origieries in Hillsborough County by marketing nal and best, especially in Florida.” to beer and cocktail enthusiasts in Florida Visit Tampa Bay incorporates the destinaand drive markets. “Visitors would down- tion’s local craft beer scene into its diverse load the electronic passport, check in at array of available options for visitors who different breweries via geo targeting and be like nightlife, elevated dining and worldable to claim prizes from Visit Tampa Bay if class attractions. “The organization recentenough locations were visited,” Evans said. ly hit the road this summer, visiting target “As a partnership-based organization, Visit markets across the northeast to participate Tampa Bay presented the opportunity to be in ‘tap takeovers’ with bars offering iconic included in the Bay Crafted campaign to all Tampa Bay brew on special,” Evans said. its craft brewery partners located within “Coming up, Visit Tampa Bay will continHillsborough County. New breweries can be ue to include the local craft beer scene as added at any time, so long as they are locat- part of its focus on foodies to support the ed within the destination.” destination being included in the first-ever The Bay Crafted Pass is 100 percent free. MICHELIN Guide to Florida.”

Guests can access the electronic passport For more information on the Bay Crafton their mobile device and will receive more ed Brewery Pass, visit www.visittampabay. information on over 20 participating brew- com/baycrafted/pass.

Fall is the perfect time in Florida to enjoy the outdoors, and what better way than to visit the 2022 Hillsborough County Fair? The theme of this year’s fair, ‘Homegrown Fun,’ is just a glimmer of all the fair has to offer, which includes an expanded carnival with spectacular midway rides and new kiddie rides, free entertainment for high-speed thrill seekers and motor enthusiasts, a cattlewomen’s beef cook-off, beauty pageants for all ages and lots of discounts for the entire family.

The fair will run for 11 full days, offering more time to enjoy the rides, food and exhibits at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover, just east of Brandon, from Thursday, November 3 to Sunday, November 13.

Prior to the fair, the Harvest Queen Scholarship Pageant will take place on Saturday, October 1. Youth contestants from Hillsborough County will grace the stage to compete in the annual scholarship pageant for the title of Hillsborough County Fair Harvest Queen and Junior Harvest Queen, which serve as the fair ambassadors for the 2022 fair.

This year, free daily entertainment will include the Camel Kingdom Show, Disc-Connected K9s and the educational Firefighter Show.

Take a stroll through the historical Hometown Hillsborough area and the fair invites children of all ages to participate in Cow-

boy Camp by Les McDowell to enjoy some fun of yesteryears!

Hillsborough County School District offers school exhibit displays in the “Little Red Schoolhouse”.

Sit down and relax in our Entertainment Pavilion and enjoy the sounds and entertainment from the community stages!

One of the highlights of each year’s fair are the Youth Livestock Shows and Sales, which will be held from November 3-13 in the new 18,000-square-foot Livestock Exhibition Building.

Additionally, special arena events for pet and motorsport enthusiasts are back. The Bulls, Broncos and Barrel Racing Rodeo for budding cowboys will be held on Friday and Saturday, November 4 and 5.

The ever-exciting Demolition Derby for motor enthusiasts who enjoy watching drivers of cars, mini-vans and station wagons deliberately ram into each other will make its return to the fair on November 13.

The fair wouldn’t be complete without the Truck and Tractor Pull on Friday and Saturday, November 11 and 12, where you can watch antique tractors, hotrods and the BIG BOY trucks and tractors come out to compete in our dirt arena.

For ticket purchasing information and promos, including a special online-only Advanced Purchase Family Package, as well as fair hours and event schedules, visit https:// hillsboroughcountyfair.com/2022-fair/.

September 2022

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 13

Page 14

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

JACK OWENS AWARDED 51ST ANNUAL TONY SALADINO MEMORIAL BASEBALL AWARD

By Lily Belcher Bloomingdale among those he’s High School gradleading,” said Wilkuate Jack Owens en in his nomination was awarded the of Owens. “… Jack is 2022 Tony Saladino tough, accountable, Memorial Baseball respectful and carAward on August 7 ing.” and became coach Owens said teamKris Wilken’s first mate Makye Hayes athlete to win the expressed that the award. team played dif“[Coach Wilken] Mother Angela Owens, son Jack Owens, Tony Sal- ferently when Owhas had some great adino, and father Jack Owens as the Bloomingda- ens is on the field. le graduate receives the Saladino Award. players on his past Owens took this to teams and to be heart and reflected even a thought of being a on how his performance part of those great playcould impact the team. ers is insane to me,” said He narrowed it down to Owens. “I was always the one quote he tries to live smallest kid, and even toby: “Treat others how you day I still am, but Kris has would want to be treated.” trained me to the max to “Just by that quote I become the best player I ended up pitching the best can possibly be.” game,” said the Saladino The Stetson University Award recipient. “We endcommit was recognized ed up winning, and, most for his exceptional talent importantly, we all had fun on the field, boasting a because it doesn’t matter 1.80 ERA and 53 strikethe talent level — if the outs over 35 innings pitched. He batted .460 chemistry level on a team is high, you will with 17 RBIs and five homeruns, showcas- win.” ing impressive talent both on the mound and The 5’11” Valrico native is the third award at the plate. recipient from Bloomingdale High School, While the Saladino Award is given to an following Mike Valdes in 1995 and Ryan outstanding athlete, the character, leader- Strauss in 2004. ship and scholarship of the recipient is taken “The Tony Saladino Memorial Baseball into consideration. Owens, in addition to be- Award was established in 1971 and is preing team captain, was on principal’s honor sented annually to the outstanding high roll and led the team to the state title as a school senior baseball player in Hillsborough junior last year.

County as a memorial for my late father and “Jack understands that without account- my late wife, Bertha, to promote high school able actions for himself, he can’t create trust baseball,” said Tony Saladino.

Volume 20, Issue 9

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BUCS HOSTS USA WHEELCHAIR FOOTBALL LEAGUE TOURNAMENT

By Lily Belcher

The Hillsborough other better.

County BuccaFootball is neers Wheelchair not the first Football Team sport made hosted the second accessible of three meets in to those the USA Wheelwith disabilchair Football ities in the League (USAWFL) area, but tournament at the USAWFL is Tampa Convention the first of Center from Auits kind for gust 24 through those with August 28. Eight The Hillsborough County Buccaneers huddle midgame in p h y s i c a l teams competed the annual USA Wheelchair Football League tournament. disabilities for the title, with the Kansas City Chiefs looking to play football, according to its emerging victorious at the end of the website. The league was made possible by tournament. the NFL Salute to Service Award and the “Everybody can play football. Just be- Bob Woodruff Foundation. cause you are in a wheelchair doesn’t “The wheelchairs run from $4000 to mean you can’t play football,” encouraged $7000, just for a sports chair to play in,” Hillsborough County Buccaneers Wheel- said Bozeman. “With the support of the chair Football Team coach Wayne Boze- community, they can get these for the man. kids [and] put it in the program. [Then,] This is the first time Hillsborough Coun- the program has a chair they can use for ty has hosted the tournament and only everybody, not just one person.” the second time the Hillsborough CounHillsborough County Parks and Recty Buccaneers have participated. The reation hosts year-round sports, from team of 20 athletes, from 20-50 years of archery to basketball to track and field, age, have been practicing since May and through its Adaptive Sports program, placed fourth at the end of August, losing which now includes football. The availabilto the Arizona Cardinals. ity of these sports to those in wheelchairs The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for their support through the partnership all participants while encouraging a fun and provided helmet decals, shirts and a and supportive community. pep talk by former Buccaneers safety and For more information on the HillsborSuperbowl MVP Dexter Jackson. Jackson ough County Buccaneers Wheelchair spoke to the team during the Friday night Football Team, visit its website at www. banquet that served dinner and drinks to hillsboroughcounty.org or contact Mary the athletes as they got to know one an- Cales at 813-416-0467.

September 2022

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 15

LOCAL MILITARY BRAT AND COLLEGE STUDENT WRITES BOOK FOR MILITARY TEENS

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA’S NEW ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR DEBUTS AT FREE POPS IN THE PARK IN SEPTEMBER

A local college friends there the student and military first time his fambrat’s desire to help ily was stationed other children of there. “I incorrectactive-duty military ly assumed that personnel cope with my old friends constant change aswould want to sociated with milibe friends with tary life inspired him me again, so that to write a book. turned out to be Valrico resident my most difficult Shanon Hyde, a jumove,” he said. nior at Penn State Before writing University majoring the book, Hyde in aerospace engicreated a podcast neering, drew from titled The Shanon his own experiences Show: The Best to write Dear MiliMilitary Kids Podtary Teen: Moving, cast, where he inDeployments, and Valrico resident and college student Shanon terviewed military Winning the Game Hyde wrote a book for military kids that can kids and teens and be purchased on Amazon. of High School, pubnoticed many overlished on July 28. arching issues. The podcast inspired him “This book is dedicated to other mil- to write the book, which took almost itary teens and brats like myself and two years to complete. helps provide advice and solutions for “So many military kids limit themproblems unique to us,” said Hyde, selves because they just want to fit in whose father retired from the Marine and survive, but that can limit their poCorps two years ago. tential,” he said.

One topic he writes about is how to He encourages military kids to be outapproach the challenges of moving to going after each move. different cities every few years. During The book also offers tips for transhis childhood, he lived in California, ferring credits from school to school.

Virginia, North Carolina, back to the “Schools on military bases are more same base in Virginia, Japan and back lenient when it comes to transferring to North Carolina. The family moved to credits than other schools,” he said.

Valrico after his father retired.

For more information about Hyde, visWhen his family moved to Virginia it his Apple podcast, The Shanon Show: the summer before he started seventh The Best Military Kids Podcast. To purgrade, he thought the transition would chase his book, which costs $13.99, visit be easy because he had already met www.amazon.com.

New assistant director Michael conductor Chelsea Francis and other Gallo will make conductors. her debut at The The nonprofit Florida OrchesFlorida Orchestra tra’s (TFO) free exists to inspire, Pops in the Park unite and educoncert at Vinoy cate as it builds Park. This year, community. TFO’s TFO’s largest confree and low-cost Chelsea Gallo, new assistant conductor, will cert of the year community conmake her debut at The Florida Orchestra’s Pops will bring famicerts break down ly-friendly music in the Park concert at Vinoy Park, located at 701 barriers to ensure Bayshore Dr. NE in St. Petersburg. to St. Petersburg’s everyone has acwaterfront in September to celebrate the cess to the power of live music. opening of the 55th season with the comThe orchestra announced more commumunity. nity concerts, including the return of Sing The concert will be on Saturday, Sep- Out Tampa Bay. Maestro Francis’ signatember 24 at 7:30 p.m. and feature film ture Inside the Music series helps unlock scores, Broadway hits and light classical the secrets to composers and their masfavorites, conducted by Gallo. The nearly terpieces so audiences can form a deeper 30-year tradition annually packs the park connection with the music. Admission to with about 15,000 patrons, who spread all is pay what you can. out elaborate picnics with candelabras TFO will perform over 100 concerts for free music under the stars. this season in venues throughout Tampa TFO will give an encore performance on Bay. Francis launches the season with Sunday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m. at River TFO’s 55th Celebration benefit concert Tower Park in Tampa. The spring Pops in featuring Itzhak Perlman on Saturday, the Park concert will be on Mother’s Day, October 1 at the Mahaffey Theater. From May 14, at 7:45 p.m. at Julian B. Lane Riv- Friday to Sunday, October 7-9, the Hough erfront Park in Tampa. All park concerts Family Foundation Masterworks series will have food trucks from Gulf to Bay debuts with Carl Orff’s epic Carmina BuFood Truck Association. In a long-stand- rana, kicking off the classical series that ing tradition, TFO will collect nonperish- includes Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, able goods for Tampa Bay Harvest’s annu- Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and al food drive at all park concerts. much more. The Raymond James Pops seThis fall is Gallo’s first season with ries has blockbusters such as Harry Potthe orchestra. She will lead TFO’s youth ter vs Star Wars, Holiday Pops and the and community concerts, conduct select Beatles’ iconic Abbey Road album.

Raymond James Pops and Morning CofFor more information and tickets, visit fee concerts and regularly assist music https://floridaorchestra.org/.

Staff Report

By Michelle Caceres

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

September 2022

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 17

CHERYL HOWELL NAMED FIRST-EVER ASSISTANT COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR EQUITY AND COMMUNITY IMPACT Staff Report Continuing a focus of county commison providing equal opsioners commissioned portunity for all resa community equity idents, Hillsborough profile (https://www.

County has named hillsboroughcounty.org/ Cheryl Howell the library/hillsborough/ first-ever assistant media-center/docucounty administrator ments/bocc/communifor equity and commuty-equity-profile.pdf) nity impact. that identified current Howell, who has inequities and recombeen the county’s Afmended solutions, infordable Housing dicluding the creation rector since 2017, will of a centralized office help guide county focusing on equity and Cheryl Howell, Hillsborough County’s policy to make sure first-ever assistant county administrator diversity. Among the for equity and community impact. all residents, including goals for the Office of historically marginalized groups, have equal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is to estabaccess to resources and opportunities to lish regular dialogue with the community succeed and thrive. focused on gaining input on initiatives and In her new position, Howell will oversee projects as well as continuing to assess and the soon-to-be-created Office of Diversity, address community barriers towards equity.

Equity and Inclusion, which will center on Throughout her three-decade career, jobs and economic development, affordable Howell has been deeply involved in affordhousing, health and human services, chil- able housing, community development, ecodren’s services and transportation, as well as nomic inclusion and social services issues. In criminal justice, the digital divide and other addition to her role as the county’s Affordissues. able Housing director, she serves as a board “The county has taken a huge step that member of the Florida Housing Coalition will help lead us to address our most painful and Tampa Family Health Center and as exand challenging problems in a measurable ecutive director of the Florida Community way. The Office of Diversity, Equity and In- Development Association. With this proclusion will provide a pathway for citizens to motion, she becomes the highest-ranking engage and work toward meaningful solu- African American female in Hillsborough tions to uplift and further the common good County government. Howell is a graduate for residents that have been marginalized of the University of Central Florida with a and unheard,” said Howell. bachelor’s in public administration/urban Hillsborough County has been striving to planning. She received her master’s in public address the causes and impacts of historic administration and management from Webinequities on residents. In 2021, the board ster University.

The Sunshine State is home to about 13 transient species of hummingbirds thanks to our year-round tropical climate. Also known as ‘flying jewels,’ these rainbow-colored birds are a delight to observe. Blink and you may miss them; these tiny birds are as fascinating as they are exotic and beautiful.

With wings that can beat 50 times per second and thousands of times a minute, hummingbirds are incredibly tiny, fast-moving birds who get their name from the humming noises made by their fast-flapping wings. Their wings move so quickly that they are almost invisible to the naked eye. These fast movements also allow the birds to easily move forward, backward and upside down in an instant while hovering mid-flight.

Most hummingbirds are under 3.5 inches long and weigh less than a penny. While most species are temporarily visiting as they migrate further south, hummingbirds can be found all over the state. Their average lifespan is three to five years.

The most common species of hummingbirds found here is the ruby-throated hummingbird. The ruby-throated hummingbird is a native and year-round resident due to our warm weather. They are highly adapted to living almost anywhere and can be seen in urban and suburban areas. Their habitat mainly includes meadows, woodlands, grasslands and gardens.

Hummingbirds are important pollinators with a diet consisting mostly of nectar and

insects. They love sugar! Nectar is found in particular tubular plants and flowers, such as firebush, cross vine, coral honeysuckle, butterfly milkweed and Florida flame azalea.

Their uniquely adapted long beak and tongue allow them access to the sweet nectar in targeted plants. It is a myth that their beak acts as a straw; rather, their tongue is forked for lapping up nectar and consuming up to half of their body weight every day. Hummingbirds are most attracted to brightly colored, native plants that are red, orange and pink.

Because of their fast and active lifestyle, hummingbirds usually eat continuously throughout the day. In fact, they are so busy eating that they can visit over 100 flowering plants a day.

An easy way to attract hummingbirds to your yard and garden is to hang a specialized hummingbird feeder, which will hold a simple sugar-water mixture. Feeders will need to be safely cleaned very frequently.

Be sure to research how to keep the feeder clean and to never use any coloring dyes, honey or brown sugar, which can be toxic to the birds.

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

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

Jewish High Holy Days Holiday Services

live in Apollo Beach. New members are welcome. To learn more about the ABWC, visit its website at www. apollobeachwomansclub.com or contact Liz Pedersen at kenlizpedersen@msn.com.

A Kitten Place, Garage Sale, 5K & More...

Billy ‘Elvis’ Lindsey Performing An Alzheimer’s Benefit Concert

Compiled by Jenny Bennett jbennett@ospreyobserver.com

Summerfield Women’s Golf Association League Starts In October

The Summerfield Women’s Golf Association (SWGA) will begin its annual league play on Tuesday, October 4, and new players are invited to join.

Membership is open to all women 18 years or older of amateur standing. The league consists of players at all levels, and a variety of games that are fun and challenging for everyone are played. A Summerfield Crossings Golf Club membership is not required; however, if you are not a member, then a league card is required. Tee times are at 8 a.m. on Tuesday mornings at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club, located at 13050 Summerfield Blvd. in Riverview. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, contact Margaret at 517-410-3115.

The Apollo Beach Women’s Club Monthly Luncheons Have Resumed

On September 14, the Apollo Beach Women’s Club (ABWC) will welcome new and returning members to its luncheon at Ruskin Moose Lodge #183, located at 1212 E. Shell Point Rd. in Ruskin. The guest speaker will be Craig Latimer, Hillsborough County’s supervisor of elections. Luncheons are held on the second Wednesday of every month at the Moose Lodge, except for December. The ABWC has been serving the community since 1959. Its primary objectives are to promote sociability among its members, work toward the advancement of womankind and provide scholarships for the education and training of students who

The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center (SCCUMC) welcomes Billy Phil Waldren presents a check for $50,000 to United Food ‘Elvis’ Lindsey to its campus Bank of Plant City. at 1971 Haverford Ave. in and friends who do not live locally to Sun City Center, sign up. All monies raised goes directly for a concert on to the Melanoma Research Foundation. https://runsignup.com/race/fl/ Sunday, Septem- Visit lithia/yournextstepisthecure for addiber 16 at 7 p.m. to tional information and to register for benefit the fight the event.

If you are interested in sponagainst Alzheimer’s disease.

Lindsey soring or donating to the event, please has been giving El- email yournextstepisthecure@aol.com. vis tribute concerts for years and is the Bloomingdale winner of numerous Neighborhood awards for his Elvis Garage Sale act. If you love great music from the The Bloomingpast or have ever been a fan of Elvis and dale Neighborhood his music, you won’t want to miss this Community Garage great concert for a wonderful cause. Sale is on Saturday, Tickets are available up to the day of September 12 startthe concert for $10 at the SCCUMC ing at 8 a.m. This Christian Gift Shop at the church or annual sale features homes throughonline at www.sccumc.com via clicking out the Bloomingdale East and West the events tab. neighborhoods. A wide variety of items

Pelican Players Complimentary Shows

Pelican Players Community Theater is proud to present two complimentary shows on September 15. Join them to see The Twilight Zone - To Serve Man, directed by Ron Deitsch, and Father Knows Best - The Housekeeper, directed by Leslie Stull. Doors open at 6 p.m., and curtain time 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend. The Kings Point Veterans Theater North is located at 1900 Clubhouse Dr., in Sun City Center, please feel free to bring your own drinks, snacks and cups. Visit www. pelicanplayersscc.org for more information.

Your Next Step Is The Cure 5K Run

Your Next Step is the Cure 5K run in Lithia will be taking place on Saturday, October 1. You can either run the easy 5K route from Park Square in Lithia or sign up for the new virtual option, which is especially helpful to encourage family

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A Kitten Place Rescue Looking For Vendors And Sponsors For 5K Run

Local cat and kitten rescue A Kitten Place is holding its annual Black Cat Halloween Run on Sunday, October 30 at Twin Lakes and is looking for vendors and corporate sponsors for the event. Last year, the 5K run had over 175 participants. If you are interested and would like more information or register for the event, please email akittenplace@gmail.com.

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During September into October, there are a number of Jewish holidays. This is a time when most Jewish people want to attend the holiday services. High Holy Day services at Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon are open to the community and are free, though donations are gladly accepted. Rabbi Lefkowitz and Sandy Santucci (cantorial soloist) will be leading the Selichot and High Holy services. Contact the temple office on 813-681-6547 or email cbs-brandon@ outlook.com if you have any questions and for the schedule of services.

East Hillsborough Democratic Club Meeting

The East Hillsborough Democratic Club will hold its monthly meeting at the Brandon Crossroads Bowl, located at 609 Crater Ln. in Tampa, on Tuesday, September 13 at 6:30 p.m. You may join in person or via Zoom by going to the monthly club calendar to register an hour before meetings.

All like-minded individuals are welcome.

For more information, go to www.easthillsboroughdems.org or call 813-677-8300.

Strawberry Ball Donates $50,000 To Food Bank

The Florida Strawberry Festival presented the proceeds from its annual Strawberry Ball to the United Food Bank of Plant City. “This year’s Strawberry Ball was a huge success,” said Phil Waldron, Florida Strawberry Festival chairman of the board. “Everyone enjoyed the food, the dancing, the theme, the entertainment and of course the fellowship.” The event raised a total of $50,000 for the nearby food bank.

Market Day Returning To FishHawk Ranch

The very popular FishHawk Ranch Market will be returning to Cross Park at 16144 Churchside Dr. in Lithia on Sunday, October 2 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. It will continue to take place on the first Sunday of each month until May 2023. There are always lots of unique vendors selling handcrafted and homemade items. For information on becoming a vendor, email sparvin@fishhawkranchcdd.org or call 813-957-1841.

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September 2022

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

PASS-A-BOOK PROGRAM NEEDS BOOK DONATIONS TO KEEP STUDENTS READING

LOCAL RESPIRATORY THERAPIST GOES ON MISSION TRIP TO PERU

Staff Report

By Lily Belcher The Pass-A-Book Many of their elecProgram has been tricians have helped serving the commucarry and load heavy nity of young readers donation boxes, and her since Ruskin’s Heather children help transport Hindman launched the books to the donation initiative to collect and sites as well. donate books in 2016.

“One amazing comThrough community munity member deciddonations of children’s ed to set up a makeshift books, Hindman has library for the children been able to distribute living in her apartment over 4,500 books to building and we were schools, teachers and proud to be a part of students in just eight that,” explained Hindyears. man. “Our biggest event The Pass-A-Book Program collects and “As a former teachis the [Parents and Childonates books for grades K-5. er, I had bins and bins dren Advance Togethof books in my garage. er] yearly graduation, I loved them so much where the children and that I hated to part with their siblings choose them but finally decided books to take home to they would be put to read over the summer.” better use in the hands The Pass-A-Book Proof children to love them,” gram mostly donates said Hindman, who also K-2 picture books and attributes the program chapter books for third to her husband, who through fifth graders, wanted the extra space Donated books go to students and teach- but it accepts all books ers to promote reading. in the garage. for students. This year, After seeing the amount of community it is specifically looking for more board interest, Hindman turned the donation into books to give away. a program that became an ongoing Bryan While many of the donations come from Hindman Electric Company service project. families and thrift stores, the Pass-A-Book Since its inception, the Pass-A-Book Pro- Program just received a huge donation of gram has become a family, business and around 250 books from Collins Elementacommunity effort as Hindman has watched ry School. These books were given to new her whole company get involved. teachers in Hillsborough County.

She works with her immediate family to To donate books to the Pass-A-Book Prodistribute books but received help from her gram now, bring the picture/chapter books co-workers, Brandy Nelson, Christine Han- to 1517 U.S. Hwy. 41 S. in Ruskin. Later this non, and community project coordinator year, the drop-off site will change to 10021 Virginia Trotta.

Carr Rd. in Riverview.

Page 21

Naomie Bellows, an Ellenton resident and respiratory therapist at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South in Riverview, went on a two-week mission trip in June to provide health care services to an underserved community in the Peruvian city of Chulucanas.

Bellows went on her own time and expense as part of Global Health Volunteers, a program BayCare participates in that is organized by Trinity Health, a not-forprofit Catholic health system.

Bellows was among 30 volunteers from across the country, including doctors, who provided services such as wound care, well-care visits, medication dispensing and assessments for surgery.

She and a nurse from St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa were the BayCare contingent on the trip. The volunteers saw about 150 patients daily, ages ranging from infants to 100 years old. Bellows did some breathing treatments, but she was mostly involved with administering laboratory tests. Bellows, who speaks some Spanish, was assisted by interpreters in her work.

“All the patients lived in different levels of poverty, but none of them had easy access to doctors,” she said. “Some had never seen a doctor before, and others had seen doctors but not in years.

Some knew they had blood pressure or diabetes and knew they needed medication. They were very grateful for us be-

ing there.”

This was her second mission trip through BayCare with Global Health Volunteers, the first being a mission to Haiti in 2018. She’s also done a Habitat for Humanity mission trip to Botswana.

Bellows summarized her 2022 Peru trip: “Our goal was to provide basic medical care to the poor and underserved people of that region of Peru. Because of the pandemic, many mission teams had not reached patients in years and many were in desperate need of care or of simple reassurance that everything was OK with them and their loved ones.”

“Even though the care we provided was so essential to our patients, I feel that what I received from them was even greater. The people of this area have so little. Many have ailments that cannot be treated by a simple visit, yet they came to us every day with huge smiles on their faces and remained grateful for everything we did. Their resourcefulness and resilience is astounding. I am beyond grateful to our patients that have shared their culture with me and showed me how rich a life can be even with so little.”

And how did Bellows’ family, her husband and four kids, feel about her leaving them for two weeks in the summer?

“It wasn’t easy for them, but they were very supportive,” Bellows said.

Page 22

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

CREATIVE COLORS INTERNATIONAL OF TAMPA–THEY CAN FIX THAT

By Libby Hopkins There isn’t man said. “It much that Crealso needed to ative Colors Inbe something ternational of my son-in-law, Tampa can’t fix. who started the It is a local exbusiness with pert in leather me, was interestrepair. ed in. The plan is Creative Colto build it into a ors Internabusiness he can tional Inc. was take over and refounded in July Creative Colors International Inc. was founded in July tire from himself 1991 through its affiliate J&J’s Creative Colors Inc., a 1991 through its one day. Which company that had been in business since 1980. Much affiliate J&J’s like J&J’s Creative Colors, it provides the services of restor- means it needed Creative Colors to be something ing, dyeing and repairing many types of material.

Inc., a company that can’t be that had been in busiAmazoned, outsourced or ness since 1980. Much done remotely.” like J&J’s Creative Colors, Since Creative Colors it provides the services International has been in of restoring, dyeing and existence for more than repairing many types of 40 years, German felt this material. “I’ve owned a company was the best fit Creative Colors franchise for him to invest. “As a since August 2016,” said owner Patrick national franchise, we have the support German. “My territory then was Pinellas of a large organization that continually County. Two years later, the owner in Hill- researches and updates products,” Gersborough sold to me. I have lived in Bran- man said. “It also sets a level of standards don for 16 years, but when I started my through that franchise system.” franchise, that other owner was in this Another reason German decided to area, so I had to buy into Pinellas.” invest in Creative Colors International Before becoming the owner of Creative is because there is no brick and mortar Colors International, German had a career building he had to purchase. “We don’t in financial business. “I took an early re- have a shop, the business is 100 pertirement from JPM Chase after 18 years cent mobile,” German said. This gives there,” German said. “My career there, him the opportunity to connect and get along with five years prior, was all in in- to know his customers on a personal formation technology, mostly software level. development.”

If you would like to learn more about When German decided to leave Chase, Creative Colors International and the he wanted to do something completely various services it offers, you can visdifferent. “Something with a lot of time it their website at www.wecanfixthat. outdoors working with your hands,” Ger- com or call German at 813-343-4151.

Volume 20, Issue 9

REALTORS HOST SUMMERFIELD POKER NIGHT FOR CHARITY

By Libby Hopkins

Playing poker is fun, but when you’re playing poker for a cause, it’s even better. Susan Cioffi, a realtor with RE/MAX Realty Unlimited, has been in the realty business for 19 years while also supporting numerous activities and charities in the area, such as Trick or Treat Street and with every closing she has a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network is made.

About nine years ago, one of Cioffi’s coworkers, Michael Markus, asked for help with getting Christmas gifts for families of local veterans that were transitioning to new housing.

“It was through St. Vincent de Paul CARES,” Cioffi said. “So, that year, we had a few families with children that our brokerage and fellow realtors helped during the holidays. Well, the next year, we did it again, but this time we had all the families that St. Vincent had, and it was a little more challenging, but we always got the majority of what they wanted.”

Cioffi felt it was hard to ask a fellow realtor to sponsor a whole family when there were a lot of big-ticket items.

“Many of them ask for TVs, computers, freezers and other items we take for granted,” Cioffi said. “So, I told Michael we should have a fundraiser so we can pay for the big tickets out of what we raised. The poker night fundraiser to help St. Vincent de Paul CARES was born.”

St. Vincent de Paul CARES is a nonprofit organization committed to ending homelessness by making it rare, brief and onetime. All of its programs are built on the belief that everyone has the right to live in

dignified and affordable housing. With ‘Housing First’ principles at the core, it has a healthy disregard for all community-perceived barriers to housing, including employment history, criminal/credit background, mental health, addiction and religious practices.

The organization works to rapidly house those experiencing homelessness within 30 days and concurrently connect them to stabilization support services to assist their needs. The organization believes stable housing is the only solution to ending homelessness.

This year, the realtors’ poker night will be held on Friday, September 23 at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes the Texas Hold ’Em Tournament, food and desserts.

“We [are] still looking for more sponsors, and we need more poker players,” Cioffi said. “We hope we can raise enough money to make these veterans and their families smile on Christmas morning. Would love to make this event the best and biggest one yet because we owe our veterans a lot for what they have done for us, so this is the least we can do for them.” explained Cioffi. They are grateful for the major sponsors that do it every year, including RE/MAX Realty Unlimited, East Coast Pizza, Summerfield Crossings Golf Club, Nothing Bundt Cakes, All American Title, the Osprey Observer and many realtor friends.

To register, visit the fundraiser’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ events/551141029873702 or call Cioffi at 813-956-8513.

September 2022

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 23

Page 24

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

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AAA: BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON BRINGS ADDED DANGER AND REQUIRES PATIENCE ON THE ROADWAYS

Staff Report

AAA urges motorists to slow down and stay alert; they will soon be sharing the road with millions of Florida students who are returning to school. Not doing so can have life-changing consequences.

According to the Transportation Research Board, about 100 children are killed each year while walking to or from school and about 25,000 are injured. The afternoon hours are particularly dangerous. Over the last decade, nearly one-infour child pedestrian fatalities occurred between 3 and 7 p.m.

Drivers should prepare for an increase in: • Congestion – more drivers in the morning and afternoon.

• Pedestrians – students walking to and from school or the bus stop.

• Buses – picking up and dropping off students.

• Bicyclists – traveling to and from school.

“AAA urges drivers to allow extra time for their morning commute and use extreme caution, even outside of school zones,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman of AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Throughout town, students will be walking or pedaling alongside city streets on their way to-andfrom school or the bus stop, and they may not be familiar with the rules of the road.

It’s incumbent on drivers to eliminate distractions, slow down and watch out for students and their families.”

AAA – The Auto Club Group, through its School’s Open – Drive Carefully campaign, is reminding motorists to: • Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestri-

About 100 children are killed each year while walking to or from school and about 25,000 are injured. As the new school year is upon us, AAA urges motorists to slow down and stay alert. Not doing so can have life-changing consequences.

an struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.

• Come to a complete stop. Research

shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before pro-

ceeding.

• Eliminate distractions. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. Children can move quickly, crossing the road unexpectedly or emerging suddenly between two parked cars.

Reduce risk by avoiding distractions like using your cell phone or eating while driving.

• Watch for school buses. Every state has a law making it illegal to pass a school bus with its red lights flashing and its stop-arm extended that has stopped to load or unload students. However, some motorists simply choose to ignore the law.

Any person using, operating or driving a vehicle on or over the roads or highways of this state shall, upon approaching any school bus that displays a stop signal, bring such vehicle to a full stop while the bus is stopped, and the vehicle shall not pass the school bus until the signal has been withdrawn.

• Share the road. Children on bicycles are often inexperienced, unsteady and unpredictable. Slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist. If your child rides a bicycle to school, require that he or she wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet on every ride. Find videos, expert advice and safety tips at ShareTheRoad.AAA.com.

• Talk to your teen. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and nearly one in four fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the after-school hours of 3-7 p.m.

Get evidence-based guidance and tips at TeenDriving.AAA.com.

Page 26

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP YOU AGE IN PLACE

By State Point Media

(StatePoint) By help in an emer2030, almost a quarter gency by pushing of the American popua button. Wearlation will be over the able pendants age of 65, up from 16 — along with percent in 2020, crewater-resistant, ating a situation that’s wa l l - m o u n t e d going to drive greater devices and modemand and greater bile solutions pressure on the care — can keep you industry. In addition to protected in eva larger workforce and ery room of your more financial resourchome by helping es, new technologies you instantly (c) bernardbodo / iStock via Getty Images Plus also have the potential to help solve the connect with loved ones and emergency problems created by this seismic demo- personnel. Those offered by LogicMark use graphic shift.

AI and ML for pattern recognition and fall According to experts, artificial intelli- detection for an added layer of security. To gence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are learn more, visit www.logicmark.com. already among the key components of new • Automatic pill dispensers can help entechnologies providing improved quality of sure you never miss a dose or take too much life for those who want to continue living medication. Depending on your needs, you independently at home. may need to look for a solution offering “While AI and ML have transformed both visual and audio notifications, or one other industries, adaptation has been slow suited for those with limited dexterity. in the care industry, but we’re working to • Motion-sensing lighting can make nocchange that,” explained Chia-Lin Simmons, turnal trips to the bathroom — common in chief executive officer of LogicMark (NAS- one’s golden years — much safer, helping DAQ: LGMK), which manufactures person- to reduce the risk of dangerous trips and al emergency response systems (PERS), falls. Many lighting options plug directly health communications devices and remote into outlets, while others are battery-opcare and activity monitoring technologies erated and can be installed anywhere. Be to create a connected care platform and sure to include these fixtures in bedrooms, recently incorporated two-way voice com- hallways and bathrooms. munication technology into its medical “True independence must be accompaalert pendant. nied by peace of mind for you, your family To help you live safely and comfortably in and your caregivers,” said Simmons. “By your home in the years to come, Simmons adopting new technologies, you can help offers a few strategies for using the newest create a virtual safety net, enabling you to technology to your advantage: stay at home while living in a safe environ• PERS, also known as Medical Emergen- ment and providing piece of mind to your cy Response Systems, allow you to call for loved ones.”

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

September 2022

Page 27

DON’S BAY AREA PAINTING IS ONLY HAPPY WHEN YOU’RE HAPPY

By Taylor Wells W h e n Plus, it offers a free on-site your place is painting estimate, free pressure in need of a washing for your driveway and new color or sidewalk, free color samples to a fresh coat choose from, free crack repairs of paint, it’s in stucco and joints and even a best to rely free touchon those up kit after with profesits team is The exterior of a sional expe- house freshly paintdone so you rience and can paint ed by Don’s Bay high-quality over future Area Painting. work. And blemishes. when it comes to that, Don’s And with Bay Area Painting is hard to no hidbeat. den fees, a Owner and founder Don price match Murray has been in the paint- A house kitchen freshly painted by Don’s g u a ra n t e e Bay Area Painting. ing business for over 30 years, and wellproviding services to both residents and trained, experienced employees, choosing businesses throughout Hillsborough Coun- Don’s Painting is worry-free. ty for over 20 of those years now, includ“Probably do a couple thousand homes ing Valrico, Brandon, Riverview and much a year,” said Murray. “Usually pressure more. His business is trusted all around washing one day, come back the next day. the county, including by David Weekley With a house average of 2,000 or 3,000 Homes and FishHawk Ranch by Newland sq. ft., even a little bigger, probably get it Communities. done the next day.”

“I have personally used Don’s Painting Overall, it’s a quick process that will and have recommended him to friends leave your home or business beautifully, and clients for over 27 years. Don and his freshly painted. And the employees ensure crew are always professional, timely and there’s no mess outside or inside by coverthey always make sure you are satisfied ing everything, including plants, windows, with the final results,” said Jeff Chandler, floors, furniture and more. broker and owner of River Hills Realty Inc. “We don’t ask for any money down eiIts painters have all been trained to ther. When they’re happy, we’re happy. use the latest techniques and technology, That’s our motto,” said Murray. and each is an employee and covered by Don’s Bay Area Painting is open Monday workman’s compensation insurance — no to Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., on Satsubcontractors whatsoever. Its services urday from 9 a.m-12 Noon and is closed include exterior and interior painting, pop- on Sunday. For more information, visit corn removal, brush and spray applications https://donsbayareapainting.com/. For a as well as drywall patching and repairs. free estimate, call 813-661-9006.

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Page 28

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

RELAX AND REJUVENATE AT VITALITY BOOTH WELLNESS CENTER

By Michelle Caceres Brandon resident Christa option for everyone, from Delgado, who was one of top-tier athletes seeking to Vitality Booth Wellness Cenenhance their performance ter’s first clients and has a to individuals seeking to imsilver membership, couldn’t prove their overall health. be happier with the bene“The benefits of this treatfits she’s witnessed from her ment modality are for everysessions. one,” she said.

“I have been in For John Brier, managthe wellness ining partner for HaloTherapy dustry for 10 years Center (the parent company and thought this that holds the patent filings would be an exfor the Vitality Booth sciencellent additional tific wellness system), the Vitality Booth Wellness health practice to Center treatments offer a range Valrico wellness center is the add to my regimen,” she said. flagship location of his brand of health benefits.

Delgado has had several and vision. health issues, including a recent life-threat“In the past year, we have sold close to ening blood clot in her lung. She prefers ho- 100 Vitality Booths all over the country and listic treatments to pills. internationally to dozens of spas, clinics, “With the treatments I have noticed an wellness centers, doctors’ offices and proimprovement to my respiratory health,” she fessional sports teams,” he said. said. “I’ve been able to stop taking Zyrtec, Vitality Booth Wellness Center’s hours are which I’ve been on for 20 years.”

Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Located at 3113 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., the Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Walk-in appointments center offers eight different Vitality Booths, are accommodated, but appointments are each offering red light therapy, halothera- recommended. Single sessions, multisession py (salt inhalation), oxygen concentration, packages and unlimited monthly membernegative ion immersion and ionized water ship plans, including family member upgrade intake. Some booths feature advanced car- options, are available for purchase. dio equipment, automated massage therA grand opening and ribbon-cutting is apies or vibration plates. The benefits of scheduled for Friday, September 23 from treatment include an antiaging natural face 3-5 p.m. and will include food, prizes and lift through collagen generation, improved giveaways, such as a free annual memberrespiratory health, improved skin health, an ship. In addition, Osprey Observer readers immune system boost through ATP creation who visit during the month of September at a cellular level, weight loss, pain reduction or call to make an appointment and mention and injury healing, athletic performance en- this special will receive a free 20-minute Vihancement as well as a testosterone boost tality session. and hair growth for men.

Click on the QR code to take a virtual tour Vitality Booth Wellness Center general of its facility. manager Sheila Alba said the benefits of To book a session, visit https://vbwelleach 20-minute session make it an excellent nesscenter.com/ or call 813-315-9633.

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September 2022

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MOBILE HOSPITAL/CLINIC COMING TO TAMPA

Staff Report

Donations of medical supplies and equipment, as well as financial support, are necessary to make this a successful event.

Sponsorships are also available.

“We’re excited to serve the Tampa Bay area in this way, helping people who are most in need of physPhoto courtesy of Liberty and Health Alliance. ical and mental healing,” said Dr. Lela Lewis, Liberty and Health Alliance will hold president of Liberty and Health Alliance. a free mobile hospital and clinic for the “We’re calling on all those interested in community, offering medical, dental and volunteering for this event to do so and vision care at the Tampa Convention Cenhelp make an impact in changing peoter on Thursday and Friday, September ple’s lives.

Thank you for your support for 15-16. Volunteers and support are needthose in need.” ed to help with this Christian-sponsored Dr. Lewis has led similar community event, which is being held in a region that mega clinics in other cities, including San the state has identified as an area of critFrancisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San ical health need.

Antonio, all of which were reported by Please register to attend as a patient major market news outlets. or volunteer at https://libertyandhealth.

Liberty and Health Alliance is a minorg/. istry founded by Seventh-day Adventist Volunteers are needed from every medChristians that believes humanity has ical and health care specialty. Doctors, received the gift of life and the offer of nurse practitioners, nurses, physician whole-person health from God. Under its assistants and medical assistants are belief system, since every individual has needed in the fields of cardiology, dermabeen endowed by the Creator with liberty tology, emergency care, gastroenterology, pediatrics, podiatry, psychiatry, wom- of conscience, it rests with the individuen’s health and many more specialties. al to make informed health decisions — Dentists, dental hygienists and dental through free choice and as a duty to God. assistants are also needed. Additionally, People of all backgrounds and faiths are hundreds of nonmedical volunteers are welcome in the journey. The Tampa Conneeded for interpreting, food service, fi- vention Center is located at 333 S. Franknancial and legal counseling, clothing dis- lin St. in Tampa. For more information, visit https://libertyandhealth.org/. tribution and other areas of service.

Page 29

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Page 30

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

VOLUNTEERS & MENTORS

NEEDED FOR YOUTHBUILD PROGRAM

By Michelle Caceres

A local nonprofit orcore and provides ganization is helping hands-on training in break the cycle of povdifferent aspects of the erty by unleashing the industry. Participants intelligence and posiearn up to $250 every tive energy of low-intwo weeks plus incencome, out-of-school tives for reaching goals. young adults to rebuild Arroyo said Youththeir communities and Build has been a suctheir lives. YouthBuild cess. He estimates that at Tampa Housing Au- YouthBuild, in partnership with Tampa approximately 250 thority helps partici- Housing Authority, has been helping young young adults have benepants build the skillsets adults build successful lives and communi- fited from the program ties since 2009. and mindsets that lead since its inception. to lifelong learning, livelihood and leaderOne participant living in Riverview wantship. ed to become a welder, so YouthBuild paid Typically identified as ‘marginalized,’ ‘dis- for his education at Erwin Technical College. connected’ and ‘at-risk,’ these young people, Another participant always wanted to work who are typically defined by their challeng- in child care, so it helped her get licensed es and not their potential, are offered the and now she’s working at a day care center. knowledge, training and opportunity that Arroyo said it’s particularly rewarding leads to long-term professional and person- when participants who successfully comal success. plete the program come back to volunteer The international program started in as mentors.

Tampa in partnership with Tampa Housing “They get on their feet and then give back Authority in 2009 thanks to initial startup in some way to help others,” he said. funding through a grant. John Arroyo was The next program class, which can accomhired as its program manager, and he is still modate between 60-70 participants, starts in that role 13 years later. on Tuesday, September 6. To qualify for the “It’s so fulfilling to help people who’ve had program, applicants must be between the obstacles in their path, like having to finan- ages of 16 and 24, have a strong desire to cially support their family at a young age or further their career and/or education, be those who got in trouble with the law, find committed to working hard and have a desuccess,” he said. “We meet them where sire to earn a GED or high school diploma. they’re at and take them where they want Volunteer opportunities are needed to to go.” support the program through donations of Participants pursue their education by money and time. Mentors are also needed, taking classes to earn a GED or high school especially tutors to work with program pardiploma, prepare for future careers through ticipants in math and reading. “Tutors can vocational training and grow into commu- be high-school age students,” said Arroyo. nity leaders, building brighter futures for “We are grateful for peer-to-peer mentorthemselves and their neighborhoods. ing.” Call 813-391-2841 or visit www.thafl.

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Volume 20, Issue 9

THORN MINISTRIES HELPS FEED LOCAL HOMELESSBy Michelle Caceres Riverview resident stead of themselves.

Anita ‘Mama Thorn’ They made some DeBiase was driving food, piled into the on U.S. Hwy. 301 20 family van and went years ago when she to downtown Tampa, heard the Lord’s voice where they fed about say, “Feed my sheep.”

60 homeless people.

Even though she “The impact it had was caring for Carl, on my kids was amazher sick husband, she ing,” Taylor said. was determined to The service project follow the prompting. touched more than “Even though I was her children’s hearts. going through a trial For 24 years, THORN Ministries has been She saw the desperserving the local homeless community. in my own life, I needed ate need within the to help others,” said DeBiase, a German im- homeless population and knew they needmigrant who was a child during World War ed help. That one-time teaching moment II and moved to the United States in 1958. turned into a 24-year mission. “God hooked “I know what it’s like to be hungry and have me into this for life,” she said. nothing to eat.”

The ministry has grown from feeding 60 When her husband’s nurse told her about homeless people weekly to almost 400.

Thankfully Helping Others Real Needs Since she started, she has traded in the (THORN) Ministries, a charity that feeds family van for a food trailer. Every week, the homeless in Tampa on Sundays, she de- she sees a miracle in the number of food cided to get involved by cooking meals in trays that get donated by volunteers. In its her kitchen and delivering them to Tampa’s 24 years in operation, it’s never run out of often-overlooked population. food. Leftovers get delivered to needy fam“The good book tells us we need to help ilies in Gibsonton. one another,” DeBiase said.

In addition to a meal, the group passes The 84-year-old can’t serve as much as out hygiene and first aid products. Someshe used to because of health issues, but times, a hairdresser volunteers to cut hair. she still helps out by storing the ministry’s If a homeless person needs a pair of steelmobile food pantry in her large yard. toed boots or a black T-shirt for work or a THORN Ministries founder Kristin Taylor pair of sneakers, she said they always seem credits her ministry’s longevity to volun- to secure the required items. teers like DiBiase.

“There are really a million ways to get in“The volunteers that come and help and volved,” she said. give of their time and resources is just in“It’s a miraculous thing that’s happening credible,” she said. here,” she said. “The Lord is providing.”

The ministry started when Taylor and To learn more about volunteering or her husband, who had four biological chil- making a donation to THORN Ministries, dren and were foster parents to eight contact volunteer coordinator Jamie Yonke more, decided one Thanksgiving to teach at 813-205-0745 or visit www.thornminisher large family to think about others in- tries.net.

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

September 2022

Page 31

OSPREY SUMMER INTERNS GET A TASTE OF THE NEWSROOM

By Arianna Hooker

Every summer, the Osprey Observer allows local high school and college students to experience a taste of the journalism world with internships that gives students a chance to learn the ins and outs of the newspaper industry. This year, the Osprey Observer welcomed eight interns for their summer internship, Sara Battaglia, Sydney Burken, Sofia Celis Avellaneda, Nick Edwards, Madeline Gardner, Deven King, Arianna Hooker and Ella Martin.

SARA BATTALGIA

SYDNEY BURKEN

DEVEN KING Sara Battaglia - MADELINE GARDNER Dancing for a Differinterviews, over-the-phone interviews and ence Battaglia is 27 years old and the owner email interviews,” said Burken. of Dancing for a Difference; she previousSofia Celis Avellaneda ly was a dance major at the University of Sumner High School South Florida but ended up with a degree Avellaneda is 17 years old and a rising sein general studies due to an injury. Battaglia nior at Sumner High School while doing the wanted to intern because she loves writing dual enrollment program with Hillsborough and making connections in the community.

Community College. She plans to major in “I am currently a business owner of communications.

Avellaneda likes this inDancing for a Difference and know how ternship because she has gotten a chance important making connections in the comto learn more about writing and how to munity is,” said Battaglia. complete interviews with different people.

Avellaneda’s favorite part of this internSydney Burken ship was “learning the ropes and really unUniversity of South Florida derstanding how to ask the right questions Burken is going to be a senior at the and go into as much detail as possible,” she University of South Florida in the fall. She said. is 21 years old and has a political science major and a minor in mass communications with a concentration in media broadcasting and journalism. Burken’s favorite part of this internship has been the flexibility of it, from being able to choose her topics to getting to decide the angle of her article.

Having multimedia interview options gave Burken the chance to learn her strengths and weaknesses as a writer and improve upon them.

“I chose this internship because it is a local newspaper with a lot of recognition and gives me the opportunity for in-person

Nick Edwards University of Central Florida Edwards is a student at the University of Central Florida. He is 19 years old and is a criminal justice major while pursuing a minor in English literature. Edwards’ favorite part of this internship has been talking to his interviewees because it has allowed him to meet people and hear about their life experiences.

“I chose to apply for this internship because it will jumpstart my career and give

SOFIA CELIS

NICK EDWARDS

Pensacola Christian College, where she is majoring in journalism. King plans to become a journalist and wants to be a travel writer.

“My favorite part about interning was getting to meet new people and learn about the different small organizations and people in Brandon,” said King.

Arianna Hooker Newsome High Hooker is 16 years old and a rising junior at Newsome High School. She wants ELLA MARTIN ARIANNA HOOKER to go to a Christian college and plans to me an opportunity to practice working double major in mass with others and hone my writing skills,” communications and entrepreneurial said Edwards. studies. Hooker wants her career to have some part in journalism, so she wanted to Madeline Gardner do this internship to gain more knowledge University of Florida of the field since she has only worked for Gardner will be a freshman at the Uni- her school newspaper. Hooker’s favorite versity of Florida in the fall. She is 18 years part of this internship has been the opold and plans to major in English at the portunity to continue crafting her writCollege of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the ing skills and getting to interview people University of Florida. Gardner’s favorite all over the community. part of this internship has been being able “I chose this internship because I reto reach out and interview people all over member seeing the article about the the community while being able to discuss summer interns for the Osprey Observer both important and wholesome matters. when I was in grade six, and ever since, I The internship has reminded Gardner of all made it a goal to do this internship,” said the good in the community that should be Hooker. celebrated.

“I wanted to intern with the Osprey ObElla Martin server because I saw it as an opportunity Newsome High School for me to expand on my writing capabilities Martin is 15 years old and a rising juwhile immersing myself in a wide variety of nior at Newsome High School. She plans topics to choose from. I think it’s a great to attend the University of Florida and way to merge my writing aspirations and wants to major in accounting and then dreams with the reality of applying those work in a city later. She has a family of goals to practical positions,” said Gardner. six and four dogs. Martin has enjoyed being able to practice a new type of writing.

“My favorite part of interning is getPensacola Christian ting to interact with new people in the College community, as well as learning more King is 20 years old and a junior at about events and places,” said Martin.

Deven King

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Page 32

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL COMING TO PLANT CITY Staff Report The Plant up your City Balloon own viewFestival is ing spot. coming FriCoolers or day, Octooutside food ber 21 and and drink Saturday, will not be October 22 p e r m i t te d . to the StrawThe gates berry Festival will open at Grounds in 5 p.m.

Plant City.

Balloon Come see inflation will Sunny Boy is a popular, uniquely shaped hot air balloon the unique take place expected at the festival. giant and colwhen winds orful hot air balloons up close and enjoy a are low enough to be safe and will be family day out. announced. If the balloons cannot set up This family event will also feature much due to rain or high winds, there will still more than the hot air balloons. There be a laser show and ring of fire display will be vendor markets with a variety of around 9 p.m. There will be announceitems for sale and assorted food vendors. ments and updates via the PA system by The balloon festival will also feature DJs the stage. and live music, a kids’ zone, magicians, Tickets include free parking, festival jugglers, roaming entertainers and many entry and the balloon show with live other great festival experiences. music. The kids’ zone, food vendors and Not only can you see incredible hot tethered rides are additional. In the event air balloons, but you can also check that of inclement weather preventing balloon bucket list item by getting a ride on a inflation, your tickets may be good for tethered hot air balloon. Tethered rides another day or another show. will be $25 per person, weather permitPets other than service dogs are not ting. recommended as the ‘burner’ noise from There will also be a night glow and la- the hot air balloons is loud and often disser show twice each evening at 8 p.m. turbing to dogs. and 10 p.m. that will begin with a crowd Advance tickets are $22 for adults and countdown to light the balloons. The $10 for kids 17 and under, with kids 5 and show incorporates synchronized music, under being free. Tickets will be available pyrotechnics and visually stunning co- at the gate at an increased price of $30 ordinated burns by the hot air balloons for adults and $15 for kids. and high-powered lasers creating a night Visit www.balloonshows.com for upglow like you have never seen. dates, tickets and any weather-related Bring your blankets and chairs to set advisories.

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Page 33

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY SPECIALIZES IN RE-SHOPPING FOR LOWER RATES

By Sharon Still Most people the area; we are buy insurance for excited to become the car or house residents and are and never look at exploring every it again. Southnook and cranny,” east Regional he said.

Insurance owner Southeast ReRichard Cleri urggional Insurance es that re-shopcan provide insurping insurance is ance anywhere in something people the state of Florishould do every da. Cleri explained year, as it can end that nearly 100 up saving them a percent of busiRichard Cleri and Karren Nash, owners of Southlot of money. ness is done over east Regional Insurance.

After eight the phone, and his years of owning CCS Insurance in Con- face-to-face meetings are usually at a lonecticut, Cleri knows through trust, loy- cal coffee shop. alty and determination, this method of His agency in Connecticut, CCS Insurre-shopping brings success and keeps ance, is much larger than the average customers happy. As an independent in- insurance agency, according to Cleri. surance company, agents at Southeast “I brought the same business model Regional Insurance shop different carri- down here,” he commented. “Our annual ers to find their customers the best, most re-shopping is what sets us apart from cost-effective insurance for their needs. almost everyone.”

“We pay our employees to annually find “Most insurance agencies will not rebetter deals for our customers essential- shop for the customers annually unless ly lowering the amount of premium they their renewal increases by a certain perpay and ultimately making us less mon- centage,” he said, adding that this model ey,” said Cleri. “Most agents just don’t of re-shopping works extremely well in operate in long-term thinking like that.” Connecticut. “Our customers love it.”

While their office is across town, Cleri When questioned about the property and Karren Nash, his fiance and general insurance crisis, Cleri said that his commanager of Southeast Regional Insur- pany works tirelessly to find new homeance, are FishHawk residents and can be owners’ insurance for those that have seen out in the community networking at been displaced, often at better prices. the Valrico Fishhawk Chamber of Com- “It’s not easy, but we will be here to fight merce and the local BNI chapter. it out with our customers,” he added.

After a few years of investing in real Southeast Regional Insurance is locatestate in the area, Cleri decided to make ed at 4230 S. MacDill Ave., Ste. E223. it a permanent home earlier this year Hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit www. when he opened Southeast Regional In- southeastregionalinsurance.com or call surance. “We absolutely fell in love with 813-699-5446 for more information.

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Page 34

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

GET YOUR SOCCER ON WITH TAMPA DYNAMO FC

By Libby Hopkins Tampa Dynamo FC munity that have an is a nonprofit club reinteresting in playing siding at two locations. the beautiful game of Its main campus is at soccer and to know Summerfield Sports they have a place to Complex in Riverview play,” Farnsworth said. and its second location “Our recreational prois at Keith Waller Park grams, both youth and in Dover. adult, are designed to The club has probe for all levels of play. vided opportunities in A kid playing for the both competitive and first time is just as welrecreational soccer come as a kid that has Tampa Dynamo FC is a nonprofit club to the community for been in the programs residing at two locations. Its main campus many years now. “Just for multiple seasons. is at Summerfield Sports Complex in last year there was a An adult with interest Riverview and its second location is at complete change in the Keith Waller Park in Dover. Registration is playing can join our board of directors with adult recreational procurrently open to children and adults. a renewed interest to gram to play and meet bring soccer to the areas surrounding both others in the community.” parks and provide programs for all levels of The league has a competitive program play,” said Chris Farnsworth of Tampa Dyna- that is being rebuilt and has made amazing mo FC. “Sometimes there can be too much strides in just the last year. “We nearly douof a focus by clubs on the competitive pro- bled our number of competitive teams from grams when getting as many kids as possi- last season to now and are always looking ble out on the fields, learning the game and to provide opportunities to kids that are having fun should be the goal.” looking for that professional-led training the Farnsworth first became involved with program provides,” Farnsworth said. the Tampa Dynamos three years ago after Farnsworth has high hopes for the Tampa moving to the area with his family from Dynamos. “We hope to continue our great Manchester, England. “I was keen to be in- work within the local community providing volved with Tampa Dynamo, as it had the an affordable program to as many players opportunity to serve as a key figure in our as possible,” Farnsworth said. “We want to local community,” Farnsworth said. “I was see growth in numbers while maintaining looking to be involved with a club that was our family atmosphere. Our staff, our board, providing players and families a great envi- our coaches know many of the families in ronment to develop and now it is an amaz- the programs because they take the time to ing thing to be a part of our Dynamo Family.” meet them and talk to them. Most imporThe Dynamos currently gearing up for tantly, we want Tampa Dynamo FC to be a their registration and they are looking to the club that people can be proud to represent.” community for player who want to have fun.

For information,, visit www.tampady“We want any kids and adults in the com- namofc.com.

Volume 20, Issue 9

September 2022

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 35

SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS WHEN URBAN AIR BRANDON OPENS THIS FALL

By Sharon Still

ence to Brandon and partner with such a great shopping center like Bloomingdale Plaza,” said Michael Tucci. “Brandon is an amazing community that will enjoy a full-service family entertainment adventure park with attractions for all ages, and we are thrilled to expand to this area of HillsUrban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park will open this fall in borough County.” the Bloomingdale Plaza in the space vacated by Winn-Dixie a few Urban Air is not your typiyears ago. cal trampoline park; it takes Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure the concept to a whole new Park, the ultimate indoor adventure park, level, and each park is unique. Families will is scheduled to open in the early fall on the enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience, soaring southeast corner of Bloomingdale Avenue to new heights and making unforgettable and John Moore Road in the space former- memories. With attractions for every level ly occupied by Winn-Dixie. The 47,195 sq. of adventurer, mini warriors have plenty of ft. venue features attractions for kids of all new activities to try that will be challengages and is the perfect place for kids’ birth- ing and help build self-esteem. day parties and other special events.

Day tickets, monthly memberships fea“We know families are looking for ways turing unlimited play and birthday party to spend more time together, and as the bookings are available online. Also, those premier destination for family fun and ad- interested in applying for a job can do so on venture, we’re thrilled to bring our park the website. The facility will employ about experience to even more families in Bran- 60 people. don,” said Urban Air’s founder and CEO, For year-round indoor amusements for Jay Thomas. the whole family in the Brandon area, UrAt Urban Air, guests will jump, soar, ban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park race, climb and play among wall-to-wall will be the perfect place. Residents can trampolines. Climbing walls, dodge ball, track the site progress of Urban Air Brana tubes playground, go-karts and laser don on Facebook and sign up for updates, tag are just a few of the activities to en- coupon offers and view the park’s various joy. Bowling, mini golf, a multilevel ropes attractions on the Urban Air Brandon webcourse and much more are offered at this site. ultimate indoor playground.

Urban Air Adventure Park is located This is the second Urban Air location for at 179 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon. franchise owners Michael and Tracey Tuc- Park hours will be 3-8 p.m. from Monday ci, parents of three kids who are already in through Thursday, 3-10 p.m. on Friday, 10 love with Urban Air. The couple also owns a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. the New Tampa franchise. “We are honored on Sunday. For more information, call 800and excited to bring the Urban Air experi- 960-4778 or visit www.urbanair.com.

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Page 36

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

PROGRAMS & EVENTS WILL HONOR HCC ADDRESSES NURSING SHORTAGE WITH FIRST-EVER BACHELOR’S HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH DEGREE OFFERING

By Superintendent Addison Davis The diverse student body within Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) not only makes our district unique, but it also makes us stronger. With more than 80,000 students identifying as Hispanic in our community, it is important to celebrate during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on Thursday, September 15 and ends on Saturday, October 15. While we have a variety of special tributes, programs and celebrations throughout our campuses to honor contributions that Hispanics have made to our nation, I want to also share how HCPS celebrates Hispanic culture each and every day.

At the beginning of this academic year, our district hosted an Immigrant Welcome Center at Leto Adult School to provide one central location for the influx of Cuban residents expected into Tampa Bay. District staff worked diligently on-site to provide assistance with registration, physicals and immunizations, as well as offer resources like food and clothing. We realize standing together to welcome our growing Hispanic community is critical to our mission and to student achievement.

Families will again benefit from Pasos al Futuro, a series of events aimed at helping students in grades 8-12 to prepare for high school, college and the workforce. The kickoff event will be held

at the University of South Florida, the first time it has ever been hosted on a college campus. These presentations will be entirely in Spanish to educate families on requirements for college admission, explain how to apply for financial aid and give an overview on the application process. This program is a critical component to connect with families about postsecondary opportunities.

The National Parent School Partnership Program is another chance for HCPS families to become engaged in their student’s educational journey. We work with Spanish-speaking families to empower them to advocate for their student while building a more effective parent-school partnership.

Whether in the classroom, through a learning series or in an arts performance, your child will enjoy a variety of events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at their school as we aim to celebrate this unique culture and all it has to offer. Our staff will have the opportunity to engage in Hispanic culture learning opportunities with a professional development series.

We must also remember to acknowledge and celebrate this growing community year-round by continually providing unique opportunities and unwavering support to our Hispanic families, educators and staff. When we commemorate Hispanic culture this month, we celebrate our community’s diversity.

By Linda Chion

The first bachnoted also that elor’s degree the accreditation offering in the furthers HCC’s 54-year history “commitment of Hillsborough toward meeting Community Colthe needs of local lege (HCC) is new employers, in this this fall with oncase the health line classes for care industry who registered nurses came to us with seeking to earn a the request to Bachelor of Scistart the BSN.” ence in nursing The BSN degree (BSN) degree. will be offered The Brandon campus of Hillsborough Community Also offered campuswide College is at 10451 Nancy Watkins Dr. in Tampa. at HCC is an asacross the HCC sociate degree system, including in nursing, which in Brandon, Plant provides an enCity and Southtry-level education Shore, with coursin nursing and elies primarily out of gibility to take the licensing examination the Dale Mabry campus, said Deborah Kish for registered nurses. The BSN degree Johansen, Brandon campus president. takes it a step further with online studies “It’s quite exciting and a change for us,” in eight-week courses covering such top- said Johansen, noting as well the national ics as health promotion and risk reduction, nursing shortage. “The mission of commuethical and legal issues, leadership and nity colleges is to help with programming management, evidence-based practice where we can, so it makes sense to help and health care needs of diverse popula- with shortages to help meet the needs of tions. our individual communities.”

Paving the way for the BSN degree, By offering a BSN degree, HCC “can the Southern Association of Colleges build on a skillset we already have, exand Schools Commission on Colleges pand our offerings and supplement what (SACSCOC) in mid-June issued its final ap- our four-year partners provide,” Johansen proval for HCC as a baccalaureate-degree said, “and it gives pathways to our stugranting institution, which college officials dents to complete their studies to get a say “will forever change the character of BSN and advance their careers.” the institution.”

For information on admission, costs, “The approval represents a transfor- courses and accreditation, review RN to mational moment in HCC’s 54-year histo- BSN online at www.hccfl.edu/academry,” said HCC President Dr. Ken Atwater. ics/subjects/health-and-medical/nurs“Years of focused, dedicated effort went ing-bachelor-science, email hccnursing@ towards this successful outcome.” He hccfl.edu or call 813-253-7284.

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Page 37

FALL SEMESTER SET TO START FOR THE CENTER 4LIFE LEARNING IN SUN CITY CENTER

By Kathy L. Collins The Center ter 4Life Learning 4Life Learning, offers day trips. located at United These include Methodist Church the Mount Dora of Sun City CenArts and Crafts ter, offers a variFair on Saturday, ety of non-credOctober 22 for ited courses and $32, the Salute day trips that will to Vienna New enhance your life.

Year’s Concert The 2022 fall sewith a Preshow Come learn, be inspired and make friends while mester begins on Party Lunch at attending interesting and varied courses offered by Friday, October 7 Ruth Eckard Hall the Center 4Life Learning at the United Methodist and runs through Church of Sun City Center. The fall semester starts on in Clearwater on Friday, October 7.

Friday, November Saturday, Decem18. View coursber 31 for $103, es and register at www.scthe Columbia Restaurant cumc.com/4lifelearning.

Lunch and Show followed The Center 4Life Learning by a tour of Ybor City Hisoperates as an adult educatoric District on Wednestion outreach program which day, January 11, 2023 for serves the entire community $71 and the Snook Haven and surrounding areas. The Boat Tour on the Myakka courses offer students the River in Venice on Wednesopportunity to benefit from day, February 22, 2023 for a stimulus of lectures and $50. discussions in an informal Sue Holter with Cenand relaxed environment. ter 4Life Learning said, “The Center 4Life Regular courses are $35 for six 90-min- Learning offers classes and trips that bring ute classes. Some courses allow for walk- fun times and adventures your way.” Holter ins, and the cost for this is $10. Classes run added, “Although the center is located on for one week and up to six. All classes are the campus of the United Methodist Church in person. of Sun City Center, participants are not There are a variety of courses offered. The required to be members of the church. No fall semester features 27 courses offered on formal education is required. Come learn, be various days Monday through Friday. Cours- inspired and make new friends.” es that are offered include International The college was established in 1976 Travel, Sign Language, Preparing for Life as the Community Church College by the Changing Events, Understanding Genealo- United Community Church. In 2019, it was gy, Conversational Spanish and more. moved to United Methodist Church of Sun All courses are taught by highly qualified City Center, located at 1971 Haverford instructors who are drawn primarily from Ave. in Sun City Center, and the name was the SouthShore regional area. changed to Center 4Life Learning. For more In addition to noncredited courses, Cen- information, please call 634-2539.

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Page 38

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

September 2022

Page 39

LOCAL CHEF KICKS OFF FIRST CULINARY CRUISE

BY MICHAEL MURPHY

By Libby Hopkins

Mangrove snapper The summer will be are in right now with coming to a close and good numbers and sizintolerable heat should subside some in the es being caught. Small coming weeks. We greenies and threads were blessed this sumare great choices for these table delicacies. mer with some great Cut the larger baits fishing, both inshore into chunks and use the and offshore. Greensmall baits whole. A #1 backs are plentiful on circle hook with a 15 lb. the flats right now and leader will work best. pinfish have been evThey will be in the flats er-present. The waters and in the channels and are still a bit warm, so if you search in the Dave Oertel and Anthony Tickles with a rock piles. Deeper wabackwaters where the ter areas will be easier snook and refish combo. water is warmest, reto fish in before and after the slack tides. member to focus more They respond well to on pinfish for snook and heavy chumming, and reds. Trout are running the lighter tides will let a little small on the the chum stay closer cockroach flats, but to the boat. Just bury it’s encouraging to see the hook in the bait and them, as it bodes well let it drift back in the to a great population chum. coming soon.

Always hold on to a Focus your attention larger shrimp or greenunder the mangroves Ryan and Anthony Tickles with their this time of year for back for a surprise catch. redfish. They will beappearance from the gin to school up again and forage together. ‘brown clown,’ or cobia. They are not smart Cut bait and pinfish will be your best choice fish and will readily approach boats. Keep a for this time of year. You may get surprised rod ready with a 1/0 or 2/0 circle hook. Be with a stud snook in the same areas. A 1/0 aware that the size minimum has changed circle hook and 25 lb. leader are the better to 36 in. at the fork.

Enjoy your day on the water and be safe. terminal tackle. You will want to get these bruisers out of the bushes.

Chef Dave West, the former discounts will be added at owner of The Rolling Pin, has the time of booking. Earmoved onto the next phase of ly booking is encouraged his culinary journey in life; he to take advantage of the is taking his culinary talents current lower rates. Ocean to the high seas. “I graduated view category and single French Culinary Institute and quotes are also available.

I’ve been a chef for 20 years,” A $250 per person, nonreWest said. “After retiring from fundable deposit is due to The Rolling Pin Kitchen Empoconfirm booking. rium in 2021, many friends, While on family and former customers the cruise, urged me to continue with guests will them in some experience sort of food various cuedutainlinary dement. One of lights. “We our culinary have a number assistants of activities at The Rollplanned so far ing Pin is a for the April Chef Dave West’s Culinary Cruise on the Celebrity Apex is a travel agent, 2023 cruise,” seven-night cruise that will take place from April 1-8, 2023.

Anna Maria West said. “A Gentiles. She helped put the thoughts into private group welcome cocktail party, hors an actionable first trip.” d’oeuvres with the ship captain and culiChef Dave West’s Culinary Cruise on the nary leaders, a guided tour of the ships food Celebrity Apex is a seven-night cruise that production system, two separate food seswill take place from April 1-8, 2023. Guests sions with agendas and a guided tour of the will be aboard the Celebrity Apex, a Celebri- bridge.” ty Edge® Series ship which will depart from West hopes to create an amazing experiFort Lauderdale. ence for all who attend the culinary cruise.

The ports of call are Fort Lauderdale, Nas- “There is a quote by Kellems Dominik that sau, At Sea, Puerto Costa Maya, Cozumel, says, ‘It’s intellectual and emotional travel, George Town, Grand Cayman, At Sea and the imagination is just endless. A curated Fort Lauderdale. group of very interesting people who are all Accommodations include an infinite ve- like-minded around food.’ I think this sums randa starting at $2,000 per person, de- up the experiences we hope to create.” pending on category and cabin location.

If you are interested in booking Chef Dave Also included are a classic beverage pack- West’s Culinary Cruise, you can contact local age, crew gratuities, Wi-Fi, taxes and port travel agent Anna Maria Gentile of Cruise fees.

Planners at 914-325-9399 or via email at Current promotions will be applied and annamaria.gentile@cruiseplanners.com.

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Volume 20, Issue 9

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

GET THE DIRT:

CONTAINER GARDENING

BY LYNN BARBER, FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING™ AGENT Container gardens are quite popular today and an attractive alternative to in-ground plantings.

Portability is a key feature for container gardening. Containers can be moved to a different location for sun, shade, water, protection from weather and seasonal changes. If you place larger containers on wheeled plant stands, it’s even easier to move inside your garage, lanai, front porch or indoors. Containers help you control irrigation according to the needs of the plants and encourage experimenting where you can try a wide variety of plant materials and controlled climates.

Selecting the container itself is an important decision.

Porous containers, such as unglazed clay pots, terra cotta and wood, dry out faster than nonporous containers. Nonporous pots, like glazed, plastic and metal, retain moisture better than porous pots, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your watering habits. Most plants die from over versus under-watering. Make sure there is a drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. If there isn’t one, you can use Styrofoam packing peanuts in the bottom to elevate the plant roots above the excess moisture in the bottom. Using those ‘peanuts’ versus soil will also make the pot lighter and easier to move.

Plastic containers can be less expensive, lighter and easier to clean than porous pots. Many plastic pots on the market today have been manufactured to look like terra cotta, so they are more attractive than in the past. Metal containers, like brass, copper or aluminum, generally provide drainage holes in the bottom so the soil drains properly. Wire baskets are another container alternative and require a liner to hold the soil in place. Liners can be Sphagnum moss and coco-fiber.

The nine principles of the Flori-

da-Friendly Landscaping™ Program hold as true for container planting as they do for landscape beds. One of the best aspects of container gardening is the flexibility it offers. You can achieve Right Plant, Right Place, the first and foremost of the nine principles, with a container even when the conditions of your landscape do not match the plant’s needs. For instance, if a plant is acid-loving, but your soil pH is alkaline, a container could be an easy solution. Add a soil amendment that acidifies the container soil, and you have the right plant in the right place.

Locate sun-loving plants in the sun. If the soil is moist, don’t water.

Use slow-release fertilizers that do not leach through the soil after irrigation or rain. After proper identification, manage pests responsibly by using environmentally friendly products and spot treat as needed. Select plants that attract wildlife so you can enjoy butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.

Consider grouping several plants with the same requirements together to create attractive combinations. These requirements include light, water, soil texture and pH. Also, consider the mature size so you are not over or under-planting. Plants can be combined with an eye for color schemes, contrasting textures and different forms. Be sure to consider proportions when creating plant combinations. Try to have at least one plant that is as tall as the container. You can group several containers together to create a visual impact.

In Hillsborough County, we offer Container Gardening Microirrigation workshops. For additional information on container garden designs and plants for visual impacts, go to Ask IFAS and search for Container Gardens. You can reach us at 813-744-5519 or visit us at 5339 County Rd. 579 in Seffner. Remember to reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat.

SAVE THE DATE! October 6th

ELVIS IMPERSONATOR BILLY LINDSEY PERFORMS MUSIC AND COMEDY

By Lily Belcher Billy ‘Elvis’ Lindsey pop music, from grew up in a house Alan Jackson to The filled with music. From Beatles to Ricky a young age, he rememMartin. He perbers putting on shows, forms across Florplaying 10 different inida and takes his struments and listening show on the road to Elvis Presley. as he travels out of “I just love music. My state when he visits dad was such a huge Elhis own family. vis fan,” explained LindIn addition to sey, adding, “In 1974, I being a full-time got to see him at Notre performer, the VietDame. It was my first nam War veteran concert ever. It was started his Keep amazing.” the Fire Burning He and a few of his nonprofit last year friends started a comto give back to the edy group called The community. He has Flash Band, where they performed at charperformed skits at Hapity fundraisers and py Days on State Road for Children’s Mira60 in Brandon, many of cle Network in the which included Presley’s past, but his noncharacter. profit allows him to “That’s when I realfurther his contriized how many Elvis bution to others. songs I knew from my Now, Lindsey childhood,” said the will perform on Billy ‘Elvis’ Lindsey will perform on a cruise in Elvis impersonator. “I the award-winning February 2023. just knew so many Elvis MSC Meraviglia songs that the Elvis show just became part with stops at Ocean Cay, Nassau, Cozumel of my act.” and Belize City. Lindsey’s 2023 seven-night When being in The Flash Band no longer cruise will set sail from Port Canaveral on worked with his schedule, Lindsey began February 5, 2023. There is a $250 deposit performing on his own. He won an Elvis im- per person, due as soon as possible after personator contest four times at the state booking a cabin. There is limited availability, fair and was even used as the face of the so those interested are encouraged to fill out competition for its marketing one year. the flyer on his website now.

Lindsey’s talents extend past his For more information on Lindsey, visit his award-winning Elvis impersonation, howev- website at billyelvislindsey.com or, for booker. He also performs oldies, rock, country and ing information, call 813-786-9110.

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September 2022

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Page 41

LA SEPTIMA KEEPS TRADITIONS ALIVE WITH MADE-FROM-SCRATCH CUBAN FARE

WHITE OAK COTTAGE ADDS BISTRO AND BECOMES A MUST-VISIT DESTINATION

For nearly three desalad, sandwiches cades, La Septima Cafe and combinations. has served authenThe Cuban sandwich, tic Cuban fare to the devil crabs and SevBrandon community. enth Avenue salad Through a change of are the most popular location in 2011, having and come highly recto abruptly shut down ommended. due to COVID-19 and “Our success struggling to find peocomes from our pasple who want to work, sion to keep every the restaurant is conmenu item consisstantly adapting and Locally owned La Septima was founded tent in flavor and continues to attract a quality,” remarked more than 30 years ago by the crowd daily and nightly.

Dahlia.

Fernandez family and remains a community favorite.

“Without our communiLa Septima’s famity support, we would probably ly meals, introduced during the not be here today,” proclaimed pandemic, also are a big hit and co-owner Dahlia Fernandez. a great bang for your buck with She and husband Ronnie have most priced at $39.95. Suitable spent a majority of their lives in for a family of four, guests can the restaurant business. “We choose from a selection of the have never looked back. La Sepsignature dishes, all of which tima is our crown jewel,” she come with rice, salad, black said. beans, Cuban bread and a 2-liter bottle of Truly family-owned and operated, daugh- soda ter Jennifer handles human resources and At La Septima, everything is made from accounts payable while son RJ is the gen- scratch, including the salad dressing, soup, eral manager. Recently, eldest granddaugh- flan, cheesecake and everything in between. ters Ana and Adriana also joined the team. Dahlia stressed the importance of quality “Working with family has its challenges, but food and a friendly staff, noting that the latit has more advantages,” said Dahlia, refer- ter proves to be more difficult. ring to herself and Ronnie as the ultimate “We have made so many friends along overseers. “It is truly a blessing to have all the way through these years; we are mostly the watchful eyes on the business.” grateful to this beautiful community for our Throughout the years, the Fernandez fam- success,” she added. ily has remained true to its product and true La Septima Cafe is located in La Viva Plaza to its loyal patrons. at 702 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. Dine-in, La Septima’s tagline, “A Taste of Old Ybor,” takeout, delivery and catering are available. is exemplified throughout the menu with Open for lunch and dinner Monday through items like ropa vieja (flank steak), bread- Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and is closed on ed palomilla steak and pescado a la Rusa Sunday. Visit www.laseptimacafe.com or (whitefish). Other offerings include soup, call 813-685-0502 for further details.

Are you looking for a wines from Idaho. Dobish place where you can drink, and her family spend their dine and shop? If so, a new summers in Idaho since local restaurant called the they own a baseball league White Oak Cottage Bistro called the Spuds. This alis the place for you. Creatlowed Dobish to have aced by Shaunessey Dobish cess to many Idaho winerand her business partner, ies that other restaurants Melanie Bentley-Montandon’t have. Due to the qualaro, this new restaurant ity and variety of wines aims to create an immerIdaho offers, Dobish decidsive experience for all vised to bring itors. them into Before dining, White Oak Located in Lithia, the the White White Oak Cottage and Cottage has beautiful items for Oak Cottage the home.

White Oak Cottage Bistro Bistro. has become a one-stop It carries destination that allows Ste. Chapelle wines from customers to eat and drink two wineries, Sawtooth and shop. It’s perfect for and Ste. Chapelle. Guests a girls’ day out. The boucan sample these premier tique has been around for wines by purchasing wine years, as Dobish pursued flights that include four her lifelong dream to own glasses of wine which a design and home furnisheach have a 2 oz. pour. The ing store. Dobish is also an bistro offers red wines, established interior decowhite wines and even fruit rator and wanted to create wines, which include flaa boutique shopping expevors such as peach. rience where she could disCurrently, the White play and sell many unique Oak Cottage Bistro is decor and furniture pieces open Wednesday through that she uses in her design Sunday from 11 a.m.-7 One of the many wine flights the business. p.m.

However, sometime White Oak Cottage Bistro offers.

Dobish explained why in mid-August the bistro is she wanted to create the bistro, saying, going to expand its hours to include a dinner “When I was younger, I would go shopping menu. The expansion of the menu will bewith my mom and sister and then get food come a reservation-only dinner experience, after, which were memorable moments for as it will showcase elite meal selections. The me.”

White Oak Cottage and White Oak Cottage However, this restaurant is different than Bistro is definitely a destination that everyothers, as it has an executive chef that cre- one should visit. For more information, visit ates high-end food and features deluxe https://thewhiteoakcottage.com/.

By Sharon Still

By Ella Martin

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

FIRST FOAMSTRAVAGANZA

PLENTY OF PLACES FOR THE PUPS TO PLAY! DOG PARKS IN SE HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY EVENT WILL SUPPORT

CHILDREN’S CANCER CHARITY

By Sara Battaglia

me want to help in some capacity.”

Tina Downing started Small but Mighty Heroes in 2017, inspired by a little boy named Blakey who fought a tremendous battle with cancer. The loss of Blakey due to cancer treatment ignited a fire within her to advocate, raise awareness and provide supFlorida Foam Factory port for children will host a FOAMSTRAVand their families AGANZA Saturday, battling childhood cancer.

September 17, 5-8 p.m.

Downing also owns Mighty Are you ready for Heroes Nutrition, a shop the biggest foam benefitting her nonprofit party in Hillsborwhich sells gourmet shakes, ough County? On teas, lemonades and coffees.

Saturday, SeptemShe said, “We are able ber 17 from 5-8 p.m., to do continual fundraising Florida Foam Factothat will help us continue ry will be hosting a our mission and fund our FOAMSTRAVAGANprograms that are designed ZA at The Regent. Marie Gilmore with Brian Porter at to provide the tailored supThere will be three port that these children and a truly foamtastic and fun event! cannons blasting their family needs.” foam and a DJ spinThe community can help supning some family-friendly, port Small but Mighty Heroes by fun tunes. Come dressed as attending the upcoming FOAMyour favorite superhero to STRAVAGANZA, visiting Mighty support Small but Mighty Heroes Nutrition, volunteering or Heroes, the organization donating. For more information that a portion of the proon Florida Foam Factory, visit ceeds will be donated to. There will also its website at www.floridafoamfactory. be raffle prizes every 15 minutes and food com. To support Small but Mighty Hetrucks. roes, visit www.smallbutmightyheroes.

Florida Foam Factory is owned by Air org or purchase tickets to the event here: Force veteran Brian Porter, who said, www.eventbrite.com/e/florida-foam-fac“When I met Tina and spoke to her about t o r y - f o a m s t rava g a n z a - 202 2 - t i c k her organization, … her passion of want- ets-340123898737. ing to help children battling cancer made

By Madeline Gardner

Have an enerCat Clinic, developed getic furry friend this park to offer an and want to take off-leash space. It advantage of the is complete with a summer weather? walking trail, chicken Local dog parks in coop, picnic tables, southeastern Hillhigh and low grassy sborough County areas, benches and are the way to separate small and go with a host of big dog areas. Plastic opportunities to Open daily from sunrise to sunset, Saladino Dog bags are also made support a wide available throughout Park promotes two separate access areas for both small and large dogs. range of commuthe park. More innity members and their pets’ needs. Ex- formation can be found by visiting http:// tending from the Apollo Beach area up to ottsoffleashdogsanctuary.com/.

Seffner, each designated space provides a Saladino Dog Park serves the Brandon series of benefits and amenities that cater area along Bryan Road and is open daily to visiting dogs and their families. from sunrise to sunset. Boasting separate Open from sunrise to 9 p.m., Apollo Beach areas for small and large dog access, ameDog Park along Golf and Sea Boulevard is nities also include picnic tables and shelnonstaffed and under regulation by Hill- ters, dog washes, a hitching post, doggy sborough County. The space features dog mitt receptacles and various water founwater fountains, a rinsing station, agility tains serving humans and dogs alike. Bathobstacles, hills and pole elements for train- rooms and shaded benches are available ing. Two distinct access areas, separate as well, and the dog park is located within from one another, exist for both small and the greater Bertha and Tony Saladino Park. large dogs. A hitching post and doggy mitt Regulated by Hillsborough County, addireceptacles top off the pet facilities, but tional information can be found by calling resources for owners encompass picnic ta- 813-744-5978. bles, a sitting area and a close proximity to Mango Dog Park, located along Clay Pit the tennis court and skate park also within Road, caters to the Seffner area daily from the Apollo Beach Park. Visitors should re- sunrise to sunset. The space offers dog frain from dropping by on Wednesdays un- washes, water fountains, two separate actil 12 Noon due to maintenance work. For cess areas for both small and large dogs, a more information on this park, please call hitching post and doggy mitt receptacles.

813-671-7635.

For owners, there are picnic shelters and Located along 3rd Avenue Southeast, tables, restrooms and a small playground Dr. Ott’s Dog Park remains another great outside of the park. For more information option for dog owners in Ruskin. Open on the county regulated space, please call Thursday through Sunday, the park’s hours 813-635-7489. extend from 7:30 a.m. to sunset. Dr. Hal For more general information on dog Ott, a retired veterinarian of the area and parks across Hillsborough County, please founder of the Ruskin Animal Hospital and visit https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/.

September 2022

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

FOREVER GREEN LAWN & PEST CONTROL ENSURES A GREEN AND LUSH LAWN

By Michelle Caceres

Forever Green Lawn & Pest Control creates healthy and lush lawns for its customers.

Keeping a Florida lawn healthy is no easy task, requiring year-round maintenance and pest control. Choosing to put off dealing with fungal infections or pest infestations can be costly and require entire sod replacement.

Valrico resident Judith Vanzulli’s lawn is green and lush thanks to Forever Green Lawn & Pest Control. Five years ago, when her former lawn care company closed its business, she started looking for another company to care for her grass.

Forever Green’s pricing was competitive and its technicians were knowledgeable, so she decided to give them a try. She’s glad she did.

“They’re so consistent and dependable and my grass looks good all the time,” she said.

Customer Valeria Ortero concurred. She appreciates how easy it is to contact them and has been impressed with its services.

“We had tried other lawn care companies and were disappointed,” said Ortero.

She had to resod her lawn twice before finding Forever Green. Her lawn has been healthy ever since. She was such a satisfied customer, and so she hired them to help her father,

whose homeowners association told him he needed to resod his lawn.

“A Forever Green technician came out and was able to overcome the weed and insect problems and save his grass, which is now green and lush,” she said. “I really wish we had known about Forever Green years ago.”

Owner Ben Compton said that customer satisfaction is one of the reasons why Forever Green is still in business after 35 years.

“We strive to make our customers proud of their lawn,” he said.

Each customer is assigned a personal lawn care expert, ensuring they learn the customer’s preferences and finish the job to their personal satisfaction.

The company offers a variety of services, from lawn spraying and pest control to tree and shrub maintenance and laying fertilizer.

It uses nontoxic chemicals that are safe for pets.

Forever Green is a family-owned business founded by Mike Compton and takes pride in the quality of its work.

“We’re a family and we treat our customers like they’re family too,” said Compton.

For more information or to schedule a free estimate, call 813-324-1004 or visit www.fglawn.com.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

Riverview/Apollo Beach

September 2022, Vol. 20, Iss. 9

See ad on page 48 Veteran-owned Martin Security Serand early educavices Protects Your Home tion provider, is Martin Security Services is a veterpleased to present an-owned and operated small business Amanda Cervetti based in Ruskin. It specializes in statefrom The Goddard of-the-art home and business security School of Lithia products, cameras, video recording, smart (FishHawk) with a devices and monthly monitoring. Martin 2022 Teacher of Security Services offers full design serthe Year Award. vices to create custom systems, and its “In early childhood highly experienced security experts will education, the help you design and build the solutions importance you need to protect yourself and your of nurturing business. It can also install retail kits and the partteach clients how to use them. Additional Richard Martin, owner of Martin nerships beTeacher of the Year Amanda Security Systems. information can be found on its website tween home Cervetti. at www.martinsecurityservices.com or by soft opening weekend, Giambra and school and calling 813-352-6398. There is a 10 per- opened up the restaurant to the homeless supporting children’s social and emocent military and first responder discount. and needy in the area, offering them a free tional development is just as critical meal each day as they as each child’s academic growth,” Eats At The Cottage prepared for opening. said Lauren Starnes, chief academic Opens At Old Ruth’s Eats At The Cottage officer of GSI. “Amanda and her felCafe Location is located at 7409 U.S. low teachers offer all these Hunter Giambra opened Hwy. 301 in Riverview. things and more every day Hunter’s Brunch Shack in For more information, to the students they serve.”

March to much applause, visit https://eatsat- The Goddard School of Lithand it didn’t take him long thecottage.com/ or ia (FishHawk) is located at to realize that he wanted Facebook @eatsat- 14106 Spector Rd. in Lithia. a dinner location as well. thecottage.

Visit its website at www.

When Ruth’s Cafe became goddardschool.com or call available, he approached it Annual Teacher Of 813-603-1530 for additionwith a deal to open Eats The Year Program al information.

At The Cottage at the loCelebrates Local Hunter Giambra, owner of Huntcation and keep many of Early Childhood Ed- Home 2 Care Luxury Concierge er’s Brunch shack and Eats At The the staff that patrons know ucator Healthcare Clinic In Brandon Cottage. and love. It serves delicious Goddard Systems During the COVID-19 pandemic, India dinners on weekdays and breakfast, lunch Inc. (GSI), the franchisor of the God- Presley-Boyd was released from her poand dinner on the weekends. During its dard School, a leading premium childcare sition as a nurse practitioner. Determined

not to give up on her dream, she decided to move closer to home and create a practice that could not only allow her to continue living her dream but also increase access to quality health care. Home 2 Care is a luxury concierge-style health care clinic that provides access to primary care services on a subscription or fee service basis. Services include well visits, sick visits, chronic disease management and weight loss, among others. Subscriptions are offered for as low as $100 a month, which includes direct access to your provider 24/7 via texts or calls, unlimited office and telemedicine visits, India Pressame-day or ley-Boyd, owner and next-day apnurse prac- pointments, titioner of little or no Home 2 Care. office wait times, relaxed appointments and discounts on medicines and labs.

Home 2 Care is located at 673 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. To find out more, visit its website at www.home3carefl.com.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

BUSINESS COLUMN CONTINUED...............FROM PG 45

By Jenny Bennett Virtual Dementia Tour Coming To Tessera Of Brandon The Virtual Dementia Tour offers a 10-minute immersion into the world of dementia and allows you to walk in the shoes of someone with dementia to enhance your sense of empathy. You may experience the confusion, frustration and emotions associated with memory

loss. Through this tour, you will leave with a better understanding for living with dementia. The tour is visiting Tessera of Brandon, an assisted living and memory care community located at 1320 Oakfield Dr. The Virtual Dementia Tour will take place on Tuesday, September 20 from 2-4 p.m. Please call 813-607-6880 to reserve a place.

Congratulations To Andy Tekampe With TNT Termite And Pest Control Congratulations to Andy Tekampe of TNT Termite and Pest Control! He scored an A on his Florida Termite Exam and is now fully certified in pest control and termite control. Contact Tekampe with any pest or termite control questions at 813-468-8574.

TNT Termite and Pest Control serves the Brandon and surrounding areas. For more information on its services, visit its website at www.tnttermiteandpestcontrol. com.

to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles classics, they will transport you back in time to the high point of the British Invasion and beyond. Tickets for the January 24, 2023 event at the RP Funding Center, located at 701 W. Lime St. in Lakeland, went on sale on August 19.

They are available at the box office, by calling 863-834-8111 or online at www.rpfundingcenter.com.

Open Door Grant Program At Hillsborough Community College The Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education (ICCE) was awarded over $993,000 in funding through the Open Door Grant Program by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) last fall. FDOE recently updated the Open Door Grant Program criteria to increase funding access.

Qualified applicants may be eligible for up to $3,000 to cover the costs of tuition fees, examinations, books and materials for approved short-term and technical education credentialing courses that must be completed by September 2023. For the full list of approved courses, scholarship criteria and how to apply, visit www.tampatraining.com/open-door.

The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute Coming To Lakeland The Emmy Award-winning Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles tribute band due

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Volume 20, Issue 9

SPOOKTACULAR AT BUSCH GARDENS IS NOT-SO-SPOOKY FAMILY FUN

Staff Report

A whimsiTr i c k - o r cal world of Treating: The enchantment all-new Busch full of not-soGardens Spookspooky family tacular is the fun is the place place to be for to celebrate Haltrick-or-treating loween at Busch this season. All Gardens® Tamguests can bring pa Bay with its their own bag all-new event, and join in on Spooktacular. the super sweet In this playful fun.

Trick-orPhotos courtesy of Busch Gardens world creat- Kandy, a friendly witch in training, at Busch Garden’s treating bags Spooktacular. ed by Kandy, a will be available friendly witch in training, guests will find for purchase. many activities in this immersive HallowBecause Busch Gardens Spooktacular een experience. is included with park admission. Guests Busch Gardens’ Spooktacular will be should take advantage of the current specasting spells on Saturdays and Sundays cial offer for the 2023 Fun Card, where from 12 Noon-4 p.m., Saturday, Septem- paying for one day will allow unlimited visber 10 through Sunday, October 30 at the its for the rest of 2022 and through 2023 Festival Walkway and is included with dai- for free. For more information on Busch ly admission.

Gardens Spooktacular and to purchase a Some of the activities for families in this 2023 Fun Card, guests can visit www.busall-new Halloween event, including other chgardenstampa.com. not-so-spooky surprises, are: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultiKandy’s World: Join Kandy as she shares mate family adventure, offering 300 acres her journey to become a real witch. Guests of fascinating attractions based on exotic will hear firsthand about the stories of this explorations around the world. Busch Garwitch-in-training, including how much she dens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, loves candy and even how she accidentally an AZA-accredited zoo with thousands of turned her friends into toads. animals representing more than 200 speStory Time with Kandy: Situated next cies and exciting seasonal events all year to Kandy’s picture-perfect pumpkin patch providing unrivaled experiences for guests and bubbling cauldron, guests will be im- of every age. For more information, visit mersed in the popular story “Room on the www.buschgardenstampa.com.

Busch Broom,” where everybody has a place and Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Entertaineveryone belongs. ment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme Spooktacular Costume Parade: On this park and entertainment company providcatwalk, all the little ones are top models. ing experiences that matter and inspiring A colorful parade of costumes will bring guests to protect animals and the wild the Spooktacular Costume Parade to life. wonders of our world.

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

September 2022

LOCAL MOM AND DAUGHTER AIM TO END PERIOD INSECURITY WITH HELP FROM COMMUNITY SUPPORT

By Ella Martin Did you know that girls, getting their pe49 percent of middle riod can be a confusschool through high ing time due to a lack school-aged girls of education, having will at some point irregular cycles and miss an entire day of not having access to school due to their menstrual products period? Well, a local at school or, in some FishHawk resident cases, even at home. and her daughter, Within the first Meghan and Kayyear of starting their lin Armstrong, have project, the Armbeen working hard strongs were able to to lower this percreate 300 pouches centage. Last year, filled with menstruthe Armstrong famal products and disily decided to start a Kaylin Armstrong with menstrual products tributed them to the service project that and pouches that were distributed to the clin- clinics at local elehelps get menstrual ics at local elementary and middle schools. mentary and middle products to girls who need them in a dis- schools. Teachers also took the time to educreet way. The inspiration and motivation cate the girls about their bodies and cycles. for creating this project came from the The pouches create a more comfortable experience Kaylin had in which she start- and discreet way to bring menstrual proded her period at a young age and only had ucts to the bathroom. access to menstrual products through her This year, the Armstrongs are working parents, as none were provided to her at to decrease ‘period poverty’ at high-need school. schools in the Tampa area. Period poverty In 2021, Kaylin starred in a short film ti- is when a girl doesn’t have any menstrual tled Code Red by director Jada Poon that supplies because their family can’t afford depicted the lack of access to menstrual them, which in turn causes many girls in products in schools. In the film, a young these areas to miss school or even use toilet girl gets her period and must skip class paper or tissues as menstrual products. The and go on an ‘adventure’ to find menstrual Armstrongs hope that with their program, products. However, when a boy goes to the less girls will miss school because they will nurse to get a Band-Aid, he is easily able to be able to easily access menstrual products get one, while the girl struggles and isn’t when needed. able to receive any menstrual products.

To help with their goal, the Armstrongs The film as well as Kaylin’s experience led are currently looking for product donations to the Armstrong family wanting to create which can be purchased from their Amazon a way for girls to have menstrual products Wish List at https://www.amazon.com/hz/ readily available in their schools. For young wishlist/ls/33QCBIVOC1L1J.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA’S 55TH CELEBRATION BENEFIT CONCERT FEATURES ITZHAK PERLMAN

Staff Report

Legendary Ticker Center or by violin supercalling 727-892-3337 star Itzhak or 1-800-662-7286.

Perlman will VIP individual and perform with select sponsorships The Florida are limited availability Orchestra and include premium (TFO) for its concert seating, a pre55th Celebraconcert reception with Itzhak Perlman (shown in the circle), a legendary tion concert bar and hors d’oeuvres violinist, will display his talents in his perform with on Saturday, The Florida Orchestra for its 55th Celebration con- at the Duke Energy October 1 at 8 Center for the Arts cert on Saturday, October 1. p.m. at the Ma– Mahaffey Theater haffey Theater, conducted by TFO music di- overlooking the St. Petersburg waterfront. rector Michael Francis. The benefit concert Sponsorships of featured guest artist, conlaunches the 2022-23 season and supports ductor, concertmaster and concert program TFO’s music and education programs. music selections include other benefits. For Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the information, please contact TFO chief develviolin, Perlman enjoys a superstar status opment officer Susana Weymouth at 727rarely afforded a classical musician. He will 362-5430 or sweymouth@floridaorchesjoin the orchestra for its 55th season opener tra.org. to perform some of his favorite movie muThe following weekend, Friday to Sunday, sic, including the theme from Schindler’s October 7-9, Maestro Francis will debut the List — which he performed in the Academy Hough Family Foundation Masterworks seAward-winning film — along with “As Time ries with the iconic Carmina Burana, kickGoes By” from Casablanca, the love theme ing off the classical series that includes from Cinema Paradiso and more.

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, RachmaniBeloved for his charm and humanity as noff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and much more. well as his talent, Perlman has received 16 The Raymond James Pops series includes Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, a blockbusters such as Harry Potter vs Star Kennedy Center Honor, a Grammy Lifetime Wars and the Beatles’ iconic Abbey Road Achievement Award and a Genesis Prize. album. TFO will perform more than 100 Perlman has also received multiple distinc- concerts this season in venues throughout tions from U.S. presidents, including a Presi- Tampa Bay. Single and season tickets are dential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s high- available now. est civilian honor, in 2015. For more about The Mahaffey Theater is located at 400 Perlman, visit https://itzhakperlman.com/. 1st St. S. in St. Petersburg. The TFO Ticket Concert tickets are $75, $125, $175 and Center is located at 244 2nd Ave. N., First $225. Limited individual VIP tickets will be Floor in St. Petersburg and is open 9 a.m.-5 available for $550. All tickets are available p.m., Monday through Friday. For more inforat http://floridaorchestra.org/, the TFO mation, visit http://floridaorchestra.org/.

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Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

September 2022

Page 49

FIREHOUSE CULTURAL CENTER

ARTINI IS AN ART EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER AT JOIA MARTINI BAR

PRESENTS GYPSY STAR IN SEPTEMBER

Artist Wayne Shaw is a counShaw is inviting selor in Hillsanyone interested borough County in creating art to schools and has participate in Arbeen one for 15 tini, an event set years. He has been to take place on in education for 28 the last Sunday of years and works every month from with low-income, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. f i r st - g e n e rat i o n at Joia Fabulous students.

Shaw Pizza & Martini Participants display artwork from the first class graduated from Bar, located at with Wayne Shaw for an art experience like no the University of 10475 Gibsonton other. Artini combines the joy of creating art with South Florida with gourmet pizza and delightful martinis. Artini Dr. in Riverview. a bachelor’s degree The cost to par- will take place on the last Sunday of each month in art education ticipate is $79, and at Joia Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar, located in and a master’s deRiverview. this includes all gree in counseling. painting supplies, two martinis and pizza.

“I am a believer that everyone has artisWalk-ins are welcome if there is space. tic abilities. But their perception of what Payment for walk-ins is cash only. they are painting is like a fingerprint — it Shaw explained, “My vision for Artini will be one of a kind. I want people to came to life after completing the wall have fun and embrace their inner creativmural in Joia’s Fabulous Pizza & Martini ity to reduce mental stress,” Shaw said.

Bar.” Shaw added, “The idea is to make “Artini is an opportunity to taste the best an easy, safe place to have drinks and do martinis and pizza and experience the something creative without the cleanup. greatest art experience ever,” he added.

Creating art while drinking martinis and Artini will be an ongoing art experieating gourmet pizza, all for one price, ence opportunity. The medium that will was something I wanted everyone to en- be used is acrylic on canvas, but it will joy.” change sometimes. For example, particiShaw created the mural at Joia Fab- pants might paint actual martini glasses. ulous Pizza & Martini Bar in 2020. “The The subject matter will also vary seasonmural is four pictures from Italy out to- ally and will include some mental health gether. I did it in the summer of 2020 strategies. and it took six days. I did it with my nowVisit www.paintartini.com to register 18-year-old daughter.” and pay.

Gypsy Star, a music with the spice multigenre band, of music from all will celebrate the over the world. As release of their they bring their insong, “Dancing To ternational spectrum The Beat Of Your of influences, Gypsy Heart,” in a concert Star’s world-beat at the Firehouse sound will transport Cultural Center in you to faraway lands Ruskin on Saturand awaken your day, September 24 soul. They will open at 7:30 p.m. your heart to excitGypsy Star is a Gypsy Star, a collective of multi-instrumentalists, ing, mysterious and vocalists and dancers, will bring their internamusical collective wonderful places. tional sound to the Firehouse Cultural Center in of multi-instruGypsy Star’s live Ruskin on Saturday, September 24. mentalists perperformance is truly forming original songs with layers of rhyth- a cultural feast for the eyes and ears. mic texture, vocals, lush harmonies and a According to the Tampa Bay Arts and mesmerizing, fiery dancer. This unique and Education Network, “All the world’s music talented lineup is led by the creative spir- in one band. Gypsy Star’s members tour it of composer, guitarist and singer Billy the music of multiple continents. Theirs Keen. Songs at their live shows feature the is a highly woven Persian rug of a perforsoul-stirring vocal prowess of lead singer mance.” and lyricist Belinda Brodsky, who also plays Prior to “Dancing To The Beat Of Your an array of hand percussion. Accordionist Heart,” Gypsy Star had released two other and keyboard player Joli Rome and danc- singles, along with three full-length albums. er Kimara Lee, who performs folkloric and They have appeared on radio and television gypsy-style dance, create another dimen- and toured throughout Florida and the East sion to the live shows. They also add vocal Coast of the United States, headlining festiharmonies and percussion to their sound. vals, theaters and concert halls.

Bassist Steven Boisen will be joining the The Firehouse Cultural Center is located ensemble for the performance at the Fire- at 101 1st Ave. NE in Ruskin. Tickets for house Cultural Center.

Gypsy Star’s show are on sale now. TickGypsy Star’s show will take you on an ets are $23 for members and $28 for fuenchanting musical journey around the ture members. Tickets can be purchased world. Their music weaves a melodic tap- at www.firehouseculturalcenter.org or by estry of rock, pop, folk, jazz and classical calling 813-645-7651.

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Page 50

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

BY NICK NAHAS

Volume 20, Issue 9

EAST BAY INDIANS LOOK TO CONTINUE SUCCESS WITH COACH GOTTMAN

The East Bay Indians are looking for continued success and to take the next step under second-year head coach Mike Gottman, after going 8-3 in his first season. The former Durant High School head coach was named head man at East Bay High School last January, returning to his former school where he was the defensive coordinator from 1995-2002.

Gottman had a great track record at Durant from 2003-20, where he went 107-83 and won four district titles. In his first season, the Cougars went to the state final four, and in 2012, they had a perfect 10-0 regular season. The Apollo Beach native is relishing the opportunity to rebuild the East Bay football program that has struggled in recent years.

The Indians will rely heavily on three-year starter Nate Carter at quarterback. The dual-threat senior threw for over 800 yards and 10 touchdown passes, while carrying the ball 124 times for almost 800 yards and three touchdowns on the ground last season. Gottman said that his captain brings great leadership on and off the field, and he knows the playbook like the back of his hand. He will also spend some time at linebacker. Carter may be the best overall athlete on the field, playing both offense and defense.

The two-way player is getting looked at by several colleges as an athlete.

Gottman thinks that his team’s major strengths will be on offense with nine returning starters, including four O-linemen. Key players on offense in-

clude junior fullback Jaelin Sneed, who led the team in rushing, carrying the ball 124 times for 807 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground, and senior receiver Vincent Ketchup, who had 23 catches for 367 yards and two touchdowns through the air as well as 61 carries for 582 yards and five touchdowns on the ground in 2021. Vincent had three touchdowns in the spring game as well. Junior Izaiah Ketchup returned a kick for a touchdown in the 34-22 spring game win over Sumner and will be a factor on special teams this season.

East Bay may have its work cut out for itself on defense with only four starters returning. The defensive philosophy is to get as many threeand-outs as possible to remain fresh.

They have to eliminate big plays and make their opponents earn every yard down field. The multiple-look defense will run both four-man and three-man fronts and bring disguised pressure from all over the field. Key players on defense include senior D-lineman Isaac Crump, junior linebacker Ronde Roseboro and senior linebacker Christian Stewart.

Gottman and company want to win a district title and make a deep playoff run this season. The Indians will have a great shot of doing just that if they beat Bloomingdale on the road in late October. East Bay has a manageable schedule and should win at least eight games. Gottman wants to take it one game at a time and “Go 1-0 each week.”

8/26 @ Middleton 9/9 vs Sickles 9/16 vs Riverview 9/23 @ Jefferson 9/30 vs Spoto

SCHEDULE

10/7 vs Chamberlain 10/14 @ Lennard 10/21 @ Berkeley Prep 10/28 @ Bloomingdale 11/4 vs King

ROSTER # NAME POS GR 1 Aiden Showers WR, CB SR 2 Kaleb Jones CB, WR JR Vincent Ketchup 3 WR, SB SR 4 Anthony Laurent DB, RB S0 5 Cade White LB, RB SR 6 Armando Becerril RB, LB SO 7 Eddie Moquete RB, LB JR 8 Nathan Carter QB, MLB SR 9 Christian Stewart OLB|WR|QB SR 11 Ashton Bailey LB, FB SR DeAnthony Caldwell 12 CB, WR, FS SO 13 Izaiah Ketchup WR, RB JR 14 Rashard Showers LB, DE SR 15 Bryan Garrido OLB, WR SR Miles Thompson 16 WR, SS, CB JR 17 Mychael Tucker DB, WR SR 18 Braxton Maenza QB, LB SR 19 Aaron GreenWR, DB JR Hardaway 20 Jeremiah McPhaul SS, WR SR 21 Ronde Roseboro TE, LB SR 22 Owen White DB, RB JR Markel Obrien 23 WR, DB SR 24 Erik Tran LB, FB SR 25 Christian Burgos WR, SS SR 26 Emanuel White LB, TE JR

# NAME POS 27 Jaelin Sneed FB, LB 28 Jaeryn Millard RB, DB Justin Cornish 30 FB, LB 31 Tarshaan Reynoso LB, TE 32 Uckton Suffrena K, P, DB 33 Greg Underwood DB, WR 34 Benjamin Cruz K, P 35 Devin Bethune LB, FB 40 John Moore TE, OLB 42 Aaron Bethune FB, LB Chigozie Nnatuanya 48 DE, TE 50 Christian Forte C 51 Cole Krych DE, TE 52 James Jarboe C, DE Jose Blanco 53 OL, DL 54 Dutravious Broad- T, DE way 55 Isaac Crump DT, T Kyler Browning 57 DE, T 58 Jaylin Albury G 59 Sean Mathis OL, DL 63 Jay’Lon Key-JohnsonT, NG 66 Jamaal Platts OL, DL 73 Sherman Johnson OL, DL 74 Emanuel Harris OL, DL 81 Jose Hernandez WR, DB

GR JR SO SO SR SR SR SO JR JR JR SR JR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR JR JR JR JR

BY NICK NAHAS

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

September 2022

Page 51

LENNARD LONGHORNS FOCUS ON REBOUNDING IN 2022 FROM TOUGH 2021

The Lennard Longhorns look to have a rebound season after going just 2-8 in 2021. The team hasn’t had a winning season since they went 7-4 in 2019.

Seven-year head coach Matt Kitchie hopes to build off of this season with his young team for the future. The Longhorns will play a lot of sophomores and juniors, some of which haven’t played on varsity before.

“Every game is gonna be an opportunity to improve,” said Kitchie. “We need to play together and grow together and really try to create a culture of winning, moving forward. We want to see what these young bucks can do.”

Senior quarterback Tyler Russell took the majority of the snaps in the season-opening loss vs Hillsborough.

The dual-threat QB will be key for the offense to establish itself this season. Junior Liam McDowell is more of a pocket passer and will take some snaps with the first team as well.

Kitchie thinks that his team’s major strength will be its running game, with its depth at the running back position. Running back Anthony Hunt will help carry the bulk. Senior receiver Duval Galite will be one of the top pass catchers. The program lost play-

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ers when neighboring Sumner was established a couple years ago, but Lennard has now built back its overall depth with about 140 players on the roster. The Longhorns have one returning starter on offense and three on defense.

Key players on this aggressive, attacking 4-3 defense include junior middle linebacker Dominic Smith, junior linebacker Elijah Darcueil, senior defensive end Austin Gruber and senior defensive back Sammy Randle III, who will help lead the secondary. Sophomore kicker Aiden Gibbons will play a significant role on special teams. The Lennard soccer goalie will have kickoff duties and will punt and kick field goals.

The Longhorns have an extremely tough schedule, having to face Hillsborough, Sumner, Bloomingdale, Durant and Armwood. Kitchie’s goal is for his team to gain experience and get better each week.

SCHEDULE

9/2 @ Robinson 9/9 @ Middleton 9/16 vs Steinbrenner 9/23 @ Durant 9/30 vs Bloomingdale

10/7 @ Sumner 10/14 vs East Bay 10/21 Bye Week 10/28 @ Spoto 11/4 vs Armwood

ROSTER # 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22

NAME POS MLB Dominic Smith DE, TE Austin Gruber DE Anthony Hunt Sammy Randle iii CB, FS, SS QB Liam Mcdowell WR Braylon Smith CB Vin’cere Davis SS Elijah Darcueil QB Tyler Russell WR Duval Galite SS Wilfred Hanna WR Ryan Dunn Marquise Brown WR K Aiden Gibbons FS Izaiah Bellamy DE, G Andrew Agosto WR Austin Hudson WR Javion Wilson WR Jehad Dolcine CB Carlos Collins CB Devin Harrison RB Mason Burriss

GR JR SR JR SR JR JR SO JR SR SR SR JR JR SO SR SR SR JR SR JR SR SO

# 23 24 25 27 28 32 34 44 52 55 57 58 65 66 69 72 73 75 80 88 99

NAME POS Gianni Filbrunn TE Draiden Neidige RB Jerome Lismore SS Devin Klimenko DE Jackson Hodgekins WR Jordan Williams OLB Jamarie Clarke ILB Kaleab Sanders FB, DT Etigio Mootoo G Danilio Gomez DE Ivan Cambrelen C Carlos Flores DT Preston Wilkerson C Christopher Sanchez G Mitchell Richison T Curtis Simmons DT Daniel Meza G Henry Chen T William Ahlgren K Caleb Hooey WR Antonio Robinson DT

GR SR SR JR SO SO JR SO FR SO JR SR JR JR SO SO SR JR JR JR JR JR

Page 52

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

BY NICK NAHAS

Volume 20, Issue 9

RIVERVIEW SHARKS READY FOR CHANGE WITH NEW COACH RODRIGUEZ

The Riverview Sharks are looking to change the culture under firstyear head coach Tony Rodriguez. The team went 2-8 last year and hasn’t made the playoffs since the 201920 season. The Riverview native was an assistant coach at the school under coach William Mosel in that record-setting season.

Rodriguez and company are off to a great start after beating Lennard 20-6 in their spring game. The Sharks gained junior transfer quarterback Aaron Turner in the offseason as well.

Riverview was going to sport a single-wing, run-heavy offense until the talented Turner walked through the doors of the team facility. Rodriguez said that the signal-caller has all the tools, including a strong arm, the ability to tuck the ball and run and a confidence and swag that a quarterback should have. He will bring more balance to the passing game, working both a four-minute and two-minute offense. Turner works with renowned trainer and former South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia in the offseason to hone his skills.

Davidson commit, star slot receiver Harrison Hensley was able to move back to his natural position when Turner came in. Hensley was taking the snaps at QB in the spring game.

Other key players on an offense that brings back five starters include 5’11”, 215-pound running back Dontarious ‘Rico’ Shoats, who was just short of 1,000 rushing yards last season and will carry the load for the Sharks in 2022, and the big offensive line will be anchored by Jon Stark at 6’3” and 325 lbs.

Rodriguez thinks that his team’s major strength will be their defense, which brings back six starters, and their depth. Riverview is senior-heavy at the defensive back position, which Sponsoring Teacher Of The Month:

bodes well for the secondary. They will run an odd-front, base-50 system, playing multiple coverages. The D will be basic, working on fundamentals and being gap sound. Key players include junior middle linebacker Niko Gnann, who led the team last year with 102 tackles; Jefferson transfer defensive back, junior Alloysius Tyson; senior safety, captain Zion King-Collier; senior defensive lineman Hayes Thomas, who was a state qualifier in wrestling last year and will anchor that line; junior Franki Santiago, a tremendous athlete who will play defensive end; and Bloomingdale transfer, junior lineman Adrian Zalduondo.

Senior kicker Andrew Cervetti will handle punting, kicking and kickoff return duties. Rodriguez said that the specialist is a multisport athlete who competes in track, shot put, javelin and men’s volleyball and is the strongest kicker in the county, squatting 405 pounds.

It’s a major bonus that the Sharks have depth at most positions and don’t need to use many two-way players. This will keep them fresh during games and will allow them to compete against each other in practice. In the offseason, the team has focused on fundamentals and getting stronger in the weight room. Their motto is “Count on me.”

Riverview will take it one game at a time and should be competitive this year while building for the future. Rodriguez thinks that his team plays in one of the toughest districts in Florida with Newsome, Durant and Sumner. “We can’t worry about who we play, we’ve got to worry about how we play,” said Rodriguez.

“We have to take care of things we can control and not worry about the things we can’t.”

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SCHEDULE 8/19 @ Spoto 8/26 @ Brandon 9/2 vs Freedom 9/9 vs Chamberlain 9/16 @ East Bay 9/23 - Bye week

9/30 vs Newsome 10/7 vs Alonso 10/14 vs Sumner 10/21 @ Strawberry Crest 10/28 @ Durant 11/4 @ Steinbrenner

ROSTER # 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 32 33 34

NAME POS Marcus Carey Harrison Hensley WR, QB, SB Aaron Turner QB Zion King-Collier Dontarious “Rico” RB, OLB Shoats Isaiah Washington WR, QB Niko Gnann MLB, OLB Bryce Cook WR Anad Charles WR, CB Julian Arthurs Johntavious Harris Timothy Brigman Alloysius Tyson Darreyn Belcher D’Marqus Norman WR, CB Adrian Zalduondo Richard Noel Cole Berger WR, FS Andrew Lee Elijah Lespinasse Devin German Matthew McDaniel TE, WR Elijah Ramos

GR JR SR JR SR JR SO JR SR SR SO SR JR JR JR SR JR JR SO SO SO SO SO SO

35 36 40 42 44 45 50 52 54 55 57 58 63 65 67 68 72 74 76 77 78 79 80 81 88

Landon Johnston Geovanni Achecar WR Baron Prince WR Hayes Thomas FB, MLB Christian Sandoval QB, MLB Warren Pink TE, DE Elijah Saeler Damien Laverde MLB, OLB Austin Berger G, DE Franki Santiago II DE, G Dominic McCrea Michael Richards MLB, OLB Bryor Hess C, DT Brock Rodgers T, DT DeAndre Hardnett Seth Butterfield Greyson Ross G Hayden Czyzyk Javan Gadson Jon Stark Logan Miller Marc Anthony Ayala G, DT Kenny Peters Christian Feliciano Andrew Cervetti P, K

JR SO JR SR JR SR SR SO SR JR JR SO JR SR JR JR JR SR FR JR FR JR SR JR SR

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

September 2022

Page 53

BY NICK NAHAS

SUMNER STINGRAYS HOPE TO CONTINUE THEIR SUCCESS IN 2022

The Sumner Stingrays hope to continue their incredible run in year three of the program’s history after going 9-3 and earning a playoff berth in 2021. The team went 7-1 in its inaugural season two years ago.

The Stingrays shocked Bloomingdale and put the rest of Hillsborough County on notice in week one with a convincing 44-32 road win.

Junior star QB Greg Smith was impressive, completing 13 of 20 passes for 258 yards and four touchdowns in the win. The dual-threat signal caller also added 82 rushing yards on 23 carries and a score on the ground. It’s the Carrollwood Day transfer’s second year leading the Sumner offense.

Expect him to have a record-breaking season.

Third-year Head Coach Alonzo Ashwood was an assistant at Hillsborough High School for 14 years and was the head coach for Middleton High School for three seasons.

The Stingrays run a multiple-look, pro-style offense that’s versatile and will feature many different formations. The old-school Ashwood doesn’t believe in airing the ball out every play and wants the pass-run ratio to be around 60:40. He runs different formations depending on what the defense shows, from shotgun to I-formation with two tight ends.

Sumner will have to improve their offensive line play to take the next step.

Key players on offense feature

sophomore receiver Tyler Williams, who had six catches for 169 yards, including a 50-yard catch against the Bulls, and junior running back Devin Spencer, who scored a rushing touchdown and also recorded seven tackles on defense. Difference-makers on defense include senior linebacker Keoni Denny, who recorded eight tackles (six solo) and one tackle for loss in week one, sophomore defensive back Jaidon Walker snagged an interception, senior linebacker Al’Vondre Lewis had a sack and three tackles and senior defensive end Mekhi Slater will get after the quarterback.

Sumner has a tough schedule, having to face Gaither, Wharton, Durant and Newsome. The Stingrays have a great chance to win their district if they can beat Newsome and Durant, which is no easy task, but beating Bloomingdale shows them, and the rest of the county for that matter, that they can compete with anybody.

SCHEDULE

8/26 @ Bloomingdale 9/2 vs Chamberlain 9/9 @ Jefferson 9/16 vs Gaither 9/23 @ Wharton 9/30 vs Durant

10/7 vs Lennard 10/14 @ Riverview 10/21 Bye Week 10/28 @ Newsome 11/4 vs Middleton

ROSTER # NAME 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 27 32 33 34 38 40 41 44 49 50

POS

Kade Ray Javielle Boyd Kylen Webb Devin Spencer Eeli Singleton AJ Hills Tyler Williams Raheim Sexil Manny Noesi Dade Najee Cameron White Greg Smith Zach Walker Jaidon Walker Jahiem Hudson Al’Vondre Lewis Layton Kennison Alex McLeod Mekhi Slater Jordan Knowles Ethan Taylor Cash Caldwell Keoni Denny Andrew Mallory Raheen Alexander Darius Smith Joaquin JohnBaptiste D’Andre Reid Tre’Shawn Taylor Kevin Elsner Enoch Moss Kaidan Hendricks Adrian Dettorre

WR, ATH WR S, RB CB, RB WR, DB CB WR CB WR WR, ATH DE QB LB DB RB LB QB QB DE LB, SS RB DB LB, RB S RB RB CB LB CB K CB CB LB

GR SR JR SR JR SR SR SO JR SR SR SO JR SR SO SO SR SO SO SR JR JR JR SR SO JR JR SR SR JR JR JR JR JR

# NAME 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 60 62 63 65 65 69 70 71 72 75 77 80 81 82 83 85 88 88 91 92 99

POS

Makhi Foster Anthony Dexter Josh Warren Yadiel Nieves Jonathan Sommervil Andrew Smithberger Ziyare Addison Ezekiel Gilmore Jahari Girven Bornix Sexemant Kethan Premsukh Tyrese Gissendanner Benjamin Ciceron Sandro Pavon Elijah Kennerdy Dean Gee Darius Reed Keontae Murphy Deakon Troyer Sean Julks Jaydon Cruz Charlie Bartling Kai Bruce Nigel Monroe Josh Hendrix Jordan Bellamy Keon Webb Zion Wilson Corey Chappell Isaiah Shuler Avry Charland Andre McDonald Tyrell Young Zhonte Burney

GR

LB, DT DE DE C OL OL OL LB OL OL OL OL DE C OL DE OL OL WR WR TE TE WR, ATH WR WR DT DT, OL DT DB CB WR LB DB RB

SO SR JR FR SR JR SO SO JR JR SR JR SO SO JR SO SO JR JR JR JR JR JR SR JR SO JR SR JR SO JR SR JR SR

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Page 54

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9

New Friends. New Beginnings.

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

September 2022

Page 55

Fall Season Friday Night Lights, Game Nights & More

By Kelly Wise Valdes

As we enter September, many of us are looking forward to the beginning of autumn, possible cooler weather and football season. Many families enjoy the fun of Friday night lights in high school and Saturdays in college stadiums across the country. Local sports can be the heart of a community and a time for fellowship with friends and other families. Whether your children are involved in the sports community by playing on a team or just enjoy watching sports, it’s an opportunity to share in comradery through the love of Christ. How does faith play a role in sports? In so many ways. If properly cultivated, being involved in sports develops character, values and a platform to demonstrate your faith and honor God. There are a multitude of athletes and sports figures that profess their faith through their sport, including Tim Tebow, Tony Dungy, Mike Singletary and Kurt Warner, just to name a few. Now is a perfect time to read about how athletics and Christianity can be a platform for testimony. 1 Corinthians 9:25 tells us in the New Living Translation, “All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.”

Triumph! Powerful Stories of Ath- Called to Coach: Reflections on Life, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Game Changer

By Kirk Cousins letes of Faith Faith and Football Football and the Miracle Season Kirk Cousins is an NFL quarterback for the

By Pat Williams and Ken Hussar

By Bobby Bowden

By Kurt Warner, Michael Silver Former Philadelphia 76ers player and Orlando Magic executive Pat Williams has become a popular Christian speaker and author. This book is a collection of stories that describe how some of the biggest names in sports have used their faith to guide them through challenges both on and off the playing field. Christians have been able to make a name for themselves in amateur and professional sports.

Called to Coach offers an up-close and personal look at one of the winningest coaches in football history, Bobby Bowden. From his boyhood in Alabama to his 55-year career in college football, this book reveals never-before-published details of his life, including the tragic death of his grandson and son-in-law in a 2004 accident, and the details of his retirement in 2009. Called to Coach is an inspiring story of a remarkable man and the unwavering faith in God that sustained him..

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This is the courageous saga of Kurt Warner, a man who refused to relinquish his dream or his belief in God’s guiding hand and went on to become the winning quarterback and MVP of Super Bowl XXXIV. More than just a thrilling sports story, this is also the intimate tale of how Kurt’s devotion to his family sustained him as he pursued his lifelong dream. On December 14, 2000, Sports Illustrated honored Kurt as one of its six sportsmen of the year.

Minnesota Vikings. He exhibited a passion for football at an early age and went on to play for Michigan State University. He is known both on and off the football field for his exemplary leadership qualities and his commitment to making a difference in the name of Christ, committing everything to the glory of God. In Game Changer, Cousins gives readers an inside look at his life and how he puts his faith and values into action.

Page 56

Riverview/Apollo Beach Edition

Volume 20, Issue 9